We had a difficult time getting Jasmine in the APC without causing her too much discomfort. To us, it was a massive transport but the moment we had gotten her into it, we felt cramped, like some canned food. To buy us time Holly had used a couple grenades to take out the bridge's supports, creating a very large gap that was keeping both Legionaries and Red-Necks on the other side. Even ruthless bastards were afraid to get dunked into radiation heavy water.

"There. That's the best we can do. This thing wasn't designed for a mammal of her size." Mark still didn't sound too happy with my decisions back there. I don't think any of them were.

"Thank you. Now let's get the hell out of here before they decide it's worth more to swim after us."

Everyone got into the APC and positioned themselves as best as they could. Mark continued to look over his new patient, checking to see if she had sustained any injuries. Nate was driving while Holly kept an eye out for anyone who followed us. She was ready with the turret just in case. Blanche and Drake took the lead making sure that our path was clear, although she wasn't in the talking mood right now. I think the only time I'll hear a word out of her is if it was a matter of life and death.

Jasmine was in and out of consciousness. Mark had given her tranquilizers, but he said he wasn't sure of the correct dosage for a giraffe, so he gave her as much as he was comfortable to give without risking killing her. Apparently it wasn't enough to completely knock her out, but left her acting very groggy and confused. At least she wasn't crying anymore. I can't stand seeing someone cry. Especially when I have no idea how to comfort them.

"Looks like we're clear. Haven't seen any Legionaries or Red-Necks in a bit. So, where we taking her?" Holly's voice was filled with discontent.

"There are really only two places Holly. We can't take her to the Guardians. Some of them are already a bit uneasy with me bringing a deathwing to their doors last time. Bringing a Red-Neck? They might just throw us out. No, I can't risk any more of them getting uneasy with us, not yet. We may still need their help. There's only one other place we can take her."

"No. You better not mean…" Holly's tone showed that she knew what I was about to say, yet still was surprised.

"We need to take her to the bunker. It's the only place she can be safe enough for Mark to take that crap off of her."

"What if she wakes up and she's still a Red-Neck? What if she snaps out of what ever happened and tries to kill us? We don't know anything about her 'livi!"

"Is the bunker large enough to house a giraffe?"

"Yes, but you still haven't answered my question."

"We're taking her there, and that's final. I really don't think she's a danger to anyone. I… I don't know how I know, I just know. Just like I knew Nate wasn't a danger to Hope when I first met him, just like I knew Drake was different from the rest. I can't describe these feelings, but they've been right this far, haven't they?"

"Yeah. You have. It's just… I've heard stories of Red-Necks abandoning their 'kin'. Those flame loving bastards hunt down every single one of them. Whole towns have burned just to teach traitors a lesson. What if they track her to the bunker, or worse, what if they find out who you are and take it out on Hope. The Legionaries may be ruthless, but they at least need to be paid to destroy a town. These… freaks won't bat an eye if they think they're just in doing so."

"I… I'm sorry. I didn't know that, but I still stand by my decision regardless. You know why I did it? You know why I abandoned our mission to save someone I didn't even know? I'll tell you. When I heard her cries for help, they sounded genuine. They were real. I knew they were real because that's how I felt, how I wanted to scream when that… boar did what he did to me. I didn't give him the satisfaction of hearing my cries, but inside they were deafening me. When I saw those three surrounding her, in my mind they all became him. I saw three Baird's, all surrounding… I-I think I… snapped. The thought that someone else would be put through that torture. I still don't know what those three were doing to her, or were about to do, but it didn't matter. Her cries echoed my past, and I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

Holly moved closer to me and put her paw on my shoulder. "That's deep sis. I… I didn't know how deeply rooted those feelings were still. The way you and Nate have been together, the way he's changed because of you, I think we were too preoccupied with him to see what was wrong with you. How long has this been going on?"

"I… a while." I started to speak softer, not wanting Nate to hear. Not yet anyways. "Every time I think of Nate and I being… intimate, I get these feelings. I feel unclean, and I dread what I'll do, what I'll say if and when Nate and I…" I felt myself starting to tear.

"You don't have to continue. I think I understand. You love him, right?"

"I do. More than I thought I ever could."

"Then just take it slow. I'm not saying the first time won't be difficult, but you have to remember, he's not that boar. If you keep bottling this up, the next time you snap might not end well for you."

"I-I'll try. Thank you."

"That's what family is here for."

I wasn't sure if Nate overheard our conversation, but if he did, he wasn't showing it. I know I need to talk to him about this, about a lot of things, but I was scared. I wish I could explain these feelings better, but I don't even know if words can be used to describe half of it. What I told Holly wasn't even scratching the surface, but she was right. The more I keep trying to hide these feelings, the worse it will be when they come bubbling up to the surface again. I think what I was afraid of most, was hurting Nate.

A little over an hour after we left, I felt the APC start to act jerky. I got as close as I could to Nate without stepping on Jasmine who had finally fallen asleep, to find out what was happening.

"Are we going over some rough terrain or something? This ride isn't feeling as smooth as usual."

"The damn core is overheating. I still haven't worked out the kinks in the cooling system yet. If we don't let this thing cool down, we might be stranded."

"Alright. Find a safe place to pull over. We'll let it cool down before we keep going. How long you think we need?"

"Thirty minutes or so for it to fully expel the stored heat. Another fifteen would prevent it from overheating again too quickly. If I can find some shade, it might shave off ten minutes or so."

"Well, make it so, Captain Valiant."

We were in a small suburb with scattered buildings. Unlike some of the areas of the city I've seen, most of these buildings were dilapidated beyond repair. There were caved roofs, missing walls, and even a few of them that looked like they simply imploded on themselves. Nate found a building that he was able to carefully drive the APC in, giving it the shade he needed.

"Is she awake Mark? I'm sure she wouldn't mind stretching her limbs. This can't be comfortable for her."

"No. I can't tell if the tranquilizers finally kicked in, or if she passed out from exhaustion, but she's out cold. Her vitals keep spiking, so I should stay and watch over her. You guys go stretch a bit. We still got a ways back to the bunker. In the mean time, I'll try to get more of this… stuff off of her, but a lot of it looks to have been surgically modified to be a part of her body. I can only do so much."

"Do your best Mark. I know that anything you can do will be an improvement and...Thank you for doing this despite the circumstances."

"I still don't fully agree with, or comprehend the situation, but I can't overlook someone who's injured. I promise nothing bad will happen to her."

"Onion, you mind sticking here too? I doubt we'll go far, but just in case we should have a proper communication channel established between us."

"I will be more than happy to Miss. Lately I have felt more of a burden than a help."

"Oh don't go acting that way Onion. You're still plenty helpful."

"I didn't mean it in any disrespect Miss, just stating the facts. When it was just the two of us, I had to be there to make sure you didn't do anything stupid, and despite the fact you always managed to, I was still there to keep a watch over you. I think the Valiants and Miss Kerrigan have done a rather stand up job doing the same thing, and with a bit more gusto than I."

"Guess I'll have to find something else for you to do. Maybe the bunker's personal butler?"

"I object Miss! I already find myself doing that as it is!"

"Okay, we'll hire a maid to take over for you then."

"That's not what I meant Miss!"

"I know Onion. Just giving you a hard time." Teasing Onion like that often helped to clear my mind, but I think it'll take a lot more than that to do it this time. If I don't do something soon, I think it'll end up giving me a migraine.

Nate, Holly, and I left the APC. It was around two in the afternoon, and the sun was directly ahead of us, beating it's hot rays onto the surrounding area. Why was it only ever sunny when I wanted some fresh air? I bet you anything if we were to suddenly get attacked, the sun would suddenly find a cloud to hide behind. At least it isn't raining, although it might help me cool down a bit.

Drake landed near the outside of the building. Blanche must have wanted to stretch her legs as well because she jumped down from Drake's head before he went into the building, probably to cool down. He's had all the air he needs. A little cooling relief from the shade was probably nice for a change.

"Why the fuck we stop?"

"The APC was overheating. Nate says we probably need to wait at least thirty to forty minutes before we can move again. Figured we could use the break. Did you two see anyone after us?"

"Nope. Soon as you guys left, the Red-Necks went back to killing those Legionary ass-twats. What the hell happened to the plan Olivia? I almost thought we'd be able to pull off the impossible!"

"The plan changed. Someone needed help and to me that took priority."

"How many of your friends are in danger because of those Legionary fuckers, and you stop to save a fucking Red-Neck? You're gonna get us fucking killed one of these days Olivia! Do you really want that on your conscious you fucking ass-twat?"

"Don't start this, not now. I need to cool my head."

"If it wasn't for this big galoot not wanting to leave your side, we would have been gone ages ago! You know that?"

"I said not fucking now Blanche!"

"No, I can't fucking take it! You've endangered us one time too many! You are constantly throwing your own life on the line, pulling us into situations so dangerous I wouldn't believe if told, even if they had substantial proof! You need to pick one thing and see it to the end, not gallivanting all over the fucking wasteland trying to make friends with everyone you come across. That's why I don't fucking have friends, the last time I tried he got himself fucking killed!"

"I can't fucking help it Blanche! How many times do I have to keep saying that! I. Can't. Fucking. Help. It!"

"Well you better learn how before you get us all killed you fucking bitch!"

I felt my brain snap under the pressure again. In less than a second I had my gun out and aimed at Blanche. I didn't feel in control. Part of me was so fucking pissed off right now that I just wanted to shut her up the only way I knew how to, but another part of me was trying to cling onto whatever scrap of mammality I had in me. I felt my grip tighten as the dominating side moved closer to victory.

I wasn't sure if I could pull the trigger, but I wasn't about to find out as I felt a grip on my shoulder and a black paw plucking the gun out of my own paws. It was Nate. I felt my body tremble as I started to fully comprehend what had just happened. My body knew what it was doing, but my mind still hadn't figured it out. Until now.

"Holly, could you take her back to the APC?" Nate sounded oddly calm, especially for him.

"Nate, what are you…"

"Please?"

"Oh, what now? The coward finally standing up for his girlfriend?"

"Shut the FUCK UP Blanche! Just. Shut. UP! You want to have it out right fucking now!? HERE?! I'll not have it anymore! …"

Nate sounded angry. Angrier than I ever heard him. The sound of his voice trailed off as Holly led me back inside the building. I could still hear snippets of what Nate was saying, and I had yet to hear anything from Blanche. My whole body was still trembling from what I almost did to Blanche. I still didn't even know if I would have done it. I didn't feel in control anymore.

"'Livi, sit."

"I-I… I almost…"

"You know, I've never heard Nate yell like that. I didn't even know it was in him."

"W-why did I… I a-almost…"

"Shh. Just sit here, and relax. Breath deep breaths. What's been going on in that head of yours?"

"I-I don't… I don't know. I feel… I feel as if I am the one who's been broken. The problem is, I can't even remember what I used to look like before I broke… I just feel… useless."

"You are not useless Olivia. You have done so much good to so many mammals. You are the strongest, bravest, and kindest mammal I have ever met. Ask any of us and we'll all agree."

"B-but what if Blanche is right? What if I end up g-getting us all… killed?"

"I still have mixed feelings about Blanche honestly, but she's proven to be an ally to us, despite her… demeanor. I have a feeling you weren't the only one with pent up emotions, and both of you just so happen to erupt at the same time. Just give her some space and I think things will go back to normal. Or maybe she's just getting sober. She seems… happier, drunk."

"Heh. Yeah, she does, doesn't she? Maybe you're right. Nate was acting a bit… unlike himself. I should go make sure they haven't tried to kill each other yet."

"You think you'll be okay 'livi?"

"Honestly? No, but I feel a bit better. Just… keep me away from any guns for the moment. Just in case."

"That's not too reassuring 'livi."

"I'll be fine Holly. Trust me."

"Now I know I should be worried."

My head was feeling a bit clearer honestly. It was still a long road to me being back to my normal self, but as long as I had my family to help me, it'll be a road I won't fear to tread. When we exited the building all I saw was Nate standing there, staring out into the distance, my gun still in his paw.

"Nate? I'm feeling a bit better… what about you?"

"I-I… she's gone."

"Gone? What do you mean, gone?"

"S-she said she wanted to take a walk. She s-said to tell you that she d-didn't know when… or if… she'll be b-back."

"Oh sweetie. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drag you into this, and I didn't want you to see this… side of me. I… will you forgive me?"

"F-forgive you? For what?"

"For snapping. For yelling. For threatening one of us. For putting you all in danger over and over again. I am so very sorry."

I felt tears building up again, but they didn't fall as Nate grabbed me and hugged me close to him. "You have nothing to be sorry about. I'm sorry for not helping you more with your own problems. I… heard you and Holly earlier, about… him. I don't think any less of you, and I don't blame you. No matter what happens between us, I will be there for you, and I will never do anything to hurt you. I will protect you from… everything."

"Thank you. I'm sorry to have to put you though that."

"Geeze. You're sorry, he's sorry. Just kiss already."

Nate and I chuckled a little. We stood there in each other's arms and kissed for what felt like forever. Just this simple act made the feelings of remorse and pain disappear, even for just that moment. We both knew those feelings within us were gone, but I hope that we would have time to battle these daemons soon. Together.

"We really should go find Blanche. Besides feeling like I owe her even a small apology, I would feel bad if anything happened to her due to my snapping. Drake? Stay here and watch over the others. We'll be back shortly."

I didn't see him anywhere, but I heard a small growl of understanding come from the building. I wonder if he heard what transpired? If he did he either didn't care, or more likely, knew me well enough to know nothing serious would happen. Or maybe he had found a nice comfortable area and was just too lazy to do anything.

Nate led us in the direction that Blanche went. While the buildings were far apart from each other, there was a tremendous amount of debris everywhere. From the looks of it, I think it was bits and pieces of the surrounding homes. I wonder if an explosion was triggered near here? A large enough one could have produced a shock-wave that would explain it.

I saw a large sign that read Zootopia Botanical Park. "Botanical Park? What's this?"

"Mark told me about these before. Before the war broke out, there were a few public parks that had a tremendous amount of exotic plant life. Trees, flowers, even certain fruits were all planted, donated from foreign ministries as a sign of peace. Zootopia was the first major city to try to abolish the hate between predator and prey. I would have loved to have seen something like that in person."

I wanted to tell Holly that we were already here, but then I noticed the trees, or should I say, shriveled corpses of trees. There was a large brick wall separating us from the park, but one of the trees had fallen down, taking part of the wall with it. I walked up to the fallen tree, a tree that looked more red and brown than one should and knocked on it. It sounded hollow but felt like a rock.

"They're all petrified." Nate sounded surprised as he went over and touched one.

"Petrified? What, like scared?"

"No, as in turned to stone. Read it in one or Mark's books. Apparently some living organisms under the right conditions can undergo a process that replaces the cells with minerals, basically turning it to stone. What ever happened here must have escalated the processes. I'd love to show this to Mark. He would probably get a kick out of it."

"Well we could… you hear that?"

"No 'livi, hear what? And why is it you're starting to hear things I can't?"

"Shush. There it is again, it sounds like crying. It sounds like… Blanche?"

"Blanche? Crying? I didn't even know she had the capability to."

"Now I feel really bad. Come on, let's go find her."

There were no objections as I started to follow the sound. It wasn't a very loud or heavy crying, more like a small weeping. It was coming from the other side of the wall so I carefully climbed up the stoned tree trunk and crawled over it to the other side of the wall. Nate and Holly followed behind me.

It didn't take long to find the source of the crying. One of the tree's had a very large hole in it, and inside it was a small white ball of fur. Her back was facing me, so I didn't want to spook her, but before I went to say anything, I heard her talking very quietly.

"I-I was afraid. That's not the first time I ever yelled at her, but she… scares me. I think it might have just made it worse."

Who was she talking to? At first I thought that maybe she was talking with Drake over her communicator, but that idea was dashed the moment I heard another voice.

"If she scared you so much, why yell at her like that?"

"I couldn't help it. When I'm upset I either drink or yell, and I didn't have any booze. I'm… I'm actually too scared to go back to them. To her."

"Well, then it's a good thing I found you. Come meet my brothers and sisters. I'm sure they will be just as fascinated by you as I am."

Who was that? I was starting to get a bad feeling about this. I had to interrupt. "Blanche?"

She nearly fell out of the tree before facing me. Her voice just then was very subdued, but now she was speaking like her typical self. "What the fuck are you doing here? Following me? What part of wanting to be left alone didn't you get?"

"I… I'm sorry. I didn't realize I… scared you."

"Aw hell, did you hear that? Look, I'm sorry I snapped back there, but you keep acting so stupid when it comes to listening to your heart rather than your brain. That's why I stopped listening to mine a long time ago."

"I know. I'm a stupid bunny, but even a stupid bunny needs friends to help show them their error. Whether you like it or not, I still consider you one."

"One what?"

"A friend."

"So, is this her?" The unknown voice spoke again. I still couldn't tell where his voice was coming from.

"Yeah, it is."

"Is there someone with you Blanche?"

"It's…" Blanche started but the voice cut her off.

"My name is Julio Mouscedes, and I'm a Brother of the Atom."

Julio Mouscedes was a small brown furred mouse that made Blanche look tiny in comparison. He was wearing a long yellow robe that covered him from his neck to his feet. He talked very calmly as he showed us to his home deeper in the park. He had invited Blanche to a special festival that would be commencing soon, and while he said outsiders were typically not welcome, he would make an exception for the friends of a special lady.

I had no idea what he meant by Blanche being special, but he seemed to talk to her in an almost awestruck voice as if he just met the woman of his dreams. She told me that she was trying to hide just in case I did come to find her, and that's when she ran into him. She wouldn't admit that she was crying, but he seemed more than eager to act like the 'hero' to a lady in distress.

The petrified trees were thick around here, but we eventually came to a clearing. In the center was a large crater where small mouse sized houses had been constructed around it. Inside the crater was a much larger building. It was a simple looking building. Square with an angled roof and a single tower rising from the left side of it. What was caught me by surprise was what I saw on top of the tower. It was a miniature nuclear bomb.

"Olivia… it's the… Order…" Nate was whispering nervously.

"Order?"

Holly decided to chime in. "As in the Order of the Atom. A bunch of wackos that worship nukes. Some of them are harmless, simply spouting dribble about their 'god' Atom, while others have tried to… forcefully convert non-believers. These are not good folks to be around."

"I don't trust him, but he hasn't shown any aggression yet. I wanna keep here a bit longer, make sure nothing bad happens to Blanche."

"Even after everything that happened between you two?"

"We may disagree on most occasions Holly, but she's still one of us, and she will be one of us until she chooses to leave on her own free will."

"Well, you're the boss 'livi, but the moment I think we're in danger, we are grabbing that mouse and high tailing it out of here."

"I won't argue with you on that."

We had trailed behind them a bit so had to catch up, but it wasn't long before Julio asked us, that is Holly and I, to stay here while he went to tell his elder about his guests. From the looks of it, they were all mice, or at least all the ones I saw. At least seven of them, wearing various colored robes similar to Julio's, had stopped what they were doing and were simply staring at us.

"'Livi? Take a look over… there."

I looked around but wasn't sure where she was talking about, but then a quick grab of my head with her paws showed me just what she was talking about. It was a large statue, nearly as tall as me. It was made out of what looked like scrap metal that had been melted and reforged into an oddly familiar shape. It wasn't the fact that it was shaped like a mouse, it was the fact that it was painted in a bright white nearly identical to Blanche's. The most disturbing part about it? The statue's tail. It was missing.

"That looks like…"

"Blanche." I knew exactly what Holly was about to say.

"Yeah. That's rather… odd, don't you think?"

"Tell me about it Holly. Look, here she comes."

"Well… this is, odd." Blanche sounded very confused, but not in a bad way.

"What? That they have a giant statue of you?"

"No… wait, what? What the fuck? That's… not right, but that's not what I was talking about. I've heard rumors of these Order creeps, but turns out this is simply a village trying to get by. Julio told me that they had been able to grow crops up until a few months ago, but they suddenly died for no reason. They were about to have a feast to appease their 'god', and he kinda invited me."

"That's a bit… forward of him, isn't it?" This was making me more and more uncomfortable.

"That's what I thought! Apparently these guys worship two deities, Atom, and Veve. From what he tells me, Atom gave life to all beings, which I think is a bunch of malarkey, and Veve was supposed to create the life that sustained the life he created. And guess what? It seems I have the striking image to this Veve deity. That's why he wants me to stay for the feast. He thinks it will bring them good luck."

"You sound rather, calm about this. You didn't say yes, did you?"

"I didn't want to! But I was also…"

"You were afraid of returning to us, weren't you?"

She sounded very quiet as she spoke. "Yes. I agreed to it shortly before you found me, and just like a contract, I feel obligated to see this through."

"There's something about this whole thing that's making the fur on the back of my neck stand on end. Do you trust him?"

"Not as far as I can throw him. I was starting to change my mind until I saw, them."

Blanche pointed towards a smaller grouping of houses. There were a bunch of children playing. Unlike the adults, they weren't dressed it robes, but rather what looked like fabric loin cloths. They were also thin. Very thin. I think they were malnourished.

"Julio said they haven't eaten in days, and if the crops don't return, they may die. I don't give a fuck about the adults, but I can't let children suffer like this."

"Have they tried trading?"

"They don't have anything to trade, not like anyone would want to. Most traders avoid the Order like the plague."

"We have food and supplies in the APC. Can't we just give it to them?" Nate had been quiet this whole time, but I think the thought of starving children was getting to him too.

"Tried that. He said the elder refused, saying it would go against their belief to just accept help from outsiders."

"He would rather let his own people die than ask for help?" I was starting to feel angry again.

"The guy's old, like real old. Hell, he may even be my great-great-great grandfather for all I know. Look, Julio thinks that my very presence will help them tremendously, and when it doesn't magically make food appear, he agreed to sneak some supplies in for the children. Will you please help?"

I couldn't let children suffer like this, and I can tell that none of them wanted to either. "Of course we will."

"So, will you stay my White Princess?"

I nearly choked when I heard what Julio called Blanche. "Her? A princess? Have you even met her?"

"Oh shut up you ass-twat."

Even Holly found it a little humorous. Nate however, was not laughing. His face bore a very concerned look on his face. I think he was concerned over the children. I took his paw and held it in mine and whispered. "We'll make this right, I promise." I felt his paw squeeze mine, but he didn't respond with words, just a simple flicker of his tail on my back.

"Yes, I'll stay. Is there room for my friend?"

"Regrettably no. The festivities take place in the church, and they are simply too large to fit. Plus, other than yourself, my Princess, outsiders are not welcome for such holy events as this. Please do understand."

"Yeah, I get it. Give us a second, won't you?"

"Of course. Take your time and when you are ready, meet us in the church."

Julio bowed to us and went towards the large building in the crater. I reached down and held my paw out and Blanche jumped onto it. I held her up between the three of us so we could discuss our plans.

"Do you trust him Blanche?"

"I don't know. You said you had a 'feeling' when you saw Drake, that Red-Neck, and… me. What did it feel like?"

"I wish I could tell you, but I don't think there are words to describe it. Why?"

"Because I think I'm getting the same thing. I've never felt this and it scares me."

"Just follow your heart. Remember, you still have it, no matter how much you refuse to use it."

"Yeah, yeah. What will you guys do?"

"Head back to the APC and prepare some supplies. I doubt Mark will mind, especially to help some children. Plus I'm sure Drake is getting worried about you."

"Heh. That big lug would be lost without me. I'll radio you when it's safe to bring the supplies. Oh, and Olivia?"

"Yeah Blanche?"

"Tell anyone about this, about how I… shared my… feelings, and I will slice all of your throats."

"Aaand, welcome back Blanche."

"Now get the fuck out of here!"

That strange feeling in me was yelling at me to not leave her alone, but she's an adult, she can make her own decisions, and it sounded like it was important to her. By the time we got the supplies together, the APC should be cooled down and we can simply drive it over here and drop it off at the wall. From the sound of it, their elder wouldn't want to see us bring the food, but maybe Julio will call it an 'act of god' or something.

Worshiping an atomic bomb. I think that's the craziest thing I've heard so far.

When we arrived back at the APC, I went to check in on Mark and Jasmine. Mark told me that when she woke up earlier, she first freaked out being in an unknown and confined space. It took him a while to calm her down, and ended up having to sedate her again. She wasn't completely unconscious, but was acting very groggy.

"Hey Jasmine. Remember me?"

"Urgle… ghurt?"

"I have no idea what you just said, but I'm a friend. Olivia Springs, remember me?"

"Bunery, savherd me?"

"Yeah, I saved you. You keep resting until you feel better, but please remember. We are all friends. We want to help you."

"Theryk york."

I think she said thank you, but whatever sedatives Mark gave her were definitely working as intended. We told Mark about the Order and at first he showed signs of disgust, but the moment I mentioned the malnourished children, he instantly offered to bring them whatever supplies we had. I told him about Blanche and the festivities and I think the doctor in him was saying we needed to expedite food and medicine now, but the religious side of him, I think that's what was keeping him from just simply running to them. He once told me that sometimes prayer is the best you can do. I still think that's a bunch of malarkey, but who am I to simply extinguish one's beliefs.

I left the APC to go talk to Drake about Blanche when my Pip-Boar beeped. Was it over already? I looked down and horror filled me. It wasn't her messaging me, it was her communicator messaging me with the distress signal that her link was removed… the link in her tail… FUCK!

"Olivia! Onion just…"

"I know! Fuck. I knew we shouldn't have left her! Drake we need to…"

Drake was not much on technology, but I think he knew what this meant. The device I gave him was beeping erratically. I had made sure to link theirs together along with the Onion and our Pip-Boars. He knew she was in trouble.

"Quick! Get in!"

We rushed into the APC and Nate hopped into the driver's seat and bolted towards the park where we left Blanche. He didn't even bother trying to get around the buildings, he simply plowed right through them, causing a few to nearly collapse on us. Once we reached the wall he still wouldn't stop. It's a good thing this was built like a tank.

Once we reached the clearing Nate slammed on the breaks and we piled out. There were no sign of mice, children or adults. It looked like a ghost town. I darted towards the church. I was just about to tear off the roof when I noticed something. On top of the church there had been what looked like a bomb. It was gone.

"Blanche's tag was last detected over in this direction!"

I followed Nate as he lead us to the far edge of the town. When I first laid eyes on this place, I thought they built the town in a crater. I was wrong. This was ONE crater. The edge of the town overlooked a much larger one. As I reached the edge my radiation detector started to go crazy. A thin greenish yellow mist was drifting over the edge of the larger crater. I peered down into the mist filled hole and that's when I saw her. Blanche, right at the base of the drop off, surrounded by two dozen Order members. Children, adults, I think the entire village was there.

"Blanche!"

I tried to jump into the crater but Nate held me back.

"Let go! She needs my help!"

"The radiation will kill you Olivia!"

"I don't care, I need to help her, she's in trouble!"

I heard Blanche call out. It might have been faint to the other's, but I heard it loud and clear.

"Olivia, don't try to help me. I'm already…" she coughed a few times. "The rads here are too strong. Don't be a stupid bunny. Just… leave."

It was then that I saw something else. Nate wasn't letting me go no matter how much I struggled. Even Holly was starting to hold me back. I had to do something… Blanche was tied… to the nuke. What the hell were they going to do? WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY GOING TO DO!?

"Olivia, stop! Please, please don't." Nate's words were starting to get drowned out by my clouded mind. I had to do something. I had to. I saw movement down there. The mice were holding up something…

"Nuke Grenades! Nate we need to get her out of here!"

"Mark! You need to help!"

"LET GO OF ME! I NEED TO HELP HER!"

I forced my legs out from under me, knocking both Nate and Holly down in the process. I ran towards the edge. If I activated B.A.T.S. I could get in there, free Blanche and get out before anything would happen. I started to jump and then felt a sharp jab in my back. Then another. I fell flat on my face.

"Get her into the APC!"

I turned my head, trying to see what happened and saw Nate, holding two needles. "N-Nate… why d-did…" I heard a beep from my Pip-Boar but I couldn't move my arms. Then I saw a shadow above me.

"D-Drake…"

Despite the fact that Nate had sedated me, it took all three of them to get me into the APC. I wanted to kick, I wanted to fight. I had to help Blanche. I… I wanted to tell her I was sorry, I wanted to tell her I didn't mean to yell, to point my gun. I wanted to thank her for helping.

A large explosion sounded, followed by twelve smaller ones. The armored vehicle started to shake as the shock waves impacted it. I think I heard Nate yell something as I felt everything start to move. Then I heard a roar. No, a scream. I could barely move myself, but I managed to look out one of the small windows to see Drake flying straight up into the air, screaming.

Then everything went black.

—

Fallout: Zootopia After Show

Featuring:

'Stripes in the Morning'

[Stripes]

"Good morning Zootopian wasteland! This is Stripes with Stripes in the Morning! Now, today's chapter was a bit… well, I am sure it was very unexpected by all of you. Today's episode will not be impactive on the current events, but rather a long overdue interview in order to… calm the mood before these next few chapters. Let's just say that Olivia will be having some rough times ahead after the past few events, although not necessarily all bad.

"Today, we finally catch up with one Holly Kerrigan! So far it seems I've caught her in a good mood since she has yet to shoot me. You're not going to shoot me, are you? Err, I mean, how are you doing today Ms. Kerrigan?"

[Holly]

"Well… Both of those outcomes depend on how far off the reservation you go this time. I also can't help but notice that your minder isn't here today. YOU didn't get him killed did you? Cause he at least knows how to not push my buttons."

[Celeste]

"I think I can explain that. This drunken idiot here decided it'd be a GREAT idea to kitnap my boyfriend in the middle of the night and drag him straight into the center of Red-Neck territory. So Maxy is spending the day relaxing in the safest place possible in the wasteland. Took a fair bit of convincing on my part though… And no Stripes, you're not gonna learn where it is. Ever."

[Stripes]

"Are you even qualified to be my co-host? I don't even remember inviting you… let me guess, Max took the liberty? I'll have to… not the face! Okay, okay. Sheesh. Anyways, since we are on the subject of… shooting mammals… I gotta ask, where did your obsession with all things that shoot and go boom come from?"

[Holly]

"Hmm… No Idea. I just really like the way firearms look and feel in my paws and I love the sound of an explosion. It's the third most satisfying feeling I know."

[Stripes]

"Third most? I would probably be pushing it ask what the other two are, wouldn't I? I'll save that for a another time, maybe when I have a suit of armor on… Now I know the answer to this will be coming up later on in the adventure, but since a few have brought it up, how did you and Mark Valiant end up a couple? What exactly do you see in him to stick with him for so long?"

[Holly]

"Later in the adven… What?! The hell do you mean later in the adventure? WHAT adventure?

[Celeste]

"Max explained this to me… Apparently Stripes thinks this whole world and everything that's happening to us is just some big scripted story being written by none other than said insane equine. It's just… Easier to roll with it for now. Apparently questioning him too much on the subject sets off some creepy logic fallacy in his head and he goes all blank and haunted looking, then starts berating you for… 'Going off script' I think is what Max said."

[Holly]

"Riiight… Well… Mark and I met young, like… Really young. Our mothers were almost the best of friends and would always meet without the Overseer knowing. My mom had a lot of friends in security back then so she could easily slip off without him ever finding out… Though… When Mark's mom started to really ramp up her opposition to the Overseer it just… Stopped. The meetings, the play dates, all of it just stopped. I couldn't go see him anymore and it left me feeling, not well… Not empty but incomplete. We were always rough housing whenever we met and it was always so much fun to hang around him. Didn't know what was going on until after Mark's mom was… Was murdered. I really, REALLY wanted to go to him after that, but my mother said no. It'd be far too dangerous because those two kits were being constantly watched. I made up my mind then and there. I'd join security so I could see my best friend again and protect him. Mom supported me whole-heartedly when she learned my reasons why. I think she was the one that put it into the overseer's head to let me join up too. And our relationship just kinda grew from there.

[Stripes]

"That is a rather… disheartening story. I apologize for that question brining up any bad memories. I am anything but inconsiderate. Now tell us, what's your opinion on Olivia Spring's most recent… break down? What do you think of her emotional state all together? Are you at all worried that one of these days she'll snap and end up hurting herself or her friends in the process? Are you even prepared for if that ever happens?"

[Holly]

"Are… OF COURSE WE'RE WORRIED YOU STUPID MORON! 'Livi is a part of our family. Family protects and cares for family. Right now she hasn't even had a fucking chance to start confronting what's happened to her! We're fucking terrified of something happening. She's important to us, she's even more important to Nate and we'll be damned if we let her slide any further! So BACK OFF on her before I DO shoot you!"

[Celeste]

"Best to back off Stripes… Now. I really don't think it'll be smart to push her on that. Like, EVER again… Now really I see why Max is so grouchy whenever it involves you

[Stripes]

"It is my duty to bring all the news no mater how painful. However, it is also my duty to make sure I live long enough to bring the next news story, so I will refrain from that question. For now. Now, let me ask you this. It seems that you tend to do a lot of teasing. Sure most of it is harmless and rather amazing, often giving the mood a bit of a well needed lift, but occasionally, it tends to either back fire or get taken too far. What happened to make you like that? Is it some kind of subconscious defense mechanism from your time in the Burrow, or is it just who you are?"

[Holly]

"If you must pry you oaf. It's a coping mechanism. Nate and Mark were always so sad so I had to find a way to keep their spirits up or it would've ended up with all three of us on a slab in the burrow morgue. So yeah… I Tease because it's the one thing that can help put a smile on my fox's muzzle and that in turn puts one on mine."

[Celeste]

"You are SO catching a bullet from one of us by the time this interview is over. How Max hasn't shot you dead yet is a wonder to me."

[Holly]

"You and me both, sister."

[Stripes]

"Well, if he shot me, he would be out a job, now wouldn't he? Plus, I have… ahem… the power to kill off any characters so… um… yeah, just ignore what I just said. It's nothing really. Ahem. Now, I do apologize for taking this too far, but the truth must be told no matter how much it hurts. Ms. Kerrigan, do you ever look back on your past, see everything that has happened both inside the Burrow, and over the years since you left, and wonder if it would've been better to just have stayed there? Be honest please."

[Holly]

"FUCK NO! That burrow was HELL. The Overseer was a monster and all the prey there were all too happy to listen to his disgusting ramblings on the dangers of predators. I was disgusted ever living in that place and I will NEVER let myself or my boys ever be dragged back there without a HUGE reason to do so."

[Stripes]

"Never say never Holly. So… Let's turn the dial back a bit and get into some questions that aren't as likely to end up with me having an extra hole in my body. What are your opinions on all these different mammals that Ms. Springs keeps adding to the group? First there was a deathwing, especially after you were nearly dinner for them, then, while not exactly a companion, there's a ghoul, a Mr. North West. Then an insane mouse, though please tell me your feelings before… recent events, and now a former Red-Neck. Do you agree with everyone she picks up along the way? Or do you think she is just some lonely collector trying to make up for years of not having any friends or family to fall back on?"

[Holly]

"… Look, I'm done answering personal questions, especially pertaining to 'Livi and her choices. When it comes to other mammals she has a better than average sense of who they are. I trust her. Drake has been wonderful and Nate adores that Deathwing. As for the others… Time will tell, and she will never be lonely again. NOT as long as we have anything to say about it. She is OUR family."

[Stripes]

"Was hoping for some more… detailed information than that… you can put the gun away! I promise to change the subject… So, Nathan Valiant has changed since meeting Ms. Springs, and changed for the better we all can tell. We can tell that you've adopted her to your little family, that you even consider her a sister. Seeing their relationship unfold right in front of you, I have to ask, do you ever feel even the tiniest bit of jealousy towards them and their ever growing relationship? Be honest, please."

[Holly]

"Of course not! Nate deserves to be happy and she's the greatest thing that's ever happened to him. Why in the hell would I be jealous of her… Aside from the fact she can eat fish. That's the ONLY thing I might just be the tiniest bit jealous about."

[Celeste]

"She… She can eat fish? Oooh I need to share some recipes with her if I ever get the chance to meet her!"

[Stripes]

"I am sure they will be… fin-tastic. No? Okay then, last question, I promise. During that time when Mr. West brought all that food, and you nearly exploded in delight at the mention of cake before proceeding to drag your boyfriend to some private chambers, I want… no, I need to ask. Do you have some sort of… cake fetish? Your boyfriend has tons of books, is there some kind of food fetish book among them that we should know about? Something like the… Caramel Sutra or something?"

[Holly]

"… That's it. You've got ten seconds to start running. Starting right. Fucking. Now. Ten… Nine…"

[Celeste]

"Oooh she looks serious… You'd better start running. I think she really means to shoot you this time. Though you know what they say. You can run Stripes, but you'll just die tired. Ta ta now."

[Stripes]

"I'm a zebra running is my thing, and… and your still counting. You're serious aren't you? She is, isn't she?" *chugging sound* "Caffeine boost don't fail me now! This is Stripes signing off, tune in next time when I…"

[Holly]

"Three… Two… ONE! YOU AIN'T RUNNING FAST ENOUGH YOU BASTARD!"

[Stripes]

"Eep! When I tell the tale of the Order of the Atom." *gunshot* "Until next time folks!" *multiple gunshots*

[Celeste]

"Well folks… I think that about wraps up this little piece. Sorry again that my Maxy couldn't show but he really needs a break from that zebra and don't worry. I'll make sure the vengeful bunny doesn't kill him… Maiming on the other paw? That is an ENTIRELY different matter. Ta for now folks! OH! Before I forget though, Max always enjoys hearing from you 'wonderful' mammals out there in the wasteland so if there's something you wanna know or someone you wanna hear more from don't ever be afraid to send your request in! Unless it's something horrendously stupid… Then you'll be called out on air and horribly humiliated, probably in front of all of your raider friends. Have fun now! I think Holly just caught up with Stripes so I've gotta go make sure she doesn't kill him!"