Phoenix Rising: In Another Life

by Lashadi

What is the difference between the Reds and the Alliance? Supplementary to the main story Phoenix Rising and takes place before the events of Mass Effect 1. The focus is on the infamous 'Reds' gang that Shepard was once a member of. Warning: this will cover uncomfortable themes and contains violence

1. Chapter 1

A/N: Hi all, this isn't essential reading for the main Phoenix Rising story but references will be made to it. I wrote it some time ago, I just need to add a few tweaks here and there before its all ready to publish. It will span about 7-9 chapters

UPDATE: sorry for the dormant story, I've been working alot on the main story but I am aiming to finish this soon. I've also changed up the format somewhat please bare with me.

She ran barefooted through the thick undergrowth, the jagged rocks and twigs mercilessly piercing the soles of her feet. Every step was agony but she dared not stop. The trees caved in towards her, suffocating her, she took in huge gulps of air but her throat felt dry and painful. She could hear them shouting and whooping behind her.

"Come here girl!"

"We won't hurt you!"

From the look she saw in their eyes when they first discovered her crouched in the bushes, she knew they spoke lies. Her heart pounded mercilessly in her ears and terror constricted her chest making her feel as if her heart would explode. As she ran she feared her legs would give way as she became increasingly weaker, her strides unsteady. She cannot remember when last she ate and drank, but her body tells her it has been too long. The forest seemed wide and endless affording no worthy hiding place, but she hoped beyond reason that she would escape her tormentors.

She wildly whips her head around to see if they were gaining on her; they are so close behind she panics and trips over a malicious exposed tree root. She feels herself hurtling to the earth and then suddenly she is greeted by darkness as she lands face first in the dirt. She desperately struggles to get back on her feet but she can hear them above her, gloating over her, circling her like vultures.

"We told you not to run" the four eyed one sneers through pointed teeth. One of the others grabs her by the scruff of her neck and roughly flips her over on her back. Her screams pierce the thick air, she pleads with them tears streaming down her dirty face, but she knows no one has ever taken pity on her cries.

"This is going to be fun"