Episode 32-Omega

Much time afterwards, the Normandy arrived at Omega. There, the ship docked within the massive space station. A few of the crew members made their way inside through the air dock with the girls.
Flare: "Thank you again for the exquisite meal. It was wonderful."
Garrus: "Glad you enjoyed it, Flare. I wouldn't want you to eat too much, even though you look like you could devour everything in sight."
Flare: "Not at all, I am aware that overeating is bad for anyone, so I manage to share as much as I can."
Liara: "You seem very conservative for someone who enjoys eating a lot."
Aera: "Yeah, we're surprised by that, too."
Star: "So, where are we heading off to now? Are we going to collect the materials we need for that machine that Mordin was talking about building?"
FemShep: "Not right now. First, we're to check in with someone we know very well."
Aera: "Huh, the rest of you actually know people in a place with such a bad reputation?"
Miranda: "Let's just say we've been here many times, so we know some people here and there."
Jacob: "Most of them don't even like us and the feeling is usually mutual, but we come back here because we would often owe each other favors, so we put up with each other."
Kasumi: "Not to mention that far too often, we would have mutual enemies, which we would tend to hate more than we hate each other. It's a nice way to keep the piece."
Aera: "You're…unusually optimistic, Kasumi."
Kasumi: "Thanks, I try."
FemShep: "Ashley hates having to come to places like this, so she wouldn't even dare to come here."
Jewel: "Is that why she's not here with us right now?"
FemShep: "Well…yes, and no. She's currently busy in a meeting with the admiral, so she can't come with us."
Jewel: "Hmm, wonder what they're talking about?"
Aera: "Eh, who knows? It's none of our concerns right now."
Jewel: "So, anyway, who is it we'll be meeting?"
Liara: "The only person who knows everything there is to know about Omega, the one who runs this entire station: an asari named Aria T'Loak."
Star: "And who's this Aria person? Is she anything special?"
Garrus: "On Omega, she is the most important person. She calls the shots around here and has eyes and ears in every corner of this station. Because of that, she is very well informed of everything that goes on around here."
Splash: "Is she nice?"
Aera: "In a place like this? I highly doubt it."
Garrus: "Generally, she is, but only if you stay on her good side."
Miranda: "But even then, she's still not very friendly."
Splash: "Oh…I'm nervous…"
Liara: "Don't be, I'm sure she would be very pleased to meet you."
Kasumi: "Besides, you girls are more than capable of defending yourselves around here."
Star: "Damn straight! They wouldn't even dare to try anything with us!"

As soon as they made their way out of the corridor, they arrived within the massive lobby. There, they stood and looked out towards the massive area around them.
Aera: "Yech! This place is such a dump."
FemShep: "Heh, seems like she really cleaned up this place since the last time we were here."
Aera: "Last time? What do you mean? What happened here?"
FemShep: "It was during the Reaper War. Aside from that, Omega underwent another massive issue."
Splash: "What kind of issue?"

The group made their way to the center of the area as they spoke.
FemShep: "The entire station was taken over by Oleg Petrovsky, a general who worked for Cerberus. Aria was exiled from the station to save her own life but was in the process of taking it back. She asked me to help her out with that. She led a massive assault on the station with the help of many who remained loyal to her."
Star: "Wow, that's incredible!"
Aera: "It must have been a rough ride."
FemShep: "Yes, it was. It was a difficult fight, but we were able to take back the station from Cerberus and Aria took back her position as indisputable leader of Omega."
Flare: "Hmm…I take it there's more to the story than just that brief summary."
Aera: "Well, duh!"
Flare: "I meant regarding Cerberus. I wonder why they were so interested in this station."
Miranda: "Omega contains many valuable resources, you may not believe it, but this asteroid that this station is built on is also a mining facility."
Splash: "What kind of resources?"
Liara: "Some of the most valuable kinds: Element Zero."
Splash: "Element Zero? You mean that stuff that causes people to develop those cool levitation powers?"
Miranda: "That's right, and so much more. Actually, Element Zero does so much more than that. It enables the Faster Than Light travels that starships are able to undergo."
Splash: "So, that's how ships are able to travel so fast?"
Miranda: "Yes, at Light Speed, anyway."
Aera: "Heh, and yet, your ships are still slower than us."
Garrus: "Hey, our ships don't consist of the same kind of energy that were given to you by your deity. So, don't sell us so short just because we're nowhere near as fast as Light Magic."
Aera: "Yeah, yeah, I know; nothing in the universe could ever compare to the mystical essence of the Divine Source."

Garrus glanced over towards her in a way in which he seemed much less annoyed than soon approached a large door. There, a guard was standing in front of them.
FemShep: "Hey, we're here to meet with Aria."

The guard then noticed the girls.
Guard: "Ah, so these must be the magical girls we've heard so much about. Go on in, Aria's expecting you."

The doors opened and the group walked right in.
Splash: "Wow, they already knew about us."
Miranda: "Word seems to be spreading fast. Even Omega has already heard about you."
Splash: "I really hope that this Aria is nice to us."
Liara: "Don't worry, girls. We'll make sure that she doesn't do anything to you. Although, I don't think that she would."
Garrus: "Yeah, generally not, all she cares about is her absolute domination over this entire space station."
Miranda: "Exactly, everything else means nothing to her and she would never involve herself with anything that doesn't benefit her hold on this place."
Aera: "Well, I just hope that she doesn't try anything, otherwise she would be in for one very unpleasant surprise."

They arrived within a massive club known as Afterlife. There, they stopped to take a look around at everything.
Kasumi: "Wow, this place looks a hell of a lot different from the last time we were here."
Garrus: "The last time we came here was before the Reapers arrived."
Kasumi: "Has it really been that long?"
Miranda: "Even I'm surprised by how much this place has changed."
FemShep: "You should have seen how it looked before we took it back from Cerberus."
Splash: "What was it like?"
FemShep: "Bad, really bad."
Liara: "Let's not focus on that right now. We need to get the girls to meet with Aria."
Jacob: "Yeah, we wouldn't want to keep her waiting now, would we?"

They continued on their made their way to a set of stairs and arrived within an open loft area. There, they saw a large sofa before them, in an open boxed shape. Sitting in the middle of it was Aria, herself. The girls seemed nervous. Jewel looked up at Liara, she looked back at her, nodded once, then they walked up to Aria. As they approached her, she took notice of them.
Aria: "Well, look what we have here?"
Splash: "Umm…are you…Miss Aria?"

Aria had a somewhat sly smile on her face.
Aria: "Yes, I am. So, you must be the magical girls that I've heard so much about."
Kasumi: "Yep, news of the girls actually did reach Omega."
Aria: "When news of a bunch of young girls that can wield magic as though they're from that old Earth cartoon that humans love so much, anime, come around, it doesn't stay secluded for very long."
Aera: "Figures."
Jewel: "Um…hello, yes, that is us. I'm Jewel, this is Flare, Star, Aera and Splash."
Aria: "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Come, sit down, you must have been through so much."

The girls hesitated for a bit.
Jewel: "Umm…well…we…I…"
Aria: "Why so hesitant? Come sit down. I insist."

The girls were a little taken aback by this. From there, they sat down to the right of Aria. Ms. Shepard sat to her left. Miranda sat next to her and did Liara. Jacob and Kasumi stood near them. Garrus and Mordin stood near the girls.
Aria: "So, I hear you've been dealing with a looming threat that's been terrorizing your kind for while now."
Jewel: "Yes…we…try to do everything we can to protect everyone back at home, including those who are near and dear to us…but…"
Flare: "Our travels have brought us to many realms before we wound up here…within yours."
Aria: "Realm? Don't you mean galaxy?"
Liara: "Realm is another word for galaxy for them."
Aria: "I see, nevermind then."
Jewel: "We wanted to leave this realm as well, but…something…went horribly wrong. I don't know how but…"
Star: "That jerk was able to find us before we even had a chance to rest up."
Flare: "It was then and there that we could no longer run, so…"
Aria: "So, you decided to settle here and now you intend to take the fight within our "realm", rather than let this become a problem for another."
Jewel: "Hey! We didn't want to, but…we don't have a choice. Had we continued to run, not only would this realm be in great danger but all of them."

She then looked towards Garrus, he was looking at her as well.
Jewel: "It was also when we made some friends that have been willing to help us through this. We couldn't be any more thankful for them."
Star: "Oh, absolutely! They helped us out tremendously. We don't regret any of that one bit and if you have a problem with that, then too bad, because we don't care about what you think, so you can take your complaints and shove them all down yer-!"
Garrus: "Star!"

Star went silent after that. Aria then chuckled.
Aria: "I'm actually starting to like you girls. You have a lot of spirit and your spunk is indeed a very nice touch."
Aera: "Well, regardless of spunk or otherwise, like it or not, we're here to stay and we will deal with the threat in this realm even if we don't want to."
Aria: "Yes, I understand. You do what you must. I can't really be angry at you for any of that. Whatever horrible threat that would endanger our realm or any other would need to be dealt with by any means necessary. You're gutsy and you seem to be a lot braver than the rest of your kind. A lot of your species must be cowards if you girls are the only ones with any courage to stand up to this threat."
Jewel: "I…I wish that was the case."

The crew members seemed surprised to hear this.
Aria: "Well, none of that matters to me. This dark entity is a major threat to everything that I stand for, no doubt, so it would concern me none-the-less, but you girls seem to have that under control. I have faith that you will eradicate it before it can do anything."
Aera: "Oh, sure, all you care about is your cushy little title as grand ruler of this rotten space station. Who cares if this entire realm falls apart as long as this massive space pit is yours to do with what you please?"
Splash: "Aera! No!"
Aria: "Hmph! You've really got a mouth on you, little girl. I suggest you watch what comes out of it before it causes you and the rest of your group any trouble. But still, I admire you for that. It's very clear that you're able to stand up for yourself whenever you need to."
Aera: "If you knew how terrible my childhood was, you wouldn't be surprised by that at all."
Aria: "I would love to hear about that sometime, if I decide to care. I think I'll enjoy seeing you girls more and more. All of you are interesting."
Splash: "You really think so?"
Aria: "Of course. I can tell that it's never a dull moment with you."
Kasumi: "That would be putting it lightly."
Aria: "I would also assume that your powers would be even more spectacular."
Miranda: "Yes, they're phenomenal. Not only are their powers amazing, but they're also shown to be very skillful."
FemShep: "Absolutely. You should see their different attacks."
Aria: "Hmm…perhaps I would like to check that out sometime. Well, I think I've managed to hear what I need from each of you. I really appreciate this lovely chat that I've had with you girls."
Splash: "It was kind of fun. You're really nice actually."
Aera: "Well…you're a lot nicer than we expected. I don't know why, but…we actually kind of like you."
Aria: "Same to you. Our conversations with one another will indeed be quite entertaining."
Splash: "Yeah! I think we'll have so much fun together!"
Aria: "Alright, I think that's enough of that for now. I'd like to know what you guys came here for."
Star: "We're here to pick up some materials needed for Mordin to build special machines for us."
Aria: "Is that so? What kind of materials do you have in mind?"
Mordin: "Was thinking mechs. Use them for a kind of simulation project of sorts."
Aria: "Hmph! I'll have you know that I'm…a little hesitant with just handing out mechs; they're very important for Omega. However, we tend to have a massively large amount of scrap metal from mechs build up all too often, mainly from having them blown to bits a lot, with no way of knowing what to do with them other than disposing of them."
Mordin: "Perfect, just what we need. Will make some magnificent analyzation machines for the girls and their powers."
Aria: "Hmm, I should have known. You salarians always have a way with coming up with new inventions and would use just about anything. Aside from the quarians, your species consists of perhaps the best kind of mechanics in the galaxy, aside from you being exquisite inventors."

Garrus touched the side of his head, nodding a little while afterwards.
Star: "Can you tell us where you store away these giant piles of scrap metal? We really, really need them for Mordin's special project."
Aria: "You really like to please this salarian, don't you?"
Aera: "Yeah, she pretty much sees him as one of her "besties", aside from us."
Aria: "Hmm, interesting. You girls fascinate me more and more. However, I'm not going to simply tell you where we store them away. But don't worry, we'll give you what you need."
Splash: "Thank you so much."
Star: "Yeah, this will help us greatly."
Aria: "Not so fast. I'm not simply going to give them away to you for free."
Splash: "What!? Why not!?"
Aria: "Do I look like I run a charity? I hardly ever just give things away for free or out of the goodness of my heart for that matter, even if it's junk."
Aera: "Are we talking payment? How much do you want us to pay you? A million credits?"

Aria chuckled out loud.
Aria: "I'm not asking for that many credits or any for that matter. I have something else in mind."
Jewel: "Alright, what do you want from us?"
Aria: "You girls seem to be quite do-gooders, always wanting to help out people in need."
Splash: "That's right, we're bringers of justice! We fight for the safety and protection of all who need us! It's how we were raised."
Aera: "But we're not spineless push-overs. You can make fun of us for being "goodie-goodies" all you want, we will never be ashamed of that."
Aria: "I have no problem with that, however I do have a problem with something else. There has been an unruly gang in the lower districts that I need to have taken care of."
FemShep: "Wait, aren't the Talons taking care of that?"
Aria: "They have, but they're struggling a bit. It turns out that this gang has become an immense detriment that even the Talons are having a hard time eradicating them. If you're able to take out that problem, then I'll provide you with all of the scrap metal that you need for your…projects."
Jewel: "I see, a favor for a favor. Sure, we can handle your problem."
Aria: "Splendid. I'll have one of my own send you girls off to where they are now. Better get going if you want your…payment."

Jewel was the first to stand up.
Jewel: "We're on it. Let's go, girls."

The other girls stood up and walked off. The members of the crew also went after them.
Star: "That Aria sure is an interesting asari."
Aera: "She's undoubtedly full of herself, but she's far from one of the worst people that I've ever met."
Splash: "I think she's kind of nice. At least she's able to provide us with what we've asked for."
Aera: "Yeah, for a price."
Flare: "A most interesting and complex individual she is. Her aura is also indeed truly complex."
FemShep: "Tell me what is it about her aura that fascinates you, Flare."
Flare: "Well…I can sense some darkness within her. Naturally, when I sense such an aura, it's an indication of a terrible person, but…her aura displays something that isn't that simple. The best way I can describe it would be…she has control over that darkness rather than the other way around."
Liara: "And what could that mean?"
Flare: "I'm not sure, but from this, it's hard to really get a vivid reading on her."
FemShep: "Well, it's very clear that she's not necessarily a good person, but she doesn't have any reason to deceive us or use us."
Garrus: "Yeah, she better not or I'll find a way to take her down without having any of her underlings interfere."
Kasumi: "For once, we would not fault you on that, Garrus. Just about anyone would want to take advantage of the girls and their special abilities."
Miranda: "Yes, and Aria would not want to pass up the opportunity if she can, although, she's not one for "using" people a lot, unless it's situations like this that involve Omega."

Garrus nodded once.
Star: "So, where are we going?"
FemShep: "We're heading to a parking garage just outside this club. It's where we would need to meet any of her subordinates who would take us to another district."
Splash: "So, we don't necessarily take ourselves there?"
FemShep: "No, she tends to keep information like that to herself. Wherever she would need us to go, she will provide us with a chauffeur."
Splash: "Oh, I see."
Garrus: "By the way, I just received a call from Tali. She said she would meet us outside."
Star: "Oh, great! She was able to finish up what she needed to take care of back on the Normandy!"

A little while afterwards, they met up with Tali outside the club.
Splash: "Hello again, Tali."
Tali: "Hey, so, were you able to receive the materials needed for the project?"
Aera: "Not, yet, Aria told us to take care of some felons within a lower district."
Tali: "Oh, Keelah, not again."
Miranda: "Yep, she's asking us for favors again."
Kasumi: "Some things never change."
Jacob: "Let's just get there, take care of what needs to be done and then get out."
Jewel: "Right, let's go."

They made their way over towards the parking garage.
Garrus: "And don't even think about flying off again, girls. We would prefer to have you transported there instead."
Aera: "Yeah, yeah, we know already, guy."

When they arrived, they saw a batarian standing near a few vehicles. Star was a little startled by this.
Star: "Huh? Who or…what is that?"
Miranda: "Oh, him? He's a batarian. You girls haven't seen a batarian before, have you?"
Aera: "No, not really."

Splash took a closer look at the batarian.
Splash: "You have…4 eyes…"
Batarian: "Yeah, I know, all batarians have 4 eyes. It's like you humans and your hair."
Splash: "Umm…we're Fayelons, actually."

Aera walked up right past Splash up to the batarian. Her eyes displayed the anime facial expression of a blank, annoyed look.
Aera: "Yeah, we get we look like humans, but don't be fooled by that because we're not."
Batarian: "Uh, right, sorry, of course you're not; humans don't change the shape of their eyes like that."

Her face converted back to normal as she smiled at the batarian with her eyes closed.
Aera: "Thank you."
Jewel: "So, you're here to take us to that district that Aria wanted us to take care of."
Batarian: "That's right, we have a few vehicles ready to take you girls to where you're needed."
Jewel: "OK, let's go."

The girls proceeded to make their way to the vehicles. A few of the crew members followed after them. Garrus, however, stood by with a startled look on his face. Tali and Mordin were standing beside him on both sides.
Garrus: "Change the shape of her eyes? I…I didn't think anyone else would recognize that."
Tali: "Yeah, we have."
Mordin: "Kind of hard to miss."
Garrus: "Is…is that a Fayelon thing, or…do either of you know anything about that?"
Tali: "Yeah, they look like…anime facial expressions."
Garrus: "Anime what?"
Mordin: "Anime facial expressions, a well-known and well-liked cliché in anime. Japanese animators take on the need to greatly emphasize the emotions of characters through overly-exaggerated facial expressions. A comical means of doing such and was so well liked that other cartoons also took on this adaptation."
Garrus: "Huh…now that you mention it, I did notice that from one of those anime shows…that you guys make me watch with you, by the way."
Mordin: "You're welcome."

Tali and Mordin walked off. Garrus continued standing by, a bit peeved. He then walked off after later, they arrived at their intended destination. There, they made their way through the place.
Star: "Alright, so where do we find these hooligans so that we can pound the ever-loving stuffing out of them?"

Suddenly, they heard what sounded like faint gunshots.
Kasumi: "I suppose we could follow the sound of gunfire."
Jewel: "Yeah, sounds like it. Let's hurry."

They rushed through the corridor as fast as they soon stopped within a massive room. There, they spotted a firefight between 2 different groups. One group contained the emblem of the Talons, another was just a group of vorcha. The group with the Talon symbols were clearly outnumbered badly. The group, however, were fixated on the vorcha as they glared out at them.
Splash: "Ahh! What are those ugly things!?"
Garrus: "Vorcha. I should have known. It's the Blood Pack."
Splash: "The what?"
Garrus: "We'll focus on the details later. Right now, we have to take care of this threat."
Jewel: "Right. Let's go help them out."

The other girls nodded once. They stood beside each other, preparing to transform.
Jewel, Flare, Star, Aera, Splash: "Metamorphose!"

They transformed again and then rushed out. The crew members pulled out their weapons and rushed out girls stood near the Talons, ready to attack.
Talon member: "Wha-? Who are you girls?"
Jewel: "We're Fayelons. Aria sent us to help you guys out."
Talon member: "Well, bout time some came to our aid. We've been having our a**** handed to us for hours now."
Star: "Not to worry, we're here to help."

From there, they utilized their powers to fight off the vorcha.
Talon member: "What the…!? What are you girls!?"
Aera: "Didn't you hear us!? We're Fayelons! We're magical beings from another realm!"
Talon member: "Magical…? Whatever! I don't care! Just take care of those vorcha!"
Aera: "Not a problem."
Flare: "The rest of you get these people to safety. We've got this handled."

With that, the crew members complied, helping to get all of the Talon members out of the way while the girls combated the vorcha. The fight against them seemed to have been going well, nothing out of the ordinary. The girls were really holding their own out there. The Talons were watching this while being moved to safety.
Talon member: "Wow, those girls are really amazing."
Garrus: "Yeah, they are."

As the fight continued, the girls were still able to handle the vorcha. However, a little into the fight, Flare was startled by something for some reason.
Flare: "Oh, no!"
Jewel: "What is it?"
Flare: "I can sense a dark aura, creeping in. I…what could this mean?"

At that moment, Liara was also startled by something.
Liara: "Do you guys feel that?"
Miranda: "Yes, I can. It's Darkness."
Jacob: "Yeah, I can feel it out, too. Something is not right."
Kasumi: "What…what's going on?"

Garrus stared out tensely.
Garrus: "What are you up to this time?"

Meanwhile back on the Normandy, Thane, Samara and Javik, each in different parts of the ship, were also able to sense the dark aura.
Thane, Samara, Javik: "He's back again!"

Back during the fight, the girls continued on. Suddenly, something strange happened. A dark aura was seen surrounding the vorcha. Even they were taken by surprise from this. The girls and the Normandy crew were startled by this.
Liara: "What's happening!?"

The Dark aura soon encased them, from there, it was uncertain as to what was happening. As this was taking place, a deep, groggy voice could be heard not only by the girls but the crew members as well.
Voice: "Darkness is absolute! Darkness will consume all! I will obtain that which I desire and finally be able to seize and devour everything in sight! All will be mine!"
Tali: "What's that strange voice? Who is that?"
FemShep: "I…I don't know…"

Mordin was on his omni-tool again, analyzing the Dark aura encasing the vorcha. He seemed to be staring tensely at it.
Garrus: "Doc, tell us what is happening."
Mordin: "Hmm…The Dark aura is inserting itself into the vorcha. They appear to be undergoing some sort of magical mutation. Their body structures and physiology are being altered immensely."
FemShep: "What are they changing into?"

Mordin was still analyzing the occurrence.
Mordin: "Don't need me to tell you that the transformation is to be…monstrous."

And with that, the Dark aura seemingly vanished, the vorcha have indeed been revealed to have transformed into more hideous abominations. Everyone stood by, stunned from this.
Liara: "Oh, my gosh! Is Dark magic really capable of such a thing?"
Jacob: "And I thought the vorcha were ugly before."

Before the new formed vorcha could attack, the voice could be heard again.
Voice: "This is the power of Darkness! All those who refused to be consumed by it shall suffer, such is the will of my powers, such is the will of Darkness!"

The monstrous new forms then charged at the girls. The girls used their powers to fight back, but the monstrous forms, having been enhanced by Darkness in both ferocity and strength, were shown to be a huge struggle. They tried some of their strongest attacks, which were more effective, but wasn't enough. Not being able to handle the vicious new forms, Jewel forged another of her shield gems with both of her hands and held it in front of her, with the new forms pounding on it. Although they couldn't shatter it or even scratch it, they pounded the shield gem hard enough to start wearing her down. She was struggling to hold herself up.
Liara: "Jewel!"
Tali: "We have to do something!"
Kasumi: "But what can we do?"

At that moment, they noticed a gunshot towards one of the new forms. They were shocked at first, but then looked to their side and noticed Garrus holding out his rifle. The one that was shot attempted to rush towards him, but was hit directly by an ice ball, causing it to turn back towards the girls.
FemShep: "Garrus, what are you doing? We don't stand a chance against those things!"
Garrus: "I know, but I have to do something! I'm not going to stand around and watch these monsters pummel the girls to submission."
Mordin: "He's right, something needs to be done. We must help."
Kasumi: "I agree, but what is there for us to do?"
Garrus: "We'll act as diversion; draw these things away from the girls so that they can regain their strength."
Kasumi: "I suppose…we can try…"

Mordin was dabbling on his omni-tool.
Mordin: "Already have another plan in mind. Been working on designing a new omni-tool feature that might help. Sending them to each of you now."

From there, each of their omni-tools reacted with each of them tending to theirs.
Garrus: "Come on, let's get at them."

Most of the crew members rushed off. The biotics stayed behind.
Liara: "We'll stay here to protect the Talons."

The girls were still struggling against the new forms. Then, several shots were being fired at it. They looked over and spotted most of the crew members with their weapons out. The new forms rushed after them.
Star: "What are you guys doing!?"
FemShep: "You girls look like you needed some help."
Flare: "Are they crazy!? They will not last against those abominations!"
Jewel: "Maybe, but might provide us with ample time to come up with a plan, and I know just the kind. We'll need to pull our powers together."
Splash: "What!? Are you sure about that, Jewel?"
Jewel: "It's the only way."
Flare: "I do not think we should. I mean, are you absolutely certain about this?"
Aera: "I don't know about this, either, Jewel. You might use up too much of your own energy. I mean, we don't want you to faint again."
Jewel: "It'll be fine. I can handle this. Besides, I don't think that's what caused me to lose consciousness last time."
Flare: "Well…OK, but we'll give our all so that you don't use up too much of your own power."
Jewel: "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The new forms charged towards the crew members as they shot at them. Although their weapons aren't effective against them, they were able to keep them at bay. As one charged at them, Mordin stopped shooting and walked up a bit. Everyone else stood by, confused as to what was going on. The new form charged at him, but he didn't even flinch. Instead, he held up his left hand and, with the omni-tool active and on hand, somehow greatly zapped the new form with what appeared to be some sort of stream of electricity, only brighter and looked more lethal. The new form was badly weakened by this. For a while, the others stood by, shocked by what they had seen. Tali and Garrus walked up beside him, still shocked.
Tali: "What…what was that?"
Mordin: "A burst of Light energy."
Garrus: "You mean as in Light magic?"

Mordin nodded once.
Mordin: "Been studying the aura around us, figured out how to extract the bits of energy and managed to design and utilize magic-based tech. That was a finished product of my research."

They stared down at the new form that was zapped for a bit.
Tali: "We're…able to do that, right?"
Mordin: "Of course, can't risk having any of you brought out here without being able to defend yourselves against this Dark threat."

Tali and Garrus stood stunned for a bit, then they went on their omni-tools to check on them and took notice of something that seemed to have reassured them.
Tali: "Yep, it's right here."
Garrus: "Alright, at least we stand a better chance this time."

Tali nodded once.
Kasumi: "Let me take point."

Kasumi cloaked herself at that enough, the new forms had focused their attention on the crew members. The girls watched this taking place. They seemed both worried and pleased at the same time.
Flare: "Amazing, they're able to handle the monsters a lot more than we had thought."
Star: "I know, right? That Mordin is such an awesome genius, isn't he?"
Jewel: "We've also been given a little more leniency. I think we may be able to pull this off without using up too much of our powers."
Aera: "Yes, let's get at it before the monsters overpower our friends."

The other girls nodded once. The fight kept on with the crew members keeping the new forms occupied. A few times, when they would even get too close, the crew members would activate their omni-tools to shock the creatures with them. At one point, Kasumi would come out of being cloaked and then zapped the monsters the same way and then go back to cloaking. With the use of her cloaking tech, she was able to slip in and out with the monsters not being the wiser. This kept on for a while. The biotic used their abilities to protect the Talons. At one point, the monsters tried to rush them, only to be held back by the biotics. Within the skirmish, one of the monsters was slammed into a nearby door, badly damaging it.
Garrus: "I just hope the girls will be ready to take down these monsters sooner or later; because we can only keep this up for so long."

Then without warning, one of the monsters had a massive and seemingly inexplicable coating of crystals on its back that expanded very quickly. The crew members were taken by surprise from this, but knew exactly what was going on. Looking over, they spotted exactly what they expected: it was Jewel who was doing this.
Liara: "Jewel!"

She then stopped the expansion of the crystals then shattered them on their backs, causing a great deal of damage. Everyone was excited to see this.
Garrus: "That's my girl."
Jewel: "Everyone! Attack! Now!"

And with that, each of the other girls unleashed some of their most devastating moves. The crew members watched in anticipation as the girls attacked. Eventually, the monsters were badly beaten to the point where the new forms seemed as though they were being expelled from the dark aura that created their forms. The dark aura then disappeared, leaving the vorcha completely unharmed but they were startled.
Vorcha: "Grr! What…! What happened!?"
Liara: "Unbelievable! The vorcha returned to normal."

Mordin was already on his omni-tool again.
Garrus: "So, defeating those monsters didn't destroy the vorcha."
Vorcha: "Gah! We…we lived bad dream! Must get out of here!"

The vorcha then fled the room through another door.
Miranda: "Well, that's that."

At that moment, Liara was startled by something.
Liara: "Everyone! Look out!"

Jacob and Miranda were also startled. At that moment, the Dark aura appeared before them again.
Kasumi: "What's going on!?"

Everyone stood their ground. The Dark aura was about to lash out at everyone, but then, a bright light shot at it from seemingly nowhere.
Aera: "What the…!?"
Splash: "What's…happening!?"

Flare was startled a little as she stood out at this.
Flare: "Wha…! Could it be…!?"

From the bright light, there was a heavenly voice that ringed clearly in Jewel's mind.
Voice: "This realm has suffered for far too long because of you!"
Jewel: "That voice…!"

From the Light, the Dark aura dissipated. Everything was silent.
Kasumi: "What just happened?"
Liara: "I think…whoever…or whatever had control over that Light magic…just eradicated that Dark aura."
Tali: "Does that mean the threat is gone?"
FemShep: "No, I would not think so. Well, maybe that threat is gone, but that was just a small piece of what we still have to deal with."

Jewel began to ponder something. Flare took notice of it.
Flare: "Jewel, is there something the matter?"
Jewel: "Did…did you guys just hear a voice just now?"

Everyone exchanged looks with one another, confused.
Star: "No…none of us did."
Jewel: "Hmm…is that so…? Then…I may have been…the only one who could hear it."
Flare: "That may be. Although I didn't hear any voice, I did sense a slight tinge in the Light, almost as though, the entity controlling that power was trying to communicate."
Liara: "Yes, I felt it, too. There was…some sort of indication of there being a…being of sort, or magical entity, whatever you want to call it."
Kasumi: "If that's true, then why was Jewel the only one who could hear it? Not even Flare could hear it, either?"
Flare: "We don't know why that is, but we will figure that out overtime."

Everyone nodded once. At that moment, the Talons walked up to the groups.
Talon member: "We cannot thank you enough for coming here to save us."
Jewel: "Oh! No need to thank us, we were happy to do it."
Splash: "That's right! We're Fayelons, dispensers of justice and all that's good!"
Talon member: "Well, I most certainly feel better, knowing that you're here."
Star: "So, what will you guys do from here?"
Talon member: "We'll head back to our headquarters to file reports on what had just happened here. Again, we can't thank you enough for what you have done."
Aera: "Sure, just try to be more careful next time."
Talon member: "Yes, we will. Take care good and good luck with the rest of your fight."
Jewel: "Thanks. You, too."

The Talons walked off. The crew members regrouped with the girls.
Liara: "Now then, shall we head back and check with Aria about her keeping her end of this bargain?"
Jewel: "Certainly. She may have delivered our supplies by now."
Star: "Aw, yeah! The sooner we get back to the Normandy, the sooner Mordin can finally get started on his project."
Mordin: "Certainly, let's go."

They were about to leave, but then they noticed that the door back out was damaged.
Liara: "Oh, no!"
Splash: "What happened to the door!?"
FemShep: "Hmm…it might have been damaged during that fight."
Tali: "What are we going to do about this? That's our only way out of here."
Kasumi: "Hmm…anyone got any bright ideas on how to fix this?"
Jewel: "Hang on. Let me try something."

She walked up to the door. As she stood before it, she coated the door with her crystals. Everyone stood and watched this take place.
FemShep: "What is she doing?"
Liara: "We don't know. We've never seen her try this on any objects before."

Star shifted her hip to her side then crossed her arms as she developed a confident smile on her face.
Star: "Stand back, everyone. This is one of Jewel's special tricks."

The other girls also had confident smiles on their faces. The crew members, however, looked confused. Jewel had completely coated the door with her crystal. Then, she lifted both of her arms up, then brought them down in a cross position. From there, the door shattered completely. The crew members were startled to see this.
Liara: "Wha…what was that?"
Star: "Like I said, another of Jewel's special powers. She can enable her crystals to everything that she coats in them become as brittle as glass."

The crew members were speechless by this.
Miranda: "Are…are her influences over her crystals really that powerful?"
Star: "Yep. She's just that amazing."
Aera: "She was pretty much jumping for joy when she was able to use that trick for the first time."
Kasumi: "That…is amazing!"
Jewel: "Shall we get going?"

With that, they walked out of the room. At that time, they were being observed from a monitor by Aria and her subordinates. They were within a control room.
Aria: "These girls are quite incredible."
Bray: "I've heard intel about them being able to carry out special abilities, but it's clear that there's so much more we don't know about these magical girls."
Aria: "Hmm, it was a lot more fun to watch them fight than those human cartoons that they call anime, especially the magical girl variety."
Garka: "I still can't believe that you actually watch those magical girl shows, although, not all of them have been directed towards the…younger audiences like that pretty cute, or whatever that series is called."
Aria: "Well, of course there are some magical girls shows that aren't for kids; some of them consists of far too traumatizing series, like the one with that poor little girl that lives amongst a town of humans with hearts of monsters."
Garka: "Where murder would be easily forgiven but would always turn a blind eye to child abuse? Yeah, I know what you're referring to. I can't believe humans would actually like watching such horrific shows."
Aria: "Yes, I couldn't believe it, either, but it is what it is."
Bray: "So, what are you planning to do, moving forward with this?"
Aria: "What am I going to do? Why, I'm going to continue counting on these girls to do whatever I need them to do."
Bray: "Um…Miss T'Loak. I would never even think of questioning your decisions, but allow me to express my concerns about using these girls for anything you please. If it's for a good cause, I can understand, but…"
Aria: "Oh, don't worry. I would never use these girls. I would just need their help with taking care of a few loose ends that have caused me so much grief over time. And with their strong sense of justice, they would not be inclined to refuse anything that I would ask of them. None of my intentions would be malicious on their behalf."
Bray: "Really? Can you…can you…do you really mean that?"
Aria: "Of course. I like them. I would never dream of mishandling their powers. They're quite entertaining, as fighters and for having interesting conversations with. Be it they choose to accept my requests or even refuse them, it doesn't matter."

She then turned to walk off. She seemed very smug.
Aria: "Everything always goes my way on Omega."

Much time later, the group was brought back to the main area of the space station. The girls, having already reverted to their dormant forms, made their way back to Aria's loft. There, she was on her sofa, awaiting their return.
Aria: "Oh, good, you've made it back."

She signaled the girls to sit on the sofa with her, they did just that. The crew members stood nearby.
Star: "We took care of the threat, just like you asked us to."
Aria: "I appreciate that. Those vorcha are still causing trouble throughout my station. And here I thought everyone would start behaving after I took this place back from Cerberus, but I should have known that wouldn't be the case, especially with the vorcha. They're like two-legged animals."
Flare: "The vorcha weren't at all a problem. We can handle them just fine, it's just…"
Aria: "You were handling things until that mysterious Dark aura turned them into even more vicious and feral versions of themselves? Yeah, I already know."
Splash: "What!? But…how could you how known about that!?"
Aria: "You girls should know by now that I have eyes and ears all over this station. I can see and hear everything; therefore, I know everything that goes on around here."
Splash: "But…isn't that like eavesdropping or something like that?"

Aria chuckled again.
Aria: "You're really quite funny, you know that, right? It's so adorable how you can think and behave in such a young and naïve manner. Not so much a mystery as to who is the most childish of your group."

Splash began to display the over exaggerated, oversized sad look from her eyes just like from anime.
Splash: "But…but…I'm not…naive…"
Aera: "OK, I think that's enough, you can make yourself out to be this almighty queen of Omega all you like, but don't you dare make fun of us."

Aera then looked towards Splash with that same dull, annoyed look forming in her eyes.
Aera: "Even though what you did say about her is true."

The sad look in Splash's eyes became a little more overly embellished. From there, the over exaggerated tears were just about the pour out.
Jewel: "Oh, no, not this again."

From there, she began to wail as tears spouted from her eyes like faucets.
Splash: "Waaaaaaaahhhh! Why are you so mean!?"

Everyone nearby watching this, including the crew members, were uncomfortable as they watched this. Tali and Mordin, however, seemed surprisingly calm.
Tali: "Yep, just like in anime."
Mordin: "Hmm, indeed."

Flare smacked Aera upside the head.
Aera: "Ow!"
Flare: "Aera, don't say things like that!"
Aera: "What? It is true."
Jewel: "Yeah, but didn't we go over having you not be so blunt? You know how sensitive she is."

Aera had the same, dull and annoyed look on her face as she crossed her arms and pouted.
Aera: "I can't help being blunt. That's just how I am."
Aria: "Well, this has been entertaining and while your friend over there is finishing up with washing my floor with her…over embellished tears, I would like to inform all of you that I have transported all of the necessary equipment for your…special project to your ship, as promised."
Mordin: "Thank you, this helps immensely."
Aria: "I look forward to having you stop by and help out whenever I need something from you."
Jewel: "Um…well…"
Garrus: "Hold on there for a minute."

Garrus walked up to her and stood in front of her.
Garrus: "Listen here, Aria, you may call the shots for anything and everything on Omega, but the same will not apply to these girls! Do you understand that!? They are NOT your personal property to do with whatever you please, nor are they anyone else's, especially ours."
Aria: "Well, aren't you the fatherly one? It's just like I've heard, you really have become quite the strict parental type for these young teenagers. But you make a valid point and I agree, they are not my personal property. However, they have just as much a right to decide whether or not they want to help me. They do have a say in that, after all. Isn't that right…Archangel?"

Garrus was a little startled to hear her say that, as were the other crew members, but the girls were even more surprised.
Star: "Archangel?"
Garrus: "We'll…we'll talk about it later."
Aria: "Well, I think we should have an understanding on how to treat these girls. They would need to have a saying as to what they would choose to do."
Garrus: "Yeah, I know, but if I detect even the slightest indication that they're being used in any way, by you or your subordinates, then we will leave you to take care of your issues by yourselves."
Aria: "Oh, don't worry. I will not use them in any way. If it would make you feel better, they would not need to be the only ones to handle any problems that I would need them to deal with. You and the rest of the crew have done a phenomenal job with helping them and I feel that they would not be able to handle a lot of this without any of you."
Garrus: "That is…acceptable. I'll hold you to that."
FemShep: "So…shall we get back to the Normandy?"
Garrus: "Yeah, I think we should."

The girls all got up.
Jewel: "Well, it was a pleasure meeting you."
Aria: "You, too. I look forward to seeing you again."
Aera: "Umm…same here…I guess."

The girls walked off with the crew members. Ms. Shepard was about to go on her way.
Aria: "By the way, Jane. How is your cousin?"

Ms. Shepard turned back and looked towards Aria.
FemShep: "Same as he's always been. Hardly any changes were made."
Aria: "Hmm, I see, well…I just…I hope that he does come to."
FemShep: "So do we. By the way, I've been meaning to ask. How have you been holding up?"
Aria: "How am I holding up? I'm doing just fine, mind you! Why would you even ask me that?"
FemShep: "Well, back when we were taking back this space station, you seemed very devastated from Nyreen after she sacrificed herself for you."
Aria: "I thought I told you to not bring that up again! Her death hardly had any effect on me nor did I care much about her, at all."
FemShep: "That's not the impression you gave when it happened."

Aria just glared at Ms. Shepard.
Aria: "Just…give my regards to the rest of that crew about your cousin.
FemShep: "Will do. See you again."

Ms. Shepard walked off. Aria smiled.
Aria: "I really do like those girls. Don't worry, Archangel, I would never misuse their special abilities unless I have a reason to. I promise you that."

The crew members and the girls were making their way back to where the Normandy was docked.
Star: "Well, that was fun."
Splash: "I know, I found that Aria to be quite nice, aside from…how she called me those hurtful things."
Aera: "Hurtful or not, she is right about you."

Splash's eyes developed the same overly embellished sad look again.
Splash: "Aera! Don't be mean!"
Flare: "I thought I told you to stop being so blunt with her."
Aera: "And I thought I told you I can't but be blunt."
Star: "Well, what matters is that we were able to obtain all that we needed for Mordin to design those machines that will help us out with our powers."
Mordin: "Indeed. Will get started on that as soon as possible."
Tali: "I would like to help out with that if that's alright with you."
Star: "Also would like to help! I can't wait to get started with this."
Mordin: "As do I, Star."

Suddenly, Jewel lost consciousness and fell to the ground. The group quickly took notice of this.
Liara: "Oh, no! Jewel!"

They tended her immediately.
Liara: "Not again!"
Kasumi: "What is it this time? Why did she faint again?"
Jacob: "Good question."
Miranda: "We need to get her back to the medical bay and have her examined."
Garrus: "Yeah, I'll take her back there immediately."