XCOM: War of the Chosen
Retribution's Ascension
Chapter II
The tunnels were absolutely quiet devoid of any signs of life itself. Frequently drops of water echoed off anything they hit with enough force, it repeated in cycles providing natural concealment. So far I kept myself situated on high-ground overlooking three possibly routes for an enemy to traverse down. I wanted everything to be sight. Remaining silent wasn't too difficult given I allowed myself to be perched comfortably, along with droplets of water consistently fueling lessons beaten into me came into effect. Unbinding both knees to bend forward all in order to have my right hand drop to a pistol, one that had been given as a creditable token of initiation years ago.
My skills weren't good enough for a rifle apparently though. Yet I never complained about this firearm strapped to my right thigh, I never considered it less for dangerous to complete it's intended purpose. Whether you're taught differently, or not but a hunter is no different from an assassin, boy. I heard a voice distantly instruct an ignorant unaware child, a child who learned very painfully that an extremely dedicated perfectionist held no room for mercy. Remain stiller than water to become one with your surroundings and in moments you shall witness everything, for you cannot make it be clear. Use every detail to your whims, trust your instinct to see what is seen and eventually pick your shot to claim a trophy, a trophy with but the kiss of your patience.
Inhaling deeply I ceased to move even an inch to close both eyes to listen intently. Nothing save for water droplets with an occasional burst of steam being released was heard. Taking those lessons in stride I ignored everything to feel a comforting cold grip of the weapon I'd use to do my will. I kept my attire and gear simple to grant myself maximum stealth since I did want to test my abilities to garner results with meager resources. It'd be test, a test I needed to pass and if I wanted to get what I desired most, I'd have to imagine being denied majority of resources to succeed against all odds.
Plus it'd be a small prideful achievement! One fleeting moment knowing I'd be able to at least garner some favor with one of my masters. Honestly now I owed him some manner of a challenge, one needed to be successful underneath my master's expectations and in having trophies collected would pad my safety to seek aid. Again if I ever needed it, of course. I knew it wasn't likely given this was both a test and trial of what I learned to put into practice. I had to exceed, or suffocate in mediocrity forever.
There had yet been word of a meeting between Reapers and Skirmishers. But I knew it was going down either tonight, or possibly in the next day given how much chatter operatives were signaling over coded talks lately. Evidently rumors were leaking across the Advent controlled web and darker portions of networks that an entire squad of resistance fighters had gotten wiped out. Now granted they were all lesser names with few knowing them. I still took it in stride given I monitored small clips of supposedly 'leaked' close capture videos of the store's security cameras.
I smiled fondly enjoying society tear into it like a child once found something about reality's cruelty. It reminded me of a time when I thought doing good meant something purposeful, a shame that child died. For each video that I released garnered millions of hits and it spread like a virus, marveling I managed to avoid giving anything away except them firing wildly about unable to detect my presence entirely. Sooner or later I'd be revealed but I'd keep it entertaining hopefully for everyone to guess.
Peaking through two massive pipes capable to mask my entire frame. I watched Advent troopers cycle through predetermined routes again. The officers knew why were given once I explained to them, somewhat entertained to see if they'd be able to work cohesively. Long behold and to my pleasant shock they formulated it very effectively. They managed to be able to haggle out two, or three sectoid aliens who marched hissing out in languages I was loathed to understand. Being human had some perks, after all.
One of them actually tried to send some sort of psi-link into my brain. Highly, highly ill-advised I thought gleefully once I felt it attempt to take control and as a result we had one less alien. All Advent troops avoided a heavily bloodied corridor dubbing it a 'slaughter' house in their words. Those words became literal meanings once I found it oddly endearing but it got the entire point across to stick to a plan I created! "No hostiles detected." An Advent officer reported in simply when passing by my position as they'd send in routine checks when circulating around a full sweep.
I responded just as clipped determined to not give away information on our communications channel, "Understood." I gave a typical response, "Continue your sweeps, watch your surroundings at all times." Peering between a hole in the thickened walls I watched this officer's patrol wander off for possibly his third round trip. Being patient had it's cons and pros as any other strategy, I liked it more because everything was in controlled patterns until something entered my territory to spring a trap. It made it easier to spot if anything went amiss, I knew Advent soldiers weren't keen on it yet these officers made up for their willingness to keep themselves vigilante against the resistance fighters.
Maybe they wizened up after all, I've been here for six hours roughly. I began to think almost disappointed given how information pertaining to a backdoor had been out for nearly several days. Rumors, whispers and rumblings all pertained to the massive meeting point for all factions aligned against these aliens were clear. It just became a matter if XCOM would set their date to become a middle ground between deadly stealth of Reapers and rouge Skirmishers who loved to grapple around mostly, hell I'd bet my tongue my master would be there having a grand time. But I wasn't interested in obvious targets, I had my own agenda in play after all.
I reached down to pull out a slim stick of chewing gum I'd acquired when scouting this area. I wasn't in my gear and moving around somewhat normally became addicting briefly. So purchasing small little things certainly made life a bit more enjoyable, I chewed very thoroughly humming gently as tastes long since forgotten came back practically lovingly. Glancing down I tapped my wrist to reveal a holographic clock indicate it just eased past midnight, "I have all night." I whispered knowingly, "At least show up when you have no chance to see the sun."
Sliding a gloved finger I switched screens. Several face sized projectors flickered, I'd say it was like browsing channels. I went through lists to see scattered news reports of peace keepers under fire, or rather making arrests in distant zones where resistance fighters had flocked in sizable numbers. They were really frequent in both South America and in Africa's vast deserts, but the later continent had always been wildly not so tameable. More so I also made notes that a few were in Asia somewhere given how many channels I kept using as references for predictions.
"And where would you be I wonder?" Quietly asking as I hadn't forgotten what I wanted to achieve, "I've been waiting for years and years to have your head planted on a pike!" Shifting an inch, or two to ward off stiffness inside one knee cap I came to sit down with arm over said knee to look down across my fields of view. Steam vented outwards obscuring what little ability for any to spot me, I grinned idly chewing gum smug taking in I chose my perch very well. Lessons both harsh and absolutely brutal were paying off despite knowing back that pain was an extremely powerful motivator, I was granted not a single once of mercy or risk torture disguised as discipline. Thankfully I learned enough to avoid it, hopefully.
An hour passed as I fell silent to lean back closing both eyes getting too comfortable. I guess they learned their lesson, perhaps I'm too arrogant to presume my enemy's conviction. What a damned waste, I should have done something better. My fists slowly clenched themselves to have knuckles popping underneath extreme pressures, so I ceased getting angrier in favor to breath in and out deeply in meditative disciplines. Disciplines designed to allow one to fade into their surroundings and center themselves for absolute stillness.
Relaxing myself I found myself drifting in silence. Comfort slipped into deepened darkness, I loosened very muscle and breathed in methodically feeling right at home. Occasionally chew gun brought sweet rushes to add to this blissful sensation. I began hearing every water droplet hitting wherever they fell, I managed to pinpoint where two steam vents released pressurized boiling liquid and soon enough I fell into such a deep state of relaxation I slumped forward. It felt absolutely amazing to be at peace, even if I knew it was starving off disappointment as I'd be able to enjoy small things.
My mind wandered for possibly hours. Or maybe it seemed to be an eternity when something different caught my senses. I looked up a faint voice spoke out, "Central, we've touched down." Slowly muscles came back underneath a thing called my will as both lips of mine pulled apart revealing a smile worthy of my master. Senses came back piece by piece, they were brought back by those who were prey, to be kinder they were my prey! Smiling widely I eased myself to strain to hear boots quietly hitting the ground!
I felt a heart beat pick up as time eased itself through my perceptive state. I counted four sets and one of them accidentally crushed a dried out piece of rock sending it's vibrations towards my position. They were coming from a tunnel in where it had a corner leading over small junctions that were considered bridges. Choke points and plenty of noise concealment. Oh now all too easily I grinned happily realizing they'd be pinned in by Advent patrols, that was if they didn't encounter any at all hopefully.
You couldn't resist trying to gain an upper hand against Advent, could you? Mentally pleased knowing what temptations to lure in prey I eased myself up. Avoiding any excessive movement, I inched upwards to press up against near boiling heated pipes to have an eye looking out towards where my enemy moved. Sliding one hand to fully encompass a pistol I also kept one hand firmly around the sheath of my own weaponry, I made sure to have it oiled and set to absolute levels for tearing flesh asunder off bone. No matter how much I wanted to charge them eagerly I waited absolutely still, I waited so intently I refused to move an inch and as a result my ears detected soft padded steps growing closer and closer!
Predictions swarmed over my thoughts as I felt myself become one with every piece of surrounding in a shiver of warmth. They'd have to go underneath where I sat perched to reach a section of tunnels where they'd have to cross one bridge to get towards the structure where an alien beacon tuned in to Advent's network. Fortunately for them I left a few nodes for them to hopefully take 'advantage' of in order to garner more time, I'd be able to hear them if they shot at them and personally it was a high risk high reward scenario for myself to gamble. Unwillingly I licked dried out lips to breath outwards draining away anxiety into pure readiness. They another thing coming as I wasn't going to let them dare think they had a chance to see tomorrow's sun!
Soon enough I spotted them as their silhouettes tried to blend along darker portions of the tunnel's ample comforts. Too bad I can see you as if you're in sunlight, I was forced to fight against creatures who live and breath in darkness. You lot are absolutely pitiful, it's almost fucking insulting to think you're concealed. I counted exactly four resistance fighters again as my eyes narrowed seeing again similar lack of insignia on three of them. Only difference I noticed was that all were specialized in their fields given the weaponry on display, I assumed they considered this missions somewhat straightforward and it was undeniably fucking insulting for my efforts to be reward with damned small fry!
Steam shot where I hid masking sound as this small group eased their way underneath my very feet. I witnessed two men and two women with rigid faces. It seemed they were frightened given how one of them wielded some sort of cannon like it was a life line. I mouthed out very happily even if they wouldn't be able to hear, or see, "Thanks for the compliments." Counting down to three I braced myself counting down for steam to shoot out again as I counted to said number before jumping down in allowing sound dampening material inside boots to muffle an already difficult environment for human ears detect anything amiss. Hell I loved it when patience paid off, really the hard part was over now as I only needed to watch and learn.
Moving swiftly I stayed just out of ear shot underneath shadows which seemingly grew in frequency. I got close enough to hear one man quietly speak in an accent native to Mexico, "I'm getting a bad feeling about this place, hombres." He wielded a rifle with some drone hovering around him as it's lowly frequency lighting revealed his facial expression in bluish detail, "Feels like we're walking over graves." He had no idea how correct that analogy sounded given I encroached several more feet to hunker down next to debris capable to keep myself concealed, I had to hand it to that man for speaking his mind truthfully.
"Oh god damn it, why did you have to say it?" One person groaned resigned as it came from a rather young girl who looked somewhere out of high-school. Ironically enough I shook my head given how young resistance fighters were getting every year, I swore Advent never realized how driven youthful rebels loved to spread tales on social media. Smirking I heard the other woman wielding an extremely dangerous shotgun wearing a hood gruffly tell them to shut it, "Both of you zip your holes! Advent patrols are still around even if we've gotten lucky to avoid them, so refrain from pissing yourselves over dark places."
The last man smiled grimly amused, "Damn sarge." I peered to see chevrons on two of these soldiers which made my smile light up even if they never knew I stood about three or so meters away, "You don't fuck around do you? Remind me to not get on your bad side when on the rag, eh?" Even I softly shook my head enjoying that banter given how the corporal found himself with a weapon pressed up against his ball sack, "Wanna see my good side, bitch? Promise you'll be less of a pussy now then what you already are."
Tensions filled the squad given they stopped due to them almost at each others throats. I trembled refusing to laugh as my head shook left to right trying to not break myself. These people really don't like each other, I'm guessing they were put together because lack of fighters? No, I think it's just they get a job done and don't give a damn about their personalities I hope. Eventually an agreement of grudging respect ended their conversation, I gave them credit to see the bigger picture and as such I crept along to await a chance to take out their tail light. I noticed how their corporal took that spot given he kept looking behind frequently.
Paranoia, it's a good trait to have in a battle. I thought approvingly given I stopped moving when his head turned away after minutes of continuous over the shoulder glances. Memories and experiences slowly came to my mind's eye given how paranoid saved this man's life several times over. He had instincts to know when being stalked. Well isn't this familiar, I'd imagine being ambushed, or jumped by troopers does that to a man. God knows it happened to me when I was 'training' with master Void-Blade, she loved to get behind and pretend to shank me in my kidneys. Bitch loved toying with helpless prey.
"Node, ahead!" Their youthful looking squad mate spoke again quietly, I noticed her sniper rifle had markings of smiley faces or something of that extent. I raised an eyebrow when their drone specialist looked down at a watch, "We don't have much time, say we pop it and take our chances. More time we get, more chances we have for a job well done." Something golden glinted briefly making me pause to see what appeared to be a cross? I blinked seeing the specialist kiss it in apparent prayer to God and I felt some kinship knowing why even if I'd be granting him a one way ticket. It was a damned shame I hadn't lost my smile or else I'd feel terrible now.
"Kid, pop it." Their sergeant ordered quietly to a young girl who pulled out a revolver shooting the contraption causing an explosion. My smile hadn't lessened given how I told Advent patrols to avoid investigating nodes exploding, if they had in the event heard it they'd rally toward a place where their enemies ventured to go. Inching forward I had myself just three, or so meters away as shadows of pipes lining a ceiling gave me absolute concealment that wasn't normally done. I saw an eye come over to where I stood but it's owner chewed on what had to be tobacco, he spat once since I had to give it to this paranoid corporal ideally adjusted his cannon fondly.
His scarred face even looked towards his squad grinding out a suggestion, "Can we move it along? I'm agreeing with our local 'Priest' over there, I think we're creating places for our tombstones." The hooded sergeant merely grunted, "Fine. Move quick and don't fall behind." I had an impression this person just had a wonderful fucking personality, I meant a personality that made great conversation while over drinks and eventually getting up in a bed. I truly ceased to breath when I almost laughed lowly enjoying my time hunting these resistance fighters, I'd say I had developed several bad habits now unfortunately.
They moved actually rather fast enough for me to fall behind to gauge some options. Moving behind one rare section of full wall, I peaked around to see them starting to cross a bridge. I left nodes out in several places forcing them to be spaced apart. But even if they added more time, I knew where most of those patrols were rallying now given I got small silent beeps from two officer's moving into position. They'd do their part rather well as I reconsidered thinking they were absolutely useless.
Keep moving further into an enemy, do my job for me. I snorted before slipping into a crouch leaning forward just to see an angle reveal itself to my hungry gaze. They were moving across checking sectors firing towards another bridge on their right flank. Already aware I knew that corner was a straight shot to the beacon, they only needed to go straight for a little while longer. Yet they were going through double doors leading to a building where said objective laid in waiting, an objective tightly guarded.
All four spaced themselves rather acutely to support one another. I saw their wedged formation, I gave respect where it'd been due. I watched as 'Priest' as he was called by his fellows move up to where both doors were intentionally unlocked, I smirked and I took up one suitable position just enough behind where a sniper over-watched. My vision switched between all four gauging which was suitable for an opening. Yet for some reason fell upon myself blinking once I watched their youngest squad mate and I paused mid-stride to owlishly blink. In fact I actually almost forgot to breath considering I hadn't realized this little detail earlier, I blamed their loosely fitted clothing truthfully.
You know, I have to admit something right now. My smirk turned rather delightfully cruel given how these people would spend their next moments. She's got a nice ass, it's a real shame no one is going to tap it. I pressed myself back first against where I stood in cover counting down as a hinge squealed giving all what was needed. I heard him scream out in a warning, "We got a full party! Advent spotted!" Gun fire erupted by smashing into granite as rusted doors got blown off their very supports leaving little imagine what it'd do to a human body. However I reached down to sheath my pistol seeing this wasn't ideal for it as an idea came to mind fully intending to maximize my position.
"Suppressing!" An entire drum's worth of ammunition got spent keeping most hunkered down as a sniper rifle smashed into an Advent trooper's skull, "Shot connected! Move up, sarge!" My gloves swiftly unraveled high density rope designed to restrain even mighty beserker mutons in place, shit just for fun I made sure their edges were set to serrated so if anything dared to struggle it'd bleed out painfully aware of every inch. I walked out moving perpendicular to where their sniper took out another trooper and their lead shotgun managed to slice another Advent's arm off. It seemed they were learning how to wield blades rather impressively, I wasn't a slouch yet I certainly knew it'd anger my master if she saw them currently.
Get in close, or not? I mused several seconds before looking over a shoulder to see some small sub-station for these pipelines running interconnected. Beyond that I knew a large enough area to possibly hide and see if these resistance fighters would take live bait. Another sniper round smashed another trooper as an officer moved to mark one of these soldiers, I had to act quickly or else they'd kill one of them I needed for my plans. So I made my choice thinking almost entertained, As they say if you can't make the trap then get it live bait.
"Reloading!" Their cannon wielder called out switching out drums as their specialist sent his drone to provide support, "Got you covered. Over watching!" The rifle burst forth grazing an officer who slid into cover yelling out for his own troopers to return fire, I waited as still as death waiting for that moment to strike. The hooded sword wielding sergeant saw an opportunity by bounding over half destroyed cover, it'd been shredded by Advent's firing line, she moved rather quickly while shooting forcing at said officer back behind what little of a clump of debris he had. Then I noticed the sniper taking aim, I moved without hesitation as she breathed outwardly inching a trigger forward.
"Taking a..." The girl's voice ended in a scream of shock and terror when something yanked her backwards! I pulled a kicking and screaming frenzied enemy backwards as I sprinted towards where I wanted to stake a killing ground, "Help! Something's got me, shit somethings got me!" She shrieked which sounded akin to a musical being played to my ears, oddly enough I felt some resistance given her hands were gripping a wall's corner desperately, "Sarge! Priest, please help me! I can't keep holding on, it's too strong!" Several shouts of alarm were clearly heard as one of them took my baited trap all too easily and without mercy I hissed gleefully by yanking a captive effortlessly due to my gear's enhancements.
Wrapping an extremely perfected highly dense alloyed rope around my left wrist I stopped suddenly! With pure momentum alone I practically whip lashed a girl into several glass windows. Her face became a perfected picture of agony as cuts lined both cheeks, I moved forward grabbing an exposed neck wrapping wiring around it. Of course I barely felt kicking as I hoisted her to hover over pipes about several feet above myself. My legs braced before I leaped forward grappling a railing to create an iconic makeshift noose, I simply brought her struggling form to where I could speak into an ear very clearly. Both her hands struggled in vain to loosen serrated wiring which started to do it's intended purpose, I had to stop herself or lest this bait would run itself dry.
My gloved hand caused her to freeze in place when holding her cheeks firmly. With eyes tearfully wide I whispered, "Stop struggling." I advised her when whimpering started indicating an obedient listener to which I hummed approvingly, "Struggle against these serrated edges are highly ill-advised as they will slowly cut through your tender flesh into veins..." I marveled at how silent she got given those blue eyes looked over to see nothing but air given how I remained unseen, "...then it'll chew through your arteries inside that neck of yours, it's rather gruesome as I've imagined it and you'll bleed out painfully until death claims you."
She looked absolutely petrified, I found it rather beautiful. I figured to give some clarity to do well for my purposes, "Be warned as well trying to speak or calling out for help will also greatly add to your misery." I warned playfully humoring one possibly choice I gave her, "So if you wish to live then remain useful and stay quiet. After all I intend to make use of your life even if I'm well within my right to end it." Truth never seemed more horrific when those eyes almost wanted to cry in despair, I relished in it's presence.
Miraculously much to my utter amazement I noticed she went absolutely still in order, when told of her instructions. She began to breath in with shallow yet steady breaths getting myself to actually pat her cheek affectionately impressed, "Well done, girl." Her whimpering added to my satisfaction, "Remember do not speak if you wish to live longer. I'll be watching you, I can decide on a whim to silence you forever. And..." I leaned forward to very slyly speak into an opposite ear causing her to squirm uncomfortably, "...please enjoy the show, I like my prey to have some sort of motivation to live." As I turned to get into more suitable situations I heard her speak a single sentence that almost caused me to swoon, text book perfect as everything came together, I never heard such fear and awe-inspiring hell being granted to my person.
Three words! Three beautiful words and I wanted to hear them over and over again. To me it was simply beautiful to hear that reverence of what made devil's a real thing, "What...are you?" She wheezed trying to avoid raising her voice as I replied equally bemused, "Retribution." Slithering back I moved leaped over a railing to reach an upper position overlooking the doorway. My soft laughter left a girl trembling in wiring meant to cut through flesh, I wondered even if she'd live beyond tonight given how odds were against that outcome.
Distantly beyond closed doors gunfire kept being exchanged. I hadn't even gotten a minute before all three of this sniper's squad came through sweeping sectors of fire, "Kid please be alive, say anything or god damn it! Kathy, sound off! Where the fuck are you?" Priest shouted out as their gunner laid down more suppression fire behind him. So that was her name I mused intrigued to see her eyes watering, she seemed tempted too but I voiced out to her location. I'd set it amplified enough to make it appear I was behind her again, more so I was teasing that name I learned, "Stay quiet, Kathy."
Priest's drone came surging through a doorway moving around as if scanning for someone. My eyes narrowed see their hooded sergeant yank the gunner through this massive room's entrance. They slammed it shut as they caught their breaths. Advent won't pursue you people, they know what's inside with you and whether you believe it, or not. They trained every weapon on sectors of fire knowing if anything wanted to take shots, it'd be quite simple but I remained absolutely still overlooking them slowly venture forward. Inevitably I noted that Priest's drone hovered over to where I kept a bound Kathy in place, I smirked given how they only had two routes up to where I had her entrapped for visibility.
"She's alive, I got rover's feed!" I heard him say as their gunner replied panting, "Fucking hell! I've never seen Advent act like that before, I...I mean damn! They were all right there waiting for us like nobody's fucking business!" He panted heavily while holding an overly heated weapon, I gave this man credit yet again for all intensive purposes in being spot on! Even their gruff hooded squad lead commented almost incredibly unnerved given how her tone sounded to my ears, "You know for once I agree with you, shit. Something's totally fucking wrong here, I don't like it and I'm calling this mission now. We extract Kathy and get out, no questions!" Quietly chuckling I gave it to them to know when to cut their losses, a shame their morals in leaving people behind would be there undoing as I imagined so given who delivered that vow.
Soon enough I heard steps moving rapidly around corners before coming to a straightaway, where I lead them into an open room. I eased myself to draw a pistol meant for this hunt, I'd earn trophies one way or another and I'd pass my own test in exceptional methods. Checking back on a rather attractive captive as I internally groaned realizing why I thought about it now, I'd been rather secluded from women in general. Considering my master's presence, I hadn't seen anyone remotely different in maybe how many years? Or rather not come into contact with anyone not her, or I? Another night go ponder that, now focus! In the end I shrugged chalking it up as yet another challenge to work around.
"Oh, shit." I heard that gunner say absolutely realizing what was up, "No, no, no! You see that? Right there!" He gestured up to where his squad-mate's tearful expression was met equally joyful and horrified, "Sarge you and I both know that is fucking bait! And don't go all holy on me Priest, we've been fucking set up!" Their expressions from that explanation almost made laugh loudly again because this man knew why because it happened to him, or rather he'd had done possibly similar plans to what I'd do. Tenderly tracing my pistol's cold exterior silently appraising it's functions, I flicked it's activation to have it ready itself to be christened in blood of the prey I acquired.
I stood up walking slowly and deliberately silent to avoid anything loose to get an angle. I'd go for that gunner first just because his uncanny paranoia wore itself unwelcoming. I humored it long enough to see them slowly fan out raising each of their own weaponry, "So, what's setting us up?" Priest inquired while bringing his golden cross to hold between trembling lips, "I got no Advent anywhere and my rover isn't detecting alien heat signatures! Nothing's with us!" Temptation after temptation to drop in between them almost got the best of my urges, I went still once that gunner's cannon swept over where I stood between pipes masking myself. Just a few more steps and meters to get a clean shot on what I wanted to do.
"Bullshit Priest, bullshit!" The gunner snarled out angrily whirling around trying to keep a cold feeling from running awry, I knew he was freaking out because it was true. I smiled when he spat out words, "You better fucking check that piece of shit again because something is here with us! My gut is screaming at me to book it!" Again that drone kept hovering around doing what it tried in vain to match superior technology cloaking my frame, Christ grant me mercy for I almost felt pity for their attempts but to be fair they were doing admirable against such odds.
"Priest, up that ladder." Their hooded sergeant motioned while scanning upper levels of potential spots I'd have normally been, "Where?" She whispered underneath her breath as my senors picked it up. I ceased moving to finally align my weapon while casually flicking a small red dot sight, I centered it right over my first target's heart. A clean death as I whispered to have my amplified voice speak to an entranced captive whose eyes had picked up where I moved actually. It was very flattering to know I had a dedicated stalker, "Gunner first, Kathy."
An explosion rang out causing blood splattering forward like some twisted red mist as their gunner fell face first. No scream, no reaction and no wasteful shots! I stepped back as both squad members looked down to see a growing pool of red, "Single shot!" Priest exclaimed absolutely terrified while he started praying as a hooded woman frowned dangerously, "Clean and unseen. Sniper." I snorted if that woman even knew what that word meant, I wasn't even close to a sniper and more so the being who taught me to shoot would find it insulting.
But I thank you for my your flattery, I'll remember it. Regardless I kept myself concealed behind several more pipes which jettisoned hot boiling steam, I waited several seconds seeing them shuffle below. Easing myself onto a knee I raised my weapon aiming it's sight directing towards the specialist's climbing form. Smiling widely I chimed coyly to make my captive shed more tears in silent agony, "Right leg, Priest." The girl whimpered when I playfully told her, "Don't blink."
Red energy shot across a gap striking the man just above his knee! He screamed when falling down clutching wasn't an exact leg anymore, "Oh god! It hurts, oh god please!" The stump being clutched bleed out profusely and if luck held firm by his prayers he'd die in minutes. I stepped forward leaving my previous position as a shotgun shell rang clear to where I'd been, or relatively close given how it's spread hardly effected my safety. The hooded woman moved trying to gain some leverage in where I'd take another shot, "Lord heavenly father, forgive our sins! Blessed be your name, I beseech your angels and have us delivered to your side." The specialist's fading voice tried to uplift his suffering, I found it rather merciful to even let him continue.
Pleased I pressed a finger against an ear, "Move in and begin encirclement." Walking towards an edge I hoisted myself over allowing both legs to dangle freely as I waited to see what the last resistance fighter would do. Surprisingly she began to back away seeing her squad-mate Priest give off his last breath, I zoomed in to see any expression of grief frozen forever in eyes staring blankly ahead. My captive's tears had leaked down to such a degree I could hear them drop against the floor below her.
I guess I should give her some reassurance after all. It wasn't every day I found someone obedient and eye pleasing, "Yes." I trailed off smiling, "You're doing wonderful, Kathy. Keep it up and you'll live a lot longer." I told her quietly pleased to see those blue eyes close in silent shame, or absolutely given in to a self-inflicted helplessness which added to my long factors of growing entertainment. By all that was holy, or unholy nothing I couldn't have asked could have made this at all anything better!
"Central squad Red Dawn is code black, how copy over?" Glancing down I heard this hooded resistance operative say grimly. She knew there wasn't any escape given everything happening at my own leisure, "Red Dawn get out of the A.O immediately! Firebrand is on station, do not give up!" My eyes narrowed hearing that desperation coming out of that radio, I swore I've heard that speaker before and it puzzled me trying to relay an image to it. Shrugging to ignore I pushed myself off to fall lightly onto ground level where a sword wielder had her back turned to me, now an urge came over me once I almost wanted to bow thanking her for such an opportunity and pleasure.
With every step I carefully took I heard a woman's voice grow resigned, "Negative, Central." Yes, I told her mentally give in to that hopeless void they called hope. Reaching behind to draw my own bladed weapon I intended to do both my masters some respect, I had succeeded in testing my mantle of both arts of battle. My only shame would be that nothing could have tested me further. Standing not even two meters away I raised a blade but what came next had my legs frozen in place, "Red-Dawn is a code black, we have confirmed solid report off an anomaly that has us pinned. How is visual on your end, over?"
The hooded woman turned around to directly face where I stood grinning very excitedly. You clever bastards, I think I just got my wish. I hesitated no longer before slashing downwards sending the sergeant to their knees gagging on her own blood. Looming over her did my leg lash outwards sending a shotgun spinning away, "Red...Dawn...respond damn...it!" It seemed that disruption communications finally came into play as I wiped away blood off the blade's edges. My aim wasn't to kill but to wound, to maim and have her live for interrogation. Oh god help them now since I wanted answers, I wanted them by any means necessary and I sure as fuck would do it personally now!
Doors slammed opened distantly as multiple armored boots came rushing forward once I ceased to be at one with all surroundings. Staring down at a half conscious resistance operative she looked unable to understand what I was, "Rest assured soldier of XCOM." Speaking very mildly impressed by her will to remain awake as blood seeped underneath slashed clothing, "You won't be alone when we meet again. Now good night!" My fist rigidly cocked back giving an angle just before slamming armored knuckles and all into her temple ending any resistance. Wiping both hands to ward off imaginary dust I leaned back popping several bones underneath my armor, I certainly needed a nice rest after pulling off some progress lately.
Adjusting my own hood confidently I awaited Advent troopers who worked diligently. They somewhat looked scuffed up but were capable in their part. An officer not been shot at walked over asking for permission, "Treat of wounds and transport to detention?" He had spoken in that damnable language I'd groan very hateful to reply back in given my good mood,"Yes, captain. And bring that one hanging over there, do not damage it too much. Being alive has it's uses for potential." Troopers pushed over an actively wounded enemy before administrating first aid wordlessly as I walked underneath directly under to where my captive lay hanging, I crossed both arms waiting patiently.
Advent soldiers carefully started lowering a grief stricken girl barely out of her teens. Her eyes widened in terror seeing my visible form, I grinned underneath a mask given it'd be impossible for her to witness it. Several troopers stopped any movement to lean back once I peered closer seeing her eyes struggling to remain open, "Consider yourself very fortunate. If you hadn't obeyed my commands you'd have died a very gruesome death, so consider yourself an esteemed prisoner that has my benefit of doubt to be proven wrong." Two small hands rubbed where a thin red line formed as wiring got tossed aside degrading instantly into ash after usage, I motioned to two troopers to restrain this enemy because it was prudent.
"Take her away and have them isolated when being transported." They saluted before roughly pushing her forward as I sighed out loud clicking my tongue for adding, "And be respectful, would you? I'm in a good mood." Moving aside I went over towards the Advent captain who reported to me almost ideally impressed, "Good mission parameters witnessed." His English was so absolutely terrible yet I motioned him to follow me, I humored his admiration for some damned reason, "Low casualties and exceptional opportunist, sir. Cooperation in future engagements?" My eyes were burning with an anger so deep I stopped to look over at him when I felt heat surge underneath flesh before it forced me in saying one word even if grinding it out, "Maybe."
The report had been sent to where it'd be judged and decided upon at XCOM's head of operations. Bradford leaned against a wall clasping one fist feeling absolutely livid at himself, "Two squads, two weeks. What the hell does Advent have to wipe out our soldiers? Commander, I hope you can it all figure out like you always did..." Their only saving grace was awakening their commander finally, it'd been slow and tedious work but they did it. Days of physical recuperation, many grueling hours of instilling facts and sympathy to being under for so long, only god knew since Bradford couldn't imagine how his commander felt, or feeling entirely when being a puppet for years in captivity.
"John." He looked over to see a young woman with distinct Asian features, "You need to stop blaming yourself whenever things don't work out. You and I know we can't control what happens to our people out there." Lily Shen an absolute prodigy of her father, an old friend he desperately wanted to hear and talk too about what they'd be able to do. Years after his death it still hurt knowing what few he had as friends were being taken away, "I know." He gruffly said simply before moving towards a pub that their avenger housed, "But it doesn't mean I like it. With the commander back in action, I say we'll get our pound of flesh back from Advent. I just want to know exactly what in the hell do they have in their arsenal wipe out so many."
A young woman merely smiled hardly thrilled to know what, "They have tech I can't hope to match and neither can we mop about it. Whatever comes our way, we blow it up and I make it my own for all of our people to use." His smile forced a laugh as they reached the place where every soldier lost, or embraced their losses together. Several patrons were sitting together along an actual hand carved wooden bar, "Your usual, Johnny?" Their local bartender who'd been a veteran of the first alien invasion called out kindly much to his internal gratefulness. Both heads of XCOM sat together among their own who raised glasses occasionally towards an ever growing memorial wall, it became bitter sweet to see them all together alive or not.
Two glasses ranging from mixed whiskey on the rocks to a simple martini were placed expertly to where they sat. John raised his glass if only to exhale sharply, "Always good." Lily hid a smile sipping her own drink contently, "No complaints here, either." More and more patrons arrived over the course of ten minutes as majority held grim expressions. Bradford and Shen didn't need to be psionic mind readers to know why. Two squads code blacks in two weeks, it meant dangers had been elevated since their commander's rescue and they all knew consequences from Advent in losing their greatest prisoner since Earth had been conquered years ago. They watched when one dedicated operative who became bitterly known as their local 'Crypt Keeper' posted four more portraits of those lost in the field to free humanity.
Lily's attention focused on five individuals who wandered into a semi-crowded bar, "Looks like our Ace-squad's back looking none the worse for wear." John loosened mood allowed a fond smile to appear gratefully obvious, "Thank god for small mercies. I just wish we had far better luck in getting our people more common up to their level, I still think they're a fluke I somehow put together trying to stop our bleeding." His companion gave him a glare rivaling supernova, "John Bradford, you better cease your drunken bullshit! Ace-Squad knows you did the best you could have and everyone on this vessel knows you do good work for us all."
Five operatives dubbed as 'Aces' of their resistance moved towards a reserved table meant for them only. It'd been donated by their avenger's crew for the best of their best. Despite being recognized it also reflected bitter irony more should have been at that point yet war's cruel costs made such awards sickening. Sipping down another mouthful of mixed whiskey Bradford commented to Shen optimistically, "Still can't believe we're almost finally promoted one of ours to an officer finally. Being a lieutenant ain't easy, I mean even with having an experienced sergeant guiding three potential leaders underneath for future squads."
The younger Shen hummed along with his hopeful words, "We'll find out once I can get my hands on better tech and guns. Do me a favor and shop at the damned market before it goes underground again, hell I'm sick of all the cheap shit you get." Bradford chortled nearly swallowing a mouthful of drink wrongly, "Sure, Shen. I'll try." The two sat back in silence watching their people mingle and raised glasses to honor the dead who'd seen an end to war. Whether they all acknowledged it, or not they'd all be reunited in body and spirit to take back Earth which had been brought to it's knees by invader's who'd perish by their hands alone.
End Chapter II
Author's Note: So has anyone noticed some parallels and similarities to what our protagonist has in his resume of habits? You'll notice how very peculiar in his mannerisms, planning and most of all strengths. For all intensive purposes he's good at what he does, but his masters are just great at what they do. So again I stress heavily it seems a little one sided but factor in, surprise, anonymity and absolute patience to take out those who'd be able to fight back. Simply put the character is very selective and his habits are different from the Chosen we see in game. Now, will this momentum last, perhaps for a time but as we all know it doesn't take much to stop the 'bleeding' as we'd figure out in game.
Regarding talents in-game translated into this story, I do try to make it subtly implied or rather you readers using an imagination to figure it. I like to have some fun with it all and eventually we'll all see what he has for certain, I mean right now he's relatively unheard off both in tactics and ambushing resistance elements who don't know who, or what this character is per say. It will change, I've got some pretty interesting chapters set to go and you'll really begin to either hate me, or flat out want to strangle me demanding more later on. It's a coin toss by my humble opinion.
Moving to the character's masters, each of them have their 'influence' upon him personally. Honestly it's kind of tricky trying to imagine what kind of system these three Chosen use, I'd imagine their very tribal when it comes to their own territories 'staked out' or used for hunting, I'd say our protagonist has that benefit to be used at will by them on their own terms. Tests, trails and ultimately choices are made by his masters to use him, or not on their own hunts. It's a matter of being useful, I'd say, I mean it's relatively amusing to see what you all think so far. In time you'll see more, also be warned, I don't intend to hold back on graphic details and be prepared for some catchy scenes.
As always, be safe, be well and I'll update possibly in a few more days.