Yes, I'm back. Don't expect frequent updates though.
Goodsprings. She wasn't sure if it was the Devil's idea to make that happen. The last time she visited Goodsprings was installing new securitrons to ensure its safety, despite some of the local's refusals. Trudy and Sunny however, took a liking to the idea. Especially Chet, since it meant safer business. Even Doc Mitchell wasn't a fan of it, saying something about how it felt the same when he had to leave the vault. People never liked changes.
"Silver eyes?" Doc Mitchell said.
Six nodded. "Yes. I was hired to find a woman with silver eyes."
Doc Mitchell rubbed his chin. By the look of his contemplation, people with silver eyes do seem to exist. At least, people with uncommon eye colors did. Six waited for his answer on his couch, wearing a sports jersey lended by one of the townspeople. Doc Mitchell shook his head.
"Sorry, but I can't seem to know anyone with it."
"It's alright. Where are my gears?"
"It's here in the storage, I'll grab it for you."
Doc Mitchell came back with her survivalist pack and her weapons. Six opened the pack. Anti-venom, water, her Vault 13 canteen, medical supplies, they were all here. Even her emergency chems like buffout, stimpacks and psycho. Her weapons however, were far more disappointing. She also found two tied stacks of paper resembling NCR dollars, most likely being the world's currency. Finally, a small rectangular metal with a screen, and a plastic ID, with her actual name on it with a label read as 'Bondsman License' with the name Courier Six.
"We tried to turn on your scroll but it's on the fritz."
"This thing?" Six said pointing at the rectangular metal.
"Yes… that's what a scroll is. Looks like you were hit harder than I thought. And unless there are others, yes, this is all we found."
Lucky, and a combat knife were not enough especially when the third weapon was the anti-material rifle.
"Oh for…" Six clicked her tongue.
"Is something wrong?" Doc Mitchell said.
"No it's nothing. Silly me for bringing this thing along."
While they were great guns, this alone did not make for a good arsenal. No grenades, EMP gun, and no automatic weapons. She carried at least one every time she went out. On the brightside, there was plenty of ammo for each of her guns. A good thing, except that .50 took too much space and weighed heavy. A scoped hunting rifle or the .308 Sniper Rifle would have done the job better.
"Oh right, there was a note attached to it. Maybe this note will give your noggin' some recollection."
The note read as this.
Six,
Good luck with your hunt. Don't forget what's at stake. Your friends are waiting for you.
Your dearest employer,
Mr Mars
Fucking cunt, Six thought.
"Something wrong?" Doc Michell said.
"No no. I only bring this for something big. I might have brought the wrong weapon."
"Well, at least you'll have enough lien to buy a new one."
"Thankfully. Do you know a good route through the city?"
"There's a dirt road leading to Ansel, it's about three days from here. I wouldn't recommend going on foot though. There may be huntsmen and huntresses patrolling but it's not as frequent as it should be. Caravans do come through but that won't be until next month, there might be someone who would take you back."
"Better to be safe than sorry. What are some jobs I can do around here to get my self a place to sleep and eat?"
"Well first you'll have to go to the elder's home. She'll see what kind of job you'd be good at. She's always a good judge of characters. She was waiting for you to wake up too."
Six nodded. "I'll head my way there."
Inside a simple lodge, an old woman rested her legs on a rocking chair. Her gray hair was bundled up to a tight bun, but her side locks swayed as did her pair of bird bone earrings. Despite being old, the woman's eyes were still sharp and vigilant. A lever action rifle leaned against the wall behind her that looked awfully similar to her Medicine Stick. Her body was withered, but her mind wasn't. One look in her eyes made that clear. Like Elder Pearl, but fiercer with a shamanistic look.
"Come closer, child."
Six approached. The Elder's warm hand caressed her cheeks, one eye looked while the other milky eyes pierced through her.
"People who come here tend to be lost or desperate for a place to belong." She pointed at Six. "You already know what you're looking for."
"I'm looking for silver eyed warriors."
The Elder cackled. "You seek fairy tales as if they're real."
"Are they?"
"Why do you seek them?"
"To save my friends. I need them."
The Elder beckoned her closer. "Hmm. Come. Let me see you clearly."
As Six approached, The Elder placed her hand on Six's eyes. A small warmth nestled in her heart, but quickly disappeared. The warmth appeared again then disappeared. The process continued, again and again. The Elder removed her hand, her milky eyes widened and her mouth opened agape in absolute horror showing what few teeth she had left.
"Get out. Take whatever you have and get out now!"
"I don't understand, what did I—"
"Out! Now!"
Six slowly backed away and left the room. The Elder followed behind Six, hobbling with her cane but moving with sheer determination and worry. At Doc Mitchell's house, Six quickly packed her belongings and changed into her armor. Six heard their hurried whispers, with her enhancement the conversation was clear.
"She's a spirit that has yet to rest. She can't be here."
"Elder, I don't think she's a spirit. Are you sure—"
"There was no aura when I touched her. She's a spirit that has yet to rest. This is for the good of the town. I want you to take her to the town's edge and get rid of her. Now! Quickly!"
So here she was, staring at the dirt road at the edge of Goodsprings. On the bright side, Doc Mitchell (bless his heart) snuck in rations and water for her trip toward the town of Ludlow, which was a two day walk to Vale's nearest outpost. Six checked the route on her scroll given by Doc Mitchell, he scratched the back of his head with a frustrated frown.
"I'm sorry, Six. The Elder usually lets people in. I never thought… I'm sorry."
Six shrugged. "It's alright, Doc. Not like I planned to stay that long anyways. Maybe I'll see you again."
"I'm truly sorry. I wish I could do more."
Six shook her head and smiled. "You did all you could do. See you, doc."
Unlike the Mojave, the weather was kinder. Cool breeze, warm sun, even some animals she could hunt roamed. However, that did not mean she neglected vigilance. Green trees and blue skies seemed to stretch on for hours. The trees obstructed her view, anything could be lurking within the sea of green. Six rested her hand on her holster, eyes ever waiting for beasts or raiders that would lurk behind the trees.
"Great…"
Six looked up. An orange glow began to seep into the sky, and she was nowhere near Ludlow. If this was the Mojave, she would find an abandoned building to sleep or make a camouflaged tent. Here? Six sighed. Even at night she had to keep moving. Sleeping in unfamiliar environments only invited trouble.
"Hey there killer."
Six snapped into action, immediately drawing Lucky to the direction of the sound. What greeted her was not Mr Mars, but a creature. A deer? She remembered reading about pre-war animals when she was in Big MT.
"Mars?"
"That's Mr Mars, employee." Mr Mars said with a deep chuckle. "Looks like you're in a bind."
"How the fuck are you doing this?"
"Well, it's like gaining access to an abandoned Protectron."
"That is not how that works." Six glared at the deer. "I haven't killed your silver eyed warrior yet so what do you want?"
"Since you're in a bit of trouble, I thought I'd help. I am your employer after all. Let's go. There's a shortcut to Ludlow."
Six followed into the forest. The riot helmet adjusted into the dark, but the branches and rocks on the ground still hampered her movements. The further she went in, the darker the forest got. The orange sundown no longer dripped through the thick leaves. Mr Mars jumped through a bush and walked through the darkness.
"Come on, give me some time to catch up. I'm still not used to being in a forest! Mars? Mr Mars?"
A low growl answered. Six drew Lucky.
"Fuck fuck fuck." Six grumbled.
In the deeper part of the forest. Two glowing red eyes stared back. Without hesitation, Six fired, specifically at the eye. Lucky's muzzle flash briefly illuminated the beast that soon fell. The body began to dissipate, before she could even react more eyes emerged. This time, a canine growls revealed throughout the forest. Six drew her combat knife on her other hand and stared down at the pack.
If they're anything like wolves, running will make them think I'm a prey.
The beasts lunged.
Or not.
Six ran. The direction did not matter.
"Fuck fuck fuck! Anyone!"
Run. Shoot. Run. Shoot.
"Mars! MARS YOU FUCKER!"
Run. Jump. Shoot. Run— trip.
"Nngh!"
Six grunted, on the floor with her face fully on the dirt she quickly turned around. Five more beasts appeared. The moonlight revealed the monsters' forms, these… pack of wolf-like creatures. The pack did not stop, one lunged, only to be sliced in half. A man in simple clothing slayed the beasts with absolute ease with nothing but his hands. Once the battle was over, Six saw her savior. A blonde man around her age, maybe older.
"Are you alright?"
The blonde helped Six on her feet.
"You're lucky I decided to go for a walk."
"A walk? How close am I to Ludlow?"
"Half a mile."
"Half a mile." Six said incredulously. "I barely left Goodsprings."
The blonde shrugged. "Don't know what to tell you. Maybe you lost track?"
Or, it was Mars. Six sighed. "Might be yeah. Thank you for saving me by the way. I'm Six."
"I'm Taiyang Xiao Long. And your name is Six?"
"Sure is." Six brought out her Bondsman License. "See?"
"Wow, that's the weirdest name I've ever seen." Taiyang soon caught himself. "No offense."
"None taken."
"Come on, I'll take you back to Ludlow. There might be more beowolves."
"Right behind—" Six grunted. "Ow!"
"Looks like you sprained your ankle. Here, take off your pack I can carry you." Taiyang said.
"Much obliged."
Taiyang wore Six's pack on the front. "Woah… this is heavier than I thought. How did you run with this on your back?"
"You learn to."
"You're tough and crazy," Taiyang said, he then scooped Six into his arms. "All good?"
"I'm good. Are you sure you can handle both me and the bag?"
"You don't look heavy to me," Taiyang said. "Hop on."
"I appreciate the help and—" A long yawn interrupted her words.
Taiyang chuckled. "You can tell me about it later."
An inexplicable force pulled her eyelids shut. With the rush adrenaline calming down, sleep sweetly whispered to her tired body. Not to mention, his back was rather warm, almost like a stiff blanket.
"Six. Wake up. We're here."
"Hmm?"
Six peeked out from Taiyang's shoulders. Despite being night, people still roamed the town, while not completely few lamp posts made the town more accessible. People gathered around a large campfire that puffed pillars of smoke, laughing as they sat near without a worry.
"Welcome to Ludlow."
This time, Six hoped that would be the case.
