The Lantern Bearers

chapter 3: haven 38

Once i regained my strength, we would make our way down the stairs and i would start scavenging. The girl would tilt her head as she watched me rummage the remains. As i did so, i would every now and then glanced at her out of nervousness, before sighing in aggravation.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"I'm searching them for stuff." I said plainly.

"Ohhhhh!....what stuff?" She asked.

"Ugh, bullets, knifes, tools, food, what have you!" I said growled a bit, slowly getting more annoyed.

I would shove the ring leaders ammo and revolver in my backpack, as well as his flask and canned goods he had, which was a half empty can of vienas, a can of potted meat, and a nearly empty can of canned spaghetti. A decent meal for later.

After all was said and done, i had all the guns that were from the safe, in my backpack....but it was too heavy to lift and i was still hurting from the bullet wounds. The girl rushed over and lifted it like it was nothing.

"That's too heavy for you in your condition!" She said sternly.

I looked her over.

"What....are you...." i said to myself.

"I already told you, i don't remember!" She said.

"I wasn't talking to you...." i said as i made my way to the building the safe was at to recover my comrades dog tags and stuff.

"Who are you talking to? Is there invisible bad man?" She said, putting up her dukes and punching the air.

"Nooooo just come on!" I growled.

As we walked down the dirt path of the vast wilderness, i would look over at her, casually walking and humming to herself.

"......I know i said come on, but, why are you following me?" I asked.

"You're a lantern man! You find artifacts and claim them! Your bleepy box said i was artifact, so you claimed me! So i follow you now!" She said happily.

"I guess I can't argue with that logic." I said, turning my head and looking forward.

She did get on my nerves, but it was better than being alone. Plus, she seemed to only talk when i address her or when she's curious. I guess I'm aggravated because I'm normally solo unless i have to join a group.....which I'm not doing ever again. I don't fully trust her, but she seems attached to me for some odd reason. Either way, with several bullet holes in me, beggars can't be choosers. So she will serve as my bodyguard.

Looking at my luminated chart, i was getting close to my destination.

The girl would lean over and peek at it. I didn't mind it, but i knew if i didn't answer to her curiosity, she would just stare until i did.

"It's an illuminated chart, it shows me where to go." I said to her.

"Ooooo, you're smart!" She said, patting my head.

I groaned a bit, looking at my chart.

My anomaly detector would beep every now and then, indicating that they're lesser through here. This has probably been the easiest trail I've ever been on.

After what seemed to be thirty minutes or so, my watch broke during the confrontation, we would go into the building and find my comrades remains.

I knelt down and said a silent prayer to them and gave a moment of silence. Of course, the girl with me was confused as hell, but i ignored her during it. However, i would catch her mimicking what i did and felt a warm sensation from it. She's trying to be respectful and that's considerate enough for me.