(A/N: Hey guy before this chapter begins I want to apologize for the last chapter. Many people pointed out that is had a distractingly large amount of grammar and punctuation mistakes and to be completely honest that's mostly because I rushed it out faster than the others, I've been going back to edit them the best I can however I'm not the best at catching my own mistakes so if you spot any don't hesitate to call me out I welcome all constructive criticism. Anyway thank you to all who read this whenever you leave a comment or follow it means the world to me!)
"People often describe the courier as a hateful, selfish, and evil man. However I know that there is good buried deep within him. That underneath the anger and greed there is a man who wants to do the right thing. Six may believe he is beyond redemption, but I disagree." - Joshua Graham
Ever since the night of almost murder Primera and Six came to an uneasy trust in each other. This led to the travel back to Lescatie being relatively calm.
During the trip the pair went back and forth asking questions of the other's home.
Six learned that Lescatie was a theocracy that was primarily overseen by the church of the chief god. Despite the church having a large sway the senate was made up of many nobles that ran certain aspects of the city.
Six also learned that there were individuals, such as Primera, that were 'chosen' by the chief god and were given a large amount of reverence and sway to the populace. Primera went on to explain that the blessings allowed the heroes to use special 'magic' but Six assumed she was just patronizing him.
Despite how forthcoming Primera was, Six kept his answers short.
What's your home like? Hot.
What's your culture like? Diverse.
Did you have a ruler? Yes.
The one word answers angered Primera but Six wasn't about to spill his guts. Sure he trusted the archer not to kill him in his sleep, but that's as far as that trust went.
It was midday when Primera told him they were approaching Lescatie. Six wasn't sure what he expected to see. A large wall surrounding the city wasn't among the things he thought he'd see. New Vegas had a wall of scrap metals and wrecked pre war cars surrounding it for defense. Once Six assumed power he upgraded the wall with concrete and made them taller. However it paled in comparison to the fortifications in front of him. The wall itself seemed to reach three fourths of the height of the Lucky 38. Six could also spot the makings of guards posted on top of the wall. It took just shy of a year to complete the wall around New Vegas, so Six could only imagine how long this monster took.
"When we approach, let me do the talking okay?" Primera said.
"Hear ya loud an' clear ears. I'll jus' sit an' look pretty." Six said, causing the hero to roll her eyes.
The pair approached a large gate guarded by two fully armored knights. The sight alone pissed Six off. It just reminds him of the Brotherhood of Steel.
Now that Six thought about it Primera's description of Lescatie sounded like a blend of NCR, Brotherhood, a Legion.
Six wondered if it was too late to hightail it.
Primera brought her horse to a halt as one of the guards approached. The knight bowed his head in respect before speaking.
"Hero Primera, it is an honor to welcome you back."
"I appreciate your welcome knight. I require entry to report my mission to the clergy." Primera explained.
The knight lifted his head, and while Six couldn't see his face beneath the helmet, could tell his eyes were firmly locked on the courier.
"And who is this that accompanies you?" The knight asked.
"This man is a courier who witnessed important information I need to convey." Primera explained.
The knight continued to eye Six. "He looks foreign." The knight said. It wasn't a question rather stating the facts.
"He is." Primera confirmed. "He has traveled far and has accumulated knowledge the senate would like to hear."
The knight stood and continued to eye Six up and down. "Where do you hail from?" He asked Six.
Six opened his mouth to respond however Primera beat him to the punch.
"With all due respect I need to meet with the clergy soon, and I don't think they'd appreciate the delay." Primera coldly said.
The knight stiffened and bowed his head again to Primera. "Of course. My apologies ma'am." The knight then turned around and made a hand gesture to a small window above the gate.
Soon the gate slowly opened revealing busy streets and many citizens walking about, some paused to see who was coming through the gate.
Primera gave a thankful nod to the knight and led her horse to enter the city.
As Six and Primera passed through the gate the knight called out to Six. "Watch yourself while you're here outsider." The knight warned.
The gate began closing behind them before Six could retort. After entering the city Primera approached a stable that was reserved for military and heroes. While there were stables open to the public none of them held a candle to the one Primera was approaching. This stable was two stories and had around the clock stable hands to constantly maintain the wellness of all mounts left under their care. Meanwhile the public stable was often overcrowded and had minimal standards for the horses.
Once inside the stable Six and Primera dismounted her horse. Six took the opportunity to stretch and loosen his stiff joints while Primera pampered her steed giving it a quiet 'thank you'.
While they may not have gotten along the whole trip Six had to admit it was clear Primera loved that horse.
"Is everyone here that friendly ta strangers or was it jus' him?" Six asked referring to the gate guard.
Primera joined Six's side once she was done showing affection to her steed.
"The war against the demon lord and her monsters has taken its toll against the citizens. It has led to many to become suspicious of new faces, so please don't take it personally." Primera explained.
Six shrugged. It wasn't like this was anything new to him. The boomers, dead horses, hell even New Vegas citizens the first time he entered the city all showed some degree of disdain towards him at first.
As the pair left the stable Six took in the city in all its glory. Stone streets paved the way for all types of people to make their way throughout the city. Many buildings stood tall and with pristine glass windows.
It was now Six noticed that the city didn't look very…..modern. Six had assumed that the city was some kind of refurbished pre-war city that wasn't hit too hard by the bombs. However Lescatie seemed like it was straight out of the middle ages. There were no street lights. No power lines broken or otherwise. And a distinctive lack of any type of modern technology Six was used to. Six spotted a manhole cover implying the city had a sewer system.
"Admiring the city? Despite the internal flaws it is something to look at." Primera said.
Six continued to look around the city. "Was this city built before or after?"
"Before or after what?" Primera asked.
"The war." Six answered.
"Lescatie was constructed before the current demon lord took power so I'd say about-" Primera's estimation cas interrupted.
"No, I mean the great war. Did the bombs hit before or after the city was built?" Six clarified.
Primera gave Six a confused look. "Is this another one of your sayings? I don't know what bombs you are talking about."
All of this just confused Six even more. Was this some kind of unknown nation that wasn't nuked in the war? Then how do you explain all the strange mutants? And even if they weren't hit surly they know what happened to the rest of the fucking planet.
"None of this makes sense." Six said out loud.
"You're not wrong. But that's why I brought you here, come on." Primera signaled for Six to follow.
As the pair walked through the city Six kept eyeing the buildings. None of the buildings looked like the ones in Vegas. Not just the fact there was no evidence of a nuclear holocaust. But all the buildings looked like they were built differently. Six couldn't explain the exact differences, just that they were there.
At one point Six took note of an alley that led down a street to a building that looked to be worn down and much less maintained than the ones on the street he was currently walking down.
"Looks like y'all need ta do some work." Six offhandedly said.
Primera followed his gaze and grew dour look. "We're on the edge of the slums so you'll be able to notice some worn down buildings." Primera said.
"Slums?" Six asked.
"The slums are where the poverty stricken citizens reside. As well as a large portion of the working class. The buildings hardly ever see restoration due to a lack of funds." Primera explained.
"Lack of funds?"
"Most of the tax money ends up going to the war effort while the rest just fills the noble's fat purses." Primera said suppressing a growl.
"If the war effort gets such a cut how come ya were sent ta fight them orcs by yer lonesome?" Six asked.
Primera looked back to meet Six's gaze. "Congratulations Six you've managed to see the problem with this 'utopia'." Primera said.
"Fuckin' taxes." Six muttered.
Six took a cut from the casinos, sure. But that was less taxes and more so paying for utilities. Besides he funneled his fortune back into New Vegas. After the new wall was constructed Six met with the King and other Freeside community leaders to start the 'Freeside reconstruction project'. The idea was rebuilding Freeside to the point where the gate separating the strip and Freeside would be taken down. It gave many of the people struggling in Freeside work and paying jobs. Of course Six offered a free pass into the strip to all the workers. After all, why not use the money earned from a hard day's work to enjoy the luxuries the casinos offered? Six had gotten the idea from Sinclair of all people. It became a self sustaining project.
Soon the wall did come down revealing refurbished apartment buildings, additions onto the king's building, and expansions for the atomic wrangler. Eventually the old Mormon Fort was changed from a drug den back into a followers clinic.
Rebuilding Freeside was partially to expand New Vega's domain. But the other part was Six paying back the help that all the Freeside natives gave him in his early days of wastelanding.
"So they take a buncha taxes for the war but they still send a kid to fight all by herself?" Six asked.
Primera halted and turned to face Six. "Who exactly are you calling a child?" She coldly asked.
"You. What are ya 16?" Six asked.
Primera crossed her arms and glared daggers at the courier. "I'm 21 for your information."
Six rolled his eyes. "21. 16. Ya'll look the same ta me."
"And exactly how old are you?" Primera accusingly asked.
A memory flashed in Six's head as he responded. "Old enough to know better, ears. Old enough to know better."
Primera didn't find the answer as funny as Six did.
The rest of the walk was silent. Eventually Six and Primera reached their destination.
Very far away from the slums, Six noted.
The building was much larger than any Six had seen thus far. In fact the only other structure that was larger was a literal castle in the middle of the city.
It was when Six saw the castle a thought entered his head.
"Did the think tank accidentally make a fucking time machine?!"
The lack of radiation, lack of guns, castles, and no evidence of electricity supported the theory.
But there were the mutants he encountered. As well as the high tech arrows Primera used. So Six pushed the idea out of his head.
Besides, a time machine? That was way too ridiculous an idea.
Primera stopped in front of the building, lowered her head and clasped her hands. Six noticed the silent prayer the half elf was doing and quietly let her finish.
Six wasn't a holy man himself. But he never blamed anyone or judged someone for having faith.
Primera lifted her head again and motioned Six to once again follow.
Once the pair was inside the building and Six was slightly taken aback by how ornate the building was. Statues, Stained glass, altars, candles littered the inside of the building.
"This some sorta church?" Six asked.
Primera nodded. "This is the city's primary temple of the Chief God. The city has a temple stationed throughout the city to make it easy for anyone to attend a service, but this was the first one ever built in the city."
The archer then turned to face Six.
"This is a very important place. And you are about to meet very important people. So please try to not be as insufferable as you have been these past few days." Primera said.
Six smirked underneath his gas mask. "Don't worry ears, I'll be on my best behavior." Six assured.
Primera didn't believe the man but acknowledged that was the best she was going to get out of the courier.
Primera proceeded to speak with a nun who left shortly after and the pair was left to wait in one of the empty pews waiting in silence.
The pair waited for an hour plus some change before the same nun approached the pair.
"Hero Primera, they are ready for you." The nun said.
Primera rose from her seat as did Six. But Primea raised a hand to halt the courier. "I'm going in first. I'll get you once we're ready."
Six grunted but sat back down in the pew and resumed fiddling with his pipboy.
"Here is Hero Primera you excellencies." The nun said as Primera entered the chambers.
In front of her was an ornate table decorated with holy images carved into the wood and strains of gold implemented around the images.
Behind the table sat four men dressed in robes befitting that of high ranking members of the church.
Primera, to her disgust, kneeled in front of the four priests. "Hero Primera Concerto." Primera introduced as per custom.
"Rise Hero." One of the men said.
Primera stood up and noticed that only four of the five chairs were filled.
"Is High Priest Faust not joining us?" Primera asked.
"Unfortunately High Priest Faust is running late, depending on how long this report takes he may not be able to join us." The priest seated in the center said.
A priest second to the right readied a piece of parchment and a pen ready to write everything down.
"Fine with me." Primera thought.
"So Primera, we sent you to give aid to a village being attacked by disgusting orcs. What do you have to say?" The priest on the far left asked.
It did not go unnoticed by Primera that he intentionally left out her title.
"I went to the village as instructed. However it seems that this incident has led to something much bigger." Primera said.
Primera proceeded to tell the clergy everything. About Delilah. About Six. And how Delilah Let Primera go.
"A demon was able to defeat you!?" One of the priests asked.
Primera winced as she answered. "Yes. She managed to incapacitate me. She let me go afterwards saying how it was 'against rules'."
"If a single demon was able to defeat you can you really call yourself a hero?!"
The priest that sat in the center raised his hand to silence his peer. "Calm yourself Donavin."
"Er, right. Forgive me Archbishop Noscrim." Donavin said.
The Archbishop nodded and spoke. "Now, I understand that perhaps it was due to pure exhaustion that this demon narrowly got the upper hand on you Hero Primera. However heroes in our society need to be seen as an unstoppable force. The last line of defense to our great city and its people against the demon lord and her accursed monsters." He explained. "Thus I believe it would be better for everyone if we explained that the demon did in fact fall to your hands. Do we understand?" The Archbishop asked.
The priest, who had been writing everything down thus far, crumpled the paper he'd been using and began a new sheet hastily writing to catch up.
Primera stiffly nodded and answered. "Yes sir."
The Archbishop nodded in satisfaction. "On that note I believe it would be best to say this mercenary you speak of only assisted you in wiping out the orcs."
Primera's eyes widened. "But sir he-" Primera was silenced by another raised hand.
"If people begin to think that a lone man did what only a hero could do then they may take it upon themselves to attempt the same thing, only to throw their lives away for a poorly recalled story. These things are better left to the heroes." The Archbishop explained."Now, you say this mercenary had close contact with a demon. Yet there was no trace of corruption or lingering demonic energy? Furthermore you say he claims he comes from a land without monsters infesting the land?"
"How can you be so sure this man isn't lying? This could all be some fabricated story to his own end." High Priest Donavin pointed out.
"I assumed the same at first." Primera said. "However his surprise to monsters and ignorance of the land strike me as genuine."
The clergy whispered amongst themselves. As the did the whisperings were interrupted by the door to the room opening leading a short portly man dressed priest robes to waltz in.
"Oh, do please forgive me for being late gentlemen. My carriage lost a wheel on the way here and-" The priest paused when he noticed Primera.
The man was stout, shorter than Primera, and had a round face. His face was adorned with thick round glasses and while not bald had a noticeable receding hairline.
"Oh forgive my rudeness for not greeting you Hero Primera. I hope your mission went well." The priest said with a gentle smile.
"That's what we are in the middle of discussing Faust." Archbishop Noscrim explained. "Hero Primera, please go retrieve the mercenary. We'll fill in High Priest Faust while you do so. I think we'd all like to ask him a few questions."
Primera nodded and turned to leave the room. As the archer passed Faust the priest gave the hero another smile. It made Primera's skin crawl. She disliked many of her superiors in the order, but High Priest Faust was top of all the lists.
Six silently sat in the church pew as he continued to fiddle with his pipboy. He had been at this for a day. Turning every nob, dial, switch and whatever else. Turning the device on and off a dozen times. He even tried slamming the device against a tree. All of this was in a vain attempt to locate ANY kind of radio signal. Yet the pipboy remained silent through it all.
After another failed attempt Six gave up and lolled his head back and began looking around the building to distract himself.
He took note of the stained glass panels depicting some woman with angelic features stabbing some kind of trident through a shadowy black figure. He took note of another window with the same angelic figure risen above several other detailed women. One of the smaller figures stood out to Six due to the overwhelming pink colors and hearts decorating the figure.
It was then Six noticed the large marble statue station at the altar. It was obvious this was the angelic woman from the windows. However this statute provided all the detail the glass left out. If the marble was anything to go by, the woman was beautiful. It was the woman with a serene and inviting smile holding her hands out wide as if to accept the person into an embrace. Several large wings decorated the back of the statue, and atop the woman's head was some fancy looking crown. The statue's sculpture also didn't hold back when it came to the chest area. Six was amazed the statue didn't suffer a balance problem with how much rock was left in that area.
"Hell if that's what god looks like I'd pray too." Six thought with a laugh.
*ZZKZCHZZ*
Six's eyes widened as large as they could and immediately brought his wrist to his face. Did he just hear that? It was quick. It was quiet. It was barely noticeable, but Six swore he just heard the tiniest bit of static.
He examined the pipboy as close as possible. But there wasn't anything new on the screen. Did he just imagine it? Was he so desperate for a signal that his brain was playing tricks on him?
Before he could investigate any further Primera's voice pulled him out of his concentration.
"They're ready for you." Was all she said.
Six looked to the half elf and back to his pipboy a few times before exhaling and standing up.
It wouldn't be the first time his brain was screwing with him.
"Geez ears, could ya not make it sound like I'm walkin' to a noose?" Six joked.
Primera remained quiet as she lead the courier to the meeting room.
In the time Primera left to retrieve Six two armored guards had been brought in to stand on both sides of the door. The hero and courier entered with the knights close behind.
Once inside room Six was met with the gazes of the priests. All looks were of judgment and distrust save for one.
"Ah! You must be the one calles 'Six', Correct?" Faust cheerfully asked.
Six raised an eyebrow of the portal man with glasses. He was entirely too happy looking.
"That's me." Six confirmed.
"Greetings Six. I am Archbishop Archibald Noscrim. Gathered with me are the four High Priests of Lescatie."
Before any more introductions could be made one priest spoke up.
"Are you aware you stand in a place of worship?! Remove your hat and mask!" Donavin demanded.
"Trust me Padre I doubt ya wanna see what underneath." Six Lightly said.
Donavin's face turned red with anger. How dare this vagabond! The very nerve!
"'Padre'! How dare you insult one of the Chief God's devoted priests I should have you thrown in a cell and-"
"Donavin, contain yourself. Outbursts are unbecoming of a servant of the Chief God." Faust pleaded.
Six raised a hand in an attempt to ease the situation. "I didn't mean no disrespect. Back where I'm from 'padre' is just a word we use to call holy men." Six explained.
As Donavin leaned back, still red with anger, the archbishop leaned forward with clasped hands. "Which brings me to my first question. Where exactly are you from?"
"I'm from the Mojave. Specifically the city of New Vegas." Six answered.
Archibald glanced to his side to make sure the priest had written that down.
"As my compatriot said, this is the cathedral of the Chief God. I ask you to remove your mask and hat so that she may see who steps foot in her temple." The archbishop asked.
Six looked around and saw that everyone, including Primera, was looking at him expectantly. In fact he could see the stiff stances the knights had. It looked as though the guards were ready to jump on him at a moment's notice.
Six complied and removed his affects leaving his scars on display.
Donavin recoiled in disgust at the gruesome scars. One of the guards sucked in a sharp breath. And Faust had a barely noticeable smile grow ever so small.
Archibald was unfazed. "Thank you. Now Six We'd like to ask you a few questions to confirm what Hero Primera has told us." The archbishop began.
"First off, we were told that you were accompanied by a demon during your travels?"
"It was more like halfa' day or so but yeah I was walkin' with the mutie." Six said.
"By 'mutie' you mean the demon, yes?" Faust asked.
Six shrugged. "Whatever ya'll wanna call it she had wings and a tail either way." Six responded.
"And yet you don't seem to be influenced by her dark magic in any way." Donavin noted.
Six rolled his eyes at the use of the word 'magic'.
"And these weapons you carry, the ones you used to defeat the orcs, where did you acquire them?" Faust asked.
Six instinctively moved his hand to rest on his waist. "Picked 'em up on my travels. Too many places to list."
Faust gave Six a gentle smile. "Would you be willing to let us examine those weapons?"
"I would not." Six said firmly.
"And if we were to merely take your weapons from you?" Donavin asked with a smug look.
"Yer more than welcome to try. But partner, I can't say I recommend that." Six warned.
Archibald raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "And why is that?"
"Cuz last time a guy tried to take my guns, I fed him his own liver."
The two knights went to brandish their swords but were quickly stopped by Faust. "Hold please! Sir Six please forgive the implications. We have no intent to steal from you. We are merely in awe of weapons that were so effective against monsters." The high priest explained.
Six gave the clergy a confused look. "Ya'll have really never seen a damn pistol before?"
"We have not." Archibald said. "Which makes me all the more curious about this 'New Vay Gas' you come from. You say that your land has no monsters plaguing the land?"
"We got monsters alright." Six said. "Cazadors, deathclaws, radscorpions just ta name a few. But none of them got tits and legs like what I've seen here."
All of the high priests' eyes widened. They were all under the assumption this man hailed from a land undiscovered by the demon lord's forces. However if his land has monsters unaffected by the demon lord's touch then….
"How could-"
"Does that mean-"
"-liar-"
"-how?"
Archibald raised a hand to silence his comrades. "Six, Do you have ANY recollection of the demon lord or the Order of the Chief God?"
Six shook his head. "Outside of what I've heard the past couple'a days, no."
Archibald leaned to the other priests and whispered to which they all nodded at.
"I have a theory as to why you are such an enigma Six. My compatriots and I will conduct a small test to confirm my suspicions." Without waiting for Six to agree to the test or to hear his questions all five of the clergy members rose from their seats and extended their hand towards the courier. Suddenly a faint white glow encompassed their hands and eyes.
"What the ever livin' fuck!" Six exclaimed.
What were they doing? How were they doing this?
Each of the high priests gasped in shock.
"Look at it!"
"I've never seen anything like this."
"I suppose that confirms the theory."
"Then that means he's truly-"
"What the actual fuck is goin' on!" Six exclaimed.
The clergy members lowered their hands and the white light dissipated leaving only weary and shocked looks on their faces.
"Please calm yourself Sir Six I assure you we were doing no harm." Faust pleaded.
"Then what the hell was all that!?" Six questioned.
The priests looked at one another nervously.
"Six, do you know about spirit energy?" Archibald asked.
"I've heard the term tossed around a bit." Six said.
The archbishop nodded and continued. "Spirit energy is the life force that makes up all living creatures. Using magic individuals can see the spirit energy that makes up an individual. This is how we can weed out any demon lord agents or those corrupted by her demonic energy."
Six was finally about to snap about the absurd notion of magic and demons but was stopped by the archbishop.
"I understand now that this may seem unbelievable to you. However there is an explanation. You see there are multiple planes of existence in our world. Beyond our reality there are records of other worlds different to ours. The most notable is wonderland or the land of endless winter. Your spirit energy is different from any other we have ever seen or and is different from any that has ever been recorded. This leads me to believe you are not from a different country, rather you are here from a different reality altogether."
The room was silent. Not a word spoken. The guards silently waited for the courier to react to the news. Primera gaped with shocked eyes at the reveal. This was something she hadn't ever thought to consider. The clergy was tense waiting for their otherworldly visitor to respond.
"Heh. haha. Pfft ahahaha." Six started laughing harder than any crowd at a Topps comedy show.
"Hells bells padre you almost got me there with the whole magic brahminshit." Six wheezed.
"I assure you this is no joke." Archibald said.
"No this IS a joke." Six said with anger lacing his tone. "This is a load of shit. There's no such things as magic, or demon, or alternate univer-" Six paused mid rant as a memory buried deep in his mind resurfaced. A conversation with a think tank brain.
"The multiverse theory is one of my personal favorites. Before robotics I had wanted that field of study to be my major but the call of bent metal and burnt wires lured me. Anyway back to the topic, the leading theory is that beyond our wall of time and space there lies an infinite number of universus with an infinite number of possibilities. Each unique in its own ways. Some with differences so small such as that chair over there being four inches to the left, to differences as large as the bombs never dropping. My favorite example of this is from the Unstoppables comic issue #56 'The Unstopagirls. Where the hero team meets their counterparts from an earth where all their genders were swapped! But anyway that's the basics of multiverse theory, did that answer your question?" Dr. 0 asked.
"I just asked if ya could change the pipboy's color."
Six stood still as a stature. A different universe. Those fucking idiots sent Six to a different goddamn universe. All because he wanted to cut down on travel time!
"No. No no no no." Six kept repeating as he frantically paced back and forth, something that did not comfort the other people in the room.
"Sir Six I understand that-"
"Okay so magic's real! Sure fuck it why not, ya'll can send me back right?! Jus' wave yer hand and I'll be on my way!" Six yelled.
With a stoic expression Archibald replied. "Unfortunately travel between worlds is a magic that has been long since lost to time."
Now Six began to shake with anger. There had to be a way back. The fast travel beam? No, even if it wasn't a heap of slag Six would never figure out how to fix it.
This wasn't happening. Everything Six went through. Everything he built. All gone because he was stranded in a land of wizards and elves. Straight out of a fucking Grognak comic.
"Six please calm yourself." Primera asked.
Six turned to Primera with a burning rage in his eyes. "Calm down?! I'm pretty sure we're well past calm at this point ears!"
A guard, sensing the hostility, took a step forward but was then met with Six's glare. "And what the fuck do ya think yer doin'?!"
Six felt all the wary looks he was receiving. "Fucking brains!" Was all he could yell.
Six put his hat back on and went to leave the room. One of the unfortunate guards went to stop him but was shoved away by the courier's enhanced strength.
"Six!" Primera yelled after the courier. But Six made no acknowledgement as he marched out of the cathedral with rage radiating off of him.
"Guards seize that vagabond!" Donavin shouted.
"Wait! Priest Donavin I urge you to calm yourself. This man just had his whole world uprooted, I believe it is best to allow him time to calm himself." Faust begged.
"And let him loose inside the city?! The man wiped out an entire orc tribe, you'd wish him to do the same to the citizens?!" Donavin questioned.
"Perhaps if it were the slums." One of the unnamed priests muttered.
"Calm down, both of you! I see both your points however! Hero Primera, escort Six and ensure he does not cause any trouble." Archibald ordered.
Primera didn't bother acknowledging the order or bowing before running off to find the courier.
The guards followed the archer leaving the room only filled by the clergy members.
"Why are we not imprisoning him?! He shows blatant disrespect to the Chief God and is a danger to the city!" Donavin demanded.
"As per usual Donavin it seems you are too short sighted to see what's in front of you." Faust said disappointed.
"Faust is right Donavin, while unruly this man may prove to be an able tool for the Chief God's crusade." Archibald agreed.
"If you refer to his weapons I don't see why we can't just pluck them from his corpse." Donavin grumbled.
"It's not just his weapons that intrigue me, it's the fact that there was no trace of demonic corruption in his spirit energy. If he is not immune then he has a large tolerance to it." Archibald explained.
"You think this man will be willing to take arms in the Chief God's name?" one of the other priests asked.
"Do not mistake me, the Chief God has no tolerance for the impure, especially one who is not from her realm; this man will not die in her name. However if Primera's report is something to go off of we may be able to control him through other incentives." Archibald said.
"If you mean to hire him don't expect me to help pay." Donavin said dismissively.
"That'll be discussed later, Let's first wait for him to adjust to the situation he's in." Faust said with a smile creeping up his lips.
Six marched through the streets of Lescatie not caring if he bumped into anybody. All the people he passed gave him a side eye and sneered at him. Primera did say they frowned on foreigners. And he was definitely foreign.
Six wanted to lie to himself. Say that the asshats were insane. That he was still on earth. That the brains didn't leave him stranded.
But it explained too many things to be wrong. No radiation. No electricity. No knowledge of the great war. The weird mutants, or rather monsters.
He was stuck here with no way home.
Six knew his anger was overtaking him. He was a bomb waiting to go off at any second. The last time Six was this angry was when House turned on him.
Six needed to get drunk. Fast.
Six retraced his steps to the alleyway that led to the slums. His time in Freeside taught him that if you want to know about a city's dirty laundry you check the ghetto.
Walking through the slums Six could see the stark contrast from the inner city. Broken windows, trash in the streets, beggars on every corner.
The people of the slums didn't give him as many dirty looks as he'd been receiving so far. There were a couple looks here and there but most of the people were too focused on themselves to care.
Six spotted a lone old man sitting at the entrance to another alley wearing rags with a small wooden bowl with two pieces of copper inside it to his side.
Six waltzed up to where he was sitting. "Howdy old timer." Six greeted.
The man's tired gaze met Six's. "What do you want outsider? Here to steal what little an old man has?"
"Jus' lookin' ta get a drink. I'm…new to the area."
The old man looked unimpressed and lazily pointed to a rundown wood building that looked like it was on it's last legs.
"Thanks." Was all Six said as he reached into his pocket to retrieve a single gold coin and flipped it into the bowl.
As Six walked toward the bar he heard the old man begin to hyperventilate at the gold coin.
Six arrived at the bar and saw that it looked even worse up close. Entering the building Six was greeted by a near empty bar with only the bartender and a table with three men being the occupants.
Six walked to the bar and ignored the dirty looks he was getting from the table.
Six took a seat at the bar worried that the creaking stool was going to give out from beneath him at any moment.
"Help you?" The bartender asked.
"Whisky." Was all Six said.
"Very funny, that's only for the upper class places. You won't find that here." The bartender said.
"Then give me whatever piss ya sell here." Six demanded losing what little patience he had remaining.
The bartender produced a glass and a dirty bottle that had probably been reused several times. The bartender poured a shot's worth of clear liquid into the glass.
Six was unimpressed. "What am I, a little girl?" Six asked as he snatched the bottle from the man and slammed several gold coins onto the counter.
It was when the bartender saw the gold that he decided not to throw the bum at his counter out. "O-oh yes, you're right my apologies." He said quickly gathering the coins before the man realized how much he overpaid.
Six began drinking from the dirty bottle and felt the liquid burn his throat as he drank. It was awful, even worse than Partlov's beer. But Six didn't care.
"Where are you from?" A new voiced asked.
Six looked over his shoulder to see the three men from the table had gotten up and walked over to the courier. The one in front who had spoken had a square jaw and brown hair and the red cheeks told Six he had been drinking long before Six showed up.
"Nowhere you know." Was all Six said, turning back to his drink.
A hand on Six's shoulder turned him around to fully face the men.
"You're not from Lescatie." Tha man said.
"No shit." Six replied.
"My brother served as a knight in the order's army for years." The man said.
"Congratulations. Who gives a shit." Six said turning around.
The man once again forcibly turned Six around.
"My brother served and gave his life to protect the people of Lescatie." He said growing angrier. "So when I see outsiders prance around it's like you're spitting on his grave."
"I can piss on it instead if ya'd like." Six offerd.
The man and his friends grit their teeth. "I'll give you one chance to get out before we show you how we treat outsiders." The man warned.
And just like that. The pin had been pulled. Six's anger had officially boiled over and now the courier was hungry to let out his frustrations of everything leading up to this moment. Six wanted this fight, and knew exactly how to start it.
Six stood from his stool and looked the man in the eyes.
"You're a little bitch, and your brother was too."
Primera looked far and wide. By the time she had exited the cathedral Six had already blended into the crowd despite his unique attire. She informed the two guards that followed her to split up and search, but warned them to not approach the courier and to come find her immediately.
Primera wanted to believe Six wouldn't go on a rage induced rampage. But she knew first hand how dangerous Six was. If she was honest after the night Six pointed his gun at her, Primera wasn't sure how a rematch would pan out.
"Prim!" A familiar voice called out.
Primera's ears perked up at the nickname she knew all too well.
The archer saw a knight without a helmet allowing the whole world to see his messy red hair approaching her while eagerly waving.
Primera suppressed her desire to smile widely and blush.
"Elt, good to see you." The half elf said.
"I'm so glad to see you're back! I was worried about you." Elt said with a genuine smile.
"Don't blush." Primera's inner voice commanded.
Primera scoffed. "I'm a Hero dummy, you don't need to worry."
Elt sheepishly scratched the back of his head and smiled. "You're right, I know how strong you are. But I just want you to be safe is all."
Primera's facade broke and a smile grew on her lips. "What are you doing in the streets?" Primera asked.
"The captain had all of us go on patrol today. She says we need to work on maneuvering in urban environments." Elt explained.
Primera's smile dropped at the mention of Elt's knight captain.
"Primera are you okay?" Elt asked.
"I'm fine. Why?" Primera coldly asked.
"Well, you just looked really angry." The knight in training pointed out.
"I said I'm fine." Primera said.
Elt was unconvinced but decided not to push the matter. "Well my shift is almost over and I was going to go see big sis for dinner, do you want to join? I'm sure everyone would like to see you." Elt said.
Primera's smile was revived at the offer. Dinner with Elt, Sasha, and the kids sounded nice after dealing with-
Primera face palmed. How the hell did she forget about Six!
"Prim, what's wrong?!" Elt worriedly asked.
"I'm looking for someone! You distracted me and now I lost track, dummy!" The archer yelled.
Elt looked shocked then guilty as he bowed to his friend. "Ah! Sorry Prim! I'll help you look." Elt offered.
Primera paused. The last thing she wanted to do is put Elt on Six's path. But the longer she left the courier alone the bigger chance something bad would happen.
And right now the half elf hero had limited options.
"Okay, but I need you to promise not to approach him. If you find him, find me IMMEDIATELY." Primera said
"But-" Anything Elt was about to say was cut off by his friend.
"I'm serious Elt, promise me!" Primera demanded.
Despite the burning questions Elt only said. "I promise."
Satisfied Primera continued. "The man you're looking for is named Six.'
"Six?"
"It's stupid, I know. He's wearing a large brimmed hat and has a coat with a circle of stars on the back."
Elt nodded. "Circle of stars, got it!"
"And be careful. He's not in the best headspace right now." Primera warned.
The two parted and Elt began his search for the courier.
Elt decided to search the slums since he knew the area all too well. It was in the slums where Elt and Primera met all those years ago. Raised in the same orphanage by big sis Sasha they became fast friends.
Yup friends. Best friends even. Friends forever.
Primera gave the red haired knight a brief explanation of why she needed to find this 'Six' person. Apparently he protected a town from orcs and the church wanted to speak with him.
It sounded like he was a good guy, so why did Prim make it sound like this guy would hurt Elt?
Elt's thoughts were brought to a halt as he saw several people run past him.
"Hey! What's going on?" Elt asked a passerby
"A fight broke out at Freddy's bar, It's a bad one." they said as they continued to run off.
Elt hurried down the familiar road to Freddy's bar. Elt knew Fredrick, or Freddy to his friends, well. He was one of the slum's few business owners. Of course with the bar being in the slums it was as prosperous as Lescaties other tavern's. But Freddy was a good guy. He attended all of big sis Sasha's sermons and was kind to all the orphans in her care.
As Elt approached the bar he could hear the sounds of a struggle from inside.
Suddenly the door to the bar broke down as a man was thrown from inside the bar and landed on the hard stone street.
Six walked from the broken entrance of the bar towards the man.
The man struggled to stand, but when he saw Six approaching he went to swing a left hook at the courier.
Six avoided the punch and grabbed the front of the man's shirt. Six then began a flurry of his own punches.
The first punch broke the man's nose.
The second knocked out a tooth.
The third knocked the man out.
The fourth splattered the blood across the man's face.
The following five punches were just for Six's entertainment.
Satisfied with the bloody pulp he had made, Six let go of the man's shirt letting the unconscious drunk to fall to the ground.
Freddy hesitantly peeked his head out the entrance of the bar to see the results of the fight.
Six saw the bartender looking out. "HEY!" Six called out causing Freddy to flinch.
Six reached into his duster and tossed a handful of gold coins on the ground in front of the entrance. "For the door….and the table." Six said as he began walking away leaving Freddy to pick up all the coins.
Elt was frozen in shock. This was the man Prim needed to find?! This was a joke, right? This man who just beat Wallace in the streets is the one who saved a town from orcs?!
Regardless Elt rushed after Six, but not before tossing a vial of healing potion to Freddy telling the bartender it was for Wallace.
Unfortunately one vial wasn't enough for all three victims.
"Sir!" Elt called out to the courier. Elt knew he promised Primera he wouldn't approach the man, but he wasn't about to let anyone else get hurt.
"Sir!" Elt called again but to no success.
"Sir Six!" Elt tried once again. This time Six stopped walking and turned to see who was approaching.
Elt stopped his pursuit once he met Six's anger fueled gaze.
"Sir Six, I am Elt, a knight in training in the order of the Chief God! I have been instructed by Hero Primera to find you and bring you to her." Not technically true. "I ask that you relinquish any weapons you have and come with me peacefully." Elt said.
Six rolled his eyes. Was this kid serious?!
"Ya can tell ears that our business is done and she can fuck off." Six said as he began walking away.
Elt was in absolute shock. How could anybody speak of a hero like that!? It also made Elt's anger grow at Six calling Primera 'ears'. She had to spend her whole life self conscious about her heritage, even though it didn't matter to Elt.
The red haired knight ran around the courier to block his path. "Do not speak of Hero Primera like that!" Elt firmly said. "I ask again that you accompany me to find Hero Primera, very respectfully. Otherwise you will leave me no choice than to subdue you." Elt said.
Six let out a laugh. "Subdue me? You? Good one kid."
Elt bristled. "I-i mean it! Please don't make this harder than it needs to be!"
Six continued to be unimpressed. "Get real kid you ain't gonna do shit to me. Christ, just look at yourself. Ya look like you still got yer mother's tit in yer mouth."
It was then Elt's anger overflowed and brandished his sword. "Don't speak of my mother!" He yelled.
Six continued to be unfazed. "Some advice? Don't let people know what presses yer buttons kid." Six said and went to walk around the knight, but Elt moved to block his path once again.
It was now Six's pity turned into annoyance. "You really don't want to do this kid." Six warned.
Elt didn't respond, instead standing firm waiting for the courier to either attack or surrender.
Elt, preparing himself for the former, began mentally going over Captain Merse's teachings in his head. The knight in training felt a drop of sweat trickle down his head.
BANG!
The sudden loud noise surprised Elt, but not nearly as much as the fact that his sword was now the ground behind him. Elt saw that Six was holding some strange weapon at his hip with a small trail of smoke quickly dissipating from it.
Elt didn't even see the man move! How did he do that?!
Elt turned to grab his sword but another bang sounded off and Elt saw a quick spark form from his sword's blade and the weapon bounced back out of his reach.
Elt looked back and saw that Six was still standing in the same spot not having moved an inch.
"I assume yer smart 'nuff ta see the pattern here?" Six asked.
Elt stood up straight breathing heavily while staring Six in the eyes.
Seeing that the kid wasn't going to try another attempt for his weapon Six holstered Lucky. "I think I emarressed ya enough today. So I'm gonna mosey on outta here and I hope yer smart enough not to follow." Six said.
Before Six could get the boy's answer Six saw a bolt of blinding white and golden light coming at him. The courier narrowly dodged and brought out his pistols aimed at the newcomer.
Neither Elt nor Six noticed the figure that had been approaching their fight. But now, standing protectively in front of the red haired boy, was a woman with long seafoam green hair dressed in an outfit that was decorated with the same symbols as the high priest's garbs holding an ornate staff with the chief god's symbol on the top.
"Big sis!" Elt happily exclaimed.
Sasha Fullmoon stood defensively across from Six with her staff pointed at the courier. "I recommend you lay down your weapons sir." The priestess coldly said, a stark contrast for the warm and loving smile she usually gave.
"I'm gettin' real fuckin' sick of this magic brahminshit." Six said.
"I do not know why you have bright violence to these streets, but know I will not allow anymore to continue." Sasha warned.
"I'm all for droppin' things here an' now darlin'. All ya gotta do is let me be on my way." Six told the woman.
"You've assaulted three of Lescatie's citizens, I cannot allow you to go unpunished for that." Sasha said.
"I don't suppose It'd help if I said they started it?" Six offered.
"Regardless of who initiated the fight, that level of violence is uncalled for and must be atoned for." The Priestess said.
Six shook his head. "Darlin' I have had a long day. Long days. I can't go home, I've lost everythin', and my whole life has gone to the shitter..AGAIN. I don't want ta kill anybody, but I being pushed ta my limit here."
"If what you say is true then you have my sympathies, but not my complacency. I will not allow you to harm anyone else." Sasha firmly said.
"You're so cool big sis." Elt quietly said, causing the hero to blush.
"Well don't say I didn't warn ya." Six said.
Before Six could shoot another bullet the courier heard several heavy footsteps behind him. Looking over his shoulder Six saw Primera arrive with several knights.
"Six stop this!" The Archer yelled.
"Primera? You know this man?" Sasha asked.
"Sasha?! What are you-never mind. Yes I know him." The archer said before turning to the courier. "Six I know you're angry, I can't imagine what you feel right now but this isn't the way to cope."
"I don't know ears, alcohol and bullets usually make me feel better." Six said with his guns still aimed at Sasha.
"Sir Six." Sasha spoke. "I do not know what has caused you such grief but this is not the way to fix things." The nun pleaded. "You have not killed anyone yet and that does not need to change. You are surrounded and have two heroes amongst you, any more violence would only be throwing away your life." Sasha reasoned.
Everyone stood with held breath waiting for what Six would do next.
Eventually Six lowered his weapons and holstered his guns.
"Alright." Six said. "Let's talk."
(A/N: So this chapter was a bit longer than the last few. Someone PM'd me asking to make my chapters longer and it got me wondering if this was how most readers felt. So comment on whether you would prefer longer chapters that take longer to publish or the 5k chapters that come out sooner. Regardless I appreciate all the follows and comments you guys give thank you all so much!
Also to answer a question, yes Six will have a love interest in this story.)
Elt S.P.E.C.I.A.L
S. 5
P. 5
E. 5
C. 5
I. 5
A. 5
L. 5
Perk: generic harem protagonist - Despite being more bland than a piece of white bread several women are in love this guy.