Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

War... war never changes.  

From humble beginnings, i founded and became the CEO of RobCo Industries. With my vast wealth, i have grown Las Vegas to the apex of it's potential. But all of that changed when the great war razed the earth. Ever since the nukes dropped, i have fought hard to keep the spirit of Vegas alive in the wasteland. But complications of the new world challenge my rule of the city. 

From the small town of Shady Sands, the New Californian Republic has grown and expanded all over the wasteland. They have arrived in the Mojave what they have done elsewhere with one simple purpose: to annex New Vegas and it's surrounding region. 

Elsewhere, Caesar's Legion style themselves after the ancient Roman Empire. Forging their strength on the slavery, they conquer their way through the wasteland. I may be ruthless, but even they disgust me. They disgust me to the core. 

The NCR and Caesar's Legion clashed at Hoover Dam, and i fear the inevitability of a second battle on the horizon. Especially when thanks to the machinations of my once protégé Benny, the Platinum Chip eludes my grasp. I have my calculations that Benny's theft of my chip will warp the Mojave Wasteland, for the better or worse. 

SOMEWHERE, IN A DIFFERENT UNIVERSE 

(''Oh yeah, this interdimensional transporter is all coming together.'') Ghoulia smilingly groans while putting the final touches on her invention. As she is thinking about the potential of her invention, she hears a friend call out for her. 

''Hey bestie, what are you working on?'' Cleo utters to Ghoulia as she and Draculaura approach the zombie. In the company of her close friends, Ghoulia gestures to her friends to join her at the table.  

(''This beauty? I dub it: The Interdimensional Transporter! This invention of mine can open portals to parallel universes. Or interdimensional universes if i push it further.'') Ghoulia groans with excitement as she shows her invention to her friends. 

Looking at Ghoulia's invention, Cleo and Draculaura can only look puzzled as Ghoulia gives them a confident (and maniacal) smile. Seeing her terrifying smirk, Draculaura can only awkwardly smile as she's slightly terrified at the implications. ''Hey Ghoulia, are you sure it's safe to mess with interdimensional travel? I mean, Cleo can only think about interdimensional fashion. I suggest we do this where no one is in danger.''  

(''That's my idea exactly. We go to the catacombs down school and test it in a controlled environment.'') Ghoulia moans while while seeing the worried face on the vampire and the desire the mummy exudes. Grabbing her invention, Ghoulia gestures to Cleo and Draculaura to join her when Deuce Gorgon bumps into Ghoulia. 

''Oh, im sorry for bumping into you Ghoulia.'' Deuce awkwardly apologizes. 

(''No worries Deuce.'') Ghoulia groaned to deuce, she briefly ponders before turning her head to Cleo. Immediately understanding that Ghoulia wishes to invite him, Cleo turns to Deuce. ''Hey sweetheart, would you like to join Ghoulia's demonstration? 

With a nod from the Gorgon, the group gets one manster bigger as they exit the Creepateria.

IN THE CATACOMBS

As the four are walking in the catacombs, Deuce curiously stares at Ghoulia's invention. Prompting him to prod the zombie for information. ''Hey Ghoulia, what's that rifle thingy you have here?''  

Hearing Deuce's question regarding the Interdimensional Transporter, Ghoulia turns around her head as she begins to explain her invention. (''This invention? It shoots portals to different universes.'') 

''And it doesn't burn down the pool like your other invention? That would be only the second time it happened since Heath's stunt.'' Deuce teasingly nods to Ghoulia who can only awkwardly smile in response. 

After a while, they arrive at their designated spot. Putting the Interdimensional transporter on a stone, Ghoulia activates the invention from a distance with a stick as Cleo, Draculaura and Deuce watch from a distance. With the activation of Ghoulia's invention, a portal starts to form. The three that are watching can only look in awe as Ghoulia gives the spectators a grin. 

With the portal fully formed, a figure emerges from the portal. A figure that bears a huge resemblance to Ghoulia Yelps. The four can only stare at her in complete silence. This silence gets broken when main Ghoulia approaches the dimensionally displaced zombie. (''Welcome to Monster High! I'm Ghoulia Yelps. What is your name?'') 

Not understanding zombie, the parallel ghoul speaks up. ''Excuse me, do you speak English?'' 

''Ghoulia Yelps is welcoming you here. What is your name?'' Draculaura smiled as she waved to the parallel ghoul.

''Oh my.... I'm Ghoulia Yelps.'' Parallel Ghoulia introduced as the spectators stare at her in utter shock. Ghoulia additionally grows excited by talking to her dimensional counterpart before activating her zombie translator. [''First off, i can only speak zombie, unless i activate this zombie translator here. Secondly, welcome to Monster High, or my universe of Monster High. Meaning you stepped into an alternate universe.''] 

''Oh my...'' Is all parallel Ghoulia can respond to the revelation she's in front of another Ghoulia. Especially one that invented interdimensional travel. Once she recovers from the shock, her face brightens up. ''If what you say is true, you should be showing this to an audience.'' 

[''That's what i am thinking myself, other me.''] Main Ghoulia smiled as parallel Ghoulia awkardly laughs. ''Indeed, but ehmmm. Can you bring me back? I promised Frankie i would help them with their homework.'' Parallel Ghoulia awkwardly begs. Obliging her, main Ghoulia creates another portal back to parallel Ghoulia's universe. Before she enters the portal, parallel Ghoulia turns her head to main Ghoulia. ''I would like to show up at that demonstration.'' 

[''You will, parallel me. You will.''] Main Ghoulia explained as parallel Ghoulia enters the portal back in the universe. 

After seeing all of this unfold, Ghoulia gives a shocked Draculaura, Cleo and Deuce a confident smile. Having witnessed all of this unfold, Cleo steps forward to compliment Ghoulia's demonstration. ''Ghoulia, you have outdone yourself. You work on perfecting that invention of yours while i convince the headmistress to get you an audience for your Interdimensional Transporter.''  

Hearing Cleo's compliment while Deuce and Draculaura give double thumbs up, Ghoulia grabs her invention before leaving the catacombs. Though not before giving them a smile while waving her free hand, certain that her invention will amaze her soon to be audience.

A FEW DAYS LATER AT THE COURTYARD

As Ghoulia and Cleo wait in anticipation on the stand, they spot their friends arriving at the demonstration. To Ghoulia's dismay, not a whole lot of spectators decide to show up. Though Cleo cheers her up when she reminds that her friends and her boofriend Slo Mo are there. Wordlessly smiling at Cleo, they spot Frankie and Clawdeen arriving at the demonstration. 

''Okay, what's that invention Ghoulia made?'' Clawdeen questioned. 

''I don't know, but it's our friend Ghoulia's demonstration. We owe it to her to attend it.'' Frankie answered to Clawdeen's agreement. They spot Draculaura and join her. Looking around, they see their friends in the crowd as they spot Ghoulia's Interdimensional Transporter. They take their seats as Ghoulia and Cleo begin their demonstration on the Interdimensional Transporter. 

(''Ghouls and Mansters, i welcome you to my demonstration of the amazing Interdimensional Transporter!'') Ghoulia points to the Dimensional Transporter she is holding. (''This device has one simple purpose: it can open portals to another universes!') 

(''Before we begin our demonstration, does anyone have questions?'') Is all Ghoulia asks before Heath Burns holds his hand in the air. Giving him permission, Heath begins to speak up. ''If what you say is true, does that mean an alternate version of me exists?''

(''Indeed Heath, and an alternate version of you exists that's more handsome than you.'') Ghoulia answered as the crowd begins laughing. A humiliated Heath sinks in the crowd as Clawdeen raises her hand up. Nodding to her, Clawdeen rises up and voices her doubt. ''Hey buddy, does that invention of yours actually work? You may be the smartest ghoul here, but i doubt even you can invent interdimensional travel.'' 

Taking Clawdeen's doubt in consideration, Ghoulia primes the Interdimensional Transporter. (''Let's find out shall we?'') 

Activating the Interdimensional Transporter, Ghoulia points it at the ground as a portal emerges in front of the intrigued spectators. Watching with awe, they soon get wild when parallel versions of Ghoulia, Frankie, Draculaura and Clawdeen emerge from the portal. 

Smiling to her alternate counterpart, Ghoulia gestures to the parallel ghouls to introduce themselves.  

''Hello there, im Clawdeen Wolf. I am a half werewolf/half human with  here with Frankie, Draculaura and Ghoulia. It's nice to meet you all.'' The half werewolf uttered, causing not only main Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein and Draculaura to stare in utter shock. But the spectators as well.  

The six then proceed to talk to one another as the spectators watch in awe. From both Frankie's awe for the world they are created in. (And accidentally getting each gender wrong before apologizing to one another), both Draculaura's chatting about their differences while main Clawdeen gives alternate Clawdeen some pointers on fashion. After a while of talking with one another, the parallel ghouls enter the portal back to their universes. 

With the alternate ghouls back to their universe, the amazed spectators rush to the podium. Brimming with questions and all of them holding their hands in the air. As Ghoulia and Cleo keep them under control with the intent to answer them all. A rather excited Frankie approaches the two ghouls. ''Oh my ghoul, your invention is amazing! I saw a different me who is non-boonary, do you know how amazing this is?!'' 

Smiling at Frankie's compliment, Ghoulia prepares to shut off the dimensional transporter when electricity suddenly sparks from Frankie's bolts. Striking the Interdimensional Transporter, it suddenly goes haywire as it proceeds to fire portals at random. The recoil from firing the Interdimensional Transporter causes Ghoulia to drop the invention. Falling on the ground, the Interdimensional Transporter breaks in two. Causing a light to envelop the whole courtyard. (''What have i done?!'') Is all Ghoulia could say before everything goes white.

IN THE MOJAVE WASTELAND 

Somewhere in the cold night at a dug up graveyard, three people are looking at a tied up courier. Holding the Platinum Chip, the one in the checkered suit named Benny begins to speak to their hostage while the Great Khan hirelings, Jessup and McMurphy among them watch as Benny prepares to execute the courier. 

"You made your last delivery kid. Sorry you got twisted up in this scene. From where you are kneeling it must seem like an 18-carat run of bad luck. Truth is, the game was rigged from...'' 

ZZZAAAPPP!! 

When the sudden arrival and zapping of one Ghoulia Yelps hurls her from Monster High to ironically a graveyard in the middle of the desert. The suddeness of the event causes all of them to stare at one another in complete silence. 

A shocked Benny still holding his gun speaks up. ''What the actual fuck?'' 

(''Where am i?'') Ghoulia groans as she spots Benny holding a gun in front of her. Faced with a gun in front of her, Ghoulia holds her hands in the air as a gesture of surrender. 

''That kid is soaked in guts and blood of that courier, what do we do?'' McMurphy asks to Benny about the blood soaked zombie in front of them. 

Hearing the Great Khan speak about her, Ghoulia looks around her to discover that she is indeed covered in blood and guts. Horror is her immediate reaction to the fact she has unwittingly kill a person. She starts to groan in panic. (''Nonononono, please don't tell me i killed someone!?'') 

Despite not understanding zombie, Jessup regardless moves in to confort Ghoulia over her panic of killing the courier when Benny points Maria to Jessup. Dissuaded from his actions, Jessup backs off as Benny points his gun towards the zombie. With a stone face, Benny turns his head to McMurphy and speaks up his mind. "I tell you what i'm going to do, i'm going to shoot that ghoul in the head.'' 

Shocked at Benny's suggestion, Jessup argues with Benny to spare Ghoulia instead. ''Boss, i think we should spare her.'' 

Slighty raising an eyebrow that Jessup wants to spare Ghoulia. Benny turns his head to the Great Khan and starts to question him. ''And why do you defend that ghoul teenager Jessup?'' 

''Because i know damn well she's no danger to us.'' Jessup muttered to Benny, trying to get him to spare the zombie while McMurphy and the remaining Great Khan members stare in fear at the inevitable situation. 

Hearing Jessup's argument, Benny speaks up about the zombie in front of her. ''Let me tell you something Jessup. Anything can happen in the Mojave Wasteland, and that ghoul appeared out of nowhere and gibbed our hostage.'' Benny finishes talking to Jessup while turning his head back to Ghoulia. ''I know you can understand me ghoul. I don't take any chances.'' Benny utters while reloading Maria with the intent to shoot Ghoulia. 

''Nothing personal kiddo, just tying up loose ends.'' 

(''NO WAIT....'') 

BANG

BANG

To be continued....

Chapter Text

In the aftermath of the zombie being shot, Jessup can only stare at Ghoulia’s shot body in horror. Outraged at what happened, Jessup proceeds to tear into Benny for shooting a teenage Ghoul. “WHAT THE FUCK BENNY!, WHY DID YOU SHOOT THAT TEENAGE GIRL?!”

Irritated at being shouted at, Benny calm but firmly returns words to Jessup. “I don’t appreciate being shouted at Jessup and i do not want to leave a loose thread hanging. I would have shot you for it too, but i required a crew for my plans of an independent Vegas. Heck, you did a great job i’d like to double your crew’s pay. If you drop the matter that is.”

“Unbelievable, i’ll be quiet about it but you are on thin ice pal.” Jessup gritted through his teeth as he is staring at Benny in utter disgust.

“Likewise Jessup. Come on people, let’s leave Goodsprings! My mood has been soured immensely.” Benny shouted to his crew before they leave the graveyard, leaving the comatose Ghoulia behind. Unaware however that a securitron has watched the whole event unfold. Waiting before the coast is clear, Victor strolls on the near abandoned graveyard and spots the comatose Ghoulia. Curious about the zombie, the securitron strolls to her and after taking a look, discovers that she is the zombie equivalent of still being alive. “What do we have here?” Is all Victor mumbles to himself as he grabs the zombie and carries her down the hill towards the clinic.

Meanwhile, Doc Mitchell is ready to head for bed today when he hears a knock on his door. Puzzled on who would arrive at his door so late in the night, he yawns as he walks to the entrance of the clinic. “Who the hell knocks on my door at 12 AM?” Is all Mitchell can yawn as he opens the door. Suprise is his immediate response when he sees the securitron in front of him. “Vic? What are you doing here? And why are you carrying a corpse?”

“Howdy there doc. And as for the corpse i found, i was moseying around the graveyard when i found this teenage zombie at the graveyard. I took a quick look at her when i discovered she is still alive. Well, or alive as a zombie can be. Would you be so kind to fix her up?” Victor pleaded as Doc Mitchell can only stare at the securitron in shock.

“You are asking me to patch her up Victor, have your processors gone haywire?! Why the hell would you knock at the door at 12 AM, and request me to fix up a corpse no less?!” Mitchell tiredly rants, incredulous at the idea to fix up what he believes to be a corpse when Victor replays the incident at the graveyard in front of the doctor. Seeing Ghoulia getting shot at, Mitchell can only look at the video in growing shock as he signals Victor to replay the video. Spotting the fear in her eyes and her gesture for surrender getting ignored, Mitchell can only stare at the footage in shock.

“I see a soul behind that corpse.” Mitchell slowly muttered, still in disbelief. “And you say she’s already a zombie before getting shot?” Mitchell questioned, trying to gauge Victor’s intentions.

“Indeed.” Victor cheerily answered.

“Can’t believe im listening to a robot, but Victor. I’ll try to fix up that girl.” Mitchell replied as he retreats into the building before returning with a cot. Putting her on the cot, he retreats back in the building.

“Have a good night doc.” Is all Mitchell can hear from Victor as the securitron closes the door behind him. Bringing her to the main room, Mitchell can only wonder if he or Victor has gone mad before pressing on. “I may have operated on some ghouls but an actual zombie is uncharted territory. Let’s hope my medical skills don’t fail me now. Hang in tight there girl!” Mitchell urgently remarks to Ghoulia before her surgery.

MEANWHILE, IN A COMA

“What do we have here?” A familliar voice mutters to Ghoulia as she helps the zombie stand up. Ghoulia turns around as the voice is revealed to be Cleo.

“Cleo, what are you doing here?” Ghoulia asks before realizing she is speaking normal english. “And why can i speak normal english?” Ghoulia talked, shocked why she is speaking normally of moaning in zombie.

Cleo can only wince as she breaks the news to her. “I’m sorry to say Ghoulia, but you are in a coma. Courtesy of that jerkwad normie with bad fashion sense shooting you in the head.”

“So that means you are not real?” Ghoulia dejectedly asked.

“Pretty much.” Cleo shrugged.

Ghoulia ponders before a horrifying realization springs in her mind. “Oh my ghoul, you were at the demonstration. They all were at the demonstration. What have i done Cleo?! If i got shot a few minutes in after teleporting here, who knows what happened to you and the others.”

Mental Cleo stands on her knee as she attempts to comfort her. “Even if that is the case, you still have to hang on from getting shot…”

BANG

BANG

BANG

Ghoulia can only stare in shock when three 9mm bullets enter Mental Cleo’s head. The mummy falls on the ground and vanishes away as a Mental version of Benny enters the picture. “If it isn't the Ghoul who entered this world. I’m barely surprised you are still hanging in tight there, ghoul.”

“Why in ghoul’s name would you shoot me, human?! I am completely unaware what on earth you were even doing here!” Ghoulia rants, incredulous at being mercilessly shot in the head.

“Me?” Mental Benny smugly smiles before continuing to talk. “Does it help to shout at a mental version of the guy who already shot you in a coma? You are in a lawless wasteland out here, it’s kill or be killed there. Let this be your first lesson.” Mental Benny lectures while drawing Maria to shoot her in the head once again.

“NO, DONT YOU DARE SHOOT ME!” Ghoulia futilely screams as the events at the graveyard begin to repeat.

“Like i said, nothing personal kiddo. Just tying up loose ends.” Mental Benny uttered while aiming Maria at her.

“NO!” 

BANG

BANG

THREE DAYS LATER

(“NO PLEASE, DON’T SHOOT ME!”) Ghoulia moaned reflexively in fear as she is clutching her head. Only to discover she is no longer in the graveyard but instead in a foreign building on a bed. Ghoulia attempts to sit on the bed when she hears a voice on her left.

“Unbelievable, i can’t believe that robot is right. You are finally awake.”

Turning her head to the source of the sound, Ghoulia comes face to face with an elderly human sitting in a chair staring at her in complete shock. Remembering her ill fated encounter with the normie in the checkered suit, a terrified Ghoulia backs away from the doctor in fear of getting shot again. Seeing her back off in fear, the doctor stays put in an attempt to defuse the situation. “Easy there, i’m not like those ruffians who shoot peoples, or zombies. That’s a doctor’s promise.”

Realizing he’s aware she’s a zombie and hasn’t shot her for it. Ghoulia calms down as he stance grows more relaxed though still defensive. “Where are my manners, you can call me Doc Mitchell. I’m the local doctor of Goodsprings.” Mitchell introduced himself as he picks up a paper and a pencil and turns back to the zombie.

Seeing Mitchell holding a pencil and paper in front of her, Ghoulia raises an eyebrow. “It’s standard procedure with patients. I’ve done it with others and in your case, zombies are no exception.” Mitchell mentioned. Though a bit defensive, Ghoulia grabs the paper and writes her name on the paper. After finishing writing her name, Ghoulia hands the paper and pencil back to Doc Mitchell.

“Ghoulia Yelps huh? Can’t say i picked a better name.” Mitchell pondered while giving Ghoulia a grandfather’s smile. “I’d like you to look in the mirror. Sorry i had to dig in your brain, but it was necessary to pull out any lead that may have been here. Let’s see if i left anything out of place.” Mitchell instructed as he gives Ghoulia a Rob-co Reflectron.

Looking in the mirror, she is elated to discover barely anything has changed. Aside from the gunshot scar on her forehead. Returning the mirror back to Mitchell, Ghoulia takes a closer look at the clinic she finds herself in. It’s worn down from the looks of it. Though given that she is in one piece thanks to Doc Mitchell, she is certain that the building is serviceable enough to work as a clinic.

After looking around the clinic, she attempts to stand up, though she struggles to stand straight. Fortunately for Ghoulia, Mitchell helps to get her bearings right. Now standing up, Mitchell stares Ghoulia in the eyes before beginning to speak. “Now that you are standing straight, i’d like you to go to the Vit-O-Matic Vigor tester over there and gauge your undead physicals. It’s part of the standard procedure i have there.” Mitchell explained.

The two walk and arrive at the machine. Taking a look at the machine, Ghoulia briefly fiddles with the machine before understanding how the Vit-o-Matic works. Giving the machine a smirk, Ghoulia operates the machine and assigns her S.P.E.C.I.A.L.

Arriving at the Strength of S.P.E.C.I.A.L, Ghoulia ponders about how strong zombies can be. Though notes that despite her good standing in dodgeskull, she isn’t strong herself. This causes her to put a 4 on Strength. Secondly, Ghoulia mentally notes that despite needing glasses. She is quite perceptive and as such puts an 8 on Perception. Thirdly, drawing on her personal knowledge on zombie biology. She knows that zombies like herself are durable. After some pondering, she decides on a 7 for Endurance. Fourth, she swiftly decides on a 4 for Charisma. Owing to her shy nature, despite being with her group of friends. Fifth, for obvious reasons. She swiftly puts a 10 on her Intelligence while sporting a smirk. Though her smirk dissipates when she comes to Agillity to which she assigns a 1, mentally blaming rigor mortis for her sluggish nature. Which leaves Luck to which she puts it on an even 5. Ghoulia notes she hasn’t had any particularly unlucky or lucky moments in her life, aside from getting shot in the head.

“Hmm… are you really that smart, kid?” Mitchell doubts after seeing Ghoulia pick a 10 at intelligence. Hearing Mitchell doubt her intelligence, Ghoulia can’t help but feel insulted and promptly stares daggers at the doctor.

“M.. my apologies. Let us move to the room to your right.” Mitchell nervously apologizes. Hearing the doctor’s apology, Ghoulia stops glaring at him before the two move to the room on their right. Arriving at the couch, Ghoulia sits on it at Mitchell’s instruction. “I’m going to perform a series of mental tests, just to get a grasp at your psyche. Are you ready to speak?” Mitchell explains.

Hearing this, Ghoulia points to her mouth and puts her arms in a X. Seeing her gesture, Mitchell stares at the zombie before a realization springs in his mind. “You are incapable of speech, aren't you?” To which Ghoulia confirms with a nod.
Quickly thinking up a solution, Mitchell gestures in kind for her to wait here before running to grab some paper and pencil.

Ghoulia briefly waits before Mitchell returns with some paper and pencil. Ghoulia can only sport an impressed smile to the doctor for his creative solution before grabbing them off Mitchell. “If you can’t speak, you will instead write your answers. Are you ready for the test?” Mitchell asked. Prompting her to nod.

“Okay, Dog.”

Companion

“House.”

Rebuild

“Night.”

Dream

“Bandit.”

Avoid

“Light.”

Thought

“Mother.”

Caretaker

“Okay, that’s the first part done. I am going to say some statements and i want you to do a thumbs up or thumbs down in response to said question. Or put both thumbs up and down if you really agree or disagree with said statement.” Mitchell explains to Ghoulia as she nods. With a nod from the zombie, they begin the second part of the mental reevaluation.

“Alright, conflict just ain’t in my nature.” Mitchell says before Ghoulia gives Mitchell two thumbs down.

“That’s fair, i ain’t given to relying on others for support.” Mitchell asks before Ghoulia gives two thumbs down to the doctor, again.

“Mhm, i’m always fixin to be the center of attention.” Mitchell notes before Ghoulia gives Mitchell two thumbs down yet again.

“Okay, i’m slow to embrace new ideas.” Mitchell says as he receives two thumbs down from the zombie once again.

“Finally, i charge in to deal with my problems head-on.” Mitchell relays to Ghoulia as he sees two thumbs down from the zombie.

“That’s a whole lotta thumbs down you got there.” Mitchell chuckled before recomposing himself. “Anyway, we are almost done. I’m going to show you some ink blots and i want you to write what you think you see.” Mitchell instructed.

With a nod from Ghoulia, they begin the Rorschach test. Holding the first inkblot in front of her, Ghoulia sees it and begins to stare at it intently. Some kind of ant i guess? Ghoulia shrugged while writing down the answer.

“Alright, an ant it is.“ Mitchell benignly chuckled before showing another ink blot.

A guitar, a weird shaped guitar. Ghoulia writes down while staring intently at the ink blot. Mitchell nodded before showing the final ink blot.

That's two bears high fiving. Ghoulia enthusiastically writes down, prompting Mitchell to eyebrow at the answer. “Two bears high fiving? You are the first person who mentions that. Well, that’s the mental evaluation done. You only have to write your medical history on this paper. And in your case yes, that includes zombies.“ Mitchell explained while giving Ghoulia some paper. Taking a closer look at the medical history paper, Ghoulia reads the medical paper Mitchell gave her before writing her answers. Aside from standard zombie stuff, she writes down that she needs her glasses and the fact she skilled yet out of her element.

Seeing Ghoulia finish the medical history test and handing it back to him, causes Mitchell to stand up. “That’s the whole test done. Let’s go to the entrance.” Mitchell says. With the test finished, Ghoulia stands up from the chair without needing help from Doc Mitchell this time. Getting a better grasp, Ghoulia walks with the doctor to the entrance of the clinic. Once there, Ghoulia prepares to exit the door when Mitchell stops Ghoulia from leaving the clinic. “Hold it for a second, these were on your person when that robot bought you here.” Mitchell exposed while returning the stuff Ghoulia had on her. While looking through her stuff, she is suprised to discover that she still has her zombie translator with her. After a brief checkup, she is elated to discover that it’s still operational. After turning it on, Ghoulia begins to groan in the device.

[“Test, test. Do you understand me?”] Ghoulia groaned through her translator, causing Mitchell to respond to nod in response. “Loud and clear. And that device is how you can talk i presume?”

[“Indeed, i can physically only groan and moan as a zombie. This nifty device removes all communication barriers between me and a human.”] Ghoulia explains while holding her zombie translator.

Putting it back, Ghoulia looks through her stuff to discover that she still has her Diary, the plans of her interdimensional transporter and the smouldering remains of said interdimensional transporter. She can only look at her smouldering invention in dismay when she hears Mitchell speak up. “Now that we can chat, there is something that been bugging me for a while. I haven’t seen a zombie like you before. So tell me this, how the hell did you even get here?”

[“It’s a long story, but to keep it short. An experiment gone wrong zapped from another universe.”] Ghoulia explains while getting a reminder of the incident that bought her here and got her shot in the head.

“I don’t know what kind of universe you came from, but whatever world you originated from isn’t like the Mojave Wasteland. That desert will eat you up unless you learn how to fight back.” Mitchell warns while his voice grows more tense.

[“Then how do i make sure i thrive in the wasteland, Doc?”] Ghoulia asks while staring at Mitchell’s warning in tense fear.

“There is a woman living here called Sunny Smiles. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to newcomers. You can usually find her at the Prospector’s Saloon downhill from this clinic.” Mitchell instructs while his voice grows less tense.

[“Thanks for the advice doc, is there anything you want me to say before i leave this building?”] Ghoulia asks, grateful for the given advice from the doctor in front of her.

Hearing her, Mitchell gestures her to stay as he leaves before returning with a vault suit and a Pip-Boy. “These were my late wife’s belongings. And seeing your predicament, you might need it more than she would.”

[“My condolences Mitchell.”] Ghoulia sympathetically offers her condolences while holding a hand on Mitchell’s shoulder. “Thank you.” Is all a grateful Mitchell can say in response. Ghoulia removes her hand from his shoulder when a thought suddenly springs into her mind. [“What was that about a robot you mentioned?”]

Getting a reminder on Victor, Mitchell scratches his head as he begins to talk about the robot. “It’s a weird story actually, i was minding my own buisness a few nights back when Victor the Robot bought you here. I was puzzled why the hell he even decided to bring your unconscious body here when he showed me footage of you being shot in the head. It was there that i discovered that the suited guy shot you, and that you were already a zombie when said shooting took place.”

[“It’s weird that i owe my unlife to a human and a robot. But given the recent circumstances, i’m grateful with my unconventional saviors.”] Ghoulia noted to Mitchell with a smile before her face grows neutral. [“Anything else you wish to say before i leave this clinic?”]

“Just be careful outside, kid.” Mitchell worriedly muttered to her.

[“I will.”] Ghoulia confidently stared at Mitchell before turning to the door. Thinking about the events of the last few days, getting shot at by a normie, getting bought to a clinic by a robot and getting patched up by another normie. If she were going to tell her friends about this, they wouldn’t belive her in the slightest. Equipping the Pip-Boy given to her by Mitchell, she opens the door in front of her. And proceeds to take her first steps into the blinding light of the Mojave Wasteland.

To be continued…..

Chapter Text

IN GOODSPRINGS

Upon entering the blistering sun outside, Ghoulia is forced to cover her eyes. Having been shot at night and waking inside a building, Ghoulia’s undead eyes acclimate to the sunlight as she sees the run down town of Goodsprings for the first time. It’s when she arrives downhill that she overlooks a certain securitron strolling towards her. Causing her to bump into Victor, and prompting the robot to speak to the zombie.

“Well, if it ain’t the zombie gal who raised herself from the dead. How’s life treatin ya?” 

[“Wait, are you the robot who bought me to Mitchell’s clinic? The one that goes by Victor?”] Ghoulia asks, somewhat suprised that Victor is in front of her.

“Indeed, and it warms my metallic heart that Doc Mitchell introduced me to you.” Victor cheerily answers, glad that the doctor introduced him to her.

[“Then why bring me here? I’m grateful for all and that but what made you decide to bring a zombie to a clinic?”] Ghoulia questions, uncertain of the robot’s intentions.

“The cowboy in me couldn’t let a teenage gal die. Even if she’s a zombie.” Victor responds to Ghoulia’s question. To which she smiles upon hearing the robot explain. "How should i call you?''

[''Ghoulia Yelps.'']

"A lovely name Ghoulia.''

[“Thanks for bringing me to the clinic, Vic.”] 

“Don’t mention it Ghoulia, happy trails.” Victor waved. “Back in the saddle again, out where a friend is a friend.” Victor sings as he strolls away.

Seeing Victor stroll around town, Ghoulia can only give him a friendly smile before looking around and finding the Prospector’s Saloon. She slowly walks to the building Mitchell described and soon enough, arrives in front of building. She takes a good look before entering the saloon.

“That’s the second ghoul who entered the Prospector’s Saloon this week. It ain’t much, but it’s weird it happened twice.” Easy Pete shrugged as he sees Ghoulia enter the building.

IN THE PROSPECTOR’S SALOON

Upon entering, Ghoulia looks around the inside of the Prospector’s saloon. Seeing the inside of the building reminds her of old normie cowboy movies she and her ghoulfriends watched together at Jackson Holt’s insistence. It’s when she spots a woman with a dog that she approaches her. Causing the dog to growl at the approaching zombie.

“Easy there Cheyenne. She wont hurt the locals.” The woman ordered, causing her dog to calm down.

[“Are you Sunny Smiles? Doc Mitchell recommended me to look you up after fixing me up. Said you would help anyone decent adapting to the Mojave Wasteland.”] Ghoulia timidly asks as Sunny Smiles raises an eyebrow at the mention of Doc Mitchell.

“I’m indeed the woman you are looking for.” Sunny Smiles sports a smile at the mention of the doctor. “And as for help, i’ll gladly help out folk like you. Cmon, let’s go.” Sunny beckons to Ghoulia to follow her outside, and follows she does.

The two are walking beside the bar when they see a woman tending to the counter. “The woman tending to the bar is Trudy. She is your town’s bartender and designated mayor. If you’d like to buy a drink from her, she’s your woman.” Sunny smiled to Trudy who gives the two a nod. After some walking, they exit the bar through the back and see the general store in front of them. She points to the building in front of them. “And that’s the Goodsprings general store, helmed by Chet. He’s your go to guy for general items. Takes getting a good deal a bit too seriously though.” Sunny nonchalantly shrugged as they continue to walk and arrive at the back of the saloon.

Upon arriving at the backside of the saloon, Sunny Smiles signals to Ghoulia to wait here while setting up some bottles. Once done, she walks back to Ghoulia and hands her a Varmint Rifle. It’s receiving a gun that gives Ghoulia flashbacks of the night that got her shot.

THAT FATEFUL NIGHT

''Nothing personal kiddo, just tying up loose ends.''

BANG!

“Hey, are you okay there pal? You look like you had a nightmare.” Sunny checked upon Ghoulia who is now on the ground in a fit of panic.

[“Nononono, please don’t shoot me. I don’t want to get shot again.”] Ghoulia begs while shakily holding her given varmint rifle. 

Hearing what comes out of her translator, Sunny Smiles puts her own Varmint Rifle on her back. “I promise you i’m not going to shoot you.” Sunny Smiles reassures while giving her a pat on her shoulder. “Look, i know its scary to hold a gun, or be on the receiving end of it. But you have to understand, there are people out here who will not hesitate to gun you down or do worse.” 

Hearing the advice Sunny gives her, Ghoulia stands up and reluctantly aims with her given Varmint Rifle. Looking at the bottle, Ghoulia fires her first few shots with her given Varmint Rifle, missing a few times before hitting a bottle. Having shot down a bottle, Sunny directs Ghoulia to fire while aiming down sights and fire while crouching. Managing to get the two bottles shot.

Seeing that she knows the basics of firing a gun under control. Sunny sports a proud smile at the zombie. “And that is basically how you fire a gun.” Her face grows more sad for what she is about to say. “Say, i know you are reluctant to fire a gun, given what happened. But would you like to hunt down some giant gecko’s? It will prepare you in case you are in a gunfight against actual humans.”

Weighing her options, Ghoulia gives Sunny a reluctant nod. With a nod, the trio promptly make their way to the first of the three water wells. While she walks, she turns back to see Ghoulia lagging behind. “Hey, what takes you so long?” Sunny asks in a curious tone.

Ghoulia swiftly responds. [“Hey, i am going as fast as my rigor mortis allows me to.”]

“Rigor mortis.” Sunny ponders to herself. “Are you some kind of zombie?” She asks as Ghoulia responds by awkwardly smiling and  putting her thumbs up. Sunny chuckles at the truth. “Well, atleast you understand me, lets go.” 

The three then hunt down the geckos threatening the well. (And save an unfortunate townsfolk in the process).

After saving the Goodsprings settler, Ghoulia and Sunny Smiles arrive at the campfire. After sitting down, Sunny Smiles explains another lesson to the zombie. “There is a nifty item we’d like to call: Healing Powder. Imbibe it and it will help heal your wounds, though it comes at the cost of impairing your perception. Though i am unsure if it helps you heal.”

Ghoulia nods in agreement at Sunny Smiles before looking at the bag Sunny Smiles is holding in curiosity. Causing her to inquire more about the bag of healing powder. [“Then how do i make them?”]

“You can make them by using one of each Broc Flower and Xander Root. The Broc Flower grows at Goodsprings Cemetery uphill while some Xander Root grows outside the abandoned school building at the edge of town. Get me some and i’ll teach you how to make one, okay?” Sunny answers, prompting a dismayed Ghoulia to walk back to town. Though it takes her an hour to do so before reaching Goodsprings. 

She decides to visit the school first and gets attacked by giant mantises. Though her aim is still bad that it causes the mantises to take a jab at the teenage zombie. Regardless, she manages to kill them and dig up the Xander Root. Grabbing the plant, Ghoulia takes a look at the hill where the graveyard is. She walks to the foot of the hill before bumping into Victor once again.

“Howdy there Ghoulia. How can i help ya?” Victor greets as an idea springs into her mind. [“Hey Victor, do you think it’s possible if you could carry me up to the graveyard?”] 

Victor immediately agrees with the notion before carrying the zombie uphill. Dropping her off, the securitron strolls downhill back to town. Taking a good look at the graveyard in front of her, she spots bloatflies buzzing around the graves. Taking a look of disgust, she draws her Varmint Rifle and fires at the Bloatflies. Even though her gun jams, she manages to dispatch the overgrown insects.

[“I’ve got to ask Sunny about the gun she gave me. Jamming as i was about to shoot wouldn’t do any wonders for me.”] Ghoulia moaned before spotting the Broc Flower Sunny Smiles is asking for. Walking there, Ghoulia sees the remains of the courier she has gibbed. Saddened by the reminder she has unwillingly killed the man, she prepares to harvest the Broc Flower when she spots a note among the remains.

Growing curious, she grabs the bloodsoaked note and takes a peek at it. Though most of the text is obscured by blood, she can make out some text about an oversized platinum poker chip. [“An oversized platinum chip?“] Ghoulia groans as she remembers the night that she got shot in the head. Trying to remember the details of that night, a realization springs in her mind. [“Perhaps the hostage carried a Platinum Chip that bastard who shot me was after.”]

Having remembered everything important and pieced together whatever she could remember about the context that fateful night, Ghoulia grabs the note before harvesting the Broc Flower and returning to the campfire Sunny Smiles is staying, though not before spotting some used up cigars and a snowglobe and grabbing them.

Sometime later in the evening at the campfire, Sunny and Ghoulia discuss the lessons she has learned. The zombie looks to Sunny and then to her Varmint Rifle as she gets a reminder of that fateful night, though her fear of that night gets reduced after dealing with Gecko’s, Mantises and Bloatflies. [“Thanks for teaching me how to survive in the wasteland. It still feels horrible to take a life, even if it’s an animal. But given the situation i’m in, it’s a necessary evil.”] Seeing her somewhat reluctant face, Sunny gives her an encouraging smile. Prompting Ghoulia to smile in kind before remembering the jammed Varmint Rifle. [“Oh i almost forgot, why did my gun jam?”]

Sunny’s smile becomes more awkward as she just remembers the detail about gun maintenance. “Yeah, i forgot to mention is to keep your weapons in good condition. Neglect it and it will break when you need it the most.” Sunny informs when she stands up, causing Ghoulia to stare intently at Sunny. [“Where are you going?”] 

“I just remembered. It’s almost 11PM, time for me to hit the haysack.” Sunny responds to Ghoulia’s answer. Realizing that she has no place to sleep, the zombie taps Sunny on her shoulder while giving her awkward smile. [“Can i crash at your place?”] Causing Sunny to give her a nod and prompting the three to walk back to Goodsprings and to Sunny’s house as they fall asleep. 

IN GHOULIA’S DREAM

Dreaming once again, Ghoulia finds herself back in a surprisingly empty Monster High. Unnerved by the lack of students walking around, Ghoulia wanders around school when she spots Draculaura walking around a corner. Delighted to see a good friend, Ghoulia rushes to meet the vampire when she witnesses her doing something that would horrify her: Draculaura feeding on Clawdeen.

“Draculaura?! Why are you feeding on Clawdeen?!” Ghoulia asks, terrified to see Draculaura feeding on her friend. Her fear only intensifies when she is sporting one hell of a grin.

Draculaura continues to grin as she starts to speak. “Well friend, to tell you the truth. I always hated staying vegetarian. Always having to suppress that urge to feed on blood, always having to hide what i truly am.” Draculaura rants as her frown turns to a carefree smile. “Well, one sip of that sanguine juice and i feel free.” 

“But you are a vegetarian, why would you drink blood?! Especially from your friend!” Ghoulia asks, shocked to hear that Draculaura is readily abandoning her vegetarianism. Especially on Clawdeen.

“Isn’t it a bit hypocritical of a murderer to say stuff like this? I mean, you gibbed that hostage. And you murdered those poor geckos. What makes you different than me?” 

“I couldn’t have known that my invention would cause all of this.”

“Still a murderer.” Draculaura smilingly sings. “Well, i’d like to ask Clawdeen about her opinion of what an accident entails.” Draculaura asks as right on cue, Clawdeen rises behind her as a horrific amalgamation of a vampire and werewolf. It’s seeing a vampire/werewolf hybrid that terrifies Ghoulia even further.

“Clawdeen, what do you think of what Ghoulia has done up until this point?”

Ghoulia sees Clawdeen lick her lips as she sees the werewolf/vampire hybrid begin to speak. “I say we turn her in a vampire too, then she’ll be forced to murder or turn others into vampires.''

“I am a zombie, that would be impossible.'' Ghoulia shakily lectures, hoping to dissuade them from their idea. 

“That won't matter. Join us.” Draculaura and Clawdeen say in unison as they menacingly walk towards the zombie.

“Join us.”

“Join us.”

“Join us.”

''You can't do this! Stay away from me!” Ghoulia screams in fear as the two vampires continue towards the zombie.

“JOIN US.”

“JOIN US.”

“JOIN US.”

The two vampires then proceed to pounce on Ghoulia as she screams in terror.

NEXT MORNING

Ghoulia wakes up in shock to discover that it’s all just a dream. Looking around the house, she spots the settler they have saved from those gecko’s. Growing curious, Ghoulia asks the settler where she is. [“Excuse me, do you know where Sunny Smiles is?”]

“I think she went to the Prospector’s saloon to get a drink before hunting outside town.” The settler responds. Having some idea where she is, Ghoulia gathers her stuff and the beat up Varmint Rifle given to her and walks outside. Looking around town, she heads to the saloon to speak with Sunny Smiles again. Once arriving outside, Ghoulia attempts to open the door when she hears shouting from inside. Remaining on guard, she draws her varmint rifle before entering the saloon. Only to discover that Trudy has gotten herself in an argument with an unknown guy. 

“Drink my ass! If you don’t tell me where Ringo is, i will get my Powder Gangers and blow up this town to kingdom come. Do you understand me?!”

Suprised, Ghoulia decides to interject. [“What is going on here?”] Is all she can say out of her translator before Joe Cobbs turns to her with his 357 revolver drawn. Instinctively, Ghoulia shoots Cobbs in the leg, causing the powder ganger to stumble before opening fire on the poor zombie. Her lack of agility works against her as he manages to shoot her in the shoulder. Causing her to briefly stumble before shooting him in the head, killing him.

Upon witnessing the zombie kill Joe Cobbs, a shocked Trudy chimes in. “T..thanks for killing Joe Cobbs.“ Still hurt and shaken from killing the Powder Ganger, Ghoulia responds. [“What was that arguement? Why did he threaten you over someone named Ringo?”]

“A few days ago, a trader from the Crimson Caravan Company arrived in Goodsprings. Said he urgently needed a place to hide.” Trudy started. “So we gave him a place to hide. Couldn’t have known that he would be chased by these lunatics.” 

[“And that lunatic wanted to hunt down this trader?”] Ghoulia prodded for more information.

“Yeah, Ringo escaped from these convicts a while back and they were incensed that someone escaped. Whatever the Powder Gangers are planning for Goodsprings, it will spell doom for this town. Especially now with Joe Cobbs dead on the floor.” Trudy concluded while looking at the lifeless corpse of Joe Cobbs.

[“Not unless we fight off the Powder Gangers threatening this town.”] Ghoulia suggests. 

“So these Powder Gangers are about to attack Goodsprings huh?” Sunny Smiles interjected, causing the two to turn to the huntress entering the saloon. “Cause if these no gooders think they can take over the town, they have to go through me!” Sunny shouts to Ghoulia’s and Trudy’s delight. Seeing an opportunity, Ghoulia wordlessly signals Sunny to chat outside the saloon. A signal that she picks up on as she, Ghoulia and Cheyenne exit the saloon.

Once the two are outside, Sunny Thinking about the dead body on the floor, Sunny begins to look to the zombie. “That dead body on the floor, did you kill it?” Stunned by Sunny Smiles’s question, Ghoulia relays what happened moments ago. [“That guy threatened Trudy if she didn’t reveal where Ringo is. He shot me, drawing me in a gunfight. And the rest, you can probably figure out.”]

Sunny’s face grows more serious as she begins to speak. “That’s your first deliberate life taken, and your killcount will only continue to grow. But remember that you shouldn’t lose whatever decency you have in the wasteland if you keep killing willy nilly.”

Still shaken after killing Joe Cobbs but slowly getting used to the wasteland, Ghoulia nods at Sunny Smiles’s lesson when she realises something important. [“Wait, is it possible to rally Goodsprings to defend the town in any way you can? I’m not confident about our chances if it’s only 3 of us.”]

Looking at Cheyenne and then back to Ghoulia, Sunny gives her a confident smile as they formulate a plan. “Alright, i’m gonna rally up the townsfolk and get them geared up. You will get the medicine from Doc Mitchell, okay?”

With a confident smile from the zombie, the trio prepare to disperse when Trudy interjects. “If you are looking for Ringo, he’s holed up in the abandoned gas station on the hill. I hope that helps.” With a smile and nod from both women, Trudy returns to the saloon. Agreeing on the plan, Ghoulia splits away from Sunny and Cheyenne as she heads back to the Clinic. On the way there, she bumps into Victor. 

“Howdy Ghoulia.” Victor greets as Ghoulia gets an idea. [“Hey, things happened and this town will get attacked by ruffians. A robot cowboy would be handy in defending the town that helped me heal up.”] Ghoulia groans while trying to get her point across. A point Victor immediately agrees with, causing a delighted Ghoulia to head to the clinic. Unaware however that a certain someone isn’t willing to risk getting Victor destroyed.

Upon entering the clinic, Ghoulia thinks about the moment that led to this when Mitchell suddenly stands in front of her. “Welcome back Ghoulia, you got wounded i presume?” Mitchell asks with a slight worry looking at the gunwound Ghoulia has on her shoulders. She however dismisses the gunshot she has received from Joe Cobbs. [“Not important, do you have medical supplies for an upcoming gunfight”]  “A gunfight huh? I can give you these.” Mitchell muttered upon hearing that Goodsprings gets attacked, causing him to hand over three Stimpacks.

Upon receiving three stimpacks, Ghoulia takes a good look before arguing for better supplies considering what will happen. [“I am sorry if i sound ungrateful, but there will be explosive heat in the upcoming battle. I’m gonna need something for more grievous wounds that i guarantee will happen.”]

Weighing his options, Mitchell hands her two Doctor bags. 

[“Let’s hope this is enough.”] Ghoulia groans while looking at the medical supplies given to her to herself when she exits the clinic. Doc Mitchell remarks to the leaving zombie, “Heads up, you may be undead. But these stimpacks work on you just as good as an actual human.” Mitchell informs as his face grows worried. “Just, be careful kid”. She turns around when she hears the doctor. [“I will.”] Is all she replies when she exits the door and on her way to the gas station. 

Upon arriving at the gas station, she takes a look around the gas station before entering the building. As she enters, she sees what she believes to be a terrified Ringo with a gun pointing at her. 

Seeing that she holds no ill will towards him, Ringo holsters his gun. “Sorry for that. After a few shitty days i had, i’m a bit on edge.”

Slightly sympathetic, Ghoulia grows curious regarding the circumstances behind this. [“Given what happened to me a few days ago, i can’t blame you. Is it possible to tell me what happened to you in the last few days?”]

“A few days ago, i was with a caravan heading to New Vegas. Nothing new when suddenly, we got ambushed by Powder Gangers. Told us to pay a tax for being in their territory, we refused so they fired upon us. I fled the scene with those ruffians still chasing me, made it all the way to this town.  I thought i’d lay low untill they forgot about me, never thought they were this determined to chase me down.” 

Shaken but determined, Ghoulia asks Ringo while drawing her Varmint Rifle. [“Are you willing to avenge your caravan?”]

Grateful, Ringo is about to respond when Sunny abruptly enters the gas station. Sunny promptly warns both of them “We got company, i spotted a group of Powder Gangers heading towards Goodsprings.” 

Hearing this, Ghoulia swiftly answers. [“Did you get aid and how many Powder Gangers are we talking about?”]

“None unfortunately. As for the Powder Gangers, we have spotted ten of them.” Sunny answers. Ghoulia turns to Ringo with a determined look and asks him. [“Are you ready?”] Drawing his weapon, a determined Ringo nods. Causing the group to exit the gas station and head towards the soon to be battle ground.

   AT THE GOODSPRINGS TOWN SQUARE

Upon arrival, the scene is tense. Ghoulia, Ringo, Sunny Smiles and Cheyenne stare at the shapes that is the invading Powder Gangers. Ringo looks to Ghoulia while blurting out a nervous quip. “This is your last chance to back out, you sure about this kid?”

[“I got myself involved in this mess. I’m going to fight my way out this.”] Ghoulia groans with determination. Hearing this gives Ringo some courage as they hear a sizzling noise approach them. Realizing that it’s a lit Dynamite stick, Sunny Smiles pulls Ghoulia out of the blast radius of the dynamite when…

BBBOOOOOMMMMM

“We got company!”

With the dynamite exploding, the Powder Gangers initate their assault. The attacking Powder Gangers promptly fire their guns and throw their Dynamite at the four defenders of Goodsprings. On the ground, Ghoulia can only see Sunny Smiles and Ringo firing their guns. Standing up, she takes aim at one of the Powder Gangers when her perception of time suddenly stops. Looking around, she sees everyone frozen in time and using the opportunity to shoot a Powder Ganger in the head. Time starts to move as Ghoulia shoots the targeted Powder Ganger in the head, killing him immediately.

Seeing Powder Ganger No 1 die by her own hand, Ghoulia can only hear a warning cry out for her when Powder Ganger No 2 manages to rush and hit her in the head with a bat. Getting knocked down, a dazed Ghoulia can only watch as the second Powder Ganger prepares to bash her head in. To her fortune, three bullets suddenly enter the second Powder Ganger, killing him. Ghoulia sees Ringo extending a hand to help her up. Grabbing it, Ghoulia stands up when a bullet digs into his leg, causing Ringo to stumble and barely dive for cover. Ghoulia then fires at the remaining eight Powder Gangers. 

Ghoulia spots Cheyenne biting at the arm of Powder Ganger No 3 and attempts to aim at him. Only to see Sunny Smiles headshot the third invade dead with her own Varmint Rifle. Impressed and a little bit scared that Sunny Smiles is capable of such ferocity, Ghoulia fires at the remaining Powder Gangers. Spotting an injured Powder Ganger from fighting the Sunny and Cheyenne, Ghoulia takes aim at Powder Ganger No 4 when she sees two Powder Gangers beating down on Sunny Smiles. Not wanting her to die, Ghoulia takes a shot at the Powder Gangers surrounding Sunny Smiles. Managing to kill the 5th. 

With the 5th Powder Ganger killed, The 6th Powder Ganger grows enraged and punches Sunny in the face. Causing her to fall on the ground. Not wanting her teacher to die, Ghoulia promptly kills the 6th Powder Ganger as he is about to the huntress

Seeing that 6 of their teammates are dead, the remaining Powder Gangers attempt to flee when a Dynamite is thrown their way. Catching all but three of them in the blast radius. The Powder Ganger that avoided the dynamite explosion decides to book it as defenders turn around to see an angry Easy Pete. “I told you you whippersnappers that you shouldn’t deal with dynamite.” Using the opportunity granted by Easy Pete, the defenders swiftly kill the remaining invaders. With Ghoulia, Ringo and Sunny Smiles taking out one each.

With nine Powder Gangers dead and one fleeing the scene, an injured Ghoulia emerges to see the corpses of the Powder Gangers. Her fear grows to relief when it’s revealed that aside from some healable injuries, everyone who participated survived.

When she stares at the dead Powder Gangers, Ringo walks up to her holding a bag of bottle caps and hands her 100 bottlecaps. She counts them when she hears Ringo speak up. “This is technically Crimson Caravan funds but they will understand once i talk about this event”

Curiously looking at the bottle caps. [“Why are you giving me bottle caps? One hundred of them to be exact.”] Looking at her and realizing that she doesn’t know how currency works here, Ringo chimes in. “If you are curious why i gave you some bottle caps, this is how we barter in the Mojave Wasteland. And the rest of the ruined United States of America for the matter.” Ringo nods as he takes a look at the corpses of the Powder Gangers. “You should probably loot the corpses here. Perhaps they have some goodies among them.”

[“Ringo, why whould i do that?”] Ghoulia asks while looking slightly horrified at Ringo’s suggestion. “It’s the fucking wasteland, inevitably you will find a corpse with some items among them. And it will help you survive in the Mojave. 

Discovering that they are safe, the Goodsprings come out of hiding to cheer to the defenders. Seeing the happy faces and relief that she and the others  [“May i suggest a party in celebration that we are alive?”] Ghoulia groans as the entire town agrees with her idea.

9:00 PM AT THE SALOON

Later at the Prospector’s Saloon, the party rages on as she exits the bar. Seeing Ghoulia leave, Sunny Smiles walks after the zombie. With the sunset Ghoulia can only look at the nightly landscape. Thinking about recent events as well as the future that will soon hold her, she gets suprised when Sunny joins her. “Whatcha thinking about, pal?”

Turning around, she sees the huntress holding two Sunset Sarsaparilla bottles. [“Sorry, i’m just a little bit distracted. Us four managed to fight off a group of ten mad bombers. But if i go in the wasteland, i’m bound to get in trouble.”] Seeing her nervous, Sunny hands Ghoulia a Sunset Sarsaparilla bottle. Seeing the zombie being reluctant to drink a bottle. Sunny reassures her. “I promise you, the bottle you are holding isn’t alcoholic. It’s a soft drink in the same vein as nuka cola.”

Smiling at Sunny, Ghoulia opens the bottle given to her and takes a sip. Tasting the root beer, she brightens up by taking a swig and then the remaining sarsaparilla. After drinking her bottle of sunset sarsaparilla, she grows at ease. Hopeful, but thinking about the future, Ghoulia turns to Sunny. [“Do you have anymore advice before i make my journey outside town?”]

“Look, there are many advices i can give you. But the most important thing is to watch your surroundings.” Sunny instructs while looking to Cheyenne. “And to have a trusted friend at your back.” 

Grateful for being shown the ropes, Ghoulia gives Sunny a hug. [“Thanks for everything Sunny.”] Hearing a thanks from the zombie, Sunny Smiles “That’s what i’m here for. Well, i'm going back inside. You need something from the bar?” Sunny asks to the zombie sitting besides her.

Ghoulia shakes her head at the question. [“Nah, i’m good.”] Hearing a no from the zombie translator, Sunny and Cheyenne retreat back inside the saloon. Seeing her protector’s retreat back in the saloon, Ghoulia messes with her given Pip-Boy to figure out how it works and discovers a radio channel. She tunes in to the Mojave music radio as she hears a cheerful song on the radio. It’s music mentally reinvigorates the zombie as she makes a personal promise to herself. [“This song, it reminds me of home.”] Ghoulia moans while smiling at the song playing on her pip-boy’s radio. [“I promise myself, i will find a way to return to Monster High.”]

Listening to the song, Ghoulia stares in the evening sky of the Mojave.

To be continued……

Chapter Text

9:30 PM

With the party now over, everyone is dispersing from the Prospector’s saloon. Seeing everyone leave, Ghoulia decides it’s time to find a bed too. And she decides on Doc Mitchell’s clinic. Heading towards the clinic, she bumps into Victor once more. 

“Howdy pardner, when is the gunfight happening?” Victor asks, unaware that he missed it in it’s entirety. Realising that Victor hasn’t helped them with the invading Powder Gangers, Ghoulia decides to inform the securitron cowboy of the news.

[“You missed it in it’s entirety Victor, how did you miss the obvious gunfight happening in front of you?”] Ghoulia asks, flabbergasted and annoyed he missed the battle in it’s entirety.

“Oh, i must have dozed or something.”

[“A robot dozing off huh? Something happened that prevented you from joining us defending Goodsprings.”] Ghoulia irritatingly counters before an idea springs in her mind. [“Hey, mind if i take a look in that shell of yours?”]

“As long as you put everything back where they its supposed to be.” Victor nodded before letting Ghoulia take a look in it’s chassis. Having never seen something like this, it takes Ghoulia a while before she arrives at the memory banks. Inspecting it, she spots a memory of the night that got her shot by Benny. She mentally notes to talk with him about this before looking further. Its digging further that she discovers someone has remotely ordered him to stay out of the fight. 

[“I called it! Someone has remote overridden you from joining combat.”] Ghoulia concludes upon discovering the override in Victor’s programming. [“Vic, you may not know it but someone stopped you from defending goodsprings.”] Ghoulia notes to the Securitron about his override. 

“Hmm, thanks for informing me. And about missing out on the gunfight, you can grab some supplies out of my shack. That’s the one with a flag hanging from it. It’s the least i can do for missing out on helping you.” Victor apologises to a somewhat satisified Ghoulia. Who upon gaining his blessing, proceeds to enter his house and grab some ammo and a repair kit. Ghoulia then leaves the building before heading to Mitchell’s clinic.

Upon arriving at the building, Ghoulia opens the door to a rather suprised Mitchell who welcomes her into his clinic. “Suprised seeing you here Ghoulia. What brings you to my clinic?” Mitchell asks upon seeing the zombie in front of him. [“Is it possible we can talk about recent events regarding this town?”] 

“Of course, come in.“ Mitchell gestures as he  lets Ghoulia into his clinic. It’s that they arrive at the chairs that Ghoulia unwinds down on the sofa. 

[“How do you live your live with all the this wasteland insanity? If the gunfight happened in this town, how am i to survive in the Mojave Wasteland?”] Ghoulia questions, remebering the Powder Ganger invasion of this town.

Seeing her shaken up about the recent gunfight, Mitchell begins to speak. “Look, what happened today, that will happen everywhere. I had to live with it ever since i was evicted from the vault.” Mitchell continues to tell as some bad memories of his past as an evicted Vault 21 dweller reemerges. Ghoulia notices Mitchell slowly cracking as he is about to cry. Though he recomposes himself to finish his advice. “What i am trying to tell is that you have to soldier on, even in the face of insurmountable odds.”

Hearing what Mitchell said, Ghoulia takes a good look at the doctor before pondering about her future. It’s while thinking about Mitchell’s words that he abruptly decides to interject. “If you intend to stay here for the night, i’m going to use the bed in the clinic. You can take the large bedroom for tonight, i have to be ready for my usual shift tomorrow anyway. Have a good night rest.”

Giving the doctor a smile, Ghoulia grabs her stuff and slowly makes her way to the bedroom. Once there, she puts her stuff down on the side of the bed and lays on it. Pondering for a little bit about tomorrow, Ghoulia closes her eyes and after a while, falls asleep.

IN GHOULIA’S DREAM 

Ghoulia finds herself in Monster High once more. Suddenly having her Varmint Rifle and still remembering the nightmare she had yesterday, Ghoulia remains on guard as she wanders the hall of Monster High. She is looking around when she sees that the hallways turn left. When she turns around the corner, she bumps into Draculaura. Seeing the vampire causes Ghoulia to go on the defensive and point her rifle at the vegetarian vampire, a gesture that doesn’t go unnoticed with the now nervous Draculaura.

“Hey, friend. Why are you pointing that gun at me?” Draculaura worriedly asks while holding her hands up in the air. Unwilling to get shot.

“Did you break your vegetarianism?! Did you?!” Ghoulia shouts while keeping her finger on the trigger, ready to shoot the vampire in the event of Draculaura attacking her once again.

Horrified about what the zombie said, Draculaura then gently talks back. “Hey ghoul, i don’t know what happened back there. What warrants this kind of reaction?” 

“YOU DRANK CLAWDEEN DRY AND TURNED HER INTO A AMALGAMATION OF A VAMPIRE AND A WEREWOLF! AND THEN BOTH YOU AND HER ATTACKED ME!” Ghoulia shouts upon hearing her unknowingly ask about her previous dream. It’s hearing Ghoulia accuse her of drinking blood that causes Draculaura to 

“You know i abhor anything even related to blood .” Draculaura pleads in an attempt to convince her to withdraw her rifle.

Unsure that this dream goes different, “Do i have your promise you didn’t break your vegetarianism?!” Ghoulia tensely responds, silently hoping that the previous dream doesn’t repeat itself.

“I promise.” A tense yet resolute Draculaura answers. Hearing a resolute promise from the vampire finally calms Ghoulia down for her to withdraw her Varmint Rifle. Seeing the situation calm down, both ghouls sit down on the floor as Ghoulia looks Draculaura in the eyes. 

“I think i figured out what happened in your dream. So i’d rather know what happened in Goodsprings.” 

“Okay, so a Powder Ganger tried to either rob or kill the barkeeper.”

“Okay.”

“I was forced to kill that guy, which caused me to find Ringo. During which i uncovered a plot that the Powder Gang would raid the town.”

“And?” 

“Which eventually escalated with me, Ringo, Sunny Smiles and Cheyenne killing the invading Powder Gangers.”

“Oh no…“ Is all a shocked Draculaura can say through hands covering her mouth.

Ghoulia can only look to the vampire in distress as she continues to talk. “I already had a killcount the instant i zapped myself into the Mojave Wasteland. How am i going to deal with the insanity the wasteland has to offer?!”

Draculaura can only ponder when an idea springs into her mind. Her visage grows a bit serious as she relays her advice. “Then avoid all enemies at all costs. Only if there is no other option should you resort to violence.” Draculaura advises as her serious face suddenly grows more awkward. “And maybe cut off some of your hair. I’m not sure if it fits with the vibe of the wasteland.”

“I can agree with violence as a last resort, but cutting my hair?” Ghoulia wryly questions as she raises an eyebrow to Draculaura’s idea of cutting her hair. Though she briefly ponders on the idea before realizing the implications of her idea and agrees with Draculaura. 

Seeing Ghoulia’s agree with her, Draculaura gives the zombie a smile before standing up. Ghoulia stands up after Draculaura as the two ghouls wander the hallways. Ghoulia turns to Draculaura next to her as the zombie begins to chat. “Hey Lala, got anymore tips?”  

“No, i got nothing to say.” Draculaura shrugs before hearing a beeping noise. It’s hearing the beeps that prompts Draculaura to grab her ICoffin. Looking at her ICoffin prompts the vampire to rush ahead, and in a rush, pushing Ghoulia on the ground.

“Serious……” Is all a grounded Ghoulia can say before a bright light envelops the school halls and her.

6:13 AM

(“Ly?”) Ghoulia moans in annoyance as she wakes up to the morning sunshine shining through the windows. Slowly standing up, she looks to her stuff. Remembering the words Doc Mitchell and Dream Draculaura told her, she grabs a scissor and walks to the reflectron. She grabs it and takes a brief look at herself in the mirror before putting it on an angle on the table. With the scissors in her hands, she starts to cut her hair.

Doc Mitchell is waking up when he hears the sounds of scissors cutting. Slowly walking to the source, he sees Ghoulia cutting her hair. She stops and turns to see the doctor spectating her with a blank face. 

“Need help with cutting your hair?”

Thinking about her hair and the help Mitchell offers, she nods to the doctor. Receiving her consent, Mitchell walks over to Ghoulia and helps her with cutting her hair. After a while, Ghoulia gives the signal to Mitchell to stop cutting her hair. Taking a look in the reflectron, Ghoulia gives the mirror a satisfied smile before standing up. Slowly walking back to the bedroom, she grabs the vault suit given to her by Mitchell. Taking one good look at it, she proceeds to equip the Vault 21 suit.

After a while, she equips the vault suit and grabs her stuff. After looking around to make sure that she hasn’t forgotten anything. She leaves the bedroom lent to her by Mitchell and walks to the door. She prepares to open it when she spots a bag and a letter. Grabbing the letter, she begins to read it.

Hello there, Ghoulia Yelps

If you are reading this, you are likely leaving this town to brave the Mojave Wasteland. I already had my suspicions you were going to journey through the Wasteland from the day Victor bought you here. And now that you managed to defend this town from Powder Gangers, i have faith you will find what you want. Especially with this pack of weapons, armor and supplies that gathered dust. I’m not good with saying goodbye. But nevertheless, i wish you good luck with your journey.

With kind regards, Doctor Mitchell

[“Thank you Mitchell.”] Is all Ghoulia can quietly moan before giving the place a smile. Putting the letter in the bag, she grabs the bag left to her by Doc Mitchell and takes one more look before exiting the clinic.

MEANWHILE IN THE LUCKY 38 PENTHOUSE

Atop the penthouse, Mr House is pondering on what his best options is now that he's aware Benny has his coveted Platinum Chip. Suddenly, Victor appears in one of the Securitrons and appears in front of the computer screen representing Mr House. House then asks the securitron on what transpired in the town of Goodsprings.

“Victor, what have you learned?”

“The courier you hired is dead, splattered on the ground in pieces.” Victor informs while continuing to relay information. “There is something else, a zombie is responsible for turning said Courier into giblets. Suddenly teleported onto him, Benny and his gang were suprised by the intrusion of that teenage zombie girl. And shot her twice for it in the head for it.”

Suprised at the mention of a zombie, House halts Victor and asks about Ghoulia Yelps. “What do you mean a zombie has appeared?”

“An honest to god zombie, like from one of them monster films. But here is the thing, she isn’t brainless. She understood the danger she was in, even attempted to surrender. Didn’t do her any good unfortunately.

“Do you have proof?” House ascertains to Victor when the securitron uploads the footage of the night Ghoulia gets shot. Looking at the teenage zombie, he watches the footage and realizes that Victor is right. Having learned enough, House is left pondering about the implications of her appearance. “It’s in my best interest to keep an eye on that teenage zombie. An unknown variable of this caliber could throw a wrench in my plans, or secure my hold over the Mojave Wasteland. Victor.”

“Yes boss?”

“Tail Ghoulia Yelps, and make sure you do not get spotted. By either her or the hostile wastelanders, i don’t like it if i have to hire someone to retrieve you.”

To be continued….

Chapter Text

7:00 AM

JUST OUTSIDE GOODSPRINGS

On the edge of town, Ghoulia looks at Goodsprings and gives the town a grateful smile for getting her fixed up. 

(“Thank you Goodsprings, i hope things go well for you in the future.”)

Turning her head, she proceeds to leave Goodsprings whilst ceasing to smile. Now armed, Ghoulia takes her first step outside Goodsprings and into the Mojave wasteland. Ghoulia spots some buildings in the distance 

(“Well, i know what my first stop is going to be. Let’s hope i fight as little Powder Gangers as i can.”)

Slowly wandering through the desert, she arrives at a T Junction and a shack. Cautious, she enters the shack and looks around the derelict building. Hearing some talk, she listens closer when she discovers the talk to be from two Powder Gangers. She manages to silently take cover behind a desk and aim at the door when she overhears two Powder Gangers talk. 

“Unbelievable Sidney. You and your group had dynamite, guns and all that crap. Why the fuck would you run away when you could have blown this town to pieces!?” The first Powder Ganger shouts in anger when the second Powder Ganger begins to speak.  “That meant nothing bud, they fought back and managed to kill nine of us. So yes, i’d rather run than fucking die man.” Sidney nervously admitted. 

“I want to wind down in that shack over here, Gabe.” Sidney sullenly notes. It’s hearing their intent to enter the same shack that she is in that tenses Ghoulia up. Hearing the two Powder Gangers slowly make their way to the shack prompts Ghoulia to put her hand on the trigger, readying herself to shoot. The door opens as Gabe enters and spots Ghoulia, and promptly gets his head blown off by a 5.56mm bullet. Sidney sees this happen and peeks inside to see the same zombie that defended Goodsprings. “Fuck this shit.” Is all he says as he decides to book it, leaving her alone. Much to her relief.

With the coast clear, Ghoulia loots the now headless Gabe and exits the shack. Now outside, she heads left and wanders the beatdown road. Aside from avoiding some Powder Gangers and the mutated wildlife, she manages to safely make it to the edge of town. When she prepares to enter the town, a soldier arrives and stops her from entering. Looking at him, she doesn’t get the vibe of someone who’d murder and rob for sick pleasure. At ease, she puts her Varmint Rifle on her back as the soldier begins to speak.

“Halt wastelander, i’d recommend you skip over this town and move on.” The soldier warns. Puzzled, Ghoulia presses on. [“What.. what do you mean?”]

“This town here is overrun by escaped convicts from a nearby prison. Unless you want to get shot or blown up, i’d recommend you avoid Primm.” The soldier elaborates. Thinking about the gunfight in Goodsprings and the headshotted Powder Ganger, Ghoulia with a somewhat determined face volunteers 

[“Then let me help you bring order to Primm.”] 

“If you are insistent on helping the New Californian Republic, i’d recommend you visit Lt. Hayes in the tents at the west side of town. But if you cross east and end up riddled with bullets, don’t say i didn’t warn you.” The soldier shrugged as he lets Ghoulia pass into the town.

Given the greenlight, she enters the safe half of Primm. Looking around the destroyed buildings, she sees fellow NCR soldiers walk around. walks around as she spots soldiers similar to the one she spoke with. Upon reaching the tents, she asks around for Lieutenant Hayes. [“Hello, where is Lieutenant Hayes? I’m supposed to speak with him about the situation in Primm.”]

Hearing the translator speak, said lieutenant exits the tent. Seeing the teenage zombie before him, Lieutenant Hayes remains unfazed as he begins to speak to Ghoulia. “Lieutenant Hayes of the NCR here, you wish to speak with me?”

[“Indeed, i have heard you have problems with the escaped convicts over there and would like to help.”] Ghoulia vows to Hayes skepticism.

Uncertain if the zombie in front of him can help with the situation at Primm, Hayes lays down his thoughts. “Look, i appreciate that you wish to help with the convicts but i’d be feeling guilty if i send a teenager to their death.”

Insistent, Ghoulia pushes on the subject. [“Look, i have been through a nasty gunfight recently. I want to take on the convicts on the east.”]

“That would help with bringing order. I can’t turn you away so good luck.” Lt Hayes shrugged as he prepares to return in the tent when he hears a robotic voice call out for her. [“Before i go, can i have a brief explanation of the NCR? I’m new here in the wasteland and i would like to be informed of who they are.”]

Obliging the teenage zombie, Hayes answers. “Sure thing kid. Ever since the great war 200 years ago. There are many factions that fight for control of the remnants of the USA, and the NCR is one of them. From the humble beginnings of Shady Sands, we fight to bring law and a post world government to the wastelands.”

Giving the lieutenant a smile, Ghoulia hears a single “Good luck.” from Hayes before she crosses the bridge into danger. Though she has to shoot the mines first to safely cross the bridge.

1:15 PM

EAST SIDE OF PRIMM

Upon entering east Primm, Ghoulia looks around the buildings for any sign of trouble. Her attention gets rewarded when she spots two escaped convicts. She immediately attempts to hide behind the corner, though this doesn’t matter when she’s detected anyways and opens fire on the teenage zombie. Pinned down, Ghoulia is frantically trying to come up with a solution to her predicament when an opportunity presents itself. Hearing them pause, Ghoulia opens fire on the remaining convicts. Taking a shot in the chest and a shot in the head, Ghoulia dispatches the first convict before getting 9mm bullets in her legs. Stunned, the convict attempts to use the opportunity to gun her down. Though misses his shots, allowing Ghoulia to gun him down too.

With the coast clear for now, Ghoulia slowly makes her way to the dead convicts and loots the bodies. Finding a 9mm pistol, another Varmint Rifle and their associated bullets. Ghoulia grabs the weapons and bullets. Attempting to uncloth the convicts for their mercenary clothing, Ghoulia suddenly hears gunshots and slowly makes her way to a building and enters the building for cover. 

Once inside, Ghoulia looks around and discovers she has entered a post office. Though she doesn’t pay attention to the rest of her surrounding bar the door when she hears more gunshots. With the danger not over yet, Ghoulia hides behind the counter and tensely waits for a few hours before it becomes clear that the coast is clear. Emerging out of hiding, she looks around the post office when she spots a broken down eyebot. Curious approaches the broken down eyebot. Taking a look inside the wiring of the eyebot, she sees that the insides is damaged by bullets. Ever the smart ghoul, Ghoulia proceeds to tinker with the broken down eyebot. 

After a while, she manages to repair it and get it operational. Upon being repaired, the Eyebot springs back to life in front of a surprised Ghoulia. Ghoulia then stares at the eyebot before beginning to groan. (“Can you understand me?”) Ghoulia asks, only for the eyebot to stay motionless.

(“Well, it was worth a try.”) Ghoulia shrugged before an idea springs into her head. Grabbing her zombie translator, Ghoulia points it at the eyebot. The eyebot stares at the zombie translator before proceeding to interface with it and download it’s data. When it’s all said and done, the eyebot begins to speak.

“Where am i?” Is all the eyebot can say when it stares at the suprised zombie.

(“Oh my ghoul, it worked.”) Ghoulia moaned in suprise. Causing the eyebot to respond back. “What worked, why can i understand you?”

(“You interfaced with my zombie translator. Ergo, you can now understand zombie.”) Ghoulia moans with a giddy smile before an important question rises in her undead head. (“Actually, what commands do you have?”)

“My memory drivers may be corrupted, but i can atleast tell you the commands compatible to this eyebot. Companion protocol activate lets me follow you. Companion protocol terminate does the opposite. Storage hatch open opens my storage compartment.“ The Eyebot explains.

(“Do you even have a shred of individuality? A name even?”) Ghoulia groans, concerned if the eyebot is able to think for itself.

“I guess? I am ED-E. But you can call me Eddie.” ED-E explains, all the while changing tone from monotone to emotional.

(“Do you wish to go with me?”)

“You know what to say.” ED-E nods with inviting enthusiasm.

(“Companion protocol activate.”) 

Ghoulia waits in anticipation. Though ED-E apparently stays still. Disappointed, Ghoulia walks outside the store holding her Varmint Rifle. Looking back, she discovers that ED-E has followed her. Much to Ghoulia’s relief, she is no longer alone. The two then look around the desolate town for hostile convicts, though they find no one. Coming back to the dead convicts, she loots a Merc Troublemaker Outfit and discovering it fits her despite already wearing a vault suit. She equips the jacket and stores the remainder into ED-E’s storage space before heading inside the Bison Steve Hotel.

Once the two head inside, Ghoulia notes it’s in similar disarray before aiming down the gun. This would work to their benefit when a convict appears in the doorway. Spotting the two. It devolves into a gunfight, and just as quickly ends as ED-E blares western music before shooting it’s lasers at the convict. With one hitting the convict’s head, immolating the poor convict’s head and causing him to fall on the ground and scream in pain.

On edge, both Ghoulia and ED-E ready their weapons for the soon to come convicts. And their fears prove founded when another convict arrives to come to aid his incapacitated teammate and spots the two intruders. This prompts the duo to collectively fire at the standing convict and kill him. Still cautious to the surroundings, the duo make their way to the two intruders. 

It’s arriving at the two downed convicts that Ghoulia sees a group of three convicts rushing them. One of which is carrying an incinerator. (“WE GOT COMPANY!”) is all Ghoulia can loudly groan before opening fire on the three remaining convicts. With the gunfight starting, Ghoulia and ED-E focus fire on the convict wielding an incinerator. Swiftly dispatching him, giving the others opportunity to unload their bullets at the zombie and the eyebot. Injuring Ghoulia and damaging ED-E’s outer shell. Ghoulia desperately tries to aim at the two remaining convicts as 9mm bullets flies around her. In the heat of battle, Ghoulia accidentally activates V.A.T.S once more and uses the opportunity to gun the first convict in the head and kill him. Giving ED-E breathing room to kill the second convict with it’s lazer.

With the coast clear for now, Ghoulia proceeds to loot the dead convicts to obtain more supplies while ED-E floats up ahead. After looting the corpses, Ghoulia decides to explore the Bison Hotel before hearing lasers and gunshots. Going to the source as fast as she physically can. It’s there she discovers ED-E inside a spacious dining hall alongside the corpses of two more convicts. 

(“Wow, you take this rather serious don’t you?”) Ghoulia moans in disgust and suprise. “I mean, you wanted a companion to protect you from attackers, right?” ED-E retorts. Ghoulia can only shrug in response before continuing to look around the dining hall when she hears muffled noise coming to the kitchen. Keeping her Varmint Rifle drawn, she slowly walks to the door drawing her varmint rifle. Upon opening the door, she sees a tied up human. Horrified, she proceeds to ungag the hostage.

“Oh thank goodness, those convicts tied me up bad. I tried and ummm… failed to stop them.” The man boasted, despite being bound in the kitchen. Growing suspicious of the bound man, Ghoulia presses on for answers.

[“I don’t get that vibe from you, who am i speaking to exactly?”] 

“My apologies, i’m Deputy Beagle. How can i help you?” Beagle introduces himself to the zombie who ungagged him.

[“I have some questions i’d like to ask, can we have a discussion at a safe location?”] 

“Sure thing, meet me at the Vikki & Vance casino. It’s opposite of the building we are in.” Beagle nods before Ghoulia unties him. Now free, Beagle books it outside, causing an annoyed Ghoulia to slowly walk after the deputy sheriff with ED-E in tow. 

[“I really hate being slow.“] 

Once outside the Bison Steve Hotel, she walks to the casino facing the hotel she exited. Upon approach, she puts the Varmint Rifle on her back before entering the building. Upon entry, she sees a bunch of townfolk, Beagle among them. Ghoulia attempts to approach the deputy when she gets stopped by an old man holding a pistol. 

“Are you with the convicts outside?!” The old man shouts, terrified and ready to shoot.

Not wishing to get shot again and looking to calm things down, Ghoulia slowly raises her hands in the air as a gesture of peace. [“No, i come in peace and i'm not here to rob or kill. I only want to get a sheriff installed here.”] Ghoulia moans in an attempt to calm him down and not get shot. Still remembering the day Benny shot her. 

Sensing no hostile intent from the zombie, Nash withdraws his 10mm Pistol and apologizes to Ghoulia. “Sorry about that, i am a bit shaken since those convicts have taken over this town. I’m Johnson Nash, the owner of the Mojave Post Building where you got that repaired eyebot from.” 

Awkwardly smiling after hearing this, a nervous Ghoulia brings up ED-E. [“And you want the eyebot back i assume?”]

“Nah, you can keep the eyebot. It was gathering dust anyways.” Johnson reassures her to Ghoulia’s relief. Relieved she gets to keep ED-E, a nagging thought arises in Ghoulia’s mind. [“Did you happen to have seen a man in a checkered suit?”]

“Nope, haven’t seen one matching your description.” Nash reveals, much to Ghoulia’s dejection as he continues to talk. “Perhaps try your luck with the other townsfolk.” 

Following Johnson Nash’s instruction, Ghoulia wanders around the place and attempts to get the whereabouts of Benny when she faces Deputy Beagle once more.

“Hey there, what can i do for you?”

[“Hey Beagle, did you happen to have seen a normie in a checkered suit who…”] Ghoulia stops groaning while pointing to the scar on her forehead, all the while growing more angry. Then she continues her groaning. [“Shot me in the head!”]

Surprised at the zombie’s outburst, Beagle    “I have info on your target, but it will cost you. Primm has seen better days since these convicts have taken over town. If you can install a sheriff, i’ll gladly share what i know about that checkered suit guy. Okay?”

Taking a look at Beagle, Ghoulia slowly nods while an important question burns in her mind. “If i’m going to install a sheriff, how am i going to get this done?” Ghoulia moans while asking Beagle a question. 

“There is someone named Meyers who used to be a sheriff. He is imprisoned in the NCR Correctional Facility for taking justice in his own hands too quickly. Is good for keeping the town independent if that’s your choice.” Beagle explains while continuing to talk. “But then there is the NCR across the bridge. They are more than qualified to protect the town better than Meyers could, but that would cause Primm to fall under NCR jurisdiction. Meaning they pay rather hefty taxes.”

[“So i either bring freedom or security to the folks here at Primm?”] Ghoulia recaps, to which Beagle confirms her suspicions. [“Then i will bring Primm a sheriff. As long as you keep your word.”] Ghoulia vows. To which Beagle nods, causing Ghoulia and ED-E to return to Johnson Nash.

Ghoulia takes a look at Johnson before beginning to groan. [“Could you keep an eye on Beagle please? I’m going to get Primm a sheriff and i don’t want Beagle to cheat me out of a deal we made.”] 

Looking at Deputy Beagle, Johnson Nash gives Ghoulia a smile while reassuring her as she exits the building. “Don't worry, i will keep an eye on Beagle over here while you get us a sheriff.” 

After exiting the building, Ghoulia and ED-E slowly travel back to the NCR tents when Lt. Hayes suddenly blocks their view with relief on his face. “Glad you made it, i presume you want to help the New Californian Republic?”

Ghoulia wordlessly gives Hayes a nod as the Lietunant begins to speak up. “If we are to get reinforcements, i’d suggest you visit the Mojave Outpost and get Major Knight to send us reinforcements. That way, we can install a sheriff. Think you can do that?”

Giving Hayes another nod, Hayes puts the coordinates of the Mojave Outpost on Ghoulia’s pip-boy. With directions, Ghoulia turns around as she departs the NCR tents and soon Primm alongside ED-E. After exiting the town, ED-E grows curious about her. “So what the hell was this all about? A guy shoots you in the head, you want revenge for said shooting in the head and don’t get me started on how you even arrived here. How does a zombie arrive in the Mojave? Are you from some kind of zombie apocalypse?”

(“First of no, i’m not from some kind of zombie apocalypse.”) Ghoulia groans while giving ED-E a sarcastic smile, though her smile gives way to a vicious glare. (“Secondly, yes. I want to blast his head in gory pieces with 5.56mm bullets. And third, it is a long story ED-E, but it’s science gone wrong that sent me here.”) 

“Damn.” Is all ED-E can say when they spot normies in the distance. Grabbing some binoculars, Ghoulia looks at the people from a distance and sees them armed and infighting among themselves. Determining them to be raiders, Ghoulia withdraws her binocular and draws her Varmint Rifle to aim at the wastelanders when said raiders spot the duo first. 

Drawing their weapons, the raiders open fire on the duo from the distance. Prompting the duo to fire back. Fortunately however, due to being drugged out of their minds, they miss the majority of their shots on both Ghoulia and ED-E. Allowing them to pick off the raiders one by one until they are dead.

With the gunfight over, the duo make their way to the corpses and loot them for useful supplies. It’s during the looting that she discovers the chems they had on them. (“Well, this explains their hostility. They are tripping hard on drugs. Perhaps useful to sell them to someone, if they want to get high.”) Ghoulia groaningly remarks before grabbing them regardless. 

With the looted items, she sorts around her inventory as she spots multiple weapons and armor. Grabbing a caravan shotgun from Mitchell’s gift, she enters the police station and spots two more raiders. Aiming her shotgun, she immediately blasts the brain of the first raider in bloody chunks before ED-E fries the second raider. After mentally recovering from murdering the raiders outside, Ghoulia decides on resting till 11:00 PM to avoid all the raiders. She then proceeds to barricade the entrance with ED-E’s help. Feeling secure, Ghoulia decides to take a nap.

                                                                                                         IN GHOULIA’S DREAMS

Now dreaming once again, Ghoulia finds herself in a Saloon instead of the ever familliar Monster High. Ghoulia watches around when she spots Frankie Stein wearing a cowgirl uniform. (And thankfully fully clothed.) Seeing her stitched up friend in a cowgirl outfit, Ghoulia grows more amused and curious about her choice of attire and proceeds to inquire Frankie about it. 

“What’s with the whole cowgirl getup, Frankie?” Ghoulia questions while giving the frankengirl an amused smile. 

Finding the situation slightly amusing herself, Frankie gives Ghoulia a smile. “Considering you are in the Mojave Desert, it’s kinda appropiate for me to be in cowgirl clothing.”

“Fair enough.” Ghoulia chuckled as she sits on a chair. Her smile slowly fades away when she begins to speak again. “But it has been insane the last few days. From getting shot at and taking my first delibetate life. It will only get worse the longer i stay in this blasted wasteland. I’m worried i’ll no longer recognize Monster High once i manage to repair the Interdimensional Transporter.” 

Hearing Ghoulia’s worries, Frankie can’t help but worry for her zombie friend. Though she grimaces when a rather worrying thought enters the mind. “And then there is the possibility that your invention scattered us across dimensions as well.”

“What?” Is all Ghoulia can utter when the realisation that she may have scattered her audience across dimensions.

“Think about it, when your invention broke. It sent you here. Who knows if the same thing happened to us?” Frankie theorized.

Hearing her theorize that the spectators may have scattered across dimensions causes Ghoulia to collapse on the chair. 

“Nononono.. please don’t tell me i scattered all of you across the whole multiverse!”

Seeing Ghoulia collapse on the chair in a panic, Frankie sits beside the zombie. “But it’s irrelevant to worry about us if you die in this wasteland. Please prioritize staying alive and then worry about fixing that interdimensional transporter. We can’t enjoy our smartest ghoul if she is dead don’t we?” Frankie smiles to the despondent Ghoulia, causing her frown to somewhat lighten up. 

The two then embrace one another when some music is playing outside. This spurs Frankie to stand up and rush outside. Seeing her rush outside promts Ghoulia to rush outside as the music grows louder.

                                                                                                   10:50 PM, INSIDE THE BUILDING

Though i may have done some foolin, this is why i never fell.

Waking up, Ghoulia spots ED-E playing music in her face. (“Is it really necessary to blast music in my face? You know some raider may come in and rob us blind?”) 

ED-E instantly stops playing music the moment Ghoulia wakes up. “It’s nighttime now, thought you wanted to know that.” ED-E informed to Ghoulia who smiled at the news. Meaning that a majority of the raiders are asleep. Grabbing the Caravan Shotgun given to her by Mitchell, Ghoulia and ED-E walk to the barricaded door. With some effort, they unblock the door. Letting them leave.

(“Hey ED-E, how do you deal with the possibility that your friends may be dead through if you were responsible?”) Ghoulia groans, remembering the words dream Frankie told her.

“My memory banks may be corrupted, but i always have moved onwards. Regardless of what happened.” ED-E replies in response to Ghoulia. Who hearing ED-E speak, causes her to give the eyebot a determined smile.

(“Thank you Eddie.”)

“That’s what i am here for.”

With the two walking to the Mojave Outpost, they arrive at Highway 95 Underpass. It’s there in the dark that they spot shapes heading towards them. Because it’s nighttime, it takes a while for Ghoulia to identify the shapes. When she does however…

(“Oh my ghoul! It’s Giant ants!”) 

Ghoulia fires at horde the hostile giant ants, with ED-E firing not soon after. Ghoulia dispatches a giant ant while ED-E starts lazering the first giant soldier ant. By the time the eyebot manages to kill the giant soldier ant, he sees Ghoulia getting surrounded by three giant ants. Ghoulia blows up the head of anothet giant ant. Though she is forced to reload caravan shotgun, which leaves the two other giant ants to attack the zombie. Seeing Ghoulia in danger prompts ED-E to lazer down one of the two ants attacking her. With one of the ants taken care of, Ghoulia is able to tough out the assault of the other giant ant and reloads the bullets in her caravan shotgun. She aims down sights when ED-E lazers down the other ant.

(“I’m glad you stole my kill ED-E. Lets focus fire on the larger than giant ants!”) A relieved Ghoulia moans to the eyebot who just saved her. Together they kill the remaining giant soldier ants. 

(“This wasteland can go fu…”) Is all Ghoulia can say in zombie in response of the dead giant ants before ED-E cuts her off. “Shall we move on before you swear off a storm in zombie, Ghoulia?” 

(“Yes please.”) Ghoulia tiredly groans to ED-E as they continue their way through Highway 95 to the Mojave Outpost when she spots an abandoned rest stop. Curious, Ghoulia heads to the gas station while shooting down the not so scary giant rad scorpions attacking her. Upon entering the rest stop alongside ED-E, she looks around the abandoned building and scavenges for it’s supplies. It’s at this point that she sees a bottlecap with a blue star on it. Thinking nothing of it, she picks up the bottlecap. Having picked clean everything she could in the rest stop, she exits the building.

Once outside the building, she looks up the map on her pip-boy for directions to the Mojave Outpost and discovers its south west. She looks this direction, only to discover the outpost is on a hill, much to her dismay. An annoyed Ghoulia promptly scales the hill with ED-E in tow. After walking up the hill, she finally arrives to the Mojave Outpost. 

Looking around, the first thing she spots are the statues of the two people shaking their hands. Awestruck by the two statues, she looks around the outpost when an NCR soldier approaches her.

With an NCR soldier facing her, Ghoulia then asks him about Major Knight. [“Excuse me, can you point me to Major Knight? Lt. Hayes needs reinforcements.”] Hearing her translator speak and not sensing any hostility from the zombie, the soldier points her to one of the buildings. “If you are looking for Major Knight, he’s in the second building on your left. He takes care of any administrative work, including reinforcements.”

Giving the NCR soldier a smile, Ghoulia salutes to the soldier as she and ED-E head to the second building. ED-E elects to stay outside the building while Ghoulia enters the building. Upon entering the building, she looks around the same state the buildings are at Goodsprings and Primm.

Relieved, she approaches the man at the desk. [“Excuse me, can you point me to Major Knight? I’m here to get Lieutenant Hayes from Primm some reinforcement.”] Ghoulia groans to the soldier at the desk.

“Caravaneer, citizen or….” The soldier at the desk dully notes.

[“Citizen i guess?”] Ghoulia moaningly shrugged.

“Good, you are speaking to Major Knight. And as for the reinforcement, we are kinda stretched thin in the Mojave as it is. I’m not quite sure sending backup to Primm is good idea.” Knight explains to Ghoulia’s growing disappointment. Ghoulia presses Major Knight on while giving him an awkward frown. [“Isn’t there any way to for you to send reinforcements to Primm?”] 

“Unless you give me a good reason to, i can’t.” Major Knight sadly shakes his head in response to Ghoulia’s question, causing her to exit the building in frustration. 

“So that didn’t end up well.” ED-E summarized. 

(“You think?! The NCR are decent folk. But if they stretch themselves thin, how are they going to bring order to the Mojave Wasteland?”)

“I am not well versed in NCR politics. So i can’t give you an answer for it.”

Responding with the zombie equivalent of a sigh, Ghoulia rummages through her inventory and grabs some of the chems she looted off the raiders. ED-E grows worried when he sees Ghoulia holding some chems in her hand

“Hey umm…. Are you sure you wanna take these chems? You can get addicted to these things.”

(“Wait, what do these chems even do? Aside from the possibility of getting addicted to these things.”)

“Jet restores your stamina in a jiffy, Mentats make you Perceptive, Smarter and slightly Charismatic and Psycho just makes you angry.”

Having heard enough regarding drugs from ED-E, Ghoulia briefly ponders on whether she should take Mentats when the night of her getting double tapped flashes in her mind. Remembering that fated night makes up her mind up as she unhesitatingly consumes some of the Mentats she has looted.

“Oh shit.” Is all ED-E can say when confronted with the sight of Ghoulia taking chems. To her suprise, the mentats immediately start taking effect on her as they do their work on the zombie. Fully under the effects of the mentats, Ghoulia thinks for a moment before going back inside with renewed confidence. The now Mentats’d up Ghoulia returns in front of the sighing Major as Knight reminds her of the undermanning.

“Look, if it’s about the reinforcements. I cant just…”

Ghoulia assertively cuts off the Major. [“I know that, but hear me out. Primm has recently been suffering from a prison outbreak nearby. If you were to send in backup, you could get help from Primm in expanding all over the Mojave Wasteland. I can promise you, there will be some juicy benefits if you send backup to Lt Hayes. Would you consider it at the very least?”]

Giving the matter some thought, Knight sighs and concedes. Much to Ghoulia’s delight. “You make some good points here kid. I will try to send some reinforcements to Primm. But i cant make any promises.”

Satisfied, Ghoulia attempts to turn away. Only to be stopped by the Major as Knight adds. “By the way. If you want to help the NCR even a bit, Ranger Jackson needs help with a bunch of critters attacking caravans. He’s the one with a hat, sunglasses and a moustache.” 

Smiling to the Major, Ghoulia turns her back to the counter and exits the building when the chems wear off. Despite being a zombie, Ghoulia feels the effects of the chems wear off. (“Okay, the chems have worn off. It’s fortunate i didn’t get addicted to this chem. I do not wish to tempt fate again.”)

No longer under the effect of chems, Ghoulia walks around the building when she finds Ranger Jackson in his office. Ranger Jackson is tiredly yawning as he spots a zombie entering the office. “Can i help you wastelander?”

[“I heard from Knight that i could help you with a problem?”] Ghoulia moaned while pointing towards Major Knight.

Giving her a nod and a smile, Jackson elaborates on his problem. “There has been an critter infestation on the Highway 95 near the dried lake. If someone would clear them out, they would do the caravans on the 95 a great pleasure.”

Connecting the dots together, Ghoulia asks Jackson about the ants back at the Underpass. [“Wait, you mean these giant ants at the Highway 95 Underpass slightly north east of here?”]

“Yeah, how did you know?” Jackson answers, surprised Ghoulia knows about the critter problem.

[“Yeah. Me and my eyebot outside may have killed those critters on the way here. They were terrifying the first time i encountered them.”] Ghoulia winced while recounting the event at the dried lake before Jackson puts his hand on her shoulder. “You may have gotten terrified, but you will get a reward for your troubles back there.” Jackson reassures to the somewhat spooked zombie.

[“Wait, what kind of reward?”]

“I may have misplaced some supplies.” Jackson whispers while handing Ghoulia a bag of supplies. “That nobody would miss.” 

Holding the given supplies, Ghoulia gives him grateful smile. Having nothing to do here at the moment, Ghoulia leaves the building and puts her given supplies in the eyebot. Walking outside the buildings in the outpost, she looks at the map on her pip-boy and at the visible moon in the sky. Ghoulia and ED-E wander to the other building and enters inside the barracks. As she looks around the bar inside and takes a seat herself. A woman then suddenly appears 

“Hey ghoul, Lacey here. Can i get you something?” Lacey asked.

[“Do you only sell food or other stuff?”] Ghoulia asks to Lacey in front of her.

“I sell general stuff you wastelanders need. Food, weapons and other stuff if it tickles your fancy.” 

Learning she sells general stuff, Ghoulia requests the merchant to browse her stock. Causing her to open up her wares. Looking through them, she spots some roller skates. Growing curious, Ghoulia points to the roller skates in front of her, causing Lacey to put them up in front of her. 

“You want these beat up roller skates?” Lacey shrugged, though the excitement Ghoulia shows for said roller skates lightens up Lacey a bit. “Alright, 2 bottlecaps for the pair. You wanna buy something else?”

Ghoulia nods to Lacey’s question before buying the roller skates, prompting the zombie to continue looking at her stock. She barters some of her stuff in the mix and in the end, she offers some of the loot she got off the convicts and raiders. She then ends up with 70 more caps, some scrap, five bottles of Sunset Sarsaparilla, three pork and beans in a can, 50 more 5.56mm bullets and a sturdy rope. Feeling satisfied having bartered as much as she liked, Ghoulia stops browsing Lacey’s stock and looks at the shopkeeper.

[“Hey, do you mind if i use one of the beds to sleep for the night.”]

“You should ask it with the NCR next to this building, it’s not my call to let wastelanders use one of the beds.”

Hearing Lacey suggest her to ask the NCR prompts Ghoulia to wave off the bartender.  The duo then walk outside the barracks as ED-E starts to speak about recent events.

“So, you got the NCR troop stationed at Primm some reinforcements. Does that mean you get your answers from that deputy?”

(“Once we return to Primm of course. Then i will get my answers from Deputy Beagle regarding that bastard normie. That leaves the matter of swiftly getting back to Primm to deliver the news to Lietunant Hayes.”)

“Yeah, i wanted to ask you about that. What on earth do you wish to do with the rope and the roller skates you bought?”

Ghoulia remains silent to ED-E’s question as she gives the eyebot a sly smile. Much to ED-E’s growing dismay.

“What are you planning?!”

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter Text

6:00 AM

SOMEWHERE IN WEST PRIMM

“It’s boring out here! Why are we watching an empty Primm?” An annoyed NCR Private complains while watching East Primm for escaped convicts. Hearing the private complain prompts the Sergeant to fire back.

“Watch your three Private Mildred. I don’t like sentry duty either, but we have to watch the other side for any signs of hostile convicts.” Sergeant John sighs to the Private Mildred while clutching his head in frustration. “Why that ghoul even decided risk her life to help us is beyond me. I do hope she makes it.”

Private Mildred continues to watch East Primm when a thought enters his head. “You know, you think she is a zombie instead of a ghoul?”

Hearing the Private call Ghoulia a zombie prompts the Sergeant to stare at him in disgust. Causing the Private to flinch at the indignant Sergeant. 

“Really Private?! You gotta call her a zombie? You know some ghouls hate being called zombies.” 

“But some ghouls themselves don’t mind being called a zombie. And she doesn’t look like any ordinary ghoul i have seen.” Private Mildred fires back to defend himself from John’s accusation. Private Mildred talking back causes Sergeant John to glare at the Private. 

“Let’s forget this subject and continue our sentry please.” John sighs while grabbing his binoculars.

The two NCR soldiers resume their sentry duty when Sergeant John spots something in his binoculars. A particular zombie and an eyebot catches his vision as he stares at the two in shock. He proceeds to tap the private on his shoulders to get his attention.

“Hey Mildred, do you mind if you turn your binoculars to your five please?”

The Private grows curious to John’s request before complying by turning around to see what Sergeant John is seeing. Upon turning to his five, he can only stare in mutual shock. Having time to process what he witnessed, Private Mildred opens up at what he saw. With Sergeant John chatting not far behind.

“Is that our ghoul?”

“Tied to an eyebot?”

“Racing across the wasteland?”

“On rollerskates?”

“While having the biggest grin?”

While watching Ghoulia and ED-E race across the beat down roads, they see Ghoulia’s smile devolve into fear. Immediately realizing what is about to happen, the Sergeant instantly rushes outside the building. Leaving Private Mildred to watch in stunned silence. 

“What the actual fuck did i just witness?”

MEANWHILE

5:59 AM OUTSIDE PRIMM

Somewhere on the roads, Ghoulia and ED-E are racing across the torn roads. Even though he can’t show emotions, ED-E is terrified that they are moving at high speed. Especially with Ghoulia giving the eyebot an impish grin.

“Why, why did you cook up this harebrained plan zombie?! Rollerskating across the wasteland while we are tied together, don’t you know it’s risky to get shot or slammed by wasteland raiders?!”

(“Have you seen me move!? I like being a zombie but me moving like a snail is agonizing.”) Ghoulia retorts while continuing to give ED-E a grin. (“And i just invented Fast Travel.”)

As they see Primm on the horizon, Ghoulia  for ED-E to slow down. ED-E attempts to obey Ghoulia’s order, only for a beeping noise to emanate from the eyebot’s shell. Ghoulia’s grin slowly gives way to fear when the realization sinks in that ED-E is unable to slow down. As they enter Primm at high speed, they see a NCR Soldier patrolling the road under the bridge.

[“HIT THE DECK!”] 

Hearing the sudden warning from the zombie translator, the soldier dives for cover as the duo head for the scrapped car at high velocity. 

“Ghoulia you mor…” Is all ED-E can say before….

THUD!!

Colliding with the car at high speed finally allows ED-E to stop moving. While he shrugs off the collision quite decently, Ghoulia on the other hand is rendered nearly unconscious from the impact and falls on the ground. Sergeant John arrives on the scene to see a dazed Ghoulia weakly attempting to stand up, but the combination of a concussion and still having roller skates causes this attempt to fail.

[“This just came in. The NCR has just invented rockets.”] Is all a dazed Ghoulia can moan to Sergeant John before losing consciousness.

“Alright, let’s get you and your eyebot back to West Primm.” Sergeant John chuckles upon seeing Ghoulia fall unconscious before carrying the zombie back to the NCR tents. With the dented ED-E floating not far behind.

7:49 AM

AT WEST PRIMM

“Hey pal, you awake?”

Ghoulia wakes up to see herself in the tents and back in normal shoes. Dazedly looking around, she spots Lieutenant Hayes and Sergeant John watching her with ED-E besides the NCR soldiers.

[“Fast travel across the wasteland, i gotta work on these kinks.”] Ghoulia groans, slowly recovering from her dazed state.

“How’s the Mojave Outpost?” Lieutenant Hayes asks to Ghoulia.

[“Maybe a tad bit too orderly. But considering what i encountered on the way to the there, this blasted wasteland needs more people like you”] Ghoulia groans while giving the soldiers a smile. [“And i think i have gotten you the backup you need.”]

“You sure as hell did, we got radio message from the Major Knight confirming your good work. Within a few hours, we get enough backup to install a sheriff and secure Primm and it’s surrounding region.” 

[“Alright!”] Ghoulia groans upon hearing the good news. Hearing Ghoulia celebrate  “And we took the liberty of repairing some of that damage your eyebot took in the crash.” Hayes smiles while pointing with his thumb towards the now repaired ED-E. Ghoulia can only awkwardly smile towards the floating eyebot who beeps back in response. Standing up, Ghoulia gathers her stuff in preparation to leave the tent. 

After a few hours. Ghoulia and ED-E exit the tent and true to Lt. Hayes’s words, see way more NCR soldiers than they saw earlier. The duo slowly make their way towards East Primm and cross the bridge. Upon entering the now liberated half of Primm, Ghoulia spots Beagle near a building sitting dejectedly on a chair and slowly makes her way towards him.

[“What’s wrong?”]

“What do you think happened? Sergeant McGee took over as Sheriff and skipped me over.”

Believing Beagle is reneging on his deal, Ghoulia furiously fires back. [“You promised me info on the bastard in the checkered suit. Where is he?!”]

Beagle sighs before conceding to Ghoulia’s demands. “Before i got caught, i was watching the roads a few days ago when i saw a guy in the checkered suit and some Great Khan thugs pass by Primm. It was tense, i had no idea what caused their argument to heat up this badly. But regardless of what transpired back there, they left the town and went down the roads. Considering how the roads are built and where they lead, my best bet is that they likely went west off the abandoned gas station towards Nipton.”

[“Then Nipton is our next destination. ED-E, shall we go south?”] 

Ghoulia nods to the Eyebot who then beeps in approval. Giving her the confirmation that they are ready to hit the road. Leaving Beagle behind, they take one look behind the now secure Primm before leaving town and making their way towards Nipton.

11 AM

JUST OUTSIDE THE NIPTON RESTSTOP

(“Back at the rest stop. I presume Nipton’s the other way?”) Ghoulia moans to ED-E while pointing the opposite way of the Mojave Outpost. With a single yes from the eyebot, the duo head east towards Nipton.

“Would you like me to play some music while we travel to the Mojave?” ED-E asks to Ghoulia while traveling the roads.

(“As long as you keep it at a low volume that is.”) Ghoulia nods in controlled approval. Causing ED-E to beep before playing music. Music that’s fitting while walking the empty roads. 

As they continue their trek through the wasteland, Ghoulia spots the remains of a building. Growing suspicious, she draws her Varmint Rifle before staying put. (“ED-E, do you think there are any hostile raiders around that building?”) 

ED-E scans the surrounding ruins before multiple raiders emerge out of hiding. “You got your answer! Open fire!” Is all ED-E can say before firing his laser at the raiders. Ghoulia fires her varmint rifle not soon after ED-E opens fire on the raiders assaulting them. With the two firing at the hostile raiders, some of the raiders armed with guns fire back at the duo.

Two raiders get killed thanks to Ghoulia and ED-E’s pre emptive firing. Leaving only six raiders left for the duo to deal with. Two which are armed with guns, prompting ED-E to blare out old western music and charge after the two raiders shooting at them. Leaving Ghoulia to deal with the four raiders charging at them with melee weapons. Ghoulia manages to blast open one of the raiders head with a well timed shot from her varmint rifle. Leaving only three for Ghoulia to deal with. With the three closing the gap, Ghoulia only manages to shoot one raider in the leg before the three beat the ever unliving tar out of her. Having dealt with the gun wielding raiders, ED-E sees Ghoulia getting brutally beaten up and fires it’s laser at the three raiders. ED-E swiftly kills one before the two turn around to see ED-E staring at them from a distance before the eyebot fires it’s laser at the two. Killing them and ending the fight here and there. 

“Ghoulia, are you okay?” ED-E worriedly asks upon seeing the injured zombie. Though it gets some relief when it sees a shaking thumbs up from the zombie. She gets up and grabs her varmint rifle. After looking around to make sure her surroundings are clear, Ghoulia prepares to loot the dead raiders for their weapons and supplies when ED-E suddenly speaks up.

“I apologize for you getting hurt.”

Ghoulia raises a curious eyebrow upon hearing the Eyebot apologize. (“Why apologize?”)

“Because those melee wielding raiders ganged up on YOU!” ED-E rants before calming down. “What good will i do when i am not good enough to save you from whatever danger the wasteland has to offer for you.”

(“Look, i would have died to these raiders if it wasn’t for you. Since i arrived in the Mojave Wasteland, repairing you was one of my best decisions i have ever made. So please, don’t scrap yourself over it.”) Ghoulia groans while giving the eyebot a warm smile, letting ED-E know it did everything it could. 

“So you are really okay with my shortcomings?” ED-E expresses while sounding like he’s on the verge of breaking down.

(“Of course friend.”) Ghoulia confirms with a pat on it’s metallic shell while finishing looting the dead raiders. Hearing her approval, ED-E gives Ghoulia some grateful beeps. 

With their chat finished, Ghoulia and ED-E continue their trek through the Mojave Wasteland. It’s after a while of travelling that Ghoulia spots something in the distance. Grabbing a binocular, Ghoulia watches through it to see three people in a gunfight. Further spectating lets her see that a feminine figure comes on top of her scuffle with the two guys. Continuing to look, she spots the feminine figure looting the corpse of the now dead guy. Seeing this all unfold causes Ghoulia to eye the woman with suspicion.

(“Be ready to laser her down, i don’t trust that woman one bit”) Ghoulia orders to ED-E while drawing her Varmint Rifle. With her weapons drawn, the duo continue on their path toward Nipton, and towards the woman. It’s that they arrive at the scene with guns drawn that the woman in question holds her hands up in a gesture of surrender. Seeing her surrender causes Ghoulia to not only hesitate, but remind her of that fateful night where Benny shot her in the head. Seeing Ghoulia hesitate, the woman capitalizes upon this opportunity by drawing her 10mm Pistol. The woman prepares to shoot Ghoulia when ED-E immediately pumps the woman full with lasers, killing her almost immediately. When Ghoulia snaps back to reality, she sees the charred head of the now dead woman on the floor.

Staring at the dead body, Ghoulia spots the body gripping a 10mm pistol. Swiftly piecing together what happened, Ghoulia groans a grateful thank you before looting the three dead bodies. Finding more weapons and bullets, she discovers a necklace of bottlecaps. Inspecting it further, she discovers that the bottlecaps on the necklace have blue stars adorned on them and connects the dots that it’s the item she has looted from the guy in leather armor. She further discovers two more blue star bottlecaps on the woman’s corpse and nabs it. 

She turns her attention towards the corpse of the guy in leather armor, aside from a 10mm pistol and some bullets. She prepares to leave the body alone when she spots a diary. Curiousity grips the zombie as she grabs it and reads the page that was on the corpse of the second guy. 

Things finally seem to be turning around. I made a nice bundle of caps turning in some scrap in the last town I passed, and now I have a new traveling companion. Her name is Jacklyn, and she's pretty cute. I'm not going to get ahead of myself here, but things are looking up! And to think, I was actually beginning to doubt the power of my lucky necklace!

Writing off, Thomas

(“So this Thomas traveled with Jackie, unaware she is out for his “lucky necklace”. Poor guy got killed for it.”) Ghoulia winces upon piecing together what happened here. (“Though that doesn’t explain the third corpse.”) Ghoulia notes upon the third corpse. Whatever she has read from that page didn’t mention a third person. Not seeing any point further in analyzing the third dead body, Ghoulia and ED-E continue their trek when they see the town Nipton on the horizon. Though concern creeps on her mind when she spots smoke emanating from the town.

It’s when they arrive in Nipton that what Ghoulia sees is that the town is razed. Getting a bad feeling from this, Ghoulia puts her Varmint Rifle on her back and grabs a Mercenary’s Grenade Rifle. Taking a good look at the explosive weapon, Ghoulia aims down it’s sights before continuing to move with the grenade rifle equipped. When she and ED-E turn around, Ghoulia spots crucified people on the poles. She can only stare at the sight in horror as the crucified wastelanders are weakened from being crucified for far too long. Her fear only grows when she spots a group of red clad people dressed like in football gear Romans exiting the town hall alongside their mongrels. It’s when the duo come face to face with the Football dressed Romans that Ghoulia begins to groan.

[“Are… are you raiders?”]

“We are so much more than raiders.” An smug voice responds to Ghoulia’s accusation. Ghoulia spots one more Roman dressed guy leaving the Town Hall. Said Roman wears a skinned fox’s head on his shoulder. 

“Where are my manners, you may call me Vulpes Inculta. Spymaster of the Frumentarii, one of the Legion’s hands and the mastermind behind the sacking of this hellhole.” Vulpes introduces himself while giving the duo a smug smile.

Hearing Vulpes be nonchalant to his surroundings prompts Ghoulia to groan up. [“Are you and your Legion group responsible for raiding this town?”] Ghoulia terrifiedly groans while trying to get an answer from the Frumentarius. 

Vulpes can only continue to give Ghoulia a smirk. “Why yes, i was responsible for the sacking of this hellhole.”

[“Why? Why burn Nipton, why crucify these wastelanders?!”] 

“This corrupt hellhole? Nipton was a seedy underbelly of the worst this wasteland has to offer. Whores, gamblers, alcoholics, the likes. So we had to make an example of them.”

[“By doing this?!”] Ghoulia slowly yet frantically points to the massacare around them. 

“Of course, i masterminded the sacking of this town. It was quite pathetic really.” Vulpes chuckles as he continues to talk. “We were outmanned and outgunned, but the Legion still managed to round everyone up. We held a lottery, the grand winner was allowed mercy. Second place would have your legs crippled, then enslavement, crucifixion and beheadment.” 

Hearing Vulpes readily admit his involvement in the sack of this town causes Ghoulia to firmly grip her Grenade Rifle. Something that doesn’t go unnoticed by Vulpes. “Do you have the courage to do something about……” Is all Vulpes can boast when a terrified Ghoulia fires a grenade into the crowd.

“The justification i was looking for.” Vulpes chuckles upon seeing a Legion Mongrel blown to bits while activating his Ripper. With combat breaking out, ED-E unloads it’s laser in the crowd of the Legionaires. Managing to off two Legionaire recruits as their head instantly disintegrate to ash. Despite being injured in the blast, the remaining three Legionaires fire their Cowboy Repeaters at both the zombie and the eyebot while the Legion mongrels rush the duo. Internally cursing her slow zombie biology, Ghoulia tries to reload as fast as her zombie biology allows her to. With .357 bullets flying around, her vault suit mitigates a majority of the damage. Though some bullets enter her vault suit and even fewer manage to dig inside her undead skin, delaying her from firing yet another grenade at the crowd. 

ED-E in the meanwhile continues firing it’s laser against the injured Legion sacking squad. Some of the lasers hit the second and final Legion mongrel. Causing the injured Legionaires to switch their focus from Ghoulia to ED-E. Giving the zombie enough time to fire another 40mm grenade at the attacking group. Blowing up two more  Legioniares, and crippling the fourth recruit legionary. Giving the Eyebot an opportunity to disintegrate the final legionary. 

With the coast seemingly clear, Ghoulia switches back to her Varmint Rifle and prepares to loot the bodies when a horrifying thought enters the zombie’s mind. 

(“I haven’t seen that fox headed freak. Where is Vulpes?! ED-E, cover my six!”) 

With Ghoulia’s panicked groan, ED-E covers Ghoulia’s rear as she hears the sound of a Ripper emanating from somewhere between the burning buildings. “Well, i am impressed. You managed to wipe out the entire Legion Sacking Squad. That deserves praise, but i figured out one thing.” Vulpes smiles as Ghoulia and ED-E scramble to locate the injured Frumentarius.

“You are slower than the average wastelander. And that will be your death.” Vulpes chillingly boasts when he abruptly appears out of nowhere and lunges towards the terrified zombie with his ripper. Ghoulia can barely turn towards the attacking Vulpes when his ripper tears through Ghoulia’s vault suit and into her undead flesh. An unfamiliar feeling washes all over the teenage zombie as she sees blood and torn flesh on her torn vault suit and on the ripper Vulpes is holding. 

Pain.

Ghoulia can only collapse in pain as ED-E’s lasers hit the Frumentarii square in the head. Boiling Vulpes’s head and stopping him from tearing the zombie apart. Ghoulia is barely to stand up and put her varmint rifle on her back. She struggles to grab the now dead Vulpes’s ripper sticking out of Ghoulia’s side. Overwhelming pain cripples the teenage zombie as she grips her torn open wound. 

Still under pain, Ghoulia fights to stay  to enter a small house where she can find cover. With cover found in one of the small houses, Ghoulia sits down and struggles to grab her final Stimpack. 

(“Why did…. i fire that… grenade?”) Ghoulia struggles to groan as she manages to grab her final stimpack and slowly jab it in her exposed flesh. It’s healing taking effect as her grievous wound slowly begins to heal and the pain she suffers under begins to recede. ED-E can only stay silent as Ghoulia begins her attempt to grab one of her Doctor’s Kit. Though this fails as she slips into a coma. 

IN GHOULIA’S DREAM

Ghoulia wakes up to find herself back in her old clothing and without ED-E. Looking around the house, Ghoulia spots a loaded Varmint Rifle and grabs it. As she attempts to grab the varmint rifle, it turns into a ripper. Still remembering the grievous wound she suffered, Ghoulia flinches at the memory but grabs the Ripper. With one single look towards the door, Ghoulia heads outside. 

Upon exiting the building, Ghoulia finds herself in Nipton. When she gets outside, she becomes mortified upon the sight of the crucified. She sees her ghoulfriends not just crucified on the poles, but also malnourished. Frankie, Clawdeen, Lagoona and Cleo is all she sees tied up. As she spots some of her ghoulfriends, she cannot see Draculaura crucified on the poles.  Looking around Nipton, she spots Draculaura. Withered, decapitated, dead. 

Seeing the vegetarian vampire decapitated on the ground prompts Ghoulia to turn around and attempt to run. Only to bump into the perpetrator. A high ranking Legion covered from head to toe in yellow armor, staring at the terrified Ghoulia. Ghoulia can only see a bearded mask staring at her as a voice radiating authority comes out of the mask. “And the bitch rears her ugly head again.”

Hearing the man insult her causes Ghoulia to fire back. “Why on earth did you crucify my friends?”

“I live to crush any opposition the Legion encounters. Should i be merciful, they get to die. And if i wasn’t, well you have seen the rest. It would serve you well to remember this, profligate.” The masked man informs while drawing his bumper sword, causing Ghoulia to draw her ripper.

“I won’t let you get away with this!” 

“Then you will die braver than most.” The masked man scoffs as he hoists his bumper sword and in one swift motion, impales Ghoulia in her chest. The last thing Ghoulia sees is the masked legionary walking away as her vision goes dark.

3:00 PM

INSIDE A NIPTON HOUSE

Ghoulia wakes up from her little coma to see ED-E watching her. Looking to her ripper wound, she is relieved to discover that it has healed enough . Though it’s still exposed and hurts. Having regained enough strength, Ghoulia makes another attempt to grab her doctor’s bag and suceeds in doing so.

(“Glad i’m considered alive enough to heal this.”) Ghoulia takes one last remark upon her slow healing injury before using her doctor’s bag. Due to the newfound pain, Ghoulia struggles to apply the tools needed to treat the slowly healing ripper wound. After a long while, the doctor’s bag is all used up as Ghoulia is all bandaged up in an effort to expedite the healing of her rather vicious ripper wound. 

Slowly standing up, Ghoulia takes one look at ED-E and wordlessly nods to it to follow her outside. With the duo outside, they look around the now lifeless Nipton to see the rotting corpses of the legionaries they have killed. Ghoulia walks to one of said corpses and attempts to loot the dead legionaries. ED-E stops this attempt by flying in front of the zombie.

“Hey, are you sure you want to loot in your current state?” ED-E warns to the heavily wounded zombie.

(“Damnit ED-E. I know it’s bad to focus on loot while in this state, but i don’t want to leave all of their stuff behind before someone else beats me to the punch.”) Ghoulia groans, still feeling and getting used to the pain from the ripper wound Vulpes inflicted on her.

“Just be careful.” Is all ED-E can say before Ghoulia begins rummaging through the bodies. Despite the grievous injury, Ghoulia finds some healing powder, 30 .375 bullets and two beat up Cowboy Repeater. 

With everything done, Ghoulia and ED-E return to the same home they took shelter in. Looking around, the duo collectively begin to fortify the house. After a while of barricading, they manage to bar the door and the windows to their liking. Checking one more time if the coast is clear, Ghoulia gives a satisfactory smile before walking to the bed. Grabbing the healing powder she took off the dead legionaires, Ghoulia imbibes some of the healing powder to expedite healing the ripper wound. She does feel the pain lessen, though this causes her vision to blur.

(“Damnit Sunny, you never told me about the healing powder’s side effects.”) Ghoulia groans while under the vision impairing effects of the healing powder. (“ED-E you mind if i hit the bed while you watch me?”)

“Sure thing pal.” ED-E nods while looking at the Ghoulia’s bandaged ripper wound.

(“Despite what happened back there. Once we get to a safe town, i will repair you to the best of my abillity.”) Ghoulia gives ED-E a a thumbs up before sleeping on the bed.

“My shell hasn’t been damaged too much but i appreciate the gesture. Sleep tight there buddy.” ED-E vows while turning around. Standing vigil over the teenage zombie.

7:00 PM

STILL INSIDE A NIPTON HOUSE

“You awake pal?”

Slowly waking up upon hearing the eyebot speak, Ghoulia gives ED-E a thumbs up before realising the pain from her ripper wound has receded. This information causes her to open up the bandage covering her ripper wound and to her delight, discovers that it has healed enough that it now looks like a knife wound instead of a ripper wound. The information that she has healed enough prompts her to head outside.

“You sure you healed up to travel?” ED-E asks, uncertain if Ghoulia is in a state to travel.

(“I’m good. That leaves the matter of where we should go next. If we are following the roads, then i guess we should head east. Though how should we go east is what i am figuring out.”) Ghoulia gives a thumbs up to the uncertain eyebot while figuring out where to go next. Taking the duo a few minutes to figure it out, they put a marker somewhere north east of the map the pip-boy gives. 

With a course planned, the duo exit the home they took shelter in and head towards the eastern exit of the ransacked town. Taking a good look at Nipton and all what happened to them, the duo turn eastward and cross the worn away rail. As the duo prepare to walk foward across the road, ED-E stops Ghoulia from continuing onward.

“We shouldnt continue.”

(“Why?”)

“I am scanning multiple hostiles alongside the road and up the cliff. Unless you want your day to be ruined, i do not suggest you continue.” ED-E coldly advices, causing Ghoulia to stop and think towards a solution.

(“Hmmm… would going up there and waylaying them from the high ground be the prefered option?”) Ghoulia groans while pointing towards the slope.

“If you can scale up the hill, then sure. There will still be a firefight but the playing field will be in our favor.” ED-E notes while nodding with approval to Ghoulia’s suggestion. 

With their plan set, the duo attempt to scale the hill. After a brief struggle with the slope, they ultimately succeed scaling the hill. Now up the cliffs, Ghoulia and ED-E continue their travel when ED-E’s scans are vindicated. The two spot some raiders waiting in ambush, prompting Ghoulia to grab her given Service Rifle and aim down it’s sights.

(“When i fire, prepare for chaos.”) Ghoulia softly groans to ED-E as they look towards the unaware raiders patrolling the cliffs. With the duo positioning themselves for the perfect ambush, Ghoulia and ED-E take a brief look at one another.

(“Ready?”)

“Ready.”

Getting confirmation from ED-E, Ghoulia fires her Service Rifle upon the two unaware raiders. Heavily injuring the first raider, causing ED-E to fire in turn on the same injured raider. Killing him outright. Seeing the other raider die, the second raider attempts to fire back on the duo. Only to be on the receiving end of 5.56mm bullets and lasers. Immediately dropping dead from Ghoulia and ED-E’s combined attack. 

As the duo prepare to come out of hiding, a 40mm grenade hits the big rock the two are hiding behind. Though the duo still have cover to hide behind as bullets and grenades fly close. ED-E scans the surroundings and reveals that there are four more raiders down there. Much to Ghoulia’s dismay as she scrambles to come up with an idea.

(“What now?! We are pinned down here  ”)

“I fly in and you cover me from afar okay?!”

(“Are you serious?! Why!?”)

Ghoulia groans in panic as ED-E flies up close in combat, prompting a terrified Ghoulia to provide covering fire against the four remaining raiders. Starting with the Grenade Launcher wielding raider, to whom she misses a few times before scoring hits on the raider wielding a grenade launcher. Splattering his brains on the floor and removing the more dangerous raider from the equation. 

(“If i had embraced the whole brain munching zombie shtick, i would have wept at the sight of spilled brains.”) Ghoulia quips as she shoots at the raiders.

In the meantime, ED-E flies close in and fires it’s laser on the raiders wielding only melee weapons. As expected fron ED-E hovering far beyond the reach of the melee wielding raiders, the eyebot makes short work of the two raiders below it. With the two melee wielding raiders dead. ED-E attempts to fly towards the raider on top of the other cliff, only for a few more 5.56mm rounds to pierce the remaining raider’s body. With the remaining raiders dead, ED-E  turns around to see a thumbs up from the zombie. ED-E flies back to Ghoulia who is has begun looting the two raiders on top of the cliff.

“You could have let me kill the remaining raiders.” ED-E dejectedly mutters upon having it’s kill stolen by Ghoulia.

(“I am glad they haven’t damaged your shell that much.”) Ghoulia smiles to the lightly damaged eyebot in a bid to cheer it up.

“Fair enough.” ED-E nodded.

(“Anyway, we should move on now, i do not want to encounter any more raiders or suffer any more injuries.”) Ghoulia groans in a more serious tone as she finishes looting the dead raiders. 

With everything done, the duo look around to make sure that there are no raiders nearby. When they get the reassurance that there are no raiders to ruin their day, they leave the ambush spot and head north in a bid to evade any more raiders.

As the duo continue their journey on the beat down road, they see that they have to turn right on the road they are on. Continuing their trek on the road, they come across a travelling caravan, something that causes her to draw her service rifle for . One of the bodyguards among them draws her weapon in response to Ghoulia drawing her weapon in fear. The trader of the caravan spots her terrified face and tries to defuse.

“Easy there. That’s just a scared teenage ghoul, stow your weapon!” The leader of the caravan puts his hand on the bodyguard’s caravan shotgun as he holsters his 10mm pistol. He then holds his hands up to show he’s no threat as he slowly wanders to the terrified zombie. “Easy there pal, what happened there?”

[“Legion’s what happened. Did this to me.”] A terrified Ghoulia points to the now nearly healed ripper scar on her chest while still strongly gripping her Service Rifle. [“Are you raiders?!”]

“We are a honest trading caravan working with the Crimson Caravan heading north. Any decent caravan doesn’t do wanton raiding. The bodyguards are here to protect me from raiders, or Legion scum.” The trader 

Realising that the caravan is friendly, Ghoulia stows her Service Rifle. [“Sorry about that. After being involved in a fight against a Legion group a few hours ago at Nipton, i am quite on edge.”] Ghoulia apologises as a thought springs into her mind. [“Where are you heading anyway?”]

“Our caravan is heading towards Novac. Would you mind coming with us? There is always safety in numbers.” The trader nods with a smile with the intent to invite Ghoulia and ED-E on their trip to Novac. Agreeing with his line of thought, Ghoulia nods to ED-E to join the caravan. Being in company brings peace to the terrified zombie.

[“What’s with the two headed cow?”] Ghoulia questions while curiously looking at the pack brahmin carrying the trader’s wares. Slowly calming down from the fight at Nipton.

“Have you never seen a brahmin before?” The Caravan Trader chuckles.

[“Nope.”] Ghoulia answers honestly while giving the Caravan Trader an amused smile, leaving the Caravan Trader amusedly suprised. As the duo and the caravan group travel the roads towards Novac, a bad feeling falls upon Ghoulia who slowly draws her weapon. 

“Why are you drawing that rifle of yours?” The trader asks as he looks at the terrified teenage ghoul.

[“I have a bad feeling about an impeding ambush, ready your weapons!”] Ghoulia warns, watching her surroundings with great fear as ED-E blares five loud beeps. Letting the group know that an ambush is in waiting nearby, and causing the caravan to keep their weapon at the ready. This would be advantageous when….

“For the crime of killing Vulpes Inculta, the Caesar has demanded your head. Prepare to die!”

With the Legion Assassins announcing their presence, the hit squad commence their attack on the caravan with gunfire. Causing the group to swiftly retaliate with lasers and gunfire of their own.

[“How did they track me this fast?!”]

“Track me this fast, how did you kill Vulpes?!” The trader asks with hasted curiosity, wondering what on earth happened back at Nipton. All the while shooting his pistol to protect his life.

[“Me and ED-E encountered a group of Legion who sacked Nipton. I initiated combat with a bunch of Legionaries. Long story short, it ended up with Vulpes Inculta dead.”] Ghoulia responds as she shoots down the first Legionaire, all the while getting riddled with .357 bullets from the other Legionaire’s Cowboy Repeater.

“Darn, you killed him?” The shocked trader responds upon the belief that she killed Vulpes, all the while continuing to fire his 10mm Pistol at the Legion Hitsquad, managing to land four lethal bullets in the head of the second Assassin.

[“It actually was ED-E who landed the finishing blow.”] Ghoulia clarifies as right on cue, she sees ED-E laser down the third Legion Assassin. Leaving them with the fourth Legion Assassin to whom they riddle with lethal amount of bullets. The final assassin attempts to charge Ghoulia with his machette when two shots from one of the bodyguards blasts the assassin’s head in chunks. With the coast clear, Ghoulia starts looting the guns and valuable stuff off the now dead Legion Hitsquad. 

Ghoulia is finished looting the corpses when the sun is setting. Bringing fear to the zombie as this is an opportunity for raiders to use the dark while not being exhausted enough to sleep.  [“Hey guys. When i’m done looting the the Hitsquad…..”]

BBBBBOOOOOMMMMM!

With an explosions occuring behind her, Ghoulia slowly turns around to see that a raider ambush has hit and blown the trader caravan to bits. With Ghoulia and ED-E being the only survivors, they fire back at the raiders responsible for exploding the caravan (And the poor brahmin.) into bits.

(“Seriously?! Raider ambush?! Why can’t this world give me a break?!”)

With both irritation and fear flooding the zombie, Ghoulia unloads all of the remaining  5.56mm bullets onto the offending raiders. Ultimately, Ghoulia and ED-E come out on top of the gunfight but find themselves injured in the process. ED-E’s outer shell is dented from being shot multiple times while Ghoulia is once again riddled with bullets with her healing ripper wound in danger of opening again. 

(“We need to make haste to Novac NOW!”) Ghoulia terrifiedly groans upon the bloodbath after reluctantly looting the caravan of all it’s supplies. With the sun now setting, Ghoulia and ED-E go as fast as physically possible to make it to safety.

9:00 PM

SOMEWHERE NEAR NOVAC

To their relief, the only danger they managed to encounter on the way were the occasional easy to dispatch giant mole rats. And it’s good too. It’s early in the night, causing the two to be on high alert. With their weapons drawn, Ghoulia looks out to the surrounding region with her eyes. She spots not just a building with cars on the side, but also people patrolling around. Having just encountered no less than five hostile ambushers on the way, Ghoulia keeps her gun drawn at all time when a shadowy figure blocks her way into the car filled compound.

“Halt ghoul! State your business at Ranger Outpost Charlie.”

[“Are you with the Legion!?”] 

“Legion? This is an NCR outpost, now are you going to state your business here?” It’s hearing the initials from a feminine voice that Ghoulia activates the light on her pip-boy. And true to what the ranger said, she doesn’t look like a Legionnaire. Or acts and has the vibe of a Legion supporter. Slowly getting at ease in the company of the NCR, Ghoulia opens up.

[“I encountered the Legion twice on the way here. Can i mentally recuperate here?”]

The civilian ranger can only briefly stare surprised upon hearing Ghoulia request. She gives her a good look before determining she’s being truthful. She gestures the zombie to follow her inside Ranger Station Charlie. Meanwhile inside the building, Comm Officer Stepinac is closing down for today when the Ranger outside enters the building alongside Ghoulia. ED-E decides to stay outside.

“Ranger Jackie, can you explain to me why you bought a wastelander here?”

Hearing Stepinac ask for why she bought Ghoulia inside, Jackie unveils what Ghoulia told her. “That ghoul and her eyebot have encountered Legion on the way here, twice. I’m surprised she managed to fight them off.”

Stepinac sighs upon hearing this news, more wastelanders encountering the Legion meant that the threat of Caesar’s Legion would be looming over them fast. Something he is painfully aware of. He decides to address the zombie in front of him as a result.

“Where did you encounter the Legion kid?”

[“I encountered a group of them in their sack of Nipton. I managed to fight them off, but got this nasty wound in the process.”] Ghoulia recaps her recent memory against Vulpes’s group while showing the nearly healed ripper wound she received from the now dead Frumentarii. Stepinac signals her to stop while wincing at the sight of the wounded zombie. [“When all is said and done, and i mostly recovered from the ripper wound Vulpes gave to me. I would be heading for Novac next, it’s on the way north that i would be waylaid by Legion Assassins. That i also managed to fight off, but how did they knew that me and ED-E killed Vulpes Inculta?”]

Stepinac and Jackie can only stare at the zombie in shock. Stepinac continues to ask for clarification. “You are bullshitting me, you and your eyebot outside killed the Vulpes Inculta?”

[“Yeah. I wounded him with a grenade launcher, then ED-E landed the killing blow on Vulpes.”] Ghoulia notes matter of factly.

Hearing that Ghoulia casually drops the bombshell that she and her eyebot killed the leader of the frumentarius causes both Jackie and Stepinac to stare agape at the ghoul. They stare at the zombie before realising that she is speaking the truth. With Vulpes’s killer here, Stepinac and Jackie silently stare at Ghoulia in pride before realizing that the traumatized zombie needs some encouragement. Stepinac speaks up while gently patting Ghoulia on the shoulder.

“Look, i ain’t good with encouragement. But you made it all the way here. If you managed to fight off all the dangers around here including two Legion groups. You can definitely make it through the Mojave and reach whatever goal you got on your mind.”

[“Thanks for the encouragement Officer.”] Ghoulia thanks the officer upon receiving some encouragement while seeing Ranger Jackie give her a thumbs up. She prepares to leave when a thought enters her mind. [“Oh, how far is Novac? I assume it’s a while before i arrive there.”]

“Novac is fortunately not far ahead. You’ll recognize it by the giant green dinosaur. If you leave now, you can make it by 10 and hopefully not encounter any more Legion, or raiders.”

With the revelation that Novac is not far behind, Ghoulia exits the building. Gesturing ED-E to follow her, the two leave Ranger Station Charlie as Comm Officer Stepinac rushes to open the radio and notify the other Ranger Stations about what he has heard. “Comm Officer Stepinac speaking, you ain’t gonna believe what info i have heard.”

After leaving Ranger Station Charlie, Ghoulia and ED-E  head north towards Novac. After a relaxing travel north with no further attacks on them, the duo spot a green dinosaur. It’s seeing the big green dinosaur that signals they finally arrive in Novac. When the duo look around the quaint town, they hear a familiar western robotic voice calling out for them.

To be continued…..

Chapter Text

10:00 PM

IN NOVAC

“Ghoulia Yelps, you made it through the Mojave. I knew you had it in you.” 

Hearing Victor praise her making it to Novac brings a smile on her face. Said smile gives way to a tired frown given the hectic day she had and waves ED-E off. The memory of Nipton that ended with her receiving the ripper wound courtesy of the now slain Vulpes remains fresh in her mind. Ghoulia walks besides Victor and slumps on the ground and clutches her head.

“Hey pardner, you need to unwind there for a moment?” The cowboy securitron asks as he looks at the shaken zombie with unusual concern in his voice. 

[“Why is the wasteland like this?! Raiders, Legions and all manner of hazards waiting to assault me like i got a target on my back!”] Ghoulia rants with vitriol in her groaning. [“So far, the only good people i encountered were those peaceful townsfolk in Goodsprings, Primm and the NCR. I am a teenager, how do teenagers survive here?!”]

Ghoulia looks at Victor as he turns around to her while the picture of his friendly face manages to slowly calm the irritated zombie down. “If a teenager is new to this wild west, then they’d do everything in your power to scrape by. And seeing that you made it all the way here, i am confident you can survive the dangers this wasteland has to offer and achieve your goals.”

Victor’s encouragement is what Ghoulia needs as the stressed zombie unwinds down from all the misfortune she has encountered on the way and stands up. Now cheered up, Ghoulia grows curious regarding the town she has arrived in and turns her gaze towards the securitron with anticipation with questions about the town she is in.

[“Can you tell me about Novac?”]

“Nothing much, i just arrived here recently.” Victor tells Ghoulia as it spots ED-E returning to her. “What’s that eyebot following you?”

Ghoulia looks to ED-E before looking back to Victor. [“I fixed it back in Primm. Eddie saved me from certain death many times so i owe him my unlife.”]

“Glad the eyebot helped you out.” Victor nodded as they finish their discussion.

With their chat finished, the two decide the first stop would be the lobby of the motel to their right and leave the securitron be. A brief walk later and the duo arrive at the door, Ghoulia is about to open the door when said door opens in front of her and hits her in the face. A woman emerges from the entrance and looks at Ghoulia with remorse.

“My apologies dear, i just finished my shift for today. Didn’t meant to bash your face in.” The woman apologizes after opening the door and accidentally bashing her face in. Ghoulia responds with a thumbs up, letting the woman in front of her know that she isn’t bothered by the door hitting her in the face.

[“I’m all good. What is this place even?”]

“This is the Dino De-lite Motel, a place to hire a motel room until the next season. I am it’s proprietor of the motel: Jeannie May Crawford. But you may call me Jeannie.” Jeannie introduces herself as a nagging suspicion falls over Ghoulia. Though she dismisses the suspicion for now.

[“Nice to meet you Jeannie. I am Ghoulia Yelps.”] Ghoulia shakes her hand with the proprietor as she  [“Whats this about a next season anyways?”]

“People hire a motel room until next season. When it’s next season, heck i don’t know. Could be weeks, months or even years.” Jeannie May answers as she turns her attention to a more important question. “Are you going to hire a room?”

[“I will if you tell me how much a room costs.”] Ghoulia responds as her interest in hiring a room grows by the second. Something that Jeannie May notices and capitalises on as she goes back into the lobby and returns with the key to the last remaining motel room with the intent to hire it to the zombie in front of her.

“One hundred caps and the room is yours.” Jeannie May advertises as she dangles the key in front of the zombie, aware that Ghoulia wishes to buy the keys to a room. Much to her delight, Ghoulia responds by bringing out her bag of caps. One counting of caps later, and Ghoulia is the proud new owner of a motel room. Upon given the key and directions to her new room, Ghoulia and ED-E leave Jeannie May be as they immediately head towards their new room. Well, ED-E swiftly flies to the top left as Ghoulia internally curses her rigor mortis as she slowly makes her way to the top. 

(“You could have floated with me to our new room instead of zipping there.”) Ghoulia moans to ED-E in annoyance as she finally finishes climbing the stairs. ED-E awkwardly laughs in response upon seeing the annoyed zombie make her way up the stairs, though she gets over it quickly when she puts the keys into the doors and opens the door to her new motel room. 

(“This motel room serves me well, let’s hope the Legion doesn’t break in, kill me and scrap you for caps.”) Ghoulia tiredy muses to ED-E and while looking at the eyebot. Upon spotting a bed, Ghoulia gives ED-E a single glance before flopping on the bed.

(“Good night Eddie.”) Is all Ghoulia can tiredly groan before falling asleep. ED-E looks at the slumbering zombie as she smiles in the relative safety of Novac.

“Good night pal.”

IN GHOULIA'S DREAM

“Urk.. why am i. Oh, i am dreaming again. Explains me speaking like a normie, or a non zombie ghoul” 

Ghoulia stands up from her bed and sees light and smoke emanating from under the door. Worry springs in her mind as she softly puts her ear on the door. She hears the footsteps outside and decides to put her ear at the door to listen for signs of hostile wastelanders.

“For the Legion!” 

The revelation that it’s the Legion who is currently sacking Novac causes her to silently panic. It’s bad enough that the Legion sacked Nipton but being determined enough to chase her all the way to Novac is something she can’t internally handle. Ghoulia curls up as she breaks down.

“Why, why does this happen to me?” Ghoulia nervously whispers as she is on the verge of tears. As she is crying, she hears the sounds of the footsteps lessen, and eventually disappear. Signalling her to stand up. Upon standing however, Ghoulia sees Benny exiting the toilet. The man in the checkered suit then turns his head around and spots Ghoulia staring at her. With a chuckle, Benny moves to greet the shocked zombie.

“Hey pal, do you remember me? It’s the guy who shot you in the head.” 

“You. What are you doing here!?” Ghoulia growls in anger upon seeing Benny, who can only chuckle upon seeing the indignant zombie.

“Me? I am here to remind you why you are travelling through the Mojave Wasteland.” Benny answers Ghoulia’s angry question while holding Maria.

“That being to repair my Interdimensional Transporter?” Ghoulia tries to guess Benny’s answer as Benny shakes his head.

“To take revenge on me.” Benny chuckles while pointing Maria to his head. He then pulls the trigger and shoots himself in the head as Ghoulia watches it all unfold. To Ghoulia’s shock and dismay, this doesn’t kill him as he continues to talk to the suprised zombie. “This satisfies you doesn’t it?”

“You shot me in the head! Of course this satisfies me!” Ghoulia shouts with growing anger at the now rotting Benny. The confirmation that Ghoulia desires his gruesome death oddly pleases the half rotting Benny.

“Then you are going to like this.” The rotting Benny smiled as Ghoulia senses the disorted venom in Benny’s voice. “Hey fellas, i got Vulpes’s killer right here!” Benny shouts as multiple legionaires enter the motel room. Ghoulia can only watch in horror as multiple thrown spears pierce her abdomen. One spear even manages to sever her left arm, leaving Ghoulia barely clinging to unlife as she watches Benny and the Legionaires circle around her.

“Do you fellas mind if i get a shot in?” Benny asks as the Legionaires nod in approval. Prompting the bone and flesh Benny to aim Maria to Ghoulia’s head with a smug grin on his face. The last thing Ghoulia sees is Benny shushing her before firing Maria into her face.

7:58 AM

IN THE NOVAC MOTEL ROOM

With her nightmare ending up with her death, Ghoulia wakes up in a nightmare induced fright. Swiftly checking if her limbs are attached, relief is her response when she finds out that her left arm is still attached to her. Though the memory of her nightmare remains in her mind as she suffers a panic attack.

“Ghoulia, you okay there pal?!”

ED-E rushes to the frightened girl to comfort the panicking zombie. Seeing ED-E rush to help her calms her down a bit. Ghoulia decides to tell ED-E about her nightmare.

(“A nightmare Eddie. That guy in the checkered suit shot himself, decayed in front of me and brought the legion into this room. They speared me and the guy shot me right after.”) Ghoulia groans to the eyebot everything she remembers.

“Yikes, i am glad it’s just a….. Ghoulia?”

ED-E watches Ghoulia collapse in her hand and floats to the zombie who is about to cry. She then hugs the eyebot. “Easy there buddy. It’s all going to be okay.”

(“I just want the nightmares to stop Eddie.”)

ED-E looks at the sad zombie and contemplates what to say. “Look, i’m sorry if i don’t know what to do about it. But if you ever need to talk about your troubles, say it and i’ll be here in a jiffy to cheer you up.”

Taking a look at ED-E, Ghoulia can’t help but give ED-E smile for his comfort as she calms down from her nightmare. (“Thanks pal, that helps alot.”) 

With the nightmare behind her, ED-E floats back with curiosity as it watches the door. “Shall we explore this town?”

(“Gladly. But first, let me check my zombie translator to see if it needs to be charged or if i have to repair it.”) Ghoulia nodded as she checks her zombie translator. Opening the device, Ghoulia checks the wiring and electronics inside her zombie translator. After everything is okay, Ghoulia closes off her translator as she checks if the thing is charged. An annoyed look emerges on her face as ED-E sees the zombie in front of it facepalm.

“Okay, what’s wrong?” ED-E asks with a tinge of deadpan in it’s voice.

(“Energy is dead. I gotta find a way to recharge it.”) Ghoulia deadpans in turn as she looks towards the eyebot. (“Think you can donate some of that energy of yours?”)

“Nope” ED-E responds bluntly.

(“It was worth a shot. Unless i find a way to recharge my zombie translator, i am effectively mute.”) Ghoulia frowns as the duo exit the motel room. Upon exit, the duo are greeted by an older woman. ED-E floats on guard facing the unknown old woman when Ghoulia gestures to ED-E to let the old woman in front of her talk.

“Howdy there, i saw your eyebot. Where did you even procure it?” 

Ghoulia nods to ED-E, letting it know to talk in her stead. “I was repaired in Primm by this brilliant girl. And i travelled with her ever since.”

“Curious, a talking eyebot. Haven’t seen them talk. Nevermind that, i haven’t introduced myself. I am Daisy Whitman, your neighbour on the opposite side of the motel.”

Ghoulia gestures to ED-E holding a bag of caps. Understanding what she wants, ED-E floats and speaks in her stead. “My companion needs to offload some obtained loot. Is there a place where she can do that?”

“Well, the general store is in that giant dinosaur in front of you, headed by Cliff Briscoe. He got weapons, ammo, food, caps. What you need, Briscoe likely has.” Daisy informed, though she leans forward to the zombie as she begins to warn her. “One word of caution though, dont let him rope you into buying those Dinky the T-Rex toys.”

Ghoulia nods in appreciation (and amusement) as she knows where to barter now. The duo bid Daisy Whitman goodbye as they head towards the general store. Ghoulia briefly nods towards Victor who waves back as she spots two people arguing. 

“What’s your problem Manny?!”

“Boone, you haven’t been focused on your job. If you can’t keep Novac safe, you will lose not just your job but your home too.”

“I know Manny, but every day goes by when i am no closer to the bastard that sold my wife to the Legion.”

Manny clutches his head in frustration. “Look, you and i like to sleep soundly. And we can’t do that with an unfocused sniper.”

Ghoulia and ED-E awkwardly wince as the two snipers are arguing up a storm. Cliff Briscoe soon joins the duo watching the argument between Craig Boone and Manny Vargas unfold.

“Those are our snipers protecting this town, but ever since a bunch of Legion kidnapped his wife. Boone hasn’t been himself ever since. Poor guy.” Cliff sympathized as the trio walk up the stairs towards the general store. Once they are inside the store, Cliff Briscoe welcomes the duo.

“The situation with the snipers aside, welcome to my general store. I got some Dinky the T-rex toys i’d like to sell. They’re 1 cap each.” Cliff nodded while gently shoving a Dinky the T-Rex Souvenir Toy towards her.

I can see why Daisy Whitman warned me about his obsession with selling his T-Rex toys.

“I believe she’d rather browse your goods than buy some dinosaurs.” ED-E corrects him as Ghoulia confirms with a nod. Cliff sighs as he shows his wares to the zombie in front of her. 

“Nobody wants them darn T-Rex toys.” Cliff dejectedly sighs as Ghoulia browses his wares. She spots some scrap and electronics and points towards them. Understanding she’d like to look at both scrap metal and scrap electronics, Cliff grabs some of the scrap each and puts them on the counter. 

“I ask one cap for some scrap metal each. Same goes for some scrap electronic.” Cliff Briscoe nodded, which causes Ghoulia to raise her eyebrows in suprise to how cheap they are. The reveal that scrap metal and scrap electronics cost one cap each prompts Ghoulia to grab her pouch of caps. She quietly groans to the eyebot who proceeds to relay her wishes to Cliff Briscoe.

“She’d like to buy all of them. Metal and electronic alike.” ED-E translates Ghoulia’s desire to buy scrap from Cliff Briscoe. Shrugging, Cliff sells Ghoulia all the scrap metal and electronics he has. Though disappointment lingers in her mind when it’s not enough scrap for her liking. Ghoulia moans something to ED-E who continues to talk for her. 

“Do you know a place where to buy scrap metal and electronics in greater quantities? The amount of scrap you are selling is uhmmm…. lacking.”

Cliff sighs before nodding to the duo. “Old Lady Gibson is your woman if scrap is all you want. She sells them in greater quantities. She’s not far north from this town, you can recognize it by the scrapyard.” 

With a thumbs up from the zombie, the duo bid Cliff Briscoe goodbye as they deposit the recently bought scrap metal and electronics back in their motel safe. They then head outside and not soon after, leave the town to head north towards Gibson’s Scrapyard. Their brief journey north is fortunately uneventful enough they make it to the scrapyard with no problems. Upon arrival, they are greeted by a group of barking dogs. The woman whom Ghoulia swiftly identifies as Old Lady Gibson comes outside and calms down her pets.

“Sorry about that, my dogs do this sometimes. How can i help you?”

Ghoulia nods towards ED-E who begins to speak to Gibson. “Hello there, my friend here would like to buy some scrap metal and scrap electronics. How much for each?”

Just like with Cliff Briscoe, Ghoulia is delighted to learn that scrap metal and electronics are one cap each and grabs her pouch of caps. One shopping spree later, Ghoulia has bought enough scrap metal and eight scrap electronics to not only repair the damage ED-E has suffered, but build a charger for both a zombie translator and a ICoffin. 

As they leave the scrapyard and make the trek back to Novac, ED-E suddenly freezes up. Ghoulia grows worried when ED-E refuses to respond. She is about to inspect the eyebot when….

“Subject E: Diagnosis complete. Begin recording.”

(“Eddie, what the hell? Are you okay there pal?”) Is all Ghoulia can moan in suprise to the log ED-E is playing. Ghoulia lets the log continue to play as she grows curious to what the log has in store for her and worried about her eyebot friend.

“My name is Whitley. I’m a researcher at Adams Air Force base. Until recently i was in charge of the Duraframe reinforcement project for the combat model eyebots.” ED-E continues to play it’s log while Ghoulia stares in shock.

“Eyebot Duraframe Subject E is both the prototype, and the last functional model in this test group. I was prepared to make several significant upgrades to the machines. However, as the project was cancelled and all Duraframe assets are being diverted to Hellfire Armor. I am sending this model to the Navarro Outpost.”

(“Subject E, Hellfire Armor, Navarro. What the hell this?”) Ghoulia groans as she hears foreign information out of the eyebot’s shell.

“If you are listening to this log from one of our Enclave Outposts in Chicago, give this unit whatever repairs it needs so it can continue to Navarro.”

Ghoulia stares at ED-E in shock after hearing it. ED-E unfreezes not soon after, much to Ghoulia’s uncertain worry. She begins to moan to the eyebot just to be sure it’s back to normal.

(“Eddie, you okay there pal!?”) 

ED-E responds back, letting her know that it’s back to normal. Much to her relief. “I.. i don’t know. I was translating for you and next thing i knew, i froze and i randomly replayed a log i never knew i had in my memory drivers.” 

“Speaking of which, said memory drivers has uncorrupted a bit. Parts of my past have opened up!” ED-E rejoices.

(“I can see that. How much?”) Ghoulia notes, glad ED-E is happy.

“A majority of my memory drivers has gotten uncorrupted. But parts of it is still out of reach, i hate it!” ED-E rants in brief frustration at the gaps in it’s memories, but it calms down before Ghoulia begins to comfort it.

“On a unrelated note, i now have sudden access to music. Would you like me to play some?” ED-E offers to Ghoulia who nods to the eyebot. Her approval prompts ED-E to play some music. The music that Ghoulia swiftly recognizes as Let’s Go Sunning. The irony isn’t lost on her as the music playing right now matches the region they find themselves in. 

(“Aggressively fitting choice of music by the way.”) Ghoulia moans as she can’t help sport an amused look at ED-E. The townsfolk likewise listen with amused smiles as the duo soon make it back to their motel room for ED-E to ponder on it’s newfound knowledge and Ghoulia to think up a design for her soon to be charger for her translator and ICoffin. 

She quickly gets the design down but soon gets stumped on how to power her charger and turns to ED-E. (“Hey um, i got the design down. But how should i power my charger?”)

ED-E floats to Ghoulia to pitch in it’s idea  “You could charge it with Small Energy Cells.”

Ghoulia looks puzzled with ED-E as it proceeds to explain what Small Energy Cells “I keep forgetting you aren’t from this universe. SEC or Small Energy Cells are ammo for laser pistols. They look like bundelled batteries. You can include that in your design.”

(“How do these cells look like?”) Ghoulia moans as she doesn’t know what they look like. ED-E directs her to look at her inventory. Shrugging yet obliging the eyebot’s request, Ghoulia searches through her bag when she picks up what she believes to be a small energy cell. Upon showing it to ED-E, it blares out a few beeps. Letting Ghoulia know that she has a SEC in her hands. She briefly looks at the small energy cell before an idea springs in her mind on how to make her charger.

(“I know how to craft a charger. And i think i saw a workbench on our way back.”) Ghoulia groans with some determination before exiting the building and heading towards the workbench opposite of the motel, with ED-E floating not far behind.

NOVAC WORKBENCH

12:00 PM

(“Glad to have repaired you good as new. But i hope that hours of crafting hasn’t gone to waste.”) Ghoulia nervously groans as she looks to the now repaired ED-E and looking back at her newly crafted charger. 

“You only live once bud. Try it!”

Prodded by ED-E, Ghoulia inserts a small energy cell into her charger. Ghoulia closes her eyes and puts her zombie translator on it. When nothing bad happens. She slowly opens her eyes to discover that her zombie translator is charging, much to her delight. She takes her new invention back to her motel room and puts it on her bed. Ghoulia then turns her eye to ED-E.

(“Well, when my translator is all charged up. I have some things to take care of here.”) Ghoulia groans to ED-E.

“And that is?”

(“First off, to obtain any leads on that normie who shot me in the head. And secondly, i want to know what that spat was between those two snipers.”) Ghoulia groans.

“So while you are charging your device, what are you going to do in the meanwhile?”

(“Barter at Briscoe’s and nap..”) Is all Ghoulia was able to moan when a beeping is heard from her zombie translator. Making her way, suprise is all she feels when the zombie translator is already all charged up. 

(“That’s some potent SEC. What are these things made of?”)

“The wonders of two hundred year tech, my friend. So are you ready to get your goals here fulfilled?”

Ghoulia stands up with confidence in her smile while grabbing her now charged zombie translator and charger. (“I’m all ready to solve the secrets Novac holds.”)

To be continued…..