A/N

Thank you for making it this far.

~Enjoy

Chapter 21: The Bottom of it All

Kyson's POV

"Tell us what happened. You have come so far, Saera." said Tali Kyson felt that word run through him. That single word, saying that he was her 'soul's soul'. Just as she was his keeper, he was hers as well. He had always wanted to hide these things from her, from everybody. He no longer had a choice and in a way it was the only possible situation for him to come clean.

"That's right, you know I'm not your brother. That is okay, we still have plenty of time. Do you remember the power Kerris has? We could use it so you don't have to relive the pain. It is your pain, Kyson. Not theirs. Look at how quickly these creatures locked you up just so they could marvel at your pain. You know how cats are, don't you? They play with their food before they eat it." said Khoshekh. Kyson had been thinking along those lines the entire time.

"Don't listen to it. It will do anything in order stay with you. Kyson, think hard. What happened to Kevin?" asked Tali. Kyson closed his eyes as he thought back to when he was sixteen. It already felt like decades since it had happened. As he opened his eyes he found himself on the front porch of his house. The old wood siding that needed a new whitewash. The cold frozen ground.

"There he is! Get in here Kyson, we have booze!" said the familiar voice of Boomer's older brother, James. Kyson remembered how bad an idea it was to have this party. Mom had been committed to the local institution finally but celebrating like this didn't feel right. He walked in the open door to see twenty or more people in the house. Girls and guys all a good three or four years older than him with bottles of liquor or beer.

"Is it a party of some kind?" asked Tali. Kyson remembered the smell of pot as he looked to the living room. Cocaine was being cut while people laughed and waved at him.

"Yo! Back here Kyson! Glad you could make it boss. What happened to the party you were at?" asked a very high looking Kevin.

"This, this is the party two days before Kevin shot himself. I was at another party earlier." replied Kyson. The memory continued.

"Yeah, half of us got busted. I ran into the woods and circled back to the truck. I didn't know you were throwing one as well." said Kyson with a raised eyebrow of suspicion. Kevin looked angry for a second before he smiled like an idiot.

"It was spur of the moment. One thing led to another before I knew it we were all celebrating mom being taken away. The whole mountain knew what we were going through but had their hands tied. Oh well I guess. Here, take some of this here whiskey and relax. And hey, if you play your cards right, you might finally get laid!" laughed Kevin before lighting a joint.

"He was celebrating your mom being taken away? That seems harsh." observed Tali. Kyson looked around as he lit a cig and dived into the party in his head. Everyone was there. All of Kevin's crew and a few that Kyson hung with as well. They tried to get him to get fucked out of his mind on every drug out there. He just kept to his bottle. He wasn't into the hard stuff.

"It took almost that entire bottle for me to calm down. I knew we were going to be fucked when dad got home. I knew we were done for. Kevin always gave in to peer pressure the stupid shit. We also never quite got along. He was all about bullshitting, and at the time I could only think about school. Doing the right things. I didn't know what to do that day so I spent all night faking smiles, knowing I had to either rat him out or keep quiet and hope for the best." he narrated for Tali.

The memory changed to the next day. Kyson was the first to wake up and leave his room. Beer cans littered the house along with cigarette butts. It reeked of sex and stale pizza as well. There was a naked couple on the living room sofa passed out with everything open to see. Kyson found Kevin in the cellar sleeping against the wall.

"Get up." said Kyson with irritation. He could see his best friend next to him, she was also asleep. Kyson began to kick his brother.

"I tried to get the people there to help me clean up. They all scattered like a bunch of assholes. Leaving Kevin who was still smacked out of his mind there with me. He was failing school he admitted while we tried to clean and cover up the smell of the drugs. He had also tried to finally date his best friend, or so I was told. Everything came crashing down on my brother. He couldn't take the pressure of school. The rejection of his infatuation. It weighed down on him." explained Kyson as he relived the night before.

"It was quiet that night. I was busy trying to forget what had happened and went to Boomer's house. His brother didn't say hi. He knew he had bailed on us. Boomer, he knew but just didn't say anything. I didn't know that when I left Kevin alone that night, it would be the last time I would see him." he said. He was dying for a real cig. But he pushed on. The memory moved on. It was early morning and it had snowed. The walk up the drive was slippery and treacherous as he tried to keep his balance with his hands in his pockets.

"I entered the house after smoking a cig or two. I remember walking into the house and calling out for him. I was going to make some food if he was up. When no one answered, I assumed he was oversleeping like always. I even played an entire song on my guitar before I went up the stairs. His room was dark when I entered. I listened to see if he was snoring." he narrated. The memory had a dark expanse before him. A sliver of light escaped a blackout curtain.

"This...this is when you found him." said Tali knowing how the story went. Kyson felt a cold fear grip his chest. He felt himself fumbling for the light switch. Kyson wanted it to stop but he couldn't control the memory anymore. He had to see Kevin one more time. The light came on, and blood was on the floor.

The body of a young man in his early twenties was on the floor with a pistol next to his head. Kevin had been sitting on the edge of his bed when he pulled the trigger. Kyson began to hyperventilate as he tripped over his own feet, nearly falling backwards.

"Kevin...no! Why! Why god damn you! You piece of shit! You fucking coward!" he screamed as he hovered over his brother's body. Kyson stormed out and punched the wall as he went down the stairs. He sat on the front porch and lit a cig. Just like he had done all of those years ago.

"Tuesdays have always been the worst days yeah?" asked Kyson to his younger self next to him. The kid had shocked eyes that stared at the ground as the cigarette burned in the wind. Kyson sighed as he smoked on his. How he had gotten one he didn't know.

"It gets worse. You don't know that yet but it does. I'm sorry I wasn't smarter with my decisions. You wouldn't believe me if I told you that the next day you would run away and join a gang. They would make you kill. You can't even think about finding the love of your life. Much less her being slaughter in front of you. " he lamented. He looked at his younger self who was trembling, trying to block out the tears.

"I'm sorry I wasn't as fast with a tool as we always thought we were. I'm sorry we never quite thought as fast as the others who always seemed to know what was going on. If you could hear me now, I would tell you to run. Run away father than Omega like we did. I would tell you to run into the military. Maybe they would have kept a tight enough leash on you." he said.

"Kyson, that isn't fair to yourself. He took his own life. And you did what any child would have done. You didn't have parents who were there. They didn't have the ability to help you. You had to figure it out on your own." said Tali. Kyson began to laugh.

"I said that in order not to cry myself to sleep every night. I told myself that ever since I left Illium. Yet, here I am." said Kyson. How Ironic was it that it took billions of miles traveled, an invasion of space machines, and an unknown race in order for him to finally be forced to reveal his childhood. Not that it was so long ago.

"Kyson, Khoshekh just went into the house. Is there something more you aren't saying?" asked Tali in a panic. Kyson frowned. He couldn't remember. He looked at his younger self who had begun to call the police. Kyson got up and went back inside. There was nothing left in his head. Nothing he was hiding.

He went back upstairs to where the body of his brother still lay crumpled on the ground. The body jerked with a sick bone snapping sound. Kevin slowly rose off the floor and looked at Kyson with eyes rolled back in his head. Kyson felt his hair stand on end. This was new.

"We aren't done yet here. You are leaving out the important bits. The reasons why I died. You didn't say it was because of you!" said Kevin with the distorted voice of the monster. Kyson tried to run but Kevin's hand clamped down on his shoulders with the strength of a Krogan.

"I'll even help you remember! I'll play your favorite song you played for me! The one you always listen to when you realize how guilty you are!" said Kevin. Kyson felt tried desperately to claw at the door jamb. The sounds of a guitar began to drone in his head as he tried to break free. He knew the song. (Somewhat Damaged: By Nine Inch Nails)

"No. It isn't true anymore. You can't make me!" screamed Kyson as he began to panic.

[So impressed with all you do, tried so hard to be like you.]

"Oh yes I can! You always were a mopey little fuck! A sheltered little bitch who couldn't handle himself!" shouted Kevin with a roar as he dragged Kyson into the room. Kyson screamed as he was dragged into a night so black even space had no equivalent.

[Flew too high and burnt the wing, lost my faith in everything.]

"I was the one who saved you. I was the one who made it so you could talk to people in a normal fashion. Do you remember what you were like before me?" asked Kevin as they appeared in a courtyard of dead trees and a mound of decaying corpses. Kyson tried to punch Kevin but every time he tried he wasn't there.

"I was an awkward child. I didn't know what else to talk about! I had no reference other than the cruel words of adults!" snapped Kyson in anger.

"How is a child who is raised by people who hate themselves supposed to know better? I didn't mean to hurt so many people damn it! I didn't even know!" said Kyson as he tried to find a way out of this nightmare.

[Lick around divine debris, taste the wealth of hate in me.]

"You didn't know how damaged you were. How does an abused child know? They don't haha! That's the best part. While the parents scream and fight, the children pick up the sins of the father. It is how it goes. But, I helped you. I showed you how to relax." laughed Kevin. Kyson began to run through the fields of dead bodies. Anything to get away.

[Shedding skin succumb defeat, this machine is obsolete.]

"That's right! Run! Just like you always do! Whenever people tried to help you, you would get so close to moving on, but would turn tail! This is who you are Kyson. A coward and a failure." Laughed Kevin who always seemed to be right behind him. The scenery turned into a long dark tunnel with dim white lights stretching into infinity. Kevin was blocking his path.

[Made the choice to go away, drink the fountain of decay.]

"No! I have changed! I left Earth behind and your body with it! I can't do this again..." he began to plead. Kevin just smiled cruelly.

[Tear a hole exquisite red, fuck the rest and stab it dead.]

"You can beg me all you want. You can deny everything if you wish. It doesn't change the past. It never will. Just like how you never cared." said Kevin almost sadly.

""What?" asked Kyson not understanding.

"That's right. You never cared enough to listen to others. What if they had problems of their own? Who ever thought the world wasn't all about Kyson. What if, no one cared?" said Kevin coldly. Kyson shook his head. It wasn't true. It just wasn't.

[Broken bruised forgotten sore, too fucked up to care anymore.]

"That isn't true..." moaned Kyson. He tried to see where he had gone wrong in his life. He looked around him and his memories became a blur again. Nothing but his mother screaming at him, images of his father shaking his head in disappointment before leaving for months on end. His little sister crying as Kevin threw tantrums and smashed the house apart.

[Poisoned to my rotten core, too fucked up to care anymore]

He couldn't take it anymore. He wanted out! He wanted everything to be over! He wanted to, he wanted to kill... He stopped as he watched Kevin put the pistol in his mouth, and pull the trigger. That was what Kyson wanted to do.

"No!" screamed Tali from somewhere. Kyson jumped up and turned around. Khoshekh was smiling while shaking his head.

"Nuh uh. You are mine now." said Khoshekh. Kyson became furious. He had pondered ending his life many times. Many times a week even but no. He wouldn't go like this. He didn't know where this sudden urge to live came from but this time, he wouldn't run. He took a step towards Khoshekh.

[In the back. Off the side, far away. Is a place where I hide, where I stay.]

"I did care. I always did. I just didn't know how to show it. I did something you didn't though. I did the one thing you couldn't!" he snapped at the monster who still looked like Kevin who looked bored and amused.

[Tried to say. Tried to ask. I needed to all alone by myself, where were you?]

"I kept fighting! I kept moving! I didn't give up!" he yelled in fury.

"You drank until you threw up every night! You went into deeper and harder drugs until you couldn't tell who you were anymore! Not me! You!" said Kyson who was now screaming at the top of his lungs. Kevin tried to punch Kyson in the face, but it was too slow. Kyson grabbed Kevin by the neck.

[How could I ever think? it's funny how everything that swore it wouldn't change is different now.]

Kyson began to beat Kevin's head against the tunnel wall as he screamed.

"You killed yourself not me! I knew you were doing it. I always knew you might kill yourself! You never thought I heard you with that pistol, practicing with the barrel in your mouth did you?" said Kyson as Kevin looked at him in horror.

[Just like you would always say, we'll make it through then my head fell apart and where were you?]

"Click click click! The dry runs as you pussied out over and over again. We tried to help you! We wanted you to get better, but you just kept drinking! Kept getting fucked up!" said Kyson as he began to tear up in the eyes.

[How could I ever think? it's funny how everything you swore would never change is different now.]

"I was the one who cleaned up the blood! I was the one who had to tell family and friends how it happened! I was all alone! You didn't care! You got scared and ran. I didn't do that! You did! I hate you damn it! I fucking hate you!" Kyson couldn't stop screaming, the walls were coming down now. There was nothing left to hold him back.

[Like you said, you and me make it through, didn't quite! fell apart where the fuck were you?]

"Where the fuck where you Kevin? Where were you when it all fell apart? That's right! Fucking dead!" screamed Kyson as he broke his brother's neck.

"Dead you hear me! I have to live with you being dead! You promised we would take the world by storm but you gave up!" he said as he began to sob. Kevin's body became a foggy black mass that began to gather at the floor. In a split second it was gone. The memories cleared as he found himself back on the porch of his house.

"Kyson! Answer us, please answer us. Keelah where did it go?" said Tali somewhere off in the distance. It sounded like she was off somewhere in the woods.

"We have it almost contained. But, I think it is still trying to hold on." said a voice. Kyson lit a cig as two people came out of the front door of his old home. It was Kyson and a young Teagann laughing. The present Kyson smiled softly as he looked up at the stars. He remembered this night.

"What is so important that you have to tell me now? Can't it wait after monopoly? I almost have dad for the first time in my life" said Teagann with a look of determination. Kyson was almost twenty when this happened.

"I can't help myself. Listen. We are leaving soon." said the excited young man.

"Oh yeah? Where too?" asked the very lively sister.

"Illium. We are going to start new there. But there is more. Teagann, Cynthia is pregnant." said Kyson with little preamble. Teagann looked shocked.

"What? Shut the hell up what? No way. If you are joking I'm going to kill you." said Teagann with wide eyes. The real Kyson in the chamber stood up and began to walk away. He could hear the fading voices still talking.

"Oh my god. What if it's a boy? What will you name it?" asked the soon to be aunt.

"Kevin." was all the young Kyson said before the memory disappeared. Kyson found himself staring at a large group of cat creatures and his friends. Nothing moved.

"Connection severed. Khoshekh has been contained. He is all clear." said one of the operation techs on the side. Kyson found that it was hard to stand. As the chamber opened Tali ran in and held him up.

"I will always miss him. I loved my brother, I loved him and he is gone...and I couldn't do anything." he began to cry as Tali led him to the floor. He buried his face in her shoulder as he let all the lost tears fall like the stars on his once dear dreams. He didn't care who was there.

"Shhh, I'm here. I'm here Kyson and I always will be. It's over now." comforted Tali. It felt like hours as he just let her hold him. Many of the Oomari were dismissed from the room except the elders, and Jekko. Kyson was led to the ledge of the tank where he could sit with relative comfort. His armor was brought to him seeing as he had no other real clothes. Tali took them and brought out a pack of smokes and his lighter.

"Thanks." he managed to mumble. A quick light later found Kyson staring at all of the strange things around him with a bit more focus. It was a strange feeling, the quiet in his head. It seemed unreal. He couldn't feel the roiling sounds of blackened hate in his thoughts. It was so...still.

"Where is Khoshekh?" he asked as he looked at the lion like thing called Asa-fum.

"It is contained in a small capsule. It will take great energy to destroy it. How do you feel?" asked the great cat. Kyson was still trying to figure that out. He had just shown his darkest moments of his life. He looked into the deep red eyes of Asa.

"What do you make of me?" he asked. He needed judgment.

"What do you mean?" asked Asa with what Kyson assumed was a neutral expression.

"I have found in my life, through travel and experience that there is no god. But by all reason you are with an invention like that chamber. Knowing about such a vile power as Khoshekh. So I ask you, what do you make of me?" he asked. The great cat studied him as Kyson finished his cig.

"You made mistakes." said Asa. Kyson just stared at the cat.

"Yet you made up for them tenfold. I don't know a single Oomari that would argue that." said the giant leader. Kyson was confused. It must have shown.

"Is life a simple line? With a singular destination? No, it is a vast and very complex void filled with what you fill it with. I believe the Shepard would agree. So would your friends. But I am not the one to ask. It is your lifemate that you must speak with. She is the only one who knows." were the wise words given from Asa-fum. Kyson looked at Tali. She had sat next to him.

"You did what you could with what you knew. You never stopped trying to get out. You never stopped trying to become a better person. The person you thought you were never would have joined the Normandy. The person you thought you had become, would not have saved that child on Benning. Kyson, you are the only one that can forgive yourself." said John with a look that was understanding in the extreme.

"If you had been a lesser person, could you have been so willing to ask forgiveness for the things you have done?" asked Liara.

"I guess not." he replied. He was still on the verge of balling like a kid again. It was all still wide open and fresh. A hand found his, that three fingered grip he knew so well.

"It will always hurt. You will never forget what has happened. It may eat at you at times but, that is why I'm here. I am your Saera, and you are mine. And all of us, Shepard, Liara. Garrus and your sister. Luke and Beni we are your family. We will be here, just like you always have been for us." said Tali. Kyson nodded slowly.

"Thank you." said Kyson as he smiled softly.

"One more thing though, if you don't want to answer its fine." said John. Kyson nodded the okay.

"What was the last tie to Khoshekh? Was it..." John seemed to second guess asking.

"Yeah, it was the fact that I was going to be a father. I...I was so excited and scared. I never knew I would ever have a Kid. You don't really think about that stuff when you are twenty. I...I had forgotten that part until today. I guess I made myself forget." he answered. He had lost an entire future the day Cynthia had died.

"Listen youngin', we stuffy fleabags of a race have been trying to unlock the mysteries of Gods and death for many years. While we may not have the answers still remember that energy is neither created nor destroyed. Take that for what you will." said the very old elder with the wooden staff. Kyson hadn't heard that in a long time. It had been almost five years since he had last wondered about what lay past even the heavens.

"Thank you. I will remember that." he replied.

"Right, let's give him some air. Come on out of here you mange raveged beasts." said the cat Jekko.

"We will be out on the platform lobby. Tali can show you the way when you are ready." said Asa before leaving Kyson and Tali alone. He just sat there while lighting another cig.

"What is it like? Having that thing out of you." asked Tali. Kyson shrugged.

"Everything is so quiet, so clear. It is hard to explain with words when it felt like I was on fire. My body ached more and more and nothing could stop the bones from breaking. I wanted to rip my skin off just so I could be me again. Shit, I don't even know if I'm making sense right now. I haven't for a long time." he rambled. He didn't know how to process right now.

"Well, I love you. And everybody on the Normandy does too. Just, the next time you get infected with a nasty space demon god thing let me know okay?" asked Tali. Kyson snorted as he laughed. It was so quick how she changed the mood. It wasn't even that funny but it worked.

"Will do miss. Oh, and I think Javik still hates me." he replied. With a growing smile.

"Well, you can't please all of the people all of the time right?" she asked.

"Don't go into politics." he answered.

"Too late." she reminded. Kyson laughed as she leaned against him and hugged his waist.

"I won't ask you if you will be okay. I won't tell you what to do or how to do it, just promise me one thing." she said. Kyson waited for it.

"Never stop talking to me. Don't ever shut me out, I couldn't bare it again." she said. Kyson put an arm around her shoulder. He reached out with his mind to see if it still worked. It did.

[I promise.] He said with his heart.

[Thank you.] She replied with nearly matching emotion. Kyson no longer felt like his mind was quiet, he could see Tali's thoughts like snap shots with feelings attached.

[Does it feel the same for you?] He asked. Tali just breathed easy as she let her mind work with his. It did work the same for her. Then it stopped and Kyson felt the silence of his mind again.

"Does it always cut off like that?" asked Tali.

"I dunno. There is so much what-the-fuck going on in such a short amount of time...I don't even know." he chuckled as he finished his cig. He got up and began to put his armor on.

"Well, now that I'm slightly less possessed by the forces of hell, can you fill me in on what the hell these giant cats are all about?" he asked Tali. At first her explanation of him getting dragged away was frantic and full of stress. But as she had been led down the layers of the planet she had taken mental notes just in case she had to flee.

"But, I will admit it still hasn't sunk in yet how such a race has stayed hidden for almost two hundred thousand years. If disappearing underground was so easy wouldn't every race have done it when the Reapers came?" she asked. Kyson shrugged.

"Worked for the Rachni." he said. Tali filled in in on what she had seen even more and Kyson found himself grateful in a way that there was something to keep him occupied. He was still dizzy in the head.

"I guess the only way we will get any answers is to go join the others. You ready?" she asked. Kyson helped her up and they began to walk towards the lobby.

"Thanks for sticking with me. I don't think I would have made it otherwise." he said. Tali just put her hand in his as they joined the few people left. It was Asa, Jekko and another cat he remembered from somewhere. John and Liara were both smiling as they walked up.

"So, you ready to get the grand tour?" asked John with an easy smile. Kyson looked around at his small audience.

"I'm game. As long as I get to sit down for a while. My whole body hurts." he replied.

"Yeah, we have heard that the process to remove Khoshekh can be very tough on the body." said Jekko. Kyson nodded for that was an understatement. The cat he couldn't place walked up to him with something in its massive paw. It was his crumpled shotgun.

"I believe this is yours. I will replace it if you wish." said the cat that looked just like a snow leopard. As he took his gun he remembered who he was talking to. It was the one who had first spoken to him. It also sounded like a she.

"I remember you. You were the one I tried to gut with my hammer." he said nervously. When the person who tried to eat you was thirteen feet of muscle you tended to be cautious.

"Yes, my name is Dehara. It is nice to finally meet you. And don't worry, I would have tried to fight back if I was you." she said with a slight bow. Kyson chuckled with relief.

"Well, how about this. You are more than welcome to stay and rest. Tomorrow I need to ask something from all of you." said Asa. Kyson looked at John who was stroking his chin.

"Sounds good to me." said the commander. After the train came around again they began to go even deeper. Kyson was curious why Dehara had different color eyes. She was very quiet as Liara began another round of questions. Jekko was more than happy to do most of the talking.

The Oomari were not relying on translators in order to speak to them. They could speak English for how could their translators pick up Oomari? Jekko explained how they had the whole planet was rigged as a passive listening device so they have been watching races silently for millenniums.

"But you Humans...I mean holy hell have you been entertaining. I have never seen a race so focused on humor and good cheer. You will go out of your way to make a joke with a dying breath." said the black cat. John was the one who laughed.

"Life is short, to hell with the serious shit. Better to die with a smile." said Shepard. Everyone seemed to agree yet Dehara stayed silent still. Kyson found everything said so far amazing yet he was still wondering about the eyes.

"Dehara, why are your eyes different?" asked Kyson not able to keep his mouth shut. That was a trait that was recovering quickly. The graceful looking cat looked at him with looked close to a smile.

"Because I am just lucky like that." was the given 'non answer'.

"Oh don't be such a stereotypical cat, Dehara. You will give these Humans an excuse to see us as nothing more than their aloof house pets." snapped Jekko but Dehara just laughed at him.

"And what if I am? What if I want to be nothing more than a house pet, fed three times a day and a warm place to sleep? I quite fancy the idea." said Dehara who was obviously frustrating the younger sounding Jekko.

"Didn't know you had such lazy ambitions." growled the black cat. Asa stomped his foot causing the passenger car to rock a bit. Kyson froze in place.

"The answer to your question, Kyson, is a relative to Khoshekh. For, we are a cursed people. Where the Reapers are terrifying it is Khoshekh who we hide from. It is also why our race nearly faced extinction long before the Reapers came for us." said the lion. Kyson looked at the three cats with a new perspective. It was no wonder he was taken away. They must have been scared shitless.

"How many of those things are out there?" asked Tali with worry.

"Just one. Kyson had a fragment of it in him. It can multiply and manipulate the physics of the very universe. The red in our eyes is the remnants of our struggles against it. If you have red eyes, you can see this darkness as I can see you. Only a sixth of our population have this." said Jekko.

"I have devoted my life to studying and tracking Khoshekh throughout the galaxy. It is also why we have known of you for so long Kyson. Vids of you started popping up around the time you moved to Illium. We kept a close eye." continued the black cat.

"You have been watching me for almost four years?" asked Kyson. Jekko nodded.

"And Kerris for much longer. It is my job to see how the thing works its evil on the galaxy. For example Dehara here has spent her life studying the military of every advanced race. Her current project is how Shepard is fighting the Reapers. We are a very busy people." said Jekko with pride.

"No kidding. You must have a network that surpasses that of the Reapers then?" asked Liara with awe. Asa nodded.

"Yes, but the main problem is that we can't leave this place. We rely on using entire planets as giant satellite dishes in a way. It is sad to say we have stayed in hiding in our comfort. I believe that is what Dehara is saying." said Asa. Kyson Looked at Dehara who was currently watching the rock go by outside the window.

"I will give you a proper introduction to our race tomorrow. We are coming to our stop. This is where we shall part ways for now. Dehara will show you to your quarters." said the lion as the train began to stop.

"Thank you. I think a good sleep is just what is needed." said Liara. Asa nodded with a warm smile. After the train stopped, Kyson found himself looking Asa with apprehension. The cat was just smiling at him as the train's door closed.

"He seems old." he said To Tali.

"I know, he seems very wise." she replied.

"He is actually quite young for his position. In your years, he is five hundred and two. The youngest leader of the warriors in almost a thousand years." said Dehara who began to lead them through a similar looking lobby as before.

"About how long do you live?" asked Tali.

"Our oldest Oomari to ever join the great hunt of life lived to be eight hundred and seven. Most of us are lucky to even see six hundred. But there are the exceptions." said the leopard. Kyson began to wonder if Humans would ever evolve to live such long lives.

Noises began to grow as more of the great cats could be seen running around. All ages, colors and sizes moved about with such a pace Kyson had a hard time keeping up.

"I hate being short..." he mumbled. He could tell Dehara was walking only a quarter of her normal pace for her long legs seemed to be shuffling in comparison of her proportion.

"We do move fast around here. It is the way we are. We tend to get very focused on tasks at hand." she said as Kyson was led up a large sloping ramp. When they reached the top his breath was taken away.

"Keelah, this place..." Tali gasped.

"Is amazing." finished Liara. Before them was a cliff that had to drop almost a thousand feet. A cave that looked to be almost a mile high and four in circumference lay before them. It was like looking at Illium in a snow globe as all sorts of sky scrapers and lights could be seen flickering.

The buildings were majestic as they stood like pillars to hold the massive ceiling. Function was what Kyson noticed first. Every building was a very strong, simple design, but they were subtle signs of artistry. The bridged between buildings had very intricate geodesic patterns made of transparent minerals mixed with holograms. It was truly impressive.

"If I thought I could spend a life time talking to Javik about the Protheans, I would need another two thousand years here. This is a fully alive and thriving people!" said Liara. She sounded like a kid on Christmas. Dehara snorted loudly.

"It may seem that way. But we have been stagnant for a long time. The only thing that keeps us going is the news from the outside. Our research into our own lives has been limited due to our passion of emulating other races in the name of progress." said the woman sternly. Kyson could hear a fair amount of resentment.

"You think learning from the races outside hurts you?" asked Tali. The female cat shook her head.

"No, it does not hurt us in any way. It's just a side effect that many here do not see. We have been stuck down here for so long we have forgotten what it means to experience things first hand. But, I am saying too much. There will be time for that tomorrow. Please follow me." said the leopard. Kyson could hear the frustration in the words she spoke as they got into an elevator. As they descended into the city Kyson wondered what it must have been like to live a life watching like that. Always seeing new things on a screen yet never getting to go see it for yourself. It would drive him mad. Then he began to laugh. He had been mad.

"What's so funny?" asked Tali as they took in the scenery.

"How I would lose my mind trapped under the ice. But, I lost it while out in the open. Crazy will get ya one way or another it seems." he said. No one spoke. Kyson rolled his eyes.

"I may have had a rough time of it but how else am I supposed to move on about that shit back there? Worry myself to death this time? I think not." he griped.

"That's the spirit." Dehara purred. Kyson was beginning to like these cats. Once they reached to bottom, they were led to one of the biggest buildings. Kyson was amazed by the things he saw. Children were running around as if nothing mattered yet stopped in wild amazement when they say the four aliens. They began to draw a crowd as they moved through the streets.

"Maybe what I was saying earlier has better impact now, miss." said the leopard to Tali.

"I understand. Maybe much more than you know. My people were hovering over Shepard when he first showed up at the Quarian fleet." said Tali. Dehara smiled.

"I know. You will also understand the hours can drag on when others can only see the same thing again and again." lamented the cat.

"Oh I know. Same topics, same problems, same points of view on the galaxy. It reminds me of home." laughed Tali. Kyson listened to the two women beginning to hit it off. The once aloof Dehara was proving to be anything but. At last they made it to the large building. Upon entering they were met by the staff.

"Welcome, we have been told of you arrival. Please allow us to show you to your rooms." said a brown coated Oomari. The team was led to yet another elevator. Rich colors and fabrics adorned the walls and floors as they were led nearly to the top of the building. It was shortly thereafter Shepard and Liara were led in a separate direction.

"Your friends will be down this hall. It is the only room on this side of the floor. You will have the corner. Dehara, would you kindly show them the way?" asked the concierge. Dehara bowed slightly before showing them down the hall further.

"You guys will like this place. Many of us dream of staying here." said the leopard.

"Where is here?" asked Tali. Kyson was wondering the same thing, by the looks of it a hotel was most likely.

"This is a place where many come to relax. It is the most luxurious place in this city." said Dehara.

"Then thank you, but this is a bit much isn't it?" asked Kyson. He had been in some posh places before but it was hardly necessary. Dehara led them to a door that was carved stone. It showed stunning displays of craftsmanship. When the door was opened Kyson had his breath taken away. It was a large single room suite. One corner had a pile of pillows and blankets, the middle of the room had a kitchen island that was way too tall for its new guests. Even better was a large swimming pool with an ornate fountain in the center.

It looked like paradise compared to the penthouse they had been in. There was even a bathroom off to the side with a shower.

"A shower? Don't you cats clean yourselves?" asked Kyson. The quick leer he got from Dehara made his skin crawl. She pretended to ignore him.

"I think you will be cozy enough here. All you have to do is tap the far wall against the pool and you can see the entire city." said Dehara as they entered. Kyson did just that, the view was spectacular. He could see so many orderly streets below.

"Thank you." said Tali.

"For what? I don't own this place." said the cat.

"No, thank you for bringing Kyson here and helping him. If it wasn't for the Oomari...I would have lost him for good." said Tali. Kyson stayed silent for she was right. Dehara seemed to be at a loss at what to say herself.

"We had been watching ever since you landed at the Cerberus base. We watched the fight from above. We even listened as you spent time in the home of the scientists. I was in charge of the scouting team. When I saw that Khoshekh was attached to Kyson...my orders would make you take back what you said." said Dehara. Kyson looked at her with a smile. He knew what she meant.

"Why?" asked Tali. Dehara seemed to shift her weight from one foot to the next she seemed very uncomfortable.

"It was up to you what was to be done if you had any contact with Khoshekh wasn't it?" asked Kyson. The cat nodded.

"What changed your mind?" he asked. Dehara now looked very stranded.

"It was when I saw you with Tali. When you bonded I could tell you two were worth protecting." she said.

"How did you know that we were bonded?" he asked.

"Well, we have been watching the events on the Normandy closely. But it was when I saw you speaking with your whole being, not just words I made my decision." she answered.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

[You know exactly what I mean] said Dehara with her mind. Kyson nearly jumped out of the window in shock. Tali also jumped a bit. They were all linked in some way.

[How is this possible? I thought Kyson and I had discovered something new!] Screamed Tali in her head for those present to hear. Dehara detached her mind from them quickly.

"It is not new. But you two are. No race has had the ability to cross minds like you have. Not between different species at least. That is why I spared you, it is also why Asa suggested the chamber instead of an execution." she finally admitted. Kyson looked back out over the city. So it had once again come down to chance. There was always a motive proving Luck still didn't exist it seemed.

"So, can all of you communicate this way?" asked Tali.

"No, about half of us can. But, more shall be shown to you tomorrow." said Dehara. She turned to leave while Kyson lit another cig.

Tali's POV

She wasn't going to just let Dehara leave. She still had questions so she followed the woman out of the door. They were now alone in the hall.

"Do you know why Kyson and I can do this?" she asked. The giant looked back at her.

"No, I have a few ideas but they are only just that. Ideas." she replied. Tali was trying to understand what had led to this new ability.

"Like I said Tali, I don't know. What I do know is that both of you are very lucky." continued the cat.

"I know we are. That is why I was trying to thank you." said Tali trying to show how grateful she really was.

"And like I said, don't thank me yet. They do not know about how you are infected as well yet." said Dehara. Tali just stared at the woman.

"You are mistaken..." she began. In no way had she been acting in any manner like Kyson or Kerris.

"Your chest, you were attacked before you came down here correct? Does it freeze you still?" asked Dehara harshly. Tali felt very vulnerable as she put her hands over where the monster had pushed her.

"I...Keelah not me..." she began to panic. The cat groaned as she let her shoulders slump with resignation.

"Oh calm yourself. It is nothing more than a grazing. But, if left unchecked it could get bad." said the leopard.

"How do you know where I was touched?" asked Tali. Dehara began to laugh and didn't hide that it was at Tali specifically.

"You were trying to get yourself some decent attention. Right before I took Kyson in the kitchen you were busy trying to lure him with your...attributes? That was when I saw it." smiled the leopard. Tali knew she had to be blushing.

"So there is a mark on me? It left a scar...or something?" she asked trying to lead away by how thoroughly embarrassed she was.

"There is. Kyson will see it soon. He even noticed it when I absconded with him, oh don't be so shy. You know what you are going to do in there." said Dehara. It seemed that this giant woman didn't need to read thoughts in order to read Tali.

"How are you so sure that now would be an appropriate time for us too..." Tali stopped herself. She may be projecting what she thought she heard. An unmistakably mischievous look came over Dehara leaving Tali feeling out matched.

"It is what I would do. He just had his soul ripped up and chewed apart for everyone to see. Now he is trying to act brave. It is who he is, and that won't change. He is used to pushing those feelings down deep. That is just a man thing, Tali. All of them do it so don't give him the chance. Take him while he is still vulnerable and keep that mind of his open. He will appreciate it." said Dehara. Tali was shocked once again.

"Why, I would never manipulate him in such a way! How dare you suggest I take advantage like that? Besides, even if I wanted to do such a thing I couldn't. The environment here would most surely kill me." snapped Tali indignantly. She was affronted by how casually this female thought she could advise her sex life. It was beyond rude. Tali was about to turn and leave when the door opened behind her.

"The hell is going on out here?" asked Kyson with a cautious look. Tali looked back at Dehara with a glare.

"We were just chatting about the difference between this new mind trick. I was curious about how one was able to be more private in a society that can do this." said Tali before she turned to go inside. Kyson looked very confused as he looked at the two females.

"Uh, okay. Hey, Dehara. Got a question for you real quick." said Kyson making Tali fume. She didn't want that giant prying on her life a second longer.

"Yes?" asked the cat in an overly charming tone.

"Do you have anything stiff to drink around here? Something to take the edge off?" he asked.

"You don't need any of that right now." said Tali as she tried to lead him in.

"We do, I'll send one of our peoples favorite drinks up. Have a good rest. And Tali, look around the place. You will find everything you need." said Dehara before leaving. Tali was grinding her teeth as she shut the door with what could loosely be called a slam.

"What was that all about?" asked Kyson with an awkward smile.

"It was her trying to be more astute than she actually is. Curiosity is something not held in check here." she seethed. Kyson began to laugh.

"Well, I'm gonna keep my mouth shut on that." he said. Tali crossed her arms over her chest.

"That would be wise." she said. She would be damned if that brazen woman who obviously lacked any modesty or manners tell her how to help Kyson.

A/N

The story of Kevin is that of my own experience with the loss of my step-brother almost seven years ago. I started writing to try and muddle my through the hate and the pain that has shadowed me for so long. Learning to move on seems to always be the hardest of lessons.

The sleepless nights, the bottles of cheap liquor, or the pointless hours of just driving to get away can only distract you for so long. There will always come a time when you need to face what you have done or what has been done.

Please take from that what you will.

~Relayjumper