Death Claws for you
A lone wanderer is tasked with the impossible and an unexpected outcome is achieved.
“I can't believe I'm doing this," I mutter.
I maintain a low profile while lying in the sun and use my binoculars to study the sizable quarry in front of me. There is a lot of dust, rock walls, alcoves, and caverns scattered throughout this basin. Even a few puddles here and there from the previous rain. My focus, though, is on the enormous herd of Deathclaw that have made this place their permanent home.
I am outside their range of sight and scent, but any change in wind direction might swiftly alter that, and they would be on top of me in seconds. I've been monitoring them for hours now. Many roam about in an aimless way but not much else has been remarkable. Why am I here? Well, I've been entrusted to perform the impossible: Clear these Deathclaw out.
Coming here with an army is one thing, but I'm widely renowned for not using violence. I've never carried a knife or firearm. Instead, I've discovered that words are my go-to weapon. Many of the tales I tell involve diplomacy of some kind. From persuading powerful mutants to assist in a war to enticing raiders to relocate to a different town.
Most likely, when someone talks about a silvered-tongue devil, they're referring to me. This though? This is an entirely different beast. Everything I have spoken with has been in some way intelligent. I have no idea if Deathclaw have a language or the capacity to understand the concept of negotiation. My observations have not inspired much optimism either.
There is a good likelihood that if I go down there, I will be ripped apart on the spot. By all rights I should call it quits, no one would blame me... But I'm still here out of morbid curiosity. My demise will not be pleasant if I meet with one of these animals; nevertheless, on the off chance that it is possible, I may be able to do something no human has ever done before: communicate with a Deathclaw.
Doing so could change my life forever. The possibilities endless. If they can understand me, I could possibly ask for their aid one day and a pack of Deathclaw wouldn't even need to kill to make any terms I have in a negotiation acceptable. This isn't good; my heart is racing, yet I can't help but feel a tinge of excitement sneaking in.
I'm actually doing this. I steel resolve before rising to my feet and making my way towards the center of the quarry.
As I got closer, I could hear my heartbeat in my ears. It didn't take them long to catch my scent and a small pack whipped their heads toward my direction. I froze in my tracks and raised my hands up high. A custom I found useful when walking into the wolf's den of any civilization. Sweat began to break across my brow but I held firm as they looked at me.
Because the wind was blowing in my favor, I was able to reach within twenty paces of this pack and quickly saw how massive these monsters are up close. In terms of size and how horrifying they are, the drawings I saw do not do them justice. If someone said these creatures spawned from hell, I would believe them. Many in the group stood eight feet tall easily, with a hide so thick they could effortlessly deflect low caliber bullets and shrug off pellets from a shotgun.
As for their given name? Well, those are just as impressive. Claws as long as my whole arm and rumored to be sharp enough to cut through steel. Lastly, is their eyes. Like glowing beads of fire that can pierce your soul should they look in your direction. So here I stand now; a few feet away from a pack of five killing machines.
Running would be pointless if they decided to kill me right now. They would cover the distance in the blink of an eye, so I wouldn't even die moderately tired. I'm not sure how long I've been here, but it seemed like an eternity as we simply stared at one other. I observe a couple shorter Deathclaw, which I think were younger since they appear softer in certain spots.
While the youngsters bared their fangs and claws at me, the bigger ones at the rear remained calm. I could only speculate as to what they were thinking at this very moment, but since I'm still alive, I may as well try and see where this leads.
“Hel-" Upon hearing my voice, they all hissed. In spite of my best efforts, I could feel the trembling in my body, and they could tell I was afraid. “I-I'd like to speak with whoever is in charge."
The parents haven't intervened yet, but the children are still hissing and stomping about like a bull ready to charge. I'm not trained in Deathclaw body language but I note that the adults are looking at one another. They seem to be having an argument with one another because of their little barks, groans, and twitching of their muscles. That's the only thing I can think of, so I remain silent and wait to see what happens.
One of the adults gives the younger ones a sideways glance and huffs. They become quiet before glancing towards the one who produced the sound and then proceeding further into the quarry alone. I can already feel my perspiration soaking through my clothing. Although this encounter has only been going on for a little over 10 minutes, it seems like hours have passed since death is so near.
In a matter of steps, an adult approaches me and I am absolutely paralyzed. Even though I have no doubt that this thing can hear my heartbeat since it is so loud, I manage to stay still in spite of my fear. Now that I'm closer to this creature, I can see more of its details. The idea that a creature could have that much muscle and lengthy blades protruding from the tips of its fingers is mind-boggling.
This thing is at spitting distance from my face and I'm terrified as it bends down and sniffs me. I fight the primal urge screaming at me to run. If I run, I'm dead. The Claw before me gets onto all fours to face me, but leans to the rear of my body and pulls in another deep breath. Maybe it's looking for a firearm?
Gunpowder is a familiar fragrance to them, so it's not surprising that they recognize it. After all, a lot of their kind are chased away with such weapons, even killed. That's something I can respect, since it shows a higher level of thought and increases my chances of this encounter ending peacefully. It pulls back and comes face to face with me.
I keep my eyes locked on his... At least I think it's a he? There aren't any noticeable human-like traits, and I didn't have enough time to research Deathclaw to find out if its size, color, or even the length of its tail might be used to differentiate between sexes. Another eternity passed as we gaze at one another. My eyes were far less menacing than his, but I made an effort to seem nonthreatening.
After a moment, the Claw gets back to its full height and moves toward the other adults. They give a few low barks before another Claw turns and walks away. Alright, I'm not dead yet. That's good! The one who examined me returns his attention in my direction and just stands there unmoving. With how well this is going, I take this moment to examine these creatures more. Again, I'm not sure whether it's male, but something about it in the lizard part of my brain tells me it is.
Blood red is the hue of his hide, which gradually fades into black at the ends of each of his limbs. In addition, he has enormous horns that are larger than his claws and even branch out like a deer's. To even injure this monster, I'm sure you'd need an anti-material round, given his massive size and strength.
After I stop looking him over, I come back to the reality of the situation. I don't know what we're waiting for or why I'm still alive, but I'm willing to wait it out nonetheless.
After some time the other Claw from before returns. The red one and he exchange a few growls and grunts. Upon observing the characteristics of this other Claw, I realize that it resembles several Deathclaws that I have already seen. Its color is the typical blend of black and drab sand. The horns, however, are distinctive because they have a ram-like twist to them.
The ram Claw walks past and then stands behind me while facing forward. The red Claw, who has his eyes fixed on mine, commands my attention once again. He grunts at me and starts walking forward a few paces before stopping and looking at me expectantly. Is this an escort? Before I can answer that I'm bumped from behind by the ram Claw.
I'm startled by this and match pace with the one ahead of me and he appears satisfied now as he turns his attention forward. Alright, this exchange proves Deathclaw are a lot smarter than a typical animal. I turn to peek behind me to attempt to get a better look at the ram Claw, but I'm surprised to hear him snort as he sees me.
I fix myself on the red one leading so as not to irritate him. Peering to the side, I can see he is leading me to a cave in the side of the quarry. The Alpha must dwell here, without a doubt. Although I have no idea how their society works, I have heard of Alpha Deathclaw. I am anticipating one of the largest and most menacing Deathclaws that I have ever seen.
We enter the cave, and a throaty bark emanates from someplace deep inside, prompting my two bodyguards to turn and leave the cave. In the distance, I hear a series of hard thuds, and what comes around the bend stuns me in ways I'd never imagined possible.
That is a big female. Her figure is the first thing that tells me she's feminine. Numerous curves, large thighs, and ample hips. She is still just as muscular as the males, if not more so. Easily reaching eleven or even twelve feet in height! She lacks breasts, although I suppose that would be unusual for a lizard to have.
Her pristine white scales, though, are what I find alluring. I attempt to correct my thinking. I have no business admiring a literal killing machine! Despite the fact that I was soaked in perspiration and probably didn't smell very good, she bends down and takes in my aroma much as the others had done. At least, that's what I thought at first. She continued getting closer and closer to savor my scent; as if captivated by it?
After a minute of this, she steps back and looks at me straight in the eyes.
“H-Hi," I welcome with hesitancy.
She tilts her head curiously but does nothing else.
“I-I came to speak with the leader about something important."
Her head cocks further. Is she the leader? Are Deathclaw a matriarchal society? Those questions can be for later. Just the fact that I'm still breathing is enough. It will be tough to overcome the language barrier, but I have an idea. I once negotiated with a native tribe that didn't speak English. It's rudimentary but it's the best place to start.
I reach into my bag and pull out two chess pieces. The Claw hasn't shown any hostility to my actions, so I move forward with my plan. Kneeling down, I trace the outline of the room we're in in the dirt. From there, I set a white pawn on one side and a black pawn on the other. I lift the white pawn and point to her before setting it down and mirror the same with the black pawn but pointing to myself.
She analyzes my set up while knelt down. I've got her attention. I make a crude outline of the quarry with my finger. Taking her piece, I then relocate it outside the drawing. As I release my grip, two claws seize the pawn and return it to the chamber where my piece sits. I catch her stare, but despite my best efforts, I have no way of knowing what might possibly be happening behind those reptilian eyes.
Returning to the picture, she uses a single claw to create a rough stick figure of a guy with a tiny box in his palm standing just outside the quarry. She replicates this picture in all directions... Are they trapped here? I outline the quarry with my finger, to which she slips her piece over the edge and tips it on its side.
If they leave, they will be slaughtered. This is incredible! I'm actually talking to a Deathclaw right now! Even though I was overjoyed, the pain I saw in her eyes as I turned to face her was palpable. I didn't notice till now that her eyes are different from the others. Except for the cat-like iris, they don't glow and instead have a more human appearance.
I concentrate on the image and attempt to devise a strategy. I set my piece on one of the figures she created and erase it with the bottom. The process was repeated until all of them were gone. I then move her piece outside of the quarry to mine. Returning my gaze to her, I observe that she is fascinated and at least comprehends that I want to support her.
She draws a small box next to my piece before tapping it lightly. Is she asking if I'll kill them? I shake my head, erase the box, and pick up both of our pieces.
“Blah, blah, blah." I move my piece up and down, before moving hers up and down. “Growl, growl, growl."
Although she finds my effort to mimic her language amusing, she understands the essence of what I'm saying. This is going well and I can only assume intention goes a long way for Deathclaw because she and even her pack, were understanding me to a certain degree. It wasn't flawless, but it was one of the most straightforward conversations I've had with a non-English speaker.
Maybe it has something to do with a primal sense? In the same way that a dog can detect whether a person is bad. I need to remain focused but it's hard to do considering the circumstances. I take a deep breath in before exhaling, returning both of our pieces to the quarry. She lifts her claw again and draws the people that I just erased.
Grabbing my piece this time, she erases the one located to the north before moving her own beside mine. My excitement once again spikes. We're working together to devise a strategy. Okay, so she wants to move north? That makes this way easier.
I return my attention to her. “Just to be clear. You want me to get the people up north to allow you and your herd safe passage to the mountains?"
She nods.
“I can do that. It may take some time but I assure you that I can make it happen."
She delivers a huff that suggests she is skeptical about the idea yet intrigued by it. I follow her gaze as she looks down at the two chess pieces again. She takes both of our pieces, brings it back to the quarry, lays them down, and then places hers on top. My jaw falls open. Wait, wait, wait... She isn't really suggesting what I think she is suggesting, is she?
I turn back to face her and see that she has her eyes fixed on mine while grinning wickedly, a low purr leaving her throat.
“Um... I do not require payment. I'm alright with doing this for free."
Oh no, I don't believe my speech skills are high enough to convince her to change her mind, she seems to be committed to this bizarre notion as she opens her mouth, unwinds her long tongue before sucking it back into her mouth. Alright, that was oddly arousing.
“B-But who am I to turn down such a gift?" I remark tactfully.
While issuing a bark, she flashes that smile once again. Before I know it, I'm being led out of the quarry by the previous Claw. Wow... So, that happened. Regardless of the consequences, I have a duty to fulfill, even if it means dying with a Deathclaw in bed.
Before entering the main part of the town via the doors, I reposition my scarf. It's been some time since I was here, but I left this location in a much better state than when I arrived. I groan, knowing that before I could negotiate the Deathclaws passage, I would be given another quest. I make my way to the town leader's residence and pound on the door a few times.
As soon as the door swings open, there's murmuring within. The guy in front of me examines me with his wrinkled, aged eyes for a time before a toothless smile covers his face.
“Perfect timing." He says before pulling into his home and slamming the door closed. “Just the man I was looking for." I am pulled to an old sofa, where he dumps me before taking a seat in an ancient rocking chair positioned opposite it. “I need your help."
“I got that impression from the town. Raiders?"
He shakes his head. “Not this time. No, the treaty you've laid down has been holding up just fine. No, the problem is an outbreak of pests."
“Pests?"
“Mole rats. A damn herd of them has come by and started destroying the soil and eating the little crop we have. We kill one, three more take its place. It won't be long before they decimate the area."
This unexpected turn of events is remarkable. Far better than I could've imagined. My mouth upwards in a grin.
“It's your lucky day, Dusty. What if I told you I could clear out this pest problem in less than a day?"
“I'd ask what the price is." The old man narrows his eyes at me.
“Free, absolutely free," I state still smiling.
“Bullshit." He spits on the floor. “Gotta try harder than that to pull the wool over my eyes."
“I'm being honest, Dusty." I lean forward to meet his gaze. “The thing is, the help I have is mighty frightful. Your town would have to go into lockdown while I clean the place up or else die a horrible death."
“What kind of help do you have?"
“A herd of Deathclaw."
Dusty remains silent before bursting into laughter. “Hoo boy! I can't tell if I've finally gone senile but I do believe you just said you control a herd of Deathclaw?!" I wait for his laughter to die out and it quickly does as he notices my unphased gaze and serious disposition. “Wait, you're serious?"
I nod. “As serious as can be. Your pest problem will be easily cleared out with my packs help. Again, you'll have to go on lockdown. These are killing machines and I can't guarantee anyone walking outside will be spared from the feast." There's a thin line of sweat rolling down his neck. I can tell he's on the fence, so now it's time to dig in. “Poison isn't going to work and it runs the risk of your livestock eating it and dying. Hiring other people is expensive and it'll take time before they clear out this infestation. This is the fastest and cheapest way to solve your problem."
“Why are you doing it for free?" He asks skeptical. “Doesn't make sense."
“I'll be straight with you, Dusty. The herd I'm bringing is huge. I plan to relocate them to the north. While you're all on lockdown and they are clearing out the Mole Rats, I'll be passing them through town to settle them somewhere else. This is mutually beneficial."
There's another minute of stillness, but I know I've already won.
“Alright, I accept. Tomorrow, early morning, that good for you?"
“Sounds perfect." I get up, dust myself off and walk past but stop as Dusty grabs my arm.
“Once it's all over, you're going to have to tell how in the hell you managed to get Deathclaws to follow you."
I chuckle. “Sure thing." I pat his hand and walk away and straight back to the quarry.
As previously, I am greeted at the front by a handful of the larger males. They spend a minute sniffing the air and taking in the numerous odors that emanate from me before concluding their inspection and waiting.
“Um, I have news for the alpha," I state, still uncertain about communicating with Deathclaw.
They look at me but then turn aside as they return to her cave. I hastily fall in line and enter the chamber. This time, they turn and walk away without making a sound. My eyes is drawn to the enormous queen, who is lying on her side and raising her brow in my direction.
I clear my throat. “I've returned with good news. I believe I have a means of safe passage for your herd."
Her eyes widen in disbelief before she stands, goes past me, and stares upwards at the sun. After a little pause, she returns inside, sits where my clumsily rendered depiction of the quarry was, and touches the settlement to the north. From the outside, these actions might seem random, but I can't help but understand what she's trying to say with her body.
“Yes, I know I haven't been gone for long but I assure you that I have done as you've requested." I need to reassure her that this is not a trap and that I sincerely want to help her. “Though there is a catch."
She waves a claw to the other side of my drawing and I walk over and take my seat. I point to the northern settlement.
“They have a problem," I continue. “I believe you and your herd can assist in solving it. It's not difficult and up your alley." A raised brow as a response. “They have a Mole Rat infestation. Their crops and livestock are in danger. All I need is your best hunters to help clear out these pests. During that time, you and your herd will migrate north in safety and once the clean-up is done, the rest of your pack will join you. Is that acceptable?"
She grins at me and, before I can respond, reaches out, grabs me by the collar, and places me on her chest. My eyes are wide and my face is flushed as I glance up at her toothy smile. She let out a throaty, low-pitched purr.
“Um... I thought my payment would be after your migration?" I say trying to stall.
She lowers her head and kisses me on the lips. Although by no means gentle, the sensation of her tongue snaking into my mouth and down my throat is startling. I'm so taken aback that I don't even feel the urge to cough, instead staring at her wide-eyed as she slowly withdraws her tongue from my throat, licking my lips before it snakes down to my throat as she licks my skin.
“O-Ok... I'll admit, I haven't been with a Claw before." I swallow hard as she rolls over with me in her grasp, my back lying on the stone floor which has been warmed by her body heat as she hovers over me. “So, gentle would be nice."
She slurps her tongue back into her mouth and lets out a deep, almost laugh-like sound as she gently lowers herself to my pelvis. I can hear her strong breaths as she draws in my scent. It doesn't take long for that snake-like tongue to sneak past my trousers and softly wrap around my cock.
Never before have I felt such a range of emotions. I'm equal parts terrified and aroused. My cock soon expands and leaves a noticeable bulge pushing up against my jeans, as if it doesn't give a damn. I'm going to reach down to help pull my trousers down when I observe her raise a claw, hook the tip of it on my belt, and cut a clean line through my jeans in one seamless motion.
I'm in awe. She didn't even nick me, and her claws were so razor-sharp that they cut right through the strong leather of my trousers without making a sound. I look up at her as she smirks before gazing at my cock that stands at full mast. I'll admit, I've never felt self-conscious about my dick size, but now that this massive Claw is hovering over me? I'm not sure how much an average guy like me could pleasure this killing machine.
She doesn't seem to mind as she lowers herself again and swallows my whole cock, balls, and even a fair bit of my pelvis into her maw. I'm in heaven. This... This isn't like anything I've experienced before. Her mouth is significantly hotter than any woman's. Her tongue is wrapped around my cock as she massages it inside of her throat.
She is being quite delicate, making sure I don't get cut by her teeth even while her mouth is resting on my flesh. My brain is experiencing sensory overload as a result of my ongoing awareness that I'm being sucked off by a Deathclaw in a cave. I can't hold myself back as I cum into the waiting maw of this eager Claw.
It looks that it was a reward she was looking forward to, as she keeps her eyes fixed on mine while swallowing all I gave her. She soon pulls away as her saliva coats my pelvis and I pant furiously, trying to make sense of what is happening. My attention is riveted as she lays on her back, spreads her legs wide, and makes a beckoning gesture for me to come over.
“I guess it's only fair I return the gesture," I say while catching my breath.
I go up to her and gaze down at what I'm dealing with, putting my fear aside and fully committed to what's going on. That's just not human, to put it mildly. Her legs are wide, but where I expected to discover a pussy, I find nothing... No, wait, that's not true. Lower down, almost where the base of her tail would be, I can see a horizontal slit there.
I see. This seems to be a cloaca, based on what I've read in passing. Essentially a single hole but slightly in there is a separation between the vagina and anus. I straddle her tail as it lies on the floor and glance up to discover her delighted by my examination of her body. I watch as she reaches down with a hand, places it just above her slit, and pulls up.
I get a glimpse of a pink hue that stands out against her white scales. She seems to be quite receptive to the notion of sex, based on how wet she is. I take this invitation and lean in and give her a lick. She shudders and I'm given a moment to take in her scent and taste. It is better than I expected.
Perhaps she is diligent about her cleanliness? Even though it's very faint, her scales almost smell like flowers. A pleasant surprise, considering I've encountered some disgusting people in the wastes. As for the taste? It tastes the same as other pussies I've eaten. I go right back in, hoping to pleasure her as much as she did for me previously.
She continues to purr but it's very bassy and rumbles me some but I remain focused. The more I lick her, the wetter she becomes, and just as I'm certain she's on the verge of cumming, I'm lifted up. I snap out of my stupor as she pants heavily, her toothy smile remaining as she draws me in for a kiss.
This time, I reciprocate and it just makes her more eager. After we kiss, she returns me between her legs, but this time with my cock lying on her slit. Ah, she wants to get the show on the road.
“Alright. I think I'm good to go."
I was already hard before I said anything. I reach down and ease myself inside her silky slit, my gaze fixed on hers. I penetrate her pussy as I remember it being closer to the spine in reptiles than in mammals. As I settle flush against her thighs, she emits a deep moan of pleasure. This heat is almost as blazing as the eyes of the other Claws I've seen.
It's incredible. Her ever-present smile stays as she barks softly. She wants me to fuck her, I suppose? I withdraw from her and immediately shove back in as her head rests back and her purring doubles. Regardless of being ordinary in size, her pussy is form-fitting. I can't tell whether this is simply the degree of control Claws have or if they have smaller pussies despite their size.
I don't know or care as a sensation of power overwhelms me. I'm fucking a Deathclaw! In spite of being so large and powerful, my human cock has her purring like a housecat! I didn't know this part of myself existed, but now I'm ready to claim this Claw as my own! As her body and pussy quiver, I push with more speed and force, using full strokes.
She even throws her arms around me and holds me close as I wildly pound into her, my body tiring but passion taking over and compelling me to give her all I've got. I lose track of time and before I know it, I'm about to cum. With a few more shaky thrusts, I sink myself deep within her slit and cum.
Her body locks up, and if the grip of her pussy is anything to go by, she's cumming too. I'm cumming so hard that white spots flood my vision as I rest on my stomach while her pussy continues to milk my cock. We're both a panting mess. It's surreal. I just fucked a Deathclaw. Her arms let go of me as they rest on her side.
I can no longer even keep my eyes open due to how exhausted I am. So before I knew it, the mighty beat of this creature's heart was lulling me to sleep.
“I can't believe it. You weren't lying." Dusty states while cowering behind his door.
“Just stay inside, Dusty. Give me five hours, we'll be long gone by then."
He shuts his door, the sound of several locks resonating within, delighted to comply. I turn to face the Alpha, who is grinning down at me.
“Alright, let's get these Mole rats cleared out and the rest of the herd can follow us. I looked over some maps and I think I know of a pretty safe area by the mountains."
She purrs before bending down and nuzzling me. I pat her briefly before she rises up and turns to face the other thirty Claws waiting in the wings. She gives a few barks and I notice only one of the larger ones accompanies a pack of juveniles. Perhaps this is training? Regardless, my attention returns to the Alpha as her tail nudges me to follow.
The strangeness of this all hasn't been lost on me. Here I am leading a large herd through a tiny town, standing side by side with an Alpha Deathclaw. The fact she perceives me as a mate is another story completely. I shrug inwardly. The wastes may be wild in a number of distinct ways. I will admit, never thought I'd get hitched to a Deathclaw.
I can hear the mole rats scream as the Claws devour them. This is by far the easiest job I've ever done, and it's all because of how good these creatures are at hunting. By the time I approach the back entrance to the town, the little hunting pack returns, a couple of the younger ones having rodents in their teeth as they play with them like chewtoys.
Frightening and adorable. I look up at the Alpha while pulling out my map.
“You see, up here is a forest. I've heard it's rich in wildlife but people steer clear due to most of that wildlife being hostile. I'm sure this will pose no problem for your herd. Though what's interesting is a tale about a possible abandoned vault hidden in the side of the mountain. Want to join me for an adventure? If this Vault has been unexplored, it'll provide a lot of things, even for Deathclaws."
I'm taken aback when I'm pulled up and put on her shoulders. She just smiles at me before turning to her herd, barking, and dashing towards the forests on the horizon. Well, I'll take it as a yes. It seems my future in the wastes will no longer be as a lone wanderer.