X-COM: Friendship Unknown

“Are you adjusting okay?” Zossi asked, bringing a casserole to Ajur.

The Muton blinked down at her. “Yeah, everything’s okay.”

“I… brought you food.” Zossi said, only slightly nervous. She knew she didn’t have anything to worry about, but he was… big.

“Thanks a lot.” He smiled and stepped aside. “Sorry, I was in the middle of something, you can come in and set it down.”

Zossi slithered in and… blinked. Most of a wall was filled with bookshelves. Said bookshelves were filled with graphic novels and what looked like old manga. The wall next to the bathroom had a few glass cases up against them. The cases were filled with small painted figures. The kitchenette sink had a couple plates sitting in it. His large bed was doubling as a seat, because there was a small foldable table sitting in front of the bed. On it was a small angled lamp, as well as what looked like paints, a few paint brushes, a paper towel (on which sat another small unpainted figure.), and a mug filled with water. Next to all that was two pairs of large tweezers and what looked like a large pair of reading glasses. In the center of the room was a TV on a little table with wheels on the legs.

Zossi blinked, shook herself and slithered over to put the glassware on the kitchenette counter. Ajur slowly plodded over and sat on the bed. He put on the glasses, and picked up a set of tweezers in each hand. As if he was using something like chopsticks, he used one pair to lift the figure and another to pick up one of the paintbrushes.

“You paint?” Zossi asked.

“It’s calming.” He nodded before dipping the brush in black and starting to brush it over the figures legs.

“I can see the appeal.” Zossi smiled. “Well, ummm, have fun and enjoy the food.”

“Thanks.” Ajur nodded, too focused on his work.

Zossi slithered out of his apartment, shut the door behind her, and slithered into hers. On shutting her door, she slithered over and flopped onto the couch. She shifted her head a bit. “Soooo Ajur paints.”

“Like, canvas?” Command asked, clicking a few things on his computer. “Granted, not the first hobby I associate with someone with as many muscles as him, but it’s nice he has one.”

“You should see what he does. They look impressive.” She chuckled. “So, my plans for the day are done, what are yours?”

“I’ve got that appointment at the clinic, remember?” Command said. His computer started to wind down as he stood up. “They want to see what I might be able to do if they give me the right push.” He shrugged a little bit as he started gathering up his usual effects for going outside. “Can’t deny I’m not curious as well…”

“Oh right!” Zossi sat up. “Want me to come with you?” She tilted her head a little, curiously.

“I mean, I won’t stop you, but I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be boring,” Command chuckled. “I mean, even in the e-mail, they warn that while they’ve refined the ‘awakening’ process, it still requires an hour-long dunk in a tank with electrodes attached to my head.”

“Oh, well… I might see what the others are doing?” Zossi said with a hum. “Ummm, good luck?”

“Not sure how much luck plays a part of it, but sure,” Command replied, walking over to the viper. “Kisses,” he cooed, leaning down and kissing Zossi’s cheeks.

The viper flushed and pecked his cheek back. “Emmm, bring something to read, or something. Or text me.”

“Not a bad idea,” Command mused, going over and picking up his tablet. “For afterwards,” he nodded to himself. “See you in a bit~” he called as he left the apartment.

The viper watched him leave then sighed. She sat there for a minute. “Well what do I do now?”

“So, how are you feeling, Command.” Doctor Smith said sitting across from him on a stool.

“Well, nothing worse than a slight headache, like ‘missed a cup of coffee’ headache,” Command joked. “Probably the aftermath of the testing.”

“Yeah, it’ll do that to you.” Smith nodded. “Anything worrying you before we start the process?”

“Not in...particular?” Command blinked. “I’ll be honest, I have no idea what goes on in these sorts of things beyond what you warned me about.”

“Well we have something like a brainscan. It’s not like the MRI machine, it’s more something we put on your head and it just reads you for about an hour. You’re free to do whatever while that happens. Only downside is it’ll feel a little tingly and there might be a small headache.” Smith explained. “After we determine what your capabilities are, we stick you in a vat to fully draw out those abilities. Don’t worry, you’ll be out for the whole thing. After that you’ll probably get some meds for headaches and general aches as well as a psy-suppressor. It’ll take awhile for your body and mind to adjust so we’ll have to schedule another follow up.”

“Ah, good thing I brought my tablet to read a few things for the first part, then,” Command quipped. “Okay, so...Read while your device scans my brain, and then it’ll be time for all the fun stuff.”

“To be honest it’s tedious and boring. The machines do most of the work.” Smith shrugged. “Its leagues ahead of what we had years ago, but still....”

“Yeah, anything where the phrase ‘hurry up and wait’ applies is tedious,” Command agreed. “Still, at least it’s faster than it used to be. Maybe one day it’ll be instant.”

Smith laughed. “Ha! Perhaps.” He shook his head. “Okay let’s get you in a wire hat.”

“Sounds like the latest spring fashion,” Command joked.

Zossi sighed and slithered down to the ground floor. She stared at Wallflower’s door. She wasn’t sure if she should knock.

“Wallflower’s out.” A monotone voice spoke up.

Zossi jumped and turned to see Floor poking her head out of her door. “H-hey Floor.”

“Bored because Command’s gone?” Floor asked.

“Yeah…” The viper wilted.

“Wanna hang out?” The pale girl asked.

Zossi blinked. “Sure.”

Floor stepped out of the way as her door opened, and Zossi slithered in. Most of Floor’s apartment was covered in anime paraphernalia. Posters covered the walls, there were a few bookshelves of multiple sets of various manga volumes. A wall was taken up by a cabinet on top of which was a large TV. The kitchenette seemed bare, yet the microwave seemed well used.

“Wanna watch some anime?” Floor asked, flopping onto the futon.

“I.. haven’t seen any anime…” Zossi said weakly.

Floor’s eyes slowly widened. “We’re fixing this.”

“So, this shouldn’t be too bad.” Nurse Fluttershy said, smiling as she attached wires to various ports on the weave like thing that was on Command’s head.

“In theory,” Command quipped. “I love In Theory, everything works there. And Tomorrow is such a place of productivity.”

“What’s that from?” Fluttershy asked, tilting her head curiously.

“Not sure, it’s from a bit I managed to scour off the old ‘net,” Command answered. “But it’s very applicable.”

“That’s nice. I haven’t seen much salvaged from what remains of the internet.” Fluttershy sighed. She paused and jumped. “Oh, I’m supposed to be telling you about the different Psy-Types among humans.”

“Oh, by all means,” Command went to nod before remembering she was still attaching wires to his head.

“Alright. The most common is classified as Omni. It’s basically a Jack of all Trades, little bit of telepathy, little bit of telekinesis, a few other things mixed in. Following that are Telekinesis and Telepathy, those are kinda self-evident, and are only slightly rarer than Omni. Following that is the rarest kind. Elemental-Kinesis. It’s split between Earth, Fire, Lightning, and Water respectively. Those have the ability to produce and manipulate that specific element. Kind of like the Benders from Avatar if you’ve seen that show.” Fluttershy said with a giggle.

“I’ve heard of it, haven’t had the chance to see it,” Command replied. “So, do we know what to test me for?”

“It’s pretty much a catch all scan until specific requirements are detected, then it focuses that data so we have something to input into the chamber.” Fluttershy said with a reassuring smile. “Think of it like it’s starting big then narrowing down to a few specific things.”

“Ah, cool,” Command smiled back. “So the headaches won’t really start right away, gotcha.”

“Nope.” She shook her head. “And they shouldn’t be that bad.”

“We can hope,” Command smirked. “Alright doc, hit me.”

Fluttershy giggled as she walked back towards the desk as Smith chuckled and simply pushed a button on a keyboard. Outwardly, nothing happened.

“And… It’s started.” He said. “Ta dah.”

Command chuckled as well. “Okay, see you in an hour,” he commented, pulling out his tablet from his bag and starting to read a book on it.

“Aang’s so sweet!” Zossi sniffled as Floor patted her shoulder. “Why’d all of his family die?”

“Fire Nation went full Crusade.” Floor gestured at the TV.

“Oh no!” Zossi gasped. “That would explain the guy with the eye scar thing.”

“Hey, Zuko gets better. It just takes a while.” Floor said as she got up. “Want anything?” She asked as she walked over to her mini-fridge and bent over. “I’ve got… soda… starbucks drinks… juice… and water. Oh, I also have hot chocolate mix.”

“Oooooo! Hot chocolate!” Zossi gasped, making sure to pause the show.

“Gotcha. Coming up.” Floor said pulling out a couple mugs.

It had been… a boring hour. The headache was indeed not that bad. Little more than a weird pulsing feeling behind his eyes. Fluttershy was removing the wires as Smith looked over the computer screen, looking somewhere between shocked and confused.

“That wasn’t nearly as bad as the original testing,” Command mused. “Might need some migraine pills later, though.” He waited for all the wires to be removed before he rolled his neck. “Aaaah, that’s better.” Then Command looked over at the sectoid doctor. “So, what’s the verdict, doc?”

“Command, once you take a bath in the tank, you will be a… Electrokinetic.” Smith said, looking over at Command. “You’re going to want to be really careful around electronics, however you’ll probably have a Suppressor on at all times, so perhaps note.” He said with a hum.

“...Wait. Aren’t those supposed to be, incredibly rare?” Command blinked a few times. “I mean, I won’t say no to the idea of throwing lightning around one day, but that seems kinda...like a highly unlikely thing, even to me.”

“One in a million or so.” Smith nodded. “But the test doesn’t lie.”

“Huh.” Command blinked a few more times before groaning. “Aaaargh. If it’s going to be as bad as you say it is, I’m probably not going to be able to hang out on the computer as often as I’d like without frying it.”

“Again, you’ll have a suppressor.” Smith said. “It’ll pretty much cancel out your Psy abilities so long as you have it on. Also, though it’s not the most fashionable, it basically looks like a choker.”

Command snorted at the mental imagery. “Zossi will love that idea, I’m sure,” he managed to say. As long as it didn’t come with a spot for a leash, he should be fine…

“It won’t.” Fluttershy smiled at him. “It’s just a black band.” She paused and blushed. “Sorry, I’m a telepath, kinda can’t turn it off sometimes.”

Well. Now Command was blushing and looking away. “Ah...can we, uh...move past the awkwardness?” he suggested. “That’d be...yeah.”

“Sure!” Fluttershy said quickly. “Let’s move on to ummm vat prep! Yes!” She stiffly marched off.

“Man, I’ve heard everything. Nothing surprises me anymore.” Smith chuckled, stretching and getting up. “Let’s get you into some swim trunks.”

“So this is a…” Zossi squinted at the TV. “A show about a guy who somehow gets a home full of hybrid humans?”

“Basically.” Floor nodded. “Monster Girls are an interesting, and sometimes kinky, genre of anime.”

“Ooookay? Well… The snake girl is cute. Aaand… Is that a maid outfit?” Zossi blinked.

“It is indeed.” Floor nodded sagely.

“Uh… huh.” Zossi blinked. “This show is really pushing the boundaries.”

“Yeah, it’s clearly meant for guys, but it’s lewd so I like it.” Floor nodded with a small blush.

“Say… mind if I borrow some stuff to watch some time?” Zossi asked.

Floor blinked at her. “Of course! I don’t have anyone to chat with about anime. Well, except online friends.”

“I’m your friend.” Zossi said bluntly.

“Awww…” Floor said softly. “Thanks…” She shook herself. “So, want to finish this episode and move on to a different series or keep watching?”

“I want to see where this goes.” Zossi said, trying not to blush herself.

“I bet you do.” Floor giggled and nudged her side with an elbow.

“Oh hush.” Zossi said, flustered.

Command awoke slowly, his head was splitting. The only thing he could tell was that he was in a hospital bed, under some very comfy sheets, and that it was dark. He knew that if it was bright, his brain might’ve exploded. He could feel something around his neck, more than likely the suppressor, as well as an IV in his arm and one of those monitoring things on a finger.

“Hate...hospitals,” he muttered out loud, trying his best to twist to one side so he could at least block one ear. “Someone mute...the monitor.”

“Oh, sorry.” He heard the soft voice of Fluttershy as the beeping stopped. “How’s your head?”

“Like someone’s driving a spike through it,” Command answered, his eyes still shut. “Tell me it goes away.”

“Give it a half hour to an hour.” Fluttershy whispered. “I’ve got a drip to help. You can go back to sleep if you want. Oh, and it was a complete success, we can schedule the follow up when you're more alive.”

“Great. Can do,” Command groaned. “Ugh...I’m safe with the suppressor on, right?”

“Absolutely.” Fluttershy replied.

“Good,” the male sighed, falling back limp against the bed. “Just...ow. I thought the doctor was supposed to make you feel better,” he joked weakly.

“You will, but sometimes you have to hurt before you heal.” Fluttershy murmured.

“Then I better feel like a million credits after this,” Command riposted.

Fluttershy giggled. “Shhhh… Try and get some sleep.”

Command obeyed her instructions gratefully, closing his eyes to let his headache go away at last in the blissful haze of sleep.

“Papi is so cute!” Zossi gushed. “And so is Su!”

“Yep.” Floor smiled. “They tend to be rather wholesome.”

“Also- centaur girl, name is not coming to me. She’s so honorable and I want more scenes of her just eating carrots.” The viper giggled.

Floor got up. “So it’s not exactly the same thing.” She rummaged through her cabinet. “But,” She wandered over to Zossi and held out a box set. “This is, Interviews with Monster Girls. It’s cute and interesting and has the most gentlemanly teacher ever.”

“Ooooo!” Zossi brightened, taking it. “Got anything else like this?”

Floor hummed, taping her chin. “Does the name Konosuba mean anything to you?”

A worn out Command trudged up the stairs, carrying a bag that held his prescriptions. Almost unsurprisingly at this point, his door was ajar. He blinked when he heard Zossi cackle like a madsnake.

What in the world…

The tired Command pushed the door open a little more to take in the scene beyond. He wasn’t...quite sure what to make of it at first.

Zossi was rolling on the bed, laughing at something… Was that japanese? Was she watching something? The tired human craned his neck a little bit to try and see the TV screen. It was an anime, some brown haired kid was running around with what looked like a knight helmet. There was some blue haired girl channeling some magic.

“Huh.” Command blinked, the headache meds making him a little woozy. “Interesting. Didn’t know we had that stuff.”

Zossi managed to regain enough of her senses to pause the show. “I- I-hits from Floor. She has a collection.” Zossi slowly calmed. She took a breath and sighed, then looked at him. “How are you doing, you okay? How’d it go?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine in a few days,” Command waved a hand. “Gonna need some headache meds while my body adjusts, and basically the choker doesn’t come off for any reason until I get training.”

“That’s good to know.” Zossi nodded, eyeing the choker. “Want to relax?”

“That sounds like the best idea,” Command murmured, headed for the couch. He put the bag of drugs on an end table and flopped down onto the couch, sighing in relief as he got to get off of his feet after a draining day.

Zossi scooted over and set his head in her lap. She started to gently stroke his hair. “Awww, poor sweetie. Let me take care of you.” She said warmly.

“Where do you keep getting all these great ideas,” Command muttered, his eyes closed in relaxation.

“What?” The viper smiled. “I just want to help you relax after your probably stressful day.”

“Wasn’t much stress to it, just a whole lotta headaches,” Command said languidly. “Pills can take the edge off, but my body and brain still need to adjust…”

“Well you should take it easy then.” Zossi smiled leaning down to peck his forehead. “Maybe take a few days to just relax and adjust.”

“Sounds...great,” Command yawned. “I’ll just...take a quick nap…”

“Shhhhh.” Zossi shushed. “Sleep…”

Everything else was lost in a haze as the newly-awoken psychic drifted off in the embrace of the Viper.