I'm considering putting this Story on pause. At least until I can figure out where I want to proceed with it. I'm considering this, as I might shift my focus on some possible new projects. Those, and the other Stories I'm currently working on. Before anyone says anything, there is no need to worry. I've got no plans on abandoning the same Story I've put so much work in to. This is essentially my own literature child.
Now, as I stated in the previous Chapter, this Chapter will not contain any Flashbacks like the others I've made. Just a warning in case you've forgotten. As always, I will ask that you kindly leave me a Review. If you've really enjoyed reading all the way through to this Chapter, you should think about adding the Story to your Favorites. And maybe you should even consider Following so you can be alerted whenever I post a new Chapter?
Bolded words are shown to identify when Six is utilizing a Perk and/or Skill
Chapter 11: A Needed Day of Class
Two minutes, assuming the clocks were all accurate, was all the time Six and Velvet possessed to get to class on time. Unless the two wanted to get counted as tardy, they would need to pick up the pace and quickly. However, Six was in luck. Velvet seemed to understand exactly where she was going.
She was able to almost perfectly guide Six through every passing section while also maintaining a strong grip on Six to make sure she didn't get lost. Though Six couldn't see it, Velvet's face was completely flustered, especially when people noticed the two running together.
Velvet, taking a few more quick glances at several passing clocks, continued to move at an incredible speed, which Six assumed was thanks to the Faunus's rabbit qualities. On the Faunus topic, the thing Six observed the most were Velvet's ears. Six couldn't seem to look away from them.
They weren't like Blake's cat ears, which were more on the small and less noticeable side. In fact, if it wasn't for Six's Perception she more than likely would've mistaken Blake's ears as a simple accessory. But unlike Blake's feline ears, Velvet's were much more obvious.
Six even grew the urge to reach out and give Velvet's ears a nice squeeze. But not wanting to get called a pervert, Six managed to resist the new and strange urge. She couldn't really afford to spoil a possible chance at meeting and making a new friend.
Plus, I think we can all agree on the fact that we don't find any enjoyment when someone just randomly grabs our ears without any warning. Even if those ears are the most adorable ones you can possibly find.
As they made one last turn through one more corridor, Velvet came to a quick and sudden stop. Six was shocked they managed to stop at all given the speed Velvet was able to travel at. Velvet then notified Six, who was nearly thrown against the wall, the two made it with little time to spare. ''Here we are. This is Professor Port's class.'' She spoke in an accent that could end wars. ''It's a good thing I remembered this shortcut Coco showed me. It's saved our team from showing up late more than a few times." She took a quick glance at a clock above the classroom's entrance. "Sorry, we probably shouldn't waste anymore time. Oh, and my name is Velvet, just in case you were going to ask.''
Velvet offered Six a friendly smile and extended an arm. Six accepted it and gave a lengthy introduction. ''You can go ahead and call me Courier, the Courier, or just Six. But please don't call me Courier Six. The full title isn't exactly a name with good attachments. Only Ulysses and Joshua are the two people who really use it.'' Velvet was wondering why Six was talking about people she never even met. ''But I've actually got a new question I need you to answer." She looked at and analyzed the clock. "If you think we've got the time to talk?''
Looking at the same clock on the wall, Velvet saw the two only possessed a little more than a minute until class would start. Still, Velvet's kindness and she nodded, signaling Six to ask away. ''Okay then.'' She started. ''Now, I know that this is going to sound stupid, and it is. But please try to remember that this is still my first time coming here. Exactly what does this class teach us?'' jjjokklkjlkjkkjl
As she predicted, Courier Six received a greatly confused and even concerned look from Velvet. Though she still received an answer. ''The Professor teaches us about all the types of Grimm in this class. Mostly things about where they originally came from, their differences in behavior, and about the ways we can better ourselves when fighting against them as a team.''
Suddenly Six was a lot more eager to get into class. Her first encounter with the Grimm in the forest was something she couldn't allow to happen again. Though she ended up being victorious at the end of the violence, all of the weapons and armour she brought along were torn to shreds.
If there was any class that could make sure that would never happen again, it was a class that she would gladly attend. Even if that does mean that she will have to continue getting up a lot earlier in the morning. It almost always seemed there was some kind of price she had to pay for greatness.
With almost no time left on the clock, Agility 9 Six quickly pushed the classroom's doors open in a manner with such incredible speed, Velvet almost suffered a heart attack. She looked to the Faunus girl and gestured with her hands. ''Please, after you Velvet.'' She said, while holding the entrance open.
Velvet accepted the offer and went to take her seat next to her team. Unexpectedly, the Courier heard someone calling out her name, trying to gain her attention. But the one saying her name wasn't all that difficult to recognize. ''Hey, over here Six.'' Ruby said. ''Will you come sit next to us?''
Ruby pointed to a chair between her and Weiss, who wasn't exactly comfortable with sitting next to someone who she had strong belief was a mass murderer. She wasn't technically wrong. Seeing as it was the only open seat positioned around people she was actually acquainted with, Six took up Ruby's generous offer.
After sitting in the chair, the Courier found herself sucked in to a new conversation. ''So,'' Ruby began. ''How about that fight back in the Lunchroom? That was pretty awesome, wasn't it? Me and Blake got to see you in action. You must have some pretty quick reflexes if you're able to throw cans so fast. Oh, and Blake said it was really cool when you kicked the crap out Cardin.''
The Courier looked to Blake, and received a small nod of approval of her. It seemed that she was making friends a lot faster than she originally thought possible. This idea only strengthened when her Pip-Boy updated. The Faunus community of Beacon now had quite the strong acceptance of her. I guess word must travel fast with Faunus.
But after she received the notification, Yang began to question the Courier's allegiance. ''Why didn't you help us back in the Lunchroom during the fight with everyone? You know if I didn't know any better, I would say that you've already started to create nefarious plans with a few of the other teams.''
The fact that it was a joke was clear to Six, but she still gave it an answer. ''Not exactly. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've made myself a few enemies. As soon as Cardin is back on his feet I'm sure he's going to be looking for a slice of revenge. And Coco said she's eager to see just what I can do in combat. So with all of that to consider, right now you guys are the closest things I have to any friends.''
Yang went over to Courier Six's chair and patted her on the back. ''Don't worry about any of that.'' Yang said in what was supposed to be a reassuring tone. ''We're the only friends you're ever going to need. You won't ever find anyone else nearly as awesome as us. Even if you had millions of years to search for them.''
Before Weiss could give her piece of the discussion, the students of the class were interrupted. Standing at the front of the class was a man dressed in a burgundy suit. Some other distinguishing features was his gray hair and mustache. Seeing that he got the class's full attention, Six guessed that this was Port.
She knew her guess was right upon hearing the man's greeting to the class. ''Good evening class.'' The Professor said in a pretty charismatic tone. Though nowhere near as charismatic as her own. Port continued, ''Today we are joined by a new student.'' Port pointed to the Courier. ''Young lady, would you please care to come to the front of the class and introduce yourself to everyone?''
Six politely obliged to the old man's request. She stood up out of her chair and walked down to his position. After quickly clearing her throat then using her Pip-Boy to drink water at the speed of light, she gave an introduction that was only slightly similar to the one that she delivered to Velvet in the hallway.
''Well, my name is Six, or you can call me Courier, I don't mind which one you call me as long as you don't put them together. I was born in a Tribal village somewhere deep in Arizona. It's a place you guys probably haven't heard of. It's pretty far away from here. And I... yeah I guess that's all of the important stuff.''
Port nodded and said, ''Yes of course, please take your seat now. Unless anyone here has any questions for our new friend?'' Immediately dozens of the students raised their hands, which surprised Six greatly. Port chuckled and whispered to her, ''Guess you better get to answering. Please do be quick. I still have to teach this class.''
Above all else, the Courier was fair. So she decided to go in order of who raised their hand first. If her photo memory is as good as it's always been, then Yang was the one to have raised her hand first. She pointed to the blonde haired girl. ''I've heard you mention the NCR a few times.'' Yang said, before putting her hand back down to her side. ''Exactly who or what are they?''
Now that was a question that Six could definitely answer. But should she answer it is what she asked herself. If she the told other students that she was an associate of what was essentially the post apocalyptic version of the US Military, people might understandably be a little confused. So she decided to give everyone a pretty basic answer.
''Well,'' The Courier slowly started. ''They're pretty much like your average military. The weaponry they use is alright, I guess. But most it could barely take on a small army of bandits. At least depending on who's using it. The soldiers are a mix, some of them are well trained, others could use a few more months of discipline. Some of my best friends are actually in the NCR. They've got some pretty stylish uniforms too. In fact they're responsible for the creation of my Duster. Overall, without them my home would have died a long time ago.''
Next up for questioning was Weiss, whom The Courier pointed to. Weiss asked. ''You've also mentioned another group known as the Legion. I'm guessing that they're also some friends of yours?'' The thought of being friends with the Legion almost made Six vomit. She refrained and gave a much more honest answer.
''I can assure you that they are no friends of mine. If anything they're enemies. In fact I have no problem with calling them the scum of the world. All they are is a bunch of murdering rapists who like to go around and enslave anyone they see. Luckily the creator of the Legion met a gruesome end when... an unnamed hero called down an orbital strike right inside of his tent, blowing him into little pieces like the sonofabitch deserved!''
Her getting carried away at the end did not go unnoticed, many of the students giving confused, disturbed, and even concerned expressions. Some were even whispering to each other. Wanting to sit back down, Six decided to quickly wrap things up. ''That's enough questions for today.'' She said heading back to her seat.
As soon as Courier Six sat back down in her seat in a very awkward manner Professor Port resumed to speak with his class. ''Well... thank you, Miss Courier. That was certainly an... interesting introduction you presented us with. How about you all give a round of applause for our newest student?''
Ruby stood out of her chair and clapped her hands in a fast paced manner. The rest of team RWBY as well as JNPR eventually joined in. though their clapping seemed to be only taking pity on Six. Velvet tried to join in but Coco prevented her from doing so.
Six, screaming on the inside, immediately understood she had just wasted what was more than likely the one and only chance at making a good impression on the rest of the Academy's students. Hopefully, there was someway she would manage to survive with the few potential friends that she currently possessed.
The Professor let out a small cough and spoke to his class, ''Now then, let us move on. I say we've wasted enough precious learning time already. To start off, I have a question. A question that will revolve around the very important subject we will be discussing today. A subject that will determine whether or not you will come out on top after a fierce and harrowing battle. Here it is. Before we are to engage in any form of combat, what must we first form in order to insure our survival?''
Weiss, Pyrrha, and Coco all went to answer. But to each girl's surprise, the Courier was able to get to it first. ''Ah, Miss Courier.'' Port said with a smile on his face. ''I am glad to see you're already eager to participate in my class. Do you believe you have the correct answer?''
''Of course I've got it.'' Six said in a cocky manner. ''The answer is strategy. Only some glory seeking rookie charges straight into a fight unprepared. First, you need to formulate a well thought out strategy, considering each variable, no matter its size, very carefully." Ironically Six wasn't entirely used to formulating strategies, even though she made it sound like the opposite was true. She usually relied on Speech and Endurance to come out on top. It was only after Hoover Dam that Six chose to finally change things. "And then and only then, you go on the attack. Otherwise, you might just take some Boxing Tape straight to the jaw.''
After Cardin gritted his teeth, filled with more anger and annoyance than when Six gave the young man a uppercut, Port congratulated Six. ''Excellent, that is exactly the answer I required. Strategy, which is also today's assignment's theme. I will give each team a specific goal. These goals will range from infiltration, capturing targets, extracting HVI's, and other variables that will play a key role.''
Seeing as she was still not given a spot on a team, Professor Port presented Six with a very generous offer. ''If you would like to, Miss Courier, I will allow you to exempt yourself from this assignment. After all, it is your first class with us, so you should find no shame in it.''
That was something the Courier could not agree with. Which is why she quickly refused the offer. ''No thank you." She made sure to speak in a polite and professional manner, still trying to give a good impression. "Believe it or not, I've formulated my fair share of strategies. And I can say with most certainty that I've always found a way to come out as the victor. Even in times when I was on my own.''
The Professor was starting to like Six and the massive spirit she carried. After passing out the assignment to each individual team, Professor Port took a seat and spoke one more time to his class. ''You've all got until the class period ends to finish the assignment. If your score is above a ninety, I will reward your entire team with some extra credit.''
Writing, or more specifically, writing on something that is not electronic in nature, was something Six was something Six was virtually inexperienced in. To most people that would seem like an impossible situation. But we're talking about a girl who grew up in a post apocalyptic Mojave desert. One that was once, and arguably still is filled with people who would all jump at the chance to murder anything along with anybody they came across.
Rather than getting the chance to learn to write at a young age, Six, without any parental guidance, or, really, any guidance at all, chose to learn to shoot instead. Which, given everything that has occurred in the Mojave, is a much more useful skill in the long run.
Despite Six's absence in experience when it comes to writing with a pencil, she was able to pick up a nearby one and, in a extremely careful manner, she started to write on the paper, starting with the spot that asked to add your student information, where she opted on solely writing Six. The single name was probably going to upset the Professor. Even so, that was the only name Six was given.
Not even comparable to a professional, Six was forced to write in a slow manner. Still, she was managing to write all the same. The particular scenario the class was assigned looked all too generic to Six. In fact, it was a situation she was forced into quite often in the Mojave. There are multiple enemies. Enemies who want nothing more than to end your existence. And stop these enemies with time to spare. It was a lot more complex than that. But you should still get the main idea.
While writing, Six took a peek at team RWBY. They looked as though they were stuck in an argument, most likely trying to figure out whose strategy they would go with and execute. Despite the fact that it was obvious they should've gone with Ruby's, given she was the team's acting leader, Six found it incredibly amusing to watch the younger girls yell at one another. A few comments caused Six to giggle quietly.
Her pencil lead supply ran out around the same time she was finished with all the class work. According to the clock, she was able to finish working earlier than everyone else, which wasn't exactly a positive sign. Since there were still a few minutes remaining until Six and the others would need to turn in the finished test, Six wanted to check on the Pip-Boy in case there were any new updates. She was a little upset to see that the Quest was still not getting any updates. Hopefully it would get something soon.
After around five minutes passed, in which the Courier took some time to look over the answers she submitted, time ran out. Each student's pencil was removed and they all looked towards the Professor, who was once again standing. ''Your time has come and gone." That was an unnecessarily creepy way to them to stop writing. "Students, please pass your tests towards the front row.'' Everyone complied, each student passing the papers to whomever was sitting ahead. Ruby took the opportunity to send a few whispers to Six, who needed them. ''Hey, remember Six, this is still only your first class with us at the Academy. If you don't manage to pass this test, I'm sure things won't turn out worse.''
Courier Six proceeded to smile, nod, then pat Ruby gently on the head like she was a small puppy. It was certainly an odd method of showing great appreciation. But it was still her preferred method nonetheless. Port took awhile looking over each team's paper. And while he was doing so members from each team spoke among themselves.
Weiss took an opportunity to converse with Six. But unlike with Ruby, she did not come with any comforting words or a cute voice to make everything sound positive. ''You shouldn't worry too much. I mean there is no way one failed assignment is going to take you out." Six frowned, not that Weiss could see it. "Well that's not saying I know what it feels like to fail. If you ever need someone to assist you in learning the basics, I'm more than willing to aid you.''
Clearly this ice queen was never going to learn to coexist with the Courier. It wasn't that stressful to come up with a few theories as to why Weiss abhorred Six, even now. But still, Six believes everyone should at least receive a second chance... and maybe a few more, just in case. After all, nobody is perfect