Chapter 2 — Jumper man from beyond.
Aha! I knew it. The sudden realization hit me with a jolt of excitement, breaking through the monotony of my endless trek. Walking in a single direction had eventually led me somewhere, just as I had hoped.
The featureless void had finally yielded to something tangible, something real.
Before me stood a strange structure, its appearance both familiar and alien in this blank landscape. Pillars rose from the nothingness, their surfaces smooth and unmarked, supporting nothing but the empty air above. And there, nestled between these enigmatic columns, was a door. Not ornate or anything, but it's grand in a way that is huge, far larger than me.
What struck me as odd was the absence of any large walls or enclosing structure. It wasn't a building in the traditional sense, just a few architectural elements clustered around the door like a part of a wall only for said door to accompany it along with the pillars. The sight was surreal, like a fragment of reality had been plucked from its proper context and deposited here in this white expanse.
Well, okay, I thought to myself, my curiosity overriding any lingering apprehension. Time to see it up close.
I took a step forward, eager to investigate this bizarre anomaly. But my next movement was met with a sudden, heart-stopping lurch.
Woah!
The words echoed around my head loud as I teetered on the edge of… nothing. Adrenaline surged through my body as I instinctively threw myself backward, away from the unexpected emptiness that had nearly swallowed me whole.
That was close… Too close.
I found myself bent over, hands on my knees, breathing heavily as I tried to process what had just happened.
The rush of fear and relief left my heart pounding in my chest like a drum. I had just stepped away from a fall, a potentially fatal misstep in this otherwise coloreless hell.
As my breathing steadied, I cautiously peered over the edge that I had so nearly missed. Just one more step and I was probably splattered over the white ground with red.
There's a gorge… The realization dawned on me slowly as I took in the sight before me. A deep one by the looks of it, its depths made difficult to find when it's lost in just a white color that sucked any shadow. The chasm stretched out to either side, a gash in the fabric of this strange reality.
Huh.
The door and its accompanying structure now seemed to mock me from their perch on the other side of the gorge, so close yet impossible to reach. A bit frustrated I felt, yes, after walking this far only to be stopped being so close.
I stood there, on the precipice of this unexpected void, my mind racing with questions. How deep was this chasm? And more pressingly, how was I supposed to cross at all?
For what seemed like an eternity, I had been training, pushing my body to its limits in this endless white void. The gorge before me, a wide yawning chasm that stretched impossibly wide, had become my new troublesome thing to deal with.
Of course, with me being this far to switch directions to walk now; Day after day - if such concepts even existed here - I practiced my jumps, each attempt giving me a small inch till meter to add.
At first, the task had seemed impossible. The distance was too great, the consequences of failure too dire if I fell.
As I stood at the edge of the chasm for what must have been the thousandth time, I took a deep breath. The familiar panic that had once gripped me had faded, replaced by a steely determination. I had come too far, trained too hard to let fear hold me back now.
This was it. One try. Only I can spend.
I coiled my muscles, preparing for the leap. In that moment, everything else faded away - the endless white void, the mysterious door on the other side, even my own lingering doubts. There was only the jump.
I pushed off with all my might, and the surge of power I had come to expect flooded through my legs. But this time, it felt different. Stronger. More controlled. As I sailed through the air, time seemed to slow. The gorge yawned beneath me, a stark reminder of the consequences of failure. For a heart-stopping moment, I thought I might fall short.
But then, miraculously, my feet touched solid ground on the other side. I had done it. After countless attempts, after pushing my body beyond what I thought possible, I had crossed the impassable.
I scrambled immediately towards the door that had taunted me for so long. My hands, trembling with a mixture of exhaustion and excitement, found the handle.
I threw myself through the opening and slammed the door shut behind me. Leaning against it, my chest heaving, I tried to process what had just happened. The training, the strange power in my legs, the impossible leap - it all seemed like a fever dream. But the solid wood beneath my palms and the burning in my muscles told me it was all too real.
As my breathing slowly returned to normal, I looked around, taking in my new surroundings. A large staircase stretched out before me, leading up to who knows where. Despite the exhaustion weighing heavily on me, I felt the adrenaline still raw and circulating to stop and rest now.
I better get started then. I thought, straightening myself up and taking my first step towards the stairs.
By the look of it… It was a lot of steps. The staircase stretched upwards, seemingly without end, each step a uniform white that blended seamlessly into the next. Angelic, maybe — but given the thing I saw with the suicide earlier, I ain't as hypnotize as how unusual the sight of this was.
As my gaze followed the path upward, I noticed the stairs led to what appeared to be nothing but a bright light far up. God, I'll be damned if this will lead me to the pearly gates… The illumination was different from the ambient glow of the white void I had left behind.
This time, this light had something to it that was made me feel to to it; inviting and intimidating.
The door behind me, my last link to the familiar — if one could call an endless white void familiar — seemed to recede with each step I took. I resisted the urge to look back, focusing instead on the journey ahead. Whatever waited for me at the top of these stairs, I knew that my only choice was to move forward.
Nevertheless, nothing is achieved if nothing is done.
To the stairs of heaven, I ascent.
You are me, and I am you. They are us, just as we are alone.
As consciousness gradually seeped back into my mind, I became aware of a gentle, rhythmic rumbling. The sound, distant yet persistent, filtered through the haze of my drowsy state. Blinking away the last vestiges of sleep, I found myself in an unfamiliar setting, my surroundings coming into focus in my hazy sight with moment passed.
Realization dawned slowly as I took in the interior of what appeared to be a train compartment. The soft cushions beneath me, the subtle sway of motion, and the muted clatter of wheels on tracks all confirmed my initial impression when I got up sleeping on one of the seats.
Not sure why is this important, but I'll go along with it. Curiosity piqued, I turned my attention to the window beside me, expecting a typical landscape rushing by.
What greeted my eyes, however, was far from ordinary.
Is this real? Am I still dreaming? The thought flashed through my mind as I gazed upon a scene that defied everything I knew about the sky.
There, suspended in the sky like a celestial anomaly, was a white sun. Its brilliance was unlike anything I had ever witnessed, casting an otherworldly glow across the sky as its canvas. The familiar blue of the daytime sky remained, but above it stretched a band of the most delicate pink I had ever seen. It was as if someone had taken a brush dipped in rose quartz and painted strokes across the horizon while the very top laid the vast night sky, complete with stars peppered all over the canvas.
My finger rose unconsciously, tracing the impossible sight before me on the glass. The juxtaposition was striking — the serene blue below, the ethereal pink divided the middle, and just beyond, where logic dictated twilight should reign, the inky depths of night unfurled. Stars twinkled with impossible clarity, their light undimmed by the nearby sun's radiance.
How the hell? Day, sunset, and night all at once? My mind struggled to comprehend the magnificent spectacle unfolding outside the train window. Alright… I'm certainly not back home.
The scene before me was a masterpiece of impossibility, a convergence of celestial events that should never coexist. Yet here they were, melding together in a harmony that both thrilled and unsettled me. It was beautiful beyond words, a sight that stirred something profound within my soul.
Despite my initial panic setting in, a part of me was entranced at the sight. No matter how artificial one could make in painting — to witnessed it firsthand was certainly something else beyond gawking at.
As I caught my reflection in the window glass, it painted a vivid picture before me. The sunlight danced upon my face, casting a warm glow. The lines etched upon my skin told stories of a life well-lived, a testament to the passage of time. Yet, there was a certain vibrancy, a youthful energy that lingered. The sight answered to me no longer I was an old man truly passed his prime or just fresh out of my mid-twenties.
Hm… I look like I'm in my thirties now. So somewhere between both.
Alright, calm down. Just need to find out where I am… That was easier said than done. Hard to tell where I am — or going — just by the ocean and distant mountains.
But uh… Where am I? What kind of world is this? I don't think this is Earth anymore… The questions tumbled through my mind. Of course, it's not with the way the sky looked, each as unanswerable as the last. All I knew was that I had awakened to a reality far less grounded than my world or any dream could mold in my sleep.
In truth, I do not have any dreams, rendering the latter theory unnecessary.
Rising from my seat, I steadied myself against the gentle swaying of the train. I made my way down the aisle, passed each row of seats I passed stood empty. I really rather stay in my seat, but the thought of finding where I am proved too important to ignore.
Reaching the end of the cart, I hesitated for a moment before sliding open the door that led to the next compartment as I opened. I stepped through, my eyes scanning the new surroundings with a mixture of hope and trepidation.
To my growing bewilderment, this cart mirrored the first — utterly devoid of life. Rows of pristine seats stretched before me, their upholstery unmarred by use. The air held a strange stillness, broken only by the rhythmic sounds of the train's movement.
Again? All empty.
Undeterred, I pressed on, moving from one cart to the next. Each transition brought a fleeting spark of anticipation, quickly extinguished as I encountered yet another vacant space.
As I progressed, another peculiarity caught my attention — or rather, the lack thereof. My eyes scanned the walls of each cart, searching for any indication of our destination or route. On any normal train, there would be maps prominently displayed, offering passengers directions.
Here, the walls remained stubbornly bare, offering no clues to our journey's purpose or endpoint.
No passengers, no conductor, no map… What kind of train is this?
The further I ventured, the more questions arose, each unanswered query adding to the growing unease in the pit of my stomach. The initial wonder at the impossible sunset outside had given way to a creeping sense of disquiet. Something was fundamentally wrong with this place, and I couldn't shake the feeling just missing pieces around already felt wrong.
As I reached for the handle of yet another inter-cart door, I paused, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. The mystery of the empty train stretched before me, and I was no closer to finding answers than when I first awoke.
Yet despite this, I pressed on, sliding open the door to face a person.
As I slid open the door to yet another compartment, the monotony of empty seats was finally broken. There, occupying a single seat with an air of serene expectation, sat a woman. Her presence was so unexpected after the eerie emptiness of the previous.
"Hello there," she greeted, her voice carrying a warmth that seemed at odds with the things I just saw earlier. She sat on the side behind the strange sun filtering rays of light in the cart.
I felt it; I was sure it hit me. A nauseating feeling wafted through me. What the hell was that?
Well, whatever… First time to see one for a long time… The thought flashed through my mind, though I couldn't quite grasp its significance.
My eyes were drawn to her most striking feature - cascading blue hair that flowed down her back like a waterfall of sapphires. But it was her smile that truly captured my attention. In all my experiences - though I couldn't recall specifics - I had rarely encountered such a genuinely warm expression.
There was an openness to it, devoid of any malice. Yet, a small part of me remained cautious.
Could anyone truly be this sincere, or was she simply skilled enough to fool me?
But I can't help a few things about her… Who put a bruise on her pretty face?
Her attire added another layer of intrigue to her already puzzling presence. She wore a pristine white uniform, reminiscent of a corporate executive or perhaps an official from some organization I couldn't quite place. It looked real professional looking that to me screamed corpo or an NCR official type of cleanliness — and as much as I worked alongside them, that doesn't mean they're what I would consider friends to be all casual around.
"I seem to forget how long you'd return," she continued, her words laced with familiarity that I couldn't reciprocate. "I must have been wasting the conductor's time riding this train all around here to pass the time."
Her statement implied a shared history, a connection that eluded my grasp. The strangeness of the situation intensified, but 'strange' felt inadequate to describe the bewildering scenario unfolding before me.
Cautiously, I approached the seat opposite her, my movements slow and deliberate as I tried to process the encounter.
"Funny," I remarked, settling into the seat. Sitting down, I propped my arms on the backrest. "'cause I don't seem to know who you are."
Her smile didn't falter as she responded, "Hm, but I know who you are." Not exactly what I'm looking for. The words were accompanied by a thoughtful hum, as if she was leafing through a mental catalog of information about me.
Skepticism colored my reply. "'That so?"
A flicker of uncertainty crossed her features. "I must admit, I may have some issue recollecting about you."
"You and me both then…" I muttered, a mix of relief and frustration in my voice.
Her blue eyes widened with sudden excitement that could blind me. "Then does that mean!-"
I quickly cut her off, raising a hand to halt her enthusiasm. "Hold on, I didn't say I know you, I mean I also have trouble remembering as well."
The air between us grew heavy with an unspoken weight as I studied the woman before me. Every nuance of her demeanor, from the slight tilt of her head to the way her fingers curled around the edge of her sleeve, spoke of a familiarity I couldn't reciprocate. Her eyes, luminous with a depth of emotion I struggled to fathom, never wavered from my face.
It was as if she were drinking in my presence, savoring every moment of this encounter that clearly meant far more to her than it did to me.
As her expression settled into a smile tinged with weariness and acceptance, I felt a pang of unease. The disconnect between her apparent recognition and my complete lack of context left me floundering, desperately trying to find my footing in a conversation where I was clearly missing vital pieces.
"I see…" she began, her voice soft yet laden with years of unspoken history. "I admit maybe it's for the best. How long have I waited for this — for you to return, Thirteen."
I searched her face for any hint of deception or malice, but found only a weary openness that left me even more bewildered.
Her next words came as both a relief and a challenge. "Perhaps you can indulge me?" That tired smile never left her lips as she continued, "Please, I want to hear it from you."
Hm? Indulge her? What exactly does she expect me to say?
I couldn't help but cock an eyebrow, my mind racing to decipher her cryptic request. The rational part of me knew I should be wary, that playing along with this stranger's apparent delusion could be dangerous. And yet, something in her demeanor, the vulnerability in her eyes, made me hesitate to dismiss her outright.
We're alone here, and she hasn't shown any signs of being a threat. Maybe if I go along with it, I can figure out what's really going on.
After a moment's deliberation, I decided to take the plunge. "…Sure," I replied, the word hanging in the air between us like a dainty bridge. Rather fragile peace this has been.
The silence that followed was thick with anticipation. I could almost feel the weight of her expectations pressing down on me, urging me to continue. But what could I possibly say that would satisfy her? In the end, I opted for vagueness, hoping it might prompt her to reveal more.
"It was all my fault," she began. "My decisions, and everything they caused."
"… "
The somber atmosphere enveloped us as I listened intently to the woman's words, her tired smile never wavering. Despite feeling profoundly out of place, I found myself drawn into the gravity of her demeanor, absorbing every nuance of her speech and expression.
She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing, her voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying the weight of countless unspoken burdens. "It had all come to this for me to realize that in the end, you were right all along."
The admission hung in the air between us, heavy with implications I couldn't begin to fathom. I was right? About what exactly? If she knows me, then this isn't my first time in her world. I wanted to ask her about it, but her gaze, filled with a mixture of resignation and hope, never left mine as it silence me and after she pressed on.
"I am not seeking your forgiveness. I don't deserve it now that we've arrived at this point." A fleeting shadow of remorse crossed her features. "But I ask of you to forgive me for being so bold; But I must ask for your help."
Help? With what? And why me? The questions swirled in my mind, but I remained silent, allowing her to continue uninterrupted.
"You'll forget these words like you'll eventually do, but it won't matter," she said, a hint of melancholy underneath her tone. "Even without your memories, you'll probably make the same decisions in the same situation…"
Her words sent a chill down my spine, from her hinting at a cycle of events I couldn't recall or comprehend. Yet there was an underlying certainty in her voice that gave me pause.
"There are choices only you can make. I believe that is what matters the most, not our experiences," she continued, her tired eyes suddenly alight with a fierce conviction. "I spoke of responsibility before; I didn't truly understand it then, but now I do."
She took a deep breath, her shoulders squaring as if bracing against an invisible weight. "I even understand their implications. The choices you make extend to those of your beliefs… From adulthood, the responsibility, and obligations that must come along with them."
As she spoke, I found myself hanging on every word, despite my confusion. There was a truth in her voice that resonated deep within me, even if I couldn't grasp its full meaning.
"Therefore, Thirteen…" she said to me. "You're the only one I can trust. Only you can free us from this twisted, distorted cycle and find the choices that will lead us to a new, better fate."
"This time, you won't be alone anymore — I won't be with you, but someone and something will." She explained as a black dot moved towards me.
"Hey, are you alright?" Without waiting for her reply, I instinctively swatted at the approaching dot as if it were a fly landing on me.
I distinctly remember a sharp object embedding itself into the side of my neck as she uttered her last words.
The sharp object pierced through my skin, causing a searing pain to shoot up my spine. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, as her words echoed in my ears. It was as if time stood still, and in that moment, every fiber of my being was being leeched on.
As the object lodged deeper into the side of my neck. My muscles tensed, my breath quickened, and my senses heightened.
In that moment, as she uttered her last words, the sharp object in my neck became embedded in me. I blinked my eyes and I notice since when was this person in my face. She was too close to me, her hand reaching somewhere on the side of my neck where the dot landed.
A wearied smile briefly wavered, exposing to me a hint of her desperation underneath. "So please… Teacher"
I must have passed out after that.
I woke up somewhere else. Worst of all, I don't know where… In my hand; I notice I was holding onto something.
Of course, I would wake up with beer in my hand.
The question now is… Where the hell am I?
It was dark as hell.
When I toggle on my Pip-Boy's surround lights… It didn't help illuminate this place. When I turn on the directional flash instead, still can't reach anything. Just a pitch black void.
Okay, this place is larger than I think…
I have another idea… It might not work, but I'm willing to test something out.
As I adjusted my bearings, the surrounding darkness lightened up into a dull shade of green.
Gradually, shapes began to coalesce from the murky green haze. Jagged outlines emerged, revealing the rough, uneven surfaces of rock formations surrounding me on all sides. The realization dawned that I was no longer in the open space where I had conversed with the mysterious woman. Instead, I found myself enclosed within the confines of what appeared to be a cavern.
The air felt heavy and damp, carrying with it the earthy scent of stone and mineral deposits. Droplets of moisture clung to the rough walls. The uneven floor beneath my feet was littered with loose pebbles and debris. All now my seen clarity by the green color displayed by my retinas projected to me.
It was all natural alright, no sight of any manmade structure here, like train tracks to a mineshaft.
Instinctively, I reached out to touch the nearest wall, seeking something to hold myself on getting my bearings.
More importantly. Okay, Nano-optical cyberware works… Holy shit. I brought something over.
As I stood in the cavern, the realization of my predicament slowly sinking in, an unexpected sensation coursed through my body. It was a feeling both foreign and oddly familiar, as if I were tapping into some long-dormant ability. Without fully understanding how or why, I found myself focusing intently on a memory, a vivid image of an object from my past.
I'm not exactly sure how or why now I managed to do this. An implant I had back then, here now still?
Honestly, I missed my old revolver.
The thought barely had time to form before I felt a sudden weight materializing in my open palm. My eyes widened in disbelief as I watched the familiar form of my ole' Bison Bull revolver materialize from thin air. The metal gleamed dully in the muted sight of the cave, its presence as comforting as it was bewildering in all honesty.
What in the world…
In return, a small headache for the trouble struck me. By small, I meant trivial enough to ignore.
I was more focused on how my fingers curled around the grip, the texture and weight instantly transporting me back to a time that now felt like a lifetime ago. The revolver was exactly as I remembered it from an older past of mine — every carve, scratch, every worn edge a testament to the shootouts it had seen me through barely alive.
As the initial shock of the revolver's appearance began to subside, my attention shifted to my other hand. I had been vaguely aware of holding something since regaining consciousness, but in the confusion of my surroundings, I hadn't given it much thought.
Now, as I raised the object to eye level, a jolt of recognition shot through me.
The bottle I held one another hand was unmistakable — Abydos Classic, a brand that held significant meaning from my earlier past. Cheap, affordable for someone like me to drown myself in.
Now Its presence here, in this strange underground realm, was as perplexing as it was nostalgic to stare at. The label, the shape of the bottle, even the weight of it in my hand — everything was precisely as I remembered from the older days.
What the fuck… I brought it here. Somehow, they just appeared in my hand.
The implications of this realization sent my mind reeling. Their sudden manifestation suggested a level of control over my environment that I couldn't begin to comprehend.
When I wanted it disappeared — the revolver vanished and returned when I beckoned for it again
Just how I could do this, never could have even had an answer to start.
Teleportation, such an idea shrouded in mystery that only a limited form of it I ever encountered and even less used myself.
Now? I stood here, the cool grip of the revolver in one hand and the smooth glass of the Abydos Classic bottle in the other, trying to make sense of what had just transpired. The ability to summon objects from my memory was not something I had ever possessed before — at least, not that I could recall.
Yet here I was, holding tangible proof of this. This. This thing.
With a deep breath, I holstered the revolver at my hip, its weight a reassuring presence against my leg. The bottle of Abydos Classic I kept in a coat pocket.
Time to find my way out of this.
…
Desert. It's all desert in every direction, an endless sea of sand peppered only by scattered rocks, cacti, along with dead shrubs and imposing mountain formations. The landscape was just as any in of tan and golden yellow, the harsh sunlight casting deep shadows that danced across the undulating dunes.
In the distance, one particular mountain formation stood out, its craggy silhouette rising defiantly against the shimmering horizon. At its base, nestled among the weathered rocks, an unusual sound for its environment played.
The first indication that something was amiss came in the form of muffled music. The strains of trumpets, barely audible at first, seemed to emanate from behind a massive boulder that sat at the foot of the mountain. The incongruity of the jaunty tune in this desolate landscape was striking, as if some unseen band had decided to hold an impromptu concert in the middle of nowhere.
For a few moments, the music continued unabated, its cheerful notes a stark contrast to the silent, sun-baked world around it. Then, without warning, a new sound joined the cacophony - a deep, rhythmic thumping that seemed to originate from the same source as the music.
The vibrations from these thumps reverberated through the ground, sending ripples across the loose sand and causing smaller pebbles to dance in place.
With each successive thump, the intensity grew, focusing its energy on the large boulder that stood as a barrier between the source of the commotion and the outside world.
At first, the changes to the boulder were imperceptible. But as the thumps continued, their frequency increasing, tiny fissures began to appear on its surface. These hairlines of cracks spread like a web across the rock face, growing wider and deeper with each powerful vibration.
The process was relentless. Thump after thump assaulted the boulder, each impact widening the network of cracks that now crisscrossed its entire surface. Small fragments of rock broke away, pattering to the ground like a strange, stony rain.
As the assault continued, larger chunks of the boulder started to give way. The once-solid mass eventually crumbled, its structural integrity compromised beyond repair. In a final, dramatic moment, the entire boulder seemed to shudder before collapsing in on itself.
Where once stood a formidable obstacle, there was now only a pile of rubble. The large boulder had been reduced to a scatter of smaller rocks and pebbles.
As the dust settled, the music that had been so muffled before now rang out clearly across the desert landscape.
The trumpets blared their triumphant tune, no longer hindered by the rocky barrier that had contained them.
"And that was "Sing, Sing, Sing" by the King of Swing, Benny Goodman and the Goodman's Boys. I got to say, you can't beat the classics. I know for some of you old timers out there in Vault City have been waiting for this for too long so I hoped you enjoy, that track was for you! Now for the news, reports coming out from Shady Sands that former head researcher for the NCR institute as we all remember for his theory to prevent ghoulification many years back, Victor Presper has surrendered himself to authorities when a space shuttle crashed just near the old clown motel in the Mojave region. Sources say that the disgraced scientist has taken all responsibility for his traitorous act to break away from NCR and hoped that he can still continue his work to combat the New Plague that spreading over East. Let's hope the doctor gets the proper funding he needs, lest it all goes to the war against the fascist technophiles, the Brother hood of Steel or we'll really be divided as a country."
The scene was set for whatever strange entity or event had caused this bizarre occurrence to reveal itself. The desert, which moments ago had seemed so empty and lifeless, now thrummed with anticipation, as if the very air was holding its breath, waiting to see what would emerge from behind the demolished boulder.
As the dust settled from the demolished boulder, a figure slowly emerged from the newly created opening, their silhouette gradually taking shape against the backdrop of the desert's burning light.
"On the note of doctor Presper, sightings for the Ranger who led the war against the raiders north of our borders to securing future settlement's future cooperation between the Rangers and NCR and the first one to voice the dangers of the New Plague outbreak and launched with one of the space shuttles at Bloomfield Aeronautic-Military base has yet to surface."
The figure wore a black leather jacket, its well-worn surface speaking of countless adventures and weathered experiences. The jacket's cut was reminiscent of a duster coat, long enough to offer protection from the desert's elements, yet tailored to suggest a more refined aesthetic. Silver buttons glinted in the sunlight, their intricate designs of a detailed style that's not all just substance to balance out.
Beneath the jacket, a crisp white dress shirt peeked out, its collar standing in stark contrast to the dusty surroundings. A couple of bolo ties hung loose at the neck, its golden clasp molded to show a logo of the letter "M" inside a yellow box bordered outside chiseled into a smoothed obsidian. While another has a simple golden star encircled by a border.
The figure's legs were clad in dark trousers that somehow managed to evoke both the practicality of riding chaps and the sleekness of a suit-pants. They tucked neatly into a pair of boots.
"Both President Wendell of the NCR and High General Vargas of the Desert Ranger has yet to comment on the matter,"
Atop the figure's head sat a leather cap, not quite a traditional seen on farmsteads, but not entirely modern either. Its brim was wide enough to offer shade from the relentless sun. A thin band of silver encircled the base of the cap.
As the figure fully emerged from the rocky debris, their face remained partially obscured by the cap's brim, adding an air of mystery to their already enigmatic appearance. They stood tall to see the desolate landscape that surrounded them.
"But sightings of NCR and Ranger troops together combing both territories have been spotted as search parties for the missing ranger is currently underway, at worst, his corpse could be found and identified."
The juxtaposition of this stylishly dressed yet rugged individual against the backdrop of the harsh desert. It was as if two worlds had collided — the rugged, untamed wilderness of the Old and the sleek, sophisticated future — embodied in this single, striking figure.
"This marked a stunning cooperation from once two groups who led tense relationship with disagreements now working together for the first time in a long while since the Point Heart incident."
As they took their first steps away from the rocky outcropping, the desert seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what this unusual visitor would do next in this vast, unforgiving landscape.
"We raise a glass to you, Lone Ranger, where-ever you are, keep on fighting. Just remember of the have folks waiting for you back here at home. I'm sure they'll be happy to hear where and what you've been up to. Now back to some tunes before we all have to go back to work. Next up on the request for the folks at the Glow: Atomic Cocktail by Slim Gaillard and His Quartette. This glass is on the house, enjoy."
"Hm… I must be back on the wasteland… Okay then." I judged from the radio frequency I picked up now that I was no longer underground and fighting large molerats. Good news too that the sun is setting down for the night, won't have to feel the heat for now.
Hold on… my Pip-Boy's map… Unavailable?
"It's probably a long way from California…" I checked the compass on my Pip-Boy as I turn for the dial to point me straight west-ward. Thank God, that still works. "Alright, I got with me a half-empty bottle of beer, my revolver," I pause for a moment, pulling out a sunglass with a visible web of cracks. "It's turning night, but I'm still wearing my sunglasses."
"Let's hit this."
…
A few hours later…
As I continued on the path west, my eyes constantly scanning the horizon for any sign of civilization, an unexpected encounter broke the monotony of my journey. In the distance, a figure appeared from behind a rock structure.
"Ah…" The sound escaped my lips involuntarily as I drew closer, my initial assumption of a scavenger quickly dissipating upon closer inspection.
No, she didn't dress like no scavenger… Well, maybe does bandaid on her legs could count her as one. Heh...
Her attire was far too different, too pristine for someone accustomed to picking through the ruins of the old world. The clothing spoke of a different life, one untouched by the harsh realities of wasteland survival. My mind raced, trying to place her origin. Perhaps she hailed from one of the more prosperous settlements - Modoc or Vault City came to mind.
The radio's earlier broadcast echoed in my thoughts, a grim reminder that despite this unexpected sight, I was still very much in the unforgiving expanse of the Wasteland.
Deciding to make my presence known, I called out, "Excuse me." The girl's body went rigid before she spun towards me, surprise etched across her features.
Attempting to put her at ease, I continued, "I… Don't mean no harm. Are you alright?" Her eyes darted around nervously before settling back on me, her silence speaking volumes about her wariness.
Recognizing the signs of dehydration, I reached for my coat pocket. "You… Need a drink?" I produced a flask of water, extending it slowly in her direction. Her caution was evident, prompting me to lower the flask to the sand. However, before it touched the ground, her hand shot out, grasping it desperately.
She drank with abandon, the flask tilting further and further back until it was practically inverted upside down. When she finally returned it, barely a drop remained. A loud, relieved sigh escaped her lips.
"You good now?" I inquired, giving the flask a perfunctory check before meeting her gaze once more.
She responded with a tentative nod.
Curiosity getting the better of me, I pressed further, "Care to explain to me why someone from the big cities doing out here?"
But she spoke of some gibberish. No, I can't understand her. Her words, if they could be called that, couldn't make no heads or tails with me. They sound similar, but not something I would just pick up from the deepest part of my head and say "Aha!" and understand her words all easily.
Frustration mingled with curiosity as I struggled to make sense. Determined to bridge this unexpected gap, I decided to put my newfound ability to the test once more.
Alright, one more time. I focus myself to pull something out using this summoning power. An optical wetware.
Concentrating intently, I envisioned a piece of advanced technology I'd encountered in my past - a translation implant designed to fit seamlessly into the eye. With a familiar tingling sensation, I felt the device materialize, integrating itself into my optic nerve.
For a moment, my vision blurred and flickered as the cyberware started calibrating itself as several hud and GUI began to appear. Then, suddenly, clarity returned - both visual and linguistic. The drifter's words, previously an indecipherable jumble, now resolved themselves into coherent sentences.
Her response came out strange to my ears. "Eh, but you can call me… yeah, just…"
Hm, must be a tribal name… from the Canadian tribes upstates, maybe? No, can't be… Now, I really think she must be with the Shi? I don't know… Her name was unfamiliar to my lingo.
My confusion must have shown on my face, as I found myself voicing my concerns aloud. "So, kid, what exactly are you doing here with nothing but the clothes on your back? Not exactly sure you're dressed to go around in that here."
Her explanation came tumbling out, "O-Oh this… I'm from Abydos, I was helping out for my school, you see, we're in a bit of a pinch with money and I'm helping out my underclassmen to repay the debt we owe."
Abydos… Must be a newly founded settlement… Okay, then.
The pieces of information she provided painted an increasingly baffling picture. "Wait, you're a student?! Dressed like that?" I couldn't hide my shock. "It's a miracle nothing bad has happen to you out here… Jesus, kid."
The gravity of her situation hit me, and I found myself compelled to offer assistance. "Come on, think you can point me where the nearest settlement is? I might drop you off there. Debt? Who hands debts to a school?!"
The girl with the unusual light blue-ish hair stood before me. Her nervousness was clear.
As we trudged through the desert, I took a moment to study the kid more closely. Her attire was unlike anything I'd seen in the Wasteland before. She wore what appeared to be a regular school uniform, like those from Vault City, except a bit… Tighter.
The uniform consisted of a long-sleeved white blouse with sand coated some of the parts, its collar neatly pressed despite the desert heat wrapped under it was the collar to a blue necktie. A plaid skirt fell to just above her knees, swaying slightly with each step she took. The fabric looked far too delicate for the rugged terrain we were traversing.
What caught my eye, however, was the harness strapped across her chest. It was made of sturdy leather, crossing underneath her chest. On the side of her chest, an empty holster hung ominously.
An empty holster? Smart kid to carry at least something. But dumb enough to see it clearly missing.
"Kid," I began, curiosity getting the better of me, "that holster you're wearing… You got a piece with you?"
She glanced down at the empty holster, a flicker of emotion crossing her face that I couldn't quite decipher. "Oh, this? Well, for protection and training. Don't know how safe you have it until you get robbed."
"Where is it?"
She stayed silent; I noticed her hand unconsciously moving to the empty holster, as if missing the weight of whatever weapon usually resided there. The gesture spoke volumes about the kind of life the young had to endure here, less harsh now with the new quality of life around the settlements.
But not something a parent would want to see their kid trouble with.
Despite my growing concerns, I decided not to press the issue further for now. We still had a long journey ahead of us. No need to build ice between us now.
"I see," I replied noncommittally.
For several minutes, she remained skittish, her eyes darting between my face and the surrounding desert as if expecting danger to materialize at any moment. Gradually, however, her posture began to relax, her shoulders lowering slightly as she seemed to accept that I posed no immediate threat.
"Kivotos," she said softly, pointing in a direction that, to my eyes, looked indistinguishable from any other part of the vast desert. "That's where I'm from. It's not too far from here."
Kivotos? Never heard of it. Then again, settlements pop up and disappear all the time in the Wasteland. Let's hope the people there aren't as strange as the name.
As I prepared to follow her lead, an odd sensation beneath my feet caught my attention. The sand felt… different. Wetter. I lifted my boot, examining the sole with a furrowed brow.
"Mister, are you coming?" Her voice called out, tinged with worry from I can tell and a hint of worry.
I looked up, meeting her gaze. "The name's Thirteen. Don't wear it out."
Wet sand in the middle of the desert? Peculiar. But we've got more pressing concerns right now.
The peculiarity of the wet sand beneath my feet nagged at my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Pausing for a moment, I decided to investigate further.
"Hold on a sec, Kid," I said, gently disengaging from the student.
I reached for my canteen, examining it closely. My fingers traced its surface, searching for any signs of damage or leakage. To my surprise, the container was intact – no holes, no cracks, nothing that could explain the mysterious moisture on the ground.
Strange. If it's not coming from my canteen, where's this water coming from?
Next, I ran my hands over my coat. The fabric was completely dry, ruling out any possibility that I had unknowingly spilled water on myself earlier.
"Everything alright?" Finally, she returned close to me and asked, her voice tinged with concern.
I nodded, trying to mask my confusion. "Yeah, just checking something. It's nothing. Nothing to worry about." I shook my concern away, along shook with my head.
Nothing visible, at least. But something's definitely off here.
As I rejoined her, my mind raced with possibilities. The wet sand, the intact canteen, the dry coat — it all added up to a mystery I couldn't quite solve. In the end, I decided to file this peculiarity away for later consideration.
"Let's keep moving," I said, gesturing for her. "We've still got a long way to go before we reach this city of yours."
We set off, taking advantage of the cooler night air before the merciless sun could rise and turn the desert into an oven. As we walked, I noticed the wrapping from her arms tightly around herself, her inadequate clothing offering little protection against the dropping temperature.
Daytime in the desert can be unbearably hot, while nighttime brings freezing cold temperatures after all.
Jesus, her clothes are really showing off her chest. She needs a new uniform.
And Speaking of ice.
I felt a pang of sympathy for her, with clothes that just barely called itself a uniform that she's wearing must be freezing right now. So, I shrugged off my coat. "Here," I offered, extending it towards her.
Her eyes widened in surprise all of the sudden. "Wha? Huh?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Take it," I insisted. "Unless you want to get sick from the cold."
She shook her head vigorously. "No-no, it's fine, really."
I sighed, exasperated by her reluctance. "Argh, no need to be humble. Just take it and I'll ask for it once we get somewhere safe. And warm."
Despite my insistence, the kid continued to decline, her voice growing softer with each refusal. "I… I can't. You've already done so much. I'm just wasting your time."
Well, we've already wasted enough moonlight. It doesn't matter in the end.
Realizing that neither of us was going to back down, I came up with a compromise. I loosened the straps of my coat, adjusting it to fit both of us. "Come on," I said, gesturing for her to move closer as I wave my hand that held my coat over. "We'll share. No arguments."
The kid hesitated for a moment before nodding sheepishly. She stepped closer, allowing me to drape half of the coat over her shoulders. We must have looked ridiculous — two strangers huddled together under a single coat, trudging through the desert dunes.
As we walked, I couldn't help but wonder about this girl and the settlement she spoke of. "So, kid," I began, hoping to fill the silence, "tell me more about this Kivotos place. What kind of settlement is it?"
The question seemed to brighten her up, and a slight smile appeared on her face. "Oh, it's wonderful! It's a city actually. Each district has its own academy different from each other."
Several schools in one settlement? This get's better by the second. Can't wait to see who's the rich bastard with cash to fund all of this. And if rich settlements go with my belief is that…
They certainly have good booze on the shelf.
"And you're from one of these academies?" I prompted, curious to learn more.
She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I attend Abydos. We're… well, we're not the most prestigious now, but we try our best."
Hm.
Hope this is worth it.
"Wanna hear a joke?" The student started.
"I'd really rather not."
She still went through with it. "So what did the mama wolf tell its cub before going to sleep?"
Ugh.
As we crested a final dune, the sight that greeted us was nothing short of breathtaking. There, rising from the desert like a mirage made real, stood Kivotos. An oasis.
My eyes widened, struggling to comprehend the sheer scale and modernity of what lay before us.
Towering skyscrapers pierced the night sky, their sleek facades gleaming under the stars. The city's skyline was a jagged silhouette of glass and steel, each building seeming to compete with its neighbors in height and grandeur. Some structures twist into impossible geometries, defying conventional architecture.
The most striking feature, however, was the light. Kivotos blazed with illumination, a stark contrast to the dark desert surrounding it. Countless windows sparkled like a constellation brought down to earth, while massive holographic displays flickered and danced across the sides of buildings. Streets and walkways were clearly visible even from this distance, glowing arteries pumping life through the urban expanse.
So there it was, Kivotos… My god.
The realization hit me hard. This was no ordinary wasteland settlement. The scale, the technology, the sheer impossibility of it all…
I wasn't back home — My real home in the wasteland — sure of it. I felt a small pang of disappointment. Sure, I expected to be back home at my old farmstead by now. Maybe gamble my earnings away at Hoover Dam's Dusty heart bar.
My mind raced, trying to place this marvel within the context of my fragmented memories. Like my head was battling on both sides.
Most of all, no damn way this was So-cal. Los Angeles? Shit, if this was then we would be scrambling for fresh air then. Then maybe the city from North… No, no… Last I heard from office gossip, it would all be rubble once I touchdown back to the surface if that's the case.
Guess that corporate house in Keys will have to wait for me…
Beside me, this Abydos student's voice broke through my thoughts. "It's nothing like it," she mused, her eyes fixed on the distant lights that painted the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.
"Yeah…" I managed to reply, still struggling to process the sight before us.
Let's hope it's nothing like both of my old lives.
As we stood there, taking in the spectacle.
Big city lights… You can't beat em.
With a deep breath, I steeled myself for whatever lay ahead. Well, another place for me, after all.
Here we are, heading to it like moths to a flame.
I glanced at the student, her face illuminated by the distant glow of Kivotos.
I finally got out of my trance. Once I noticed a small swirl of sand building up under my boot. I turned back to see it… "Come on, hurry." That and the large sand storm heading towards us.
…
As night continuous and a fierce sandstorm whipped up around us, we managed to find shelter in a small, abandoned house on the outskirts of town. As she explained, these used to be part of Abydos, now just left to rot or for the carriers to pick apart.
The structure was abandoned. A large hole went from the ground floor to the roof, but it would serve as a refuge from the howling winds outside.
I immediately set about scavenging what I could from the remnants of the house. Most of the wooden furniture and fixtures were dry-rotted, perfect for fuel. Soon, a small fire crackled in what was once a living room, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
We both around the fire, the warmth a welcome respite from the desert's nighttime chill. I busied myself with an old toaster I'd found, absently tinkering with its mechanisms that I know for a certain sounded promising inside for me to open as my mind wandered.
The silence between us stretched on, broken only by the crackling of the fire and the muffled roar of the sandstorm outside. Then, unexpectedly, her voice cut through the quiet.
"So about that mama wolf? You wanna know what she told to her cub?"
I glanced up from the toaster, momentarily confused. The girl's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. Must be some incredible joke.
But I think I'll sleep this one off.
Exhaustion from our long trek suddenly washed over me. Whatever tale she was adamant about spinning, I wasn't sure I had the energy to engage. With a weary sigh, I set the toaster filled with bullets for some reason aside and settled in for the night, leaving her to whatever she wants to do.
"I suggest you take a rest for morning." My last words to her before I laid my back on the ground. "I need the sleep… " I murmured, my hand take my cap and cover my face with.
Sadly, the figure frowned as the ranger took his eyes off from her.
As she nestled her knees tightly against her chest, the soft crackling of the flickering flame had decided was enough she could let her attention settled with. The makeshift stone-pit, crafted by the stranger she had encountered, emitted a comforting warmth, keeping him from the biting cold of the night until the sun's gentle rays embraced the horizon.
Tonight, for the figure has been a nice.
"Goodnight."
A/N: Oh man. Hope you enjoy!
Shout out to the friends on Discord. You've been the realest to help me out figuring this story. A russian, 4 based latam and 4 of my fellow countrymen and cunny enthusiast.
Also to the A-town center mall hobby shop. I know 3 of you are reading this and thanks for the intense roleplaying and story writing you guys put in your sessions. 4 years and more.