Gate: Thus the Brotherhood of Steel Lyon's Pride Fought in Their Land
Chapter Interlude - Knight Stephanie Prophet
The city had changed greatly over the course of the last month. In that time Knight Stephanie Prophet had learned news that made her feel a full torrent of emotions. The first of which was disgust. It was followed by rage, and finally by absolute despair. She considered the idea of walking toward the closest forest, stepping into it, and allowing whatever creatures of nature was there to simply take her and devour her. A very real part of her simply wanted to end.
"Sister?" Tyuule asked in her language, "Troubled you are?"
Stephanie looked at her and then at the ground, "Tyuule, please, speak your tongue, it is far easier for you."
The former chief of a race of bunny warriors took a seat beside her. She took her hand into her own, and Stephanie was thankful for her comfort. She had shown her such comfort and companionship. It had even begun to turn romantic. She wasn't sure how she felt about it, but at the same time she wasn't going to argue. She couldn't look at men the same way anymore. Even Paladin Jefferson frightened her. He shouldn't have frightened her. Paladin Jefferson was a gentle soul, but if he looked at her she felt as if she was back in the room that the Prince kept her in.
She would wake up screaming as she dreamed of Zorzal forcing himself inside of her. She cried as the phantom pain of her ass being ripped opened came back. There was so much damage done that she feared that she would never be whole, and yet Tyuule had remained with her. She was a constant in her life, and one that she desperately needed. She felt the gentle hand move up her arm, stroking her lovingly, and she finally turned toward her. She leaned forward, her lips trembling, "I'm sorry," she said, her mastery of Tyuule's language was one from her time with the Prince.
"No, you are free, and there is nothing to be sorry for."
She shook her head, "I'm broken," she admitted after a moment, "Everything inside of me is broken. I'm scared of my brothers here. I'm scared that one of them will become like the prince, that I will be taken again and again against my will."
Tyuule gently stroked her chest, the feeling wasn't sensual or sexual, but instead it was comforting, "Perhaps you should make the move first," she said, her voice soft, "I understand the fear, but if you go and look for it, if you control the situation, then it will return the power to you. It will show you that he no longer controls you."
She shook her head, "What if I break down?" she asked, her voice trembling, "What if I start to become a blubbering mess? Who would want to bed someone so broken? I'm not sure that I can even return to being a knight anymore."
She felt the gentle hand of Tyuule go from gently stroking her to pulling her against her own chest. The strong beating of her heart comforted her, and she enjoyed being held like a child. She enjoyed the moment of being close like this. Of not having to worry about sexual intimacy, but instead of simply being in an intimate embrace. She closed her eyes, "I don't think that I can do it anymore. The only things I am certain of are you and God."
There was a moment of silence, "Perhaps then you should become a spiritual teacher," Tyuule said softly, "Bring the word of your god to those around you."
She didn't want to look up, "You believe that your god caused your escape, correct?" she asked, her voice soft, "Then, perhaps you should begin to bring his word to those around you. Maybe that would help heal you."
She shook, her thoughts racing. It was hard to imagine that she could do such a thing. There were a few religious orders out there. The Children of Atom were among the newest order existing. They seemed to be growing, but she knew that they truly believed in their god. There were a few churches that still taught about God. The chapel onboard Rivet City was a prime example. She could ask that a few preserved bibles be brought over.
Maybe they would allow it. Maybe she could use them to teach the others around her, but if she did would be accepted? Would she be hated for attempting to bring the teachings of what she believed to this world? She didn't want to be viewed as an interloper, but she truly believed that it was God that put things into motion. That he had somehow heard her pleas, and that he led to the various steps that caused her freedom.
"Do you think that I will be listened to?"
She felt Tyuule gently stroke her side as she held her, "Of course," she replied, her voice assuring, "I know that you will be. Those that hear of how your god set the events in motion that lead to your salvation will want to hear more. It will give you an audience, and it will give you a chance to build a legion of followers. Faith will bring them together, and they will unite under your words," Tyuule reassured her, "Those followers will go out and bring more back to you. It will spread, like fire, and soon you will have a religion that will rival all others."
She didn't see the way Tyuule was smiling. She didn't see the cunning look in her eyes. The way she was preparing a very powerful move in a game of wits that she had begun with the Prince. It was a move that would cause the empire to become destabilized, and she knew it. Stephanie Prophet had no clue that the woman she considered to be her closest confidant and friend was about to use her faith as a tool to destroy their tormentor. She also didn't know that Tyuule had actually grown quite close to her. That despite what she was about to do, and what it would likely cause, she was preparing to mourn the loss of their relationship.
It was the first time that Tyuule had a caring relationship where she was able to be kind and giving. Stephanie knew that, but she didn't know that Tyuule was prepared to destroy it in order to avenge her people. The simple truth was that she would sacrifice everything in order to have justice for what was done to her people. She would hate sacrificing the relationship that was forming with Stephanie, but it would be an acceptable loss. Still, if things progressed correctly then there would be no sacrifice.
Still, Stephanie knew none of this. All she knew was that Tyuule was a constant in her life. She was someone that had remained a constant with her. She had maintained a presence and become a rock for her to stand on. She was the shelter that she so desperately needed now. In truth, the world was heading toward a place she wasn't sure she belonged anymore. She wanted to belong to the Brotherhood. They were her family, and they had taken her back.
She had heard about what happened with Prince Zorzal. How he had been beaten badly, his face practically ruined, and it had been done by Sentinel Lyons. She had heard all about it, and while she had wished she could have seen it the truth was that she doubted that she could have handled being there. Being around the men that belonged to the Brotherhood was difficult enough. She knew that if she was around Zorzal there was a chance she would have fallen apart. The rage was very real, but so was the terror.
It was two sides to the same coin. She knew that, and she knew what it would be like. She understood how bad things could get if she was around him. There was a very real possibility that she could end up doing something that would make things harder on them, or that she would end up having a complete and total mental breakdown. In truth, at the moment the best option was exactly what Tyuule had suggested. Becoming a spiritual teacher, to become a preacher and to bring the word of God to those that would want to learn.
Princess Piña Co Lada
The soft beeps filled the air as the turrets slowly surveyed the area. Princess Piña Co Lada looked about the room. Bozes was there with her. The official declaration had been made, and it was known to the court that both she and Bozes had married. In addition it was added that their suitor was one of a high station. Her brother had completely ignored her. The evidence that he wanted nothing to officially do with her was there.
Her other brother had informed her of his intention. He believed that Zorzal was an idiot that had every intention of ensuring that he became the next ruler. He had expressed that their father would likely pass the throne onto him because it would be easier to control him from the background. The ultimate reason to choose him was because he was so easy to handle. She knew that it was the truth. She also knew that she could not abandon the empire. She had to remain in place, and she had to ensure that those who could not speak for themselves would be able to withstand the assault that her brother would bring.
She needed to ensure that he would be kept in check the entire time. That was the one thing that she knew needed to happen. She knew that she had to ensure that he wouldn't end up causing others to suffer. What he had become, what she had seen, it was evident that he was someone that wouldn't be above terrorizing others. The poisoning of her wine was more evidence. He wanted her out of the way. He felt that she had betrayed him, and he wanted her dealt with.
She leaned back and listened to the sound of the turrets. She looked at Bozes and watched as she took a moment to adjust herself. The effect of the Queen Ant Pheromone had long since lessened. The two of them still wanted Adam, and they wanted one another, but right now there was a need to simply ensure that the people would be safe. She breathed out, trying to deal with what was going on.
There was so little doubt on what had to be done. She didn't like it, but she was prepared for it. As she considered the things that would need to happen the sound of one of the turrets got her attention. She heard the alert, the sound of it swivel, and then she heard the firing of its gun. Without a hesitation both she and Bozes jumped up. The two of them ran toward the direction of the sound, and they looked out to see a blood trail. She looked to see someone else moving. Paulson walked with his pistol drawn. She was thankful that he had agreed to come and help watch over her.
Near him was the one that he'd claimed as his own. The beast woman walked with a determined stride. She carried what looked like a small dagger, and another was in her belt. The two of them neared the place where the blood was, and Princess Piña watched as there was some movement. She watched as Paulson's gun fired, and then there was quiet.
"Got the varmit!" he shouted, "Someone was sneaking in with what looks like a damn snake!"
She breathed, a viper. They were going to release a viper in her house. There was one that sometimes was used to deal with people. The viper was common enough that it wasn't often questioned. She shook her head. Her brother was attempting to distance himself, and this time if it hadn't been for the turrets set up by Scribe Moore he might have succeeded.
"Thank you," she said as Paulson made his way back, "And thank you for coming to help watch over us."
He shook his head, "I owe yer husband," he replied as he made his way to a chair, "Honestly, things have worked out in a way I didn't expect, but I'm grateful for all the same."
(Forest Area - Frank Horrigan)
Frank Horrigan walked in front of the Enclave Members before him. There were some issues with the idea of them allowing the Brotherhood of Steel to work with them, but his current commanding officer had stated that she believed their strength could be used to repair the United States. Since his loyalties laid with the Nation first and the president second he accepted her opinion. One thing he hadn't expected was to be hailed as a hero.
Children, non mutated children, hummed the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and grown men and women called to him. They thanked him, in their weird language, for going forward and taking care of the muties. He was fine with that. Currently they were helping with a group of muties calling themselves orcs, just like in the old Grognak comics. He stepped forward into the clearing and saw what looked like makeshift crufixes driven into the ground. The remains of women and children hung on them. It was nothing more than what he'd seen in the wasteland before.
The raiders were a special brand of filth that needed to be put down. He planned on killing every single one when he returned. Not because he was a hero, but because they dared to sully the land of his ancestors with their mere presence. He planned on seeing how many he could crush with his bare hands. Still, seeing this he thought back to the children. He'd killed dozens before. Mostly because it was easier to draw the older ones out if they knew their children were in danger.
These however were new citizens of the United States. They were to be protected, and these damned mutants had dared to defy them the protection they were owed by being US citizens. He stepped forward, the plasma rifle in his hands, "Okay Muties," his booming voice echoed, "I'm going to take you apart nice and slow. When I'm done with you there won't be enough left behind to bury in a shoebox."
A spear struck against his armored chest and broke. He aimed the plasma rifle and shot. A moment later he saw a green glow and heard the sound of a scream. He moved forward, "All of you are guilty of attacking United States Citizens. As such, you are hereby judged guilty," he said as he saw one running at him. He lowered the rifle and lifted his new knife. He hated to admit it but the Brotherhood of Steel had done a good job making it for him. It was heavy, thick, and ready to split skulls, "So here's one for you," he said as he drove the knife into the chest of the rushing mutant.
It let out a weak scream as he grabbed it around the throat. Oddly, this one had breasts. He'd never seen a super mutant with tits before. She looked at him, tusks, something else different about them, sticking out from her bottom jaw. She spat at him, and he pulled the knife back. He then lifted her, feeling her trying to kick. She was dying, dead already, but her brain hadn't gotten the message. That was something he was expecting. Super Mutants could be stupid. He crushed its throat, listening to a half wheeze before dropping it.
"Horrigan," his commanding officer said, "Intell says that there's at least six more."
"Good," he said as he wiped the knife off on the back of the mutant he just killed, "That's extra practice."
He stepped forward and another one came out. It was wearing armor, carrying a sword, and its eyes were practically glowing red. He smiled under his helmet and rushed forward. He didn't give the great stupid beast a chance. Instead he drove his knife through the armor's front, then the back, and finally pinned him to the crucifix behind him. The thing let out a groan before its arms went slack. He put his foot against the crucifix and pulled back. The knife came out with a sick slicing sound.
He took a moment to look behind him, "So, five more, right?"
There wasn't anything said, not that there needed to be. He was going to clear every last one of these things out. Not because he was a hero, but because he was a soldier. He was protecting United States Citizens, and maybe, just maybe it was partly because of those kids. He wouldn't admit it, but them asking if they could become like him, it made him smile. Of course the little bastards couldn't. None of them were Frank Horrigan.
He was the only one of him, and he was going to make damned sure that these things paid for everything damned thing they'd done. They had stepped in it, and he was going to give it back to them. He heard movement again, and this time he didn't move fast enough. The sword glanced off of his armor, but struck his rifle. He heard the sound of its power cell cracking, and he tossed the weapon behind the attacker. Within seconds it exploded, taking out another three. The one in front of him stood, her red hair pulled back, her eyes glowing red, and a warrior's scream coming from her mouth.
"You're fucking loud," he said as his hand shoved into her mouth, filling it beyond capacity. She tried to move back only to have him grab her tongue, "Let me help with that."
He pulled his hand out, ripping her tongue away from its mouth. She made a gurgling sound as he fell back, trying to crawl away, "Now, you had something to say, right?" he asked as he neared her, carrying her ripped out tongue, "Gotta speak up if you want to be heard."
Blood rushed from her mouth, her glowing red eyes full of fear, "Well, if you ain't got shit to say, then time to say goodbye." He lifted his foot up and brought it down hard. Her head crushed easily under it, and behind all of them was a single one left. It threw down its sword, got on its knees, and he heard it begging. He neared it, "No, see, this isn't what you were doing," he said as he took its sword, "You were attacking, and then I stopped you."
The sword drove through its chest and out of its back. The mutant looked at him in fear as the lights slowly died out in its eyes. The moment it was dead Horrigan took the sword that he drove through it and ripped it from its chest. The sword itself wasn't a quality weapon. At best it would work as a secondary weapon, but there was an idea for this one. He took the sword, studied it, and then turned toward the now dead mutant. Grabbing its head he lifted it and began to separate it from its neck. The sword itself got caught on the vertebrate after a few moments, and he managed to get it into the disks that separated them.
With a sickening pop the head came loose. He looked at it, and then looked at the others that still lay behind him. It would take a while, especially with such a poor quality weapon, but the end result would be worth it. He didn't hear his commanding officer ordering him to stop, so he continued to cut the heads from the remaining creatures until they were all separated. With that he tossed the sword back toward the first body. He moved with the collected heads, and walked out to where they had hung people on the crucifixes.
"Horrigan, what are you doing?"
He looked at her, "Not being a raider," he replied as he built a fire, "Raiders have no imagination."
The fire caught, and once it was burning bright enough he took the heads on to stakes and hung them over the fire. Slowly the skin began to bubble and melt from the heads. The foul stench filled the air around him. It almost smelled like rancid pork being grilled on an open fire. Still he didn't let it bother him. The muscle became charred, and finally it fell off in great clumps. When he was finished the three heads he collected were nothing but charred skulls. He then took those and drove them in front of the cave.
Raiders had no imagination. Raiders simply stakes heads around the places they lived, but purposefully burning a head until it was nothing but a charred skull showed some foresight. It showed a purpose. He created a warning for every single mutant that wandered out this way. He ensured that every single one of them would see the skulls of their brethren, and they would know that remaining here would be inviting death.
He gave them the only warning they would ever get. With that he looked toward his commanding officer, "Orders?"
He couldn't see behind the helmet of the hellfire armor she wore, but he could tell that what he'd done likely didn't sit well with her. Still, she obviously understood the reasoning behind it. It's the reason he was allowed to do it. She understood that a warning needed to be made. That a clear and present message needed to be presented for the mutants that even dared to walk upon soil owned by the United States of America. Their days were numbered, and this was how he was letting them know.
"We've been asked to continue to help defend the locals," she said as she looked at him, "There are more of these freaks a little further in."
Horrigan looked around him, "Good," he said as he moved in the direction she was pointing, "I don't like standing around."
Prince Zorzal
Normally a ride in the country tended to work toward clearing his head, but currently Prince Zorzal was not clear headed at all. The concubine princess, his half sister, was still alive. Her treacherous life needed to end. The assassins he'd sent had failed in their jobs. The first had poisoned her favorite wine. A simple plan, but one that normally worked. Instead those interlopers had discovered that it was poisoned, and they had thrown everything out. Then they enchanted her home with weapons that could work on their own.
His next assassin had been killed before even making it to her house. The assassin was actually one of the better ones the empire had. Completely loyal to him, and wasted. He growled at the situation. From what he'd been told her protector, one wearing strange clothes, such as a long leather coat, an odd hat, and speaking in an odd way had ensured her safety even further. The one bit of good news was the beast woman he had with him. That was interesting. It was enough that perhaps it wouldn't be a waste of time if he was able to capture her.
If she was like Tyuule then she would break easily enough. She would beg for forgiveness soon enough. She would beg for him to breed her, and he would oblige, but only after ensuring that his sister's protector was dealt with. If there was hope, if there was the slightest spark of hope, then she wouldn't completely fall. He wanted her to be broken. It'd taken him so long to fully admit it to himself, but he enjoyed breaking women. He enjoyed breaking them down fully.
He longed for the prospect of completely destroying them and making them realize how worthless they were. He enjoyed the fight, but it wasn't what thrilled him. It was the moment they realized that their lives were nothing more than a plaything to him. That their entire existence was owed to the fact that he was both bored and horney. They served no other purpose. Oh, the noble women were useful, and eventually he would have to accept one into a binding marriage contract.
He'd have to do so in order to continue the bloodline, but it would be a marriage that was done merely to produce an heir. Afterward the noble woman could disappear. That was the plan anyway. Still, his two favorite slaves were gone. Tyuule and the one that called herself Prophet. He longed to hear her screams again. He longed to hear her cry out to whatever god it was she was praying to. He longed to see her finally break. She had come so close, but there was something, some faint hope, that seemed to keep her from slipping completely. He wanted another shot at it, and he hoped that he would get it.