A/N: Warning, this is a bit fluffy and a little dirty – not too smutty or graphic. Bebus, the first part is all for you (wink, wink)! Tayg, this is my version of fluff, sprinkled with angst. It's not as lovely as yours, but I hope it will do!
I've changed the way that I write the Leviathan section. I found that as they have evolved and are becoming individual characters, the layout for the trio isn't really fitting anymore. Hopefully they are still threatening and interesting to read about. Lesaro will be back in the next chapter.
As always, your reviews, comments, PMs, follows and favorites are always appreciated. I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading.
Chapter 8: Domination and Healing
Knowing her goal and clearly seeing the route she needed to take to reach it, Neresa started the mental conditioning that would be required to seduce Krixo from his own quest. The task at hand would be exhausting and would require all her mental powers and primal wisdom to accomplish. Her target was Krixo and her goal was to redirect his power hungry desires for domination to her and her need for procreation. It was a delicate balance that she needed to strike and a game that her ancestors had imprinted in her mind. She was driven out of necessity and her genetic desires to reproduce. Her sights were set as she moved towards Krixo. Know my power… Possess my soul… Dominate my mind…
For his part, Krixo was mildly aware of Neresa's desires but he was intently focused on his own. The Council was his and their minds were so easy to direct. Soon his gifts would be shared with each of the Councilor's homeworlds and even more subjects would be at his disposal. Primarch Victus and the turian government would be first and their war machines would be at the beck and call of Lesaro. The power was seductive and filled him with wanting more. He would be one step closer to Shepard and the glory that her possession would give him. Absolute control… Sheer power… Thralls to command…
Wielding her mental abilities and focusing solely on Krixo, Neresa started filling the male's thoughts with her desire to join. She opened up her mind in an attempt to allow him greater access and see her as a vessel for domination too. Her power was as great as his and her mind was inviting and calling him to her. Take me… Let me fill you with my power… Provide the seed for generations of Leviathan…
Deep, suppressed urges had been awakened in the giant. He allowed Neresa to flood his thoughts and was intrigued by the sheer supremacy that the female possessed. Her sovereignty was intoxicating and like a drug to Krixo. She was every bit his match and equal, but his longing to dominate all and rule them was challenged with the arrival of Neresa. She would be his conquest, he would take her as she wanted and in doing so, add her strength to his mental prowess. You will be mine… I will have you… Open yourself completely…
As Neresa reached Krixo, she could feel his mind open and fill with her own ideas for creating the future of their species. She would know success and be the Mother and Queen of Leviathan. Krixo would think he was powerfully controlling her, but Neresa knew the truth… her desires were greater than his and she would add to the façade to keep Krixo engaged. A generation of youth to imprint and command as she saw fit, that was her path and her future. Yes… I am yours Krixo… Join with me and dominate all…
Lust filled the male and he knew his prize was before him, he only needed to take it. He reached out with his long tendrils and intertwined himself with Neresa. The primal call coursed through his brain and all that he controlled could feel his want. The release was intoxicating, as he filled Neresa with his supremacy and his power. Her mind succumbed to him, as did her very being. For a brief moment, they were one being and in complete harmony with the other. Both were bent on power and dominance and both viewed themselves as the regents of their species. Then, without warning, Neresa's mind was gone from him. The feeling was jarring and Krixo was not ready for the departure of her power. Emptiness… Longing… Neresa…
Neresa had achieved what she longed for and once her desires were filled, she pulled away from Krixo. As quickly as she had opened herself to him, she closed herself off. Her mind was once again her own, but now she was free to start her journey… to populate the next generation and to see her species rise again to power. She retreated back to the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean world to ready herself for the arrival of her brood. Everything she dreamt of was now set in motion. I am the savior of Leviathan… I am the Mother of all to come… I am true power…
Aethyta held her daughter for an extra moment as she got ready to leave. "Hey kiddo, I'll meet you at the Destiny Ascension when you are ready to head back to Thessia." She brushed her daughter's cheek lightly and then used her index finger to lift Liara's chin up, "Hang in there… I'll be right there for you."
"Thank you Father. I am glad that you will be with me on Thessia. I am happy to be able to spend more time with you." Liara offered her father a smile, "Today meant a lot to me. I am grateful that you suggested the meld… You were a great comfort to me."
"Anytime, kiddo… You just need to tell my daughter-in-law to make sure that she is there for her daughter's birth." Aethyta's cheeks flushed slightly, "It's not something she would want to miss… I know firsthand."
Hearing the slight sadness in Aethyta's words, Liara immediately moved to comfort her father, "You are here now and I have faith in her Father, she will be there." Liara instinctively rubbed her stomach to feel her daughter move. She promised me and she will keep her promise. "Good night Father, I will let you know when I am ready to depart."
Changing her tone and feeling more playful at her daughter's acceptance and calm, Aethyta could not help but to tease Liara, "You two need to find a way to have some fun before the shit hits the fan. I know, maybe you should throw the Commander on your bed and screw your brains out!" Aethyta winked at Liara and exited before her daughter could respond.
As Liara said her goodbyes to her father and headed to see Shepard, she had been relieved that Aethyta had been supportive and willing to open herself up. Liara smiled as she remembered the crass, wisecracking bartender that she had first met on Illium. Aethyta had changed since then and had embraced the Matriarch that she now had become. Over the past five years, Aethyta had assumed an important role in the government on Thessia and with that responsibility, had been forced to become more formal. Her speech had changed and so had her demeanor. But every once in a while, the bartender would slip out, usually when she was with Shepard or Aria and always when there was alcohol involved. Liara loved both sides of Aethyta and was immensely happy that she finally had her father in her life.
Liara stood in the doorway of the study assessing her bondmate. She could see the severity of what was to come already weighing on her. She carries so much with her and most have no idea, but I do. Shepard looked deep in thought and her body language indicated her weariness. Her shoulders were slumped over and she appeared stiff. Liara knew that if she were to touch her body, she would find tension and knots throughout. Let me ease some of your burdens love.
Thinking back to her first encounter with the human and her notions of the woman, Liara shook her head at how her own first impressions must have been to Shepard. I've always been drawn to her strength and her will. She couldn't help but smile to think of herself as the damsel in distress and her valiant Commander appearing out of nowhere to rescue her. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Goddess I love her, please come back to me.
Commander Shepard sat in her study, staring at a blank display panel that had held the image of Aria T'Loak, lost in thought. Did I make the right call? Should I have moved against Leviathan and destroyed the orbs in the Council Chamber? What if Thea is beyond help? Shepard hated questioning her actions and even more, hated feeling guilty about them. She did not hear Liara enter the room, but when she felt a hand on her shoulder, she instinctively reached for it and knew it was Liara.
"I'm going to meet Garrus and Tali tomorrow and head to the Normandy. We are going to need to move quickly, before there is an actual war between the krogan and the turians." Shepard turned to face her wife, "I've talked to Aria and she is on her way back to Earth. She has agreed to accompany you all to Thessia."
Liara attempted to stay calm, "What exactly happened today at the Council and why do you think there is going to be a war between the krogan and the turians? I do not understand…"
"The Council has been indoctrinated, that is all but Bakara and they are making plans to move against the krogan. Councilor Nuris was the one leading the charge against the krogan, but he was supported by the rest of the Council." Shepard moved to embrace Liara and she could see the shock and terror on her lover's face.
"What? Why? How could this happen so quickly? We must stop them…" Fear and anger could both be heard in Liara's voice.
Shepard held Liara and tried to comfort her. She knew that the news was upsetting her and adding to her concerns, "Thea was wearing a necklace that was almost identical to the one that Ann gave you and Nuris had a staff with an orb as the handle. I think Leviathan is targeting the krogan because they have some type of resistance to their mind control."
"Did you stop them? Oh Goddess… Thea" Liara covered her mouth with her hand at the thought of her friend being controlled by Leviathan. "We need to tell Aria!"
Shepard placed her hands on Liara's shoulders and looked deeply into her blue eyes that suddenly seemed to be filled with sadness, "Don't worry, I just broke the news to her and that's why she's returning. She's going to help Thea… I told Aria that you would be there to help as well.
Nodding in agreement, Liara confirmed Shepard's thoughts, "Of course I will. I need to talk to Kasumi and Feron to find out what kind of intel the Shadow Broker network has on what is going on. If there is going to be another war, then I will need to use every resource that is available to stop it."
Recognizing the scientist in her wife emerging, Shepard continued, "I know… I also am working with Wrex and Bakara and I know they would appreciate any information that you might be able to share too."
"You do not even need to ask. I would be happy to share whatever I can with them." Liara went to punch something into her omni-tool, as if to start her analysis immediately.
Shepard reached for Liara's hand to stop her. She still needed her strength and her companionship and was not ready for Liara to dive into her work. "Thank you. We will get through this… I know that we will find a way… Liara, I need you to do that later though. For now, I need you…"
Liara put down her omni-tool and focused solely on her wife. There was such exhaustion in Shepard's eyes, but there was also a flame… one that Liara recognized and was drawn to, "You look tired, love… Come with me." She reached out her hand to Shepard and waited until her bondmate moved towards her.
Shepard accepted her lover's hand and let herself be guided into their bedroom. She was absolutely exhausted, both physically and mentally but the feeling of Liara's hand on hers seemed to ease some of her fears.
Liara directed Shepard to their bed and lifted off the human's shirt. She kissed her fully on the lips and then gently pushed Shepard onto her stomach so that she would be able to rub her back.
Shepard undid her bra and let her wife soothe her aching muscles. She didn't realize how much tension and stress she was storing there and the massage Liara was giving was a welcomed release.
Liara worked in circular motions with her thumbs and palms and started with Shepard's shoulders. The muscles were stiff and felt like rocks. Using the aid of biotics to help relieve the stress in her body, Liara was focused on her task.
Aside from a low groan from Shepard, the two were mostly quiet; each was focused on the other. When Liara was finished, she lay down next to Shepard and lightly kissed her exposed cheek.
Shepard's eyes were closed, but when Liara's lips touched her face, she opened them and pulled her closer. "I love you."
"Show me…" Liara whispered seductively in Shepard's ear and then nibbled on her lobe.
Shivers were sent down Shepard's spine as the asari licked her ear and lightly bit her earlobe. Liara's hands were cupped against her breast and she gave a playful tug at her nipple. "Oh… Please don't stop…" Reacting to her lover's touches, Shepard caressed Liara's crest and knew that the stroking would entice Liara to continue.
Wasting no time, Shepard found Liara's lips and kissed them with all the need and want of their first time together. Shepard used her tongue to part Liara's lips and explore her mouth and tongue, while her hands reached for the zipper on Liara's dress in an attempt to discard her bondmate's clothes.
Liara purred her pleasure at Shepard's touch and helped her remove the offending dress. Shepard was already topless, but she still was wearing her pants and Liara tugged at the button and zipper that held it on her lover's waist.
Shepard loved the feeling of Liara working to unzip her pants. The sensation drove her crazy and the thought of allowing Liara access to her made her hips push towards the asari's hand. She felt a yearning coming from between her legs and longed to have Liara inside of her.
Both were naked and eagerly embracing the other. Moans of their desire and the slight crackle of the blue biotic field engulfing them were the only noises in the room. Liara found her way on top of Shepard, as her legs parted to allow entry into her folds. Liara's eyes swirled to black and the lovers became of one mind and body through the meld.
When they were done and had both experienced the release of their pleasure, they both collapsed in unison. They clung to each other out of instinct and desire. Shepard kissed Liara lightly and whispered to her, "I told you that I love you, Liara."
"I believe you… and I love you as well." Liara moved so that her back was pressed up firmly against Shepard's chest. She felt her lover's strong arms wrap around her, making her feel safe and secure.
Both enjoyed the feeling of the other's body and the warmth and the bond that they shared. Shepard moved her hands so that she could feel any movements that her daughter might make. She felt the call of sleep, but fought it momentarily so that she could mentally capture the emotions and love radiating from her wife. I will not fail… I will come home to you both…
Aria T'Loak paced back and forth on the bridge of her ship, repeatedly making a fist and flaring her biotics. She looked over at her crew krogan from the Blood Pack and felt her anger start to mount. I should go charge one of those hulking beasts… That would allow me to work off some of this fucking anxiety! She hated that there was a delay in getting to Thea. She wanted to be at her bondmate's side and she wanted to be there now. Thea, what have you gotten yourself into and damn it, why the hell aren't we there yet!
She had ordered Ganar Drace and a squad of his fiercest krogan Blood Pack soldiers to meet up with Shepard and the Normandy, while she took five krogan soldiers with her to Earth. Frustration and fear were two emotions that Aria did her best to avoid, but with Thea in trouble she couldn't help but succumb to both. Fight or fuck, that had been her motto and right now neither was much of an option, so she chose pacing and flaring her biotics and attempting to control the rage that was forming in her mind.
One of the krogan, who was looking very tentative, approached Aria to provide an update, "Aria, three more hours until we reach the Sol Relay and then can dock at Earth."
Aria looked like she could vaporize the krogan, but instead yelled "Finally!" and headed off to her private quarters. A sigh of relief could be heard from the crew as she disappeared into her room.
Looking over her quarters, Aria's eyes were drawn to the picture of Thea from the day when they exchanged their bracelets. I will not lose another person that I love… Her thoughts then went to Liselle and the hopelessness that she felt at her daughter's death. Never again…
Aria's biotics flared, but this time she sent a warp field hurling towards a bookcase at the corner of the room. The bookcase exploded and various tchotchkes and books were sent smoldering into the air. The smell of burning paper inundated the room and the sound of the bookcase exploding could be heard throughout the ship. Aria stood over the remains of the shelf snarling and feeling somewhat triumphant at the destruction.
No one on the ship was foolish enough to disturb Aria. They stayed at their stations, busily looking at displays and readouts and ignoring the sounds coming from Aria's room.
Taking advantage of the slight change in her mood, Aria reached for her omni-tool and signaled Liara. It took a few minutes for the other asari to answer and Aria tapped her foot on the floor while waiting. Liara's image appeared on the omni display. Aria looked at the disheveled condition of the other asari and knew what Liara had been doing. A snarl formed on her lips, "Well I know what you did last night… you're not tired of fucking that human yet it take it!"
Recognizing that Aria was hurting and using her old habits of taking jibes at Shepard, Liara let the comment slide and instead focused on the fact that Aria was reaching out to her, "Good morning Aria, Shepard filled me in on what is going on… I am so sorry and will do whatever I can for you and Thea."
The brashness left Aria, seeing Liara happy and in love only made her think of her own feelings and the unknown that she was heading towards. She wanted Liara's help and knew that the younger asari did actually care for her predicament and her feelings. Aria dropped her guard slightly, "Thank you… I need your assistance with Thea. I should be arriving at Earth in a few hours, if you could be ready when I face Thea…"
"I understand and will have a doctor standing by if she requires her attention. Everything will be kept quiet." Liara studied Aria's face. She was usually able to hide her thoughts and feelings from others, but Liara saw the concern and fear in her expression; it actually made her want to protect Aria from what was happening. She was reminded of their meld on Omega and the threat from Leviathan suddenly became more personal. "I will be ready, Aria… you will not face this alone."
Part of her hated the idea that she found Liara's words comforting and part of her was also very glad that there was another person besides Thea that understood her without having to explain herself. "I will signal you when we dock and let you know where Thea is." She paused and a smile crept back on her lips, "You really should think about screening your calls when you're still covered in the afterglow of sex… Just some friendly advice and by the way, I'm glad she still does it for you."
Shaking her head, Liara looked at Aria, "Yes, she does it very well and I only answered because I knew it was you calling. I will see you soon." Liara cut the feed and her image faded.
Three hours later, Aria T'Loak's personal shuttle arrived at Earth. She had located Thea, she was at her Council appointed apartment in London and also signaled Liara that she was on her way. Five krogan guards followed cautiously behind her as she hastily strutted off to confront her bondmate. Finally, damn it! I better get some fucking answers and Thea better be alright or I'm going to flay someone alive!
Thea Tevos sat at her desk in the study of her very large apartment. Like the rest of the Councilors, she was given a penthouse suite that looked out onto the London skyline. Her abode had been decorated with the finest adornments from Thessia and her study was one of her favorite rooms, as it was decorated to remind her of the woods and gardens of her home estate in Armali. Today though, she was not focused on her surroundings, but was instead consumed by primal cravings and the hungry desires to have her bondmate fill her. For whatever reason, she was wound tightly and the slightest touch of the fabric from her clothes made her feel as if she could orgasm. Damn Aria… why is she not here when I need to have her!
Driven by something deep within her thoughts, she longed to have Aria taking her and she fantasized about reaching out with her mind to map Aria's DNA. Thea was both unsettled and consumed by the voice within pushing her to find her mate. What is happening to me? Help me… She closed her eyes and tried to focus and force her memory to come back, but the yearning in her head and her own physical wants were preventing her from being able to remember anything from the last few days. God I need that damn, hot bitch… She reached down between her thighs to touch herself and help with the overwhelming urges she was having. Fuck me Aria… We need to join… Let me map you… As if on cue, the door to her study suddenly opened and Aria T'Loak was standing in the doorway staring at her.
Assessing the scene, Aria was overwhelmed by the strong scent of her bondmate and the immediate aching that she had for her. She could taste the need in the air and she was forced to call on all of the fear and anger from the trip from Omega to focus on freeing Thea from Leviathan, "For fuck's sake Thea, what is going on here?" Aria managed to lace her voice in anger and accusation.
Looking almost predatory at her lover, Thea did not stop her hand from its rhythmical duty and instead let out a growl hoping to signal Aria to join her. "Take me…" Thea's eyes started to turn black, anticipating her lover's touch.
This was not what Aria expected to find, she looked over her lover and quickly identified the necklace that was around Thea's neck. She narrowed her eyes at it and slammed her hand down hard on the desk. "What are you wearing… who gave you that necklace? I know that I didn't! You damned slut… are you sleeping around on me?"
The anger and venom in Aria's voice and the sound of Aria's hand hitting her desk caused Thea to stop and look at her bondmate. For just a few moments, Thea's mind cleared slightly and her eyes changed back to their green color. What am I doing? Aria… help me… Thea was full of surprise at the accusation and with Aria's tone. "What… no!"
Aria cut her off and grabbed the necklace in her hand, as she had already activated her omni-tool to emit the force field that would prevent the orb from affecting her. "I will not tolerate this Thea! You are mine, damn it! Did you forget?" With the aid of her biotics and all the emotions that she had suppressed over the past few days, Aria pulled the necklace off of Thea and smashed it into pieces on her desk. A large crack formed from the impact and Thea slumped over and passed out almost immediately. Aria reached for her omni-tool and her bond-mate at the same time, "Liara, get in here… now! I need that doctor you have!"
Hurrying inside the study, Liara found Aria holding a collapsed Thea Tevos, "Dr. Michel will be here momentarily." She wasted no time and summoned glyph to emit the force field around the room.
A frantic and helpless feeling came over Aria. Summoning years of practice to calm herself and not letting the panic she was feeling overtake her, Aria reached for her bondmate to support her and softly whispered to her, "Thea, I'm here…" She could tell that Thea was breathing and could feel that her pulse was steady. Aria's eyes looked almost pleadingly at Liara, "She will be alright…"
Tevos's eyes flickered slightly and she moaned as if she was in pain, her hands reached for her head as she started to regain her senses. "What happened? Aria… what are you doing here?" She fought back nausea, her ears were ringing and she had a terrible headache for no apparent reason. A faint smile appeared on her lips as she looked at the concerned expression on her bondmate's face.
Liara spoke into her omni-tool and was relieved to see Dr. Michel enter the room. "Thank you for coming doctor. I know that we can trust your discretion. The Councilor is not feeling well and we were hoping that you could check her over."
"Of course, Liara." Dr. Michel moved over to her patient, "Ms. T'Loak, I will need to have you step aside so that I can examine the Councilor… please."
Not wanting to surrender her position next to Tevos, Aria scrutinized the doctor with her most fearsome gaze.
In an attempt to calm Aria down, Liara used her most soothing and authoritative tone, "Aria, I trust Dr. Michel… She is here to help, but she will need to be able to examine Thea in order to do that."
Aria moved back to allow the doctor access to Thea, but still remained close enough to jump in if necessary. She then looked to Dr. Michel, "Will she be okay?"
Starting her exam of Tevos, Dr. Michel scanned the Councilor with her omni-tool. She made a few adjustments and then continued. When she was finished, she gently touched Tevos's shoulder and spoke gently to her, "Councilor, how are you feeling? Can you tell me what happened?"
Impatient to get Tevos's diagnosis, Aria resumed her place next to her bondmate and interrupted, "Well… how is she? Is she going to be okay?"
Addressing the room, Dr. Michel continued with her assessment, "Yes, she seems dehydrated and it appears that she has not been eating." Dr. Michel looked at Tevos, "I think you need some food and water and a lot of rest. Once you've gotten some nourishment, you will start to feel better."
Thea was still feeling dazed and her head was now pounding, "Why is everyone staring at me?" She looked from Dr. Michel to the concerned look on Aria's face and started to panic, "No… I can't remember much of anything over the past few days… Why can't I remember anything?"
Liara asked the question that she already knew the answer to, "Thea, do you remember receiving a necklace?"
Tevos thought hard and made herself think back to the last thing that she remembered, "Yes, it was a gift from the Shepard Memorial Archives… Everyone on the Council got something, I think."
Aria snorted in disgust, "Everyone but Bakara. Do you have any idea what the Council has been up to since you received your 'gifts'?"
Thea stared blankly at Aria and then tears started forming around the rims of her eyes, "No and I'm starting to get scared… Please tell me what happened."
Moving to comfort her bondmate, Aria knelt down next to Tevos and placed her hand on her lover's back. She gently rubbed it as she started to inform Thea of what was going on, "According to Shepard, you all have been planning the next turian-krogan war. Bakara was voted off the Council and Nuris proposed that the krogan be governed directly by the Council… you can guess how that news was taken by Wrex and the clan leaders."
Thea's face lost its coloring, "What! We did what? I have no memory of any of this." Clearly in shock from the news, Thea was desperate to prove them wrong and started sorting through her communiques that were in her comms log. As she read her comms, a sickening feeling swept through her, "How could we do this? Aria, please tell me what is happening to me?"
Thea's voice was pleading and heartbreaking to hear, but Aria knew that she needed to be strong for her bondmate, "Thea, you were being controlled by an ancient race of creatures called Leviathan."
"Leviathan…" Tevos closed her eyes again and tried to summon a memory that the name triggered. "I remember reading about Leviathan during the Reaper War… They were helping us to defeat the Reapers… Why would they do this?"
Liara was the one to answer, "We do not fully understand their motives. Shepard thinks that they are targeting the krogan because they have a natural resistance to their mind control…"
Sighing at the thought of the brewing storm, Aria was feeling more confident that Thea was recovering. The sarcasm started to creep back into her quips, "Plus who would be stupid enough to fuck with a fully pissed off krogan?"
Ignoring Aria's comment, Liara instead focused on letting Thea know what was happening, "Leviathan uses orbs to help with their 'indoctrination' and the gifts that you received from the archives contained those orbs allowing Leviathan access to your minds. I am sorry Thea… Shepard is taking the Normandy to the planet that we found them on during the war to see if she can find out what their plans are and how they plan to achieve them."
"Thank you Liara." Tevos grabbed hold of Aria for support as another wave of nausea swept across her.
Dr. Michel noticed that her patient needed to rest and thought it best to let her start the healing process, "Alright… I think that the Councilor has been through enough. We need to get her hydrated and fed and then she needs some rest." She looked at Aria and made sure that she fully understood her orders before she left.
Aria looked at Liara, "Thank you… Would you mind going to the kitchen and getting her some water and something to eat? I want to get her into bed."
Liara nodded and she and Dr. Michel left Aria and Thea alone.
Reading her bondmate's body language and seeing the emotion in her face, Aria continued to comfort and reassure Thea. She gently leaned in a kissed her on the cheek, "You had me worried and you know how much I hate that." She then took Tevos's hand and helped her to her feet and led her to the bedroom.
Still reeling from everything, Thea let Aria guide her and was grateful that Aria's usually rough exterior and bravado were replaced with love and concern. "I'm sorry I scared you…" The tears started to run down her cheeks.
Seeing the sadness weighing on Thea, Aria couldn't help but reach for her cheek and wipe away her tears. "You will be alright, love… The savior of the galaxy is on it and you've got Liara and me to watch over you… Thea, I love you and won't let this happen again."
They had reached their bedroom and Thea crawled into the comfort of her bed. "Please lay with me Aria… I need to feel you next to me… I need to feel safe again."
Aria did as she was told. She held her bondmate tightly to her and waited for Liara to arrive with Thea's meal. Aria let out a sigh and felt herself relax, knowing that Thea was resting next to her. Her fear subsided, but her anger at Leviathan was still present.