*I sigh, stretching out to release weeks of pent up tension as I near the outskirts of Voson, its ruined towers and building rising out of the ground like decrepit teeth. Quickening my pace, I watch as people go about their daily business with an expectedly tense attitude*
Hmm. Glad to see this place is as depressing as always. At least now I don't need to worry about seeing it everyday... *I glance down at my hands*
Not anymore.*Making my way deeper into the ramshackle town, I eventually find myself standing outside the building Eva asked me to meet her at. It was a squat thing, made of broken and cracked brick, its exterior covered in more dirt than I've ever seen in my life. Stepping up to the main entrance, I knock three times and wait. After a couple of minutes a familiar redheaded woman answered the door*
Eva: Yes? *She pauses momentarily before smiling brightly* Cyrox! I was wondering when you'd turn up! Well, I was wondering if you'd even get my letter to begin with considering how much you seem to wander after all. *Chuckles* Eh, never-mind all that though, I'm just glad you could make it here safely. *She steps to the side, gesturing into the dim hallway behind her with a slight wave* Please, come in.
*I step inside as she closes the door behind me*
So this is where you live huh?
Eva: *Nods* For the time being yes. I tried finding a better place, but with the world being like it is, I'm just happy I have a roof over my head and a safe place to keep all my stuff.
Mm, I see.
*I stop for a bit to let Eva go on ahead, and she leads me to a small living room type area. Moving over to a torn up couch, I plop down, my suit filtering out the dust that plumes up into the stale air*
So. You had something you wanted to give me?
Eva: *Nods* Yeah. Seeing as how I wasn't able to thank you properly that day and all. *Pauses, turning to leave the room. As she reaches the threshold of one of the doors, she looks back briefly* It's in my bedroom with most of my other stuff. Wait a minute and I'll bring it out to you.
*She leaves, returning a few minutes later with a small mewling creature bundled up in a faded towel. Bringing it closer, she sets it down in front of me and uncovers it, revealing its true nature. It was a baby
Tassir, about the size of a small puppy, though I knew that would quickly pass as time went on. Watching it keenly, I lean down and pick it up, smiling as its cerulean eyes meet mine. Or, well, the place on my helmet where my eyes would be anyway*
A Tassir? I thought these went extinct when the Beast Lords fell.
Eva: So did I, but it turns out one of the wasters involved with their downfall saved a pregnant mother and her litter. I don't know where the others ended up, but this little one here eventually ended up in the hands of one of my contacts. Took me weeks but I finally saved up enough to buy him. Figured I'd give him to you on account of you saving my life and all.
*I blink, my smile growing wider by the second as the small shark-tiger hybrid licked at my helmet. It was a miracle I was even holding this thing, let alone that others of its kind were still around. An old world combination of reptile and tiger genetic traits for its overall appearance, in addition to some German Shepard DNA for increased loyalty, the Tir'aak were made on behalf of the rich and famous who wanted even more exotic pets than the ones they currently had. While originally consigned to the purview of the 1%, these giant creatures were eventually turned over to various zoos for public display and viewing. When the war came, and the cities burned, these creatures made their escape from captivity and entered the wilds where they were found several decades later by the Beast Lords. The Beast Lords, a collective of tribally minded men and women who sought a return to the ancient ways of mankind, utilized the massive creatures in battle and were often seen hurling spears from atop their backs. When the lords fell to a group of wastelander's who'd gotten sick of their shit, these creatures were presumed dead, as several other factions in power at the time swept in and began a mass purge in the hopes of eliminating the Tassir permanently.
Of course, as Eva had said, that didn't go exactly as planned*
*I look up at her*
I... I don't know what to say. Thank you.
Eva: *Smiles* You're welcome, but in all honesty it's only fair. Life for a life I say. Speaking of which-*Her expression becomes somber*-his life is in your hands now. Take care of him for me alright?
*Nods, locking my gaze with hers*
I will.
Eva: *She smiles, placing her hands on her hips* Good. Now I think he needs a name don't you?
*I blink, turning over various names in my mind*
A name huh? Hmm... let's see... how about Rex?
Eva: *Tilts her head to the side* Rex? Sounds kind of generic, but hey it's your Tir'aak. If that's what you feel fits then go for it.
*Nods, scratching one of the creatures ears as I cradle it in my arms*
Hmm. Rex it is then!
Eva: *She laughs lightly, watching as I get to my feet* Do keep in mind you'll need to train him. It won't be easy, but I guarantee you it'll be worth it.
*I nod slowly, still staring at the furry quadruped*
Yeah, I think it will. *I turn my gaze back to her* Again, thank you for this. It means a lot.
Eva: *Nods as we walk back to the door and she opens it, giving me room to exit* No problem.
*I exit the small building, new friend in tow and step out into the sunlit street beyond*