XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?

Chapter 7: A Long path, but a new beginning.

I woke up to the feeling of a tight but welcoming grip.

The Viper was ‘hugging’ me in a sense which was a bit amusing.

‘Thinking of which.’ I delve into her mind and wake her.

‘Waky-waky let go of me snakey.’

‘Aww but your warm~.’

‘Just let go.’

She did and she really didn’t want to.

“So we need to find out your name.” I said to her.

‘Well…I Still can’t remember…’ Her demeanor went sour.

“Hmm maybe…I can give a new name.”

The Viper stared at me in curiosity.

‘I know…to remember someone special.’

“How about Pearl?”

The Viper pondered the name, then smiled.

‘Sounds pretty.’

I smile back.

“Well, Pearl I have something to ask you.”

Pearl only nodded.

“Could you take off your armor?”

Pearl blushed at my notion.

“Easy I’m only trying to fix it.”

‘Ok.’

She slowly took her armor off and handed it to me while covering her…assets.

I shake my head as I look at her armor.

‘As I expected the armor is damaged…and no power.’

“So does this armor have a thermal regulator?”

Pearl kept looking away from me.

‘Y-Yes it does.’

I remembered that I have a tool set.

I grabbed the tool set that’s in my pocket. I still have the jacket that Tempest gave me. The circuitry was nearly fried a few of them was still in working condition.

‘Just got to rewire the thermals power…as for a power source…hmm.’

Once I did rewire the power it needed a power source…

‘Ah I got it.’

My psionic powers flux and I charge the armor…it worked.

“There we are, fixed.”

I hand it over to Pearl who inspected it.

Then in one quick motion she grabbed me and hugged me in between her pillows.

‘You’re the best human ever!’

‘I CAN’T BREATH!’

She let go of me and quickly apologized.

“Just…be…careful.”

I had a slight blush but it faded.

Pearl however was red like a tomato.

“Put it on and see if it’s…suitable.”

Pearl did just that and she hissed in satisfaction.

A question rose in my mind.

‘How was she able to blush…She’s a reptilian?’

I decided to ask.

“Hey…How is it…that you can…blush…that usually requires heat.”

Pearls face made it difficult to read.

‘We Vipers can retain heat for days…but can’t create our own.’

“Ah~ so you can keep warm for a longer period of time but still need a heat source.”

‘Yes we can be cold weather as long as we got heat.’

“Which makes it easier for you since I fixed your thermal regulator.”

‘I’m really happy you did.’

“Well.” I stretch and a few of my bones pop.

“We got to get going…this weather ain’t getting better.”

Pearl only smiled and went to the entrance.

“AHEM.”

Pearl stopped and looked at me, I pointed to the plasma gun on the ground.

‘Oh…right.’

She went and picked up the weapon and got ready.

“Let’s go.”

We both leave the cave ready to take our long trip.

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Long hours have gone by and the snow was hard to trek for me while Pearl was gliding on top of it. I kept sloshing through the snow slightly getting tired.

‘You ok?’

“Yes just having a difficult time moving in three feet of snow.”

My legs keep pushing the snow out of the way leaving a trail.

Pearl grabbed me and pulled me to the top of the snow…and I skinned back down.

‘Umm.’

I chuckled.

“I’m too bottom heavy for me to stay above the snow.”

‘Bottom heavy?’

“I can’t glide across snow like you since I don’t have much of a flat surface and weight distribution.”

‘Weight distribution?’

I was about to answer when SOMEONE decided to do it for me.

‘He means that you can put your weight evenly across your body.’

Pearl knew the voice instantly.

‘Is that?’

I sigh.

“Yes it is…”

Pearl stared at me.

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

“I didn’t want to since I…don’t trust you just yet.”

‘Why not?’ Pearl seemed offended.

I look her straight in the eyes.

“We’re former enemies lead by opposing leaders, yours are oppressive and I didn’t want a confrontation.”

Pearl took a moment to think about what I said.

‘Is my presence that dire?’

‘You seem to forgetting a crucial detail.’

‘How so?’

‘If I die, you die too.’

Pearl gave a hiss in annoyance.

‘It’s confusing…’

“How so.” I asked as I continued to trudge through the snow.

‘I promised to listen to you if you helped me…but my leader is speaking to me, and if I disobey…I’ll suffer.’ Pearl said the last bit with dread.

“Actually ‘she’ is in my subconscious, but she can’t do much other that run her damn mouth…metaphorically.”

She seemed to be skeptical but listened.

“Trust me she’s been talking to me a lot and her talking to you so it shows that you can hear her as well.”

‘She can’t do anything?’

“Not really. She talks but not anything like taking control of me.”

Pearl calmed down and smiled.

‘Well I guess its ok…she is still my leader.’

“True but we’re both in unfamiliar grounds, so neither of our leaders own any part and really don’t have control over us.”

‘Hmm you do have a point there…I can’t control you or ‘Pearl’ at the moment so what I say really doesn’t affect either of you.’

The ‘At the moment’ part made me suspicious but I didn’t question it.

“So its settled, we’re allies until told otherwise…save for my leader who is more accepting than yours.”

‘Pardon?’

‘What do you mean?’

“The skirmishers…”

Once I made that point both back down from my statement. With that we continued moving to the base of the mountain.

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4 hours have passed and I grow tired by the second.

Pearl was beside me the whole time, and have offered to carry me a few times, which I declined due to the fact of it just taking more time…that and it would be awkward.

“Well this is getting bad the storm hasn’t let up.” I shouted over the wind.

The wind and snow continued to batter down on us with a fury.

‘How is it you’re not freezing?’

“Psi abilities…Fortress to be exact.”

‘Fortress?’

“Later we need to find a place to exit the storm’s path.”

“HEY!”

We both heard a voice in the distance, our instincts kicked in as we pulled our weapons for a fight.

“HEY WAIT!”

I and Pearl waited for the figure to show up.

After a few tense moments I see a shadow and a light.

“Over there.” Pearl looked from behind me to where I was pointing and turned faced to the approaching shadow. I saw another shadow next to it, smaller and was barking.

‘A Dog?’

As the figure got closer I started to see features of what looked like clothing meant for winter. A dark brown heavy coat, a red scarf, goggles, insulated pants, and snow boots.

In its left hand it had a lantern in the other held the leash for the K9 who was barking.

“HEY CAN YOU HEAR ME?”

Both I and Pearl look at each other and nod.

“YES.”

The figure seemed uneasy…rightfully so when we’re pointing our weapons at him…or her.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT HERE?”

“WE’RE TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE STORM.”

“WELL…IF YOU WANT I CAN TAKE YOU TO MY CABIN.”

Again me and Pearl look to each other and think for a second.

‘What should we do?’ she asked with some distrust in her voice.

‘We’ll go along with…he or she and if they try anything we’ll take care of him or her.’

‘You both are jumping to conclusions its clear they are showing hospitality.’

‘Well we don’t know who or what this person is or what they truly want…best to be safe than sorry.’

‘I agree with that.’ Pearl chimed in.

I holster my weapon.

“ALRIGHT LEAD ON.”

Pearl lowered her rifle and we both wait for the figure to respond.

“MY CABIN IS JUST DOWN THERE.”

The figure points down the mountain and starts to move. We shortly follow.

The dog kept barking and whining which was making Pearl nervous.

‘Relax it’s a dog it won’t do much to you anyway with your tough skin.’

‘It’s not that…I’m hungry.’

‘Oh…now that you mention it…I am too.’

Pearl was showing fatigue…reptilians eat once per week and/or month usually depends on what they eat.

‘Well if they offer I can make something for you.’

Pearl gave me a hug again and this time it wasn’t suffocating me.

‘Thanks.’

I only smiled.

The figure in front of us slightly turned its head to us.

After a few minutes we come upon the said cabin.

The figure opened the door and let the dog in first, then went in itself. We walk in a very spacious area…seemed smaller on the outside, I pat my boots on the door side to rid of the snow while the ‘owner’ just walked in.

Pearl hissed in satisfaction.

‘This place seems nice and big enough for me.’

I only kept looking around.

‘Somethings off…’

‘Really…what?’

‘There is a bad vibe here…a sense of dread.’

With my psi powers I look into the figures mind…it has no evil intentions…but has a sense of caution.

“Make yourselves at home.”

I hear a sound of a sword being drawn, slowly I turn around and noticed that the figure was holding a sword to my face.

“State your business here.” It demanded.

I gave a blank face.

“Just passing by.”

I notice Pearl raised her rifle to the figure…only for a sword to be at her throat from her left.

“Easy big girl.” A womanly voice called from the darkness.

‘Relax Pearl I can deal with this.’

‘Ok…’

I knew if Pearl wanted to she could wrap her ‘captor’ in a death grip.

“Likely story.” The figure in front of me said with skepticism.

“If you don’t want to believe me then that’s on you.”

“Well if you’re passing by, then tell me how you are not an ice cube.”

I look to Pearl then back to the figure in front.

“Not really inclined to tell you.”

“I have a magical sword to your face, you’re definitely inclined.”

Bowing my head low there was a silence.

I gave a dark chuckle, I could feel the fear rise.

In an instant I look back up my eyes glowing and my psionic powers showing itself as an aura around me.

“To think you have any leverage over me…and my ally, you are truly are a fool.’

The figure in front of me raised the blade up to my neck.

‘And A Fool…my get hurt.’ I spoke into the figures mind causing it to reel back in shock.

I raise my hand up to the figures chest, using my psionics I push the figure across the cabin into their partner.

‘Grab them but don’t choke them.’

Pearl did just that as both of the ‘captors’ were in her grip.

The dog started barking like crazy and growling, I look at the little animal.

“Don’t you dare hurt him!” the woman who had Pearl was wearing a t-shirt, nothing covering her legs...must’ve been in bed.

The said woman was equine of course with dark blue coat and purple mane with amber eyes.

The dog got close to me and growled low.

Then the dog just barked happily, which confused the two in Pearls’ grasp.

“Go on.” I commanded the small beagle and it followed.

“What?” The figure in the warm attire stared at me in shock.

“Now then.”

Both stared at me.

“You’re in our control now, so one slip up.”

‘Squeeze them a little.’

‘Ok.’

Pearls’ coils tense and start to strangle them.

“And it could be your last.” My features showed what the XCOM operators call ‘The Death promise’ look that some of the Reapers use.

“What do you want?” The woman said quickly.

“Hmm?”

“I said what do you want.” Her tone was aggressive.

‘You better show respect Amber Dusk…before I break your so called, ‘Iron will.’’

The woman’s tough persona flipped like a coin, and landed on the opposite side.

‘Judging by the terrified look on your face I must’ve hit the right note.’

“Amber?” The coated figure asked in worry.

‘I know things about you and your…mare friend right next to you.’

“HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT!?!” her scream made Pearl flinch a bit.

I grin devilishly.

“You may have a strong body…” I lean closer to Amber. “But your mind is weak.”

The other figure stared at me, I could tell she was staring at me with daggers.

“Stop we’ll do anything just stop.”

I raise a brow at the notion, their minds playing out several scenarios…some of which were…adultery.

“Well then.” I clear my throat.

“You can start by telling us why you tried your…stunt.” Both seemed off put by the question.

“You can read our minds why don’t you look?” The figure said with annoyance.

I remained silent.

The coated figure sighed.

“We’re monster hunters.”

“Monster hunters?”

“Yes, we hunt for monsters that threaten innocents.”

“And you believe that we’re purely evil monsters?”

All I got was a head nod.

I chuckle.

“You’re half right.”

That made everyone confused, including Pearl.

“We’re monsters…and we’re evil in some ways, but not pure evil.”

“What do you mean?” Amber stared at me with a perplexed face.

“Well to put it simply if we were pure evil we would, at least where we’re from-.”

I pointed to the coated mare.

“- We would’ve shot on the spot; killing you right then and there, that or capture you and torture you until you beg for death…or something else more…gruesome.”

The weight of my words hung in their heads as they pondered over them.

“Prove it.” Amber said with gusto.

With a raised brow I pull my side arm from my hip aim to the apple sitting on the table…and shot it.
The hot plasma went right through the apple no problem…and the table it was on…and the floor.

The action made both stare in shock and fear, I point to Pearls rifle.

“She has the bigger one.” The two looked to Pearls’ right the basic plasma rifle for the Vipers. “Plus she has a super long tongue and poisonous spit.”

“But I however.” When both looked at me they froze in fear.

I had a big grin on my face, my psi aura back and my eyes glowing.

“Have SO many other ways to either mess with the psych of my enemies, from Disorientation, confusion, all the way to Insanity, Panic, Mind control, to even outright killing them with powerful attacks.”

I open my hand and I let a powerful flow of psionic energy rush out lighting the cabin in a purple glow.

The two reeled back the best they could, the small animal whined and went under the table in fear. I relax the aura gone and my eyes stop glowing.

“But I don’t kill without cause…without reason.”

I look to Pearl and smile warmly.

“In fact me and her used to be enemies, but the both of us are in a world we don’t know and instead of killing each other we deiced to work together.”

Pearl smiled back at me, the two in her grasp look on and slowly relax.

“Let them go, I believe that they understand now.”

Pearl hesitated but did let them go.

The two just looked to each other, then to us.

The coated figure started to take the warm attire off herself.

Amber looked at me…turns out she was in her bed or something like that since she was in her undergarments.

“Well…um…”

I waited for her to speak.

“Sorry…I guess.”

“You guess?” I say like a parent would. “Either you are or you’re not.”

Amber huffed.

“Alright we’re sorry.”

I gave a cheeky grin.

“That’s better.” I hear in the distance.

The other figure, now free from the snow attire was a tall woman about a foot taller than me. (I’m 5’4) in a white tank top and shorts, she was taking off the boots.

Her features are not like any I have seen from the other equines, Amber was a regular pony, while this one was bat like, bat wings not feathers. Blackish purple coat, red mane, and grey eyes…interesting.

The large woman came in and hugged Amber.

“So what are your names?” Amber asked.

I point to my companion.

“That’s Pearl.”

“And yours?”

“Can’t really tell you mine.” I said.

“Why?” The bat equine questioned next.

“You ever enlist in a military?”

“No but my sister did.”

“Well in my militant regulation, I cannot reveal my real name unless someone of highest security clearance can give me permission too.”

“Security clearance?”

I grab a chair and sit down.

(Just character and story filler you can skip if you don’t care.)

“The way it works is whoever has the highest is the top power, controls everything, essentially my commander and her second has the highest of all clearance which is level 9, Chief staff have level 8, and regular staff have only 6.”

“What level are you.” Amber asked clearly interested in the subject, along with Pearl and the other equine.

“Considering rank and the type of operator I am, I have level 7 clearance.”

“And what stuff can you do?” Amber pushed on.

“Simply I can read ‘certain’ mission and/or classified files, Soldier bios’; Name and origin, classifications like personality etc., training regiments, specialties, and weapon development tests…to name a few.”

“So how do we get your real name?”

“You would have to request clearance information permission…however in your case, well to put it nicely…you have no weight to your person.

“Huh?” The larger equine lost me.

“Blunt version or sugar coated.” I asked.

Amber looked to her…friend then back to me.

“Blunt.” She nodded with her.

“You’re not important...the chances of you getting that info is slim to none.”

“So we can’t know your name since were just nobody’s.”

“Basically…you would have to be a political figure or something of that nature.”

“So only princesses can request for permission?”

“Princesses?” I asked confused.

“You don’t know of the Princesses?”

I shake my head.

“First time hearing about it.”

(Filler ends here.)

Amber is about to ask…but a rumbling stomach to my left gets everyone’s attention.

Pearl was grabbing her stomach and slightly blushing.

‘Sorry.’

“She’s hungry?” Amber asked with concern.

“Yes…you got any source of meat?”

“Yeah…fish.” The large bat pony pointed to the kitchen.

“By the way just call me Omega.”

“Omega…huh? Well I’m Hallow Night.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” I raise my hand to her, she grabbed it and shook it with some strength.

Amber got up and went to the kitchen.

“You mind if we eat?” I ask Hallow.

She gave me a hearty pat on the shoulder.

“Not at all.”

“Then I’ll help, Pearl stay here…and don’t do anything reckless.”

The reptilian just hissed in response.

I walk off into the kitchen to help with the cooking.

Amber was surprised to see me at the doorway unfastening my gauntlet.

“What are you doing?” she asked as I was taking off my armor.

“Helping you cook.” I had the chest plate off and was working on the lower part.

“You think I need help?” her tone seemed offended.

“Yes, you have no idea what we can or will eat.”

Amber went silent.

“Where can I set this down?” I asked her to which she pointed to the closet.

After I set my stuff in the closet, save for the pistol which was on the table. I noticed Amber staring at the weapon.

“I wouldn’t mess with it…by the looks of things this…place isn’t technically advanced.”

Amber wanted to retort but I cut her off.

“Don’t want to be responsible for you shooting yourself or anyone else.”

She dropped the argument and we continue to cook.

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We set the table and start eating.

“You’re not a bad cook Omega.” Hallow commented to which I grin.

“Been doing it for most of my childhood.”

Pearl hissed in satisfaction as she ate the fish hole.

‘SSSSSSSSSOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD’

We all chuckle at her antics.

“So about these princesses?” I ask Hallow and Amber.

Hallow swallowed her bit of food and started to speak.

“Well there are 3 princesses and…2 princes’.”

“Where is the king and queen?” My question made the both of them stare at me.

“There is none…”

“Then who rules the land?” I asked not understanding the response.

“Well its mostly divided, one princess is in training to rule, 2 are sisters and rule coincide with each other, and 1 with one of the princes’ rules another part of land.” Amber explained.

“Hmm…are the prince and princess together relationship wise?”

“Yes.”

“Wouldn’t that make them king and queen?”

“I’m lost.”

Sighing I explain the concept of prince and princess, to one day marry and become king and queen and what is said goes.

“Oh I see the confusion now.” Hallow chimed in. “So you’re confused about the reason they’re not kings and/or queens when they are married.”

I nod.

Hallow explains to me that the reason they aren’t any kings and queens are that the political standard is untouchable law wise so they remain as prince and princess to keep balance in the court in case of injustice.

“Ah…”

‘I get it now, it’s much like democracy and the president.’

“And what are the names of these rulers.”

“The 2 sisters are Celestia and Luna, The one with the prince are Mi Amor Candiza and the prince Shining Armor.”

“The other prince?”

Both women shuddered.

“Blue Blood.”

“AAAAND already don’t like the sound of him.” I say with annoyance.

“And the one in training…we don’t know…we haven’t met her.”

I hummed in thought.

“Perhaps I can meet them, they may be able to help me.”

“It’s not easy getting an audience with the rulers.” Amber said with a hint of pride.

“Neither is asking my commander for a simple request…in fact if it’s not dire…probably won’t even review it.”

“So what do you want to do now?”

I finished eating and started to take my plate to the kitchen.

“Well we plan to leave to and head somewhere out of the snow.”

I reach the kitchen and wash my plate, Amber and the rest came with me.

“So your plan is to get out of here…sounds like you’re running.” Hallow said with suspicion.

We both stare at each other with a death gaze.

Amber and Pearl stopped their washing and stared at us waiting for conflict.

“I was ‘captured’ by some small group lead by a weird creature who calls himself, The Storm King...”

Both Hallow and Amber look at each other.

“Where are they heading?”

“To…Equestria I believe.”

“Crap.” Hallow stomped in frustration.

“We have to stop them.”

“We?” I asked.

“Well…Please.” Amber gave a look similar to puppy dog eyes, Pearl stared in confusion at the action.

“Nice try…But no…this isn’t my fight, my fight is much more…Serious…I would probably be accused for committing a war crime in this ‘Pacifist’ world.” My words made Amber freeze up.

Hallow stared at me for a moment then her body showed caution.

“You’ve killed before have you?” I nod at the question.

“How many?”

“Around 200-300 confirmed kills.”

Ambers and Hollows complexion went pale at the answer.

Pearl hissed lowly, fear was present in her features to.

“We’re at war and I do what I must to ensure we win…its ugly…but not all good guys do good things.”

The cabin grew silent and everyone just stared.

I yawned my body telling me to sleep.

“Well…the two of us will be heading off tomorrow.”

Pearl still was fearful of me.

‘I know…its hard…to say the truth without it being grim…but the truth is the hardest thing to accept, you probably have killed many humans…but…we both have to fight.’

Pearl bowed her head.

‘Hey.’

Pearl stared at me with a nervous gaze.

‘We’re in an alliance, but it seems like were friends so far.’

I pat Pearl on the head with a warm smile.

‘You have oppressive leaders…my commander however…she isn’t like the Elders…she will accept any and all help to win our war...I won’t hurt you, unless you give me a reason too.’

Pearl hissed at my notion and me patting her head.

I still had a smile on my face.

Amber and Hollow was staring at me, Cautious but slightly relaxed as I seemed to be at ease.

“Well…I guess it’s time to sleep.” I stretch my body.

Pearl instantly wrapped me up in her coils and went by the fireplace.

“H-Hey! Easy I’m not a damn toy!” My voice cracked making everyone laugh a bit.

‘Sorry but you’re so warm.’

‘Yea, Yea.’

“Seem like you two are good friends.” Hollow’s voice showed her teasing.

“Fuck off.” I say exasperated yet sarcastic.

Amber gasped while Hollow just chuckled at my response.

“I have her to do that.” Hollow pointed to Amber.

“I said Fuck off, not Buck off.”

“Sounds the same to me.”

Amber blushed at her realization of the conversations flow.

“OK…time for bed.” She said hurriedly.

Hollow and I just chuckle.

The two ponies head into their room and went to bed.

Pearl had me in her grasp…my head rested on her chest.

‘This feels awkward…really awkward.’

‘The fact she is a snake and letting you sleep on her?’

‘No…ok Kind of…but mostly it’s where my head is sitting.’

‘On her chest…she…oh…I see…now I understand.’

‘Yeah never been with anyone so I don’t really have this much contact with someone of the opposite gender, let alone this kind of contact.’

‘So you never had someone to love?’

‘No, never had the time or the patience.’

Silence again greeted me as my mind slowly began to drift to a deep sleep.

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The cold winds outside whistled throughout the night, the snow coating the land in white blankets of ice. But in that snow was a dark figure staring into a lone cabin in the distance.

“There.” It voice deep yet raspy.

Three other figures come from behind the taller one.

“Yes master there scent is strong.” A sultry voice.

“YESSS WEEE SMEELL THEMM.” A Hiss.

“Plus two more…more for us to feed.” A monotone.

Their hunger ends today.