The War on the Inside

A Mass Effect Fanfiction

Written by: xxdarkangelxx2931

Disclaimer: I do not own the Mass Effect Franchise, All credit goes to BioWare.

Chapter One: Priority First Steps of Healing

Somewhere in Munich Germany

The sounds of a ventilator carried out in the hospital room decorated with flowers, cards, and gifts along with other machines keeping the young woman who looked so frail alive, the young woman in the hospital bed survived horrors that the mind could not comprehend. From what she endured on Mindoir and Akuze she did not allow it to define her.

The same woman who became the first human spectre. In her young life she has accomplished so much, Defeating Saren and Sovereign, Destroying the collector base, curing the genophage and defeating the Reapers.Since the beginning service to others is in her blood she was born to serve to make a difference.

Commander Ziva Shepard, the Hero of the Galaxy, a legend among those who have heard her name, helped the galaxy win the war against the reapers to preserve all life across the galaxy.

She lies in a medically induced coma after an alliance unit found her among the ashes and rubble from the war.

She was brought to a hospital in Munich Germany where it was discovered that Ziva had two broken ribs, broken leg, contusions, Abrasions, burns, scrapes, brushing on her head, and she ended up losing her left eye which was covered by an eye patch.

Miranda, the woman who helped raise Shepard from the dead and helped in repairing the damage on the commander's body.

At first the doctors were certain that the commander would not make it through the night. With Miranda's help they were able to stabilize the commander's condition and placed her in a medically induced coma so she could heal.

Scars were showing on her skin, these scars a true testament to what she endured in her young life. In the same room the crew of the Normandy who served alongside her faithfully patiently waited for their beloved commander to wake up from her slumber.

It has been nine months since the Reaper War ended, the galaxy is slowly starting to recover from the impacts of the war and to heal the wounds caused by the war.

EDI the Normandy's AI sat on a chair near the commander's bed taking note of the commander's vital signs as the commander's chest moved up and down.

Liara sat in a recliner that was in the room also taking note of the commander's vital signs. She sighed sadly as she looked at the commander's frail body hoping the commander would wake up from her slumber soon.

Joker, Vega, Ashley Javik, Grunt, Wrex, Tali, Kasumi,Jack, Zaeed, and the Normandy crew kept vigil at her bedside and were asleep patiently waiting for any signs of consciousness.

Sitting on a chair closer to the commander's bed was Garrus Vakarian, an ex CSec officer, vigilante, and the love of Ziva's life had his head laying on his girlfriend's chest listening to the comforting sounds of her heart as he held her gently in his arms. From day one he was at her side he never left her side once.

He remained at her side during the past nine months, he missed her warm comforting voice, her tender touch she gave him peace that he had longed for for so long without realizing it.

Garrus remembers fondly the first day he laid eyes on her time stopped that day. From day one their bond grew stronger and stronger.

From the outside looking in it would seem like the couple have known each other for years, it would seem that they are two souls finally becoming one.

The time was 11:45am when Ziva began showing signs of waking up from her coma.

The bright lights from the hospital room blinded her as she slowly regained consciousness. Once her vision in her right eye cleared she slowly looked around the room and realized she was in a hospital room.

Ziva carefully looked down to her arm where she noted an IV placed in her arm. She looks down at her chest seeing the love of her life and her soulmate Garrus holding her in his arms while laying his head on her chest listening to her heart beat.

Ziva smiled as she carefully pulled him closer to her without waking him up. She wrapped an arm around him holding him closely to her.

She couldn't remember much from the war other than proclaiming her love to Garrus before running towards the beam leading up to the Citadel.

EDI was the first one to notice that the commander had woken up; she smiled warmly as she got up and came closer to the commander's bed.

"Commander, it is lovely to see you. You've been in a coma for nine months. I'm going to go get a doctor for you" said EDI as she quietly and quickly walked out of the room to find a doctor.

Ziva smiled again; she knew that the war was over, she knew that all species across the galaxy won. The reapers were defeated.

Liara woke up to see the commander's dark brown eyes staring at her. Ziva gave a small wave as Liara got up and walked up to the commander's bed. Liara took her hand in hers giving it a gentle squeeze.

"By the Goddess,welcome back Commander you did it the reapers are defeated. You saved the entire galaxy once again" Liara said warmly Ziva gently squeezed her hand back.

Ziva looked around, noticing the crew sleeping in different areas of her room. Liara smiled as she watched Ziva look around the room.

"We have all been here since day one. We never left your side." Liara said warmly as Ziva smiled softly.

EDI and the doctor came back to the room a few moments later with a doctor and a nurse. The doctor and the nurse gave Ziva a kind smile as the nurse checked her vitals.

"Welcome back Commander you gave us quite a scare, before the nurse helps me get the ventilator tube out of you I want to check on your cognitive function if that is okay?" said Doctor Nova, a beautiful woman with kind eyes.

Ziva nodded looking at the doctor.

"Excellent, now I'm going to ask you a few questions and I want you to answer the questions the best that you can by typing on this data pad. Can you do that?" asked Doctor Nova as she handed Ziva a data pad.

Ziva nodded as she brought the data pad closer to her so she could to type on it.

"Do you know where you are?" asked Doctor Nova

Ziva nods as she typed her response on the data pad

"I'm in a hospital in Munich Germany. I recognize the landscape outside." Ziva typed out on the data pad

"Good, where were you born?" asked Doctor Nova

Sadness hit Ziva like a ton of bricks as the memories of Mindoir came flooding into her mind.She took a deep breath and began typing.

"I was born in Mindoir, a farming colony in the Attican Traverse" Ziva typed on the data pad.

Doctor Nova smiled as she took down notes in the Commander's chart.

"One last Question what is the name of your ship?" Doctor Nova

asked with curiosity

"Normandy" Ziva typed on the data pad. Doctor Nova smiled as she placed the data pad on the side table in the room.

"Good your cognitive abilities are there, This is Yolanda she is your nurse for your stay. We are going to remove your tube now. I will warn you it's going to be uncomfortable" Doctor Nova said as she put on a pair of gloves while the nurse Yolanda does the same.

"Okay Commander we are going to take the tube out now" Doctor Nova says as she and Yolanda begin removing the tube from Ziva's throat.

Ziva cringed a little as she felt the tube moving up in her throat. Liara, noticing the Commanders discomfort, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

A few moments later Ziva began coughing a bit as the tube was removed from her throat. Without waking up Garrus and the others Doctor Nova and Yolanda helped the Commander sit up a bit to prevent her from having any complications or discomfort.

"Now Commander your throat is swollen from being intubated, your vocal cords show signs of swelling as well. It may take several hours to days for the swelling to go away. As for swallowing it will take several days. In the meantime to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need you will be fed intravenously" Yolanda said with a kind smile.

Ziva nodded indicating to the nurse and doctor that she understood what she was being told.

"Here this is a throat spray that will help with the irritation open your mouth for me Commander "Yolanda said as she took the cap off of the throat spray.

Ziva nodded as she carefully opened her mouth, Yolanda sprayed the throat spray in Ziva's throat. Ziva closed her mouth after the spray was sprayed in her throat.

"We will be back in a little while to check in on you Commander if you need anything press the call light" Yolanda said as she and Doctor Nova walked out the room.

Liara squeezed Ziva's shoulder as she watched her take a breath of relief. Ziva turns her head to Liara. She had a curious look on her face as she pointed to Garrus as if to ask how long he had been here in the room.

"He has never left your side; he spent every single day and night here to watch over you. He has been a wreck since" Liara said as she squeezed Ziva's shoulder.

Ziva watched Liara as she woke everyone in the room and ushered them out to give Ziva and Garrus privacy.

"We will be back in a bit Ziva" everyone said in unison as they left the room.

The room door closed as Ziva looked down at Garrus's sleeping form. She smiled as she held her love closer to her. Fond memories of her time together come into her mind, since the day they met deep down she knew that he was her other half.

Sure she has had previous relationships before Garrus, her previous relationships ended in heartache. When Garrus came into her life he showed her what love truly was. He was one of the few who have not disappointed her.

Ziva carefully shifted a bit to get into a comfortable position on the bed. She carefully leaned down and tenderly kissed Garrus on his brow plate while caressing his mandible. Ziva felt Garrus shift in his sleep as he opened his eyes to see the love of his life Ziva looking at him with tenderness and unconditional love.

"Spirits! Ziva you're awake." Garrus said in a surprised tone while pressing his crest against hers while caressing her arm. Ziva smiled as she closed her eyes and leaned her head against his.

Ziva caressed his mandible gently. She sighed softly as she felt his talons gently caress the back of her neck. Ziva kissed him gently, he mimicked her movements as he kissed her to the best of his ability.

Ziva pulls Garrus closer to her. Garrus buried his face in her neck gently nuzzling her neck.

"Spirits my Ziva, I missed you, you did great, they're gone, they're destroyed" Garrus mumbled in Ziva's neck.

Ziva kissed him on his mandible as she grabbed the data pad left on her bed from earlier. Garrus pulled her closer as Ziva smiled and began typing on the data pad.

"I missed you too, my love, I kept my promise. All I could think about was being in your arms again" Ziva typed as she felt her eyes sting followed by a lone tear falling down her face. Garrus wiped the tear away and placed one of her hands on his chest.

"It's good to see you." Garrus said softly as he caressed her cheek. Ziva leaned against his touch and began typing on the data pad again.

"How long was I out?" Ziva typed on the data pad as Garrus laid his head gently on her shoulder.

"Nine months I've been here since the day they brought you here. Don't worry I have been taking care of myself" Garrus replied softly as Ziva kissed him he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear while kissing her. After a few moments they pulled away. Ziva smiled as she caressed his wrist gently.

"My family would have loved you, I wonder if they would be proud if they were here" Ziva typed out on the data pad as she felt Garrus caress her jawline gently while pressing his crest against her head.

"Ziva wherever they are I know that your family is so very proud of you honey they are so proud of you" Garrus replied as he caressed the back of her neck gently.

"I love you, come here love Ziva typed on the data pad as she scooted carefully on the bed to make room. Garrus chuckled as he made his way to the other side of the bed. He carefully lifted her up in his arms Ziva nuzzled his neck while Garrus carefully laid on the bed without messing up any wires Ziva was hooked up to as well as to not cause Ziva any discomfort

"I love you too" Garrus whispered as Ziva cuddled closer and laid her head on his chest. Ziva smiled as she felt his arms wrap around her.

Ziva sighed in content as she felt him rubbing her back gently.

"Is your dad and sister doing okay?" Ziva typed on the data pad as Garrus looked down on her while looking at the data pad.

"Yes honey Dad and Sol are fine" Garrus replied as he kissed her on the top of her head while rubbing his talons through her long jet black hair.

"I'm glad" Ziva typed on the data pad.

"Shepard, sweetie, love of my life, you're always worrying about others, let's focus on you" Garrus said softly as he gently took the data pad from her hands and carefully placed it on the nightstand in the room.

Garrus continued to rub her back gently while nuzzling the top of her head. Tears threatened to fall from her cheeks as she noticed her reflection in the mirror near the bed. Shock and horror began to take hold within her as she touched the eyepatch covering her left eye, the color draining from her face.

Garrus noticed her change in mood held her tighter while kissing her on top of her head.

"You're so beautiful," Garrus said tenderly while rubbing her back. Ziva shook her head as she buried her face in his chest, biting her lip as silent tears fell down her cheeks .

"Shhh it's alright, it's alright my love we will get through this together. You're so beautiful, so beautiful Garrus whispered as more silent tears fell down Ziva's face.

Garrus continued to rub her back softly while humming quietly, Ziva held onto him tightly as more tears fell down her face

"I love you so much" Garrus whispered quietly

The sound of his sub vocals warmed her heart as he held her tightly. she started to nod off trying to fight the urge to fall asleep.

"Rest Ziva I'm not going anywhere I'm right here" Garrus said quietly while running his talons through her hair.

She felt her body relax as she fell asleep listening to his heart. Garrus felt the stress he was feeling when she was in a coma slip away as he held her.

A few minutes later Doctor Nova peaked her head in the room and she smiled warmly, noticing the couple in the bed holding each other. She quietly shut the door and walked towards them.

"Hello I'm going to need to speak to her regarding her injuries" Doctor Nova said kindly as she watched Garrus nudge Ziva to wake up. Ziva wakes up as Garrus hands her the data pad she has been using to communicate.

"Hello Doctor" Ziva typed on the datapad

"Hello Commander I'm sorry to wake you but I need to speak with you regarding your injuries" Doctor Nova replied

"Okay, what happened to my eye?" Ziva typed out on the data pad with a look of worry. Garrus squeezed her gently.

"Unfortunately due to the excessive trauma you experienced fighting in the war you did lose your eye." Doctor Nova replied as Ziva took a sharp deep breath while tears began threatening to fall. She began typing on the data pad.

"I won't have full sight again will I?" Ziva typed on the data pad while Garrus nuzzled her neck.

"No I'm afraid not Commander" Doctor Nova replied sadly. Ziva nodded sadly as silent tears fell down her face.

"You said you wanted to speak to me regarding my injuries?" Ziva typed on the datapad

"Yes, I won't lie to you Commander you have sustained severe injuries in battle. You sustained two broken ribs, broken left leg, contusions, Abrasions, burns, scrapes, bruising on your head, and of course your eye" Doctor Nova replied sadly.

Garrus held Ziva tightly as he felt her tense up before she began typing on the datapad again.

"Damn, is there anything else I need to know?" Ziva typed on the datapad.

"Yes, when we did our scans and tests when you were brought here, we did find significant damage to your reproductive organs that we were unable to repair. We had to do an emergency total hysterectomy." Doctor Nova said solemnly as she watched Ziva turn into Garrus' embrace. She watched as Ziva's body trembled and shook against Garrus.

Garrus ran his talons through her hair while rocking her back and forth gently.

"I am so sorry Commander," Doctor Nova said sadly.

"Ziva, sweetie, listen to me what you've been through in your life and in the war is not your fault. You are loved by me, the crew, and many more. You have touched so many lives, you gave the galaxy hope in their darkest hours, You brought closure and comfort to so many of us. You helped cure the genophage, you united all races across the galaxy. I admire your kindness, your courage, and your strength. The pain you carry does not define you. You're Commander Shepard, the first human spectre, hero of the galaxy, you're a hell of a woman, I am so proud and I'm very happy to have you as my mate and the love of my life." Garrus whispered in her ear as he nuzzled her cheek.

More tears fell down Ziva's cheeks as she tightened her grip on Garrus while burying her face in his chest. He continued to rock her back and forth gently while rubbing her back.

"I love you, we will get through this together. As humans like to say there is a light at the end of the tunnel" Garrus whispered in her ear while holding her tighter.

"He's right Commander, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You're not alone" Doctor Nova said gently as she watched Ziva pull away slightly from Garrus and pick up the datapad she was typing on.

"Thank you both, it's a lot to take in what happens from here Doctor?" Ziva typed on the datapad

"You will be starting physical therapy and occupational therapy next week. Both therapies will last up to ten weeks. We will reassess you after the ten weeks and go from there. I've also sent referrals for counseling and for a psychiatrist evaluation" Doctor Nova replied with a comforting tone of voice.

"Thank you Doctor" Ziva typed on the datapad.

"You're welcome Commander if you need anything just hit the call light button" Doctor Nova replied as she gave Ziva's shoulder a gentle squeeze before leaving the room and shutting the door.

After Doctor Nova left the room Ziva turned around and kissed Garrus on his mandible before pressing her forehead against his crest.

"I love you Ziva you're not alone in this I'll always be here for you. As you told me when I first came aboard the Normandy you're stuck with me" Garrus said while rubbing Ziva's back.

Ziva smiled as she kissed him gently and he kissed her back to the best of his ability. After a few minutes they pulled away she laid her head on his chest.

"Rest my Ziva I'll update the crew, I'm not going anywhere" Garrus said quietly as he activated his Omni-Tool. Ziva nodded as she cuddled closer to him. Ziva passes out from exhaustion.

Garrus sends a quick message to the crew informing them about Ziva's condition he deactivated his Omni-Tool and pulled Ziva closer to him before placing his chin on top of her head.

He sighed quietly as he ran his talons through Ziva's hair. He observed the EKG machine that was recording electrical activity of her heart. He noted that her heart rate was strong and in normal sinus rhythm.

Garrus made a silent promise to help keep her heart beating, he made a promise to stay at her side to lift her up and help her pick up the shattered pieces her many traumas caused.

He vowed to be her rock and her light. He became determined to help Ziva in any way he could.

The sound of whimpering brought Garrus to the present moment, he felt his heart shatter as he observed Ziva whimpering in her sleep and showing signs of distress which indicated she was having nightmares.

"Shhhh sweetie my Ziva you're safe I'm here I've got you. You're safe now." Garrus whispered in her ear while rubbing her back gently. He continued to rub her back until she calmed down and she squeezed him gently to let him know that she heard him and she felt safe with him.

"I love you my Ziva" Garrus whispered in her ear while nuzzling her cheek before allowing sleep to take over him.

TBC