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.

40. Grief and Perseverance

Back again folks.

We're getting out groove back in for this story and hope to continue to do so.

HelenTheMoon, thanks again for the tropes page.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

I'm Nobody Chapter 40: Grief and Perseverance

It was a silent affair when they departed from Rannoch.

Them having a shaky slumber after the uneasy awakening. The feeling encompassed them throughout the night, leaving them to hold onto each other tightly as a means of comfort.

After a nearly sleepless night, the pair changed back to their normal attire and departed from the abandoned suite. Each was anxious to return to the Gummi ship and get back to safer territories as they were currently cut off from the wider galaxy.

The sooner they got out of Geth space, the better.

Even with Tali's sensory scrambling functions, who's to say the Geth haven't already seen them?

Once far enough, Roxas had his ship go through a Lane to return to the Migrant Fleet. His Quarian friend has been away from her people long enough and it's time for her return.

Tali had been quiet for the duration of the ride, occasionally glancing over at the silent and pale Nobody.

She reached out and took hold of his hand, giving it a squeeze.

"It'll be alright, Roxas. It's… It's probably nothing."

Since leaving the bedroom this morning, the feeling of dread overshadowed them both. She honestly tried playing it off, given she had similar experiences in the past. Feeling like something bad was going to happen, only for nothing to occur at all.

She greatly wished it was that.

Unfortunately for her, the feeling was still ever present and it wasn't just her.

Time passed where the Gummi ship eventually made it through the Lane and made it back to the Migrant fleet. It was off in the distance and the Key of Destiny was about to reach out to contact the fleet when…

*Ping*

A moment afterwards, an Omni-tool got a notification.

"What is it?" Tali quietly asked, watching Roxas slowly raise his hand and turn on his Omni-Tool. She saw the teen stiffen up, becoming as still as a rock. "Roxas?"

"It's a message." No. XIII nearly croaked out. "It's… it's from Garrus."

"O-oh?" Her voice was slightly shaky. "It is? Must be saying-"

*Ping*

The Quarian froze up as she heard her Omni-Tool receive a message of her own. She looked down at it in hesitation and then back up at Roxas who was now staring at her with his eyes wide with anxiety clearly seen in his crystal-blue eyes.

She raised up her arm and appeared hesitant to see what it was but after a moment of silence, Tali shook her head and activated her Omni-tool.

In an instant, she saw who it was and her dread began to only grow now.

"G-Garrus." She said, tone coming out as strained and fearful.

Without another word, Roxas opened the message and saw the message the Turian had sent them being only eight bold words.

"We need to meet at the Citadel now."

The Nobody heard Tali release a shaky, terrified breath, looking back at her as she stared at the exact same message. He returned his gaze to his Omni-Tool again, seeing that this message was also sent to the others.

Axel, Xion, Wrex and Liara had also received the same message as they did.

Looking over to the Migrant Fleet, Tali soon sent a message to her father and aunt about her not coming back anytime soon, due to a sudden emergency. One which would be told upon her return.

Whatever was happening needed everyone back together posthaste.

"Let's go." She quietly said and without a word, Roxas directed the ship away from the Flotilla and sent it back on the Lane that would guide them to the Citadel.

All the while on the red planet of Mars and the dangerous world of Tuchanka, two other members of the Normandy received the same message. Both were clearly put off by this sudden message but they were quick to make their way to a ship that would take them back to the Citadel as soon as possible.

For the two Nobodies, they were rather confused on the sudden meet up. One Dark Corridor later, they'll find their answers.

They were the first to arrive on the Citadel and it didn't take long for them to find their friends with Garrus, Ashley, Kaidan and a depressed Stitch greeting them.

Axel and Xion were quick to ask just what had happened but Garrus simply told them that they needed to wait for the rest to arrive.

Stitch, all the while, jumped into Xion's arms and nestled his head into her neck, holding her tightly.

While they waited, there was a brief but rather awkward few moments of them catching up with each other. What should have been a friendly and pleasant air between friends was dour and somber as they awaited for the arrival of the rest of their comrades.

In time, they all showed up.

Tali and Roxas were the first pair to arrive with Liara being next and Wrex the last to make his arrival on the Citadel.

Once all nine, plus their pet had been reunited at long last, Captain Anderson made himself known to them all.

Pleasantries and greetings were exchanged until Axel had asked the obvious.

Why were they all brought here and where was Commander Shepard.

The Captain of the Systems Alliance held a grim and downtrodden visage, turning away from the group with a defeated, pained expression.

"I'm sorry." He quietly said. "But Shepard is… Shepard is…"

"No." Xion spoke up, her voice conveying nothing but terror and sorrow. "No, no, no."

"I'm sorry everyone." Garrus' voice was laced with nothing but pain and regret. "She died when the Normandy was attacked. We… we couldn't save her."

Hearing this… well, a paralyzing and feeling of indescribable shock and denial washed over those that were not there for when the Normandy was attacked and destroyed.

"Goddess please." Liara's hand shot up to her mouth, tears threatening to spill out from the corners of her eyes. "Is she truly-"

"This better not be a fucking sick joke." Wrex growled with an overzealous rage that was barely being restrained right about now.

"Wrex." Ashley's voice was completely broken, already having silent tears streaming down her face. "I…"

For the first time in his long life, Wrex's aggressive demeanor fell away entirely with his arms falling limp to his sides. He stared blankly at Williams, looking over to Garrus and Kaidan to confirm it and the two men only solemnly nodded.

The Krogan Battlemasters lip turned upward, the centuries old warrior spinning around to walk a few feet away from them. In the midst of this, he punched a nearby wall and actually left a dent in the structure.

His friends didn't even react to this outburst, only looking on in sorrowful understanding.

Tali almost collapsed had it not been for Roxas and Axel being by her side to keep her up. She leaned fully on the former and began to openly weep whilst the latter grunted as he felt Xion run into him and hugged him close with one arm whilst the other held a crying Stitch.

Kaidan had an arm around Ash, gesturing for Liara to come over which she did and the Garrus placed a hand on Axel's shoulder, the Normandy crew in a state of unrepentant grief.

No. VIII was the most conflicted as his eyes and face went through a cacophony of "emotions". He "felt" rage, sorrow, remorse, guilt and so much more that he couldn't even begin to put into words just how much hearing this hurt.

It… it was… he just couldn't believe this happened.

Shepard… was dead?

Just saying that to himself or out loud felt entirely alien to him.

The rest of the crew appeared to share the sentiment despite the trio who had actually been aboard the Normandy actually seeing it happen.

This was some kind of dream right?

A nightmare?

"Where's Joker? Chakwas?" Roxas asked the others with Kaidan answering solemnly.

"In the hospital with all of the other survivors."

"How are they?" Xion quietly asked.

"Alive." Garrus grimly said.

"But?" Axel said expectantly.

The Turian hung his head and shook it dejectedly. "Joker's taking it the worst."

"What in the galaxy would make him believe that?" Liara inquired in disbelief.

"He's blaming himself for Shepard not making it." Ashley elaborated. "Told us that if he wasn't so hellbent on staying and trying to save the Normandy, Shepard would still be here right now."

"What the hell even happened?" No. VIII finally asked the burning question on a majority of the group's mind that wasn't there.

"We were attacked." Williams' teeth were clenched tight but she spoke on regardless in quaking anger and regret. "Blindsided. Didn't even see who or what was attacking us while searching for geth activity."

"There was nothing?" Tali whispered. "Nothing you saw?"

"It was just…" Garrus' arms were thrown up just as fast they fell down to his sides. "We detected them and then a split second later, they were attacking us from all sides. The ship was swarmed."

"Couldn't even mount a defense." Kaidan forlornly admitted. "It was just run for the hills as soon as we got hit."

Before they were able to discuss things any further, another human from the Systems Alliance approached them.

"Ah, good, you're all already here." The man spoke in a gruff, deep voice.

"Admiral Hackett." Anderson remarked, saluting him with Alenko and Williams doing the same.

He shook his hand at them. "None of that here. Not appropriate really given the circumstances. I wish that seeing you all again would have been under a better time and place but… I don't need to speak on that any further. The Alliance, the Citadel and the galaxy just lost one of its best hopes for a better tomorrow."

Well, if that couldn't bring the mood down any further than it already was, then what would?

"But that doesn't mean it was for nothing." Hackett spoke now with a hardened edge. "You're all still here, yes?"

The group all looked up at the Admiral who held an intense gaze.

"You are the Normandy crew." He said with a tone that held weight to every word he spoke. "You are the crew that followed Commander Shepard and helped save the Citadel and the whole damn galaxy. Shepard may be gone but you are all still here. The fight isn't over yet. When the time comes, and it will, the nine of you-"

*Grrrr*

Hackett's lip twitched momentarily but he still nodded at the blue bundle in Xion's arms.

"Apologies, ten of you." He corrected. "The galaxy will need all of you when the fight comes back up again. Be it against the Heartless or the Reapers, the crew of the Normandy will be looked to by all when that time comes. So I just wanted to speak with you all and ask you directly. Can we all rely on you when the galaxy needs you?"

There was a pause between the group until one by one, each held a look of determination and promise.

"We won't let ya down, Admiral." Ashley stated with resolution.

"Yeah, we'll do what we need to when our call comes." Alenko assured, an expression of complete conviction.

"Do you even need to ask?" Said Garrus.

The others were relatively silent. They didn't exactly know how to properly say a response. But they shared the sentiment all the same. They knew that they couldn't back down when the calling came.

Jane would've rushed headfirst into the fire so it would be a disgrace to her name and legacy if they did no less of an effort.

One however remained somewhat unconvinced.

Wrex released a mixture of a growl and a sigh.

"That'll be rather hard, given what I'm doing now on Tuchanka."

"Uniting the clans, if I heard it right."

The Urdnot clan leader nodded and Hackett gave a look of approval.

"That's good then." The Admiral stated. "At the very least, the strongest force in the galaxy will be ready when we need them. Any favors you need, Urdnot Wrex, don't hesitate to ask. I'll see what I can do, pull some strings here and there to help you out."

The Krogan's red eyes bore into the admiral's, seeking any means of deception.

"Quite the claim." Wrex remarked. "Are you sure it's such a good idea to be throwing out such an offer to the Krogan?"

"This is about more than some past grievances." Hackett said with a shake of his head. "The Normandy crew showed the galaxy what it's capable of when all species are united under one banner. It's time we take that example and begin implementing it to the broader galaxy."

"That's one hell of an offer there." Wrex still held skepticism. "You sure you can deliver it?"

Hackett appeared undeterred, only squaring his shoulders up even further if that was somehow possible. "It'll be a hard promise to keep, but I'll do much of what I can."

"I'll hold you to it. Just so long as you don't screw my people over, then I'll consider the options."

"I'm a man of my word." The Admiral declared without an ounce of deceit.

Wrex appeared to want to call him out on such a proclamation but opted to stay silent and simply stepped back.

Anderson then cleared his throat, garnering the group's attention once more.

"If you would all follow me." He said calmly. "Her memorial service will start soon. The nine of you have been asked to be there."

The Normandy crew simply complied in silence, following after the Captain and Admiral that led them towards the human embassy on the Citadel. There they saw a bit of an elaborate set up with many human soldiers as well as the sprinkling of the other species of the Citadel in attendance.

It was a short affair in the eyes of the Normandy crew.

Some speeches here and there but overall, it was a bit of a blur for them. The whole thing just passed by without much happening from their point of view.

There were a few people that came up to them, offering their sympathies and condolences yet most came across as hollow.

However, there was one surprise that none of them saw coming.

A human woman from the Alliance approached them and they all did a double take when they first saw her.

She was a spitting image of Jane.

Only much older.

The crew couldn't quite comprehend who was in front of them right now. It was like looking at another version of the commander.

Same emerald eyes and red hair only this one was tied back into a neat bun.

"So you're the famous Normandy crew my darling girl led throughout the galaxy." She stated more than asked, tone conveying pride and pain. "I must say, you're all as unique as you look. Can't imagine how you all are but my Jane was never one to misjudge people. She really cared about you all."

The crew all stared at the woman for a few moments, eliciting a weak chuckle from her.

"I take it Jane never got around to talking about me, eh?" She said, shaking her head. "No surprise there. Haven't really done enough to have her mention me with how few times we managed to spend time together. I'm Hannah. Captain Hannah Shepard. Jane is my daughter."

Well now…

This was certainly an unexpected meeting to be sure.

Given the wide eyes and number of jaws dropping slightly, none from the crew were expecting this.

"It's a pleasure meeting you all." Hannah kindly said. "When I last spoke with Jane, all she could talk about was you." She swayed side to side slightly with a hum of amusement. "Pretty hard not to, I guess."

No response came from the group as they were still greatly surprised by who it was that approached them.

"Now then…" Hannah tapped her finger upon her chin, eyeing the group up and down the line of them. "Let me guess… Garrus, Tali, Liara and Wrex are easy ones."

The aforementioned crew members either perked up or didn't react all that much, their expressions and slight tilt of their heads confirming their identities.

Hannah eyed the humans of the crew before pausing at Stitch who gazed up at her quizzically.

"Um…" She angled her head to the side, confused by who she was looking at. "And… who is this?"

Stitch regarded the older Shepard curiously, leaning his head forward to get a whiff of her scent and showed confusion as he registered her odor was similar to that of Jane's.

Kaidan was the first to snap out of his stupor, shaking his head and looking back and forth between the blue fur ball and Jane's mother.

"Um, well Stitch is… Stitch is… our… pet? Mascot?"

Stitch looked at Alenko with a contemplative look before uttering "mascot" in a satisfied 'hmph'.

"Ok then, yeah, this is our mascot apparently." Kaidan said in bemusement.

Hannah gave them a skeptical look before shaking her head a little.

"So then," She resumed her analysis of the humans of the Normandy crew, her eyes trailing over to No. VIII. "You must be… Axel?"

"Oh, so you got my name memorized already?"

The older Shepard snorted with a smirk tugging at her lips. "Yes, you most definitely must be Axel. Which makes you two Kaidan and Ashley and you two must be Roxas and Xion." Getting confirming nods and verbal responses, she continued. "When I heard that Jane took on kids under her wing, well, suffice to say that surprise would be underselling my reaction."

"We're special cases."

"I'm well aware." She said with a twinkle in her eyes very reminiscent of the Commander. "Most everyone has been made privy or has seen your exploits. The whole galaxy has had its head turned upside down."

The elder Shepard shook her head, tears peeking out of the corners of her eyes.

"It was all so dangerous but from what I was able to see… oh, my little girl was having the time of her life with all of you." Hannah whispered quietly. "Last time we talked, she only spoke of all of you." She let out a pained chuckle. "Like when she was a kid, making up stories about her being a hero to swoop in and save the day. Lo and behold, seeing her be a Spectre and…"

The Alliance woman held a hand over her mouth, trembling now.

"I wish meeting you all could've been under better circumstances."

The Normandy crew was silent in this regard until Ashley stepped forward and placed a hand on the grieving mothers' shoulder.

"She was an amazing woman and friend, Ms. Shepard." Ashley said in a low voice. "She would've made you proud?"

Hannah only let out a teary laugh in response to this. "Jane already made me proud. I only wish I was a better mother for her."

They had a small exchange for a short time, speaking quietly for the most part until the memorial service began.

It was a short and quick affair for the most part.

The small ceremonial funeral ended soon after, the group dispersing slightly within the area.

Some went to speak with others they recognized, some stuck together and one opted to take a moment to himself.

Roxas sat alone at a bench not far from the human embassy and in his hand was a bar of Sea-Salt ice cream.

Normally, this would be the best little snack to lift his spirits but right now…

The ice cream tasted far more salty than sweet. Sour even.

His existence is taking quite the trip now. Things will never be the same without one who he called a friend. And he's definitely not the only one.

Soon enough, others from the Ōkoku galaxy who had known her will be shaken up with her no longer around. Though they didn't know Shepard like he and the rest did, they still were drawn to her and respected her like he did.

He gazed around the area absentmindedly, spotting Xion and Tali speaking with each other when the former hugged the latter. This brought about a small smile on the Nobody's face as he watched the two comfort one another.

At least the others were here for each other.

The Nobody exhaled heavily, leaning back on the bench with his free arm now covering his eyes. His ice cream bar dangled between his fingers with him not even caring if it fell from his hand by this point.

He honestly didn't know how to fully process this.

This sensation of loss was so alien to him. When being told of how Shepard died was one thing, practically witnessing it was another.

Joker had a front row seat of it. Roxas, however, was another viewer… somehow.

What was that last night?

That experience was just… he couldn't find the words to describe it.

He wanted to talk to the others about this cause being a Nobody with the emotional capability of a toddler was not something to be proud of really.

Though he wouldn't get his chance at this time as he heard footsteps approaching him followed by the sound of a familiar, flanging voice.

"Roxas, my boy." No. XIII removed his arm from over his eyes to be greeted to the sight of a friendly Turian face. "Hope I'm not disturbing you."

The Nobody's expression brightened slightly upon recognizing the Turian. "General Oraka."

The Turian 'hmphed', shaking his head at the young man. "No need for such formalities, Roxas. My name will do."

No. XIII simply nodded silently.

"Mind if I join you?" He politely asked, gesturing to the bench Roxas occupied at this time.

The blue-eyed teen shook his head, sliding over a bit for Oraka to take the spot beside him.

"Haven't seen you in some time." Septimus began, adjusting himself on the bench to be more comfortable. "Are you well?"

"...Not really."

Septimus couldn't help but chortle slightly though there was a clear sense of sorrowful understanding behind this laugh.

"Yeah, should've figured that honestly." Oraka admitted, shaking his head, eyes flicking down to Roxas' hands. "Your ice cream is melting."

Looking down, Roxas saw the light blue liquid dripping down his leather glove.

Wordlessly, he flicked the bar away and managed to get it to fall straight into a nearby trash can.

Oraka 'hmphed', a bit impressed by that little display.

They sat there in relative silence for a few seconds until the General cleared his throat and spoke up.

"I take it that you've seen better days, yes?" Though it was framed as a question, it was anything but.

Rather easy to figure out the current mood Roxas was going through right now.

He didn't get a response from the boy and it was not hard to see why. The boy looked positively miserable right now. He had only seen the teen a few times but never in this state.

It was disconcerting to be sure.

For the Turian general, he was silent for several moments before speaking again.

"I know what it's like to lose someone you care for, my friend." Septimus said, voice low. "It's alright to grieve for them."

Roxas didn't visibly react at first until slowly looking up at the Turian.

"...who?" He quietly asked.

"Friends, comrades, soldiers." Oraka listed off, a heavy sigh as he dragged a hand over his face. "People who I forged bonds with. Strengthening the comradery in the service in hopes of making ourselves more efficient. And eventually… ordering those same men to their deaths. Just…"

The Turian tilted his head down, fist clenched tightly.

"It never gets easier, only harder each time I do it. A roll of the dice to see what my chances are in seeing their return." He exhaled a sigh with a distant look. "After a while in the service, I needed emotional comfort to help relieve me of such burdens. It was how I eventually came across Sha'ira. She helped me through my issues, made me feel like a better man."

Oraka laughed derisively. "But then the universe course corrected my good mood and then I spiraled back down. What a joke I was."

His friend didn't say anything as Oraka kept on talking.

"But you know helped me out of that rut?" Septimus candidly said. "Who set me back on track?"

Roxas saw the Turian now face him.

"You, my young friend."

The Nobody gave the general a questioning look. "How did I help? All I did was just tell you to talk to her."

"That you did." Septimus said, patting the teen's shoulder. "And that one conversation was all I needed to get myself together. I had thought I would've lost her, yet you pushed me back in with your suggestion. I went in to mend our relationship and now things are much better than before."

Oraka stood up now and held out his hand for the Nobody to take.

"You showed me that it is important to have your own strength to pick yourself back up and make things right but also that help from others is a great blessing." Septimus stated. "That's why I'm here."

Roxas was confused by this statement yet seeing the offered hand, he grasped onto it, getting pulled up off the bench a moment later.

"There's some people that wish to speak with you and the rest of your crew." Oraka said enigmatically. "Follow me."

No. XIII was bewildered on what was going on.

He may have ignored the Turian in going after him, yet he had nothing better to do.

'It'll be better than just moping around here.' He thought as he rose from the bench and went after Oraka.

During their little walk, the blond looked around the area, noticing that he couldn't find any of his friends.

Where had they gone off to?

Were they still around?

He was led back into the human embassy in a rather secluded hallway before being directed by Oraka to enter into a room at the end of the corridor.

Entering inside, Roxas was quick to see that the rest of his friends were all here and appeared to have been waiting for them. So this is where they disappeared to.

"Guys?" He spoke up, catching everyone's attention. "What's going on?"

None of his friends had a chance to speak as someone else spoke first.

"Ah, Roxas, good to see you once again."

Roxas looked over to see a Salarian standing at the table that was in the room and he went over to the teen. The Nobody squinted his eyes for a moment until he recognized who it was.

"Captain Kirrahe?"

"Good to see you again though I take it you've already heard the phrase 'under better circumstances' enough as is today." The STG agent said, holding his hand out for Roxas to shake which he did.

"Uh-huh." Roxas responded in an unsure manner, looking to his friends for answers. "Uh, what's going on?"

"What's going on is that this is a meeting that needs to happen." Spoke a familiar voice, everyone turning to see Hackett standing at the table with Anderson to his right and on the other end, another Salarian in robed garments.

"Thank you for bringing him, General." The robed Salarian said with a nod of his head towards the Turian. "A pleasure to meet you all officially."

"Councilor Valern?" Garrus spoke in clear surprise.

The Salarian Council representative didn't address his name being called out at first as he was busy studying each member of the crew of the Normandy individually.

"Garrus Vakarian." He abruptly said. "Tali'Zorah Vas Neema. Liara T'soni. Urdnot Wrex. Ashley Williams. Kaidan Alenko. Axel. Xion. Roxas and… your pet, I take it?"

"Mascot." Stitch corrected.

"It talks?" Valern raised a non-existent eyebrow. "Fascinating as that is, not the time for it."

"Yeah, got more important matters on our hands." Axel remarked, crossing his arms whilst sending the councilor a skewed look. "Like that dramatic read off of our names."

"Axel." Liara chided softly. "This is a Council member we're speaking to."

The redhead shrugged noncommittally. "I don't know him."

Garrus rolled his eyes at Axel's dismissive nature, glancing briefly at an amused Oraka and a neutral Kirrahe before he addressed Valern. "Why are you here, counselor? This seems a bit… out of your way at this time."

Valern simply gestured to the Salarian standing beside him. "Kirrahe strongarmed me into taking part of this meeting by calling in a favor. Though being his brother, he could've just asked."

Kirrahe shook his head at that. "Knowing how you conduct yourself brother, a show of force was necessary in bringing you here."

While the bit of news of the two Salarians' relation was surprising to most in attendance, they shoved it aside so they may focus on what's at hand.

"So, you brought us all here for what exactly?" Axel asked, gauging the five high ranking officials who were now staring back at them.

"The actions you have all done have garnered a debt from us all that will be difficult to repay" Anderson said, standing up straight with his arms behind his back. "Which is why we shall be starting here and now."

"Shepard and the rest of you brought to us all the attention of the Reapers and the Heartless with whatever else is out there like the Organization you three defected from." Hackett said, eyeing the trio of black cloaked Nobodies. "We cannot allow ourselves to be complacent with the time we have right now."

"Which is why I brought us together at this moment." Kirrahe now spoke up. "After seeing what had transpired on Virmire from the Heartless to the Reapers' capabilities in Indoctrination, I know that a far greater threat is now looming on the horizon. One a simple STG strike team cannot overcome in one fell swoop."

"Why us?" Wrex suspiciously asked, eyeing the two Salarians with blatant distrust. His hatred of their species runs deep, thus the wariness.

"Isn't it obvious?" Kirrahe rhetorically asked. "Of those who have experience in these grander threats, the Normandy crew is the most well versed and equipped in handling such foes. If anyone needs to be notified and kept up to date with what we're doing, it's all of you."

"Would've thought that a Salarian STG operative would have kept any kind of information to themselves." Garrus remarked, crossing his arms as the agent shook his head.

"Not in this regard." Kirrahe firmly stated. "Those who have been on the forefront of these events must be kept up to date in this regard."

"And what is this, exactly?" Tali cautiously asked the question that was on the mind of the whole crew.

"Our declaration of war against the Reapers and Heartless." Hackett declared. "And the steps we're taking to ensure we have a chance against them."

Looks were exchanged with the Normandy members.

"Gotta ask, admiral, but why isn't Udina here along with the other councilors? Something such as this would garner their attention and presence." Asked Alenko.

"They've got other matters to attend to, but they'll be informed soon enough." Anderson assured.

"Though convincing them will be another matter entirely." Valern admitted. "But I digress."

"So you want us to do what? Help out in all this?" No. VIII asked in clear confusion.

Kirrahe waved that notion off. "You are all already on the frontlines against this. Though Shepard was the figurehead, the Normandy crew as a whole are recognized the galaxy over for their deeds. Commander Shepard may be dead but her legacy continues on through all of you."

The STG began pacing in front of them, akin to the time they saw him doing the same back on Virmire.

"The Normandy is the shining example now of what our galaxy can do when we are all united under one banner with a singular goal in mind. The best of humanity, Asari, Turian, Krogan and Quarian. Each of you are already figureheads for your people. Many already look to you with the wealth of knowledge that you have brought back to your people and will continue to do so."

"It will be difficult at first but in time we can garner more support and aid with time." Anderson said. "Though for the Alliance, right now we need to gain back what we have lost. The attack on the Citadel was a considerable loss of our forces. Ships need to be replaced and repaired. Crews need to be trained and retrained. What we'll need to do now is rebuild."

"I've put forward a request to Mr. McDuck for a Gummi ship to serve this purpose." Hackett revealed, surprising one Nobody in particular.

"Scrooge?" Roxas spoke up in surprise. "But doesn't the Alliance already have a contract with him?"

When this was mentioned, the Salarian councilor looked annoyed. A clear indication of the humans being ahead of the others of the Gummi technology even further at this time than other Citadel races.

"He's a shrewd old man, that's for sure. One is not enough it seems." Hackett said, huffing in amusement. "With him supplying new ship schematics on top of raw materials, production of new ships will start sooner than later."

"This is rather disconcerting, Admiral." Valern sternly said. "The Alliance going behind the back of the Citadel-"

"Like we do with our use of STG?" Kirrahe shot back, seeing his brother grimace at that.

"We'll share what we can." Anderson promised the Council member. "This isn't a single species endeavor. With this proposal, it'll be the start of a joint project. Part of an Initiative to expand our horizons and gain an upper hand with these threats."

"I've already begun speaking with some old connections of mine in the hierarchy." Oraka revealed to the group. "Some are stubborn old fools who are to by the books but there are a considerable number who see the dangers ahead. Many younger Turians rising through the ranks understand what's coming. Primarch Fedorian has promised his support for our cause."

"Primarch Fedorian?" Garrus repeated in disbelief.

Oraka's mouth moved into what would equate to a Turian smirk. "Surprised, Vakarian? Then you should know he's not the only one. General Adrien Victus has also stated he's in. Seems you've inspired him as well. Something about making sure he keeps his title of Turian that pisses off the Hierarchy the most. You've got some stiff competition now, Vakarian."

The sharpshooter coughed in order to compose himself.

It was then that Liara spoke up. "I… I believe there is much in terms of resources and influence my mother had left behind that we can perhaps use. I can start growing an Asari network to garner the support needed for the conflicts to come."

"Much appreciated, Ms. T'soni." Anderson said with a genuine smile directed at the young Asari.

As the meeting went on with the five simply bringing up projects and ideas in mind that can be implemented, the Normandy crew silently listened to it all. They chimed in on occasion with some comments here and there but they remained quiet for the most part.

Like mentioned earlier at the funeral, things with Urdnot Wrex will be a bit … delicate and more difficult to manage given his primary goal to unite his people. Yet he'll offer what he can once promises are fulfilled. Not all can be done right away but give it time. But he made sure that his people come first in this regard, stating his people have been used once before and thrown aside like a broken tool.

Tali was also hesitant as her nature to help was clashing with her own loyalty to making sure her people continue to survive.

They were undergoing a technological renaissance really with how much she had brought back to them. Undoubtedly, word will eventually reach the rest of the galaxy if it hasn't already. STG might already be aware of what the Flotilla is going through right now. Not to mention what Quarians are bringing back to the Fleet with their time studying the RemTech tower at Mars.

The rest were on board for the most part though they were aware of their two friends' internal plight.

As they were dispersing from the meeting room…

"Alenko, Williams, a moment if you would."

The aforementioned marines halted in their step and looked towards their superiors and the Salarian councilor who remained behind.

Most of their friends and comrades took notice of this and respectively said they'll meet up later. Given the possible importance of Hackett and Anderson needing their time, who knows how long this possible meeting will last.

Their friends looked at them quizzically until the pair gave them the go ahead to leave them be.

They turned back to Hackett who was joined by Anderson and Valern of all people.

"Is there something wrong, captain, admiral… *ahem* Councilor?" Kaidan respectfully asked.

"Nothing's wrong, we assure you." Anderson stated. "Just that something that Valern here suggested actually."

"A means of building bridges for unity in the galaxy." The Salarian Councilor said.

"Kaidan Alenko, Ashley Williams," Hackett spoke in complete seriousness. "The two of us have discussed this for a time and pitched the suggestion forward prior to Shepard's unfortunate demise. The two of you have been approved as candidates and to undergo Spectre training."

To say the pair of humans were surprised would be underselling it given how their eyes widened and jaws dropped.

Williams gaped, stammered and opened and closed her mouth several times until finally finding her voice again. "Excuse me, sir, but say that again?"

-Scene Cut-

Elsewhere, as the Normandy crew deals with the fallout of the death of their beloved Commander, a human centric organization was reacting to this tragedy in their own way.

Inside the HQ of the human centrist group called Cerberus, their leader Jack Harper stood in the office instead of sitting in his comfortable chair. Cigarette in one hand with a glass of scotch in another. Beside him was a small table where the scotch bottle and cigarette tray were placed at this time.

He found it difficult to sit comfortably today because he was agitated. He needed everything he could to calm himself down. The view of the sun fluctuating between blue and red directly in front of him was always good for his agitation in these past years.

He especially needed the calming effect of it, due to what news reached him earlier.

As much as he'd like to be alone in his office right now, contemplating and planning many things in silence, the Illusive Man had things to take care of with others.

From behind him, he heard the trademark clacking of heels that come from one of his top lieutenants.

She was a beauty to be sure clad in a skintight white suit that showed off her extremely sensual body matched by her flawless, porcelain face and magnetic black hair.

"Shepard did everything right." Spoke Miranda Lawson, tone bitter and frustrated. "More than we could've hoped for."

"Commander Shepard uncovered the truth."

"...and still it's not enough."

TIM dabbed his cigarette into the nearby ash tray as he continued. "We're at war. No one wants to admit it, but humanity is under attack."

"Not just humanity, sir. The whole galaxy is under threat. And it's not just the Reapers. These Heartless can be considered the Reapers' vanguard at this rate." Lawson stated several images of the multiple variations of Heartless appearing around them.

"They're biding their time now. For the Reapers, a victory has been achieved in taking the Commander off the board. Without her presence, a great many things are in disarray. She can be argued into what kept them together without others realizing it."

"Clearly. It'll take time for them to acknowledge it. For without her, humanity might well follow in the shared demise."

The head of Cerberus nodded in agreement. He took a drag out of his cigarette before exhaling smoke. "As of now, it's up to us to stop the Reapers."

"The Council will never trust Cerberus. They'll never accept our help. Even after everything humanity has accomplished." Miranda let out a sigh. "But Shepard… they would have followed her, if she was still alive."

Finishing up the last of his cigarette, TIM pulled up some holo-screens. "Even if we had lost her, it doesn't mean we can simply give up the fight."

Miranda turned to the Illusive Man who's cybernetic eyes were deep in contemplation. "What do you have in mind, sir?"

"Expanding present projects and green lighting ones on hold, for starters. Asides from this, considering the offered partnership."

"You can't be serious." She said sternly. "There are better options than resorting to them."

"If you have better ideas, I am all ears."

"Despite what olive branch they gave us, we could use their gift to help with an idea I have in mind."

TIM emptied the last of his drink before pouring himself another. "Go on."

Miranda walked over to one of the many holo-screens within the room and brought up a set of files that she had prepared just for this occasion.

Jack Harper let out a hum. "You have certainly been busy."

"I don't trust them." Lawson freely admitted. "But what they have to offer is beyond the realm of science and can work more in our favor than anticipated. It'll save us on resources but will cost us more time and effort to see if it'll all work out."

"This will certainly relieve Hojo of some problems with his current projects. Or perhaps he'll just complicate them further."

Miranda rolled her eyes at the mention of the Cerberus scientist. "He always wanted a challenge. This is his chance."

"We'll just have to see if they'll pull through." TIM remarked, taking a quick hit of his cigarette, his glowing eyes narrowing slightly. "To utilize data to such a degree."

"It might as well be called sorcery."

The Illusive Man hummed, tapping his cigarette over his ashtray. "Perhaps a new cell should be created. One focused on the arcane."

Had the past few months involving the Heartless and Darkness not happened, Miranda would have scoffed and dismissed such a proposal.

Now however?

Well, such things shouldn't be so callously thrown aside without thinking about the prospect about it first.

-Scene Cut-

Inside of the Room Where Nothing Gathers, a small meeting was taking place with a number of Organization members.

"Jeez, what a way to go." No. II of the Organization said with a laugh. "Went down with her ship like a true captain would. Hats off to you, Shepard."

"This was certainly an unexpected development." Vexen mused aloud, rubbing his chin in thought. "To have gone out that way. Terrible means of meeting one's end really."

"Oh please, like you'd really sympathize." Larxene drawled out, showing how much she did not want to be here right now.

"Regardless, this development may have opened up some new avenues in taking out our former colleagues." Xaldin spoke up, arms crossed as usual though his eyes were closed.

"Yes. They're up for grabs with them no longer in their RV in space." No. II said, laughing derisively at the thought of the Normandy being destroyed.

"It doesn't mean they'll settle down quite easily for their recent loss. We'll still need them for our plans with creating Kingdom Hearts." Saix countered.

"Then why not let us shove more Heartless their way and the two Keys take care of things on top of the other." Demyx suggested. "We may have our end goal, by this rate, in perhaps a year."

"Oh~ look at you." Xigbar teased. "I thought you said you weren't that type of guy from last time."

"Hey, I'm just saying what we already know." No. IX childishly shot back.

"What intrigues me is this Cerberus we've chosen to… align with, if that's the word I should be using." Marluxia brought up, looking up to the Freeshooter and The Superior of the In-Between. "Are they our allies? Or just a fleeting curiosity?"

Rather than the two answering the Graceful Assassin, it was the Luna Diviner who spoke on their behalf.

"They'll serve our purposes in the long run." No. VII said with assuredness. "One which we'll cut ties with once we acquire what we desire."

"If we can acquire such a thing." Luxord stated, his cards in hand. "This here says it can go one way and this here the other. I have never seen such variety for what the future may hold."

"Vexen." No. I said aloud, making the Chilly Academic look up to the leader of the Organization.

"Yes, Lord Xemnas?"

"I understand that you have recently made a breakthrough in the data you and Zexion have collected from that galaxy."

No. IV's face broke out into a sinister grin as he briefly looked at the Cloaked Schemer before back at their leader.

"Yes we have, Lord Xemnas." Vexen boasted, chuckling manically. "With what that galaxy has yielded to us, we have discovered a new means of compiling data on targets and can utilize a higher advancement of previous projects. Cerberus has requested that we share our findings with them if we are to work together."

"And what did they offer in return?" Saix inquired.

"Facilities, faculty, research of their own." Zexion quietly listed off. "Bases of our own to utilize if we are to indeed enter into a partnership with them."

"How generous of them." Marluxia remarked. "I imagine that scientist Hojo is all for it, yes?"

Larxene sneered at the mention of the man. "That pig? Why the hell do we need another egg headed freak? Vexen already has that covered."

"I beg your pardon?!" Vexen yelled out incredulously.

The pair's argument went ignored by the rest of the Organization.

"As for who will go over to oversee a number of operations, well, can be any one of us." Luxord said, idly looking about at his fellow members.

"We could send over Riku Replica at some point." Lexeaus quietly said, speaking for the first time since the start of the meeting.

"I concur." Zexion nodded at No. V. "He has been growing restless in doing nothing."

"He's a growing boy." Xigbar jokingly admonished No. VI. "How things will proceed from this will be up to them. After all, the kid has truly been antsy and wanting to go out."

"Zexion." Xemnas' voice cut through the chatter, looking down at the silver haired Nobody. "I understand you are still speaking with Doctor Liara T'soni."

Though it went unnoticed by all, one took note of the subtle shift in No. VI's seat. There was a brief moment of tension followed by his hand that was across his chest clenching up tightly.

"I am."

"And?"

"And what?"

"What progress have you made with her?" Vexen impatiently asked on behalf of the superior.

Zexion, while keeping an outward demeanor of being calm and composed, inwardly would be reflecting that of a deer caught in a headlight.

It took him several seconds to muster an answer before shaking his head.

"I have not been able to get much as of late though this most likely will be prominent for a time." The Cloaked Schemer stated. "Nobody's we may be, we all still remember times in our previous lives where we experienced loss. I shall bide my time until I meet with her once more. For as of now, any attempts with Dr. T'Soni will be on thin ice."

No. I said nothing, simply inclining his head forward as he accepted the answer from No. VI before regarding the rest of the Organization.

"We shall continue along our goals as planned." He declared a moment later. "Any anomalies or changes we may face will be met accordingly through removal or adaptation. You all have your missions. Dismissed."

And like that, ten pillars of Darkness shrouded the ten departing members of the Organization, leaving their leader alone as he continued to ponder on what to do next in solitude.

-Scene Cut-

It was quite the sobering time for the Normandy ground team.

After today, all of them would go in their separate directions.

Until then, they sought to spend what remaining hours they had together.

It was rather hard on what to generally do for an overall decision.

Going to the Silver Sun Strip. Hunting down some Heartless to relieve some displaced aggression. Going to some other world and perform a mission together.

These were a number of examples the group talked amongst each other yet couldn't really decide on anything.

They just didn't want to waste their time.

For everything after today will be all business with very little pleasure.

Kaidan and Ashley were to undergo Spectre training, which was rather surprising to hear for a number of members. Garrus was going back to C-Sec while also doing what Spectre training he could finish under someone else. It wouldn't be the same without Shepard mentoring him. Then again, she never went through the initial Spectre training; only the N7 served enough leverage. For the three Spectre prospects, their missions under Shepard counted as pseudo training due to the frankly extreme uniqueness of the encounters they've had that no one else experienced. That alone gave them an edge over a majority of most Spectre candidates.

Liara would soon be heading back to Mars to study the RemTech Spire and attempt to dig up old contacts and connections her mother had. Wrex obviously needed to continue uniting the Krogan clans under one banner. Stitch, surprisingly of all people… if he can be called that, opted to go out on his own for now. He would go somewhere, as he didn't decide what to do at this time but would return to them when he was ready.

Tali was still needed by her people and will return to the Flotilla. And the Nobodies would relatively do freelance work for the Alliance, the Council and whatever missions Yen Sid had for them.

The overall purpose… preparing for their fight against the Reapers and even against Organization XIII.

Initial plans are not definite, but the end goals are clear reminders for them all.

It'll be a tough road ahead of them, but it'll be worth it… hopefully.

Before they split, there were a number of matters they needed to attend to first.

Most of the group checked on the Normandy survivors to see how they were doing, primarily Joker and Chakwas if they were honest.

The crew members were happy to know the initial ground team were relatively concerned with them. And said team learned they'll be cycled back and assigned elsewhere or make a decision to turn in their resignation from the Alliance military.

In the former, it was relatively normal procedure if a ship is destroyed. On the latter, it was merely due to varying personal reasons.

Mosh the Moogle was present, but not as a patient. Him being there to check on a number of his customers before heading elsewhere for apparent appointments. He did give his condolences and apologies for what happened and hoped to see them again soon at the very least as he bade farewell for the time being.

Karin Chakwas was pretty fine, but still shaken up with what occurred. Her knowing Shepard is no longer amongst them hit her hard as she admitted seeing the Commander as a niece for the years she had known her. Not to mention a factor of her bringing Karin an odd sense of stability in her life alongside Joker, yet things are presently unbalanced.

Karin got a blubbering mess of Xion tackling her and crying her eyes out, overjoyed to see that she was alright. The elderly doctor simply smiled fondly at the ravenette, running her hand through the girl's hair as a means of assuring her that she was alright.

It was an amusing though heartening sight for the group, Joker "bemoaning" that he can't garner such love due to his fragile body.

Speaking of the pilot…

Seeing Joker in his present state was hard. Physically he was fine -asides from his vrolik syndrome- but he appeared broken in a sense. It was easy to deduce what brought him to this state.

He kept blaming himself for causing Shepard's demise.

Despite how the ground team voiced their concerns, they didn't exactly blame Joker on this. Yes he sought to save the Normandy, which kept delaying himself from getting to the escape pods.

But what attacked them was the cause of Shepards' death, not him.

He wouldn't hear it.

The pilot was downtrodden, depressed really, unable to look any of them in the eye.

Stitch tried to cheer up his fellow pilot but Jeff just wouldn't budge. He did however thank them for trying, wishing he could've been a better pilot.

They had none of that, telling him to not think like that and be consumed by such guilt.

In their own way, the ground team respectively told Joker to not beat himself up about it and let his action consume him.

It'll take time to see if their words got through to him.

Eventually, however, this bittersweet time together came to its end. They all had other duties they must attend to, now more than ever.

This gathering farewell felt far more… sadder than their previous ones.

The last time, it was a one at a time sort of goodbye with only one of them leaving.

But this was all of them splitting up basically.

The Nobody's would be sticking together for obvious reasons. Ash and Kaidan had each other at least and to a degree, Garrus as well but he'd feel slightly alone at C-Sec after being on the Normandy for so long.

Tali, Liara and Wrex would be the most isolated, Stitch as well now since he was leaving on his own.

Sure they had their kin and species around them for the most part… though Wrex is gonna be dealing with a lot of challenges. But it wasn't gonna be like old times.

The thought alone made some in their group laugh at that.

They all ranged from different ages, some a few decades to even centuries to the bare minimum of a few months and they were already referring to their duration and journey aboard the Normandy as "old times".

But now, they were at one of the many docks of the Citadel.

They had all gathered around two ships that would mark the breakup of their band once again.

One ship was for Wrex, a number of Krogans awaiting the return of their clan leader.

The other was the Gummi Ship Symmetry Flight that Scrooge McDuck had given Roxas to use. The Nobodies would use the ship to return home but first, they would take Liara to Mars and then Tali to the Flotilla.

Much as Ash, Kaidan and Garrus wanted to come along with them all, they knew that their "shore leave" can only last so long.

"Stay in touch?" Alenko said to the others that were leaving the Citadel.

Axel only shrugged. "We'll try as we can. We've all got shit to do."

"Preachin' to the choir." Wrex grumbled, not looking forward to dealing with the stubborn Krogan clans that refuse to see what he's trying to do for them.

That and he needed to check up on his pet Calot from Barsoom. Little scamp ran around as fast as Woola did, the lil tyke.

"Oh, that's a human phrase." Ash teased. "Got the dictionary loaded up there?"

"Laugh it up, Williams." Wrex said with a roll of his eyes. "It's called being cultured. Something that your poetry lacks in."

"Excuse me?!" She squawked, head making a motion of shock equating to her voice. "I dare you to say that again!"

"You suck at poetry and your tastes can do better." The Krogan unashamedly said with a straight face directly in her face.

Williams looks like she was gonna throttle him but was comically held back by a few others.

It was a fun little moment of levity really. A feeling of true joy shared between them all. One that may likely be the last one for some time.

"So, you guys ready?" Axel asked, looking to those that he would be departing with.

Liara seemed hesitant at first before nodding. Tali followed suit with Wrex letting out a small huff.

"Is that disappointment I'm hearing, Wrex?" Garrus inquired in faux-shock. "You're not going soft on us, are you?"

The only answer he received was a non-threatening growl though the cocky smirk was ever present.

"Just be sure to remember, pyjacks." Wrex faced them all with a deadly serious look. "None of you would've gotten far without me."

"Oh whatever."

"I'm the one who carried this whole group."

"Puh-lease, matchstick, the only thing you carried is a warm towel."

"How is that even an insult?"

"Shut up, you know what I meant."

"Not really."

"Yeah, that didn't make any sense Ash."

"I don't wanna hear that from you, rucksack."

This little banter went on between them, the group not wanting to part from one another.

But eventually…

"Guess this is goodbye, for now then, right?" Alenko quietly asked as the mood between them all lessened to a degree.

There were some bits of silence between the group as no one wanted to make the appropriate response right then and there.

"Actually." Xion spoke up, just before everyone went their separate ways again. "There's one last thing we need to do together. For now at least. And it's very important."

Everyone exchanged glances with each other in obvious confusion.

"And that would be…?"

-Scene Cut-

Alchera, a planet located in the Amada System over at the Omega Nebula. It was a very cold world with a thick atmosphere of methane and ammonia. Departing from the craft, the occupants wore helmets and face masks instead of using oxy-chew, due to how cold the environment was.

They stood amongst the wreckage of the ship they all once called home in silent mourning.

Parts of the vessel were scattered all over. Signs of it having been further dismantled could be seen, due to the Alliance and Turian Hierarchy wanting to salvage the Gummi tech as much as possible.

Being here was important to them. Not just that, but there was an ulterior motive they were doing for the Alliance as a favor.

They would be delivering a monument to be resided at the ship's final resting place. It wouldn't be just that, but from the surprise attack, twenty crew members were unaccounted for. Hackett wished for them to perhaps find any signs of these lost souls and recover anything of significance -like dog tags- so their respective families might find some closure.

It was a quiet affair for the most part. They walked amongst the destroyed ship, all stopping at certain portions that they recognized.

Flashes of memories played in their heads upon certain spots.

For Tali, it was the remnants of the engine room where she spent a majority of her time and having Roxas, Shepard and the other crew members coming down to see her.

Garrus stood before one of the destroyed Mako's and saw images of him working on calibrating the gun while sharing a laugh with Axel.

Speaking of the redhead, he stood in the center of what remained of the cafeteria of the ship. He closed his eyes, reminiscing of the meals the crew had together.

Stitch was pulling up a number of his affects which were sadly left behind. All he could've taken during the attack was his commandeered red intergalactic federal police cruiser and all of its contents inside. Many of what he had back on the Normandy would be hard to replace.

Xion was right by him and he looked up at her with his ears drooping and she only smiled sadly at him and picked him up into a hug.

This was the spot in the cargo hold where Stitch revealed his guitar abilities much to the delight of the ravenette.

Liara found the old meeting room, the one of the chairs buried in the ground. This was where she met the crew proper and joined them in their mission against Saren and her mother. Where she found a place that wasn't a dig site where she felt welcomed.

Wrex had his own moment in locating a set of familiar enough crates to gauge his spot on the Normandy that he frequented. There was a rare instance of melancholy on the face of the Krogan Battlemaster, thinking back to when he first joined up to his last day aboard the ship.

He wasn't ashamed to admit that the few months he was aboard the Normandy was among the best of his long lifetime. Nothing came close to it.

The Krogan huffed and shook his head. Last thing a Krogan like him needed to be right now was sentimental.

Over with the lieutenant commander, Alenko had found the area he most frequented, thinking back at the fond times he had aboard the ship. Talking with Shepard, showing Roxas and Xion the weapons of the ship, getting addicted to Sea-Salt Ice cream.

Ashley had come across a datapad which belonged to Pressley. She found it still in working order, despite the cracked screen.

Going through the contents, she wasn't surprised to find the late navigator's thoughts on the non-humans being amongst the crew with his bits of distrust. But over time, she saw the progression of his opinions towards them becoming better as he'd risk his life to help them. It brought a small smile on her face as she self-reflected on the same views.

Walking through the snowy wreckage, Roxas gazed around with many memories flooding his head.

His time here really shaped him into the… Well, he'd like to consider himself a man but this was the most formative experience he's ever had in his brief existence.

Being who he is at this point in his "life" all started from here.

Shepard treated him like her little brother, Garrus, Kaidan and Liara all teaching him about the wider galaxy, Wrex being what could be described as a gruff uncle. Then there was Joker, always something witty to say before Della and Stitch joined up, the pilot having a field day with fellow flyers like him.

But having Xion and Axel join him on top of his growing relationship with Tali…

He will most certainly miss flying around with the others.

The Normandy…

It was a bitter pill to swallow, seeing it in such a state right now.

Continuing to search for personal effects of the lost crew members, No. XIII felt an odd crunch underneath his foot. Lifting it, he came across something… significant.

Reaching down, he picked up the object and wiped off the impacted snow to reveal a piece of armor.

More specifically, one which belonged to Shepard with the N7 insignia.

'Must've broken off when she was attacked.' He thought with a frown.

The Nobody knelt down to the insignia, placing a hand over it. He remained there for a moment until he felt something sliding down his face and fell to the snowy surface.

He blinked, not having realized what he had done. Reaching up to his eyes, he lightly dabbed his fingertips below them and pulled back to see the fabric of his gloves being slightly wet.

"I'm… crying?" Roxas whispered.

The last time he was crying was back on Rannoch after his nightmare of witnessing the Normandy's demise. And before that was back at the Castle that Never Was when he began to learn a number of truths.

After everything he had gone through, everything he had now felt, looks like the notion of Nobody's not having hearts and emotions maybe more false then fact.

He shook his head, wiping the tears away with the sleeve of his coat before walking away with Shepard's N7 insignia armor piece in hand.

Not far away from his little discovery, he also found something else barely peeking out of the snow.

Kneeling down the snow pile, he brushed the snow away to find Shepard's helmet. His hand trembled now before he placed it over the eye slit and he bowed his head down.

She… Jane…

Roxas forgoes trying to contain himself and now wept openly yet silently. There were some sniffles here and there but he cried in silence. Tears slowly freezing onto his cheeks before making contact with his facemask.

Jane was gone. She was dead and he saw it all happen.

Felt it all.

He had no idea what that was, what it was meant to be but he didn't care right now.

All he cared about was wanting to see Jane again knowing this to be impossible. It just wasn't fair.

She became like an older sister to him. He could come to her for anything and now she was dead.

What kind of twisted universe was this?

'I swear Shepard.' He mentally promised. 'I swear on my very being I'll never stop fighting. We'll take them all down. The Organization, the Heartless, the Reapers, all of them.

While doing all this, within his fist was the N7 insignia he had picked up that was being squeezed by his gloved hang. The leather strained slightly against the metallic material though it remained intact for the most part.

Then, without realizing what he had done, the insignia began to vibrate slightly.

A second later, from his grasp, the N7 insignia glowed before a flashy pillar of light took its place. The Nobody shielded his eyes briefly as the light was right in his face. What he did feel however was the changing of the shape of the insignia in his hand.

Roxas was surprised on seeing the end results yet was drawn in with what he now held.

It was a Keyblade, one that was entirely new.

The handle and guard appeared to be composed of the N7 armor with its red, black and white aesthetic. The initial metallic blade was mostly covered with Omni-tool parts. Even the weapon's teeth consisted of the hard light material. Hanging off of the pommel was the piece of Shepard's N7 armor as it was connected onto a chain.

Roxas stared at the new Keyblade he now held and felt his breath go short for a moment before he managed to compose himself.

He held the Keyblade up vertically, examining it from tip to pommel with an astute eye. Several practice swings were made to test its reach, weight and feel.

In the midst of this, he heard the crunching of snow and turned to see the others coming over to him.

"Whatcha got there, Roxas?" Garrus asked, eyeing his newly transformed weapon. "New Keyblade?"

The blond silently nodded and held it out for the others to see properly.

The others admired the new blade but Williams was the first to pick up on its more specific details. Namely, the N7 chain hanging from the back.

"Hey, that looks like-"

"A passing gift, from Shepard." Roxas cut her off before she was able to identify it.

Alenko smiled sadly upon hearing this. "Should've known she would have left something behind for us."

"Yeah, but why does our zombie get it?" Axel jokingly asked.

Roxas didn't rebuke as he was too busy looking down at the new Keyblade in his hand. He felt Stitch crawl up his shoulder to look at it from his point of view, Xion and Tali joining him on the other side.

"It looks… strong." Xion noted, feeling the word was appropriate given the look of the Keyblade.

"It feels like it." Roxas quietly said, holding his Keyblade vertically now. "Shepard…"

"You'll do her proud." Axel silently said. "We all will, right?"

Varying nods and grunts of acknowledgement were delivered soon after.

"Even if she's gone, she's still with us; one way or another." Roxas added in before withdrawing the N7 helmet he found not long ago.

Seeing Shepard's helmet, the others can tell it's the only thing remaining of the commander. It'll either go back to the Alliance or perhaps be given to Hannah Shepard as a means of finding peace.

"C'mon. We should head on back."

Everyone simply nodded and began trudging back through the Normandy wreckage to get back to their ships.

In the middle of their walk, one in their group halted in their tracks and stood in place with a degree of uncertainty. Him stopping went unnoticed at first by the group as they kept on walking.

Slowly, No. XIII turned back to the ruins of the Normandy and stared at it intently.

Roxas' eye twitched upon seeing a silhouette in the distance. Blinking several times, he zoned in on the shadowy figure until realizing who it was.

She was looking right at him with a confident, encouraging smile. There was a small head gesture but to him the message was clear.

'Go on kid. I know you could do it.'

For said kid, his mind went haywire as he got a proper, definitive look at who it was he was staring at.

'Sh-Shepard?'

In a blink of an eye, the figure was gone.

It may have been a hallucination, a figment of his imagination with his welling feelings.

Whatever the case may be, it somewhat put him at ease.

With everything apparently taken care of, the group gave the wreckage one last look.

Before they left, Stitch brought out the memorial statue Hackett wished for them to place here. It was a bronze statue of the Normandy taking flight.

The ground team gave one last glimpse of the place, giving another silent promise of what they'll do.

With that done, they left what was once their home.

N7 Effect Keyblade: received from the remains of Commander Shepard's armor. For visual, UnknownChaser on DeviantArt.

Other skills and abilities are kept under wraps for now…

AN

Huzzah, we're back at it again and back in the groove with this story. We're starting to get into the more anticipated arcs Jeb and I have long been wanting to work on.

Still gonna be dealing with some fallout over Shepards' death but we're gonna be transitioning into the next arc of this story fairly soon.

So yeah, the Normandy crew has splintered this time for real. Roxas has a new Keyblade and the others have their next set of plans and phases and we intend on keeping you guys up to date with what they're all gonna be doing.

Jebest4781: Instead of rushing straight into ME2 and KH2 events, we need to ease into it, given we will need to introduce a number of groups and integrate them properly. This part will be a tad complicated on how to make it all work.

FMW: Yeah, whilst we want to get to both sequel areas, we don't wanna rush right in. There's several story arcs we wanna tell but also set up so we wanna make sure things are staged properly before launching the sequel parts of the story. So we have our work cut out for us.

But if there's anything Jeb and I can do is thrive in challenges.

So full on gung-ho towards the coming arcs.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.