Ok Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't introduce myself in Chapter 1 but in my haste, I forgot...
Anyway I would like to thank all of you who added That Which Defines Her to their Alerts
Soooo thank you Bettynuggs, Coot, KokotheBunga, amac1688, and gabbywolf!
Also thank you Anonne and Mm-Burnt-Toast-mM for adding my story to your favorite list!
And to show my gratitude I am uploading Chapter 2 sooner than I had planned
P.S. I'm sorry if I spelled your pen name wrong! Please forgive me!
Ri'sai Tevos leaned back in her chair and looked around her office. The computer terminal in front of her showed Saren's report of the mission with the human Spectre candidate.
"This is terrible..." she groaned and brought her hands to her face.
"Is something bothering you, Councilor?" Aeria, her personal assistant, inquired.
Ri'sai got up from her desk and went to the large vista on the far wall of her office. She put her elbows on the ledge and rested her chin in her hands. Scanning the Presidium, she let her mind wonder. So many civilians died. There was no reason to destroy the facility. Sure it was the easiest way of achieving the objective, but the cost was too great. Something is not right here. As she went over the mission report in her head, her eyes fell upon a young human female with long fiery red hair and blood red eyes. She was sitting on one of the many benches occupying the area and had slouched forward holding her head in her hands. Her shoulders wer shaking, giving Sairori the impression she was crying. Poor soul, I wonder what troubles her. Ri'sai frowned. She did not like seeing others in pain.
"Councilor you seem distracted. Do you require assistance?" Aeria had come to stand beside Ri'sai. She followed her elder's gaze until she noticed the young teen. "It is deppressing to witness others crying." she said calmly.
"I am feeling fatigued. I think I'll take a walk to clear my head. Please take care of everything for now." Ri'sai said, not taking her eyes of the girl.
"Very well Lady Ri'sai. I will notify you if anything comes up." her assistant said with a knowing smile.
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Kid sat on the bench and let the tears flow freely. She had become quite telented in forcing herself to cry. Assassinate the Asari Counciler? What the hell is wrong with you Saren. I know it has something to do with the investigation that the Alliance is cunducting. They aren't exactly thrilled with how Xoan turned out and rightfully so. That was a tremendous body count and it grantees that Commander Anderson won't get into the Spectres . Saren obviously didn't want Anderson to join but why? And from what I can tell, the asari Councilor is more inclined to side with the Alliance and Saren doesn't like that one bit. Something is not right here. Oh... it looks like she took the bait.
"Excuse me but are you okay?" came a cool and compationate voice.
Kid looked up in mock surprise. She had heard that the Councilor was a sucker for someone in pain but she didn't really expect crying to work. However standing in front of her was a beautiful asari with deep blue eyes and gorgeous facial tattoos. She had an air of elegance and grace about her and her posture told Kid she had a strong sense of pride. The teen quikly looked away. Wow! She's quite beautiful in person. Let's see what kind of person you are, Ri'sai.
"I'm fine." Kid said while whiping away her tears.
The asari sat next to her. "You do not seem fine" she said with a sad expression. "Please tell me what troubles you. Perhaps you will feel better."
Kid chuckled. "You're an odd one. Approaching some stranger and offering to comfort her."
Ri'sai smiled "My friends tell me I have strange hobbies."
This made Kid laugh. Beautiful AND a sense of humor. So far she liked her and it had been some time since she laughed. "What's your name?"
"Ri'sai Tevos" she answered.
"That's a very pretty name." Kid replied. "I like it. I wish I had a name like yours."
"Oh really? What is your name then?" the Councilor asked.
"I don't have one. Well I did but I've long since forgotten." the girl replied.
"Well what do your parents call you?" Ri'sai inquired.
"Don't have any of those either. Although there is Nihlus. He likes it when I call him dad. He would never admit to it mind you, but I can tell he enjoys it. He calls me Kid so I guess you can call me that too.
Nihlus? I have never heard him mention this before. I will have to talk with him about this. It was then Ri'sai noticed that Kit's left eye was slightly glazed over and there was a scar running from her temple across her eye and nose and down her right cheek. This girl is too young to have battle scars. What could have happened? Kid realised where Ri'sai was looking and frowned.
"How did you meet Nihlus?And how did you get that scar" The asari inquired with obvious concern.
"It's a reminder." Kit answered tersely
"Of what?"
"The reason I'm still alive" she answered as a shadow fell over her face. "I told you I don't have any parents right? Well twelve years ago a human colony, Mindoir, was attacked by Batarian slavers. I this five year old girl who just stood and watched as the people around me were killed for no reason. My parents tried to protect me but were shot down just like the others.
"I read the Aliance report on that incedent. They claimed there were no refugees." The asari said.
"Of course not, we were herded into prison cells aboard the Batarian ship. Batarian slavers aren't known for leaving able bodies behind. Anyway, I had been locked in a single cell with two guards standing outside. For a while I just sat there and let all my sorrow, desperation, and fury consume me until eventually I let everything out, causing my cell door to explode and kill my guards. I jumped from my cell and just started running. Somehow I managed to find my way to the 'emergency exit' but there was a Batarian, the same one that killed my family, standing between me and freedom. Rage and anger filled me again as I used my new biotics to slam him against the wall. He drew a knife from somewhere and started slashing at me furiouslycatiching my face and thus my scar and blindness. Not even thinking, I just jumped on him making him drop the knife. Acting quickly I grabbed it and threw it at his face, hitting him in one of his eyes and he fell to the ground. I took the knife, which I still have to this day and hopped in one of the escape pods. After I pressed the eject button I finally started falling back to Mindoir. That was when I met Nihlus. He had recieved a tip that the Batarians were planning to attack and he came as fast as he could. Unfortunately he didn't make it in time to save the colony but he did arrive in time to see my escape pod crash to the ground. Or so he tells me. I had lost conciousness from overusing my biotics and from a loss of blood. When I awoke, I was lying on a bed in his ship's Med-bay and he had fallen asleep next to me. Notcing him for the first time I let out a little yell before I could catch myself. He awoke with a jump and looked around the room until his gaze rested on me. He said 'Relax, your safe now.' and I finally broke. I cied all night. Ever since then Nihlus has been like a father to me."
"Wow... that is amazing. Simply amazing." Ri'sai said in awe.
Kid chuckled "You know, now that I look back, I was unbelieveably luck wasn't I?"
"If I may, you said you used biotics when you were five years old correct? Does that mean you can use them now without an amp?" The asari inquired.
"Yeah... I don't know why and I don't really care. It's only helped my so far so I'm not gonna complain. Nor do I want to be sliced open on some operating table while scientists try to figure out why I can do what I do so keep it under warps okay?" Kid winked.
"You seem to be in higher spirits. I'm glad." Ri'sai pointed out.
"Yeah, honestly your're the first person I ever told the whole story to. Nihlus was never really good with this sort of thing. So thank you for listening. It would be my honor to call you my friend." Kid smiled.
"And mine as well. You are a remarkably strong woman." The Councilor replied warmly.
"Great! You're going to need a nickname then. Hmm... How about Risa?" Kid grinned
"I like it." Ri'sai replied. "So what brings you to the Citadel?"
They chatted idly for a long time, discussing each other's interests, their likes and dislikes, and just enjoyed each other's company company. It had been a long time since Ri'sai had a decent conversation. She enjoyed not having to discuss politics or galactic policy for once while Kid simply enjoyed having someone nice to be around. After a while Ri'sai spoke up.
"I should probably be getting back to work now" she stood up regretfully.
"Risa?" The asari turned to face Kid. "Thank you"
Saiori noticed the look of genuine happiness in the teen's expression. "It was my pleasure." She smiled warmly.
"Let's do this again sometime." Kid called out.
Ri'sai looked over her shoulder. "Of course. Meet me here tomorrow at the same time although our meeting will have to be a lot shorter than this one."
"Will do!" Kid replied.
Ri'sai had made her way back to her office and stood in front of the comunicator. "Aeria, inform Nihlus that I wish to speak to him and leave the room."
"Of course Lady Ri'sai." She bowed her head and did as the Councilor asked.
A few minutes later, the slighlty opaque image of Nihlus could be seen. "Councilor, what can I do for you?" He inquired.
"You will never believe who I ran into today. A young human female with red hair, blood red eyes, and a scar from her left temple to her right cheek. I had quite the talk with her." Ri'sai stated calmly.
""Uhh... you did?" Nihlus was getting nervous.
"Why did you hide this from us Nihlus?" the asari was getting slightly agitated.
"I had to do what I did. I'f I had reported her, you would have sent to her to some orphanage where she would never be able to reach her full potential. Trust me, there is something special about that girl. You'll see." Nihlus defended himself.
"And just what is her potential? What did you have her do?" She was starting to let her anger show.
"I trained her. She was an extremely quick learner and I tought her everything I know. She was especially adept at infiltration. Her talents have been very helpful to me and my crew." Nihlus puffed out his chest in pride.
"Nihlus! She's not even an adult and you sent her on missions that almost garunteed her death?" Ri'sai was appalled.
"I know!" he groweld. "That girl, she has a fiercely independent mind. She would have done so regardless of whatever I said. She desires to test herself, to prove to herself that she deserves the life she has. I have never been more proud of anyone and though she would have you believe otherwise, I would be honored to call her my daughter."
Saiori pinched the bridge of her nose. "What is she doing on the Citadel then?"
"I am not sure. Saren asked to see her. She did not tell me what he needed. I would ask either him or the Kid herself."
Before Ri'sai could respond, Aeria barged in the room. "Lady Ri'sai, forgive me but this is urgent. Commander Anderson has evidence that Saren has conrtacted an assassin to eliminate you!"
"What!?" the Councilor exclaimed.
"Wait I know you... you're-" before Nihlus could finish, Kid jumped in through the window overlooking the Presidium.
"Saren's agent and my handler." Kid ended the sentence. "I wish you could have told me sooner that you were the councilor Risa." Kid looked over. "Dad? W-what are you... uh oh."
"Kid, what exactly did Saren ask you to do?" Nihlus growled.
"He uh... contracted me to assasinate the asari counciler."
"And you accepted?!" He was furious.
"I'll be happy to explain everything as soon as the immediate threat has been dealth wth." Kid nodded toward Aeria.
"So this was your plan from the begining? I guess I'll just have to kill you both." The asari snarled.
"Aeria... but you were my friend!
Kid drew a knife hidden under her sleeve. Her expression didn't change at all. She was cold and indifferent causing her opponent to deflate. "Are you insinuating that I would be so careless as to be harmed by such a weak and insignificant insect such as yourself? Am I to believe that you are so stupid, you actually think that you can lay a finger on me?" Keeping her voice steady and calm but backing it with an infinite fury sent a visible terror through the asari in front of her. "Tell me Aeria, just how many people have you killed with your own hands? How many deaths are you directly responsible for?" Aeria unintentionally took a step back in fear. "I've killed more people than years you've been alive." The last comment made the agentr realize how much trouble she was in.
"I... But you... Saren was going to pay you a fortune!" Aeria stuttered.
"I am loyal to my friends and family, not my paycheck. I was raised better than that." Kid glanced at Nihlus.
"Aeria, please just turn around and leave. You don't have to do this." Ri'sai pleaded.
"I would not recommend that. There is no guarantee that she will not report back to Saren." Kid interjected.
"I...I promise I won't tell Saren. I'll leave the Citadel and go far away." Aeria proposed.
"Go then." Ri'sai looked away from her her former friend.
"Of course!" Aeria nodded furiously and ran away. What the hell was THAT!? That was absolutely terrifying! I've never been more scared before in my life and I've had my fair share of close calls. It's almost like she has no soul. It's not that she enjoys killing, she just doesn't care. Killing me back there would not be affected in the slightest.
"Thank you for letting her go." Ri'sai looked at Kid.
"I hope you made the right decision, otherwise you won't be the only one who is in danger." She said sheathing her knife.
"Kid, explain. Now." Nihlus was still connected.
Kid turned to face the Turian "I accepted the assignment because it gave me an opportunity to observe and assess. While Saren thought I was working to eliminate the Councilor, I could watch over her and investigate his reasons. However the fact that his agent had come to warn you is disconcerting. It seems he was on to me."
"You must have put your nose in something you shouldn't have. What did you learn?" Nihlus asked.
"For some reason, Saren holds a grudge towards Anderson. He fabricated the entire Xoan Mission report, pinning Anderson as the reason for the his actions. When the Alliance requested an investigation, he was livid. You were inclined to side with the Alliance which was the final straw. I also suspect he had plans to put one of his own people on the council once you were out of the way." Kid reported.
"This is terrible! You need to testify." Ri'sai suggested.
Kid shook her head "Saren has evidence that I am an assassin sent to kill you. I doubt my testimony would carry much weight. Risa, for your safety I recommend that you side with the rest of the council this time. And as long as he is unaware that I told you what I know, he should leave you alone."
"But then he will put all of his focus on you. Do you think you can handle the pressure?" Nihlus jumped in.
"I simply disappear. I'll have some records changed and lay low for a while. I would really appreciate some assistance with that Risa."
"I can have you records officially changed but you'll need a birth date, a home town, and most importantly a name"
Kid smiled "What do y'all think about 'Shepard'?"
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Shepard opened her eyes slowly allowing the ceiling of the Normandy's Med-bay come into view. Wow... I had a dream about that? Feels like all that happened in another life time. She tried sitting up but her stomach protested furiously. "Ow!" Falling back onto her pillow she tried to remember what she did to get here. Oh right. Therum. That was ridiculous. It's gonna make one helluva mission report though. Shepard looked around the med-bay. The lights were off and Dr. Chakwas nowhere to be found. She's probably getting some well deserved rest. She was just about to close her eyes and go back to sleep when the door leading out into the mess hall opened. Shepard turned her head to see the silhouette of an asari. Liara entered the room holding a data pad and nibbling on a nutrition bar obviously lost in thought. "Late night snack?" Shepard teased.
"Sh-Shepard! By the Goddess you scared me!" Liara jumped.
"I'm not that scary looking am I?"
"Oh I did not... I meant that... I was not insinuating that you are anything less than beautiful." Shepard began laughing but that quickly turned into groaning as her stomach told her it wasn't funny. "Are you in pain? I will retrieve Dr. Chakwas." Liara stated and turned around as if to leave but Shepard stopped her.
"Don't worry I'm fine. Besides you're a Doctor aren't you?" Sai smiled.
"A PhD is very different from an MD ,Shepard" Liara stated in a condescending tone.
"Well neither are needed in order to answer few questions. I want to know what happened after I passed out." She retorted.
"Oh... Well Chief Williams and Wrex were arguing about some bet when you burst from the mining shaft. We were all overjoyed to see you make it out unharmed but then you faltered and collapsed down the walkway. Williams and I ran over to you immediately in order to provide first aid but you had already passed out when we arrived. You had lost a lot of blood and were loosing more by the second. We did what we could to reduce the immediate threat and I used my biotics to lift you into the Normandy. You were then lifted onto a stretcher and Dr. Chakwas took you to the Medical bay. That was two days ago. We were all really worried." Liara reported.
"Thanks for helping me but how about you? Have you settled in? The Commander inquired.
"I-I have. It was decided that I may use the medical storage room as my quarters." Liara looked away.
"What's the matter?"
"I believe that the crew does not trust me due to my connection with Benezia." the asari replied.
"Oh don't worry bout them. They'll warm up to you eventually, after all they didn't trust Wrex at first but look at 'em now." Shepard reassured.
Liara hesitated for a moment "Thank you Shepard."
She smiled. "No problem. So Dr. T'soni, according to you I'm nothing short of beautiful?."
Liara, looked confused for a moment and then it hit her "Oh dear... I was" Even with the lights off, Sai could see the doctor turn a darker shade of blue.
Shepard's smile turned into a toothy grin. She's adorable! "I appreciate the compliment."
"You appreciate... Oh..." Goddess help me I'm acting like a starstruck youngling! Get a hold of yourself Liara! "Shepard I-" She turned around to find the Commander sleeping soundly. "Thank you" Liara whispered and returned to the storage room. Sitting down on the cot one of the marines brought in for her, she let her thoughts wonder. Why do I feel...
Ok for all those who didn't get the first part of this chapter with the Kid and Nihlus
It was giving you a glimpse of Shepard's backstory. I hope to expand it more but I'm not sure at the moment how I'll go about doing so.
If you still don't get it Kid = Shepard
Anyway thanks for reading and look forward to Chapter 3 which is already in the works!
Last thing... I would LOVE for someone to review. Give me your input so I can make the story better!