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Chapter 15

"Deal"

RashPanda - "Before this chapter, I'd like to do a statement, clearing something up. Multiple of these characters in my story are in some way influenced and shaped PARTLY by some movie characters, actors and so forth. In my head, it always helped me create the story when I placed famous voices behind my characters. Charlie was always to me Keanu Reeves, Dion was young Elijah Wood and Ryan was young Shia Lebouf (lmao) But as the story progresses and new characters come in, It might clear some confusion if I just say that I pay homage, I don't copycat personalities blatantly because of lack of creativity. There is a difference in dedicating character in famous actors honor out of your admiration to his body of work.

As an example, in this chapter, one of my new characters is represented by Samuel L Jackson and his character from pulp fiction, Jules. His addition will be entertaining throughout. And there are many more famous ones to come. This book is nearing it's end but I'm already working on book 2, so no worries on that. Need to make some money for the new book cover haha.

Without further a due, enjoy the new chapter!

..

ACT 1

(Far Away Red Dead Redemption Soundtrack)

2239

Quan learned the harsh realities of the Texas wasteland very soon, right after stepping through of those brothel doors. This place was the wild west. It was gruesome, unforgiving, rough and yet... It was magnificent.

Baxton city held a good amount of around six thousand mammals in it. It was the greatest remains of Civilization left in Americas bombed soil, the "Civil" being maybe a too kind prescription for it.

But it was alive, as violent as it was.

Gambling, gun dueling, minimal laws, lazy sheriffs, dirt, prostitution, mugging, extortion, saloon fights, dance nights, raping, slavery, murders, ghettos, and the rich areas, few working automobiles, slaves pulling carts, gun trade, crop growing, orphanages, boxing pits, drunken fuckery and lots of public music and acting performances.

Quan adapted right in very quickly. Within the first week, he settled down in the small broken building at the slum town, enough space to raise a family in. The man with his talents when it came to a knifework and lack of fear was a valuable thing. His partnership with Baron George grew very... very rewarding. The ram kept his word. He protected and paid Quan, and Quan gave back his upmost loyalty, never going against the ram's orders, no matter what they were.

He did a lot of killing during those first months, and he was efficient in it. People who owed debts to the baron, got their fingers cut when the caps didn't come in. The competing and pompous pimps that tried to become greater than George, Quan intimidated and beat up. The back alley trades the went south due to greed and arguments, Quan handled. His revolvers and his knife made the walls red, the ram walking away victorious from the bad situations.

The jealousy grew within Geroge's guard circle quickly, as Quan was becoming his most trustworthy ally and the most dangerous one.

Quan had become very good gunslinger as well, mastering the revolver arts of the wild west slowly with a lot of training. Soon he had enough caps under Baron's service to buy himself a black smith&wesson 38 revolver, accompanied with an 1847 Colt Walker Revolver on the other side of the hip. Quan preferred dual wield, due to more bullets always evening the odds. That and his big and shard scalping knife called Sura.

With enough killing and more jobs, Quan found himself getting a better life and accommodation soon, moving away from the slum area with his deer wife, Melly.

The girl who first was uncomfortable and clueless of a housemaid life, found herself getting fond of Quan. And it was not only because of now more luxury lifestyle, but due to him being a very talented lover as well as very forgiving on how she would spend her free time. Quan was not sure if he loved her, or if she loved him, but they found each other still very much companion like. The blood caps were spent on dance nights together at saloons, visit at the finest dining places, and the bunny kept sure that she would never be empty pocketed while hanging around the city with her friends.

Soon, she was with Quan's child. They were ecstatic, and George had grown so fond of his bunny guard, that he promised to be the child's godfather.

The two got married within the first year of being together, and as the year changed into 2240, their child was born.

Melly named the child Abraham, after a man that she had read about from an old book, telling about a president of America who had ended slavery and gotten assassinated. She had found the man's tale inspiring even after the unfortunate end. Quan had no complaints about the name, just happy that it had been born a bunny like him and not a deer-like his mother. Nothing personal, but Quan knew that bunnies had stronger legs, which would make sure that the child would be quick on his feet. Always a useful skill.

Quan now officially had a family and he was becoming a known person around the city. A foreign bunny from some mysterious tribe he refused to speak about. He was a new man now. He had slowly learned his grammar and how to talk properly. He learned the culture; he learned history. He accompanied Baron into every business meeting, learning the art of deal and trade on the side.

Few mutinies came soon within the second year. Baron was making fortune to himself in the city and slowly rising into the ranks of most wealthy men in it. The men in his service didn't like that this foreign bunny that wasn't even Texan for all they knew, had become so popular and trusted by the ram. Everyone wanted to be the second man for the ram. And it caused trouble.

Baron George soon had to adjust his ranks with very questionable but effective methods. Whoever wanted to prove himself better than Quan, had to test him in two ways, whichever they preferred. Fight to the death in a pit with knives, or fast draw duel in the middle of the city for everyone to see. Fast draw duels were the top entertainment in the city, as that was how the legends were made and known, besides the fight pits.

Quan was talented in both. More so in the pits, but he held his own in a quick draw. One angry raccoon guard of Geroge's named Mason Landy managed to shoot Quan in the leg in a duel, unfortunately getting two bullets through his liver in return. But it was the first time Quan had taken almost a fatal loss.

The bunny's leg was saved with a stimpak, just as Mason's wound was. Neither had died, which was rare in dueling cases, so Baron saw it as a sign to hold both close to him.

Quan and Mason were now his most trusted guards. The others had to settle their envy and squabbles with the two and especially Quan, by Baron's orders. Quan had proved more than his worth by killing a dozen of his competitors in the pits. Jealousy in the inner ring was bad for business, and it was now over and done with.

Third-year came, and Baron was on the rise. He dreamed of getting into the inner council of the city, to sit among the three most influential men of Baxton city, becoming the fourth one. They were called "The circle".

Rich, prideful rulers that controlled the Baxton city from the high building which was still in pristine and fixed shape, a stunning monument of the old world. And they knew what the Baron was up to.

His lust for power was unstoppable, and with the wealth, he earned due to Quan's provided gemstone, he was swimming in caps. He already owned five brothels, a good half of the city's salt and grain trade, his strong mercenary company, and now even the biggest and most known saloon of baxton.

Goldrush Saloon, located in the center of the city. One with the highest standard of food and liquor, and the most loved musicians. The card tables, the slot games, the fortune wheels.

The way that George had gotten this glorious landmark of profit to his own pocket, was by having Quan assassinate the owner and then doctoring the manuscript of ownership to himself.

And that move stirred the pot. The earlier owner was Malcolm Steinfeld, who was loved by many, as he was a good-hearted person among evil men. Even the circle had admired the man.

It had been a dirty and risky move, which most knew was a foul play. The city circle did also know this as more than a rumor, as the Saloons proud twenty-year owner was missing, his body never found. And suicide was not his way. He had been a married man with two kids. It was plain murder by the Baron, and they didn't know if they should act on it or not. But they were not going to still let George into their circle, even if they could not prove by evidence that Baron was behind it. But everyone knew.

Three more years had passed. It was 2246.

The bunny was now known as one of the most capable fighters of Baxton city, as well as the whole Texas people knew. He was rich as one could be. He was living wildlife, and his son was growing into a strong boy, making him proud. His wife, Melly, was also a high-status woman who was admired by many of her friends, as she now owned her own bordel and was called "mistress".

The Baron himself was swimming in so many caps that he was rumored to be the fifth most rich man in Texas. He owned small towns outside Houston and his own automobile. Having those functioning and in shape was luxury to be envied. And it was all because of the efficient kill work of the bunny, and talented businessman ship of the ram. But the city council... it was starting to take notice now.

Quan's life was getting more complicated by far. The Baron started to stir things too much in his road to power. There was more murdering, mayhem, extortion. He was going to get to that council no matter what, even if he had to own half the city to get their attention. His ambition knew no limits. And Quan grew month by month into a more talented killer along with Mason. It started to get into a point where Quan had to wash his paws from blood each day after the day was done, his lovely and worried wife there to calm him down and taking care of him. The arranged marriage that Quan had done only out of lust and the need to continue the family line, had become genuine love. They truly now cared for each other and their six-year-old son, whose future was uncertain, just like theirs.

Baron was taking too many risks. He had become ruthless and didn't realize that not only his life was at stake. Quan had a wife and son to take care of, and it was only a matter of time before the Baron's crimes would get an answer the most predictable way and without subtlety. Quan did not want his wife and son to be on the fire line and end up dead because of his work with the Baron. Everyone knew who Quan was by now. Baron George's right paw. He even had a name's now. "Quan the slasher." And "Deadeye" due to him having an eyepatch.

Also not only was the situation in the city getting tense, but there were also worse rumors now.

The remaining Febris on the Texas soil had started to finally take interest in Baxton's business and was most likely aiming to take control of the place and bring firm order into the wild and untamed place. Which was something that not one rich man wanted. And the poor didn't get a say. Their voice didn't matter.

But if Febris were to knock on the front door of the place and the city council would give their answer, it was surely going to be the death of everyone in the city. The febris took no chances, and what they couldn't tame and control, they would destroy. Of course, they would in most likely cases tell all the willing people to come out to flee the place or join their cause and kill resisting remnants of the city without mercy. They still had the biggest firepower, tactics, and vehicles to get things done. And the moment tanks would roll in, it would be over.

For now, they were just rumors... But rumors always have some truth in them.

Soon enough as expected, there was an attempt on Baron's life.

It was just another day among others. Quan along with all the most trusted guards of the ram were going through a meeting inside his most famous brothel at uptown. Baron along with his high-status friends, establishment owners, and many other important men, were having a business discussion. The Baron gave an ambitious speech about wanting to become the ruler of the whole Baxton city. He claimed he would be the only one who could come up with somewhat agreeable terms, would the Febris be knocking doors. And if not, he still claimed that his way of the ruling would bring the city into true prosperity.

Apparently, the circle had hired an assassin to infiltrate into the business. And for Baron's surprise, it was someone he least expected. Mason. His second most trusted bodyguard had been in the circles pocket right from the start and waiting for the green light, would circle feel too threatened by the ambitious and reckless ram.

The raccoon stood up in the middle of the speech, drawing his gun and shooting at the Baron. But just like it was proven due the duel with Quan, Mason wasn't the best shot. He aimed for the Baron's head, managing to shoot off his whole right ear clean off. The Baron fell down from his seat, screaming, as Quan acted fast.

He tackled the raccoon without hesitation, and the fight began. The chaos released itself inside the brother.

Mason was not alone in his fight. There was more than him trying to finish the job, few of the guards being bribed by the city council. The firefight started itself very fast. Countless of bullets flying as Baron was crawling on the floor, screaming in pain and holding his bleeding remain of an ear.

After long and intense knife fight, Quan had managed to get a hold of Mason's revolver and shoot him in the mouth, blowing his brains out all over the place, before bullet scraped his side as well, sending him down onto the floor and finding cover. Many of the important men and women died inside that brother, as the chaos made it hard to tell who was who.

But Baron was far from dead. He was not a bad shot himself and managed to kill at least three men trying to shoot him, by grabbing the golden engraved lever rifle of his from behind the bar counter. The firefight lasted a whole ten minutes... And only ones walking outside alive from the scrap were Quan, Baron, a handful of his guards, and multiple bordel, saloon and store owners.

It was clear that the inner civil war had been declared on Baron. And he was furious, sworn to revenge this attack.

The circle was just as furious over the fact that their assassination attempt had failed. Mason had been their wild card that had led to nowhere, due to Quan being a superior fighter. Which only led to the obvious solution by them, a desperate one.

They needed Quan dead. Without the bunny being there loyally at the Baron's side, he would be easier to take out of the picture.

Quan had lived enough in the city and heard enough rumors about the circle to know that they would rather die than accept the Baron into the leadership status among them.

It was time for the bunny to decide. He wanted safety for his son and wife. Their lives had been in danger the moment they had sided with the Baron, but now that situation could escalate into certain death if they would not escape the city. The bunny hated the fact that he had to think about betrayal towards Baron after almost seven years of loyalty, but he didn't know what else to do.

It wasn't just the caps that held his tie with Baron, it was also friendship they had developed during the years. From simple cutthroat, Quan had become best friends with his boss and cared for his life. He might have been ruthless, dirty and twisted, known from sadistic and perverse nature, but Quan knew deep down he wasn't that different. He shared the same world views as the Baron, and only because of the Ram's grace and gratitude, Quan owned one of the most expensive estates in the whole city and weapon store. Hell, the ram had been the one teaching him the ways of guns personally and how to shoot them. He had even thought Quan to read a bit.

So, in his eyes, he owed his life to the ram. He had already betrayed Tesshin and his own tribe long ago... Would he have to betray his only true friend as well?

Blood spilled on the streets. The inner-city council hired mercenary's to openly fight Baron in the streets. Multiple assassination attempts were repeated, and the city was under constant fear more than ever. The church and their burial business were only one truly profiting from the civil war, as well as gun stores. Small comfort.

But the Baron managed to survive each time just barely, with Quan commanding his personal mercenaries.

As the circle saw that there was no way on getting the baron dead, and the conflict was getting too expensive for them, they brought something to the table for the Baron.

(Black Sails OST - S2E05 - End Credits Music)

It was called "The Texan parley". The rules were simple. Only agreed number of mammals were invited in a single spot, no guns and no objects of any kind unless specifically agreed upon. It was time for the city to hold their breath and see if it would lead to compromise and finally peace, after a month of pure carnage and gunpowder smoke.

The ram arrived with the only Quan by his side into a small saloon.

The circle arrived shortly after, and everyone sat down. It was the first time that civilians, who were allowed to follow the conversation from the outside windows, were able to witness the circle members in such a rachet part of the town.

The conversation was heated from the start. Baron, who usually was a very cunning and well-spoken man, felt the distaste on the table towards him. The lack of respect towards his name and status was more than present. Quan had not said a word yet, following the situation with anxiety from the side. He wanted to believe that the peace would be agreed upon and Baron's terms met, in order for his family to be safe.

These three men suggested Baron that he would have to give less insulting terms for the conflict to end between them. He would not be allowed to join their council, but in return, they would give him a large number of caps, his own town that was located far East from the Baxton city, all the way in remains of Beaumont. He would be allowed to build his own establishments there and set up his own laws.

For anyone, it would have been a fair deal. Baron had wanted the mentioned stop for a long time, but it was not Baxton. Besides, getting Beaumont in shape for any kind of business would take years, and the Baron had already worked his whole life to get his saloons and bordels in the city. The circle told that their vision of the city was to change its course within future years. To end prostitution and slavery, and bring law and order, once they would have enough resources and wealth to put it into motion. Because only that way, they could give a better impression for the febris, once they would come knocking. If the remnants of the Us army would see that the city was in a healthy and civilized state, with a functioning society, there would be no violence or extreme actions taken. It was the only way to ensure that the city would not end up becoming another ruin and that they would still remain in power by the grace of Febris.

The baron had heard enough. He spat on the contract that was laying on the table, calling the circle members spineless cowards. They had earned their position and status the same way Baron had, yet they talked to him like he was eviler than them. The baron said he would rather rot than abandon his lifestyle. He would never bow to the Febris or their demands. He had been a pimp and a slaver his whole life. He had made his choice.

As the people had seen the ram spit on the contract, they had lost all hope. The conflict was going to continue, all because of Baron's ego. But he was not alone in his opinion. Not everyone wanted to hand over the city to the febris as if it belonged to them. Their own grandfathers and mothers had built this place with their blood and sweat. Giving it to some army that would create their own laws for everyone to obey was not a solution to be considered by many.

The Baron took his leave from the saloon... And Quan walked right after him, giving a respectful bow for the three. He questioned the ram's mental state and did not truly know if this was the right choice. The febris could make things safer... And he wanted that for his boy, innocent and pure. He deserved to live. As did his wife.

A month of conflict came again. The blood continued to spray on the streets. The situation seemed less and less hopeful. People were moving away from the city and away from the violence, seeking asylum from the febris army.

Which made Quan also consider it himself. If he would send his wife and son away from the city and into the febris army base, they would be truly safe. Febris would take care of them, but they would have to live humbler than now. The rich lifestyle and big mansion would be stripped away from them. They would have to live in small accommodation and poor... But at least their lives would be safe and they would still have their health. And protection by true weaponry and a true army that cared for its civilians.

After a long argument in the night, Quan managed to convince his wife to leave with their son, Abraham. To escape the danger. Once it would be over... Quan would come and get them back. But Melly knew that joining Febris was a one-way ticket. Escaping from them would be brand you a deserter. And the punishment for that was a public execution.

Quan convinced that he would the way. He would have to.

So, the next morning, his wife and son left with the other refugees. Quan felt broken about the fact that he had to send them away. He did not know how long this fight would last... Or if he would ever see them again. Dying any day for protecting Baron was very likely. And Abraham would have to grow up without a father.

Baron gave his condolences, as Quan admitted what he had done. The baron forgave him but said that he would not be allowed to leave his side to meet his family again until the city was his.

All the bunny could do, was to obey and accept it.

The seventh-year of servitude came. It was 2247.

Quan received multiple letters from his wife. Apparently, they were now sheltered by the febris with open arms and wished for the bunny to give up on the Baron and join Febris as well. To leave the city and everything behind. Quan could not do that, despite a part of him considering it.

Baron George had become more paranoid, unstable and addicted to cocaine on top of it all. He was losing it. And it felt like this whole dream of owning Baxton city had destroyed the man he once knew in the process. Quan wanted the circle members dead. It was not about joining them anymore. After all these attempts on his life and the disrespect, he wanted to own the city alone.

But no matter how much both parties tried, they could not get anything but their own mercenaries killed in the process.

When it seemed like the city would suffer this bloodshed for many more months or even years...

Something unpredictable happened.

A famous gunslinger who had made a name for himself out in the Texas wasteland arrived in the city to a look for a job. Fortune and glory.

His name was Samuel The Just. A religious man and dirty by his mouth. Known from his charismatic nature and powerful aura of authority. A bull by his species and black by fur.

His gun they called "The bull", which was Smith and Wesson 5000 revolver. Had more than little bodies on it.

He settled himself in a nearby saloon and was surrounded by admiring men and flirting women soon, asking him tons of questions and what his business was in the city.

Until Baron stepped into the saloon and the admiring crowd dispersed in fear and respect. The baron was here for the bull himself.

Quan accompanied him, as they sat next to the famous gunslinger on the bar desk. Samuel didn't break as sweat, questioning what the men wanted.

The Baron proudly introduced himself and Samuel knew instantly that this was the man who wanted to rule the Baxton city. As the bull turned his gaze as Quan, he assumed his name right and smiled, asking if he was indeed "Quan the slasher" that everyone talked about as well. The bunny nodded humbly, and the bull's interest was awakened.

The Baron was here to break a deal. He was ready to offer ten thousand caps for Samuel if he would accept a task so difficult that not many men would take it.

With such amount, the gunslinger would not need to accept any jobs in his life anymore from anyone. This would set him up for life. He asked what he would need to do.

And the Baron leaned in with a grin on his face, saying that if he would work together with Quan and take twenty men with them... They would have to finish the civil war once and for all. To storm into the main building of the Baxton city, kill all the guards inside, along with the circle members, so the ram himself could take the power.

Quan had been sure of his death first... But with this mysterious and famous killer by their side... They might have stood a chance. If he was as good as people told. The bull had given a chuckle, drank his drink, wiped his mouth and turned to face the baron as he spoke.

"... I'm going to need a few more bullets for this thing right here... And an rpg. I've always wanted to shoot one."

The baron had broken down to smile widely from the confident agreeance and said that he would give anything he needed to get the job done.

(GUN Soundtrack - Cannon Village)

The next day arrived, and it was known in the Baxton city as the "earthquake dawn". For a fitting reason. The fight that was held inside that building was so furious that it shook the literal ground of the city and its foundations. Windows and pillars exploded, people screamed as they fell from the tower of a building, both Samuel and Quan fighting like the devils themselves.

They killed seventy men together that day inside the building. Quan had lost his tail by a bullet, broken two ribs, stabbed in his lower abdomen, and gotten a bullet through his cheek and stuck on his tongue.

Samuel had gotten two bullets through his left shoulder, a broken nose, and one of his fingers bitten off by a mercenary dog's muzzle.

But after the smoke fumed on the hallways and concrete bits kept falling down everywhere... The two had won. The Baron walked past the gory hallways calmly, whistling through the whole journey to the top floor, beating the crawling survivors to death with his golden cane.

Once he arrived at the office that offered the grand view from the balcony over the whole city of Baxton, the three men were crying on their knees, Quan and Samuel aiming their guns at them. The bunny had passed the two after giving proud taps on their shoulders.

He kneeled down to look at the three, torturing them by telling that the two bloodied warriors behind him were going to be the new sheriffs in the new city he was about to rule, becoming the new "Circle".

The three begged for their lives as expected. They were not used to fighting and the fact of how casual it seemed for the other three terrified them.

Baron ordered Quan and Samuel to throw all three men down the balcony, to fall thirty storages down into their death. He laughed as he watched them fall, breathing in the warm wind on the balcony and feeling like a god himself, claiming his kingdom.

He had made it. He had taken the city by blood. And now... it was time for him to build an empire of his own.

To say that things turned for the better would be an odd way to put it. It was more or less of the same. The baron kept laws as they were, but unlike the circle, he was not afraid to walk amongst the people. He didn't shun on the poor. He had monuments build in his glory. Statues of himself in the town center. He even named the place "Baron Avenue". Needless to say, no one argued anything he did or ordered.

The people were only grateful that the war had stopped. Violence didn't of course, but the death rate had fallen down drastically. So, as the Baron started to enjoy the high life and snorting cocaine in his skyscraper office, he sent Quan and Samuel to keep up the order in the city. They set things straight and reorganized law enforcement. Baron George even designed a first official bank in the city, called "Bank of the golden Ram", and explained its purpose for the city. Reading a lot of books gave him knowledge and ideas of restoring many functioning properties of the old world.

Samuel and Quan befriended each other soon and worked together. Samuel found his service under Baron being more than profiting. Ten thousand earned him stimpaks, bulletproof vest, whores' company for several nights and a nice hotel room of his own. Anyone would have left it there, but not a man with his ambition. When he got used to this lifestyle of luxury, it got him addicted. He swore loyalty for Baron George without hesitation, since Baron clearly wanted him to indeed be part of the new "Circle". Together the three were not officially the new city council.

As the year went on, Samuel had fallen in love with the city and felt his connection to it. The people. The image of it. He knew this was his home, so he was here to stay. For a whole year, the three made sure that the city was becoming bigger, killing anyone who opposed them. Needless to say, assassination attempts on their lives were very low now. Occasional duelists looking to make a name for themselves tried to time from time to challenge either of the two to a quickdraw, always meeting their end by the two deadly and talented men.

But Samuel didn't have an as friendly relationship with baron was Quan did. The two had a lot of arguments and different views on many things concerning the city. Quan could feel the tension between the two, as Samuel had that same ambition shine in his eyes as Baron once had.

Quan knew it meant trouble.

Two years passed. It was the year 2249.

Samuel had grown to be loved and respected by the people of the city, even more than so than the Baron. The tension was rising. These people only feared and respected Baron and his bunny guard... But Samuel was different. He genuinely cared for the civilian's well-being and crime that was going on. He didn't enjoy the constant violence over small things, and the sorry state of many living areas. Or the starvation and seeing so many orphans around the place without guidance. It was a rare sight to see a gunslinger, knowing from nothing but killing, to become such emphatic towards men and women around him. He wanted to do right by them and make the city a truly better place to live. Safer. As if he was their father. Just, harsh, but caring.

Baron started to see Samuel more and more as a threat. He was going against his ideologies. And worst of all, he wanted to end the slave trade in the city completely, which was around thirty percent of the baron's cap income. Quan truly started to feel conflicted, as he had love and respect for both men... But knew that sooner or later, heated arguments would escalate.

Quan received a letter once again from his loved wife, smiling as he opened it. He missed his son and wife more than anything, wondering how their life had been at Febris base, the safest place in the whole Texas wasteland.

But his smile faded soon after reading the letter.

(Assassin's Creed Revelations (The Complete Recordings) OST - (Track 17)

The febris army had a new general after years of counseling in order to find the new leader to replace Ethan Winchester, who was presumed dead a few years ago, his search ending.

The new General was a black wolf called Hans Mayfield. A fierce and dedicated German man.

It was the only common knowledge at this point that febris controlled the whole western Texas, as well as North. Only Southern and Eastern areas were left to conquer. By Melly's words, Houston ruins were going to be next. They wouldn't need to even go through the deadly mutant and raider infested areas, since there were two somewhat safe and easily recognizable roads straight into the heart of the Houston ruins, and right to Baxton gates. The back gate was through the Westpark tollaway, made safe and guarded to ensure safe trade in and out of the city. And the front door would be on the East Houston, over the bridge located at Lynchburg. From those both points, it would be only a few hours to get to the city with their war machinery and armies, and nothing would be able to stop them. They finally had enough focus to take the main capital of the whole Texas and were going to be knocking on either of the Baxton city's gates within a few months. Which meant only one thing.

They were going to negotiate terms, and ultimately take control of Baxton and man it with their troops fully, along building a base for them into the city.

Knowing Baron George... It meant only one thing.

War.

He would never accept any terms of occupation like the earlier circle was ready to. He was on top of the world, chem addicted, cap swimming dictator of the whole population. There was no way he would give up that power. And he would be mad enough to answer fire and fight Febris.

But he didn't realize that even if Febris had lost its original course and spirit due to Ethan's disappearance, they were not weak. Their numbers were still reportedly around four thousand, battle-hardened by their years in the wasteland, and still owned tanks, vertibirds and vast weaponry. They had the upper hand; anyone would see that. Only a handful of Baxton citizens would be ready to oppose the new order. Mercenaries, brother keepers, gamblers, and most of all, raiders. But it was not enough. And if Febris would come knocking and get bullets in return, they would take no risks. They would swoop in and kill every man and woman to be sure there were no hostilities left. It would be the biggest massacre that Texas or even the whole Us wasteland had seen. Febris was more desperate and less friendly and peace driven as they once were. They don't take shit from anyone, and they would cling on their last pieces of hope for restoring order and building a civilization from the ground. Baxton city was an undeniable complication for that goal. This was a free city where EVERYONE was welcome, no matter their background, crimes or goals. This was the wild west. Dirty, harsh and wild.

And Febris wouldn't have the patience to tame it. Why try, when you can kill the old and restore the new?

Quan's paws were sweating as he was thinking this all through, having not read nearly all of the letter yet. It was quite long.

But he knew that he had to tell Samuel... But feared the reaction, when he would have to tell George himself. Quan knew that his loyalty was to the Baron... But he would not go into battle when there was no chance of a win. It was suicide.

The bunny kept reading, drinking down whiskey nervously as he hoped for any good news at all.

The next news was something he would have never expected.

As good-hearted as Melly was, she had saved one more orphan from the chaos of the wasteland and taken him under her protection.

She had adopted a newborn child. A healthy young wolf boy. Apparently, the baby had no owner, and he would have died without her help. So now, they would have an addition to their family. And she said she was going raise it like her own without question.

Quan didn't truly know what to think of that. It was something he had not expected to read, but he understood. He was more than wealthy to take care of an extra muzzle. So, he just skipped through to read anything else she had to say.

The last part was something that made his glass drop from his paw and onto the floor.

General Hans had been more than resourceful on his studies on the city and its people. More importantly, the most known and influential people. He knew Baron ran the place, he knew about Samuel, since he had committed a few crimes against Febris in the past, and worst of it all...

They knew about Quan. They knew about him being married to Melly, and that Abraham was their son.

They were being held as hostages inside the Febris base, and they were going to be taken as hostages to ease the surrender negotiations as collateral. Would Quan aside with his loyal Baron, his family would be executed in front of him at the gates.

This was one of the first times Quan broke down after so many years. He had already betrayed his tribe, his best friend Tesshin, and now... He would have to betray Baron. The man he had to learn to treat like his bigger brother.

It was a horrible situation. And now, he couldn't tell anyone. If he would tell Baron that he would side with his own family... Those 8 years of friendship would be swooped under the table and he would most likely get a bullet on the spot by George's orders.

Only one he could trust with this... Was Samuel.

He would do anything not to let his family suffer.

A day later, he went to talk with Samuel himself, showing the letter. The two sat in the saloon with pints in their hands, talking and processing what to do.

Samuel said that he was not going to surrender himself to the Febris since they would most likely publicly execute him for his crimes as show off for others. But he also knew that by shooting General Hans's head off at the gates would cause thousands of innocents to die. And that was the last thing he would do to people who respected and loved him.

Quan didn't want to say what they both were silently thinking. He didn't want to squeeze it out. And neither did Samuel. But it didn't hide the truth from their face.

They would have to betray George.

They would have to give the ram on his knees to the Febris, and accept the terms of surrender, and hope that giving the Baron would be enough sign of cooperation for them to forgive their crimes. Quan and Samuel were known killers after all, and Febris would be skeptical about leaving either of them in charge of the city.

Samuel then said his piece.

He said that there was somewhat a chance for him to use his speech skills and persuade General Hans to leave him in charge of the city in order to keep things at ease. If Samuel would open the gates to however many Febris soldiers to come inside and check the place themselves and set their roots here, it would be easier to convince the people of it being a good thing for them, if it came from Samuel's mouth. People would not be violent or too aggressive towards the febris troops. And that way, he would be able to save the city and maybe avoid punishment from febris due to making everything roll smoothly without bloodshed. It was the best option. But would giving up Baron to them be enough?

That either of them didn't know. They didn't know what kind of a man this General Hans was. But if he had been chosen to lead and fill the position of the legendary Ethan Winchester, he had to be a headstrong man. But was he good and just by heart?

It wasn't long before Baron found out the news of Febris's arrival as well, with few details missing from here and there. But he knew that they were coming.

As both Samuel and Quan had feared, the ram went batshit insane. It was time to make the preparations, expecting the invasion in three months. He used half of his caps which rounded up to almost hundreds of thousands of caps, hiring every willing man to fight against Febris at the gates. And he did manage to get it done. By three days, he had rounded up near seven hundred men and women, armed to whatever they could get and ready to put up resistance. Civilians, traders and saloon keepers were hiding in their houses, fearing for death. They knew that this would only worsen the situation. Even if they would manage to kill the general, his tanks and his five hundred troops on the stop, which was very unlikely... The reinforcement wave from Guadalupe mountain base would shred the whole city into the ground till there was not even a radroach left.

Everyone held their breath... And prayed for their lives.

The day came and the sun rose in the west. It was a breezy December morning.

(Red Dead Redemption 2 Official Soundtrack - Old Friends (Let's Ride) | HD (With Visualizer)

At the tall towers near the back gates of the Baxton, three men watched as Febris arrived from the main road. Merchant carts, refugees, adventurers and raiders all alike stood aside and shat themselves as the tanks and Humvees rode towards the city gates.

George Baron was sniffing his cocaine, sweating and cursing, readying himself to shoot as many people as he could from the tower with his grenade launcher.

Samuel and Quan were sober as they could, serious and steeled up. They needed to play this one right.

Baron tried to help them ease their stress over possibly dying today in upcoming conflict but both refused. Samuel didn't use chems. He was more of a whiskey and cigar man. Quan, on the other hand, preferred med-x but he was not going to be doped up when his family was going to be laid down in front of him with guns at the back of their heads.

The tension was high. Countless of snipers were stationed all around, ready to fire from Quan's orders. George wasn't much of a battle tactician, so he had given that job for Quan, which was a lucky thing.

Mere fifty feet away, the army stopped and waited still, dust roaming around in the wind and engines humming. Samuel exhaled deep and looked down, talking quietly to the bunny next to him as George was too busy sniffing another line behind them.

"... If this goes wrong... That fucking tank will bust down this gate without much effort."

"... I wouldn't know, Samuel... I have never seen a tank shoot anything before."

"I have," Samuel said with another long exhale of stress.

"What's the damage precisely?" Quan asked nervously.

Samuel pointed a finger gun at the tank answering seriously.

"See that thing with your one good eye, Q? That mothafucking thing right there will clean off half our troops in ten minutes, pronto. You better wish your ass the lord is doing the work on this general Hans to a have sensible fucking mercy towards the people behind that gate. I dunno man, shit looks bad." Samuel said and rubbed his chin.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that then." Quan said, nervously scanning the area as no one had stepped out of their vehicles yet, clearly waiting for them to come down.

"Mhh... Praise the Lord for giving us the fickle idealism of hope. Be praised indeed.." Samuel sang.

"GAaah!Fuck!" The ram cursed on the background, the coke giving him a nosebleed.

"We should have argued when he wanted to start growing that plantation. This army is going to burn that to the ground. They ain't too kind on drugs for model society." Samuel said as a fact.

Quan looked briefly over his shoulder as the Baron was fixing his tie, having dressed up in a grey suit to look formal and stylish as one can.

He then turned back to look at the army and spoke quietly.

"... If George keeps snorting that stuff too much, he won't be in shape to speak a word with the General."

"Maybe that is for the best. It was bad enough to take him here with us. Now I know you are one cold mothafucka, Q. But don't order these people behind us to open fire no matter what. I don't feel like dying today. These men and women were fools to take arms for that cokehead."

"... They have that right. These men and women want to be free, the same as us. We have already a good thing here." Quan said quietly.

"You can't be free when you are dead," Samuel said bluntly.

"It's not impossible to win this fight. Many of the people behind us have just as much experience in the art of killing as the people in front of us."

Samuel slowly turned to look at Quan like it was slightly concerning thing to hear, speaking directly.

"Do not give that order man. Win or not, the revenge will be a real fucking hand of god. They will not bring two tanks. They will bring twenty. And then the word hope becomes an abstract mothafucking concept really quick."

Quan was quiet for a while and then spoke again.

"... I might have to."

The bull sighed.

"It wasn't an option to you last time we spoke, if you suffer from early year dementia and get second thoughts, I think I would deserve to be the first god damn person to know." Samuel said, now sounding frustrated as he believed that they had already decided what the plan was. To avoid fight and give up the Baron.

Quan then looked at Samuel, trying to sound emotional and unsure of everything as he spoke.

"... They have my family."

The bull stared back for a while, biting his tongue as he gave a small nod of understanding and started to take out a cigar from his pocket.

"... I know, man.... Shit." The bull said, taking his cross necklace in his fingers and giving it a kiss before placing the cigar in his mouth.

"AAarrh, my two shining warriors."

Baron came from behind suddenly, laying his both arms around the two and basically hanging in between them as he spoke.

"You turn to god when it's time to shoot invaders?" The ram asked a bit mockingly, giving out light for the bull to get his cigar burning.

After few huffs, the cigar was smoking and the ram took his shaky hand down, closing the flip lighter.

Samuel then began, not sounding amused at all.

"These are not invaders, George, this is a mothafucking Us military that you are staring at-"

"Remnants." The ram reminded, not taking too much stress as he was coked up as one could be and smiling at the face of death.

Samuel rolled his eyes and spoke annoyedly.

"Remnants or not, they mean business. One way or another, they are getting in this city. Besides, I have always been a man of god. I doubt that all that coke has made you forget that I visit the church on regular. Maybe that shit that you keep snorting daily makes you lose memories."

"Yeah well, man or god or not, we might all go to hell tonight. You ready for that... Samuel my loyal friend?" The ram asked with a grin.

"... We already living in hell, man." Samuel said with a distasteful tone.

"Well said... Well said! But we rich in hell!" The ram laughed, giving a tap at the bull's shoulder as he turned to look at Quan with his widened pupils.

"And you... Quan. Will you do what needs to be done? Eight years soon at my side... And you still breathing and standing here. You mean more to me than anything. You have no idea how fucking proud I am that you just won't give up!" The ram chuckled.

"... You know me, George. I will always get things done." Quan said, trying to stay calm.

The ram looked deep into his one eye, somehow making the bunny more uncomfortable as if he was staring into his soul with those black abysses, searching for possible betrayal. Until he broke down to smile and laughed out.

"THAT is my boy! THAT IS MY BOY!" He said, tapping his shoulder and yelling loudly as he excused himself to go snort more of the cocaine from the nearby table.

The two were now awkwardly standing in silence again, giving each other a short look before Samuel whispered again.

"We will be doing him a favor. "Samuel said, sounding half-serious.

Quan then looked angry and hissed at the bull.

"... I do not see it that way. He is not perfect but he is my friend."

"Ah yeah? Your friend would have killed you eight years ago if you didn't drop that gemstone in front of him. He is only loyal to two things. Caps and power. There is no place for a man like that when it comes to Febris. You know that in the long run, he ain't good for the city. These mammals need a better ruler. He my friend too but he a god damn fool."

"... Mammals change. He spared my life and he has treated me more than well ever since. I owe him." Quan argued, making the bull now look at the bunny like he was delusional, hissing at him.

"You ain't owe him shit, Quan! Maan, listen to yourself! The more you hesitate and dwell in your bullshit doubt, the more likely people will die. George needs to go. It's either him or people behind that fucking gate. You know which is the right thing to do. They will spare your wife and son if you do this." Samuel said, carefully watching behind him to make sure that the Baron was not hearing.

But the ram was clearly having too much focus on the white powder in front of him.

"You don't know that!" Quan hissed.

The bull sighed, nodding his head from side to side and spoke.

"No, man... I don't know that. But it will make the chances of them being alive hell of a lot higher than they are now."

"They will drag George away in a leash and execute him." Quan said like it was breaking his heart.

"... I don't know... George is one of the richest men in a whole wasteland of America, most likely... Maybe if he gives them enough, he can make his situation not so final."

"... He isn't going to give them caps. He is going to give them lead."

"... Not if we play our cards right, Q."

"..." The bunny looked at the bull, then turning his nervous gaze back to the army.

Now they both saw that the black hummer doors opened... And what seemed to be a black wolf in high ranking green uniform, was most likely the man of the hour.

He gazed upon the walls cautiously, ending up finally looking right at them, recognizing them. He was measuring them up from the distance with his gaze, contemplating something before he took the megaphone from the hood of the vehicle. He pressed the button and spoke.

"Gentlemen. Would you all care to come down? I can see a lot of guns aimed at my men. Not a receive I had hoped for but understand the caution. The lives of the people behind those gates are at stake today, so it would ease up the nerves of me and my men if you would tell them to stop aiming at us. The longer you linger over there and looking down on us, the more I feel the urge to order this Tiger tank behind me to give a warning shot at your tower so we can talk on the same level. Do not make me count." The black-furred wolf stated sternly, putting down the megaphone and waiting.

Samuel took the last whiff of his cigar, dropping it down and speaking quietly.

"At least his manners are in place. A good sign."

"Sounds like threats to me!" The ram yelled from behind them, getting ready.

"HOLD OFF YOUR GUNS!" Quan yelled loudly.

The mammals all over the ruins, rooftops, and windows of broken project buildings eased up some, backing off and observing cautiously.

The general nodded formally, giving them a hand sign to come down.

At the same time, all the soldiers behind him also came back to formation, siding their rifles against their shoulders.

"Just follow the plan. It is the best thing we got to see this through without losing our fucking heads." Samuel said.

"I'll make that conclusion when my wife and son are in my arms." Quan said bluntly, turning around and taking his leave first.

Samuel stood still, giving a look at the back of the bunny before giving one last gaze at the army before the ram rushed next to him and loaded his grenade launcher with shaky fingers out the Generals sight while looking at the bull.

"Go time. I always wanted to shoot with one of these things."

"I'm pretty sure that their tank does more damage than that."

"We shall see soon enough. I feel invincible. Quan and you better cut this deal in my favor and those inbred suited bastards can march back to play uncle Sam back at their mountain. Wild wild west baby, wild wild west. And who runs it? Me. The big dick." The ram said, wiping his bleeding nose with the back of his arm, shaking and hyping himself up.

The bull spoke quietly, grabbing the ram by his collar and pulling him in.

"... You need to calm your god damn ass down and get your shit together, you gambling with my fucking life here. Do not wave that god damn thing at them or even say anything remotely close to killing shit, or I shove that grenade launcher to your ass sideways."

"Tell me why you are in my circle again? That ain't the way to talk to your boss." The ram laughed amusedly, sniffing and cursing his bleeding nose, feeling like his brain was on fire.

"Because I'm good at killing mothafuckas and I got you alive this far so don't make this day your final one. God damn, you could have at least staid sober, George. Just for one day. This ain't no mothafucking game." The bull scolded, getting tired and done with the Ram's suicidal attitude.

He then let go of the ram's collar, expecting any kind of assurance of a peaceful attitude.

"My mother was a whore; my dad was a drunken abuser who molested me since I was a kid. I came from nothing. I was nothing. And now, I run the biggest fucking jewel of civilization left in this bombarded country. Each grenade in this little beast is going to remind those cocksuckers that Baron George from the slums of Baxton city, does not surrender everything he achieved just because some wolf leading a useless cause tells to my face that it's so. So, without further a due, let's see how many suckers this thing right here can kill." The ram said, giving an evil laugh and rushing right after Quan with his weapon loaded.

Samuel spat down on the ground, looking after the ram and coughing up a bit, speaking quietly with anger.

"Lord, don't make me die for this suicidal cokehead."

All of the three were finally in front of the General himself.

The general gave a handshake to Samuel first, as well as a formal nod. Then to the baron himself, the ram refusing to gesture and his finger itching in front of his grenade launcher that was hanging in his arm, making the soldiers behind the general very cautious and ready for a shootout.

Quan was giving out his paw to shake it with the general as last one, but the wolf didn't shake it. Just looked him from head to toe.

He smiled slightly and said that he was a bit disappointed on what he was looking at, after hearing a lot of stories about Quan the slasher. The man didn't fit into the overly scary description. The bunny could care less of such and told the general to go straight to the point before George would cut in to say anything that would escalate the situation.

The general whistled, and the doors of the Humvee nearby opened. Soldiers escorted out a small bunny boy a well as a female deer, both looking rather ragged and stressed out.

Quan looked emotional right away, as his beautiful wife was yelling out his name right away along with his son. They were clearly terrified as much as Quan was.

The black wolf wasn't much for yapping small talk either. He took at the paper sheet from his pocket as Quan watched his wife and son be forced to lay on the ground, hands in the back of their head and guns aimed at them.

The baron was as confused as he was angry. He had not been told about this hostage situation, assuming that Quan didn't know either. He was ready to shove his gun to the general's throat for using kids and women for his advantage cowardly when they had gone to their camps for a secure life in the first place. It was foul, even for a man like him.

The general read the paper aloud. It was more or less what they expected.

The ram, the bull, and the bunny were all going to be asked to surrender and be imprisoned, having a trial ready for them to go through back at the Guadalupe mountains.

It was already shown on three of their faces that it was not going to happen without a fight.

The general saw it clear as day and reminded them that even if he was going to be cut down, so would be the whole city and first civilian casualties would be the two behind him right now. Quan was getting more and more aggressive, feeling desperate for his family.

Samuel took his turn to speak, trying to use his wisdom to make the general see what was the best option overall to consider. General Hans did listen to some degree, after many remarks and call outs on why it would not fly. The exchange of words that the Baron and Hans had made things only worse, the two trading insults and threats. They hated each other from the start.

The whole situation was getting restless and it was only a matter of time before words would lose their meaning and violence would speak its own language.

As much as Samuel tried to de-escalate the situation, the unfortunate option to betray George seemed to be the only way to go. It hurt Quan to do it... But his family was going to die if he didn't do something fast.

He begged the general to give him and Samuel a moment to think their answer through. The general allowed them one minute with a small distaste, already having his paw on his gun holster as well.

All of the three backed off to talk in the fair distance. Baron said it was time to kill them all, saying that as hurtful as it was, Quan would have to get a new family, which made Quan for the first-time snap at the ram and say that he would kill him himself if he said such a thing again. Which shut the ram down for a while, until he started to rage at the bunny to see there was no option to get out of this without a fight. Samuel didn't say a word, just looking at Quan and silently saying that it was time. George would have to take the fall.

Quan shut his eyes, thinking furiously what to do. Everything depended on it.

Everything.

He kept thinking...

Until it came to him. It had not occurred to him as an option when he first read the letter his wife had sent him... Because it had been buried down for so many years and for so long. It would go against his principles... His holy promise... And worst of all... It would go against Maya.

But what was more important after all these years? To have your soul cursed eternally by the holy spirit that gave him a life long ago in the valley far away... Or to save his friends, his family, and a whole city?

Quan opened his eyes. He had to break his promise... And give in for whatever was going to happen afterward.

The bunny didn't say a word, leaving the two standing and going towards the general.

Samuel and George both looked alarmed, asking what was he doing, having zoned out the whole time without giving piece of his mind at all.

The soldiers raised their guns, aiming at Quan when he walked right in front of General Hans's face, the wolf himself pulling a gun out and aiming it between Quan's eyes, Abraham and Melly screaming for them to not shoot him.

The general asked if Quan had lost his mind, just marching at hands reach like that all aggressive, most likely having planned on stabbing him down. He said that if the bunny would move an inch anymore, he would order the female and the child to be gunned down as a lesson.

But then... The bunny spoke.

"A hundred thousand caps. For the febris and its cause. Baron George has agreed to it."

"Back off!" The wolf ordered, clicking the hammer of his gun and making the bunny taken one respectful step back.

"ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE?! I WILL NOT GIVE THIS INVADING PATRIOTIC SCUM A SINGLE CAP!" George yelled, arriving at the spot with Samuel.

The bunny grabbed the ram by his throat, choking him hard and making him fall on his knees as the soldiers watched in confusion, the general giving a small amused smile, clearly liking that.

"You. Will. Give. Them. The Caps. You will earn it back within a few years. As long as you focus on business, and stop snorting that FUCKING SHIT!" The bunny yelled, letting go of the ram's throat and making him wheeze out of breath.

Samuel looked at the bunny in concern, wondering if he just got them all killed. The ram was too busy squeezing air to say anything at the moment.

The bunny turned to look at the general and spoke again.

"One. Hundred. Thousand."

The wolf gave a small chuckle and spoke sternly.

"Well that is quite the generous sum, but if you think everything can be swiped under the rug with money, you are seriously mistaken. This man has violated every mammal right there is, I have spies in this city. He has raped, slave traded, murdered and extorted."

"I am quite sure that during your life in here ever since you stepped out of your mountain base, you have been part of the mentioned crimes yourself." Quan said like it was time to step off the high horse.

"You fucking dare to accuse me-"

"Quan-" Samuel began, wanting to know what the hell was going on with the bunny right now to say such things at the General of an army.

"I am not accusing. I am speaking man to man how it is." The bunny said.

"You got some guts; the word has been true. But keep accusing me of war crimes and I will start mine by starting with your whore wife and whimp of a son."

Quan looked like he was going to strangle the general in a moment of heat, but held back. He then continued with his demands.

"Hundred thousand caps are more than fair to ease up Samuels deal. Forgiving his crimes as part of the deal is more than fair as well. He wants to be the one to lead this city and is ready to adjust the deals with the febris. He has his own demands ready. I'm sure you two will find a middle ground that will be satisfiable for both interests." Quan said calmly.

"Is that so, Samuel? These people inside would listen to your word?" The wolf asked carefully with his gun still aimed at the bunny.

"Yes," Samuel said after second of silence.

"Cahgh... What?!" The ram coughed up on the ground.

The wolf spoke formally, giving his own men a look, then a nod as somewhat of a signal to do something.

"... A hundred thousand caps. And In order to forgive your crimes, I will need you to lay your hand on a bible and join febris yourself. It is the only way to get a clean record. You and my officers can go through whatever terms there is, but at least over two hundred febris soldiers are going to settle into this city within few hours and will occupy the most heavily fortified area there is to ensure stable control. I have heard that the city is fond of you. You better live up to that reputation for these people's sake. Are you willing to go take this option?"

Samuel looked at Quan with a thankful gaze, somewhat surprised.

"... Yes, sir."

"YOU FUCKING TRAITORS!" The ram yelled on the ground.

"He seems a bit too hostile to hand out any caps at the moment. How can I be sure that the transaction will be done?" The wolf asked.

Quan turned around, kicking the grenade launcher off from the ram's hand before he would go mad and use it. The ram screamed out, cursing at the bunny.

"NINE YEARS! I WAS GOOD TO YOU! I WILL HAVE YOU KILLED!"

"And now is my turn to be good to you. Watch me. I am saving your fucking life here. It is more important than your caps." Quan said, laying out his paw on the ram's shoulder. But the coked-up ram swept the arm away, breathing rapidly and looking at the bunny with furious gaze and confused over what he had just meant.

The bunny turned back around, talking to the wolf again.

"He will agree. And you will forgive him too."

"That is going to be another hundred thousand caps then?" The wolf asked with interest.

"I WILL RATHER DIE!" The ram yelled.

"Shut your fucking mouth for once and let the man speak," Samuel said at the ram on the ground, Quan breathing a moment and speaking.

"No. He needs that wealth. But he won't be a problem for you anymore. You want to get rid of him because as long as he is in this city, he will be a threat. Always. He hates Febris, and he most likely will hate me for this as well. But he is my friend. And I do not wish him to die." The bunny said, looking behind him and the ram looking right back at him with those wide pupils.

"Touching. Get to the point already." The general commanded impatiently.

"... The remains of Beaumont. Give him a new start there. It is far in the east, away from Houston and away from febris. His wealth will give him enough resources to start again. It will be his territory, and febris won't be allowed close to it, as honorable agreement." Quan said.

"AH, THE HELL WITH THAT! HE WILL NEVER AGREE TO LET ME JUST WALK!" The baron yelled.

The general shook his head and spoke mockingly.

"... I have to agree with the piece of shit behind you. No deal. This man is wanted from breaking multiple mammal rights. Your solution is nothing at all. He will continue his crimes over there, hurting people around him just like he has so far."

"In return... I will give my life to serve in the febris army. I will never be allowed to work with the baron again. I will be a good soldier to you. And I will obey your commands. You know my track record. You know how good I am. I will be the man you can trust to get things done."

"..."

"... Give me the bible here and I swear it just like Samuel."

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?! YOU BELONG BY MY SIDE!" The ram yelled.

"Which part of shut the fuck up did you not understand?" Samuel asked angrily from the ram.

The ram kept cursing and raving them to hell as the wolf stepped closer to speak at the self-confident bunny.

"You believe in god then, Quan the slasher?"

"I never said I did." The bunny said back with a small smile.

The wolf didn't like hearing that, but then continued after a while, Samuel just observing the situation.

"... Interesting offer. Unexpected. You would indeed be an asset. But... How do I know that you are not doing this just to save your family and escape with them the first chance you get?"

"I just guess you have to keep me in a short leash then." Quan said calmly.

General Hans gave a small laugh at that, whispering.

"This guy..."

He then cleared his throat and spoke.

"Funny. But not enough. You are a criminal. A cold-blooded killer. You are asking me to let this rich junkie slip through my fingers and escape, and welcome you into my service, just to wait for betrayal to happen any second? You better give me everything else that this ram has left, and I will consider it... Most likely not, still. Just because his yelling is annoying me right now." The wolf said.

"... No. You are going to accept it. And you will let him keep his caps. And you will take me into your service, and you will never... Ever, use my family against me."

"... Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just have them shot right now to teach you a lesson?"

"Because-" Quan began.

"JUST KILL THEM ALL!" The baron yelled loudly, expecting the people behind in nearby buildings to shoot.

And something did happen. The hesitating and nervous mercenaries raised their guns, making the soldiers react and aim theirs all over as well, Quan yelling.

"NOBODY FIRE A FUCKING SHOT! NOBODY NEEDS TO DIE!"

"You better tell them to stand down right fucking now or we are going to have a problem!" Hans yelled warningly, stepping back and Abraham crying in a panic on the background.

Everyone was quiet for a moment.

Only the wind blew, chaos waiting to start.

"Baron is the one who paid!"

"We do as he tells!"

The yelling's repeated each other.

Samuel gave a warning look for the panting and furious ram, drawing out his huge revolver and speaking quietly.

"Let. Him. Speak. Do not make me do this, George."

The ram looked defying first, giving a bloodthirsty look at the general who stared right back. Samuel for the first time gave a begging look at the ram, whispering to him to stop this.

After the most tension full three seconds of their lives, the ram yelled.

"GUNS DOWN!"

Quan closed his eyes, exhaling and feeling ill.

The guns lowered once again in the building, but this time the Febris didn't lower theirs.

The bunny suddenly walked closer to the wolf, making him steel his posture again and ready his gun, aiming it at Quan again.

Quan spoke with honest intent... And he said something with a determination like never before.

"You will accept what I have offered... And no one shoots anyone... Because I will give you Ethan Winchester himself."

Samuel now looked at the bunny like he had not heard right. The general looked just as confused, the soldiers behind him looking just as baffled.

The wolf spoke with a cautious tone.

"Bullshit. Ethan Winchester is dead."

"Did you find the body? Can I see it?" Quan asked.

"Don't get smart with me-" The wolf started with an agitated tone.

"I am not. I will lead you to Ethan Winchester. I know exactly where he is, right now. It will take us quite a time to get there from where we are... But I will always remember the way home. He is alive. And he is well. Breathing, eating. Most likely has a family by now."

"... Why should I believe anything you say right now?" The wolf asked like this was just insulting.

"... Because ten years ago, when his vertibird crashed... I was the one who kidnapped him... And he revenged it fair and square. By throwing a knife right in my eye. When it was still intact." The bunny said, remembering those days way too well. Ethan was hard to forget.

"..." The wolf looked now a bit speechless, his soldiers starting to talk amongst themselves.

"Okay, answer this to me. Where did it crash?"

"I can show you on the map. That is where I had to fight some mercenaries off to claim my prize. It was around halfway to your main base. Two big rocks. Damaged motor most likely to blame. Or a tired pilot. Or a sandstorm. Was most likely all of those."

"... You could have just heard all of this as a rumor. I don't believe you." The wolf said.

The bunny then breathed in and out, speaking more serious.

"You remember losing over ten men at a small town during that same week of Winchester's disappearance? I bet it was quite the mystery for you, no survivors and whatnot. Had to go through them to get Ethan to his destination. I know that I just confessed murder of those troops, but giving you Ethan Winchester in return and joining your cause should redeem some of that incident, wouldn't you agree? I wouldn't have needed to kill anyone if that store owner would have given me what I asked. But I had no caps and I was a bit... Lacking social skills back then. And wearing fewer clothes."

The wolf was opening his mouth the more the bunny went on. The details matched. He spoke quietly, lowering his gun slightly.

"... You are telling me... That you kidnapped Ethan Winchester... Killed our men in that town... And-"

"And got him safely back to where I'm from. Well, that wouldn't be exactly true. I had a friend helping me through the way. But let's just say that we had a bit of an... Heated argument. Which is the reason that I am here with one eye and not back at home, where my friend surely delivered the husky that you have been looking for. His name was Tesshin."

"... You are serious right now?" The wolf asked, even the soldiers now approaching to hear all of this, no one pointing guns at Melly and Abraham anymore.

The wolf stepped closer.

"You can lead us to him? And you can give us your word on that?"

The bunny nodded slowly and spoke.

"You enlist me and let me serve for a few months... And I will hold my promise. But know this... If he wanted to come back to your army, to lead it when you needed it the most... That man would have found a way. I knew him only for two weeks but, still... He was not a coward. So, when I am taking you to see him... Keep in a clear mind and remember this thing, as I say it as a fact. You are not going there to save and recruit back a former general of your army... Because you are going there to meet a man who found a better life for himself... If he had any intention of coming back or escaping my tribe... He would be talking to me here, instead of you. Say, general... Does that sound loyal to your cause... Because I believe the word for that is a deserter, is it not? Which would be considered a war crime by the book."

"... Why would he disgrace General Allen's memory like that?! They were best friends! They were true comrades! Why would he abandon his army to live in some fucking tribe of yours?! Why would you kidnap him in there first place, or where did you even know where to find him?!"

"I will answer anything I can on our way there. I will. But it is not just a fucking tribe. It is a more pleasant life than anything this land has to offer. Maybe you will see it yourself. I am not lying. If I am... Nothing stops you from shooting me, then coming back to this city and shooting everyone as well."

The wolf was quiet for a while measuring the bunny with his gaze, thinking deeply what to do.

"Alive and well?"

"... You have my word."

Finally, Hans relaxed his shoulders.

"... Son of a bitch." The general said, laying down his gun finally and holstering it, Samuel and George both not able to say a word, until the bull had to.

"You never told me that you knew where Ethan fucking Winchester was."

"I was planning to take that to my grave. Nothing personal. Just a promise I made myself long ago. But I am a family man now. And I have to do whatever is best for them." Quan said, looking at his wife and child.

"And I would never gamble with their lives." Quan said seriously, looking at the general now.

The general was quiet for a while, processing this through and telling all the soldiers behind him to stop their babbling about the shocking news.

"That man... Was like a hero to me. To us." The wolf said, hateful disgust and disappointment heavy all over him.

"Yeah, well life is a bitch. Get George his pardon on a paper, please." Quan said, nodding at the ram's way.

The wolf sighed, looking at the ram who looked just as wordless as him about all of this, wondering if I had just happened.

"Fine. Get him on his feet. GUNS DOWN, SOLDIERS!" The general ordered, everyone in the regiment easing down.

Two soldiers came to help the ram back on his feet, George scooting them away from him and making his way to the bunny. He panted, speaking to him with a bit baffled tone.

"You could have told that this was going to be your plan from the get-go. You owed me that. What kinda bullshit was it to plan all this behind my back? YOU WORK FOR ME. Our relationships is built on TRUST."

"I didn't plan all of this. I just did what needed to be done. It's the art of a deal. You have thought me a thing or two about that during the years. I learned well." He said with a small smile.

"... Quan... But if you are febris... You cannot serve me anymore." Baron said, now sounding actually emotional.

The bunny tried to keep his feelings in check, speaking quietly.

"... We had some good years. But they are done now. I am sorry... George. But this is the right way. We talk later. Okay?"

The general was now occupied, talking with his soldiers and making arrangements to leave in a search for Winchester right away. The bunny cut in, speaking loudly.

"General Hans!"

The wolf turned his attention to Quan again, some soldier running next to him from the side with paper and a pen. He then addressed Quan.

"... Quan the slasher... What is your family name anyway? We need it for the records. And from now on, you address me as sir. And we need to find you a uniform." The wolf said, ready to sign the papers that were brought to him.

Quan was about to speak until the wolf cut him off.

"Yours first. It was a Win... Something." The wolf said, aiming his pen at the bull.

"... Winnfield." Samuel said calmly.

"Winn... Field. Now you." The wolf asked, pointing at the bunny now.

"We are not given the last name when we are born in the tribe." The bunny said amusedly.

"...Right. Did you not then automatically take your Wife's last name by marriage then? I am not going to call you private slasher, there are enough smart asses in my army as it is." The wolf said.

"... We never really talked about such a thing." The bunny said.

"... Your wife's family name is Reed. From now on, you are a private Reed." The wolf said with frustration.

"How do you know my wife's family name?" Quan asked.

"We have talked a few times. Happens in captivity. She was determined to save you so she told plenty of things." The general said mysteriously.

Quan was a bit weirded out by the tone but kept talking.

"... I have killed a lot of people. Why do I get the status of a private?" The bunny asked, feeling a bit insulted for his status, considering his experience.

"For now, you take what you get. And if any of this turns out to be a lie or a trick, I will have three Reed's dead in a ditch... Along with that baby that they left at the base." The wolf said coldly.

"What would I care? It's not mine." The bunny said back.

The wolf for some reason gave a smirk at that, continuing to write down the name.

"I guess I will make one later. But for now,... Have we come to an agreement?" The bunny asked, handing out his paw.

The wolf stared at the paw for a while, and then at the bunny.

And this time...

He did shake his hand without firmly, and without hesitation.

"Welcome to Febris army... Private Reed." The wolf said, trying to sound genuine.

"Thank you, Sir. Now, excuse me... I want to hug my wife and son." The bunny said.

"Go right ahead. LET HIM PASS!" The wolf ordered, the men nodding and stepping aside. The smile of hope and relief came on the faces of the two as they ran towards Quan now, ready to hug him to death.

Before Quan went to meet them, he walked next to the wolf and suddenly leaned a bit on the side to whisper to him.

"I will get you Ethan Winchester. And I will serve your army. But if you ever... Ever, hold my wife and son a hostage, threaten them, or try to use them against me, hiding behind your uniform and soldiers, feeling like you can't be touched... I will show you why they call me the slasher."

The wolf laid down his paper sheet and pen, looking at the bunny with an intimidating look, but there was not a glimpse of fear in Quan's one good eye.

"Did you just threaten me, private Reed?"

"You heard what I said. And just so you know... This deal of mine didn't just save my life. It saved yours as well. You try to remember that." The bunny said, taking his leave.

He then yelled loudly.

"SHOW IS OVER PEOPLE! GO TO YOUR HOMES!"

The wolf turned around to see that hundreds of windows had movement, loud chatters coming from the inside as the last of the barrels of guns disappeared back into the darkness.

The wolf turned back to look and see that the bunny was hugging his son tightly now, Abraham and Melly crying loudly from happiness. They were finally safe.

But as Melly's and Hans's gaze met... The deer saw that things were far from being safe for them... Or her husband.

All Samuel could say as he was readying to talk with officers about the terms, looking at the bunny hugging his family.

"I' ma have to buy the man a beer."

ACT 2

(Fallout 4 OST - Lone Wandering)

Santino Tampico was standing outside his family quarters door, guarding it paranoidly and restlessly with a kitchen knife in his paw. He was gazing around the hallways, listening and sweating out of the idea that Charlie had gone completely insane and was now roaming the hallways with his handgun. He had no idea yet what had happened since he left the senior hall with other scared mass, but he knew that he wasn't going to go down as a cowardly father who didn't protect his kin with everything he had. Although, he had never hurt anyone if you don't count a few fistfights over arguments at the chess table or card game with Jacob's dad. But having a knife in his paw and even the idea of having to use it was making him a nervous wreck.

A voice spoke from behind the metallic door, making the black-furred wolf jumpscare a bit and inhale fast as the words were spoken.

"M-Mr. Tampico? I-is anyone there? Seen anyone?" A catgirl scared voice asked.

"... N-no, Jill. Just... No one yet. You all try to just stay calm and talking about something amongst yourselves. I need to focus on. Okay, dear?" Tampico asked calmly as he could, considering his nervousness.

"... Yeah, got it, mister Tampico... Thank you for protecting us." Jill thanked with an unsure tone from the room.

"... I'm sure anyone would do the same." Tampico said, wondering if that was even true. Most of the kids got overran by tons of parents the moment Charlie started to put on his show.

Inside Mr. Tampico's room itself, there were four souls sitting around the place randomly. And the mood was somewhat... Mixed as it was awkward.

Jacob Evergreen was sitting on Tampico's bed in a yoga position, reading some grognak the barbarian magazine he had found from Santino's nightstand.

Tio Tampico was sitting against the bathrooms door on the floor, gazing time to time awkwardly at Jacob and wishing he would not notice.

Jill was just giving paranoid gazes out of the windows and waiting to see anything from where she was, even if the vision to hallways was rather limited.

Sam Starling was the only one standing, his confused gaze traveling from Tio to Jacob and back. It was if he was witnessing the weirdest situation of his life. And he was soon about to make it clear out loud, feeling too frustrated and rather disturbed.

"OKAY, enough! What is going on? I need some answers, you two are freaking me out! Royally!" The chubby hyena asked not able to hold it anymore.

All of the three focused their attention at Sam, raising eyebrows together, not saying a word at the odd outburst.

"Oh, stop looking at me like you don't know what I'm talking about. Or... maybe Jill doesn't, no offense at all. But seriously, let me just make sense of this. Jacob. Tio. Why are you two acting so damn weird right now?!" The hyena asked, almost freaked out.

"Weeeeeird, as in?" Jacob asked, playing dumb. But he knew damn well that Sam was about to give a piece of his mind soon about the silence. They had been friends since kits after all and knew each other more than well.

Sam walked to Jacob, pointing at the wolf in the corner as he stared at the German shepherd accusingly.

"DUDE. WE HAVE NEVER... And I am not even making this up, NEVER been in the same space more than a minute, WITHOUT YOU... Saying something snarky at Tio. Not once. Explain."

"..." Jacob was now wide-eyed, Jill looking confused at the whole situation but at least it was a distraction from the otherwise scary day.

Sam snapped his fingers in front of Jacob now, Tio sweating visibly and trying to look away from the two.

"SEE?! That look! The whole... Thing! It is freaking me out! You are never this quiet! You just bla bla bla nonstop and aim shots at Tio as much as you can. So far, you have been quiet as bobblehead figure, and it makes zero sense." Sam said, feeling like it was something he needed to hear now in order not to go crazy.

"... I... I am reading this thing." Jacob tried to reason, giving a slap at the magazine.

The Hyena snapped the comic from the dog's paw without hesitation, presenting it in front of him theatrically.

"Bruuuuh, you have read that thing at least seven times in your life, and I know it's your LEAST Favorite groknak comic. What gives? Are you really even reading it?! Where are the jokes, where is the rambling, Jesus Christ... What have you done with real Jacob? I want him back. As in now. RAMBLE!" The hyena ordered.

"... N-nothing is up with me, dude. It's still me-" Jacob tried to tell back, giving an awkward smile, but Sam wasn't having it. He turned around, tossing the comic back at Jacob's lap and speaking at Tio now.

"Naaaah, there is something going on here. And I know that it's absolutely something to do with Tio. Dude. Look at me." Sam said, the wolf slowly turning to look at Sam nervously.

"Que?" The wolf asked innocently.

"Don't you Que me, man. What is going on between you two? Do you really think that I'm that stupid? -"

"I never-"

"Oh for... Tio. You might be the smartest dude I've known but you are terrible at hiding stuff. Tell me what Jacob did to you to make you both into awkward balls of boring?" Sam asked, leaning in and making the wolf more nervous.

"Yo! I did nothing to him! -" Jacob began desperately.

Sam jumped and turned to point his finger at Jacob accusingly, feeling like he was getting somewhere already.

"AH! Right on the defense! So, you DID do something to him!"

"I have no earthly idea what is going on here but please keep it up," Jill said, hinting that it was taking her nervousness away, as she had turned her attention from the windows at the conversation itself.

Jacob was trying to come up with any kind of defense, but then Tio spoke from the floor.

"Has it ever occurred to you that maybe we are just rather tense and nervous, contemplating numerous of different thoughts by and alarmed emotions due to the situation going on around the vault itself?" he asked calmly.

"... Fair point. But no. I know in my stomach that something else is up. My stomach never lies, it eats. -" Sam began knowingly.

"That makes no logical sense, a stomach doesn't eat-" Tio cut off annoyedly.

Sam shook his head and spoke loudly, waving his arms.

"Oh, enough! Man, I am more scared of you two right now than I am what is going on out there!"

"... Sam, I don't mean to barge into this whole thing, but... I just think that Tio is in the right. I am scared as hell right now. It's okay for a guy to be scared too, you know." Jill pointed out like it was maybe the most obvious answer here to the silent behavior.

"Jill... Do you really mean it though?" Jacob asked like it was a dumb thing to say.

"W-what do you mean by that?" Jill asked, not understanding.

Sam continued, knowing what Jacob mean as he was on the same boat right away.

"You. Scared of Charlie. I am willing to bet that for some reason here, which I haven't yet solved, Tio and Jacob are more scared of each other than they are of Charlie. Because we all three know something that I know that YOU know too."

"..." Jill was quiet now, wondering what she should know.

Sam sighed and tried to be polite, since he liked Jill a lot, even after knowing her barely for a day. But he couldn't deny the fact that he found her very attractive, even if the feeling wasn't mutual most likely.

"Charlie would NEVER hurt us. I think whatever is going on, has been a big misunderstanding. Has to be. Charlie is like our second father. Nothing wrong with his head. He would never shoot anyone, LET ALONE US. He has defended my mom from Randal. He thought me how to read. He thought me that I shouldn't be ashamed of how big I am. He has thought me so much about everything I know."

"Sam, I am not trying to say that he-" Jill now waved her paws as time out, feeling offended after all.

"It kinda just seems like that. Jacob and Tio both know that Charlie would NEVER do any harm to them. And besides, Ryan and Dion ran to him. Do you see Charlie doing anything bad at them?" Sam asked.

"N-no, I don't. But-" Jill tried to argue, feeling attacked now.

"Then don't worry about it. I don't worry about it. Jacob and Tio clearly don't worry about it. Jacob, you think Charlie is going to come and shoot someone here?" Sam asked over his shoulder.

"... I... No?" Jacob asked like it sounded even more stupid out loud.

"Tio?" Sam asked after.

The wolf just shook his head, knowing it was impossible. He then spoke quietly.

"He made me the next overseer. And without him, I wouldn't be as intelligent as I am. In my eyes, I owe him. The chances of him coming around here shooting is about equal to chances of me not being an actual Mexican origin by blood."

Jill then had enough of hearing all this sarcasm, speaking up a bit angrily.

"Why are you all acting that I am insulting him?! He means a lot to me too; he is an amazing teacher and a person-"

"Then what are you saying? It doesn't seem like you are very convinced still over him not being a danger. You keep looking at the windows and clearly feeling like Charlie would harm us." Sam asked confusedly.

"Sam., I don't think he would harm me. I just... Okay, why do you all act like I'm the overreacting one when you ALL heard the GUNSHOTS clearly?! Someone was sure as hell shooting! And if all those people said something about Charlie, it couldn't have been totally made up! And all that talk about him trying to accuse Randal of... And we all know how much Charlie has differences with Calvin! So, is it really that far-fetched that something bad might actually be going on? You guys are missing all the details here that make it very clear that I am not paranoid for no reason! And neither is mister Tampico, who is holding a freaking knife and guarding the door! If you three don't have any better explanation here to make sense of all of this, then I suggest you keep staying dumb and let me worry as much as I want! Got it?!"

All of the three males were quiet and wide-eyed now, having not expected such a voice of reason coming out to slap them into their faces.

Before any of them could speak, she just huffed in frustration and continued.

"Or maybe it is just denial in all of you to ignore everything that just happened before we got here because you see Teacher Charlie as some saint that couldn't for any reason at all, HURT someone. Get your heads out of your asses and thing with logic instead of your personal feelings over the man. Those were definitely gunshots." Jill argued sternly, crossing her arms and waiting for anyone to argue her point.

"How would you know?" Sam asked genuinely.

"What?" Jill asked.

"How would you know? We have never heard a gun being shot in our lives. Those three loud sounds... Whatever they were, could have been something else as well." Sam said, all of the three clearly thinking so much as well.

Tio then began after clearing his throat.

"By possible factors causing the sounds, there would be multiple different options as well. A blunt metal object colliding with another metal would be for one. Second would be some pipe malfunction, causing them to pop overpressure. And third-"

Jill had enough, feeling even more annoyed by the fact that the three had only stuck into one detail and completely ignored the others like they didn't exist.

"I KNOW THAT THEY WERE GUNSHOTS, I AM SURE OF IT!"

"And how is that? How can you be so sure?" Jacob asked like the girl was not very clear on it.

"Because I've shot with a gun before and I would recognize that sound from anywhere. It was slightly different, but it's most likely due to different caliber, as he thought me- "...

Jill then realized what she was about to say and reveal by accident, her eyes widening and her talk stopping against the wall.

"... Wait, what? You have shot a gun? You?" Sam asked, all of the three clearly having heard the same no.

"... No, I-"

"You sounded pretty convincing," Sam added.

"It's... I just lied, I tried to win an argument." Jill said quickly, turning to look at the windows again.

"... Okay, now you are the main investigation here, not Jacob and Tio. When have you, a girl, shot a gun?" Sam asked with interest.

"What does that have to do with anything?! You all just completely ignored what I said about everything else, and stick with-"

Sam cut her off and approached a bit more.

"We heard what you said, Jill. But the gunshots-"

"Oh, for fuck's sake! Just... I... I made a promise not to talk about it, and it slipped." Jill said, closing her eyes and feeling like she had driven herself into a very bad position now.

"... Promise to... Who?" Jacob asked.

"... Look. All I am saying is, Charlie might have very well been the one shooting a gun. He knows how to handle one. And if... He really did try to hurt Randal, like Mr. Santino said, for some reason, we don't know... I am just saying it is not totally impossible."

"... Jill... Can you just... Tell us what is going on? You clearly know something we don't."

"And why should I trust any of you? I haven't known any of you but for few hours."

"We are pretty trustworthy, Jill. You can tell us any secret at all, we can keep it." Jacob said, feeling the same as they all did.

Jill clearly seemed to have more than enough suspicions that Charlie might have been indeed on some violent behavior, and it meant a lot for them to know why the man they admired could be actually cause of something bad.

The cat was quiet for a moment, looking at all three.

"Trustworthy? I don't think so."

"How so?"

"... First of all, HE doesn't like me. I don't know what I have ever done to offend Tio, but it is clear that he doesn't like me. He has been nothing but rude to me, more than once."

"... I... I don't know what specifically-"

She rolled her eyes and spoke straight.

"Few days ago, you basically told me to fuck off when I asked where Dion is. Afterwards, you have been looking at me like I stole your books or something when I tell Jacob about my friend wanting to be with him again. And after that, you have been clearly in distaste about my company around you and your friends. Do you just hate girls or is it something I've said?"

"..." Tio was looking uncomfortable as he did guilty, not knowing what to say. Disappointedly, Jill turned to look at Jacob.

"And you. You say you can be trusted. Yet you are known to talk more than your all friends combined. That is not good. Who knows how long it takes till you are bored and tell everyone?"

"Now, hold on. I would never break a promise for a lady beautiful as you-"

"Ugh, shut it, J. And Sam... You... I don't know about you, Sam." Jill said genuinely, looking at the hyena slightly adoringly, but still doubtful.

"... You can trust me." Sam said, sounding genuine.

"... Give me a reason why." She said.

"Because I vouch for these two that they won't say a word. If they do... I will take all the blame." Sam said, giving out a paw.

"..." Jill was quiet, hating her slip of words and wondering how did this whole situation turn into this.

"... Okay then. If you promise me." Jill said, looking at the hyena from head to toe.

"I do," Sam said with an honest tone.

Jill was quiet for a moment, sighing in surrender and shaking Sam's paw.

"Fine. If you promise."

"... Sam, I believe that this is the first time you have touched a girl. You getting hard?" Jacob asked with a sneaky smile, Tio rolling his eyes and both Sam and Jill speaking at the same time.

"FUCK OFF, J."

Jacob laid his paws in the air as an apology and fixed the smirk off his face.

Tio then spoke in impatience.

"You care to share your knowledge now?"

Jill gave a somewhat ill look at the wolf from the manner, then speaking to all of them.

"... Dion... He thought me how to shoot with guns. He... Took me under the maintenance level and we... Shot targets together. Yesterday. It was part of our... Date. And he told me not to tell anyone. And here I am."

The boys took a while to process what was going on, wondering if they had just heard right.

"... Wowowo, hold on. HUSKER thought YOU how to shoot with GUNS?" Jacob asked, coming up from the bed and tossing the magazine away.

Jill sighed and spoke.

"One gun. Taken from the armory. The ones that guards would use, if... Something would happen. Dion had one of those hidden. And he thought me how to shoot with it."

Jacob looked at all three, Sam and Tio looking just as surprised. But then Jacob began ranting like he had been left out of some party.

"And how did he... How did he get one? What on earth is going on, he is my best friend?! If he would have told that he had a gun hidden! -"

Jill cut the dog off in annoyance.

"Are you more offended over the fact that he thought a girl to shoot guns instead of you, or are you legitly concerned on why he would have one in the first place or how to use it? You say that you are his best friend, but I am not sure if you know what it means since I am sure that the first option was the more likely in your head."

Jacob stuttered, feeling just more annoyed now over Jill having been right, making him look like a selfish friend now.

"... Th-.... That's not fair! I Just... He never keeps anything from me! Not something as big as this!"

Jill then just turned around to look at the windows again, speaking quietly.

"Well maybe, he just didn't trust you enough with it... Best friend or not. Because he knows how much you like to talk."

Jacob took a moment to handle the accusement, groaning and pointing at her.

"Yeah, and instead he trusted you more, A GIRL?!"

Jill turned around, speaking sassily.

"... His girlfriend now to be more precise, J. I am not trying to say you mean less to him than me, because I know it's not true... But whatever his reason was, he trusted me enough to practice it with me."

Jacob grumbled about something, then starting to walk around restlessly.

"... Goddamnit. I need to talk to him! He is supposed to trust me!"

"WHAT DID I JUST SAY?! You promised not to talk with anyone about it!" Jill said, feeling threatened by Jacob already and his fickle promise, Sam giving annoyed look at the dog too.

"... But-" Jacob tried to argue.

Jill then came closer, laying her paws on Jacob's shoulders to make him understand with a bit kinder approach, seeing over Jacob's shoulder how Tio visibly was annoyed by the sudden touch she had given Jacob.

"J... he most likely hasn't even told his brother. And he loves him. So, you can't blame yourself over being a poor friend or anything. But I think Dion just wanted to show me a good time. And it is pretty damn sure that when someone has romantic feelings for someone... They act differently around them." Jill said knowingly, and for some reason, looking right back at Tio with the same attitude.

The wolf looked a bit awkward after such a studying gaze piercing him for some reason. The wolf swallowed, turning to look at a corner and dwelling back into his thoughts.

"Fine, it is what it is. Dion had a secret. And it explains how you know how a gunshot sounds. But how does it have... Like, it doesn't expl-"

"Sam... I know you all want to see Charlie as someone who could never hurt anyone... I want to see it that way too. I want to believe that what is going on right now, isn't what we have heard. But think, all of you for a moment... If Dion had a gun... And knew how to use it... You really all think that someone like him would just suddenly steal one and learn to shoot? Someone like Dion? Unless someone thought him how to do it for some reason. And who do you think would be the most likely one to do so?"

"..."

All of the three looked now considerably more worried, knowing that if Charlie knew how to use a gun all this time... It wasn't that impossible for their loved teacher to be the one shooting around.

Jacob was now the first one to speak nervously, rubbing behind the back of his head in thought.

"Shit, this is bad... Why... Why would he try to shoot at Randal? I mean... Everyone knows that Randal is a drunken idiot, but... That doesn't excuse anyone to be shot."

"... We can't be sure yet about anything before we get solid information." Tio said from the corner, thinking what possibly would have gone down now as well.

"And not only the gunshots. The people running practically over us as well. They were really scared. Whatever had happened in that hall before the shooting began, had given them enough fear over what Charlie had done. We just need to hope that if something bad indeed had gone down, Dion and Ryan managed to calm their dad down."

"I hope so... It still just doesn't make a lot of sense for Charlie to be angry at Randal." Sam told quietly.

Suddenly out of nowhere, the announcement alarm game through the public intercom, spreading its message to each residence available and still in use.

EVERYONE! THIS IS YOUR OVERSEER SPEAKING! AS YOU ALL ARE AWARE BY NOW, THERE HAS BEEN A DANGEROUS ELTERNATACTION JUST MOMENTS AGO IN THE SENIOR DINING HALL! THE SITUATION HAS BEEN SOLVED AND IT HAS COME TO AN END. CHARLIE WINCHESTER, WHO IS THE ONE RESPONISBLE OVER TODAYS VIOLENT ACTIONS, HAS BEEN DETAINED AND TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. HE SHALL AWAIT A TRIAL WITHIN FEW DAYS OVER VERY SERIOUS CRIMES HE HAS COMMITTED. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO TELL YOU ALL THAT VICTIMS OF HIS CRIMES ARE NOW TO BE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. OUR TRUSTED AND LOVED GUARD, XAVIER AS YOU ALL KNOW HIM, IS DEAD. HE HAS BEEN SHOT TO DEATH BY CHARLIE WINCHESTER HIMSELF, AND HIS BODY HAS BEEN TAKEN TO ITS RESPECTFUL PLACE AT THE CLINIC. ANYONE WILLING TO COME FOR HIS BURNING CEREMONY TOMORROW IS WELCOME BY ALL MEANS. ALSO, MY PERSONAL DOOR GUARD, ELLIOT, THE YOUNGEST OF OUR GUARDING RANKS, HAS SUFFERED A SERIOUS CONCUSSION, AND IS BEING MEDICALLY TREATED AT THE MED BAY BY DOCTOR AMIR; AND HIS SITUATION SEEMS TO BE STABLE FOR NOW, GOD BLESS. I ADVISE YOU ALL TO GO ON WITH YOUR DAY AS NORMALLY AS YOU CAN SINCE THE SITUATION HAS NOW BEEN DEALT WITH. CHARLIE WINCHESTER WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY VISITORS, AND ALL THE DWELLERS OF THE VAULT 55 ARE TO BE PRESENT AT THE DAY OF THE TRIAL. THANK YOU All.

No one in the room could say a word. The metal door opened, Santino, coming in like he had heard the most shocking news ever, dropping the knife onto the floor and looking at all three of them, swallowing loudly and saying what they all were thinking at that very moment.

"Holy shit."

END