I'm Nobody

by free man writer

He didn't have anything when he was born. Just a name and number. But over time, what he had grew. He, with his friends began to understand that there was more to their existence then just their name and number. They will prove that they were meant to be real. To exist. To become something more than just a Nobody. Co-written and created with Jebest4781. Fem Shepard. Now on Ao3.

25. Lot More Explaining To Do

After a decent time away from this story, high time Jebest and I returned to it.

We wanted some time away from this passion project cause holy shit, those 24 chapters were some of the fastest pieces of work he and I had ever put out in a short amount of time.

Kinda burnt ourselves out afterwards and had to slowdown and take some time away from this one.

This is a story the two of us know we make in large quantities with short bursts. It's what happens when two minds know the franchises we're working on together so well that while there is always much to discuss, when we get down to it, this shit just flies out like no tomorrow.

So having a comrade like Jebest4781 is a rarity cause he and I have a mind link in regards to Kingdom Hearts and Mass Effect. What a strange pairing of fandoms.

Anywho, let's pick up where we left off.

Rate Read and Review and As Always Have Nice Day.

I'm Nobody Chapter 25: Lot more Explaining to do.

"You got a lot of explaining to do, Shepard."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I heard you the first time Anderson."

The Alliance Captain could only snort, looking down at the human Spectre that was currently bedridden and refused to get out of it.

It had only been several days since the latest incident that had occurred on the Citadel but the cleanup will undoubtedly take some time.

And that was on top of the already ongoing one that came from the attack on the Citadel by one former Spectre.

Suffice to say, the multiple businesses and individuals involved in reconstruction were going to have their hands full for the foreseeable future.

But that matter didn't concern Anderson right about now.

What did was what Shepard and her crew had faced or more specifically, who they faced.

He had gone over the footage captured from multiple vantage points repeatedly and was still having a difficult time wrapping his mind around what he had witnessed.

This… this man that Shepard and co. fought was unlike anything he had ever seen before.

The team that Shepard had assembled in these past few months had tackled a multitude of foes.

From mercs, to the Geth and whatever these Heartless creatures were, the Normandy team had fought them all off.

Even Saren and that possessed form of his was taken down by the team.

Only this time, they didn't defeat their enemy.

No, it was more like they had endured and survived their adversary.

The power and capabilities this individual displayed was downright frightening because it was just a single man.

A single man that when he swung that unusually shaped weapon of his, the entire Citadel shook violently as if it were experiencing an Earthquake.

It was a terrifying experience to say the least.

The confusion, the panic, the pandemonium.

All of it was felt throughout the Citadel with everyone basically freaking out as to what was happening. When the attacker was identified, the Captain didn't recognize his face.

And after running the face through the Alliance data-files, they came up negative.

Like it was with Roxas, Axel and Xion.

On top of that little connection, the only thing recognizable Anderson could spot on the man was his attire as it was the same presently worn by the three Nobodies in Shepard's team.

Undoubtedly, there was a connection here between this man and the trio of similarly dressed people with Shepard.

And if he were to hazard a guess that if he could make this assumption, the Council would come to the same conclusion.

"I am being serious here, Shepard. The Citadel being attacked in such a manner left the station in a panic. People are seeking answers to their growing number of questions."

The human Spectre curled up slightly beneath her blankets, exhaling aloud.

"I've noticed." She said softly. "I know the Council has been hounding your ass for answers."

"That's putting it mildly." Anderson grimaced. "They've been wanting to speak with you all week."

"Well in case you haven't noticed or they didn't realize it, I'm still recovering from that fight with that axe swinging earth bender so cut me some slack." Shepard bitingly said. "Even with all those potions and ethers Mosh gave us, I'm still sore all over."

"Uh huh and now long will you keep up with that excuse?"

Shepard gave him the flattest look she could muster. "Anderson, did you not see just who I was fighting? I'd rather go after Saren all over again then fight someone like that again."

Anderson simply nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I've noticed. Someone who could possibly be a one person army and actually carry it out. It's a frightening enemy to face."

He felt her shift about uncomfortably.

"I'm glad you're alright, Jane."

Shepard gazed at her former superior and father figure, giving him a kind smile a moment later.

"Thanks Captain." She said appreciatively.

David returned her smile with one of his own.

A moment later, he threw the covers off her.

"Alright, now get up. Council's waited long enough for you and your team."

The human Spectre gaped at him before letting out an unrelenting groan of disapproval.

"Why did I have to be the first Spectre?"

"Cause you're good at it." Anderson said with a mischievous smirk. "Now get to it. Get the rest of your squad together and head to the presidium."

"Yes sir." Shepard bemoaned, intentionally flopping out of bed to delay the meeting for as long as humanly possible.

-Scene Cut-

These recent days had sure put Urdnot Wrex into a damn loop.

Ever since he tagged along with Shepard in taking out Saren Arterius, a whole lot of crazy shit he never thought possible would occur in his lifetime.

Magic, Heartless, Rachni, Reapers and so much more.

Most can arguably be said to be something from storybooks, yet he ended up living through them all and things were just getting started.

He got his ass handed to him by the dark synthezoid during the Battle of the Citadel and once again had it occur when one of his Nobody companions' former colleagues reared their ugly head around and wrecked the station up sky high.

If that weren't enough, he started feeling ever more stronger; more so ever since he rode this crazy train after taking the job of killing Fist.

"What's on your mind, big guy?"

Wrex's eyes shifted over to his friend who was sitting beside him, idly twirling an ice cream stick in his mouth.

"Nothin'." Wrex waved off.

"That didn't sound like nothin'."

"Well it is, Axel, so drop it." Wrex said stiffly.

The redhead Nobody eyed the large Krogan Battlemaster and let out a dramatic sigh.

"Normally, I'd take that as it is but unfortunately I can't do that."

Wrex's eye twitched. "And why is that?"

"Cause you're my buddy so that means I have no choice but to slightly show some concern." Axel said cheekily.

The Krogan let out a small growl. "I am not your buddy. Don't even use that word with me."

"Whatever, friend, if that's easier for ya."

Wrex only grunted, not denying that one at least.

"But seriously, somethin's bothering you." Axel stated. "Or at least ya got a lot on your mind right now."

"And how do you think you know that?" Wrex asked challengingly.

The fiery Nobody shrugged, flicking his stick away to a nearby trash can.

"I'm a great judge of character." He said with a smirk.

Wrex rolled his eyes at that, shaking his head in amusement.

"I've been feeling… different lately."

"Different?" Axel repeated. "Different how?"

"Just… everything really." Wrex raised a hand, flexing it slightly. "I've been feeling stronger, lighter recently. I didn't notice it at first but after that fight with that big bastard…"

Axel eyed the battlemaster for a few moments.

"Hmmm, well, you seem surprised."

"That's cause I am." Wrex admitted to him. "I'm 700 years old, Axel. Krogan are tough fuckers but even they begin to lose their strength after a while. It's the law of the universe."

Axel gestured to himself. "Case you haven't noticed…"

"I know." Wrex grumbled. "You weirdos are different, yeah, way to make it obvious."

Axel chuckled slightly when he adopted a more contemplative look on him.

"Hmmm." Axel rubbed his chin in thought. "Maybe…"

"What?"

"Maybe it has something to do with what Top Hat the Wizard said to us back at his tower." Axel stated. "Remember? He talked about the link our galaxies share now and the effects we're gonna have on each other. This could be one of them."

"Me getting stronger is one of them?" Wrex said in a tone wanting clarity. "How does that work?"

"Well Roxas, Xion and I always get stronger whenever we fight." Axel said casually. "That's always how it was. Only natural that you guys should be going through the same thing yourselves now."

Wrex observed his hand once again, clenching and unclenching his fist several times experimentally.

"So what's that mean for us?"

"Who knows." Axel said truthfully. "If we keep this up, skies the limit on what can happen really."

Wrex only hummed aloud, accepting the answer for the time being.

Continuing on with their walk, Wrex spotted a group of individuals that had been following them for some time. He was sure Axel was well aware of them and figured they would need to take action soon as the pair were approached by a trio of Krogan.

Their skin was mostly orange in color while their head crests were richly brown, light brown and green, respectively. And their armors were of some standard make but had a number of scrapes and marks to show what experience they each bore.

"Can we help you?" Axel asked, hand resting on his hip whilst the other hand twitched slightly in case of anything happening.

The trio of Krogan didn't budge, appearing to only observe the duo in front of them silently.. Seeing neither of the newly arrived Krogan weren't going to move along, Wrex growled out a response.

"The hell do you pyjacks want?"

"You're Urdnot Wrex, aren't you." Stated the green crested Krogan.

Wrex's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, what's it to you?"

The light brown crested Krogan stepped forward, coughing into his hand.

"We have been searching for you for some time." His tone was a bit awkward.

"For what purpose?" Wrex was getting ready for a fight. Krogan only sought each other out for-

"We wish to pledge ourselves to you and join your clan."

The Krogan Battlemaster froze and blinked several times, registering what he had just said. "...I'm sorry, what?"

The richly brown Krogan placed a hand over his chest and bowed his head slightly.

"Urdnot Wrex." The Richly Brown Krogan began. "Tales of your exploits as of late, while argued on legitimacy, have been viewed and heard by many of our people."

The green crested Krogan then spoke. "During your rite, many centuries ago, you single handedly slew a Thresher Maw and in these recent few months, word and witnesses of you slaying countless dark creatures plaguing a number of planets has only added to your growing reputation amongst the Krogan."

The light brown crested Krogan was next.

"But most of all, you combated against a warrior who single handedly wrecked this station all by his own strength and hammer-sword alone. Despite the assistance of your krantt, you were able to gain the upper hand and turn the tide with no other weapon other than your hammer and power alone." The Krogan said with utter reverence. "The holo-vids showed your relentless onslaught with your Krantt against this worthy foe and you did not falter even when beaten back by such strength."

"We have been searching for a Krogan like yourself for some time." The green crested one said with the utmost respect. "Please. Allow us to pledge our lives to the service of Clan Urdnot."

Well now…

This certainly wasn't what Urdnot Wrex was expecting to happen today.

Beside him, Axel let out an impressed whistle.

"Huh, you've got yourself a fan club Wrex." Axel commented. "Who knew you were so popular."

"Axel, shut up." He said quickly before gazing at the three Krogan who had now gone to their knees in the traditional ceremonial position to signify their pledge.

'Shit, they're serious.' Wrex internally thought.

Well now, this is certainly an unusual dilemma Wrex found himself in right about now.

He hadn't led Krogan in a very long time and in those times, they were fleeting at best being primarily for some form of wealth or compensation.

Yet before him were three relatively young Krogan given their lack of scars for the most part all kneeling before him to pledge their loyalty to his clan.

His very much fractured and scattered clan, but his all the same.

Strange…

Wrex briefly reflected on what he had gone through in these past few months and he'd be lying to himself if he denied everything he had learned in that time.

The power that came through unity and strength in relying on others and the times where your own strength is needed to help one another.

Something that the Krogan clearly lacked right about now.

Steeling himself, Wrex stepped forward and gazed down at them.

"What are your names?"

"I am Ratch." The green crested one said before pointing to the lightly brown then rich brown crested Krogans. "And these two are Dagg and Darg."

"What clan were you three apart from?"

Ratch was the one to answer. "The brothers are clanless as their leader died some time ago with a coup commencing soon after and had been seeking work and a new clan to join. I, on the other hand, am from Clan Bragus."

Wrex narrowed his eyes as he was processing this bit of information.

"And what of the rest of your clan?" he asked.

"Scattered." Ratch stated with shame. "Shattered like all Krogan are since the genophage. Leaderless and eager to simply die and be a memory then working to restore the days of our glorious ancestors."

Wrex's frown deepened upon hearing that. It appeared these young ones shared his underlying concerns and sentiments.

The thought of the Krogan eventually going well towards their demise.

He momentarily looked over to his companion who gave him a shrug that conveyed 'this is your show man'.

Snorting, Wrex regarded the trio before him again.

"There's several matters I still have to attend to with my Krantt right now. Give me your contact info so I'll message you lot later."

The Krogan looked up at Wrex with anticipation.

"When the time comes, I plan on heading back to Tuchanka very soon to regain my seat for Clan Urdnot. But once I stake my claim, we will have the proper rites for you to join."

"We understand." the Krogan said loudly, thumping their fists over their chests.

"We shall await your call, Urdnot Wrex." Ratch proclaimed with Dagg and Darg nodding in agreement.

"Then that's all I have to say to you three." Wrex stated. "Now go."

The three Krogan stood and departed, leaving the two standing there.

"That's something you don't see every day." Came Axel's comment.

Wrex didn't answer at first instead gazing at the trio that were walking away, further and further.

"You alright, big shot?" Axel asked teasingly, nudging the Battlemaster with his elbow.

"Fine." Wrex grunted. "Come on, I know those Council shits are waiting on all of us."

"Wow, look at you being a responsible politician." Axel mocked, slapping his back a few times, eliciting a growl from the Krogan.

"I swear, I'll eat your hair if you keep talking."

"Hey! Do not mess with the doo."

-Scene Cut-

Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya wrung her hands nervously as she sat within the human embassy with Roxas sitting right next to her along with Xion, Ashley, Kaidan and Liara.

They had been here for the past hour, having been summoned here by Anderson to meet with the Citadel Council.

"Why did we all have to be here for this?" Xion asked inquisitively. "Doesn't Shepard normally handle this sort of thing?"

"She needs to give her reports to the Council directly. Unfortunately, she's bedridden for the time being." Liara said.

"Oh please." Ashley snorted. "Like that's gonna stop the Council. I bet you ten credits she's already on her way here."

"But why do we have to be here?" Roxas asked.

"Cause we were all involved with Lexeaus." Kaidan pointed out. "And I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that the Council wants to speak to the two of you and Axel in particular."

Roxas and Xion exchanged glances with one another and figured he did have a point.

They could play it off really but when one thinks about it, news of the battle has been covered every single day since it happened.

And in that time, the faces of the entirety of the Normandy team was shown for the entire Citadel and possibly even the galaxy to see.

Specifically, a few of the more keen eyed news reporters highlighted a very important detail that some might have not noticed at a first glance, what with the mass destruction caused by the fight.

Those that had noticed it pointed out that out of all those that had participated in the battle, three members of the Normandy crew wore similar black cloaks to the one of the aggressor.

Questions were being thrown around all over the place and a few had wondered if there was a connection between the trio of the Normandy and the Citadel attacker.

So here they all were, waiting to meet with the Council.

"What should we even tell them?" Roxas inquired to no one in particular.

"What do you mean?" Liara asked.

"It's just… I don't know how'd they react to the Nobodies and the Organization." Roxas said with an unsure tone. "They could just brush the whole thing off like they did with the Reapers."

"At least they were a bit more convinced with the Heartless." Xion added in.

"Alright, I figure the Council is stupid sometimes but not idiotic." Ash wryly stated. "I mean, for the love of God, there's so much footage that's out there now of the Heartless and Nobodies and us taking them out."

"This will not be something that is so easily ignored." Liara pointed out. "The Citadel has been attacked twice now and this time, there are multiple audio and visuals of Lexeaus. Brushing off such an event would be extremely foolish."

"Who's to say."

Ashley patted Roxas's shoulder sympathetically. "Most likely they'll just point the blame on you two given how close of a relation you three have with the Organization."

Roxas' head hung low with a storm cloud forming over her head.

"But we're no longer-"

"They don't care." Kaidan cut them both off with a cross of his arms. "You know how fickle politicians are."

Roxas slumped further in his seat and let out only one word.

"Fuck."

"Well lookie here, I'm not that last one."

The group turned to see none other than Garrus Vakarian walking over to them.

"You sure took your time getting here." Ash complained.

"In case you forgot Gunney, I'm still associated with C-sec." Garrus thumbed to himself. "Had to deal with a mountain of bullshit in trying to coordinate clean up and all that other spirits damned Omni-paperwork."

"Couldn't you have gotten others to do it?" Liara inquired.

"And explain to them what exactly we fight and what we're all now capable of?" Garrus rhetorically asked in a dry voice. "Yeah don't think that's in the cards. That's how you humans say it, right?"

"Yes." Ash and Kaidan confirmed for him.

"At least we can give Shepard some crap in not coming on time." Williams remarked.

"Yeah but where's Axel and Wrex?" Xion asked. "I thought they'd be here by now."

"And like that, we appear."

The others turned over to see Wrex and Axel walking towards them.

"Seeing as the Council ain't here yet or you guys called up shows we've got here just in the nick of it." Said Axel.

"And what were you guys doing?" Kaidan asked.

"Wrex here started a cult." Axel said chipperly, slapping the Krogan's shoulder.

"Huh?" was the collective response.

"Shut up matchstick." Wrex growled, turning to the rest of the team. "Just some Krogan wanting to pledge loyalty and join my clan."

"They can do that?" Roxas asked.

Wrex nodded. "It's a complicated manner to sum it up, but yeah. It'll be something I'll need to address when I return to Tuchanka."

"So… what does that mean for you?" Tali asked in a rather quiet voice.

The Battlemaster regarded the Normandy team… his Krantt.

It was a strange feeling to realize that he had come to see these people as his comrades and friends.

When he had joined the Normandy, he had never thought that this would happen. It felt like it was supposed to be a standard mission.

Find the bastard rogue Spectre and be on his way.

But now…

Shaking his head, Wrex eyed them all with a resolved glint in his eyes.

"I'm going to do what I should have done a long time ago." Wrex declared. "I'll need to make my return and properly reclaim my lands and titles after everything that happened. It's time the Krogan race was reunified under one banner again."

"Are you sure they're ready for such a thing?" Liara asked nervously. "Your people have been shattered for so long."

Wrex huffed with a growl coming out. "It'll be a hard process, no doubt about it, but I'll see it done one way or another. It's either that or extinction."

The group shifted about uncomfortably at the thought of such a thing happening but Wrex's tone conveyed how serious he was about that likelihood.

"Well… if ya need any help, you can count on us." Garrus proclaimed a moment later.

Wrex snorted. "Leave it to the Turians to butt their heads into the business of the Krogans when the Salarians aren't around."

Garrus gave off a mock-affronted look before sharing a laugh with the group.

"Much as I would like my pride to say that I gotta do this alone…" Wrex held a contemplative look momentarily. "If I do need help, I know who to call on."

Nothing much was said afterwards as the team was finally called up to finally meet the Council.

Ascending the stairs, the group soon met with the four Council members as they stood behind their respective podiums.

They were used to seeing the Salarian, Turian and Asari representatives there, but Udina would be one that'll take time to get used to.

The first to greet them was the Asari Councilor Tevos.

"I see you're all… here…"

She had trailed off after taking a moment to do a headcount of the Normandy crew.

"Where is-"

"Sorry I'm late."

Running up towards them was Jane as she was slightly panting.

"Cutting it really close there, Commander." Udina chimed in from his podium.

Axel on the other hand smirked at seeing the Commander in such a state.

"You're tired from running here?"

"I was rushing."

"You do realize we've gone through hell these past few months, right?"

"It was a long run!"

"Or maybe… you've been eating those ice cream bars a bit too-"

"Don't you even with that!" Shepard practically whined. "You eat way more of those than any of us ever-"

A loud cough, coming from the Turian councilor, interrupted the pair.

"Councilors." Shepard said in the most cordial voice she could muster.

"Shepard." Sparatus said dryly, unamused it seems. "Mind explaining why you are late whilst your team is present."

"I was… resting after what occurred, Councilor Sparatus."

"Right…" The Turian turned to the Normandy crew. "And I take it you all have been doing the same?"

"No?" Roxas answered, honest and unsure. "We're ok really."

A bland look was aimed towards the N7 marine soon after.

"Ok fine." Shepard bemoaned aloud. "I just wanted to sleep a little more after all the bullshit we've been dealing with. Is that too much to ask?!"

The crowd was silent for the most part until Valern cleared his throat, prompting Tevos to speak again.

"Excuses aside," the Asari representative began, "we would like to finally address the issue of this meeting."

"Who was it that attacked this station?" Spoke the Salarian. "He single handedly caused so much damage that would seem utterly impossible."

"Lexeaus." Axel answered straight away. "A man with too much power and someone none of you should ever engage."

The Council was a bit taken aback by Axel's rude and blunt tone.

"Why is it that we shouldn't do that?" Udina inquired.

"What are you, blind?" Axel asked rhetorically, the human Councilor becoming red in the face with anger at such a dismissive address. "Did you not see what that guy was capable of doing? The whole damn Citadel was having an earthquake. In space."

"Now see here-"

"See what? I'm telling you guys the truth." Axel retorted. "Not some half assed cockamamie story."

Udina was about to fire back when Tevos placed a hand on his shoulder.

"He is right Udina." Tevos said softly. "You saw what that man was capable of."

Udina bristled slightly but relented, glaring a bit at the unphased redhead.

"Can we please get back to the main topic at hand?" Sparatus inquired impatiently. "There's a lot of questions that need to be answered and it appears you all seem to know exactly what's going on."

The Salarian Councilor now stepped forward.

"Given what footage we were able to view, there does come the question as to why he came to the Citadel." Spoke Valern. "From what I was able to discern from his actions, this man was clearly after you all in particular. Not to mention what those odd creatures that were here before his arrival."

Sparatus then eyed the three Nobodies and addressed his thoughts. "I doubt him wearing a similar attire as you three is the only similarities there are."

"Ah, picked that up, did ya?" Axel tauntingly asked.

"Young man, this is a very serious matter." Tevos said in a firm voice. "Please take it seriously. The Citadel, the very heart of galactic civilization was just attacked in a short span of a few weeks. The entire galaxy is thoroughly scared and confused."

"Yeah, no kidding." Muttered out Garrus.

Wanting to speed things along, Axel spoke up. "Would you like the long version or the short one?"

"Either one would work as long as we can know what happened exactly." Tevos said cordially. "It's obvious that the three of you know about this man more than the rest of your compatriots."

It was Roxas' turn to address the Council. "We… used to work with him and the others before… we departed on bad terms."

"Bad terms is putting it lightly." Axel chortled out.

"We were able to discern such a matter considering the viciousness and relentless nature in which he engaged you all." Valern said. "We have seen the Heartless before as you told us of them and have even seen some of the other extraordinary abilities your team has been displaying. But what he did was unlike anything we had seen thus far."

"There's an entire Organization of them." Xion said quietly, making the councilors snap their heads to her direction with eyes widening in alarm."

"An… entire Organization of them you say?" Tevos asked in a low voice.

"How many of them are there?" Valern asked.

"About…" Axel held up a hand, listing off the members in his head. "Bout eleven of 'em right now. Maybe twelve if they're using that faker Vexen made."

Sparatus scoffed. "Only twelve?"

"You saw what one was capable of." Valern coldly reminded the Turian, making Sparatus visibly wince. "An entire Organization you say?"

The Nobodies nodded.

"And just so you know, they aren't human." Axel added.

That caused the Council to pause in thought, staring in complete and utter bewilderment as to what he just said.

"I beg your pardon?" Udina was the first to speak.

"They aren't human." Axel said with a shrug. "Technically speaking, they aren't even supposed to exist. They just are."

The Council was at a loss of words briefly, Tevos looking over to the mostly silent Normandy crew.

"It's complicated." Shepard said, feeling a slight headache coming on.

"I fear that's a term that's going to be associated with you all quite often." Valern stated.

"Unfortunately." Garrus and Kaidan said in sync.

Tevos tried her best to not let out a sigh, instead focusing on the more important matter at hand.

"What was the reason why this… Lexaeus attacked the station?"

"Taking us back or getting rid of us after we defected from the Organization." Xion summed up.

"And I take it the reasons behind this action are… complicated." Seeing the nods coming from the three Nobodies made Udina exhale a sigh. "Of course."

"What are they then?" Valern asked. "You told us they aren't human, correct? So what exactly can we classify them as?"

Sharing a look, the three Nobodies soon told the Councilors the truth… to an extent. Neither of them wanted to lay out everything to them, only the essential information.

After a good chunk of time had passed, the Council members were silent as they had to digest the recently given information and processed what they could.

"This is rather troubling." Tevos said softly.

"Troubling?" Sparatus snorted derisively. "Is that what you would call it? Had it not been for what we have seen and heard of in these past few months, I would have outright rejected this fanciful tale."

"Oh, so you're going to do just that then?" Axel asked mockingly.

"I'm not as stubborn a fool as you may think I am." The Turian councilor growled out.

"Uh huh." Axel drawled out, seemingly not buying that.

"Will be quite hard to keep an eye and ear out on these members of Organization XIII." Valern murmured.

"More like impossible." Shepard said.

"What makes you say that?" Valern asked.

"To put it plainly, they will not be seen unless they allow it." Shepard said cryptically. "They've got quite the interesting way in getting around through unconventional means."

"Like what? Knowing unmapped routes, having unregistered ships one would find unknowingly?"

Shepard didn't verbally answer, instead looking to the Nobody trio.

Getting the message, Roxas stood up and in an instant, the familiar ovular dome of the Corridor of Darkness enshrouded and swallowed the boy whole.

The Councilors jumped back in shock at the boy's sudden disappearance.

"Cause they have this."

They then flinched violently, whirling around to see Roxas appear out of another corridor some feet away from them. He then disappeared soon after through the same method as before to wind back up with the rest of the Normandy ground team.

"That was the Corridor of Darkness." Roxas said straight away. "It's the means in which the Organization uses to get around from world to world, without needing any ship or any relay, element zero, none of that. They exist on a separate set of rules that allow them this type of travel."

Valern regarded the trio with greater intrigue. "Is this a means of… instant teleportation?"

The Nobody's nodded.

"...This is troubling."

"Regardless, we thank you for informing us of this threat." Said Tevos.

"That's it?" Udina said in disbelief. "That's all there is to say?"

"And what would you suggest we talk about further, Udina?" Tevos asked patiently. "These three practically gave out the profiles of their former associates and their capabilities."

"Much as I loathe to admit this…" Sparatus mandibles flared slightly. "There's nothing we can do unfortunately. I take it that even if we were to try fighting these individuals off-"

"You'd be taken out in an instant." Xion said with a stern tone. "Please, never fight these people unless we are present."

"What if we were to have no choice?" Udina countered.

"Then… well… fuck, improvise." Axel declared. "Do whatever ya can to keep them distracted or at bay till one of us comes in to help out."

"That's not a comforting thought." Tevos said.

"We're not here to be comforting." No. VIII said with his arms crossed. "We're here to tell ya the truth. So take it or leave it."

"We'll take your advice into consideration."

Some of the Normandy team had to hold back from rolling their eyes, knowing that might be exactly done.

"Well…" Udina coughed slightly into his hand. "Since we are on the topic of the fantastical and unnatural. Commander Shepard."

The Spectre turned to the human Councilor who held up his Omni-tool and sent her a series of files towards her own Omni-Tool.

"When you have time, look these over with your team." Udina instructed. "Hackett knows more, so speak with him when you have the chance."

"Of course, Councilor Udina."

With nothing else to address, the team left the Council Chambers.

From another section of the room, a small camera went off as it finished recording the proceedings before it's owner went to transmit the footage back to her boss.

-Scene Cut-

The crew of the Normandy exited the presidium, thanking all their deities and makers that the meeting was over at last.

The Council wasn't as grating on their nerves as they usually were but still, no matter the scenario, dealing with politicians was always a pain in the ass.

As they were walking around the Citadel, Wrex was uncharacteristically aloof until he simply said he'd meet up with them later and left the group entirely.

Whilst confused about this, Axel simply told them that he'll tell them about it later.

So, for now, the team went about the Citadel to pass the time for now.

There haven't been any calls for any missions or assignments yet and there have been hardly any encounters with the Heartless nor the Nobodies.

Separating into their own little groups, each spread out to do their own thing for who knows how long before meeting back up later.

Presently, Axel and Shepard were talking on a small subject when they heard someone speak up to them.

"Wow… it's really you!"

Jane glanced over and saw a man with light blonde short hair with a small beard on his face. There were some hints of bandages seen on some parts of his body, no doubt someone affected by Lexaeus' attack and still recovering.

"Can I help you?" Asked Jane.

"You're Commander Shepard, hero of Eden Prime and the first human Spectre! It's an honor to meet you."

Not wanting to be rude, the N7 marine spoke. "Nice to meet you. And you are…?"

"My name is Conrad. Conrad Verner. They say you killed more than a thousand geth on your hunt for Saren!"

"Probably. Didn't exactly keep count of my kills." Jane stated. "I've been more focused trying to stay alive and helping people."

Conrad gave a quick nod before pulling out a notepad and pen.

"Hey, I know you're probably busy, but do you have time for a quick autograph and picture?"

Shepard gave a quick shrug, seeing no harm in doing the act.

Once doing a quick signature, she handed back the items back to her apparent fan before ending up taking a quick selfie with him.

"Thanks. I really appreciate it. My wife is going to be so impressed!" He chuckled out. "I mean the vids have been talking about you non-stop lately."

"Being what exactly?"

"Fighting for all of us back home and that you don't take crap from anybody."

"More or less."

Conrad nodded furiously as he eyed the recently taken photo and autograph. Hundreds of years from now, humanity's going to remember Commander Shepard for her deeds towards the galaxy and his family has her autograph and picture. They're pretty much priceless now.

"You did help save my life the other day with that attack and I can't thank you enough." Conrad said with great reverence.

"No problem." Axel said offhandedly.

Axel and Jane were about to walk away when Conrad spoke one more time.

"Can I run something by you, perhaps?"

Jane shifted back to face the blonde man. "Depends on what's on your mind."

"Human colonies have been attacked and I'm not sure that one Spectre is enough. What if you signed me on as another Spectre."

Both redheads blinked in utter confusion upon hearing this.

"...I'm sorry, what?" Said Axel once his mind rebooted a little.

"Conrad, I don't think that's a good idea." Stated Shepard.

"But I'd make a great Spectre." The blond human argued with a great passion. "I'd be right there with you, showing the Council what humanity is capable of. I know you're afraid to trust people and lose them, but I'd never let you down."

"Ok, first of all, there's like a thousand reasons off the top of my head why you are the last person who should be a Spectre." Axel pointed out dryly.

"And what would they even be?" Conrade asked challengingly.

"Ever been in a fight?"

"Course I ha-"

"Wildly swinging your fists around don't count." Axel cut him off. "I'm talking about the shit we've seen. What we've experienced."

"Uh… I…"

"What about your wife, Conrad? She trusts you too." Jane said rather quickly. "Aren't you letting her down?"

Conrad tilted his head in confusion as he felt out of the loop. "What? I don't understand."

"You know what keeps me going out there, knowing that people back home are keeping humanity strong. Even those who I deeply care about. And I bet she'll need your support and vice versa. But that won't happen if you go off on your own without her knowing."

It took some moments for things to set into the blond before the red haired pair.

"You… You're right. I just got so caught up in all of it, I wanted to help. I'll go home right away. Thanks again for all of this and setting me straight."

Without another word, Conrad left the two alone.

"That was handled well."

"Yeup."

"Think we'll ever see him again?"

"God, I hope not."

"I don't know. He seems rather fanboyish to me." Axel said with a teasing smile. "Did you see his eyes? Looked like he was about to cry and do… other unmentionables at the sight of you."

"Please, don't." Jane groaned out.

"Whelp, I'm starved." Axel said, clapping her back. "What are you up for?"

"Can't join up." Shepard said with a sigh. "Admiral Hackett wants to speak with me about something."

"Why don't you just skip out?"

All he received was an annoyed glare making him chuckle.

"Just be ready for anything." Shepard said. "That's how most of these meetings always end."

Axel simply nodded, separating from the N7 marine as they went to their own.

He had sent out a message to the others, asking as to where they were and teleporting away to meet them a moment later.

A majority of the crew opted to go out to get a bite to eat for now.

Wrex and Shepard were the only two that didn't join them as the latter had several matters to attend to once separating from Axel and the former… well, he just said he had his own personal business to take care of.

The rest had scattered across the area they had chosen to eat at.

Liara, Kaidan and Tali went off in one direction with the others doing the same.

Currently, the Asari of the Normandy sat alone having already gotten her meal.

"Liara? Liara, is that you?"

Looking around in momentary confusion, the Asari soon saw a familiar sight.

"Zo? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you the same question." The Silver haired human said. "Your face has been all over the news as of late with the rest of your team about the events that had transpired days ago."

"You saw that?" Liara winced slightly.

"Dr. T'soni, I believe it would be a fair assessment to say that the entirety of the Citadel has seen those videos." Zo remarked. "You would be hard pressed not to have seen them."

Azure cheeks could only darken upon their owner hearing this.

"Are you alright?" Zo asked a moment later. "I had witnessed several nasty bumps you and your team took fighting that… that man… if he could be considered as such."

"I am. Just needed some well-deserved rest after that tussle."

"I imagine so." Zo said, taking a moment to look at the table she was seated at. "Are you with your friends right now?"

"Oh, why yes I am." Liara said with a small smile.

"Then perhaps I shall leave you be for the time being." Zo turned to leave.

"Wait." Liara blurted out. "You.. you don't have to if you don't wish to."

Zo gave her a surprised look. "I do not wish to impose."

The Asari shook her head. "I would appreciate your company until my friends return."

The man didn't move momentarily until Liara asked again.

"Please."

Zo appeared to contemplate on this for a few seconds until slowly seating himself adjacent to Liara with the Asari giving him a kind smile.

"Thank you."

He only nodded silently, propping his elbows up on the table.

"I take it that it would be rude to inquire about just who it was that attacked you all." Zo said.

"He is… something that we ourselves don't fully understand." Liara answered.

"That's understandable." Zo said with a small smirk. "I had seen the footage on multiple viewings. This… man appeared to wield awe inspiring power."

"Indeed he has. It was quite frightening what he'd done." Liara shook her head, a troubled look appearing on her face. "I don't quite understand how we had survived such a foe."

Zo merely nodded his head.

"Liara, there you are."

The Asari didn't need to look over much to see Tali walking up to them.

"Were you looking for me?"

"Sort of." Tali admitted. "Kinda lost you getting back to our table."

The Quarian soon noticed that her friend wasn't alone.

"Oh? And who is this?" Tali asked politely.

"This would be Zo."

"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Zorah." Zo said, getting up to offer his hand. "Your name along with the Normandy crew has been broadcasted quite extensively on the news these past few days."

"Oh." Tali was bashful, setting down her bowl of noodles she had bought and shook the man's hand. "I didn't think anyone would bother to remember any of our names."

"I'm a man who tends to pay attention more than most." Zo quipped. "Besides, ten names aren't that difficult to recall when every large screen across the Citadel projects it in your face."

Tali and Liara let out a small laugh at that comment.

"Well it's nice to meet you." Tali said, sitting down. "Are you a friend of Liara?"

Zo turned to the Asari in question briefly. "I… would like to believe so."

"You are." Liara said kindly.

"Ah, then yes, I am her friend." Zo said plainly, making Tali giggle.

"It's nice to meet you then. Any friend of Liara is a friend of mine."

"A pleasure."

Liara smiled a little before asking the Quarian a simple question. "Where would the others be right now?"

"Around here somewhere and getting something to eat. Though I believe Kaidan went elsewhere. Something about being dragged away by someone he helped save during the attack."

Liara nodded and pressed no more on the matter as she'll probably hear it from Kaidan at a later time.

"So, tell me," Tali leaned forward on the table. "What do you do, Zo? That lab coat you're wearing makes you look all sciency."

Zo snorted. "In a manner of speaking, yes, I am. I study social behaviors and interactions."

The Quarian hummed aloud in interest as Zo went on to elaborate his profession, the trio now trading stories.

As they conversed, Tali eyed Zo a bit more than usual. Not out of purposeful interest like what she's done with Roxas, but of something else.

Gazing at the lab coat wearing individual, the Quarian recollected a set of descriptions she had started to memorize as of late.

With the looming presence of the Organization now gunning after her three Nobody friends, the rest of the team needed to know each member so they can hopefully be prepared when facing another one of them.

Hearing of their descriptions was one thing as it can only go so far. But seeing them can be another.

Narrowing her eyes ever so slightly, Tali couldn't help but compare Zo's description to what she knows of the other member of Organization XIII, Zexion.

The Quarian honestly did her best to remember what she saw in her peculiar dreams of seeing the Nobodies, yet it was hard to remember them all right away. So she had to rely on the spoken word from their Nobody allies.

So far, Zo seemed rather similar to what was detailed.

As much as she'd want to call out on him, Tali would rather wait and get some confirmation before jumping the gun.

The one she had seen in her visions prior had hair that covered the entire right side of his face. This man's hair only slightly covered his right eye though it was still visible.

Still… if it wasn't his hair or its color… there was his eyes.

They were filled with a degree of curiosity and interest, most of which was directed at Liara.

There was emotion there but…

It could be a coincidence, but that could be highly unlikely these days.

For now, Tali had to at least stay and help entertain the pair she was seated with. More than ever, she will probably plan to be with Liara whenever she will come and see Zo in order to protect her dear friend.

She didn't know Liara's thoughts on the matter at hand if she bore similar ideas as Tali or not. Did she have similar suspicions or was she naively ignorant?

For now he seemed rather genuine and innocent so she would allow for Liara and Zo to speak with each other.

In another location, Roxas, Xion, Axel, Ash and Garrus sat at a table each one eating a meal of their own and chatting idly with one another.

"What do you think?" Ash asked Xion who was eating some noodles.

No. XIV slurped down the noodles she was eating and hummed aloud before shuddering with a squirmy smile.

"Kinda spicy." She said with a small cough. "But it's not all bad."

Axel chomped down on a hearty piece of meat from his own bowl. "Didn't take ya for one who likes fiery flavors, Xion."

Ash shrugged, answering for the young girl. "Everyone has their preference in ramen. I don't have the right to judge on that."

"This ramen stuff is delicious." Garrus said, already on his second bowl. "I can't get enough."

"Since when do you eat so much?" Roxas inquired, eyeing the other two steaming bowls next to the Turian.

"I dunno." He answered honestly, gazing at his extra bowls. "I've been… a lot hungrier lately. Like I gotta keep my energy up or something."

"Huh." Was all Axel said. "You guys have been feeling different?"

Ash opened her mouth to deny this but clamped it shut a moment later. "Now that ya mention it… kinda."

She took a moment to gaze at her hand, flexing it experimentally several times.

"Recently, I've been feeling a bit weird." Ash admitted aloud. "Sometimes I feel like… like I'm faster than others. Yesterday I saw this girl drop a bag and… I couldn't describe it. It's like it slowed down when it fell."

Axel let out a loud hum. "You know, Wrex mentioned something like this earlier today. Bout how he's been feeling like he's got a bounce in his step."

"What'd he say?" Garrus inquired with great interest.

"Stronger was the gist of it."

"Is it Master Yen Sid's magic?" Xion asked inquisitively, looking between Roxas and Axel. "He did do that weird light orb thingy when we were at his tower."

"It could be those latent powers you all have that Yen Sid spoke about." Roxas said with him rubbing his chin. "It's supposed to have awakened or something like that."

"Huh, interesting." Ashley chuckled out.

"So what, are we gonna be able to start blowing up building and all that crazy crap you do?" Garrus jokingly asked.

"I wouldn't go that far." Axel said. "But~ with enough practice… maybe~."

"I can't tell if you're serious or not." Ash deadpanned.

"It could happen." Xion said with a hopeful tone. "That way you can keep up with us."

"That's kinda depressing to hear." Garrus flatly stated. "Makes me realize just how freakishly weak we all are compared to you three crazies."

Roxas and Axel laughed aloud whilst Xion blushed with a bashful smile.

A comfortable silence befell the group, continuing to eat their meal in peace.

"So what do you figure is next on the menu for us all?" Ash asked, finishing her bowl.

"What do you mean?" Xion inquired.

"Well that's easy." Garrus said. "Missions."

"Playing it by ear, mostly."

"What about Wrex?" Roxas asked with a small frown with nobody answering him at first.

Axel scratched the back of his head.

"Most likely he'll tag along a little while longer before heading back to his homeworld. He did say he has business to take care of there that was quite important."

"And the rest of us?" Xion said, almost nervously.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Axel looked at her with slight concern.

"It's just that… it feels like everything is too quiet but there's so many changes coming." The young Nobody said with a sad frown. "With the Organization still out there and those Reapers and Heartless, but they haven't really done anything when ya look at it. I'm… I'm scared that we might not be ready for everything to come."

"Where's all this coming from?" Ash asked, now worried while placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

The girl was silent for a few seconds, a slight tear coming out of the corner of her eye.

"I'm worried that we might all go our separate ways." Xion said, folding her hands together. "That we may never see each other again. I don't want us to separate, I want us to stay together. But Wrex is talking about leaving and Tali even mentioned her Pilgrimage coming to an end soon and she'll have to go back to her people."

"Hey, hey, don't think like that. Of course we'll see each other, just not through the traditional sense." Ash said quickly, scooting her seat closer to Xion. She wrapped her hand around her and hugged her tightly. "I know this all seems sudden and scary but these things happen sometimes."

"But why?" Xion looked up to her with tears streaming down her cheeks now. "Lexaeus attacked us. They're always going to be after us now. And soon… we're gonna separate from each other."

"Xion." Ashley was truly surprised by this sudden display of raw emotion from the usually shy but overall happy teen. To see her like this…

"We may never meet again…" Roxas suddenly spoke up. "But we'll never forget each other."

"I wouldn't go that far." Garrus said.

"Where'd ya even hear something like that?" Axel asked.

Roxas didn't answer at first, instead locking eyes with Xion, giving her a knowing look.

"Just something I once heard." Roxas stated. "But I think we'll all see each other often enough."

"What makes ya say that?" Ash asked.

No. XIII shrugged. "Aren't we like the only team in this entire galaxy that knows about every threat out there? Wouldn't it be smarter that we stay together?"

Axel guffawed aloud. "Good point. But considering that we do know, when people do start realizing the shit storm coming their way, they're likely gonna have us teach them everything we know."

"Probably." Ashley said with a nod.

A small ping was heard from each of their omni-tools. Being the first to check his, the Turian quickly read the message and spoke.

"Don't wanna be the guy to ruin this wholesome moment, but just got a message from Shepard." Garrus said to them. "Need to get back to the Normandy when possible."

"Another mission, most likely."

Slurping up the rest of their bowls' contents, the group paid for their bill and headed back to the ship.

-Scene Cut-

The entire Normandy crew had assembled with the ship's war room, each member taking a seat with a holographic display of Hackett in the center.

Within Xion's lap was Stitch who was napping whilst she gently stroked his fur.

"Okay, so we're heading off to the Sol System, Hackett." Axel started off. "Any reason why?"

The Admiral pressed something on his end and a red planet appeared in front of them all. "Recently we've been researching more into the Protheans after the massive caches you found on Ilos; even the archives in case of anything that was overlooked the first time around."

"Did you find anything?" Liara waited in anticipation.

"Don't leave us in suspense, Admiral." Shepard said. "What have you found?"

Hackett simply nodded. "Our researchers have studied the ruins extensively at first believing it to be misreading's or glitches of some kind. Especially with the data degradation over the millennia. But after utilizing several different methods and equipment once introducing the Ilos package, we have come to discover these unusual and unidentifiable energy readings don't match anything we have on file."

Soon a holographic map of Mars appeared with a location highlighted.

"And this place?"

"They all traced these coordinates for some reason."

"So why us? Why not send a task force or another research team?"

"It should be obvious." Hackett said plainly. "The Normandy Team is arguably the leading experts in this galaxy of the unknown. If nobody is aware of it or understands it, your team will eventually put it together."

"I think you're relying a bit too much on the "expert" bit." Kaidan admitted.

"The only two "experts" we have here are Tali and Liara." Ash pointed out. "And Liara actually has a doctorate or PHD or… what do you have again?"

"Both." Liara said. "I am a Prothean expert afterall."

"See?"

"You're heavily putting all sorts of trust in us on this, you know that right?" Shepard admitted.

"I understand that but I'm not doing this haphazardly. I'm taking all kinds of precautions in case anything goes south." Hackett informed them. "Right now, a team is stationed a mile outside of the coordinates and waiting for your arrival. Rendezvous with them and they will coordinate with your team and transmit whatever findings back to me in case of anything. Hopefully, this will be a smooth operation, but I have my doubts."

"No kidding." Garrus snorted.

"Everything that can go wrong with us will go wrong with us." Wrex rumbled out with a crooked grin.

"That's not really filling me with a lot of confidence, Wrex." Tali flatly told him.

"Murphy's Law just loves us, doesn't it?" Kaidan said with a sigh.

"I wouldn't say that…'' Liara said, having read up on Murphy's Law in her spare time since she had been spending so much time with humans as of late. There was a lot within the simple statement of Anything that can go wrong will go wrong that applied to the team.

"Is there anything else you want to inform us, Admiral?" Shepard asked.

"Not as of right now. But once this mission is done, I would like to speak with Dr. T'Soni on what other details we found in the archives."

This perked up the Asari a bit more, making her give a firm nod.

As much as she'd like to know what was found immediately, this present mission came first.

Besides, this could lead to something rather interesting that could greatly improve her career and the scientific community as a whole.

"I'll keep you all notified if anything comes up until your arrival at Mars." The Admiral said with Shepard nodding at him. "Hackett out."

It wasn't long after the meeting ended did the ground team finish getting ready for their present mission.

Entering the atmosphere of Mars, the Normandy flew towards the coordinates where Hackett's team was presently stationed. Making the landing, the dock doors opened up and had the ramp come out for the Mako.

Walking down the ramp, most of the team went to address the Alliance team as they were presently on guard.

Before them stood a dozen soldiers with one stepping forward to greet the newly arrived team.

"Hello, I'm Commander Shepard. Admiral Hackett sent us."

"Sergeant Cassidy, at your service ma'am." Said the Alliance officer.

"What's the situation? Hackett gave us the gist of the situation. What else could you tell us?"

The sergeant gave a brief nod before giving Shepard the rundown. "Ever since we tracked down the source of the energy readings, we've been monitoring them at a safe distance."

"Did you guys send in any drones or mechs with a camera feed?"

"We did… and whatever is there ends up short circuiting their systems before reaching the mouth of this one cave."

"A cave?"

"Yeup. Whatever's there seems to possibly emit a pseudo EMP of some kind given how strong the readings are." The Sergeant pointed up ahead to where a fortification was formed at the base of a mountain. "After that, we had to call it in to the admiral to request additional help."

Shepard hummed a little as she pondered to herself.

If what was said was true, then their airtight suit will more or less not work entirely; even on the life support functions. Even the possibility on the off chance their omni-tools could be shut down until the present issue is resolved.

Luckily for them, they already have a precaution with the packs of oxy-chew on them for such an occasion.

"Alright. Thanks for letting us know, sergeant. Is there anything else we should know before we head out?"

"Not that I know of Commander. But hopefully we can have radio contact before you reach the cave's entrance. After that then we'll have to pray you guys make it out alright with no issues.

Shepard gave a firm nod and asked a few more questions before the sergeant went to speak with his squad.

"So, any ideas?" Shepard asked the team as they began to walk towards the bases that had been established.

"Won't know till we get there, really." Axel said with a shrug as he presently wore an oxygen mask similar to what Roxas first wore.

"We can guess to pass the time." Ash suggested. "Could be anything really."

"Like what?" Xion asked.

"Heartless?" Tali threw out there.

"No… doesn't feel like their usual shtick." Roxas remarked thoughtfully.

"Nobodies? Organization XIII?" Liara said.

Axel shook his head. "No way. After that shit show with Lexaeus."

"Could be Prothean." Wrex said.

"Possibly." Liara hummed to herself. "Is this not the place where humanity discovered element zero?"

"It is." Kaidan confirmed with a nod. "So you think it's Prothean?"

"Didn't the Admiral say it was an unusual Energy reading that they couldn't identify?" Xion asked.

"There's much we still have yet to learn about the Protheans." Liara said, voice slightly tilting into a more excited tone. "This could be a chance to learn something new about them."

With nothing else said, most of the team got into the Mako while the Nobodies situated themselves on the roof. After confirmation from Sergeant Cassidy on getting the OK and their connected readings, the Mako took off.

It was more or less a smooth ride aside from the occasional bumps. There were no hazards to find right away, but from the readings being radioed in by Sergeant Cassidy stated it was getting stronger with each passing second.

Eventually parking the Mako at the front of the cave, the team filed out of the vehicle while the three Nobodies hopped off its roof.

"So who wants to be the first to walk into the creepy dark cave of possible doom?" Kaidan asked aloud

Without warning, Shepard gently nudged Roxas forward.

"Shepard?!" Roxas looked at her incredulously.

The Spectre chortled, ruffling the boy's hair before stepping forward. "Just messing with ya, Roxas. Commander always leads first."

With that little exchange done, Shepard held up her rifle with the rest of the team bringing out their own weapons.

Whilst they hoped they wouldn't encounter any form of resistance or enemies here, with their luck, they can never be too sure by this point.

Sure enough once entering the cave, Roxas could no longer feel his oxygen mask emitting filtered air into his mouth. Pulling it off, he popped in a stick of oxy-chew and started chewing, having its effects quickly take hold.

He walked further in as the others followed suit as they soon started chewing their own stick of oxy-chew so they could breathe in this odd cave. As for Tali, she did have to shut the face plate back in once the gum's affects were administered.

"Huh, minty." Tali said with a satisfied chew to her gum.

Pulling up her arm, Tali saw her omni-tool was still functioning albeit barely. It was a little staticky at first but got it working as she had the flashlight shine out. The others mirrored the action in order to help brighten up their path and the space around them.

Once walking through several minutes, with Shepard barely radioing in back to Cassidy's team, the Normandy team came upon something quite interesting.

"What… is this place?" Kaidan asked, hands trailing over several carvings engraved into the wall.

"Are these Prothean carvings?" Shepard asked the resident Prothean expert who had her Omni-tool up.

Liara was glancing down at her extensive notes and then back up at the carvings with her eyes squinting several times.

"No." Liara said after a few moments of analysis. "These don't match any known Prothean ruins or carvings from any known findings."

"So are they undiscovered ruins? Another Prothean language maybe?" Garrus suggested.

"Not likely." Liara said, holding up her Omni-tool for the team to see. "Look at how the Protheans wrote their language. Notice the angular and slightly rigid way in which their alphabet flowed. There were some variations here and there but the connections between them could always be made. This here is far to… free form if that's how I could best describe it. There's some consistency but this is something else entirely."

"Perhaps another species in the Prothean era, or one before them?" Tali said.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

The group then started to take photos of everything they could of the carvings so they'll be researched later on.

As this went on, Xion saw something peculiar along a dark corner of the ceiling. Aiming her omni-tool's flashlight there, she saw what appeared to be a mineral vein.

"Hey guys, I found something."

The others quickly rushed over to her end, crowding around her.

"What you got?" Axel asked, looking over her shoulder.

"I'm no expert on Eezo, but is that mineral vein something with that?" Xion said, pointing to said vein that appeared to be glowing.

"It ain't Eezo. It's not purple, this is too blue and too bright." Garrus stated.

"So what is it then?" Xion asked no one in particular.

Liara stepped forward and crouched down with her Omni-tool hovering over the vein.

Getting a scan of the ground and vein, the readings appeared to match what Cassidy's team found.

"Whatever this stuff is-is the source of it all."

Looking around, Garrus noticed that the vein went deeper into the cave. "And by the looks of it, there's more of the vein going further in."

The team saw what Garrus had pointed out and looked on ahead to where the mineral vein went towards or more aptly was connected to.

Following the impromptu path, the team kept their attention towards the walls in case of finding anything else out of the norm.

They followed down the glowing mineral vein and began to notice more and more of them appearing as they followed down the path that all connected to the one they had first found.

Eventually, they had appeared to reach the end of their path.

Entering a semi-large chamber, they saw more carvings along the walls. The veins seemed to work with the depictions, greatly highlighting them while whatever else seemed to spread along the ground and reaching towards a lone object in the center of it all.

"Right… don't know about you but an alter in an ominous room just screams something hazardous."

"This ain't one of your horror flicks, Ashley." Kaidan said.

"I'm just saying, this is awfully suspicious."

"Yeah… can't help but agree with Ash on this one." Garrus said. "Something's real off about this place."

"What is it?" Wrex asked, eyes wandering around the cave.

"It's not Prothean, that's for sure." Liara said confidently. "Nothing here matches up with any known Prothean Ruin."

"So what are we looking at then?" Ash asked with a slightly unusual tone. "Are you saying that… there was a civilization? Here on Mars?"

"We did say the theory before that there could've been an alien race here either during the Prothean era or before them." Garrus stated.

No. XIV had her eye wandering around the cave until she spotted what appeared to be the center of the cave considering that there was actually some kind of engraving there.

It almost looked like an altar actually.

"Roxas." Xion said, looking to him since he was right by her side.

He turned to her and watched as she looked ahead, his eyes trailing over to what she saw and spotted the strange engraving.

The two began to walk over to the strange engraving, wondering what it was.

Reaching the altar, Roxas and Xion saw an odd depiction of nine lines all congregating towards a small imprint in the stonework that vaguely looked like a keyhole of all things.

Oddly enough, this very surface didn't emit any light at all unlike the rest of the chamber.

Yet, for some reason, there was something quite… off…

*FLASH*

"HUH?"

Without noticing, Oathkeeper and Seashell Resonance appeared within their owners' grasp. Their startled reactions quickly drew in their teammates' attention, more so when the altar started to glow.

This instantly got the attention of everyone else, their heads snapping in their direction.

"What the hell did you guys do?" Shepard asked aloud.

"Nothing!" they both said, nervously clutching their Keyblades defensively.

Soon after, the light within the chamber started to glow and radiate ever more as a hum was soon heard.

From outside of the mountain, Sergeant Cassidy and his team saw the readings spiking considerably. He tried radioing Shepard and her team, but all he was met was static.

Before anything else could be done, he and his team saw a bright blue light shoot right out of the mountain and into the sky.

"What is that?!" A random Alliance soldier shouted.

"Radio Admiral Hackett. He'll need to know of this immediately."

AN

Well, well, good to be back everyone.

Been a while, figured that rather than a gargantuan chapter as we usually do it, a smaller one is better to ease back into things considering how much we have planned out in the next set of chapters.

Jebest4781: Of course this setting up to the next "World" we'll be tackling in this story. No hints here to say from us, given what we wrote down. We'll leave the guesswork to you all for our amusement.

FMW: We've also been busy with other matters, both personal, work related, new story ideas and ALL that other shit that comes with it.

Jeb: Sorry for the wait and all as per usual work and personal lives had to take precedent. For me, I had finished moving and got myself situated at my new home. Things had been a mess beforehand as I had to run all over the place to finalize a whole number of details so I won't get in trouble after the move.

FMW: I got a new job recently myself, not stressful, just taking some time to adjust is all. New story up and things are picking up in Infinite Wars and A Song of Fire, Ice and Hearts and are gonna be returning to Spirit Unto Dawn and Halo Effect shortly thereafter. But there's also lots within the world of entertainment. Mandalorian season 2 was glorious and Wandavision… Holy fuck, Disney's using everything they got in full.

Jeb: With Mandalorian, surprised that it's nominated for a golden globe for best tv drama.. That was quite the interesting shock. And yeah Wandavision is driving me insane with the weekly episodes, making me guess so much on the details of the full story behind the latest MCU story.

FMW: Of course, with everything happening in Wandavision, there are so many ideas to play around with in the future with Wanda and all her powers but with how I've established Avenging Remnant and Infinite Wars and with all that Jeb has compounded upon in expanding both stories, it can go in many directions with both those stories. But that's something for another time.

Jeb: For now, just need to figure things out accordingly for everyone's enjoyment.

So until that time folks, until the next chapter.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.