Hello and Welcome back to the fic, I hope you enjoy the chapter and please add a follow, favorite, and review. Criticism and considerations are much appreciated as well.

Also, I forgot to mention on the first chapter, but the idea I had for Jane inserted into this story was inspired by a fic called Loyalty and Limerence by Serendipity001. As I mentioned previously most of my ideas for this story comes from other fics so to honor them I will promote and ask that you support them. So please be sure to check out Loyalty and Limerence when you can.

Hope you enjoy the chapter.

2187 NOVEMBER 21, WEDNESDAY

TWO WEEKS AFTER THE END OF THE WAR

YEAR ONE OF THE EIGHTEEN YEARS

The city is grey, barren, and in ruin. Buildings and skyscrapers once standing tall as glimmer of advancement and opportunity are now just mounds of rubble, desolate, all a part of the urban wasteland. The infrastructure that still remain are either held together with minimal support – having large openings and breaches – or are rarely still intact with little to no damage only noticeable by fractured windows or broken doors. Old signs, street names, art works, and all that characterize a vibrant populous are left torn to shreds and barely unrecognizable. Yet I could still find glimmers of what this city used to be. The most streets are filled with abandoned bikes and carts, playgrounds; dull yet still familiar with their color. And the homes… I would find pictures of long before memories, Places and sights visited across the city, the planet, and occasionally throughout the galaxy; as well as friends and families gathering for occasions and celebrations. Sometimes I might stumble across kid's drawings, showing what their imagination brings to mind, with them riding dinosaurs or mythical creatures, flying with wings, jetpacks, or a spaceship, or they would have themselves with their parents saying how much they love them. And yet despite all that, I would not come across any of them. This place is abandoned, no person passing by, no body left behind, not even a bone in sight.

On the day I was revived I was standing on a hill of rubble with Nun standing below and facing me. The area I was in looked to once be city block filled with businesses and markets as detailed by old signs and posters strewn about across the area, but now it is nothing but ruined debris with what's left just fractured foundations. Nun told me that I would quickly need to hide myself. That I am in danger of being discovered and must remain cautious. "You have to find a disguise" he says "I meant what I said that you cannot reveal yourself. Find new clothes, stay covered. Don't let anyone see you, and leave no trace behind." He then unlatches his face plat revealing his vibrant and bright red eye. Even when I had faced the real thing, a giant, a monster, it's more unnerving to be faced with something such as this, the idea that a being would choose to look like a nightmare. It's unnatural. "You cannot even show an eye, nor leave behind drop of blood." He said with his voice deep and bellowing, much like the reapers.

He then reconnects his face and steps closer to me, looking up upon me from where I stand. "John, I know that this will be difficult to go through but think of it like this, as the time flies by and you're with your girl, this will all be but a memory."

This discussion was unnerving, with regards to all the hoops I have to go through but I'm left with no other option. I sigh then nod to him and walk off into one of the nearby building's—Well what was once a building—and look for anything worth scavenging.

But as I am halfway there I look behind me and see Nun remaining at the hill, staring back at me and having not moved a centimeter. "Are you coming?" I asked. He walks up to me, cupping his hands "about that… I have to go… for now."

I gave him a questioning stare. "You said you'll help me, so you just changed your mind?"

He sensed my frustration, then went to explain himself "It's not like that. Trust me. I will help you as I have said. But… I also have matters to attend to and even if I wanted to stay the court won't allow me."

"So change their mind!" I said to him in annoyance. He puts his hands down and shrugs his shoulders "I could if I wanted to, but they have authority. I have, to do as they say." I was disappointed and felt that my trust in Nun could not be counted on. Yet he felt the need to reaffirm my faith in him "that doesn't mean that I won't come visit" he said, pointing his fingers at me "I will check on you. See how things are. And if you're ever in a situation or a pickle I'll come straight by and help you through it"

That is reassuring. If I didn't consider caveats. "Just when exactly, you'll be coming back. And what 'situations' will you help me on?" he puts his right hand on the back of his head "Like… say your in the brink of death, close to being discovered, or having to deal with something new—needless to say I will help you in whatever way that I can."

At that point I don't acknowledge him. I quickly turn away and go to the building. Yet as I'm about to leave he stops me "Wait! … There is one more thing." I do not face him, but I turn my head to the left to hear what he had to say. "You cannot speak to anyone… or have anyone or anything hear you… speak."

I face him. My eyes are wide open and my mouth agape. Nun lowers his head and clasps his hands again; I heard him mumble something but that didn't matter to me. "What?!"

He has his hands up again, urgent as to calm me down "I know! I know! I'm sorry! I should have cleared up that detail when we first met. I didn't think to bring it up as… I thought I explained everything."

I walk closely to him, rage in my eyes "Nun, by the time I eventually come across someone I would have to communicate. FUCKING TALK TO THEM! And your telling me I can't do shit with that?!"

I balled hands up, closed my eyes, and attempted to calm myself down. This was an unexpected and soon to be difficult issue to come across in the future. But there are ways to deal with it.

"Before you even consider it, I wouldn't recommend using a synthesizer." I look at him and gave him a neutral stare. Behind my calm composure is utter annoyance and frustration. "why?" I asked

He breathes carefully, then points his fingers at me "Because even if your voice is disguised, there is no guarantee that you won't be found out eventually" he then balled his hands and clapped them together "So… instead you can write, text, use your omni-tool" He then spoke quietly, finishing his statement "…use sign language."

I turn away from him, walk a few steps forward, cupping my hands to my face, and mentally scream after hearing his 'suggestions.'

I exhale "Nun I don't have my omni-tool with me it's gone, and I don't know a thing about sign language. What—" I turned to face him, but he was gone, he vanished. I was then truly on my own.

"Mother fucker!"

On my first few days I found food. Some canned, some preserved. Unfortunately, some of the good stuff like fruits and meat have already been spoiled, but I could still survive with what I have. I had passed by many homes to scrounge with what I can find and since then I had picked up new clothes and undergarments and had since discarded my damaged armor. Of course, I can't just abandon it. It's sentimental. Not to mention the risks of it being found. So, I had put it in a backpack along with other necessities and would carry it around wherever I go, for now. Currently I mainly wear boots, pants, shirts, jackets, gloves, and a mask and goggles. I had made sure that any openings and creases were covered, from my wrists to my ankles, even my neck. I am well protected from cuts for the most part. Which is useful whenever I scavenge around damaged infrastructure. I look back to what Nun told me about 'leaving no trace behind' which in all honesty may be an over exaggeration, nevertheless I make sure that wherever I go no one will link it back to me. After I eat, whatever I use I can try to reuse, or I dispose of it thoroughly. I make sure to leave no prints of mine, so I put on my gloves and grab whatever I need, and I make sure that no strand of hair is left behind. That last part may be overdoing it, but I do what I have to for now, besides it shouldn't be that much of an issue, My dreads keeps my hair together and my face doesn't have a huge amount of facial hair, plus I'm hairless everywhere else so I should be fine.

With all that out of the way, No one should be able to find out who I really am for the time being.

But that doesn't mean I can lay back and be contempt with what I have. The galaxy is broken, the people will have to fix damages never-before seen. Everything has changed and will continue to change, for that I will have to adapt if I want to finish this.

What this means and what I must do to ensure my secrecy, that I'm not certain. But for now, I can just take it one step at a time.

All that matters currently is what the day can bring. The sky has begun to show its color again, and the morning sun is shining bright in the sky. I stand atop an apartment complex intact enough so that I may be able to gaze upon this horizon. There is a danger to what I am doing as I am not covered completely. Only wearing a red t-shirt, jeans, and sandals. However, something would have happened to me by now if that was the case. Besides, I enjoy the feel of the wind, and the sight of Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji in the background is too hard to resist.

But today is not for leisure. A week ago, smoke trails had begun to rise. Which could mean that there are survivors. I was shocked to find out about it. After being alone this long I had thought the Reapers had taken everyone. I couldn't imagine what it was like in the beginning.

It's worse than the collectors, much worse.

During the war we were told that Earth had fallen to the reapers and that only a small resistance remained. The major cities had fallen into Reaper hands, Tokyo amongst them. But now, seeing that there are people alive. I had to know everything. For days I have traveled through these abandoned streets, nearing closer to my destination. By now I should make it before the sun sets.

I get back to my things, I find them laying in the living room of a single bedroom apartment. I put on my black socks, leather work boots, a dark green hoodie, black leather gloves, a grey balaclava and yellow tinted snow goggles. Thankfully the goggles one way so I'm able to see clearly while everyone else can't see me. I then tie cut-teared sleeves over the cuffs of my jacket as to make sure it stays in place. I then put on my hood and grab my backpack with all my supplies.

I am in the twentieth floor, I make the march into the elevator. Surprisingly enough, most forms of technology still works but nothing substantial. Only a few sources of light here and there, accompanied by an operable doorway. Yet more surprising, the elevator not only works but is actually fast.

After I make it to the bottom I begin my hike.

I walk over mounds of rubble and scrap, making sure I don't trip on anything. I would come across blocks and streets covered by toppled buildings or surrounded by protruding metal bars. Whenever I cross over crumpled foundations there would still be music playing, I've only once heard song with a clear sound, but that was during my first few days here, it was something from the 1980's I think. Now I would mainly hear static and garbled lyrics.

I would come by a few stores. And grab whatever was left. I found mainly packed goods, but I had also found ramen, I had to leave it behind though because the water is not good here and there is no power to heat the ramen regardless and I'm am not going to risk gaining attention with a camp fire.

I started at around morning and now it's later in the evening, I should arrive late at night. Leaving me with enough time to collect whatever else I come across… as well as to collect my thoughts.

I don't know what I would do when I get there. I can't speak to anyone so asking for an omni tool would be difficult. And I'm not sure how they would feel with me covered up as I am. My initial intention is to just observe from afar, and consider my options

I then had to consider of what I would do when everyone rebuilds. A rescue team will come by at some point, I'm not sure. Not to mention what will happen in the future, everything will return to some normalcy eventually and I have to plan on what I have to do when that happens.

But I stop were I am. It's close to sunset right now. Whatever thoughts and actions I have been doing has ended and I remain frozen, alert. I hear screaming and yelling, not far from where I am. Just a few blocks away. I begin a sprint, the sound rising as I come close. What I hear are the screams of a woman

As I follow the noise I avoid any debris dangerous enough to risk a cut, I jump over mounds and move any obstacles in the way with the help of mmy biotics. I never had any reason of using them until now

Finally, I come across a low-rise building, the source of the cries. It is seemingly intact for the most part. I start to enter the entryway, but it then opens before I approach. Someone exits. It was Nun

"John, think of what you're doing." Nun aims to convince me, raising his hands forward at me. "This can go wrong in different ways. You can't risk it right now. Move on from here."

I shoved him aside, and I then continued. Quickly searching for her.

I ran past a lobby and into a hallway. All the windows are shattered, rubble and broken glass are scattered across the tiled floor, and the doors are shut bar a few. I hear the woman's cry for help, she is speaking Japanese but I am able to understand her, "Somebody HELP ME… PLEASE! HELP ME!"

I hear her near the end of the hallway, that continues in the left. I sprint across but my backpack was then tugged from behind with the top straps then ripping off, despite it being well intact and taken care of. I was able to keep my stability and I come face to face with Nun, who then punches my stomach and slams me to the wall. He then twists my left arm to my back and braces his right forearm onto the back of my neck "You can't do this; you can't risk this!" he says, trying to keep me in place

I gather my strength to resist him, and I grunt at him "fuck… off…" I then step on his foot and elbow his right side. He lost his grip on my and I grabbed a hold of him and punched his chest, I hear him exhale roughly as I knocked the wind out of him. I then slam his face unto the wall twice and pushed him unto the floor. The wall shows an indent from the impact

After assuring he was downed, I then ran to the end of the hallway. As I was about to make my way, I noticed that the hallway would have continued on, but instead the pathway is nothing but wreckage that would have been unnoticeable were I not to enter the building. It was as if it was caused by a past explosion, artillery perhaps. The right side—where the windows would be—are destroyed, completely leaving an open breach to the outside, to the left—where rooms and offices would be—are destroyed as well, doors and walls revealing the insides of said rooms, the ceiling has completely collapsed leaving a large and gaping space above. And in the center of the hallway leads to nothing but a large mound of rubble, caused by the damages. The woman is trapped inside, I can her screaming, begging for someone to save her.

Yet I have not gone my way to save her yet. The rubble isn't an issue, I can use my biotics to easily lift it, causing no further injury. What's stopping me is Nun standing in between her and I.

I prepare for a fight if there needs to be one, I make a stance and wait for the opportunity. But Nun does nothing, He just stands there looking at me. He sighs and relents to stop me from saving her. I ease myself, as to be honest I'm not sure what would happen if he 'tried' to stop me.

"You won't like what you see" said Nun as he then steps to his left and disappears from view. I look to where he went and what I saw was just a wall.

I didn't pay much attention to that as I regained my focus. I used my biotics to slowly lift the rubble. I'm not sure if she is hurt so I'm taking as much precaution as I can. I can hear her crying of joy and giving thanks "Bless you… God bless you…" she says

Soon enough the rubble is lifted off.

On the ground I see a pale and grey figure laying on its back, bright green highlights making out most of its body. A body interconnected with wires, tubes and other mechanical aspects, its body is thinly and weak. I see a green fluid leaking from a nearly ripped right arm. The face is but a skull, with green optics in absence of eyes, and no strain of hair in sight of the head. What I see is no human, no person.

It is a husk.

I was about to raise the debris and crush it where it stood. I was so close in doing so, yet I was stopped. by it.

"NO… PLEASE!" It begged, extending its left arm at me. It quickly stood up but struggled with the process. It's right arm dangling as it moved. Its voice is clear and understandable, yet it does not move its mouth nor throat when speaking, keeping it wide open in part by the two tubes running down its throat. "PLEASE!" It says taking a few steps towards me, its left arm reaching to me while its right is left dangling and swaying as it moves. Immediately I am about to kill it where it stands. Then it stops, looks up at the debris and stares at it.

It hyperventilates, then it starts to weep. It looks down to its left arm, then shivers and shakes. Soon enough it starts a full-blown cry. It goes on its knees screaming and wailing, I swear if it could still cry its face would be flooding. It then bows its head, curls up its hand and places it in front of itself while its right arm remains immobile and limp, having it placed on its side with the palm facing up. It keeps crying, sniffing, and screaming while I am left stunned. I don't know what to do. This thing is alive? It is able to speak, it called for help. It knows the situation it's facing.

It knows it's about to die. "PLEASE… please… I don't want to go. I don't… want to go." I stand there for only moments, but it feels like decades passing by. I'm scared of what I'll do. I'm scared of the repercussions. Maybe Nun was right, I should have moved on and done nothing.

Slowly I move the debris away into the outside. I stand there looking at the husk. At her. I hear her slowly settling down and beginning to breathe deeply.

I walk away. I decide to leave her on her own this time, figure that she will be able to handle herself somehow. Yet before I leave, I go grab my back pack, the straps are useless so ill just have to hold on to it for now. I then look at the indent I made on the wall. I should be moving but it's a strange distraction from what just happened. I began to take it all in, how real this became. How massive of an impact I have caused to this galaxy, to my people, my friends. To Tali. I touch the indent and begin to think of what this could mean, of what it can envoke. I begin to remember the words Nun said to me on that void, how my decisions matter.

Immediately I regained my focus when I felt a hand on my right shoulder. I quickly shrug it off and turn to whoever grabbed me. It was the husk, she was startled as she moves back many spaces guarding herself with her left arm at her chest. I check my shoulder as to make sure nothing is tampered with. After I checked that everything was good. I looked back at the husk. She's scared, but there's nothing I could do about it.

I then go put the backpack under my left arm and make my outside. It's dark at this point, and I'm growing tired of today's events. I think to myself and consider what options I could take. I can still go out to the smoke trail; I have a flashlight, so I have now issue with going out at night. However, I am still a long way to making my destination and I may draw attention to myself, alerting any survivors, Yet I may be able to go undetected as per my training in the villa. As I come to make a conclusion, I hear footsteps from behind and look to see the husk standing a couple meters away. She is nervous as detailed by her gestures, her left arm is grabbing her right shoulder and she faces down slightly but her eyes are still pointed at me. Her nervousness and character are understandable but it's still an unnerving sight for me to see.

I leave the building behind go out into the night, holding a flashlight on my right hand. And I go off to find some shelter for the night, but not without the husk following me from a short distance.

As I continue walking, I then look back to her and I see that she is easing herself but still timid none the less. She looks at her right arm as it swings around from the motions of her body. I look away and consider if I could scare her off somehow, perhaps grab a piece of brick and throw it at her. I immediately dismiss the thought; I have no reason of doing that without justification.

Jane would do it though. She would stop in her tracks and stare the husk down face to face. She would show herself off, comparing her own muscular stature to the husk's own thinly appearance. I bet she would then show off her biceps and say something like "Yeah, the fuck you want." And instead of grabbing a brick she would probably charge at the husk and chase her down a bit until she's long gone. Maybe not though, she's changed a lot, grown a lot. In part by our crew and I, but mostly Garrus, in some respects. Jack might hurt the husk, maybe not kill her but cause some harm. Most likely by—

"Why did you let me live?" I stop, looked back at the husk, and shine the flashlight at her, surprised she had said something. I don't answer her obviously and there's not much I can do to let her know that. So, I hope she understands when I tap at my throat with my right hand, signaling that cannot speak. I guess she understands what I meant as she shakes her head in affirmation.

"Is there anywhere that you're going?" I consider of what I should do. I don't know her at all and am uncertain of what she would do or what would happen if I were to bring a talking husk to the survivors. But then she may just be asking a genuine question, so there should be no harm of answering her.

I shake my head yes, she then looks for a moment then looks back to me again. "Can I… can I come with you?" I don't give her a response. I stay silent wanting to hear her reasoning. She gets the hint and continues "I was stuck in that building for a long time. Since all this started… since I became… this. I remember screaming for so long but then out of nowhere, I begin to slowly regain my identity. I don't… I don't know who I am anymore." Her breath is shaky, and her voice is cracking "you're the first person I have seen and… and… I don't know what to do."

What have I done.

This is the first thought that came to mind. It was one thing to understand the difficulty of rebuilding after the war was over. but this? I'm responsible for this. This is my fault, that not just her but of every species that has been turned to this by the reapers will have to live their lives knowing that who and what they once were is gone forever!

"She can stay with you. For now." I stare at her, my own breath becoming shaky. But not just because of her, no. Nun is beside me, standing to my right. "I will keep watch for the night and wake you if she ever tries anything dirty."

I breathe, and gesture her to follow, she complies. After a long walk we stop at a market. The isles are empty along with the refrigerators, who knows what happened to the food, but I don't have to worry to much about that. And I don't think the husk has to worry either.

I then move some of the rubble away to make way for a bed. In other words, I'm just going to use my backpack as a pillow while I sleep on the ground. As I get comfortable, I see the husk staring at me until she moves to some other place in the store.

And just before I sleep, I see Nun standing beside me "I hope you know, what you're doing." He says to me.

Yeah, me too.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and thank you for reading.

A song theme for the chapter is 47.48 By Childish Gambino