Blackout

[Blackout]

I have to say I'm impressed Blackout. Not many dust babies would have been able to survive something like that even if they were in a group that outnumbered the dracs. What exactly were those things that you threw? I was awake long enough to see you throw them at the ground and I passed out right after that
Connor and I called them flash bangs, but not like the hand grenade kind. These you can just throw at the ground and not have to worry about a pin and timing, and they pack just as much of a punch as their grenade counterparts. The ingredients include a bit of C4, but they're mainly used for diversions and getting out of a tough situation, but if you use enough of them at once, they can blow a pretty decent sized hole in a wall. Connor and i found that out the hard way.
mind if I take a look at them?
not at all
*I take out a few of the flash bangs and hand them to Ghoul. They're about the size of a marble and have a grayish color to them*
that's interesting, packing that much power into such a small package. *hands them back to Blackout*
well I must thank you Blackout. We probably would've ended up six feet under or worse if it wasn't for your quick thinking. Now Party, I know your wounded as well, let her take a look, I'll be fine
Alright Kobra. But if you end up dying on me I'll kill you. *limps over to Blackout and sits down*
*I don't think to ask what Kobra means by "or worse," but it's probably something I don't want to know. So I keep my lips shut as Party comes over*
ok, where were you hit?
graze to my left ankle and neck, and then a hit to my hand. *holds up my bad hand for her to bandage*
*I carefully take his hand and open up my vial of medicine*
ok, this might sting a bit
*winces in pain when the medince touches my hand, but I don't move it and let her do the same to my neck and ankle* Blackout, I can't thank you enough for saving Kobra. I don't know what I would've done if he had died, he's the only family I have left.
*the pain in my back is worse now and it causes my hands to shake tremendously, but I manage to finish bandaging his wounds*
I already had my brother taken away, I wouldn't be able to bear seeing another's taken
I wish there was something, anything that I could do to help you Blackout, I really do. But unfortunately I can't at the moment because of-
*he's cut off as a little girl runs into the room*
Party! *I jump into his arms* are you ok? What happened? Is Kobra ok?
*smiles* hey kiddo. and yes im alright and so is Kobra thanks to our new friend here. Meet Blackout
You're the one who saved Kobra?
well it wasnt so much me as it was my brother's medicine
But you still saved him, so that makes you a good person in my book. *looks at Party* is Kobra ok enough for me to see him?
He should be, and he could use a little cheering up. Why dont you go do that?
ok Party! *gives him a hug and runs out of the room*
*watches her leave and turns back to Blackout* because of her. For some reason, BLI is after her, but there's no way in hell that we'll let them have her. We've been running a lot more since we found her, but it'll be worth it if we can protect her from BLI
I understand. Do you know her story?
*my hands are shaking really badly and i almost drop the medicine vial as i put it back in my bag. I bend down to pick up my bag and I bite my lip to keep from crying out as a sharp pain stabs through my back*
*shakes head* she hasnt really said anything about it since we took her in. *notices Blackout shaking* You're hurt arent you? God Dammit, why didnt you say anything?
Its not that bad. You guys were more injured than I am
*i try to straighten my back and sparks dance in front of my eyes, and I have to grab onto a table to retain my balance*
"Not that bad?" Blackout you cant even stand up! That classifies as very bad! *stands up and looks Blackout over* where were you hit?
Lower back. But really, Im fine, it's just a graze

[Blackout]

*gently feels her back and pulls my hand away when I hit the wound and she cries out* If it was a graze it wouldnt cause you that much pain from a light touch. can you walk at all?
*i try to take a few steps and more spots swim in front of my eyes and I have to let Party hold me up so I dont collapse*
I take that as a no. Jet! Get in here!
*runs into the room* what's wrong?
Blackout's wounded. Help me lift her onto the table
*I feel Jet and Party pick me up and help me lay down on the table*
Ok Blackout, we need you to lift up the bottom of your shirt so we can see the wound
*i show them the wound and I hear Jet breathe in sharply*
Why the hell didnt you tell us you got hit? Never mind, where did you put your medicine
In my bag, next to the table
*I hear some Things being moved around and i feel the cold medicine on my wound before it turns into a fire that dances across my back. I think I might have blacked out for a second. I then feel bandages being laid across my back and Im gently lifted off the table*
Blackout, one of the main rules of the Zones is to say something when you're hurt. Wounds can easily go from bad to worse in an instant if you dont do anything about them
Guess I still have a lot to learn about living out here
That's why Dr. D is having us teach you, so you know how to survive out here. Speaking of which, you should start taking these about once a day for a week. *holds up a pill bottle filled small white pills*
and why would I need to take them?
*even though I trust the Fab Four, I dont trust any pills that are given to me*
They're radiation pills, to help your body get used to the high radiation levels out here in the Zones. Unless you want end up with what Korse has and sleep in a tube
*hands her the pill bottle* We understand if you're hesitant with taking them but trust us, having to take these pills is a lot better than going mad and dying
I guess anything would be better than that
*I take the pill bottle and hesitantly swallow a pill. I relax a bit when I don't feel any immediate effects from the pill, as is what usually happens with BLI meds*
Believe me, you'll thank us when you see others getting ill and you're safe. Now get some rest, we'll start your training tomorrow morning
*the exhaustion of todays events finally hits me and I gratefully lay down and fall asleep*

[Blackout]

*I wake up the next morning and sit up, wincing at the pain in my back but at least its not as bad as yesterday. I take another of the radiation pills as Kobra gets up*
*limps over to her* morning, ready to start training?
ready as I'll ever be. How's your leg feeling?
a lot better than I thought it would be. Whatever was in that medicine you gave me worked wonders. Now grab your gun and follow me outside
*I do as he says and walk outside. I see a few drac masks attached to boulders that I'm guessing are makeshift targets. I watch Kobra draw a line in the dirt with his foot*
Just stand here and shoot the masks, doesn't get any simpler than that
*the line is a good 50 feet or so from the masks, and as expected, my shots don't go anywhere near to hitting them. For the next hour and a half, Kobra helps me perfect my aim until I'm able to get all my shots to hit the mask*
very good. Now try to hit the mask that's on the cactus back there, but first recharge your gun. *I toss her a fresh battery* always make sure that you have extra betteries on you, or else your gun won't do you any good
*i pop the new battery into my gun and i look down the makeshift range. the mask he's referring to is at least ten to fifteen feet behind the first one, making it even harder to hit. But under Kobra's guidance, I manage to hit that mask as well. When I'm allowed a short break, the little girl comes out with some Power Pup for us and two apples, my mouth waters at the sight of them*
where did you get the apples?
Party and everyone got them from a delivery truck heading to the city. They're really good aren't they?
*I bite into one of the apples and savor the taste of it*
they're very good, especially after having only Power Pup to eat for the past few weeks. Connor and I never got to have apples when we were in the city, or any kind of delicious food for that matter
*finishes my apple and tosses the core into a bush* well finish up and then it's back to target practice
*I thank the little girl for the food and pick up my gun again. Some time during the training Party comes out and watches*
very impressive Blackout. You're lucky to be able to learn from one of the beat shooters in the Zones. Good to see you walking around Kobra
i don't know about that Party. *goes to look at the mask* you've got a good grouping on this Blackout, but I want to see if you can replicate that one shot from the firefight. Think you can do it?
*in my mind I'm thinking no way, but as always, my competitiveness kicks in before my brain does*
I think so
good to see that you're willing to take on a challenge. Let me just set something up. Party, do you mind helping me out? *walks over to the target with Party*
*I step back to the line and look at the mask, thinking Kobra is going to put up two dummies or something but instead he stands near the target with Party, about where they were during the battle. All of my competitiveness vanishes in a nanosecond*
nope. Changed my mind, I'm not doing it, not while you two are standing there.
blackout, we have faith in you. We know you can do it
no, I'm not going to risk hurting either of you two. That one shot was just a stroke of luck! I could be hear for a month and not be able to replicate it!
Blackout. Stop, focus, and shoot the damn gun, you did it before and I know you can do it again
*I open my mouth to protest again but Kobra stops me with a look. I think back to the fight and try to remember what I did that let me get that one in a million shot, but it just been an impulse that I followed. I turn back to Kobra and Party and I replay the scene in my head. When it comes to the part when the drac appears I let my instincts take over and I fire the shot. When I open my eyes I see Kobra and Party grinning and the mark on the drac mask. I let out my breath in a sigh of relief and they walk over*
you were saying about being here for a month and not being able to make that shot?
guess I was wrong. To be honest I didn't think I would make it at all
well apparently you thought wrong. That right there is a perfect example of why you should never underestimate anyone, especially yourself. *looks up at the sky* its getting late, and I think you've done plenty of training with me for the day, but I believe Jet and Ghoul want to see you tomorrow about knife training
you can talk with them first thing in the morning
ok, I'll do that right when I wake up
*I hadn't realized how late it had gotten until I see that the sun has nearly set. I walk back inside and fall asleep*

[Blackout]

*I wake up the next morning and walk into the main room to see Jet and Ghoul talking in one of the booths. They both look up when I walk over*
Kobra said you wanted to see me about knife training?
that we did. Have you ever used a knife for fighting?
not really. Usually in the fights that I was in we didn't use weapons or anything, just our hands
you fought in the city?
*I look down at the ground for a moment*
we needed some way to get food that didn't involve stealing and getting caught. I usually only did it when we had almost no food left and we couldn't get any through our usual sources
there's no need to feel ashamed or anything, you just didn't seem like the fighting type to me
*I look back up and shrug*
I can be a fighter when I have to, which was usually often back in the city
well that was in the past, so now let's get to teaching you how to use a knife without cutting your own fingers off. *stands up and walks outside*
*I follow them outside and around the back of the diner where a wooden palet is propped against the wall along with several sand bags*
Now Jet and I are going to teach you two different styles of knife fighting. I prefer to use them as throwing weapons while Jet uses them for hand-to-hand
both are good techniques to know. You can't only rely on your ray guns in a fight
*takes out several throwing knives* rule number one about using knives, make sure they're sharp, otherwise they won't do you shit. always keep a whetstone on you. *hands her a whetstone* this can be yours to keep. *chooses a knife and walks about ten feet away from the palet* there ar two different techniques that I know of for throwing knives. The one I prefer is to hold the knife by the blade and throw it in an arc over your shoulder. *demonstrates and buries the knife deep in the wood*
*I stare in awe at the knife, which is still quivering slightly from the impact*
very nice Ghoul, although not as well as you usually are
well excuse me for having a shot arm! *looks at Blackout* give it a try Blackout, but don't expect to get it the first time, it took me a long time to master this
um, ok
*I pick up one of the knives. It's about six inches in length with a black leather grip. I can tell that the blade is wicked sharp, which makes me a little nervous about holding it. I suck it up and hold the knife the way Ghoul showed me and try to copy what he did. It hits the wood on the handle and bounces off. I can feel my face turn red from embarrassment*
it's alright that you didn't get it the first time, as Ghoul said, it took him months to get it right
if you're not comfortable with holding the blade then there's the other way that you can try that's also a lot faster to ready. You hold onto the grip with your finger tips and throw the knife in almost like a flicking motion like this. It also keeps the point aimed at the target so there's less chance of it bouncing off
*I watch Ghoul demonstrate this other method, and i try it myself. The knife sticks into the wood but doesn't go in as deep as Ghoul's*
very good. I think this method is a lot better for you. *walks over to the board and removes the knives before sticking up a drac mask* now try to work on accuracy

[Blackout]

*the next hour goes by, but try as I might, I cant get any of the knives to hit the mask. I start to get frustrated and Jet has to stop me before I try to storm off*
Stop for a second, take a deep breath. Getting worked up over this is not going to help. This is not something that is going to magically be mastered in one day. Go take a walk around and let off some steam
*his words have a bit of a calming effect on me and I walk off away from the diner and into the desert. I find a dead tree that still has some sturdy branches and climb up it. it's been a long time since I've been able to climb a tree and not think about anything else. I hook my legs on a branch and swing down so im hanging upside down by my knees. I gently swing back and forth with my eyes closed when i feel something hit my forehead. I open my eyes and my necklace is swinging in front of my eyes. I climb down and open the locket. We were so happy back then, and it was true happiness, not BLI, pill-induced happiness. I feel tears start to blur my eyes and I blink them away. I think back to what the drac told me in the alley and I feel a surge of emotion go through me*
You better be ready drac, because the next time we meet, only one of us is walking away, and its not going to be you
*I walk back to Ghoul and Jet and pick up two knives, they dont say anything and watch me. I look down at the mask and close my eyes. I feel myself throw the knives, hear the "thunk" of them hitting the wood, and then the reactions of Ghoul and Jet*
Holy shit...
no way... Did she really just... Blackout.
*I open my eyes and see Jet and Ghoul staring at me*
how did you... i mean how... *I stare at Blackout, completely speechless*
*I look at the mask and I feel my own jaw drop. I didnt hit the mask, I had landed both knives in the mask's eyeholes. The mask itself is untouched. I have to walk over to the mask and look at it up close to make sure that I wasnt just seeing things. I hear Jet and Ghoul walk up behind me. When I speak it's in a shocked whisper*
How did I do that?
We were going to ask you the same thing. Just trying to get one shot like that is one-in-a-million, but both of them... *looks at Blackout* you sure you've never used a knife before?
never, this the first time i've tried it
*notices something strange about Blackout's face* Blackout what color are your eyes?
they're usually gray. Why?
*takes out a knife with a large blade and holds it in front of her* it's not a mirror but it'll do
*I look at the blade and I take a surprised step back. My eyes are a bright gold color. As I look at them, they slowly fade back to their normal light gray color*
they've never done that before. Trust me, this is all new to me
We believe you, we've never seen anything like that before either. Hmm, I wonder... Try going back and throwing another knife, aim for the mouth of the mask this time
*I pull out the two knives and walk back to where I threw them. I try throwing both of them and they miss. i try again and miss again. After a third attempt I feel my frustration coming back but I grab my necklace and force it back down. My next throw lands in the dead center of the mouth. I look back at Ghoul*
Your eyes are gold again. it seems as if they give you a bit of, I guess you could say power. it might be from some radiation exposure in the city, but to be honest im not sure how you might have gotten that
Your guess is as good as any, because i have no clue
Well let's see if it helps you in hand to hand as well. *hands her a knife with a rubber blade that's a bit heavier than the throwing knives* now try to attack me, the best way to learn this style of fighting is to actually fight someone
*I take the knife and look at Jet, even though it's just a training knife, I still dont feel comfortable with trying to attack him. I try just running at him with the knife up and he easily sidesteps my attack, grabs my arm, forces the knife out of my grip, and places his knife against the back of my neck, all in what looks like one swift motion*
you'll have to try harder than that Blackout *releases her and hands back her knife* dont be afraid to hurt me, im already battered from the firefight, a couple more bruises wouldnt matter. Pretend like you're actually fighting me

[Blackout]

*I take back the knife and ready myself. When I see that Jet is ready I rush at him again, more aggressively this time. He catches my arm while it's in mid-swing and kicks my legs out from behind. I end up on the ground with his knife at my neck again*
try not to make your actions too obvious, learn to watch and anticipate your opponent's attack while keeping them guessing about what you're going to do next, then use your speed to catch them off guard *offers her a hand and pulls her back onto her feet* now let's try having me attack you. Ready?
*I nod and he moves so fast I barely have time to register it before he's right in front of me and I spin out of the way. He then appears to my side and my self taught fighting technique kicks in. I twist to the side, slashing at his arm while I do it, and jump back, trying to keep him in my line of vision*
There we go, much better
*this goes on for several more minutes until I start to tire and foolishly drop my guard a little. Jet immediately knocks the blade out of my hand, knocks me to the ground, and gets his knife aimed at my heart*
what was that?
a huge error and stupid mistake on my part
you should never drop yur guard in a fight. It's like I told you before, if an enemy sees they've got you scared or tired they'll walk all over you
*at this point I'm breathing hard and sweat is dripping down my face, and my arms and legs protest as stand back up. Jet looks like he could run a marathon after all this and would still have energy left over to kick my ass in another match*
we understand if you're tired but this is one thing that we cannot stress enough. if you're in a fight do not drop your guard. No. Matter. What. You drop your guard in a fight like this, *mimes cutting my throat* understand?
*I nod at Ghoul and start taking in deep breaths to try to get my heart rate back down*
if you need to take five Blackout then do it
*I shake my head. If I tried to rest it would be harder for me to do anything afterwards*
we'll do one more match and then you can get some rest. You'll have a long road ahead of you tomorrow
*a small burst of sadness bubbles up inside me as I realize that I'm going to have to say goodbye to them soon. I shake off the sadness and ready myself. I want to give Jet a fight he will remember. Before the match begins, i see Party and Kobra come around to watch. Great, as if I didn't already have enough pressure from Jet and Ghoul to do well, now i also have to impress Party and Kobra. At the signal from Ghoul, we rush at each other. I don't try to go crazy this time and I keep myself focused on Jet's actions. I can soon pick up on the small signals he does before a certain action, but he is able to do the same with me. I quickly start to tire again, but I stay focused on Jet. After I dodge a swipe from him, I get an idea. I let myself relax a bit, trying to make it seem like I'm dropping my guard and I see a look of disappointment on Jet's face when he rushes in at me. He thinks I've left myself wide open, but he's also done the same now. I wait until the last moment before using my knife to knock the blade out of his hand and i point it at his throat. The look of disappointment disappears and is replaced with a praising smile, and I hear the others applauding behind me*
well done Blackout. you really got me with that little trick. And in that note I believe you have officially graduated Killjoy Training
*I smile and lower the knife*
it's been an honor learning from all of you, I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me
and it's been a pleasure teaching you
you should get some rest Blackout, you have a long journey ahead of you
*exhaustion finally kicks in as I give Jet and Ghoul their knives back and I head inside. I walk over to the booth that I woke up on and collapse into it*
*watches her walk inside* im going to miss her when she goes, she's a good kid
she's more than that, she's an incredible fighter with a lot of fire in her, and anyone who gets in a fight with her should be scared
I think she'll be able to survive in the Zones just fine
she's a killjoy through and through, no doubt about that

[Blackout]

*I wake up tHe next morning to the little girl holding a tray of food*
morning sleepyhead! *hands her the tray of food* are you really leaving today?
as soon as I get my stuff together I will be.
*I take the tray from her and start eating. I also take another pill with the food*
aw, I was just starting to get used to having you here. Why do you have to go?
well let's just say that I've got some unfinished business to attend to, and my brother is waiting for me to take him home
i wish you could stay longer, but I understand. *picks up the now empty tray* oh, Party and everyone wanted to see you before you left, I think they're outside
thanks, I'll go see them in a second
*I watch the little girl leave and I go to gather up my things. I see that someone has already packed my bag for me and has set next to the booth with my gun. My gun is also fully charged and cleaned. I smile as I walk out of the diner and find the Fab Four waiting for me next to a drac motorcycle*
you didnt think we would let you leave without saying goodbye first, did ya?
the thought never crossed my mind. Thank you for everything, for finding me, for training me, I can't thank you enough
*brings out a wrapped bundle and hands it to Blackout* just a little something from Jet and I
*I unwrap the bundle to find a set of throwing knives, a belt sheath, and a larger close-combat knife. I look up at them smiling*
you better practice with those, next time I see you you should be able to beat me without any tricks
you can be sure that I will!
*I put on the belt and adjust it when Kobra walks over with something*
Party and I also have something for you, but it's from all four of us
*he hands me something and it's a dark leather holster. "Blackout" is branded down one side and the Fab Four's symbols are branded on the other side. I run my fingers over the symbols and tears sting my eyes*
I don't know what to say. They're wonderful, thank you so much
*I attach the holster to the belt and place my gun in it. I go around and give each of them a big hug while trying not to let tears escape, starting with Jet*
I wish there was someway I could repay you for everything you've done for me
Blackout, you pretty much saved our asses from ending up six feet under. We should repaying you. You are an incredible fighter, and make sure everyone you meet knows that
*I continue on to Ghoul and I feel a strange tingling in my eyes*
*smiles* guess you don't have to be fighting for your eyes to turn gold. Keep that fire inside of you and nothing can stop you
*a few tears roll down my face and I hastily wipe them away before approaching Kobra*
i owe you my life Blackout. Had it not been for you I might not be standing here. You saved my life, and I intend to do the same for you some day
*I feel my throat tighten up as I walk over to Party*
you are a true killjoy Blackout, in body, mind, and heart. Promise me that you'll always stay shiny
*my voice catches in my throat before I manage to respond*
I promise Party
good. *I give her a look of mock seriousness while unsuccessfully trying to smile* because if you break this promise, then so help me I will track you down myself. Are we clear?
*I smile as I look back at him*
crystal
*he releases me and I walk over to hop onto the motorcycle. The little girl comes back out and runs over to give me a quick hug*
thank you for saving Kobra and thank you for helping Party, but if you don't stay shiny I will have him go after you!
then I guess I'll have to always stay shiny then. Which means that you all better stay shiny as well
*I start the motorcycle and give one long, last look at the legendary Fabulous Four before tearing off into the desert*

[Blackout]

*after driving down the highway for a bit, I figure out how to get Dr. D on the motorcycle's radio and I grin wildly as Na Na Na blasts through the radio. As the song ends, I see a few dracs watching the road. I stop the motorcycle when they move to cut me off, and I hop off of the bike. the dracs in turn dismount from their motorcycles and approach me with their guns raised*
hello boys, lovely day out in the Zones isn't it?
*they look at each other, clearly not expecting my casual demeanor but they don't put their guns down. One of them, I guess the leader of the three, steps forward with his gun raised*
you have guts killjoy, going up against us when we outnumber you three to one
*I casually lean against the bike and smirk at them*
oh please, I could take you three in my sleep
*I pull my mask over my eyes and I can tell my eyes changed when I see the drac take a small step back, but he recovers himself and step towards me threateningly*
interesting, a mutant killjoy? The scientists would be very interested, they have been running short on lab rats lately. We should bring you to the tower
*I take out a knife and absent mindedly twirl it on my finger*
I'd like to see you try and take me back to the city
*smirks* very well killjoy, challenge accepted. *I raise my gun to shoot her and she's suddenly right in front of me*
hello *I quickly stab the drac in the chest* and goodbye
*the drac manages to get a shot off before he dies and it grazes my ribs, but I ignore it and turn to face the other two dracs. One takes out a wicked looking WWII cumillus knife and the other fires at me with his gun. The one with the knife charges at me and I manage to dodge him but I don't get my knife in him as he passes. He runs back a ways and takes out his gun as well*
can't play fair now, can you boys?
*they don't answer and cover me on both sides. I get two throwing knives in my hands and throw them at the dracs, they catch one drac in the stomach and the other in his gun hand. The latter turns to run away and I shoot him in the back of the head. I walk over to the other drac who is still alive and he gives me a scared look when i approach him and I take off his mask. He seems to be about Connor's age Ora little older, probably just started as a drac. He was in obvious agony and tried to get away from me when I took off his mask. I hit the back of his neck on a specific nerve and he goes unconscious, a little trick I picked up from fighting in the city. While he's out I gently remove the knife from his stomach and, I have no idea why I did this, but I cleaned and bandaged his wound. I then bandage the graze on my ribs before hearing the leader's radio crackle to life and I answer it*
*rb* patrol number 12 what's your status?
*rb* I'm sorry, patrol number 12 is unavailable at the moment, but they are in need of a lift back to the tower
*rb* who the hell is this?!
*rb* just tell Korse that there's a new killjoy in town, and she means business
*I put the radio down next to the alive drac and search the other two, pocketing the knife and some extra batteries. As I finish searching the two dracs, I drag the bodies over and make them easier to find. I see the one drac wake up and look at the bandages and then at me. He gives me a look as if to ask "why?" and I smile at him*
not all killjoys are killing machines, I only fought because your leader started first, and I'm not the kind of person who wants to watch others suffer. Your ride will be here soon. remember the name Blackout, and remember that not everyone is who you think they might be
*I turn around and walk back to where I parked the bike. I'm fully aware that I left the drac with a gun, but I don't hear any sounds that he might be aiming at me. As I hop on the bike I look back at him. He's just watching me. I give him another smile and a bit of a farewell salute before tearing off down the highway*

[Blackout]

*as the sun starts to go down, S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W starts playing and I start looking for some shelter for the night. I think I'm somewhere in Zone 5, probably still near the edge of Zone 6. Looking around at the desert, I see a couple of dark blobs in the distance and I drive towards them. The blobs soon take on the shapes of houses, or at least what's left of them. Some are nothing more than beams and some floorboards, skeletons of houses. But there are two that look a lot better off. I take a gamble and go to the one that's closer, I park the motorcycle next to it and study the house. It's a one story house with the door hanging off of the hinges and all the windows have been blown out. There's a large hole in the roof but at least the building is still strong enough so it won't collapse on me. The door creaks as I walk in and I quickly check the rooms for any useful supplies that I could use. My search turns up next to nothing so I walk into the main room and lay down on the dusty couch that's standing in the middle of the room. I look at the stars through the hole in the roof for a few moments before falling asleep. Then the nightmares start. One after another, they come and they all show the same scene: my brother being dragged off by the drac with the mangled arm while I'm frozen in place and I can't move to help Connor. One feels almost too real to be a nightmare and I pray for it to end as the drac looms over my dream self*
~*laughs evilly at the girl* what's wrong killjoy? Don't want to stand up and fight me? well thats too bad. No fight means I just take yur brother to the tower~
~*it feels like there's a huge weight on my back and I can barely push myself off the ground. I manage to get myself on my hands and knees when the drac kicks my arms out from underneath me and I face plant into the dirt*~
~on second thought, why don't you just stay down in the dirt where you and all the other killjoys belong *I squat down so I'm somewhat eye-to-eye with this pathetic girl and I place my gun against her forehead, all the while smiling evilly at her plight* say goodbye to your brother, girl. You won't be seeing him again~
*he pulls the trigger and I wake up to someone yelling. It takes me a second to realize that I'm the one who's yelling and crying and I try to calm down. I manage to get my heart rate back down and I look out the window. I can tell it's already late by how high the sun already is. I need to keep moving and find a place to get some food. I quickly swallow another radiation pill and hop back on the motorcycle and peal off onto one of the main highway. I soon see what looks like a gas station in the distance, hopefully there are people there and I can get some supplies. I see the sign for the gas station and the symbol looks awfully familiar, a red circle with some sort of white horse in it*
that's what it is! Party had the logo on his jacket!
*so if the people there mo the Fab Four, which i'd be shocked if they didnt, and i did a little name dropping, maybe they can help me with some food and supplies. About a quarter of a mile from the gas station, the motorcycle engine sputters and dies, and I walk the bike the rest of the way to the station. Guess i'll have to try and get more fuel as well. Thankfully there are some people there who help me get situated with some food and gas. When it comes to the issue of paying for everything, I'm not sure what to do until the person I'm talking with notices my gun holster. He asks if it's legit and I proudly say it is and i take joy in watching his jaw drop and eyes bulge out. When he finally regains his power of speech, he makes me a deal to prove that I really did meet with the Fab Four. if I fight and win a match against one of the fighters that is here at the gas station, I get the gear for free. I agree, because there's no way i can turn down a good challenge. I'm taken to a room where I'm allowed to ready myself. As I wrap some tape around my knuckles, I remember that I havent had a fight since the day before I left the city, the day before Connor was taken. I remember the many times that I came back bloody and bruised from all the fights so Connor could eat that night. I still have a lot of scars to show for what I've been through, but I did it for him, for Connor. Everything I do is for him. I take out my necklace and kiss the picture as if it would bring me good luck. I then do something that I haven't done in a few years, I take off my necklace and set it next to my mask and bag, I didn't want to risk having it get broken or damaged. I'm called over to the room where the fight will be taking place, which is set up like an old boxing ring that everyone at the gas station is standing around. They all look eager to see the fight and I notice a lot of people pointing and whispering about me as I climb into the ring and I get a look at my opponent. He's a fit guy, really tall with big muscles, and he looks like he could easily squash me under his foot. And even though I try to stay focused for the fight, I can't help but notice that he's also fairly handsome. He looks at me and I don't like the way his eyes are lingering on my body*
and why's a pretty girl like you having to fight for food? There are other ways to get what you need, darling. *winks at her*
*I look back at him unfazed, even though I'm a little thrown at his flirting towards me. I don't know if he's trying distract me or what, but I'm not really liking it*
don't call me darling, I'm here to fight and that's what I'm expecting. Think you'll be able to do that much?
*grins* youre a feisty one, aren't ya? And I can call you whatever I want darling. tell you what, if I let you win, I promise not to mess up your pretty face, and you meet me in one of the back rooms afterwards. Deal?
*I glare at him and get into a fighting stance. This jackass is really starting to get on my nerves*
how about we fight, I win, and we go our separate ways. That work for ya?
*I laugh at the spunk this girl has* whatever you say doll. But I'll be seeing more of you later. *steps back and waits for the ref to give the go-ahead*
*the second the ref says go, I jump at my opponent with my fists swinging. Calling me doll was the last straw. My attack catches him off guard, but he easily recovers and is able to grab my arms. I try to get out but he has an iron grip and I can't free my arms*
my offer still stands doll, you don't have to fight me you know, and I wouldn't want to hurt that pretty face of yours
don't. Call. Me. Doll!
*i feel the tingling in my eyes again and I'm able to wrench my arms out his grip, and while he's standing there with his mouth open, I land a punch on his jaw and a jab in his solar plexus, much to the joy of the crowd. He's knocked down but not out, and I glare at him as he gets up*
I know I dont have to fight you, but I am because one, i have to, and two, I enjoy putting asses like you in their place
*stands up rubbing my jaw and shooting daggers at her. This girl knows how to hit hard* so that's how you want to do it? You picked the wrong guy to piss off darling,
bring it on
*he rushes at me and I easily sidestep his attack and spin away from his next strike. he may be bigger and stronger, but I'm faster and more than a little smarter. As long as he doesn't get a punch or two in, I've got this fight in the bag. The fight goes on like this for the next several minutes, with him attacking and me evading him, until he finally puts two and two together and uses a different strategy. One that involves backing me into a corner of the ring, punching me in the stomach and in my mouth, and then grabbing me in a tight bear hug*
last chance doll. Either you do what I say or I start breaking ribs
*he squeezes my chest to emphasize his point. It makes my vision goes fuzzy and it's hard to breathe for a moment. especially since I got all the wind knocked out of me*
like I would give in to the likes of you!
oh really? *I squeeze her chest until I hear one of her ribs crack* how about now doll? Or should I break another rib first?
*the pain is intense, way more than i had thought. It makes me see red for a second and more pain hits me every time i breathe. I think back to the fights I had at the city, and if there's one thing that I learned from all the beatings that i took, it's that when you're in a tough situation, improvise or start fighting dirty. I decided to do a bit of both, I extend one of my legs and then quickly bring it back to knee him in the groin. hard. I think he actually lifted off the ground a little. He immediately let's go of me and collapses to the ground. I calmly wipe the blood from my split lip and try to get my breath back. When he speaks, I'm amused at the fact that his voice is now an octave or two higher*
you... Bitch...
hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, darling.
*I walk out of the ring to collect my prize, wincing at every step. I notice a lot of money exchanging hands, guess everyone here really underestimated me, and I love that I proved them wrong. The man I talked to before stops me before I leave the ring and offers me a room so I can rest and heal for a few days. I gratefully agree and he brings me to one room and helps with my rib. My bag, mask, and necklace are brought in, and I fall asleep on the stiff bed after putting my necklace back on. The fighter did try to get back at me while I was staying at the station, but I'm the kind of girl who sleeps with my gun next to me in case I need it. And let's just say he didn't bother me after the first time he tried to get in the room. After a few days, I feel well enough to continue moving. I had gone through the last radiation pill that Jet gave me, and im glad that i dont have to swallow anymore pills. I quickly fill up the motorcycle's tank and i don't waste any time in getting back onto my bike and driving off towards Zone 4*

[Blackout]

*I make it to Zone 4 later that afternoon, and I stop to eat a can of Power Pup. Ugh, if I have to keep eating this crap, I might as well just starve to death. Maybe I'll get lucky and I'll run into a supply truck, I'm going to need more batteries anyway. As I walk back over to the bike, I hear a faint whirring sound that I thought might have been my imagination, but then I here it again and I look around to find a BLI camera looking at me*
oh shit.
*I quickly shoot the camera and I run for the bike. Who knows how far away the dracs might be? Apparently not that far. As I mount the bike, I hear other motorcycles and I look down the highway to see several dracs and a van. A drac leans out the window of the van and starts shooting at me*
and that's my cue to leave!
*I take off down the highway, trying to lose the dracs. I see some more houses in the distance and I aim the bike towards them, thinking that I could probably lose them in there. Occasionally I would twist around and shoot at the dracs, but it made it hard to steer the bike and aim the gun at the same time, so I kept missing the dracs. When we get near the houses, the other drac in the van leans out and shoots one of the bikes wheels and I bail. I hit the ground hard and I hurriedly stand up in time to see the bike plow headlong into a boulder and burst into flames. The dracs then catch up and I dart into the abandoned neighborhood trying to find a place to hide. As I round the corner past one house I run into another and I scope out a spot to hide in. I squeeze myself into a small corner in a desk that's fairly unseen just as the door bursts open a few dracs run in, I count four shadows from under the desk. They start searching the room and I don't even let myself breathe while they look. It seems like forever before the two dracs leave and I slowly edge out from under the desk. Im suprised they didnt notice- Wait, two dracs? I realize my mistake too late when the other two dracs yank me out of the desk. I'm thrown into the wall and they try to cuff my hands. I fight them off but then the other two return and over power me, but they don't try and kill me. Instead I'm shoved into the desk and my hands are cuffed behind my back. They start to bring me back outside but I fight them until one drac punches me in the head to get me to stop. Hard enough to whip my head around and make me see stars. The next punch turns my legs to jelly so only the dracs are holding me up and I get the coppery taste of blood in my mouth.I wince As he winds up for another punch, but then The crow that's leading the dracs gets in his face and proceeds to yell at him for hitting me. I try to hear what he's saying but the only thing I catch is "Korse wants them alive." well that answers the question as to why they didn't kill me. As I'm brought back to the rest of the patrol, I notice one drac staring at me. I give him my harshest death glare, which I've been told scares the shit out of most people, and I realize that he looks really familiar, but I can't think of why. I'm dragged into the van and the familiar drac sits between me and the other drac. sometime during the drive, I feel something get slipped into my hands. They feel like wires and I give sideways glance to the drac. He makes eye contact and deliberately rubs his wrists, and I understand that he means for me to escape. I immediately get to work on the lock and, thankfully having lock pic experience, I have it picked in no time. As I slide the cuffs off, the drac makes a point of having the driver slow down to check something and that's when I unlock the door and hurl myself out of the van. I hit the ground running and make a dash in the direction of the neighborhood. I realize I'm not being followed when I hear a loud crash and I turn around to see the van run off the road and into a tree. I duck behind a boulder to see how everything plays out, and watch it all. The crow is the first to get out of the van, and even from a distance I can tell that he's fuming. Next comes the familiar drac who is being held by the other two dracs in the van. The crow starts yelling and then punches the drac in the head and the rib cage. He continues to beat the drac until he has the other two drop him on the ground and i see his gun come out and the crow shoots the drac. They all walk back to the van and drive away. Once they're gone I run over to the drac. His mask had been ripped off, and his face was now bruised and bloody. For a second I think he's dead because he was shot in the head, but then I see his eyes flicker and open. I then realize it's the drac from the other day, the one that I helped. He tries to sit up but I hold him down*
don't move, I can try to help you but you'll have to fully trust me
*the drac spits out some blood before speaking to me. his speech sounds strained and slightly slurred, which means he definitely has some brain damage from the shot*
I trust... You... But it... Won't help... I know... Going to die...
don't say that, there is some chance you can live
*he manages to shake his head a slight bit, but then stops when his wounds start to bleed again. I see that his aren't focusing right and the damage must be greater than I thought*
not... Out here... Head shot... Very bad... Not near doctors... would need to... Get to city... Now...
*I realize he's right but I still try to clean him up anyway. I wrap his head, try to wipe off some of the blood, and I keep him lying down because of his ribs*
why did you decide to help me?
you spared... My life... Killed others... Could've killed me... But didn't... And instead... healed me... Wanted to... Repay favor...
*he is suddenly overtaken by a violent coughing fit and I see his lips turn red from the blood. His becomes a hoarse whisper when he speaks again*
and you... Reminded me... Of someone... I knew... Who is a... Killjoy... Can you... Stay with me... Until I die?
*I don't know what to say so I just nod and hold onto his hand to try to comfort him a bit. He starts to get a glassy look in his eyes and his breath becomes shallower, and I know his time has come. He says something to me one last time, his voice only a whisper now, so quiet that I can barely hear him*
thank you... Killjoy... Thank you... Blackout...
*and with that he closes his eyes and he takes one final breath. I sit there for a long time after that, just holding onto his hand with a few tears rolling down my cheek. I stand up and I start to prepare a burial for the drac. It takes a long time, and the sun has almost gone down when I gently put his body in the shallow grave I dug. I bury him with his mask and I carve a headstone for him. Once that's done, I step back and look at the grave for a moment before walking back towards the neighborhood. After walking for a bit I look back at the grave and I notice someone siting near it. They see me and stand up, they look from the grave to me as if to say thank you, before running off in the opposite direction. It must have been the killjoy that the drac knew. I feel sad that he wasn't able to see his friend one last time before he died, and as I continue walking there's complete silence, not even the insects are chirping*