Chapter Two

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The sun was relentless, beating down upon Ella as she stumbled through the desolate wasteland, weary and broken. A suffocating emptiness consumed her, her heart raw and hollow. She didn't know how long she'd walked, an endless night bled into an unforgiving day. Barely noticing day had broken until she felt the heat upon her skin. The barren land stretched before her, devoid of colour and life. Each step revealed the same desolate terrain, offering relief, no sense of direction as she wandered aimlessly.

The heat intensified as the day wore on, sapping what little energy she had left. Thirst gnawed at her throat, her lips already dry and sore from the sun's blistering rays. She needed water – and soon. Shielding her eyes from the sun's glare, she scanned the horizon, the faint outline of broken buildings emerged in the distance. Her heart lifted slightly, her footsteps tired and heavy as she trudged towards them.

Rounding the corner of a crumbling street, a breath caught in her throat. Her father had once told her the story of the war that decimated the land, but no story could have prepared her for the devastation before her. The street lay in ruin, cracked and uneven split open by deep fissures and deep potholes. A haunting testament to the destructive power of the bombs which had reshaped their world. Broken houses lined the street, marred by gaping holes that exposed their hollow insides. The skeletal remains of cars were strewn across the curbs, their bodies twisted and contorted by the heat. Debris was scattered everywhere – chunks of concrete and twisted metal entwined with traces of a life long gone. A child's toy, buried in the wreckage, a haunting reminder of the lives that were shattered in an instant.

Navigating through the ruin, she came across a blown-out diner, its walls all but reduced to rubble as she stepped inside. Torn red vinyl seats lay scattered on the ground, revealing mouldy foam padding. An old jukebox leaning against a crumbling wall stood forever silenced when a familiar sight caught her eye…a Nuka-Cola machine. Sighing in relief, she headed for it, glass crunching beneath her feet as she reached inside. Collapsing into the debris she brought the bottle to her lips, tears pricking her eyes as she savoured the sweet taste. Her father had surprised her with a bottle for her 8th birthday, telling her he had travelled far to get it just for her. At the time, she had been too happy, blissfully unaware of the effort it must have taken him to find it. He was always doing things like that. But now, there would be no more Nuka-Colas, no more birthdays…no more dad.

"HELP ME!"

She almost threw the bottle, the scream pulling her from her thoughts.

"Please! Someone help me!"

She got to her feet, her heart pounding as she followed the cries through the derelict streets. An eerie moan, tangled with the screams, getting louder as she approached. Turning a corner, she saw a young woman perched precariously on a ledge, fending off pale, grasping hands that reached for her. Ella's stomach churned at the sight of the grotesque creatures before her, their twisted, decaying forms sending shivers down her spine. Suddenly one of them grabbed the woman's boot, her desperate scream filling the air as the creature dragged her towards it.

Ella looked around, searching for anything of use when she spotted a tire iron at her feet and picked it up, its weight unfamiliar in her trembling hands.

"Hey! Hey! Over here!"

Screaming, she ran forward, shouting and banging the iron over and over to try to gain the creature's attention.

It worked.

The monsters turned away from their prey. Horror seizing hold of Ella as they turned towards her. They were worse than she'd heard. They were ghastly twisted figures, ravished by radiation with hollow dead eyes and ragged decaying flesh that hung from their skeletal frames.

And they were coming right for her.

"Run!" Ella urged the woman, her voice tight with fear.

The woman did as she said, clambering down and hobbling out of sight as the monsters advanced. Their withered faces twisting with a primal hunger as they gained on her. With a burst of lightning speed, one of them lunged, sending her sprawling backwards with a sickening thud. The thing was upon her in seconds, snarling as it clawed at her with a feverish ferocity. Terror engulfed her as she grappled with the creature. The tire iron, the only barrier between her and it's rotting, snapping teeth. Saliva dripped from its mouth, splattering her skin. She could feel her strength fading, weakened by exhaustion and dehydration as the thing inched ever closer.

She was going to die.

Suddenly a high-pitched whine rang out. The creature atop her went limp, its lifeless body collapsing to the ground beside her. With a gasp, Ella pushed the thing away, scrambling back from the black dead eyes that stared back at her.

"Are you hurt?"

She looked up to see a towering figure standing over her, clad in imposing black metal armour. Its sheer size and bulk were like nothing she'd ever seen. Gleaming plates covered the figure from head to toe, reflecting the sun's rays. An intimidating metal helmet covered their face, giving the impression of strength and invincibility. She stared at the imposing presence; her voice lost as they loomed over her.

"Are you hurt?" The stranger asked again.

"I…I don't know" she stammered.

"Can you walk?"

"I think so."

The armoured man knelt beside her, the armour creaking as he offered her his gauntleted hand. Swallowing nervously, she took his hand, her legs trembling as he helped her to her feet.

"Enemy incoming!"

Without hesitation, the armoured man positioned himself in front of her, shielding her with his massive frame.

"Stay behind me."

She did as he said as more rotting beings appeared, emerging from every crevice. There were more of them this time, running at them with terrifying speed, their slack jaws wide with hunger.

"Open fire!"

Ella watched as the armoured man and his comrades sprang into action, their laser weapons cutting through the horde with deadly precision.

"Fall back to the building!" He barked, his order leaving no room for hesitation.

With one hand on his weapon, he guided Ella back towards the safety of the structure behind them, urging her through the door with a firm shove. Her legs gave way under her as the door slammed shut behind him, still reeling from what had happened as the battle raged on outside. The soldier's orders reverberated through the hollow building as she waited anxiously.

Finally, the doors swung open. The armoured man entered, flanked by two uniformed soldiers aiding the girl from the ledge.

"Rhys, secure the perimeter." He ordered, his voice full of authority "Ryan, see to Scribe Haylen then call for backup, the sooner it arrives the sooner we can get out of here."

The soldiers followed his command without question as the armoured man turned to face her, removing his helmet. His face, was chiselled and rugged, marked by years of battle. Sharp features and a strong, stubbled jawline gave him a stern imposing presence. His tanned skin was flecked with dirt, remnants of countless fights in the Wasteland. His dark hair was short, giving him a disciplined look as he stared at her with deep brown eyes.

"And you - who might you be?" he asked, his voice steady and commanding.

"Ella" she mumbled, still shaken.

"What's your business here? Are you from a nearby settlement?"

Ella nodded, not sure what else to say.

"I'm sorry if I appear suspicious," he said "Our mission has been difficult. We've been under constant fire since we arrived in the Commonwealth."

"Who are you?" Ella asked, her voice trembling with confusion and fear.

"I'm Paladin Danse, of the Brotherhood of Steel."

"The Brotherhood of Steel? What's that?" she asked, her brow furrowing in bewilderment.

"It's us" the Paladin explained, gesturing to his team "Our order seeks to recover and preserve advanced technology. We secure it from those who would abuse it and protect humanity from the dangers of the wasteland - like you did today."

"Oh, no I was just trying to help -" Ella stammered, shaking her head.

"Exactly." Danse interrupted "What you did out there, helping Scribe Haylen, was brave. Stupid but brave. Not everyone would do that, especially not when ghouls are involved."

"Ghouls?" Ella repeated, her confusion deepening. "Is that what those things were?"

"Abominations of nature are what they are," Danse said with a scowl.

Ella shivered, the memory of the horrifying creatures flashing through her mind. "They're terrifying."

Danse frowned, a nagging suspicion tugging at him. It was unusual that she had never encountered ghouls before – especially out here. Casting his eyes over her, he noted her appearance. Her honey-blonde hair, windswept and messy, was tied back at the nape of her neck, framing a face marked by a scattering of light freckles, full lips and tanned skin. Her dishevelled, weary state hinted at a long night, yet there was an air of cleanliness about her that was out of place within the wasteland. Her fingernails were cut short and neat, her teeth clean and maintained - unlike other surface dwellers he'd encountered. Suspicion gnawed at him, but he held his tongue, his uncertainty dampened by the fact that she had risked her life to help Scribe Haylen. An act that spoke louder than any uncertainty that lingered.

"We appreciate your assistance civilian, if you hadn't stepped in things could have gone a lot worse," Danse said gently "With that being said, I'd like to repay the favour. Where were you headed before this? We can escort you there safely."

"I…I don't know." she stammered, fighting the tears that threatened to fall "My home was attacked. My father…"

"I'm sorry" he murmured, his voice softening. "We know what it is like to lose people you care about."

The room fell silent, the weight of shared grief hanging heavily in the air. Danse paused, his brow furrowing in deliberation as he studied her intently.

"I know this must be difficult for you," he said, his tone firm but gentle "but the way I see it, you have a choice to make. You can leave here and wander from place to place to try to start somewhere new, or you can join the Brotherhood of Steel and help make a difference in this world."

"You can't be serious?!" A sharp voice exclaimed.

"Problem, Knight Rhys?"

Knight Rhys a short, stocky man with a buzz cut and square nose that looked like it had been broken more than once appeared beside them. His face screwed up in anger as he glowered at Ella.

"You can't be considering letting her join" he protested, his tone sharp with disbelief "She nearly got Haylen killed!"

Danse held his ground; "She showed courage and selflessness out there."

"She saved my life" Haylen injected, bandaged and bruised behind them "I'd have been mauled to death if she hadn't stepped in."

Rhys scoffed, "All she did was ring the dinner bell for every goddamn ghoul in the Commonwealth!"

"I'm sorry" Ella apologised "I didn't -"

"What?" Rhys snapped "You think you've got what it takes to be one of us? Look at you. You wouldn't last a day out here and I'm not going to be killed because of some girl, who doesn't know how to defend herself!"

"Watch your tone, Knight" Danse warned, his voice carrying a steely edge. "Like it or not, she showed what it takes to join our ranks. Therefore, the offer stands."

Rhys shook his head, storming away with a frustrated grunt as Danse turned back to Ella.

"Don't worry about him. He's an ass but he's a good soldier" he reassured her "I know you have a lot to consider but know that should you choose to join us; you'll be under my command and expected to follow orders."

She shook her head; "I'm not a soldier."

"You don't have to be" Danse replied "though I believe you may have what it takes. There are many roles within the Brotherhood and many skills needed. You'll have a place to sleep, food to eat, a place to call home but, more importantly, the Brotherhood at your back. You'd be safe with us."

Safe. The word sounded almost strange now, yet it was a powerful lure. She opened her mouth to speak but Danse stopped her.

"Think about it" he advised; his tone gentle but firm "You have until backup arrives to decide."

XXX

Ella paced back and forth in the lobby, her mind racing as the minutes ticked by. What was she going to do? The Brotherhood had saved her, joining them offered safety and security. She had seen enough in her few short hours to know she wouldn't last long on her own. But the Brotherhood remained a mystery, their motives and expectations unclear. What were they doing here? What would they expect of her if she joined? She felt sick. Indecision and uncertainty twisting her stomach into knots.

"How are you holding up?"

Ella looked up to see Scribe Haylen hobbling towards her, careful not to put much weight on her injured foot. Up close, she could see she was petite, with pale skin and red hair tied back in a bun.

"I'm okay" Ella replied "Just…a lot on my mind."

Haylen nodded, leaning against the wall for support. "I wanted to thank you for helping me back there. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't shown up."

"It sounds like I made things worse rather than better," Ella said, "How's your leg?"

"It'll heal. It's nothing compared to what it could have been" Haylen replied "Listen, I know you're unsure about joining the Brotherhood. It's a big decision and I'm not trying to convince you, but I was once where you are now. Just another wastelander, trying to survive. But joining the Brotherhood was the best decision I ever made."

"What convinced you?"

"Getting to study pre-war tech for one. I'm a real nerd for that kind of stuff" Haylen laughed, "but joking aside, the Brotherhood is the best thing to happen to me. They gave me a purpose, a family. Maybe you'll find that too."

Ella searched Haylen's face for any hint of doubt but found none. "What is it you do for them? Are you a soldier?"

"I'm a scribe. We handle the technical side of things – maintaining equipment, studying technology, that kind of thing. It's challenging, but it's rewarding. And despite what you saw today, it isn't all about fighting. There's a place for everyone who wants to help."

Before Ella could respond, Knight Ryan, one of the other soldiers joined them, greeting her with a nod. He was tall with kind eyes and a mop of dark curly hair.

"Thinking about joining up?" he asked.

"I'm not sure yet."

Ryan smiled softly "It's true the Brotherhood isn't for the weak. It's hard work and it demands a lot – like almost being eaten by ghouls for example" he laughed, feigning pain as Haylen shoved him. "But it's worth it. We're making a difference, but we need every capable person we can to stand with us if we want to make change…plus you get your own suit of armour which is pretty neat."

Before she could ask more, the distant thrum of engines filled the air. The vibrations pulsed through the building, rumbling under her feet. Ryan glanced towards the sound, then back at her. "Looks like backup's here."

The pressure bore down on her, the engine's roar growing louder as Danse appeared. "All right people. Time to move out."

The soldiers snapped into action, gathering supplies as they prepared to depart. A deafening thud above them signalled her time was up.

Arms full, Ryan flashed her a grin. "Well?" he asked, "You coming?"

Sensing her panic, Haylen placed a gentle hand on Ella's arm, her eyes warm and sincere. "It's your choice, Ella. No matter what you decide, we'll respect it. But you don't have to do this alone."

Rhys snorted, ignoring Ella as he appeared at Haylen's side, wrapping an arm around her waist. "All right, let's get you out of here," he said, supporting her weight as he led her away.

Ella watched the soldiers disappear up the staircase, leaving her alone with the Paladin Danse.

"So, what's it going to be?" he asked "You can come with us, or we can take you to the nearest town. The choice is yours."

Ella felt panic rising within her as the stark reality of her situation settled in. She looked around at the ruined station. Was this her life now? To live in ruin? To die out here alone surrounded by a world torn apart? She had often wondered what life beyond her fence looked like, of what life after her father could be, but this wasn't it.

She didn't want to be alone.

Taking a deep breath, she met the Paladin's gaze.

"Okay," she said, her voice trembling with the weight of her decision. "I'll go with you."

"Excellent" Danse nodded, a small smile breaking through his stoic demeanour. "Let's head out. I've received orders to return to the Prydwen immediately."

"The Prydwen?"

"It's what we call out airship," Danse explained, "filled with enough soldiers and supplies to front a major offensive. If she's here, it means Elder Maxson is here."

"Who's Elder Maxson?" she asked.

"Elder Maxson is the commander of the Brotherhood of Steel," Danse said. "He's the model of what every soldier hopes to become, that being said, you're about to get to know both up close and personal. Come on, we're going for a little ride."