Dragon Effect: When Worlds Collide
Chapter III
Dark Space
Solas listened to the creature's tale. Like him, it had lived for countless lifetimes. It had no name except what other species had designated it. Reaper, termed for the coming of an end to the current cycle or age. Harbinger was just one of many of these creatures. Since their creation the reapers had carried out the task designated to them with the utmost efficiency.
Solas was both marveled and terrified at how this new dimension worked. The fade was weak here but he had enough knowledge and power of how it worked to draw strength from the ethereal plane. Harbinger, the creature who had found him in what he now knew was an area called dark space continually tried to invade his mind. Solas was unconcerned with the Reapers attempts. Having faced the likes of demons and rogue spirits do the same, this was mere child's play for the demi-god.
No, demi-god was the wrong term to use. While he and the other Evanuris, may have been extremely powerful in their own right, they weren't gods. Solas looked at the tentacle creature and raised one hand up to it, feeling the cold metal beneath his fingers.
"Harbinger, you seek to continue your mission. You do not fear these organics." Solas spoke.
The cycle has continued for millennia. Organics always fight the change but in the end the cycle continues ever forward. This time shall be no different.
"Perhaps, but from what you have told me of this cycle I fear you may be mistaken. This Malyganya Shepard you mentioned. She is so like the inquisitor of my own world. Even when the odds were stacked against her Mersa never gave up and continued to fight on." Solas conversed.
This is illogical thinking. One organic among the infinite number of lives could not make a difference to us. Shepard will fall and be consumed within the cycle just as it has been for the previous cycles.
Solas chuckled at the simple thinking of the creature. He knew from experience that a single individual could very well mean the difference between victory and defeat.
"Very well then. Allow me to observe your conquest. I shall not be heading back to my own world anytime soon so it would do me well to learn as much as I can of this world.
You are not among the cycle. You may do as you please. However now that we have knowledge about your kind, we shall endeavor to put you along the path of evolution deemed necessary to ensure the survival of organic life within the universe.
At this statement Solas frowned slightly as his eyes began to glow.
"You shall do no such thing creature; you shall leave my world out of your affairs or suffer my wrath." Solas threatened but harbinger took no mind of the elf's statement.
Harbinger's eyes brightened as a loud klaxon-like sound reverberated around them.
Irrational, like all organics. You, Solas shall provide us with information. We will find your world one way or another.
Solas clenched his teeth and began to draw on the power of the fade.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." He spoke before disappearing from Harbingers sight.
Normandy SR-2
"What the hell is that?!" Sera exclaimed pointing her finger at a green skinned man in a dark jacket.
"You weren't kidding when you said she was eccentric, Shepard." The man spoke with a slight echo in his voice.
"This is Thane Krios, he is a drell." Shepard introduced Cassandra and Sera to the assassin.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Krios." Cassandra greeted with a hand extended.
Krios shook the woman's hand with a smile.
"Believe me, the pleasure is all mine. After hearing about the two passengers that Shepard picked up and how you came to be in space I was fascinated that you survived the ordeal." Thane spoke.
It had been a few days since Cassandra and Sera first regained consciousness. Shepard had decided to introduce them to the crew once they were steady on their feet. Because of the medical attention he required from Dr. Chakwas, Thane was the first one to meet the two women. It had taken a lot of explanation on Shepard's part to prepare Cassandra and Sera for the introductions.
She constantly reinforced the fact that none of the crew were demons and that they were fully sentient beings with feelings and emotions just like her. Cassandra understood most of it but Sera mostly brushed it off until meeting Thane. Shepard just appreciated the fact that Sera didn't try to attack Thane.
Thane and Cassandra eventually got to the topic of religion, but Shepard having been checking out Sera didn't follow how they had gotten to that point.
"Hey Shep, why you starring?" Sera questioned placing her hands to her hips.
"You interest me." Shepard answered walking closer to Sera.
"Oh yea? You don't mind the lady bits do you?" Sera shot back with a smirk.
"Lady parts, man parts, as long as they're pleasure parts who cares?" Shepard stated with a slight shrug.
Cassandra choose that moment to clear her throat loudly.
"Perhaps we should meet the rest of your crew. It would do well for us to acquaint ourselves with them." She said sending a sideways glance towards Sera.
Shepard sighed and shook her head.
"EDI contact the crew and have them meet in the communications room." Shepard spoke while motioning for Sera and Cassandra to follow her. Thane stayed behind to get his treatment giving a small bow to Cassandra.
AS the three women made their way to the elevator, Shepard saw the gunnery doors open. Stepping from the room a tall, crest-headed individual in shining armor made their way towards the elevators.
"Hello Shepard, I take it, this meeting is to acquaint our two newest passengers with us." The person spoke.
Even though Cassandra didn't know much about this world she could tell this creature was male. He had many features similar to that of birds.
"That's right Garrus. The one on the left with dark hair and the military disposition is Cassandra Pentaghast. The one on the right with blond hair is Sera." Shepard introduced, motioning to each one respectively.
Sera actually looked at Garrus with interest as her eyes roamed over his body.
"Shame you don't have girly bits eh Gary. I think we could have some fun in the sack, you know…woof." Sera commented with a slight blush on her cheeks.
Garrus faltered for a bit and turned to the other two women for some kind of signal but neither Shepard or Cassandra had anything to say to him.
When the elevator arrived on their level there were already people on it. Shepard and Garrus recognized them as Jack, Grunt, Zaeed, and Samara. Sera's eyes widened at the sight of Samara, or more specifically the size of the asari's breasts.
"Cassy, lookit the size of the melons on that one!" sera exclaimed as the group went onto the elevator with the others.
Shepard couldn't help but snicker as Cassandra place her palm over her face and groaned. Samara for the most part was unflustered and merely looked at Sera with an emotionless gaze.
"It is strange to see you outside your room Samara. Checking in on Grunt again?" Garrus asked as the elevator rose.
Grunt chuckled deeply while rolling his neck to the side.
"Samara is a great warrior. It would be a shame if I didn't try to learn from her in some respect." Grunt stated.
"I take it you come from a warrior race." Cassandra stated.
"Yes, the Krogan. We are the biggest baddest race in the galaxy and everyone knows it." Grunt said proudly while smashing his fists together.
A woman covered in tattoos chuckled and looked over at Grunt.
"Can't really call you a true Krogan when your headplates aren't fully formed." She spoke with a smirk.
Grunt merely growled and smiled back at the woman.
When the elevator came to a stop everyone got off and began walking either to the left or right. Cassandra and Sera took a moment to take in the sight before them as the breaths left their bodies. If they hadn't already been assured that everything before them was real the two women might have had a mental breakdown from the technology in front of them.
They were pulled from their stupor by Shepard. The woman guided them through another room which was filled with strange looking instruments as well as what appeared to be chemical vials.
"Is this where your alchemist works?" Cassandra asked.
"Something like that. I'll have you meet everyone in a few moments." Shepard answered.
After passing through two more doors Shepard, Sera and Cassandra entered the communications room where the crew minus Thane sat in chairs or stood in various locations.
"Alright then, let's get down to business shall we?" Shepard said as the door closed behind her.
Unknown
Mersa
She heard the voices. They were familiar to her. She still didn't know where she was or how long she had been submerged. The pain had stopped for now. Whatever was happening it didn't seem as if her captor wanted to speak to her. She was just being tortured without reason.
Mersa, heed our call.
Who are you?
We are those who have need of you. You stand against Fen'Harel. You are the enemy of our enemy. That makes you a potential friend.
Yea, I know the saying. What do you have against Solas?
He imprisoned us. We were gods among mortals until the betrayer cast us out.
I've read about you. In the Temple of Mythal, and the scattered clues throughout the eluvian network. You were the ones who killed Mythal and drove Solas to act the way he did.
Insolent child, you think that choice was made lightly? You who have drunk from the well of sorrows. How dare you speak of events you never witnessed especially with the knowledge and power the well contained now flowing through you.
Is this why I can commune with you, because of the well?
That is only part of the reason. You are Mythal's chosen. Despite what you told your heathen lover about refusing the elven gods and the old ways.
No, you don't speak of her that way ever. I don't care if you are gods. You don't insult Sera!
Trivial mortal follies. You who have the potential to transcend the mortal coil and rise to our pantheon are above such things.
If you believe that, then you may have chosen the wrong vessel to be your avatar. I would never sacrifice my friends or family for power.
You remembered us? You remember the power we granted you?
Just now yes, I can feel my connection to the fade getting stronger. The only explanation considering what we have been talking about that makes sense is that you were the ones who granted me the power to match Solas the first time.
Hardly match him, but the surge we gave you caught him off guard. The power we can grant you will come over time. You must acclimate yourself to it so as not to destroy your physical body.
I do enjoy having it. So I was a pretty powerful mage in my own right. Solas' training expanded my skillset. The well of sorrows expanded my overall power and understanding of magic. What is it that you all will do to me?
Right now your magic is like a puddle while Fen'Harel's is an ocean. We shall empower you overtime to match and overpower him. With our training and guidance, you shall even be able to use the anchor he created and make it your own.
Sounds like a decent plan. I can't have Solas destroying the world but what do you get out of this?
As much as we would like to be freed from this infernal prison, too much time has passed. Lock Fen'Harel in here with us. We shall become his wardens and your world will be safe from his machinations.
Ok then, let's start my training. I'll need it if I want to escape from captivity.
With your connection to the fade restored, you should be able to free yourself whenever you want.
True, but I don't know what I'll be up against. It wouldn't do well for your avatar to be killed because she wa ill-prepared now would it?
That would be problematic. Very well, let us start Marsa; the Chosen of Mythal and Avatar of the Evanuris.
A/N: Yes, I know there is technically no sound in space but if you've played ME3 then you know the sound the Reapers make can clearly be heard during space sequences so don't nitpick. Also net chapter will finally have some action in it. Drop a review let me hear your thoughts.
