Mass Effect: Each Story Has A Million Tales.

Summary: "There is always more than just one side to a story- and more than one lesson to learn. Follow Garrus Vakarian as he stands by a promise that he means to keep, contemplates the true meaning of life, death, and the ultimate sacrifice, and as he confronts someone who should have been behind him all along. Follow Adelais Vakarian as he mends a broken bond, and as he comes to terms with a terrible loss of his own. Follow Kolyat Krios as he navigates through a very dangerous place, only to find another- under the guidance of someone who may or may not be there at all. And follow Commander Joleen Shepard as she goes through her past and present, only to find herself in the middle of a battle for her future." (Garrus' Story: 'The Promise-Keeper.' Adelais' Story: 'The Old Soldier.' Kolyat's Story: 'The Wanderer.' Shepard's Story: 'The Missing.')

Warning: "This is a heavy one- some swearing, angst, implied adult situations, adult situations, a few character deaths, violence, and blood. All the big ones this time. Remember, this is my Shepard, my feelings on the game and what should have happened and will happen, with my own opinions and storyline, so no nasty comments. Got it? Good." (Commander Joleen Shepard: War Hero, Earthborn. Soldier. Paragon. Romanced Kaidan Alenko in the 1st game, Garrus Vakarian in the 2nd and 3rd. Shot and killed Udina during the Citadel Coup.)

Disclaimer: "I do not own Mass Effect. Don't make me say it again."

Author's Note: "Just so you know, the name 'Adelais,' is Latin for 'Noble.' I thought it fit perfectly. The name 'Carissa' means 'the most beloved one.' Again, I just thought the name fit."

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Chapter Twenty-Five: The Missing IV.

In the aftermath of Ranger's death and the Skyllian Blitz (which was quickly becoming the stuff of legends), Joleen Shepard was left in a semi-aware state; only partially aware of the turbulent world around her- a world, as it turned out, that utterly refused to let her fade into the background and become a mere memory- she was their so-called "war hero" now, and unfortunately, that meant that they weren't about to just let her disappear.

The price of fame was cruel.

Back on Earth, where she was mercifully granted "sustained personal leave" from Alliance Command, along with a small apartment located near the docks of where she used to work just two years ago, the newly appointed Commander Joleen Shepard was hounded relentlessly by reporters, cameras, and so-called "admirers" that continuously followed her everywhere.

Upon her return her return to Earth; Shepard was diagnosed with severe cases of depression, shock, and PTSD. The Medics refused to leave her alone for more than a few days at a time, insultingly claiming that she was mentally and emotionally unstable. Plus, she'd been ordered to submit to invasive psychological testing and intensive therapy sessions to "express the trauma that the Blitz may have caused."

During Ranger's burial however, the Alliance finally came through- in the form of Captain David Anderson.

Anderson easily parted the crowd of excited civilians, and ordered the busybody reporters and cameramen away from the small burial site, without even raising his voice or arguing with anyone.

Shepard, meanwhile, was sitting alone near the new grave, just barely aware of the suddenly dissipating crowds. She still wore the same battered, bloody clothing she had during the fight back on Elysium- a sleeveless, stained, ripped white top, a pair of frayed, faded blue jeans, and no shoes.

And clenched in her right hand, so tightly that her hand bled (and later scarred), was the ring that Ranger had presented to her before he died.

From the beginning, Anderson was sympathetic. He understood what she was going through and wanted nothing more than to help- though she foolishly believed the opposite at the time. He was one of those rare officers who, honest-to-God, truly cared about those under his command.

He cared about what she had to say.

At first, she'd completely ignored him when he sat down next to her on the bench that overlooked Ranger's freshly dug grave; not caring who he was or even what he wanted- at that time, she could honestly say that she didn't give a damn about what anyone or anything anymore.

Anderson didn't even call her out on ignoring a superior officer; like almost any other Alliance official might have. Instead, he did something Shepard never forgot- he took off his worn, blue and gold Captain's coat, revealing a white t-shirt underneath, and threw it over her shoulders, giving her a kind, understanding smile in return for her stunned, wide-eyed gaze.

"He was your friend?"Anderson asked when she looked back at the grave.

She nodded and lowered her head silently.

"I'm sorry."

She gave him another amazed glance, and he gave another smile back.

"What was his name?"

She gave him a suspicious glare and shook her head, refusing to answer.

Anderson looked up into the clear blue sky over their heads, folding his arms and sitting back.

"They awarded him a Medal of Honor for what he did. He's a hero, Commander."

"A dead hero."

Even Shepard was startled at the venom in her voice. Anderson turned his head to look over at her. His dark eyes softened again as he looked into her eyes- straight through her, Shepard would think later.

"He will be remembered."

Shepard snorted bitterly and looked away."But he won't come back."

"No. He won't. But he wouldn't have wanted you to follow him to where he is now."

At that one, Shepard gave him a steely glare and stood up, instantly furious. "What the hell do you know?" She demanded of him, "You don't know anything about him," she declared.

Anderson stood up quickly to stop her from walking away.

"I'm not trying to say that I did," Anderson said, gently, raising his hands half-way up in a surrendering gesture."You were the only one who did, right?"

She stopped, back turned to him, and gazed down at the grass at her feet.

"You two were best friends," Anderson continued, softly, "and probably even more than that. Now that he's gone... you don't know what to do."

Shepard slowly turned her head back toward the man who stood just a few steps away from her. Who is this? She wondered, turning back to face him while giving him her best, neutral gaze, Who is this man?

Who?

N._.S._.S

Okay! Thank you all for your lovely Reviews, Favorites, and Follows! I seriously appreciate it! Life in general got hectic, but never fear! I'm back and ready to kick some ass!

Thank you once again, and I hope you enjoy the next few chapters!

Oh, and also, I've done a lot of editing today! Check it out! XD

And a big thank you to Pawakin, who nicely pointed out the mistake in Chapter 11. You go girl!

1/26/13

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