Chapters View Online
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter 1: New frontier, New faces, …New threats.
I woke to the sound of birds, and to the sound of trees in the wind.
‘…’
‘…’
I waited for anything to happen…but all was still.
‘am…I…dead?’
I opened my eyes and the sunlight nearly blinded me and flinched…bad move.
I felt Burning pain shot through me.
‘nope…not dead…yet.’
I sat up much to my body’s chagrin and looked around.
I saw life everywhere…and not the one I remember seeing.
What I saw was just normal grass…trees…and flora.
‘where the hell am I?’ I rose to my feet the best I could.
“Omega 1 to Central.”
*Static*
“Omega 1 to Central over.”
*Static*
“This is Squad Captain Omega reporting.”
*Static*
“Damn.” I cursed under my breath.
‘hmmm…maybe I should try my squad.’
“Omega actual, anyone out there?”
*Static*
I gave a heavy sigh.
‘that’s just great,’
I heard rustling in the forest I was in, my instincts kicked in as reached for my rifle…only not to find it.
Then went for my amp…which also wasn’t there.
‘Shit.’
I looked to my gauntlet and it seemed like it was damaged.
‘Old fashion eh?’ I pulled out my combat knife and waited.
“Who’s there.” I said with authority.
I don’t need my amp to use my psi abilities but…I was drained both physically and mentally, so an amp would help a bit.
The rustling stopped.
I kept a calm atmosphere around me.
Then two figures showed themselves…two large…creatures…
“well, well, well wha do we have ere.” The accent seemed familiar…
“Humph looks like puny pony to me.” The other said his accent gruff in comparison.
“it an’t no pony it an’t got no tail or ears.”
I have no fucking clue what they are talking about…
‘…pony…the fuck?’
“Say fella wha were ya doin talkin to yerslef.”
I didn’t want to say much so…
“Noneya.”
“noneya?”
“None of ya God-Damn business!”
They seem slightly surprised at my answer.
“well, an’t you a feisty one?” the one that spoke had a silver-ish armor that reminded me of Shield bearers.
“what is you?” the other one in a black armor also reminded me of Troopers
“Sorry assholes.” I got into a stance with my knife ready.
“But I ain’t talking.” I said with a serious tone.
They pulled out axes from their backs and pointed them at me.
“Ya sure ya want to fight us…it be easier just to let us take ya.”
I chuckled grimly which seemed to unease them.
“you’ll have to kill me before I let that happen.”
Now they seem shocked at my statement.
“kill?” the one in black asked.
I didn’t respond as I just stared at them with my murderous intent.
I have learned that, in situations like these…it’s do or die.
And I’m ready for both.
“Now who’s first?” I asked.
The larger one in the black charged at me.
‘hehe…big and slow just as I thought.’
He soon was in front of me, I moved to my left and stab his side where the metal didn’t cover his body.
The large creature roared in pain and clutched his side.
The other one tried to get the jump on me but I ‘jumped’ to the side despite my pain and he missed a blow of his axe.
“hehe I doubted that you would take me up on my offer.” I said with a joking tone.
Let’s get one thing straight, I enjoy my fights, insult my opponents, force them to make a wrong move. It’s mind games that I use without using my psi abilities.
And considering that I really can’t use that right now I use brains to beat brawn.
“Well I an’t gonna kill ya, no use fer ya then.”
“And I said I ain’t gonna let – ugh!”
My mind felt like a fire, pain shot through me.
I shook my head…also, a bad move.
I did my best to ignore the pain and focus on the fight.
The big one recovered from the wound I gave him.
“You good.” He said with a bit of impressiveness.
I didn’t speak as my body screamed at me to stop.
“Huh…seems ya in pain.” The other one said with some of the same impressed tone of the other one.
“W-well where I come from, you fight until you win…or die trying.”
They seemed to get the message and raised their axes and waited.
Until a roar was heard.
“Uh oh.” The larger creature said with fear.
“Big kitty angry,”
I looked at him with confusion.
‘big kitty?’
My answer came in as a large…cat like creature came out of the surrounding forest.
‘well shit.’
The large creature just stared at it in frozen fear. The other put himself in front.
The cat creature looked at me with hunger.
‘oh fuck no…I ain’t gonna be cat food.’
I raised my knife and waited for it to move.
It did…well it flew.
I just sat there waiting for the right moment…
*Stab*
*ROAR! *
I got its leg as I ducked it’s over head flight path.
It landed and looked at me with primal rage…huh reminds me of berserkers.
It leaped at me and nearly stabbed me with its tail…it nicked me.
‘Venom? Hmm…that’s new.’ I wasn’t too worried about it as I am immune…I think.
‘later.’ I was getting more and more tired; I would have to end this soon.
But the cat creature had a different idea…it lunged and grabbed me by the leg.
It pulled me into a crushing ‘hug’ to kill me.
“A-AHHHH!” I felt my bones break and the plasma burn didn’t help either.
I felt dizzy, my vision going blurry.
“No-NO! NOT HERE!!!” I roared and my psi energy pulsed and the cat-like monster dropped me and clutched its head in pain.
After I hit the ground I rose to my feet and stared at the monster…it didn’t like it.
The cat creature roared and whimpered in pain as I stared at it.
‘”Die you worthless breath of life.” I said with deep malice as my psi energy pulsed again as my anger took control of me.
There is one thing that makes me so feared in both Advent and XCOM, is my anger…and the power of my psi abilities when in such a state.
When my anger surges so does my power, enough to kill anyone with just a thought.
My psi power raises and falls as my emotions do, when sad or upset I’m at my weakest, when happy, calm, etc... I’m considered ‘neutral’ or normal…but when angry, pissed, or just enraged my power is drastically increased, sevenfold.
But that doesn’t mean that I like being angry.
If I stay angry I could end up causing enough damage to my mind that you could compare it to putting it in a blender and set it on high.
The creature that was in front of me stared in horror as I relentlessly put pressure on its brain.
I gave one last shout as I ended its life…in a very gruesome way.
*Squelch*
That was the last of its thoughts as it’s brain was crushed, blood seeped from every hole in its head as it fell limply on the ground.
I fell to the ground as my body felt like it went through a ten-thousand fiery fist beating.
I breathed heavily, my mind fighting to stay conscious.
I felt blood leak out of my nose and down my face…a side effect of being angry…and drained.
“hey ya all right?”
“What happen to big kitty?”
I heard the voice of the large creatures from earlier
“P-Piss…Off.” I said with my likely final breath.
My world went black.
84958293584892385u8375
After a few hours the two brothers walked into the camp of the Storm king.
They got looks form the other ogres, some with blank expressions, others with worry.
“You two!” a voice came from in front of them and both froze.
“Y-Yes ma’am!” both saluted to the captain.
“Why were you late to report? You better have a good explanation!” She roared at them.
“well ya see we uh…had an encounter.” The one in silver spoke quickly.
“…what encounter.” She asked.
“Weird pony.” The larger one said pointing to his side where he was carrying something.
“it’s not a pony ya nit wit!” the other smacked the larger on the head.
“Show me.” Was all the captain said.
Both went quiet as the large one held out a…creature.
The one in silver was right…it was defiantly ‘not’ a pony, it had no fur on its body but a pale tone of skin, it was also quite different in size of any pony seen; short yet bulky.
It also would seem as if it was wearing…armor, it was black with purple outlines here and there.
But it’s armor was nothing like anyone has seen…it looked…advanced, lights were on it along as smooth places that seem flawless.
It’s arms and legs had some kind of smooth material that looked tough, yet light enough to be agile in it.
Its mane was white with some red highlights.
What seemed like hours the captain finally spoke.
“Where did you find it?” she asked.
“In the forest when we were scouting.” The one in silver responded without missing a beat.
“It kill big kitty and hurt Gromda.”
The captain raises a brow at this.
“What do you mean ‘kill big kitty?’” she asked in seriousness.
“He means manticore.” The other one said.
“Wait!” another voice came from a tent as an old looking man came out.
The said man came over and spoke with excitement.
“Did you say fight a manticore?” he asked the brothers.
“More than that my king.” The one in sliver said with a slow horrid tone.
“how so?” he asked still beaming with excitement.
“H-He killed it…” The group went silent.
“how?” The captain asked.
“I-I-I”
“Spit it out.”
“I-I don’t…know” he said with fear.
“He j-just stared at it.”
The king’s excitement deflated. “That’s not funny.” He said.
“It kill it, blood everywhere, leaking all over head.” Gromda said with fear as well.
The captain and king wasn’t buying it.
“I felt pain in head, like a big snake burning brain.”
“Jadsa (Jade-sa) almost die.” Gromda finished.
Jadsa shook with fear.
“I never in mah life felt so much pain, like what mah brother said, it felt like something was burning and crushing mah head at the same time.” He finished.
The rest was silent…their encounter seemed like a lie…yet the fear on their faces said otherwise.
But before anything was said a groan was made by the creature.
“set him down.” The captain ordered and Gromda followed.
6840840e32i3436
I woke up to my face in dirt and rain poring on my back.
I rose to my hands and knees and coughed up some blood.
“Speak.” A voice said with authority.
I look up and see a figure in front of me.
It looked like a woman in her twenties or early thirties.
She had a dark red armor and braces.
She was black with some red tone to her…fur?
‘The fuck?’
As I looked closer I noticed she had magenta hair and a…broken stub on her head.
She looked like…a horse but in a humanoid state.
But that isn’t what concerns me…no all the red she is wearing reminds me of Advent captains.
“That was an order.” She spoke again this time showing some annoyance.
“W-who the hell are you?” I said with some annoyance of my own.
“I’m the one who will ask questions here.”
Ok now I’m getting pissed again.
“Speak of your name and race.”
“Sure…I’m captain piss off and I’m from the race of, Go Fuck Yourself.” I said with some venom in my words.
Her face changed from annoyed, to mild shock, to anger.
As she was about to say something someone laughed.
“Well now we got a fighter.” A too much joyous voice came from my right.
I looked at the source to find…a beast of some sorts, it looked like what you would expect the devil to look like…or something close to it.
It was white with a human-ish face, it wore black armor that seemed to shine in the rain.
He had three fingers and cloven hooves, in his hand was a twisting staff that had a shimmering stone or crystal of some sorts, cracks formed on the thing in question and mist seeped through them.
His blue eyes met my deep purple ones.
“What are you, I’m curious.” He asked
“Like I’ll tell a freak of hell like you.” I said with no expense of anger that was starting to boil in me.
‘calm down…can’t keep getting angry…I’ll die if I don’t.’
The creature in question didn’t seem all offended as the others just stared in shock.
“My liege it’s best not to anger him.” A familiar voice said.
“What is he gonna do? Throw insults?” the woman said with smugness.
“don’t test me.” I said in a low tone…well more like a growl.
My psi energy started to spike again.
“Oh really and what is a weakling like you-”
I’m pissed.
“wh-what the?!” I heard the woman say in surprise.
I rose to my feet and stare at her…and she was terrified
‘I-I will kill you…’ I spoke into her mind.
‘I am no weakling…I am stronger than your pitiful waste of life.’
‘I-I AM AN ELDER!!!!!’ two voices, mine…and not mine…no…it can’t be…
I froze, my mind stopped its assault on the woman’s and I stood there.
8589485-023t959
The captain stood there, fear was on her face as the new creature stared at her.
‘N-Not You – I KILLED YOU!’ the creatures voice screamed in her head.
She didn’t know what was going on.
‘You cannot kill me Elder Bane I live within you now and forever.’ A woman like voice was heard.
Soon the creature stopped and fell to his knees and started coughing up…blood.
The said being put its hand to its left side then pulled away and with it was blood as well.
It said only one thing before It collapsed.
“well…shit.”
The captain stood there for a moment then shook her head.
“Get him to medical.” The brothers instantly obeyed and took the creature to the medical tent.
“what happened?” a voice came from behind.
She was silent for a moment.
“I don’t know…it…was in my mind…then it had two voices but the other was an woman’s.”
The king was confused at her explanation.
“it can enter your mind?” he asked
The captain only nodded.
“I have never seen you that terrified before…it really must be something.”
“Elder Bane.” The captain said.
“Excuse me?”
“Elder Bane…the woman’s voice called it that.”
The storm king just hummed in thought.
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter 2: interrogations.
Darkness .
It always finds everything even light itself.
War.
It was created for the benefit of someone else but sometimes it’s the only way to fix what’s broken.
That is what earth has been for over 20 years.
The Elders started this war…and humanity tends to finish it or die trying.
‘Your world is so young…so ignorant…full of hate and pain.’
The voices of many, dies at the hands of the Elders.
‘you are powerful yet what do you use that power for…War…Domination…Death.’
Innocents didn’t know what hit them until it was too late…screams still fresh in the mind of those who seen it.
Fires burned and lit the night skies with an orange or green glow.
‘We are trying to save you…yet you deny us…why?’
The Elders used many humans to cure their disease…any chance of peace was all but forgotten by the Elders.
‘It’s time to listen…to learn…to…WAKE UP!’
*A cloaked figure charges at you. *
75783775ugj48889498584y94857
I jerked awake from my nightmare and sat up quickly…once again bad move.
I felt pain surge through my side and head.
‘Got to stop doing that.’
I looked at my side and found something odd…bandages?
‘Since when…oh…right…’
“Fuck me.” I cursed.
I looked around the place I was in and didn’t find what I was looking for.
‘they must have my armor as well.’
I gave a heavy sigh and started to take note of my surroundings.
First off I was in a tent with two beds, one being occupied by me.
Second it smelled like sweat…and flowers…odd combination.
Third was the whole place seemed like a living room of sorts…not that its important just throwing it out there.
I heard footsteps outside the tent.
A familiar figure stood at the entrance.
“…”
“hi.” I said flatly.
‘probably gonna start asking questions.’
The woman cleared her throat.
“so…elder bane…where are you from exactly because I have never seen you before.”
‘how did she? …ugh fucking hell.’
“I cannot say.” I said simply.
She seemed to dislike that.
“Why not?”
“Not my place.”
“what do you mean?”
I simply shrugged my shoulders.
“Security clearance.”
She stared at me for a moment.
“And that means?”
“well for your simple mind and the headache of mine, it means I would have to get permission to tell you anything.”
She seemed to have mix reactions to my answer.
“So how do you get permission.” She asked with some annoyance.
“I would have to do nothing…you on the other hand would have to talk to my commander, who at this time has highest clearance.”
She raised a brow at this.
“And who is-”
“Can’t tell you.”
She seemed a bit angry at my interruption.
“So what can you tell me?!”
‘Is she really yelling at me?’
“A few things…but I don’t like you enough to say.” I said with modesty.
She growled something under her breath, likely profanity’s and insults.
‘You know…I prefer if you would watch yourself…even if I am wounded I can still kick your ass all over God’s green Earth and back.’ I spoke into her mind.
She looked at me with some anger…but I also saw something that made me smile…fear.
Now I only smile when they deserve it…I hate people who act tough and can’t even back it up.
‘can I at least get a name!’ she shouted in her head, probably not knowing I could hear her.
“can’t give you my ‘real’ name but you can just call me Omega 1.” I said with a grin.
She looked at me with shock.
“h-How?” she asked.
“Again can’t tell you.” I said as I laid back down, my body ached.
“so…what’s your nick name or whatever.” I asked as I relaxed my muscles.
She stayed silent for a moment.
“My name is Tempest Shadow.” She said finally.
“Codename?” I asked.
She looked at me confusingly.
“Codename? …what are you talking about.”
I gave a small shrug. “You know…Tempest Shadow isn’t your real name is it?”
She stared at me with a blank expression.
I sighed. “Well codenames are for soldiers in the military to easily identify anyone, Elder Bane is mine.”
She nodded her head in understanding.
“It’s my real name.” she then took a seat on the other bed and started to take off her armor.
“huh…well I got to admit that’s a cool name.” I said as my mind started to drift to sleep.
“one last question…how long have I been out?”
Silence greeted me for a moment.
“About three days”
She probably expected me to react in shock or something.
“huh usually I’m out longer when critically wounded.” I said plainly.
She got up off the bed and stared at me.
“You mean this isn’t the first time you’ve been like this?” she asked in somewhat disbelieve.
“Hehehe…nope and probably won’t be the last either.” I chuckled.
She then threw something at me…a collar?
“The fucks this?” I asked.
When I looked at her she was no longer in her armor instead she was in a latex.
“Put it on.” She ordered.
I just stared at her.
“a bit early and excessive don’t you think.” I said with confusion.
She scowled at my remark.
“it’s a safeguard…electrocutes you when triggered.”
“still excessive.” I said. But before she could say more I interrupted.
“But a shock collar won’t work on me.” She crossed her arms.
“Oh really?”
Rolling my eyes, I decided to amuse her and put the thing on.
‘…’
‘…’
“Is it even on?” I asked as nothing seemed to be happening.
‘…’
“Whelp either it’s not working or it’s just shitty I think-” I stopped as I saw Tempest just staring at me with disbelieve.
“What?” I asked.
“H-How-HOW ARE YOU EVEN ALIVE!?” she screamed.
‘Ow fuck me that gave me a headache.’
“Please don’t scream I have a splitting headache.” I asked in a slight plea.
“I JUST GAVE A SHOCK THAT COMPARES TO GETTING SHOT BY LIGHTNING!” she said in total hysteria.
I rubbed my temples as I tried to ward off my migraine.
“I am immune to any elements and toxins.” I said as I starting to take off the collar.
Tempest just stared.
‘…’
“I know I’m a new guy here but I ain’t a circus so you can stop staring.”
That seemed to snap her out of her daze.
“now I’m gonna sleep this pain away.”
I closed my eyes as my mind started to doze off.
‘one last thing…don’t mess with me when I’m asleep…or you may regret it.’ I said that last in her head as I finally went to sleep.
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
A day passed by as I was bed ridden…which I hated.
But today I plan to get up and move around.
I got up from the bed and stretched my muscles and getting a few pops of bones.
“God…that feels great.”
My stiff body relaxed.
“You’re up?” a voice sounded from the other bed.
“Enlist in the military and you get used to waking up at dawn.” I replied as I twisted my back and got a sick pop.
‘damn still stings.’
The wound caused by my encounter with the ‘Avatar’ was already starting to heal but still hurts a bit.
“What caused that anyway?” Tempest asked me.
“Well…”
Tempest sighed. “Can’t tell me?”
“No not that…just slightly difficult to explain.”
She sat up, her interest peaked.
“Go on”
I shook my head at that.
Reminds me of Hun.
“I’ll ask a question…how far advanced…are you…technology wise?” I asked with a neutral expression.
She seemed to think about it.
“Well we use the recently new steam powered air transport.”
I gave a sigh at that.
“What?” she asked.
“Well…the way I was wounded is really and I mean ‘really’ hard to explain.”
Tempest looked skeptical.
“Ok- you know what a gun is?” I asked.
She shook her head.
“well…I got shot by it and you saw the damage.”
She just scoffed at my response.
“Doubt it.” She remarked.
“Have you ever been burned?” I asked her.
Tempest seemed to be silent for a moment.
“Yes.” Was her reply.
“well what I was shot with an advanced gun. One that compares to getting struck directly by a sun.”
She stared at me as I explained further.
“It hurts like hell and it takes a while to heal.”
Tempest looked at my side and seemed to stare at my wound.
I rose my brow at her action…I also felt remorse.
‘odd.’
“Well I’m gonna jog for a bit.” I said as I left the tent
I walked out of the tent and looked around the camp.
It was raining…actually I don’t remember ever stopping.
‘hmmm…must be that beast.’
With that I walked around and surveyed my surroundings.
I heard whispers of the residents of the camps…didn’t know what they were saying nor did I care.
In the distance I saw two familiar creatures.
They had their backs turned to me so I decided for some fun.
“Lovely weather huh?” I got my intended reaction.
Both practically jumped out of their skin and turned to look at me.
“P-Plea-”
I cut him off with a glare.
“Don’t…I really don’t like it when people plea when earlier they acted all tough.”
Both gulped but replied.
“Ah-Ah think it’s a bit too cold.” The one in silver said.
“And sad.” The larger one added.
I agree somewhat I do enjoy the rain but too much can become really depressing.
“It’s likely it’s because of that joyous prick huh?” I asked.
Both just stared at me with confusion.
“Ya mean the storm king?” the silver one asked.
“That’s his name?”
Both nodded.
“Great a guy with an ego bigger that his own head.” I said with annoyance.
Both of the creatures in front of me seemingly chuckled at my remark.
“King is funny.” The large one spoke.
“So wha be yer name?” the one in silver.
“Can’t tell ya, not allowed.” I said.
“why?”
“My Commanders orders.”
Both nodded.
“But you can call me Omega 1.”
“that’s a name?”
“Not exactly…but it’s better than nothing eh?”
Both smiled and nodded.
“what’s with all the rain anyway.” I asked.
“King wants it raining.” The large one said.
“…really? ...” I said with disbelieve.
Both just shrugged.
“Well…what’s your names may I ask.” I said to get off topic of the egotistical monstrosity so I don’t get so worked up.
The one in sliver spoke first.
“I’m Jadsa.” He points to the larger one.
“And that’s my brother Gromda.” The larger one just smiled and waved.
“hmm.” I thought for a moment regarding them…they look like mythical monsters.
“I don’t want to assume anything but you two, along with the other creatures here save for the two that seem to be in charge, seem like something I would call…ogres?”
The two just nodded at my guess.
“Ya heard of us?” Jadsa seemed prideful.
“Not per say I heard legends and read about them in ancient myths.”
Both seemed surprised at my response to Jadsa’s question.
“What do you mean… legends and myths?” Jadsa looked at me with confusion and some semblance of annoyance.
“Well…in ancient times an ancient civilization known as the Greeks believed in creatures of great proportion…Ogres being one of them,” I said in a matter of fact tone.
“So wha yer sayin is that we Ogres don’t exist in ya world.” Jadsa asked with disbelieve.
“Yes and no…it hasn’t been proven if real or myth, there has been other tales from other civilizations, but still hasn’t been seen or heard in thousands of years.”
Jadsa was slacked jawed while Gromda was just confused.
“So no pony lives at home?” Gromda asked.
“Yes there are ponies but…if what your implying the ones you said I was…No they are the smaller relatives to horses…and not intelligent.”
Jadsa pointed to the tent I was stationed in.
“So the captain doesn’t exist in yer world?” he asked with some caution.
“No…Tempest or anything here is mythical.” I said with all seriousness.
Jadsa stayed silent for a moment before speaking.
“So…yer the only smart ones?” he asked.
I thought to myself for a moment.
“Yes…” I said with some caution.
‘I can’t tell them of the Elders and their pawns…not sure if they would know anyways.’
Jadsa seemed to know that I was lying but probably knew the reason behind it.
“Anyways I’m gonna jog for a bit.” I said as I went off and did some laps around to camp.
“Hey!” I heard a voice beside me.
I didn’t need to look to know who it was.
‘Great the joyous prick.’
“How’s the burn?” he asked.
I stopped my jogging and answered.
“Eh I have had worse.” I said neutrally.
“Really now Elder bane?” he said with too much pride in his voice.
“…yes I have been through a lot…” my tone changed to an angry somber.
“So tell me…where did you get the name Elder bane?”
I really don’t like this guy.
“Can’t tell you.” I told him with some modesty.
“Oh? Why is that?” he asked again with more curiosity.
“Not my place…it’s my commanders and frankly I can’t get a hold of my base to ask.” My tone showed some annoyance.
“Well can you at least tell me your name?”
“Omega 1…that is all I can give you.”
The ‘so called’ storm king rubbed his chin.
“Interesting.” Was all he said before he went to his own devices.
‘that guy is gonna get himself killed.’
‘I agree ’
Another voice spoke into my head.
‘Not you…’ I groaned in my mind.
I heard only a…giggle…chuckle…huh…
‘Relax Elder Bane I only wish to help you. ’
I growled low.
‘Help me? Like you ‘helped’ the thousands of people you killed, harvested, or enslaved for 20 YEARS!’ I screamed in anger and my psi energy pulsed.
‘…’
Nothing was heard or said for a moment.
The silence stayed for a while so I decided to continue jog to calm my nerves…don’t want to slaughter an entire camp for no good reason.
A few minutes though I heard ‘her’ again.
‘I don’t understand your anger Elder Bane. ’
I didn’t answer her question and tuned her out.
09796774624U94Y7457
After I jog around a bit I headed back to the tent I went to the tent I was stationed in.
I heard moans…oh…
I slowly went in and saw Tempest stretching in her latex…
“Better not stare.” She ‘warned’ me.
I ignored her comment and went to my bed and sat down and looked at my bandages.
‘hmm it’s still stings but I might be able to fight if needed.’
Tempest looked at me with curiosity.
“You seem fine…yet you have burns that not even I have seen.”
I looked from my side and at her.
“Well when you get shot at with high advanced weaponry on a weekly basis you get used to it.” I said calmly.
She raised her brow at my response.
“Plus you stink…like horrid.” She said with a sniff.
I merely chuckled at that.
“Well I haven’t had a good shower in weeks.”
Tempest put her arms on her hips.
“Is that because you have no decency?” she asked with some lecture.
I grinned. “No I like being a pig.” I said with some sass.
She gave a glare.
I gave a chuckle at her response but decided to enlighten her.
“I am on active duty.”
She only stared.
I rolled my eyes but kept my grin.
“It means I am on the frontline when needed.”
she appered to be shocked.
“Seriously?”
“Whenever, where ever.” I said as I stood and pulled my bandages off.
I looked at my wound that seemed to still have severe tissue damage.
‘hmm…wonder why my wound doesn’t hurt so much…’
I took a moment to think.
‘my Psi abilities may be the cause…maybe.’
I glance at Tempest, who was staring at my wound.
“H-how are you not in pain?” she asked.
I gave pause for a moment.
“Trying to figure out myself.”
I 'just' went to the bed and sat down.
“Gonna need to replace the bandage.”
I looked to Tempest.
“Where is the medical tent?”
She looked at me with distrust.
“wait here.” Was all she said and left the tent.
‘Only in a latex…don’t think that will end well.’
I just shrugged and took off my under shirt.
I looked to my wound and saw the burn…well looks better than it was before.
“usually its worse.”
It is usually charred to the bone…almost
But instead it was just black with some of the wound bleeding.
*flash back. *
The earth itself was weeping as the remnants of the battle but even the waters aren’t enough to heal the scars of the blood, fires, and ash.
The very ground was covered in bodies…of Both combatants.
The army and the aliens that invaded.
Buildings, streets, cars, even tanks were ash or just abandoned by their occupants.
A red river ran beneath my feet, the smell so strong.
“This is Charles 4 anyone out there?”
I dragged my body on the side of a tank.
My body ached from a chrysalis sting. (At the time I had no idea what it was.)
The burning sensation from the venom made it hard to move.
“Hello?” my voice becoming weaker and raspy.
“I-is any-one…there?” my breath was starting to get heavy.
My vision was starting to blacken.
“Pl – Pleas.”
My world nearly went dark when I fell to the ground…but I swore I heard a plane and voices.
*Flash back end. *
So much has changed since that day.
“Here.”
A voice shook my thoughts.
I looked up from my side and saw fresh bandages.
I looked higher and saw Tempest looking at me.
“Danke schön.”
I took the bandage and saw that Tempest was staring at me.
“What?”
"I said thanks."
Tempest seemed surprised.
‘…’
“What…?” I asked genuinely confused.
Her response was a shook her head and went to get her armor…and hand it to me…
‘TO BE CONTINUED’
Author's Note
This chapter is cut short to make it easy.
View Online
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter 5: Going incognito, Daring escape, And heart woven farewell.
I took a bath in a bucket of water which has long gone cold.
I got back into some ‘Real clothes.’ A red t-shirt, regular blue jeans, grey socks, laced black boots, a leather jacket and gloves.
I heard tempest walk in as I tied my boots.
“o-oh sweet Celestia…”
She stared the bucket.
I knew exactly what she was referring to.
“The blood?” I asked nonchalantly.
She stared at me with horror.
“HOW CAN YOU NOT BE DISGUSTED?!”
I grinned.
“I’m used to being covered in blood, especially not my own.”
I finished tying my boots and stood up.
When I looked to tempest she was silent…deathly silent.
I walk up to her and patted her shoulder…which snapped her out of her stupor.
“Relax I won’t try anything.”
‘Yet.’
‘Shut the fuck up~’
Tempest smacked my arm away and huffed.
“Well it’s not staying in here- GO DUMP IT.”
I chuckled but did what she asked.
But when I got out side with it the ‘King’ saw the crimson tainted water and nearly choked on his tea.
Everyone else was just as surprised.
Once I dumped it, the red water soaked the snow underneath it showing the extent of iron spilled on me alone.
I heard fearful whispers of the ogres and ogress, some along the line of… ‘How is he alive, is that his? Or someone else’s, and just the plain EW.’
I grinned slightly at the King’s shock.
‘You enjoy his fear?’ The damn elder ‘woman’ asked.
‘A bit.’
‘Why?’
‘Because a dog can bark…and it can bite…but when faced with a wolf it will either run in fear or die trying to fight its older self.’
‘…’
‘…’
‘…what?’
I mentally groaned.
‘I’m saying that he does have an “army” and “powerful” magic…but he has no experience in war…he doesn’t know what the cost of it is or the consequences… he never heard cries of pain, anguish, and death, or smelled a rotting corpse, lingering stench of blood, even ashes of once had been…or fought for his very life.’
I could tell the Elder was intrigued.
‘I see…you’re referring to yourself as the wolf and him the dog because you have experience in war.’
I froze when ‘it’ said that. (by the time I had the bucket back in the tent and about to place it down.)
‘War…I hate it…yet it’s never has stopped…we try but…some humans just don’t care for change.’
‘I see that you want war to stop too…’
‘Of course…but sometimes we have no choice.’
I placed the bucket down and sighed…all the while Tempest was staring at me.
“What’s up with you?” she asked slightly cautious.
I gave another sigh.
“Just reflecting on my past.”
She gave the ‘I don’t believe you look.’
“Wh-”
“Trust me…you don’t want to know.” I cut her off knowing what she would ask.
She stared at me for a brief moment her eyes looked into mine.
475982764836
When she stared at his eyes she knew what she saw…
This…Creature…has seen things…things that would probably scar mostly anypony to suicide…his eyes alone showed a weariness, anger, sadness, and pain.
Yet despite all that he still had a glimmer in his eyes…a brightness that baffled her.
‘I can’t believe anypony can endure so much death yet still have a smile.’
Her thoughts were interrupted by a ruffle at the tent entrance.
Her leader was standing at the entry way.
She instantly saluted and waited for instruction.
“Tempest.” He said calmly.
His gaze went to…‘Omega 1’.
“Elder Bane.” His voice went to a cheeky tone.
All did Omega did was just groan, crossed his arms, and rolled his eyes.
Her boss went back to her.
“You’re entering the town of… Marescow?”
The king turned to the ogre to his right nodded.
‘Marescow…’
Tempest has heard of Marescow as some place filled with drunk stallions who will fornicate with everything with a hole.
Omega chuckled for unknown reasons.
“What’s funny Elder bane?” Her boss asked.
“You wouldn’t get it.” He said in a chuckle.
The king shook his head to ignore his comment.
“You’ll both enter the town and grab some supplies.”
The king grinned widely.
“And get your self’s something nice.”
Omega just shrugged his shoulders as Tempest was speechless.
But before she could ask the king left with those orders.
747572847582747572
Once we were in town we saw a lot of life…and equines of all shapes, colors, and personality.
So much…LIFE….it made me…sick…and depressed.
Tempest to my left was looking around but also noticed my face.
“Hey.” She put her arm on my shoulder and shook my side…snapping me out of my self-conflict.
“What’s up with you?” her tone gave some annoyance.
“I’m fine…” my face said otherwise.
Tempest didn’t believe me.
“Clearly you’re not and…”
She leaned in. “You’ll blow our cover.”
A slight pause before she asked a good question.
“How are not drawing attention to us anyway, to me you’re easy to define but everypony else is passing us with no mind.”
I grinned, Glad for the distraction.
‘It’s one of my abilities to make myself seem normal to others as long they have never seen me before.’
Tempest slightly flinched at my intrusion of her mind.
‘Huh…That’s…interesting.’
Before any more could be questioned a couple of a Minotaur, (Assumingly) an Equine or pony as I’m told…and a dragoness on either side of the Minotaur giggling.
As they approached us the ‘Pony’ pointed out to us.
‘Uh-crap.’ I only rolled my eyes and grabbed Tempest by the shoulder and pulled her to my side.
“Wha-”
‘Act natural.’
She was confused at first but relaxed slightly and ‘acted’ like my…Mate…I Guess?
The triple’s came by and one asked me a question.
“Hey~” the dragoness asked sultry.
“Barking up the wrong tree.” My response caught them off guard.
‘Let me do the talking ok?’
‘…Fine’
“So…she fun?” The Minotaur asked.
I got a bit annoyed at that remark.
“That is none of your business.” My voice got a bit darker.
“Why the hostility?”
The pony then walked up to Tempest and gave a whiff.
“OH~ she is in heat.”
‘H-How!?’
‘You’re excreting pheromones, your sexual scent if you will.’
“Yes and it’s taken a big toll on her so please…just leave us be…”
“Not ready for a cub huh.” The Minotaur asked.
“Nope too early for us.” I gave a fake smile.
“Well I guess there’s always later~.” The dragoness gave a sultry wink to Tempest and the three left.
‘Wait till we turn the corner and I’ll let go.’
Once we did Tempest returned to her position.
“Ok first don’t do that again.”
I chuckled.
“And second how did you know to do that?”
“Isn’t my first time playing the ‘Couple’ with someone.”
“And lastly…” She took a second but composed herself.
~Sigh~ “just…warn me when you do something.”
“Can’t make any promises.”
She snorted in annoyance but kept quiet.
“Anyway let’s get the supplies and maybe something for yourself.”
Tempest only shook her head.
45849358340672432456
I walked into a tool shop and looked for a kit.
After an hour of searching I found a suitable one a bought it with the ‘Bits’ given to me by Tempest.
‘She like’s you.’
I smiled.
‘For once you’re right.’
I gave a hearty chuckle.
‘I know…but she is in heat and I feel like I’m the only…pony to stand up for her since she was shocked at me defending her, so it’s probably only a friendship thing.’
‘Maybe…’
I only shook my head at the last comment.
I met up with Tempest as she was buying a bushel of apples.
“What next?” I asked calmly.
She turned to me and crossed her arms.
“We need a storage bag.”
“Satchel?”
She nodded.
I hummed and closed my eyes.
‘What are you thinking?’
‘Shush.’
‘…’
(‘I heard that- is ricks open?- I need a new coltfriend-’)
I growled in annoyance.
(‘Isn’t he in the flora shop?’)
I mentally sighed but then relaxed.
(‘Can’t wait to get a new purse at Stalin’s.’)
I chuckled also mentally.
‘How do you know what they are saying?’
‘Earth language known as Russian…it’s pretty much the same save for some of the names…Marescow being one of them.’
I turned to Tempest who was waiting patiently.
“I think I know where to go.” I bobbed my head in the direction of the store called Stalin’s
She nodded and followed me.
757838509088
Once we reached Stalin’s I opened the door for Tempest and let her in first.
“Здравствуйте, добро пожаловать в мой магазин.” (Hello welcome to my shop.)
I smiled.
“Добрый день. Мы ищем сумку.” (Good afternoon. We’re looking for a bag.)
“Посмотрите вокруг с вашей подругой. (Take a look around with your marefriend.)
“Благодарю.” (Thanks.)
I walked to around looking for a satchel.
Again Tempest asked a question…if you could call it that.
“Let me guess you read his mind and learned the language.”
I shook my head.
“Nope I was trained to learn different languages to communicate with my team and what he was speaking is one of them.”
Tempest seemed skeptical of the answer.
“So…you know Prussian?”
I snorted.
“What?” She asked slightly annoyed at me.
“I swear the puns are so bad…where I’m from its called Russian not Prussian…though there is a place called Prussia but it itself is in Germany.”
She gave a slight snort herself.
“Your society has references to yourselves?”
I grinned.
“Yes and no, most of the names are just random; Marescow is associated with female equines…while back home its Moscow.”
“Care to name one with a reference?”
“Stalingrad, named after a man named Victor Stalin”
“Plus Russians don’t really use certain vowels like v.”
Tempest shook her head.
“Doesn’t seem so different from equestria.” She said with a chuckle.
“No hehe no it does not.”
We continued to look around for a decent bag.
I found one that said expanded space, featherweight, and heating/cooling feature.
It was small about the size of a dog purse on earth.
So it was lost to me how it could have expanded space…and the other two features.
I grabbed it and looked inside and I was surprised…it did have a large space almost like a closet.
‘How; in the name of my brothers and sisters, is this possible?’
I shrugged my shoulders in response and left it as it is.
I found Tempest and handed her the small bag.
She was about to say something…but when she looked inside she noticed the large space.
“Told you, I’m a lucky charm.”
I gave a smirk at her annoyed face.
We went to the counter and payed for the bag and left the town.
Well it was good to see a peacefulness and oppression that had long since been forgotten.
‘You seem very upset at us protecting you.’
I snorted mentally.
‘Oh fuck off you make people more afraid than safe.’
‘How so?’
‘Do I really need to explain the ‘Safety protocols’ to you?’
The Elder invading my brain stayed quite for a good minute.
‘Your race are a one in a few Elder bane.’
My anger started to flare.
‘Fine-fine I’ll stop.’
I relaxed…until Tempest asked me a VERY uncomfortable question.
“So why were you so upset?”
I normally don’t get squeamish now adays but this was a question I do not like to answer.
“Well…I really don’t-”
“Don’t make excuses just tell me.”
I gave a very nasty look towards her which made her slightly real back in a shock.
My eyes glowed a bit and some psi energy leaked an aura from me.
Tempest’s thoughts betrayed her.
‘Holy Buck…he went to calm to blood thirsty in a split second…w-why am I suddenly getting heated?’
Now that made me little bit more uncomfortable.
I gave a massive sigh.
“Picture this, you’ve been at war for half of your life and experience many things that would make you throw up until it didn’t, then come to a place that pretty much has nothing but pacifists and all is goody gum drops.”
As I progressed my explanation I slowly get more and more angry.
“If I wasn’t clear enough I ain’t from here, from this world, and all I see is second rate ‘super villains’ and a bunch of horny idiots!”
My voice rose to a shout.
“The storm king-”
“IS AN EGOTISTICAL IDIOT!!”
“I HAVE SEEN THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE HIM SICK, I FOUGHT THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE HIM PISS HIMSELF IN FEAR!”
My psi reeked off me as my anger started to overtake me.
“I LOST EVERYTHING MY HOME, MY FAMILY, ALL TO A BUNCH OF RELIGIOUS ALINES THAT BELIEVE THAT WHAT THEIR DOING IS RIGHT!!!!!”
“AND IM SICK OF IT!!!!!”
Suddenly a wave of psi energy exploded from me and every tree was snapped like twigs and bushes were blown away like plastic bags.
I fell to my knees panting.
‘D-damn I lost control again.’
‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN AGAIN?!’
I rose back to my feet and saw Tempest on the ground in pure panic.
I slump over a bit my body relaxing.
We didn’t say anything for a good few seconds.
“Not. A .WORD.” I said calmly.
I didn’t need to see Tempests face to know that she agreed.
I put out my hand for her to grab.
She looked it and hesitantly grabbed it.
I gently rose her to her feet.
“Relax I got it out of my system.”
Tempest just shook her head and we walked back to camp in silence.
Well for her at least.
‘You said you lost control… Again? So that means you’ve had this happen?’
‘…Yes and it’s very tough to deal with.’
‘So you had a problem with controlling your psi abilities… how is it your so powerful?’
‘Like I would tell human secrets. Plus I don’t think you would understand’
‘You realize I’m in your subconscious right?’
‘Meaning?’
‘I can’t do much other than speak to you.’
‘Still it’s not something that is easy to explain.’
‘Enlighten me.’
‘Well it could be the fact that I have a strong connection to the psionic wave lengths.’
‘That doesn’t explain it.’
‘I don’t trust you, end of story.’
8758489848375849345
We got back to the camp and dropped off the supplies and I ‘helped’ cook some food.
Which was fine and a slightly fun plus funny experience since every ogre and ogress along with the king and Tempest were surprised I could actually cook well.
Tempest was especially surprised since she never tasted broth boiled fish and smoked beef before.
After we ate I and Tempest then walked to the tent.
“So…”
“Don’t ask trust me its better if you didn’t know.” My response was all that Tempest needed to hear.
34534534534543534
Tempest thought of asking more about it but what happened in the forest made her think again.
‘To think he has that kind of power and can cause so much damage with just a thought.’
When the both of them went in the tent they instantly went to the beds and went to sleep.
Nothing was said today was a day of firsts…and lasts.
(3 Hours later.)
Tempest rolled in her sleep and moaning slightly.
‘…’
‘…’
*GASP*
Tempest looked around and saw nothing an empty void of purple and black.
She looked at the tendrils they looked like a manifestation of some magic.
She walked closer to the foreign ‘magic’.
It felt like no other, it was so…extreme…so potent.
She reached out and touched it.
And instantly regretted doing it.
Her mind started to swim into a scenario.
47523985731489457
“Shadow 1-2 report.” A gruff voice demanded.
Tempest lowered behind a car and readied her mag rifle.
“Central this is Shadow Actual.” She whispered but not in her own voice.
“Proceed Shadow 1.” A womanly voice came through this time.
“The Templars info was correct…there is an secret facility here.” Her tone was serious as if she knows what is going on.
“Proceeding to destroy the building.” After that she ran to the door to the large building.
“Elder bane to Hawkeye got any visuals.”
“Negative I – Scratch that two Vipers and a Muton to the left of you.”
“Anything else.”
“Yes… a gatekeeper.”
“Fucking perfect.” The sarcasm in her voice made her note that this may be hard to counter.
She opened the door and ran to the target for remote detonation.
“Charges planted.”
“Goody.”
An all too familiar voice came from behind.
Reacting on instinct she raised her rifle and shot at the figure.
The tall creature growled in pain and tried to smack her on the head but she dodged.
As she ran out of the building she called in.
“Central this is Shadow 1, We’ve been compromised, I repeat we’ve been compromised.” She ran and fired behind her and kept going.
Suddenly a searing pain shot at her side as she ran.
The Muton shot at her…but she kept going.
The sound of a sniper shot came from a distant location.
The voice that snuck up on her earlier spoke somehow through the coms.
“Nice attempt but not quite.”
Another shot that was louder hit something.
That something was the sniper guarding her.
“E-Elder bane…R-Run…”
“NOT WITH OUT YOU!” She shouted, as she ran to the snipers location.
When she reached the spot the sniper was laying their breathing shallow.
She ran up to the woman in a blue armor and a hat sat there with a gaping wound in her chest.
The woman looked at Tempest with tears in her eyes.
“I-I-.”
“Don’t move you got to stay quiet and still.”
“Y-Your hit.”
“I’LL be fine.”
“J-Just-g-go.”
“Not without you.”
She felt a hand brush her face.
Looking at the woman she saw a smile on her face.
‘Thank you for everything.’
The hand fell her eyes dulled and her breath seized.
“no.” her voice shaken.
“No”
“No…No…NOOOO!!”
Her rage exploded outward in psionic blast.
“WHAT THE!!” The Chosen Hunter was shocked.
She shook her head but followed the last request of her friend and ran into the town.
57475238573428957
Tempest woke up in a deep sweat and looked to her charge who was sound asleep.
Her mind snapped back into reality as she thought over her ‘dream’.
Then she realized it wasn’t a dream it was a memory, and not one of hers.
She was right when she thought of him seeing so much in his life…but that was…Horrific and so sad.
She laid back down and stared at the top of the tent the rain making the only noise.
She laid there for minutes
Then something happened.
‘I’m sorry.’
“wha-!”
Her mind was assaulted her thoughts twisted and then she passed out.
435234654764345241414
I Mind Controlled Tempest.
I also searched her mind when it was open and found out where my armor was kept and the best route for escape.
Step 6: -
‘Get your shit and get out.’
‘That’s a first hearing you curse.’
I only heard a giggle.
I shook my head and started to give commands to my…teammate.
‘Escort me to my gear.’
I only got a movement in return and I followed outside.
Hardly any ogres were out so we didn’t have to worry.
85939502
Once we reach the tent that had my stuff I instantly knew who this tent belonged too.
I had to hurry.
I grabbed everything and worked on putting my armor back on.
I grabbed the Templar gauntlet and put it on even if it’s damaged.
Once I got my things I walked out the tent.
“Elder bane…what are you up too.”
I look up from the gauntlet to see the joyous prick.
I looked around and saw almost every ogre and ogress behind him.
“Isn’t it obvious…I’m Leaving.”
Just then I gave a command to Tempest to charge in as a distraction.
“Tem-” he froze up then pushed her back.
All the time I needed for a clear shot.
The king howled in pain as the plasma burned through his armor like paper and penetrated his arm just the same.
I ran fast as Tempest regained control and ran after me.
I charged a Null Lance in my hand but not so much to make it lethal.
I turned on my heel and shot it right at her chest knocking her to the ground with a loud thud.
I heard her last thought…and it was something I never expected out of her.
‘I’m Sorry.’
‘…’
‘Don’t be.’
I gave that as my farewell.
This was only the beginning I know that much.
View Online
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter 6: Into the forest, An old enemy, and future ties
CHAPTER 6: INTO THE FOREST, AN OLD ENEMY, FUTURE TIES.
The walk was treacherous the snow made it hard to move, the bitter cold would most likely freeze anyone who wasn’t prepared. I kept going, I knew the king wouldn’t follow this far in a blizzard…unless he’s the one causing it.
The wind howled as the day went by, soon I found a forest and walked in. Trees that had long since lost their leaves and the smell of rot on some.
The smell reminded me of the things back at one of the cities, filled with the smell of the one thing that showed the cruelty of the elders…The Lost.
Nothing but husks of long dead humans, mutated to such a degree that made all of them unrecognizable to anyone.
An Ambush went downhill countless Lost surrounded us, the Howls still fresh in my mind, the sound of gunfire and so much screaming from those around me.
*SNAP*, *SWISHHHHHHHHH*
A loud snap and the sound of fast movement put me on alert, raising the pistol I looked in the direction of the noise.
“Who’s there?” I got no response.
I moved slowly towards the spot I heard it from and found a trail that looked familiar.
‘Viper.’
‘You’ve seem to know how to track them.’
‘And you’re correct.’
‘Gonna hunt her down?’
‘I’ll do what I must.’
I saw blood.
1: ‘It has an animal.’
2:‘Injured possibly.’
I walked towards the source slowly keeping my weapon ready, soon I reached a cave blood continued into its dark passage.
*crumble.*
A few rocks fall and I turn to the source pointing the gun where I heard the sound.
As I kept going I started to hear a noise…it sounded like panting, the noise got louder as I got deeper into the cave. Then in a split second the thing in question showed itself. A viper with a plasma rifle in its hands pointed at me.
It seemed like it was ready to fight not backing down from me.
I only stared at her with the plasma pistol aimed at her.
But as quickly as it came it fell, the weapon dropped to the ground.
There was a loud thud as the large reptilian hit the ground.
The big muscles of the creature made it a formidable and agile foe, not to mention the long tongue and poisonous spit it has along with a weapon.
But that was different to this one since it’s close to death.
Blood covered its entire body making it hard to see the normal yellow coloring of its skin, scratches were here and there, a very large cut across the chest was the source of the blood. I looked at its face and saw its red eyes staring at me.
‘P-please…’
That gave me chills, not the fear…but the emotional chills.
At first my gaze was hard and focused…but now I feel…sad…Why?
Why was I upset by this….this thing killed my kind like animals…yet here one lies asking for my help.
My mind started to go back and forth on what to do.
On one side I help it and possibly gain an alliance of sorts.
On the other I kill it and stop its misery and…well…fuck.
My pistol was aimed at its head the look it gave me was hard for me to not think for a moment.
‘N-o…I-I don’t want…to…die.’
I griped the gun harder my mind swimming in a struggle. I looked at her eyes and once again it gave me chills…
A single tear rolled down her eye…
It was then something in me stopped my struggle. My gaze turned to something its side something that could’ve been a god send for me earlier.
A Nano medkit.
I gave a breath of air and I looked into The Vipers mind searching for any deceit in its thoughts…instead I saw an all too familiar sight. Her kind was brainwashed into serving the Elders like cattle to a slaughter house, a normal society that wanted nothing more than to live out their days…just like us.
That was the last thing I needed.
I lowered the pistol, the Viper just stared at me. I reach for the medkit, as I was doing so it tried to move away.
‘Do you want to bleed out?’
After I ‘talked’ in her head I got no response so I just grabbed the medkit and activated it.
The Viper looked at the device quizzically (I would imagine by appearance.)
I looked at the wound…it was bad…REALLY bad.
A sigh left me as I pondered.
‘Look.’ The Vipers attention went to me.
‘If I help you; you have to do what I say ok?’
I got a nod in return, I aim the medkit to the large cut on its chest.
‘This is going to hurt.’ I didn’t give less of a warning as I parted the torn flesh and sprayed the foam inside the cut…then to the outer part.
The Viper hissed in pain during the process. After the wound was sealed I put the medkit to my side and looked at the Viper.
‘Don’t try anything.’ I gave a warning as I left to get some wood.
1444434535234523455234
My arms were full of sticks and rocks. I got back to the cave to notice the Viper was curled up trying to stay warm,
‘To be honest I feel bad for i-her…’
‘I know what you’re thinking...’
‘Really now?’
‘Yes…you’re wondering why I’m being nice to i-HER!’
“Dammit”
The Viper looked at me with a hint of confusion at my sudden cussing.
I set the rocks down and got to work on the fire.
‘Before you ask why, I understand what situation she’s in, the only difference is, I’m trained to think on my own.’
‘I’m lost.’
‘She doesn’t know what to do…she has no training…no knowledge of what to do independently on her own…’
‘She’s scared…and she doesn’t know why.’
‘Let me guess this relates to me and my brothers and sisters.’
‘Pretty much, you basically force her into fighting, relying on the Psionic Network to keep her alive…but as far as I can tell That Shit Ain’t Here.’
I could feel the elder ponder for a while but didn’t speak.
I grabbed my pistol and shot the wood pile setting it on fire…and the moment I did the Viper rushed to it.
That smile didn’t last long.
54825728457238475238457
3 years ago
I ran for the hills in a matter of speaking but I kept running for safety.
“~SH~SHADOW 1 Do you read.”
Static ran in my ear.
I ran to the tallest building and radioed in.
“Good.” A Sigh of relief came with the word.
“Where are you Captain?”
I look around. “Not exactly a good place but I seem to be in china town.”
“Were sending evac.”
“WHAT HAPPENED!” a voice came through…and one I dreaded to hear.
“Can’t speak right-*RAWR* NOW NORA!!”
I opened fire on The Lost swarm approaching. I fought for hours on end almost ran out of ammo but thankfully the ship came and dropped the rope, running to the rope I grabbed it with the intention of not letting go.
Tears ran down my eyes.
‘I’m Sorry Pearl.’
756857657657
2 minutes latter Nora, the one on that yelled.
She looked me in the eyes…and she cried.
Her sister…DAMMIT.
I only cried with her, as I got up from the bed and hugged her.
“I-I’m SO SORRY.”
E543523523523452345
A hand snapped me out of my trance.
I shake my head and see that the viper was looking at me with concern.
‘I’m fine.’
‘You don’t look fine.’
The Viper stared into my eyes and she must’ve saw a tear since she wiped it. I smacked her hand away from my face.
‘Why are you being so compassionate?’
My question seemed to confuse her for a moment.
‘We’ll you…saved me…and I just thought you could use some comfort since you were crying.’
‘I don’t need comfort.’
I walk past her.
‘I need time.’
The night was starting to fall and the snow was starting to pick up. I stood at the entrance and watched the snow the wind started to pick up as well.
After a few minutes I went back into the cave. The Viper was curled up by the fire seeming to be at rest.
‘Time to rest…hopefully she doesn’t try anything while I’m sleeping.’
I pick a spot to lay down by the fire, the warmth relaxing my body. But the issue was I had no soft spot for me to sleep, so falling asleep would be difficult.
‘Going to be a looong night.’
I move around trying to get a comfortable spot.
After a few minutes I fell asleep…well half asleep.
453453453534632542346135577
An hour pass and I’m still having a trouble staying asleep. Then as I was about to get up I feel movement around my body.
It was all too familiar…however it wasn’t a death grip. I open my eyes to see that the Viper was wrapped around me, I was elevated off the ground in a…more comfortable position.
‘What are doing?’
‘Making you comfy.’ Her tone was innocent…which made me even more confused.
‘…Why…Aren’t we enemies?’
‘Yes...No?’
I sigh.
‘Since were in this position...What’s your name?’
‘I…I’m…I don’t know.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Yes…I don’t remember.’
I thought for a moment.
‘Well we can figure out when we get some rest.’
I found that she was pretty comfy…oddly.
‘Thanks…by the way.’
I only got a light hiss.
‘So…warm.’
I merely chuckled at her.
This Viper reminds me of Pearl, kind, considerate, and a big cuddler.
It was her that taught me to look for the best in everyone, like the skirmishers. At first I didn’t trust them but Pearl made everyone think otherwise.
She welcomed them with open arms and with big smiles. But when she KIA…everyone felt pain and loss everyone felt the sadness…And I could never forgive myself for what happened she could’ve survived if I had gotten there faster.
‘No-no…she wouldn’t want me to blame myself.'
‘You Humans are so emotional…this Viper is an enemy yet you try to relate.’
‘Shut it…you don’t have emotions you have endless hunger for power, for control.’
‘You truly believe that we don’t feel loss…we do, we lost one of our chosen…our children killed by your kind….by…you.’ The Elder in my head started to get agitated.
‘Like You didn’t kill someone’s child, or siblings or parents, SO I Don’t Want to Hear ANYTHING from you.’
With that there was silence and then I fell to a deep sleep.
Author's Note
Sorry this took a long time life has a funny way of throwing shit at ya. Hope you all enjoy.
View Online
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter 7: A long path, but a new beginning.
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.
54328572398475329845723985734985734209857
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.
5743298572397521-57340406734
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 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.
12347564563567356723439573495739857134985713951349-67137
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.
7482574852387287439857239485438362834672349682379-9328476
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.
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter: 8: Monsters vs MONSTERS
Chapter 8: Monsters VS MONSTERS.
The sound of the cold wind blared outside, just hearing it made you shiver.
In the darkness lurked creatures that hunger for anything available to feast on…in this case the few
“There are four morsels inside the wooden house.” The monotone silently stated.
“Any takers?” The sultry voice whispered
“For you…one male.” It said as if it was bored.
There was a slight squeal of glee.
“THE LARGE ONE ISSSS MINE….” The hiss came from the other side of the cabin.
“Enough chatting time to feast.” The ‘master’ ordered.
All entered in their own ways. One entered the chimney and through the fire place two entered the
The source of the sultry voice walk ever so elegantly to the sleeping male…wrapped a snake female…which made her mad.
“He’s mine now…” she tried using her magic to lift the large reptilian but it couldn’t reach her.
“What…?”
An invisible force prevented her magic to form around the two.
Her ‘companion’ stared at her with confusion.
“NOW!!”
The male shouted, the snake leapt to the other side and wrapped itself around her ‘partner’ in an air squeezing grip.
“LET….ME…..GO…..SSSSSSNAKE!” he struggled to speak as the snake just gripped harder. The male slammed into her like a bull and she was flat on her back with his foot on her chest
There was a crash in the other room but the noise went silent after a few seconds.
/POV of Omega. /
The sweet sound of snowy wind was enough to make someone appreciate the warmth of the cabin, every creature was sound asleep… save one who was awoken by a dreadful presence.
‘Somethings here.’
‘Yes I feel it too…a dark set of energy…magic maybe?’
Giving some thought I think of a plan.
‘We’ll see in a moment.’
Using my psi capabilities I peer into every one’s mind
‘Hey.’
‘Whhaaat?’ Amber’s voice groaned.
‘Wake up!’ Once I ‘Shouted’ all the residents were awake.
‘Whats…going on?’ Hallows voice rang through everybody’s heads.
‘Omega…what are you…?’
‘Listen up…somethings are here and they don’t feel friendly so I have a plan.’
‘Already?’ Hallow asked.
‘Training gets you far…so I want all of us to act like were asleep and wait for a moment…they may enter the cabin so be on guard for anything…attack and subdue once I give the order’
‘What about me…?’ Pearl questioned.
‘Do what you do best wrap the closest guy up….just don’t choke him/or her to death…unless it’s necessary.’
‘What about you?’ Ambers ‘voice’ sounded worried.
‘You’re forgetting who is coming up with the plan.’
With that all went silent the feeling of the invaders were so close that felt as if they were watching them from right outside…which they were as voices spoke.
‘Four of them…how ironic.’
‘One for each of us.’ Hallow seemed eager to fight.
‘Get ready.’
The door opened and a sudden rush of air came from the fire place two of the dark figures came close.
A womanly voice whispered.
“He’s mine now.”
I felt her try to do something with magic…but my psionic prowess over shadowed hers.
“What…?”
“NOW!” using the confusion I rush to the woman and shoulder bash her to the ground and step on her chest pinning her to the ground.
Give a breath of effort I turn to see Pearl strangle the odd looking equine.
Its features were morphed oddly it had a coat but pale and red main its eyes were yellow slits…A monster I guess.
“LET….ME…..GO…..SSSSSSNAKE!” its voice hissed…slightly creepy…but nothing compared to howls of lost souls coming to kill you…
Looking to the woman she had the same features as the one in Pearls grasp.
She looked at me with a ‘cute’ smile.
“Hi Handsome.” My response was forcing my foot down, pushing on her solar plexus and squeezing some air out.
“Don’t push it…least you end up with hot plasma in your head.”
“That won’t be happening.” A deep raspy voice called from the two ladies room entrance.
Looking to the figure, he was bigger than the others…and stronger by my sense, the one next to it was exactly like him only his eyes were yellow too…but the former was crimson.
‘I get it now…’
‘He’s the leader.’
Behind the two were Amber and Hallow…they seemed out of it.
“Figures…” I say slightly annoyed.
‘They are under mind control.’
‘Thanks for stating the obvious captain.’ I think flippantly.
Pearl giggled (more like hissed) at my remark,
“Release my servants…or-”
“Let me guess I’ll suffer your unfathomable wrath…toying with reality and/or torture me to submission?”
The large figure slightly shifted in shock of my response.
“How did you-”
“You’re like every villain I’ve met so far recently…it’s a cliché for you to threaten me like that.”
Didn’t need psi powers to tell he was getting pissed.
“Arrogant fool!”
He turned to his lackey and motioned to me.
The bored looking equine stared at me…‘OHHHH THIS WILL BE GOOOD.’
‘I’m over 1000 years old…this is the first time I have ever gotten the chills like this…and just from your tone? I don’t think he’ll last.’
I ‘act’ like I’m being affected by his magic and slump my head down after appearing to be resisting his spell.
“Good work Jai… seems like he wasn’t a match for your magic…now the snake.”
My smile grew as I pulsed my Psionic power dramatically…all froze in the moment
‘I wouldn’t be confident about your capabilities…such a disappointment if you compare to me…’
Every one of the invaders stared at me as my Psi aura glowed making the once dark room dim up slightly my eyes glowing too.
Raising my head I stare at the one called Jai…and he reacted Oh so deliciously. The once stoic figure changed to shock…but then…I had my FUN.
I walk so slowly to him, peering into his mind and making him see things that weren’t there, causing him to react erratically.
‘In my experience….you have just a fancy trick in comparison to the things I can dooo~’
He stared at me…now his face showed terror…which reflected to the others shock.
‘You may seem calm…emotionless…but deep inside…you…are…afraid…scared over something that makes you quiver…your will….is…weak…So~ weak…’
I was close to him looking down as he fell on his butt and shook like a leaf.
‘Weak wills…Snap like a twig…Crumble like the earth…Crack like a dam…And shatter like glass…’
I put my face close, by only mere inches.
“Such an easy prey; for the embrace of insanity.” I whisper.
I force images to his mind all his fears swimming in his head and torture him by experiencing everything all at once…and adding new fears on top of it.
‘…’
“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” he screamed in terror and grabbed his head trying to drown out the images, sounds, and feelings all at once…Amber and Hallow shake their heads and look at me with shock.
Jai stood up and bolted for the door…but I stop him in place.
“LET ME GOOOO!!!”
I gave a dark chuckle.
“But the fun has only just started.” I say whimsically.
“YOU’RE A MONSTER!!!!”
“Thanks…I Try.”
I let go of him and let him leave.
Everyone stares at me with new founded fear…and rightfully so.
I change my stare to the leader…and now he is slightly afraid of what to come…
My grin changes to a scowl scaring him even more.
“One chance…leave….or suffer…your choice…”
He stared at me with fear and anger…and made a stupid decision…He launches a fire bolt at me…it hits me dead on…with no effect.
“I-Impossible…” he whispered in fear.
“Stupid choice.” I cup my right hand a charge a decent amount of Psi energy, it forming a ball in my hand…in the center was a deep purple near to a black in coloration…around the center tendrils and strands danced around it feeding it more and more power…like a black hole feeding on a star.
I raise my hand to him…making him step back in fear.
“Now this...is your punishment for your actions.”
‘Amber, Hollow MOVE!’ they dive to the ground
I didn’t hesitate and release the pent up power and it sores right at the big guy and straight through him…I aimed for his side severing his whole right shoulder and arm along with a bit of his torso as not to kill him…at least not quickly.
The power went past him and out the cabin. (And to both of the owners surprise didn’t cause any damage to the building.)
He stood in shock for a moment before his body registered what happened…once it did he dropped to his knees and coughed up blood.
The woman who I earlier I pinned ran to his side and tried to stop the bleeding.
“Master!” she used her telekinesis and forced the blood to stay in his body. She stared at me…her face showed fear…and…awe…FFFFFFFUUUUUCK.
‘She admires me….just what I FUCKING NEED.’ My thought sarcastic.
“Leave…he’ll regenerate after a bit…THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE”
‘Let him go Pearl.’
‘Okay.’ She responded innocently and let the freak show go.
The two remaining Invaders looked to each other before grabbing their master and leaving.
“THISSSSSS ISSSSN’T OVER.” The one hissed
I gave a ‘Reapers Promise’ stare at him and he quickly reeled back in terror before leaving.
“That’s that.” I look to Amber and Hallow.
“You two ok?” I asked with some caution.
“Yea….more or less…”
“Good now let’s clean up and go back to sleep.”
“What…? But they-”
“Trust me they won’t come back after what just happened, at least not for a good while so you’ll be fine.”
They really wanted to retort but I did have a point…they were terrified so it makes it less likely that they would come back right away.
I walk to the fire place and begin to start a new fire.
“I don’t think that’s necessary.” Amber tried to stop me but I point to the open window and door.
“Punks left the window and door open so it’s freezing.” Hallow shivered as the wind blew hard.
Amber rushed to the door and tried to shut it but the harsh wind made it difficult…which prompted Hallow to walk beside her and force it close with some effort.
Amber huffed in annoyance and gave a cute pout to her lover.
“Could’ve done it myself.” She said quietly.
“Of course…but it doesn’t hurt to have help.”
There interaction made me smile…but not for long.
34123545234532452345
The air was nice and cool as I walked down the street of my home city…heading to a store for ‘groceries’. (Just a bunch of snacks really)
On my way I see a few people talking about things that mean nothing…just lively.
Once I’m in the store I set my backpack on the side of the register, grabbed a basket and started shopping.
On the snack isle I pick up random things chips, and all that.
The next isle over I spot another shopper a woman in her late 20s blond hair and a blue sun dress…oddity if I ever seen it.
She would be considered beautiful from most men…I don’t honestly care too much…she was only noteworthy because of her pacing, she was slow and nervous…looking around as if she isn’t supposed to be here she grabs a bottled soda…and stared at it.
Curiosity flooded my mind but not enough to try anything.
Walking past her I must’ve spooked her since she jumped and started to fumble with the bottle….and with fast reaction that surprised even myself I catch the bottle before it hit the floor…preventing any mess.
“Careful all stores share THE strict policy.”
The woman stared at me with curiosity and meekness…which threw me off…and made slightly suspicious.
“U-Um…what is that policy?” she asked hesitantly.
“You brake it.” I lift the bottle to my face catching her eyes, they were bright blue. With a grin I hand the bottle back to her.
“You buy it.”
She continued to stare at me but I had shopping to do so I leave waving slightly.
“Just be careful k?” I say as I grab a few cans of pasta (You know which :}) and walk out of the isle.
The woman was just staring for a moment before running up to me and tapped my shoulder.
“What?” I ask neutrally over my shoulder.
“U-Um…I’m new here and I don’t know where everything is…”
I turn around and look her in the eyes…she really has captivating eyes.
She shied away from my gaze and moved in place…nerves does that to ya.
“Looking for something specific?” I ask bluntly.
“U-U-Umm….yes…I-I’m looking for…” she tried to speak but was WAY too nervous to spit it out.
“Come on…” I say hurriedly.
“U-Um…It’s really embarrassing to ask.”
Her shifting in place was making me slightly nerved…not like I’m mad or upset…just anxious…Being around nerves make mine spike from time to time.
So on accounting for her blushing and moving as if she was uncomfortable in her own skin….So~ that meant one thing.
“That time of the month?” I ask bluntly.
The woman in front of me quickly jumped and looked around in shock of me pointing it out.
“P-Please D-Don’t.”
A few other people stare at us making the woman want to disappear.
I give a laugh gaining every ones attention.
“Relax…ALL girls have this issue…But guys have some too…sometimes worse.”
“Debatable.” The cashier calls from her stand.
“Did you not here the ‘sometimes’ in that statement?” I ask jokingly.
“Yes I did, and my opinion still stands ‘debatable’” she said in a matter of fact tone
My and the cashiers ‘argument’ made everyone chuckle or giggle.
“Sheesh whatever then.” I ‘concede.’
Focusing my attention back to the woman I gave a warm smile and help her out.
“I believe what you’re looking for is the third isle down, and as what you’re looking for are…well you know.” I point to the isle while trying to help her I noticed her nerves slightly dimmed…for a moment.
“U-Um could you help me…if you don’t mind?”
“WH-what…umm…” THAT ; completely…caught me off guard.
She asked me, A Total stranger, A guy she just met, and not a girl to help her get tampons…WHAT THE FUCK?
Everyone snorted at me, Now I’m embarrassed.
“Umm…sure?” I replied hesitantly.
I head to the isle with her in tow she seemed to clingy since she was right on my back nervous of everything.
“Could you give me some space please?” I asked her kindly.
“S-Sorry.” She backed up a bit; giving me some room to breathe.
Entering the isle I point to the boxes on certain shelf.
“Those are what you’re looking for.”
“Which one do I pick?”
This feels like and interrogation.
“One that fits your…stature…look I have no idea about this stuff…and”
“Need girl advice.” A woman came from behind us and made me turn fast in reflex.
The woman was wearing a red dress and high heels her hair a brown with braids. At a glance you could call her alluring but if you look hard enough you could see her posh attitude.
The woman in blue walks up to the newcomer and stares at her.
“What are you doing here?” she asked with authority, which didn’t fit her earlier personality.
“I’m the one who should be asking that.” She retorted smugly.
“What I do is none of your business.” The other nearly yelled.
‘Hmm I’m guessing they know each other.’
“Of course it is! I’m supposed to be babysitting you and you run off on me!”
The situation just started to escalate and draw a crowd.
‘Ah shit.’
“I want to do what I want like you so why are you being so controlling!”
“Hey you two I think-” try as I might I attempted to cool the rising argument.
“Because Father told me to keep you close and from harm.”
“But-”
“But NOTHING I don’t want to have to answer to Father for your actions, to have my allowance to be taken.”
“Well for once I don’t care about your allowance.” The woman blue came back with a bite of her own.
‘This is getting worse.’
The one in red reeled back in shock to the retort and seemed furious at this point.
“Well I don’t care about your feelings I want to be allowed to get the stuff I want.”
“I look for you and I find you in a place like this and with people like him!”
“HEY THAT’S ENOUGH!!” I snap.
My shout caught the both of them off guard and scared even the one in red shitless.
I was visibly pissed so I take a moment to breath.
“Look I Have NO Clue on what this is about but fighting in a public space isn’t the best way to handle it.” I notice the woman in read about to speak but I cut her off quickly.
“AND I Don’t Care either so you two can stop ‘NOW’ or ‘LEAVE’.”
A store clerk comes to defuse the situation further.
“He has a Point you can get in serious trouble for fighting here in a public store.”
Staring both women seemed uncomfortable now from the situation they put themselves in; giving a sigh to calm me down from my recent outburst I walk past the two and gave one last tidbit.
“It’s best if you take this home and talk it out…fighting with your siblings is never a good thing…trust me…I know.”
I continue shopping for the day and everyone does the same, after I buy the ‘necessary’ items I leave.
Only to receive another shoulder tap.
Sighing I turn around to face Both women who were now nervous.
“What?” I say annoyed no longer trying to sound nice.
“S-Sorry” the meek one spoke quickly.
“Sorry?” I question, to which I don’t get a response from either of them making me sigh again.
“It’s fine…just don’t fight like that in public…not only is it against ‘Keeping the Peace.’ It’s bad for your relationship.” Not getting any more words out of them I turn.
“Well I got to go, See ya.” I gave a slight salute.
“WAIT!” The woman in red shouted making me turn back.
“What’s your name?” she asked.
Smiling I open my mouth to speak…until I heard a weird noise and my smile faded confusing the two.
In the matter of seconds an object hits the street behind me stopping all traffic. Everyone who stopped opened their doors and stared at the unknown object.
The green and metallic object started to pulse with some unknown energy. Then it ruptured with a wave; anyone near it was vaporized instantly.
This naturally caused panic and everyone bolted like cockroaches.
More of the objects fell from the sky and landing near us.
I grab both of their hands and run.
“LETS GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!” I shouted over the screams of the people and the two didn’t argue with me as we ran.
The screams in my head were as fresh as ever.
“I could’ve ran myself.” The one red spoke annoyed.
“Sure you could’ve, but you have no idea how to survive on your own,” I made a point and got no argument or retort.
“I’m Tal- by the way”
“N-Nora.” She gasped for breath from the sprint we had.
“And I’m…Pearl” the woman in blue said second.
“Nice to meet you both officially, let’s keep moving.” Both nod in response and we start walking away from the incident.
(End of FB)
Again another hand grabbing my shoulder snaps me out of my thoughts and back into reality; Pearl getting me to focus.
I noticed all three of the other residents staring at me with concern,
“I’m Fine DON’T ask.” I say quickly as I relight the fire and warm up the cabin.
The three were skeptical but didn’t question me knowing I wouldn’t tell them.
‘Hmm…odd.’
Groaning internally I ask.
‘What now?’ my tone showed obvious annoyance.
‘It seems to me you have been getting these episodes of your past life experiences…making you upset mentally and psionically.’
‘Psionically…OH…right…’
‘You’re weaker than normal every time you enter these episodes and it’s obvious to everyone here that something is on your mind’
‘Well; being trusted into a world where violence is almost nonexistent can have negative effects on someone…I know what’s going on just having a hard time dealing with it.’
‘A medical condition?’
‘Yes a serious one so leave me be…I just need time.’
With the fire starting to roar I back up and stretch. Pearl got closed to me but I push her away knowing what she was trying to do.
“I’m going to meditate, once I’m awake from a sudden event I can’t fall back asleep…not easily at least.”
My mind swam with the recent ‘Episode’ I had…I need to clear my head.
Sitting in the middle of the living room floor I start to meditate and fall into a deep sense of emptiness letting my mind wander and rest.
‘This is going to be ‘Hell’ I just know it.’
852849652-934856-23947562-934756
Morning came and the world woke from the recent storm...all the animals and critters started their morning routine.
I wake from my deep meditation and noticed the whole cabin was lit up from the morning light. I hear a loud yawn and a creak of a bed as someone woke up.
A burly woman came out and saw me floating.
“Still can’t wrap my head around that.” Hallow said with admiration.
“Eh it’s natural for me to float while meditating.”
“So it’s ‘unnatural’ for you not floating?”
“More or less.” I reply nonchalantly.
Hallow just shook her head and went into the kitchen for some breakfast.
Pearl hiss a yawn as she woke from next to the fireplace.
‘Cute’ my mind suddenly thought.
‘Wait what did I just say?’
‘You said-’
‘I Know what I said; just confused on why I said it!’ I think panicked.
A giggle runs through my sub conscious.
‘YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY?!’ Anger started to boil in me.
‘How could I not, it’s amusing to see someone like you being flustered about calling a female cute.’
‘You Son OF A-’ I stop and breathe making my mind run to a calm pace.
‘FINE I said cute so what.’ I concede.
‘Well I’m inclined to agree.’
‘…You Agree?’
‘Yes I do.’
I shake my head in defeat not caring if anyone saw.
‘Though I am curious…what makes you attracted to her?’
‘Jumping to conclusions there…I’M NOT attracted to her…she reminds me of a pet in a way.’
‘You see her as a pet?’
‘Well kinda…she still has animalistic natures…but does have emotions…so I retract my earlier statement, she is more like an acquaintance than a…you know…’
‘SO you see her as an acquaintance?’
‘More or less…she has helped me and tries to be considerate…mostly.’
‘But you yet to trust her?’
‘Can you blame me…she is still loyal to you in retrospect she listens without question to a degree; so she still has the potential to be my enemy even if we seem like friends.’
‘Your Caution eludes me.’
‘Your lack of it makes me suspicious’
With that our little ‘talk’ ended and I got my gear and started to head out.
“Well we’re off, Ready Pearl?” I got a hiss in response with a happy face.
‘Yay another adventure!’
I gave a chuckle at her response.
‘Too much like Pearl.’
Hallow opened her mouth to stop us but I intervene.
“Were not here to take all your food we’re trying to find a way back home and we can’t do it here.”
With that I left with Pearl and out to the snow which had stopped falling at dawn.
‘Old Bastard must’ve been behind the snow storm…unfortunately for him I’m immune to elements.’
I was now at waist high in snow making it hard to even move.
‘Still don’t want to ride me?’ Pearl asked innocently.
“Uhhhhh Not really…but counting on the situation…*Sigh* Fine…”
I got a squeal of excitement from Pearl and she instantly picked me up and laid me on her lower back.
‘This is SOOO fucking awkward; Really.’
‘Now this is just precious’
‘SHUT THE FUCK UP.’
I just got a giggle in response.
“Bye.” I hear Hallow shout as Pearl starts to glide across the snow.
“See ya.” I wave back to her.
Pearl was having little to no trouble moving fast with me on her back…plus in an odd way…it was relaxing.
I close my eyes for the time being and wait for something to happen
Author's Note
Whew new chapter sorry for taking a while I have been working on another story and really got into it.
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chaper 9: Sea faring...and Sickness Pt1.
Chapter 9: Sea faring…and sickness Pt 1.
3 Days Later.
We managed to leave the deep snow and I was walking on solid ground once more, the little ride I had wasn’t too bad to say the least, it was a weird experience but a calming one too.
Pearl was gliding along in the snow while I was just stepping through it.
We ended up in a pathway that has seen traffic of on goers passing by, I’m not worried anyone will see us since I can literally blind them to us.
Up ahead I heard noises and the sounds of talking…a town.
Coming closer to it I realized it was a fishing town…and a port trade…so why is that important?
There is A LOT of pe-Ponies and other creatures around doing whatever.
I stop our trek and head up a small hill getting a look at the town better…and I was right it was lively.
Ponies, Dragons, Minotaurs, Deer, and some subspecies all moved around the town like normal people…
Shaking my head of my unpleasant thoughts I think of a plan…we can leave this area and head to a new one…since ‘The Storm King.’ Is likely on my ass for what happened.
‘So we need a ship to get across the ocean…that is doable.’
‘Care to tell?’
‘We get a ship and equipment with little ‘bits’ I managed to take and sail to another region where we can get a breather from the cold.
‘And to run from the storm king?’
‘More or less; and before you say I could take them on, yes I know I could…but at the same time this world…isn’t really keen on violent solutions to issues like him.’
‘And ours isn’t keen on peaceful talks or speeches?’
‘Yes exactly.’
I locate a port with some decent ships and merchants talking to the populace.
“We’ll head there.” I mention to Pearl towards the town’s ports.
‘But what about me…I think those things will be frightened by me.’
‘I already told you, no one will notice unless I make them notice…to me you’re a big reptilian with the muscles to kill, to them you look like a normal being and you belong.’
‘He’s right…they can’t tell the difference since he won’t let them…he will keep them away unless they are actively searching for us.’
‘So…were…safe?’
“Yes, we are.”
Pearl seems to relax.
“Let’s go.” I motion to her to follow, she did as we entered town.
The entire place was bustling with all types of creatures looking for wares and whatever else they need or desire.
The first thing was to get a ship…cheaply if possible.
Second was to get equipment for the trip, fishing rod and a net would be good, water filter...if they have one.
“And some firewood.”
With that, we head to the port to find a ship that can suit our needs.
Walking along the port I notice a few ships that were for sale…and were expensive…save for one.
“Well…this looks bad.”
It looked like a Dutch sloop…but not in the best shape…the sides were damaged by years of use and abuse, the mast had several boards holding the it in place…the sail had holes in it with some patched up.
…this will need some work…but it will do.
‘WAIT, you’re seriously thinking about buying this thing?’
‘Yes, it’s fixable and in the state it’s in it will be cheaper to get this and fix it than buy a newer one…plus it has a story.’
I see the unfortunate souls who was trying to sell the ship, a young stallion boy with torn clothes (His a blue shirt with holes and brown pants with holes as well) and an older man who looked angry (Covered in a sheet cloth).
“Excuse me.” The young boy asked a passer who ignored him.
“Sir.”
“Mam…”
He slumped in defeat.
“Ahem.” I get his attention and walk up to him.
“What is a young one like you doing here?” I ask like an adult…feels weird too since I haven’t met that many children to speak to in such a long time.
“Umm…I don’t have a place to go…me and my grandpa are homeless.”
That hit a note in my mind.
‘Damn this kid has it rough.’
Peering into his head I know what has happened…and it wasn’t good.
‘His own parents dumped him and his grandfather here and left…what vile-’
‘I get it…so quite down.’
“You don’t have a place to stay…”
The boy shook his head.
“This ship yours?” I point to the sloop.
He nods.
“It’s our only refuge.”
‘Big word for a kid.’
Looking at the ship despite its damage it was still in good condition.
A smile came to my face as idea came to mind.
“I have a question.”
The young boy stared at me with confusion.
“How well do you know about sailing?”
“That’s…all I know…but we have to eat…or…”
“Tell you what…I’ll help you out…if you can sail me and my companion out of here.”
I have never seen a kid get so happy so quick.
“Y-You mean it?”
“As... Celestia is my witness, I do.”
‘Fuck me that felt weird to say…’
‘Sounded odd too…isn’t it normally as GOD is my witness?’
‘Yes…but…’
‘This Celestia is their version of God.’
‘Yea…and supposedly she is physical, real and approachable…’
‘Huh…how very interesting.’
“But first we have to fix this thing up.”
“But we have no bits…”
I gave a large smile.
Pulling out a small bag that I nabbed from the kings tent I managed to get a few of these, Bits that they use as currency…just a gold coin in Earth terms.
Shaking the bag, the boy’s jaw dropped his reaction made me and Pearl laugh…again Pearl was hissing in a cute fashion.
‘Cute…Dammit said it again.’
‘And yet you deny you liking her.’
‘If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it.’
Another giggle just made me even more annoyed.
“Right then do you know where we can get the supplies to fix this ship?”
The boy nodded quickly eager to start.
But before we head out the boy turned to his grandfather…who was still the entire time…hold on…
“Grandpa I have to go for a bit…please stay here.”
All the boy got was a grunt…
‘I get it…his mind is broken…and not by natural causes.’
‘Someone did it…why I wonder…’
‘Let’s find out.’
Walking to the older stallion I reach my hand to his head and search his addled mind.
‘Water flowing like peaceful thoughts, living together with no chain, living together with no pain…’ His thoughts run in a loop.
‘Some sort of spell…witchcraft…someone was mad at him and sealed his memories save this melody which is stuck in his head.’
‘Are you…Are you going to…?’
‘You bet your ass I am.’
The elder man suddenly gasped as his mind was flooded with the once lost thoughts.
“What are you doing?” the boy asked in fear and confusion.
“Shush…I’m concentrating.”
The man started to breathe heavy his mind suddenly going into full force as he started to recall everything.
Then he passed out.
“Grandpa?” the young boy asked…every creature started to stare at what was happening but then continued doing whatever they wanted to do.
“He’ll be fine, Pearl mind taking him to the ship and laying him on the bed.”
‘Sure!’ she did just that and came back out ready to go.
“Alright kid let’s do this.”
The boy then took off waving his hand.
“Come with me I know all the good places.”
With that I followed the young…colt, boy is a term for male, but colt sounds more natural since he is an equine.
Anyway, me a Pearl continued to follow him as he showed us the places to get what we need.
‘You plan to employ them?’
‘Yes.’ I reply simply it was obvious why…but apparently not obvious enough.
‘I’m at a lost as to why…We need these ‘Bits.’ But were spending them on things like these.’
‘That’s the thing about making money…you sometimes have to spend it to make more of it.’
‘…Huh?’
I laughed which made Pearl curious.
‘Is she speaking to you?’
‘Yes, she is…she is asking why I’m spending the bits we have to get all these things.’
‘Well why are you?’
‘Think of it as this…if we bought an expensive ship then we wouldn’t likely have enough to get supplies and we would be in a tough time…if we bought a ferry then it would cost more to ride…if we bought a ship too big then we would have no way to managed it since you usually have to employ a large crew to get it to move…so the only logical get what we need is…’ I rolled on trying to get the both of them to think.
Pearl hissed in thought as the woman inside my head hummed, they took a second to think before…
‘Find a cheap ship and a desperate crew and help them and they will help us?’ Pearl Almost got it.
‘Ooh so close…you’re half right, yes getting a cheap ship is the best thing…but seeing the ship were getting is a decent size it would take a lot of effort for the both of us to keep the ship moving and to keep it from crashing into anything…its possible but it makes it harder to do much as in routine, one of us would have to be up constantly to keep everything in order…’
‘So having someone with experience is priceless…plus…I can’t help but want to give these two guys a hand…they have been through a lot.’
Pearl cocked her head to the side not knowing what I mean.
‘Right forgot to say…they were left here by their family, with nothing to help them…’
Pearl’s face made it obvious that she was upset too.
‘Who would do such a thing?’
‘People…AND some ponies for that matter.’
Remembering what Tempest said that our worlds weren’t so different started to sound more and more true by the days.
‘So we help them and they help us…sounds fair and good for both parties.’
The hours roll on as we got everything we needed and more, turns out bits are worth quite a bit…eight bits for a sail, seven for wood mast repair, twelve for all the equipment we got, thirteen for more wood for the sides, and twenty food for about two months.
‘Still have twenty-three left…not so bad.’
I was carrying the equipment and four of the food barrels with psionics while Pearl was using her muscle to carry the rest of the barrels.
Looking at the colt who was helping to carry the large sail his clothes weren’t the best to be in…
‘Let’s fix that.’
“Hey kid…”
“Yes sir?”
“What’s your name?”
“Vind Striker.”
“Wind Striker?” I asked him gaining a look of confusion.
“Excuse me sir?”
“Call me Omega.”
“Oh, uh Omega…what do you mean by Wind Striker?”
“I’ll tell you later right now let’s get this stuff to the ship and work from there.”
We got back to the ship, but before we got ready to fix it up.
“Hey Vind.”
“Yes sir?”
“Come with me.”
I start to walk off to a store with a lot of attire…a lot.
Pearl started to browse the clothing and wonder what would fit her…
Vind stared at the store and noticed what I was planning.
“You…Your…” he was speechless.
“Yes…yes I am.” He did something slightly unexpected and hugged me, tears of joy started to fall.
I couldn’t help but smile…a genuine smile and patted his head.
The young colt bolted to the nearest aisle of clothes he could wear.
“Get few pairs too.”
I get a tap on my shoulder and notice Pearl holding a pink dress with sapphires at the ends in her hands.
‘I like this…do you?’
My head suddenly got the image of her in the dress…and it wasn’t child friendly.
“Uh the dress…It seems a bit too small for you…but yes.”
‘I’m too big?’ she sounded concerned.
“Well yea…you’re really big and that is way too small…”
Pearl started to feel hurt at my opinion.
“Whoa now easy I don’t mean it offensively you’re a giant snake with constrictive capabilities, your muscles will tear right through it if you try to wear it.”
‘Oh…so it’s the dress…not me.’
“Yes, that is for a pony…and you’re the size of a minotaur or dragoness easily.”
‘So, I’m too big for a pony dress?’
“Exactly…it’s the way it’s made is the hard part…plus it would be better if we kept our armor…as much as I want to get some other clothes it wouldn’t be ideal considering our situation.”
‘Really? How.’
“You require a decent heat source…and were in the cold so that would be good for you, I need mine to keep it from anyone trying to nab it, plus it works with my psionics and makes it easier to focus my psi energy more efficiently.”
I point to the guns we have.
“Plus, it helps carry our weapons.”
‘I get what your implying, if the two of you trade into clothes you might feel more free…but it would also leave you vulnerable to things like an attack, and leave an opportunity for any of these ponies or whoever to steal them and try to use them.’
“Yes, it’s not the best idea unless we’re certain we are in a safer position.”
‘So…I can’t get a dress.’
Blushing slightly, I shake my head.
“No…just saying don’t expect to wear it too soon…”
‘Oh OK!’ she gave an innocent quip and went to see if they were any other things that she could wear.
I gave a breath of relief as I just waited for the two to get done with their shopping.
‘So…Still think you’re not attracted to her?’ The way she teased me really pissed me off.
‘FUCK-OFF.’
‘Come now Elder bane…I saw what you were thinking about her…’
‘I SAID FUCK OFF!!’ My anger started to flare which gave a red flag to the Elder in my subconscious to shut up.
‘Ease yourself, I’m only jesting…don’t get so emotional.’ She knew if I snap the whole building would come down and draw attention to them.
Taking a deep breath, I calm my nerves the anger leaving my body.
After thinking for moment, I decided to get something for the grandfather as well.
With that all of us went to the merchant who had a snob look on his face.
“Wasting bits for the Poor?” he asked which really set me off again.
“And If I am?” I ask modestly.
He only shook his head and chuckled.
“Fine then that will be…64 Bits.” He gave a cheeky grin.
Both Pearl and Vind stared in shock at the pricing he claimed.
‘Fucking knew it…bastard trying to get a rise out of me…however.’
A devilish grin came to my face.
‘Are really going to do that?’
‘Shh~’
“12 will be fine…”
“Are you trying to haggle me?” he asked annoyed…until he sighed.
“Twelve it is.” I hand the Bits over and began to walk out with the two now even more shocked.
“H-How did you?” Vind started to ask.
Turning I put my finger to my lips and shushed.
‘Later.’ He jolted in shock at my voice ringing in his head.
We get back to the ship and get ready to work, the first thing we did was fix up the sides replacing the wooden planks that was filled with holes.
As I was hammering away on a piece of wood from the inside, I hear a loud thud.
Vind started to shout at someone.
“Leave me alone!”
Stopping what I was doing I rush back outside, only to notice a few colts picking on Vind they wore more fancy clothing all are pretty similar.
“What’s the matter short stuff can’t fight back?”
A crowd had formed around the children watching from a distance.
The bully in a green coat, white leggings and polished shoes pushes Vind down, which Vind quickly gets up and throws a punch in his face.
‘Damn…nice left hook.’
The colt got pissed as he grabbed his nose and threw his own punch which missed when Vind ducked and went behind him.
There were girls in a group watching the fight…probably with the brats.
Unfortunately, one of the four managed to grab Vind and hold him steady.
“Let me Go!” he shouted.
“Well now it’s time for payback.”
‘That’s it I’ve had enough.”
The colt punched Vind in the stomach twice…as he was reeling back for a big punch, I grab his wrist stopping him.
To Vind I look normal…but just for them…I look like a monster…
“LET HIM GO.” I gave a slight growl in anger…they froze in terror.
“NOW!!” I shout making them do what I said quickly.
“GO HOME…BEFORE I MAKE YOU.” I was really pissed at them so no one could argue that I was going too far…
“Wh-What are-”
“Charles!” Another voice came from the crowd.
A stallion with fancy clothing like the colt I’m holding came out of the crowd.
“HEY! UNHOOF MY SON!”
I did just that and the boy ran to his father the others ran after him.
“What does a simpleton like you think you have the right to touch my son.”
“He is picking on another kid who hasn’t done anything wrong.” I say calmly not to escalate the situation.
“Him?” The stallion points to Vind and scoffs.
“He deserves it, the poor have no place here or anywhere.”
‘OHHH…SHIT…’
My blood just rose to 212 degrees Fahrenheit…other words…I’m pissed off.
“Care to say that again?” I say icy.
“He deserves…it…” he trailed off as my psionic aura flared like a fire.
“Again?” I slowly walk to him he starts to shiver in terror.
“He…H-He…”
‘ELDER BANE CALM DOWN!’
‘SILENCE!!!’
Vind stared in awe at what was happening.
“You…AS MUCH AS I WANT TOO…I can’t kill you.”
The words I said made him quiver the word kill ran through his head.
Giving an evil chuckle I stare at him.
“BUUUUT that doesn’t mean I can’t, BREAK YOU.”
Using my psionics I scare and scar him; he even pisses himself and leaves an obvious yellow stain in his white clothing.
Leaning to his face I give a big scowl.
“RUN.” Was all I said…and like bullseye he ran like the wind.
The rest of the bullies followed suite and the girls stared in fear.
“THAT MEANS ALL OF YOU!” I yell at them making them bolt.
With the nuisances away…I take a deep breath relaxing myself and controlling my anger.
Vind wanted to say something but I shush him again.
‘I already told you…Later.’
Vind flinched again not know what was going on.
“Lets get back to-”
I heard a rustle as an older stallion Navy blue in color and sea blue main burst through the captain’s cabin, a cheery smile on his face and a spark in his eye.
‘Looks like he’s back.’
‘This older stallion seems to be happy about something?’
The stallion took a deep breath in his lungs as he marveled in something.
“♪Oh Me Life is All Back Together, Haven’t Felt this in Forever, FREE like a Feather, Can it get Any Better! ♪”
I laugh at his antics as Pearl started to dance to his tune.
Vind was dumbfounded.
“♪Cool Brisk of Today, Waking Us To Laugh, Sing, AND Play! ♪” the stallion started to dance around in joy.
I couldn’t help but smile widely, this is honestly a nice change of character.
“♪Bringing Us All Here Today! Cheering on the Day, JUMPING to the Fray~♪”
He wound up to the front of the sloop and looked over the town.
“♪ TO LAUGH SING AND PLAY! ~ ♪, HAAHAHAAHA!” He finished his note and sudden applause came from the gathering crowd cheers and whistles too making him bow in appreciation.
‘Well now that was a nice tune…’
‘Odd…but yes, nice.’
‘. ..But we have work to do.’
“Ahem.”
Getting the stallions attention, I gave a light smile.
“You seem chipper.” I say with a happy tone.
“Ya Bet Yer White hair I Am!” that caused me to lose my smile.
Pearl just stared at me and noticed my hair…then it dawned on her.
‘Wait…did he…’
‘But…that’s…impossible…’
“You…see me?” I asked.
“Well Duh your bright as day in contrast to the rest of these fellers, pale skin, no coat, some weird armor and yer with a big snake lady.”
Pearl froze in surprise and fear as she was found out.
“Not what I meant but ok…So you’re not affected by psionics…to an extent.”
“Psi-Wha?” he seemed lost at my wording.
“Grandpa?” Vind called to the stallion as soon as I was about to speak.
“Wait a minut…VIND?!” The stallion noticed the young colt.
“GRANDPA!” the boy ran to him and hugged him with more tears in his eyes.
“You Gotenn Big since I last remember.”
“You-You…” The boy couldn’t speak his emotions flowed freely.
“Shh~ easy there mah boy.” He hugged the boy tight.
I waited for them to have this moment before speaking.
“Well…AHEM…it thinks it time we finished what we started Vind.”
The stallion stared at me with confusion before Vind jolted in excitement.
“Oh Yea!” he looked from his grandfather and to me.
“How’s the bottom deck?” he asked since I was down there working on it.
“Almost done…Just had a few left before I ran out here.”
“Thanks, by the way.” He said as I chuckled.
“Not a problem…but sailing will if we don’t finish.”
At the word Sail the Older stallion had excitement of his own.
“Ya Mean your…”
Chuckling at the Irony of the words I nod.
“We’re fixing the ship before we sail.”
He hopped up in joy and was eager to help.
“Then wah are we waiten for? LET’S FIX THIS BEAUTY.”
Laughing at his enthusiasm we all start to work on repairing the sloop and get ready to sail.
The sides were fixed and the sails were replaced, the mast was also fixed up and the ship had a new look…better and more bright looking.
“An’t she a Bute.” The stallion asked no one in general.
“She sure is Grampa.” Vind replied gaining a head ruffle from him.
“That’s mah boy.”
Sighing from working so hard I stretch and gain a few pops.
“So what’s your name Old man.”
The stallion seemed offended my me calling him old.
“Sunny boy Ah am Barron Whisker Breeze…And Ah am 82 Years Young.”
Raising a brow, I reply.
“Then I take it back…your ancient.”
That seemed to annoy him further…
“What are Yer Sayin Albino?”
“Oh insults…Ok you wrinkly jean.”
‘Elder Bane what are you doing?’
“Two-legged land lubber.”
“Old Fart.”
“Plum.”
“Tomb of a Pony…”
The two of us were face to face, both Pearl and Vind stared in fear of what was going to happen…only to.
“HAHAHAHA!”
Sigh in relief and annoyance.
We both laughed at each other sharing the good-natured bout.
“Ah like You.”
“Same here.”
We get ready to sail into the night and the excitement was visible on everyone’s face.
But I know that Pearl…isn’t going to like this.
Author's Note
I Hope you enjoy this new chapter...this is part one...so be ready for part 2.
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Location: New Brazil, (Redacted) Alien Facility Complex.
Squad Assigned: Omega 1-5.
(Redacted) “Hun” (Redacted): Ranger.
09012213344896476
The sky ranger shook as we headed to our destination.
“Shit.”
I open my eyes to see our squad’s grenadier gripping to his seat in front of me.
“Still hate flying Destro?” I asked calmly.
“If I wanted to fly I would have grown wings.” He replied sarcastically.
Everyone else just chuckled.
“hey don’t be scared, if the advent doesn’t scare you then flying should be a cake walk.” Our sharpshooter, “Bullet Bill” or just one of the two said casually.
“Well I can kill advent, not flying itself.”
“calm yourself it won’t be good if you panic before our mission.” The skirmisher “Mox” had pointed out.
“I agree.” I said with seriousness.
“It’s not wise to fear flying as to fear death itself.” Our ranger “Hun” replied with his ‘wisdom’.
“OK!,OK! I get it, I shouldn’t be so worked up.” Destro relented and went quiet.
“relax James it’s not to be likely that we crash due to a small storm.” I said with a bit of a condescending tone.
He looked at me with a look of anger but said nothing.
“listen up omega.” Central came in trough the coms.
“Your mission is to take down the advent facility linked to the ‘avatar project’, you are to infiltrate the facility and plant X4 charges and evac asap.”
“What of the chosen?” Hun asked.
Central stayed silent for a moment before speaking,
“Just be cautious, the ‘Warlock’ controls this area so keep an eye out for any psionic readings.”
“Wilco Central, Omega out.” I said as the pilot spoke up.
“All right boys time to drop.” The sky rangers ramp opened and ropes dropped to the ground, we all jumped and grabbed a rope and descended to the earth.
“this is firebrand all squad members are in position.” The sky ranger flew off leaving us there to complete our mission.
“Omega 1-5 at mission sight,” I said into the coms.
“Roger Omega keep an eye out for any chosen and take out that facility.” Our commander spoke trough the coms.
I nodded my head and told everyone to move up with a gesture.
The location itself had plenty of trees and flora of alien origin, the air felt stale as we moved closer to the target.
75885333237457433754544
We went for an hour before any activity was present.
Advent patrol.
This patrol had a trooper, Advent captain, and a shield barer.
“that shield barer will be a problem if not dealt with.” I whispered at my team.
“Why don’t you dominate it?” Bill asked.
“Can’t if we don’t want to be spotted before we reach the facility.” I said with modesty.
“So what do we do?” Destro asked.
I gave a short pause.
“We sneak around them.”
“W-what?” Bill looked at me with shock.
“Yea what’s the big deal we can take them.” Destro chimed in.
“Listen to him it’s best not to cause a firefight when we are far from the target.” Mox stopped any argument with my plan.
‘Thanks.’
‘anytime.’
I use my psi abilities to speak into my squad’s minds, usually when we are dangerously close to any patrol.
We get past the first patrol and made our way to the facility.
Soon we do.
“Omega 1-5 target is in view.” I heard static at first but then a voice came through.
“Roger Omega, be careful we just got a psionic spike not too long ago.” Central said with a bit of concern.
“Affirmative Omega moving out.”
‘Careful guy’s I feel a strong psi energy.’ I said telepathically.
‘Chosen?’ Hun asked.
‘No…it’s not that…it’s…different.”
This put everyone on edge.
We made it to a door to the facility and went inside.
“Clear” Mox said with a tone of edginess.
‘hmm…somethings not right…’
“it’s quiet…too quiet.” I said out loud.
“Central this is omega we are in the facility…and it’s abandoned.” I radioed in.
“what do you mean abandoned?” a new voice came in, Lilly Shen.
“Not a single damn soul in here.” Destro said with a bit of disappointment.
“Roger the mission still stands plant the charges and get out of there.” Central ordered.
I never felt so uneasy before.
‘move out and keep your eyes peeled for any movement.’ I ordered.
Few minutes pass and nothing happens.
We reach the X4 target and plant it.
“Omega 1-5 charges are in place and active ready for-” I stop and got a bad feeling.
I ran for Mox and tackled him to the ground…just as a plasma shot went where his head was.
“CONTACT!” I shouted as more fire came from above.
“SHIT! AMBUSH!” Destro shouted in the coms.
“Omega 1-5, setrep!” Central commanded through the coms.
“We are pinned by an ambush by Advent.” I said as I picked up Mox and we both ran for cover.
“Keep calm we have to fight out of this.” Hun said as he shot his shotgun at a trooper in the head, killing it.
I raised my plasma rifle at the closest enemy, a stun lancer running right for me.
“not today.” I pulled the trigger killing him before it even touched the ground from its decent from above.
“EAT SHIT!” Destro revved his plasma repeater and let lose a hell storm of bullets at advent troops.
‘!’
I felt a psi pulse…two of them actually.
“What the fuck is that thing?” I heard Bullet say over the gunfire.
We all look to a new type of enemy.
It was humanoid with a mask, white spiky hair, plasma rifle of sorts, an amp like the one I have, and heavy armor.
Next to it was the chosen named ‘The Warlock’.
“Oh shit.” I heard Destro say.
“Central any idea what we’re looking at.” I asked
Nothing came up for a moment but I heard a faint ‘what the hell is that.’
“If I am suffice to say that the strong psionic readings radiating off that being…I safely assume that’s our ‘Avatar’ that were looking at.” Another voice, Tygan said.
When he said that I did notice a strong psi energy radiating off of it…that and an ethereal looking Elder behind it.
“Now witness the power of the elders!” the chosen said with a malicious glee.
I raised my rifle to shoot at the ‘Avatar’ but it missed and the warlock didn’t like that.
“How Dare you try to defile an Elder, Human!” he shouted and charged a psi blast and threw it at me.
I raise my hand and stop the blast midflight and shot it back.
The ‘Avatar’ put some kind of shield and blocked the attack completely.
After that ‘it’ spoke.
“this is the one called, ‘Elder Bane.’” its voice almost a whisper.
‘Fucking great it knows me.’
“Omega get out of there! We’re reading Advent dropships incoming.”
“You heard the man let’s go!’ I shouted to everyone.
“Not so fast.” The Warlock teleported behind the us blocking our exit.
I raised my rifle and shot him in the side causing him to flinch.
A series of plasma shots zoomed by my head, the Avatar missed.
I didn’t relent as I holstered my rifle and pulled out my amp and charged a null lance.
Now this may seem like bragging, but I am an extremely powerful psi op…enough to actually take control of an Elder hence my nickname ‘Elder Bane.’
I shot my hand forward and the pent up energy flew at the chosen.
Knowing he wouldn’t last long from a powerful attack the Warlock dodged…Barely.
The null lance caught him on his shoulder and hissed in pain.
“I see why the Elders like you.” He said with a cocky expression.
“Get him.” The Avatar hissed.
In an instant the Warlock used his psi abilities and created psi zombies.
I gave a slight grin.
“you know…I always think that’s cool.”
The Warlock chuckled at my remark.
“Indeed.”
He pulled out a grenade…and not your typical frag or plasma.
He tossed it at me and I caught it with my psi abilities and tried to throw it at him.
But a certain Avatar thought otherwise.
I felt searing hot pain shoot through my side and dropped to my knees.
The grenade landed in front of me and detonated.
My world was blurry and my head swam.
‘d-Damn they really put a lot of power into that one.’
‘That’s because your no ordinary human…your…unique.’ The Warlocks voice echoed in my mind.
I felt a hand grab my shoulder and drag me.
‘S-Shit.’
‘Language~’
‘sh-shut the fuck up.’
I heard my squad mates call out my name as I felt the Warlock ready a teleport.
‘N-NOT TODAY!’
I turned on my Psi Gauntlet and stabbed my ‘captor’ in the chest.
We both fell into the open rift as I fought to regain control of my body.
Our Psi energies collided and caused a violent reaction.
“O-*Static*” was all I heard before I passed out.
Author's Note
This is my first story I am posting, I Hope you all enjoy.
View Online
XCOM Operation: ...Friendship?
Chapter 4: Hard work, Frightful Truth, and Jarring heat in a new location.
She handed her armor to me…
“What are…”
“Polish it.” She said plainly.
‘Ah I see putting me to work.’
I shrugged and sat the armor down.
“I said to-”
I gave her a look of ‘seriously?’ as I pointed to my wound.
She went silent.
‘…’
I finished wrapping the bandages.
I picked up the chest plate that belonged to Tempest.
“Got any polish?” I asked.
Tempest stared at me for a second.
The broken stub on her head sparked and a small vial came to her side then went to me.
I grabbed the vial and looked at her stub.
“huh… interesting.”
Her curiosity peeked her.
“You haven’t seen magic.”
“No…not like that at least,”
I looked to the side of her and saw a cloth and decided to heal my psi ability’s as well.
I closed my eyes and the cloth flew towards me.
Tempest flinched a bit from the sudden use of my ability’s.
I grinned at her shock.
“Where I’m from magic was mostly sleight of hand.”
“So you mean that it’s fake?”
“Mostly…there are some things that are unexplainable.”
‘…’
She shook her head and went to stretch.
I grabbed the vial and uncapped it and dabbed it on the cloth and got started to polish her chest plate.
‘hmm her armor seems clunky and uncomfortable.’
I know how armor feels when it’s not made right.
‘Who…or whatever made this armor didn’t know what they were doing.’
That thought aside I worked on the sides of her chest plate which was Covered in dirt and grime.
‘Also guessing that she wasn’t taught how to take care of her armor.’
I shook my head and just continued to ‘work’.
She would glance back at me every so often…and her thoughts were…odd.
(‘he’s different from other males…and stallions for that matter.’)
I kept my composure and kept listening.
(‘I wonder…Ugh what am I thinking!’)
Curiosity started to creep up.
(‘Damn why am I so hot?’)
‘Wait…she is equine in nature…Oh…r....i…g…h…t.’
I know about the biology of animals like Rabbits, canines, feline, and even equines have a ‘cycle’ or ‘heat’ that the females experience when ready to mate.
So hearing her say that she is hotter than normal makes sense.
‘Though animals on earth ‘don’t’ talk.’
(‘Dammit…focus!’)
I decided to help with her… ‘Predicament.’
“You ok?” I asked calmly.
She turned her head to me while she was doing a leg stretch.
“Why are you asking?” her tone showed some annoyance.
I shrugged.
“You seem…jittery.”
Tempest stopped doing her stretches and crossed her arms.
“How So?” her annoyed tone not wavering.
“Well…I know you keep looking at me.”
She was about to retort.
“AND, not in the checking up on me kind of look.”
Tempest seemed the type to be a bit stuck up in admitting that she has some problems…like some XCOM soldiers…even me.
“I don’t need my abilities to tell if something is wrong with you.”
She was quiet for a moment.
“It’s personal.”
‘…hmm…I could just read her mind again but I don’t like doing it all the time.’
Then an idea came to mind.
“ok then how about this…you tell me what’s going on and I’ll tell you something that could help.”
Tempest snorted.
“I don’t need help.”
I stayed silent, I shrugged my shoulders and continued.
‘…’
Tempest huffed again and went back to stretching.
‘hmm I wonder if I can readjust the armor a bit.’
When I got to the insides of Tempest’s armor I started to ‘Tinker’ with the latches and worked on the shoulder guards.
‘hmm it should be more free now.’
I continued to the other pieces of the armor…But just now a song came to mind…
And I started to quietly sing it.
"Welcome little child."
68540864586u24086209486
Tempest was finishing her morning stretches when.
"Welcome little Child."-
Her charge was starting to sing quietly.
She stopped and listened.
‘…’
SO, Grab your only ammunition, your common sense and torch.
She felt the meaning of the song was serious or something of the sort.
"Forced down to reckoning"-
“Hey.”
She cut him off.
He looked up from her armor and listened.
“What are you doing?”
He grinned.
“Polishing.”
She face palmed.
“No not that.”
He only chuckled.
“Singing one of my favorite songs.”
She raised a brow at the notion.
“Which is?”
He gave a smile…a genuine smile.
"Break my mind by DA Games."
"DA Games?"
He waved his hand.
“It’s the guys' name.”
She shook her head.
“Why would he call themselves that?”
He shrugged his shoulders.
“I really don’t know, but they are pretty good band.”
She only stared at him.
9809
I was grinning at her response.
“It’s a good song too.”
I finished with that and went back to the armor…all the while I was playing the song in my head.
8795647
An hour passes and I finished polishing and ‘Fixing’ Tempests armor which she was surprised to say the least.
And I heard that the camp was going to move and I was to ‘assist’ packing.
But all the residents were shocked to see me move stuff and lift so easily even with the fact I am wounded.
The storm king was also droopy because the ‘shock’ collar didn’t work at all.
On that note I started to use my psi abilities on the ogres around to get some info…which wasn’t much.
But from what I’ve gathered they plan to attack a capitol and take over a place called, ‘Equestria.’
‘Of course the place is called that because that’s the main populace.’
But other than that I really don’t care.
Want I really want is to get back to earth and fight the war for my home.
Plus, these guys may be ‘evil’ here, but on earth they would only be considered a hostile protest, hippies, or just a plain nuisance.
They have taken over a few places but didn’t destroy anything…unlike the damn Elders.
‘Don’t be bashful Elder bane.’
‘Shut the fuck up.’
We’re moving into the mountains…well they are.
I plan to leave when they rest…or just fight my way out.
‘They already fear me somewhat.’
09087
When we set out I was helping pull a cart full of armor and gear.
That’s when ‘The storm king’ came to me.
“So ‘Elder bane’.” you could hear the grin in his voice.
“What’s your world like?”
I didn’t answer.
“Well I was wondering what would you do if I try to take it?”
That annoyed me.
I stopped as did everyone, they probably want to hear my response.
“Nothing really, wouldn’t need to.”
The hell spawn stared at me.
“Oh, why is that?”
I chuckled darkly, which seemed to send chills down everyone’s spine.
“Trust me.”
“Well I don’t think I would have a problem; I have an army.”
“of what? 30.” I asked.
“50.”
I again chuckled, then asked the iciest question.
“Are you that eager to die?”
That made the king choke on his words, so I continued.
“My world has armies that can take out yours in seconds, kill efficiently and remorseless, weapons that can destroy entire countries, states, hell even worlds with a single press of a red button.
Same is for me if I really wanted to I could kill you with no regrets, to me your just another bug I will squash.”
The king stared at me with some disbelief.
“And just a slight insight of fear, our most powerful weapon can burn shadows into the earth like scars, make statues of ash of once living people.”
Everyone stared in shock as just I said with no disgust, just a grin.
“If my race is good at one thing, its war, so don’t try it, less you want to be knocking at death’s door.” I finished with my grin.
I continued to pull the cart and all was silent.
I heard the king speak to who I think is Tempest.
“Keep an eye on him, if he tries anything subdue him if possible.” His tone was cautious.
I grinned.
‘It always works.’
‘What…Scaring them.’
‘well it’s not like you do the same with the news.’
Silence once again.
‘Touché’
That was weird it just said an earth term.
98867
We finally reached the mountain and began to unpack.
Everyone was staring at me with a caution.
‘Good now I can use this to my advantage when I try to get out of here.’
I remember the tactics I used when I got captured by one of the Chosen.
‘Step 1: rest.’
‘Step 2: learn your enemy.’
‘Step 3: get info.’
‘Step 4: install fear.’
‘Step 5: wait for the right moment.’
‘Step 6: get your shit and get out.’
I am at step 5, I have to wait for a while when they least expect it.
I would have to wait for few days maybe to get them to calm down, considering that I told them about the everyday life of humans.
‘Hence the reason we try to reform you.’
‘no you didn’t, you slaughtered us and called it a test then you proceed to experiment on us for your own benefit, not even caring about us.’
‘Isn’t your saying that without no sacrifice their can be no victory?’
‘Sacrifice by choice not by order.’
‘…’
Silence was once again bestowed.
The elders were always preachy, yet know nothing of what they say.
980878948.
A day has passed and I have gotten better, in fact I may be fully healed within the week.
But as I was getting better a certain ‘unicorn’ has gotten worse.
Lately she has been avoiding me the best she can while keeping an eye on me.
I did try to make it easier by staying far from her when she had…moments.
But one day she was tasked with scavenging a nearby area…and I was to help her.
Tempest was cautious around me…yet was staying close.
It was cold and I didn’t have any protection so I would have to use my psi ability: Fortress.
Soon we end up near a cliff edge and seems about a 50ft drop.
But I could swear I could see a light down there.
“Tempest.” I got her attention.
She came to me and slowly looked me up.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Look.” I pointed to the light.
Tempest just stared at where I was pointed.
“There is nothing there.” She said with annoyance.
“I see something down there.”
She didn’t change her expression of annoyance.
I sighed and started to look for a way down.
‘…’
After a minute I found a small incline that if I had rope and an anchor I could descend and search.
“You have a rope?” I asked her.
She stayed quiet for a moment but then nodded.
“How long?”
She almost unnoticeably shifted in place before answering.
“About four feet.”
“hmm probably not enough.”
She huffed.
“Got a light stick?”
Tempest shook her head.
“What of your magic?”
She raised her brow.
“What are you on about.”
I nodded my head to the chasm below.
“Your trying to get down there?”
I nodded again.
Her hands laid on her hips and gaving me a cheeky grin.
‘huh first time I’ve seen her grin or smile.’
“You think you can get down there?”
I chuckled.
“Of course, ain’t the first time climbing down into a chasm.”
She just stared at me with no emotion.
“Fine…I’ll help you.”
I smiled.
“Right then.”
I motioned for her to the edge.
“Ok first a question.”
She nodded.
“Can you make a light source that drops?”
She took a moment to think.
“Probably, but not for long.”
“Oh no worries I just need it for a few seconds.”
Tempest closed her eyes and her horn sparked, an orb like light.
It was baby blue…odd red and blue.
“Alright.” I grabbed the orb…and it felt weird like cool water that was air.
She noticed saw my hesitation.
“You ok?” she asked with some interest.
I shook my head.
“It’s just odd feeling.”
I held the orb over the edge.
“ok I want you to count how long this drops.”
She shrugged and waited
I dropped the orb.
‘1’
The orb dropped and hit the bottom.
‘almost 2 seconds.’
“So about a hundred-foot drop.”
Tempest shook her head again.
“So you still think you could get down there?”
I tapped my chin.
“Possibly, I could use my abilities but it would be difficult to get back up.”
She hummed in thought.
“We do have a long rope…but it’s rough.”
I looked at Tempest with annoyance, she crossed her arms.
“Well try having YOUR brain making it difficult to think.”
I chuckled.
“I have, and have my mind token over…Twice.”
Tempest froze.
“Taken over? As in ‘mind control?’”
“Mmhmm”
She again shook her head.
“Your bluffing.”
I grinned.
“I can prove it.”
Tempest motion her hand to do so.
‘slap yourself.’
She scoffed…then yelped.
Her hand smacked across her face.
She stood their shocked as that happened.
“Now that your focused let’s get down there.”
Tempest snorted, her equine feature that made steam run out her nose.
“Why you -”
“I don’t have to hit you when I can make you do it.”
She growled at me.
“come on then.” I motion for her to follow me.
908876
When we got back we had rope that measured to 112ft, more than enough.
I went to the edge and found a good place to set the rope, I found a rock and tied the rope to it.
I turned to Tempest and questioned her request.
“So you want me to 'stop' your thoughts.” Tempest nodded.
I laughed when she asked as she said ‘I don’t need your help’ but she was serious.
I didn’t think she would get desperate.
A sigh left my lips. “That ain’t possible.”
She stared at me.
“Before you ask it’s because I can’t hardwire your biology just able to take control of thoughts, actions, and mind. You sure you don’t know what’s happening?” I asked her.
She stopped and took a moment to think.
I waited for that moment before breaking it to her.
“You’re in heat.”
She seemed confused.
“I-I’m not sure I fully understand.”
I was surprised to say the least.
“You don’t know.” I said flatly
I sighed when she nodded.
“I’ll tell you later, right now let’s focus on the task.”
I grabbed the rope and walked to the ledge.
“Right then.”
I slowly started my decent.
“What’s even down there?” Tempest asked.
“Won’t know until I Reach down there.”
I began my decent into the cavern below.
I kept walking or rather backpedaled down the edge.
I kept a firm grip on the rope careful not to lose my grip.
‘…’
I was about halfway down when Tempests thoughts started to throw me off.
‘I sure as Tartarus want some answers.’
‘…Tartarus?’
Anyway after an hour or so (Can’t tell without a watch.) I finally reached the bottom.
I started to look for the source of the shine I saw.
‘…’
‘…’
‘…hmm.’
For a moment I believed Tempest, but as I just thought of leaving I saw something.
Something familiar.
I went to the thing that was actually useful.
What was under a rock was a plasma pistol.
One like my team’s sharpshooter had…in fact it had Bills signature.
“How the fuck did this get here?”
The pistol was grey with the pattern lightning bolts…Ugh.
It’s not the design I hate, it’s reason behind it.
*Flashback*
“Remind exactly why?”
“Because I want be called a ‘GunSlinger.’
I rolled my eyes.
“You may be a sharp shooter, but you can’t aim for shit.”
Bullet just stared at me with an annoyed face.
“Says you, you miss more than I do.”
“Kinda hard when ADVENT is shooting at you.”
*Flashback end*
I chuckled at that the memory.
Well this is ‘useful’ but I have to keep it hidden, also look for something else.
‘Kind of hard when I’m only in a latex built for psi ops…comfy…psi-enhancing, but no pockets…’
I thought for a moment.
‘two birds one stone.’
I could use my psi abilities to hide the weapon as making it seem like an everyday object.
That way I’m stretching my mind and being tactical.
I continued to look around until I found something.
And it was a sad sight.
A figure looked that looked like a woman in her late 20’s laying their lifeless.
Her coat was green like the earth but her mane was sky blue.
I walked to her body and found out how she died.
Head trauma, likely from the fall…or something else.
I kneeled to her body, I saw the once life filled eyes wide open.
I saw a piece of paper…an envelope.
I grabbed the parchment carefully, and opened it to read the sender.
“Dear mom, dad, and my bestfriends, Harps Love, Grey Feather, and Hearths heart.”
I closed the letter and held on to it.
I found a bag of gold a few feet away with a note.
“Property of king…”
The rest was rubbed off.
“Well Tempest might like this.”
I went for the rope but I couldn’t leave without paying respects.
My friend "Jackal" was a priest in The catholic church, he taught me some phrases of praise and prayer.
“Deus misereatur et porta caeli.” (May god show you the gate to Heaven.)
I closed her eyes and preformed the cross from head to chest to left then right shoulder.
I finished the prayer and started to climb up.
6746757684
Once I got back up Tempest was sitting on a rock and waited.
“Your back already?” she asked sarcastically.
I grinned.
“Fine then I guess I won’t give you; your present.”
Tempest stood up with her hands here hips.
“Oh really? What…?”
I gave a fake pout.
“Not until you say sorry.”
I crossed my arms and looked away.
‘…’
She just stared at me with annoyance.
‘Eh either way I’m satisfied.’
“Your no fun.” I tossed the bag to her and she used her magic to catch it.
She opened the bag and her face was priceless.
I walked by her and patted her shoulder.
“I’m a lucky charm.”
I continued to walk back to camp.
Tempest jogged back to my side.
She held the bag in her hands moving around the gold coins.
7487684
As we went back to our tent I hid the gun under my ‘bed’ and waited for tempest to report the findings.
I plan to leave tomorrow.
This will be difficult to get my armor however.
‘Hmm don’t know if I should use Domination or not.’
I pondered for a moment, then came Tempest with the bag.
“We’re going into town tomorrow for supplies.”
‘Huh I could use that opportunity… but I could get some tools to fix at least my gauntlet.’
I decided to wait till night fall anyway to leave so being in a town for supplies won’t be bad.
“Eh fine by me.”
I laid down and slowly drifted to sleep.
“Hey…” Tempest’s voice kept me up.
“What?” I asked sleepily.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong with my mind?”
‘Shit I forgot.’
“Sure…”
I sat up.
“As I said before you’re in heat, this will take a moment so grab a seat.”
Tempest snickered but grabbed a chair and sat down.
“So you’re a therapist?” she asked jokingly.
“Partly, it goes with what I do on missions.” I replied with a smile.
She now seemed uneasy.
“So…what’s going on?”
Tempest huffed and closed her eyes.
“Honestly I don’t know.” She said with skepticism.
“Well tell me what you’re feeling.”
Silence stayed for a bit.
“I feel hot.”
“Like what kind of hot?”
*Sigh* “Like I’m near a fire.”
“Well what else that you notice.”
Tempest pondered on.
“I…feel that I’m more nervous.”
I nodded and motioned her to keep going.
“And…that my head is spinning.”
“Well it may be because of your cycle.”
Her gaze stared at me for a moment before sighing.
“You see when females like yourself are experiencing this it’s your body telling you that its ready for mating.”
Tempests' mind froze in shock.
“I-I-I’m ready to…mate.”
I raised a brow.
“Well…yes…didn’t they teach you in school?”
Tempest growled a bit.
“Hardly went.”
“…Bullies?”
She looked at me and saw my face.
I gave her the ‘I understand.’ Look.
“It’s perfectly natural for you to experience this.”
Her gaze faced to the ground.
“Now there are ways to help.”
Tempest looked into my purple eyes.
In that moment I saw something that made 'me' freeze.
Her teal eyes showed desperation…and something else…Lust.
‘Oh boy here we go.’ I thought exasperated.
“First is taking a cold bath and relaxing, Second is to breathe and try to distract your mind from any lustful thoughts, Third is sleeping or meditating.”
She gave off another huffed.
“Is that all?”
“Well… there is masturbating.”
Tempest’s Cheeks turn Crimson oddly.
“What?”
She struggled to speak for a moment.
“Look I know it’s an odd thing to say out loud but it’s normal practically everyone has done it…save for some religious bigots.”
My mind is slowly drifting to sleep as I yawned.
“Anyway I’m heading to bed…and I’ll bathe in the morning.”
I laid down and turned my body so my back faced her.
I heard the chair move then a sound of bed sheets moving.
‘Nothing like a good bath.’
