A/N: Damn... it's really emotional to see this Story come to an end. Back when I first started this A Needed Quest, which was more than a year ago, I was only planning on making another generic and short Story containing almost no passion. As you already know, this turned into so much more than that.
As I'm writing this I keep asking myself if I should just end it with this, or try to extend it with another five Chapters. As soon as this Chapter gets put up I'll already have the status changed or it will remain the same. That should give you all an answer.
I appreciate all of those who've stuck around since the very start of this Story. Back when I first posted the first Chapter in 2019. That's about all I have left to say. Please leave me a Review, especially if you've followed this Story for a while, and please enjoy.
Will I eventually create some type of Sequal in order to continue Six's story? Most likely. I'll need some time to properly think over the idea, though. In the meantime, I would suggest picking another Story to read from my selection.
Chapter 25: A Needed Retreat
War, war never changes. I know you've heard those words are forever seared into your mind. I think it's the same with the others and myself. It's only ever people like you and me. The kind of people who are the only ones that can carry light into a world filled evil.
Just like the Vault Dweller, who stopped the Master and his army of Super Mutants. Like with the Chosen One, who managed to stop the Enclave and rescued every single one of his people. And like me... the same Lone Wanderer from Vault 101, who only wanted to save his Father.
Come on, you really want to end it all like this? I thought you wanted to go out like a legend, like me. I went down saving the Capital Wasteland from an Overlord who threatened the rest of the world as well. You, you got struck with debris.
You prefer to call yourself Courier Six. I can understand why you chose that name for yourself. It is one of the few memories you still carry concerning the old you. Well... one of the old yous anyway. But I think that's a tale for the next time you get killed. Doesn't mean you should try getting killed anytime soon, obviously.
See... your name carries a larger meaning with it than you realize. It doesn't just talk about your past. But more importantly it speaks about your potential future. That future carries its own message. And who is the one to carry a message?
Why a courier, of course. That's what you are. But it's not all that you are. I would like to continue speaking with you. To tell you all about what will soon come. But you need to see to more important things, don't you? Go on, Courier Six. Get out there and do what you do best. Try to make the best of an awful situation.
''Courier! For God's sake, will you wake up already?'' Six almost immediately shot awake, gasping for any air that she could inhale. The Legion's continued assault on Vale and its people proved to be more merciless than anyone could've expected. Aside from Courier Six and the rest of the Companions, of course. They knew the Legion all to well. This was starting to make the two previous attacks on Hoover Dam look pathetic compared to this slaughter.
Any civilian or Police Officer that had the displeasure of encountering those with the Legion, was met with no mercy whatsoever. The Legion came for a conquest. They were almost certainly going to get it. Arcade injected a Stimpack into Six to counteract the injuries she sustained. And even though the mood wasn't appropriate, not that it really even mattered, Arcade chose to crack a quick joke.
''Luckily Mobius was nice enough to it install a recharge time.'' Arcade joked, snickering once Six's condition was optimized. No one else felt like joining in on the snickering. Not even Weiss, who earlier was planning on dishing out some vigilante justice, didn't find Six getting killed all that entertaining.
Everyone expected Six to punch Arcade straight in the face for joking about something so serious. But instead she just joined in on the laughing. Might as well always try to make the most of an awful moment. And this was about as awful as any situation can get.
When Six and Arcade were finished with the laughing, Six asked about the one thing she returned to the Academy to repossess. The same thing that, in the event Six failed to retrieve, no one carried any chance to escape from the Legion.
''Where's my Pip-Boy?'' She asking, needing to take a quick pause for a few seconds. Even with the Stimpack, she felt like she was moments away from once again taking an extra long nap. ''Did you guys manage to find it while I was in... wherever I was? Or are things going to continue to not go my way?''
She didn't feel like venturing inside the Academy. Not only had Six died twice inside of the Academy now, which on its own wasn't much of a problem. But most of the Academy was now reduced to nothing more than a Legion staging ground. The Legion managed to reach the Academy, and much like with the other major areas located in the city, they were killing or capturing everyone who came into sight.
Luckily, a nice portion of the students were able to create quite the offensive. However, it didn't last long until they were outnumbered and forced to retreat. But they were at the very least able to show the Legion they couldn't take Vale without a proper fight. Once Six managed to find the Pip-Boy, she would teach them the same lesson.
Ruby, who was filled with all sorts of emotions, presented Six with a small yet inexplicably valuable surprise. ''I found this in Ozpin's office when you...'' Six smiled like she was about to go to Disney World. She grabbed the Pip-Boy and strapped it on. As soon as the Pip-Boy was properly attached to Six's wrist, an incredible power surge flowed through Six's veins. She was certain there was no one else on Earth that could survive such power.
Six carefully patted Ruby like she was a small puppy. ''I appreciate it, Ruby.'' She said, the words filled with gratitude. But that wasn't enough. Ruby, and a few other girls, needed something more than gratitude. After releasing a sigh, Six started to give an apology. ''Before anything else, I need to say this..." Everyone looked at Six, waiting to see what was so important. "I am s sorry for what you guys saw in the Emerald Forest.'' She was now looking at Blake, Velvet, and Coco as well. ''Guess I should've realized it isn't a good idea to give a couple of kids a look into something so crazy, huh?''
The Courier looked to Boone and the others who came from Vegas. "Traveling with them for so long, it gets you used to going through so much awful crap with a companions or two at your side." The Companions all agreed. Hell itself, if there was one, was probably more friendly than anything they saw in the Divide, Zion, the Sierra Madre, or just anything in Vegas itself. Six then spoke exclusively to Yang and Weiss. "Yang, I put your Sister through a lot, and there is no good excuse for that." A few of the Companions were truly amazed. Many never saw Six act so serious or mature. Really, only Veronica, Boone, Joshua, and Ulysses had prior to Remnant. Of course, everyone got a taste when they ventured towards Cottonwood Cove to attack Caesar. "Weiss, you despise me, I get it." Weiss scoffed and turned away, getting several frowns from the Companions as a result. "I never came to Vale to start trouble, to start all this... chaos. I just... I wanted, no, I needed a quest."
Thinking she wasn't getting through to Ruby or the others at all, Six ended the apology right there. "That's all I got to say. Hopefully, you guys can forgive me? If not... well, I can understand." It wasn't a very good apology, at least, that was Six's own opinion.
There was no response from anyone. Instead, it was just that same long and awkward moment of silence that kept making its way into the Courier's life. But seeing that Six truly was apologetic, Velvet was able to accept the apology. ''It's okay.'' She said while trying to ignore the sounds of war not too far from their position. ''It wasn't that bad now that I look back on it. I mean I will be seeing a lot of those things in my sleep for the rest of my life. But a few of the other things I saw were pretty cool.''
The other girls who were also transported into the forest soon accepted the apology shortly after Velvet. With that finally finished, Dean asked the most obvious, immediate, and concerning question. One that Dean prayed would receive an answer. ''What exactly is your plan on getting us away from the Legion this time around?''
Everyone turned to face Six for guidance. She was now in the long process of going through the Pip-Boy's inventory to make sure that everything was still there. Aside from what little she was already carrying on, everything was still safe and sound inside the Pip-Boy.
Using fast travel was completely out of the question. That many people traveling at once could and most likely would end with awful consequences. Add onto the fact that certain traveling members wouldn't want to use the mechanic in the first place. Options were in a very limited state.
The city was on fire and crawling with more Legionnaires than anyone in the Companions were able to count. In fact, they more than likely outnumbered the Legion's force that attacked Hoover Dam. But even so, getting through Vale and the Legion was the only way anyone was returning to the Mojave. ''Hate to say it you guys, our only real choice is to go into the city itself. Ulysses has already traveled to Remnant once." The Courier still wanted to ask Ulysses about his time on Remnant prior to the two meeting at the Divide. "So once we make it into the forest, Ulysses can guide us to the exit. As soon as we get to the 38, we'll all crack open some whiskey and relax.''
All except two companions thought it was a sound plan. Especially Cass, who wouldn't mind getting into Six's own private whiskey stash. However, team RWBY, JNPR, Coco and Velvet, and Boone and Joshua were not very agreeing with the strategy. They had many reasons to feel such a way.
Joshua and Boone didn't want to leave Vale to suffer from the Legion's attack. No one else in the Companions thought it was such a serious threat. From the way Atlas was talked about, they imagine they could take on any threat, no matter its size. Still, the two men with scars, Boone's emotional, and Joshua's physical, weren't leaving.
The student's reasons were similar. Although, they possessed additional reason for not wanting to abandon Vale. Some still had people they cared about in the city. Who's to say they would make it out alive with only Atlas's protection? Just like Boone and Joshua, they refused to take any chances.
Coco was the first, and certainly not the last, to reveal the prejudice she felt towards the Courier's plan. ''You really expect us to leave with you guys? Everyone in Vale is going to get killed unless we leave now and start fighting. Even Atlas won't stop them alone. At least not without losing a lot of men.''
She was right, a little too right in fact. It was the Legion's manpower that made them such an unstoppable force. Ten good men with Power Armour, no matter the model, could never stop twenty quicker men, each armed with Machetes and Spears. Sure Atlas, who was essentially Remnant's very own NCR, at least in Military terms, would eventually put the Legion in its place, which was under the ground. But the cost was too great.
Yang made an attempt to use the Courier's excessive abhorrence towards the Legion to convince the supposed savior to get a move on and fight the Legion face to face. ''You always told us about the Legion and they awful things they did. So why not fight with us? Think about Rex and ED-E, the Legion killed them, didn't they?''
Boone and the rest of the gang were surprised that Six was willing to tell anybody that story. They only knew about it because they were with her when it happened. Anyone else who happened to ask her why she stopped bringing them along was met with nothing but tears.
It was beginning to dawn on Six that none of the teams would be going with them while Vale was still at risk. She was going to have to come up with some kind of a solution. Placing one finger on each side of her head, she began to think.
There were a lot of variables that she had to consider. The biggest one was time. How quickly could they get back to the Mojave then come all the way back her with some help? She was unable to formulate an accurate answer as she fast traveled to Remnant in the first place. What if the exit was even outside of the Vegas?
Weiss, seeing that the Courier was taking more time than she deemed necessary just to think of a solution, asked her about the other major faction in the Mojave. The same one that helped Courier Six kick the Legion back off of the Hoover Dam. ''You need to go to the NCR. From what you've told us about them I think they would be more than willing to help you with the Legion one last time.''
Ulysses mentioned a number of small NCR outposts that he and Joshua ran into on their way to Remnant's entrance. ''The Bear's claws reach close to this world's entrance. Expansion is simply part of their nature. There were three outposts in total. No more than twelve men stationed at each of them. I'm certain that none of them were Rangers.''
''Snipers?'' Boone asked the once Legionnaire. If there were any snipers Boone would bring them back up to the Academy to give them a perfect view of the city below. If they would be even half as good as his old unit they would have the Legion running before morning came.
Joshua answered this time around. ''Most of them were just standard troopers. From the look of all of them they were only recently settled. I believe that one of the outposts contained a small watchtower. So it's likely that there would only be one of them to offer their services.''
The strength of all of the Companions fighting together would be enough to strike fear into even the strongest of armies. If they hadn't been on the Dam when the Legion attacked they would have almost certainly taken over the power source in just a few hours.
Even with the Legion's advancement in weaponry and increase in numbers, the Courier was certain this would be no different. And then she got an idea. One that she hoped would result in a lot of innocent people being saved and the death of the Legion. This time she wouldn't be nice enough to let them retreat. She would cut down Lanius herself if the chance would arise.
''I've got an idea.'' She announced to all of her friends and acquaintances. Ruby was hopeful that Six's plan would be full proof. After all she was the same one to achieve the highest possible score when they were taking the strategy test in Port's class. ''We need to split into three separate groups. One will have to go through the exit and bring the NCR back here. Another will start evacuating civilians and bringing them through the exit. Once everything has settled down we'll bring them back through. As for the last group, I'll be in charge of it. We're going to focus on eliminating as many legionnaires as we can.''
It wasn't a great plan, but then again neither were her others. Despite that she would always come out on top. Picking who was assigned to which group wasn't too difficult of a process. Raul, Arcade, Dean, Velvet, and Ulysses would be going back to the Mojave to get the NCR's help. Ulysses went with them because he knew exactly where the outposts were stationed. While Dean only volunteered to join them because he was eager to get out of Vale as soon as possible.
Those that the evacuation would fall to would be Chalk, Veronica, Blake, all of team JNPR, and Weiss. Weiss would have preferred to assist the others in the fight against the Legion, while Velvet was more than happy to be playing her role in the plan.
Everyone else would be focusing on the current battle raging in the streets. With Joshua's one of a kind level of Endurance and Boone's determination to avenge his wife on their side, Six actually thought that they would be able to handle the Legion long before Atlas would arrive to join the battle.
She still had her doubts however, as did everyone else. But sometimes all you can do is make the best of an awful situation. They all proceeded to board the airship that took them up to the Academy and began to descend towards the city. Boone took a couple shots at the Legionnaires while they were still up there.
''Hey, Coco.'' The Courier said, Boone still taking shot behind her. ''There's a nice chance we're all going to die. Now would be a good time to get something off your chest to someone in particular.'' Her hand was now raised and pointing straight at Velvet.
Coco gasped and blushed. Everyone looked at her, aside from Boone anyway, who still had his full attention on the streets below. How do you... Coco couldn't decide whether she should dodge the question entirely or smack the Courier in her face. ''Come on, it's a little obvious you two have strong feeling for each other. The forest showed me that.''
Mimicking her leader, Velvet released her own gasp and also began to blush, only Velvet's proved to be much worse. ''I... I don't know if this is the best time for this.'' She looked over to Coco, who looked to the ground to avoid any eye contact.
Six groaned out of annoyance. They were about to face certain death and the two of them couldn't even manage to reveal their feelings for each other? Now survival was absolutely mandatory. They were going to get together if that was the last thing the Courier made sure of.
Boone and the rest of the Courier's Companions each had a wide assortment of weapons. It was likely that they would all have to utilize each of them. Especially those who were about to find themselves in the middle of a once in a lifetime battle. For a normal person anyway.
As soon as they landed on solid ground, they were spotted by a few Centurions who were about to burn down a few homes with their residents still inside. Arcade was chosen to take care of the problem in front of them. Six entered her inventory and retrieved something special for him.
It was the CZ57 Avenger that she had gotten from the Devil's throat. She had never gotten around to using it before so now would be as good as time as any to try it out. Arcade was able to wield the beast of a gun because he was still wearing his Power Armour. He only had to stand there and pull the trigger back.
Thousands of bullets proceeded to rip and tear through the bodies of each and everyone of the Centurions. Their armour didn't provide them with any extra protection against the storm of bullets. Arcade handed the weapon back to Six, who digitized it back into her inventory.
Suddenly Weiss was a lot more grateful not to be involved in the direct fight against the Legion. She and almost all of the other students who followed them out of the Academy didn't really like the idea of leaving a wave of corpses everywhere they went. But for the Companions it was just another part of their lives.
A few of them tried to leave the airship immediately but Six asked them all to grant her one last request. ''Mind if I have a quick talk with my team?'' She asked RWBY, JNPR, Coco, and Velvet. All of them exchanged looks before obliging her and exiting the airship.
Now alone, she talked exclusively to all of her dearest friends. But not before pulling out her camera. It only had a little bit of film left. ''Part of me wishes that I never went back to Primm and accepted the Quest. There's a good chance that some of us might die here and if that happens it will be all my fault. So if none of you mind I'd like to get one last picture with all of you? It should only take a second.''
There was no reason for anyone to object her request. Aside from the obvious fact that they could be easily ambushed while distracted. With everyone in agreeing on a group photo, Six placed the Codac R9000 at the front of the airship. It took a bit of squeezing but they were all able to fit into the frame.
She would have to stop by the Strip in order to get the photo printed out. After that she would be sure to frame it and hang it up somewhere on a wall. The lounge might be a good choice. ''I appreciate it you guys. Now, how about we all go and kick some ass? Just like old times.''
This time she was the one to be abruptly halted. Veronica held Six's arm in her hand, not too tightly as she was still wearing her own Power Armour. In her other hand she had the mysterious box that Six had left her when she first left to find her Quest.
The box's timer still required a couple more days before it would drop to zero and reveal what's inside. But Veronica didn't feel like waiting that long. ''What did you put in here for me to find?'' She asked, noticing some blush on Six's cheeks as soon as the question left her mouth.
Her heart began to beat at a faster pace and she was having a difficult time calming herself down. She signaled for Veronica to come closer so she could whisper it to her and only her. She narrowed her eyes but began to approach all the same.
All of the other Companions, even Dean, chose to respect their privacy by not trying to eavesdrop in on their whispers. By the time Six was finished revealing what was in the box, Veronica was still and silent. She couldn't even find the right words to use.
It was the exact reaction that Six expected to get from her. Veronica pulled her in for a kiss. For time purposes it was quick, but the taste of passion was still there. ''I thought you'd never ask.'' That was all the other Companions were able to make out.
Six wanted to say more but before she could get even half of a word out, Yang charged back into the airship to warn them of an incoming assault. ''Hate to interrupt this little precious moment you guys have going on, but we got a lot more of them heading towards us.''
Weapons were equipped, Med-X was injected, and extra ammo was handed out. This time nobody interrupted the process of exiting the airship. Boone was the first to make it out, having his Anti-Material Rifle aimed towards the direction of the enemy as he left.
Three shots were fired from the massive gun, taking the same amount of Legionnaires with them. The loud noise was something that all of the Companions were more than used to. However everyone else thought they had gone deaf after the first shot rang out.
As for the Courier's choice of weaponry, she decided to go for the Medicine Stick this time around. It kept her alive in Zion and it would do the same here. ''Raul, Chalk, take your groups and get out of here.'' She said after firing off a few shots of her own. ''Everyone else follow me.''
Raul and everyone in his group began to make their way towards the forest. In order to get there they would have to dodge spears and machetes all the way. Just another day in the office. For most of them anyway. Chalk's own group would soon have to use the same method. Of course they could only leave after they found civilians in desperate need of evacuation. That would be a difficult process on its own.
Seeing that they were about to be swarmed within a few seconds, Coco and the others went to Courier Six for strategic advice. ''You've done this a few times before.'' She said while staying on guard. ''Where do you want all of us?''
Both Joshua and Boone had managed to climb up onto a roof of one of the nearby houses and quickly construct a Sniper's nest. Even though his preferred weapons to utilize was his .45 Handguns, Graham could still take easily take anyone's head off from any distance. The same could also be said for Boone.
The two men wasted not time wreaking havoc on the Legion's forces. It provided enough of a distraction that Six was able to come up with a position for everyone present. But first she made the observation that Coco did in fact not have any weapons on her person.
She took out That Gun and offered it to the seemingly unarmed student. ''No thanks.'' She rejected the weapon. Was she going to fight the Legion with nothing but her own strength? Even to the Courier that was a pretty bold idea. ''I've got this.'' She said, pointing to her ordinary looking handbag.
Placing the bag into one of her hands, Coco revealed what it was actually concealing. In just a few seconds it went from a normal handbag to a huge Minigun that put even the Avenger to shame. It was more than enough to stun Six as well as Cass, who was waiting for her own instructions. Six made a mental note to get her one of those.
''That will..." Six was still stunned. "Yeah, that will work just fine.'' She said while looking over the weapon. ''Go and take cover somewhere where you can surprise them. You should probably take Cass with you, just to stay safe. Even with that massive thing, the Legion could still overwhelm you if you're not careful enough.''
In response, Coco could only wink and smirk. ''With you, I'm sure they could manage. But I think you forgot something really important." Coco's smirk grew larger. "I'm the one who managed to kill you for the first time.'' If they weren't already surrounded with several gallons already, Coco would've found quite the trouble with that comment.
Cass joined Coco, taking refuge in some makeshift cover. For once in Cass's life, she was actually glad she wasn't completely intoxicated. She needed the senses she carried, which were already superior to an average person, at their peak shape if she was to even maintain a chance at survival. Still, a small sip wouldn't cause any problems. Hopefully.
''What about us? Where should we go?'' Ruby asked, wondering where she and Yang would get positioned. There was a large sum of excitement in Ruby's voice. Yang was also eager to know where she would get to fight. Ruby was still somewhat young, and aside from the various types of Grimm, which unlike Deathclaws carried no odd charm with them, Ruby nor Yang had ever taken another person's life.
''How about you two find somewhere safe?'' She suggested. Ruby immediately frowned upon listening to such an awful idea. ''Besides, I really need someone to watch out for more incoming troops and warn the others. That and... well, there's really no good reason that you should need to get your...''
Ruby's head shook and she started to explain that killing wasn't necessary. ''I'm not going to kill anyone! But that doesn't mean I can't fight them. I know it may not look like it, even so, my Crescent Rose can injure people without causing any permanent injuries... or killing them.'' She flashed the unique weapon and showed Six some neat spinning tricks with the Rose. ''Unless I feel like it, anyway.'' She said with a wink. Hopefully, that was just a joke.
''Alright then. If you really think you can, you and Yang can set up over there.'' She was pointing towards one of the open streets. Aside from a few corpses, the street was completely empty. But in a few minutes, the scenery would come to an abrupt change. ''Impress me enough, and I might just take you Cazadore Hunting with me.''
Now that everyone was in an acceptable position, Six could finally get moving. She spotted an alley and started to run towards it. ''The war will come to us now, Courier.'' Joshua made sure to point out. He was forced to shout in quite the loud manner thanks to Boone, who wouldn't stop shooting his Anti-Material Rifle for even a second. ''Once again we will most likely require your aid if we are to see this fight through. Tell me, what are you planning on finding out there?''
She stopped just as she was about to enter the alley. She spoke loud enough so everyone could properly listen to the words. ''The Legate is still out there somewhere. I need to go after 'em and correct the mistake I made at Hoover Dam." Boone strongly agreed, as did everyone else. "Once I manage that, the Legion will fall apart without any proper leadership or guidance. I'm more than certain you guys can manage until then. I've got faith in everyone. But if things get too risky, or crowded, you'll probably want to find somewhere to retreat to." Seeing as the invasion was a city wide threat, there weren't many placed they could retreat to without running into even more Legionnaires.
There was no time for Six to wait for any reply. She needed to move, and move quickly. Atlas was going to arrive soon. As soon as the Legate's Legion was eradicated, the master warrior would only need to retreat and relocate to another Kingdom in Remnant. There, the Legate could possibly find a way to gather more and more Recruits.
As she was nearly through the alley, words of encouragement were thrown Six's way. ''You'll get us through this, Six! I know you will.'' Ruby said, speaking loud enough to attract even more attention from the Legion. Six was telling the truth when she announced she maintained faith in each of them. But that didn't mean she wasn't somewhat afraid. She was, actually, completely terrified.
Fighting in its most violent form was present throughout Vale. The Courier was involved in a great portion of said fighting. The enemies to face were all the new Recruits, who were most likely eager to see some actual combat, more than a few Primes, some possibly surviving members of the previous Legion, Veterans of the previous Legion, who were glad to receive the chance to finally kill Six, not that they would use it wisely, and only one Vexillarius was ever spotted. He proved mortal just like everyone else the Legion tried to throw at the Companions.
But the worst enemies to face were the Centurions, who all seemed to appear whenever Six took another step forward. Cinder was able to get Lanius the army required to go up against Vale. How she managed to acquire such an army in such a compact time span, was something Six would figure out in just a moment.
While fighting a Prime who wanted to try out his Luck, Six was able to successfully knock away the Prime's Helmet. Underneath the Prime Helmet was a set of animal ears. The Legion was no longer restricting itself and only recruiting ordinary Humans like they prioritized in the Mojave. Now they were willing to allow any Faunus to join their ranks as long as they could properly fight. But still, there were no women allowed to join.
Six guessed that the new Faunus troops came from the Legion's newest partner, Cinder. And these Faunus were most likely at one point supporters or members of the terrorist organization known as the White Fang. Animals ears or not, they were still followers of the Legion.
While continuing to fight through the streets, Six came across Chalk and Blake. Both of them were in the middle of escorting more than twenty civilians to safety. There wasn't enough time to ask any questions or make conversation. But there was enough time to fire at their pursuers.
Six managed to kill every single one of the Legionnaires who tried to attack Chalk, Blake, or anyone trying to flee with the two. Looks like we can manage this well enough after all. She continued to run once more as soon as she was certain the area was completely secured.
Though she didn't possess the Legate's exact location mapped out on the Pip-Boy, Six made the assumption that the Terror of the East was somewhere leading against the strongest forces Vale possessed. Which also meant that all Six needed to worry about was to make sure she ran towards the sound of excessive violence.
He wasn't going to wait at his camp like with Caesar's previous attack strategy for Hoover Dam. This time, the Legate was going to personally lead the attack and insure the Legion's victory. Had Lanius led the attack on Hoover Dam when Six was there, perhaps there's a chance she would've lost to the Legion then.
Twenty minutes passed, and the Courier was no closer to finding the Legate. But on a more positive side, she was at least able to increase the Pip-Boy's Legion kill count to quite a sum. Which was saying a lot considering it was already more than 2,000. But on a not so positive note, Atlas was now in the city of Vale, and much sooner than expected.
Androids, giant Mechs, and other technology that could easily put anything the Mojave chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel possessed to shame, were carried into Vale in order to cease the Legion's slaughter. Now Six really needed to get moving. She couldn't risk letting the Legate escape.
All that fire. It was overwhelming to see flames almost as large as the ones that consumed the Fort. Where else would Lanius reside other than the greatest- ''Gah!'' Six cried out, filled with a new pain. Someone who was clearly received more than enough Stealth training, managed to sneak up on Six and get a lucky stab in on Six's side. It was a cheap shot, that was for sure. Even though she couldn't see the weapon, Six could tell it was a Combat Knife that the attacker utilized.
As the knife was slowly pulled away from Six's side, she fell onto the ground and started to groan as a result of the excessive pain. Six almost immediately injected a Stimpack into the wound's location. She added some more Med-X, positive that this wasn't the last injury she would claim.
''As I told you long ago, when we first encountered each other in Nipton." A recognizable voice started to speak to Six, not that Six could give any response. "Those who follow the Legion, especially people as committed as myself, will never forget the crimes committed against us.''
Her eyes widened as she listened to the words coming from the voice. In fact, they widened almost as much as they did when Six realized the Legate was still alive. But this voice didn't come from the Legate. It was from the same person who first reminded Six of the Legion's evil nature.
''Didn't I already kill you, Vulpes?'' She asked with a raspy voice tied to the words. That knife in the side certainly didn't improve Six's overall physical condition. Panting, she used a small frame of time to consume some water. It didn't change much, she was still in pain. But at least now she could properly speak.
Vulpes, who still looked exactly the same to Six as last time they saw each other at the Fort, gave the Courier an explanation as to why his appearance was even possible. ''I might've died along with Caesar and the others, if it wasn't for the fact that you chose to focus all the energy you possessed on slicing Caesar's corpse into pieces." He now looked pissed. Which wasn't an unexpected reaction. It was clear that Vulpes wanted to personally avenge Caesar.
"You only granted me a few pathetic strikes. Clearly, they were not enough." Despite Six's negative view on Vulpes and almost everyone else serving in the Legion, she had to admire the fact that Vulpes also took every opportunity to try and get under the enemy's skin when possible. It was one thing they had in common. Of course, Vulpes was unsuccessful in getting on Six's nerves.
"Lucius also managed to survive the attack." With that second reveal, Six was starting to get annoyed. Vulpes, someone who many Legionaries wanted executed at one point in time, someone who used methods the Legate did not approve of, could never lead the Legion after the Legate's fall. Not that the chance would arise. But Lucius, someone who most likely retained a significant amount of respect in the Legion, someone who personally protected Caesar for so long, could possibly act as a suitable replacement to lead this new Legion. Six made a mental note to find Lucius when all this was finished.
"Aside from Lucius, I was the only other one to survive your attack. Eventually, word of the Legion's second loss at Hoover Dam made it to us. After receiving such news, we nearly lost faith in the Legion." With Vulpes's extreme loyalty to the Legion, that didn't sound possible. "But then Lanius found us. He gave me a task to complete. It was certainly a complex one... But one I could manage all the same. He wanted me to gather more Legionnaires, so we could regain what was lost. And then, when we acquired such numbers, I was asked to find new land to conquer. As you can clearly see, I was more than successful.''
Six started to chuckle as soon as the word successful escaped Vulpes's mouth. ''Sorry, I don't want to rain on your parade or anything..." That was an awful lie, Six totally wanted to. "But in case you've failed to notice, you're a little outnumbered. In no time at all, Atlas will arrive and kill you all. That, or some Legionaries, not you, will get lucky and taken as prisoners.'' The tension in the air increased at a rapid pace.
Copying Six's own childish move, Vulpes started to chuckle to himself. Only Vulpes did so when Six stated that the Legion was apparently outnumbered. He also assumed that Six was playing at the idea that those serving the Legion refuse to allow themselves captured.
''Not a moment ago, you were taken to one a warehouse and offered one last chance to redeem yourself in the Legion's eyes.'' He placed his Combat Knife into a small pouch and proceeded to replace it with one of his Modified Spears. It was pointing right at Six's face, which was most likely Vulpes's target. ''You could've joined us in the conquest against these people. You've wasted such a chance!''
He threw the spear, thinking that Six was too unprepared and would possess a new accessory. But in a complete twist, Six grabbed the spear and was generous enough to return it to Vulpes with a precise throw. It was the nicest thing she could think of to make up for failing to give the agent a nice death at the Fort. The spear pierced right through Vulpes's chest, and didn't stop until it collided with a wall. Vulpes was pinned against this same wall, grunting as the connection was made. Blood started to release itself from his open lungs and made its way out through his mouth.
With only a few seconds left until Vulpes was no more, Caesar's greatest agent was asked one last question. ''Everyone, especially someone as smart as you, should know this fight is unwinnable. You're just too outnumbered to win. So why... why laugh at your own-" The Courier, feeling another presence, ceased the questioning. As she looked at Vulpes once again, all she received was an evil smile from the Frumentarii.
''Defeat?'' Someone nearby asked, clearly challenging Six's prediction on the Legion's fate. It was the same voice that came from the Courier's intended victim. The Legate. He was situated above and to the right of Six's position. From the way that the Legate stood in that moment, his weapon at the ready, an intimidating posture that resembled a proud warrior's, made it clear that victory was the only thing on his mind.
After slowly walking over to his enemy, Lanius, Blade of the East equipped, started to ridicule Six just as Vulpes chose to. ''It was foolish of Cinder and I to ever think there was a possibility we could persuade you to fight alongside us." True, that was stupid, even for the Legion's standards. "Your anger and stupidity is what carried you to me. All the way to the might of the Legion once more. Once the rest of the Legion's forces rise up, this land will fall within time.''
''Wait... the rest?'' Seeing that Six's mind was elsewhere, Lanius launched forward with the Blade of the East and swiped at Six's exposed face. Unlike Vulpes, the Legate was more than successful with his attack. Returning the Blade of the East to his side, the Legate spotted a massive cut under the Courier's eye.
There was no time for Six to use any Stimpacks. She could only try to counter any of the incoming attacks from Lanius. He managed to get a few more lucky swipes in until the Courier was able to switch to the offensive side. Pulling out the Saturnite Fist, she started to punch in his general area.
Defying the Courier's sporadic attacks, Lanius just straight up grabbed and pulled the fist right out of Six's grasp. As a result, Six was emotionally stunned. Physically stunned when the Legate smacked Six across the face with the Saturnite Fist. She had to spit out a tooth prior to getting an answer.
''Our forces are not isolated in Vale." He stated, causing Six to worry. "Thousands of recruits await for the chance to strike. Not only at the Vale, or its people... But at each Kingdom this world possesses.'' He kicked Six straight in the stomach to insure she couldn't flee. He wasn't finished with his greatest enemy. ''Caesar, the man the Legion once followed, was a fool to attack Hoover Dam with every ounce of the Legion's strength at once. It is what nearly killed the Legion. I thank you for giving me the chance to take his place as the true Caesar. Were the old still alive, our conquest would've ended a long time ago.''
Raising the Blade of the East towards Six once again, Lanius placed it upon Six's neck. He finally chose that the conversation was over, and they would now give it a proper ending. As the Legate prepared to end things once and for all, Veterans started to slowly gather around the Legate and Courier. They wanted nothing more than to watch as Six, the one who took away the Legion's chance for victory at Hoover Dam, lose everything. Now they would finally get that chance. ''Goodbye, Courier.''
Six's eyes closed as she seemed to accept the immediate fate she was facing. ''You Bastards, get away from Six!'' Her eyes immediately shot open as she realized she was still alive and everything was still intact. Her apparent savior was Boone, who was charging right at them.
Needing to lose the Legate's attention, Boone proceeded to punch him in the face with so much force, that it actually managed to make Lanius fall to the ground. As Six and Boone expected, though not something they wanted, Boone's entire arm was unusable as a result of the rapid strike. However, even with only a single working arm, Boone managed to pull out his Combat Knife and almost immediately started to slice through anyone who charged at him.
The Courier watched in amazement as Boone managed to fight off Veteran after Veteran. The fact that Boone was managing such a fight with only a Combat Knife was incredible and a good reminder as to why Boone was one of the Companions Six chose to keep in Vale.
With everyone else sliced open, the only enemy left for Boone to face was the Legate. Boone was now covered in the Veteran's gore. ''You should've stayed in the West when you still had the chance.'' Using his Combat Knife one last time, Boone launched it towards Lanius. He made quite the connection with the Legate's throat.
With his opponent now unarmed, the Legate dropped his own weapon in order to make this as fair of a fight as possible. While both of them were now locked in a fight to behold, someone approached Six from behind. She turned around with her fists at the ready, expecting to find an enemy.
Instead it was a new friend she had made. Someone who was 100% going at the top of this list. ''Here.'' Ruby generously offered while there was a war still going on around them. Six gratefully accepted the assistance and was slowly pulled away from the ground.
Six thanked Ruby and then made sure to use a few more Stimpacks so she could actually stand up without needing any extra support. She looked towards Boone, who was absolutely the one winning the fight. In fact, his attacks were so vicious that Six felt the need to cover Ruby's eyes.
Hatred. That was the only thing left in Boone's eyes as the old NCR Sniper attacked the Legate. It wasn't like any other encounter with low ranking Legionnaires. Only once had that look found its way into his eyes prior to this. And that was when they started the Quest to eliminate Caesar himself.
Now, you would think striking at the armour of the Legate with nothing aside from your fists was the worst idea in existence? Normally, yes. However... When it concerns someone Boone, who is now 80% rage, this is a false assumption. His attacks caused more damage than any weapon ever could. Until finally, the Legate lost his stance and fell to the ground. He was unable to get up, most likely a result of all the cracking sounds.
''This is for Carla you savage sonofabitch!'' With his two fists raised, Boone slammed them right under one of the Legate's eyes. The impact was so extreme, that it caused the eye to pop right out of the socket. Hearing the Legate's scream in agony, Ruby quickly mastered the art of eye covering.
A few seconds later, and the screaming came to a stop. Looking at Boone, Six could tell the man wasn't standing up so easy. But even though it took almost all his strength, Boone maintained his posture. Caesar, the Legionnaires who took Carla, Vulpes Inculta, and now even Lanius, they were gone.
Though she had technically received justice a long time ago, Carla was officially avenged after all this time. The Legion's last chance at long term survival was now gone. He would've liked to celebrate, maybe with some of Cass's whiskey. But at that point, Boone was at a loss for strength. Blood too.
Boone almost collapsed on to the ground. Luckily, the Courier managed to catch Boone just in time. ''Don't worry, Boone. This time we're all getting out of this alive. Here, all you need is a Stimpack.'' She removed one from the Pip-Boy's inventory and attempted to inject it into Boone's arm. But just as she was about to, Boone grabbed Six's arm and kept it still. Six was shocked at first. But then she analyzed the expression on Boone's face. He didn't want it.
''Boone... don't you even think about it.'' She warned, trying to escape Boone's tight grasp. Losing another member of the Companions, especially one who was as good of a friend as Boone, was something Six was not going to allow. ''We need to get moving, and now. Hundreds, maybe even more, are moving towards us as I speak."
Boone continued to give Six no reaction. "Atlas isn't going to see the reinforcements until they've already set up an ambush. They'll get slaughtered and they won't even realize it. If we don't go now, we'll just join them. Now take the fucking Stimpack already!''
Again, Boone refused the Stimpack. He put what little strength remained in his arm in order to avoid a quick save. Six started to tear up at the sight of such a good friend's lack of a will to continue on. She implored Boone to change his mind. ''Please... I can't lose another friend to the Legion. Not after Rex, and not after ED-E.''
It quickly turned into full on crying. Removing his Beret with his free hand, Boone placed it in Six's grasp. ''I've finished all I need to. Guess I never got over Carla, did I?" Boone looked over to the Legate one last time. He wasn't necessarily glad to see his corpse. But rather, glad that it meant a quicker end for the Legion itself. "With the Legate gone, the Legion is vulnerable. They've no leader, and they won't find one again, not for a while. Use that time wisely..." He spat out even more. "Get the NCR, Khans, everyone you can. Save... these... people." Six nodded, getting Boone to smile. "Now... get out...'' He loosened his grip on Six's arm and transferred the strength to pull himself up to Six's ear. He mustered up one final word. ''...Courier.''
There was no more noise. Everything had simply gone silent. The Courier couldn't even manage a thought in the moment. She had just lost one of the greatest friends she could've asked for. Someone who, even if they didn't smile a whole lot, could still provide everyone with a grand amount of entertainment. She planted a kiss on his forehead and the proceeded to carefully place Boone's corpse on the ground.
Ruby wanted to comfort Six in anyway she could... But she understood that they needed to leave at once. She placed one hand on Six's shoulder. She told Six that, ''I'm so sorry, Six. But you're right. We need to leave now. Once we're in Vegas, we'll get the whole NCR and the rest of your friends to fight the Legion with us.''
The Courier was able to understand. She would need to find time to grieve later, lots of time. For now though, there was no other option other than to retreat into the Mojave. This fight was an unwinnable one. At least it is with only the few of them in the city. Breathing in, Six, along with Ruby started to leave the area. But not until Six placed the Beret on top of Ruby's head. It looked like a good fit.
''Come on.'' She said to Ruby, making sure to pick up Lanius's Blade of the East. She wasn't going to leave it for the next Legate to claim as their own. ''Not too long ago, didn't you and Yang tell me you want to see the Mojave?" Ruby nodded, pretty sure where Six was going with this. "Well, allow me to make your wish come true." If only it could've come true in more positive circumstances. "Now, why don't we leave this place and get the rest of our friends?''