A/N: Well, this chapter has been done for weeks, but I wanted to finish the first chapter of the next story and maybe make a 'bridge story' of Melody's time with Nihlus. I decided to write the bridge story, but it will be posted whenever just in case people are interested in it. It isn't essential to the storyline so I figured I'd do it separately and not make it part of the intricate plot. Please tell me if you are interested in reading that though please.

The next story will be called "Butterfly Effect: Making Hurricanes" and the first chapter will be up tomorrow after my BETA, my sister Megan, has read it. Please check it out, it is the ME:1 storyline.

Now, onto this chapter, that last of this story arc! I hope you like it and please leave a review!

Our final test. Everything has been leading up to this. The final resolve, the three of us together running, gunning, and making things explode. It all leads to one door.

BOOM!

One final explosion, and through the exit. Record time. We were done.

It is strange to wake up and know that you are finished. And we were. Finished with our training, understanding our biotics, controlling them, and our time in the warehouse.

Everyone had left, except for Venicia because that was her job. We made her promise to keep in touch and meet up once in a while for lunch. We weren't going to leave her alone down here. She blushed brightly when Smol had told her he would come pick her up for the wedding. Tears were shed and we all shared a victory dinner.

The wedding was four days away.

Naturally I moved in with Davix. It would have been too much of a hassle to get my own place for such a short time, so we found a place for the both of us. He would live here more than I, but not by much. He still had some training and observation to do.

To become a Spectre. Jondum Bau had looked over the files, watched the videos, and had interviewed people about Davix. When he offered his name and asked Davix if he wanted to be a Spectre, Davix accepted without hesitation.

When I had asked him why he simply said, "Want to help people. Built houses and gave technology before. Want to protect them now." He answered staring into space and then turned to look at me, "Besides, know you are up to something. Going with Nihlus, training to become his pilot, knowing something of possible future. Having a friend in Spectres may help."

I was completely shocked to say the least. I'm not surprised he knew I had a plan, but that he would help without even knowing what it is? We actually argued for a bit, nothing bad, just a conversation with strong points on both sides. I just wanted to make sure this is what he really wanted and that I can tell him some things, but most have to be kept a secret. He assured me that this is what he wanted to do and it wasn't 'all about me.' At least he had a smile on his face when he said that latter.

"Seems like something big. Want to be a part of it. After I am inducted into Spectre status," he finished and I could just laugh and give the crazy Salarian a hug.

Naryk's choice though is what really blew my mind.

Information Broker.

Now that really did turn into a screaming match. He said it was a great idea, especially since he also wants to help me and the Spectres. He and Davix had talked about it at Naga's shop. Her clothing shop would be the front. She was cool with it and excited. Argh!

I too thought it was a good idea except for the fact of who the Shadow Broker was. Dangerous. I'm also not going to be selling information to receive information, at least not the classified stuff that I hold in my brain.

He retaliated, "I'll find a way to have information bought from you that isn't vital, even if it means buying it off someone else and posing it as yours."

"You could be found out and tortured or killed for that!"

"No, I'm actually very good at information and hiding my trail! I've always helped Sparatus, even as a merchant, I think I will do very well with this. This is what I excelled at and trained for in the military. Stealth and information. I will use it!" He heatedly raged back.

"Fine, I actually completely understand! I'm just worried for you, you big git!" I screamed back at him and we both just blinked. "Sorry, I've been acting like a total jerk. I do appreciate it and I do think you will do well," I calmly state to him. I turn to Naga who looks awkward, "Thank you as well."

"Yes well… I didn't know you could yell like that," she says and laughs a little bit. "I knew he could but," she gestures toward me and all I can do is shrug my shoulders. I remember she had looked pissed off when I first started screaming that he couldn't do it, but when she found out it was because I was worried she calmed down and just watched.

"Sorry I got too crazy. But you are both crazy. I look forward to working with you," I said and Naryk shook my hand, our fight now water under the bridge.

Turian weddings are full of tradition, as any event is, and this one certainly performs some of them. I am wearing red in honor of Naryk, as is Davix who looks quite dashing in its deep hue. Steel colored necklace and colored nails in honor of Naga, and white shoes. You wear the colors of the one you are most affiliated with and if you know the second, you wear accents of their plate color. Venicia and Titani wear steel colors while everyone else from the base has donned red.

I can't see Naga until the festivities begin because Naryk wants me here. Nihlus has shown up too, and Sparatus is presiding over the ceremony.

Davix and I don't quite know what to do with ourselves since our levo food is not here yet. The family that is also in here didn't expect a Human and Salarian to be in the private room. Only family and closest friends are allowed. I feel a little flattered that Naryk asked us to be here, honestly.

To his credit, Naryk doesn't look nervous at all. Dressed in all white, he looks confident, calm, and collected. Even I'm full of jitters. Standing around and talking to his selected cousins is actually kind of fun. I get to hear little things from his childhood and Davix steers the conversation away about how he knows us. We don't want to bring up that darned planet today if we can help it.

Naryk and Sparatus are in the corner, discussing last minute details. My curiosity is building every moment but before I can find Nihlus and ask him every question I have, a deep bell tolls once.

Naryk's head shoots up toward the door and I can see the first sign of nervousness cross his face. Wonder and excitement quickly overshadow it, or really, they outshine it. Davix and I quickly find each other and link arms, making our way to the back of the line. Naryk passes by and I am able to discreetly squeeze his hand, a quick show of support. We don't look at one another or acknowledge the exchange except he gives me a quick squeeze back.

Our arms linked, and at the back of the procession the door opens. Naryk leads, and as Nihlus explained beforehand, across the sanctuary Naga is coming out to walk beside him, her procession following her and everyone else meeting in the room from outside. There are about ten Turians in front of us as we enter the sanctuary, walking together toward the rise in the middle of the room

Naga is in white too as a representation of the markings color of the clan she is going to join. Green is sporadically layered in with the white. Her 'gown' is made entirely of layers draped over her and it's so elegant. It took her family an hour and a half to finish it all. She looks ethereal.

Naga and Naryk join each other on top of the circular rise, Sparatus standing with them and the rest of the Turians and guests mingling, making a sea of red and steel. Esara and Tyrex come to stand by Davix, and Venicia and Smol stand by me. The two clans are coming together, not alienating one another. Looks like good news to me, that both are accepted. It is actually rare to not be accepted but you just never know. I was jittery.

Sparatus starts the ceremony and I am enraptured. They are both shining so brightly and even Sparatus seems to have a little smile on his face. His voice fills the Temple and it's actually enough to lull me into a relaxed state. I don't understand everything he says, but then again every language has words that don't translate. I can still feel the deep meaning and emotions emanating from them though.

Davix looks at me in alarm when I get teary eyed, but it's just so beautiful, and I give him a smile and a shake of the head to tell him I'm okay. He turns back to the ceremony when he's convinced.

Then something I am familiar with begins and I listen intently. Their vows. Naryk says his first, promises made and promises I know he will keep. How he is devoted to her and will protect her. Then Naga says hers, and though they are much the same, she uses her own words. The do not exchange rings nor the standard human vows that come with them, just their own words, oaths made before their clans and friends. Oaths that will be upheld.

Instead Sparatus hands Naryk a special cloth.

"I voluntarily join myself with you, my bondmate, leaving my clan marking behind and accepting yours," Naga says before all.

"My clan accepts you into the family, willing to protect you and all offspring we share. We accept that you are still a part of your family and wish for us to tie ourselves together, in harmony," Naryk states, his voice loud and proud.

"We have given our consent," Naga answers and Nark moves the cloth over face, her clan marking coming off. They had removed the more permanent ones earlier and repainted them with simple paint for the ceremony. This doesn't always happen, but since Naryk has no direct family, Naga wanted to give him this and start his own part of the clan.

Nihlus hands Naryk a white container with a brush. Naryk smiles at his bondmate and paints his clan markings upon her plates.

With each stroke, a promise is made, an oath from their hearts. The tears flow freely now down my face but they are tears of such joy.

Naryk finishes and gives the items back to Nihlus. Naga takes his hands and their foreheads meet, causing the Turians around us to cheer. The new couple slowly make their way down the rise and out the door. I laugh when I see their moon eyes just gazing at one another. Luckily other doors are opening so everyone else can leave without disturbing the newlyweds.

Davix loops his arm through mine again and we leave the opposite way of Naryk, our shuttle waiting behind another door.

"Here," Davix says and I see him holding up his green handkerchief.

"Thanks," I wipe my face and dry my eyes. "Um, can I give this back to you after I've cleaned it?"

"Of course."

"Oh good," I reply and blow my nose when we get in the shuttle. Davix just laughs and I feel embarrassed as I put it in my small bag.

"At least I can breathe again," I counter him with.

"Indeed," he chuckles again and then becomes somber. "Melody, let's make lots of fun memories today."

My eyes mist over again but I'm able to smile, "Yes! Oh let's take a picture!"

Davix takes out his omnitool sets it up. I grab him in a sideways hug and giving the camera our best smiles, he takes the picture. He sends me a copy and I immediately save it. The shuttle slows down and we land right outside of the reception. Davix helps me out, these heels aren't doing my any favors, and he escorts me in.

The music is pounding when we arrive and many have already started celebrating. Luckily you don't have to yell to be heard and can enjoy pleasant conversation at the tables. I quickly look around the room, taking it all in and categorizing where everything is. Finally I find it. The table with food and a sign saying 'Levo'.

"Hungry?" I ask Davix and he follows my line of sight, nodding and we set off.

Strawberries, chocolate cake, turkey, and this one pastry Davix loves so much is piled high on my plate. Davix has his Salarian foods almost twice as high as my food. I see a familiar face sitting alone and go join him.

"Hey Kaidan. Nice that they were able to get our choice foods huh?" I say and sit across from him.

"Yeah, Naga did a good job after asking us what we like. I need to ask who made this, it is delicious. I wonder if I could replicate it," he says and is devouring something. Probably some futuristic food I don't recognize because I haven't eaten it yet. Maybe I should grab some on my next sweep through the food table.

"Whoever made this, professional. If you get recipe send it to me," Davix says as he enjoys the same food.

"I'd never read or heard about Turian weddings. The ceremony was very nice," Kaidan says and we all look up as Venicia and Smol join us. Davix and I exchange a look at the two. She hasn't stopped blushing and he looks lost, but happy.

"Nothing like breeding contracts," Davix says in an attempt to continue the conversation. Everyone gives him an 'uh duh' look but he just shrugs and goes back to eating.

"The vows were a little similar to human custom. Oh, no I should say the custom that I am used to in weddings. Humans have different ones depending on where they live, their religion, there are many factors," I ramble out when I realize how that first thing didn't sound right.

"You humans always do," Titani flops into the chair next to me. "The wedding didn't last nearly as long as our Asari weddings. We sing in our Temple for the blessings of the goddess. It can take hours depending on the canticle they choose."

"Wow. Are there any that are just five verses?" Kaidan laughs but stops when Titani gives him a scandalized glare.

"Do you want to have such a small blessed wedding?" She asks with the same look on her face.

"No?" Kaidan answers sheepishly.

"Then no."

Thank goodness I'm not actually into Asari. I wouldn't have the attention span for that.

"Most Asari actually don't go through with it though. Your lives are so fleeting that unless they really love you they won't do it. Or they just perform the other species ceremony," Titani finishes. Everyone looks really uncomfortable and Titani starts realizing her mistake.

"That… killed the mood," I whisper to her and now she looks like she feels bad for bringing up our mortality like it means nothing to her.

A hand on my shoulder pulls my attention and I turn to Davix. "Dance?" he asks me and gestures to the floor.

I grin and stand up to meet him, "Good luck trying to make me not look like a clod."

"Don't let her lie to you, she's a good dancer," Esara says as she and Tyrex dance by our table. "You just have to show her how it's done," she gives me a wink and I blush as I remember the some of the moves she showed me and actually talked me into doing. No way is that happening here.

"Can do," Davix says and suddenly I'm pulled into the throng.

...

I had no idea this Salarian could boogie like this. I can't name anything he's doing and I can't keep up so I just move with the music. The look of absolute glee on his face and his constant movement has me in laughing fits when I catch a glimpse. Even more so when he comes behind me and grabs my arms to make me dance like him. I don't think I've ever had this much fun.

I'm breathless when the song ends and I turn around to face him again, and see Kaidan holding up his omnitool, Jirace beside him and grinning.

"I'm surprised. I've never seen you dance like that. Well, I guess for your birthday," I laugh at the memory and so does he. I turn to Kaidan, "now, did you take pictures or record that?"

"Both," Jirace answers helpfully and I can't help but laugh again.

"I gotta learn how to dance like that somehow," Kaidan looks at Davix astonished.

"I want a copy," I say and wave my omnitool.

"Me as well," Davix says and soon a ping lights up our omnitools.

"So Davix," Kaidan starts and gestures to him and Jirace, "going to teach us how to dance like that?"

"Hm? Oh no, can't dance crazy like that. Won't. Slow dancing. That's fun," Jirace protests and I wonder what kind of slow dancing he means.

"Will show you. Later. Need a drink first. Dance with Melody, will be back soon," Davix says and disappears into the crowd.

Kaidan shrugs and starts doing some of his dance moves while Jirace just moves his hands a little bit. Kaidan must have dragged him out here. I join them, just letting myself have fun no matter how foolish I looked. Davix soon returns with a drink for me as well. Non-alcoholic. Bless him.

I don't get to finish it though before the music suddenly stops and everyone looks around to find out why. Our question is answered when Naryk jumps on top of his table and the room goes silent.

"Thank you for coming to celebrate with us. There was once, a time when I thought this would be impossible. As you all should know, I was stranded on a planet for four months. But I wasn't alone," Naryk starts, "The ship that crashed was a colony, but I crash landed with two people. Two people that helped me stay alive and kept the hope I had alive in me as well."

Naryk is looking straight at Davix and I now. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I hold tightly onto Davix' hand. I make a minor notice that the crowd has started to part now and are looking between Naryk and us. I didn't care though, I just want to hear what Naryk is going to say.

"We went through many levels of hell down there, but we had a few good times as well. These two, Davix and Melody, have become my two closest friends and companions. I wouldn't be here without them. So my friends, I thank you," Naryk holds up his glass and Davix and I answer by holding ours up as well.

Naryk continues, "Now, as a testament I have one last thing for the three of us to do," he finishes and I take a peek at Davix who looks just as curious as I.

He jumps down, grabs something from the floor, and puts it around his neck. Davix and I crack up when Naryk stands up, banging out a beat on his Turian drums.

"Speaking of your birthday earlier," I say in-between laughs to Davix and together we run up to join Naryk.

We both recognize the beat/song and dance the dance we created when the three of us celebrated Davix' birthday. For a moment, I can smell the ocean, hear the wind through the trees, and see the bright moons of the planet.

Then I hear the hall of Turians cheering for us as Davix and I grab hands to do a complicated foot rhythm and spin. The beat changes and we hop on either side of Naryk. He joins us in the final dance and foot stomping, slamming his mallets on the drums in one final note and we strike a pose.

Cheers, laughter, and music fill the room again and we all have someone approach us to speak with. It's embarrassing how many people want to talk with me now that they know how I know Naryk. Finally Kaidan comes and steals me away and I go relax at the table. Davix manages to slip away and the party continues on as it had before.

Now though, my friends from the base have all gathered and start asking questions. As if Naryk talking about it finally unsealed the silence we've kept about the planet, and gave them permission to finally ask. Davix and I answer what we can, politely, but we don't tell them we still have nightmare sometimes or jump at certain sounds.

All conversation, now on a lighter note and not about the planet, stops when a Salarian enters the hall and makes his way to our table. Davix looks at me with a small smile and I understand.

"It is my time to say goodbye my friends," he tells the table. Smol looks sad to see him leaving, and hugs are passed around the table, his brother holding on the longest.

I am interrupted when a hand lands upon my shoulder and I turn to see Nihlus greeting the table. Another sad smile breaks across my face as I tell them all, that it is my time to leave too. I thank Kaidan, Smol, and Tyrex profusely for all they did for me and all they taught me. Sharing a quick punch with Titani, Smol handing Venicia a handkerchief, a brief hug and goodbye with Jirace and Esara, a quick salute with Karvol who showed up just to say goodbye, and the four of us are off to find Naryk.

Jandom Bau introduces himself to me as we walk through the throng of people. I too introduce myself, but apparently he knows who I am already. Videos and Nihlus he says.

Each step to find Naryk is a burden upon my heart. I knew this day was coming, knew it was today. But knowing that the moment is finally here, that there is no turning back, makes me unbearably sad.

"Ah, there you are," Naryk breaks through the crowd and finds us by the doors. At least we have relative privacy here. Naga is at his side, beaming as is expected. "We've stayed long enough to be polite and as expected but… I see… you're leaving already as well?" his elated face fades into sad happiness and I can already feel the lump in my throat.

"Yes. Came to find you to say goodbye," Davix sounds a little choked up when he says that. Bau and Nihlus back up a little bit and go talk to give us more privacy. Don't want to see your pupils crying before you take them out into the galaxy. Awkward.

"Congratulations Naryk, Naga. I hope you have a happy and blessed marriage," I manage to get out but gasp when I'm crushed in a powerful hug. An arm leaves from around my shoulder and after wiggling for a sec I can see Naga grab Davix shirt collar and pull him into the hug as well. I manage to get an arm untrapped and around her to return the hug.

"You both be safe. Be happy. Thank you so much for everything," she finally leans back, Davix and I still squished together. "We'll see you soon. Keep in touch."

"Yes," Davix and I say together. The moment she lets us go I launch myself at Naryk and give him a tight hug.

"I'm gonna miss you," I will not cry!

"I'm going to miss you too. You too there Timult, if you can hear me," he chuckles a little, but I can hear the wavering of his voice. I can feel Timults surprise as he watches the entire encounter from my eyes.

"I love you brother," I almost choke out and hope he accepts it as it is. His hug gets tighter and I can barely hear him whisper it back to me, with a 'sister' instead.

Oh God this is going to totally crush me. I let him go and blink my eyes quickly so the tears don't fall. Giving each other watery smiles, Naryk reaches out and grasps arms with Davix.

"Been a pleasure doing business with you," Davix teases and none of us can help but laugh.

"You too Davix. Good luck out there, you're an easy in to the Spectres. Be careful," Naryk says.

"Be safe yourself. Have some kids," Davix continues and Naryk shakes his head, a smile on his face. The two look at each other and give one another a Turian signal for 'confirmation'. Naryk reaches out and takes Naga's hand.

Davix turns to me and holds out his arms, ready to catch me. I wrap him in a hug, not wanting to let go of my best friend. "Love you Davix. I'll miss you." I lean back and look him in the eye. "Congratulations again. I believe in you, so go out there and secretly kick bad guy butt."

He chuckles a little bit and doesn't break eye contact, "Be safe Melody." He hugs me again and quietly says, "Love you too."

Oh I am going to be crying waterfalls before I go to sleep tonight!

We let go and each take a step away, looking between the three of us. A final wave, a final smile.

And then we all walk away with our separate futures.

FOUR WEEKS LATER:

I've been antsy, running around with Nihlus on two missions so far and one that really tested our breaking points. He found out how loyal I was to him and I found out how far he will go for me. It is not something I want to experience again, but if the future holds what I think it does, I will be challenged with even greater perils.

I can't help but wonder when we are going to join the Normandy, since Kaidan said before the wedding that it was only a couple of weeks away that his new orders went into effect. Nihlus has had us on the Citadel for two days now as he talks with the Council about the last mission and his new one.

"Well I have good news, and I have bad news. What do you want to hear first?" Nihlus says as he comes out of the Council Chambers and I fall into step beside him.

"Bad," I say right away. I hope it isn't too bad.

"Interesting. Usually people want the good first."

"Why get your hopes up only to have them dashed by the bad news? I'll take the bad first, so I can be happy later."

"Alright. Well for this mission you are not going to be my pilot."

Oh this sucks. What am I going to do now? "Bugger. The good news?" I finally look up at him and blanch. He's smirking. And he looks too amused.

"You can still come with me. I am going to be on a new ship called the Normandy, shadowing and mentoring someone for Spectrehood." I would have stumbled and fallen, complete shock taking over if it wasn't for Timult keeping me from doing so.

'Thanks.'

*Of course. He can't know this is what you've been expecting. Although he probably suspects it. Carry on. This is interesting.*

"Really? I get to come with you? Who is it?"

"This is his dossier," he hands me the datapad and I finally get my look at Shepard.

'Katsuya Shepard.'

I look up at Nihlus with a grin.

"Let's go."

A/N 2: Well this is it. Please check tomorrow night for the next story! Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, alerted, and given me constructive criticism. You all have my sincere gratitude.