A/N: Now we've officially entered into Ruby Volume 2's setting.
Chapter 9: You Need Some Breakfast
Location: The Strip
Despite every single objection the Courier made against the awful idea, the Companion's next game night, something Six was especially looking forward to, since it was the only thing everyone in the Companions could enjoy, was officially canceled. Cass gave an explanation to Six and others. Though, calling it an explanation is generous. She only the others that she simply was not in the mood to gamble. Arcade along with a few others, supported the cancellation. No one saw a need to cause even more stress.
Even though she didn't like it, in the end, Six agreed to the cancellation. She was glad to see everyone concerned about Cass's stress levels. Though, in reality, Cass and the other Companions were all simply annoyed with losing every single precious valuable collected throughout the years.
Back to the Cass topic, no other Companion tried to ask about where she traveled to after storming away from the last game. Six advised them all to tread lightly and to avoid asking Cass any insensitive questions. There was a strong chance that returning the subject to light would only cause Cass to leave them all once more. Despite the good advice, Six was as equally as curious as the others were.
A few months came to pass, and, aside from a few new faces migrating into Vegas and Freeside, nothing would change in the Mojave. The Courier, now a single year older, sat upon the stairs leading into the Lucky 38. The night sky was no match against the Casino's now crimson lights. Even so, Six wore the Darklight Cowl.
There was something almost intoxicating about the unique vision the mask provided. While traversing the Sierra Madre, she would use the Ghost Sight almost every time the opportunity was available. And the same with the Cowl while running around the Big MT when night came. So it only makes sense that it would take so long to get adjusted to regular vision. The masked also earned Six a few curious looks.
To Six's left sat a few NCR MP personnel, a few new Recruits and a couple Officers. One Recruit continued to eye Six, the man's eyes analyzing Six's every curve. He was smart to pause his excessive staring when Six returned a glance, the Cowl's green eyes piercing into the man's soul.
Each MP was smoking a cigarette while playing some caravan, something Six considered joining in on, and cracking a few jokes. The jokes the men made were either poking fun at the prostitutes they slept with or the Fiend's getting massacred. The responsibility avoiding MPs made a recently made observation return to Six's mind.
With Caesar's Legion pushed away from the Mojave and the Fiends inside Outer Vegas completely eradicated, fatality rates among NCR Soldiers were While an increase in mobile Soldiers was a positive thing, Six didn't like the obvious reason as to why so many left the MPs.
If you're not even going to attempt to fight against the NCR's enemies, why join them in the first place?
One Soldier sitting next to Six, offered the Mojave's savior a, relatively, fresh cigarette. Six, not one to smoke, refused it. ''I appreciate it." No, she really didn't. "But no thank you." She grinned. "I'm someone who likes it when my lungs get all the oxygen they need in order to operate." The man retracted the cigarette while looking embarrassed. Six, now feeling a little sorry, explained that there were other narcotics she enjoyed. "Hey... you got any Scotch on you?" She asked, regaining the man's attention. "Now there's something I would never say no to.''
The MP shrugged. ''Guess word hasn't made its way to you then?'' He asked, receiving a "What?" in return. ''The Military Police recently made a few changes regarding the rules and regulations me and the others are required to obey."
Now the man sounded annoyed, which was understandable. Now that old troubles around the Mojave were starting to fix themselves, the NCR was at last able to unleash a little more authority over the Strip, Freeside, Westside, and a few more surrounding areas. "I guess we're no longer allowed to..." He changed his voice to sound like a stereotypical genius. "Consume alcoholic substances while maintaining New Vegas's security.''
To Six, someone who could manage to consume a whole moonshine jug every passing night, it sounded like the worst possible way to live. ''Can't even get some vodka with the way things are now. Hey, think you could... give us a little charity?''
The MP received a second shrug, this time with an added smirk, as Six was sure where this was going. ''Could you maybe sneak me and my friends a few..." A few Officers started to pass the Lucky 38's stairs. "...Nuka-Colas!?'' The Officers didn't even acknowledge them. Besides, there was no way anyone could listen in on them.
Being extra careful, the MP waited a few extra seconds. ''Look. We're all so desperate that at this point I'll take anything you're willing to give us.'' At this point, Six was starting to pity the man and his comrades. More than anyone else, she understood what it was like to suffer through thirst.
Six, raising the Pip-Boy, looked into its inventory that was as endless as the Universe. She possessed quite the stockpile of whiskey thanks to the escapades revolving around Cass, as well as enough wine to fill a swimming pool, which is something the White Glove Society would not allow. But what she always maintained an unlimited supply of was tequila. It was exclusively Dean who even liked the liquid torture.
After pulling out several bottles of tequila, the Courier donated them to the MP. He looked extremely surprised and grateful. He made sure to pass out a few of them to his friends sitting beside him. Six reminded what would happen if they got caught. ''I would keep low for a while if I were you guys. That stuff can hit pretty hard, even if only a few minutes pass. And I don't think your superiors will smile when they come across each of you vomiting your guts out.''
Within just a few seconds, the Officers began to empty their newly acquired beverages, causing the Courier to facepalm herself, when in reality she should have slapped all of them when she had the chance. She figured they would all be tossed into prison or expelled from the Military Police before the day even even passed. That's probably for the best at the end of the day.
''Hey, you mind if I take a seat next to you?'' Cass asked after emerging from behind the Lucky 38's entrance. Six responded with a quick nod, glad someone finally woke up after yesterday's party. Cass took a seat next to her on the Casino's stairs. Despite already knowing the answer, Cass asked Six a question in order to forge a conversation. ''This week has been really calm and relaxing, don't you think?''
While smiling and nodding, Courier Six answered the question. ''I couldn't agree more. Well, it has been for some more than others. But I would say pretty calm above everything else. This is the way you like it? All calm like. I get that, nice to get some air here and there. Problem is I'm starting to run out of Quests and new places to discover. So there is of course the possibility that things are going to need to get less calm if I'm to not die of pure boredom.''
Cass began to pat Six on the head as though she was a small puppy. She did it to reassure her that at one point a time for adventure would show itself. ''Don't worry. Like with everything else, you can find a way to manage just fine. But that's not what I was hoping to talk with you about. It's about when I left a couple weeks ago. And more importantly where I went to while I was gone. And...''
She stopped for a split second, filled with nothing aside from embarrassment. ''You know what, could we keep this going another time?'' Clearly it wasn't the time or place for revealing secrets. ''I promise to tell you everything as soon as I can.''
Having a completely free schedule, Six agreed to eventually meet up with Cass. That was the exact thing she had been pondering over since Cass had left in the first place. Why she couldn't talk about it now confused and even more so intrigued her. Of course she wouldn't reveal that fact.
Six began to deliver her answer. ''Sure, is there anywhere you want to-'' But she had all attention swooped away from Cass once she noticed a masked figure observing their private conversation. In the eyes of the Courier, even though someone has a cool, interesting and/or one of a kind mask, that doesn't give them the right to listen in on another person's chat whenever you feel like it. She unfortunately had to learn that the hard way, when she accidentally listened to a certain scheme at the Gomorrah.
The Courier stood up and confronted the eavesdropping figure. ''Hey stranger, I don't mean to sound rude or anything. But I think you should mind your own business. This is a private conversation between the two of us. Unless you have something important to say, it would be in your best interest to move on.''
''I can't do that.'' The man said while reaching into his jacket's side. Her natural instincts taking control, Cass quickly shielded the Courier and withdrew the Caravan Shotgun that brought her to fame. She aimed it right at the man's head. But observing his left hand, Cass and Six simultaneously noticed he was wielding an envelope, not a weapon. His posture hadn't changed in the slightest.
The man removed his mask and continued to speak to the two ladies. ''Perhaps it would have been wise for me to be more cautious with my actions?'' He could say that again. His skull was about to get a redecoration. ''I do apologize. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Malcolm. I'm a courier and I was sent to deliver-''
''No!'' Six shouted, alerting some of the Strip's other inhabitants. The man now know as Malcolm, who wasn't afraid to have a Shotgun pointed in his face, took a few steps back, feeling startled as a result of the Courier's words. Six began to explain why the name was not acceptable for anyone other than herself. ''The word courier is no longer up for grabs around these parts. It's my name. You're going to have to pick another phrase, like mailman or... I don't know, just something else.''
More or less, Malcolm was now annoyed and eager to leave. He began to wrap the conversation up. ''Okay... Now as I was saying, I have brought a letter for your eyes only. I'm not entirely aware who it's from.'' From the look on Malcolm's face, Six could tell there was a hint of embellishment. ''All I know is they see it as urgent that you read it as soon as possible.'' He gave Six the envelope.
The signature on the front showed a name that Six had not heard from in quite a long sum of time. It came all the way from Red Lucy. About to ask him a question, Six was surprised when she looked up to see Malcolm was nowhere to be found. Cass didn't even manage to see where the man vanished to.
Location: Courier's Dorm Room:
Ah, sleep, isn't it just the greatest of things? Not only is it something that we all must do in order to survive. But also something that can used as a fine source of relaxation. After a long day of work it is truly what most people look forward to. What they don't want is to have four kids repeatably knocking on their door disturbing their sleep.
Groaning, Six just barely managed to get herself out of bed and open the door. Of course not before removing her Cowl. First viewers of the thing usually get quite the scare. After opening the door Six guessed right in who she thought was causing a ruckus.
The team's leader spoke up to Six in her very natural kind voice. ''Good morning Six, or Courier. I guess I still haven't decided on which one of those sounds cooler. Look at that, you're already dressed for your first day. Does that mean you're ready to start your first day?''
Six looked down at her Pip-Boy. It was exactly 7:00 AM. Which to her was a time that is a little too early in the morning to wake up at. But to all of these people? Well apparently that's just the greatest time in the world to wake up. Six made sure to question them on their odd schedule.
''Do you guys really have to go to Class this early in the morning?'' She asked while rubbing her eyes and letting out a few yawns. ''I've always been used to waking up somewhere around 2:00 PM. Can't do any real work without a proper amount of sleep.''
Giving her personal opinion to Six, Weiss told her that, ''Nine hours is a perfectly reasonable amount of sleep. You're just going to have to get used to waking up a little earlier in the morning. Now then, I guess I'll have to be the one to point out the elephant in the room. It's about what you're wearing.''
There was no real offense caused by the claim. But all the same Six still had to ask. ''What's wrong with my Duster? Back in the Mojave only the best of the best are allowed to wear one of these. I was fortunate enough to come across one of these very rare modified versions. Exactly what could be more stylish then this?''
''Well Ozpin did ask us to hand this over to you.'' Ruby said, tossing a pair of clothing over to the Courier. ''It's your own Academy uniform.'' The uniform was a very clean one. In fact it was a little to clean for Six's tastes. She was only more encouraged to keep her Duster on with Ruby's next comment. ''But if you ask me I think you already look perfect in that Duster you're wearing.''
Before Weiss could start a long and painful argument, Yang noticed a few dents in the Duster. One's that formed way before she arrived at Beacon. Yang asked, ''Are those bullet holes in your suit?'' Yang received a very casual nod as a response.
''I got most of them in the Divide. It's a funny story really. I was pushed into this cave by a bunch of Marked Men and was essentially stuck. After they threw a bunch flashbangs at me, the noise awoke something else in the cave. It was this big and scary Deathclaw, which I nicknamed Rawr, because it's funny. But anyway, next thing I know-''
Six slowly began to cease her excessive talking. She was beginning to realize that the girls had absolutely no idea what she was even babbling on about. Blake questioned the very odd setting of the story. ''What's the Divide? And more importantly where exactly is it?''
Courier Six quickly began to formulate an answer. One that was technically not a lie. ''Let's just say that it's pretty far from here. You know, that same kind of far that means we should never discuss this place ever again in order to avoid any confusion.''
For a while there was an uncomfortable silence between everyone present, only being broken up when Yang reminded everyone that they had a very strict schedule to keep intact. ''We should get moving guys. By now everyone else is probably in the Dining Hall.''
Weiss handed the uniform to the Courier. Was she going to wear it now, no. Was she going to wear it later, even more so, no. Instead when the girls looked away she digitized the uniform and placed it into her Pip-Boy's inventory. Surprisingly it was worth quite a few Caps.
Along the way to the Dining Hall, Six needed to go over a few things. Apparently she didn't realize that her Quest was actually completed. But in her defense she no longer received experience points so sometimes it was hard to tell. The Quest was named ''Back to School''. Which was weird because Six couldn't remember the last time she ever set foot in any school. Unless you count the one in Goodsprings.
Her opinion on the Dining Hall had not changed. It was clean and all, but so were places like the Ultra Luxe. Of course the people who once owned the place were at one point cannibals. Breakfast was something that Courier Six was rarely ever concerned about. Besides her occasional morning coffee, the legend mostly kept eating as a night time activity.
''There they are.'' Ruby said to her team and the Courier, pointing at a table containing some of the other people Six met with when she first arrived at the Academy. Ruby continued, ''You guys go ahead and sit down. There's something I have to get first.''
Ruby quickly ran off, leaving everyone else to go sit at the table containing team JNPR. Immediately a few of the members scooted away from the Courier. They didn't even bother to try to hide the act from her. Not that she cared about it in the first place.
''What's up everyone?'' Yang said to team JNPR's members. ''You all recognize Six, yeah?" Before anyone could reply, Yang made sure to assure them Six wasn't going to try anything. "Hey, don't worry, it turns out she's cool. And as you can all clearly see, she has a very good sense of fashion. Hey, Six, could you finish that story about getting all those marks?''
''Nah.'' Six responded. ''It's not even that cool of a story. It just ends with me killing the Deathclaw then making a Gauntlet out of its hand, and then using said Gauntlet to rid the area of Marked Men. Trust me, a more interesting story would be about the time I was successfully able to bring peace between the NCR and the Great Khans.''
Confusion suddenly found its way into the minds of everyone else at the table. Inside her own mind, the Courier began to regret letting any of that information out. Okay, maybe I should stop saying things that revolve around concepts and people that they have absolutely no idea about.
''Um, well okay then.'' Yang said in a voice that was flooded with a few gallons of pure confusion. ''Anyway, I'm sure I'm not the only one here that's really excited about our second semester, right? Actually isn't it technically your first year here Six.''
''Well, you guys aren't the only excited ones.'' The charming young woman that Six could now identify as Pyrrha said to everyone. ''Isn't that right, Jaune?" Pyrrha momentarily looked over to team JNPR's captain. "He couldn't seem to stop talking about his excitement." Pyrrha suddenly looked a little more serious. "Seriously... I mean... twenty minutes nonstop, actually." While Jaune attempted to not look offended, Pyrrha awkwardly switched the conversation's lead over to someone else. "Oh, sorry. Um... Nora, Ren. Why don't you tell them what you told me and Jaune about the festival?''
''Well, it's just like I was saying when we were-'' Ren couldn't even two more words out before Nora just had to interrupt him for old time's sake. ''We know that it's going to be great. Not only do we get to catch up with each other, but we have the festival to look forward to. Isn't that right Ren?''
Ren sighed then nodded. Noticing that Blake was heavily invested in a book, Yang moved over to her Faunus team member and asked about her current status. ''Whatcha doin?'' In response Blake quickly closed the book before Yang could get a good look at the cover. ''Nothing, I'm just going over a few notes for class.''
The false explanation confused Six. ''I thought your first semester is ending?" Blake's eyes widened while she thought about a possible escape plan. "Why would you need to look over some old notes?'' Blake was in luck, as Ruby arrived at the table just as she was ready to make a second excuse.
Slamming a large notebook on to the table, Ruby was at least ready to join the others. However, there was no time to eat. ''Greetings!" Though Ruby was always energetic and positive, she seemed even more so than usual. "Sisters... new friends and old friends... and Weiss!" Weiss yelled at Ruby while everyone else at the table smirked. ''Four score and seven minutes ago I...'' Oh God, where's this going? ''...that we could all come together. Not only as a team... But as friends. And that we would experience the most fun anyone has ever experienced since fun existed!''
Weiss was eventually able to recognize the design of the binder Ruby was using to keep her plans safe. ''Hey, did you steal my binder?'' After the accusation, Ruby quickly closed the book and tucked it away. She assured Weiss and everyone else that she was in no way a thief. ''I am not a crook.''
As much as she didn't want to admit it, the Courier found the speech to be quite something. Sure, it was nowhere near as clever as some of her own personal speeches she had given to all of her Companions when they were about to face dangerous odds and situations, but for a 15 year old it still deserved some level of applause. Which she gave to Ruby, beginning to clap her hands in a slow pace.
''Thanks, I really appreciate you saying that Six... no, Courier... or, wait... maybe... Crap!" While Ruby looked frustrated, Six seemed amused. "Hehe, sorry. I never got around to thinking about which name I would call you.'' Ruby explained, taking a seat next to Six. ''Oh, I just remembered something I wanted to ask you." Weiss suddenly groaned, earning a jab in the side from Yang in response. "We... um, I wouldn't mind the extra company. Four is usually the maximum amount when it comes to team members. But, Ozpin said you can follow us on adventures."
Ruby was just too sweet. Too innocent looking. In a couple ways, she was exactly like Six. Pulsing with energy, charismatic, and able to talk you into a coma. Six was glad Ruby would never need to see the New World, or its unforgiving and ruthless nature.
Weiss, who Six was looking to avoid anymore conflict with, chimed in to the conversation. "Stop it, Ruby. We shouldn't make Six feel pressured to join us." Oh Maker, why couldn't Six just make people explode whenever she wanted them to. "Besides, it's not like we ever get into any-"
Right at the moment where Six was going to yell at Weiss, and maybe add in a nice slap to the face, she was startled when a pie collided with Weiss's face. Everyone, aside from Ren, who just sighed, turned to face Nora, the obvious culprit. And then, seemingly in an instant, chaos erupted throughout the entire cafeteria.