It's the End of the World

Chapter 7

"The survival record against Colter currently stands at just over one minute! Let's see if this vic can beat that."

The announcer taunted over the loudspeakers.

I peek around a car and aim at Colter. I hit him in the helmet with several rounds, but it has no effect. I frown and get down again. I watch my enemy for a few seconds, trying to find a way to take him down. Sparks flew over his helmet and chest, and there was a rod coming from his back that scraped the ceiling.

Of course. Electricity.

"Come out and fight me!"

Colter yelled to me.

"I killed a coward who hid behind an army of Institute synths, and now I'll kill a coward who hides behind a suit of power armor."

I shouted back. He laughed at me.

"We'll see about that."

We sure will.

I take out the water gun and a bottle of water. I pulled the cap off with my teeth, spitting it out to the side. I poured the water in to fill the toy gun. Heavy footsteps sounded from the other side of my cover, prompting me to dart towards another position. I move around the arena to get behind Colter. Here goes.

I squirted the water on the armor. At first, nothing happened. He turned to face me, then fell to a knee.

"Was that a water gun?!"

The announcer asked incredulously.

"Yes, it was."

I responded as I took out my rifle and shot Colter's helmet. This time, pieces of it flew off until there was nothing left. I smirked.

"How did you-?"

I put a hand in my bag and looked up at Colter.

"Any last words, asshole?"

"Fuck you."

"I'll pass."

I tossed a grenade at him and jumped for cover. There was a boom and a cloud of smoke. When it cleared, there was a hush over the crowd as I made my way to the body of the Overboss.

"I can't- Did that just happen, folks? It seems we have ourselves a new Overboss."

I walked over to Gage, who stood behind a glass wall.

"Clear out. I need a minute with the Boss."

"If I'm really the Overboss, then I insist on either being addressed as Overboss or my name in certain cases. Nothing else. Got it?"

I put my hand on the frame of the glass and leaned confidently on it.

"Right. So I guess you want the job."

"Yes. That's right."

"It isn't all fun and games, you know."

"I think I'm well qualified. I was the General of the Minutemen."

I watched as Gage's mouth fell open.

"You're the one who took out the Institute. No wonder you made the Gauntlet look like a cake walk."

"I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I've dealt with things far more dangerous than anything you could possibly throw at me."

"Fair enough. I'll let you through. Step back."

I walked out of range of the door as it opened.

"Welcome to Nuka-World, Overboss."

"It's good to be here."

I meant that. I was glad to escape my past. Now I have bigger things to worry about.