Fallout: Wild Horses (Started, Open)

[Generic NPC 22]

The Rabbit Hole:
Previously on One Rabbit to Live

"No no no! My brain would break from the raw awesomeness of YOUR personality and brightness and shininess and lovingness and stupendousness and exquisiteness and perkiness and shininess - wait I already said shininess-" Mercy was overheard saying as the curtain the separated the rooms was parted and the Black Swan of S&M and the Concerned Rabbit sister looked at the two "sisters," bringing the plethora of "nesses" to a stop.

"Um hi?" The Blaster Bunny said as she saw her sister the Bladed Bunny and the curiously dressed Black Lace Bunny standing in the doorway, whispering something to Tessa before explaining that night's plan to the Bomber Ball Bunny and the Big Mouthed Jaw on the Floor Bunny

"We're going to dress up as WHAT?" Mercy exclaimed as she looked at the assembled group before looking at herself, the Built like a 2x4 Bunny. Even Treb would be able to better fill a dress than Mercy would. As she tried to think of how she could help out, in a way that didn't require that she dress up like a hooker, the Pale Rabbit exited the room rather quickly, saying something about keeping watch.

"Tess? V? Umm, I dunno if I can help too much. I mean, I don't know if I'll be able to play the role too well considering, well, these." She said as she pointed to her barely there bunny bewbs.

"I mean, I've never even put on makeup." Mercy admitted looking at the floor.

[hr]

Entrance to the Hole of Rabbits:

"... Well, you look alright.... I'm sorry I didn't help, I should've and I didn't... I'm sorry." The Legionnaire said as the Undertaker passed by him, her silver straight razor still naked and exposed before the Black Bunny thought to even fold it up and tuck it back in its hiding spot.

"[small]Whatever.[/small]" The woman said, in a voice that was barely a breath above a whisper, the face cold and devoid of emotion. She wasn't in the mood to be pities or fawned over or anything of the sort. The Legionnaire probably knew this universal expression: The Game Face.

"Look Legionnaire, I know you think that we should leave this matter of the Knuckleheads in your Legion's hands but if we don't do this tonight, the Knuckleheads will have people that can keep them organized when your army comes to remove them. The last thing that anyone wants is prolonged warfare. I've got enough to worry about without having to worry about burying dead Legionnaires and dead Knuckleheads." The woman said as she removed a couple items from her bag, Rip, her Ripper and Milly, her silenced 10mm pistol.

"You don't have to come with us if you think the risk isn't worth it but the sooner we get the Knuckleheads out of Cheyton, the sooner your Legion can leave Cheyton and the soon I can go put a bullet in Ulysses' skull."

 

[Ruedyn]

Rabbit Den

Treb watched her enter, mumble, and dramatically pull out... two weapons. Treb chewed on his lip and listened to the lady. A ripper, a silenced pistol, and a grudge. He groaned and rubbed his temple, before returning to eye contact. This was the look of a young hot head, about to throw their life away on a futile quest. Treb knew as much. He'd seen it in his friends, and in himself.

"Look Legionnaire, I know you think that we should leave this matter of the Knuckleheads in your Legion's hands but if we don't do this tonight, the Knuckleheads will have people that can keep them organized when your army comes to remove them. The last thing that anyone wants is prolonged warfare. I've got enough to worry about without having to worry about burying dead Legionnaires and dead Knuckleheads."

'If they knew this was a thing, why wouldn't they act before now?' Treb eyed the woman, was she lying? Or did she really think a bunch of thick headed brutes would put up much of a defense against a Legion with surprise and a greater grasp of tactics on their side? Although, Treb had to admit it'd take more than a day if they had these miracle leaders. He held in another sigh, he got the feeling the longer he stayed around here the more he'd do that.

"You don't have to come with us if you think the risk isn't worth it but the sooner we get the Knuckleheads out of Cheyton, the sooner your Legion can leave Cheyton and the soon I can go put a bullet in Ulysses' skull."

"... Fuck. I'm not going to be able to stop you without using my sword... Fine, me not going wasn't on the table anyways, lady, I just didn't want to see you people there... Oh well, I got a sword and the will to use it. Let's go start the clean up." Treb gave a wide grin, though his eyes still held apprehension in them. He looked at her gear again, it didn't look like much, but training made all the difference. That reminded him:

"You're all trained to fight, right? I'm a decent physician, so I suppose I can fill that role, as well as tactician if need be, but I don't know what you and your family is capable of. A basic run through would be nice. You should also probably get me up to speed on whatever other info you're holding on to about the cities gangs."

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Happy House of the Reclusive Rabbits:

"You're all trained to fight, right? I'm a decent physician, so I suppose I can fill that role, as well as tactician if need be, but I don't know what you and your family is capable of. A basic run through would be nice. You should also probably get me up to speed on whatever other info you're holding on to about the cities gangs."

The Undertaker wheeled on the Legionnaire as he asked the questions, the answers to these questions that had already been answered and intelligence that she was holding was all over the whiteboard for anyone to see. Was the Legionnaire being deliberately slow, especially since he wore a coat that bore the emblem of the Followers of the Apocalypse, he should have been a bit quicker on the draw.

"(Always take a moment to breathe before you take the shot)" A voice inside her head echoed, a voice that sounded very much like her mother's.

Her mother was the one who had taught Vicky how to shoot and shoot accurately. One of the things that Mom had faced during her past travels was being quite a bit emotional, a characteristic that carried over to her daughter. It was something that she had eventually managed to overcome with a bit of assistance from her friends but it was still something that Vicky hadn't quite gotten under control.

Inhaling as much air as her lungs could take in, the Pale and Tall woman exhaled it slowly, releasing the pent up emotions that were plaguing her.

"I'm pretty decent at range, better with a rifle but we're not going to be able to take one in there. But Milly here is going to be keeping me company." She said as the 10mm Silenced Pistol materialized in her hand from its hiding spot.

"Tessa's good with her blades, which is close to moderate range. Mercy? Well, I haven't seen her do anything but build so I'm not so sure she'll be good in combat besides rigging up something that'll allow us to get the drop on the Knuckleheads. Vera, is decent with her Plasma Pistol attachment and calling in canine reinforcements, I dunno how she does it but she can do that pretty well. What's more, we might be able to get her to hold onto some of our weapons until we get through the bouncers."

"The plan is simple. Tessa, Vera and I will get into the Brothel where the Knucklehead Lieutenants meet nightly. We'll play the part of the new girls there and we'll keep them distracted. We should be able to take a couple of them out quietly before you and Mercy breach the door, that'll cause them to panic and Tessa, Vera and myself will be able to take them from behind. Simple plan." Victoria said as she pointed at various bits of information on the board.

"Without a proper leader, the Knuckleheads will be fodder for your Legion. From what Tessa gathered about them, they have a habit of fighting one another to find out who the next head Knucklehead is going to be."

"My only hope is that the Khans don't decide to team up with the Knuckleheads just to spite you Legionnaire." Vicky said as she poured herself another glass of the green stuff.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

The Rabbit Hole

Tessa was immediately torn between her desire to seek her sister's comfort and to grab a moment alone with Victoria.

Unknown to everyone around her, Tessa was putting on an exceptionally brave face...and the cracks were beginning to show. As a personal rule, she never dealt well with hiding her feelings and preferred to always speak her mind. A trait that had won admiration in the past, but also it's fair share of ire.

The Khan "guest" was a major deal breaker for her. Tessa admired the Khans immensely, and as a little girl, she aspired to join what she perceived as a group of badasses where your skills mattered above your gender. The fact that they were known as helpers to the Followers scored major points with her.

She didn't agree with the use of chems...with the exception of the very one that defined the Freeside Feral Rabbits...

In her haste to protect her family, she had chosen not to act.

Instinctually, she jumped to the protection of Mercy and Vera. Personally, she remained neutral out of fear of the repercussions when messing with the Khans.

All this...in her home!

Markus had seriously overstepped his boundaries. He may have an army approaching, but this small home still belonged to the Rabbit family!

She should have made a rule to leave your ideals at the door...or at the very least...keep them to yourself.

She did not, for one moment, believe that this "exiled legion" had any good intentions. Sure, it was always easy to mask your true intentions with a good deed...but that was the point, what was this new legion's true purpose?

People become reckless when they have power, she would know...

No matter, if Markus stayed in line, he would have Tessa's blade aiding him...they all had a common threat in mind: Ulysses.

[hr]

What of her sister's, Vera and Mercy?

Well, it looked like they were having a private moment, as unorthodox as the relationship was, she held no judgements.

However, she held a heavy heart.

It was strange, but Tessa was feeling...outed by everyone around her.

Perhaps she needed to get some rest and clear her head, but the feeling was subtle...was it the paranoia again? She was never good at this "sister" business to begin with, having had no experience.

As dejected as she felt from the joy they were experiencing...Tessa wordlessly left her sisters, silently closing the door behind her for their privacy...but not quick enough for her crestfallen expression to be caught by those who were watching.

She had never felt like a mere street-rat in such a long time...

[hr]

Intent to overlook her costume she would be donning for the evening, Tessa motioned to the kitchen counter to grab her jewelled throwing knives and secured them under the guise of an elaborate hair-pin.

She felt naked without her other blades, unfortunately the laced outfit did not allow for any more weapons to be concealed on her body.

Much to her disdain, the laced outfit seemed to contain an elaborate set of ribbons along her body, which would...literally...unravel her clothing when all the ends were pulled.

As much as she loved playing dress-up...this was not her cup of tea.

Why couldn't Vikka snipe any stragglers, Tessa and Mercy would hunt those on foot and Vera would burn the brothel to the ground?

Seemed like a much more elegant solution to her...

[hr]

"The plan is simple. Tessa, Vera and I will get into the Brothel where the Knucklehead Lieutenants meet nightly. We'll play the part of the new girls there and we'll keep them distracted. We should be able to take a couple of them out quietly before you and Mercy breach the door, that'll cause them to panic and Tessa, Vera and myself will be able to take them from behind. Simple plan." Victoria said as she pointed at various bits of information on the board.

"How many are we dealing with, Vicky? I'd like to keep this contained to just the two of us, we're the most skilled in combat...counting only females here obviously."

She nodded towards the man named Treb respectfully, he hadn't said a word to her and she had neither for him. "Either way, a well-trained sword is always welcome. I'd like to spar with you one day."

Tessa looked at the man with a fiery gaze, she saw something in him...skill...something she could respect. He was helping the Rabbit's...it was enough for her.

Tessa had a hairpin of three throwing knives secured, yet she wondered where she would conceal anymore weapons.

"Vicky, these Knuckleheads don't deserve a scrap of mercy...no holding back, no restraints...if things go sideways, you're going to see the reason why I was ever called a Feral Rabbit."

Tessa lifted her skirt, for only Vicky to see, to motion towards her inner thigh, which contained a double dose of psycho and a switchblade.

"Do you want to work in a team, or should we go solo and take down as much as possible?"

Something was severely off about Tessa...

"Please, stay safe. Please...please...[small]please...I can't lose anyone again[/small]

Tessa's last pleas were drowned softly by leaning her cheek against Vicky's and whispering in her ear. Her final words had revealed Tessa's personal stake in all this.

"My only hope is that the Khans don't decide to team up with the Knuckleheads just to spite you Legionnaire." Vicky said as she poured herself another glass of the green stuff.

Turning her attention to Treb once more, she addressed him firmly. "This is my house. You are a guest here. I would like you to keep your business with the Khans separate from the Rabbit name. We are aiding each other because we share a common goal...I won't tarnish your Legion's name, I expect you to not throw around the Rabbit name or associate your ideals with us."

She paused to cement her point further.

"The Khans are respected by me."

Instead of internalizing her frustrations, loneliness, worries and unanswered question with her family and Victoria...she was inhumanely detached from herself...ready to channel all that into sheer rage, force and aggression towards the Knuckleheads.

Or more likely, she was trying to remove herself before she stepped back into her role as the frightening Feral Rabbit...

 

[Soviet Heavy]

snip

Cheyton Streets: Khan Pride Parade
Ollie had managed to catch up with the search party a short while after jumping ship from the band of weirdos calling themselves an assortment of rabbit-themed puns. The Khans had decided to drop further efforts pushing into their territory for the time being. With local gangs either flocking to the Rabbits or fleeing like rats from a sinking ship, it would take some further scouting of the alleyway before they would decide what to do. In the meantime, an assortment of bars remained open in the bigger main streets of town. So the Khans entered, and patrons were pushed out of the way. Or they got a face full of broken glass for their troubles.

Ollie, Harland and Anna were sitting in some who-the-hell-cares tavern with several of the senior Khans. Papa and Mama, Jack and Melissa, were with them, all sharing a drink and going over the day's events.

"Well, I guess the shopping mall might not be the best spot to set up camp, after all," mused Ollie. He'd told Melissa and Jack everything he could about the alley, referencing his sketches frequently, until they had built a pretty convincing picture of the site. The alley stretched along the west side of the markets, before opening up into the scrapyard and into the wasteland. It was left unguarded by the Federation police, content to use the gang violence and the impenetrable walls of trash and metal to keep intruders out. But, as the Khans had discovered that day, it seemed to be failing in this regard. The Legion was in town, either buddies of that fucker Lanius, or others, but still Legion.

"We'll deal with that later," said Melissa. "There's bigger problems than just Cheyton. The outriders have been sent looking for the rest of the clan parties on the plains. The wastes are crawling with raider groups, some numbering in the hundreds. It looks like a whole goddamn nation's been uprooted. These aren't just gangers or fighters, they've got kids and pets with them. It's like a brahmin migration, only with people."

"I managed to get a radio out to my wife, Diane, just before we got into town" said Jack, puffing smoke rings. "She said that the dudes up at Yellowstone are good to ride when we need'em. They're heading south by Oil City. Hope the Brotherhood doesn't give them any shit on the way down."

The Khans all grunted in agreement. Diane currently led the second largest war party in the Great Khan Empire, but even they would be wary of the Brotherhood of Steel. Holed up in Oil City, they extorted anyone who passed by their lands, heavily guarded by the Paladins and Knights. The whole place was a deathtrap, booby traps, tar pits and numerous bombs littered the landscape to keep would be looters away from the tremendous oil stockpile that gave the settlement it's name. The Khans occasionally passed by, zipping through on their horses before the brotherhood could nab them.

"Well, once she gets here, we can start taking it back to the Legion," declared Melissa, eliciting a round of "fuck yeahs!" from the Khans. "Until then, we find out where they are, and track them. It's what we do best. This is our land, and it's time we made them aware of that."

A strange buzzing noise suddenly tugged at Ollie's hearing. The young rider looked around, searching for the source. Anna realized that it was coming from her PipBoy 2500, beeping in her rucksack. "I don't know what it's doing," she said, fiddling with the nobs and dials. "But it sounds like... like a message. It's on a very low frequency, I'll see what I can do."

The Khans looked on intently while the girl tweaked the device. Finally, a very weak message began to play, barely audible.

"Failed...Virgil," "the Legion... only death in Cheyton. I have left two 'ghosts' from... World behind. They cannot be destroyed, Lanius... encounter. That may not matter though. I am now extending the same... Twisted Hares that I did to The Monster of The East... a vault to the northwest of this state.... the bonfire that will lead all who will come to it.... the Monster will find some of the last wonders you'll find... the Old World Gods.... could resurrect a dead Kai-Tzar's dreams of destruction... and some of it... brighter future. I lay no claim to these terrors or wonders. I am only going to lay the offer bare to the both of you. You who would claim the title of Kai-Tzar for yourselves. Both carrying the same diseased illusion that you do what you do for the better of all. The same delusion that brought death to Kai-Tzar."

"Virgil?" said Ollie, "that's what the Hares were calling the Legion fucker earlier! What's the frequency, Anna?"

She shook her head, frustrated. "I don't know, it keeps changing, almost like a ghost. He said northwest though. What's there?"

"Montana," said Jack. "Not much up there but trees and rocks. And a Vault, apparently."

"And," continued Melissa, "possibly our acquaintance, Lanius. Assemble every rider we can get, we've got a date with the Monster."

 

[FalloutJack]

Hmmm. Well, this was shaping up alot better now. The humans had turned on one another, with Martin in a tumble with Joe and McGrath threatening the Ranger with a plasma weapon. And who says he wasn't intelligent? Words carried almost as much power as his claws. Almost. Malkos simply stepped out of the plasma-wielding man's field of vision so that he'd have an absolute clear shot. The Ranger no longer had anyone's back. It was strange how that worked, but it appeared to be the case. He stood ready, just in case, but chances are the Ranger would decide this wasn't worth his time eventually.

"Be gone, Ranger. I don't need or want your approval, and you've lost control of the situation. Go away now, lest you find your death come too soon."

 

[Souplex]

North America
Martin apparently didn't take kindly to having his attempts to murder Joe in cold blood non-lethally thwarted, and had thrown dirt at Joe's eyes. A dirty fighting trick popular with the Khans.
[Lucky Shades]While Joe's left eye was temporarily blinded, the sunglasses had blocked the dirt from hitting his right eye.
[Guns 85, Shoot To Wound]Joe lined up a shot on Martin's kneecap. He was about to give a lesson on Karma. However..
"Hey moron, this is a shotgun that releases hot plasma. If I fire it in your general direction at this range your going get hit by some of it. Sure, if you survive I'm SOL but there is a Deathclaw who has a grudge, and that guy over there whose name I have missed."
What was it about trying to not get killed that made people want to kill you? It was just like how if you tell someone to 'Calm down' it almost always has the opposite effect.
Kneecapping Martin was not an option now.
"Fucking people."
[Karma]Forgive, never forget. The newcomer in the labcoat (Joe decided he would mentally refer to him as "Doc" for now.) could be forgiven for his naivety. Martin however, was simply an asshole. Plain and simple. Martin could not be forgiven. If Joe had his way, Martin would be crawling home on mutilated knees.
"Be gone, Ranger. I don't need or want your approval, and you've lost control of the situation. Go away now, lest you find your death come too soon."
Joe found the Deathclaw a lot more irritating than some of the people he'd really hated throughout the years. It thought it was far smarter than it actually was, acted like anything bad that happened was everyone else's fault, and relied on racial guilt.
[Agility]Joe fell back to avoid Martin's blow.
[Ranger Takedown]As Joe fell, he hooked his feet into Martin's crotch, and launched Martin over him in the direction of "Doc".
"What is it about trying to not get shot that makes you feel the need to shoot me?"

 

[Ruedyn]

The term 'Trojan Whores' came to mind when he heard the plan. He wanted to say it out loud, he really did, but he was polite. And a gentleman. And tonight he'd help a house full of women go take a gang in gimpsuits... He couldn't tell if he preferred the Divide or not, shit was less complicated there.

"Without a proper leader, the Knuckleheads will be fodder for your Legion. From what Tessa gathered about them, they have a habit of fighting one another to find out who the next head Knucklehead is going to be."

"It sounds almost too good to be true..." Treb muttered under his breath, thinking. Then the woman, Tessa came up and hugged her. He wished he hadn't heard her, but he did... She was experienced in this sort of thing. He felt his heart drop a little, but held in his sigh. He wouldn't pity her, that would be disrespectful.

"My only hope is that the Khans don't decide to team up with the Knuckleheads just to spite you Legionnaire."

"Shouldn't be-"

"This is my house. You are a guest here. I would like you to keep your business with the Khans separate from the Rabbit name. We are aiding each other because we share a common goal...I won't tarnish your Legion's name, I expect you to not throw around the Rabbit name or associate your ideals with us."

Treb, instead of responding, simply allowed her her speech. He sat back quietly with a smile on his face, her points were fair. She paused for dramatic effect even.

"The Khans are respected by me."

"And if they stopped handing out chems, and hadn't told me to sodomize my Legate, I'd like them a bit more too. Anyways, the only part of the plan I'm a bit worried about is your sister. I'd like for you to assure me she's trained in combat, I don't want any of you in unnecessary danger here. Is that alright?"

 

[TheDoctor455]

Anyways, the only part of the plan I'm a bit worried about is your sister. I'd like for you to assure me she's trained in combat, I don't want any of you in unnecessary danger here. Is that alright?" Treb said, putting the little eyebot into the uncomfortable position of agreeing with a Legionary.

"I for one think Mer-Mer can handle this," Vera chimed in, trying to get back to her usual cheerful self, "And if it makes any difference to you. I was in The Divide with the Courier going up against Ulysses, the Marked Men, Deathclaws, and Tunnelers long before your little mock Legion set up a training camp in that hellhole. And before you write that off to my equipment or my programming... keep in mind all I had at the time was a low-caliber laser, and the Courier didn't always have a chance to keep an eye on me... and there were plenty of other eyebots in there, but I succeeded where they failed."

Vera realized that she had gotten into Treb's face during that speech. She backed off after a moment.

"And if you need further proof. I can always play back the death-rattle of every single monster I've ever killed. Either way, I know what I'm talking about when I say that Mercy is more than capable of handling this. Besides, we're only dealing with Knuckleheads. I don't know if you've noticed, but around here, they have a thoroughly earned reputation for being complete idiots."

 

[Anti-American Eagle]

Wyoming Wasteland - Somewhere

Joe was blinded in one eye and he fell on his back right before Martin slammed into him.
Joe had some variation of the Ranger Takedown on Martin, he felt the man hook into his groin and the man attempted to launch him forward using his momentum, he expected the man to pull something perhaps not so quickly.

[Ranger Takedown, Luck] Martin was launched maybe a foot away from the man as he was able to catch himself quickly.

Martin put his hand on the hilt of his bowie knife and began moving into a crouched position as he got ready to attack Joe again if he had to.

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Rabbit Hole: Mercy/Victoria

"The plan is simple. Tessa, Vera and I will get into the Brothel where the Knucklehead Lieutenants meet nightly. We'll play the part of the new girls there and we'll keep them distracted. We should be able to take a couple of them out quietly before you and Mercy breach the door, that'll cause them to panic and Tessa, Vera and myself will be able to take them from behind. Simple plan. The Plasma Bunny overheard the Undertaker say as she and Vera stepped/floated out into the main room of the Rabbits' Home after their rather interesting and revealing talk. Her four eyes sweeping the room, she notice Victoria dressed like some sort of Dominatrix, Tessa looking at some sort of ribbon thing that was supposed to be an outfit and Treb looking stern. Focusing specifically on her oldest sister, Mercy noticed that Tessa looked rather uncomfortable about the outfit that she was going to have to wear into the brothel and there was something else as well, some sort of sadness that Tessa was trying to hide.

The plan itself seemed outlandish and dangerous, not to mention foolish since it would put the two most important people in the Until Recently Lonely Rabbit's life in extreme danger without the comfort of having the weapons that they might need.

"Um - Vicky? Why can't we just set fire to the place and pick off all the stragglers as they try to get out of the Brothel?" The Concerned Bunny asked as she unknowingly mirrored her sister's concern about the plan.

"Well, Little Rabbit, the answer is quite simple. We need to make sure that we get them all. The only way to do that is confirm that everyone is there before we strike and to make sure that no one escapes during the the ensuing chaos. Also, we need to send a message to every remaining Knucklehead in Cheyton. No place is safe for them and there's not inch of quarter will be given to them. There's one final and very important reason why we can't just raze the building to its foundation, Tessa and I won't be the only working girls in the Brothel. The majority of those women did not choose this line of employment for themselves but rather, they had it chosen for them." The Pale and Tall Undertaker said reflecting on the fact that the majority of the prostitutes within the confines of the Brothel walls had been kidnapped, hooked on Med-X and made to work for the Knuckleheads. If there was one thing that Victoria couldn't tolerate, it was Slavery and Slavers, a topic that hit the Undertaker close to home as her cousin's madness had been caused by Slavers. As the Leather Clad Undertaker made her statement, Mercy noted that the woman voice was cold, far colder than Mercy was used to. It seemed that Tessa was not the only one that was harboring a hidden anger that needed to be vented.

Turning towards her Ball of Fun Bunny sister, the Builder Bunny looked rather concerned about the attitudes of the Black Bunny and the Bladed Bunny but tried to put it off as the two getting ready to put themselves in harm's way to make the Rabbit Family's life safer in Cheyton as well as ridding Cheyton of a rather destructive organization.

"V. Think your thrusters can handle a few more kilos of weight?" Mercy asked as she picked up motioned towards Tessa's bowie knives that were sitting on the table.

"I think we'd both feel more comfortable if Tessa had her knives with her don't you think?" Mer-Mer asked as she grabbed the gimp mask and started muddling with it in an attempt to get the Bowie Knives to look like part of the EyeBunny's outfit.

"Anyways, the only part of the plan I'm a bit worried about is your sister. I'd like for you to assure me she's trained in combat, I don't want any of you in unnecessary danger here. Is that alright?" She heard Treb ask as she fiddled with the outfit.

Before she could respond, her Wonderflonium Chassis'd sister interjected.

"I for one think Mer-Mer can handle this." Vera chimed in, "And if it makes any difference to you. I was in The Divide with the Courier going up against Ulysses, the Marked Men, Deathclaws, and Tunnelers long before your little mock Legion set up a training camp in that hellhole. And before you write that off to my equipment or my programming... keep in mind all I had at the time was a low-caliber laser, and the Courier didn't always have a chance to keep an eye on me... and there were plenty of other eyebots in there, but I succeeded where they failed."

It was at that very moment that Mercy felt a tremendous amount of pride in her "sister" for sticking up for her.

Nodding towards her Deadly Bunny Ball sister, Mercy mouthed the words "Thank You" and smiled widely as she continued her work, her mind determined not to let anyone down.

----------Victoria----------​

"Vicky, these Knuckleheads don't deserve a scrap of mercy...no holding back, no restraints...if things go sideways, you're going to see the reason why I was ever called a Feral Rabbit." Tessa said after taking her to the side for a moment, the two having not had a moment to themselves in what seemed like an eternity. As she said this, Tessa lifted her skirt, displaying the Switchblade and Double Doses of Psycho, the later causing the normally placid and pale Black Swan to pale even further.

"Tess, it won't come to that." Victoria promised as she slipped Tessa's skirt back in place, hiding the objects from prying eyes.

"Do you want to work in a team, or should we go solo and take down as much as possible?"

Standing there, looking at Tessa, Victoria didn't answer. She couldn't. There was nothing that she could do except notice the way that Tessa was holding herself. The way she spoke. The look in her eyes. There was definitely something that was tormenting Vicky's Dear Rabbit.

"Please, stay safe. Please...please...please...I can't lose anyone again." Tessa's last pleas were drowned softly by leaning her cheek against Vicky's and whispering in her ear. Her final words had revealed Tessa's personal stake in all this.

"[small]I'll stay safe and I'll keep you safe, Tessa Rabbit. Remember, I promised you that.[/small]" The Undertaker said before the two parted from each other for a moment.

----------Moments Later:----------​

Victoria reviewed her disguise in the mirror. Her hair had been pulled back to keep it out of her eyes while a black vinyl mask his her eyes. The remainder of her black leather outfit would keep her relatively protected, more so than her usual attire. There were no noticeable bulges from where Milly or Rip were hidden and the only items that were exposed were the tools of the Undertaker's supposed trade, a whip as well as a riding crop.

"I'm ready." She said, mostly to herself as she looked towards the others to make sure they were ready as well.

 

[Rip Van Rabbit]

She was born into violence, it was only natural that she end in such.

*What happened later at the Brothel, a timeskip brought upon by the use of Psycho*

The Brothel: The End of Tessa

Tessa hadn't anticipated the amount of bloodshed she had brought upon those in the Brothel.

Now she was in the center room of the establishment, screams could be heard from the working girls...what did they see from their perspective? An unknown brunette female luring two men into a private room before shouts could be heard by the many Knuckleheads that frequented the establishment.

Out of the room, the growling female drenched in blood charged headlong into a group of soldiers. For a moment, she got onto all fours, pressed her hands to the pool of their blood and ran her bloodied hands through her hair, before licking the blood off sadistically.

The crazed female had frightened approaching soldiers at this display, smiling sadistically, she shed much more blood...slashing at the throats of any incoming men until their bodies littered the hallway. She was overwhelmed by the main force in the main entertainment room...their weapons were crippling their savage savior, until she was finally cut down.

[hr]

Tessa had used both vials of Psycho to enhance her prowess into that of a berserker state. While wildly sending her emotional state over the edge, Tessa flew into an unbridled rage and grew truly feral and monstrous.

With her jewelled throwing knives in hand, she had carved, sliced and stabbed her way through anyone perceived to be a Knucklehead. The Feral Rabbit did not wait for subtlety, her intent was to destroy and to die.

While she rationalized the Keeper's children as enemies and "acceptable targets", the guilt had driven her over the edge. She was not a killer, she was not a murderer, she was meant to be a thief...escaping from her past...starting a new life...a peaceful one...it seemed that Karma had other ideas for her.

She did not deserve to live...but she could die bringing the filth down around her...

Tessa had been ignoring her injuries, she couldn't feel them because of the psycho and bloodlust...the blades had cut her...the bullet had burnt into her leg...the lead pipe had broken her arm...yet she continued to cut at her enemies...that is, until a sword had cut off her very hand...

Laying in a crumpled and bleeding heap, the bodies and blood of many lieutenants and Knuckleheads alike had surrounded her. It was easy for one to find the bodies extending all the way down the hallway, where Tessa used the area as a chokepoint before being overwhelmed.

The smiling lieutenant, that had wielded an officer's sword with one hand, had his revolver pressed to her forehead...

[hr]

Tessa was grateful that she was ever given a chance at happiness.

Tessa was given a family, Mercy and Vera.

Her genius little sister, Mercy, was not meant to be associated with someone like Tessa, Mercy had something that was such a complete rarity: innocence and wonder. Tessa had loved this girl unconditionally from the day they had met, while she wished she was a better sister, in Tessa's own way...all the gifts was her own way of showing pure affection...and she loved her sister dearly, she only wished for more time. Mercy was Tessa's world and she had finally found some meaning in her life because of her.

Vera was another special case, primarily thought of as a cute robot, Tessa grew to know the hidden depths that her robotic body contained. Vera had enough flair, enthusiasm and love to keep Mercy cared for. In all honesty, Vera was everything Tessa wanted to be on an emotional level. She wished she could show her love and affection so purely. Tessa had grown to look past the exterior, only to love what was contained inside: a heart more real than the one she posessed.

Victoria was her unexpected love, it never occurred to her that she would ever find someone ever again. Nobody had wanted the street-rat that Tessa merely felt like, yet the pale beauty had given her a chance. Tessa wished she had more time to show how much Victoria meant to her. She wished that things were calm, so Tessa could show her true appreciation without the weight of a threat on her family on her shoulders.

She wanted more time with everyone...

...so much was left unsaid and undone.

All she could say to her sister's was..."I love you, truly"

If she could say one more thing to Victoria, it would be..."I am truly yours."

And finally, if she could give Markus something, it would have to be..."Thank you for protecting those I love."

[hr]

The lieutenant had roughly counted the casualties this feral woman had caused...just over 16 of his top men were dead by her blades...and those were the ones he knew about.

"Mercy...V-Vera...Vicky..." cried out the dying Rabbit desperately.

The world suddenly turned black for Tessa Rabbit...while tears were streaming down her face, her thoughts were cut short by her inevitable execution.

The trigger was eventually pulled, killing Tessa.

Spoiler: OOC

Thank you very much to everybody for giving me the great opportunity to collaborate with you. It's been a great experience! With a heavy heart, my character must come to an end.

 

[TheDoctor455]

Vera struggled to keep up with the Bladed Bunny as she headed for...

The Bunny Brothel's Competition. Er... I mean... The Knuckleheads' Brothel.

Unfortunately, the little eyebot was unable to keep up with Tessa, since her little hover-engines were still recovering from her attempt at being a robotic fireworks display. By the time she arrived, Tessa had already torn a gaping hole in the Brothel's defenses on her own. Vera would be impressed if she weren't so worried about her sort of older sister. Finally, the iBunny found the Ferocious Feral Bunny of Blades. With a Knucklehead LT. hunched over Tessa, holding a gun to her head.

Vera flew right at him, trying to knock him over...

BANG!

Too late.

Vera flew at the man, unconsciously firing her plasma pistol. He was reduced to a steaming pile of green goo by the time she reached him.

"No! Tessa, no!" Vera cried, trying to use her multitool to brush gooey bits of Knuckledragging bandit off of the Bladed Bunny's body, "Stay with me! Don't go! Why? Why did you have to... what!??!"

Meanwhile, on a rooftop just at very edge of town...

Ulysses put his binoculars away and continued on his way.

So... eyebots can cry electric tears after all.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Snip

Follower's Clinic
Harland was wandering alone that night, half stumbling through the streets. One hand with a bottle, the other clutching his stomach. Clutching his gut, blood poured between his fingers, staining his shirt red. He still wasn't entirely sure what had happened. The Khans were readying themselves to move on from Cheyton, gather the clan and take the fight to the Alliance. They'd all been given the night off to do whatever they wanted. So he had gone to the brothel, take in some of the local attractions. Then, everything had gone to hell.

He half knocked, half slumped onto the Clinic's door, moaning lightly. He gingerly poured some of the whiskey onto the gash across his stomach. The searing alcohol made him scream with pain, and he whimpered feebly as his legs became too wobbly to stand. Harland slid down to the mat, banging on the door.

"June, June, please.... please, open up."

 

[Generic NPC 22]

The Rabbit Home:

The Twisted Hares were on the move, Victoria, Tessa and Vera traveled out in the open, quite aware of the eyes that were upon them, the wolf whistles that followed them and the bolder hands that reached out to grope them, only to be knocked away by a Terrifying Glare from the Tall and Pale Mistress of Pain. The Legionnaire and Mercy traveled with in the crowd, keeping a low profile, as per The Black Swan's plan.

The Black Leather Clad Assassin's mind was filled with a dangerous combination of doubt and worry as she hashed and rehashed her plan over and over again. Was their intelligence on the Knuckleheads correct? Were the Knuckleheads as disorganized as the Twisted Hares believed? Was everything going to go accord to plan?

Victoria's thoughts were soon interrupted as they reached their destination, the sight of the building causing the darkly dress woman to doubt her plans once again as the surveyed the building and realized that something was definitely wrong with what she was seeing. The building that they were headed towards looked nothing like the building that had been described to the Bladed Bunny by her source.

This should have been the first warning sign that something was wrong and the plan was going to go horribly wrong, glancing over at her companions, the pale Undertaker smiled for a moment and lead the way in.

The Knuckle-Brothel:
The Plan Goes to Hell

The first part of the plan had gone smooth as silk. The Black Bunny, The Bladed Bunny and The Ball Bunny had been able to infiltrate the Knuckleheads' Brothel without anyone batting an eye at them. It was this little bit that was Vicky's second warning that they should have pulled out of the situation entirely.

Entering the Brothel, Victoria did not yet realize that in her haste to be done with the Knuckleheads and move on towards removing the damnable Ulysses from the face of the Wastes, she had become blinded by what was obviously a trap, one that she would pay for.

----------Customer Complaints?----------​

*Thwip*
*Thwip**Thwip*
*Thwip**Thwip**Thwip*

Milly spoke softly as she spat the 10mm Hollow Point slugs at subsonic speeds, splattering what passed for Knucklehead Brains all over the walls of the room that she had been assigned by the Brothel's Madame. Each of the Knuckleheads dying without knowing what was happening to his fellows as each one had been bound and gagged, the benefits of being the Bondage Bunny.

Moving on to the next one, Victoria slowly drew her silver straight razor and ran it over her victim's throat, causing him to thrash about for a few moments, his Knuckledragger not knowing that his struggles were futile.

Smiling to herself, the Undertaker wondered how Tessa was doing and thinking to herself that after this, she and Tessa deserved a break, perhaps check into the fanciest hotel in Cheyton and just - do - nothing. The thought was shattered when she openned the door to her sound proof room and saw that all hell had broken loose. The bodies of many of the Knuckleheads had been strewn throughout the corridor, The Eldest of the Rabbit Sisters' handiwork apparent through the multitude of stab wounds present on all the corpses.

Knowing that the time for subtle theatrics was over, signaled the Plasma Rabbit and the Legionnaire as she passed an open window.

*BOOOOOM!!!*

The Bomber Bunny's Bunny Bombs went off and ripped open the front of the building, adding more confusion to what was already a chaotic situation.

What happened next would be forever burned into the Black Swan's memory as she started down the stairs. Looking in the middle of the room, Victoria bore witness to the horror that her blindness had given brith to. Tessa was on the ground, looking up towards her murderer, a Knucklehead Lieutenant.

*BANG!*

The gunshot rang out, an exclamation mark to the tragic lives of the Rabbit Sisters.

"TESSA!!!" Victoria screamed out, knowing that it was far too late.

[hr]

"TESSA!!!" The Undertaker screamed out as Mercy entered the building through the ruins of what used to be the building's facade, only to see Tessa laying down on the ground, a Knucklehead standing over her with a smoking gun, the sight causing the Lone Rabbit to stop in her tracks as she watched her sister's murderer was melted into green slag.

"Stay with me! Don't go! Why? Why did you have to... what!??!" Mercy heard Vera say, though unaware of what was going on as she lost control of her body, witnessing from what seemed like a great distance as she neared her sister's body and though Mercy's face was pale, she couldn't see any tears streaming down her own face.

"[small]The Followers[/small]." The Builder Rabbit heard herself say as she watched her body pick up that of her sister and run out of the building towards the Follower's compound.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Outskirts of Cheyton and moving fast Northwest
Ollie circled around to the back of the group one last time before giving up. He sauntered up alongside Melissa. "No sign of Harland anywhere," he said. "Do you want me to go back into town to look for him?" Ollie looked at the Khan expectantly. She shook her head.

"No, we can't afford to waste time looking for one Khan, even if he is your friend," Melissa said. "If he was smart, he'll make his way back to the Follower's clinic to stay with the rest of the wounded. But I need you here, Ollie. I've got a job for you."

Melissa dug into her pack and provided a map, one of Ollie's own handiwork. "I need someone to head west along the southern edge of the territory. Frank's clan was wandering down near the basin." Melissa looked at Ollie knowingly. He sighed to himself, and let her finish. "I know seeing your father is probably the last thing you want to do, but I don't see any other way to get his help. Rock Springs' older residents don't like us, but that doesn't stop them from watching us. Your dad can point the way to Frank."

Ollie thumbed his nose, a sour look over his face. "I'm as good a tracker as any of the Outriders, why would I even need to see my dad for this? I don't need him. I never did."

Melissa gave a small smile. "You sound like I did, twenty years ago. Listen, Oliver-"

"Don't call me that," snapped Ollie.

"Sorry, Ollie it is. Ollie, he is still your father. The Khans are your family now, but nothing says that he can't still be part of your life." Melissa tried to offer a comforting hand to Ollie, but he pulled away.

"Even if I wanted him in my life, he doesn't want anything to do with mine," Ollie said, bitterly. "I'll talk to him, find Frank, and then I'm gone. The less I see of him, the better."

Melissa sat back in her saddle, giving up. "If that's what you want, I won't stop you. Don't do anything stupid, and good luck." She pulled her nightmare around, heading north once again.

In the dim light of twilight, Ollie watched the Khans ride off into the darkness, leaving him alone. He turned Allegre westward, and vanished into the night.

 

[Generic NPC 22]

Follower's Compound: Some time later

The Worried Widdle Wabbit found herself waiting outside of a Follower's medical tent, waiting and absolutely drained of her emotions as she traced a wide circle around the front of the tent where she had brought the lifeless body of the Bladed Bunny. Around her were the rest of the Twisted Hares: Vera, Victoria and Treb, waiting as well for word from the Follower Medic.

The Brotherl Raid, the Twisted Hares' first major foray against the Knuckleheads, would have been deemed a success by most people, but the Rabbit Sisters weren't most people. Wheeling around, Mercy turned her sadness and anger against who she felt deserved it the most.

*THWACK!!!!*

The punch to the Bumbling Black Bunny's jaw would have been followed up with a second if it weren't for the fact that a nearby Follower Guard pulled the Not-so-Burly Basher Bunny off of the Bruised Bunny.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT YOU STUPID *****!!" Mercy screamed as she struggled against the Follower Guard, her feet flailing uselessly in the air as she was lifted off the ground and pulled away from her adversary. Despite her size, the Follower Guard seemed to be having quite a bit of difficulty maintaining his grip on the stuggling girl.

For her part, the Black Swan was silent and non-reactive to the sudden attack. The Depressed Neighborhood Undertaker didn't need any one telling her something so obvious, the fact that Tessa was in the condition that she was is was all Vicky's fault. The fact that Tessa was more than likely dead was all Vicky's fault. No one knew that better than Vicky herself. She continued sitting on the wooden box that the Followers had offered the Twisted Hares as seats, not uttering a single word while they all waited.

The Slippery as Butter Bunny probably would have kept going and going and going if it wasn't for the fact that the tent flap opened and revealed the Follower Medic that had been working on reviving Tess inside for the better part of eternity. The woman's sudden appearance brought on a renewed flurry of activity as the Restless Rabbit started struggling against the Idiot Guard once again as she yelled out question after question after concerned question.

"Howisshe? Isshegoingtomakeit? Whencanweseeher? Howisshe?" Mercy's Machine Gun Mouth rattled off a salvo of querries at the Doctor.

The Doctor didn't say anything but her body language spoke volumes to Victoria, who had seen that expression on many a Doctor previously, causing her to turn her head briefly as her hands covered her face to hide the fact that she was crying.

"We've done everything that we can for her but I'm afraid that it's too early to tell. We've managed to repair most of the damage that the bullet did to her but for now, we've had to put her in a medically induced coma at least until the swelling in her brain has gone down." The Doctor said, giving the "good news" first.

"But?" The Undertaker prodded, knowing that if this was the good news, the bad news would be bad. The Follower Doctor looked at the Darkly Dressed Undertaker, her lips frowning before she nodded and continued.

"But there's been extensive damage to Tessa's brain. If she does pull through, I'm afraid that she'll never be the same again. I can't tell you any specifics but the damage can affect her mental faculties, her personality, her motor skills. I'm sorry, but we've done everything that we can." The Doctor said and started to turn away before adding, "We're moving her over to recovery. You can visit her afterwards."

Watching the Doctor leave, Mercy looked at the rest of the Twisted Hares, wondering who she would lose next.

"Let's go get cleaned up. It's going to be a while before we can see her." Vicky said as she started to head back towards the Rabbit Hole.

 

[Souplex]

A figure in a strange patchwork power-armor made from pieces of Enclave armor as well as the T series with an odd rifle on his back came to Redstone Camping Ground.
"Looks like the scout reports were on the money."
Mutants could be seen tending to their business.
"Hello, I am Jesse a representative of the Wight Knights!"
Jesse chuckled to himself as he realized he was about the reference many classic pre-war science fiction movies with his next line.
"Take me to your leader."

 

[EmperorZuma]

New Wheatland Forest

Jacob and the rest of the caravan had entered the thick of the woods that surrounded New Wheatland. It made the doctor quite happy to see how well the trees had adapted to the wasteland soil. Old Issac's talents had certainly not gone to waste.

He didn't have much time to admire the scenery though, as one of the man that tended to the brahmin had called him over to see what was wrong with one of the beasts carrying a wagon. "He seems to be pretty spooked..." The man spoke as he looked at the other mutant cows. "Actually, they all do. Why would they be scared of a place like this?"

Jacob shrugged, as his veterinary skills were rather rusty. "Can't see for miles in a place like this, if I had to guess. They might think a predator is right around the corn-"

A sudden bang from near the back of the caravan shocked Jacob out of his train of thought. Several more followed, and it was clear that the Rangers protecting the rear had come under attack. In a sudden panic, everyone in the caravan sped forward, even the usual slow-paced brahmin were in a full gallop. Able to avoid being trampled, Jacob hung back to see who was attacking. To his surprise, it was something he'd never seen before.

It was a group of what resembled humans, but they were covered in a sickly-green moss, and a spikey fungus appeared to be growing out of their backs and stretching for a good foot into the air. The creatures numbered in the dozen, and appeared to be trying to get into a melee with the Rangers. Several had apparently failed and were fatally wounded, by the looks of the few of them lying on the ground. However, the rest had closed the distance. Some started to violently bash their fists into their targeted ranger, while others appeared to be eating them alive.

"Get back!" Jacob heard Jose shout at him just before knocking the doctor aside. The caravan leader had rallied his forces and brought another squad of Rangers with him to help fend off the strange abominations. Jacob noted the fact that the creatures only dropped after being practically riddled with bullets, but the Rangers soon brought them all down. "Quickly, get all of them, I don't care if they're living or dead."

The Rangers nodded and began their work, with Jacob coming to help as well. Soon, the bodies, of the injured and the dead, were either put on a wagon or carried on the backs of their comrades as the caravan rushed to where they hoped to find shelter, New Wheatland itself.

New Wheatland Outskirts, Southeast Approach

As Kaiden and Abel made their way into the forest that surrounded the town of New Wheatland, they found themselves in the midst of a similar foe. As suddenly, from out of the bush, attacked what probably were coyotes at some point in time. However, they too covered in the green moss, with the same fungus jutting from the back of the dogs' neck all the way to their tails. They quickly surrounded Kaiden and Abel and started to emit a deep gurgle that was probable meant to emulate a growl.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

snip

Cheyton Follower's Clinic
Harland had used the last of his med-x supply, and the pain was creeping back into him, a low ache that would soon become a scream once again. He bashed the doorway once again, still unsure why nobody was coming. When he tried to speak, his voice was hoarse, and there was blood on his lips. "June, June, open the fucking door! Please... please..."

[hr]

Westbound and Down, load it up and hoof it
Dawn was beginning to break over the eastern sky, casting golden light over Ollie's shoulders. He had ridden hard all night, leaving the Khans and Cheyton behind. There were occasional towns along the road, but nothing significant between Cheyton and Dry Springs. Ollie had passed Sand Point, and he was just riding into Bronstown, the next stop along the remains of I-80.

The small town was insignificant apart from the occasional Gun Runner who made stops along the northern trade routes. Luckily for Ollie, he was in town while he passed through. As the sun rose, the town came to life, and the Gun Runner was offloading his wares as he dismounted. The man had a pinched face and a constant squint. "So what do you want then, Khan? Got some of the best stuff money can by, direct from the Boneyard."

Ollie looked through his wares, a fine assortment of revolvers mainly. That's when Ollie noticed something, well, different, to say the least. It was the strangest, yet sleekest looking Revolver he had ever seen.

The sign said "Mateba Model 6 Unica" .44 mag.

"How much for that thing?" asked Ollie, already plucking caps from his jacket pockets. The gun was a beauty, an auto-revolver.

"6000 caps," said the salesman bluntly.

"Nobody has that kind of cash you idiot," retorted Ollie. "Besides, why the hell would you drag around something that expensive if you weren't looking to sell it?"

The salesman flapped his hands dismissively. "I don't choose what I bring with the caravan, Khan, I just do what I'm told. Now it's 6000 caps, or get lost."

Ollie leaned over the table, trying to look menacing. "How about 2000 caps, and my revolver? And if you take that, I won't have to shove my foot up your ass?" Ollie placed the Governator on the table. He would miss the old gun, but the encounter with the Legionnaire proved that he needed to be packing some heavier firepower. "So what will it be?"

The Gun Runner still wasn't impressed, but he relinquished. "Fine, I've been lugging that little thing around for months. There just isn't a high enough demand for the things. Honestly don't even know why we make them anymore. Take the damn thing and beat it."

Ollie tossed the man his bag of caps and snatched the Unica off the table. He had to admire the design. It auto loaded, and the barrel aligned with the bottom of the cylinder. Testing the gun on a set of nuka cola bottles, he was amazed at how little recoil the gun gave off. More of a kick to the hand rather than the gun flying backwards with each shot. Ollie was satisfied with his purchase, even if it did mean he'd need to find a new stash of caps after blowing his entire savings.

"Having fun shooting bottles, or are you ready to ride again?"

Ollie spun around at the voice. Anna was standing underneath the awning in front of Bronstown's saloon, smiling at him. "What are you doing here? I thought you rode north with the others?"

"I left them the pip boy so they could keep tracking the signal, but I wanted to come with you. I don't know what happened to Harland, and you're the only other person I can stand to be around for any amount of time."

Ollie folded his arms. "Well, glad to know that I'm wanted and not at all being mocked. Can't you just say 'I wanted to be with you because I like your company'?"

Anna smiled, flashing her pearly white teeth. "But it's much more fun to tease you. Now, are you ready to ride or not?"