I must apologize for any misspellings or grammar mistakes.
A/N This is a crossover of my first story An Old Sorrow A New Hope and the playthrough I wish I've could've had.
Also I've got to rewrite the first five chapters because I didn't back up my files sorry.
The Path To Victory
CHAPTER:1 Unexpected Help
Commander Kaari Shepard, Garrus Vakarian and James Vega were on board the Kodiak along with the pilot Steve Cortez. Shepard had her back to the rest of her squad. She was looking out into space as Cortez flew the Kodiak toward planet 2181. She saw her reflection in the thick glass of the Kodiak. Her red hair came down to her shoulders. Her bright green eyes full of hope as she thought of how Leviathan could help end the war with the Reapers.
So Lola you think we're going to find Leviathan? Asked Vega. Or is this just another wild goose chase?
I hope that we find what ever it is hear. Said Kaari. With out turning around to look at Vega.
You will find Leviathan down there. Said Someone from the back of the shuttle.
All three of the occupants turned around to see a woman dressed in a pure white dress standing in the back of the Kodiak. All three of them raised their weapons at the intruder.
Who th hell or you? Asked Kaari. And what the hell or you doing on my shuttle?
I'm Athena. Said Athena. And I'm here to offer you the help you need.
Commander we've got a problem. Said Cortez.
What is it Cortez? Asked Kaari.
The shuttle isn't moving. Said Cortez. I've tried everything I can think of but it just wont move.
Do not worry yourselves. Said Athena. I have stopped this shuttle.
Release us now! Said Kaari. We've got to get down to that planet.
Leviathan will not help you to win this war. Said Athena. All you will get from them is another enemy that you could only hope to defeat. But I know someone who may be willing to help you win this war.
And who might that be? Asked Garrus.
She is known as Azalea to her allies and Nightmare to her enemies.
So where is this Azalea? Asked James.
She is in another dimension. Said Athena.
And how is she going to help us from another dimension? Asked Garrus.
I will take you to her. Said Athena. If you wish to win this war you will come with me.
And why would she be willing to help us? Asked Kaari.
It is what she does. Said Athena. She helps those who are in need of help.
How is one person going to win this war? Asked Garrus.
A bell like laugh came out of Athena's throat. I apologize. Said Athena after her laughter had died down. But among my people we have our own name for Azalea.
And what would that name be? Asked Kaari.
The goddess of war and destruction. Said Athena. Azalea has power beyond your comprehension Kaari.
How is it that you know our names? Asked Kaari.
I know of every thing in this dimension. Said Athena. I am the ruler of this dimension after all.
If that's so you'll be able to tell me my mother's name. Said Kaari.
Your mother was named Hannah Shepard. Said Athena. She was killed on Mindori.
And my father? Asked Kaari.
Your farther was named Jason Shepard. Said Athena. He was also killed on Mindori. Along with your brother Jonathan Shepard.
Kaari thought for a moment and then asked. Are you sure you can get us to this Azalea?
Yes. Said Athena with a small nod of her head.
How long would we have to be gone? Asked Kaari.
No more then four hours. Said Athena. As the shuttle landed in the hanger bay Kaari turned th Athena and said. Follow me and do not stray from my path. There will be armed guards and they will treat you as a threat. Do you understand?
Then we'll have to return to the Normandy first. Said Kaari. We'll have to explain this to the crew. Cortez turn us around. And alert the Normandy that we'll be bring a gust. Tell Liara to have all members of the ground crew in the war room when we arrive.
Yes ma'am. Said Cortez.
It didn't take long to get back to the Normandy. As the shuttle landed in the hanger bay Kaari turned to Athena and said. Follow me and do not stray from my path. There will be armed guards and they will treat you as a threat. Do you understand?
Yes. Said Athena with a small smirk. I shall not stray from your path.
They walked of the Kodiak and into the hanger bay. There were guards with their weapons trained on Athena. It's fine Lieutenant. Said Kaari. Garrus, Vega and I can handle it from here.
Yes ma'am. Said Lieutenant Jhonston.
The four of them walked to the elevator. While it was ascending to the C.I.C Vaga turned to Athena and asked. Are you really the goddess Athena?
Me and my people aren't gods. Said Athena. We've tried to discourage people from worshipping us but it has never worked.
I wonder why it's never worked? Asked Garrus.
When you see Azalea power for your self you'll think she is god like. Said Athena. And it's easier to alow them to belive we're gods then to stop them from believing that we're gods.
Then why tell us that you're not gods? Asked Garrus.
Because Azalea detest being called a goddess. Said Athena. I hopeing that by telling you that you'll refrain from calling Azalea a goddess.
So what can you? Asked James.
If you were my enemy and tried to shoot me I would create a interdimensional portal that would teleport the bullet to the person that is closest to your hart. Said Athena. I can also read the past of every being. A power that Azalea shares with me. And all Olympians will never age past our prime. We can only be killed in challenged combat.
Wow. Said James. So what can Azalea do?
She is the granddaughter of Typhon and the great-granddaughter of Poseidon and Hades. Said Athena. She inherited all of Typhon power and speed. She can also call upon Poseidon, Hades, Zeus and my power through the armor of Olympus. And she has her mothers powers as well only a much more powerful version. To be honest she can be quite terrifying when she is angry. Something my fool of a brother found out the hard way.
What do you mean? Asked Kaari.
My brother Ares was cast out by my father. Said Athena. He tried to kill my father and my father couldn't bear to kill his own son. So he put him in the deepest pit of Hades. But he escaped and challenged Azalea. When an Olympian dies in challenged combat the victor receives all that belonged to the loser.
So what happened in the fight? Asked James.
The fight was over before any of us could blink. Said Athena. Azalea summoned her sword and moved so fast that no one could see her. Ares just stood there at first we all assumed that she missed her strike. But then Ares head fell to the ground followed by his body. She moved so fast his blood didn't even have the time to stain her blade.
Just as Athena finished The elevator door opened. A woman ran over to Kaari and wrapped her arms around her waist. Kaari are you alright? Asked Samantha. Why did you turn around?
Not right now Sam. Said Kaari. Wait until we get to the war room.
It didn't take for every one to gather in the war room. Then Kaari looked to Athena and said. Ok listen up every one. This is the goddess Athena. She told Garrus, Vega and I about someone who could help end this war. Would you please explain to the rest of the crew?
I do know of some one who could end this war. Said Athena. Her name is Azalea or Nightmare. She lives in another dimension. I could take you to her and then bring you back. But I will not force this on you. You must chose this for yourselves.
Kaari looked at her teem mates and said. I say we vote on this. I see nothing to loose. So I vote yes.
Liara looked at Kaari and said. I say we go and meet this Azalea. I vote yes.
Javik looked at Kaari and said. While I do not agree that we have nothing to lose my vote is yes.
Vaga looked at Kaari and said. I say why are we still here. I vote hell yes.
Ashley Looked at Kaari and said. I don't know about this Shep. But I too must agree if we don't go we probably loose this war. If we go we got a chance to win. I vote yes. Maybe this Azalea will hand the reapers their asses.
Edi looked at Kaari and said. I say we take the chance. I vote yes.
It's all down to you Garrus. Said Kaari. What do you think.
Garrus looked at Kaari and said. No Shepard without Vakarian right. I vote yes. If half of what we've heard is true the reapers are in for one hell of a fight.
Kaari looked at Athena and said. Before we go we need to know about this Azalea.
What would you like to know that I've haven't told you already? Asked Athena.
Her personality, age, like and dislikes. Said Kaari.
She is slow to anger. Said Athena. But when angered her bloodlust can be very difficult to contain. As for her age she is twenty-two although she appears to be twenty-five. As for her likes and dislikes I thank that you should ask her personally.
Ok so when can you be ready to go? Asked Kaari.
Right away if you wish. Said Athena.
Then Garrus, Vaga, Liara, Williams and I will be ready in fifteen minutes. Said Kaari.
Very well. Said Athena. I shall wait here for your return.
Once the three people who would be going with her were outside of the war room Kaari turned to them and said. Ok people I want you in full battle gear and back here in fifteen minutes.
Athena waited in the war room for fourteen minutes thirty-six seconds before the people who were going came back. Are you ready Kaari? Asked Athena.
Yes. Said Kaari. Lets go.
With that a ball of green light surrounded the six of them. After a few seconds the ball of light vanished. The Normandy crew found them themselves in a very large kitchen. They were looking around when a scream tore through the air.
DAD THERE'S PEOPLE WITH GUNS IN THE KITCHEN!
The Normandy crew turned around to see a small girl with black hair with violet highlights running away from them. A moment later there was a woman with long white hair with fire red highlights. Her eyes were two different colors. Her left eye was gold while the right was blood red. Standing in the door way. Before anyone could react the woman rushed forward and grabbed Garrus by the throat forcing him down to his knees.
Who the hell are you and what the fuck are you assholes doing in my house? Demand the woman.
Please Azalea calm your self. Said Athena. They mean you are your family no harm.
Azalea turned to see Athena and asked. What's going on here?
I'll explain as soon as you release him. Said Athena.
Azalea let Garrus go and he picked himself up. Now what armed people doing in my house? Asked Azalea.
They are in dire need of help. Said Athena. They face an enemy that they can't defeat without your help.
At that moment Rachel and Jennifer came into the kitchen. Azal what's going on here? Asked Rachel.
It's fine mom. Said Azalea. Please go find Calea and ask her to join me in my office. These people owe her an apology for scaring her.
I'm not leaving you with armed strangers. Said Rachel.
Azalea sighed and said. Would you guys please give your weapons over to Jenn.
I'm not giving my weapon to anyone. Said Ashley.
Azalea turned to the woman who had spoken and was stunned. What the hell is this. Thought Azalea. She took a deep breath and said. Look I'm asking you to give them up as a courtesy. But I could always force you to give them up.
I would like to see you try. Said James.
Azalea used her powers to teleport all of their weapons into a pocket dimension and said. Well now that you've seen me "try" to take your weapons maybe we move this discussion along.
Fine by me. Said Kaari. Although I fell more comfortable with a weapon at my side.
Azalea looked at the woman with short red hair and said. Maybe we can reach a compromise. I allow two of you to have your weapons if my overprotective mother agrees. Azalea looked at Rachel can you agree to that deal mom?
Only if you chose the ones that have the weapons. Said Rachel.
Is that ok with you guys? Asked Azalea.
Kaari looked at the rest of her crew and got a nod from them and said. That's fine by us.
May I ask your names. Said Azalea.
My name is Commander Karri Shepard. The muscle-bound guy name is Lieutenant James Vega. The brunette name is Lieutenant Commander Ashley Williams. The blue woman name is Dr. Liara T'soni. And the guy you had by the throat name is Garrus Vakarian.
I chose you and Ashley. Said Azalea looking at Kaari. Azalea used her powers to return their weapons.
Now that has been taken care of mom would you please go and get Calea and ask her to join our guest and I in my office.
Rachel and Jenn left to do as requested. Azalea turned to the her guest and said. Now if you would all follow me.
As they were walking to Azalea's office Liara was looking around and decided to dig for some information about Azalea's personality and said. You have a lovely home Azalea.
You can cut the bullshit. Said Azalea. I can fell your emotions. And you fell a lot of curiosity. As to what your curious about I've no idea.
And what if I'm just curious about how a person as young as yourself could afford this house.
Your not. Said Azalea. I can also fell deceit coming from you. If I had to guess I'd say your someone who makes a living off of digging for information. And judging by the way your going about trying to get information I'd also say that what you do isn't legal. So tell me how close am I.
Your pretty close. Said Liara.
Azalea stopped at a black door and walked into the room. The office had very little in it. A desk made of dark mahogany with a phone on it along with some framed photos and a few chairs and that was it. Azalea walked around the desk and sit in her chair and used her powers to bring in more chairs and said. Please have a seat.
A few moments after every one in the room had set down a there was a knock at the door. Come in Calea. Said Azalea.
Calea walked into the room and said. Grandma Ree told me you asked for me.
Azalea looked at the people in front of hear and said. Our guest have something they would like to say to you.
What could I do for you. Asked Calea.
We're sorry for scaring you. Said Kaari.
It's ok. Said Calea. I thought you might be hear for a nefarious purposes.
Would you like to stay for our meeting? Asked Azalea.
If you or our guest don't mind. Said Calea.
I don't. Said Azalea. Do any of you mind?
Fine by us. Said Kaari.
What brings you to me? Asked Azalea.
We're at war with a race of machines know as the Reapers. Said Kaari. We can't defeat them with conventional methods. On top of that an organization of radical humans that call themselves Cerberus are trying to stop us from stopping the reapers.
What are the Reapers goals? Asked Azalea.
Their trying to wipe out all life that has advanced to faster-than-light technology. Said Kaari. As they have done every fifty thousand years for a very long time.
What methods are Cerberus using to stop you? Asked Azalea.
They kidnap humans and force them to fight against anyone who doesn't "work" for them. Said Kaari. And anyone who isn't human.
Azalea picked up her phone and dialed a number and then put it on speaker. After a few rings the line was picked up. Hello Ms. Roth how may I help you today. Said the woman who answered the phone.
Lilly I want teams five, ten and twelve at my house and ready to go in ten minutes. Ordered Azalea. Am I clear?
Yes ma'am. Said Lilly. The messages have been sent. The requested team's are on their way. I fell sorry for who ever their after and then the line went dead.
After Azalea hung her end of the line up Ashley asked. Why does she fell sorry for the people those teams are after?
Because teams five, ten and twelve don't take prisoners. Said Azalea.
Then what happens to the survivors? Asked Liara.
What survivors? Asked Azalea.
I like her. Said Garrus.
Kaari looked at Azalea keeping her emotions well under check and thought. Maybe I can get what Liara couldn't. So your people just kill anyone who happens to be around their target.
Azalea looked at Kaari and couldn't fell any emotions from her and thought. That's odd maybe she wants to know how I fell about killing people. Look I absolutely loathe killing and so do my people. They all been in situations before they worked for me where they've seen hundreds of innocent people killed. Because someone who could've stopped them chose to spare them. My people and I would rather be labeled murderers of the guilty then allow them to harm the innocent. Don't get me wrong. If a diplomatic solution were possible we would take it in a heartbeat. But from what you've told me about the enemy there is no possibility of reaching diplomatic solution.
Azalea then looked at Calea and asked. Could you please go and get your grandmas Ree and Jenn and Sam for me?
Dad please don't leave me behind. Said Calea. I just met you for the first time a year ago. I don't want to loose you for who knows how long. So please take me with you.
If your were to come with me you may see things that you want to see. Things that will hunt you for the rest of your life. You may even come to hate me for what you see me do. And I couldn't stand it if you hated me. Whispered Azalea so low you almost couldn't hear her.
Dad I know what you do. Said Calea. And I know that sometimes that it's necessary to eliminate people who can't or won't listen to reason. And I could never hate you for what you do. In fact I can only admire you for the fact that you would slaughter thousands for the safety of billions. I am after all part of you. And I would rather see a mountain of corpses then see even one innocent person harmed for no reason.
Are you sure? Asked Azalea. You may find yourself in situation where you'll have to defend yourself. And if you do have to defend yourself you may have to kill your opponent. Are you prepared to take another's persons life?
I may not like to hurt people. Said Calea. But if I were forced to I would not under any circumstance allow the fact that I had to kill someone to change who I am.
Azalea looked at Calea with pride clear in her eyes. She remembered the day she released her powers and how she felt. She remembered the doubt that plagued her mind that day. And she saw none of that doubt in her daughter. Azalea looked over to Athena and asked. Could Calea release her powers like I did?
If she were to be in a situation like you were then yes she could. But her method would be slightly different then yours. She would be just as powerful as you are. But where your method would be to just eliminate the enemies. Calea would try to reason with them first. But if they were to fail to see reason then she would destroy them just as you would.
If I allow you to come with me Calea you have to agree to have a guard of my choice. Said Azalea. You would also follow any order that I give you are your guard.
I accept your conditions. Said Calea.
Then if your going with me you should go pack a bag. Said Azalea. And then go ask your grandmas Ree and Jenn and Sam to join us in the den.
Calea ran out of the office and then Azalea picked her phone up and dialed a number and again put it on speaker. What can I do for you Ms. Roth? Asked Lilly.
I need you to send Mary Lee along with the other team's and inform her that she'll be Calea's guard. Ordered Azalea.
Yes ma'am. Said Lilly. And the line went dead.
Azalea stood up and said. Please follow me.
They all left the office and walked to the den. After a few moments of walking they reached the den and were soon joined by Rachel, Jennifer, Samantha and Calea. Calea had a medium-sized blue duffel bag. Azalea looked at Rachel and said. Mom I have to go and help them. And Calea wants to come with me. And before you say anything I've assigned Marry Lee as her personal guard while we're away.
Azal I don't want you to go so soon after I got you back. Said Rachel. But I understand that a lot of people will die if you don't go. And then they hugged each other.
After they broke apart Azalea looked over to Jennifer and said. Jenn please don't let mom miss me to much.
I wish that we could go with you to. Said Jennifer. But we would probably be no help in the war Calea described to us. But you better kick their asses and get back to us A.S.A.P. You got that.
I love you to Jeen. Said Azalea as they quickly hugged each other.
Then Azalea hugged Samantha and said. Keep those two in line fore me.
Like I always do. Said Samantha with a smirk.
As Azalea pulled away from her sister she turned to Athena and the Normandy crew and said. I've got to go and pack. I'll be back in a few moments. And then a dark crimson light surrounded Azalea. After the light faded away Azalea was gone.
Rachel looked at the Normandy crew and asked. Which of you is the leaded?
That would be me. Said Kaari.
I suggest that you warn every person that meats Azalea not to piss her off. Said Rachel.
I hope you don't mind. Said Kaari. But what happens to people that piss her off?
That depends on who they are. Said Jennifer. If he or she is an ally she'll probably warn them once not to do it again. But if anyone does something that she hates or puts her or people she considers a friend or ally in danger she'll kill them with out question or warning. And she can be extremely sadistic.
Just as Jennifer finished speaking Azalea returned in a flash of dark crimson light. And she had changed her clothes. Before she left she was wearing a black tank top with stone washed blue jeans and a pair of black tennis shoes. Now she had on a black t-shirt and black jeans with a sapphire blue dragon with ruby colored eyes. The dragon head was on her right shoulder and the body wrapped around her stopping at the thighs of the jeans. She also had a white gold choker collar with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds around her neck. She had a silver bracelet on each wrist. Both of the bracelets had a pendant of a sea serpent. The pendant on the left bracelet was white and green and the one on the right bracelet was red and gold. She was also wearing black combat boots with fire coming from the bottom of the boots stopping in the middle of the boots. The boots had what looked like people on them. On the left boot it looked like the people were falling into the fire while the people on the right boot looked as if they were coming out of the fire. Around her waist was a wide black belt with flames coming from the bottom of the belt stopping in the middle of the bleat. There was a sward on the left side of the belt. The sheath was black with flames coming from the tip stopping in the middle of the sheath. In her left hand was a large black duffel bag.
I see your wearing the Armor of Olympus. Said Athena.
I always wear it if I'm going into battle. Said Azalea.
Just after Azalea finished speaking the doorbell rang. I'll be right back. Said Azalea. A few moments latter Azalea was back with sixty-one people behind her. One of the people walked over and stood on Calea's left side. She was a tall athletic looking woman with blond hair. Her eyes were the color of blood. She wore the same uniform as the rest of the people standing behind Azalea. A black camo jacket, black camo cargo pants and black combat boots. The woman standing by Calea and three people behind Azalea had a gold tridents on the lapels of their jackets.
Azalea looked over Athena and said. We're ready when you are. She then turned to Rachel, Jennifer and Samantha and said. We'll see you guys latter. With that said a green light surrounded everyone in the den except for Rachel, Jennifer and Samantha.
`