A Fallout Tale Fanfic - 2: Not All Bad

I spotted this place in the distance. It has a wall, and a wall means people. Whether they're good people or bad people we don't know yet. I've started getting used to using guns now. Vent has been helping me out with it. Well, that and also making fun of how bad I am. But he does get impressed whenever I happen to get a good shot in. I'm not too bad with it anymore. It's still not easy though. It would be really nice if I had someone who had my back. Vent has been going on about that for a while now too. He says he wants to get me a friend so I won't be lonely. It's a really kind thought, and I'm sure to him it sounds pretty innocent. But when you're on the receiving end of those words: 'I'm gonna get you a friend' I'll be honest, it sounds like something a matchmaker would say. I never told him that though.

I walk the parameter of the wall looking for the entrance and any people. I can see some people through the gaps in the wall between us.

Vent says, "well they don't look like bandits from out here."

I find a small bridge leading into the little village. There's a guard who stops me. I simply tell him I'm not hostile and he lets me pass but with some warning about 'super mutants' whatever they are. I don't think I'd like to find out. But at least getting in was easy. Must be my appearance. A little girl with glasses isn't very intimidating. But I guess in cases like this that's a good thing. Vent agrees. My face isn't a trouble-causing-looking face. But when I hear him call me ‘adorable’ I can feel my face get ever so slightly warmer.

Ok water. Water water water purified water not dirty irradiated water but pure water.

"Where's the clinic? Look in the clinic" says Vent although I was already thinking about it since that has been the first place we look in every town we come to.

I walk into a few other buildings and check inside of them before I find the clinic. We also pass by some rather odd people complaining about how horrible this town is. Actually nearly every single person said that. Meh, understandable. I don't think I want to stay here either. I open the door and walk into...

"What kind of clinic is this?" I can hear Vent saying, "hello? Hello?" As if anyone else, other than I, can hear him. "This has got to be the creepiest place I've ever seen and this is supposed to be a clinic?"

I agree. This is incredibly creepy. There's a guy lying on the operating table with horrible wounds. He doesn't look too good, maybe even dead already. But finding dead bodies in random places doesn’t phase me as much as it used to. I move on through the saddest excuse for a clinic I've ever seen in my life looking for purified water. Of course, I find nothing, again. I quickly return to the door wanting to find the next town and hurry up and find some water. Then I stop and look at the boy on the table. Wait, he isn’t dead. He's young, looks to be about my age.

"Why is his name Timebomb? That's not comforting!" Says Venturian.

Somehow Vent knows the names of whoever we come across before they even say their names. Strange, I know, but so is everything else about him.

I look around once again looking for the doctor. No one there.

“ This boy is so badly wounded, and it looks like a tricky procedure Vent,” I say to the voice in my head.

“Where’s the doctor? He’s gonna die! Um uh wow ok ok Cywren you know medicine don’t you?”

“What?! I mean sure I know a little, but I’ve never performed surgery before! I hope you’re not suggesting…”

“I know you don’t want to do it Cywren but look he’s dyeing and you’re his only hope!”

I wish he wasn't but he may be right. I take one last look around for a doctor that I already know is not going to come. Vent cringes as he squeaks out an approving "ok" and I set to work.

I'm not sure how long it takes, but as I finally finish I let out a heavy sigh of relief. He's gonna be ok. The boy gets up and he looks at me amazed that he's still alive.

“You—you saved my life. What happened?” Asks Timebomb.

“You had seven bullet wounds and broke both clavicles, but you should be fine now,” I tell him.

“Wow, really? You really saved my life! Thank you, you’re a good person you know that?”

I laugh lightheartedly appreciative of the compliment, “You’re welcome, don’t do anything too strenuous for a few weeks.”

Timebomb thanks me again and he walks out of the clinic.

“See it’s not all bad out here Cywren!” Vent praises me.

“Yeah I guess so.”

After I search a little more of Big Town, Vent and I both agree that we’re not going to find any water here and that we should move on.