First of all, I know that this chapter is really short, but I wanted to post something as soon as possible because I feel like I haven't done that for such a long time. I came back on Monday, and I couldn't write anything while I was away. So this one is just a short preview for what's to come, well it's not really a preview...but there are some interesting things mentioned in this chapter.
And I want to remind you that this story doesn't follow the original Mass Effect story completely. There will be missions from ME3, but in different order and some things may change as well, I'm still not sure what though. And guess what's James' role in all this is going to be? ^^
My eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the light. I looked around before squeezing my eyes shut because of the pain in my body.
I was in hospital room, that much I could tell. But I had no idea how I got here or what happened. And there was no one here to tell me.
When I woke up again later, I could move without passing out as the last time. I felt a presence in the room and turning my head towards the silhouette, I barely recognized Garrus' face.
He pushed me back when I tried to sit down. I registered the pain in my stomach and felt as if the sword ran through me again. Getting up was probably not the best idea.
"Lie still Shepard, or the wound will open again." said Garrus, his voice soft, concerned.
I had so many questions, but when I opened my mouth, only a quiet mourn escaped from my lungs.
"You should rest some more, I'll come back again later." he gave my shoulder a light squeeze, but before he could leave I grabbed his hand, stopping him. His eyes met mine and he laughed. "Impatient as ever, Shepard."
He sat back into the chair next to my bed. "You saved the Salarian Councilor, Udina was taken into custody, but the assassin escaped, that's the short version, satisfied?"
I closed my eyes for a second. When I woke up though, Garrus was gone. I must've fallen asleep, again. And as much as my body screamed for me to lie down, I couldn't. When you're stuck in hospital bed for so long, you have enough time to think, about anything. And I did, realizing every mistake I made along the way, every shot of pain I caused myself and everyone around me. I couldn't save everyone, I could barely keep myself alive.
The memories of Akuze returned to me, I saw those soldiers, my friends, my family being slaughtered as I watched from the distance. They all think I was lucky that I got out of there alive, but that's where they're mistaken. I was a coward back then. I ran and hid, watching them fall, not doing a thing to help them. I was pathetic, no, I still am. I'm still running away from danger, from fear and pain.
Cerberus was in the middle of this all, Cerberus was my next and last target. Surely someone will be happy if they're out of the way.
"Where the hell are you going?" James Vega stood in front of me. Surprised, I made few steps back, stumbling on my feet. His arm caught me around my waist before I could fall down on the floor.
Our eyes met for few seconds, there were no emotions in his, only darkness. They resembled mine so much. I caught myself staring at him, but he didn't seem to mind it. He still held me as if I weighted nothing. I turned away, sitting on the bed before I fell again.
"Why are you here, James?"
He shrugged his shoulders. "I'd come a lot sooner if I knew this would happen." A smirk appeared on his face, but noticing that I wasn't in the mood for jokes, it disappeared.
"No, really, Shepard, where did you want to go?" he asked again, not letting the question go.
"It's none of your damn business, Vega." I replied coldly, regretting my tone soon afterwards.
"You're right, it's not. So go ahead, leave." he made a step back to clear from the door. I looked at him, confused, and only to see what he was going to do next, I stood up. I stumbled again, but James didn't even move a muscle.
The path was open, there was nothing stopping me now and yet I just stood there, wondering where to go. I had a target, but no way of getting to it. I was stuck again.
"I need a drink." the words left my mouth before I realized it. I must've looked stupid, only a few days in hospital and I was already going out to drink.
But to my surprise, James slipped a hand around my waist, grabbed my wrist and pulled it around his neck. "I'm buying, Lola."
