"Fook Monolith." Natasha groaned, the undersized S.T.A.L.K.E.R fumbling with the magazine of her massive AKM before smacking it into the rifle. Equipment fit for a child was all but non-existent in The Zone, and your little companion was insistent on using a larger caliber despite its unwieldly size for a girl her age. She was a decent shot at least; two dead Monolithians lie in the tree line ahead.
"I told you, big gun for big person.; silly child" A condescending head pat was all it took for the adorable little scavenger to huff behind her EO-19 gas mask; she rucked the well-oiled rifle onto her shoulder.
"I am 'not' child, Anon!" your impish companion barked with her arms extended by her sides in a cute little display; The Zone was truly a funny place.
~
The campfire crackled quietly, contained by an old rusted out barrel, "Anon?"
"Yes, little tsvetok?" You paused your one-man harmonica concert, nestling closer to the flame and by proxy Natasha.
She peeled her obstructive mask away, shooting you an inquisitive glance behind bright green eyes, "Why take me in, Anon. There are no children in The Zone, no? I seem like a--" Natasha looked to a barren patch of grass in embarrassment, "--burden." It was a good question, especially given the unscrupulous nature of many S.T.A.L.K.E.Rs and the some less than lawful factions that inhabited the irradiated badlands.
"You are a good child." A soft smile seemed to cheer her up; she affectionately folded the baggy sleeves of her parka over her AKM. "Good child needs protection; dangerous place. Now, no more talk, more harmonica."
The night, though filled with the distant screeches of mutants and faint gunfire, was filled with a heartfelt melody as your little Natasha fell asleep.
~
The next day was a boring one, which was very welcomed in The Zone. You'd be approaching the 'Freedom' factions territory very soon; degenerate arms running potheads but goodhearted nonetheless. Lugging a heavy PKM, few decided to bother you or