New California is Cannon, God is my witness!

Also just finished the Mass Effect trilogy once again. Turns out playing the third game without the DLC is not something you should do. Seriously you have to have DLC installed in order to get the good ending. That is way worse than the Oblivion Horse Armour DLC.

A/N: Well, this Chapter came out later than I expected, or would've hoped for. But that's okay. My only goal is to provide you all with good reading material. If I've been doing that or not is a matter of perspective. I hope you all enjoy this Chapter. And please stay safe out there. Or you could listen to the Government and not go out at all. But that's not very fun. Having fun is much more important than looking out for you and your family's safety.

Oh and before I forget, the Courier has the Child At Heart Perk. I know it technically wasn't in the full game and you have to use commands to unlock it. But that doesn't really matter to me. Because Plot.

Chapter 16: A Needed Duel

To see the difference between the Dust from her own world and this one was not difficult for the Courier. In fact it was all too easy. It worked exactly as the Shopkeep said it would. It only took the smallest amount of the Dust to bring her weapons back to full condition.

Six was never one to believe in magic, nor the paranormal. Aliens though, now those were as real as her hate for the Legion. But the powers of the Dust makes her feel like she should rethink her opinion on what's real and what's not.

While trying to do even more research on Dust, she discovered something else. That thing was dubbed Aura. Which according to the books is the physical manifestation of a person's soul. Apparently it also gives everyone access to their powers and abilities.

The Courier doesn't quite understand how Aura works. But if it can grant her the same powers as Miss Goodwitch, she won't stop at nothing until she gets her own. But in the meantime she's going to start her favorite activity. Right after Deathclaw hunting and wasting thousands of caps at the Casinos. Exploring.

Thanks to one of her Perks she already knew where all the undiscovered locations were. She had seen all of the ones in the City when she looked for a way to repair her equipment. A particularly interesting location there was a bookstore. Which for some reason the Police were investigating. Six tried to ask what happened at the place. But obviously the Cops weren't exactly thrilled to see her.

So she would just have to travel outside of the City. If able to she would try to avoid the Emerald Forest however. At least until she can get her hands on some weaponry that can do some decent damage against the Grimm.

Ozpin, despite Miss Goodwitch's negativity towards the idea, gave the Courier her weapons back. Excluding the ones that could turn a small village into a crater in a few short seconds. Today she would bring along her Silenced .22 SMG, Saturnite Fist, and A Light Shining in Darkness.

For her armour she decided to put on something she rarely ever did. Vera's Dress. One of them at least, the other one being in Veronica's possession. Of course she also brought along her Ranger Combat Armour, as well as her Cowl. But for now she wouldn't wear them.

With all of her things now packed up she made her way to her room's door. This time she was able to open it without any problems or sarcastic applause. But unfortunately there were still a few individuals waiting on the other side that she'd have to deal with.

It was team RWBY, JNPR, and behind them was Coco and Velvet. Before greeting Six, Ruby took a few quick seconds to admire the elegance of the dress that once belonged to an Old World woman. All of the extra glitter that Six added almost blinded everyone.

When she finished looking at the beautiful attire she commented on the dress. ''You finally decided to change out of that dusty old armour of yours? That was a good idea. I'm pretty sure people were wondering if you're a robot or not. I may or may not be wondering the same. Where'd you get that dress anyway?''

Where do you think, in a Hotel that's stuck right in the middle of Hell that is only inhabited by Ghosts. One type that drags you into a cloud made out of poison. The other being ones made out of pure light that can disintegrate you in seconds.

Wanting to not freak anyone the Hell out, Six used none of those words. At least not in that order. ''One of my old friends named Dean got it for me. He had this lady friend named Vera, who wanted to become an Actress more than anything. One of these acts involved her in this Dress. When she was done playing that role she gave it to me as a sign of friendship. She even gave me a second one, which I gave to my old Girlfriend.''

''Yeah, it's a pretty nice Dress. But how did you get your hands on that Combat Armour?'' Yang added, desperately wanting some of the deliciously badass armour for herself. ''Or did you just buy it? Which if you did it probably cost a hell of a lot of money, right?''

Randall Clark, the Survivalist. There are still very few that know his story. Those people being the Courier, all of her Companions, and Joshua Graham. The man's story greatly inspired Six. After all, she wasn't the woman she is now when she first walked into Zion. Whenever she did wear Randall's Armour, she wore it with pride. Knowing that the man who had it before her was a man of justice.

Instead of making up another story, she told the truth as honestly as she could. And since she was in a hurry to seek adventure, as short as she could. ''I got that from the hideout of an old legend. His real name was unknown to most people, so they just called him the Survivalist. And let me be the first to tell you. After seeing and discovering some of the stuff he pulled off, I can confirm that's exactly what he was. Now this was a very long-''

''Of for the love of... just tell her why we're her, will you Ruby?'' Weiss said, knowing that if she let Six finish her story more questions would be asked which would just lead to even more stories. In a way the Courier was grateful she didn't have to tell Randall's story again.

Yang frowned at Weiss, who just ignored her in response. Ruby snapped back to reality, no change in gravity as she did it, and told Six what they came to ask her. ''Sorry, maybe I should've said that first. After seeing you on the news and in the Lunchroom, everyone really wants to see what you're capable of. And sense Coco already wants to fight you, we were wondering if-''

Ruby was the second person to be interrupted. Coco pushed her way through all the other Students. She stared down Six and took full control of the conversation. ''What she's trying to say is that I want to kick your ass in a duel. Do you accept that offer?''

Six knew that she would eventually have to fight with Coco. For some reason the young lady was hellbent on bringing her some serious pain. But it would have to wait another day. For she was going to explore a world she had only just arrived in.

She coughed and patted Coco on her right shoulder. ''Sorry, but I don't think I have the time for that today. I'm going to check out what this region has to offer. If you'd like to fight tomorrow I'll be more than happy to knock all of your teeth out.''

After that line everyone knew shit was about to get real. Velvet attempted to defuse the situation before any property was destroyed. ''C'mon guys, we should really get going. You her heard, Six has a lot of important stuff to do.''

The small amount of interference did absolutely nothing to calm the situation. ''You'll knock out all my teeth?'' Coco said with an aggressive expression planted on her face. The Courier however was just grinning. ''We're doing this right now. Unless of course you're too much of a pussy.''

Yang and Weiss both used each of their hands to cover Ruby's ears. This is usually the moment when Six would use her incredibly high amount of Charisma to talk her way out of the situation. But she decided that it would be best to get this over as quickly as possible.

After sighing she asked Coco a few different questions all at once. ''Alright then, if that's how it has to be then so be it. When and where are we doing this? Will anyone be watching us. Most importantly am I allowed to bring any of my weapons with me?''

Coco then joined in on the grinning. ''Everything is already set up for us in the Amphitheater. Miss Goodwitch was more than happy to make the arrangements when I told her who I would be fighting. As for what weapons you can bring. Anything that you didn't use in the forest. We wouldn't want the Academy getting burned down now would we? C'mon, Velvet. We don't want to be late for our own show.''

She quickly hurried away, and after giving an apologetic look to the Courier, Velvet followed closely behind her. Clearly she didn't want the duel to take place in the first place. Team RWBY and JNPR began to discuss the situation with each other.

Ruby turned to her three fellow teammates and said, ''Who do you guys think we should be cheering for?'' Weiss looked like Ruby had just asked the most stupid question in the world. ''Coco, obviously?'' She said, gaining no additional praise from Six. ''You cheer for Six and you'll be cheering for a Terrorist.''

''I think using that word is a little harsh, don't you think?'' Pyrrha said to Weiss. For that she gained a small nod of approval from the Courier. ''I hoped that this fight could've been avoided all together. But clearly Coco isn't going to take no for an answer. Seeing as she is the one who is starting the conflict in the first place, it only seems right that I should be rooting you on, Six.''

''If that's what you think, then I'll do the same.'' Jaune, the leader of the Team spoke up. ''But don't take it the wrong way when I say I don't think you'll be able to win. From what I've seen she's a pretty great fighter. And she doesn't plan on taking it easy on you.''

Yang expressed her thoughts on Six's combat skills. ''You clearly didn't get a good view of her in the Lunchroom. Seriously, the way she threw those cans into position was perfect. It must've been 100% accurate.''

Well 95, but I guess that's close enough. Yang continued to praise the Courier. ''And don't get me started on how she handled Cardin in there. I swear, when you uppercutted him a few of his teeth flew out. What weapon did you use on him anyway?''

The Courier went into her Pip-Boy's weapon selection and selected her Boxing Tape. She presented it to both of the Teams. ''It's a little something called Boxing Tape. Keep in mind it's not nearly as effective as the gloves when it comes to damage. Especially if we're talking the Golden Gloves. But I keep them around anyway. If I ever encountered anything small like a Radscorpion or an Ant I'd use it.''

Putting the weapon back into her inventory she continued. ''As for giving Cardin an early trip to the Dentist, I'd say he got what was coming to him. Pretty sure I saw him picking on Velvet in the hallway when you were all giving me the tour. Couldn't just let that slide, now could I?''

Defending Faunus was a quick way to earn a large quantity of Blake's support. ''Huh, is that so?'' She asked, getting a nod in response. ''Well in that case I'm on your side. Oh, and again I'm really sorry about slapping you. I overacted.''

Tired of the amount of talking and the lack of fighting, Nora made an attempt to get things moving along quicker. ''There's no point in cheering someone on in a fight if they're not fighting anyone in the first place. Hurry up and choose a weapon lady.''

Someone was clearly in the mood to watch blood get spilled. ''Yes, I'd actually like to know what weapon you'll be using.'' Ren said. Six was certain that those were the first words she had heard from him. ''I wouldn't advise using anything explosive related though.''

That wouldn't be a possible problem seeing as the Courier was not given back any of her weapons that were dubbed world ending by the staff. ''Ozpin didn't let me keep any of the fun stuff. So even if I wanted to blow everything to Hell I couldn't. But don't worry, I already know what weapon I'll be using. You'll see once we actually get to the theater.''

''Maybe you should put on your old armour, don't you think?'' Ruby asked Six, which reminded the New World walker that she was wearing a dress not deigned for combat. ''I mean don't get me wrong you look very pretty in it. Which is just another reason I'd hate to see it get torn into pieces of string.''

It was decided that the Courier would not change her current apparel. ''Thanks kid, your sense of style in pretty good as well. But I think I'll stick with this. I'm sure she's nothing worse than I've already handled before. Now, maybe we should get going. Nora's right, can't watch a fight if there is no fight.''

While they were walking towards the Amphitheater everyone took quick note on how empty the halls were. That either meant that is was someone's surprise birthday party. Or everyone had already gone to the theater so they could watch the fight happen.

Opening the theater's doors gave them their answer. Almost every Student and member of the Academy's staff was there. Including Ozpin, who had a seat in front row. When they noticed her everyone stopped talking and looked over to Six.

Despite her mass of popularity back home, she didn't like that many eyes set on her all at once. A small group of the Students, Cardin and his Team included, began to boo the Courier. Some people had just earned their way onto the kill list. A very special list that only grows.

Six just ignored their verbal criticism and moved further into the room. In front of her and the room's other inhabitants was a large stage. The same one where the duel would take place. Coco was already up there. Next to her was Miss Goodwitch, who didn't look all too happy to see Six.

All members of Team JNPR and RWBY quickly took their own seats. Leaving Six to walk up to the stage by herself. Coco had an eager look on her face to move things along faster. ''Everyone here wants a show.'' She said, gaining everyone's attention. ''You should stop delaying it and accept your fate.''

Most of the observers agreed with Coco. The Courier hurried up onto the stage. But obviously the fight couldn't immediately start without a speech from the bitch witch herself. ''Students and Staff alike, I thank you for taking time out of your days to see how some of our other Students have improved. But for those of you in a hurry, I wouldn't worry. This will probably be over fairly quickly.''

It seems like someone has already picked their side. How unexpected. Six and Coco were now standing across from one another. ''By now you are all aware of the rules. Once your Aura is drained, victory goes to the other Student. Please bring up the screen.''

To their right a large screen mounted on the wall switched on. On each side of the screen was an image of the two participants in today's fight. The Courier inferred that the meter under the pictures represented some type of Aura meter. She found it similar to the Old World video games.

Coco's meter quickly filled up, indicating that she was at full strength. But it took not time for everyone to notice that the Courier's wasn't moving in the slightest. Which freaked most of those in the crowd out. ''What the Hell, she doesn't have an Aura.'' One of the Students said. ''I knew that she was soulless, I just knew it.'' Another one said.

Not owning a soul didn't seem like the craziest of ideas to Six. For one she no longer had a heart or even a brain. At least any that were organic. You have to remember that not many people with souls can manage the same brutal job as her.

As the people of the theater continued to handle the situation immaturely, Ozpin got out of his seat. He addressed every Student, and even Miss Goodwitch herself. ''I ask that you all settle down. As many of you know our new Student comes from a... rather strange place. Wherever this place is it must prevent her from manifesting an Aura. I'm sorry to disappoint many of you, but if that is the case then this duel is officially canceled.''

Like Six did when she first entered the Amphitheater, Ozpin got a few angry words thrown at him. He followed her example and just ignored the Students. You'd think that the Courier would be eager to get a move on now that she could once again go exploring.

But with how hyped up everything was, she was actually eager to crack open a skull or two. She proposed an alternative idea. Approaching Goodwitch with her Pip-Boy pointed out in front of her, she told her about one of its many features.

''It doesn't have anything to do with my Aura.'' Six said, Glynda's eyes now examining her portable computer. ''But it will give you my current health situation. Just be sure to pull me out if I get close to zero. Bad things will happen if it drops that low.''

Glynda accepted the idea and took the Pip-Boy off of her wrist. It took her a few minutes but she managed to sync the correct data with the monitor. Clearly a thing or two about computers could be learned from her. Of course Six would have to learn how to use one of the Academy's computers first.

''Now, if there are no further delays. Take your places and select your weapons.'' Miss Goodwitch said, tossing the Pip-Boy back to Six. ''And Miss Courier, I'd advise against using anything that was involved in the near destruction of Emerald Forest.''

That was perfectly fine by Six. She had gotten the idea from Yang to use her Boxing Tape anyway. It seemed like the right idea seeing as she would've fought Coco with the same weapon in the Lunchroom when they first met. It made no difference where they were fighting, just that they were.

But before they actually started the duel a thought began to slowly develop inside the Courier's head. Instead of keeping it to herself she shared it with everyone. ''Hey, at the end of this do I receive some kind of prize if I manage to win?''

And that just caused a good amount of the Students to start laughing. ''That's not how a duel works here Six.'' Ozpin told her. He had to talk a little loud due to all of the laughing. ''I guess that the only real prize would be winning.''

''Now hold on a second Professor.'' Coco said to Ozpin in a tone you wouldn't greet a Professor with. ''This is a very special member of our Academy. It only seems right that she should be allowed to have a prize. Name anything you want, Courier Six.''

It was official, this little girl was going to get beaten to death. No one who hadn't earned that privilege could call her by that name. Not even any of her closest friend or Companions could. Only could a fellow Courier and a Burned Man.

But for now she would select her prize. After all, apparently she could have anything in the world according to Coco. ''Okay, let me think for a second.'' She took a few seconds to scan the room. ''Um, no that's boring. Oh, I got it. Velvet.''

The Faunus girl looked a mixture of shocked, confused, and surprised all at once. ''If I win I get to touch your ears. Been wanting to do that for a long time now.'' Now with a red face, Velvet grabbed hold of her ears.

''What?'' She said, now only feeling more disturbed than anything. ''There's no way I'm agreeing to-'' Taking little concern for her own friend's personal interests, Coco ignored Velvet's objections. ''You have yourself a deal. Though I gotta say it's a weird one.''

With everything finally prepared Miss Goodwitch made sure both Students were prepared. ''Miss Adel, are you ready?'' Getting in a fighting stance Coco assured her, ''I'm more than ready to start and finish this.''

Then she looked to Six, who was in a similar stance. ''Miss Courier, are you ready?'' No words were used in order to make a response. It was pretty clear that she was still in a hurry to get this over as quickly as possible.

''Then, you may began when ready.'' Glynda walked off the stage and took a nearby seat next to Professor Ozpin. Both fighters thought on whether or not they should attack first or wait for an opening.

Normally in a situation like this the Courier would just lock onto her enemy using the Pip-Boy. But she felt compelled to fight this battle as fair as she could. Still, she would be kicking a good amount of ass today.

But before she could think any further, Coco made the first strike. And when it landed Six couldn't decided if it had hit her harder or faster. There was no reason that it couldn't be both. As Team CFVY's leader's fist connected with her face, it took out a few of her teeth, and even more of her health points.

She was knocked back into the wall behind her, which a put a nice hole in it. Applause was directed at Coco for her successful and impressive attack. Weiss chose to encourage her further through dialogue. ''Show that terrorist what happens when she messes with our Cities and our Academy.''

On the other side of the room Professor Ozpin started a conversation with Glynda. ''Not a very great start for her is it. Without an Aura she doesn't stand that much of a chance.'' Glynda tried to agree with him but he kept on talking. ''But we should not make assumptions just yet. She might find a way to pull through.''

Six managed to squeeze her way out of the wall and onto the floor. Her head was throbbing but it wasn't crippled, not yet anyway. She had to use a good amount of her energy in order to keep standing. Seeing a moment to strike Coco took it and went for the legs this time.

But her opponent manged to be ready for her this time around. Using the technique she learned from the Great Khan Diane, Six launched two handfuls of dirt into Coco's eyes. Which temporarily blinded and stunned her.

And before she could even realize that she couldn't see, her legs were swiped off of the floor and she landed on the ground with a loud thud. ''Ranger Andy likes to call that little moved the Ranger Takedown.'' Six said loud enough so everyone in the room could hear her. ''Works like a charm.''

A lot of the crowd was pretty pissed with the change of events. A few of them, including most of Team RWBY and JNPR were excited to see Courier Six back in the game. But all of them were shocked at how quickly she turned the tables to her favor.

But of course Coco was far from being done with this fight. She picked herself up and launched a few more punches at who was now most certainly her number one enemy. Six took a lot of damage from all of the strikes but she still managed to block them all.

When the smallest possible opening presented itself she made her own move. This time she used what Veronica referred as the Scribe Counter. She had learned it on their first date together. Aiming for the face she made quick attack after quick attack. Her strikes were so heavy the beret was knocked right off of Coco's head.

Realizing that she now had the edge, Courier Six used a move she wasn't very proud to know. But using it was a little better than getting defeated by someone seven years younger than you.

She ran backwards so she was right next to the hole in the wall. Then as fast as her legs allowed it she rushed forward. Leaping into the air she shoved her right palm into Coco's face. Taking a quick look at the screen she saw that Coco only had a slither of Aura left. Time to wrap up businesses.

Limping over to her person of interest, the Courier grabbed hold of her clothing and readied a punch to finish her. ''Damn, you're a pretty good fucking fighter. One more hit and I would be in Hell right about now. When you're back to walking let's do this again.''

She then used what little energy she had left to dish out a devastating headbutt. Coco was unconscious, meaning victory was in her possession. She struggled further but she did manege to stand up and face the crowd.

They all had blank faces. It most likely had something to do with all of the blood everywhere. ''See that?'' Six said, spitting a little blood after that. ''You don't need an Aura or a soul or whatever in order to win a fight. It just requires a lot of... you know what fuck this. I've lost way too much blood to give you all a speech. And stop calling me a terrorist, I don't meet the exact definition. Just a few of the different areas. Now, someone get me some alcohol.''

She started to leave the room but was stopped by Weiss when she reminded her, ''In order for you to win you have to completely drain your opponent's Aura meter. So no, you haven't won yet.''

''The fuck are you talking about?'' Courier Six said no longer moving towards the Amphitheater's exit. ''She's on the floor right now. Seriously, someone should probably make sure she's still even breathing-''

Turning around she saw Coco standing right in front of her. And behind her was the screen which showed that they were pretty much matched in how much health they had and how many more hits they could take.

Needless to say the Courier was shocked. But she was even more worried about her health dropping to zero. She tried to assure Coco, ''Victory is yours. I don't even want to fight anymore. Think I'll just go back to bed. You know, for a few years.''

She resumed walking, this time a little bit faster. But she wasn't fast enough. ''How about I help you with that, bitch!''