Authors Note: So this is my first Fan Fic! I hope you enjoy it! Please i beg of you leave constructive criticism and suggestions to make this story better! I don't have a set in stone update schedule yet, but I will try to update as much as I can. I can say this though, a new chapter will come out this weekend and it will be MUCH longer than this one. So please enjoy!
Kale'Xaren was ready to get the hell off this ship.
The day has finally come to embark on his Pilgrimage, the passage into adulthood for young Quarians. Although most young Quarians are usually excited for this day, Kale was more eager than most of his fellow ship mates.
He just wanted a way out, a new beginning, a fresh start to leave behind all of the pain and misery of living on his liveship known as the Graaf.
Kale had been preparing for his Pilgrimage for weeks prior, studying the galaxy and all his needs for survival. He had become obsessive over it. He wanted to be fully prepared for what he might encounter out there.
As Kale sat in his living quarters alone waiting for his departure ceremony to start, after checking his gear for probably the thousandth time, he sat there thinking about this supposed "Great Journey" he was about to embark on. A Quarian during their Pligrimage is supposed to find something of value and bring it back to the Migrant Fleet. Kale however had no intention of doing this.
He wanted to leave the fleet forever.
Of course he told no one of this, not even family or friends.
Ah, friends.
Something Kale doesn't have on the Graaf
His father isn't even a friend to him especially ever since his mother died.
Suddenly his father stepped into the room, "Ah, Kale! Today is your big day! You ready to go to your ceremony so you can be on your way?
Kale's father Fer, seemed to be extremely jovial by his statement.
Too jovial.
Kale knew that Fer wanted him gone. He knew he was just a nuisance to his life. Fer expressed this almost everyday by reminding him that he was a "Mistake" for being born and that he hated the responsibility of taking care of him. It may not be necessarily verbally, but by the way Fer acted everyday and his daily mood, he knew it was what he was thinking under the mask.
"Yeah of course, lead the way … father"
Kale hated calling Fer father, due to his unloving nature and just lack of attention towards his own son. However, Kale wanted to be on his good side today.
Fer'Xaren turned around and went out the door he just came in with Kale following shortly behind. They went down the hall of their living quarters towards an elevator. Fer opened the elevator door and stepped inside followed closely behind by Kale. Fer then hit the button for the hanger bay and then the elevator slowing starting to make its decent.
They both stood their in silence for as short while. This was normal for Kale and Fer. Kale usually did not speak to his father unless spoken to thus the silence commenced.
Kale thought about how great it will be to finally be away from this man. For the 18 years of his life, he had to listen to this man and do what he told him to do.
Kale for what felt like the first time in his life was finally at bliss.
Kale never had the chance to ever have this feeling due to him always trying to please his father so he could feel loved just once. Not having any friends also didn't help very much at all either. For some reason, Kale was just bad at talking to other people and when he finally got someone to talk to him, they always felt awkward around him and usually proceeded to walk away from him. For many nights over the years, Kale cried himself to sleep due to his lack of friends, an unloving father, and this suit he was stuck in.
The suit.
"Don't even get me start-" Kale's thought cut short by the elevator door opening and Fer leading the way once again down a hallway that lead to the hanger bay where the ceremony was being held.
Even though the whole crew technically comes to this event, he knew most were there just their because they had to. He even knew some were even glad for him to be leaving.
He hoped one didn't think that way however.
A young Quarian girl, Rayne'Verr, had been on Kale's mind as he entered the hanger to the ceremony. He scanned the crowd of the crew looking for her (It was hard due to everyone wearing suits) however Kale knew which was her. She had a dark red hood and mask with an elaborate suit design, with a dark red and gold stripes and designs all over. Even though he has never seen her real face ( No Quarian sees anyone's face actually unless they have a very close relationship) he fell in love at first sight.
Sort of.
There's one problem.
They have never actually met.
And now Kale is about to embark on his Pilgrimage in which he has no intention of returning.
Funny how life works out like that.
As Kale and Fer enter the hanger bay, they are greeted by a loud applause by the whole crew. Fer walks to a center stage placed in the middle of the room with a small shuttle behind him ready to take Kale on his Pilgrimage. Kale is also next to Fer center stage as Fer starts to make a speech to the crew:
"Today we celebrate one of our own leaving for their pilgrimage. It just so happens that my own son is doing so today." Fer looks over at Kale as he says this and Kale swears that he sees him smile at him although impossible to tell due to the mask.
"As captain of the Graaf, I wish my son good luck on his pilgrimage and present him with these gifts to aid him on his journey to bring something of great value back to the Migrant Fleet" Fer waves his hand over to three Quarians standing nearby holding small boxes containing food, credits, meds, and other useful items. One of the Quarians is also holding an immunity-boosting injection needle, which is crucial for survival outside of the fleet. The Quarian injects Kale with the immuno-booster and walks away as the other Quarians give him his other gifts.
"My son has chosen to start his pilgrimage by going to the Citadel. My advice to you is avoid C-Sec as much as you can since they find Quarians to be shady figures." Fer says to Kale. Kale nods in return to his statement.
Fer then begins ramble on about how proud he is that his son is finally going his pilgrimage and he has grown up so much. Kale chuckles at this as he knows he is just saying this appease his crew.
Can't have a captain that doesn't even want his own son.
"…and with that, all I have left to say to you son is, keelah se'lai and may your ancestors give you strength during your pilgrimage." With that, the entire room erupts in applause as Fer leads Kale towards the shuttle with his gear and multiple gifts.
Just as kale enters the shuttle he takes one last glance at the crowd and miraculously sees Rayne, clapping. Kale stares at her for awhile, almost too long and Fer takes notice and gives Kale a slight nudge to get in the shuttle.
Not even bothering with anything as affectionate as a hug, Fer says one last thing before the shuttle door closes: "Goodbye Kale, and keelah se'lai."
"Hmph. Some great final words for your son", Kale thinks before the shuttle door closes before Kale can even respond. Kale sits down right as the shuttle takes off and flies away from the Migrant Fleet. Away from Rayne.
The shuttle then approaches a Mass Relay and goes into FTL travel.
As the shuttle speeds away at FTL speeds, Kale can't help but think about Rayne and how much he already misses her.
Please review so you can tell me what you think!