It's the End of the World

Chapter 18

"You made things worse!"

Mason growled at me as we stood in the restaurant overlooking Nuka-Town.

"I gave you more territory. You now have control over everyone wearing a shock collar."

We looked down at Pack members who left the Mountain, now fitted with the same collars the traders wear.

"Now your gang can make a difference. And don't worry, you're still the leader."

I smiled broadly at Mason. He tugged at the collar I had placed on him. I waited for his reply, but instead he stalked off.

I was approached by Nisha and Mags.

"Enslaving the Pack. How horrible. I love it."

Nisha smirked. Mags nodded in approval.

"It has much potential for raising our cap intake. Good move, Overboss. And an elegant solution to our problems."

I waved my hand, dismissing the leaders. Gage stood quietly. He was leaning in a corner and listening in on my conversations.

"I didn't think you had it in you to pull something like that."

I looked over at him as I took a seat at the bar.

"Something had to be done. It might not have been the moral choice, but it will keep this place running."

I picked up a beer and pried it open with my knife. Gage shifted to stand opposite me.

"Someone has to make the hard calls. And I'm glad it's you."

I smiled a bit.

"Thanks. It... means a lot to me."

I popped open a second beer and passed it to him.

"Anytime, Overboss."

We drank our beers and went over possible changes to make to the park to improve it. Such plans would take lots of resources, time, caps, work. But they could be worth it. I was interrupted mid-sentence by the lift pulling up Fritsch. He was out of breath, but still ran over to us.

"Runner."

He hunched over and panted. He held up a finger to indicate he wasn't done talking.

"Spit it out."

"The vic made it through. Easily. Like you."

I exchanged an interested look with Gage.

"Really? I even amped it up. Where is the runner?"

"Almost to the armory. Better hurry."

I put down my half finished beer and pulled on my heavier armor.

"Let's go then."

We ran back to the Arena. I stood in my armory, looking through for a weapon. I held one up, and Gage shook his head.

"No way. You're gonna die."

I chuckled, putting the knuckles on my dominant hand.

"Five hundred caps says I'll kill them with only these knuckles."

Gage raised an eyebrow.

"And if you resort to another weapon, I win?"

I nodded, gesturing to the bag of caps on my belt.

"Exactly. Deal?"

Gage shook my hand with a strong grip.

"Deal. Go get 'em, Overboss. Preferably with a gun though."

He chuckled at his joke.

I grinned and walked into the Arena. I didn't have to wait long before the runner was at the door. My speech changed a bit since the first time I killed a runner.

"Nuka-World, are you ready for a show?!"

I paused to let the crowd cheer before continuing.  I glanced at Gage behind me with a smirk across my face.

"Gage, are you ready to owe me five hundred caps?"

He rolled his eyes at me. I gestured for him to open the door. As it opened, I looked directly at the vic. I couldn't see their eyes behind the gas mask they wore, but I'm sure there was fear in them.

"Are you ready to die?"

I watched as the vic stepped forward into the Arena with a confident swagger. They responded to my question.

"I think the question is, are you ready for me to die?"

I paused from surprise but recovered quickly. I took the first swing, my fist flying right towards the runner.