A/N: Once again, I'm going to warn you guys I am not very skilled when it comes to writing fight scenes. This is only one reason I chose to go with a Courier who prefers to talk things out rather than quickly end everything with violence.
More than likely, I'm only going to make one more Chapter. I'll also take the time to update many older Chapters after this one is released. That and I am finally going to properly release Outer Effect's next Chapter. However, those who are eagerly waiting on Velvet in Moscow's next Chapter, I've got some unfortunate news.
It is now on Hiatus, and it will most likely remain as such. Despite that, I've already started working on the next Chapter. Even so, I'm still putting it on the sidelines. Maybe when I'm finished with A Needed Quest and get farther in Outer Effect I will start updating it again.
Update: Well, it looks like I lied about only making one more Chapter.
Chapter 24: A Needed Escape
Lanius, Cinder, and Torchwick. Each was able to accomplish the task assigned to them with a 10/10 rating. Torchwick provided them with Courier Six and the other Companions, who were absolutely the most vital assets to the plan's success. Lanius provided them with an entire army, which was filled with men who were all very eager to conquer any land they could even step on. And Cinder was the one who would get them all to cooperate. With the Companion's assistance, she was certain victory was right around the corner.
At least, that is the way she assumed things would go. She was a complete idiot to underestimate Six's loathing towards the Legion. She allowed Lanius and what little Legion warriors remained to retreat to the East. Originally, Six thought there was a small possibility the Legion would change given enough time. But now she understood killing Lanius and his few remaining men was the right choice. And she regretted not making it.
She was going to correct that mistake as soon as possible, no matter what it would take. But they couldn't risk attempting to assassinate the Legate while they were still weaponless and captured. It would've achieved nothing. Between what was likely more than a thousand Legionaries and the crazy, magic, and sexy lady, the Companions would only last a few seconds in a fight. Six needed to come up with something, and quickly.
While still in the Mojave, Torchwick, through careful persuasion, was able to convince all the Companions to travel to Remnant. He provided them with the same information Ulysses and Joshua received. That Six was in trouble and required immediate assistance. He told the lie as it was the only way to get the Companions even remotely close to the new Legion.
You would think Lanius and Cinder would've thought ahead and considered Boone's reaction upon seeing a single Legionnaire. But this was even worse, as there were so many men crowded together. Due to this negative foresight, five Legionaries, specifically Veterans, were all shot and killed. Then and only then was Boone tackled to the ground and immediately restrained. Had they not stopped Boone right then and there, it's likely his next target was the Legate.
He and the other Companions were forced into a large room. Though unlike Boone, the other Companions were not tied up, which was a grave mistake. Before Six joined them, she was sure to assure Cinder and Lanius that they would receive the Companion's full support.
But as soon as she entered the room, Six made it clear to the other Companions the new Legion wasn't going to receive a thing. ''Guys, I'm not even sure anymore.'' She told them. There were so many emotions in Six's voice. The most recognizable one was anger. ''I just wanted to go on an adventure, like we use to. That isn't so much to ask, is it?" She didn't get an answer. Everyone else could only remain silent, many still trying to figure out what was going on. "But instead I get manipulated into transporting myself to an undiscovered world. And I'm assuming you guys were told I needed saving?" Arcade confirmed the suspicion. "Of course they would use such a lie. Bastards. And to top it all, they apparently want us to join them in conquering Vale."
There was a long moment consumed with silence. Everyone was still trying to understand what in the world was even going on. ''So... I'm guessing politely saying no and just leaving isn't really an option?'' Arcade asked while sitting with his arms crossed. Thanks to Boone's actions all weapons were taken away shortly after all the Companions were restrained and confined.
Rather than laughing like she would in any other situation, Six frowned. Even she understood now was not the time to start cracking jokes or attempt to lighten the mood. Now was the time to start figuring out a way to fix this mess. ''Sorry.'' Arcade apologized after seeing the change in Six's facial expression. ''Just trying to... never mind." Arcade sighed and lowered his arms onto his lap. "This... really... sucks."
Six thought that was the greatest understatement ever spoken in the New World, not that they were technically in the New World. Arcade and Six would always share negative views on the Legion. But even so, Arcade's views would never reach a level such as the Courier's. The only one whose views were even more intense were Boone's. Who, as previously mentioned, didn't attempt to conceal it upon the Companion's arrival.
Six really needed to shoot someone. Otherwise she was going to turn crazy. ''Those... absolute... MOTHERFUCKERS!" Six, not giving it a second thought, started to punch the wall with great force. "They slaughtered the only people I cared about when we were nothing more than a few stupid children." Bloody marks appeared on the wall as Six's punches continued.
"Then the same thing to Rex and ED-E. And then they forced me to watch as they mutilated them." Six started to shout as the punching continued. "They even made jokes about using 'em as spare parts to fix up that Howitzer we found at the Fort!" For a moment, Six though about that same Howitzer. Caesar apparently wanted to use it to take out several NCR snipers that were nesting on the Hoover Dam.
Such an action would've certainly given Caesar's Legion a great advantage, were the Snipers all eliminated. Six's original idea in mind was to give it to the Boomers or the Great Khans, positive it would improve relations so long as she said it was the NCR's present to share. The Brotherhood was also an option. But seeing as they were underground, they were unlikely to get much use from the Howitzer. But when the attack on the Fort finally came, and Six saw ED-E and Rex, what little remained, she completely forgot about strengthening relations.
Legionnaires numbering in the thousands who were attempting to escape the massacre Six and Boone launched were forced to watch in terror as explosive shells eviscerated everyone in sight. The shooting continued until the Howitzer's ammo was nearly gone. The Companion's leader wanted to kill as many as possible. Mainly logistical reasons, and several personal ones. But there was something more to it. Something that Six couldn't see with all the chaos erupting. And it was something Six wish she hadn't found out.
"Don't worry guys." Six assured them all. "Once I get to the Academy and find Ozpin, I'll get 'em to return my Pip-Boy." She would just need to find the right words. "And then..." Six spun a wicked smile and looked over to Boone." Hell will ascend upon the Legion once more." Boone chuckled, glad to see Six was still all there. However, the other Companions looked slightly freaked out, wondering why Six was suddenly getting so poetic on them. "And this time, I'll make sure to take out the Legate myself.''
Raul's eyes slightly widened when Six mentioned the Pip-Boy was previously taken away. He removed his unique sombrero and asked Six what she was talking about. ''How in the world did they get the Pip-Boy? You and that thing have a stronger bond than the sun and the moon. If they really did take it wouldn't it make more sense to just fight them so you can get it back?''
There was only one thing in the Universe Six loved more than anything else existence provided. And it was the Pip-Boy. Six was able to use the strange technological machine to preform miracles with a few quick taps. After the Old World came to an end on October 23, 2077, very few Pip-Boys, even the ones still in Vaults, were left intact or still in working conditions.
The few that manged to survive the nuclear fire that came with the war didn't have all that much to offer. They would only act as a compass, a convenient way to keep track of time, and could assist when firing at a target. When she first found it this was all the Courier's Pip-Boy could do as well.
Now it's capable of transporting her to anyplace in the world so long as she'd been there, storing pretty much any item she can get her hands on, and allow her to essentially freeze time whenever she pleases. She didn't know what caused the sudden but welcoming change. But then again she didn't really need to know. When you have more power than God himself why would you care to know where it came from?
''Hopefully they'll give it back to me as a reward for helping them.'' The Courier had already made up her mind the moment she saw them. She wasn't going to side with the Legion no matter what was at stake. ''And even if they don't it doesn't really matter. I'll take it by force if I have to.''
Nobody thought that was a good idea. Torchwick had told them about who they'd be going up against. Or at least that would be the case if they were going to be fighting on the same side. Making it all the way to the Academy wouldn't be an easy task if they were going in without any kind of support.
Veronica proposed an idea of her own. One that would require Luck more than anything. ''I say we take our chances with the Legion.'' That was all Boone needed to hear in order to be on board with the plan. Of course he and the rest of the gang would have to get all of his weapons back.
She continued now that everyone was listening to her. ''Once they give us our weapons back we turn on them. If we manage to escape we'll head straight for the Academy while keeping a low profile. Hopefully we'll be fast enough to warn them about what's coming.''
Cass, who wasn't in the best of moods because she had exhausted all of her newly gifted Whiskey during the trip to Remnant, began to softly chuckle. ''You all do realize that they could've planted bugs in the room and are in the middle of listening to our conversation, right?''
Everyone's eyes quickly widened and they each felt like equally as stupid. But then they ceased to worry once they realized that the one and only color of the room and the lack of any furniture, aside from the chair Boone was strapped to, provided almost no place for any bugs to be planted.
Dean didn't have all that much to contribute to the conversation. All he really wanted was for this nightmare to be over with and to go head back to the Mojave. Who they would end up siding with was not something that he cared to concern himself with.
The final one to speak up was Chalk, who was a little surprised that nobody else saw the obvious solution to their current predicament. ''Why not just trick them?'' He said, intriguing just about everyone else in the process. ''Tell them that we're going to send out three of us to act as some sort of vanguard. When you're back outside sneak up to the Academy as fast as possible. If the Legion tries to leave we'll stall them however we can.''
Courier Six clapped her hands together as soon as he finished speaking. It wasn't because of the fantastic amazing plan that Chalk had just come up with. It was because he had finally perfected his accent after trying so hard for so long to sound like the rest of the Companions.
But that was about all the time they had to hand out any sort of congratulations. Now they would have to go and pitch the idea to Cinder. There was no reason for her to not agree to the idea. Unless of course there were in fact bugs in the room. In that case things would definitely play out differently.
Grabbing the handle to their room door, Six began to open it in order to start the deception tactic. ''Hold it.'' Cass said before the door came to a full opening. Because whatever she had to add was likely not something they wanted heard by anyone else, the door was shut. ''Who are you taking with you?''
Everyone, aside from Boone because his arms are behind his back at the moment, crossed their arms and shifted their eyes over to Six. Well this is just great. Now she was going to have to make the hardest choice since she had to decided what items to leave behind at the Sierra Madre.
The one Companion that she could easily cross off the list was Dean. He proved himself to be a pretty decent shot but it was clear to everyone that he'd be ripped to pieces if he were to go outside. He always preferred to stay inside anyway so it didn't really matter to him.
''Ahem.'' Cass said, clearly wanting to accompany her out there. Her reason for it being she hadn't gotten to see the rest of the beautiful City Cass was definitely a good fighter. But only could she be in her very best shape when she had a bottle of Whiskey or two.
Veronica and Arcade gave a very similar ''ahem'' as Cass did. Arcade wasn't coming, as this was a stealth mission and even the Courier couldn't manage to sneak around while wearing Power Armour. And Veronica wasn't coming since Six was a witness to the Scribe's stealth up close. That was the last time they would ever explore the Divide together.
Raul was a mastermind in almost every area. But if they were to be spotted the last thing they needed was for people to start thinking that there are Mexican zombies running around. Of course she had to come up with a different reason in order not to offend her friend.
Ulysses and Joshua had already gone through enough trouble in a single night. And the two men were still unable to completely recover from Junior's torture. According to Arcade, they were they were still alive. Arcade was also trying to look over Ulysses and Joshua, get them in fighting shape, which was the shape all Companions would soon take. It was also another reason Arcade would stay.
That left the only two choices as Boone and Chalk. Picking them was perfectly fine with Six. Chalk wasn't exactly a champion when it came to fighting in a non-melee style, especially in such populated areas. But his unique ability to turn practically invisible when entering a sneak stance redeemed his negatives. He even taught Six new techniques she could utilize to improve the Sneak skill, which was low when they first met at Zion.
And whenever Chalk did get into a fight it was always his opponent who suffered the worse fate. Boone was a good choice for the exact same reason. Except that his armour was able to provide him with adequate protection from most forms of attacks.
Boone and Chalk both immediately agreed to go with her. The rest of her Companions were a little dissapointed with the choice until Six reminded them that whoever stays behind will probably have to kill most of the Legion before the attack starts.
As soon as they left the room and Boone was freed from his restraints, they agreed to fight alongside them before petitioning a fake plan to Lanius and Cinder. It talked about stirring up a whole bunch of ruckus across the whole city. In other words they would act as a distraction.
Lanius didn't agree with the idea at first. Caesar's Legion had tried very similar tactics both times when attacking Hoover Dam. Each attempt created a hole in the Legion and filled it with humiliation. Under the Legate's command they would never again be humiliated.
Only did he accept the plan when Six reminded him of her previous accomplishments. The thousands of lives she had taken over years of exploring, her large and impressive set of skills, and places she had been and managed to survive. Of course she did leave out any parts about messing with the Legion. Now was not the time to open up old wounds. Cinder was actually a little shocked to hear some of the information that her sources failed to give her.
The Companions were given their weapons back. But while he still remained inside, Boone had quite a few people watching him. Words can't even be used to describe just how difficult it is for him not to kill any of those involved with the Legion upon eye contact with them.
Luckily he was able to holdout long enough for them to get outside. They were generously offered transportation in the form of a car. They would've gladly accepted it if it was not for just one minor problem. None of them even knew how to drive in the first place.
Courier Six patted both of her Companions on the back. ''Relax you two.'' She said, perhaps having some kind of plan for them to get to the City. ''I've already been to the Academy several times already. I'll just use my Pip-Boy and fast... oh, right.''
This time it was Boone and Chalk who patted her on the back. She quickly shrugged off her sadness. If they would really have to make their way back to the Academy on foot then they better get to running otherwise they'll arrive after the fighting has already started.
Not long after they started running it quickly turned into a competition. Chalk was in the lead with the Courier coming up right behind him. Boone didn't bother to participate in the challenge. It was far too childish and immature for him. That and he knew that there was no way he could beat either of them.
Thanks to what happened back at Junior's there were now several Police cars as well as a couple of Officers patrolling the surrounding area. If they were really going to make it all the way up to the Academy then they were going to have to be extra stealthy.
There were quite a few different alleyways they were forced to use in order to hide themselves from the Police. Six was beginning to wish she had brought her Stealth Suit with her. It can quite literally turn her invisible, provide decent enough protection, and not to mention that voice. So sexy and comforting.
A few of the Officers were blocking the exit to one of the alleys. Seeing no reason she should have to kill the men who were just doing their jobs, the Courier just smacked both of them on the head with her SMG. Both of them fell to the ground unconscious.
With the exit now clear and the three of them now firmly out of the patrol zone it seemed to be a straight shot to the airship which would take them to the Academy. Boone used the scope of his Sniper to get a good look at the vehicle capable of flight.
He seemed to be genuinely impressed at the sight of the gigantic airship. He actually made a joke about taking it with them all the way back to the Mojave. Chalk reminded him that there was no way that it could possibly fit through the exit back to Vegas.
After one more thorough scan of the area they all left the safety of the alleyway and entered the street. They were now out in the open and would be spotted immediately if someone decided to go out for a jog. Of course that person would probably be scared off by the three Companions.
Their target was now practically right in front of them. Thanks to her impressive Repair skill, Courier Six would have no problems at all getting the airship up and running in time. But just like every other time things seem to be going according to plan, something just had to go wrong.
Two figures appeared to be heading right towards their position. Both Chalk and Boone were about to ready their weapons in case they needed to open fire on the possible targets, but Six had them stand down before anything rash could happen.
She called out to the people concealed by the dark. ''Hello there fellow citizens of this beautiful City.'' Boone sighed while Chalk began to laugh his ass off. ''This is truly the perfect night to be outside and not be in the middle of anything illegal. Wouldn't you agree?''
Since the two of them kept moving forward, Six inferred that they disagreed with her claim. ''Me and my two friends here were just trying to take in the view of this fine vessel. But I think our eyes have had quite enough. No reason for you too-''
Her eyes widened and she took a few steps back. Yang and Weiss were now directly in front of them. Their expressions said it all. They weren't here to do any talking. They came here to kick some ass. The Courier's ass to be more specific.
Chalk noticed the change in her facial expression. He and Boone shared a look to acknowledge that shit was most definitely about to go down. Weiss and Yang did the exact same thing. Six began to slowly raise her hands. Implying that she didn't wish for anyone to get hurt.
However the two members of team RWBY didn't care for her pacifist like behavior. They began to resume walking forward. ''It was all just a misunderstanding, I swear.'' The Courier said, pure fear in her voice. Henchmen in a small club she could handle just fine without her Pip-Boy to help.
This was a completely different situation. It also showed one of the few advantages that came with her no longer having her Pip-Boy. Normally when her health reaches 0 she's dead, game over. But now she no longer has a number that can drop.
Of course there were still far more disadvantages that came with not having the device. This is obviously what caused her excessive amount of fear to build up. ''Wait, you don't understand. We need to get back to the Academy right now. Remember how I told you about the Legion? Well they found their way here too. They're planning on launching an invasion against the entirety of Vale. Thousands will die if I don't get to the Academy.''
Weiss once again shared a look with Yang. What came next was greatly disappointing to hear. ''How stupid do you think we are?'' Yang said after looking back at the Courier and her weird looking friends. ''Weiss was right about you. Ozpin should've let the Police take care of you.''
''But I'm telling the truth. We're all about to be-'' Yang decided she was done talking and slammed her fist right across Six's face. Luckily she had made the decision not to wear her Gauntlets so she could bring Six in alive. At least to the point where she was at least still breathing.
Seeing his friend fall to the ground, Chalk rushed forward and began to fight with Yang. Boone pointed his Sniper at Weiss with intent to shoot her. ''Don't do it, Boone.'' The Courier said while rubbing her now red cheek. ''No need to kill them. Just hold them off while I get the airship working.''
Sighing, Boone placed his Sniper carefully on the floor. He didn't like the idea of hitting women, especially one that looked to be so young. But there appeared to be no other preset choices. He'd just have to distract them long enough to give Six enough time to get them in the air.
Chalk was already fighting with his fists rather than the weapon on his back, so he didn't need to worry about killing anyone. With Yang already distracted Boone turned his attention over to Weiss. He expected to be able to quickly take her down with a good strike to the face.
He had never been so wrong about an opponent before. As soon as he was close enough she jumped up into the air and kicked him right in the jaw, dislocating it. Boone fell back and landed on the ground. He was now in excruciating pain.
''I will never understand why someone would voluntarily choose to accept such an idiot's leadership.'' Weiss scolded Boone as though she was his mother. ''That just makes you as stupid as she is. No, even more so.'' After making sure his jaw was intact, Boone managed to get return to his stance.
She clearly didn't view the Courier with the same light that the Companions and Vegas saw. A criminal? No. The only crime Boone ever witnessed Six commit was when she assisted the Great Khans in transporting some chems to the Vault 3 Fiends. And she ended up taking them all out anyway, so really, there were zero negative consequences.
Now... was she an idiot? Yes. That was one tag she needed to own. "Yeah, you're right.'' He said with a few chuckles surrounding his words. ''But she was willing to go through so much trouble while venturing all across the Mojave just so I could redeem myself and find the men who took my wife into slavery." And that was only one occasion. Each companion could tell at least twelve stories about the Courier going on a seemingly impossible journey just to make sure they were all at 100% readiness to face the Legion. "She's given me so much in so little time... so I figure I owe 'er a couple favors to make things right.''
The fighting raged on an additional seventeen minutes. It was the Companions who were on the losing side. Chalk and Boone were injured in such awful ways they couldn't even manage to stand without supporting each other. But that wasn't a great concern to Yang, and especially not to Weiss. They just maintained the offensive.
What eventually got them to stop the assault was gunfire. Looking over at the same airship the Companions were supposedly going to use to escape, everyone saw that the shots came from Courier Six and the famous SMG she always took everywhere she ventured. At least it was famous in the Mojave, anyway. Six made sure not to point the SMG at anyone. Still, Yang and Weiss could tell that Six was willing to shoot them if she really needed to.
She called to the other Companions. ''I got it working, let's get a move on guys.'' Boone and Chalk attempted to join Six inside the airship. However, any entry was cut off by their two opponents. This time Six really did point the weapon right at them. Still, it was clear she didn't want to.
After getting the airship running she took sometime to figure out the words she would use to convince Yang and Weiss that she was trying to help their people. How she was just trying to stop an enemy more powerful than they could possibly understand.
But it would prove to be a pointless waste of time. Not because they didn't believe what she had to warn them of. But because they didn't even get to hear what she had to say. ''Boss!'' The voice of Raul shouted from less than a mile away. Everyone turned over to where the words had originated from.
It was definitely Raul, his face and outfit not being one anyone of this world would wear unless they absolutely had to. ''They know, boss.'' Six's eyes widened and the fear came back even stronger than before. Behind Raul was the rest of the Companions. And behind them was a good portion of the Legion that didn't look to be in a good mood.
Yang and Weiss were nothing but confused until they both remembered how Six had described to them the Legion's choice of attire. As soon as the rest of her friends caught up to them they all practically threw themselves into the safety of the airship.
Within a few moments, the Companions were above ground. A few sharp Legionaries attempted to throw spears at the Companions, even though they were already at a seemingly unreachable distance. But such an attack was pointless. Everyone on the airship took the opportunity to relax.
''Now you guys owe me an apology!'' The Courier shouted, pointing at a frightened Weiss and Yang. She looked to the Companions who were meant to stay with the Legion and make sure nothing went wrong. ''And what about you guys? Did I not tell you to make sure things stayed calm?''
Each of them now wanted to take turns punching Six in the face. Especially Arcade, who was forced to as quickly as possible which is certainly no easy task when you're wearing Enclave manufactured Power Armour. He was covered in sweat, not that anyone could point it out, and Arcade was also worried that his lungs were about to explode into little pieces. Or implode then proceed to explode. That sounded like a more accurate and appropriate assumption.
''Yes well, about that...'' Dean stuttered, speaking in an awkward voice while trying not to sound like an incompetent idiot, which wasn't very easy. ''It turns out that words are not enough to satisfy savages like them. So... seeing as you gave us all these good weapons anyway..." Dean awkwardly chuckled. "We just started to shoot everything we saw until there was no more ammo left." His gaze returning to the Courier, who looked pissed, Dean continued to explain why the Legion was now in the loop. "Hey, it was actually an effective strategy... well, until we realized that there at least twelve more complexes completely filled with the savages. Sorry, just seemed like a good idea at the time.''
Now that his ability to use his respiratory system was once again functioning, Arcade stated the obvious problem that came with the current situation. ''Our strategy isn't exactly going as we... well, strategized. Where exactly are we suppose to go now? There is absolutely no way we can just return through the way we came.''
Six started to laugh as though the answer to the problem was an obvious one. ''Arcade, my favorite companion.'' Veronica gasped when she realized where she was placed on the friendship scale. ''Oh would you relax, Veronica? You're still my love interest. Still, you've all seemed to suffer some memory loss? Once I've got my Pip-Boy again, I can use it to get us into the Emerald Forest." Assuming the Companions wouldn't immediately run face first into more Grimm, everything would go according to Six's strategy. "From there, we just need to make our way to this exit you told me about. How's that sound?''