Find Your Light(FYL) Adjacent. Asaru partially lazing about outside the "veil" and giving his opinions as he's peering over Bradford's shoulder as the man is going over some information. The man is barely phased. The alien brings much needed whimsy back into Bradford's life.
This is old-ish. Needs a rework/a whole new sketch as proportions are off and is too stiff. Besides me combating that block issue.
Coasting the Endless Waves - VoidWalker AU - Reassurance
Hey all! ＾＿ －）≡★. Otto back again posting this fic with the permission of Linx(Jane).
It deals with this AU idea, taking place after Jynn and Asaru were rescued.
EDIT: Forgot to add a note from Linx. “Apologies if the back and forth on pronouns for Jynn and Asaru gets confusing, but who’s in control fluxes back and forth hard in the beginning of this mess.”
Warnings: Mild language, light nudity, some blood, and think that’s just about it.
7.2k
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Edit: 11/19/2025 - Made some updates and edits.
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“So… what’s going on, Geist? What progress have you all made? Since, you know…”
These weren’t questions that Bradford wanted to ask, but he needed answer on how Commander Reeves and Asaru were doing. So much had been done to the two.
Geist met his eyes for a moment before glancing at the ground. Eyes studying the subtle cracks in the concrete as a vortex of thoughts spun in his mind. The words he wanted to speak would string together one by one, slowly coalescing into something concrete that would flow off his tongue. But as he opened his mouth to speak, it all fell apart; like a desert suddenly overtook his mouth, hoarse sounds only came out as his tongue uselessly flapped about. He shook his head, quickly shutting his mouth, and raised a hand to rub his throat as he fruitlessly tried to clear.
No. Too harsh. He won’t take it well. A great deal of damage we’ve struggled to heal and correct.
He raised his other hand to his eyes and rubbed them as a deep sigh came out; those shoulders rose for a moment before falling. Those glowing purple veins sprawling across his arms trembled, becoming brighter for a moment, as psionic energy slowly appeared and coiled around his arms.
But he needs to know. I have to speak the truth. Carefully. Must gauge his reactions.
“Oh…” A long, drawn-out sigh came out. He was still rubbing his eyes before finally dragging his hand down, pulling at his face. That usual bright-eyed and jovial nature wasn’t there. His face was sullen, almost angered. And those eyes were just as sad as Bradford’s. “Where do I even start, my friend?”
Geist and his people had their work cut out for them once XCOM sent that dreadful message weeks ago. They had found the Commander and Asaru after their ill-fated recapture by Dhay-Vol’s hands months ago, but the Elders… the Elders had broken both their minds and bodies. They were quick to re-chip Jynn and force her back to running ADVENT, but that never took properly due to her fully emerged and strengthened psionics, connection to Asaru, and strong will not to be used again. Then, in a bid to keep Jynn permanently under Their control, and punishment for her continued refusal to be reclaimed, They started that dreadful “Ascension” process to convert her into a Chosen.
Whilst doing that to her, They were tearing Asaru apart to harvest his DNA with great excitement. An unadulterated specimen of Their own species, one that took a different path in Their evolution. How that pure, choice DNA would aid greatly in the Avatar project to build Their new bodies and allow those bodies to be crafted to mimic Their true forms after the initial phases were perfected, so They could transfer Their minds over.
And the Elders did not care how much pain this inflicted on the two. How much it damaged their bodies and minds.
“They could be rebuilt, remade, reshaped. And they deserve this for their defiance against Us. They will serve a higher purpose.”
The Elders so arrogantly thought. But Their actions came back to bite Them. The two were reshaped, but not by the vision of the Elders. A botched metamorphosis. Everything went wrong when They forcefully re-bonded Asaru to Jynn. That Voice, that Weaver, snuck in and applied his Void trickery; pulling at those caring gifts and strings he gave to Jynn long ago.
So the Elders “gained” a new weapon. A vengeful weapon at that; so consumed by pain and anguish. A darkened reflection, ready to consume Them like the rotten parasites They truly were.
“Commander Reeves and Asaru… are doing better mentally and physically since you all brought them here.” There was some hesitance to Geist’s voice as he carefully searched his thoughts. His sight dropped to the floor once more, nervously bouncing between dents in the metal and concrete. Though he knew Bradford told him not to hold back, he still wanted to carefully pick his words. “My acolytes and I are still hard at work stabilizing their new body while our scientists toil away on other issues. And we have been working closely with your doctors, filling them in on every session and change that has happened.”
“It’s just…” He paused, biting at his lower lip. How to say it?
“Spit out.” Bradford crossed his arms; a foot tapped quickly against the floor like a rabbit’s. “Don’t hold back. I expect to hear the worst. Tygan and the others have shown me the data. Hell… the day we found the two…”
Geist closed his eyes tightly and nodded. Best not to sugarcoat his words.
“I’m not sure what else we can do. Their minds are more separate now, but neither of us has the resources to dig deeper and fully untangle their minds and fix the damage done to their bodies and DNA. They are still in a fragile state.” He said. “The Elders were… careless. And that is an understatement. The damage…”
Pausing, he shook his head before shifting his head towards the meditation chamber — a ways away — they were housing the two in. His body trembled, psionic veins bulged and pulsed, as his mind clearly remembered all the pain, anguish, and seething anger radiating off the two when XCOM arrived. It had greatly diminished, but he could still feel it faintly lingering through the base. So toxic.
“Their… damage… it reminds me so much of Dhay-Vol’s, though his comes from the Elders’ pouring far too much of their psionic energy into him, twisting what is the Earth’s, as they tinkered with his genetic code. For Reeves and Asaru…” He paused, raising his hand back to his head. “The two were still recovering, only to be torn apart again, bond partially severed, and then forcefully re-merged after both went through horrific experiments. It’s amazing the two are even alive, to be honest.”
That foot tapping stopped. Bradford closed his eyes as a sharp sigh came out. “Was expecting to hear that.” Though not the news he wanted to hear, he was just happy they could do something since — at the time — they had been unable to get in contact with that friendly Elder, Raal’Maker. “How fragile a state are we talking of?”
“Quite fragile. We haven’t moved them from the central meditation chamber since you brought them here.” He shook his head. “The concentrated psionic energies are keeping them stable, and then it is the best area to perform all the treatments, though there have been a few close calls.”
“Let me guess, the psionic draining?” Something Bradford never liked being on the receiving end of, and he and his squad nearly died that day they found the two.
Geist nodded. There was a slight tremble in one of his arms. A few of those purple veins bulged before relaxing. “They occasionally get an urge to feed on the life force of the living. Preferably, psions.’Soothes the pain,’ or so they tell us.” He explained. “Though from Tygan’s and Marin’s notes, and one of our doctors, they believe it’s how they are trying to repair themselves.”
Bradford closed his eyes tightly, hearing that. His mind flashed back to when they had found the two. They could feel the anger, pure unbridled hatred radiating off of their psionics, and it was all nicely wrapped up in a wave of pain that was nearly crippling. “How is that pain now?”
“Less, but still bothersome for both of them.” He said. “They’ve described it as if every fiber of their beings, new and old, is on fire. Like they are still being prodded, stabbed, and cut open by the Elders and their drones every waking moment.”
Bradford sighed. He expected that, but it still bothered his heart. “How are they right now?”
“Moderately fine, since I last checked two hours ago.”
Bradford’s arms quickly unfolded before he threw them up into the air. “Two hours ago!?” Wasn’t there a delicate condition he needed to keep a close eye on?
“John, please.” Geist just rolled his eyes. “I have my most trusted acolytes and doctors watching over them. They’re in the main meditation chamber, remember. They are fine.” He then tapped the side of his head twice. Always ready to listen for a psi call. “Currently, they are swimming in the waters from what my acolytes have updated me with.”
A few grumbles slipped from Bradford’s lips as his arms slowly returned to their previously crossed state. Calm that brain of yours, lover boy. A little insult aimed at himself to try to keep a level head. He took a moment to rub his face as he gathered his thoughts. “Swimming?” That caught his interest.
“They’ve grown quite fond of the water due to their new shared form. Seems to keep both of them calm and their minds occupied.” Geist explained. One of the few boons that helped with the Templars’ treatments. “At times, they even sleep deep in the pools instead of topside. They say it’s comforting.”
“Hm.” More interesting developments, but they all made sense. “Asaru already looked like a jellyfish, and Jynn’s new body looks pretty aquatic…” Bradford rubbed his chin. So much to get used to now.
More flashbacks to that day ran through his mind. He couldn’t believe what he saw. Barely recognized the two. A new form, a few heads taller than the Chosen were, and they were thrashing those undying pests like they were nothing but toys, but some features were still the same. Some of Jynn’s brownish-red skin tone remained in all that blue, and Asaru’s tentacles were still there. But everything… just everything else…
“That night…” Bradford grumbled under his breath as his mind just dwelled on it some more. The two were so angry and hurting. Crying as they came to their senses when they realized they had attacked him and the others, thinking they were more fodder of the Elders. It felt like forever trying to calm them down again and get them out of that place before it imploded from the flooding waters. The ride back in the Skyranger was tense. Felt like he was facing a hurricane trying to keep them calm.
He continued to grumble and soon began to pace around. The sound of his boots clacking against the metal flooring was oddly calming.
Geist stayed quiet. In a way, he was meditating on his own thoughts and communicating with his people.
A few minutes passed before he finally stopped pacing and looked at Geist.
“Can I see her… them?” Bradford asked.
A slight chuckle slipped out. Geist had been waiting for that. Placing his hands on his knees, he got up. “I don’t think they’ll mind seeing a friendly face, but I can’t guarantee either one will be talkative.” He hoped they at least would talk a little. “Follow.” He gestured for Bradford to follow him. He did so.
Geist informed him of a few protocols they had set up for everyone’s safety. What lines to cross in the room and when. Things he shouldn’t mention unless he wanted to become a lifeless husk. And a few other things.
It didn’t take long for them to reach their destination. A little psionic energy and the door to the chamber opened, and there were a number of people in there. Mostly acolytes.
“Like one of the many test designs for Gollop Chamber.” Bradford mumbled under his breath as those doors opened. It was always a sight to behold.
There was a massive pool of clear water in the center that was fed by a waterfall cascading down the cave wall in the very back. There was a walkway cutting through the middle of the pool, leading to a circular platform in the center. A few more walkways branched off from the main path, leading to more platforms, occupied by various Templars meditating. Streams and orbs of psionic energy flowed freely through the room.
Taking a step forward, Bradford paused as his nose twisted almost immediately as the potent scent of fish smacked his nose. Accidentally taking a deeper whiff, he gagged and let out a few rough coughs.
“What’s *cough* what’s with the *cough* fish smell?” The words barely came out.
“Ah, that.” Geist raised a finger. “Sorry for no warning. It’s Reeve’s and Asaru’s meal of choice. They prefer fresh-caught and as raw as possible.”
“… Seriously?” He believed him, with their new look, but part of him didn’t want to.
“You’ll see shortly. And it’s their feeding time.~” Geist said with a wicked smile, humming towards the end as he continued into the room.
Bradford felt his brow twitch and sighed. Clearing his throat and rubbing his nose a few times, he caught up to him.
As they came closer to the pool, Geist stretched out his arm and stopped him. Bradford was about to say something, but then remembered the protocols. His body shuddered. Best not to break them.
Geist soon talked to his people to see what non-critical things had been going on. A few people were cracking open a massive cooler and pulling out some fresh fish. Feeding time indeed.
As he did so, Bradford partially listened in as his eyes wandered over to the pool, watching the still waters.
“So much deeper than the one at the main base.” He quietly commented. He wondered how deep the pool was. Then he saw something deep in the waters. Swimming in the dark depths, barely illuminated by a soft bioluminescent blue glow radiating from it. Not it. Them. Her.
“She’s really… they’ve really taken to water.” He mumbled as he watched how they swam so effortlessly, barely moving their four arms and legs. Hair, tentacles, and tail flowed freely.
“Hm?” He mumbled as they leisurely swam by. “Oh! Oh…” His eyes shifted away as a hand went to his face; he fake coughed to cover up his reddening face.
Though he could only see their backside, they… Jynn… was still naked, like the day they rescued the two.
Guess they haven’t figured out clothes for them yet. He thought to himself. His eyes found them again.
Studying that new form once again. A silky smooth, deep teal had replaced most of Jynn’s brown skin. Her head was somewhere in between the shape of Hybrid’s and Chosen’s — including the facial features — though the forehead jutted out slightly as it swept back into a three-tailed fin. And there were more fins on her back and forearms.
“So much to get used to… still beautiful… in a strange way.” There was something alluring about how Jynn looked now. Even with everything… he still loved her.
“Stay right there, John.” Geist said.
Bradford barely heard Geist speak to him until he noticed the man take a few steps towards the edge.
“Commander Reeves! Asaru!” He called out, kneeling over the waters ever so slightly. The psionic energies in the room swirled about. “I would like to have a word with you.”
Jynn stopped swimming suddenly before her face suddenly jerked towards Geist. Eight eyes focused on him, as her nose wrinkled and a grimace formed. A few seconds passed before she swam.
Geist took a step back. “Remember what I told you.” He held a hand back towards Bradford.
“I remember.” Bradford stayed put. He did not want to be on the receiving end of a psionic draining again. What Jynn and Asaru did was vicious. So much worse than a Sectoid’s drain. Made it look like child’s play.
A minute or two passed before Jynn poked part of her head out of the water. The membrane covering her eyes slipped back; her human eyes, a piercing blue(no longer a hazel brown) against black sclera, scanned the room. Geist, the one who disturbed them, was just a few feet away from the edge, and then… Bradford. Her eyes narrowed on him for a moment before switching back to Geist. A few tentacles slowly emerged from the water, spreading out the scan of the room further.
Geist just smiled. “Just checking up on you two. No psionic treatment sessions for today. I hope all has been well.” With his hand, he cheerily gestured towards his people, who were bringing out the fish. “And I see you will have quite a selection of fish to pick from today. Mostly native species, but there are a few of the alien species the Elders have let roam.” The work to stabilize Earth’s ecosystem would be such a task in the future.
Jynn’s eyes shifted over to the fish for a moment, it was a bountiful catch, before looking back at him and then at Bradford. Muffled grumbles — and lots of bubbles — slipped out as she sank back down into the water.
“Geist, how is this—“
“Shh!” Geist quickly hushed Bradford, raising a finger.
A second later, four clawed hands sprang from the water and grabbed the edge of the platform. Water sloshed around as Jynn slowly emerged. Her upper arms crossed over and somewhat covered her bare chest, and her lower arms rested on the ground. She had partially pulled herself out of the water. Her expression had barely changed; squinted eyes and a firm frown. Gill-like slits on her red throat opened and closed rapidly. There was an odd, barely visible blue shimmer encapsulating part of her head, like a bubble.
She shook her head quickly, shaking free a mass of water from her skin and hair. Geist put up a quick shield to keep himself and Bradford from getting wet. A throaty grumble left her lips, making those slits tremble, as she leaned forward, eyes focusing on Geist and occasionally shifting over to Bradford.
Bradford felt his heart slowly working its way to his throat as she emerged from the water. So tall now. Just her upper half was out and was towering over him. He swallowed hard, not exactly liking her(and probably Asaru’s too) sour demeanor, and glanced at Geist.
Geist said a few more things as he brought forth his psionic energies and did something towards Jynn that seemed like she and Asaru didn’t like, with the strange, warbled hiss that came out and a small energy bolt aimed at Geist’s feet. But nothing further happened besides a few tentacles being raised towards Geist and hovering over his body.
“Everything is still holding. Good.” Geist smiled. “Also, you have a visitor.” He gestured towards Bradford before stepping back. As he reached Bradford, he gestured for him to step forward.
“Commander Reeves. Asaru.” Bradford nodded towards them. He clutched his hands tightly before taking careful steps towards the two. He nearly stopped when their eyes snapped to him too swiftly for his liking. And those tentacles shifting over to him didn’t help. He could already feel those tugs on his body and mind.
He took in a deep breath and pressed forward. “How are you two doing?” It was weird, literally looking up at her now. She was two heads taller than the Chosen.
There was no answer. Those eyes just stayed focused on him. An odd, throaty mumble came forth as those gills continued to open and close, though more slowly. The tentacles came closer, hovering all around him, especially his head.
“Hm.” He bit his lip. He expected as much from what Geist had told him. But there was no time for awkward silence. “Things have been going well on the Avenger since we found you two. Just a few annoyances, but the Senior Staff are handling them.”
So he spoke, chuckling as he did so, catching her up on details on what was happening on the Avenger and then the Resistance as a whole. So far, nothing terrible, minus some crew members, they were probably going to have to discharge them with how poorly they were handling what had happened to the Commander.
“And we are still waiting for a message from Maker before we can take you two to him.” That benevolent Elder was still a strange one to him, but had become such a helpful boon to the Resistance. “From a few disjointed messages we received, it looks like he and the other Elders are fighting, as usual. Really, seems like a civil war is happening as there’s a massive schism due to what happened, and seems some are seeing how correct Maker was and are going over to his side.”
He continued, carefully observing her reaction and those tentacles that were pretty much moving around his face and body. Her expression hadn’t changed, but he could feel those tentacles probing and pulling. He never liked with when Asaru did that, but it was just how he took in his surroundings.
Rambling on, he didn’t hear the sound of water shifting about or her raising herself up more, and moving closer to him. Until suddenly, he felt something wet touch his chest and warm breath tickling his face. He paused and looked down. Her clawed, webbed hand was touching the center of his chest.
“Uh…” He looked back up at her, almost shrinking back, realizing her face was so close to his. He glanced over to Geist, who gave him a so-so gesture. He looked just as confused at him.
“Uh… Commander?” Bradford said. No response. “Jynn? Asaru?” Still no response. Just intense stares.
The next moment, his eyes lit up, and he grimaced. Those claws tightened, piercing through his shirt, digging into his skin.
“Jynn!?” A yell barely left his lips as he felt her pull him forward. All those arms, and many tentacles, wrapped around him tightly. For some reason, his brain just told him to take a deep breath, and how glad he was to do so, the next thing he felt was his whole body shudder as that cold water hit like a solid wall, nearly knocking the breath out of him, before it all quickly enveloped him. The bright light above grew more distant as the seconds ticked by. Shouts from Geist and the others quickly became muffled.
As he struggled to break free, he caught a blurred view of someone about to dive in after them until they quickly recoiled, grasping at their heads. Then his eyes flashed as he felt a strong psionic wave pierce them.
Stay back. The intertwined voices of Jynn and Asaru rang in his head. Such a strange echo in it. There was a lingering burning anger that permeated the psionic wave. Stay back. I(We) want privacy.
So they did want to talk, but not with others around. Bradford’s struggles slowly stopped. He was along for the ride and wondered exactly where they were taking him.
Wrangling some space for his head, he looked at her face. Still as grumpy as before, but seemed more pained, almost as if she was on the verge of crying.
Jynn… Asaru… He mentally sighed. He could faintly feel that deep turmoil radiating from their powers. Just a relentless ocean of pain they were in, mentally and physically.
Then a thought crossed his mind.
Hey, you guys know I can’t brea— As he was thinking that, he paused as the sensation of fresh air entered his lungs and fish. Then he noticed a faint blue sparkle around his head. A psionic bubble.
We know. The two replied, glancing at him for a second. Patience. Nearly there.
It felt like ages as they went deeper and deeper. Just how far down did this pool go?
Light slowly slipped into darkness. The only thing keeping it from being nearly pitch black was that soft bioluminescent glow from Jynn. They rounded the corner and into a hidden alcove that had a faint glow.
Entering, the source of the glow was evident. Blue psionic string-like webbing was strung from wall to wall, with a massive, thick wall in the middle, sealing it off. Jynn and Asaru had spun a psionic cocoon of sorts to make a little hidden home. With little work, they opened it, slipped inside, and it closed behind them. They soon surfaced.
That psionic bubble around Bradford’s head popped. He took in several breaths as he looked around. A little fishy but breathable. Almost entranced by the soft glow coming from the cocoon and the reflections of the water ripples on the rocky walls.
“Huh…” He mumbled. He wondered if this was where they went to sleep to get away from all the eyes. He noticed there were some blankets and other things sitting on some exposed ground towards the back. Feeling those arms tighten around him once again, and then something heavy came down on his head, made him freeze. A nestling motion was happening. And it felt a bit leathery against his skin.
“Uh…” He was hesitant to move, even more so as those arms squeezed him even more. And then he heard it. A strange purring growl mixed with sniffling. Jynn’s breathing was sharp. Those throat slits opened and closed rapidly, now making a slight whistle.
“Jynn…? Asaru…?” He cautiously said. He just felt those arms squeeze him more, pulling him closer to her chest. His face was growing a rosy shade with how his face was pressing against her breasts. Feeling her heart, if not hearts now, thumping rapidly made him snap to. Crap, crap, they’re crying.
It took some work, but he managed to wrangle his arms free and soon wrapped them around her. “Hey, hey… It’s okay. It’s okay.” He hushed the two as he tightened his hug. “I’m not mad. You two are safe.” The sniffling and strange purred growled continued, but those hearts slowed down to a steadier beat.
They stayed like that for a few minutes. Bradford continued to reassure them he wasn’t upset, and they were safe, whilst stroking her back. It still surprised him how smooth her skin was, even with the scales; he took care to be gentle with the slightly scaled fin flaps on her back. The sniffles finally died down, being mostly replaced by the growled purring. That too stopped a few minutes later. Jynn finally let go.
Her cheeks were a deep reddish-purple as she pulled away. She avoided all eye contact with him as she slowly sank into the waters, but gently she nudged Bradford over towards the back of the cave.
Bradford tried speaking, but she just pushed him along faster. He complied, getting the message. Once at the back, he pulled himself up and out of the water.
“… Didn’t think I’d be going for a swim today.” He mostly joked to himself as he got himself situated on the rocky ground.
First things that came off were his waterlogged boots and soaked socks. Next thing to come off was his shirt, and he did his best to wring out the water, but soon stopped. He got in here one way and was pretty sure he would be leaving the same way. He just tossed it over to where he put his boots. Taking a quick check at his chest, he was happy to see that those sharp claws only left indents that were barely red and didn’t pierce his skin.
Hearing muffled sniffles, he looked back over at Jynn. He felt his heart sink into his stomach just seeing how only the top half of her face was above the surface, and she was still avoiding all eye contact.
“One of you… Or both of you brought me down here for a reason.” He said. “Who wants to talk? What do you want to talk about?”
She closed her eyes tightly, nearly slipping completely down into the water before she raised herself back up, just enough for her mouth to clear the surface. “Me.” Jynn’s voice was more prominent. “Me… me… me…” Despondently, she spoke. Her voice trailed with a slight echo and was rough. Slowly, she sank back down into the water and looked away.
“Jynn…” Bradford’s voice trailed off. He didn’t like that.
Pushing himself off, he fell back into the water with a small splash and swam over to her. “Jynn, no.”
He let out a sad sigh, seeing she was sinking further into the water and seemed to be drifting away from him as he came closer. He sped up. It took a bit of chasing, but he managed to corral her back over to the ledge and corner her.
“Jynn, please…” He reached out with his hands and gently touched her face, cupping it. She shuddered and pulled back, but he kept a firm grip. “Just talk to me. You want to talk to me, right?”
She tried pulling away again, tried sinking deeper into the waters and swatting at him with her tentacles, but that barely caused his grip to falter. Her eyes barely met his for a moment. Worry. Concern. She closed her eyes tightly and looked away.
Bradford pulled himself closer, ignoring the swats. “Jynn… Talk to me. Whatever it is, just talk to me.” Shifting a hand towards those eyes, he wiped away tears that were just starting to form. “Just talk to me, please.”
She shook her head again. This time, with less force, barely pulling away. The tentacle swatting slowed until they finally fell back into the waters, drifting aimlessly. Her head barely rose, nose passing the threshold of the water. Snorted and bubbles sniffles followed. And so did tears.
“Jynn.” Bradford could just feel his heart sinking more and more.
A few minutes passed before she raised her head fully out of the water.
“W-w-where… where do I even begin?” She struggled to spit out choked words. “How… just… how? Just… why? More fish, and God knows what, than human now… no offense, Asaru.”
None taken. He said, projecting his voice psionically. It was faint.
She broke down into a blubbering, sobbing mess. Nearly dragging Bradford down when a few tentacles wrapped around him as she sank into the water. It took a lot of calming, coaxing, and frantic shaking to get Jynn to come back up and get those tentacles off of him.
He continued to console her as he gently nudged her closer to that ledge so he could get out of the water. He could only tread water for so long, and drowning was not on his radar. Once he was back on dry land, he managed to coax her to come out of the water some more and rest her head in his lap.
“Let it out, now.” Bradford gently stroked her head. “The both of you.”
He could barely imagine how Jynn felt, how both of them felt. Bodies and minds twisted and changed so drastically. As he stroked her face, thumbs tracing those odd, chitinous growths lining her cheekbones, he couldn’t help but notice her face was an odd blend of a Hybrid and one of the Chosen. Spaced apart eyes, some gauntness to the face, and recessed ears… just seeing this all made his heart ache.
“That’s where the associations to that begin and end. Everything else about you is different.” He whispered to himself. Shifting a hand towards her head, having to pass through that faint blue bubble that covered the upper half, he carefully stroked her head. Around the forehead, part of it jutted out slightly in the middle, then swept back into a three-tailed fin. “Some traits of Asaru, and then who knows what else…”
Eight eyes stood out to him the most. He was expecting four, hers and Asaru’s, but then again, he wasn’t sure if that alien even had “eyes” to begin with. Just a floating partial skull within a bubble, coursing with energy from what he could recall. He wondered what those files and DNA tests would reveal once everything was cracked. Hopefully, more positives than negatives.
With a little more calming, Jynn finally opened up. Everything felt so off. Her body. Her mind. Her connection to Asaru. Nothing felt right. Everything felt so wrong, but she just couldn’t explain it, as the words to articulate it would just escape her.
The pains from the torturous experiments and surgeries the Elders inflicted on them still plague their new shared body. Each slice, each cut, as their bodies were unbound and re-compiled, more or so messily blended to become something ‘better’. Minds relentlessly attacked and memories tweaked and sliced to tear away what was ‘useless’ and insert ‘more compliant’ thoughts and servitude. Some memories were still a blur.
“Everything just hurts… It just hurts.” She wrapped her arms around herself tightly, nails digging deep into her skin. Asaru’s voice poked through; he was in full agreement. “I… We… Want to kill them.” A nasty growl slipped out through all the sniffling. Her eyes flashed a bright blue as she bared her new, sharp teeth. A few tentacles shot up into the air, with their tips glowing brightly.
“Shh… I know. I know.” Bradford hushed her. “We’ll eventually get those bastards, but calm down. Your health.” He could just feel the anger radiating from both of them, which was a little more amplified as it pulled at his partially severed psionic bond with Jynn.
She grumbled and nuzzled her head deeper into his lap. Rubbing it back and forth to use his pants as a makeshift tissue to clean her face.
“They deserve to suffer so much like we have. Like the voices have.” She muttered. Asaru’s voice echoed just behind it. “Poor them… poor them…”
“They deserve more tha— wait, voices?” This was something Bradford hadn’t heard about. Nor did Geist ever make mention of it. “What voices?”
“Not the Elders’. Not Dhay-Vol’s. Barely hear them now after everything. Dhay-Vol’s keeping his distance, licking his wounds.” A dark chuckle escaped her lips. “Voices of the Elders victims throughout the galaxies. Those bodies in those Endless Waves. Just… clearer than ever. Searing thoughts… Endless battles…” She shook her head as she could see those desecrated and desiccated corpses of so many species in that Gap.
“Oh.” That place.
“I… We… Hear them. Can feel it all. All talking. All dying. It hurts… so much.” She broke down again, pressing her face into his lap.
It was another round of calming and consoling to get her to calm down. He managed to coax her out of the water some more to draw her into a proper hug. He just wasn’t expecting her to just fall over him, wrapping all four arms around him and nearly causing him to fall back. It took a little work to get her to shift most of her weight off of him so he could stay upright.
“We can’t lead… I can’t lead XCOM like this.” Jynn’s and Asaru’s voices shifted back and forth like a flickering switch. “Our minds… my mind barely feels put together. Everything’s so clouded and just… and just. UGH!”
Those tentacles angrily smacked the ground and water. There were a few loud sparks in the surrounding psionic energy.
“We want to kill them! Take back what was robbed from us! Drink all the precious life from their most ‘prized’ Chosen, Dhay-Vol! Turn that wretched ‘prized son’ into a—!” Jynn’s and Asaru’s voices were fully intertwined now.
“Hey, hey! Calm down. Both of you.” Shifting his hands up to her face, he gently pulled her down. “Calm down, please.”
The anger in their eyes glowed brightly. They closed them tightly, biting their bottom lip so hard causing purple blood to come forth. A heavy sigh slipped out before those eyes opened again. The glow was gone. “Sorry… Sorry…” Jynn’s voice slowly became dominant again.
“Things will be… okay.” He squeezed her. There was some doubt in his voice, but he had hope for the future. “Even if, even if… this… can’t be fixed, the Elders don’t have the both of you.” He shook his head and chuckled. “Really, they got more than they bargained for and ended up losing more than they gained. You hurt their prized children.”
“Hm.” A throaty growl came from them. “Wish we tore them apart some more and drained all that life—“
“Hey.” Bradford brought her face down some more until their eyes met. “Stop that. Your health.”
Another growl slipped out before those eyes closed once more, and a heavy sigh came out. “Sorry.”
“Stay calm. Don’t need all that work Geist and his followers did coming undone.” He gently stroked her cheek. He slightly bristled, feeling some bite of their negative emotions in that bond and what angry thoughts lingered in the air.
A few more grumbles came out. Slowly, that negative psionic energy dispersed.
“Better.” Bradford smiled. “Get your mind off the negative right now. The both of you. Especially…” He paused. A second later, he leaned forward and planted a quick kiss on her head. “From my sad, saaaad fish.” He said in a singsong manner.
“Sad fish?” Jynn questioned, almost snorting at the horrible joke. Then it clicked. Her face was flushed with purple. “You… you still…?”
“Always.” He smiled, kissing her once more. “Even when I saw you that night. I’m not giving up on you. We’ll work through this.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she wrapped herself around him; this time, she knocked him over and to the floor. Bradford had to tell her to loosen her grip a few times, as it was rather crushing. Felt like a few ribs were going to crack.
John? John!? Can you hear me? Geist’s voice pierced Bradford’s mind. Blast, I hope you can hear me. Jynn and Asaru sent out a nasty psionic wave and crippled us, and left some traps in the water.
Bradford’s eyes lit up. Explained why there was no contact. I hear you. I’m fine. Water lodged, but fine. They, more or so, Jynn, wanted a private talk. He replied.
Thank the void. Geist was relieved when he got a reply back. Is everything okay? My senses are fuzzy, but I believe I’ve been faintly feeling the emotions of those two.
Things are… okay. Slowly getting better. They both needed to vent. Still probably need to do so. He was blindly searching for that wet shirt of his so Jynn could wipe her snot and tear-ridden face. “I think I’ll be here for the rest of the day. Think you can get someone from the Avenger to bring over a fresh set of clothes. And LOTS of towels.
Geist laughed. I’ll see what I can do. Continue to keep the two calm.
Will do. And take your time. Still need to calm them down.
I think I can do that.
—————————
With the quick conversation over, Bradford turned his attention back to Jynn and Asaru. It took some time to get Jynn calm again, but once he did, he helped her get comfortable, helping her over to a questionable amount of blankets and pillows piled in a corner, as she tired herself out. Once she was comfortable, they began to talk.
The conversation shifted back over to what Bradford had said. More or less, he had the same feelings despite all the changes, which Jynn was having a hard time believing. She listed off all the obvious changes, counting everything on three hands before a kiss on the lips from Bradford silenced her.
“We’ll… figure this out.” He said as he pulled away.
His eyes slowly looked her up and down. Deep in his heart, he couldn’t deny there was a faint fear that something in his mind would shift and he would reject the new her. He didn’t like to acknowledge that with how far they had come.
He moved closer to her before placing a hand softly on the center of her chest. There was some faint hesitation. He felt her heartbeat quicken slightly before she used a few tentacles to move the hand away.
“It’ll… take some time. But…” He let his eyes drift away for some seconds before looking at her. “I believe in us. You’re still beautiful to me.”
Jynn’s face flushed purple before she whipped her head away. Her gills shuddered. She chewed on the inside of her cheek for some time as her face grew a brighter shade of purple.
Bradford held in a snicker as he could faintly pick up that Asaru was saying something encouraging to her.
“Thank you… For believing… even if I’m unsure.” Jynn said meekly. She reached up and stroked his cheek. He smiled.
He found one of her free hands, took it, and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Think positively.”
She snorted. “Funny, coming from you.”
He rolled his eyes, but a chuckle came out. “I’ve… gotten better with your help and Dr. Veer.”
A little laugh came from her before it trailed off into a more despondent one. Looking away from him, she gestured with one of her free arms at her body and then her face.
“You really still find this ‘beautiful’.” She couldn’t help but question that.
He is being 100% truthful. Your bond with him is damaged, but you can still sense that. Asaru’s voice was barely audible. He sounded a bit peeved that she was questioning that. She rolled her eyes.
Closing his eyes, he let out a sharp snort. Should have expected this. “Yes.” He didn’t mean to sound blunt, but it came out like that.
Really, I wish I had that ring on me. Not like it would fit on her hand now. He was thinking of a way to try and convince her he was being truthful.
“Though we weren’t quite at that stage in our relationship yet…” He let his voice trail off as he let his eyes wander across her body. How so much of it was different, and yet oddly the same.
Noticing how he was looking, Jynn’s chest started to flush red before plumes of purple took over. Shifting her arms, she tried her best to cover herself; a pair of arms tried to cover her double set of breasts, and another tugged at a blanket to cover her lower half. It was mainly done out of personal dislike of her altered being.
He wrinkled his nose for just a moment before shaking his head. He drew himself close to her face and whispered in a low, husky tone. “I would still propose to you now. Right now.”
She froze, hearing that. Her tail flicked around as she studied his face. It was serious as ever. “S-seriously?”
Told you. Asaru tutted. The barely audible interjection made Bradford stifle a chuckle. Jynn glared, but mostly at Asaru.
“I have a ring waiting back on the ship, already to go.” He continued in that low tone. Raising a hand to her face, he gently stroked under her chin. “Though… have to get it resized or strung on a necklace. Whatever you would like.”
A brief hm came from her, making her throat tremble. Her own tumultuous thoughts clouding her mind, she brought a tentacle to his head. The bulbous tip gently pressed against the center of his head before it began to softly glow. The man winced as their damaged bond was probed. Strands struggled to reconnect, but enough came together for her to find just what she was looking for.
“Oh… oh…” She quietly muttered as she felt his true feelings and worries. “You’re not joking.”
“No.” He nodded. “I wouldn’t joke about this. Especially with how you’re feeling.” Leaning in more, he kissed her on the lips. “I love you, Jynn. Now, forever, and always.”
Her throat trembled as she made some uncomfortable clicks and caused her gills to shut. She looked away from her before one of her arms wrapped around him and pulled him down and closer. It didn’t take long for her to wrap her other arms around him and for her to press her head against his.
“I’m… sorry…” Her voice cracked.
Bradford wrestled his arms free so he could touch her face. “Don’t apologize. You don’t need to.”
“But I—”
“That’s an order.” As serious as his voice was, there was a faint tease to it. He was repeating something she would tell him when he would get himself worked up about some minor detail of their private courtship.
“Okay.” Just a faint snort slipped out, and a meek reply.
It took some time before she released him from the hug, but he stayed close.
In between Jynn wanting to re-tread old discussions on what happened when XCOM found her and Asaru again, as she felt like she could never stop apologizing for nearly killing them with a vicious psionic life force drain, she hesitantly showed him her body. Though he had seen her altered naked form numerous times by now, but not in a more intimate fashion. And then she didn’t exactly like being touched by anyone or anything, with how sensitive every fiber of her being was.
Bradford had to tell her to stop apologizing for what happened during that rescue mission. No one was holding that against them due to their frenzied state and the pure chaos of the situation, as the Elders were constantly teleporting in units to try and capture them. Unless she wanted him to comment, he just let her make small comments here and there as she pointed out what was new. What he wasn’t expecting was for her to grab his hand and gently guide it around her body. He nearly resisted, but her claws tightening around his wrist for a split second made him relent.
She’s doing this for a reason. Calm down. He thought to himself. He could faintly sense the tension of self-loathing and embarrassment from Jynn. A minuscule fraction of disbelief remained that he would never truly love this new her that would most likely be permanent. It just made him sigh. Despite not wanting to think about it, some part of that could become true once things got “better.”
Eventually, Asaru was dragged into their conversation when they started talking about their relationship again. Asaru was almost hesitant to voice his thoughts, sensing the ebbing and flowing of muddled thoughts from both of them, but he spoke of how he would be intruding more on the two’s private conversations due to the changed state of his and Jynn’s bond. He couldn’t exactly “fade into the background to ignore and be ignored” like he could before.
Bradford said that had crossed his mind, but he felt like they would be able to figure things out when both of them were in a more stable condition. Perhaps by then, Asaru could “fade away” again and not be more of an awkward third wheel than he already was. Throwing the alien a bone, he pointed out that Asaru had been doing pretty good with giving the two private time and rarely intruding unless something was urgent.
It was just the right amount of reassurance, the strange alien(and Jynn) needed.
As their conversation dwindled to a natural lull, Jynn pulled Bradford down into a hug again. Despite all her nerves screaming at her, she really wanted to snuggle. Something she missed doing.
Bradford happily obliged, sensing that he was helping her, and by extension, Asaru, stay calm. He just reminded her it couldn’t become a hard nap, as sooner or later, Geist would fetch him as he had to return to his duties on the Avenger. She grumbled at that and just tightened her grip on him.
—————————
About two hours passed before Geist contacted him again. A fresh change of clothes and lots of towels were waiting for him, and some important information he needed to view. He asked if Bradford needed assistance coming back to the surface as he had finally locked onto his position, but the man quickly refused it. Bradford did not want to disturb Jynn and Asaru’s better mood.
Waking Jynn from the nap she had dozed off into, it took a fair amount of coaxing to get her to take him back to the surface, as she still wanted some private time with him since it had been some time since they had seen each other in person last. And then, she and Asaru had a faint feeling Geist would want to run some quick probing checks to make sure this little stunt didn’t undo anything. But, after a little more coaxing and a promise to come back around as soon as possible, she took him back to the surface.
The two apologized quite a bit to him as they helped him out of the water, but Bradford wasn’t upset.
Jynn and Asaru would have gone back down to avoid the Templars, especially Geist, but that sweet, alluring smell of fish caught their collective attention. There was a growing knot in their stomachs, and a nasty gurgled growl soon followed. It had been some time since they had eaten.
Bradford grabbed his fresh clothes before he was escorted to another room to change. Coming back, he noticed one of the Bridge crew was there with a laptop.
“What’s going on?”
They handed the laptop over to him and quickly updated him on everything going on regarding ADVENT activities and the Resistance. The Elders’ retaliation attempts were still coming in relentless waves, but in turn, the executions were growing increasingly sloppy. None of the Chosen were there to lead the major assaults. ADVENT unit actions were de-synced, leading to many occurrences of the attacks being turned on their heads and some units outright defecting with a little nudging for psionic capable combatants. It was a mess. Whatever Jynn and Asaru did those days before they had found them had severely affected the Psionic Network.
So, it was a mix of good and bad news. Bradford gave instructions for some squads to be assembled and sent out, and for them to hit up the local Skirmisher clans for some assistance. They needed to provide support where they could and move civilians to safety. Geist butted in and offered the services of his people so they could teleport to each location. Much faster than having to travel via foot or by vehicle. Bradford accepted.
Bradford sent the crew member away, but kept the laptop. He glanced over to where Jynn was and held back a snort. She was really tearing into those fish like there was no tomorrow. Shredding them into bits, throwing scales and bones everywhere.
With laptop in hand, he headed over to her.
“Hey, Commander,” he softly called out to her, “want some updates on how the Resistance is going?”
Pausing halfway through biting into a fish, she looked at him like a deer caught in the headlights.
Once he reached her, he sat down and turned the laptop towards her. “Feel like it would be best to keep you, both of you, in the loop.”
She glanced down. Teeth slowly pulled away a chunk of flesh to munch on. “Maybe...” She spoke with a faint voice. But she moved closer to him, soon peering over his shoulder.
He updated her on how things had been and what was currently going on and would occasionally nudge her(or Asaru) into giving input on where XCOM’s focus should be. She was slow to respond, but with enough prodding, that old leader in her came forth and gave some orders.
Bradford stayed for a few more hours until Jynn said she and Asaru were tired. He said he understood and would come back in the morning unless something happened. She gave him a tight hug and a peck on the head before diving back down and heading for that little cave.
Geist was fine with him coming back and even encouraged it. He had a strong feeling the two would react to the psionic treatment better if they continued to see friendly faces. That was some comforting news for Bradford. Though he told Geist they would have to hash out all the details, as he wasn’t sure how long they would be in the region. Never a time for rest for XCOM.
Who knew what the future held, but that glimmer of hope burned bright within his heart.
- A very reluctant Bradford questioning what he’s about to do.
A really rough sketch of a scene for a prequel fic I’m working on for Find Your Light. So um spoilers, but at this point I’ve stopped caring for several reasons. One being fun stuff will be dropping in the next chapter. Heh.
Nearly done with the fic. Fussing out one part right now. Classic brain hitting a roadblock but I’ve got the chisel for it.
And seriously need to get my tablet monitor set up again. Slowly feeling like I can sit and draw for a bit before my shoulder and stomach TKOs me.
So language as usual. Mentions to trauma/PTSD and alcoholism to a point. Don’t think anything else needs to be mentioned. (But if I’m wrong yell at me in my ask box).
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Back to the present. Back to reality. Reality. Such a painful thing. Like the agony coursing through his body. Coursing through my body… He noticed something. The agony… the agony was less. Slowly melting away.
“You two are nearly there.” Geist’s voice rang every so faintly in his ears.
So that was why.
Bradford was still on the ground, curled into himself. Unaware of how much time had passed since the whole thing began. It felt like ages.
“The bond is nearly complete.”
Was it truly? Didn’t feel like it to Bradford. His mind was still swimming with memories. His own and Asaru’s. This alien had so many hosts through the ages. Exploring the Earth. Finding XCOM once more and making them his permanent home. So many different perspectives to view, absorb, and learn from.
“Nngh.”
Still some pain lingered as the finally connections were being made. But as the agony continued to fade, he felt something replace it. Peace. He hadn’t felt that in a long time. And then something else… Hope. And it was burning passionately deep within.
“Find me.”
No. No. No.
He closed his eyes tighter. She was still there. Dare he look? He needed to face it. Conquer this damn vision of a nightmare.
“Face it. Face her.”
Asaru’s voice rang in his head. It felt… strange. Much more pleasant than a Sectoid channeling its twisted thoughts to try and break him. But still strange. Something to get used.
But with the Ethereal’s words, he felt that hope swell inside of him. He opened his eyes, moving his hands away from his face. She was still. About a foot or two away from him.
He let out a deep sigh. He had to face her. No more running away from her. No more trying to block her out.
Body trembling, he forced himself to his feet. The world spun for a moment. It felt like his stomach was at the back of his throat. A hard swallow, a moment to catch his breath, he managed to keep his balance. He eyed her. So far, no reaction. She was still shaking like a leaf. Another sigh slipped from his lips before he moved towards her.
He stood in front of her. So close now. The closest he’s ever been since the nightmares plagued his mind. Still no reaction from her. Those eyes looked so dead. Afraid and pained. He just studied her body. Broken, naked body. Just like what he saw when Asaru searched out that connection. A shell of her former self. Strange diamond-like marks littered her body. And a stranger one on her neck. Starting from the chin down, her neck was black. It transitioned back to her natural skin tone as it reached her collarbone. Patterned like trickling rain.
He closed his eyes. A few tears streamed down. What are They doing to you?
Try not to dwell on that now. Just face her.
He opened his eyes again.
“I promise…”
He raised his hands to touch her, but paused. Could he really touch her? It’s all in his mind… right? But it wouldn’t hurt to try with everything going on tonight. So much had happened.
He brought a hand to her face. Just a test to lightly brush her cheek and… A sharp gasp left his lips. He could feel her. Trembling and cold. Ice cold. Then something else happened. She moved ever so slightly. Head tilting towards the hand. Can she feel him? See him? Hear him?
Another test. He brought both hands to her face and began to gently caress it. It took a moment, but she pressed her head into one of his hands.
“J-J-Jynn…” He started choking up.
God, she could feel him. Maybe even see and hear him.
“I-I promise…” He was still choking up. He just couldn’t believe it. As he was still caressing her head, he noticed she was shaking less. And those eyes of hers were looking calmer; slowly closing. “I promise I will find you.”
He dropped his hands from her face and wrapped his arms around her, bringing her into a hug. She needed it. He needed it.
“We will find you.” This time, Asaru spoke with him. Such a strange feeling.
Her shaking grew even less.
“I will find you.” Just his voice again as he held her tight. He didn’t want to let go. But he pulled back slightly. Studying her face again. Calmer. Looking less pained.
“I-I-I…” He can barely say it. Barely spit out those words. This could be his only chance to tell her.
“I love you.”
He didn’t know what came over him, but he just kissed her on her forehead.
A sigh come out. A sigh from her. He felt her slump into his arms, fully going limp. She was no longer shaking and her breathing was calmer.
He carefully shifted her in his arms to get a look at her face. Calm. Eyes fully closed. Like she was entering a peaceful sleep. Whatever was tormenting her was gone.
“Good.” He smiled.
But he noticed something. He was starting to feel her less. The blue glow to her ghostly visage was dimming. Like she was fading away.
No. No. No. It was too soon. He wanted to hold her longer.
“I-I promise…” He quietly whispered, holding her tight and fighting back tears. “I’ll find you… we’ll find you.”
But no matter how tightly he held her, she continued to fade. Blue wisps wicking away like ashes blow away by the wind. A few moments later, the last bit of her disappeared, leaving him with empty arms.
Just why?
“Why?”
He mumbled under his breath, shaking his head. She was gone too soon.
“Why?”
There were so many thoughts running through his mind. So many questions. He wondered if he would ever get answers for them.
“WHY?”
He let out an anguish wail, crying to the heavens as he dropped to his knees, slumping to the floor, and just wept.
And wept for a long time.
Awhile later, he felt something on his back. Felt like a hand. He peaked over his shoulder. It was Geist. Offering his order hand to help him back up. He took it.
“It’s never easy facing one’s demons.” Geist somberly said.
“Mhm.” He could only muster a throaty grumble.
Geist stepped away, giving the soldier a moment to clean up his face and compose himself.
“So, how do you feel… bond wise?”
Bradford looked at him like he grew two heads. How does one answer that? How to describe it? He looked down at his hands. His vision shift for a few seconds, peering into another world. No. Someone else’s eyes. Asaru’s. He could faintly see the Ethereal’s arms within his, the other set just below, and a few tendrils floating around him.
“Different… but at the same time… the same…” Bradford answered the best he could at the moment. Which was barely scratching the surface. But nothing felt amiss. Maybe he was a little sore all over, but nothing felt wrong. “Strange is the best way to describe it.”
“You will get used to it in due time as the bond between both of your continues to grow.” Geist gave him a few reassuring pats on the back. He flinched with each one.
“I hope you’re right.” Still, a small part of him wondered if this was a good idea. He couldn’t imagine how he was going to explain it to the rest of his crew. Heads were going to turn.
“You’ll feel a little pull when I separate.”
Asaru’s voice rang in his mind. Still something to get used to.
A moment later, Bradford’s body shuddered as he felt the pull. The next moment, Asaru emerged from his body. He looked to be glowing brighter.
“Gah!” He gasped. His whole body shuddered. Such an odd feeling.
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine… gotta get used to it.”
Geist looked at Asaru, noticing his brighter glow and straightened posture. He smiled. Perfect. That was something promising.
“I suggest you both take it easy for some time.” Geist said. Especially after what just happened. “Let your bodies adjust to each other.”
“That would be wise.” Asaru agreed. He was feeling a little drained after the bonding.
“You don’t have to tell me that twice.” Bradford nodded, fighting back a yawn. He felt like he could use some rest. Tiredness was slowly catching up to him.
“Though if anything happens, such as the draining, immediately contact me.”
“I’ll —“ It wasn’t just him anymore. He looked at Asaru. “We’ll… we’ll keep that in mind.” He hoped that would never happen.
“But!” Geist raised a finger.
“What now?”
“I wish to train you.” Geist gleamed. He opened his hand and formed a few orbs. Twirling them between his fingers. “Help you learn how to handle the new found psionic power flowing through you and make sure you do not harm yourself or Asaru. Especially since you’re not a natural psionic.”
Bradford eyed those orbs. Psionics. He was still wary of them, but things were different now. He could feel it. To think he would be able to do that now, all because he bonded with this Ethereal. Maybe he would finally get some well-deserved payback on those annoying Sectoids. He chuckled. Can’t wait.
“That would also be a wise.” Asaru nodded. Precautious needed to be taken. “I rarely channeled my power through my recent set of hosts as it shortened the length we could stay bonded.” Last thing he wanted to do was ruin the bond between him and Bradford. Bond… oh right! He remembered something else.
“I’ll also try to keep the memories from my pasts from coming into your mind.” He moved closer to him. “Some of it will occur naturally, but I’ll keep most at bay until you’re ready to view them. Especially hers.” Bradford simply nodded, holding back a sigh at the mention of her.
Bradford then turned his attention back to Geist. “We’ll have to figure out when to plan this training.”
Part of him wondered how bad it would get. Since the bonding, he was recalling faint memories of the old days; him reviewing reports on how their psionic operatives’ training was going. Was always an interesting read with the hell their top psions would put the newcomers through. And something about Geist was becoming more familiar to him with each passing second.
“Like you, I’m running my own faction and trying to pull the world’s resistance cells together.” And that was its own daunting task, as it was like pulling teeth trying to interact with some factions and cells.
“We’ll work things out. In fact, I can loan one of my people to help.” Geist didn’t mind waiting. They had some time. “Navla. She’s one of my brightest. And will help you prepare for what lies ahead.”
What lies ahead? Bradford didn’t like the sound of that. Always cryptic nonsense from the Templars. Like there was something more than just the Elders, their Chosen, and ADVENT they had to worry about. Not something he wanted to think about. The Elders and their pawns were enough right now.
“Now,” Giest patted Bradford on the back a few times, “let’s get you need some much needed rest.”
Bradford stiffened with each pat. He was half tempted to smack him, but did nothing. He was far too tired to care at this point.
“Riiiiight.” A yawn finally snuck through. “Before my crew and I eventually leave here in a few days… you have to tell me how you survived the Old Base’s fall.”
“Ah!” Geist’s eyes lit up. “Starting to remember me?”
“Somewhat.” His memories were still foggy, but were slowly becoming clear. “Have him to thank.” He gestured over to Asaru.
Geist softly chuckled. It was a start.
“Well.” placing an arm around his shoulder, Geist started to lead them towards the door. “Do you remember the operative that only started answering by their callsign?”
“That was you… and…” He paused as he searched his newly forming memories. “And someone else. But you were the first one.”
Geist let out a deep laugh. “Yes, I was the first and then Erika Rothschild. Sunder.” He shook his head. “What she liked to call herself after breaking the wills of a pack of Mutons during an abduction.”
“Sounds… familiar.” Bradford faintly remembered they had a few psions they had to keep a close eye on. Something about the newfound power went to their heads quickly.
“But back to me,” he ushered him to move, “I’ll tell you how I survived. Have my psionics to thank as they forced me into a coma when I sustained a life-threatening injury.”
He began his tale as he led Bradford and Asaru out of the chamber and to the guest quarters. By the end of it, Bradford had a lot answered, but had more questions. Exactly how long was Geist going to leave him in the dark about who he was and how much he knew about XCOM? He only got a chuckle and a grin as an answer which irritated him.
Introducing Asaru to the rest of his crew a day later went mostly fine. The two had agreed to do so since Bradford had a strong feeling they would ask questions about what happened back in the cave and then where did Geist drag him off to. And there were plenty of those questions and more. Especially details on how this ‘bond’ between him and Asaru worked. How deep did it go? Thankfully, Leo didn’t make any inappropriate jokes.
Now the real challenge would be telling the rest back on the Avenger. Should everyone know? He already knew who on the senior staff would be the first to know. Dr. Marin would probably be thrilled and want to pick at their brains. Maybe he would let Volk and Betos know. Hm.
“Just have to figure out who the others should be.”
Couldn’t let everyone know for Asaru’s safety. Last thing they needed was a leak. Needed to keep their new friend hidden as long as possible. The less the Elders knew, the better. Especially so they could find the Commander.
Reeves. Jynn. Please hang on. Stay strong.
Thinking about her hurt. He wondered if that nightmare would come back after confronting it. It was a connection to her. Her calling out to him. Asaura did say we could tap into that link and search for her. So it probably wouldn’t be the last time that nightmare would plague his mind. He wasn’t looking forward to it again. Seeing her like that tore up his heart. What were They doing to her? How the hell was she alive like that? Hopefully, they would find her soon.
So language as usual. Mentions to trauma/PTSD and alcoholism to a point. Don’t think anything else needs to be mentioned. (But if I’m wrong yell at me in my ask box).
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It was roughly ten minutes later until there was the familiar teleportation ping nearby and a few minutes later Talim re-entered, but someone else was following her. A man clad in yellow armor.
“I think it’s time we finally met in person.” He started to take off his helmet.
“Wait…” Bradford recognized the voice and the armor. “Geist?”
“In the flesh.” He chuckled as he walked over to him, tucking his helmet under his arm. “Pleasure to finally see you face to face. Properly I should say.” Once he reached Bradford, he extended a hand to him.
Bradford raised a brow, eying the smiling man that came back with Talim. That signature yellow armor he had seen before during their comm chats, but never the man behind the mask. What’s so important that he finally came in person?
“So,” he got up and shook his hand, “exactly what did Talim find in my brain that made you finally come out in person?”
“A connection to that being. A very strong one.” Talim spoke.
“It was something Ezra picked up ages ago but from what Talim showed me, not quite this strong.” He added.
“Connection? Strong?” Nothing was making sense. He hadn’t exactly made any connections with any aliens as of late. Well, expect some pesky Sectoids, but that wasn’t something a few bullets to their brains wouldn’t solve.
“What you’ve been experiencing isn’t quite a nightmare nor a vision.” Geist began to explain. “Commander Reeves and this being have managed to call out to you. Connect to you.”
“Exactly how?”
“I can only assume at some point you were once in an area close to either one of them when they reached out.”
“What?” Not something he needed to hear. How many times did they nearly find the Commander only to let her slip through their fingers?
“And now that being is close by once again.”
“Okay.” Bradford raised his hands as he shook his head. There was a lot to process, and nothing made sense. “Okay. What’s so important about this being again?”
“If we are able to find it, they could help us find your Commander.”
“Wh-what?” He didn’t believe him. “How? What can they do that we haven’t been doing for years?”
“Their connection runs deep. Very deep.” Geist chuckled. “But…” There was almost hesitation in his voice. He was looking at Bradford from head to toe. Almost like he was gauging him.
“What’s the catch?” There was usually one.
“It’s imperative we find them quickly. They’re also important for her survival.”
“What do you mean her survival?”
“It would be faster… if I showed you.” Setting his helmet down on the table, he fluttered his fingers; purple wisps sparked from it.
He eyed those hands. He wanted no more probing on his brain, but had a feeling Geist was being truthful with it being faster. A reluctant sigh slipped out. “Get it over with.”
“You may wish to sit back down for this.”
He grumbled, shaking his head, but sat back down. Hopefully, this would be quick.
With him sitting, Geist moved behind him and placed hands to the sides of Bradford’s head. A second later, he began to channel his psionics around him.
“Don’t resist.” He could pick that uneasy feeling inside of him.
“Easier said than done.”
“Now,” Geist took in a deep breath, “let me show you what I found at the Old HQ.”
“What do you meAN—“
Geist’s memories forced their way into his mind. A trek back to the fallen XCOM HQ to recover some equipment and data. Just who was this guy? How did he know the location? But as the memory continued, he saw Geist in Mission Control searching for something else. Using his psionics to bring something forth. Faint echoes of him and the Commander. It was that day. That day all over again, but from a different perspective. And Geist was interested in one thing. Something leaving the Commander just as another quake cut off the Muton carrying the Commander from everyone else. It looked like the being he had been seeing in his dreams and some minutes ago.
Then he heard Geist’s observations. It was an Ethereal. Possibly related to the Elders in some fashion. But this Ethereal had split from the Commander for some reason, and something wasn’t right about the split. Something about damage to it and possibly the same was caused to the Commander.
As it ended, Bradford wrenched himself away from Geist. His body shuddered as the connection was abruptly cut, but he couldn’t take the probing anymore. Breathing heavily, he eyed the man as his mind processed the new perspective.
“What the hell… Who the hell are you?”
“That’s what I saw.” Geist let his psionics recede. “And you’ll find out soon enough.” He grinned.
Bradford didn’t exactly have a response. He didn’t like that grin. Something told him Geist knew more about XCOM than he let on. Just how much did he know? “We,” he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, “we are talking later.”
“It’s unavoidable now.” Geist chuckled. “But you’re in for a surprise.”
Bradford just wanted to punch him.
“Now,” Geist clasped his hands, “I have a reading on where they are. They are close. I suggest we get moving now.”
“Um.” Bradford’s squad looked at him.
Bradford grumbled. He had little choice after what he just saw. What he was feeling. “Wrap this place up and get your gear, people. And someone inform Archer and Manson.” He told them. “Geist and his Templars will lead the way.”
He hoped he wasn’t making a mistake. But something in his mind, in his heart, told him Geist was right.
—————————————
With Geist and his Templars at the helm, it didn’t take long for them to reach the approximate area he had pinned down the Ethereal. Teleportation made the trek so much quicker. Which was its own interesting experience for XCOM. Body and minds quickly passing through the Void, as the Templars dubbed it, as they headed to their destination. Not something Bradford would want to use frequently.
“Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.” Leo had stopped to read partially destroyed sign. The wood and metal plaque was scorched, barely handing onto the battered rock it was connected to and tall grass was covering its base. Just another place decimated by the aliens years ago. Slowly being reclaimed by nature.
There was light snow fall as they finally reached part of their destination. Mountainous terrain, the vegetation was sparse. Though far off towards some hills were densely packed. As they trekked through, there were deep gouges in the earth running up and down the hills and remnants of broken trees. Looked like a UFO or two were shot down back in the day.
“We have to continue on foot. I don’t want to spook them.” Geist said.
“Think they’ll teleport if they sense you?” Bradford asked.
“In their current state, no. But they will try to run from us.”
“Hopefully, they’ll be friendly when we find them.”
“Heads up! Picking up signals and chatter. Some ADVENT dropships will be passing through soon.” Manson spoke up.
“I don’t like that.” Bradford wondered if they were on their way here.
“We need to make haste.” Geist gestured for them to follow. “Move.”
As the first set of dropships passed overhead, they were able to use the dense forest as cover.
“Looks like they’re passing through.” Warren stated
“That could easily change.” Talim said, keeping a sharp eye overhead.
“Let’s not get our hopes up.” Bradford still didn’t like how many were passing overhead. “Geist, how much further do we have to go?”
“Still a ways to go.” Geist answered. “There should be enough trees to cover us until we reach the cave entrance.”
“Cave entrance?” Raven questioned.
“They’re underground.”
“Oh, joy…” Sounded like someone didn’t like caves.
They continued to move through the trees, keeping a careful eye on the dropships overhead. Just the ever-growing unease a thermoscan would spot them, made them double their haste. A growing pillar of smoke reaching the sky didn’t help. Before they knew it, they were at the entrance of the cave.
“We’ve got lights.” Bradford noticed Geist hesitate with activating his psionics. He flipped the flashlight mounted on his gun and took point. “Just tell me where to go.”
Geist nodded. “We’ll be headed down.”
“Alright.” He nodded and headed in. Catching a whiff of the must-ridden dampness made him shake his head. “Watch you step, floor may be slippery.”
The rest of Bradford’s squad flipped on their lights and helped lead the other Templars in.
The cave was pitch black and damp. Only their flashlights illuminating the eroded limestone wall and many stalactites and stalagmites. A few patches of ice here and there in the beginning, but as they headed deeper, there were more wet spots. So far, the path ahead was clear. As they moved, they noticed cut up wires running up and down the wall and bolts in the ground. Looked like someone had come along and harvested the lights that were once there. But as they headed deeper, a few of those lights were on.
“Someone’s definitely down here.” Manson said, pausing for a moment to look at his datapad. “Daedalus is picking up a few life signs just below.”
“How many?” Bradford asked.
“About ten or fifteen. Got a few overlaps.”
“Eyes sharp, stay quiet, and lights off.” Bradford ordered everyone.
As they reached the first set of lights, he raised his hand. Everyone. He then raised a finger to lips and made a “shh” gesture with his lips.
“Somebody’s ahead.”
He could hear someone speaking. People talking. And one had that flanging voice. Had to be an ADVENT Hybrid. The others sounded relatively human.
“I can eavesdrop.” Manson whispered. With a few taps on his data pad, he had his Gremlin stay close to the ceiling of the cave, weaving through the stalactites. Once close, and found adequate cover, Daedalus started listening in. Sharing what it heard with the rest of the squad.
“We should be good in here for about a day or so. The rocks and temperature will throw scanners from the dropships off. We are deep enough.” The hybrid spoke. Sounded female. But there was an odd clicking though followed her speech. Insect like. “There should be an opening for us to move during the night again.”
“Geez.” A female voice nervously laughed. Sounded human. “They’ve been relentless since the slip up a few months ago.”
“From what he and the others have told us, the Elders won’t stop until they have him.” She snorted. Several aggressive clicks followed. “Turn him into another one of their Kracsads.”
“Speaking of him.” A low, scratchy male voice interjected. Sounded human too. “Seems like he needs to swap. Well, been needed to swap for the past few days”
“Really? Already?” The human female asked. “Burning through hosts faster? That’s not good.”
“Yes.” The hybrid sighed. “I’ve noticed… a few others have too.”
“Geez… Should we try the Zudjari next?” She asked. “Or the Kra’Seous? The little elerium remedies she’s been fixing seem to be helping him and she’s got a lot of that stuff in her system.”
“He and the Zudjari are hesitant to form a union, though the bond may last longer than most in the group.” The hybrid explained. “And for the Kra’Seous—“
“Too risky, too risky.” The male interrupted. “She’s still mostly a Kra'tulcim, so very incompatible with his kind. Extra psionic resistant. Feedback would eventually kill them both.” They sighed. “Maybe if she was full Os’seous... but even that part of her species has limited bonding time with one of them.”
“Right… Forgot.”
“Though she should keep up the elerium treatments.” The hybrid nodded to that. “I know a few outposts we may be able to hit to get some fresh elerium for her to consume and feed to him. I, Va’pör, and Chiss could do the raids with minimum disturbances.”
“The quieter the better.”
The conversation continued on to nearby outposts that would be best to hit and then where they would be moving to. Still heading to the west coast for now. Manson recalled his Gremlin.
“Ah, they are here.” Geist said. He was smiling under that helmet. “Now to make contact.”
“How do you plan on doing that?.” Bradford questioned. His mind was calculating ways for them to contact these people without provoking a fight. Their chances were slim.
“Calmly.” With that, Geist took point again, moving past Bradford.
Bradford shook his head. If this man gets us killed. He gestured for the others to follow.
Just as they were reaching the bottom of the stairs and could see some people in the adjacent cavern…
“Whoa!”
Just as they were about to clear the last step, the damp floor caused one Templar to slip. They tried their best to not shout. Luckily, someone caught them before they hit the ground.
“What the hell was that?” But the hybrid heard.
“Let me check.” The male voice said.
Crap.
Before they had a chance to react, the person rounded the corner. The man was thin. An oddly thin looking human. A dark tan, ruddy skin with messy dark hair pinned to their thin face. Clothes were ADVENT. A slick black and white suit with red trim, but tattered and torn. Looks like they had been on the run for a while. And for some reason, they had sunglasses on.
“Huh.” He seemed barely fazed by what he saw.
Though his lack of reaction didn’t stop Bradford’s squad from pointing their weapons at him. The Templars had their hands hovering over their autopistols.
“Fuckin’ snake!” Especially Leo. Already he was jumpier than usual.
“Warlord!” Bradford raised his hand. He knew exactly what he meant by his tone, but wasn’t so sure from a quick glance.
“That’s a fuckin’ snake!” He stated again. “Those damn clothes! Their neck!”
Still, the man was calm as ever. Processing the scene, one could say. These people didn’t look ADVENT, though they were heavily armored. He didn’t seem disturbed by all the guns pointed at him.
With the man still not reacting to them, Bradford took a good look at him. His form reminded him of those Thin Men from back in the day. Annoying things. There had been reports some had been repurposed after the war. Upgraded to look ever more human to continue infiltrating havens and resistance cells. And then a few acted as ambassadors. And looking at his neck — Adam’s apple twitching — there was some definite discoloration like that Speaker. Scales. Lots of reports said that long tongue liar was an upgraded Thin Men.
“No one do anything stupid.” Bradford said through his teeth, looking at his people. Last thing he wanted was a venom cloud heading their way.
“Weapons down.” He gestured to his squad.
“But—“
“Weapons down. Now.” He stressed. Leo mumbled under his breath, saying ‘he better be right’. He then looked back at the man. “We’re friendlies. Enemies of ADVENT.”
“Zuke! Respond!” The hybrid called out. Heavy footfalls echoed in the cavern.
“I’m fine, Izavrer. We have company… though not ADVENT.” He said calmly. “Enemies of ADVENT they say.”
“Company?” A few seconds later, she appeared from the corner, armed and two other hybrids with her. Standard looking Troopers.
“Friendlies.” He said, gesturing for them not to raise their weapons.
This hybrid, she still wearing the red and gold-ish yellow armor of General. But they had defaced every piece that had the symbol of ADVENT on it. She also looked quite different from the usual hybrid. Helmet off, there was purple discoloration on her face. A gray-ish purple chitinous plating formed her head crest and also grew on neck. And her face, near her mouth. Mandibles. Bright orange and white mandibles like those upgraded Chryssalids extended from the sides of her face and below her chin. Explained the clicking.
Her orange eyes locked onto them, scanning them. Mandibles clicking aggressively. Who were these people? Then she spotted something.
“XCOM? Templars?” She recognized the insignias on both. She gestured for her men to stand down. “What are the chances we run into your kind here?”
“Well we—“ Before Bradford knew it, Geist was walking over to them.
“We were actually looking for you all.” Geist interrupted. “Specifically, one of you. The Ascended One. That Silent Guide. The Ethereal.”
Her eyes widened, fingers tightening on her rifle. “How do you—“
He tapped the side of his head and then gestured with his shoulder to Bradford. He didn’t like that. “He’s been calling out.”
Izavrer narrowed her eyes at them. Was he telling the truth? It could be a trap. Mind controlled puppets disguised as ones of the resistance to make them lower their guard as they needed friends. And they really needed friends. She glanced over to Zuke.
“Not picking up the subtle mannerisms of the brainwashed.” He rubbed his throat, clearing it. “Your call.”
“Hm.” She looked back over at them. Risk it? She closed her eyes and snorted. “Were you followed?”
“No, but there’s a heavy ADVENT presence in the area.” Bradford said.
“Lots of dropships moving about.” Manson added. “And still going.”
Her mandibles snapped a few times. Lovely. “Follow.” She gestured for them to follow her as she headed back into the adjacent cavern.
Manson’s scans were off by about five heads. There were about 20 of them hiding out in the caves. It was a mix of humans, ADVENT, and then some aliens. None were the usual ones the resistance faced. The “Inner City” aliens is what some dubbed them. Brought over from other worlds, the Elders conquered to do work ambassadors and keep humanity pacified with future promises of further integration into the galactic empire. More lies. Though even a few didn’t look like those aliens. Perhaps they were workers. Deemed fit only for slave labor.
“You two.” Izavrer stopped just before the opening of another cavern. She then pointed at Geist and Bradford. “Continue to follow, the others stay.”
“Understandable.” Geist nodded. He looked over his shoulder. “Wait here.”
Bradford was more reluctant, but did the same. “Behave.” A warning was aimed at Leo. Leo grumbled in response.
