//------------------------------//
// Chapter 187: Ingress 
// Story: XCOM: Ranger 
// by Wanderer D 
//------------------------------//


Ranger


Chapter 187: Ingress


By Wanderer D






Bradford glared at the woman across from him. "You seem to at least have calmed Rainbow Dash down. I assume you can also read minds like a Templar?"

Not-Laetitia laughed. "Not the same way, and not without permission, It was easy to guess what her thoughts were," she admitted, looking towards the cockpit with some fondness. "After all, back in Equestria, she's the Element of Loyalty… and the looks she was giving the building spoke volumes of her current state of mind." She winked at Central. "One does not have to be a psychic to notice that."

Bradford's eyes narrowed. "So you're from Equestria. Since when can you take over the bodies of my soldiers?"

The woman's smirk faded, and Bradford couldn't help but feel like a chill had ran through his blood.

"That is a long story indeed, Central," the woman said, "And one that bears saying only once, to the Commander and to those closest to Laetitia. Including Gheist."

Bradford shook off a shudder. "May I know who I'm speaking with, then?"

Non-Laetitia bowed slightly. "Pardon me, I have known you all for so long without you being aware that I forgot," she laughed a little. "I am Princess Luna."

Bradford's eyes widened and he straightened up. "Your Majesty—"

"I had wished to meet in better circumstances," Luna interrupted, glancing out the window. "But necessity demanded my interference. I apologize."

"You saved our lives," Elena drawled next to them. "There is no need for apology."

"Still," Bradford said, "there is much to do. Firebrand, inform the Commander that we need an emergency meeting with her, Tygan and Shen. Tell her to get Gheist on the line the moment we arrive. This is very important…" he hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Also… tell her Code Blood is active."

"Yes, sir!"

"Please also tell her to get Angel on a line as well if possible," Luna spoke up, "she is after all, one of Laetitia's friends."

"Y-yes ma'am."

Luna carefully stood up and knelt next to Jane, holding her hands several inches above the unconscious soldier, eyes closed.

"Will she be okay?" Bradford asked. "What happened to her?"

"She was under the influence of Sun—" Luna bit her lip. "The blood witch."

"T-the girl that was with the Warlock?" Wittbecker gasped. "I-I don't know what's going on, but it was her, wasn't it? Fugue!" 

"Who?" Central asked, turning to glare at their prisoner.

"Fugue! She called herself Fugue! She's a siren!" Wittbecker insisted, looking desperately at the people in the plane. "She came with you, I saw you three walk into the party!"

"She's not a siren," Central growled.

"B-but she had a gem, like the others…"

Luna gasped, standing up. "And she called herself Fugue?"

Wittbecker nodded desperately. "I-I'll tell you everything I know! Just don't let the Warlock or that creature find me!"

Luna bit her lip and glanced down at Jane. "When… Fugue… turned into her demon form, her bond influenced Jane. I had to cut the links to her blood magic, but miss Kelly will forever remain corrupted by it."

Central groaned. "Great. Is she going to be a danger to others?"

Luna shook her head. "Whatever corruption affected her, seems to have been directly connected to Su—Fugue's magic." She sighed and sat down heavily. "She has no inherent magic of her own for the blood magic's remnants to feed off or grow from. She'll just be… stained by it."

She looked over at Elena. "When we get to the Avenger, you must make haste and bring me Sunset's Diary. We must consult my sister and Twilight Sparkle. It will also allow us to inquire as to the state of Laetitia and," she coughed into her hand, "my real body."

The Reaper merely held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "I will trust you for now… there is a lot in my mind, but I do recognize you now… there were times when Laetitia's fighting and powers seemed… different."

Luna smiled a bit. "Yes, there were times when Laetitia was unable to continue and I had to take over for her, it is how I learned your ways, and how I came to know and respect you all." She took a deep breath. "You might not be aware of it, but back in my universe, I am the protector of the night and of dreams. I have guarded all of your dreams in the Avenger. Fighting off nightmares, and putting fears at rest… some have invited me into their dreams, others…" she trailed off, smiling at Central. "Are more guarded, and wished no intrusion."

Central blinked.

"And your Commander," Luna continued, "her mind is a fortress…" a slight tone of awe filtered into her voice. "Even my sister, back home, does not have such defenses. If I wanted her dreams to be peaceful, or to fight her nightmares... I could not approach without her immediately noticing my presence. I dare not reach out, lest I cause her much unneeded worry."

"Probably for the best," Central said, crossing his arms. "We here on Earth appreciate our privacy."

Luna smiled, giving him a knowing look.

Central held her gaze. "No. We're not going there."

Luna chuckled. "Spoilsport."

"Central, sir," Rainbow Dash called back from the cockpit. "The Commander has confirmed that they will all be available at her quarters as soon as we arrive."

"Understood, inform her as well that we have the VIP in custody and that we're going to need Jane transferred to—"

"No."

Central turned to frown at Luna. "Excuse me?"

"Jane must come with us… what happened to her, her understanding of what might still happen and also that it was beyond her control must be addressed as soon as possible… and she needs to hear what has transpired to Sunset."

"Fugue, you mean," Elena said, crossing her arms.

Luna shook her head. She looked down at her very human hands, and closed her fists, studying her gauntlets. "Sunset. Blood Demon, Witch, or Siren…" she licked her lips, frowning at the titles. "Names have power. Whatever she is now, let us remember who she is within."

"So, about that second message, Central?" Rainbow Dash called over.

"Have them be ready with a guard for our guest, and have them also deliver a wheelchair to the hangar." He turned to face Luna, trying to wrap his mind still on how Laetitia's face was not really her own at this time. "If anything happens to Jane…"

"Nothing will as a result of what I did," Luna replied. "She will just be very tired."

Central sighed, leaning back on his chair. "Fine." He shook his head. "It was easier when we only needed to deal with mind control."


o.0.o End Chapter 187 o.0.o