Shepard Stories

by Da Foaming Dragon

These stories are just fragments (Blips or One Shots) of Jonathan Shepard through the first three games and his life afterwards. These stories are of Shepard, his family or friend's. What lies ahead for him, his lover and his children? The stories are in chronological order and one will explain another whether it's next or further down the line.

35. Nightmare

Ch 35: The Nightmare

Armali, Thessia - T'Soni-Shepard Estate November 2229CE

—/

Miranda woke in the night to relieve herself and on her way back she heard a strange noise. She nudged Liara and she stirred in her sleep then grunted. Miranda pushed her a bit harder.

Liara opened her eyes and turned toward her then said in a groggy voice "What? What's wrong?"

Miranda shook her head as she rose a finger "Listen!"

She sat up as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes then furrowed her markings "What is that?" Liara got out of bed and quickly grabbed her robe as did Miranda. They walked out and they saw Shay and another commando at the bottom of the stairs. Liara looked at them then asked, "Is that...Gimpy?"

Shay rubbed her face a few times then replied, "I think so."

Miranda raised a brow "I thought he slept with Ry?"

Liara shook her head "No, he normally sleeps with Bene but when she's not here he sleeps in Ry's room. I guess with her helping Mil he's been sleeping with Ry." Liara shook her head "The girls and Cam must be hard sleepers. How can they not hear that?" They all hurried up the stairs and saw Gimpy sitting in front of Mili's room. She looked down the hallway and saw Anna, Gwyn and Ry standing in the middle of it.

Ry pat her leg "Come here boy."

He just sat there and whimpered strangely

Ry spoke "What's with him?"

Her mother shook her head "I'm not sure." Liara walked up to Gimpy and pet him "What's the matter?"

He looked at her then continued to whimper in front of the door.

Liara pinched her brow markings at Mil in her room and not in Benezia's. She ran her hand over the door but it didn't open then she knocked gently "Mili?" When she didn't receive a response she went to tap at her omni tool but noticed she didn't have it on. "Shit." She ran downstairs to her room to grab her omni tool and when she entered she quickly said "Babe! Get up!"

Shepard popped his head up "Huh? What?"

"I don't know something is wrong." She grabbed her omni tool then ran back up the stairs as she slid it on. She quickly tapped at her omni tool for the master code to the door then ran her hand over the door. Liara and Miranda hurried into the room and saw the lights were at thirty percent. Liara looked over at the bed and saw that all the sheets, pillows and blankets were on the floor. Mil was curled up in a fetal position shaking. Her aura was lit blue as she thrashed around then she stopped and whimpered. "V.I lights all the way!" demanded Liara

Anna, Gwyn and Riley peeked in the room "Mom..." Their mother just shook her head at them.

Miranda arched a brow as she looked at Liara "I thought Nezzie was helping her?"

Liara shrugged as she shook her head "She has been for weeks. I don't understand. I had no idea it was this bad. Nez said she thrashed around in her sleep but she never said violently and in a state of panic like this. Nez was nothing like this after her incident."

Miranda scrunched her brows as she looked closer at the edge of the bed then mumbled "What is that? Is that…" she spoke louder "Liara, that's throw up on the edge of the bed"

She looked over at her first and said "Shay, get Zen and Dr Caliix over here!" She quickly walked up to the bed and sat down then touch her leg. Mil jerked away and she shook in fear. Liara gently said "Mili? It's ok... it's just me, auntie Liara."

Miranda hurried over to the bathroom and grabbed a few towels and a damp wash cloth. When she came back out and closer to the side of the bed she noticed the small packets of drugs on the floor near the bed. "Fuck! She relapsed Liara that's why she threw up." She quickly wiped up the throw up then discarded the towels in the bathroom. When she returned she bent down and picked up the small packets of drugs on the floor then showed them to her.

Liara got her com unit "Zen, I need you in here now! Double time Mil is a relapse. Some sort of drug induce sleep panic or an overdose. I don't know!" She looked at Miranda "When the hell did she get those?

Miranda shrugged "Did she bring them with her?"

Shay shook her head "She must have had them on her when we left Omega because she hasn't left the estate!"

Liara tried to touch her again and her aura grew as she jerked away. Liara took a breath then got up and ran down the hall to Benezia's room. She saw her asleep in her bed with the tv running. Well, that's why she couldn't hear Gimpy "Nezzie!" She yelled

She jolted awake "What?" She rubbed her face at the sight of her mom in her room in a panic "What's happening?"

"It's Mili! I need you...right now."

"Shit!l She quickly got out of bed and ran down the hall. When she got to her room she saw her best friend in a complete mess. Benezia quickly walked up to her and sat on the bed as she reached out for her, her mother said "I've already tried that. Please be careful!"

Liara watched as her daughter's hand turned red then she touched Mili's leg and spoke gently to her "Mili... it's me calm down." They watched Mili's aura diminish and she stopped shaking. Her daughter inched closer to her then laid down next to her and Mil clung to her. Benezia held her and gently said, "It's ok... I'm here. Calm down."

Miranda whispered to Liara "What the fuck just happened?"

Liara shook her head "I have no idea exactly. She has a power that clouds the mind and she only sees what she wants them to see." Liara ran her hands down her face "This whole time I thought she was getting better but Nezzie is literally her security blanket. She can't be without her. I'm assuming she attempted that tonight and this is what happened."

"Why didn't she just get up and go back to Nezzie's room?" asked Miranda

Liara shook her head as she replied "I don't know. She slept with the lights on. I'm assuming she was in a solid state of fear." She sighed "There's no way I can let her leave to Serrice with her like this. She's going to have to sleep in the med bay from now on with actual medical attention. I understand why Zen and Dr. Caliix were confused with her "Recovery". There wasn't a recovery but a masking and all we've done here is delayed her recovery."

Zen ran into the room "What happened?" She looked over at Mil clinging to Benezia for dear life.

Liara pointed "This! She's nowhere near better. Nezzie here has been inducing a vision in her mind that has been blocking everything out. The pain, the fear, the withdrawals …everything."

Zen shook her head "No wonder." She walked over to her "Mili? Let's get you down to the medbay."

She shook her head and quickly said "No!"

Dr. Caliix hurried through the door "Don't touch her!"

Miranda looked at her then at Benezia "Too late for that!"

The doctor walked up to Mili and shined a light near her eyes "She still asleep!"

Liara furrowed her brow markings "What?"

Zen picked up the drugs on the nightstand "Doctor, a drug induced nightmare?"

"Shit! I was afraid of that." said Dr. Caliix

"What are those and what do they do?" asked Liara

Zen scanned the three packets "Well, this one is taken for a high, no pain type drug but this one can cause hallucinations and very lethal if used in large doses." She grabbed the third one "Ugh this is just toxic." She looked at the floor then bent down and grabbed two others. "Christ... You mix some of these together and you can get something like this. Even worse when she's in a state of fear or a very bad drug overdose if too much is consumed."

The doctor looked at her clinging to Benezia "How'd she do that? She should be tearing at her face." asked the doctor

Liara replied "Her powers are clouding her mind."

"Well, now the last few weeks make sense. Years of usage and her body is used to these drugs and we were ready for her withdrawals but we never received them because of the clouding. I guess it's good for the withdrawals but not for her psyche. I'm assuming this was an attempt to sleep by herself?"

Liara nodded "That's what I'm assuming but we don't understand why she didn't just go back to Benezia room."

"Ahh that would be called pride." said Dr Caliix

"Pride?" said Liara

"Yes, it tends to run strong among all species. "Her pride to not show weakness or in this case to show that she could sleep by herself. So, instead of simply walking back to Benezia and saying, "I can't" she chose to do this."

Liara and Miranda both shook their head "Damn it Mili." said Miranda

-/

Benezia entered Mili's mind (Mili?) she didn't get a response. She eased deeper into the darken chaos then stopped. (I'm not searching for you! Get your ass over here!)

She heard her say (No!)

(Damn it Mil! Stop pouting you big baby!)

(I'm not a baby!)

(Uh huh, what do you call it then?) she heard her huff. (Why didn't you just come back to my room babe?)

(I don't know!)

(Oh, so you'd rather just be in here scared?)

(Yea... I guess so...)

(Come here baby and we'll go back to my room. When we get there I'll let you kiss on my breasts.)

(Yea?)

She smirked (Oh, that caught your attention did it? Come here you horndog)

(I'm not either.)

(Uh huh. Aww you want me to come love on you?)

(Will you?)

(You're such a big ooey gooey baby. Get your pouty ass over here) She felt her getting closer. Then she saw her sulking. (What's wrong?)

(You're going to be mad at me) she inched closer to her.

(Why? What did you do?)

She kept her distance from her (A bad thing)

Benezia walked closer to her (Come here and tell me.)

She stepped away as she shook her head (No!)

(You're purposely staying away from me? What did you do?) she felt her run away. Benezia huffed (Get your ass back here!)

—/

The crowd in Mil's room all had raised brows at the sight before them. They saw Mil shaking her head and pouting. Liara looked at the doctor "What's happening?"

"I'm not sure. Benezia must be talking to her in her mind and Mil is apparently pouting."

They suddenly saw Benezia's aura blaze as did Mil's. Miranda quickly said "Ummm What's happening?"

Mil jerked and stiffened out like a board then jerked again then Benezia moved slightly. Liara raised her brows "What the hell is going on?" Liara hurried over to her daughter in a panic when she tried to touch her she received a shock. She jerked back then shook her hand "Owww shit!"

"Are they fighting?" asked Miranda

Dr. Caliix shook her head "I'm not sure. Mil could think she's a monster or an enemy?"

Liara jumped back "What the hell is that?"

Zen walked forward some "I've never seen anything like that."

Liara reached out to touch it then Dr. Caliix quickly said "Don't!"

Miranda eased forward as she looked at the red bubble surrounding them. "It's some sort of protective bubble or force field even. You can't even see inside." She looked over at Liara "Who knows what would happened if you touched it."

Liara opened her omni tool to document it in order to ask the priestess about it later.

Zen inched closer to the shield and looked at it "Look at the power emitting from it." She hoovered her hand near it "Damn... I can feel it, it's so strong." She looked at Liara "Lia, let's hope she never becomes evil because she will be a force to be reckoned with. If she's this powerful now then she will be beyond anything we've ever seen for millennia to come when she gets older and in her prime. She's already more powerful than several justicars put together. Could you imagine if this was Aria?"

Liara ran her hands over her face "Goddess... I know! As you probably know the protheans uplifted us, cultivated us, scientifically tested on us or whatever. That's how we supposedly have these specific asari skills such as melding. All of that is still word of mouth from Javik and there are supposedly archives about this all but in complete lock down. So, with these modifications we have the rulers which are these golden lineages with additional modifications and then there are the regular asari. When I read through the archives about the rulers back in the day. There were two particular golden rulers that stood out to me. Most golden rulers didn't care to rule but did because it was there "duty". When they came into their power they didn't seek it out to fully learn it. They just did their daily duty and went on about their lives. But there were these two particular golden rulers that sought out the power. Studied it, learned it, played with it and came up with new powers, etc. They were vicious and extremely powerful when others were not. Their asari people feared this one particular golden ruler. She was ruthless and mean... she killed without a thought or care in the world because she knew at the time no one could stop her. No one ever defied her in the fear that she would kill them. Her power was beyond the other rulers nearby and she knew it." She paused for a moment "But there was this other across the planet that was just as ruthless and powerful. She was just the same but power hungry... she wanted to be the main ruler not just a regional ruler. These two eventually found out about each other and they knew deep down if they ever fought that it would be the greatest battle they ever had. They knew they were better off in an alliance than tearing at each other's throats."

Miranda spoke up "I'm assuming these two asari were T'Soni and T'Seius?"

Liara sighed "Yes... and I failed to mention that to Aria. I see where her power hungriness comes from. All these unheard of moves Benezia does is from the ancient lineage. When I spoke to the priestess about the ones she did during Shepard's rescue she said they have never been performed by any justicars or priestesses. The only documentation she could find was ancient and performed by an asari named Yeyxesa. "The Breath of Fury" turns its victims to black ash with an instant death. "The Kiss of Death or The Orb Seeker" kills its victim violently with nothing left but goo. Similar to a warp but sent out in an orb. The teleport she couldn't even find." Liara pinched her brow markings as she continued "Yeyxesa T'Soni or Yeyxesa the Great, Xesa the Barbaric or Xesa the Ruthless" Liara wiped her tears "I've seen her in Benezia's mirror and she shines among the others…like a shiny trophy on a mantle. She was the only one in the lineage that was like this and after she passed the fear among the asari in her region faded. Her daughter Janura vowed to not be like her mother." She let out a breath "Gadejah T'Seius was the other. Dejah the Vicious. Dejah the Horrible. These two thought of everything to combat their own moves just in case of what may be."

Miranda eyes were wide "Bloody hell... I'm assuming these two never had super golden children?"

Liara shook her head "Neither would allow it. It was forbidden in fear of creating a more powerful child to out beat the other. But the golden lineages were only bonded with other golden lineages to keep the lineages pure and ridden of weakness."

"Did these golden lineages ever have an ardat-yakshi?" asked Shandri

"Believe it or not there were never any golden children being an ardat-yakshi. Well, let's put it this way there's no documentation of a "golden child" being an ardat-yakshi or any of their children being one. When rulers found out about these ardat-yakshi they would just instantly kill them as it was a disgrace to begin with and I'm assuming they were also a threat. Now, an interesting thought was mentioned by the priestess when I was there last was this. That she believes that a possibility of the "mutation" occurring is due to the protheans tampering with our genetic coding. Her other thought was the "mutation" only comes from a golden sexually melding with a non-golden."

Miranda arched a brow "So, a higher genetic coding sexually melding with a lower genetic asari's coding causes a mutation?"

Liara shrugs "That's what she thinks. Which in its self would be strange."

Shepard shakes his head "Not necessarily but "pure blood" mutations happened in humans all the time back in the day especially with royal families, the Egyptians, etc. The consistent "bad blood" caused a more extensive mutation."

Liara nods her head "That is why "pure bloods" are frowned upon. What I mentioned is not the same—"

Miranda chimes in "True. It also depends on how you look at it. You are a mono-gendered species but it doesn't mean you don't have different races. Like for example humans we have let's say whites, blacks, browns etc. instead of saying Asians, Europeans, etc. and throughout the years we've intertwined and mixed "colors" each with their own genetic "issues." Which can be altered and fix if they arise today. But you asari also have similar "races" navy, purples, light blues, teal, etc. and now you mention highers and lowers. You take all that into account and start intertwining them and eventually "issues" will arise. There's no one species that is perfect. Due to the specific way you procreate this "mutation" only occurs with other asari and not from other species. Now THAT is what's strange."

Liara pinched her brow markings as she opened her mouth then closed it. She was about to speak then Shandri replied "So, if we take the view point of the priestess then we can say that apparently several golden lineages had children with peasants or peasants with golden lineages as we have several ardat-yakshi today."

"Exactly." said Liara

Zen spoke "So... are some of the justicars... bastard children of these golden lineages? Their power is beyond that if a "regular asari" but below these "golden children"."

Liara let out a breath "That could be a possibility but I don't know. I believe if we did an analysis of the records we could probably pinpoint all lineages and the possibilities of who could have the mutation. Samara's lineage and bondmate was riddled with the mutation in their genes. The worst unfortunate of cases they have currently documented. I know asari scientists have been working on a cure for centuries and I believe we could have a cure in the near future. The mutation is an uncontrollable power of "feeding" during a sexual meld which causes their partners brain to hemorrhage. This "event" causes a euphoria like sensation and an uncontrollable craving of a sexual meld. Similar to a drug addiction but there's no cure, no rehabilitation, no medication to help combat it etc."

"Correct but what scares me is her ability to create these visions beyond many other things such as Dominate. Almost similar to an ardat-yakshi." Said Zen

Liara shook her head "But she isn't... she can't be. She's not of pure blood." She ran her hand nervously over her crest then glanced over at Dr. Caliix "There's no documentation of a non-pure blood ardat-yakshi." She looked at her husband in tears "Can't be..."

Gwyn arched her brow markings then opened her mouth then closed it and looked down. I can't…I told her that their secret was safe with me.

"Mhmm she seems to only do these visions by touch and hasn't figured out how to do it beyond that or maybe she has I don't know. I have no idea the extent of her powers." Said Liara

Shay quickly lifted her brow marking "Mistress, remember when we were in the control room and she knew the security guard was lying and she knew when the asari was lying. How would she know that?"

Shepard nodded "I remember that... well the asari anyway." He looked at his wife "Reminds me of Javik somewhat."

"She did control all those asari. What if that was just a vision plus mind control?" said Shandri

"Shay, that's a version of Dominate." replied Zen

Liara gave a quick side nod as she furrowed her brow markings. She turned and looked over at Anna "Do you think Bene has had—"

"Sex?" responded Anna

"Yes..."

She laughed then said, "Seriously mom? She's thirty-four and had sex numerous times at the Academy and—"

Shepard waved his hands "Ok.. ok..."

"Well, if she's had sex then she can't be an ardat-yakshi." said Liara.

Zen shook her head slightly "I didn't say she was Mistress. I was simply saying she's very similar to one. She can dominate and she enjoys ki—"

"She does NOT enjoy killing!" snapped Liara

Zen arched a brow marking "But yet she killed twenty people and wanted to go with you to kill more."

Liara shook her head "No! She just wanted to help."

"Any other asari her age would have been terrified." replied Zen

Liara grit her teeth and clenched her fist as her aura grew "What are you implying! That my daughter is a killer? Huh? Anna wanted to tag along too! Is she a killer as well?"

Zen opened her mouth then closed it then said "I'm... sorry my Lady. I'm just thinking the worst possibilities. Please forgive me."

—/

Benezia threw out a stasis at Mili's feet and slowly pulled her to her (Get your ass over here!)

Mil threw a pulse at her (No!)

(Damn it Mil stop it!) she stopped fighting her (Come here, please)

She turned to her and sulked then huffed (Fine...) she walked to her as she hung her head (What?)

Benezia ran her hand up her face (Look at me babe.)

She looked up slowly (Yes?)

(Talk to me a baby. What happened? Ugh and why does it feel so damn constricted in here? I can barely breathe. Your mind is racing, it's chaotic, and fuzzy. I feel intoxicated almost. What did you do?)

She shook her head (No!)

She kissed her (Tell me... or show me.)

Mil showed her instead of telling her what she did. Benezia shook her head as tears drizzled down her face (Babe, why would you do that to yourself?)

She began to cry (Because I'm stupid! I just wanted it to stop.)

Benezia wrapped her arms around her (Babe, you are far from stupid.) she kissed her (You're a big baby and a mess.)

She pulled her closer as she pouted (Nah uh.)

(Ok, you're not a baby. Now, come with me.)

Mil pulled away gently (No... everyone will be upset with me.)

(So, you're just going to sulk down here in the darkness and let this shit... this poison consume you?)

She nodded (Yes.)

(Argh damn it! Fine... then I'll release the monster on my way out.)

Mil panicked (Please don't!)

She ran her hand over her face then kissed her (Come be the strong asari that I know you are. No more hiding and no more of my help.)

Mil began to shake (Nooo... I can't do this without you. Look at me, I'm in shambles!)

(No, you're better than this. I'll stay with you in the medbay but not in my bed. You'll need to go through the hard to get better. You know this.)

(I don't want to. I'd rather you just take it away. Please babe do this for me.)

Benezia touched her own crest as she grunted. (NMmm I feel strange.) She took a breath (I want to babe. You in this terrible state hurts my heart.)

(Then do it. I know you can. Please...)

(I don't know if I can.) They both turned when they heard an evil growl. A T'Seuis! you should put her out of her misery! You've helped her enough!

(What the fuck was that?) asked Mili

Benezia shook her head (An ancient and she's pissed.)

Mili looked at her lover for a moment as she furrowed her brow markings. (What's a T'Seuis? And why must she die?)

(I don't know.) They turned again when another came through Seek deep within, then do. The solution is there.Benezia instantly saw what to do and she smiled. (Ok ok I think I know.) She pulled Mil deep within her mind then scanned the area and saw all the affected areas. (Ok, so here are the problems.)

(Yea? Now what?)

She sought her advisors within her mind Young one you are powerful and extremely intelligent and you take our advice and do our moves with such simplicity. Now you have a choice to make. You can strip her mind of everything which could damage her relationship with you and could possibly harm her in the process or you can ease the pain but not take it away and she must find her own way out of the darkness. Each have consequences.

Benezia looked at Mil (I will not strip you if it will cause damage but I'll will ease the pain. You need to do the rest and fight your own demons.)

Mil took a deep breath (Ok...Do it! I don't ever want to go through this nonsense again.)

She kissed her deeply (I love you and you will recover from this.)

(I love you. Thank you!)

Benezia shook her head slightly then took a deep breath. She stepped away from her then sent her power out to the affected areas. She closed her eyes when tears filled them and drizzled down her cheeks. When she was done with the affected areas she quickly sought out their affair and cautiously took a hold of the last few weeks until the night before their love affair.

Mili extended her hand and quickly said (Nooooo! What are you doing? Stop! Please don't do this! Don't take us away.)

Bene cried (I'm sorry my love! I'll miss you!)

Mili grabbed her (Please don't, I want to cherish our time always.)

She closed her eyes and ran her hand up her face (I will always cherish our time together. I love you.) She pulled away from her then gathered the poison with in her lover and consumed all of it.

Mili scrunched her face as she shook her head (Baby... stop! Don't do that. Please...)

Bene grabbed her head as she screamed out then dropped to the floor within their minds. She grunted when she opened her eyes, she looked around and saw Mil was on the floor within her mind as well. She struggled to push herself up then stumbled over to her lover and nervously said (Mili?) When she didn't answer she knelt down beside her, closed her eyes then she sent a jolt through her mind and after a moment she saw her wake.

Mili sat up (What happened?)

(You doing silly things.) said Benezia

Mil smirked (nMmm bad things huh?)

(Yes and I had to come in here and save you. How do you feel?)

(Much better thank you. No jitters, no fear, nothing at the moment. What did you do?)

(You know, me just being awesome like that.) she said then laughed hesitantly

(Thank you my love. Why did you want to take us away?)

Tears fell down her face (Because... we can't be together and we can't continue our love. I wanted to wipe it from our memories.)

Mili sighed (I know and I'll miss you badly but I want to hold on to it no matter how bad it'll hurt. Will you still be there for me like always though?)

(Yes...of course... You ready to go back out there?)

(Yes...)

—/

Shepard was pacing the room and his wife turned to him. "I don't like this."

He rubbed is wife's back "It's going to be ok."

Liara saw the red bubble disappear then Mil and Benezia sat up. Liara rushed over "Goddess above are you two ok?"

Mil shook her head as she placed her hand on it "Yes. What... what happened?"

Everyone but Benezia scrunched their faces then Liara said "You don't know?"

"Not really." replied Mili

"Is this a side effect to the drugs doctor?" asked Miranda

The doctor scanned her then pinched her lips off to the side "Hmm strange I see the lingering of the old drugs in her system but not the new ones. They all looked at Benezia then she said, "What did you do?"

Benezia closed her eyes as she shook her head "I… took it away. She still has recovery to do and needs to get over the last hurdle but it'll be easier."

Liara blinked rapidly "How..."

She shrugged as she turned to get off the bed "It... just came to me?" She got off the bed and stumbled.

Her mother caught her "Nezzie, are you ok?"

"nMmm." She shook her head "Nooo..."

The doctor scanned her "She's extremely low on eezo." She pinched her brow as he shook her head "Can't be..."

Liara looked over "What?"

Benezia grabbed her head as the ancient was scolding her You fool! I told you to rid her not save her and kill yourself!

Benezia screamed in her head (Shut up! I would NEVER kill her! Besides she's a T'Loak not a T'Seius!)

Lies! Expel the poison now or you will die!

(I... I can't... I..) She looked at her mother as her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she barely managed to say "Mom…"

Liara's eyes went wide when she quickly grabbed a hold of her limp child then looked directly at Dr. Caliix "What the hell is happening?"

Mil blinked rapidly as her heart began to race then she took a choppy breath "Nezzie!" She looked over at the Doctor "What's wrong with her?"

Dr. Caliix quickly said "Liara, get her to the medbay now! She having a drug overdose"

Liara panicked "What?!"

Mili ran her hands over her face "Nooo... no no.. why?"

"Here, give her to me!" Shepard demanded as he grabbed on to his daughter and ran out the door. He gripped on to her and spoke to her softly "Daddy's got you baby." He could feel her shaking and breathing rapidly "Don't you do it! Stay with me!" Before he was able to arrive at the medbay he felt his daughter convulsing violently "No! God damn it Nezzie!" He looked down when he felt her take several gasping breathes before she stopped breathing. An excruciating pain tore through his heart and he growled out a scream as he held on to her. "Nooooo!" He grit his teeth and laid her on the ground and began pumping her chest "Come on Damn it!"

Zen hurried over and said "Move!" between her and Dr. Caliix they began to attempt to resuscitate her but to no avail.

He mumbled to himself as he watched helplessly from the side "Come on baby…"

Liara leaned on her husband as she wept and mumbled "Please... please..."

Shepard's patience became nonexistent from their failure to resuscitate her. He curled his lip as he knelt down then pushed them both out of the way "Move!" He instantly blazed his aura as he placed his hands over his daughter's heart and send a biotic jolt into her. Her lifeless body arched then dropped back down. He checked her pulse in her neck then sent another jolt into her body. Her back arched again but there was no response. He clenched his fists then yelled out in anger "Come on god damn it! You're stronger than this! Don't you fucking give up on me!"

Mil was shaking and crying as she clinched her crest between her forearms "Oh my god... oh my god! What did I do? Please... Come on Bene!"

Liara knelt down and touched her daughter as she blazed her own aura then entered her mind and found herself in an empty shell. She screamed (Nezzie!) as she dropped to her knees then wept. Liara took a deep breath then sent a massive jolt through her daughter's body. When she felt her daughter she instantly left her mind then touched her face "Nezzie?" She smiled when she heard her daughter coughing then turned her on her side when she began gagging. Benezia turned on her stomach as she gagged several times then released a dark substance on to the ground. Liara pinched her brow markings as the darken substance immediately killed the grass around her and spread towards her. She quickly got up then moved away and as it crept closer to them she quickly said, "Back up!" When Benezia was finished expelling the substance she laid there motionless.

Shepard waited for a brief second then walked toward the dead grass and his wife grabbed his hand. He took a deep breath as he pulled away from her then walked over to his daughter and picked her up. "Everyone walk around it and don't step in it!" He then hurried her the rest of the way to the medbay and laid her down on a bed.

Zen quickly scanned Benezia then shook her head "I'm not sure what that black substance was but she still has the drugs in her system."

Liara replied "Did she not expel the drugs?"

Zen shrugged "Possibly a good chuck of them but not all of it. Whatever Mili had in her system she consumed it all. How she did that I don't know but she will now experience all the after effects of it. Such as the havoc it may cause on her mind and body and she will need to go through a detoxing etc." She looked at the scanner then at Liara "We'll see what happens in the next few days."

Liara pulled up a chair then grabbed her daughter's hand and kissed it as tears drizzled down her face "What were you thinking?"

Mil stood next to her aunt as she cried. She looked at her lover as pain emitted throughout her body. "Why?" She mumbled

Liara shook her head "She was just trying to help you but took on more than she could manage." She looked over at her husband when he spoke to her

(Why did you enter her mind?)

(I don't know. I was just compelled to do it then I felt that she needed more than what you were doing.) She turned when Zen tapped her shoulder

She handed her a small eezo cube "Here eat this."

"Why?" Said Liara

"Just do what I tell you. It's because you are low. Whatever you did drained your eezo." Replied Zen

—/

Mil walked into the medbay a few weeks later and walked over to her lover. She leaned into her aux and whispered "Come on baby… Wake up. Please… I'm soooo sorry. You being like this is killing me. I love you." She sat down in a chair next to her as she grabbed her hand and leaned her head on it then closed her eyes as she cried softly. She quickly wiped her eyes when she heard someone walk in.

"You come here every day." Said her aunt

"As do you"

"This isn't your fault sweetie. You can't continue to blame yourself."

She snapped "It is my fault...She wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me!"

Liara furrowed her brow markings "Mil—"

"Don't! My stupidity did this!"

Liara shook her head "No... Benezia did this on her own accord."

She sighed "I heard voices in my head but it was…" she scrunched her face "…coming from Bene?"

Liara arched her brow "Voices?"

"Yea... an ancient one she said and she was pissed that she was helping me."

Liara squinted her eyes for a brief moment "An ancient one?"

"Yes. She said the name T'Seius. Do you know anything about that?" asked Mili

Liara wrung her hands together "That's a conversation you need to have with your mother."

Mili turned to her with an arched brow marking "What? I'm not a T'Loak? Just…just tell me."

Liara closed her eyes "Your mother was cast out centuries ago and had to rename herself. Your…entire family was killed in the reaper war. Your mother was the last remaining T'Seius until she had you and your other sisters. She took over House T'Seius several decades ago when she received word that she was the last blood relative remaining. She plans to tell you at the right time."

Mili's mouth dropped open "I'm... of a house?"

"Yes... with your mother being an outcast meant you were also an outcast to the house. It's why she never told you but with them all dead the slate is clean." said Liara

She smiled "That's the best news. Can I change my name?"

"You'll need to wait until your mother speaks with you about this. She asked me not to tell you and she wanted to tell you herself. I think this whole time she's been waiting for you to become of age. It's unheard of for an asari under the age of a century to rule a house and I'm probably one of the first to be so young. The T'Seius's have several business's that your mother has been handling as well."

Mili nodded "I get it and I'm not angry. I mean, my life could have been easier if I would have had the name but so many things wouldn't have happened."

Liara nodded in agreement then placed her hand on her shoulder "Don't let this eat away at you."

She sighed "I can't help it. I'm hurting because of this."

Liara gently nodded "Have you decided what you plan on doing? You going back to your condo or staying here? When we rescued you, you really wanted to go home to her."

"Yea... you're right." She looked down then at her lover "Do you think she'll wake up?"

"In time she will."

Mil stood up and wrapped her arms around her aunt and sobbed "I'm so sorry!"

Liara hugged her as tears began to fill her eyes "Don't do this. It's not your fault. She's strong and she'll pull through."

"Please forgive me!"

She squeezed her "I forgive you sweetie! You are my child and I could never be mad at you"

She held on to her as she cried "I don't know what I would do if she died because of me."

"But she didn't."

"She almost did. Actually, she did but you brought her back!"

Liara nodded "Other than you beating yourself up about Benezia how do you feel?" asked Liara

She blinked several times then let go of her aunt "Better... functional. Whatever she did has made my nights tolerable. I get nervous but nowhere near like that night. She lurks in the shadows at times but I know that'll take time."

"I know.. I've had to enter your mind less and less."

"Thank you for that."

"When you decide to leave no one will be there to help you in the night unless Xana can attempt it."

Mil arched a brow marking "nMm I don't know if I want her seeing my demons or rolling around in my brain at night."

Liara laughed "I can understand that but you allow me."

"Yea but I trust you completely." She nervously looked at her "Right? You don't go...poking around."

"You can always trust me. I do not poke around. I help with the current then exit. I respect your privacy." replied her aunt

—/

Two days before Milizkia set out to leave. She was sitting with Benezia holding her hand when she felt her move. She lifted her head and looked up at her "Babe?"

Benezia gently squeezed her hand then gently ran her hand up her face. Mili leaned into it then kissed her hand gently. Benezia blinked several times and she ran her tongue through her mouth to wet it. She looked at her and grunted.

"Oh my god... I've been so worried about you. Hang on let me call your mom." She tapped at her omni tool "Auntie, Bene is awake. Ok bye." She looked back at her "I was afraid you were never going to wake up."

She took a deep breath as she reached for her then her voice cracked when she spoke "nMm... babe?"

She quickly leaned forward "Yes…? I'm here.. I'm here…"

She scrunched her face as she grabbed her head "Ugh..."

"You ok?" asked Mili

Benezia shook her head slightly as she took a breath and struggled to get out "No...I ugh… need you… I…" She closed her eyes and swallowed hard

Mil pinched her brow markings at her seeming to be in pain then turned when Liara rushed through the door out of breath "Sweetie, I'm so happy you're awake. How you feeling?"

She shook her head as she grunted "nMmm... Mom—" She leaned back and closed her eyes.

Liara arched her brow marking and softly patted her hand "Nezzie?" When she didn't respond she quickly touched her neck to check for a pulse then touch her head." She let out a breath "She must have passed out." She closed her eyes "Goddess what did she do? You are so weak."

Miranda walked up to her "Liara, she looks pale and sickly."

She gently ran her hand down her daughter's face "I know. I come in here every day and all I see is her deteriorating... almost as if something is eating away at her. She's burning massive amounts of eezo and I don't understand why." She took a choppy breath "Dr. Caliix and Zen say she's within stable ranges but she doesn't look it to me and I know they're telling me a line of shit." She tapped the eezo drip line then the other lines that were tapped into her daughters vein. "Look at this! She's always been so strong and healthy." She shook her head as she began to cry softly "I've never seen her like this. I just want my baby back the way she was." She said then leaned down and kissed her forehead

Mili scrunched her face as tears filled her eyes. She stuck her hands in her pockets as she hung her head then walked out.

Liara turned "Mil, wha—" she sighed "She's beating herself up about this. She's trying to recover but she's too worried about Nezzie."

Shepard rubbed her back "Nez will be back soon."

Miranda placed a hand on her back as well "Maybe you should go in and help her."

Liara took a breath and nodded her head. She gently laid next to her daughter and brought her hand to her face. She gently spoke in her aux "My sweet baby. Momma is going to come in and take a look around. Don't be afraid."

—/

She entered her mind and it was unstable and disorienting. She instantly grabbed at her head from all the chaos. She scrunched her face as she turn toward voices fighting and arguing. Goddess... what the hell…(Nezzie!)

She could hear her faintly calling for her. (Mom!)

(Come here sweetie!) Liara felt a pain hit her and she fell to her knees. She heard a growl No one invited you! Weakling!

Liara lashed back at the voice (Shut up! I am not weak!) The ancient laughed at her You are too. Your daughter is stronger than you'll ever be.

Liara turned when she heard her mother speak Enough! She is not weak. She's just not ready!

The ancient huffed then slammed Liara against a wall in her mind and she grabbed at her throat. You are not worthy! Until then mind your tongue.She released her then growled Now leave!

Liara stood her ground (Not without speaking to my daughter! I don't care who you are. You will NOT keep me from her!)

The ancient one picked her up and threw her against a wall You will NOT give me demands weakling!

Liara touched the side of her face then lifted herself slowly from the ground.

You can't even maintain your own box!The ancient struck her again Nor do you deserve to even have one!

She grunted in pain as she heard the others arguing and fighting with the powerful ancient one. Then she heard her daughter yell (Stop it!)

Liara whipped her head over (Nezzie! Stop this…Come to me baby!)

Her daughter spoke in a strained weak voice (Mom, I can't… Just leave.)

Liara stood (No! Then I'll come to you!) She flinched when the ancient came toward her I told you to leave!

(And I told you NO!)

Then I will throw you out of here!

She heard her mother instantly Little Wing you must leave my child.

Liara pinched her brow markings and before she could say mom she was hit with a massive force then violently ejected.

She gasped for air when she exited. Everyone was looking at her with a frighten look.

Zen scanned her as Shepard quickly said "Oh, my god babe! Are you ok?"

Liara began to cry as she covered her face "Goddess above. She is…" she shook her head "…trapped within her own mind… a constant nightmare that's why she's so weak and burning eezo. She's inducing this vision or nightmare and she doesn't even realize she's doing it." She sniffled "She so tired." She rubbed her face as she let out a breath "When I entered I felt the chaos but when I called out for her the nightmare became mine. It was strange there were these "voices" and the ancient one I discussed a while ago."

Miranda arched her brow "Do what?"

They turned when they heard the doctor say "It will continue to be that way until she can fully emerge from her coma. She is "asleep" and unaware of what is fully happening. Those drugs did a number on her mind and her nanites have been working to repair the extensive damage."

"What of these voices? Mili said she heard them when they were in a meld that night." asked Liara

Dr. Caliix ran her hand over her mouth "Hmmm… maybe caused by Mili's intoxication? I'm not sure."

Liara pinched her brow markings "Yes, but how would she know about the ancient one? That night was the first time I've ever mentioned it and she was already in a meld with Mili. I don't understand."

"What if she heard the whole conversation while in the meld?" asked Riley

"Maybe..." replied her mother

Shepard spoke "Maybe it's her advisors?"

Miranda replied "Advisors?"

"Yes, the "box" that contains the maternal lineage. When you use the powers of the "box" an "advisor" comes out and tells you what to do or guides you. It's really hard to explain, it just happens. It's not as if they're actually there or possessing you." He shook his head then let out a breath "I sound like a crazy person"

Liara shook her head "No, I understand what you mean. That night I sent that massive jolt through her body and I told you I just felt compelled to do it. It felt as if someone said do this then I just did."

Shepard looked at her "Did you find your box?"

"For that fraction of a second yes but I don't understand why I can't maintain it. This "ancient one" even criticized me for not being able to."

"Hmmm maybe you feel that you don't need it." Replied Miranda

"Maybe, I assume this is why only a select few are able because if you can't..." She turned to look at her daughter "Then something like this could happen..." she took a breath "I could feel her fighting but she's struggling… giving up even. If she doesn't take control of this nightmare then it will consume her and she could be lost to us forever. If it does then she won't know what is real or what is not."

Miranda sighed "Almost like schizophrenia?"

"Precisely" replied Liara. She took a deep breath "I'm going back in."

"Lia..." Said Shepard

She shook her head "I must." She entered her mind again (Nezzie!)

(Mom!)

Liara took off running toward her voice and she was instantly knocked back How dare you defy me!

She grunted then got up from the floor, she didn't respond to it but called out to her daughter (I'm here for you. Talk to me!) She ran toward her daughter then she heard the ancient growl out I told you to get out!

Liara gasped for air as she was ejected from her again. She clenched her fists then growled "Arrrgghh!"

Shepard touched her shoulder "Maybe someone else should try?"

She turned to him "Who? My father?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's because you are her mother and have the box. I don't know…" he said

Anna walked up "I'll go!"

Liara shook her head "No! Absolutely not!"

Miranda said "Then Mili?"

Liara shook her head again "No, she's done enough. Besides she needs to recover from her own issues."

Anna huffed "Why don't you trust me to do anything? Let me try to help her!"

Shepard spoke "Lia... let her try."

She sighed "Fine." She turned to her eldest "Don't be stupid in there."

"I won't.."

"I mean it! I know how you can be!"

"Yea yea..."

"Anna!"

"Ok. I heard you." She laid down next to her sister and entered her mind. She grabbed her head upon entry holy fuck!(Bene!)

(Anna?)

(Let's go sister!) Anna turned when she heard laughter then a booming voice The weakling couldn't handle it so she sent you!

(My mother is no weakling!)

Be gone peasant you are not worthy to even speak to me!

Anna gasped when she exited. She hit an empty space on the bed then said, "You bitch!"

"Anna don't!" said Liara

She quickly dove back into her mind (Sister, where the fuck are you at?)

Get out!

Anna snapped back (Fuck you! You bitch! Not without my little sister!)

Anna gasped again as she exited and she repeatedly hit the bed "Araaarrrgghhhh you fucking biiiitttttch!"

Liara grabbed her "Anna stop! It's not what you think it is!"

She pushed her mother away "Let go of me!" she hissed before she dove back into her mind.

(Sissy! Get your ass over here!)

Persistent little shit aren't you!

(I can't help it I'm a T'Soni! I will come back again and again until I get what I came for! Now give me my fucking sister!)

The ancient one laughedWe are all T'Soni's. I can feel my anger within you! How you defy others at times. You think rules shouldn't apply to you. You despise your sister as she has the power and you do not. How your father loves her more than you. Your mother does trust you to do anything.

Anna shook her head (No! It's not true! I love my sister, I would do anything to protect her, and you will NOT take her from me!) she pulled away from it and yelled (Bene!)

(Anna?)

Anna turned toward the sound of her sister (Sister! You fight this you hear me! You're stronger than this!)

Bene whimpered (Sissy, I can't... I'm sooo tired…)

Anna pinched her eyes shut as he shook her head then spoke sternly (You get your ass up! Grab hold of the reigns just like you always have. This is your mind. Now get the fuck up!) she could feel the darkness pulling at her

Get out!

Anna tried to stand her ground but the vision took hold then she was hit across the room. She groaned then stood up (You want to beat someone down then go ahead. Consume me but you will no longer consume my sister!) She pulled away momentarily then looked around into the darkness and yelled (Do you hear me? Wake your ass up!) she quickly looked over when she heard a noise. Her eyes flashed when she saw a massive tingra lion running for her.

—/

Liara paced the room "Damn it Anna!" She could see her eldest daughter taking in pain.

Riley walked forward "Mom, what if…what if we all went?"

Liara looked at her and smiled "Yess! That's exactly what she needs."

"Do you want me to go get Mili?" Said Gwyn

Liara quickly said "No, we should be plenty."

Shepard said "I'll stay out here. Combining my box with hers could enhance these powers…"

Liara nodded "True... but what of mine?"

Shepard shook his head "I thought you lost it again?"

"I don't know… I don't know what to do…"

"Do you want me to go?" asked Miranda

She shook her head "No... I think it'll be more difficult to go in with a buffer. If I get ejected then so will you or Shepard if I brought him." She looked at her three girls "I believe that one of us will be able to get to her. Make her see that this is all a bad dream. Don't given to the vision. Fight it and maintain your ground." She reached for Gwyn, Riley and Sam "Ladies, it will be disorienting in there... unbearable even. We are T'Soni's and we will NOT give up and we will not leave anyone behind especially our family." She looked directly at her youngest Sam who was almost five "Sam, I shouldn't be bringing you in there but Nezzie needs us all. Please be careful. Do you remember what we've all taught you?"

She nodded "I member."

She kissed her forehead "Ok. You can leave at any time."

"Ok Mommy!"

Liara took a breath "Let's go get your sister!"

They all nodded. They all placed their hands on Benezia. Liara looked at them then at Benezia and said, "Now!"

They all entered her mind and all but Liara cringed upon entering. The voice came through strong Ahhh I see you brought help. What's a matter weakling unable to stand against me yourself!

(I can stand against you but I choose to not do it alone. I want my daughter and they want their sister back. You will give her to me!)

Liara was instantly slammed against the wall You of all T'Soni's will NOT make demands! A golden child that cannot maintain her box! I should strip you of it!

Gwyn began to run toward her mom but Liara shooed her away then Riley pulled her away to find their sister..

Liara turned quickly when she heard her daughter Anna frantically screaming as she attempted to fight a tingra that was clawing at her. Liara ran towards her but slammed into a green barrier unable to help her. She turned again when she heard her other daughter screaming as she was being mauled by an Onikuma. She slammed her hand against the green barrier as she was helpless to save her children. Her body jerked when she heard a gunshot and heard the muffled screams of her niece then another gun shot. Liara began to shake when she heard her husband screaming in pain over and over. She slammed her eyes shut and covered her auxiliary cavities as she began to hyperventilate as the vision consumed her mindNooooooooo!

Riley yelled out (Bee!)

(RyRy?)

(Yes, where you at sister?)

Sam turned (I ... feel Banana) she began to run toward her. She scrunched her face when she heard a growl and Gwyn instinctively ran towards her (Sammie! Watch out!) Gwyn dove in front of her and it grabbed her instead.

You are weak! So skittish! So frail! You are your mothers daughter! What a disappointment! How can you even call yourself a T'Soni…nonetheless a Shepard? You will NEVER be like your sisters! Look at you, you can't even speak…

Gwyn frantically grabbed at the hand around her throat then was toss into a large room full of students. Gwyndolyn you're up next!

Gwyn's heart was racing and she began to shake when she looked around at everyone staring at her and laughing. What a loser. You going to stu…stu…stutter Gwyn? You going to run away? You coward! You going to cry?

Sam hid within Bene's mind and squeaked out (Banana?) She felt her sister smile (Sammie...)

(Where you?) She heard her sister again (Come find me Sammie...)

(Wike hide n seek?)

(Yesss Exactly!)

(O'tay! I find you!)

Riley looked around when she heard a loud voice Get out!

They all gasped when the exited. Miranda grabbed Anna when she slid off the bed as Shepard grabbed Liara.

Shay took a breath "Christ Lia what the hell kind of battle is going on in there?"

Liara, Anna and Gwyn were all breathing heavily with wide eyes then Liara said "A tough one! The visions are so terrible." She grabbed at her heart "Ugh… I don't know what to do."

She turned when she heard Gwyn say "Mom..."

She whipped around toward Gwyn "What?"

Gwyn pointed to her youngest sister "Sammie is still in there!"

Liara eyes widen "By herself? Oh my god!" She shook her head "How could I be so stupid!"

Shepard held her "She'll be fine. She's a strong and learns quickly."

"She's just a baby Shepard!"

"Then why did you take her!" He scowled

Miranda ran her hand over her little crest "You can do it my little daredevil!"

They looked over when Mili came through the door "Woah! What the hell is going on in here? You all look like shit."

Anna was slumped in a chair "Its Bene... she's trapped within her own mind. I don't know it's complete fucking chaos in there." She points to youngest sister "Sammie is the only one left in there. How that is I don't fucking know."

Mili quickly said "I'll go!"

Liara shook her head "Absolutely not!"

"This is my fault. Let me help!"

"No!" She hissed "You have your own issues you need to deal with."

She walked closer to Bene "I want to help!"

Shepard looked at his wife (Let her go)

"Fine! Shay, Gen go with her." said Liara

—/

Sam crawled, scurried and hid throughout Benezia's mind as she followed the guiding sensation. She crawled until she saw her sister sitting there then she squeaked (Banana?)

Benezia looked up and smiled then she waved her over to her.

Sam jumped up and down (I win!) she said as she giggled

Benezia smiled at her

She grabbed her older sisters hand (Let's go home.) She pulled at her sister but she didn't budge.

(Sammie, you're not strong enough to help me.)

A frown came over her little face (I can dew it!)

Benezia shook her head (Go back to mommy)

She shook her little head (No, you come wif me)

(I can't go. I'm stuck in here)

She took a breath and shook her head as she began to cry. She placed her little hand on her then closed her eyes and gave her older sister the little energy she had left. (Dis not real Banana) she said then left.

-/

Liara turned when she heard her youngest coughing. She hurried over to her "Sammie are you ok?"

She turned to her mom and wept. Liara held her tight "Oh my baby are you ok?"

Sam sniffled then wiped her tears "Banana said I wasn't strong enough to help her."

Liara knelt down and wiped her tears away "Oh sweetie… Benezia would never say that to you and it wasn't real. I know you wanted to save her, we all do. I'm sorry I took you in there."

—/

Mili and the others touched Benezia but only Mil was allowed to enter. The moment she entered she could feel how weak she was and she knew she was the only one in her mind. (Babe!)

(Baby?)

She heard someone growl How dare you come back in here! You tried to kill her with your poison!

(I would never hurt her on purpose! I love her!) She began to panic when she heard Camilla!She saw her surroundings changing to the eclipse gang's hang out. She closed her eyes and shook her head then mumbled This isn't real! (Babe... I don't know where you are or what's happening but I will do for you as you did for me. Take all my strength, my energy and fight whatever this is. Please! I know you can! You told me to be strong and now it's your turn to be. Whatever darkness you're in there's a light at the end of the tunnel because it's not real baby. Release your vision and come back to me…to us. We all love you.) She closed her eyes then released her power and energy into her then exited. Mil slid off the bed and Shay caught her.

"Christ Liara!" said Shay as she quickly touched Mili's neck "What the hell did she do? She's limp." She turned "Get Dr. Caliix in here!"

Dr. Caliix rushed in then scanned Mili. "Goddess, get her in a bed and let's get her hooked up to an eezo IV."

Liara ran her hands down her face "Damn it Mili what did you do!"

—/

After receiving Mili's energy she cringed when she heard a voice How dare you help a T'Seius! I feel your love for her it is forbidden!

(I don't care if it's forbidden I love her!) Benezia hissed (You do NOT control me! I control you and everything else is here! I've had enough of this!)

—/

They all looked over when Benezia aura blazed red. Shepard immediately said, "Everyone step back!"

—/

Benezia growled within herself over all the voices (None of this is real!) she took a breath and screamed (You're NOT real!) she clenched her fists as she breathed heavily and screamed (It's NOT real!) She opened her eyes to silence then looked around at the emptiness. She mumbled (It's... not real...) she sat on the floor within her mind and rocked back in forth as she mumbled (It... wasn't real...)

—/

Liara saw her aura fade and she waited for her to wake but she didn't. She chewed the inside of her lip then looked at her bondmate "I'm going to go back in."

He nodded at her then said "Ok, be careful."

Liara took a deep breath as she laid down next to her daughter then entered her mind.

Benezia looked up when she felt and heard her mother enter her mind (Nezzie?)

(Mom?)

Liara smiled as she rushed over to her daughter sitting on the floor in her mind and Benezia got up and ran to her. Liara instantly hugged and kissed her face all over (Oh my baby! I've been so worried about you!)

Benezia began to shake as she cried (Mom, is this real?)

She nodded (Yes, this is real.)

She gently pulled away from her (Did... you all come for me?)

Liara smiled at her (Yes, we did... and we fought to bring you home even Sammie.)

She took a choppy breath (I thought I felt and heard you all but I wasn't sure if it was real.)

Liara grabbed her hand then kissed it (Let's go home)

—/

Benezia cracked her eyes open and looked around at everyone. "Someone pinch me!" She said as her voice cracked

Anna hopped up "I'll do it!"

She laughed "No no!"

Her eldest sister inched closer "Are you sure? How about I slap you to reassure yourself just in case?"

"No! I'm good but thank you." She grabbed her hand "Thank you. All of you for coming for me." She looked at her older sister as tears formed in her eyes "What you said in there means the world to me."

Anna smiled as she nodded "I meant it and I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Bene looked around the room "Where's Sammie?"

Sammie ran over and jumped on the bed "Banana!"

She hugged her tight "I love you! You were so brave! You were strong enough... I just wasn't." Benezia pulled away gently then looked around "Where's Mili?"

Liara stepped aside "There..."

Benezia face fell as she sat up "Is she ok?"

She nodded "She will be. Her eezo is depleted. She's just resting and will be better in a few hours."

She waved Gwyn to her "Come here." Gwyn nervously walked up to her and Benezia grabbed her hand "You are NOT weak and you're not a disappointment. I saw you save Sammie without a doubt."

Gwyn nodded her head "Ok.."

Bene shook her head at her "No, listen to me! You are not weak. You are stronger than you let up to be. One day... you will take hold and shed this shell of yours just as you did back there for that brief moment." She gently pointed at her "On your terms but don't keep yourself locked away or you'll miss out on what's around you."

Gwyn wiped her tears away then hugged her sister then whispered in her aux "Will you continue to help me?"

Benezia squeezed her "Of course. I'm here for you as you were for me."

—/

2230 the day before Mili leaves

Mili held Benezia hand "How you feeling?"

"Better... how are you?"

She nodded "Better..." she looked at her "Why'd you do that?"

She shook her head "I don't know because it was either me or you. I choose me and because I love you."

Mili looked around then kissed her hand "I love you too. Thank you but don't do that ever again."

Benezia giggled then gently caressed her face "You're welcome and I will. Thank you for helping me."

She nodded "Of course." She looked at her with tears in her eyes "You died babe and my heart was crushed. I was so scared."

"I'm so sorry baby." She gave her a flat smile "You're leaving?"

Mili laid her cheek on her lovers hand "Yes... I figure if you're out of sight you'll be out of my mind." She gave a slight eye roll "Well, for the most part anyway. I'm hoping Xana keeps me occupied." She said hesitantly

Benezia gently ran her fingers over her crest "I'll miss you and I'll always keep our affair and our love deep within. I still expect to hear from you constantly just as always." She said as she felt her hand become drizzled with tears.

She sniffled "Same here and I will, I promise." She stood up and hugged her then leaned into her aux "I love you and I'll miss you!"

Benezia wrapped her arms around her as she shed her own tears "I love you and I'll miss you too babe."

Mili leaned down and kissed her lips quickly. Benezia pulled her down and kissed her long and slow as she ran her hands up the back of her fringe. Mil lingered at their last closed kiss as she scrunched her face. She pulled away gently then gave her another quick kiss. "Goodbye my love."

Benezia gripped her tightly as tears dripped down her face then let go "Bye…"

Mili took a deep breath as she wiped her tears then turned and walked out.

—/

Liara stood in the security room as she watched the whole event. She sighed when she heard Shepard in her head (What? Nooo...)

She wiped a tear quickly from her face (Yes... they've always been close but I never thought this would have happened. Their reactions to each other make sense now. They love each other… love each other. To be honest, until Mil returned I never suspected anything and I don't think anything happened beforehand but they were acting a tad strange the few weeks she was back) Liara gave a quick smile (The songs they sang to each other also make sense now too. How could I be so blind to it?)

(We didn't want to see.)

Liara eyes widen as the thought hit her hard.

(Nooooo they didn't!)

She closed her eyes as she shook her head slightly (Oooh yes they did. In her room, in our house and right under our noses.) she gave a quick laugh (Clingy my ass... they played me. They didn't want me to help because she wanted to sleep in her bed. She didn't want to go back to Xana because she had Nez.)

(What happened that night?)

(An argument I'm assuming)

(So, Why is she leaving her then?)

(Because they think it's wrong. She still loves Xana and she will be a distraction from her.)

(Is it the same taboo as it is for humans? Ya know because it can cause genetic abnormalities.)

(No... it doesn't work like that for us. Only the maternal line matters.)

(Then why not say something...and why don't they know this? Are we not teaching them this at the Academy?)

(Ummm I may have skipped that from the curriculum… it's not required…)

Shepard grunted (Don't you think your students would like to know this? Get it added!)

(Fine.)

(You didn't answer my question about not saying something)

(Argh... because I see Mil as my own daughter. Besides I have a feeling in the future their bond will bring them back together.)

(Liara…)

She shook her head (I don't want this... They're cousins… they grew up together. They're the best of friends and sister's even. What if they're together and they have a bad break up and never speak to each other again. We all lose Mili…)

(We'll never know unless you let it be.)

(I want them to experience life and love beyond what I did.)

(What you did isn't wrong… we're in love and always will be.)

(I know but they're less than half my age and they'll probably grow out of this. Nezzie is in college—)

(Liara…)

She took a breath (If it comes up again or if they find out it's not bad then I will let it be. I promise.)

(I'll hold you to that.)