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.

28. Red Rampant Planet

Ok, Jesus fuck this one took a lot longer than we thought.

But hey, we got it done.

Rate Read and Review and As Always Have Nice Day.

I'm Nobody Chapter 28: Red Rampant Planet

When he started to stir away, Carter could barely tell it was dark and clammy. From the feel of the air to the lighting of his present environment.

Memories soon flickered to the forefront of his mind of what he last remembered.

Reaching the River Iss temple and learning a number of things.

Fighting the Warhoon and Heartless in an open field.

Explosions…

And then nothing.

John wondered where he was exactly at. He thus started to move a bit in hopes of knowing where he presently resided.

For a moment, he could quickly tell he wasn't underneath a large pile of corpses due to him not suffocating or being crushed to death by lack of air or weight.

And that was when the headache arose all too sharply.

"Hey~ you're awake."

John groaned aloud; vision blurry as he took stock of where he was right now.

There were cold metal clamps around his wrists and ankles so suffice to say he was chained up. He could move his arms kinda freely but not stretch them out to their full length.

But he figured with Mars' giving his body enhanced strength, John would be able to rip these chains off in a moment.

"Come on John, hurry up." Said the familiar laid back voice. "Been bored here by myself."

"Axel?" Carter muttered. "That you?"

"Glad to know you memorized my voice." The fiery redhead said cheerfully.

"It's hard to forget." Carter mumbled, shaking his head as his vision now cleared.

Blinking out some of the stars in his eyes, John looked up and saw that he was in a prison cell of some kind and that he appeared to be alone for the most part.

Save for the man clad in the black cloak casually sitting down next to him without any chains.

John took a moment to look around the cell and didn't find any other set of chains inside.

As a matter of fact, this cell seemed designed to primarily hold one person judging by its size.

Which meant…

"How'd you get in here?" Carter asked in confusion.

"Teleportation." Axel shrugged. "Been awake for a while. Soon as I heard you moving around, came over here."

"Where are the others?" John's tone conveyed concern.

Axel simply looked on ahead causing Carter to do the same.

Across from the cell he currently occupied with No. VIII, John spotted the brown and now messy hair of Ashley Williams.

The young lady was dozing off with her down and back against the wall.

"Ash." John called out to her when he felt Axel place a hand upon his shoulder.

"Don't wake her up." Axel advised. "She and the others need to catch up on some beauty sleep. They'll be fine."

John looked at the Nobody incredulously. "You can't seriously consider leaving them here?"

Axel shrugged noncommittedly. "They got what we got. Once they wake up, they'll break out and cause some trouble before we split."

The Earther's concerns were hardly alleviated. "Weren't they overwhelmed like us?"

No. VIII gave him an iffy hand gesture.

"Nothing like a quick nap and a few Cure spells won't do to get them back up to fighting strength. They're tough. No need to worry about them."

Carter let out a sigh as he leaned back against the wall, not really in the mood to be arguing with Axel who seemed nonplussed about the fact that…

"Wait… where the hell are we?"

"Zodanga."

"Zodanga?" John repeated in bewilderment. "How the hell did we get here?"

"Captured." Axel said. "When I woke up, took some time to scout the place out on the basic layout. Didn't know it was a moving city. Kinda cool to look at really." The Nobody then shook his head with a chuckle. "Dejah could've informed us of that interesting detail…"

"You left your cell earlier just to scout?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

"Why not go find the others for help?"

"Do you think we need help?"

"We're in enemy territory." John stated. "Shouldn't our friends know?"

"Oh, so they're our friends now, huh?"

"You know what I mean, Axel." Carter groused out. "Seriously, if you already busted out of your cell, why didn't you get us all out?"

"Recon, remember?" Axel said, tapping the side of his head. "Wanna get a layout of the city and the folks living here. I know that we'll run into that Sab guy soon and wanna get a gauge of him. See what we're up against. Also, Heartless appeared. Someone here most likely is controlling or pointing them in our direction."

"That seems a bit… complicated." John admitted with a flat face.

"Nothing is ever simple in these sorts of situations, Johnny boy." Axel stated, patting the man's shoulder. "Not to mention the fact that once we get out of our cells, we need a proper escape plan and a viable way of getting away from this moving city."

"Can't we just jump outta here like usual?"

"...You need to realize they have flying vehicles. If pushed hard enough, they could perhaps catch up to us."

"So?" Carter said. "You guys have magic. You literally helped me take on an army Axel, I think a few flying machines won't cause that much trouble for ya."

"That's beside the point. Just one of several things I had to consider that could hamper our escape."

"Axel, what's this really about?" John asked frustratedly. "Why make all this crap up? I know we can leave at any given time with what we're capable of."

"Alright, alright, I just don't wanna leave just yet." Axel said truthfully. "While we were out, the Zodangans stole our stuff."

"How'd they steal your stuff?" John asked in bewilderment.

"Not everything is magically tied down onto our persons."

"What about your weapons?"

"Oh, that? Pfft, please," Axel instantly conjured one of his Chakrams. "Like they could steal these."

The weapon vanished in an instant with a flicker of flames.

"Aside from myself, Roxas and Xion; I'm actually more concerned with the others. I am glad their armor was left alone, given how hard it is to remove in the first place. Yet their weapons were taken as I bet you whatever Zodangan scientists there are will wanna dismantle and see what makes them tick before making shoddy attempts for mass production. I'll need to track down where they're located and retrieve them." Axel then let out a snort.

John nodded as he slowly understood the situation of that predicament.

"There's also… something else." Axel said cryptically. "Something rather off about this place."

John raised a brow at those words. "What do you mean?"

He didn't respond to the Virginian at first as he briefly contemplated on his time he had spent here.

"See, an old acquaintance of mine had this nifty little trick of his." Axel vaguely said. "He could pick up on people's "scents", if you could call it that and usually figure out where they are?"

"Scent?" John's brows furrowed in thought. "What, like an animal or something?"

"Yeah, kinda." Axel nodded. "But not in the way you know. The "scents" my old acquaintance picked up on were… how do I call it? Their energy source? Their affiliation? Something along those lines."

"Huh?"

Axel rolled his eyes, coming up with something John can understand. "You know how campfires can be seen and smelled for miles away?"

"Uh… yeah?"

"Think of every living being as having a fire inside them. Their soul, their energy source within." Axel elaborated. "This ability I've been working on in duplicating allows me to detect or pick up on people's "scents" or their energy signature. Make sense?"

John mulled it over briefly until he slowly nodded as he started to make several internal correlations of his own for him to better understand it.

"Yeah…"

"So recently, while I was roaming the streets of this place for our exit strategy, I picked up on a strange scent here." Axel said. "I was actually surprised at how easy it was considering just how many people were there. This scent stood out like a sore thumb and it was coming from all over and one place at the same time."

"What?"

Axel groaned. "There's someone or something here that's really, really old and really, really powerful. Do you get that?"

"Ok, ok, I'm not stupid." Carter said placatingly. "I haven't been exposed to a lot of magic in case you didn't realize."

The redhead snorted. "Clearly."

John shook his head. "Ok, so what's the plan then?"

Axel opened his mouth to answer when his face became sharp.

His eyes narrowed and looked ahead.

"I'll keep in touch." Axel said and in an instant, he teleported away.

"Hey, wait-"

John's attempt came too late as No. VIII was no longer around. He wondered why he left so suddenly and it utterly frustrated him as he was being left in the dark all too soon.

"Axel you bastard." John growled under his breath when his ears twitched.

*Thip* *Thip*

'Footsteps.' John internally said to himself.

A moment later, several armored Zodangan guards stood before John's cell with one opening the bars.

"Come on, White worm." One guard said gruffly. "Sab Than wishes to speak with you."

As much as John would like to break out of his bindings and thrash at his captors, he started to notice a few things.

John quickly looked around and saw that while Ashley was in one cage, Kaidan was in another.

But where was Xion, Roxas and Wrex?

And Woola and Stitch for that matter?

"Hey." John glanced at one of the guards who didn't respond to him. "HEY! Where are my friends?"

"None of your concern if you wish for them to stay alive." The guard said, shoving him forward.

"They're kids, dammit, leave them-" John suddenly seized up, a constricting feeling around his throat.

'What?' John mentally panicked.

His eyes shifted down and they widened at the sight of strange markings appearing all over his body. They were faint in the darkness, but when the light started to hit his flesh, he saw them quite clearly.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, John Carter." A sinister voice said from behind. "You'll see your friends soon enough. Just as soon as we're done with them."

John's mind whirled about with activity, fear and anger spiking in his mind. Not to mention the fact his body was forcefully being moved against his will. It was a terrifying feeling to say the least, having absolutely no control over your body.

"If… you… hurt… them…" John choked out, despite this strangling sensation around his throat.

"Hush now."

He felt the constriction around his neck tighten, silencing him instantly.

Next thing he knew was the guard beside him started to shift and change into the robbed bald albino he saw back outside of the River Iss temple, the Thern as Dejah referred to him.

Yet the other guards didn't even bat an eye at this shapeshifter. As a matter of fact…

It was like they couldn't even see him.

"Come on men." The bald man said, using the gruff voice he had heard earlier. "Sab Than wants to see this one up close and personal."

Carter blinked and once again, he saw a Zodangan guard standing before him.

Were his eyes playing tricks on him?

What in the world was going on?

"What of the others?" Asked one of the guards.

"Their turn will come later."

That answer didn't settle Carter's nerves at the slightest as he hoped he would get out of this mess soon enough.

'Dammit Axel, where the hell'd you go off to?' John thought wildly as he was pushed forward by the guards.

As John was taken away by the guards, from a discrete location, Axel stood alone and watched from afar.

He kept his eyes particularly set upon the single guard that was leading the bunch and his eyes narrowed as he extended out his senses.

It was still a bit tricky as he was relatively new to this… yet it seemed he had luck on his side cause that one guard staying exceptionally close to Carter was just a torch of energy. He picked up on his scent almost instantly.

Flicking his hand, Axel jumped back and vanished with a small flurry of flames left in his wake.

He appeared in several structures that were above Carter and the guards that were still escorting him.

No. VIII watched as the one guard that kept his hand on Carter's shoulder looked back to the others and gave out an order of some kind.

The rest of the guards broke off, leaving their prisoner with the lone guard.

And not a moment too soon did the duo up and simply disappear from his point of view.

"The hell?" Axel blinked, rubbing his eyes and looked around in every direction below. "What the- where'd that bastard go?"

Whilst the Nobody was left alone to try and figure out just where on Mars did John disappear off to, the former Confederate Captain was left asking the same question himself.

With John a few moments earlier, he was being shoved forward by these guards when the one who had transformed told the rest of the guards to leave them.

That he would take him to Sab Than personally.

And that they were to ready the other prisoners that they had taken from the valley earlier.

With the guards departing and leaving the two alone, John's vision darkened with the familiar sight of that blue energy covering his eyesight.

Seconds later, his sight had returned and he was now sitting in some kind of carriage.

With him was the guard that transformed back into that bald robed figure.

The gaze he cast upon him unnerved Carter greatly.

He wanted to speak but still found it impossible to do so when he felt that strangling feeling around his neck vanish.

Lurching forward, Carter coughed aloud and quivered with an uncomfortable shiver going down his spine.

"Apologies." The Man spoke in a deep tone. "I know that's not exactly a pleasant feeling. But precautions have to be made when dealing with people of your ilk."

The Earther glared at the man.

"Who are you?"

"Ah~ American." Began the Thern, quickly startling John in the process. "The North? The South?"

"Who are you, sir?" John spat.

The Thern's brow arched in amusement.

"Sir? Definitely the South." The Earthman was silent as the bald albino soon listed off locations. "The Carolinas? Virginia?" The Thern then noticed a particular look from Carter, making him smirk. "It's Virginia, isn't it? Lovely place."

"Do you know it?" he asked warily.

"Not as well as I should. But I will." Was the Thern's cryptic response.

John's body started to strain against his self-confinement, something which the Thern took notice of.

"Hmm… Increased strength and agility. Simple matter of gravitation and anatomy, one we ought to have foreseen."

In his opinion, John greatly preferred the way Dejah inspected him over the Thern. Just the way the man was inspecting him gave him a rather unpleasant feeling down his spine on top of whatever was happening to him.

John then took note of what was said.

"We?"

"No apparent increase in intelligence." The Thern said mockingly.

And there was the insult.

Yes, he got it. He wasn't the smartest out there, so give him some god damn slack!

"Tell me, where are the medallions?"

"Pardon?"

"The item which projected you and your compatriots here. They were not on your persons." Spoke the Thern before gesturing towards the one worn around his neck. "It looks just like this." John said nothing, only staring at another medallion as it glowed the same blue as what he saw back at the River Iss temple. "We can't have Earthmen and other species projecting themselves over here and there, leaping about, causing all manner of disruption."

John remained silent on the matter as he wanted to keep a litany of information to himself.

He still remembers where the one medallion was located as Tars Tarkus still possesses it. As for other "medallions" there weren't any, given what the others revealed on how they arrived on this planet.

Instead of giving him an answer, Carter decided to get to the heart of the matter. "You're a Thern."

"Therns are a myth."

"So are a number of things. Now tell me your name or will I just keep calling you Thern over and over again." John said heatedly.

The bald albino scoffed a little. "My name is Matai Shang, and I do not exist. Indeed, I work very hard at it."

"Really? I couldn't tell." John bitingly said. "What do you want?"

Shang didn't respond, instead inclining his head to the small opening to the front of whatever it was the two sat in.

"Padwar? What's taking us so long?"

"Apologies sir, the army is making its return." A Zodangan responded.

"Noted. We'll be traveling on foot now."

The carriage holding the pair opened up, causing the Thern to walk out first. Once outside, he peered into the vehicle and saw Carter hadn't moved. Remembering he hadn't let go of the man's restraints, the bald albino brought a hand to his wrist.

Looking at the object, Carter saw it was designed in a style similar to the medallion. Wondering what it was about, his answer was quickly given as it started to glow blue once the Thern dragged his finger across its surface.

John felt a spark of pain across his body as it forcefully moved without his consent, following after his captor.

'This is the worst.' John internally screamed.

After navigating through the crowd for some distance, the Earther finally spoke a question raging through his mind.

"Why are you and your fellow Therns so damn insistent on hunting us down?" John said, referring to himself and his compatriots.

Even Dejah.

"We want to know what you know so we may be better prepared on what we safeguard."

"Like the Ninth Ray."

Matai was silent for a moment or two. "You have come rather close into learning the truth, more so with Dejah Thoris. But it's of no consequence now. Soon she will be dealt with, along with you and the rest once we have what we desire. In effect, cutting the head off the beast which bears knowledge of the Ninth Ray. Quick, clean, controlled and precise. And such a shame there's no one that'll warn them."

John's muscles strained some more as he wanted to lash out and kill Matai Shang right there.

"Why the hell are you doing this? What purpose is there for all this trouble?"

"The balance must be restored and maintained."

"The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"We have our job to do. And that requires our guiding hand."

John strained against his bonds to no avail. "What gives you the right to interfere?"

"What do you care? This is not your home. You have no obligation to these people. 'You don't have a dog in this fight.' Is that how you would say it in Virginia? Man without a cause."

Matai Shang's argument held true. John didn't have to care for a place where he didn't belong. But that was of no excuse as he did not want to see people manipulated and culled because of something beyond their control.

And whatever cause he had back on Earth, during the Civil War, died as time went on. What was once fighting for Southern independence shifted onto something else. All he wanted in the end was to see his loved ones again and know his men, his friends were safe.

"Then what is your cause?"

Matai Shang looked over and gave his answer. "We have none."

John looked at the Thern with a look that practically screamed "bullshit".

Seeing the Earther's confusion, the Thern elaborated. "We're not haunted by morality as you are. We are eternal."

"I don't understand. The stroll, heavily safeguarding your precious Ninth Ray. Why not just kill us and get it over with?"

"History will follow the course we have set, Earthman. And we've chosen Sab Than to rule next. The Ninth Ray must remain in the hands of mindless brutes we can control."

"Rather than someone, who you can't control, which can make things better for everyone."

Matai Shang remained quiet on the answer, merely confirming John's conclusion.

"We operate on a purpose that is beyond your comprehension."

"What kind of bullshit is that? Didn't you just say you don't have a cause?"

"We are beyond your understanding. Your comprehension. We are eternal whilst you are all fleeting."

John's teeth clenched tightly. "You said that already. But I sure as hell don't get what that's even supposed to mean."

"And you're not supposed to. This game we've played has occurred since before the birth of this planet. And we'll continue to do so, long after the death of yours."

John's eyes widened in alarm.

They were going to come for his planet too?!

He wanted to know why but he knew he'd only get the same answer as before.

Carter truly didn't understand it.

Was this some sort of sick game of amusement to them?

Cause this smug bastard sure seemed like that he gets a kick out of this sorta thing.

"We don't cause the destruction of a world, Captain Carter. We simply manage it, feed off it, if you like. But on every host planet, it always plays out exactly the same way. Populations rise, societies divide, wars spread. And all the while the neglected planet slowly fades."

If what Matai Shang says is true, then he and his fellow Therns have been playing in the background, unnoticed by nearly everyone. And they would act like some sick puppeteer to pull whatever strings they see fit for their amusement.

But the way how Matai spoke throughout this whole conversation gave John the impression there was more than meets the eye.

Of course there was a flaw to what the Thern was selling.

Immortality ain't bulletproof. John saw to that when he killed one of the Therns back on Earth.

Soon enough, John found himself in a hangar with a litany of guards stationed.

"Prep a two-man flier immediately for prisoner transport." Order Shang.

The Zodangan guard complied before they grabbed Carter and strapped him down onto the flier.

The Earther didn't know where he was being taken to now, and he wasn't gonna like Shang's intended destination.

Just before they took off, the hangar's occupants were greeted with an unexpected visitor…

"AAAAH!"

...As it came flying through the air, collided against Matai Shang and harshly bit down on the Thern's arm.

One of the teeth broke through the bracelet the albino was wearing, causing the restraints on John's person to disappear.

Looking up to see his rescuer, Carter smiled ever so brightly.

"Woola!"

"Jahn."

Atop the Barsoomian dog was the smiling form of one experiment 626.

"Well, this wasn't part of the plan."

John looked over to see Axel having appeared with embers floating off his body. The Nobody locked eyes momentarily with Matai Shang who was being held down by Woola and a wide grin appeared on his face.

"But hey, I'm known to improvise when I need to." Axel said, grin becoming mischievous and sinister as he held up a hand.

*SNAP*

In an instant, plumes and pillars of fire erupted from the ground in various locations across the hangar bay inciting pandemonium and panic.

"That's our cue, Johnny, let's go." Axel said, hefting the Earthman up to his feet.

Carter didn't even get a chance to talk as Axel leapt up into the sky and onto a more elevated platform.

When getting on the higher platform, John took a moment to orient himself and looked up at Axel in bewilderment when he heard the sounds of screams echoing from the city.

Eyes widening, John looked out to the city and saw multiple locations on fire.

He snapped his head up at Axel with an accusatory gaze.

"I needed to make a distraction." Axel said with an uncaring shrug. "Sides, they're my flames. They're burnin' areas where no one's gonna get hurt and they'll dispel soon as we're gone."

John laxed slightly but still was greatly disconcerted by the means in which Axel had gone to in order to create this "distraction".

Glancing down below, he noticed a trail of dust being kicked up, recognizing it as the trail left behind by Woola.

Where was that big Martian dog going?

Shaking out of his thoughts, John heard a number of guards coming their way.

"Better get on." Said Axel as he sat on one of the fliers.

Wordless, John complied and sat on the neighboring vehicle as the glass solar paneled wings unfurled themselves.

In an instant, Carter then realized he had no idea how to operate this thing. He was even messing around with what was akin to handlebars.

"What's the hold up?!"

"I'm trying, dammit!" John shouted. "I don't know how to fly this thing!"

"Neither do I." Axel said cheekily, quickly jolting about the controls until it flew up off the ground and went forward.

Head snapping back and forth between the handlebars, Axel and the guards, John opted to try Axel's method and not a moment too soon.

The guards were right on him just as his flier jolted upwards and off the side of the platform.

"Oh no." Was all John managed out until his commandeered vehicle plummeted to the ground. "OH SHIIIIIT!"

Axel, all the while, cackled as he followed right after the Virginian captain.

John pulled and spun every control on the flier until at last he had some semblance of flight.

He did have difficulty when managing the controls during this time. Pulling levers, turning the odd gears. It left him in some states of confused nausea with a number of aerial maneuvers he unintentionally performed.

He almost died because of it when he nearly avoided crashing into a number of walls, towers and even pedestrians.

Eventually, John figured out a way to work with the flier as he maintained his balance.

"You alright there?" Axel called out with a teasing tone.

"Shut up, you jackass." John Carter shouted out, cringing as he nearly crashed his ship again.

When the pair plummeted once more, they were soon avoiding colliding against the mechanical legs which helped propel the city of Zodanga forward.

"We got bogies on our six."

"What?"

Axel groaned. "We got enemies on our tail."

Looking back, John saw a number of Zodangans following right after them on their own fliers. Not just that, but there were even some airborne Heartless joining their ranks.

"Can't you take care of them?"

"And keep all the fun to myself?" Axel said with a cheeky smirk, chakram already in hand.

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm primarily trying to not die while flying this damn thing! I don't even have a gun on me to be of some assistance!"

Axel only chortled aloud, looking back at their pursuers and threw his fiery weapon right at them.

Occasionally flinging his weapon at them, No. VIII also had to focus on his maneuvering skills. It was all fast pace with any wrong move could perhaps be his last. Either as a result of crashing into one of the mechanical legs carrying Zodanga or being shot down by one of their pursuers.

To him, it was quite thrilling.

Narrowing their escape out of the varying mechanical legs, John saw a dust cloud quickly rushing onward down below. He would've thought of it as something else if he didn't catch a blue speck within said dust cloud.

This got John thinking on one thing as he viewed Stitch and Woola running on ahead of them.

"What of the others? Did you even get-"

"All taken care of."

As Axel said this, varying shots rang through the air..

In mere moments, Zodangans pursuing them shot down from the air with the Heartless being destroyed left and right. As the dark vapors evaporated, the red men plummeted towards their demise.

It would've been a mercy if they were killed directly instead of their fliers being wrecked.

From a distance, John could make out the figures of Woola and Stitch reaching a certain point and coming to a stop. As he and Axel drew closer, they saw more figures right there.

They were their companions.

"Somewhat wish Garrus or at least Shepard were here." Kaidan grumbled out as he rose up from his kneeling position. "They're far better snipers than either of us."

"Oh quit your whining Alenko." Wrex said aloud. "You and Williams need the practice anyways."

"Easy for you to say." Said Ashley. "Kaidan here has the only other sniper rifle. I had to make do with my assault rifle."

"Here they come." Xion spoke out, pointing towards the growing figures of their companions.

Now while Axel had a somewhat graceful landing, due to him quickly working the controls and pulling up just in time for a decent landing; John was the complete opposite.

Carter didn't react well enough as he acted too late and crashed his flier into the sand. At the moment of impact, he went flying and harshly landed some distance away from the crash zone.

Rushing over to the Virginian, Xion quickly casted Cure on him.

"Thanks…" Grumbled out John, still feeling the pain on his body from the landing.

"That could've gone better." Said Roxas.

"If he had more experience, he would have." Spoke Axel as he hopped off his flier.

"Like you were any better." John bitingly said, spitting sand out of his mouth.

"Please~ I'm a natural."

"Yeah, a natural pain in my ass." John called out as he worked to flip over his flier.

"Don't get snippy with me, Carter." Axel remarked, slapping the man's head to jostle the sand out of his hair.

Rather than swing back, Carter simply grumbled and messed with his hair some more to get the sand out.

The group then bore witness to Woola pouncing on the Virginian and slobbering the man with licks.

"Aurgh! Woola! Heel! Heel!"

Wrex barked out a laugh. "Gotta say, Sola was right: Woola does follow you anywhere. Now I really wanna get one of these calots." He then began stroking his chin, pondering. "Wonder if I can breed more with Varren."

Those native from their home galaxy shuddered at the thought, not wanting to know how dangerous such a creature could be.

Then again… Woola was an overgrown dog for the most part.

However Wrex is well… Wrex.

Carter managed to get Woola off of him, shaking his head to get the mucus-like slobber off of him.

Thank God for the intense sunlight right about now as the rest of the moisture evaporated off of him.

He looked up to see Kaidan holding out an offered hand and nodded in thanks as he was helped up.

"How'd you guys get out?" John asked once standing up.

"Axel helped out, more or less." Roxas said.

For what John doesn't know that while the Earther was being interrogated by Matai Shang, Axel sent out a number of his Assassin Nobodies to help retrieve the pilfered weapons and help wake up his friends. It was only a matter of time for things being coordinated via Omni-tool on what needed to occur next.

"How exactly did he… you know what? Forget it." John waved off. "It was probably magic."

Axel shrugged with a nonsensical expression. "Pretty much."

John shook his head, going back over to the flier that he had crashed, dusting off the rest of the sand and taking a seat in it.

A moment later, the flier powered up as he turned several dials.

"Wait, where are you going?" Xion asked in bewilderment.

"I need to save Dejah and the others."

"Saving from what?" Kaidan asked.

"We've got a serious problem actually." Axel said grimly. "I'll show you guys later but Carter's right. We gotta find the others and tell them what went down here."

"And how can you do that?" Xion asked as Carter was readying his commandeered flier.

"I'll need an army to do it." John declared as he tried to figure out more on the controls now that he wasn't being attacked.

It took several moments for a few of the group to realize what the Virginian meant.

"...You don't mean what I think you plan on-"

"I think he is."

"Okay, I'm out of the loop. Where does John wanna go?"

"To the Thark settlement."

"You think that's a bright idea? Tal Hajus practically hates our guts and wants to kill us."

"I'd like to see him try." Wrex declared with a savage grin.

"What about Shepard and the others?" Ashley asked. "Shouldn't we let them know we're alright?"

"I'll take care of that." Axel said, thumbing to himself. "I'll see if I can get a read on where they are. Figured Dejah would've taken them to her hometown."

"Helium." Ash confirmed with a nod. "But where would you even look? Not like we have a map of Mars."

"Sola said Helium is more or less east from the moon's position and trajectory in the sky when we were on our way to the River Iss. Or was it west…"

"The Moons ain't up Axel." Ash wryly pointed out.

"My god, do you have to be a downer right now Ash?" Axel said in annoyance.

Xion hummed aloud. "If Woola can find John, do you think he can find Helium?"

"Huh, good question." Axel rounded on the happily panting Calot. "Hey Woohoo, do you remember the rest of our friends' scents? Sola's?"

Woola barked aloud in a way that seemed to convey confirmation.

"Well there we have it." Axel said. "Sides, I was gonna use our Omni-Tools as well. If I couldn't reach them that way, I'll Corridor my way to their position."

"How are you gonna have Woola lead you to Helium?" John asked. "What, he's gonna carry you or something?"

"I got my own flier, remember?" Axel pointed out. "Besides, he's big enough to be ridden."

"I don't think Stitch counts."

Experiment 626 merely blew a raspberry at him.

"I think he can carry any of us." Xion said, scratching Woola's head making three of his six legs shake in satisfaction.

"Well, we have our objectives." Ash said. "I'll go with ya, Axel. Don't think all of us can fit onto one flier."

"Can one even support the weight of most of us?" Roxas asked.

"No way." Kaidan shook his head. "How can any of us fly on only two fliers?"

Their answer came in the form of a whirring engine sound in the distance.

The group slowly turned their heads to see a single Zodangan flier that appeared to have been the only one of those that had chased them out of the city to actually find them.

"Huh, well that's convenient." Axel noted.

"Agreed." Kaidan said and in an instant, leapt forward with the reduced gravity allowing him to sail all the way up towards the Zodangan and drop kicked him straight off the vehicle.

The flier fell to the ground but thankfully remained intact and undamaged.

"There we go." Kaidan stated proudly, tapping the flier. "Figured this would better serve you, Wrex. I'll stick with Carter."

Wrex grinned, sending an appreciative nod at the Lieutenant Commander and went over to his new flier.

"I can use my own Keyblade to get around." Roxas said, bringing out his Pirate's Dream Keyblade. "It changes into a glider."

"Oh~ can I go with you?" Xion asked excitedly. "I wanna fly on one again."

"Don't see why not."

Xion beamed, missing the snicker Ashley let out.

"Right then." Axel said, a coy grin to match Ashley's. "We have our groups. Let's move cause we're burnin' daylight."

"Boo~" Roxas thumbed down at the redhead. "Lame fire pun."

"You know any better ones?" No. XIII was about to respond but Axel didn't allow him. "Thought so."

Powering up his flier, he and Ash took off with Woola letting out a departing bark at the rest and ran ahead of the duo with Stitch sticking with him.

Roxas had a flat look on his face as he watched his friends fly off.

"Always has to have the last word." Roxas grumped with Xion giggling whilst patting his cheek.

"You just gotta learn to be faster than him." Xion encouraged.

He rolled his eyes at that before channeling his power into his Keyblade and it instantly shifted into its glider form.

"Alright, let's go." Carter said and the group were airborne, pivoting their rides around to fly back to the village of the Tharks.

Wrex was quick to go on ahead with a giddy laugh escaping his lips. Roxas and Xion went right after him as they seemed to enact some sort of race.

As John went right after them, his passenger received a ping on his Omni-tool, seeing it was a message from Axel.

Pulling it out, Kaidan saw it had an audio file labeled "Truth of Therns". There was an additional note on it that told the Alliance marine to play it for the others when they landed at the Thark settlement.

Blinking in confusion, he conceded to the request and shut his Omni-Tool off a moment later.

Right now he had to hang onto dear life as Carter's piloting skills are atrocious.

-Scene Cut-

Matai Shang was internally seething.

He sat within the war room of the palace on Zodanga and watched as Sab Than paced back and forth with a much more visible external rage.

"Now..." Sab growled out, still moving around as if he were a predator caged and hungry. "Can anyone… and I mean anyone explain to me what in the name of the Goddess happened out there?!"

The assembled generals, Zodangan nobles and guards all visibly winced aloud at their rulers demand.

"Is no one going to speak up?" Sab Than raised his right arm with the blue gauntlet bestowed upon him by the Therns materialized around his wrist and hand.

The assembled group began trembling at the sight as the gauntlet began to radiate its blue light.

"Well?" The Prince said impatiently. "Answer me!"

Several began stammering and stuttering out answers until Sab grew tired and annoyed before killing one of the officials several seats down to his right via a beam of blue light. Moments later, the official disintegrated into dust.

"That'll be enough of that." Sab hissed, silence reigning within the room.

Shifting his eyes about, they landed upon a high ranking prison officer.

"You." Sab pointed to him. "Tell me what happened?"

The guard opened and closed his mouth several times until speaking with a slight stutter.

"M-my Prince." He began. "W-we are unsure as to how the prisoners we had b-brought back escaped. But many of my guards did see one of the ones with the black cloaks being accompanied by strange creatures that were silver and white. They freed the other prisoners and then the one who caused all this lit several temples on fire."

Sab Than tried his damndest to reign in his growing rage. "What of their weapons?"

If there could be a silver lining, it could be with their gear. If his people can harness the strength of their unique weapons, producing more of them, then it won't just be Issus' gift that the rest of Barsoom will fear.

"...Taken, my prince."

Gritting his teeth, Sab Than was about to lash out once more when he saw his benefactor give him a look that conveyed that now wasn't the time for this.

After all, one person had already paid the price for a litany of unforeseen problems that plagued the Prince of Zodanga.

"All of you, get out." Sab all but growled. "I wish to be alone."

The entire assembled group of high ranking officials hastily exited the war room to leave their Prince as he had asked.

All but one remained, being the head guard of Sab's security force.

"This is all your fault." Sab said, seating himself adjacent to Matai Shang who reverted back to his original form.

"My fault you say?" Shang said in a bland voice.

"You can pretend all you want, Matai Shang but I am no fool." Sab said, lightly slamming his fist on the table. "I see in your eyes the same rage I have right now. So instead, I'll ask you the same question as before: What happened?"

Matai didn't reply right away, instead keeping his gaze silently locked on to Sab's before exhaling reluctantly.

"I was… caught off guard." Matai admitted, much to the shock of Sab.

Though it was not to last as a cocky and condescending smirk appeared soon after.

"You? Caught off guard?" his tone was mocking and amused. "Indulge me. How is it that a Thern, a Messenger of the Goddess, was caught off guard?"

Matai was not amused.

"I underestimated they had help waiting, biding their time to strike." Matai admitted. "Those creatures that were of silver and white were not something I had anticipated."

"These creatures that helped free our prisoners…" Sab frowned. "Are they not the ones that you have brought along to assist my soldiers?"

"No." With a wave of his hand, the Heartless appeared behind the Thern. "These are the ones I speak of."

The Jeddak of Zodanga was momentarily startled by their appearance but quickly steeled himself as the Heartless disappeared soon after.

"So what were those creatures anyways?" Sab said, referring to the earlier mentioned beings.

"I do not know." Matai said truthfully. "I didn't see them. I was taken aback by the one with red hair and a Calot that apparently has been tamed by these unknown variables."

"I have seen their capabilities, or at least the end of it before I intervened." Sab crossed his arms with a troubled look. "They were able to take on an army of those savage Warhoon and even these dark creatures you have under your command. What are they?"

"One of them, I can confirm is from the planet Jasoom."

Sab sat up, jaw dropping slightly. "Jasoom? H-how?"

"I do not know." Shang said with a convincing frown. "The means in which this… Earthman, as he confirmed, used to get here illudes me. I would've learned more if it weren't for the interference from earlier."

"Earthman?"

"Earth is what this Jasoomian calls his planet." Matai stated.

"I see…" Sab Than stood up again and began pacing a bit more as he harshly breathed in and out of his nose, pondering on what needs to be done next. "A Jasoomian…"

"Yes, an unforeseen variable in the grand plan."

"I thought you Therns were supposed to be intelligent."

"We have intelligence." Matai countered. "Far more than your civilization ever will possess. But that does not mean we know everything, Sab Than. Remember that."

"I will find it hard to forget." Sab scoffed. "Unforeseen variables… Seeing as a number of… issues have not gone as planned, I believe it's time to go with my final option in defeating Helium."

Upon hearing this, Matai Shang actually grew curious with his expression conveying interest.

"And what would that be?" Asked the Thern in genuine curiosity.

"I will go with the option I planned on making some time ago: marrying Dejah Thoris."

Matai's brow rose in genuine surprise. "Prince Sab. I had no idea you would be such a romantic."

Sab snorted. "I am not some idealist with an unlikely ambition. If she complies, fine. I can be able to unite our cities and I will overpower my soon-to-be wife and rule the combined territories. If she doesn't exactly follow through with this, resisting even, then I will kill her when her guard is down once she provides me with an heir and place the blame onto someone else. Perhaps that leaping man or one of our former prisoners. But if it comes down to it, I will go with the other idea I have in mind."

"Pertaining what?"

"On the wedding ceremony, when every Heliumite has their guard down, I will give the order to have every one of them slain; wiping Helium off the map."

Matai's lip twitched upwards. "I had no idea you held such cunning, Prince Than."

"If you would let me do what needs to be done more often, I may have been able to surprise you more." The Prince retorted bitingly.

"Point taken." Shang conceded. "However… trying to conquer Helium on their own territory… would that not be considered a tactical disadvantage?"

"What?"

"If you are to have the wedding within the halls of Helium, would that not present a danger to you?" Matai pointed out. "Even being within Helium with your army, you would still be surrounded by enemies."

Sab frowned and held up his hand.

"Would this be useless then?"

Matai shook his head. "No, but still, we can assist you but do it on your terms within the confines of your city. And…"

With a flourish of his hand, once more, the Heartless appeared.

"The Heliumites present will not be expecting such new foes and will be soundly killed." Matai said. "Having at least one member of the royal family alive such as Mors or Dejah will bring the rest of Helium falling to its knees when you return a married man."

Sab frowned, musing to himself as he gazed at the twitching Heartless that was between him and Shang.

"Unlikely as it may be… I shall see if I can convince those self-indulgent Heliumites to host the wedding here." Sab conceded after a few moments.

The Thern only nodded in agreement.

"Now if you excuse me, I need to head off to Helium to make my request."

"Then I will come with-"

"I think not." Snapped the Jeddak. "In order for this to work, I need to have only a handful of people with me when I head over to Helium. And at this moment, I'm still not trusting you with what happened earlier."

"...I see."

With a flourish of his cape, Sab left the Thern to stew in his own failures for the day.

As Matai Shang was left alone, his thoughts eventually drifted back to the former prisoners.

His plans from earlier were derailed due to how the Earthman escaped. Originally, he wanted to take him to a secure location, question him more and pry the information from his head if needed to. After all, the Virginian knew what the Thern desired, but wasn't able to get things out through the traditional manner.

Once done, he would commence his "feeding" on him before going to check on the black coated individuals.

He wanted to still know who they were and how the blonde teenager was able to withstand a blast of the Ninth Ray, rebound it and survive. And he was still unsettled when remembering the occurrence.

Now he was robbed of the chance on such an interrogation, even when they were within his very grasp.

For now, the Thern needed to calm himself. So he decided he will need to commence another "feeding" to get him back on track. Once sated, he will plan things out accordingly for the upcoming wedding.

But right now, he will inform his fellow Thern over in Helium of the latest developments.

-Scene Cut-

She knew she could get some flak for this, but in some part of her mind, Shepard had thought everyone spoke with a high pitch voice in this city.

You can't expect to call this place "Helium" and not think of the joke.

Suffice to say, she was a bit disappointed in not hearing any high pitch voices.

Her mood was picked up on by the others, with them asking her what was wrong and she revealed her internal woes.

In response all she was called was a child.

She rebuked by calling them bigger children for following after her.

Garrus countered by saying they didn't follow her, more like make sure she didn't do anything too crazy.

Shepard silenced him by flipping him upside down via her Biotics and carried him around like that for a few minutes, proving their point.

In actuality, it didn't.

Currently, Shepard along with Tali, Garrus, Liara and a nervous Sola were in a banquet hall with Dejah and her father and best friend Katos Kan sitting with them.

After Dejah spoke of how Shepard and co had kept her safe after her ship was destroyed by the Zodangans by the Thark settlement, her father Mors Kajak had welcomed them with open arms.

A small feast was quickly organized for the returning princess and her friends who had brought her back alive and well.

The Normandy team were greatly intrigued by the city of Helium though they were quick to note some of the more… scantily clad citizens of the city.

Especially the younger men and women. Almost reminded those of the Normandy with some of the provocative attire the Asari species wore back home.

Dejah went on to explain that here on Helium, both men and women were a bit voracious in their hunts to find the ones they are destined to be with.

Their passions and intentions are on full display, seeking out the husband or wife that they would be with for the rest of their days.

It was a bit simplistic really which was a rather humorous contrast to the advanced cityscape of Helium.

"So this is how love is found here, eh?" Was Shepard's comment to all this… near nudity.

Oh if it were ever so easy in getting one's significant other back home.

"Not that I mind." Spoke Garrus as he viewed one of the servant girls walk passed. He was then smacked across the head by Tali. "Okay, ow!"

"Stop staring."

"Well, it's hard. I can't help it." Argued the Turian.

"You can try."

"Then why aren't you stopping Liara. She's staring just as much as I was."

At the mention of this, Liara quickly looked away as her cheeks darkened considerably as she viewed both the male and female servants passing by.

"Liara." Tali said in slight incredulity.

"I… I apologize." Liara said with her head down in shame.

"No need to be." Said a gorgeous female that walked by them, eyeing Liara hungrily making the Asari hastily pick up her pace.

Shepard guffawed, shaking her head and ignoring the many stares that she was receiving from passing Heliumites.

"O, Liara~ perhaps you are more of a deviant then we have given you credit for." Garrus playfully teased his friend, making the archaeologist walk a little faster.

Though aside from the lustful gazes of the younger citizens, there were many Heliumites that gazed upon the alien group with wonder and awe.

Naturally, nobody had ever seen such creatures in their lives before. From the different set of species themselves to the very clothes they wore.

Completely and utterly alien to them.

Eventually, they were seated within the banquet hall with all of them sitting at the head table with the King and Princess.

The food there was lavish and interesting to say the least so they were treated to some of Mars' delicacies.

A phrase or scenario Shepard had never thought she would ever face.

Suffice to say, most of the food was pretty good. She and Liara seemed to enjoy it as did the still nervous and uncomfortable Sola.

Now as much as Garrus and Tali would want to eat some of the offered food, they had to decline and ate their dextro-amino rations.

Though they do remember Roxas mentioning the whole notion of World Law and them perhaps being able to eat the food on present foods, this time however, they couldn't exactly take the chance. With them being on another version of Mars, none of the Normandy crew really knew the actual makeup of the food if it was safe for Turians and Quarians.

So they had to relegate themselves to rations.

As they ate, Jeddak Mors cleared his throat and addressed Shepard and co.

"I would like to thank you all once again for what you did for my Dejah." the Leader of Helium said, hand atop his daughters who squeezed it in response. "You have alleviated this father's heart when I saw her come home safely."

"It was our pleasure, Jeddak Mors." Shepard stated earnestly. "Dejah has become a friend to us. So getting her back home was no trouble."

"We did encounter a lot of trouble." Garrus said with a shrug, getting an elbow from Tali in response. "What? You want me to lie about it all?"

The Jeddak and Captain of the guard chortled at this interaction.

"You still have our thanks." Katos Kan proclaimed. "Any boon that you ask of us we will deliver."

"A place to rest properly would be nice." Liara admitted.

"Your rooms are already being prepared as we speak." Mors stated. "Nothing but the best for my daughter's new friends and allies."

"Appreciate it, Jeddak." Shepard said with an inclination of her head. "Think you can prepare another room or two? We're waiting on the rest of our companions.

Mors blinked in surprise. "There are more of you?"

"...They were unfortunately left behind, your grace." Said Shepard. "Wanting to give us time for our escape."

Saying that last bit was rather strange for her to say. She was more used to the normal militaristic speaking but saying such things with genuine royals was another matter.

Mors' expression fell upon hearing this.

"I see, I'm sorry for your loss-"

"Oh our friends are still alive." Tali quickly cut him off, making the Jeddak blink again.

"...How can you be so certain? If so, would they be alright?" Katos inquired.

"Speaking frankly, they're tough bastards." Garrus said. "Seriously, there's no way in hell they aren't alive. I wouldn't be surprised if they were on their way here right now."

And on cue.

"My Jeddak!" a guard rushed into the banquet hall.

"Yes? What is it?" Mors said abruptly.

"A Zodangan flier has been sighted coming towards the city!"

"A Zodangan flier?!" Katos said in alarm.

"Well, someone is quite bold." Mors said with a grit in his tone. "Sound the alarm, we-"

"Oh, wait." Shepard spoke up, Omni-tool out and made all who had never seen such a device gaze upon it in shock. "I think it's one of our friends actually."

Not waiting for any response, Shepard turned on her Comms for it to be heard by all.

"Commander, you there?"

"Hear you loud and clear Ashley."

"Great." The Operations Chief said in relief. "Axel and I are- no, wait WOOLA, slow down!"

Not a moment too soon, the doors to the banquet hall were flung open and a large brown blur rushed straight at the table and pounced upon an unsuspecting Commander.

"No- wait, Woola!"

Shepherd's cry came too late as she was knocked off her chair and Woola pinned her down beginning to lick the Spectre's face from top to bottom.

"Damn, that's a fast dog." Garrus idly commented with an amused tinge in his voice.

"Get the hell off me!" Shepard screeched out as she was being slobbered by Woola's tongue.

"Stitch." Tali said happily, hugging the blue fur ball tightly which he reciprocated. "I'm so happy you're alright."

The alien experiment merely laughed in the embrace before waving at Garrus and Liara.

Standing up, Shepard was not pleased as she was basically drenched in slobber… again!

"And here… I thought… I didn't have to deal with this bullshit again."

"Well, guess they're here then." Liara simply said as she stood up as there was a small commotion outside the large room.

Moments later, Ashley and Axel were escorted into the banquet hall with a pair of Heliumite guards.

Ashley was about to greet the others before her eyes landed on Shepard's present state. In an instant she barked out a series of laughs.

"Axel, Ashley." Liara said with a wide smile. "You're alright."

"Yeah, and I see…" Axel said, giving Jane a sly look. "But~"

"Don't you fucking dare." Jane growled out at the Operations Chief, who had her omni-tool out.

Ashley let out a dramatic sigh, lowering her arm. "Okay, I won't."

*SNAP* *FLASH*

"But you didn't say he had to take the photo."

Shepard growled at the cheeky grin they both had. Soon enough, Shepard started chasing after No. VIII.

"Get back here! I want that photo deleted!"

Sola was watching from the side, petting her Calot that she had tamed and raised with a fond smile.

"It's good to see you boy." Sola said happily. "I take it, the others are alright."

Woola barked in confirmation.

"Where are the others anyways? I don't see them."

"They're on their way back to your place, Sola." Axel revealed.

"...Excuse me?"

"Carter figured if we're gonna take on Zodanga, we'll need some extra help." Said Ashley.

"But my tribe's Jeddak despises all of you." Sola's eyes shone in concern.

"They knew that's a chance they had to take." Axel said with a shrug. "Besides, we also got some serious business to discuss."

Before they were able to, Mors Kajak spoke up.

"Excuse me." the Jeddak of Helium's voice boomed aloud. "But who are you two?"

Dejah smiled and shook her head at her new friends' antics and disregard for their current situation.

"Father, these are another two of my new friends who had helped protect me while I was away from Helium." Dejah said with a kind smile. "Axel and Ashley Williams."

Mors expression shifted slightly into one of bemusement now.

"You've made quite the group of friends, my dear." Mors admitted, now feeling a bit overwhelmed by the growing cast of characters he was meeting.

"And there's still five of us left." Axel said cheekily. "So you must be Dejah's father, right?"

"I am." Mors nodded, placing a hand over his chest. "Mors Kajak. And I would like to take the time to thank both you and Ashley Williams in keeping my daughter safe. Words cannot describe my gratitude that you had all helped in saving my only child."

"Don't worry about it." Ash said bashfully.

"What was this mention of a Carter going to the Tharks?" Katos abruptly spoke up.

"A wild idea." Axel said offhandedly. "He just wants to make sure we're ready for whatever Zodanga has planned."

"So he went to the Tharks?" Katos inquired with an interested and an amused gleam in his eyes. "This man must be quite daring. But then again, it appears to be a common trait amongst this group you've brought back with you, Princess."

Dejah laughed aloud. "And I thought my father believed me to be restless."

"I would very much like to meet the rest of these individuals you have befriended, Dejah." Katos said, momentarily locking eyes with Axel and Garrus.

"You just might get the chance, given the trended route we often take." The Turian remarked.

"And what might that be? Some unusual misadventure?" Katos leaned forward with interest.

"We've had our fair share." Axel crossed his arms and shot the Heliumite a cocky smirk.

"I would very much like to hear of these tales while I speak of mine."

"Can't wait."

Breaking their gaze away from Katos Kan, Garrus and Axel shared a nod with each other.

"Feeling a strong member of the bro-code with this one." Axel said in a low voice to the Turian.

"I sense it as well." Vakarian said in agreement.

"The hell are you two talking about?" asked a very confused Williams.

"You wouldn't understand, Operations Chief." Garrus said, tone jokingly militaristic.

"God you two can be so stupid sometimes." Ashley said with a roll of her eyes.

Axel then cleared his throat aloud, gaining most everyone's attention.

"But~ before we continue on with the pleasantries, Jeddak Mors." Axel said respectfully. "I actually need to talk with the rest of the team about something very serious."

The Normandy crew blinked, seeing the instant shift in the redheads' demeanor.

It was deadly serious, almost gravely so.

Whatever it was Axel wanted to talk to them about must hold great importance that he would speak to the literal King of Helium like this.

Shepard contemplated internally before nodding, wanting a proper debrief with Ash and Axel.

"Jeddak Mors."

The Leader of Helium held up his hand in an understanding manner.

"It's quite alright. This seems to be important and these are your comrades in arms." Mors stated. "I don't exactly have the authority of withholding you of your duties."

Shooting him a grateful nod, Jane stood from her seat with the rest of the seated Normandy crew following after her.

The Princess had also stood up and nodded at her father and her new friends.

"If you need me, I'll be by the archives." Said Dejah as she departed soon after.

"No doubt she'll need help with the photos we took." Tali mentioned.

Shepard placed a hand upon the Quarians shoulder. "You and Liara can assist her later. But for now… Axel, what do you have for us?"

No. VIII gestured his head over to a more secluded corner in the banquet hall and the Normandy team gathered around the Fiery Nobody as he brought up his Omni-Tool.

"Alright, so to put things into some context here." Axel began. "I've been practicing a little trick an old Organization member had about detecting people and their "scents". Long story short, been working on it for a while and I used it to find John with one of these Therns that Dejah mentioned. He spoke with John about what it is they actually do and are supposed to be."

Not waiting for a response, Axel played the recording he had recently captured having been able to keep his own presence hidden as Matai Shang conversed with Carter about what it is they do.

At first, the group's expressions were focused and attentive on listening to every word exchanged between Carter and Shang.

Eventually however, when Matai Shang began speaking on how the Therns "guide" civilizations and planets towards their intended destinies…

Well… let's just say the sharp inhale of the Spectre coupled with the uncomfortable movements and paling faces of the others were more than enough of a visual for Axel that they got the message.

"Doesn't this sound a bit familiar?" Axel asked in a dark tone, locking eyes with Shepard.

Garrus and Tali were deeply disturbed by this with Ashley and Liara looking nervous.

"This…"

"He sounded a lot like Sovereign back on Virmire." Shepard grimly stated. "A little too similar."

"I don't really remember this from the old stories." Ash muttered, rubbing her chin in thought. "I know I haven't read it in years but…"

"So we're dealing with Martian Reapers, huh?" Garrus said, tone low.

"Basically." Axel confirmed, shutting off his Omni-Tool. "The way that guy talked was way too familiar. Seriously, might as well have been Sovereign himself."

"But why do this?" Liara asked in concern. "What purpose does this serve them?"

"If I were to hazard a guess, it may have to do with their immortality." Shepard remarked. "He mentioned they feed off the destruction of planets, right?"

"Well not exactly like that, but the basic gist of it, yeah." Axel commented, nodding along with what the Commander said.

"Can they be killed?" Tali asked nervously.

"Carter seemed ready to do so." Axel remarked. "Then again, maybe should have asked him. He looked like he kinda knew them already."

"And how do you figure that?" Garrus asked.

"Well Gary, you see, unlike you who needs to see things way from afar," Axel said cheekily. "I have the eyes of an eagle up close and have a great judge of character."

"Hardy har." Garrus clapped sarcastically. "What'd ya think of that five minutes ago?"

"Alright, we've gotten our daily double dose of stupid for the day." Jane dryly said, making the rest chuckle. "We need to have the rest meet up with us and show them what you recorded, Axel."

"Way ahead of ya." Axel said, holding up his arm that had his Omni-tool. "Prior to Ash and I heading over here, I sent the file over to Kaidan and told him to play it for the others when they take their pit stop at the green folks place."

Jane nodded with an approving gaze.

"So what do we do now then?" Liara asked.

"We take a moment to breathe." Shepard said. "We've been running all over a planet for the past few days. Take some time to get some R&R and plan out our next move and find a way home. Got a gut feeling either we find it or it finds us."

Complying with the request, the group disbursed to their own respective destinations in mind.

Unbeknownst to the Normandy team, a man from the Heliumite guard viewed the conversation take place at a respectable distance.

Wanting to investigate properly, he followed a small number of them and would take it from there.

Making their way into the archives, Tali and Liara searched for the princess as she had been speaking about a device that supposedly can harness the Ninth Ray.

They eventually found her, pulling off books from a peculiar pile at the desk she was seated by. She was quickly turning the pages, trying to find what she could remember from the top of her head.

This action was soon halted when the princess heard someone approaching, prompting her to look up to see two of her companions these past few days.

"Liara. Tali." Dejah said with a pleasant smile. "I was wondering when you two would come."

"We did promise to help you with translating what was back at the River Iss temple." Spoke the Quarian.

"Not to mention you've been wishing to show your work for some time, Dejah." Liara said, matching the Princess' friendly smile. "It would be rude not to see it."

"Yeah, you were a lot like Liara whenever she gets on about Protheans with us." Tali slyly said, making Dr. T'soni sputter abashedly.

Dejah chuckled at the Asari's response to Tali's comment, gazing over some distance away where the device that she had been working on for so long resided.

"So is this it?" Tali asked, going over to stand on one side of the device with Liara occupying another.

The initial device in question resembled something akin to a telescope projector in terms of modeling. It was roughly as tall as they were. Connected to it was a roller, letting it encircle around and freely having the initial device turn on varying angles. But it was primarily aimed down towards a circular metal object. And connecting from the top was a cable leading up to a generator.

Dejah released a sigh as she sadly looked upon it. "Yes, my life's work." Rising from the desk, she walked over and brushed her hand upon its surface. "Spent years studying and constructing this, all in order to prove the Ninth Ray is real. And I was so close too."

"You said it was because of a malfunction, right?"

"I did. It worked the first few times on the initial testing before I could give the chance to present it to both my father and the council. Just when everything seemed perfect, it just started to experience issues." Dejah then coughed up a bitter chuckle from her lips. "And it occurred on the same day when the reports came in of Sab Than's actions, making things worse for the council to not see any more of my demonstration. If only I had a bit more time…"

"Not everything can go as planned, Dejah. There will always be unforeseen variables."

"Which I know quite clearly, Tali. I've done all of my inspections prior to the presentation so everything could be safe." The Heliumite grasped onto the device, pushing it so it may roll around and go through a full rotation. "And yet…"

The two aliens shared their sympathy with the princess as they silently asked to take a closer look of the device.

Taking a closer inspection, they saw the issue of the problem. Being scientists in their own right, on top of knowing their way around machinery, they saw the telltale signs of wires being harshly burnt. It's a common occurrence with there being a malfunction.

Yet something didn't seem right when they were doing their initial scans.

As this occurred, the Heliumite guard trailed after the Spectre who was with that unusual plated alien and brown haired female.

Earlier, that strange man in the black coat and red hair had separated from this group and mentioned something about him wishing to eat.

Much as the guard wished to follow after the red head, he figured it would be smarter that he mainly kept his sights focused on the group of three before him. More in numbers will lead to a likely chance they may spill something that Matai Shang had been unable to discover back on Zodanga.

This guard shifted into that of a serving girl a moment later after a half dozen marching guards passed him by.

She watched as the trio of aliens to Barsoom rounded about a corner and momentarily disappeared from sight. Clenching her teeth, the young serving girl increased her pace across the hallway and eventually reached the corner where she lost them.

Moving about to face the next hallway, the servant girl froze, noticing that there was no one in the corridor.

She looked around desperately when her face scrunched up into anger and frustration.

They were trying to pull a fast one on her.

Well, let's see how long they could…

"Hey, you seem upset." Said a casual voice by her side. "Let me help take some pressure off you."

The servant girl had no time to react as she was forcefully grabbed by one hand and another shot out to grab something around her neck.

"I'll be taking this."

The girl barely had enough time to make any visible reaction as her necklace was torn off from her neck and in an instant, reverted into a middle aged man whose skin was pale white, bald and wore silverish-grey robes.

The now revealed Thern could only gasp in fear as he was pulled into a nearby room. Within said room were Commander Shepard, Ashley, Garrus and Axel who had conjured up a Chakram in one hand and held it up to the Therns head with two of its sharp edges digging into the neck of No. VIII's prisoner.

"Try anything and you turn to ash before you can even blink." Axel goaded in a dark taunting tone.

The Thern could only gulp in fear, feeling heat begin to radiate off of the Nobody with tiny wisps emanating off his weapon.

Shepard gazed upon the captured Thern with an intense gaze as she stood before it.

Taking a look at the pilfered medallion, Axel voiced his thoughts. "That looks like the one Carter spoke of back in the Thark settlement. The one which brought him here."

"So those are indeed from the Therns." Ash hummed aloud, glaring at the trembling Thern.

"Now then… with you not having access to your toy, let's have a nice chat." Shepard's Biotics flared for added effect.

The Thern could only gulp nervously as the five aliens to Barsoom surrounded him with either their abilities showing or weapons pointed straight at him.

"I-I-I… I'll never talk."

"Oh good, the hard way then." Garrus piped in. "I admit my interrogation skills in that matter are a tad rusty, but I might get something out of him."

"And I'll be glad to assist." Axel added in.

The grins from both the Turian and Nobody didn't settle the Thern's nerves at all.

-Scene Cut-

This day was just turning into one filled with surprises.

Some of them were good, getting home and reuniting with her father and seeing a few of her friends come back safe and sound.

The other surprise however…

It left a lot to be desired if the Princess of Helium were to put it mildly.

Before her and her father stood the wretched and vile enemy of her people, Prince Sab Than.

And he had come with a rather small guard and entourage overall.

It was as a means of wanting to negotiate the terms of peace between their people.

It worked fine, for starters.

Yet the initial means was left to be undesired from the Heliumites.

"Marriage?" Mors hissed in furious disgust at the Zodangan Prince. "You wish to marry my daughter after the countless bodies you have made at your feet."

"I know this is quite a shock-"

"SHOCK?!" Katos barked out, enraged at just the sight of the Prince. "That would be putting it mildly, butcher."

"Come now." Sab spoke in an unusually calm voice. "I did not come here seeking violence. Frankly, I've grown rather weary of it."

The Jeddak of Helium and Captain of the Guard scoffed derisively at such a comment, clearly showing they didn't believe a word this man just uttered.

"I speak the truth." Sab now had a more hardened edge to his tone. "In case you haven't noticed, my people too have suffered from this war just as much as yours have."

"The fault falls solely onto you, Sab Than." Mors snarled. "It was a war your family started in their blind lust for conquest and power. Look at what has become of Barsoom. A ravaged wasteland due in no small part to your present efforts."

"Do you not know of my own regrets?" Sab asked rhetorically. "I've lost a great deal of my own friends and allies in my ambition."

"That was your choice, and your choice alone." Katos retorted. "Dejah Thoris doesn't need to suffer under your boot as most of Barsoom has."

As the argument between both parties began to slowly escalate with the guards and generals of Sab Than getting involved, Dejah stood by her father's side silently.

She gazed upon the bickering two, sensing the growing tension between them both and she knew it would only lead to something much worse in a matter of minutes.

She had to do something here and now.

Briefly, her mind flashed over to the past few days that she has experienced on Barsoom. The friends she had made in such a short amount of time that had filled her with a burning hope she hadn't felt in years.

She momentarily recalled a conversation she had with Shepard about the duty and responsibility one carries when one has power that would affect the lives of those they lead. How it was a burden not many are able to shoulder and how fewer still understand the risks and sacrifices that come with being a leader.

Though she was only a Princess, a great many Heliumite citizens already view her as the future Jeddak of Helium.

Her father had always told her that being a Jeddak meant she had to lead by example.

And that sometimes meant sacrificing your own happiness for the greater good of others.

"I accept."

Those words silenced the hall and everyone in it.

In an instant, many necks snapped towards her general direction. They were so fast; some might have mistaken the act as whiplash.

"D-Dejah." Mors choked out, face paling considerably.

Dejah stepped forward to stand in between both parties, making sure everyone's attention was on her.

"Enough good people died because of this feud. And I for one am utterly tired of it. If this means peace between our people, then I will unfortunately take it."

"Dejah, you can't." Katos said, almost desperately.

"I sadly must, Katos." Dejah said resignedly.

Sab Than, above all else, appeared just as shocked as the rest of the assemblage was.

Moments later, a victorious grin appeared with the Prince kneeling down to her.

"You honor me, Princess Dejah Thoris of Helium." Sab said, sounding almost sincere. "I shall do everything in my power to make you a happy woman and bring our people together through peace."

"And you best honor me as well, Prince Sab Than of Zodanga." Dejah said coolly yet remaining courteous at the very least.

"We will wed tonight when the moons are full and present to help bless the occasion." Sab stated, rising to his feet. "When that time comes, peace will reign across Barsoom at long last."

The meeting was soon drawn to a close, letting everyone disburse so they may prepare for tonight's upcoming events.

Exiting the chamber, Dejah was soon confronted by several members of the Normandy team who listened in to the meeting in question.

"Tali? Shepard? Ashley?" Dejah looked at the trio in slight surprise.

"You really don't plan on marrying him, do you?" Shepard asked straight away, making the Princess jerk back.

She glanced back at the large group of Heliumites that were nearby, speaking in hushed tones about what had transpired just now. They didn't exactly do a good job at hiding their nervousness.

"Not exactly." Dejah admitted sheepishly.

Ashley snorted at that.

"In a way, I don't exactly see you as a princess who refuses because of misinterpreting a trope."

"Trope?" Dejah tilted her head at that strange comment.

Shepard rolled her eyes at her Operations Chief. "Ignore her. What you're doing does take a lot of guts in doing."

"Are you sure about this, Dejah?" Tali inquired nervously. "That guy has been trying to take over your people for years."

"And I know he intends to keep doing so until he succeeds." Dejah remarked. "I just have to go about this smartly. And if not… I will do what I must for Helium. My people's survival and safety matter a greater deal then my own selfish wants."

The trio not native to Barsoom gave varying nods in response.

"At least we'll be there for attendance, just to be sure there would be no funny business."

"You don't have to-"

"This is essentially an arranged marriage. We're doing you a favor." Ash cut her off with an expectant look.

"And if I were to guess, the others will be of similar agreement in wanting to attend." Jane remarked. "No way in hell they're gonna sit this out."

"But that would be viewed as a form of aggre- Oh why would I even bother in saying that?" Dejah rhetorically asked herself. "Just… thank you. I didn't think I would find such kindness from strangers I had met not long ago but you all being here and helping me these past few days is something I can never repay."

"Don't mention it." Shepard waved her off. "You guys gave us a place to stay till we can find our way back home. Least we can do is watch your six."

"My six?"

"We'll watch your back." Williams clarified in amusement.

"Now we just need to wait for Carter and the others to come back." Tali remarked.

"But what if they come back with an army of Tharks at their backs?" Dejah inquired nervously.

"We're just gonna have to be ready for this." Shepard stated in finality.

-Scene cut-

Roxas glided over the ground of Barsoom, glancing over to the others that he had been travelling with.

Wrex got the hang of his Flier as did Carter, so they were flying a lot smoother when they had initially started out.

On his glider was Xion with her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

It wasn't really much of an issue for Roxas really.

Until she got a bit more comfortable with him and leaned her head against his shoulder.

At first, he just asked if anything was wrong but she just told him that she found flying like this rather soothing.

He shrugged it off at first but as they kept on flying, he himself began to feel a bit… weird.

The more time went on, the more he found Xion pressing closer and closer up against him until there was literally no space between them.

He could still move around and keep his glider flying without any problems but proximity was still something Roxas hadn't fully adjusted to.

With Tali, he always felt like he was about to explode from the ways she's hugged and pressed up against him and… well, that kiss on the cheek was still something that reddened his face on any day of the week.

He was glad his face was unseen by the others as he was soon blushing at the segment of memories.

As this went on, a conversation took place with the rest.

"-need to make sure we deal with that half tusk asshole once we get there." Wrex stated.

"Tal is perhaps the only thing standing in our way from getting that army of yours Carter." Said Kaidan.

"I know." Carter groused out.

"Will it even work?" Xion asked. "Don't you have to be… I dunno, one of them to have you lead them?"

"He's got a title with them." Wrex reminded them. "Dodo something."

"Dotar Sojat." John said, more to himself than the others. "That's the name that was given to me."

"Sounds like something a Krogan would give to an outsider that he would do in welcoming them to their clan." Wrex remarked. "If these Tharks are anything like the Krogan, they'll accept John's challenge."

"You sure about that, Wrex?" Kaidan asked.

Wrex huffed. "If I know anything about this tribal shit, this is how it works."

"I'll take your word for it." John muttered under his breath.

Eventually, whilst they were on the right path towards the Tharks, the sun began to set on Barsoom with the group of fliers settling down near a small crater that had fresh water in it.

"How much further do we gotta go?" Wrex asked, the group sitting around a makeshift fire.

"Not much longer, I figure." Kaidan said. "Though I didn't realize we got so damn far from the Tharks to begin with."

The group fell into silence momentarily, the five of them simply watching the flicker flames letting out a few snaps and hisses.

"So what do you guys make of all this?" Kaidan asked after a few seconds.

"Feels like we're reaching the end of our time here." Xion admitted openly.

"Really now?" Wrex remarked. "What makes you say that?"

Xion shrugged. "Well, we're rushing in to save Helium from Zodanga right? From all the stories I've read and memories I've gotten from Sora, feels like we're about to reach the climax of the action."

Kaidan couldn't help but snort aloud at that. "I forget how weird you and Roxas are sometimes, Xion."

Xion became a bit flustered but still chuckled at the comment, not finding any reason to argue against it.

As the four Normandy members made idle chatter amongst themselves, their fifth companion remained silent. He sat on his flier he commandeered, staring intently at the fire for what seemed like ages until he slowly turned his gaze towards his left hand.

He had subconsciously shifted it forward and in doing so, a bit of the light from the fire reflected itself off of his wedding ring.

Looking upon his ring, he reached out with his other hand and gently grazed the tips of his fingers over it with his heart lurching.

Closing his eyes, he exhaled shakily and hung his head low.

"Carter? Everything alright?"

The former Confederate looked over to see Roxas gazing at him and in turn, with the boy's question, the others were looking at him as well now.

"It's nothing."

"Really now?" Alenko said. "Cause it sure doesn't seem like nothing."

"Just leave it-"

"Nope." Wrex flatly states. "Talk, you walking twig."

John flinched slightly, rubbing his arms. "I'm not that thin."

"You kidding me?" Wrex guffawed. "Rucksack has more muscle than you. And you're being a stubborn pyjak."

"A what?"

"Just talk to us, John." Xion encouraged. "What's the matter? You've been quiet this whole time."

He didn't respond at first, scoffing at all this as he gazed back at the fire now.

"Nothing. I just have a lot on my mind." John said dismissively.

"Does it have to do with those wedding rings ya got on there?" Questioned Kaidan.

Carter's expression became something fierce. "That is none of your concern."

Kaidan however shook his head. "John, I hope you know that I've seen many people like you in my time in the Alliance. Losing someone you love and care for-"

"And how do you know I've lost someone, huh?" Carter heatedly defended himself.

"Did you not hear me say that I've seen this before?" Kaidan rhetorically asked. "Signs are there, Captain. Plain for all to see."

"Well it's none of your goddamn business." Carter snapped.

"It is if it's gonna fuck with our chances of success." Wrex's voice came out in a bored fashion. "So either you tell us what's up your ass or we force it out of you."

"Wrex… ew." Xion said, becoming a bit green. The Krogan only chortled in response.

Carter rolled his eyes at the Battlemaster.

"John." Roxas softly called out to him. "It's better if you just talk about it."

"What makes you think I want to talk about any of this." John said tiredly.

"You were willing to fight to the death about it just to let Dejah get to safety." Kaidan pointed out.

"I was doing it for everyone."

"We can take care of ourselves if you haven't noticed." Roxas said.

"You're just not wanting to admit whatever is going on with you, thinking it may make a difference. It will or it won't, but there will be no results unless you actually fess up and actually talk about it."

John saw that they weren't really budging on this matter.

And really, it's starting to piss him off now.

"Look, we get it. This isn't something that's so easy to talk about." Kaidan began. "But we've all had that at one point. I've learned that it's better to just talk about it or find a way to get it out of your system. Should that be of some comfort to you if you actually wish it-"

"What makes you think that talking about it would bring me comfort?" John's entire defensive mood now shifted.

What they saw now was a tired, weary and battle hardened man who has suffered enough doesn't want to deal with something like that anymore.

"It's not going to bring them back if I do. They're gone. Dead and buried in the Earth that I left behind."

"We've all had people we've lost, Carter." Kaidan said sympathetically. "We just wanna help."

Memories flashed of happier times.

How he met his wife in the first place, how they fell in love, when they got married and when he met his daughter once she came into the world.

They then transitioned to when he was drafted into the war where he began interacting and getting to know his brothers in arms. How he laughed and sang with them, proclaiming what they'll do once they win the war.

Each and every one of them, once blissful, became painful to reflect.

"...I'm.. I'm sorry." Said the Virginian man. "I'm… I'm just so tired." He inhaled sharply as he tried to rid himself of the stinging in his eyes. "It's just like this wave washing over me, again and again. It knocks me down, and when I try to stand up it just comes for me again. And I… just feel like drowning with no way towards the surface."

"You're not the only one who felt that way. You become closed up and build these walls, not wanting to accept the reality by escaping in some shape or form."

"How would you know?"

"Because I've seen it before." Alenko stressed out. "This isn't a new phenomenon, Carter. You're not the first and you will not be the last. This is just something that's unfortunately unavoidable for a lot of people in the universe."

"So just this nonstop feeling of loss and misery?" John blandly asked, not really expecting an answer.

"But it can't all be sorrow, can it?" Questioned Xion, staring off to an unknown space. "For as long as I can remember, I honestly don't know how it is to be alone as I've had someone there with me. But… for a while now, I've often been afraid to lose the ones I've grown to care about. I'd never get to see them again."

Silence reigned in the space for a little bit as Kaidan soon spoke. "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality."

Realizing it was a quote, John couldn't help but ask. "Who is that from?"

"Emily Dickinson," said the Alliance marine. "It basically means the love you have for those that are gone never truly leaves you."

Some of the others of the Normandy team looked at him, wondering where that came from.

Seeing their looks, Kaidan gave out a response. "Hey, blame Ashley. Most of the stuff she quotes is great, making me wanna try to prepare and do a quote off with her."

"You must be really that bored on the ship in wanting to do that." Chortled Wrex.

"Oh like you're any better-"

Carter laughed at them, a few stray tears appearing out of the corners of his eyes.

Sure he lost them, but they might as well be a part of him through his memories. The grief he has could be channeled and built upon as that can never be taken away from him.

John never was able to confront his grief before, but now… now he might have a chance of actually moving on.

How exactly might be the question.

There was no doubt in his mind that Dejah might've learned how to operate the medallion to travel back to Earth at this point with what they found at the River Iss temple.

But if they were to reunite, would he actually return to Earth? A place where the source of his grief resides?

If that were the case… would he stay here on Mars?

Once rested once more, the group set off once more towards their intended destination.

Soon enough, they saw signs of the settlement on the horizon. They were almost close to the Tharks, making a number of the party steady themselves.

"Alright guys, you know the plan. Be sure to be ready for Tal's men to attack us." John stated.

"We know. You don't have to remind us." Wrex muttered in anticipation.

"And don't try to kill too many of them, Wrex." Xion said with a pout.

"Where's the fun in that?" Wrex asked sarcastically.

When they came in close to the vicinity, they expected for a firefight to occur from the Tharks. Yet to their surprise, there was no one firing upon them.

When they made their landing at a reasonable distance, they saw a dozen Tharks rushing towards them.

The team hopped off their fliers and whipped out their weapons, ready to take them out in case of anything.

Yet it seemed to be a wasted effort.

"We will take you to our Jeddak, Dotar Sojat." One of the Tharks stated, nodding his head in the direction of the village.

There seemed to be no hostility at all, making the team question what was going on.

But that didn't mean they weren't lowering their guard.

After a few minutes of walking towards the village center, they were soon greeted with an odd, welcoming sight.

"Virginia!" Proclaimed Tars Tarkus in a boisterous and welcoming tone as he walked right towards the newly arrived group. "I am glad to see you and your friends are alive and well."

"Tars?" John said, pleasantly surprised at the sight of the Thark that had "welcomed" him to Barsoom.

"Dotar Sojat." Tar said, all four arms spread out in a welcoming fashion. "You have returned at a great time for the Tharks."

"Uh-huh." Carter nodded dumbly at this, looking around to find no opposition or hostility from the Tharks around them.

What the hell was going on?

"Ah yes, the great jumpers of Barsoom." Tar said excitedly, raising his two right fists in greeting. "Welcome back."

"Yeah, glad for the welcome party." Kaidan murmured.

Wrex grunted aloud. "Don't mind me asking, but where the hell is Tal Hajis?"

"Yeah… where is broken tusk guy?" Xion asked.

"Not to mention why the guards aren't trying to apprehend us." Roxas added.

Tars' present grin widened. "Oh, that? Well, Tal will no longer be an issue for you all."

"Meaning… what exactly?" John asked hesitantly.

"I challenged for his title of Jeddak and killed him, of course." Tarkus stated with pride.

The answer got mixed reviews from the assembled party. Either concerned or confused.

The one given by the Krogan, however, seemed to break the tension with his boisterous laugh.

"So ya finally went and killed that dumb bastard?" Wrex asked approvingly. "It's about damn time."

"When did this happen?" John inquired.

"Not long ago, actually." Tars proclaimed.

"Any reason why?"

"A whole number of reasons." The Thark Jeddak then looked around the assembled group. "Virginia." Tars' tone dropped. "Sola, is she-"

"Your daughter is safe." John answered straight away making Tars blink in surprise.

Murmurs filled the air from the surrounding Tharks.

"How did-"

"I was a father once too, Tars." John spoke in a tired voice. "I know what it's like to worry about family."

Tars found himself smiling at the Virginian in an appreciative manner.

"That and she told us ourselves when she sought to mend your honor by riding through the River Iss." Roxas brought up.

"Then where is she?" Tars stressed out.

"At Helium."

The new Jeddak let out a sigh of relief. "Then she is indeed safe."

"I wouldn't be so sure." Said Carter.

"What do you mean by that?" Tars asked with a now worried look.

"There is something which happened when we were captured in Zodanga." John stated. "Something that I recently found out about the Zodangans and those that call themselves Therns."

Upon hearing the last bit of proclamation, Tars expressed the mood from the surrounding Tharks he now led.

"You have quite the gall in saying such things, Dotar Sojat."

"But it's the truth."

Narrowing his eyes, Kaidan looked towards his deactivated Omni-tool. Pulling it up, he looked towards the audio file Axel sent him before they went their separate ways.

"Good as time as any."

Activating the file, he let it play out for all to hear.

At the start, John and Tars were surprised to hear the one voice from Kaidan's device, more so with the Earther when he also heard Matai Shang's soon after.

"What the hell is this, Kaidan?" Asked Wrex.

"Axel sent this to me before we went off. Didn't know it was really important earlier, but now…"

Whatever Kaidan tried to speak of next was silenced as he and everyone else listened onto the audio file. More intently on a number of details.

By the end of it, many people were quite shaken on the details.

With the present Normandy members, it was a harsh reminder of a foe they had faced not too long ago. A threat that is hovering in their home and everyone residing there.

Even if the Therns were different from the Reapers, their apparent methods weren't all that different.

"Sola… she's in danger." Tars said in a terrified manner.

"Along with everyone else on Barsoom." Kaidan added.

"So what're we gonna do then?" Roxas asked. "Shepard and the others are at Helium right now aren't they? They can hold them back but with the Heartless now involved…"

"We need to move fast then." Xion declared, garnering nods from the others.

"Yes… yes we do." Tars stated, moving to the center of the village where many of the Tharks were present.

"My people! Listen to me!"

Once seeing he got the majority of the populous' attention, the Jeddak spoke aloud.

"We the Tharks have long been the children of this land." Tars began passionately. "We have endured and survived these harsh lands for countless generations, did we not?"

Smatterings and murmurs of agreement came out from the assembled tribe.

"But we have long been aware of the war between the Zodangans and Heliumites." Tars stated. "We have seen how the war has decimated the fields of Barsoom, thanks in no small part to the Zodangans and their lust for bloodshed and death. How our plains have become more barrens as the war dragged on."

The small mutters began to grow into disgruntled and growling agreements.

"We have always made bets and japed whenever we saw those redskins wage war upon one another. But now, Dotar Sojat brings me information that will inevitably bring the war that Zodanga has waged against Helium to us."

Now, the Tharks were loudly and openly protesting with shouts of anger and refusal to bow to the Zodangans.

"The Jeddak of Zodanga means to crush Helium, probably very soon. And if Helium falls, so does Barsoom. We must throw off the yoke of old hatreds. Tharks did not cause this. But, by Issus, Tharks will end it!" Tar Tarkus exclaimed, thumping his chest with his arms. "For too long, we have wallowed away in the shadows, in our caves and huts. It is time the Tharks seized their own destiny and show that we are just as much a part of Barsoom as the Heliumites and Zodangans."

The Tharks began chanting and cheering in agreement.

"Dotar Sojat has made me well aware of the ambitions that the Zodangans Calots have planned for all of Barsoom. Virginia's words hold truth to them. The Zodangans will not stop at Helium. Either all of Barsoom falls under their boots alive or we fall under them dead."

The tribe was now becoming more heated and riled up as Tars pressed on.

"These Zodangans have encroached upon our lands. Killed mercilessly and indiscriminately. And as I have learned just now, that disgusting Prince Sab Than has been selected by false gods and idols to bring Barsoom to its knees." Tars yelled impassioned now. "WILL WE LET THAT HAPPEN?!"

"NO!" Was the collective bellow of the Tharks who threw their fists, guns, swords and spears into the air.

War cries and chants filled the air as Tars looked to John and the others with a wide grin.

"We ride for Zodanga!"

-Scene Cut-

"So… how do I look?" Dejah Thoris asked, gesturing down to her wedding garb.

Before her were the Normandy crew plus an intrigued Sola.

"Well now, you look…"

"Like one of those Asari pole dancers on the Citadel." Was Axel's response, earning two elbows from Shepard and Tali.

"Is that a compliment?" Asked the princess, not knowing such things.

"No." Garrus said with an amused look directed at Axel.

"Then again, you guys didn't really wear much to begin with." Axel said with a shrug.

"Least they didn't make her wear… that." Ashley said in agreement.

"So it's hideous, I take it."

"No, no." Shepard quickly waved off. "Just something… you know what, we're not the best people to talk to about fashion."

There were quick nods and mutters of agreement from the others.

"Is it not traditional to wear something like this like we saw on Helium?" Sola inquired.

"That's if they're hunting." Garrus said. "Dejah's been "taken", so this is different."

The team snorted in amusement with Dejah looking at herself in the mirror.

"How is it that I feel more like a whore in this garb then what I have seen the youth wear in Helium?" Dejah rhetorically asked herself.

Axel crossed his arms and turned to the ladies.

"Do you guys wanna answer this? Cause if I say anything, I definitely know I'm gonna get killed by you girls."

"At least you have some semblance of tact, Axel." Was Liara's desert-like response.

"Why should we answer?" Tali coyly asked. "I believe this is an opinion that is better suited for Axel and Garrus."

Garrus merely held up his hands in surrender, not wanting to touch the subject with a 20 ft. pole.

"Roxas would think you'd look pretty in that." Axel shot back at Tali, grinning triumphantly at the steam coming out from her hood which fogged up her mask.

"A-Ax-AXEL!" Tali squeaked.

Shepard couldn't help but laugh at the reaction which only caused further mist to exude out from beneath Tali's hood as the Quarian crouched down to the ground, hands over her helmet.

"I think it's better if we don't answer that." Jane said with a small grin. "You're only gonna wear this once anyway, Dejah."

"If all goes according to plan." Dejah muttered.

"Plan? What plan? We have a plan?" Axel asked in surprise, getting an elbow from Jane.

"Yes we do… do we?" Shepard turned to Dejah who found herself gaping a bit.

"Um…"

Axel snorted again, shaking his head with Garrus sighing aloud.

"Just asking this now, but is this wedding taking place here at Helium or at Zodanga?" the Turian asked.

"Zodanga." Dejah revealed.

"Zodanga?" Ashley and Tali, who had recovered from her embarrassment, said in unison.

"When I tried looking throughout their mobile city, I honestly could not find anything remotely resembling a wedding chapel." Axel commented. "Either they're making something on the fly for the occasion or-"

"That's not a trap waiting to happen at all." Shepard stated with a deadpan.

"That is a trap." Sola added. "Why would you walk into something like that, Princess?"

"It is more than likely to happen." Dejah remarked.

"So why go there at all?" Tali asked in bewilderment.

"They were in the terms of the marriage." The Princess of Mars said with a sigh.

"And not here at Helium because…"

"Sab stated that he had risked his own life with less than a fraction of his guard to come and offer marriage and peace." Dejah rolled her eyes at that. "And he wishes that in accordance that we end hostilities, let it be in the place that started it all."

"That's fucking stupid!" Was the collective response of Jane, Ash, Axel and Garrus.

"Why would anyone agree to that?" Tali asked in astonishment.

"This seems extremely foolhardy of a place to conduct a wedding." Liara stated in concern. "Dejah, will you not be in direct danger?"

"As opposed to the danger I've placed myself in on multiple occasions these past few days?" Dejah asked sarcastically. "Or being involved in a war?"

"Ok, look, trust us, we see your point." Jane said, holding up a hand that conveyed slight agreement. "But that still feels like a gamble and huge risk to play on."

"They've got their entire army all situated around you and the Heartless with them now." Axel added. "And I'm sure even with the Nobodies Roxas and I got under our thumbs, that won't be enough of a tipping point."

"I could perhaps understand the whole thing if the wedding ceremony was being done at a neutral location. Like some other temple where y'all worship at or something. But this… I just can't see this going any other way aside from things going sideways." Liara said.

"It's more than likely going to happen." Tali quipped.

"Then I have faith that all of you will be there when things do go wrong." Dejah said with a smile.

"What, just us?" Ashley asked sarcastically.

"You know I mean all of you." Dejah emphasized.

"Think Carter will be able to convince a tribe of Martians that hate you and Zodanga?" Shepard inquired.

"Couldn't they just strong arm them into joining?" Liara asked the group. "They do have Wrex with them."

"John is called Dotar Sojat." Sola pointed out. "A title he had been given to him by the Jeddak of the Tharks. That gives him the right to challenge."

"And he's got Roxas, Xion, Kaidan and Wrex with him." Axel remarked.

"So~?"

"Let's just go with it." Shepard sighed. "Sometimes, it's better to just wing it then always having a plan."

Axel chortled, clapping the Spectre on the back. "Sounds like my kind of plan."

"Don't you plan out extensive types of ways to mess with people?" Garrus asked, not expecting an answer.

Soon enough, the Helium airships were boarded and took off into the air as it made its way towards Zodanga.

By the time the retinue made it towards their destination, it was nighttime with the twin moons shining brightly overhead. The airships landed on the top platforms as the Heliumite guests were unloaded and made their way towards the ceremony chamber for the upcoming event.

Once everything was ready, Dejah and her father walked down the ramp with Katos Kan following in the rear alongside the handmaidens, a hand selected number of the royal guard, Sola and the present members of the Normandy team.

"I know that this is not the fate you have truly chosen for yourself, or for Helium, but choice is a luxury even for a Jeddak of Barsoom." Spoke her father, walking beside her as they made their way towards the ceremony chamber. "Even if, in your heart-"

"A heart is a luxury."

Dejah's interruption made Helium's Jeddak frown a little more as the pair eventually drew closer to Sab Than.

With the leader of Zodanga, he was standing patiently to soon meet up with his soon-to-be bride. All the while, Matai Shang whispered in his ear.

"Remember, she is not the prize."

"You don't need to remind me." Sab whispered back. "The prize is Barsoom."

When both bride and groom finally met in the middle, they soon walked side by side as they and their respective parties traversed towards the ceremony chamber.

It took some time for them all to arrive at their destination with baited anticipation.

A large conglomerate of people from both cities were situated on each side of the chamber. There were armed soldiers, council members, and even normal citizens who were given permission to attend the event. They all stood patiently for Sab Than and Dejah to arrive at the altar where a pool of water was being kept. And by said location stood a high priestess in ceremonial garb.

With the soon to be bride and husband finally approaching, the high priestess spoke as she raised her arms towards the sky where the two moons of Barsoom shined brightly overhead.

"Like our ancestors before us, we gather under the mingled light of Barsoom's first lovers, Cluros and Thuria."

A signal was given, having a mechanism activated to have two large pieces of glass come together in front of the dual moons. Once finished, the combined moonlight magnified, drastically lighting up the chamber as a moonbeam shot down towards the altar. As this occurred, the ground where they stood started to shift, revealing it was a mechanized platform as it started to raise higher and higher.

"As the moons are joined in celestial union, so do we unite Sab Than and Dejah Thoris, Zodanga and Helium."

Retrieving a uniquely styled goblet, the high priestess dipped the vessel into the water which had been blessed by the magnified moonlight. Once full, she retrieved the goblet back as she presented it towards the soon-to-be married couple.

"In the time of oceans, the celestial lovers rose from the sea each night to consummate their love in the sky." Said the high priestess as Sab and Dejah grasped onto each side of the ceremonial chalice. "Drink now of this holy water and be wed."

"So may it be again." Spoke Sab Than, tipping the goblet up to his lips and drank the blessed water. "I am yours forever."

"And I am yours… forever." Said Dejah as she was ready to drink the water-

*CRASH*

Everyone within the chamber whirled around to see the cause of the disturbance. Soon enough, they all saw several people riding on fliers as they whirled around in the air.

Now while many were confused as to who these interlopers were, those who were more familiar with them in any shape or form knew right away and had their own respective feelings.

With Sab Than and Matai Shang, anger and anxiety arose.

With the Normandy crew, it was of relief and joy.

And as for Dejah, she couldn't help but smile brightly.

Yet before anything could be spoken towards the interlopers, John Carter gave out a grave warning towards the Heliumites.

"It's a trap! Your lives are in danger!"

Grasping onto Sab Than's arm, Matai Shang harshly spoke to him. "Whatever you plan on doing, do it now!"

The Jeddak of Zodanga didn't need to be told twice. Letting go of the ceremonial chalice, Sab Than harshly grasped Dejah's hair as she screamed. And with his outstretched arm, a blade formed from the Thern's gift appeared for all to see.

"HELIUM FALLS!"

"DEJAH!" Mors shouted in horror.

Screams of terror followed soon after as colorful yet dark creatures with beady yellows eyes began springing up all over the place.

The civilians inside began scrambling away in fear whilst the Heliumite soldiers engaged the Zodangans.

Chaos erupted across the hall as swords clashed against one another with bodies either being slain dead or taken by the Heartless.

From the sidelines, hidden out of sight, Shepard reached behind her and pulled out her assault rifle.

"That's our cue guys." Shepard said.

With varying nods, her party sprang into action.

Woola and Stitch let out garbled roars and the two proceeded to barrel through a number of Zodangans and Heartless in their initial charge.

Leaping off their fliers, the new arrivals dropped into the respective areas of the ceremony chamber. Whereas the Normandy members landed amongst the chaos, Carter landed on the platform where Sab Than, Dejah and whoever else remained there. The Virginian rushed forward to save the Heliumite princess, but with a swipe of his mighty weapon, Sab Than caused the platform to come apart and collapse, bringing many people down below.

Rushing over to the rubble, Xion helped move a number of slabs to help find any survivors. While a few didn't make it, others did with them having broken bones from the recent descent. And the one who was the better survivor so happened to be Carter.

Casting a Curaga spell on the assembled survivors, both Carter and Xion looked upward and saw Sab Than apparently floating in the air as Dejah was still struggling to escape his grasp.

"DEJAH!" Cried out Xion and Carter.

Growing tired of the pain emanating from her scalp, Dejah pulled out a small, bladed weapon from her person and attempted to cut her hair in order to free herself. Unfortunately, that little attempt didn't work out as much as she ended up stabbing her weapon into the wrist of her captor.

With a pained yell, Sab Than released his "bride" as he saw her plumber towards the chaos down below. When this occurred, the Jeddak of Zodanga witnessed Carter leap into the air and catch Dejah before landing on the far side of the ceremony chamber.

Yet he was distracted long enough did he end up knocked to the side. Recovering mid-air, he brought his blue wire sword up to block the blow from the dark haired Nobody.

"That wasn't very nice, Sab Than!"

The Jeddak merely snarled at the girl as they soon resumed their fight from several days ago.

Back with Carter, he smiled at Dejah just as he placed her back onto her feet. As much as he wanted to embrace her, they had more important matters to attend to.

Just when he picked up a stray sword from the floor, it was then he heard her speak as she quickly pried the pilfered weapon from his grasp.

"If you'll just get behind me, sir."

Without a wasted moment, Dejah lunged forward and started attacking the incoming enemies.

Chuckling to himself, Carter punched a Zodangan soldier before ripping the sword from his grasp in order to join in on the fight.

Seeing as the ceremony chamber was being too hot for comfort, a number of the Normandy team exited the space. They knew there was more action going on outside than where they were once at. And sure enough, the outside Heliumite forces were being overwhelmed by both Zodangans and Heartless.

Roxas jumped forward into a large cluster of Heartless and shifted Oathkeeper into Pirate's Dream. The Keyblade instantly transformed into a thruster that glowed with energy and light and went in for the Finishing Leap.

Thrusting his fist forward towards the ground, a bolt of light shot out. An explosion of several light shockwaves came out, knocking many off their feet. Everyone within the radius tried to get back onto their feet to resume fighting, but it gave No. XIII the advantage he needed. Once ready, he went to town on the surrounding enemies as they were sent flying with every delivered punch.

Moments later, an added layer of madness came into the halls and city of Zodanga itself.

From above and from below, two separate armies charged straight into the city and began to run rampant upon the Zodangan forces.

The gleaming silver armor of the Heliumites.

And the hunting rifles of the Tharks.

"What the- that's the army of Helium!" Ashley pointed out, watching as the two armies of Barsoomians reign down upon the Zodangans.

"How'd they get here?" Tali asked in surprise.

"We uh… we took a detour." Roxas said offhandedly. "We got the heads up from Shepard and Axel about where you guys were headed. So we figured that having the Tharks with us can only do so much."

Williams ruffled Roxas' hair in a rough, affectionate manner.

"Nice goin' you guys." Ashley said with a beaming smile before rushing back into the middle of the fight.

Garrus found a comfortable area far enough away from the ensuing chaos and was utilizing a new feature he had been experimenting with that Mosh the Moogle had told him about. Focusing with his eye that didn't have the visor, Garrus felt a wholly new and startling sensation of being able to see the enemies he wanted to hit from afar being outlined as if he were looking through his scope.

Only they had reddish black auras coming off of them whilst his friends and allies he saw possessed whitish-yellow.

Grinning, Garrus felt a strange feeling well up through him as he pulled the trigger on his sniper rifle. In an instant, a beam shot forth that burst into hundreds of small ones and rained down upon the swarm they were fighting.

Blinking at that, Garrus briefly looked at his hand and saw it flash with light momentarily before subsiding.

A moment later… power.

That's what he could describe it as.

Literal power began to course through his very being and it came from… his Heart.

He began to feel his heart rate increase exponentially as a grin began to form upon the Turian as Yen Sid's voice echoed in his mind.

"A little Insurance, if you will. Taking them into you will unlock the latent potential for greater power you all have yet to achieve."

"About damn time." Garrus proclaimed and faced the Zodangans and Heartless rushing towards him.

As this went on, Kaidan was using his biotics to fling and hold a number of enemies. Soon enough, he was joined alongside Axel who blasted them out of the air.

"Always wanted to be a wedding crasher." Kaidan said, rolling his shoulders.

"Really?" Inquired No. VIII.

"Hey, I was a teenager once." Kaidan cheekily stated with a wry grin that was matched by the Pyrokinetic Nobody.

Hearing some gunshots littering the air, the pair looked onward and saw some Heliumites ducking behind some pillars in the upper balcony. Wanting to assist, they made their way towards their position.

Firing from their pistols, Mors and Katos were avoiding as many enemy shots as they could.

"Such a shame it ended this way." Stated Mors.

"It was such a nice wedding too." Jested Katos.

It wasn't long before the cavalry arrived, one of a familiar face while another was of a stranger.

"Sorry we're late. The crowds here are terrible." No. VIII said, casually raising up a pillar of fire as cover.

"All is forgiven, Axel, as we're fighting for our lives." Said Mors before eying the Alliance Marine. "Who's this?"

"One of my friends we told ya about."

"Nice to meet you, your majesty and… whoever you are." Kaidan said, throwing a Biotic Push that sent a Heartless flying. "Wish it was under better circumstances."

"No, no, we appreciate you all coming at such an opportune time." Katos quickly said. "We were in the midst of the utmost drab wedding."

"Didn't you just say it was nice?"

"My Jeddak, I lie because I care." Katos remarked airily.

Mors shook his head with a small laugh, peeking out of his cover to shoot at a Zodangan nearby.

During the ensuing battle, the confrontation between Xion and Sab Than bled out as Carter was brought into their bout.

Swords clashed numerous times as Sab tried to take care of both of his opponents. But he was starting to get overwhelmed, causing him to realize his disadvantage.

The duo were immeasurably stronger than him, both with their naturally enhanced strength due to the gravity of Barsoom not affecting them like it did him.

And the girl herself… well, she had a blasted Keyblade.

The same weapon he saw the younger sandy-blond haired boy possess that reflected his Ninth Ray.

As Xion swatted aside another attempt of a stab from the Zodangan prince, something caught her out of the corner of her eyes.

Looking over briefly, she saw a man garbed in silvery gray robes shapeshift into that of a Heliumite guard and entering the fray.

Seeing that she was distracted and needing to even the playing field, Sab delivered a spartan kick to Xion's midsection, sending her stumbling back. Once having enough "breathing room", the Jeddak was able to put all his attention towards Carter.

"Helium's fate is sealed, Earthman." Snarled Sab Than.

"As is yours." Carter backfired.

Xion righted herself and was about to rejoin John when several Heartless leapt at her.

"Back off!" Xion said in annoyance, throwing her Keyblade up. "Thunder!"

The Heartless were quickly destroyed but as Xion looked back over to Carter and Sab, she saw they had taken the fight up to an elevated level of the area.

She wanted to go after them but hearing cries of pain made her turn to see Heliumites being attacked by the Heartless.

Without hesitating, the Keyblade wielder rushed over to assist them and destroy the Heartless.

Cleaving and slashing through the dark enemies left and right, No. XIV was able to clear most of the space around her. Channeling power into her weapon, she slammed it down to the ground hard, causing a shockwave of energy to shoot off the impact zone. The result had several enemies fly into the air, causing her to reignite her assault.

Jane was fighting with Ashley and Wrex who was having the time of his life.

"Ah, I love these kinds of weddings." The Krogan exclaimed happily, bashing away a Zodangan followed by crushing a Heartless with his Warhammer.

"How many weddings have you even been to, Wrex?" Ash couldn't help but ask, tossing an inferno grenade into a group of enemies.

"Plenty actually." Wrex remarked, headbutting a foolish charging Zodangan. "Some ended alright. Most devolved into shootouts."

"What sort of mobster type weddings have you been going to?" Shepard inquired, ensnaring a Heartless in her Biotics with Ashley destroying it a moment later.

"Oh all kinds. The boring ones have no deaths at all." the Battlemaster said with a sigh. "So much potential lost."

"Is it sad or shocking that our Krogan friend has been to more weddings than any of us combined?" Ash asked.

"I've been alive for seven hundred years, Pyjak." Wrex deadpanned.

"Yeah, and weddings are the last place we'd ever expect to find you." Shepard said earnestly.

"I have a romantic side you know." Wrex rebuked, snatching a Zodangan by his neck and tossing him away.

"Right~" The two Alliance marines drawled out.

As the fighting wore on, with the added benefit of the Normandy team and the reinforcements of the Heliumites and Tharks, Zodanga was losing ground.

And in their own city as well.

Sab, however, remained none the wiser as he fought with all his might to defeat John Carter of Earth.

The Jasoom native was proving to be a greater and more skilled warrior than he had anticipated.

His skills with the blade and martial prowess coupled with his superhuman abilities were beginning to tire the Zodangan Prince.

Gritting his teeth, Sab added serrated edges to his transforming blade.

Clashing his with Carters again, Sab grinned as the Earthman noticed he couldn't free his sword.

With a twist of his wrist, the Ninth Ray blade snapped Carter's own in two and Sab struck John's jaw with the back of his fist.

John fell to the ground and was about to get up when he saw Sab standing over him with his blue blade pointed directly at him.

"You sniveling, disgusting, wre-"

"VIRGINIA!"

The Prince jolted and looked behind him in time to see a curved sword of the Tharks being thrown at him from one Tars Tarkus.

Seeing how close it was, Sab instinctively inclined his head out of the way giving John the chance to jump up and grab the sword.

Without missing a beat, Carter struck the blue blade aside, leaving Sab's arm wide open. In an instant, the former Confederate Captain sliced straight through the Zodangan Princes' arm, severing Sab from his weapon.

The Prince gasped, falling to his knees as he paled considerably as blood leaked out from his dismembered arm.

John was standing over the defeated warlord, holding his blade up to the man's neck.

"You're going to tell me everything about the Therns." John snarled, pressing the tip of his sword up against Sab's neck.

With Zodanga's Jeddak being aligned with them for so long, he's got to at least know a number of things he and the others haven't by this point in time.

Sab could only let out a shaky breath, feeling weak. "Only if you promise you'll spare my life."

John only nodded in restraint.

Just as the accord was made, the Ninth Ray gauntlet that had been on Sab's severed hand vacated itself from the limb and traveled over to the duo.

The Blue substance crawled up Sab's arms and went up to his head. The Prince could nothing but lay there as his once prized weapon began encompassing his face in its entirety.

John's eyes widened considerably at the sight feeling a great deal of disturbance. He witnessed Sab Than suffocate from within the blue cocoon that moments later caved in his head with a sickening crunch.

He didn't have time to dwell on it as the Ninth Ray transferred over from Sab onto his one hand. And rather than it focusing on his head, the Blue death crawled along every inch of his skin with the feeling of needles digging into his body.

Carter fell back, spasming in pain as the Ninth Ray slowly covered his body.

Out of the corner of his eye, John spotted Tars Tarkus giving him a deadly glare whilst his upper arms were raised. It took John only a second to deduce that this was not the friend he had made here on Barsoom but one of those damned Therns.

He saw the glowing bracelet around the fake Tars' left wrist as his upper right hand circled around the center jewel.

John could literally feel his life slipping away from him as the Ninth Ray closed in around his eye.

However, just moments away from his fate being sealed, the hold over him was broken.

From where the false Tars stood, his wrist bracelet was shattered.

The fake-Thark let out a shout of pain and turned to see who it was that struck him only to jolt back in fright at the sight of a blue Keyblade held in front of him.

Xion affixed the Thern with an intense glare as she kept her Keyblade pointed directly at him.

A second later, there was another Keyblade being pointed at his neck. The fake-Thark looked back to see Roxas now standing there with his own Keyblade held up to his head.

"Give up." Roxas said with a slight snarl.

The Fake-Thark then felt No. XIV's Keyblade pressed up against his chest. Looking back to her in alarm, he flinched as Xion yanked her weapon back. In doing so, she snagged the medallion that he had around his neck and held it in her other hand.

A moment later, the Thark transformed into Matai Shang. Just as the Thern had reverted back to his true form did the two get joined by their friend Axel who had both chakrams in hand.

"Ah, if it ain't Sovereign-lite himself." Axel taunted with a cocky grin.

Shang couldn't hold back the gulp of fear as he felt the temperature around him increase drastically.

"Any false moves, any signs of you trying to escape or do anything," Axel's tone was nothing short of deadly as one chakram receded. He held up his free hand with his thumb and middle finger pressed together. "Just give me a reason and I'll turn you to ash in less than a second."

If Matai Shang had clenched his jaw any tighter, his teeth would have shattered.

"You're beaten." Xion said. "Don't make this any harder than it needs to be."

The Thern wanted to resist, he wanted to fight back.

But he wasn't a fool.

He knew that he was beaten.

Even with the Heartless here at his disposal…

Wait.

That's it!

The Heartless.

Shang shifted his hand forward and was ready to call upon the dark creatures he had gained recently only for Axel to now stand right in front of him. The redhead was barely an inch away from his face with a deadly glint in his eyes.

He couldn't help but jolt back in fear and surprise with Axel's grin nearly splitting his face now.

"You blinked." Axel declared, holding up his free hand.

Matai's eyes widened in terror, mouth opening to plea but-

*SNAP*

*THUUMMM*

Matai Shang barely had a chance to scream in pain as the flames engulfed his entire being and in a matter of seconds, burnt him into ashes.

All that was heard was the echoes of dying screams as the ashes of the Thern drifted down to the ground.

"Tsk." Axel shook his head. "Idiot."

Xion found herself a bit startled by how sudden the death was but shook her head. This man had caused untold grief to this planet and recently to their new friends. He chose to defy Axel's warning and paid the price for it.

Back down below, Carter was rapidly exhaling and inhaling large bouts of air into his lungs. With his life almost ending right then and there by the blue-wire substance, he needed a means of calming his rapid beating heart.

"You alright there, Carter?"

The Captain looked up to see Jane casually approaching him.

Taking a moment to look around, John started to realize that with the death of Sab Than and the coming of the Heliumite/Thark forces, the fighting had died down.

A majority of the Zodangans had all but surrendered by this point.

He looked over to see Mors and Katos standing before what was left of the Zodangan military and nobility who were all on their knees.

What appeared to be a lead general presented his sword to Mors who gently took it out of the man's hands and held it before him.

"It's… it's over?" John questioned in slight disbelief.

"Well, ya did just kill their Prince." Jane remarked, holding out a hand for him to take.

Grasping it, he was pulled up and looked over to the corpse of Sab. "I didn't. I merely sliced off his arm."

"To them, you defeated the guy in one-on-one combat." Shepard pointed out. "Their leader and best warrior was beaten by you, John Carter. Someone who's made their allegiances very clear when he came barreling in like that during the wedding."

John couldn't contain the mirthful snort at his wedding crasher entrance with him flying in like that.

"Felt a bit ridiculous really."

"But you did it in style."

Carter smirked at the compliment and glanced back over to the Zodangans that were now being herded away by the Tharks and Heliumites.

"Quite embarrassing when ya think about it." Carter mused aloud. "Surrendering inside your own home territory."

Almost reminds John quite well on the circumstances with how the Confederate States lost the war for independence.

"So now what?" Jane asked, resting her rifle on her shoulder.

"Virginia."

The two turned to see a beaming Tars Tarkus approaching them with his arms outstretched.

"The day has been won, my friends." Tars proclaimed. "The Tharks have taken their place on Barsoom alongside Helium. It is the dawn of a new day."

Carter couldn't help but agree wholeheartedly.

"It is indeed."

When they were making their way towards the others, John caught sight of Dejah who reflected his action. The princess changed course and came towards him. Before he knew it, she embraced him in a firm hug surprising him.

Shepard smirked, looking to Tars and jerked her head to give the two their privacy.

Tars nodded and the two walked away.

"What's this for?" He couldn't help but mutter out.

"Just shut up, Carter." Was all he could hear from her.

Coming out of his mild state, he reciprocated and hugged her back.

Tars had gone to his people whilst Shepard walked over to where her friends had grouped up.

"You know what's really sad right about now?" Axel remarked with a roll of his shoulder. "I'm not that tired."

"You're superhuman." Tali dryly rebuked.

"Doesn't mean I don't get pooped after a while." Axel shot back. "I just thought this would be way more stressful than it seemed to be."

"Didn't you guys up and pass out when fighting a literal army?" Shepard asked unamused. "What, not enough excitement for ya?"

"What~? Pfft, please Shepard." Axel patted her head. "That's what I call a morning routi-AH!"

Axel found his head pulled down via an ear pull from Jane who flicked his forehead with her other hand.

"You doofus." Shepard said with a scowling smile.

The team chuckled amongst themselves as they took the moment to rest after a hectic fight.

Woola and Stitch were beside them, the two pets flopping down to the floor.

"What's left for us to do here?" Kaidan asked, casually sitting on some rubble.

"I can think of a few ideas." Ashley said with a sly shrug as she inclined her head over to where John and Dejah were standing separate from everyone else.

They didn't hear a word that was exchanged between the two but to those in the know…

"Is he…?"

"I'll be damned." Alenko shook his head.

"Oh!" Tali exclaimed excitedly. "Is this that human tradition-"

"More or less." Ash confirmed, a grin threatening to split her face. "Looks like we got one last thing to do here."

"Huh…" Roxas hummed aloud. "So, what'd John just do?"

"Tying the knot, Roxas." Shepard chortled, ruffling his hair.

"Tying the knot?" Xion repeated in confusion, only for her hair to get messed up as well.

"I'll explain when you're both older." Shepard quipped, laughing at their cheeks puffing out in annoyance with the rest of the crew joining in with the Spectre a moment later.

With the latest conquest, a celebration is to be made…

Back in Helium of course.

-Scene Cut-

Though it was strung together haphazardly, what the Heliumites managed to deliver was quite the party.

A few days had long since passed after the defeat of Zodanga and the end of the war.

Great changes were coming to Barsoom and it'll blossom over time.

One such change is with Dejah's work as it'll help revolutionize their life as they know it.

But right now, something else is definitely happening; one which does not experience often.

Within the grand city of Helium, a wondrous occasion of great celebration was to occur.

Practically the entire city was present to celebrate alongside their new allies, the Tharks.

A large crowd surrounded the grand palace of Helium with all in attendance buzzing about with excitement.

Standing in the center of the grand hall within the palace of Helium, John Carter of Earth stood before Dejah Thoris of Mars.

The two gazed at one another lovingly and between them stood Dejah's father who held a proud smile.

Next to John was Tars Tarkus who had both arms crossed and a wide smile in place.

Behind Dejah was her most trusted advisor and friend, Katos Kan who gazed upon the two in approval.

Off to the side in their own special section reserved solely for them was the Normandy crew.

"You know, this is your first official wedding." Axel remarked to the two younger Nobodies. "Notch that experience off the many things you guys still need to do."

"Huh." Roxas and Xion said with their heads angled as they watched John and Dejah share a loving kiss.

"Are they all like that?" Xion asked in wonder.

Wrex snorted. "Not all of them. Krogan weddings usually result in about half the guest getting injured."

"No deaths?" Ash sarcastically remarked. "Seriously. Color me shocked."

"We're not that gigantic of a group of assholes to kill each other in a wedding, Williams." Wrex deadpanned. "It is a sacred ritual in a Krogan's life."

"Well, here's to hoping you find that special someone then Wrexy." Axel said cheekily, patting the back of the Krogan. "God knows you need it."

"You still think they're rushing in getting married so soon?" Came Kaidan's inquiry.

"At least it's better than most casino and shotgun weddings." Shepard said knowingly.

"But still…"

"They're not getting married on Omega or the Citadel." Wrex pointed out. "That's a textbook better wedding than half the weddings in the entire universe."

"Good point." Liara couldn't help but agree.

"That, and this was supposed to happen." Ash stated. "But… who knows how much we changed the original story."

"Let's not think about that headache." Shepard said with a shake of her head.

"At least we can say we attended a royal wedding." Tali said chipperly.

"Second it."

They watched the events continue to proceed as John and Dejah drink from the same ceremonial goblet before they spoke their vows to each other.

They can clearly see the Virginian was doing better now that he was moving on from his grief. And what a way in doing so.

"You do realize that with these three nutjobs, we have to make a list of things we haven't seen yet and then mark it off." Wrex murmured, side eyeing the trio of Nobodies.

The Normandy could only murmur in agreement with their Nobody comrades not voicing any objections.

They weren't wrong to assume that by this point.

-Scene Cut-

A feminine groan could be heard inside of a bedchamber. The one who emanated it felt like her head was aching.

Shepard didn't expect to drink so much.

Last time this happened was quite a ways back when she tried some ryncol shots on a dare, threw up and woke up in the women's bathroom.

At least the Commander had a nice firm pillow to rest her head on to help comfort her.

Yet something was oddly amiss.

When she moved her head a bit, her cheek didn't meet the soft texture of a pillow. Lifting her head, she saw what she was sleeping on in the first place.

The result made her face slowly match her hair… and the man she was sleeping with.

Quickly checking themselves, Shepard saw they were partially clothed, but not all the way naked as there were several garments preventing such an act. Yet that didn't mean that something didn't occur last night.

Only question is, what exactly happened?

"Shepard?"

Jane stiffened as she saw Axel stirring awake as their green eyes soon met.

"...You as clueless as I am?"

"D-did, did we-?"

"Our clothes appear to still be on." Axel stated, patting his chest which was covered with his black shirt. "Though… nice tank top. Should've known it came in red."

Now Shepard was one who hardly experienced any form of shame or embarrassment.

So frankly, much as she felt a burning sensation creep up her neck, she ain't gonna start today.

Groaning, she let her head fall down to Axel's chest as her forceful means of fighting an oncoming blush made her head ring from her hangover.

"How much did I drink last night?" Shepard's muffled voice came through Axel's coat.

The taller redhead squirmed as her voice vibrated against his body, tickling him slightly.

"A lot, actually."

Axel honestly tried his best in comforting her by gently patting her back.

"Don't feel guilty, Shep." Axel said, flinching slightly as he felt a slight hangover coming on as well. "Not like it was your fault. These Martians know how to party, I can tell ya that much."

All he received was another moan from the Spectre until her head shot up in horror.

It appeared whatever scared her overpowered the devilish headache she was experiencing.

"Oh god." Jane said in genuine remorse. "Where's Roxas and Xion?"

Axel gazed blankly at her until his expression blanched a bit.

"Um… oh dear." Was all he could say.

"We have to find them." Shepard attempted to rise to her feet only to fail and flop back down against Axel.

He let out an "oof" as the Spectre lay there, unmoving.

"Acffel?" Came the muffled voice of the Commander.

"Yes?"

"I cafn't moof."

"Yeah… you know what, I don't really feel like moving either." Axel admitted, feeling a soreness all over his body.

How much did he have to drink last night?

Wasn't it excruciatingly difficult for a Nobody to get drunk?

Jeez, he hoped his liver was still intact.

"Do you think they're ok?" Axel asked after a few seconds.

He didn't receive an answer from Jane.

"Shepard?" Axel looked down at her, slightly nudging her. "Shepard~? Jane, you alright?"

A moment later, he heard a light snore come out from the Spectre with her unconsciously wrapping her arms around his stomach as she buried her face in his chest.

Blinking at this, Axel didn't really know how to react to this notion though…

Without realizing it, he had placed his own arms around her with his expression becoming solemn yet soft at the same time.

This felt… nice.

Almost like…

No. VIII jolted slightly, shaking his head.

"Let's not start having stupid fantasies about the impossible, Lea." the pyrokinetic murmured to himself.

Still, just because he knew that feeling was unlikely, didn't mean Axel couldn't get physically comfortable.

Adjusting himself slightly, Axel found a suitable position for the both of them and moments later drifted back to sleep.

He'd find the others later.

In another room, Roxas stirred awake and stiffened a yawn from his lips. He attempted to bring a hand up to his eyes to clear it of any particular crusts forming.

Only problem was, his arms were being held down.

A question forming in his mind, he looked towards the source… well… sources.

On each side of him, holding onto his arms were Tali and Xion.

Roxas glanced back and forth between both girls in surprise.

When in the world did this happen?

And speaking of, where was his Organization cloak?

Wait, no, it was being used by Tali as a blanket.

Wait… where was, oh, there was hers.

Like Roxas, Xion was without her organization coat as it was probably thrown off to the side. Just a means of being comfortable while sleeping no doubt.

But was a tad surprising was him seeing Tali sleeping without her helmet on.

It clearly showed her features were greatly improving for some time now as her skin had a true healthy tone to it. Her hair even had a nice sheen to it as well.

And it appeared his Quarian friend had quite the cute snore.

Without even realizing it, Roxas found himself smiling at her with a fond glow in his eyes.

Thinking back on it, Tali had been his first friend when he first got to the Citadel.

She had been by his side since coming here and to see so much change about her…

He couldn't quite describe the swelling of joy within but he couldn't contain it.

Looking over to Xion, Roxas couldn't help but also come to terms with the fact that Xion had considerably changed herself.

Back in the Organization, she was a bit meek, timid and shy. Even when she started to become friends with him and Axel, Xion still very much kept to herself.

But after all this time here, No. XIV wasn't the quiet and reserved puppet she once was. Now, Xion had become a fierce and powerful combatant with her own Keyblade that truly defined who she was both to herself and to her friends.

The joy she had when displaying her very own unique specially designed Keyblade that only she could use was one of the happiest moments he had ever seen her.

Well… until right now.

She had a serene and peaceful smile to her face as she had her arms wrapped around Roxas' with her head resting on his shoulder.

Roxas hadn't ever really thought about but both Xion and Tali in this instance looked completely-

"Beautiful." Roxas whispered to himself.

He then felt Tali shift about which freed up his arm.

Retracting it quickly, he instantly began to feel circulation in his limb again.

Letting out a relieved sigh, Roxas flexed his hand several times to get a feeling back to his fingers while the electrical feeling ran through his arm.

Rather than try to reclaim her lost arm Tali simply adjusted herself by placing her head directly on his chest with her arm wrapping around him.

No. XIII felt heat buildup in his face as the Quarian subconsciously rubbed her cheek against his chest and let out a pleasant sigh.

He honestly didn't know what to do now. He knew they needed to get up, but-

*Click*

Roxas looked up in time to see an innocent looking Garrus with one Ashley William right beside him, sporting a Cheshire-like grin.

"First Shepard and Axel and now you three." Vakarian said coyly. "My~ My~ How far you've grown."

"Uh… what?" Roxas was confused. And embarrassed. Why did he feel embarrassed and flustered?

"This is gonna become so much more funnier as time goes on." Ash stated cheekily, taking a picture of her own. "Our little Rucksack, the ladies man."

"Taught him everything he knows." Garrus falsely boasted. "It was about time I passed down my extensive knowledge to a proper protege."

Ashley merely gave a look which screamed "bullshit", but she didn't voice it as she didn't want to ruin this priceless moment.

Just as Roxas was about to ask what they were talking about, a door to a nearby room opened and they all turned their heads over to see…

"Ashley? Garrus?" Liara T'soni squeaked out. A second later, she saw Roxas with the two sleeping forms of Xion and Tali. "Roxas? What are you all doing here?"

"What are we doing here?" Ash asked rhetorically. "What are you doing here?"

Before the Asari could get out a response...

"Liara~"

From behind, a young and scantily clad (naked) Heliumite woman came up from behind their friend and threw her arms around her.

"I was wondering where my bedmate was at."

Liara let out a small eep as the Heliumite brazenly groped her chest with one hand while the other caressed her ass.

"So firm~" She mewled out as she planted some kisses on the doctor's neck. "Come back to bed with us. We wanna continue the wonders you performed last night."

In an instant, confused looks quickly broke Ashley and Garrus' faces as they quickly took a photo with their omni-tools.

"Oh Liara." Ash shook her head with a smile that conveyed nothing but merciless teasing in the weeks and months to come.

"For shame, Dr. T'soni." Garrus really made sure to emphasize her earned title which caused the Asari to wilt in complete humiliation.

The Heliumite woman was nonplussed by all this, sensually rubbing her arms all over the barely clothed Asari.

"She is quite the lover." The Heliumite said unashamedly. "Maybe I should stride to keep her."

Liara's skin then became a darker shade of purple for multiple reasons.

Roxas could only stare and he began to feel… a little bothered by the intimate display.

The Heliumite woman then caught sight of the boy, taking note of his appearance and a lecherous grin appeared.

"Oh~ an innocent one I see." She cooed. "Why don't you join us, young one? I can teach you-"

"Don't even try it sister." Ash cut her off with a deadly look. "You've already corrupted poor Liara's innocence, you won't be getting Roxas' anytime soon."

"Ashley." Liara bemoaned, the Heliumite woman grinning as she kissed the Asari's cheek.

"There, there, beautiful." she said. "Nothing to be ashamed of."

The Heliumite took better note of who Roxas was sleeping with and gave a cute pout.

"For shame he's already taken. It would've been-"

"Alright, get outta here ya floozy." Ash said, waving her off.

"And take Liara with you."

"Guys wait!"

"Already on it."

With surprising strength, the Heliumite dragged the Asari out of the room and back to where they once were before she escaped her fleshy imprisonment.

"What happened to her?" Roxas asked curiously, bewildered by what just occurred.

"Something you might be well on your way with from where you're sitting right now." Garrus quipped, getting elbowed by Ashley. "What? You want my pupil to not know the glorious nights to come."

The Sniper took a moment to take stock of the Nobody.

"Hmmm, he's got some reach… but the ladies undoubtedly have the flexibility." he noted.

"...What's he talking about?"

"Ignore him, Roxas." Ashley waved off. "You just stay there and get some more rest. Your bed hair demands it."

Roxas turned over to the door to where Liara had been pulled into. "Uh… what's gonna happen to Liara?"

"She's eventually gonna be taking the long walk of shame." Was Ashley's devious response.

"Spirits thank you." Garrus guffawed. "We got dirt on half the team now."

"Come on, let's see if we can get something on Kaidan." Ash egged on, the human and Turian running off to find the Lieutenant-Commander.

They left a thoroughly bewildered Roxas who jolted at a rather… strange moan that was heard on the other side of the door to Liara's room.

It didn't sound like pain.

It was… something else.

Squirming a bit, Roxas knew he wasn't gonna go anywhere.

So really he may as well get back to sleep.

Seemed like he wasn't going to be escaping the girls' clutches for some time.

-Scene Cut-

"Do you all have to leave so soon?" Dejah asked with a sorrowful gaze.

"As much as we'd love to stay, we need to return home." Shepard stated. "We still have work to do at home."

It was later on after several more days of rest and added celebration. The Tharks and the Heliumites appeared to feed off on another's energy leading to constant partying.

And more nights where Liara was subjected to merciless teasing by the others.

But eventually came the day when everyone in the Normandy team was getting ready to make their departure. Once everyone was cleaned up and embarrassments were shaken out, the team had everything ready to go.

A lot had indeed happened since they got to Barsoom during this past week.

The Tharks had established a new settlement near Helium and a few had made new friends within the city with some already choosing to live amongst their new allies.

As for John, he was coming to terms that he had chosen to leave Earth behind and had become a Prince of Mars.

Not that he could complain. Starting a new life while helping his new wife rebuild the broken world.

As for the Normandy team, they had a more serious matter at hand.

When questioning the Thern they captured here on Helium, they learned a whole number of things while confirming a few others.

It was they who tampered with Dejah's presentation in the first place, not wanting her to fully reveal her scientific discovery of the Ninth Ray, even if she merely touched a small portion of it. Dejah was clearly upset about it once hearing about the report.

No doubt she'll be exploring the other temples alongside her husband with the Thern Medallion they now possess to uncover the other mysteries of the Ninth Ray.

They were the ones who gave Sab the Ninth Ray, though they already knew that much.

But everything was going according to plan.

All to plan by the Goddess that they served.

Therein laid the main issue.

Who was this Goddess they served?

Dejah had spoken of Issus being the Goddess of Barsoom and the Therns were her messengers.

And Issus, or at least who they think is posing as the Barsoomian goddess, was unseen by the Therns, but felt her presence. She instructed them to do whatever it was to control civilizations as she saw fit. Having them reach a certain point before reaping it.

That word alone made the Normandy crew freeze up.

This Goddess…

This Issus was starting to sound too much like a Reaper.

Dangerously so.

When Carter and Dejah had seen their responses, they had asked what had startled them so.

Thus a story needed to be told, one which will give the married couple a number of sleepless nights.

"Think this will be our way home?" Kaidan asked, gazing at the Thern medallion that Xion held.

"It got Carter here." Ash noted. "It may have also brought us here indirectly. With it, we may have our way home."

"How do we use it?" Axel asked, scratching his head.

"There is supposedly an incantation that is to be utilized." Dejah stated.

"But we don't know if it'll take us to our home or to Carters."

"Don't worry." Xion clutched the medallion tightly. In her other hand, her Keyblade flashed into existence. "Our Keyblades brought us here and they will get us back. Just like it did with the Etherium."

"She's right." Roxas stated, calling forth his own Keyblade. "Last time was an accident. This time, we can get home without a doubt."

"How can you be sure?" Carter inquired with intrigue.

"Gotta need to have a little bit of faith." Axel said confidently, clapping both hands on his young friends' shoulders.

They gave him an appreciative look before they both got into position.

"Ready?" Roxas asked and No. XIV simply nodded.

Tossing the medallion into the air, Xion quickly aimed her Keyblade -alongside Roxas- at the object. Beams of light impacted it as a mighty glow emanated off its surface.

In mere moments, a large portal was formed for the Normandy team as they'll be riding their makos through it.

"Everyone got their stuff?" Shepard asked the entire team.

"Oh yeah, we have our souvenirs."

Strapped onto one of the Makos was one of the fliers as Garrus wanted to have it. Wanting to possibly master it so he can show off to his family back home.

Might be a lost cause, due to the team already having schematics for their militaries to work with and build their own fliers and airships.

With Wrex, he had a calot pup tucked away in one of the makos. He truly planned on raising it on Tuchanka as he will reclaim his birthright and uniting the clans together.

"So this is really goodbye then?" Carter asked somberly.

"No way." Roxas shook his head with a smile present. "We'll definitely see you guys again. That's a promise."

Surprised, but nonetheless happy to hear such a promise, Carter and Dejah said their individual goodbyes to each of the Normandy team until they all went into the Makos.

"Tell Tars and Sola our goodbyes."

"We will."

The Prince and Princess of Mars watched as the two Makos drove forward, rolling through the portal before them and vanishing a moment later. The portal closed behind them and there was no trace of their friends left behind other than the tracks of the Mako wheels.

They remained there for a time, Dejah leaning against her husband with their arms wrapped around one another.

"You really think they will return someday?" Dejah asked her husband with him leaning down to kiss her temple.

"Yeah." Carter stated. "Without a doubt. Just a bit of faith, like Garrus said."

Dejah smiled lovingly up at him and leaned forward to kiss him gently.

"Come." She teased, pulling away while still holding his hand. "It's time I start teaching you how to be a Prince."

John groaned aloud. "Jesus Christ, how in the hell did that happen?"

Dejah chuckled which turned into a yelp as John scooped her up into his arms bridal style.

"John~" she playfully whined, lightly slapping his chest.

Carter quickly stole a kiss from his wife, laughing as he began to jump back to Helium with the excited screams of Dejah following after every large bound across the Barsoom landscape.

It was time to go Home.

The word was strange to Carter but the more he thought about it, the more comfort he had found.

Home.

He was home.

-Scene Cut-

A portal soon opened up on the windy landscape of Mars as the two Makos appeared right beside the mountain they entered the previous week.

And checking their systems, the team was able to confirm they were back home.

As Shepard made a call to Hackett on their return, Xion hopped out of the Mako and made her way towards the cave chamber.

Questioning on her action, several others went after her.

"Wait up!"

"Why are you going back in there?"

"You want to go back to Barsoom already?"

Xion ignored them as she continued her little trek.

As she ventured further into the mountain, the Thern medallion was reacting to the place as it was glowing more and more. As this happened, the walls were receding to give out some more space for the others to easily walk through.

Eventually making it to the chamber, Xion eyed the pedestal with the peculiar keyhole embedded into it.

There was this drawn feeling inside of her which quickly arose the moment they came back here. She didn't fully question it, only responding.

The moment the others arrived at the chamber, Xion already pulled out her Keyblade and aimed it at the pedestal. A gathering of light wisps formed at its tip before it shot out and impacted the Keyhole.

It was from there did they hear a resounding *click* which echoed out and was even able to reach outside of the mountain if anyone was relatively near.

Not that it mattered as a rumble soon emanated throughout the place.

"If anything bad happens, I'm blaming Xion on this one."

"Second it."

"What did you do?"

Whatever Xion wanted to say died in her mouth as the chamber began lighting up and shifted into another appearance. That too was soon ignored in a way as more sounds were made.

From the mountain's exterior, pieces started to break away to reveal what appeared to be a large dark tower with blue and green lights emanating off its surface. Before long, a mighty pillar of light shot out to the very sky which appeared to break it.

From its grainy orange-red color, it parted ways for a resounding blue.

-Scene cut-

Barsoom

Within the temple that the Normandy crew and the Barsoom natives had explored, the room was shifting and morphing about.

The size of the room soon began to expand dramatically and as the room grew larger, individuals garbed in silvery-grey robes began to appear inside.

There were about several dozen of them and they had formed two circles around the expanded room.

All of these beings were bald and either had the palest white skin or the darkest hue, akin to that of literal starlight.

"Matai Shang… is dead." One of Therns declared after the gathering of the Therns had been completed. "Barsoom… is lost."

"Is it?" Came another Therns voice. "What I see is nothing more than a setback."

"A setback?" a Third Thern scoffed derisively. "Three of our brethren have been killed. One on that dirt planet Jasoom and two here. This is beyond what one would call a setback."

"We mustn't fight amongst ourselves." A female Thern now spoke. "It is bad enough that these primitives had the audacity to go against our plan. The last thing we need to discourse amongst ourselves."

"Then what is it that you suggest we do?"

Silence befell the assemblage of Therns until…

"We must consult The Old One." The Second Thern who had spoken stated. "Our glorious leader. The Old One will know what to do."

"Are you certain that The Old One would be willing to answer our calls?"

"The Ancient being has guided our hands since the time of our first memories." The Thern who had suggested this spoke confidently. "If there is anyone that holds the wisdom that is needed to tackle this issue, it is the Old One."

Seeing that no one else was willing to voice any other suggestions, the Therns all bowed their heads forward.

The room around them began to shift and change.

It became substantially darker around them with only a light glow coming from below.

This light was the surface they stood upon and the darkness around them was the endless void of space.

Aside from the distant light of the stars decorating the skies above them, there were two clearly visible neighboring celestial bodies nearby.

One was as white as the surface they stood upon, this being the sibling moon of the one they currently inhabited.

The other celestial object had a dark underbelly but a distinctly red surface.

The Therns gazed upon the red planet of Barsoom before slowly turning to that they had come to see.

The Old One.

"Report."

It's voice was booming, ancient… inorganic.

It towered over them all, practically two kilometers in height.

The form of the Old One had clearly seen better days with multiple breaches, several of its many limbs either missing or damaged and its center red eye flickering half the time.

Yet it remained strong, in place and towered over all that stood before it.

The Therns bowed to the Old One as one of their own voiced the recent developments.

Once the last detail was said, the Therns awaited for their master, the one they called Issus, to process the information.

After what felt like forever, the Old One spoke.

"The foolishness of sentience. We are beyond their understanding. They have only delayed that which inevitably comes."

"What is to be done now, Great Ancient One?"

"Carry on with the plan. Let them enjoy their respite for they know not for what comes for all that comes in our path. The eventual Harvest will begin in due time."

"The Barsoomians will no doubt be more cautious with what occurred."

"Their cautiousness is a futile effort in a vain attempt to cling to a life that is fleeting." The Old One stated. "They are brief. We are Eternal."

"As you say, Ancient One." The lead Thern said, bowing his head forward. "All glory unto you and your fellow deities, Issus. Hail to The Old Ones."

"Hail The Old Ones."

The gargantuan being simply stood there, its many limbs lazily moving back and forth as its followers all fell to their knees.

It had felt the energy surge upon Barsoom recently and had wished to investigate personally but knew now wouldn't be the time.

But soon…

Very soon…

Another World would fall to the Old One.

Another Reaping. Another Harvest.

It wouldn't stop until all are consumed here in this galaxy, no, this Universe.

The Cycle would continue.

And start again.

As it has done so for Billions of years.

AN

Whew, ok, that was a fucking effort let me tell ya.

We had so many chances to finish this really but we needed to do so much in this chapter that we knew we couldn't fit it all.

There was also the added "bonus" of work and our everyday exhaustion that came with it so yay on that front. Honestly, bit typical really but hey, what're ya gonna do. Life is life as they say.

Other than that, lot of cool shit to come and shit we're experiencing right now.

Jebest4781: Recent developments… We are drawing closer to the release of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition as we're just two months away from today. Asides from that… h'boy… the stuff with Marvel and Zack Snyder's Justice League have been amazing!

FMW: Indeed. Our return to the Mass Effect universe coupled with Wandavision, Falcon and Winter Soldier and of course, Zack Fucking Snyder's Epic, Justice League. The movie that was believed to be a fairy tale dream has come to pass. Just like with the Clone Wars! We the fans petitioned, fought, emailed, did everything in our power to give us Snyder's True Vision. So much new content we have to work with. RWBY volume 8 is drawing to its end and new ideas are formulating between Jeb and I. It's explosive creativity in our heads right now with the future arcs, scenarios and stories that we have in mind to come.

So really, Jeb and I wanna gush on all the shit DC and Marvel has released that we will without question use in our future stories but we are fucking baked in the head.

This was a large endeavor and frankly, I know we're gonna outdo ourselves in terms of size in future chapters cause we just "love" doing that to ourselves.

Anywho, I'm pooped, Jeb's pooped, we'll see ya'll next time folks.

Thanks for reading.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Hail Darkseid. Fuck yeah Snyder Cut.