The Catalyst had given the Commander three choices; control, destroy or synthesise the Reapers. Even in her damaged state, she knew in her heart that the destruction of the Reapers was the only viable option, too many countless people had been lost to the vicious cycle that had been created by the Leviathans. The galaxy's different races should be allowed to flourish, the rule of survival of the fittest would prevail. Risa crawled painfully towards the blue tower of light as the Catalyst watched on in bemusement. As the Commander made her way to the end of the platform, she took a deep breath before slowly putting her hand into the cool blue light. An eruption of luminescent blue light exploded around her, throwing her back against the steel walls. Then everything went dark.
...The darkness must not be breached...
Shepard's eyes opened, before her Garrus held out a hand and lifted her onto her feet before pulling Risa into a tight hug. Confusion washed over her, how is he here? She had watched their Kodiak leave Earth. She tightened her grip on the Turian, he surprisingly wasn't wearing his armour but she didn't mind as it meant she could get a more snuggly grip on her better half, "Garrus..." She breathed, he hushed her and stroked her hair gently. Above her she could hear the familiar click of his mandibles, her heart swelled with relief and affection. Happiness washed over her like a wave breaking on the golden sands of Santa Monica, her hometown.
"You're safe now, Shepard, I have you" he breathed as he buried his head in her honey coloured hair, the familiarity bringing her comfort, reminding her of the many times he came to her cabin to reassure her that she was making a difference. "Even if we save one person it is worth it" Risa heard his encouraging voice in the back of her mind.
Garrus was always the best at rebuilding any walls of confidence, it was why she loved him.
Shepard heard familiar voices behind her and turned to see their owner's, "Shepard! Shepard is alive!" Tali shrieked and ran over, almost tackling the human commander. Shepard chuckled as she regained her balance before wrapping her arms around the Quarian in friendly embrace. "Shepard! I thought I would never see you again!" she cried, Shepard could hear the faint sobs from inside the Quarian's helmet.
They had made it, all the work and effort Shepard had put into this war had paid off. They were all alive along with the other countless millions that could now live freely because of her. The thought brought tears to her eyes as she was surrounded by her friends. As she greeted each member of her squad in turn, she had come to realise that they were no longer just her crew. They were her family.
Shepard returned to Garrus' embrace, looking up into his ice blue eyes and made the first genuine smile in what felt like a lifetime. He kissed the top of her head and whispered "You're safe now, we all are thanks to you" he breathed as he held her tightly to his chest, Risa could hear the smile in his voice which in turn only made her grin wider.
Suddenly she felt herself pulling away from Garrus' hold, the chill from their separationl caused her skin to turn to gooseflesh. Her feet started to move independent of her body, even her head turned away from them. In the distance she could see a bright light, her mind began to panic. What was happening? Why am I walking away? I don't want to leave! Don't make me leave them! Her mind screamed out in refusal to leave, but no matter what she shouted her feet kept moving her further and further away from her loved ones. Risa managed to turn her head round to see them, they wore an expression of sadness and disappointment. They shouted after her, but made no attempt to move.
Shepard where are you going? Come back! We need you!
Shepard! Come back! We need help!
Shepard! Don't go! Please!
Shepard! Stay!
Shepard!
Shepard...
Her friends voices called after her as she walked away, getting fainter, quieter... deeper... slower... "Shepard... wake up... The darkness cannot be breached"