Fresh grass. That was the first thing I noticed. Though those two words are inaccurate to describe the scent. It was as if every lazy summer day was imbued with the smell in the best of ways. It reminded me of... better times in my life. Then I opened my eyes and saw Eden.
A beautiful meadow, with swaying, brilliant green grass from a gentle breeze. It seemed endless but I could, somehow clearly make out a row of trees in the distance. The sound of water had me look to my left and see a stream cut through the grass into the direction of the forest ahead. All in all a very picturesque sight. I sighed.
"Alright, who brought me here? I know this isn't a dream, it's WAY to vivid in detail and I'm not that creative."
Silence.
"Don't be a dick. I'm not upset but I'd like to know what I'm doing here." I let steel enter my voice.
"NOW"
"Fine, fine. No need to get touchy" a very familiar voice said amusedly. I turned, stared, then snorted in disbelief.
"Wow. I mean really?" I sighed again. "So, are you who I think you are?"
"Yes."
"Oh. Great. This fucking cliché."
Looking at me, clearly struggling not to laugh, was a 6ft 4in tall man. Dark skin, with dark hair, beard and connected mustache, he exuded strength in an intense way. He wore a Captain America Shield T-shirt and dark blue jeans. Though the shirt was slightly baggy I could still make out powerful muscles that shifted as he crossed his hands over his chest.
It was like looking into a mirror. Well, a better-looking mirror anyway. While I was the same height, I did not have the same level of physique, leaning more towards chubby then anything else, considering I had just started working out. In any case I could guess who he was and why I was here. Though to make certain...
"Are you me?" I looked straight into his eyes and face. The amused look remained though it was lessened.
"In a way. Different paths, different life. I was... Gifted power. Now I use it how I see fit." His amusement was gone now. When he mentioned being gifted power, he seemed pissed, though also vindicated? It was surprisingly difficult to read him. Well shit, what did he go through to close himself off like that? I did not think I'd like the answer. Although…
"Different paths... What do you mean? Is-is she alive in your world?" Pain. Familiar and no less poignant lanced through me. After all it had only been a year since mom died. Doing what she loved, what she felt was born to do, take care of people. That only bought a modicum of comfort though.
"Yes." He said gently "She is. And she is happy. I made sure of it." I could see that he understood and I felt relief. A breath I did not know I was holding escaped me.
"Good. Good. Multiverse theory would naturally ensure that but it's still good hear." Packing away the pain I shifted focus to the matter at hand.
"However, I doubt that's why you brought me here. Am I being reincarnated? I remember what happened, so I know there is no going back."
It was true. I remembered dying. I remembered the panic and the brief moment of triumph before the cold blade slipped in between my ribs. I remembered the feeling of floating in an endless sea of black, the only thing keeping me sane was going over my memories from beginning to end over. And over. AND OVER- HAPPINESSPAINLOVEJOYRAGEHATEHATEDESPAIRWHYAMIHEREWHATDOIDO?!
It took me a while to realize I was kneeling, hands digging into that fresh Forever Summer grass and breathing like I'd just run a marathon. Sweat was pouring out of me, mixing with equally as salty tears. I then noticed a comforting warmth slowly spreading through me from my shoulder. I looked up and Alt!Me with his hand glowing on my shoulder. I didn't know what it was, but the maelstrom of emotions was finally settling, and I could breathe regularly again. He stood back up and took a couple of steps back to let gather myself and I could only feel grateful. Once I fully calmed down I asked him the important questions.
"Where? When? And most importantly, why? Why me?"
"The Mass Effect Universe. Before Eden Prime. Why? Because you are a version of me that has potential. You could have done so much, and it was taken away before it was realized. You are also one of my alternates with my nature. Plus... I'm curious to see what happens." Like me he started serious then gradually shifted to that damn smirk. I couldn't stay mad though, the loveable bastard.
"Fine, fine. Can I get any special abilities?" I hoped he said yes, I mean I'm not stupid but I could use all the advantages I could get.
"Sure, what you want?" he looked mildly curious.
"Biotics for one. A Reed Richards/Tony Stark/Victor Von-Doom level of intellect. Oh! I also want to be near Shepard! I'll figure the rest out myself."
Despite how this had happened I couldn't help but be excited. I had some ideas about the possibilities with biotics and with that level of I intelligence I could possibly make it a reality.
"Anything else?" He seemed amused again especially when I mentioned Shepard. Well. I just know he's going to do something to piss me off, but I also know it won't be too malicious. I hope.
"Yea, one last thing. I need to remember everything about the events of the games, even the DLC. I mean I played them buuut it's been at least 10 years for me."
"Hmmm. Yea sure, no problem other me." He then grinned. A very known fear came on me. I was NOT going to like what he was about to do.
"Ugh. What is it? What did I miss?!" His grin widened and I panicked more.
"You'll see. Have fun~!" Then he snapped his fingers and I knew no more.
.
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For about five seconds before a piercing white light overtook me and titanic beings were hovering and seemed to be holding me. I felt weak, could barely move and wrung out. Then again considering I was pushed out my new mother's vagina and presented like a fleshy trophy to her and my new father I felt entitled to be exhausted. Didn't stop me from wailing in fury.
"Look at that! He's definitely healthy!" The blob to my left said, pride overflowing his voice.
"My beautiful boy, so handsome already." This blob was clearer to see. My new mother was beautiful I could tell even that much. The warm feelings that had begun to appear, went away as soon as I realized what she was about to do. "OH GOD NO! WHY?! YOU COULDN'T HAVE ME JUST WAKE UP A LITTLE BIT LATER?!" Despite my weak protests, which basically amounted to me squirming slightly I couldn't escape my fate. The giant boob was getting closer. My fate was sealed. The only thing I could I do at that point was cry and scream in my head "I AM SUCH A BASTARD! REVENGE WILL BE MINE DAMNIT!".
A/N Hey there new readers, Tyric Gaia here presenting a story from my weird mind. This is the first story I am ever writing so go easy on me. I'm forcing myself to write and post this story to spur myself to really try at this whole writing thing. I appreciate constructive feedback and will ignore trolls. If there is anyone who wants to help me with the lore of the series as well as editing I am definitely open to the idea. Don't know how this story will do but I'll give it my best. I promise you that much.
P.S I plan on going back editing this chapter more later, promise!