Lost Blood: Return to the Library

Date: 11/11/2224

The journey back was quiet. Too quiet.

It was just me and Pinball, and I had to carry him most of the way. Without Larry talking my ear off or the ever-present threat of Super Mutants in my path, it felt... somber. Heavy. The weight of it all pressed down on me—the cost of survival. The Wasteland doesn't care who you are or what you stand for. It just takes.

For a brief moment, I realized that without the Mutants around, there was nothing immediate to fear. But then it hit me—Darryl. My brother. If he's still out here, still changed, still in beast mode... that's a whole different nightmare waiting to happen. And that won't be pretty.

Back at the library, I settle into one of the still-functional terminals, looking for anything I can find on Rougarous. I need to know more—where they frequent, what kind of patterns they follow, and most importantly, whether Darryl is likely running solo or part of a pack.

Terminal Research Log: The Rougarou of Louisiana

Pre-War Louisiana Lore:

• The Rougarou is an old legend, dating back to French settlers and Cajun folklore. Stories vary, but one thing remains consistent—once cursed, the afflicted would be doomed to wander, driven by hunger and instinct.

• Swamps, bayous, and deep woods were their hunting grounds. Places untouched by modern hands, where the old world still held power.

• Some believed Rougarous operated in packs, moving in shadows, hunting under the full moon. Others said lone ones were the most dangerous—lost souls, untamed and unpredictable.

Pre-War Data on Darryl Marcel:

• Last Known Residence: 7th Ward, New Orleans

• Military Training: Confirmed US Army Enlistment, stationed at Fort Polk

• Known Affiliations: Possible family ties to Freetown and Baton Rouge

• Reported Missing: Classified entry—restricted access

• Genetic Records Flagged: Possible anomalies—connected to experimental research division?

Speculation: Where is Darryl Now?

• If he turned, he might have stayed near New Orleans, drawn to familiar places.

• There’s a possibility he was pulled into a pack, roaming the outskirts of the city or deeper into the Atchafalaya Basin.

• If he’s alone... then he could be anywhere. A lone Rougarou doesn’t follow patterns. He’d be guided by memory, instinct, and whatever is left of his mind.

I sit back, staring at the screen.

If Darryl is out there, I need to find him before he finds me. Before I become prey.

We’ll see soon enough.