Chapter 1
Thessia was burning. Three years ago, Commander Shepard first human spectre had warned everyone. The Reapers were coming.
No one had listened; they had dismissed it as delusions. Then the collectors had started taking human colonists. Shepard had warned everyone again.
Her mother had told her that the Reapers didn't exist, Alara had listened then. But something had told her that her mother was wrong.
The connections were there buried in the data, but she was barely a maiden, only forty this week, and Thessia was burning.
"Alara!" Called her mom as she burst into their apartment. She was in her body armor, bloodied, and breathing heavily.
Coming out from the couch where she was cowering, Alara rushed forward crying, "Mother."
As she embraced her mother, she could hear the sound of other Asari saying something about 'time'.
At this her mother softly pushed her back, "We don't have much time, hurry and put this on."
Alara looked at what her mother was holding and was shocked to see it was a suit of armor, nothing fancy, but at least it was something.
Hearing the sounds of explosions and gunfire getting closer, she nodded shakily, and quickly began to strip and put on the skinsuit, then the armor.
As she did this her mother moved over to display on the far wall. Opening it, she pulled out a case and a sword. They had belonged to her father, dead now for five years, the sword was a family heirloom from earth, a beautiful blade, longer than a short sword but shorter than a long sword. Her mother said it dated back to the renaissance of ancient earth and was a unique weapon, found broken with the remains of her father. Alara's mother had spent a small fortune retrieving it, and yet more to have it re-forged by hand and enhanced with all the advancements in metallurgy modern science could muster.
As the last peice of armor was finally secured, her mother gave her the blade and the case, "These are yours now, we have little time but remember what you learned about how to use them… I'm sorry baby, but 'm not sure I can protect you."
Nodding Alara opened the case and pulled out the N7 Crusader. She hadn't gotten to train with many weapons but the Crusader was one of them. Collapsing the gun she mag locked it onto her back then fastened the blade onto her belt behind her back.
Suddenly, another Asari poked her head in, "We're out of time."
Nodding, Alara followed her mother out.
As the made their way, the Asari Commandos led the small group of civilians, mostly children like Alara, through the ruins, but they were not alone. As well as several humans, two salarians, and a krogan. All with guns of their own, she could hear the sounds of fighting not far away, and no matter how fast they went, though it wouldn't be fast with this many people, they would not outrun what was coming.
It happened as they made it to a bridge that was still under Asari control, their pursuers caught up to them. Rushing across, everyone to shelter behind the barricades as those that could fight did.
Even Alara was pressed into service, to hold the bridge, it was the first time she ever shot at a living target, and at first she hesitated, but the more of these abominations she killed the easier it got.
Ducking back behind cover, Alara took the chance to catch her breath as she reloaded. It had been a long… day. She had gone to school come home and come home just as the ground fighting began; she hadn't slept since then. First it was from worry for her mother, then it was fear, cold fear that the reapers would get her.
Many of the defenders of the bridge had already fallen but the civilians had made it to safety... all except her. She would fight for Thessia, for as long as she could.
"All, units fall back." Came the call over the radio; but even as the call came, one of the Reapers descended towards the bridge. At the same time a large explosion detonated under the bridge.
Closing her eyes, Alara waited for the end. Which didn't come; after a few more seconds she opened her eyes. What she found was… nothing, or well more like a stone hallway with no windows and torches lighting it.
Looking around she only found a small crate of supplies, and… a door. Moving over to the crate Alara opened it, inside was a smaller crates of heat sinks, food, and other various supplies.
Pulling out a large duffle, Alara started putting as much as she could in it, food, heat sinks, spare parts, and anything that would fit. She then grabbed as many grenades as she could fit on her armor and the Heavy Pistol that was inside.
Wishing she had a helmet, and wondering where she was. Alara inspected the door. The first thing she noticed was that the door was made of wood. It was strange to see a door made from trees, but it was bound in iron and had some kind of writing above it.
Stepping back Alara activated her Omni-Tool and scanned the writing. To her surprise it was in the most common human language.
Ye of great courage. Ye seekers of glory. Take not of the hoard; least the beast awakes.
Puzzling at the strange message, Alara strained to push the doors open. When they wouldn't move she stepped back and started gathering her focus. Releasing it in a sudden blast of Biotic energy at the door.
As the door slammed open, Alara fell to her hands and knees panting. Without an implant it took considerably more effort to use Biotics, and something that would be easy for someone with an implant was a monumental effort for someone without one. After catching her breath, she stumbled into the room.
What she found shocked her. The room was full of piles of gold coins, jewels, and other treasures. Slowly walking through the room she admired the treasures but was careful not to touch a thing.
As Alara neared the center of the room, she hear a deep rumbling voice proclaim, "Curiouser, and Curiouser. First a great flying beast of metal, and now… Tell me Mortal, what are you?"
Stopping, Alara looked around trying to find the source of the voice but when she couldn't find it she tentatively replied, "I-I am Asari… what do you mean… No, By the Goddess, No. T-the metal beast… was it black?"
"I have never heard of your kind, from where do you hail?"
Worry clouding her judgement, Alara snapped, "Thessia!" and pulled up an image of a Reaper on her Omni-Tool, "Is this, what the metal beast looked like?"
"Why do you worry so little one, it is far from here now?"
Collapsing to the ground, Alara started hugging herself, "Because, it is a Reaper. Their only purpose is to kill all sentient life, if one is here… I need to warn people."
"I think I begin to see… this Thessia, it is a planet not a kingdom. Am I right?"
Quivering, Alara nodded; then realizing who or whatever was talking probably couldn't see her, she said, "Yes."
Then out of the center of the chamber arose a great thing of scales and claws, shining teeth, and smoldering gold eyes. It was a dragon, strait out of human mythology and fantasy, nothing else could come close to describing it.
"Then tell me, little Asari. How did it get here?"
Unsure if she should run, or stay very, very still, Alara whispered, "There was an explosion, and I was here. I… I don't know how, or why."
The silver dragon cocked its head to the side ever so slightly, and regarded her, "Tell me, will you allow me to cast a working upon you? I wish to confirm something."
Gulping, Alara nodded.
As the dragon lifted one of its paws, Alara shuddered, its claws were as large as her, and looked sharp enough to cut through a Kodiaks armor like paper. The next thing she knew, she felt a wash of some kind of strange energy and the dragon nodded.
"I see you and this… Reaper of yours. You were willed through a hole in reality; you are no longer in your home dimension."
Hearing this, Alara was unsure of what to do, or say. It was so strange; she just couldn't wrap her mind around it.
Suddenly a large piece of cloth fell on her, "Take this cloak, it will help if you keep your heritage concealed for a time, and take a small bit of gold you will need it."
As Alara did as instructed the dragon continued, "I shall send you to Griphen Watch, it is the capital of the nearest kingdom. Seek out the lord, tell him of this Reaper, and if the guards stop you, tell them the golden eyed sage sent you."
Unsure of how much to take Alara filled a small pocket of the duffle bag with gold coins. She then put on the cloak. When she was done the dragon reached out a talon and she was gone.
Grumbling about how her life sucked, Alara trudged towards the city gates. The bag was far too heavy for her to easily carry, and half a mile was a long ways to go.
As she struggled along she heard a sound in the distance, looking back over her shoulder. Alara was terrified when she saw the Reaper slowly drifting toward Griphen Watch. The only good thing about it was that it was a great ways off and moving very slowly.
A few minutes later, she saw a group of riders galloping down the road towards her, even as they drew near she could tell they were human. As they slowed, one of the riders called out, "Clear the road traveler, we are on the kings business."
Chewing her lip Alara made sure the hood was pulled low and replied, "I have a message for your king, of the utmost importance."
Halting, the leader asked, "Who sent you?"
Chewing her lip, Alara replied, "I was sent by the Golden Eyed Sage."
Warily the leader said, "I see… does this message pertain to that… thing?"
Not even bothering to look where he was pointing, Alara nodded and said, "Yes."
Nodding, the leader motioned forward another rider as he brought his horse up next to Alara. "Then we have no time to waste, Harvad, take her bag." He then reached down and offered his hand to her.
Not too long later, Alara was being led into an enormous room, and trying to ignore the curious looks she was receiving even though she had her hood pulled low. Really it wasn't surprising; her stature was the same as a human child. Turning to the side, she was led into the halls, and to a smaller room, with maps and bookshelves all over the place as well as two men talking over a map sculpted onto a table.
The first was a young man, with rich brown hair, green eyes, and the features and build of a soldier. While the other was an old man, with wizened features, grey hair, a long flowing beard, and sparkling alert blue eyes.
"My lord, sorry to interrupt, but this traveler claims to know of this thing."
Turning to her, the young man said, "Thank you captain Thackery… Traveler, I would know the name of to whom I speak… I also like to see their face." His tone was mild but there was a definite tone of command in it that made Alara sure it wasn't a suggestion.
Very slowly she pulled back her hood, and said, "My name is Alara Arkvel, and the threat you face is most dire."
After a long silence, the old man cleared his throat and asked, "What do you mean a dire threat?"
"What you face is known to my people as a Reaper, sentient machines whose only goal is the eradication of all sentient life…" After a pause, Alara continued, "I can show you."
Nodding, the young man said, "Do so."
Very carefully Alara said, "I… can only show one person… and it's… kind of a personal thing."
Cocking his head to the side ever so slightly, the old man asked, "How so?"
Fighting back a blush and failing, Alara replied, "It's a… melding of the minds… temporary, but…"
Nodding sagely the old man said, "I think I begin to see, you have never done it before have you."
Fidgeting Alara mumbled, "No… I haven't."
"Then show me." The old man said as he walked over.
"Myrdn, are you sure that is wise?" Asked the young man.
"Rodrick, I doubt we have the luxury of being cautious here." Myrdn replied.
Kneeling down so he was eye level with her, Myrdn asked, "So what do i need to do Alara?"
Stepping forward so that their foreheads were touching, Alara said, "Clear your mind… and Embrace Eternity."
Everything went black… and then she was looking on Thessia not two days before the Reapers attacked. "This is my home, Thessia, capital of the Asari Republic, Founders of the Citadel Council."
The scene changed. The buildings were in ruins, and the sounds of war could be heard. Directing the image skyward, Alara showed images of the Reaper ships that dotted the sky. Then the image changed again to the bridge she had been defending, the Reaper forces could be seen swarming towards the defensive lines.
"This is what Thessia was like only a day after they came." And with that Alara broke the connection. Staggering back she collapsed to her knees, fighting to breath.
Once she had control of herself again, Alara looked up to see Myrdn looking at her appraisingly, "What can you tell us about these Reapers?"
Still breathing heavily, Alara said, "Not much, it should be the only one, and… um… they have some kind of mind control… um… right, it's called indoctrination. You saw the rest… oh and they travel through space."
"Space?" Rodrick asked.
"I think she means the void between planets." Myrdn said offhandedly.
Nodding, Rodrick turned towards a door, opened it and said, "Prepare the city for siege, call the war council, and get any wizards in the city to attend." Then closing the door, he asked, "What is its most likely purpose?"
"It… The Reaper will probably ignore you for now… it will deem you to primitive for culling… or it may just obliterate you here and now. It may also… try to figure out where it is before it acts." Alara said as she finally managed to gain her feet.
"I see… Myrdn, prepare a suitable reply in case it attacks. If it leaves us in peace for now, we must find ways to defend against it." Rodrick said, then turning to Alara, he said, "My thanks for your warnings, I will see to it you are rewarded."
As he finished there came a knocking from the door, "My lord, the war council is gathering."
Opening the door once more he nodded and said, "Good. Steward, please find my guest something to eat, and a room till this is sorted out." And with that he strode off.
When the steward looked over to Alara there was a brief look of shock on his face then he coughed and said, "Right this way miss, I will see that your things are taken to your quarters while you eat."
Looking out her window, Alara watched as the Reaper drew ever closer. She couldn't save Thessia, why was she bothering to try and save this world? It would do no good.
Even as she heard the thoughts, she knew they were not her own.
"So… I guess this is what it's like to have a Reaper trying to indoctrinate you." Alara grumbled.
It was an odd feeling, a small pressure at the back of her head, but one that was undeniable and slowly growing.
Sighing, Alara closed the shutters and was about to try and get some sleep when there came a knocking at her door. With one last longing look at the bed, she moved to open the door.
"Yes?"
"Myrdn wishes to speak with you about the… thing." Said a young servant gesturing towards the now closed window.
"Reaper." Alara said, then sighed, "Lead the way."
Stuttering the servant said, "R-r-right, f-follow me."
As she walked into the room, Alara was surprised to see what seemed to be a very primitive chemistry lab surrounded by bookshelves and other workbenches. Myrdn was standing by one such workbench talking with two other robed figures.
Approaching them she asked, "You wished to see me?"
"Ah, good you're here. These are some of my fellow colleagues; Dedril, and Saria." As Myrdn said their names they nodded, "We have a few questions. The Reaper, what kind of defenses does it have?"
Nodding, Alara moved forward activating her Omni-Tool, "This is the Reaper. It is equipped with kinetic barriers… fields that are capable of stopping kinetic and thermal attacks… to a certain extent, but its threshold is beyond what even my people could easily do with our far more advanced technology."
"Hmm, what about raw energy?" Asked Saria.
"That would work, if you could generate enough of it, but the Reaper would be able to retaliate if not dealt a severe enough blow. Its weapons are power to destroy the city and castle in a manner of minutes." She replied skeptically.
Smiling, Saria nodded and said, "I'll get everything ready."
As she walked off Dedril asked, "This Indoctrination, you warned us about how does it work, how long does it take?"
Turning off her Omni-Tool, Alara shrugged, "I'm not sure. It is already happening can you not feel the pressure in the back of your mind? The Reaper is even now attempting to dominate, it may have already done so to some."
"I see…" Dedril said with a thoughtful look on his face.
Walking over to a bookshelf Myrdn retrieved something and made his way back. "Here, little one. Try this on and let me know if it helps."
Taking the ring from his hand, Alara looked at it quizzically, but took of the gauntlet on her right hand and slid it on her middle finger. It was too big; however to her great surprise it resized itself as it was set in place. Almost immediately, the pressure on her mind lessened and finally disappeared altogether.
Looking at the ring in shock, she whispered, "What? How… the pressure it's gone."
Smiling smugly, Myrdn nodded, "Good, good. You may keep the ring, it will protect from psychic intrusions."
"I… Thank you." Alara mumbled out as she replaced her gauntlet.
"No, thank you. We will call for you again if something comes up." Myrdn said as she left the room.
In the hall there was another servant waiting for her, with a sigh she asked, "Yes?"
"Lord Rodrick seeks your council." The servant said bowing, even as the servant did so, Alara could see hints of distaste in the servants expression.
"Of course, please lead the way." Alara said, ignoring what the servant attempted to hide from her.
The room she was led to this time was the same one she first met Rodrick and Myrdn in, probably a war room. This time however, Rodrick had a hand full of people with him looking over maps and models of the city. As she entered, Alara was waved over by Rodrick.
"Ah, good you're here." The king said to her, the addressing the rest of the room, "Lords, this is the one I told you of. Please give her your attention, as she tells us what we can expect from the enemy." As they all turned towards her, she couldn't help but to feel uneasy.
Taking a steadying breath, Alara activated her Omni-Tool and pulled up and image, the first of many.
Understanding the look of revulsion on their faces she began, "This is a Husk; they are the Reapers shock troops. They are created by taking humans, both living and dead, and impaling them on a device called a dragons tooth. They feel no pain, are usually found in large groups, and are little more than mindless killing machines."
When she was done with the orientation, one of the lords asked, "What are the most likely disposition of troops?"
Shaking her head, Alara couldn't help but feel like the little girl she was, "I… I don't know… probably Husks and indoctrinated slaves if we're lucky. If not… I just hope there are no Brutes or Banshees."
Nodding a short but stout, human stepped forward. Stroking his beard he said, "Aye, 'his'll beh a hard une. Me 'en me boys'll hav tah be holden the gates. 'ill need double the archers 'hough."
Nodding, Rodrick replied, "Do it Grizzel. Ardavar take the walls, the rest of you deploy in the city and castle." Nodding, the lords began to file out of the room.
Once they were gone Rodrick closed his eyes and asked, "Is it too much to hope the Reaper is alone?"
Weakly Alara replied, "I… I don't know… it would be nice… but…"
"It's a Reaper?" Rodrick half groaned, half chuckled.
Nodding, Alara left.
Returning to her room Alara began to meditate, there was so much to take in and she didn't really have time to take in all her options.
Here she was on an unknown planet, in a completely different dimension; with no way home… did she even want to go home? The war against the Reapers wasn't going well, would she be returning just to die? If so would it be better if she stayed here and made a place for herself?
After hours of contemplation Alara came to the conclusion the she had been guided here by… something… Fate? But whatever it was she was here so she would make the best of it.
Taking off most of her light armor Alara went to bed still wearing her skinsuit.
Feeling a gentle shaking Alara mumbled, "Just a few more minutes."
"Miss, lord Ridrick wishes to speak with you." Came an unknown female voice.
This shocked Alara awake. "I… I'll be ready shortly."
Chewing her lip the girl said, "Um… I have brought you breakfast and preparing the bath."
Nodding slowly, Alara said, "Thank you…"
"I… I was told I am to be your handmaid." The girl informed her.
Pausing at that Alara took a closer look at the girl. She was a brunette with eyes of jade and dark tanned skin. But what really stood out to Alara was the fact that she had ears and a tail.
Blinking, Alara asked, "Um… what race are you?"
Looking away, the girl said, "I… my race is Demi-Human… I am of the Nekorinma Clan."
Pursing her lips thoughtfully, Alara nodded, "Ok, what's your name?"
"T-Talisa." The handmaid replied.
Smiling Alara stood, "Ok, Talisa. Where's the bath?"
As Alara washed, she wondered how the day would play out. It wasn't like she could do anything, and the Reaper wouldn't be here until the evening.
Getting out of the bath Alara dried herself and then wrapped a dry towel around herself as she walked over to the table where her food was waiting.
Sitting down Alara ate as Talisa returned from cleaning her skinsuit and laid it out for her to dress when she was done.
As she made her way to the throne room, Alara checked over her gear. Short Blade, check; N7 Crusader, Check; M-5 Phalanx, check; Thermal clips, check; Kinetic barriers, nominal. The last thing Alara did was check over her Omni-Tool.
Walking into the throne room without her cloak on Alara managed to catch the attention of everyone there. Walking up to the throne she stopped about a three yards away.
"Thank you for coming." Rodrick said with a nod. "I would like for you to-"
Suddenly, one of the courtiers started jerking, and when he stopped his eyes were glowing a sickly orange.
I am Tyrant! Give me the Asari and I will not destroy your primitive city.
Yar!
So hey I've been working on this for a week or so and am making good head way in the second chap. Hope you guys like it.
Your review, I NEED THEM.
Please review, it will help me keep wind in the sails, and the fic alive.