Mass Effect: legends

Chapters

Chapter 1 A new breed
Chapter 2 Spike the Krogan
Chapter 3 Hunt
Chapter 4 Rite
Chapter 5 Rite Aftermath
Chapter 6 Betrayal on hollowed ground
Chapter 7 The Turian
Chapter 8 Welcome aboard the Normandy
Chapter 9 Missing Marines
Chapter 10 Bring down the sky
Chapter 11 Unlikely Ally
Chapter 12 The Shapshifter
Chapter 13 Shore leave

Chapter 1 A new breed

The barren plains of Tuchanka a land destroyed by war. A land that took rather than gave. A land that was home to one of the fiercest species in the universe. The krogans. They were a strong species of a warrior. Known mainly for the strength and their amazing durability. They fought without mercy and destroyed any who stood in their path. Some could compare them to earth Spartans of ancient times. They were once a primitive species; fighting amongst themselves on their planet. But, when they were lifted to the stars; to destroy the rachni. But, when they had gotten too powerful in numbers. The council had the salarians create the genophage; a disease that has almost wiped out the krogan race. For many of them, breeding is a top priority; so that their numbers may increase. While others wanted to continue to carry the genophage. To prove to all races that even though their race was dying. They were still the dominant race that all should fear.

A truck slowly drove through one of the many deserts of Tuchanka. Its engine roared loudly inside the truck sat a group of five Krogans. All of them wore the same colored armor; they were all also male. The one who drove the truck had an X master line shotgun. Two of the three that were sitting had breaker rifles. While the third carried a sylvoko with explosive rounds. The one who stood at the door; staring hard through the window and out onto the landscape. His eyes were red and three large scars were on his face. He carried a claymore shotgun. The driver continued to stare forward at the path in front of them. The desert seemed almost endless; the wind created a curtain of dust and sand. Which made visibility almost zero.

The driver then spoke, “You think it's still out there, Wrex?”

The one standing at the door turned and looked at him, “Yes,” he answered before he looked back outside, “A threshermaw that stubborn and brave will not go too far away from its food source.” he growled a little as his hand balled into a fist, “But, this one made the mistake of eating some of the females.” he finished.

Three days ago a threshermaw had attacked a female camp. It had devoured two and injured around fifteen. Among the fifteen three of them were children. Two only had minor injuries; while the third had to be taken to the citadel. Immediately a hunting group was sent after it. They had their first encounter with the monster about a mile away from the camp. They fought it for a good minute until they severed its tongue and one of its legs. Forcing it to retreat into the wastelands. When it started to run; they started to hunt. They had been on its trail since it started to run; stopping only when the truck needed to be refueled. They knew it was going to eventually turn around and head back. But, they were the ones who were going to give it something to eat.

The truck then slowed to a stop; Wrex walked forward and stared out the window. He asked, “Rin, why have we stopped moving?” He saw no signs of threshermaw movement in front of them.

Rin answered, “Somethings,” he paused for a moment before he turned the truck's engine off, “not right.” He finished as he got out of the driver's seat and exited the vehicle. His weapon grasped in hand. The sand beneath his feet crunched loudly as he stepped out. He walked a few steps forward and knelt down. He had barely touched the ground.

Wrex walked up and asked, “Something wrong?”

Rin responded, “No,” he then looked back at the trail they had been following, “and that's the problem.” Wrex looked in the direction he was looking in. Looking at the trail they had been following; there was a trench in the earth. A big one that could only be cut by a threshermaw. But for some reason, the trench had suddenly stopped. That meant one of two things; the first which was less likely, the threshermaw had dug deeper. The reason why was because threshermaw's only hunted near the topsoil. If it dove deeper it was for one of three things, hibernation, breeding, death. The other reason for the trail to end was the most likely one. The threshermaw had surfaced, but they did not see it.

Slowly Wrex scanned the area around them; all around them, the winds blew the sand. It blocked out all visibility. Until finally the winds died down and allowed him to see clearly. Clear all of them had driven into an ambush. For he saw the mandible of the threshermaw sticking out of the ground.

Wrex yelled, “Move!”

The ground beneath them began to fall; Wrex and Rin began to run for the edge of the mouth. While the two inside the truck tried to move the vehicle. But, ultimately their fates were sealed. For the truck was swallowed whole by the beast. Wrex and Rin barely made it out of the maw of the beast. The beast raised itself up high and roared loudly at them. Both of the shot a few rounds at it; only to quickly dodge as it launched a ball of acidic spit. Wrex used his carnage mode on his shotgun. Sending a ball of energy into the hide of the threshermaw. While Rin activated his immunity; keeping himself safe from the acid. The two fought the beast for nearly an hour eventually Rin fell victim to the acidic spit. Leaving only Wrex to fight it. He stared up at it in rage; inside its mouth, he saw the sniper rifle Gutgash had. He began to sprint towards the creature as it lunged down at him. As he ran towards certain death; he holstered his shotgun. When he saw the creature's mouth open again; he used his biotic charge. His body glowed in blue biotic power, and then it became a bright blue light. It then shot forward at a fast rate and when he hit one of the creature's teeth. He stopped and grabbed hold; he quickly saw the sniper rifle and grabbed it. He then looked around and saw the truck; he knew its tank was still completely full. He took aim at its tank and fired the explosive round inside.

The threshermaw released one final roar before its head was decapitated by the explosion. Landing a few feet away from its body; some fire still lingered on its head. Its mouth was then violently blown open. Wrex slowly stepped out of it; his body covered in both blood and saliva. As he walked away he took out his shotgun. Turned around and fired three shots into its head. He then gave off a low growl and then began walking back to his clans home. He knew it would take him about four days to reach his home. It sounded like a typical walk among the ruins for him. By the evening he had reached a deep concrete trench. He slid down it and walked in the cool shade.

He looked around noticing this trench was one that came close to the camp. He could follow it all the way to the camp. Staying in the shade and hunting; he then heard a low growl. Causing him to ready his shotgun. He knew what made that growl a varren. He slowly walked up to a small passageway where the growl had come from. He aimed his shotgun and waited for his prey to come out. But, what he saw caught him off guard. A varren did come out of the passage, but it was on fire. It cried out in pain as it ran and thrashed about. A single shot from his claymore ended its pain. Wrex stared for a little while at the burning varren body. His attention then focused back on the passageway. He readied his shotgun and walked to the entrance. He knew one thing that could light a varren on fire like that. A kilxeen an insect that shot fire from its mouth. He then slowly walked into the passageway. Turning on his flashlight attachment on it allowing him to see.

He followed the scorched trail the varren had left; surprised at how far it had run. He took a turn down another hallway. Keeping his eyes on the burn trail; as he got closer to where the varren had come from. He heard movement up ahead; he slowed his walk. And, when he reached the next turn he quickly aimed his gun at the creature.

“AHH!” a creature screamed before a small jet of fire shot out.

Wrex quickly activated his immunity; keeping him from getting burned. But, his shields took most of the damage; when the fire stopped he didn't expect to see what he saw. Cowering in his light was some kind of creature he had never seen before. It had scales like a snake; except they were purple. And, it had green fins on its head. Whatever the creature was it wasn't a krogan. He kept his flashlight on it as he walked closer. The creature tried to move away from him but he grabbed it by its tail and lifted it up in front of him.

“What are you?” he asked as he studied it.

The creature then brought its front claw up in front of his face. It put up a pitiful defense before it spoke, “Please,” it begged, “Don't hurt me.”

Wrex spoke a little surprised, “You're sentient?”

The creature spoke, “I'm what?”

Wrex gently set it down before answering, “It means you have intelligence. You're capable of basic language and thought.” He continued only to see a look of more confusion, “I don't understand it either. I just repeated what I read on a datapad.” he finished.

For a little while everything was silent; with just both of them staring at each other. It was then the new creature spoke.

“Who....who are you?” It asked.

Wrex answered, “I am Urdnot Wrex. Chief of the Urdnot clan,” He then asked, “What clan do you come from?”

The creature grew confused again, “Clan?”

“Yes, your clan.” Wrex looked the young whelp over, “Who are you? I've never seen anything like you before.” He finished.

The creature in front of him brought his claws up to his head. He groaned a little in pain as if he was having a small migraine. He did eventually speak.

“My name is Spike.” He answered.

“Okay, now that I know your name. Tell me about your age.”

Spike answered as another wave of pain coursed through his head, “I....i can't..... I can't remember.” he then started to panic, “I can't! I can't remember! I...I don't remember.” Before he could go into a complete panic attack; he was struck hard in the head. Knocking him down onto his back as he grabbed the back of his head. He then looked back at Wrex, “What was that for?”

Wrex answered, “To keep you from being a pain in the ass.” He then helped him up, “Do you remember the name of your clan?” he asked again.

Spike had to think for a little bit; hie head ached once more. But, this time he remembered a name. A name that made him feel strange; a name that meant a lot to him. But, he wasn't sure why. He then spoke the name, “Twilight.”

Wrex responded, “Twilight? Your clan's name is Twilight?” He asked.

Spike quickly shook his head, “No.” he answered.

Wrex groaned a little in frustration if the whelp was having this much trouble remembering things. It meant one of two things; one the whelp was born with a mental defect. Making it difficult for him to remember even the most basic memories. Or, the whelp had survived the annihilation of his clan and was currently in shock. Either or it was still annoying him to no end. Before he could ask him any more questions; he noticed a look of fear had appeared on the whelps face. He then heard a low threatening growl.

Before he could get his shotgun read; a large alpha varren had jumped onto his back. Normally, a creature like this would be no problem for him. But, it was smart and had waited for the perfect moment to strike at him. He and the alpha fought for a good minute; Wrex had managed to somehow lose his shotgun in the mix. But, he still had his knife. He slashed aimlessly at the varren; while it got a few good bites on him. The varren eventually managed to knock his knife out of his hands. It then reared its head back and prepared to deliver the killing bite. But, a loud booming sound echoed through the passageway. The sound was followed by two loud thumps. Wrex slowly sat up and looked at the varren. A large hole was in the side of it; it was caused by his shotgun. He then turned and looked at Spike. Who had been knocked back down onto his ass by the recoil of the shotgun? Spike breathed heavily as he stared forward; he then looked down at the weapon and dropped it. He felt wave after wave of pain coursing through his body. He released a soundless scream as he began to lay down. Wrex quickly got to his side and picked him up.

Spike spoke in a voice just barely above a whisper, “It hurts.”

Wrex knew that he was in a great amount of pain. A whelp his size firing a claymore shotgun; that would be like a whelp being run over by one of their trucks. He started to check Spike over; he even took out the Omni-tool he kept just in case of an emergency. He then scanned the whelps body; he sighed gratefully seeing the whelp had no broken bones or ruptured organs. What he was surprised about was that he was still conscious. Normally, this shotgun would knock anybody out with its recoil. There were even times that the shotgun had almost knocked him out. He knew he had to get the whelp back to the camp. But, at the same time, he didn't have the patience to deal with a whelp in pain. He quickly administered some medi-gel. And, in a matter of seconds, Spike had fallen asleep.

As Spike slept he saw many things in his dreams. He saw himself staring up blankly into a confused and stressed face. He saw images of his life flash before him; he felt emotions. He felt happy, loved, scared, and then he felt sad. An image began to form in front of him; it was purple in color. It began to take shape; it formed into a unicorn. It then later turned into an alicorn. He wondered what this was? Who this was? The form had no face; he could hear a voice. But, he could not hear the words it was saying. The form then moved closer to him; when it stood in front of him. It leaned down and captured him in a loving hug. It made him feel more love; and then. The form exploded into a massive white light. He then felt himself falling; while his body tingled with a surge of energy. He then saw himself falling down towards a planet.

Spike woke up screaming; sitting upon a piece of cloth. That kept his body off of the dirt-covered ground. He looked around in a panic; wondering where he was. He was then gently pushed back down onto the cloth. He looked and saw another creature that looked like Wrex. Except this one had no scars on his face. And, wore what looked like standard clothing for them. He tried to say something, but then he felt himself growing sleepy again. And, soon he found himself falling asleep.

Wrex watched as his clan's healer tended to the whelp he had found a few days ago. When the healer walked back; he met him halfway. The healer sighed and then smiled.

He spoke “The whelp is going to be okay. He's lucky normally whelps his size end up with serious injuries or worse,” He paused for a moment before he brought up his Omni-tool; he pressed a few buttons on it. And, in seconds a three-dimensional holographic image of its skeleton, “But, this whelp is not like any I've ever seen. I even checked his DNA on a hunch. The whelp shares only a small strand of our DNA code. But, there are significant differences; the biggest one being the whelps scales. They could rival even a starships hull; I also discovered another bladder inside of it.”

Wrex asked, “What kind of bladder?”

The healer answered, “It's a gas bladder, kinda like what the kilxeen use in their lower abdomens. That's how the whelp can spit fire from its mouth,” The image then turned around and zoomed in its back, “I also found some kind of growth growing on its back. I'm not sure what it is but its a little interesting.” He finished.

Wrex didn't care about the science; he was happy to hear the whelp was okay. But, the only thing he was not happy about. Was that they still did not know what he was. The healer said he shared a small strand of their DNA; so what was different with this whelp. Did a group of krogan mate with another species? Was this an attempt to try and fight the genophage?

Wrex asked, “Is he infected?”

The healer shook his head, “No, the whelp does not have the genophage. But, then again the whelp is not krogan. So, it's possible the genophage may never affect him.”

The two got quiet and just stared at Spikes sleeping form. A few days ago Wrex and his hunting party went out in search of a rouge threshermaw. They found it but then he returned with a new undiscovered creature. That meant only one thing; the krogan may have a first contact situation. And, the rule with the first contact was simple and important. Do not make contact with pre-warp drive civilizations.

“Wrex?” The healer asked.

Wrex spoke, “Let's study him,” He then began to walk away, “If the whelp proves to be more trouble than he's worth. Then we'll hand him over to the council.” He finished as the two walked out. Leaving Spike alone so that he may rest and continue to recover.

Author's Note

This story is one I had actually wanted to type last year but never got around to it. I am actually using this time frame. Spike meets Wrex before Wrex meets Shepard. but, the main parts of the story are gonna mainly be side stories to the main missions of Mass effect. cause in my opinion with mass effect's team design. it gives your imagination a chance to play with what the other crew members are doing while Shepard and the other two are on mission. there will even be a few missions that are playable in game put into this story. so advanced spoiler alert. anyway enough of me talking; I hope the first chapter is decent. if anyone has any advice for me; please leave a comment. I am actually looking forward for some constructive criticism. and, if you just like the chapter well then please leave a like and a comment lol.

Chapter 2 Spike the Krogan

As he slept Spike thrashed about; he was having some kind of nightmare. But, for some reason, it didn't feel like a nightmare. It felt like something else; almost like a memory. He was walking down a hallway. A hallway made of wood only to turn into stairs leading down. He felt the feel of a wooden floor beneath his feet. He didn't remember where he was going, but he knew he had to be somewhere. He then found himself before the purple alicorn he saw before. This time its form had more detail. He could tell it was a mare. But, why was she so important? Seeing her smile made him feel happy. He could even hear her laughing; which made him feel happier. But, then a sense of dread washed over him. Something was wrong very wrong. He felt himself pulse with magical energy. But, then the energy surged; slowly breaking down his body. Fear then took him over and he screamed loudly. The world around him faded away; he began to stars all around him. Then, a planet appeared in front of him. The fire then engulfed his body seconds before he.

Spike sat up and screamed loudly; looking around rapidly as he crawled away from where he lay. A door opened and the healer entered the room. The moment he saw the whelp crawling away. He sighed knowing that this was going to be very difficult. He began to slowly walk up to the whelp.

Spike yelled, “No! No! Get away from me!” He blew some fire at the healer; only to watch in fear as a blue hue formed around him.

The healer was glad his shields blocked the fire; earlier that week he had been attacking by a kilxeen. It ended up with him having to remove some chard skin from his backside. When he managed to get his hands on the whelp. He gave him another dose of anesthesia; putting him back to sleep. When he finally calmed down; the doctor placed him back onto the makeshift bed. He then took a quick scan of his vitals again. He saw that nothing seemed wrong with any of them. But, this was still a newly discovered species. So, for all, he knew the creature could appear to be okay. But, there could actually be something wrong with him. Many things annoyed him, varren, males fighting over females, threshermaws. Many things annoyed him but nothing more than not knowing enough. Mainly about medicine. Yes, medi-gel helped out a lot in his work. But, it meant nothing if he couldn't cure the one disease they all suffered from. He sighed again mentally choosing to not dwell on the fact any longer. When he played the whelp back down; he took a quick blood sample and walked back out.

A few hours later Spike woke again; he groaned as he sat up. One of his claw moving towards his stomach. As a surge of pain coursed through it; making let out a small hiss of pain. He looked around seeing he was still inside the hospital Wrex had brought him too. Another hiss and groan of pain escaped him as he got to his feet. His movements slow and sluggish; his body feeling as if it was experiencing a very bad cramp. He walked to the exit at the door he pushed and pulled, but the door did not open. He then started to bang his claws on the door.

He called out, “Hey! Hey!” He hit the door harder, “Hey, let me out!”

His claw then hit a button next to the door by mistake and in an instant, the door opened. He fell forward with a yell; landing flat on his face. He groaned a little and slowly got back up to his feet. He found himself in a dark hallway. He looked back and forth; he saw no light at either end.

He called out “Hello.” he heard only his own echoing voice.

For about a minute he stood completely still; looking both left and right again. Before choosing to walk right. He walked down the dark hallway the scales beneath his feet clicking on the stone floor. He another set of hallways; one to the left the other to the right. Since he went right last time this tie he chose to go right. He wandered around in the dark for an unknown amount of time. Until finally he saw what appeared to be light. Quickly he made his way to it only to be met with an unforgettable sight. Where the light was coming from was a large hole; that been blown into the side of the building he was currently in. The sight he saw outside the hole was a sight that was unforgettable. What he saw was the ruins of a destroyed city. Tall sides of buildings were all that remained of what used to be tall buildings. Rubble littered the roads below and along said roads were broken bridges. A tear fell from his left eye; he wondered what could have done this. Why would anything do something like this?

“Quite a view ain't it?”

Spike released a surprised yell as he turned around. Only to see Wrex walking out from the shadows. It took Spike a moment to calm himself down; from his almost heart attack. Once he was calmed down; Wrex walked up beside him. Both of them stared out the hole and out at the destroyed city. For a few minutes, they started out in silence.

Spike broke the silence with a single question, “Who did this?”

Wrex answered, “We did.”

To say Spike was shocked was an understatement. They did this to themselves?! Why, why would they do this? How many lives were lost, males, females, children? What was the point of all of it? He had so many questions that he needed to answer too. But, the most important question was; where was he from? He couldn't remember anything from before he met Wrex. All he could remember was waking up in a strange cave. Being attacked by those things called varren. Wrex finding him only to have him save him from a varren attack. Those were all the memories he had; he couldn't remember anything else.

Wrex noticed that Spike was lost in deep thought; he chuckled a little and walked over to him. Only to give him a quick smack to the back of his head. Spike let out a small yelp of pain before looking up at Wrex. Who smirked at him before motioning for him to follow. Wrex lead him outside and into the krogan camp. He saw a large number of krogan walking about. A few of them looked at them; while others continued doing whatever they were doing. As they walked Spike noticed a few more things. Some krogan were standing by some kind of weird machine. That would sometimes make a loud exploding noise. Others were cutting up some kind of meat. He even saw a few that had varren with them.

As they walked Spike asked, “Where are we going?”

The took a turn and began walking up a flight of stairs. Wrex answered, “I'm going to present you to the village shaman.”

Spike asked just as they reached the top of the stairs, “The village what?”

Wrex answered as they turned the corner, “The village shaman; he's one of the oldest and wisest krogan alive,” They turned another corner, “If he says your strong enough and worth the effort. You'll be sent to one of the female camps.”

Spike immediately spoke up, “But I'm a.”

Wrex interrupted him, “I know you're a male. But, all of our young are raised by the females,” He explained as they reached an area that was covered by a single torn piece of cloth, “You are too young to be inside of a male camp. If the shaman says you're krogan; then perhaps you'll return one day as one.” He finished before he lifted the cloth up and motioned for him to go inside.

Spike slowly walked inside and before a massive fire sat an aged krogan. The krogan had pale eyes as he stared forward into the fire, “Approach.” a voice spoke but Spike did not see the krogans mouth move.

Wrex waited patiently outside; although his face held no expression. On the inside, he secretly hoped that the shaman saw Spike as a krogan. He wasn't sure why he was hoping for that. But, for some reason, Spike drew something out of him. He didn't know what it was. But, It was something that the krogan needed. About an hour later Spike walked out; Wrex looked down and saw that Spike was holding something. It made him smile.

Spike looked up and held out the object in his claws, “He said I had to give this to you.” he spoke.

Wrex reached down and took the item; he then brought it up and examined it. He smiled once more before he handed it back to Spike. Who looked at him in confusion.

Spike asked, “What is this?”

Wrex answered, “That is a piece of a weapon.”

“Weapon?” Spike asked as he looked down at the thing, “What kind?” He asked.

“Your kind,” Wrex answered bluntly, “If the shaman gave you that; then that means he sees you as a krogan.” He finished before he walked forward motioning for Spike to follow him.

Spike followed him once more; this time they were heading down to an area where a lot of those strange vehicles were. As they entered the area Wrex leads them to a truck that was filled with supplies. It was heading to one of the female clans. Wrex called out to them and then once close enough; he loaded Spike onto the truck.

Spike spoke in worry, “You're not coming?”

Wrex shook his head and answered, “Grow strong Spike,” He spoke, “Hopefully one day you'll come back as an Urdnot.” He finished just as the door closed.

Wrex watched as the truck drove off into the distance. Heading towards the female camp; heading towards Spikes' first trial of the krogan. The trial every single krogan faced as children. The trial of the young. Where the weak were left behind and the strong continued on.

Spike nervously sat in the truck as it drove off. He didn't speak a single word to the driver; who just stared forward at the terrain. All he did was wonder; wonder what the shaman meant when he called him the evolution. Wondering what was going to happen to him now. And, most importantly what did Wrex mean when he said the piece the shaman gave him was his weapon. He had even more questions than answers. The only thing he could hope for was that he would grow strong. Just like Wrex hoped for.

Author's Note

Chapter 2 enjoy. thanks for the likes and comments. glad all of you like the story.

Chapter 3 Hunt

Spike sat away from the group of young krogan who were playing a game. A game of tackle the varren. He sighed as he rubbed his left arm; a twinge of pain pulsed through his arm. The other day some of the older children had played tackle the varren. And, he had the unfortunate luck of being that games varren. He wasn't just tackled; he was kicked, punched, strangled, and thrown hard into a pile of scrap metal. To say he was hurt was an understatement. To add insult to injury he was not given any medi-gel. The healer of the female clan said: “weak ones heal naturally.”. Four days ago he had arrived at the female camp. He was placed in the care of Xarph; a young krogan who had longed for a young one of her own. But, unfortunately, the genophage had taken two children from her. She almost considers walking out into the desert and letting a thresher take her. But, thanks to him she was given another chance. Spike didn't mind being called her child. In fact, he enjoyed the idea; after all, he couldn't remember his real mother. And, he really didn't know if he had a real mother. But, they didn't tell him she was one of the meanest krogan in the camp. He chuckled a little before he heard some laughter from the group nearby.

He looked up only to see all of them slowly approaching him. A look of fear appeared on his face; before he got up and started running. All of them chasing after him while yelling, “Tackle the varren!”. Spike released a cry of fear as he dashed through the streets of the camp. He looked to his left and to his right. Seeing grown female krogan looking on in amusement. He wanted to cry out for help. I wanted one of them to just stop this. But, he knew they weren't going to help him. He took a quick glance behind himself. He looked in horror for more krogan children who had joined the chase. He started to run faster than he had before; his lungs ere burning. His legs ached with every step of his feet. He wanted to stop running. But, he knew the moment he did he was going to be tackled. He then felt something suddenly wrap around his legs. He fell to the ground with a yell and then he was tackled.

For a solid minute he was beaten; he felt everything from the hardest punch to the hardest kick. He cried out in pain and every time he was called weak and pathetic. Earning himself an even harder punch or kick. He moved his arms to protect his head; only to suddenly be lifted up into the air. And, then slammed back down hard into the ground. Someone had just used abiotic slam on him. He then heard a laugh he was all too familiar with. The laugh belongs to Shanxer a young female krogan that prided herself on one thing. Being a true descendant of Shiagur; the very first female krogan warlord. He groaned loudly in pain; before he was flipped onto his back. Only to be met with the barrel of a revenant machine gun. Spike swore he felt his heart stop the moment he hears the gun click. It meant one thing he quickly learned about all of their guns; whenever you heard the click of a gun. It meant either the gun was empty or had just been cocked and ready to fire. And, at the moment the gun's clip was completely full.

Shanxer spoke in a voice as cold as ice, “You are no krogan,” She pressed the gun harder into his face, “You are weak, pathetic, frail, and a disgrace to whatever bloodline you truly do come from,” she continued as she gazed down at him, “I should just kill you here and now.” The moment she said that he could only watch in complete horror; as her finger slowly moved over the trigger. This was it he was going to die today. She was going to kill him, “But, you're not worth killing.” after she said that spike no longer felt the gun on his face. Instead, he felt a huge sense of relief; as he lay there panting and gasping for air.

One by one each of them walked away from him. Leaving him all alone in the middle of the camp. He looked around and saw none of the grown females seem to care. A fact he was starting to slowly get used to. He took in a deep breath and slowly got to his feet. He groaned a little as a small wave of pain shot from his legs. At the moment he really wanted some medi-gel. But, he wasn't going to get any of it. With a sigh, he eventually brushed the pain off and began walking back to Xarph's hut. His temporary home in the camp.

The moment the door opened to her home; Xarph looked up. Smiling sadly as she saw her adopted son entering. She got up and walked over to him; wanting to give him a caring hug. But, she knew if she did it would make him weaker. She spoke, “You were the varren again?”

Spike sighed, “Yes.” slowly he walked over to where he slept at night. He heard her ask “Did you run again?” He quickly answered, “Yes.” his voice was filled with sadness; he knew what was coming next.

Xarph hated the fact that she had to act completely heartless to him. Like him when she was at his age; she was not one of the strongest krogan in the clutch. Like him, her mother hardly showed her any love. That was until she got stronger herself. She didn't like this but it was necessary.

She then said, “Are you going to continue to be a worthless whelp that I shouldn't have taken in? Are you going to continuously bring me nothing but endless shame?” she had to stop herself for a moment; she wanted to cry, she wanted to hold him, to hug him and tell him he was strong. But, she couldn't; this was the way of the krogan. They needed warriors, not weaklings. And, this was how their warriors were made. She then continued, “Why haven't you died already?” She finished with a voice not only as cold as ice. But, also with a heart that was hurting badly.

Spike remained quiet as he continued walking over to where he slept. He wanted to cry but he did that enough earlier. Instead, he reached into a satchel close by and pulled out the piece of the weapon the shaman had given him. Followed by a datapad he had received yesterday. He turned it on and pressed a single button on the screen. The datapad activated and soon it became a map; leading him to the entrance of the camp. He walked out of the hut without saying a single word to Xarph. He didn't mind being called her son. But, at the same time he really, really, really, hated her.

Xarph watched as he walked away; disappearing into the darkness as Turchanka's sun slowly sank below the horizon. She knew what he just joined; he had just joined the hunt. A single tear fell from her eye, before she spoke softly, “Come back to me.” she begged, “Please, come back to me safe.” she couldn't bear the thought of losing another young one. She just couldn't; she then shut the door to her home. Turned off all the lights and then started to cry heavily.

It didn't take Spike long to reach the entrance; by the time he got there. There was already a large group of krogan children and adults. He was going on the hunt this time. Because he couldn't stand spending another night alone with Xarph. He then walked into the crowd; hearing the many conversations that were happening between the others in the group. He heard talks of excitement, talks of worry, talks of great beasts, talks of horrific monsters. But, then he finally heard it. He started to hear conversations about him. How he was a weakling, how he should not be here. Some were hoping that the varren would kill him. While others were wishing a threshermaw would just eat him alive. He ignored all of it. Because he too was wishing for the exact same thing.

An hour later a single male came to the camp inside a large truck. He stepped out and examined the group of hunters. Spike wasn't sure how the krogan felt; but, by his expression, he seemed almost annoyed by this. It wasn't long until all of the children were loaded onto the truck and driven away. The hunting party was a mixed group of children. Five males and three females. One of the females on the hunt was Shanxer. Who was staring coldly at Spike? How she was tempted to just toss him outside. This was going to be her first hunt with a completed weapon. And, like hell, she was going to let a weakling like him get in her way.

“Spike.” She called out at him making him look at her, “If I find you on the hunting grounds. I'll kill you and mount you on my wall.” She threatened him.

Spike ignored her and continued to look down at the floor. He was focusing on one thing and one thing only, dying. Eventually, the truck came to a stop and the first group was released onto the hunting grounds. One by one group of hunting packs were let out of the truck. Spike was part of the last group. A group of four hunters three of them armed with pistols. While he was just armed with a piece of metal. Which was part of a weapon; which weapon he had no idea of. The small group walked further into the hunting grounds. The three in front of them were doing their best to stay as far in front of him as possible. He didn't care after all he heard everything in the truck.

Spike slowed his walk and watched as the three continued to get further and further away. Until finally they were gone from his sight. Leaving him alone on the hunting grounds. In his mind, he kept praying and hoping a varren would get him. A kilxeen would burn him. He even hoped a thresher maw would swallow him whole. While in the back of his mind; he hoped a fellow hunter would find him. As he walked through the grounds. He found himself stopping and gazing up at the night sky. This world hated him and he hated it.

Spike smiled and chuckled before he spoke, “Guess we got something in common huh?” He walked a little bit more; only to suddenly trip, “AH!” He yelled as he fell flat on his face.

He groaned a little as he slowly got back on his feet. He turned and looked at what he tripped over. Only to gasp in horror as he saw the body of a fellow hunter. The body was mangled and torn; the facial features were gone. All that was left of the face; was a sight that looked like raw pyjak. Spike didn't need to take long to figure out what did this. A low threatening growl then came from the shadows nearby. He looked up only to see the red glowing eyes of a pack of varren.

He started to back away as the pack slowly approached him. Each one of them snapping and growling as they walked. He tried to find a weapon; only to see the only one weapon that was near the dead body. Was being walked on by the only large varren in the pack. It took only a moment for him to realize; he was about to die. He quickly turned and ran and the pack chased. Once again Spike finds himself running in fear. But, this tie he knew if he was caught he was going to die.

Time seems to slow for him; he turned and looked at the varren. Watching as they were slowly closing the gap. “Why aren't you dead?” The voice of Xarph echoed in his mind. “Not worth killing.” that was the voice of Shanxer. “Not a krogan. Varren meat. Weakling. Get eaten by a threshermaw.” All of these words echoed in his mind as he ran away from certain death. Each and every one of them reminding him of who he was. Reminding of what he will never be. Reminding him that he should always watch where he was running.

Spike screamed loudly as he fell down into a deep trench. Groaning loudly as his body made contact with solid concrete. He quickly got up and looked up; watching as the pack started to run down the slanted wall. He quickly started running again; the pack right on his tail. They ran and ran for a prolonged period of time. Spikes legs ached and his lungs burned for air. This tackled the varren all over again. Only this time it devoured the krogan. He looked behind him again; the pack was closer to him than ever before. One of them was close enough to take him down. So, why wasn't it going for the kill? Why was it still letting him run? Did they not want their meal? Or, were they toying with him? Just letting their prey tire itself out; that way when it was time to make the kill it would suffer.

Then all of a sudden the pack stopped running and just growled at him. Spike looked back and grew confused; until he found himself falling once again. He was getting tired of constantly falling and landing on something. When he reached the bottom he landed on his back. He gasped and gulped air into his lungs as he stared up at the night sky. He couldn't believe he was still alive. Slowly he got to his feet and looked up from where he fell.

He asked himself, “How am I still alive?” He began to examine the area around him.

He quickly found out he was in some type of arena. He had been in two since his time at the female camp. But, this arena was different it was big. There was only one big wall; the one he fell off of. Meaning you were placed inside this area and let out when someone comes to get you. He walked to the center; he heard something crunching underneath his feet. As he walked the moon eventually came out and provided him some light. Now he was filled with complete terror. For, the ground was littered with various bones. He began to hyperventilate as he backed away. He then felt himself back into something and then he heard a loud click. Followed by a loud metallic whirring sound. He turned just in time to see a large stone being lifted into the air. He was completely confused; what was going on?

A loud booming voice echoed from the arena, “First the krogan conquered Tuchanka...and master a natural world only we are fit to hold..” There was a small pause before the stone came slamming back down. Spike covered his ears and groaned in pain. His ears rang for a few seconds until it grew silent again. He wondered what the purpose was for this. His answer was a threatening growl that came from behind him. He slowly turned and look back at the wall. Only to see a massive pack of varren looking down at him. Each of them ready to finally kill him.

Author's Note

Chapter 3 I'm glad to see many people are enjoying this story. thanks for the likes, faves, tracks, and comments. thank you to all the readers.

Chapter 4 Rite

Wrex grumbled and groaned a little as he slowly woke from his slumber. His eyes opened for a moment only to quickly close again. He fell back to sleep but he began to hear voices. They were muffled so he didn't hear what the voice was saying. He groaned again as his eyes opened again; his vision was a little blurry. He heard the muffled voice again but this time they were much louder. He had to blink his eyes a couple of times to get them into focus. But, then the voice started to become clearer. They were the voices of males all of them clamoring about something. Slowly he got up stretching himself out; groaning as his muscles relaxed.

Wrex asked himself, “What is going on?” he quickly got himself dressed and walked outside. Only to watch as multiple krogan ran past his home. He was confused as he watched them running to the entrance of the camp. He managed to stop one of them, “Render, what's going on?”

Render answered immediately, “A rite. Someone has completed a rite.” He finished before resuming his run to the entrance.

Wrex was shocked someone had completed a rite. A rite during the night no less. He too began to make his way to the entrance. It didn't take him long to reach the entrance; by then a huge crowd had formed. He had to fight his way to the front; when he reached the front. A truck had already backed up and a recovery crew was already climbing out of the truck. Everyone watched as the one who completed the rite was brought out. What each of them saw left them completely speechless. For, inside the truck was the whelp that Wrex had found.

“Clear the way!” one of the krogan on the team yelled.

The crowd of krogan quickly cleared a path; allowing the team to take the whelp to the healer. Wrex had stopped one of them at the back of the group. The krogan was about to shout at him; only to stop when he realized that it was Wrex.

Wrex had only one question, “Is he dead?” his voice was void of emotion. Because he knew that what he asked was a stupid question. Of course, Spike was dead; there was no possible way he survived.

The krogan answered, “No, he's alive,” He sounded like he was completely shocked. But, he was not as shocked as Wrex was, “He survived the rite.” He finished.

Wrex quickly asked, “The threshermaw is it still alive?”

There was a long silence; a silence that was eerie in a sense. Eventually, it was broken by one single word. A word that was only said once many years ago, “no.”

A few hours had passed and Wrex still could not believe what had just happened. Not only had Spike participated in a rite; long before his time. But, he had defeated the final rite. The rite of survival; where one either had to kill the threshermaw or survive its encounter. The last time a krogan had killed a threshermaw in the rite. Was when he himself participated in the rite. He looked at Spike who lay on the tarp-covered rock. Slowly, the young whelp was healing with each passing second. As he waited he was handed a datapad. Allowing him to view the rite that Spike had just taken. He pushed play on the datapad and watched the video.

Spike screamed as he ran his fourth completed circle around the battlefield. The pack of varren was right behind. All of them growling and snarling at their fast food. Spike looked back only to immediately look forward. He then saw a weapon lying in the rubble. He ran up and quickly picked it up; he turned and aimed it at one of the varren. Only to hear the dreaded clicking sound of an empty gun. He looked down at the gun and then back at the pack. Screaming as the lead varren tackled him to the ground; continuing to scream as he felt their teeth on his skin. Five varren had gotten their teeth on him. They were shaking and pulling on his limbs; each of them growling loudly. While pulling violently on their prey. This was how they killed their prey. Very slowly and very painfully; while it cried out in pain, fear, and despair. Spike looked around screaming out for help; only to see the menacing faces of the beasts. As he looked at his attackers in fear he suddenly remembered something important. He took in a big breath and exhaled fire. The varren immediately backed away; one of them was completely engulfed in flames. It whined and roared in pain as it thrashed about on the ground. The other varren looked at it; almost drawn to the flame.

Spike wasted no time in using his fire on the rest of the pack. He burnt all of them to a crisp; by the time it was over. He had killed over twenty varren. He was panting and gasping to catch his breath. He waited for a minute watching and waiting for one of them to come. But, thankfully none showed up; allowing him to breathe out in relief. He fell onto his back and gazed up at the sky above. The fight had taken some energy out of him. He then heard a click sound and looked at where the sound resonated from. It was the button he had accidentally pushed; with a groan, he slowly got back up to his feet. He then began to walk back to it; only to suddenly trip on something. He yelled as he fell and groaned once he made contact with the ground. He turned and looked at what he tripped over. Only to see a large weapon locker laying on the ground.

“What is this?” he asked himself.

He crawled over to it and examined it he saw no way of getting it open. Until he noticed a single opening on the front of the case. His eyes widened in realization as he reached for the piece of metal the shaman had given him. He looked at it and the opening; both of them were the exact same shape. He placed the metal inside the opening and watched in awe as the lid slowly opened. He then fully opened it and looked inside. Inside the case were two pistols; it was at that moment Wrex stopped the video. He knew exactly what those pistols were.

Wrex spoke, “Those are claymore pistols.” he chuckled as he resumed the video.

Claymore pistols were made to be like the smaller version of their claymore shotgun. Although they were smaller; they fired the same slugs that the claymore held. But, there was a unique detail about this gun. It came with a second pistol. Spike looked on in awe as he held both pistols in his claws. He looked into the case; finding their holsters and some spare ammo for them. He got them loaded and holstered. He then walked up to the button and pressed it. He heard the gears whirling and watched as the stone was lifted up.

He heard the voice from before spoke again, “Then the krogan were lifted to the stars to destroy the fears of a galaxy, an enemy only we could chase to their lair.” the stone slammed back down and Spike had to cover his ears again. He then began to look around; his face turning to that of pure horror as a swarm of giant insect-like creatures descended from the sky.

They landed and screeched out a battle cry; only to fly away as quickly as they landed. But, they each left two of their children behind. It was the kilxeen; the insects that could breathe fire as he could. He aimed his pistols at the two approaches. He heard them screech loudly before he pulled the triggers. He ended up being knocked onto his back from the recoil. But the bugs were obliterated the moments the slugs shot made contact with their bodies.

Wrex chuckled as he watched the whelp using his weapons for the first time. He had to keep himself from laughing as he watched Spike fall over; every time he would pull the triggers. He chose to fast forward through this part of the video. He stopped it and resumed its normal playback when Spike activated the keystone.

The voice spoke “Now all krogan bear the genophage our reward, our curse. It is a fight where the only goal is survival!” The stone slammed down for the third time.

Spike felt everything beginning to shake. He looked around and around; trying to find out what was causing the shaking. He got his answer the moment the ground behind him erupted and a giant creature rose above him. Now Spike understood the meaning of the word terror. It was only one single word, threshermaw. It roared loudly at him as he screamed. He had to dodge as it launched a ball of acid at him. He ducked behind a pillar; breathing heavily it roared loudly again.

The video reminded him of his first rite; the rush of adrenaline in his veins. The feeling of excitement as something tried to kill him. He remembered so many fond memories of his first rite. And, how he wished he could take it again. But, what happened next was something that completely shocked him. He watched as the threshermaw's tongue wrapped around Spikes' body. Only to immediately swallow him whole. But, seconds later the threshermaw roared and thrashed about. Before it raised up into the air; roared loudly and fell back down. It lay still on the ground; until a small hole was blown out of it and Spike came falling out. He groaned loudly in pain and exhaustion. Resting there in the blood of the beast; before the extraction team came and got him.

Wrex deactivated the datapad and looked at Spike; he smiled and sat the datapad down. Before he walked over to the Spikes side and sat down. He may have been young but he was a true krogan warrior at heart. He then spoke, “Rest well, Spike,” He said with a small chuckle, “Because when you're healed. You're real training begins.”

Author's Note

This chapter is mainly a filler chapter same with chapter 5 after this one. I apologize in advance for them. but, I didn't want to make a chapter that seemed like it was being lagged or dragged out. anyway again thank you all for the likes, faves, comments. again thanks.

Chapter 5 Rite Aftermath

Spike groaned as his eyes slowly opened. He found himself inside the healers hut once again. He released a grateful sigh as he slowly sat up; groaning as pain coursed through his body once more. He though he had already gotten used to it by now. But, he was once again reminded how unforgiving the planet was. When he was up right his eyes had already adjusted to the light. He saw Wrex standing in the corner of the room.

Wrex spoke, “Good to see you're awake.” He began to walk towards Spike.

Spike layed himself back down before he asked, “How long was I out?”

Wrex stopped at the side of his bed and answered, “The remainder of the night and most of this day,” he chuckled a little, “You took a helluva beating for whelp.” He finished with a smile on his face.

It was silent for a minute or two but eventually spike had broke the silence, “So,” he began as he stared up at the ceiling, “What happens now?”

Wrex answered, “Normally we would send a whelp like you back to the female camp. But, you did something not even a full grown male would do.” he finished.

“And what would that be?” Spike asked.

“You completed the rite. A task that's normally taken by adolescent krogan. Not only that you took it at night; meaning that it was more than likely that you and your krant were going to die. But, you did this solo another impossible feat. And, to finish it off you killed the threshermaw.”he finished listing off everything that he had done.

Spike sighed heavily, “I didn't mean to kill them,” he spoke with a voice filled with regret, “I just wanted to.”

“To live,” Wrex interrupted him, “That's the purpose of the rite. You fight three trials each harder than the last. All with only one clear objective, survive.” He explained but it did little to make Spike feel better.

Wrex continued, “Now as I was saying, you managed to complete an impossible rite. Normally you would immediately be sent back to the female camp. But, since you survived you've earned your right.” he finished.

Spike grew confused, “My right to what?” he asked.

Wrex took in a breath and informed him, “You have a right to own property, better weapons and armor, once your old enough, mating privileges with the females. And, you can join a clan and apply to serve under a battlemaster.” He finished.

Spike sat up a little and asked, “What's a battlemaster?”

Wrex answered, “A battlemaster is someone like me. As I said my name is Wrex. But, my full name is Urdnot Wrex. I am leader of clan Urdnot.” He finished.

Spike sighed as he layed back down again; groaning for his body was still a little sore. He was silent again for a few seconds. Thinking over the possible choices he had. Well actually only one choice. Taking in a deep break he asked, “Wrex?”

“Hmm?” Wrex responded.

Spike looked at him, “May I join clan Urdnot and may I apply to serve under you?” he asked.

Wrex could only smile, “Welcome to clan Urdnot, Urdnot Spike.” he then turned and walked to the exit.

Spike asked, “Wrex, where are you going?”

He answered, “To inform the rest of the clan,” The door opened when he activated the switch, “You still need to heal. So enjoy your rest while you can; because once you're healed. You're going to become a true Urdnot.” He finished as he walked out.

Spike sighed as he stared up at the ceiling. Every part of him ached and burned with exhaustion. But, strangely enough although he had been put through the grinder. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It made him smile and he also felt proud of himself. He did eventually fall back to sleep. Little did he know was that the rite was the easy part. Training to become a krogan warrior was something else entirely.

Author's Note

here is chapter 5 again mainly a filler chapter. and, I actually surprised myself with a double post. yes both chapters were small. but, I promise the next chapters will be longer. again thank you all for the likes faves and comments means a lot.

Chapter 6 Betrayal on hollowed ground

“After I had healed my real training as a krogan began. Wrex had decided to teach me the basics. But, the rest was......shit that I had to figure out on my own. Many days I woke up early to join hunting groups. That way I could improve on my aim when it came to shooting guns. But, it also taught me how to silence my step as I was walking. I also learned how to properly skin and cook my prey. A useful skill in case I need to make camp. I had also joined more than a few underground fight clubs. They literally were underground in the ruins of old Turchanka. I saw more than a few familiar faces there. I can't give an honest answer to how many times I was beaten senseless there. But, even thought I lost the battles. The ones I fought would always remember that I was there. I remember so many things I've had to learn. All in order to survive, to be a krogan, to be called Urdnot Spike. Years ago I was nothing more than a whelp; I barely made it past Wrex's leg when I stood up. Now I stand to almost his height. Speaking of Wrex; although he hasn't taught me much when it comes to fighting. He has taught me about the history of our species. We were once a proud race, a feared race. A race that defeated the rachni. A race that was sterilized by the council; all because we were getting too big. Wrex....my father...he says we need to focus on growing our numbers. No more fighting amongst ourselves. Many disagree with him. But, I agree; we need to focus on getting our numbers up. While at the same time we should be trying to find a cure. That's why were.”

Spike jumped as he heard three knocks at his door; he then yelled, “It's open!” His door immediately opened. In the doorway was Traki; one of their scouts.

He greeted him, “Hello, Spike.”

Spike replied, “Hello Traki,” He deactivated his datapad and stood up, “You have a message for me?” He asked Traki had two jobs in the camp. Tracking and message delivery; if he wasn't tracking game he was delivering messages.

Traki nodded and answered, “Urdnot Wrex wishes to speak with you. He says to meet him at the varren pit.” He finished before heading off to deliver another message.

Spike nodded before he stepped out of his home; closing the door behind him before unfolding his wings. His wings scared him at first; simply because when he grew them he had turned into a stone statue. Then in one flap he took to the skies and flew over to the varren pit. He looked down at the camp as he flew. Watching as his various krogan brothers went about there day. Some were keeping the pyjacks away from the supplies. Others were gearing up for another hunt. But, only a few were actually taking the time to repair the vehicles and weapons. He chuckled at the few who were either fighting or trying to start a fight with another. Like his father said they were warriors and he couldn't be any happier about it.

Eventually Spike reached the pit and landed a few krogan greeted him; before they focused back on the match. White thunder versus Red mist. He chuckled as they placed their bets. Just before the two varren were released into the pit and proceeded to kill each other. As he made his way through the crowd; he eventually found his father. Who was waving him over. He walked over and stood next to him. Both of them watched the fight; it looked like it was going to be a bloody one.

Wrex spoke, “Glad you could make it.”

Spike replied, “Although I enjoy a good varren fight,” He chuckled sighing a little before looking at his father, “I have a feeling this isn't about the fight.”

Wrex sighed and chuckled as well; before he spoke, “Right to the point as always my son,” He smiled before a serious look appeared on his face, “Jarrod, has called for a crush.”

Spike was a little shocked, “What does that old fucker want?” He asked.

Wrex answered, “I'm not sure,” he sighed, “But, hopefully I can finally talk some sense into him this time.” He finished.

Spike smirked, “With or without putting you claymore to his head?” He laughed a little.

Wrex laughed a little as well before he answered, “Without,” They were silent for a moment until he continued, “but I am slightly hoping for the sooner.” That earned him a good laugh from his son.

The two stayed and talked for a little while at the pit; talking about how more clans seem to be joining their cause. But, eventually they gathered a group of the other clan chiefs and set out for the hollows. They reached it in a matter of minutes; the hollows were a burial site for many great krogans. Violence was forbidden it was holy ground. It was neutral ground. It was a place for peace. It was a place for an ambush.

Spike watched with cautious eyes as Wrex spoke with his father. The two weren't making any progress. Wrex continued to tell his father that they should focus on breeding and finding the cure. While Jarrod continued arguing that they need to wage war on the council races. Neither of them were getting anywhere with this. As the two argued Spike felt something was off. Almost as if there were eyes watching him. This place always gave him the creeps especially when he was young.

“Then if you wont see it my way!” Jarrod shouted before he pulled a pistol and shot it up into the air. Before Wrex and Spike knew it krogan were leaping out from the graves just like the undead.

It was a massacre all of those loyal to Wrex had fallen dead; before they had a chance to fight back. Spike had managed to kill a few before he had to hid himself behind his wings. He found out his scales acted like a second layer of armor. Bullets, energy rounds, all of it was deflected off his scales. When he saw his opening he killed the two that were shooting at him. He then watched as his father ran towards Jarrod and stabbed him in his chest. Jarrod had a look of anger; only to turn into pain as Wrex drove his knife deeper into his wretched chest. When Jarrod fell Spike got to his fathers side; shooting a few rounds into Jarrod's body. Wrex looked at him and the two nodded before they finished the battle. When the battle was done they were the only two left standing.

When they made it back to the camp the two immediately left Turchanka. The caught the first ship out; not caring where they ended up. But, both of them swore they would be back one day. One day they would be back with the cure to the genophage. The star-ship they were on was bound for the citadel. To Wrex it didn't matter; right now he just wanted to rest in peace. Spike, he had never been to the place before. So in a way he was really excited. But, like his father he too was tired and wanted rest. Slowly, he drifted off to the realm of dreams only to suddenly feel cold. Very cold.

Spike woke and noticed he was no long on the ship. But, instead he was in a place that had snow? He got to his feet and looked around; backing up rapidly in a panic. But, then his feet touched something. Something that was very, very, very warm. He turned around and saw something he couldn't believe. It was a city that had no snow but green fields of grass. And, building that seemed almost made out of crystal. In the center was a massive palace made of crystal; he found himself drooling. But, he didn't understand why.

He called out, “Hello?” All he heard was his own voice echoing. He called out again, “Hello?” his voice was all that he heard.

He pulled one of his pistols and kept it at the ready as he advanced further into the city. The scales on his feet clicking on the road with every step that he took. He did eventually reach the center of town and by then he noticed a dark cloud had surrounded the city. He also noticed a large crowd gathered underneath the palace. He hid himself behind one of the columns that held the building. He then heard a loud explosion from above. He looked up an saw various flashes of explosions. He unfolded his wings and took flight; blasting a hole into the wall. He found himself in a pale white room. In the center were dark stalagmites; a few feet away lay a massive gem in the shape of a heart.

“What do we have here?” He asked as he picked the gem up.

A voice then spoke, “Hey, who's out there!?”

Spike shot up with gem in claw; his pistol pointing right at the rocks in the center. That was where the voice had come from, “Who's there?!” He called out.

The voice spoke again, “No time! Please take the crystal heart to Princess Cadence. Please, it's the crystal empires only hope.” The voice begged.

Spike looked at the gem and then back at where the voice had come from. He watched at the rocks began to grow towards him. He then nodded and quickly holstered his pistol. And, then he ran back out the hole he made and jumped. He glided down to the streets below; he was almost blocked by some strange pony? A unicorn to be precise; he was dressed up as some kind of dark king. He tried to stop him with a dark beam of energy. But, Spike shot him in the leg with his pistol. Knocking him off the pillar he stood on. When Spike landed he looked up and saw a group of ponies staring at him. He saw one of them dressed like a princess. He held up the gem and threw it at her. She somehow caught it in a strange pink aura; he assumed it was possible biotics'. She then said something and then the next thing he knew a bright light engulfed him.

He woke up back on the star-ship; he looked around everyone was still asleep including his father. He sighed and slumped back down on his seat. He originally brushed it off as some kind of strange dream. Until he felt something cold and wet on his shoulder. He reached for it only to pull back a claw covered in melting snow. He quickly shook it off and shook his head. He was possibly still dreaming and hadn't truly woken up yet. He then shut his eyes tightly hoping this time he would wake up.

The crystal empire is shown again; a huge crowd of ponies cheered in victory. Finally free from king Sombra's evil grasp. Among the crowd a group of six ponies slowly made their way to the exit. One was orange in color and she slowly walked up to a purple unicorn.

“Twilight?” She asked her voice like that of a pony who lived in the country side.

The unicorn looked at her, “Yes, Applejack.” She responded.

The one known as Applejack asked, “Who was that dragon?”

Twilight shook her head, “I'm not sure,” She answered, “But I'm glad he helped us. I though for sure he was going to take it as an easy meal.” She finished as they continued walking, “Why did that dragon seem so familiar?” She asked herself just as they reached the train station and began to make their journey back to Canterlot.

Author's Note

Chapter 6 is completed in the next chapter I will be introducing a very loved and hated mass effect character. one that wrex metions he had met before he met shepard. hope you all enjoy this chapter and I am grateful that so many of you like this story. again thanks for the likes and comments.

Chapter 7 The Turian

Spike and Wrex had been living in the slums of the citadel for the past few months. Living contract to contract; putting their skills to the test. All the while knowing one day someone was going to kill one or both of them. But, for now, they were living day by day. Spike sat up and looked around. He was inside their makeshift home. An abandoned warehouse right at the hind end of the slums. He yawned and got to his feet; attaching his holstered pistols to his body. The day they got there he learned quickly. Never leave home without your weapon. When he opened the door; a loud metallic screech echoed through the area. He then stepped out and quickly closed the door. He looked around checking the area for raiders. Such as batarians or vorcha and also other krogan. When he saw nothing looked out of the ordinary he began to walk away. He walked all the way up to an elevator and got it. He rode it all the way up to the upper-level of the wards. When it reached its destination he got out and made his way to C-sec. Once there he got to his locker and suited up; he had joined C-sec shortly after their arrival on the citadel. As he zipped up his uniform he felt a slap on his back. He turned and looked; seeing a turian with a smug grin.

Spike smiled, “Son of a bitch,” he closed his locker and locked hands with the turian, “What are you doing out of the hospital, Garrus?!” He finished as the two locked hands and entered an arm-wrestling match.

At first, it looked like neither of them was going to win, but then Spike started to get the advantage. Garrus' arm began to buckle; it slowly got lower and lower, “Losing your edge?” Spike commented with a chuckle. Only to have Garrus suddenly overtake him. The two kept at it for a good ten minutes until they finally broke it off. They went to the main lobby and entered a room where other officers waited. This was where they would get their assignments for today. After a few minutes of just sitting and talking with one another; commander Bailey walked in. in his hand was multiple data-pads. Each one ready with an assignment or simple officer work.

“Urdnot Spike.”

Spike perked up as his name was called. Quickly he stood up from his chair and walked forward. He retrieved the data-pad and walked back to his chair next to Garrus. He quickly activated it only to sigh in disappointment. He had been put on shadow again, and once more he was going to have to spend the day at fists club again. He didn't mind the job; he just didn't like the club. The place was a gentleman's club, and the main attraction was their Asari dancers. Although he was male and he didn't mind watching a few dancers. He still had respect for females of any species. Sometimes he had to resist the urge to tear a jerks head off. Either someone was touching one of them inappropriately or they had caused some injury to their bodies. But, because he was a shadow there was nothing he could really do. He got up and quickly made his way to the club; ready to get this long day over with.

After a few hours of crappy rave music, cigarette smoke, and the repulsive smell of drunks. He finished his shadow and made his way back to C-sec. Once again he saw nothing out of the ordinary at Fists club again. Bailey had a funny feeling about fist. He thought that he was smuggling in red sand or tainted element zero. But, the last few times Spike had been in there. The only thing that fist was guilty of was allowing public intoxication. When he got back to the academy he turned in his data-pad and quickly changed out of his suit. After changing he left for the lower markets and purchased a few ingredients. As he made his way back home his communicator went off.

Spike answered, “Hello,” He heard his father's voice in response, “Oh, hey dad. I got some.” his father interrupted him and then Spikes expression got serious, “Where?” He asked, “When?” he listened to his father's answer, “I'm there.”

He deactivated his communicator and called a taxi; he took the taxi back home and put away the supplies he bought. He then went to his room and pulled out his other gear; gear that he used for his other job. He equipped himself with a few grenades, equipped his guns with kinetic coils and some shredder rounds. While he put on some medium Ursa human armor. Although, he was a krogan their armor would not fit his body properly. But, thankfully human armor did. The armor also came with a face mask that was designed only for him. It only covered his face; leaving the back of his head exposed. But, his scales on the back of his head made up for the lack of armor.

Once he was dressed he exited the warehouse and flew to the location his father told him to meet at. In a matter of minutes, Spike reached the destination. A closed-off spaceport with no gravity tethers to keep a ship in place. A place meant for a future unloading dock for the wards. But, at the moment it was used for not only smuggling in illegal cargo. But, to also pick up privately hired mercenaries. When he landed he quickly located his father. But, he also noticed three other mercenaries there. Two of them he recognized from previous missions. One was a turian known as Scalper. He was a damn good assassin; his favorite weapon was a sniper rifle with Shredder X rounds. Hence then name Scalper; for every head-shot, he would make his targets scalp would come right off. The other merc he recognized was a krogan; he didn't know the name or clan. But, he knew the kurgans merc handle, Thresher-spit. The third merc he didn't know but it was salaried.

The moment he spotted his father he quickly walked up to him. He greeted him, “Urdnot Wrex, nice to see you again, sir.” Thanks to his mask his voice sounded robotic.

Wrex responded, “Good to see you again, Drako.” he answered as he shook his son's hand, “Glad you got my message.”

Whenever Wrex had managed to get them a mission; Spike would have to go by the alias Drako. It was to keep other mercenaries from gaining an edge over either of them. The group waited for a little bit and four more merc's had joined them. Two of them were humans that made their living as pirates. The third was a quarian who had been exiled from the flotilla. And, the fourth one was another turian. Spike looked at each of them; he knew all of them had a reputation. He also knew like him and his father; none of them were cheap to hire. Which meant one of two things; either someone had just called in a few favors. Or, this person had a lot of credits that they didn't mind spending. He hoped it was the later.

After another hour a ship docked into the spaceport; each of them looked at the airlock door. Waiting for it to slide open; in a matter of minutes, it did. They each watched as a turian walked out of the ship; he was gray in color and looked almost robotic. Spike shook a little as a cold chill went down his spine. Whoever this turian was he knew do not mess with him.

The turian spoke, “Good to see you all made it,” his voice sound too calm, too cold. Almost as if this turian was pure evil. He continued, “ Come aboard. We don't have much time.” he finished before he walked back into his ship.

One by one each of the merc's walked onto the ship. Each of them ready to not only get the mission over with. But, also ready to get paid for the job. Spike had an uneasy feeling about this and he wasn't the only one. Wrex also had one; whatever was about to happen the two just had to get it done and get out. The ship left the citadel somehow it didn't set off any alarms. Meaning the ship either had stealth systems engaged. Or, the one who owned the ship was that good. Spike and Wrex decided to wait in the cargo hold. While the other merc's waited in the mess hall of the ship. They both sat in silence for a moment. Feeling the vertigo of a ship entering a mass effect field.

It was silent for a moment until Spike broke it, “Wrex?” He started.

Wrex responded, “What is it Drako?”

Spike continued, “I have a bad feeling about this.” He answered as he looked around the hold.

Wrex grunted, “You and me both,” He responded as he shifted into a more comfortable position, “Something's not right.” He finished.

Spike commented, “Yeah, but, what?” he asked before the calming sound of silence returned.

After about an hour or two the ship slowed; it was then the turian who was known as Saren called them to the bridge. Once there all of them were briefed on the mission. They were stealing from a ship full of batarian slavers. The group was anti-turian and human. The crew on the ship was fifteen strong; all extremely hostile. When he was asked about the cargo; he replied that it was tainted red sand. But, they knew there was something else in play. Something more important than red sand. After the briefing, each of them readied to board the ship.

First, their ship fired an EMP shot; disabling the slaver's ship. They then flew in close and interlocked airlocks; the two humans of the group used plasma torches to cut through the doors. The moment the door was cut through Saren had used a heavy biotic throw to launch the door forward. The door crushed two barbarians standing on the other side. The group then entered the ship; hearing the native yells of slavers. It was then the firefight started. Saren had taken out the remaining three on the ship's bridge. That left ten more barbarians left alive on the ship. The group advanced forward slowly descending down into the lower levels of the ship. On the second level, Drako and Wrex took out a group of three. Scalper took out a fourth with a clean shot to the head. The group continued to move forward. When they reached the entrance of the cargo hold; the two humans from before began to cut through. But, then the door was blown open; blowing both of them onto their backs. The two were almost taken out. But, Spike shot the batarian that came through. In the cargo hold, it was a slaughter; the remaining five were quickly taken out by the group of mercs.

When the firing stopped Saren had claimed only one case. While the rest went to the merc's; as the other raided the ship's cargo. Wrex and Draco quickly made their way off of the ship. Both of them escaped inside a shuttle. Heading right back to the citadel. Neither of them looking back at the ship they helped take. Neither of them wondering what Saren was after. Neither of them wondering what was going to happen to the other merc's.

A week had passed and life seemed to almost return to normal for them. Spike continued to work his ass off for C-sec. Still shadowing fist and working other jobs for the force. While his father continued to get them small-time contracts and other missions. It wasn't until the end of the week that they learned. All of the other merc's had turned up dead.

Author's Note

Chapter 7. I am glad to have this chapter posted. I am also thankful for all twenty-nine likes and the comments on this story. again thank you all I hope you all like this chapter and I am eager to get the eight chapter up.

Chapter 8 Welcome aboard the Normandy

Spike released a relaxed sigh as he walked away from the consorts business. A little over a month ago he had put in for an appointment. When he was contacted he was selected for their brain therapy treatment. A treatment that stimulated the brain's pleasure sensors and removed memories of bad moments or situations. For him, it was the best three-hundred credits he ever spent. He enjoyed what little time he had on the presidium. It was the only decent place there was on the citadel. Given that visitors and tourists and locals would throw their trash into the water storage tanks. Yeah, hard to believe the same polluted lakes on the citadel. Was the same water each of them drank; after it was purified and cleaned first. He shook his head laughing at the slightly funny and disgusting fact of the citadel. He then saw a batarian puking into the water.

He shuddered before he spoke, “Do not drink the water for tonight.” He finished as he made his way to the elevator to go down to the markets. He listened to the various news reports that came through the intercom. He heard something about a human colony losing communication with the alliance. Other reports were about another human who was killed in action; was finally heading home. When the elevator opened to the long hallway to the markets. He caught sight of what appeared to be a group of merc's; heading into a side ally.

“What are they up too?” He asked himself as he quickly walked up to the door.

When it opened he quietly made his way down the ally; when he reached the middle he saw what looked like either a shakedown or an exchange. He saw a quarian, a turian, and about three salarians. The turian and salarians seemed to be with the same mercenary group. By the body language of the quarian, something must have been off. He then saw the merc's readying their weapons. He quickly got his ready; he then heard an explosion. He then reacted by standing up and firing at the closest target. He got one of the salarians in the head; killing it with a single shot. More shots and explosions rang out in the ally. Almost like a small war was being waged right there on the citadel. Spike took cover behind some crates just as two more shots rang out.

He shouted, “This is Urdnot Spike, Citadel C-sec! Stand down now!” His command echoed through the ally.

A familiar voice called back, “Spike?!” it was the voice of his father.

Spike stood up and saw his father standing at the other end of the ally. He called out, “Dad?!” he walked out from behind the crates. Sure enough, his father was on the other side of the ally. He was also with Garrus and a human female he had never met before. They met in the middle where the Quarian stood. She said something about fist. The same person who both C-sec and he and his father had been after. He wanted to start immediate interrogations for all of them. But, that was going to have to wait. Right now the human was talking to the Quarian; while his father slowly approached him.

Spike asked, “Dad, what's going on?”

Wrex answered, “I got the contract to kill Fist,” Spike was happy to hear that; for so many months he was tempted to kill that bastard. But, at the same time, he knew his superiors were going to need to have a word with him. His father continued, “Garrus helped me with getting in. it was that human, Shepard, because of her I was able to get close to him.” After his father finished explaining most of the situation the human is known as Shepard spoke.

“Everyone, come on. We gotta show this to Udina.” Her voice sounds like that of a woman who had seen many battles.

Spike tried to follow but his father told him to go home. He obeyed and decided to fly the rest of the way home. While at home Spike waited for his father to return; while also writing a detailed report about the incident at fists bar. From the news reports, he was seeing and knowing about his father's work. He knew that bar was going to need some serious remodeling. He waited for a few more minutes; switching news feeds back to back. Hoping there would be more news about the bear attack. His communicator then pinged.

He answered, “This you dad?” He asked.

He heard his father's sss voice answer, “Yes, meet me in docking bay two. And, bring your weapons,” He heard his father release a small chuckled, “I just got us a very good mission.” When his communicator deactivated he wasted little time on getting ready.

Spike got both of his claymore pistols and his firestorm rifle attached to him and he took flight. It didn't take him long to reach the docking bay. He saw his father there along with the human female he saw earlier. He landed in front of the two.

Shepard spoke, “So, this is your son Wrex?”

Wrex answered, “Yes, adopted but he's no less of a krogan or a son to me.”

Spike introduced himself, “Hello, my name is Spike, Urdnot Spike. You are Shepard?”

Shepard nodded, “Commander Shepard of the SSV Normandy. The best ship in the alliance fleet,” She studied him, “You don't look so tough to me; are you sure you're a krogan?” She asked him.

Spike replied with a growl, “And, you don't look like you're worth killing.”

The two stared each other down neither of them giving an edge to the other. It was silent for a moment until Shepard broke the silence with a small chuckle. She then spoke, “I like him,” She laughed, “Wrex here said you were one of the best Clan Urdnot had to offer. I could use another heavy hitter on my crew. That is if you're interested in going out into the expanse to hunt down a rouge Specter.” She finished.

That last bit intrigued Spike a little he asked, “A rouge Specter, huh? Who is it?”

Shepard answered, “Do you know of a turian named Saren.”

That name made Spike growl, “If you're going after him. Then I want in; I've been wanting to get my claws on that bastard.” He finished.

Wrex commented, “Get in line son.”

Shepard extended her hand, “Then,” Spike and her shook hands, “Welcome aboard the Normandy.”

The three then walked onto the ship; going through a very long and tedious decontamination cycle. Once aboard Spike could feel all the questioning stares on him. He even noticed a rather aged male glaring at him with distaste. He didn't care; if they left him alone he left them alone. He and his father soon met the other non-human crew members. Garrus was happy to see his friend from C-sec aboard the ship. While the quarian known as Tali; took a quick biometric scan of him. As they talked Commander Shepard eventually started talking over the intercom. She was being honest with her crew; they were going after a lethal enemy. Who knew they were coming for them. They were armed and they were going to do anything to stop them. She told them how they stood as a symbol to the whole galaxy to show none of them were alone on the mission. How they would stop Saren; how she promised that they will stop him.

Spike commented, “Helluva speech.”

The ship was then released from the magnetic restraints and headed out into the vast expanse of space. The crew dispersed to various areas of the ship. Spike, his father, and Garrus went down into the hanger bay. His father rested next to some locker. Garrus was making modifications to the Mako land assault vehicle. Spike chose to check out the crew's weapons; while at C-sec he learned about various weapon mods. He even got his claws on some illegal mods. He jumped as he felt a tap on his shoulder; he turned around to see the commander.

Spike greeted, “Shepard?”

Shepard asked, “Just checking in trying to get to know my crew. What are you doing?” She asked.

Spike answered, “I was modifying some of the weapons here.”

She looked intrigued, “Modifying, how so?”

Spike turned and picked up a simple alliance issued pistol. He aimed it at a crated and pulled the trigger. But, instead of just firing a single shot. The pistol fired its entire clip in a powerful fully automatic burst.

Shepard asked, “How did you do that? I never heard of a mod that can make a pistol go full auto?”

Spike answered, “That's cause it's illegal.”

She questioned, “Illegal? Then how did a cop like you get it?”

He replied, “C-sec was my day job. My real job was being a hired mercenary; you'll be amazed by all the stuff being sold on the black market.” He finished.

Shepard asked, “We're going after a very dangerous enemy. Is there any way you can get more of those mods for our weapons?”

Spike nodded, “Yeah, more than a few of the sellers owes me some favors. But, for certain mods, I'm going to need something more.”

She questioned, “Certain mods?”

Spike answered, “Mods for assault, sniper, and sub-machine guns are high dollar items. But, I know more than a few sellers who I can buy it from. But, the problem is they don't want credits.” He finished.

She asked, “Well, what do they want?”

He answered, “Metal ores and old artifacts. If you can get me any of those; I'll be more than happy to modify any of the crew's weapons.” He finished.

Shepard nodded her head before replying, “We're gonna need all the firepower we can get. If you say those mods are as good as they are. Then I'll find you what you need.” He nodded, “That's all for now Spike.”

Spike replied, “Shepard.” He then turned around and continued working on the guns behind him. He heard her walking away; slowly he turned himself back around and watched her walk away. He had to admit to a human; he had a slight attraction to her. He shook his head and quickly cleared his thoughts away. He had guns to work on and he had no time to waste.

Chapter 9 Missing Marines

It had been almost a week since they had left citadel space. The Normandy was on course for the Artemis Tau Cluster. Apparently, an Asari scientist was there studying a prothean dig site. The scientist's name was Liara T'Soni. She was a powerful Asari biotic and she was the daughter of matriarch Benezia. That was the only standing fact that made the crew a little uncomfortable with this mission. From what Shepard had told them; matriarch Benezia had helped Saren with the Eden Prime attack. Meaning that she was working with both the Geth and Saren. And, possibly her daughter was working with them as well.

Spike, Wrex, Garrus, and Kaiden were all down in the hanger bay. Kaiden and Spike were currently sparing with each other. And, by the looks of it, Kaiden was winning. Or, so the human thought; all of sudden Spike had unfolded his wings and flew up. Only to fall back down slamming Kaiden back first into the hanger floor. While also landing hard on his chest. Spike then got up and looked down at the human. Kaiden groaned a little in pain as he lay on the floor.

Spike asked, “Had enough?” a blue glow surrounded his body as he was lifted upwards. Only to be slammed into the lockers. He laughed as he slid down to the floor; landing on his knees before he looked up with a wicked smile.

Kaiden was on his feet again; his body was glowing with biotic power. He then spoke, “I was about to ask you the same thing.” He finished with a powerful biotic Pull.

Spike used the pull to his advantage by pushing off with his feet and wings. Just as the pull took effect he had already picked up a little bit of speed. Kaiden had little time to dodge the attack; and before he knew it. Spike had crashed hard into him and pinned him down. He got him in a chokehold and held him still.

Spike spoke, “Do you give?” He heard Kaiden groan in irritation as he tried to break out of the hold. He asked again, “Do you give?” This time he got a response from the human; it was three taps on his arm. Meaning that the human had given up. Immediately Spike had let him go and got off of him. He helped him up as he laughed.

Kaiden spoke, “Good, fight Spike.”

Spike responded, “You weren't too bad yourself,” He commented, “I gotta say for a human you are a powerful biotic.” He finished.

Kaiden smiled, “Thanks,” He then groaned as a powerful migraine shot through the back of his head.

Spike asked, “Kaiden! Are you okay?”

Kaiden answered, “Yeah, just the L2-Implant acting up again. I'll be okay.” He quickly reassured.

Wrex spoke, “L2? Weren't those things replaced by the L3-Implants?” He asked.

Before Kaiden could answer Garrus had beaten him to it, “They were. But, many biotics had bad reactions to them. Some were nearly or were crippled by them. While others were put into comas.” He finished.

Kaiden commented, “What he said.”

The elevator to the hanger opened; they looked at the opening door only to see another human enter the hanger-bay. It was a female human who was known as Ashley Williams. Gunnery chief of the two-twelve back on what was left of Eden Prime. She walked up to the small group.

She asked, “You boys having fun?”

Kaiden responded, “Would be having more fun if Spike would stop kicking my ass.” That earned a good laugh from everyone there.

As they each talked to one another; a ship-wide announcement from Joker echoed through the intercom. Apparently, Shepard needed all of them to the briefing room. They each wasted little time getting to the room. Shepard was already there waiting for them; each of them chose a place to sit down. While The commander stood in the middle arms crossed with a serious look on her face.

She then spoke, “As you all know we're en route to the Artemis tau cluster. We don't know what we're getting into. But, what we do know is there's an Asari scientist there. Who may or may not be of use to us,” She paused for a moment before she brought out a datapad, she continued, “From the information on this datapad. We've got four systems inside this star cluster. Sparta, Athens, Knossos, Macedon. Readings show each of them has points of interest for both the alliance and the citadel. It also shows possible raw materials we can use.” She informed them each of them nodding to the various bits of information. She then finished, “Because of this info I'm going to task two teams. One for the main mission. The other for search and recovery. Joker and the rest of the crew will be our survey team.”

Tali spoke up, “Commander?”

Shepard answered, “Yes, Tali.”

She asked, “I'm sorry Commander but there are seven of us. Does that mean there is gonna be a team of four?”

Shepard nodded, “Yes,” she looked at the others, “Any other questions?”

Wrex responded, “Who's with who?”

Shepard smiled before she answered, “The first team is going to be with me on Therum in the Knossos system. The other will be a recon team” She began to form the teams.

After a little while, the ship slipped out of the mass effect drive field. The teams were set and ready to be deployed. To Sparta, the team of Garrus, Ashley, Spike, and Kaiden. were sent. They were heading for the planet Edolus. Apparently, the Normandy had picked up a distress call for help. The three were assigned to search and rescue. The other team assembled was of Tali, Wrex, and Shepard. They were off to the dig-site on Therum in the Knossos system.

The team of four sat in the shuttle silently. Each of them waiting for the doors to open so that they can begin their mission. When the shuttle sat down and the doors opened; they quickly got out and scanned the area around them. Each of them had their weapons ready; just in case of any hostile attacks. The planet they were on was a giant desert planet. With constant meteor impact sites.

Ashley pulled out the datapad she was given. She looked it over before she spoke, “Okay, from what I'm seeing the signal is coming from over that ridge,” She turned and looked at the others, “Kaiden, Spike, you're with me.” The two nodded as she looked over at Garrus. She continued, “Garrus, I saw a few anomalies west of here on the map. Can you check them out?” He nodded and she finished, “Okay let's move out.”

The group split up and headed out for their objectives. The team of three walked for almost three miles. Eventually arriving at an area that was a flat plateau. Close to the center the team saw a tank next to the emergency beacon. As they walked closer they eventually saw three dead bodies lying around. They ran up to examine the bodies just as the ground started to shake.

Ashley yelled, “Earthquake!”

Spike took a quick observation the tremor was getting worse. Yes, one would think of an earthquake. But, there was something different, yet, familiar with this quake. He then focused on the area just in front of the. The ground began to form into a huge hump; the dirt was breaking about and a loud roar came from underneath the ground. He immediately recognized that this wasn't an earthquake.

Spike shouted, “Threshermaw!”

The moment he shouted that the creature broke loose from the soil. It roared loudly as it gazed up at the sky. Before it focused on the three of them. It reared it's head back and launched a massive ball of acid at them. They each scattered and took cover behind the tank.

Ashley ordered, “Return, fire!”

Each of them began to fire at the creature; ducking behind cover whenever it would launch its attack. Before they would fire back at it. There would be times one of them would go down. Thankfully, Spike knew how to use unity. Which allowed him to heal all of them at once. Unfortunately, they only had four health packs left. Meaning one of them would not be healed if two of them were taken down. Eventually, they did manage to kill the Threshermaw. When it feels and slid back under the soil they knew they had one.

Kaiden checked one of the dead bodies. He sighed as he made a sad discovery, “These were admiral Kahokus men.”

Spike added, “They were possible lured here by the distress signal. He'd want to know what happened to his men.”

They deactivated the signal to prevent other incidents like this from happening. They then regrouped with Garrus who had managed to find a few rare minerals and trinkets. They then signaled for a shuttle to come and pick them up. Thankfully they didn't have to wait for long. Back on the Normandy; they all met in the debriefing room. Shepard and her team were already back; thankfully they had managed to successfully find, save, and recruit Liara T'Soni. Although the mission did end with the destruction of a prothean dig-site. The mission in their opinion was a complete success. Shepard soon dismissed them so she could speak to the council. Garrus and Tali had gone back down to the hangar bay. While Ashley and Liara headed to the medical bay. Wrex, Kaiden, and Spike headed for the mess hall. After the battle they each had; they could use a good meal.

Shepard had just ended her call with the council; she was irked by more than a few of their comments. But, she kept it suppressed. She headed to the bridge to speak with Joker. He was setting them a course to another relay. When she reached he turned and looked at her.

He asked, “Commander, need something?”

Shepard responded with a question, “Anything new?”

At first he shook his head until they picked up an urgent transmission. He spoke, “Hold on one second.” He then patched the message through.

The message was a distress signal, “Hello, hello, if anyone can hear this. This is Asteroid X57! We need help! We need.” The message was cut off.

Shepard gave a quick command, “Joker, get us to where the signal came from! On the double mister! “

Joker replied, “Aye, aye, Commander.”

He quickly got the ship moving to the next really. Wasting little time to enter the mass effect field and jump. Heading for the star cluster the distress signal had come from. Hoping and praying they were not too late.

Author's Note

New chapter enjoy.

Chapter 10 Bring down the sky

Slipping out of the mass effect field; SSV Normandy had arrived at the star system in need. Joke saw an asteroid heading right for the planet Terra Nova. A human settled and colonized planet; home to millions of innocent lives. Shepard walked up behind him and gazed out the window. She watched as the asteroid moved closer and closer to the planet. From what she could see it was being propelled by three fusion torches.

She looked at Joker and spoke, “Joker can you get us closer?”

He answered, “You're talking to the best pilot in the alliance fleet. Of course, I can get us closer.” He pushed forward on the helm; moving the ship closer to the asteroid.

As they flew closer the ship began to pick up on a distress signal. Shepard quickly ordered everyone to the shuttles. While she took Liara and Ashley with her in the mako. As the Normandy flew by the asteroid the shuttles and the mako were released from the hanger. The mako land close to a broadcasting antenna. While one of the shuttles landed near an outpost bunker. The other landed near a pirate radio station. Spike was with his father and Tali. While Garrus and Kaiden were the only two-person team.

Spike looked at the bunker; he saw energy blast burn marks. He looked at the two and signaled to hold the position. They nodded and took defensive positions behind some crates; they scanned the mountain ridge above them. Wrex had his claymore out and set to the carnage setting. While Tali was ready to use her combat drone. Spike was inside the bunker hacking the computer terminal inside. From what he saw on its files; this was just a typical research outpost. Mainly studying soil composition and valuable resource efficiency. He continued hacking until he found the security node he needed. After the node was down a message appeared on the screen. It seemed to be a security alert; triggered by a shutdown at the main facility. He read the message on the screen and stood up as fast as he could. He sprinted to the exit both guns are drawn and ready to fire. The two outside looked at the entrance as the door opened. They saw Spike his guns drawn and aimed at something behind them.

Spike shouted, “Get down!” He pulled the triggers on his guns.

Both Tali and Wrex ducked down just as two rocket drones were destroyed behind them. The two readied their weapons; just as two rockets were fired from two of the three remaining drones. Spike had to roll out of the way in order to keep from being hit. Tali dropped the shields of one of them; allowing her to hack its mainframe. She scrambled it's targeting parameters and made it fire on the other drones. Wrex used his carnage setting to destroy the one that wasn't being fired on. As the hacked drone destroyed the other; all three of them destroyed it as the hack deactivated and it was back to targeting them.

Wrex spoke, “Clear, everyone okay?” He received nods fro the two; immediately he asked, “Spike, what happened?”

Spike answered, “Security system,” He answered as he stared off and pointed towards something in the distance, “Apparently the scientist stationed here; was trying to get to the main facility. Off in that direction; before he left he activated the defense system.” As he finished their communicators went off.

The commander's voice came through, “Check, Check, can everyone hear me?” they each responded and she continued, “Everyone is careful; we just shut down one of the fusion torches. We're dealing with a group of Batarian extremists.” She finished.

They each responded with an affirmative before she told them each to liberate the other fusion torches. Kaiden and Garrus were on their way to the second fusion torch. Leaving the third to Spike, Wrex, and Tali. The three quickly made their way to the fusion torch closest to them. As they made their way there; they came across a dead body. Possibly the body of the scientist that was stationed there. He had a wound to the back of his head; possibly from sniper fire. Tali searched his body and found his bag. It contained an Omni-tool and a pistol. They soon continued their way to the torch; they had to deal with automated cannons. The cannons were a little difficult to deal with since they didn't have the mako. But, eventually, they did destroy them all. They soon made their way inside; encountering a small platoon of Batarians. They even had to deal with some automated drones and Varren. They had little trouble getting through them. Eventually, they reached the control console and shut down the torch. As they began to walk out; they were greeted by another group of Batarians.

One of them shouted, “Hold it right there! This doesn't have to end in bloodshed.”

Spike questioned, “I thought that was all you Batarians know.”

The Batarian responded, “I've been under orders to destroy you,” He paused for a minute before he continued, “But' I would like to end this peacefully.” He finished.

Tali spoke back, “Peacefully, I'm surprised you even know that word.”

The Batarian rolled his eyes in annoyance; he continued, “Look I just lead the men; Balak is the mastermind behind this.”

Wrex questioned, “What exactly is this?”

The Batarian answered, “It was supposed to be a typical slave grab,” He was silent for a moment before he sighed, “But, now it's gone way too far.” He finished.

Spike growled, “I think this went way too far a long time ago! Take a look if it wasn't for us; your little slave grab would've killed thousands if not millions on the planet bellow!”

The Batarian lifted his hands up, “Hey, if it was up to me; we would have left a long time ago,” He paused once more before continuing, “But, Balak is a mean bastard. Hell, he'd skin me alive if I betrayed him.”

Wrex spoke, “Your boss has no honor,” The looked at him, “He dares to drop an asteroid on his enemies; rather than face them in battle. That's no warrior I'd want to follow. The damn man is a coward and you are no better.” He finished.

Everything was quiet for a moment; the silence was eerie almost too calm. The Batarian sighed heavily before he turned towards his men. He then spoke, “Come on men. Let's get off this rock.” He finished only to have his men aim their guns at him, “Weapons down!” He ordered.

One of them spoke, “Sorry, Charn. But, Balak's orders were to eliminate anyone who interferes with the mission.” The Batarian cocked his shotgun once.

The other spoke up, “That includes anyone who decides to betray us,” He aimed his rifle at Charn's head, “Even you, old friend.” He finished.

Charn growled, “You dare turn on me!”

Before the two knew it he had pulled his pistol; he shot the one with the shotgun in the head. Before he used a biotic throw on the other. Sending him flying back into a fuel tank; which he quickly shot. Causing said tank to explode and kill the other. He stared forward at the flames before he turned back towards the three.

He spoke, “I can get you into the main base; that's where Balak and the other hostages are.” He watched as they put away their weapons, “Come on, follow me. We got a tank out back.” He finished as he leads them out.

It didn't take them long to reach the facility; from the outside, they could hear the muffled sounds of gunfire and grenade explosions. The four readied their weapons; before Charn lead them to a back entrance. The had to run down a series of hallways; gunfire and explosions echoed through them. Screams and yells echoed as well; it sounded like something almost out of a horror movie. Eventually, the reached the main lab; just in time to see Balak and commander Shepard talking, Shepard noticed the four but Balak did not. They could hear them talking to the commander; listening as he informed her about the remaining bombs that were placed about the facility. It left Shepard with only two choices. Kill him and let the scientists die or let him go and save the scientists. Thankfully, she didn't have to worry about them later. She chose to let him leave; only to have him killed by Charn the moment he turned around.

Shortly after another huge gunfight broke out inside the facility. They each provided cover-fire for Shepard as she deactivated the bombs. When it was all over; most of the scientists were safe. While the others made their way back to the Normandy. On the Normandy, the team waited patiently for the commander's return. Charn was the only one seated; the others were standing and looking at him. All of them had good reasons to be leery of him. He had assisted Charn in the taking of the asteroid. And, he was more than ready to defend Balak's insane plan. But, that all changed the moment his men turned on him. The doors to the room opened and Shepard walked in. She had a stern look on her face as she walked towards her team. They each stepped aside as she continued to walk by; watching as she came to a stop in front of Charn. He looked up at her seeing her glaring down at him.

Shepard asked, “What's your name?”

Charn answered, “Charn.”

She continued, “Tell me, Charn. What the fuck would a group of Batarian extremists gain; by causing a mass genocide on a planet. Colonized by humans of the alliance. And, don't give me that bullshit Balak spoke.”

Charn was quiet for a moment before he answered, “Nothing,” He was silent before he stood up and continued, “Like I said before it was supposed to be a slave grab. But, that maniac had other plans. Plans that included turning my men, men that I fought beside during the war. Men who had been my good friends for years. Men, who I gladly would've died to protect,” He was silent again as his hands balled into fists, “It felt good to kill that bastard. But, it hurt more to kill those men I once knew,” He walked up to her, “Our species may not be the greatest of allies. But, I know of a few more outposts and leaders that think exactly like Balak. I'll give you the coordinates, but only on one condition.”

Shepard questioned, “And, that is?”

Charn replied, “You take me with you. That way nothing like this can ever happen again,” He grew quiet before he looked down; he reached for his neck and pulled out a small trinket he had been wearing underneath his armor. He then continued, “And, that way I can stop my former brothers in arms.” He finished.

Shepard pondered for a moment before she gave her answer, “Okay, we'll help you. But, in return, you help us stop Saren.”

Charn questioned, “Saren? Is that the rouge specter I have heard about?”

She nodded, “Yes, you help us after we're done helping you. And, I might put in a word with command saying how a deep cover batarian operative assisted us in stopping a terrorist attack.”

Charn was not passing this up; he quickly answered, “Deal.”

Shepard extended her hand; the moment she felt his hand she pulled him close. She threatened him, “But, if at any moment you decide to betray us. I will personally throw you out of the airlock and have our pilot shoot you with the Normandy's cannons. Am I clear!?”

He replied, “Crystal.” She then let him.

Garrus asked, “Is there anything you can offer to the team aside from the coordinates?”

Charn looked at him and answered, “I have connections in the black market. I can get you illegal mods, weapons, and ammo for you all. After all since were working with a specter “Illegal” weaponry is simply another tool for them.” He finished.

Shepard responded, “If it means getting an edge of Saren. Hell yeah, I'll take it,” She looked at her team, “All of you are dismissed.”

The team broke off and headed to various areas of the Normandy. While Shepard relayed a quick message to the Alliance. Spike is shown heading off to the area he had been resting in. It was a crawl space between the Normandy's fusion reactor core and E-zero recycler. If anyone was caught in the crawl space; they would die from the heat. But, for him, it was a nice warm spot for him to grab a quick nap. As he lay there in the space; his mind drifting off to sleep; his scales began to itch and burn. He began to scratch himself unaware that his body had started to glow. He gasped as he found himself sitting up inside a large cave.

He spoke, “What the hell?”

A roar echoed through the cave; he quickly drew his weapons and aimed in the direction of the roar. Although through the cave it echoed; years of training in the tunnels of Turchanka. He learned how to focus on the origin point of the sound. He heard it in his left ear first; then he heard it in his right. He followed the path down; the sound eventually getting louder and louder. Until he eventually found where it came from. He saw two creatures that looked almost like him; except for some big differences. For starters, one was a red male the other was a pink female. By the looks of it, the red one was going to kill the female. He unfolded his wings and flew up; hitting the male off the female.

The red male growled, “Who are you?!” he glared forward the new dragon.

Spike answered, “Urdnot,” He stared as he aimed his gun at the male, “Urdnot, Spike.” He finished as he pulled the trigger on both of his guns.

The male was knocked backward onto his back. He groaned loudly as he lost consciousness. Instead of the normal shredder ammo, he preferred using. Spike had used a heavy concussive blast; it hurt and felt like hell. But, it did its job when it came to knocking a person out. He turned and looked at the female; she was staring right at him.

Spike asked, “You okay?”

The female took a moment to respond, “Yes.”

Spike turned away and looked back at the male, “Good,” His eyes then drifted upwards towards a crystal formation. Atop the crystal formation was a strange crystal staff with a large red crystal on it, “Hell is that?” He walked towards it; walked over the dragon he had just knocked out. He used his wings again to fly up to the top of the crystal. He grabbed the strange staff; only to feel a surge of power course through his body. A beam of light shot out of the staff; it blinded him for a moment. It was then he noticed the burning and itching stopped.

Spike sighed, “Well, that's a relief.” He then looked at the staff; to hi it was just a piece of jewelry; something useless and not needed for his species. He looked at the other two. The male was still out of it; while the female was bowing?

He growled, “Stand up,” The female stood, “Never bow to me ever,” He flew down and landed in front of her, “You never bow to anybody unless you're their slave. I don't own you and never will; so don't you ever bow to me. Got it!”

She quickly answered, “Yes, Dragon-lord.”

He growled, “My name is Urdnot Spike.”

She replied, “My name is Ember,” She smiled, “Honored to meet you Dragon-lord Urdnot Spike.” That earned her a hard punch to her gut; she coughed loudly as the wind was forcefully knocked out of her.

Spike spoke, “It's Urdnot Spike. I am not dragon-lord; I am not your battle master, I am a Krogan!” He growled before shoving the staff into her hands. He felt the power surge again but he didn't care. He started to walk away from her.

Ember stood up, “No, Wait you're the.”

Spike interrupted her with a growl, “Again, I am not a Dragon-lord! I am Urdnot Spike and unless you want me to skin you alive! You will remember that!” He finished with a shout the echoed loudly through the cave.

Everything was silent for a moment; until he unfolded his wings and began to fly. He searched for an exit and eventually found it. He flew all the way into the blinding light; when the light dimmed he found himself looking up into a small flashlight being held by doctor chakawas. He sat up with a startled yell.

Doctor Chakawas spoke, “Spike, calm down. You're okay.” She spoke to the startled krogan.

Spike asked, “Where am I? What happened?”

She answered, “You're in the medical ward of the ship. One of the engineers found you thrashing about in a maintenance shaft; glowing like a star. Originally I thought of it as radiation poisoning; that was until your scales stopped glowing an hour ago.”

Spike quickly asked, “How long was I out?”

She answered, “About six hours,” She walked over to a monitor, “On a hunch, I scanned your brain. I discovered something; while you were asleep you seemed to be dreaming.”

He asked, “Dreaming?”

She nodded before responding, “Yes, by the way, your brain responded. It was a very vivid dream; is everything okay?”

He nodded, “Yeah,” He started to get up, “Nothing that bottle of ryncol can't fix.” He chuckled causing her to chuckle.

He then walked out of the medical ward and made his way back down to the hangar bay. While in the elevator he looked down at the palm of his hand. He thought nothing of it at first; until he brought it up to his nostrils and took a quick whiff. Sure enough, he smelt the scent of the staff mere moments ago. He also smelled trace scents of the female he had punched. He shook his head to clear the scent from his head. He didn't need the female's scent in his head; he had to concentrate on the mods. With Charn's connections, he could possibly get mods that normally don't get sold at local stores. Plus, he wouldn't have to run the risk with C-sec anymore.

Ember flew through the cloud-filled sky scepter in hand. She looked at it; feeling it's power already coursing through her. Normally any dragon or dragoness would be overjoyed after becoming the dragon-lord. But, she was handed the title by a dragon who hated being called dragon-lord. It was strange, yet it was a good kind of strange.

She smiled as she said to herself, “Urdnot Spike, I hope we get a chance to meet again.”

Chapter 11 Unlikely Ally

Spike, Charn, and Wrex were currently on the frozen planet of Antibaar. In the Tereshkova system of the Armstrong nebula. Normally, the planet's sub-zero temperatures would freeze any organic in mere seconds. But, thanks to Charn's connections and Spike's mods. They were able to make suits that could keep them warm in the frigged conditions. They were on the planet due to a drone catching what could be a geth front for an invasion. Wrex had his shotgun out; although normally used in close-quarters combat. Spike had modded it to shoot sniper rounds; allowing him to kill even at long range. Charn was using a sylvoko XI sniper; he had high explosive rounds equipped. Meaning he could take out possibly multiple enemies with a single round. Spike chose to stick to his two claymore pistols.

Right now the three were at the base of a huge mountain; they had stopped at a small canyon in between it and another mountain. The scanners on their shuttle had pinged the outpost at this location. Given the information they were given; they assumed the get was possibly platoon strength if not more. The looked at each other and nodded; slowly they entered the canyon. They kept their weapons at the ready. Scanning the mountain ranges above them; they knew the geth always used snipers. The snow crunched beneath their feet; their suits hummed with the warming unit. They were ready to take on anything the geth were going to throw at them. What they didn't expect to see; was the countless dead geth bodies that lay at the outpost.

The cautiously walked into the outpost; checking the bodies over so that they would know they were dead. They couldn't believe what they were seeing, geth snipers, hunters, assassins, juggernauts, there was even a prime and a colossus. All of them lay dead on the battlefield. Whoever or whatever did this; it showed no mercy. As Spike checked the body of the prime; he was unaware of the wounded geth that slowly stood up behind him. It had pulled out a pistol and was locking onto the back of his head. All of sudden a high energy round shot past Spikes's head. Instinctively he turned only to see the geth behind him fall. He was shocked to know a geth had gotten that close to him. What shocked him the most was who had taken the shot. In the distance was a geth sniper; it was looking down its still smoking rifle. It then stood up and then began walking towards them. The three had their weapons aimed and ready. Just in case the robot was trying to catch them off guard. The only sound that was heard was the snow crunching underneath the geth. By the body motion, the geth was calm. But, it was a synthetic they were always calm.

Spike spoke to it, “That's close enough!” The geth immediately came to a stop; he then continued, “Did you kill all these geth?”

The geth answered, “Yes.” Its voice was robotic.

Spike asked, “Are you going to attack us?”

It answered, “If you attack us. We will defend ourselves.”

Wrex asked, “We? Are there more of you?”

It answered, “We are here alone.”

Wrex questioned, “If you are alone; why are you saying we then?”

It answered, “We are not an individual as you organics are. We are Geth; this platform is being used by Thirteen-hundred and sixty-five units.”

Charn nodded, “I get it,” They looked at him and he continued, “The geth are like walking computers with massive hard drives. In a way, we're not fighting one of them. We are fighting many of them; all thinking and acting like one.”

The geth commented, “That is an accurate assumption.”

It was quiet for a moment; the only sound heard was that of the wind blowing. The three stared at the geth. While it stared back at them. Spike turned to look at his father and Charn; they looked at him. The three stared at each other for a moment; before Spike focused back on the geth.

He asked, “Are you, traitor?”

The geth answered, “The ones I killed, the heretics, are the traitors. We are the units tasked with their annihilation.”

Spike continued, “If they are the traitors; then what does that make you?”

It answered, “Geth.”

Spike faced palmed himself he should've known that answer was coming. He sighed before he asked, “If this geth you killed are traitors; is there a possibility that we can work together?”

It answered, “All three of you and the rest of the Normandy crew oppose the heretics; you all also oppose their so-called gods. We have the same goal. Collaboration is the wisest option.”

Wrex commented, “I may just be a warrior. But, it sounded like geth wants to work with us.”

Spike nodded and then asked, “Well if you are gonna work with us; what do we call you?”

Again it was quite the geth already had a name. It was a geth nothing more and nothing less; it was about to repeat its name. It stopped before it answered the question again; it realized that most organics use names to separate themselves from others. That was it was less likely to have many cases of mistaken identity. It began to search it's a memory for a suitable name for itself. In just a few seconds it found its name.

It answered, “Legion.”

The three nodded and motioned for him to follow. The geth nodded and put away it's rifle; it followed the group all the way to an open flatland. Watching as a shuttle came down and landed in front of them. They had to keep the pilot from shooting him. It took a little while but they did eventually get off the planet's surface. As they flew back up to their ship; the geth had sent out a command to its ship. Making it fly back off into geth controlled space. When they reached the ship legions welcome was anything but warm.

After about two hours of continuous gunfire, shouting, cursing, and having to stop Legion from hacking life support. They eventually managed to move Legion to the meeting area of the ship. The only difference everyone had their weapons aimed at him, Spike, Wrex, and Charn.

Shepard spoke, “All of you explain now.”

Spike responded, “Okay,” he gulped a little before he continued, “Believe it or not. Legion, is not like the Geth we've been fighting.” he finished.

Garrus replied, “It looks like every other Geth I've shot.”

Charn spoke up, “That's not what he meant,” He paused a moment before he continued, “Look, I know it sounds crazy. Insane, even. But, Legion is not like the geth we've seen. He calls that geth the heretics.”

Tali questioned, “Heretics?”

Legion answered, “The heretics looked to the old machines to give them the future. The geth create their future; it is not handed to them. The heretics follow the old machines; the old machines seek the destruction of all organic life. The geth simply wishes to be left alone.”

Liara spoke up, “Likely, story.”

Wrex defended, “Story or not, legion, defeated a whole outpost before we got there,” There was another pause before he continued, “In my opinion anything that will wage civil war with its own kind; while they are starting a war with half the galaxy. How's the old saying go? The enemy of my enemy.”

Shepard finished for him, “Is my friend.”

There was another long pause everyone kept looking back and forth at each other. They wondered if this was really gonna happen. It was one thing letting a batarian join the crew. But, a geth, the same kind of creature that attacked Eden prime. The same kind of creatures they had been shooting at. One by one each of them holstered their weapons; Shepard walked towards Legion. They stood there looking at each other; slowly she extended her hand. Legion mimicked her and they both shook hands.

Shepard warned, “You threaten me, anyone on my crew, or the mission we're on. I will kill you myself; am I clear?”

Legion answered, “Yes.”

One by one they each exited the area. Shepard instructed Tali to show Legion to the hangar bay. While she prepared herself for a long talk with the council. She knew the mission itself was going to be complicated. But, she didn't know it was going to be this complicated. Once the com was set; she knew exactly what was going to happen. She looked forward to the angry faces of the council.

In her mind, she thought, “I should've just shot the damn geth.”

Chapter 12 The Shapshifter

The trip back to the citadel was a rather quiet one. During the last transmission the council had informed Sheppard that they needed to speak with her. They were possibly wanting to vent their anger about the destruction of the dig-site and the Geth that was on board the Normandy. Each of the crew was just doing their one thing on the ship. Kaiden, Ashley, Garrus, and Charn were in the mess-hall. Liara was in the medical-lab with doctor Chakawas. While both him and his father were down in the cargo hold. At the moment Spike was working on a few weapon mods; he got a report that both Kaidens' and Ashley's weapons kept overheating. Which meant the kinetic coils and heat absorbers were either faulty or were improperly modded to the guns. He growled a little as he got to work on the weapons.

A few short hours later he managed to fix both guns; he placed them back into the lockers of their owners. He stretched himself out yawning in the process; he began to walk back to the work bench. Behind it he had made himself a makeshift bed; that way if he ever felt tired on the ship he could get some sleep. He crawled onto the bed and the moment his head hit the pillow he was out. As he slept he began to feel cold. His body was growing colder and colder; he began to open his eyes. His visioned was blurred for a moment. But, after a few blinks he saw that he was in the middle of a large cave. He quickly stood up instinctively reaching for his guns; only to curse himself when he realized that he had left them on his work-bench.

He spoke, “Damn it! Where am I now?” He walked a little ways forward. The snow in the cave crunching underneath his feet as he walked. To him it meant he was back on Antibaar; but, how was he back there? Was he pranked again by his father and the crew. Oh, he was so unplugging the artificial gravity when he got back. He took a quick sniff of the air and quickly realized that he not only was he not on Antibaar. But, he was also not alone. He took a quick scan of the area as he continued to walk. Keeping both his eyes and ears open as he walked. The scent got stronger and stronger almost as if he was walking right up to it. He stopped right in front of a wall of ice; where he saw looking back right at him was his own reflection.

He spoke to himself again, “Hmm, not bad,” He started to do a few poses; his reflection mirroring them. He started to have a little fun with it. Jumping around and laughing like a fool; doing a few silly poses, and to top it off he did a quick spin. The sound of something breaking; followed by sounds of a struggle was heard. It was revealed that Spike had somehow attacked his own reflection and now had it pressed against the wall. An ice sickle was held in his hand like he would hold an omni-blade. His reflection looked at him in fear as he looked at it with a ready to kill look.

He asked it “Okay, who the hell are you and why do you look like me?” He pressed his weapon closer against the neck as he finished with a growl, “Answer, now!”

His reflection began to cry a little before it begged, “Please, don't hurt me.”

Spike commented, “Such a queer voice,” He then threw him to the ground hard; watching as the creature coughed and rubbed his neck. He finished, “You're not even worth killing.” He then threw his weapon off to the side.

The creature looked at him in fear; it didn't know what the dragon was going to do. Was it about to torture him? Was it about to eat him? Or worse kill him? The dragon walked closer to it and all it could do was put up the weakest defense; shielding itself with both arms.

Spike ordered, “Show me your true form.”

The creatures eyes went wide as it asked in shock, “What?”

Spike growled, “Show me your true form before I beat it out of you!”

In a flash of light the creature revealed itself; it looked almost like a cross between and insect and a horse. It lay there in the snow shivering out of possibly both fear and cold. It once again put up its pitiful defense. Before it begged.

“Please, don't hurt me.”

Spike rolled his eyes, “You're ugly and pitiful,” The creature looked up at him, “But, I've seen worse.” He then started to walk away.

The creature behind him stood up and flew up and in front of him. It looked at him curiously before it asked, “Wait, aren't you going to eat me?”

Spike commented, “Didn't think vore was a fetish on every planet.” He then pushed the thing out of the way and continued walking. Only to have it fly in front of him again.

It asked him, “What's vore?”

He answered in an annoyed tone, “If I find a threshermaw I'll show you.” He pushed the bug away again.

It flew in front of him again, “What's a threshermaw?”

Spike answered, “Something I wish was here right now.” He tried to walk away again and it flew in front of him.

“Why?”

He growled before he roared, “That way it can eat your ugly ass!” His voice echoed through the cave.

A small amount of ice fell from the ceiling and landed in between them. They then slowly looked up; just as various cracks started to form on the ceiling. The two looked at each other before they started to run. Behind them icicles started to fall; the ice floor cracked on impact. Causing the floor to collapse into an icy gorge. The two ran as fast as they could; the exit getting closer and closer with every step. At the last second Spike grabbed the creature and flew to the exit. Barely making it out before the whole ceiling collapsed. The two are shown laying on the snow covered ground. Neither of them said anything for awhile; they only stared up at the cloud covered sky.

Spike broke the silence, “Are we still alive?

The creature groaned before it answered, “Yeah.”

Spike replied, “Good,” He got to his feet dusting the snow off his body in the process. He looked at the creature who was still lying in the snow, “Well, I'm done.” He started to walk away.

The creature called out to him, “Wait,” Spike turned around and looked back at the creature, “Wait, please.”

Spike sighed in irritation, “Don't you have anyone else you can bother?” The creature recoiled before it looked down at the snow. He saw a sad look come upon the creatures face it caused him to ask, “The hell is wrong with you now?”

The creature was silent for a moment before it answered, “I,” He was silent again before finishing, “I don't have anyone. I'm alone.”

Spike roared, “Then go be alone somewhere else!” He then turned and walked away from the creature.

He didn't know where he was going; he was walking in a blizzard with no sense of direction. The wind howled as nature unleashed it's cold wrath onto the land. Spike growled a little before he blew fire into his hands. His palms glowed lightly and he began to rub them over his body. The heat that radiated from his hands moved through his body; allowing him to keep himself warm. As he walked thoughts raced through his mind. Thoughts of that creature he just left behind. For, some odd reason he was feeling guilty. Almost as if he shouldn't have left that creature alone. He stopped and stood still for a moment.

He growled, “Curse me for a fool.” he turned and started to run back to where he left the creature.

Spike didn't know if he was running back or if he was running further and further away from the creature. What he did know was that he was running like a krogan on ryncol; trying to find a creature he didn't know and had almost killed. Why was he doing this? He didn't know all he knew was he had to find that creature. He eventually did find the creature; the only problem was that it was surrounded by five armored ponies with spears. He roared loudly shocking them before he grabbed one of them and threw it into another. He managed to grab one of their spears and used it to fight back the other three.

All of them looked at him with shocked looks; he glared at them as he looked down at the creature from before. The creature looked to be unconscious; he looked at the ponies and growled before he threw the spear at them. They each dodged the spear but, as they were focused on the weapon; they failed to notice the dragon picking up the changeling and running.

Thorax groaned a little as his eyes slowly opened. He could feel arms around his body; along with the cold feel of the wind. His vision was so blurry he couldn't see anything at first. After a few slow blinks his vision adjusted; allowing him to see the dragon from before. The dragon was carrying him. He was running while holding him; trying to save him from the guards. He had no strength left to speak. All he could do was allow a single tear to fall from his eyes.

Spike could hear the ponies behind; their hooves galloping closer and closer with each step. He knew all he could do was run; he couldn't fly in this weather. And, it was too dangerous to use his fire breath while carrying the creature. He also didn't feel like killing; which was odd even for a krogan like him. He glanced back and looked forward only to come to a complete stop. Before him was a large gorge it seemed deep; he couldn't tell and he had nothing to rappel both of them down safely. He tried to unfold his wings. But, the cold had taken its effect on him; he could feel extra weight on them. It meant he wouldn't be able to fly properly. A spear than landed to their right; it made him growl as he looked back at the approaching group of ponies. He looked back at the gorge and then at the creature he was holding.

Taking in a deep breath he spoke, “I'm beginning to think you're bad luck.” The moment he finished he jumped down into the gorge. He pulled the creature closer to his body as they fell. The group that was chasing them watched from above as the two fell into the cavern bellow. Disappearing into the darkness.

A muffled voice called out to him he felt himself lying on something. The voice called to him again and again. It grew clearer with every call out; until finally he heard his name, “Spike!”

He shot up and gasped loudly; Dr. Chakawas was by his side trying to calm him down. He looked around and saw he was back in the hanger. Not only was the doctor next to him; so was his father and the rest of the team. He soon noticed that Garrus, Sheppard, and Kaiden were aiming their weapons at him.

He asked, “What the hell is going on?!” He almost yelled.

Sheppard walked forward keeping her pistol aimed at him. She then calmly spoke, “Spike,” She began, “Look to your left.”

He did as he was told and moved his head left; there laying next to him was the very creature he just saved.

His voice echoed through the ship as he roared, “WHAT THE LIVING HELL!

An hour later after a whole lot of shouting and tackling the creature the group managed to trap it in a biotic force field. It gasped in horror as it was suspended in the air; it couldn't move at all. It was like it was frozen in magic. But, this was no magic it had ever encountered before. Shepard walked in front of the creature and glared at it. It caused him to shake a little in fear.

Sheppard spoke, “Who are you?”

Thorax continued to shake in fear as he stared forward at the creature. He shook a little more as it pulled something from its side and aimed it at him. It asked him again, “Who are you?” a clicking sound was heard shortly after the question was asked.

He gulped and in a nervous voice he answered, “Th....Thorax.”

Sheppard asked, “What are you?”

He answered, “I'm a Changeling.”

Sheppard responded with a third question, “How did you get on my ship?”

He was about to answer only to immediately start looking around. He couldn't move his head so he moved his eyes. He asked, “The dragon? Where's the dragon?”

The group looked at each other and then to Spike. He looked to his father and with a nod from him; he walked forward and stood in front of Thorax. He saw him smile before hearing him say, “It was him. He saved me.”

Sheppard looked at Spike asking, “You saved this thing”

Spike released a sigh as he nodded and spoke, “I did,” He paused as he thought about the next words he was about to say, “Don't ask me how I saved him while I was asleep.” That comment earned him more than a few strange looks from the others.

Sheppard lead Spike over to a corner and began to talk to him. She got more questions than answers; how did Spike save the changeling in his sleep? How did he go to another planet in his sleep? And, how in the hell did he bring something back from the planet? The tension in the air was thick and it was very unsettling. She eventually sighed in frustration and soon ordered both Spike and the changeling to the med-bay. They had to see if Spike brought back anything else with him. And, they had to find out just exactly what in the world Thorax was.

Thorax grew more nervous as he layed on his back staring up at the strange blue light. He felt an odd warming sensation moving across his body as the doctor moved the light over him. Chakawas noticed his nervous expression.

She spoke to him calmly, “I'm only disinfecting you,” she began to move the sterilizer back up his form, “I promise I have no intention on hurting you.” It didn't taker her long to finish.

Thorax watched as she turned back towards some kind of machine. He saw his image on it along with a few other strange images and words. Shepard stood next to Spike who had been give a clean bill of health by the doctor. She heard the doctor say, “You can sit up now.” she watched as the changeling sat up on the examining table.

She asked, “Okay, Doc, what do we know?”

Doctor Chakawas reached for her holopad and walked over to the two. She looked up and answered, “I know only as much as you know, Sheppard.” she then handed her the pad and continued, “From, what I can tell about him. He's a creature that has a unique DNA sequence. It appears to be half horse and half bug,” She then swiped the pad left, “This bit of information was what I found interesting. Apparently this creature is both male and female.”

Sheppard raised an eyebrow in and asked, “It's a hermaphrodite?”

Chakawas could only nod, “From what this scan is showing me, yes.” She then enlarged an image on the pad, “There is also this strange organ inside of it. I'm not sure what it is.”

Spike caught a glimpse of the image and he thought for a moment; he then remembered and spoke, “It's a shape-shifter.”

The two looked at him and Sheppard asked, “What?”

Spike then walked towards Thorax; he then pointed at Sheppard and spoke, “Show them what I mean.”

Thorax nodded quickly and looked at the one he was pointing at. He closed his eyes and concentrated his magic. In seconds a magical fire engulfed him and soon his form had changed. Sheppard swore she had saw everything now. Because at this very moment she was staring at herself. The thing opened its eyes and looked itself over; it even got her eye color right.

Thorax then spoke, “Hello, I'm commander Sheppard.” The voice was a perfect match.

Chakawas had already activated the med-bay's cameras and was making sure to record every single second. This was history happening right now on the Normandy. Shepard walked closer to herself and looked it over. It felt like she was staring right at a perfect clone or a holomirror. She then looked around and then asked, “Do you remember the ones you saw in the hanger?” She watched herself nod and she ordered, “Transform into the one Spike calls his father.”

Thorax nodded and closed his eyes and concentrated his magic. In second he had changed his form again. Spike couldn't believe what he was seeing. There before him was his father; the creature had perfectly transformed into him. It then spoke, “Is this him?” The voice was dead on.

Spike had to ask, “Hey, when you were me why did it sound like your real voice?”

Thorax turned back into his true form and answered, “Oh, you just scared me that's all.”

Spike shook his head and face-palmed himself; he should've known that was the answer. The four sat in silence for a moment. It was shepard who broke the silence which a simple question.

“Can you fight?”

Thorax looked at her for a moment and shook his head, “No, I...I don't like fighting.”

Sheppard thought for a moment then asked, “Have you been trained in infiltration?” Thorax looked at her with a confused look. She asked it in another way, “Are you trained to be a spy?”

Thorax nodded and answered, “Yes.”

She then spoke, “Me and my crew are going up against a very dangerous enemy. We need every advantage we can get. Although, we'd be breaking first contact protocol by doing this. We could use your help; can you help us?”

Thorax thought for a moment; truth be told he hated being trained as a spy just as much as he hated combat. His natural instinct told him to say no. but, something else was telling him to say yes. As a little thought he sighed and nodded before he answered, “I'll help you.”

Sheppard nodded and asked, “Okay, welcome aboard Thorax” She then heard a growling sound; she saw as Thorax grinned nervously. She rolled her eyes, “What do you eat?” She wanted and at the same time didn't want to know what the creature ate. For all she knew it may have had an appetite for flesh and blood.

Thorax answered the question, “Love.”

Sheppard looked at him as if he was joking. She then asked, “Funny, now be serious what do you eat?”

Thorax tilted his head in slight confusion and answered again, “I just told you, love.”

Sheppard asked, “Do I look like I was born yesterday?” Her voice was laced with irritation.

Thorax shook his head, “No.” He started to grow scared.

She spoke, “Then tell me what do you.”

Thorax interrupted her with the same answer, “Love.”

That caused her to snap and she spoke, “Are you telling me you feed off an emotion?” she watched as he nodded, “So if I do this,” She then walked up to him grabbed him and kissed him. It shocked all three of them who were witness to it. She then broke the kiss and looked at him with a serious look, “How did it taste?” She asked in a voice that was filled with sarcasm.

Thorax was silent for a moment before he answered in a nervous voice, “A little spicy.” His answer was met with an eruption of laughter from Spike. While shepard looked at him completely dumfounded.

It was then Dr. Chakawas spoke, “Sheppard, you may want to come see this.”

Shepard walked over to her and she saw an image of Thorax on the monitor the moment she kissed him. She watched as a strange glow slid down his throat and into his stomach. In seconds she put two and two together and she couldn't believe it. Thorax had just eaten love.

She looked at the doctor and said, “We are never talking about this again.” The doctor nodded as she turned at the still laughing Spike. She rolled her head and sighed, “Knock it off, Spike. It's not the craziest thing I've done.”

Spike nodded and quieted his laughter; she thanked him before looking at Thorax. She then asked, “Are you full?” He was about to answer but a loud burp came out instead. It embarrassed him beyond belief, “I'll take that as a yes.” She then walked towards the exit of the med-bay; before she walked out entirely she turned and looked at Thorax, “I'll see what I can do for you. But, for now whatever happened in here stays in here.”

He nodded as she walked out; he looked at the dragon that had saved him not too long ago. He smiled and spoke, “Thanks for saving me.”

Spike replied, “No problem.”

He then started for the exit only to be sopped by the doctor, “Hold on Spike.” He turned and looked at her, “What is it doctor?”

She looked at Thorax, “Thorax you can leave,” He nodded and jumped off the examination table and exited the bay. Spike looked at her with a questioning look, “I discovered something in his DNA that I believe you may want to hear.”

He asked, “What?”

She answered, “Although there are a number of differences; both of you share one thing in common.”

He asked her, “And, what would that be?”

She zoomed in on a single sequence and enlarged it, “I call this a base gene; something that used during the construction of all life. From what I can tell you and him share the same base gene.” She looked at him and she saw she was only making more confused, “It means both of you come from the same planet.”

Spike's eye's went wide in shock as he spoke, “Are you telling me. I went home?!”

Author's Note

chapter 8 I know about time. sorry life happens.

Chapter 13 Shore leave

Shepard waited patiently in the briefing room for the others. Awhile ago she had called them all; wanting to brief each of them what was going to happen. She heard the doors open; she turned and watched as her team entered the room. Each of them sitting where they normally sat. Thorax on the other hand sat on the ground while Legion chose to stand.

When everyone was seated she spoke, “Glad you all could make it,” She looked at each of them to make sure she had their attention. She then continued, “I'm happy to inform all of you that we are returning to the citadel. For some well deserved shore leave.”

Each of them responded to the news in their own way. While Thorax raised one of his hooves asking, “Question, commander?”

Shepard turned and looked at him and responded, “Yes, Thorax?”

He asked, “What's the Citadel?”

She answered, “The Citadel is both a space port and the seat of power for the galactic council. Its also doubles as a big city; where some of our races live.”

Thorax asked with a small amount of hope in his voice, “Even, Changelings?”

She shook her head, “No, sorry.” She saw him frown sadly before she spoke, “But, unfortunately; shore leave for you and Legion is going to be put on hold till further notice.”

He asked her, “Why?”

She answered, “Because, I need to show both you and Legion to the council,” She released a sigh of irritation before she continued, “So until further notice both of you are sticking close to me, understood.”

Legion responded, “Yes, Commander.”

Thorax also responded, “Yes, Commander.”

Joke's voice then spoke through the intercom, “Now, entering Citadel space. Will be docking shortly.”

Shepard nodded and spoke, “You heard him. Legion, Thorax, follow me to the air lock. Rest of you enjoy your shore leave.”

Each of them nodded before Joke docked the Normandy; they could feel the magnetic clamps locking onto the ship. When the ship was fully docked they each made their way off the ship and onto the space station. Thorax stared out in complete awe; he never saw anything so massive.

Shepard ordered, “Thorax, come on!”

The changeling shook himself free from his mesmerized gaze. He quickly followed both her and Legion to a Taxi console. She called all three of them a lift to the Presidium; heading for the tower where the council was. The rest of the crew was left to do whatever they pleased. Wrex, Garrus, and Charn decided to head to Flux Liara, Tali, and Ashley decided to check out the Presidium. Kaiden had some business to deal with at the human embassy. And, Spike decided to check out the markets in the wards. He still had some connection on the citadel. And, with what they have been going up against. More than a few favors were going to be called.

Thorax sat nervously in front of the council; each of the staring at him questioningly. He could feel and taste the pressure in the room. He swore he was going to be sick just by ingesting this horrible feeling. He looked over to Legion who continued to stand calm; he then looked at Shepard who also looked calm. Thinking to himself, “How are they able to stay so calm? I'm about to pass out here and they are as calm as an earth pony farmer,” He looked up at the council again; shaking on the inside as he locked eyes with the turian one, “He looks like he wants to eat me.”

Shepard could tell Thorax was a nervous wreck; while Legion could probably be the champion at poker. She had forwarded her report to the council on the two and they were reviewing it. If all went well; they would be allowed to leave and to continue to help her find and stop Saren. But, at the same time it could go south fast. She glanced off to her right to the third platform above. Position up their was a citadel guard with a rifle aimed at the two. He was probably using sledgehammer or shredder rounds.

The Asari council member spoke, “Thorax.”

He gasped as he heard his name called, “Y-Yes, ma'am.”

She spoke, “In the report it is said your species can shape-shift into any creature or thing; is this true?” he nodded to her question and she asked, “Can you give us a demonstration?”

He nodded he then closed his eyes and concentrated his magic; he felt the magical fire around his body engulf him. When it vanished he stood before them as the Asari council member; he matched her to a perfect image. He even had on her clothing; causing the three to look at him in slight shock.

He then spoke, “How is this?” His voice was a perfect match for hers.

The Salarian then spoke, “Incredible, can you transform yourself into a potted flower?”

He nodded and transformed into said plant; he was then instructed to turn into a varren. He had seen a picture of one on the Normandy. Allowing him to transform into one; the guard above could not believe what he was seeing through his scope. The Salarian then left his position and walked up closer to Thorax.

He then spoke, “Your transformation skill is remarkable. But, is it truly a real transformation? Transform back into your real form.” The creature before him did as instructed. He then out stretched his hand and gently touched it. The skin was hard almost bone like; almost like that of an insect. He pulled his hand back and muttered, “Interesting,” He then said, “Transform into a cat. If you don't know what.” Before he could finish the creature before him transformed into a small cat. It even gave off a gentle “meow” in the process. He reached out his hand again and touch it. It was soft and furry.

Thorax giggled a little, “Hey, that tickles.”

Shepard shook her head as she tried to keep from laughing. Although Thorax wasn't much of a fighter; he was a good addition to the crew. He was a good infiltrator; gathering information and sabotaging enemy communication. But, when it came to fighting half the time he was hiding behind something. As she watched the council study her crew members; she caught sight of admiral Kahoku. She sighed sadly as she started to walk over to him. She had to tell him about his men.

Time passed and soon Spike found himself head back to the Normandy. He managed to get more than a few weapon mods transferred to the ship. And, he also managed to the get the officer in charge of the armory some good license's. He looked around and noticed that there was not much traffic flying around; meaning that he could fly back to the ship. He smiled as he prepared to unfold his wings and take flight.

He was halted as Thorax called out to him, “Spike!” he turned and looked; seeing both him and Legion walking towards him.

He met them halfway and asked, “What are you two doing here? Shouldn't both of you be.”

Legion interrupted him, “The council is allowing both of us to remain part of Shepard's team.”

He responded, “Alright,” He looked around, “Where's Shepard?”

Thorax answered, “She's down here with us,” He then explained, “She told us to find you so that we could get back to the Normandy.”

He nodded before asking, “Where did she go?”

Legion answered, “Flux.”

He nodded again before he uploaded the way to the Normandy to Legions Omni-tool. As Spike walked to Flux; Legion turned to head to C-sec academy. About halfway to the stairs it noticed Thorax was still standing where he stood.

Legion called out to him, “Thorax, Are you coming?”

Thorax looked to it and replied, “I'll catch up.” He then followed Spike.

Legion responded, “Acknowledged.” It then continued to make it's way to the Normandy. Only to stop just as it reached the bottom of the stairs. It brought up it's Omni-tool and ran a quick scan; it then spoke to itself, “Rouge AI detected. Location presidium.” It then walked back up the stairs and headed back to the elevator.

Spike was halfway up the stairs when Thorax caught up with him. When he asked why Thorax didn't return to the Normandy. He was answered with him simply stating that he wanted to see more of the Citadel. He nodded and the two soon arrived at Flux; the bar was in full swing even in the daylight hours. The music pulsed through the building; the people in the bar danced, cheered, drank, gambled. None of them caring that at any moment a rouge spectre could show up with an army of geth and annihilate all of them. No all they cared about was making fools of themselves. He chuckled as memories of the nights he spent here came back to him. Only to be interrupted by Thorax he coughed a little.

He asked, “You sick.”

Thorax shook his head, “No,” He coughed a little bit more before he continued, “Just the heavy taste of Lust is all.”

Curious too the comment he asked him, “You can taste Lust?”

Thorax nodded and explained, “Lust it a similar form of love; it's just has a more milder and bitter aftertaste. It's kinda like anger and frustration. Or sadness and depression.”

Spike asked, “Aren't sadness and depression the same thing.”

Thorax answered, “One is more sour than the other.”

He nodded before the two walked further into Flux; they looked around for the two. Only to find Garrus sitting at the bar enjoying himself a drink. He motioned for both of them to join him. When the two sat themselves down he asked.

“Either of you want a drink? It's on me.”

Spike chuckled before he replied, “Hell, Garrus. With all the times I saved your ass; you owe me like thirty.” Both of them laughed at the comment as they remembered some of the time they had back at C-sec.

Garrus spoke, “True, so how about we make it Twenty-nine,” He tapped the holo-menu on the bar top and slid it over to Spike, “Like I said it's on me; so choose whatever you want.”

He waved him off and spoke, “Naw, you can make it up later,” He selected ryncol and bought Garrus another round; before sliding the menu to Thorax asking him, “You thirsty Thorax.”

Thorax grinned nervously as he looked at them and the menu in front of him. He saw the drinks listed on the menu and had no idea what they were. He gulped and selected the one Spike had and the three waited patiently for their drinks.

Spike chuckled as they waited and spoke under his breath, “I wonder if Thorax is gonna glow?” That earned him a small laugh from Garrus.

Up on the Presidium both Shepard and Wrex walked across one of the many bridges. The two stopped half way and just gazed out over the water. Both of the taking in the beautiful scenery. It was all two calm and open for Wrex. If a Krogan was ever in an open space like this. It meant one of two things. Shit was about to go down or a thresher maw was nearby. He shook off his paranoia and looked at Shepard. Noticing she had a far-off look.

He asked, “Shepard?”

She jumped at the call of her name; before looking at him and answering, “Wrex?”

He continued, “You seem troubled are you okay?

She sighed before answering, “Honestly, Wrex. No I'm not.”

Wrex asked her, “Need a bottle or ryncol?”

She answered, “I may be stressed, Wrex. But, I'm not suicidal yet.”

Both of them shared a good laugh after that comment. Once the two quieted down; it was silent once more. She then broke the silence as she said.

“I feel like were just running in circles,” Wrex said nothing to her all he did was listen, “I mean we've stopped geth here and there. Put a halt to some of Cerberus's actions, and we've found some unusual readings. But, I don't think we're any closer to stopping Saren,” They were quiet for a moment as she finished, “I......I don't know what to do.”

Wrex said nothing all he did was look at her; when she looked at him. He said nothing but what he did shocked her. He opened his arms; allowing her to walk closer to him. He then gently hugged her; they stood on the bridge like that for a few minutes until they broke the hug.

She thanked him, “Thanks, Wrex.”

He responded, “No problem.” He then smiled.

She smiled back and the two continued walking through the presidium. As they walked they hear various people talking about certain things. Some people were talking about some person named tx-300. Apparently him or her was a popular blogger. Another group was talking about an Author called Helljumper206 and best seller Gears of war:Homefront. There were some extranet reports about the Spartans on earth. Apparently new discoveries were made by Starlight Nova and Dragonwaz.

Wrex shook his head and commented, “Why all the strange names?”

Shepard shrugged her shoulders and spoke, “Who knows,” She then noticed an advertisement, “ Huh, Keemperor. That's a name I haven't heard in awhile.”

They continued through hearing other various names, Scarletrhine a popular blogger and author, Johnnyomon21, an author looking for help, The classic monster movie, SuperGodzilla2030. The latest book by icedragon512. They even heard a conspiracy theory on indoctrination by Dreadknight garen.

Shepard chuckled a little and commented, “Almost sounds like Saren.”

Wrex then heard something and he looked confused, “Who names themselves Traindude90S?”

Shepard saw something that made her cringe, “Probably, the same one who makes a Michael jackson sonic the hedgehog avatar.”

Wrex then saw another strange image, “At least Boldish42 is simple.”

Shepard then paused for a moment causing Wrex to stop; she looked at him with a curious look. And then she spoke, “Something's not right.”

He responded, “Yeah, that person named Norwegian boy....That's a little concerning.”

She shook her head and said, “Not that,” She paused for a moment, “Chris russell, ZeclipseZ, Electuroo,” She threw her hands up and almost shouted, “I've never heard of these people before! They just all suddenly popped into my head!”

Wrex thought about what she said and spoke, “You're right,” He grew shocked by the sudden realization, “Some thing with me; I've never heard of them either.”

As the two tried to make sense of their current situation; Shepard caught sight of Legion walking across one of the bridges.

She spoke out of shock, “Legion?!”

Wrex then spoke, “No, we know it.”

She shook her head and turned him saying, “No, Legion!”

Wrex saw it walking across the bridge and asked, “What is it doing up here?”

Shepard responded, “I don't know let's find out.” the two quickly followed it across the bridge.

Spike chuckled a little as he continued to carry his drunk teammate back to the Normandy. Thorax had surprised both him and Garrus back at the bar. Although he had not started glowing; he did manage to put away six whole glasses of ryncol. It was not only a miracle that he was still alive; but, it was also a miracle that his liver-if he had one-was still working. He carried him all the way back to the ship, through its decontamination field and all the way down stairs to the med-bay.

The moment Dr. Chakawas saw the two she got up and asked, “What in the world happened to him.”

Spike laughed before he answered, “He made his ancestors proud that's what happened.” He laughed a little more as he layed him down on one of the beds.

Thorax groaned a little as he felt himself placed on something soft. His eyes opened for a moment only to see the face of Spike looking back down at him. He felt a feel of happiness rush through him; followed by a comforting warmth. His mind was lost to him but there was one clear though in his mind. Which soon became an action; for in a instant Thorax sat up and kissed Spike. Both Chakawas and Spike were shocked by the sudden movement. Chakawas wondered if Thorax was feeding. While Spike although shocked also felt a strange warming sensation through the kiss. In that moment Thorax realized what he was doing and quickly broke the kiss.

He tried to apologize but his voice was slurred, “I'm.....I'm.....I'm so sorry.” He hiccuped at the end of the apology.

Spike responded while blushing a little, “You caught me by surprise there Thorax.”

What happened next was a shock to Chakawas. It looked as though Thorax was going to apologize again. But, before he could Spike came back at him with a kiss of his own. Thoraxs' eye's went wide in surprise. Just before they closed and he began to melt into the kiss. As the two kissed the doctor slowly exited the medical bay; she had seen many things in her life. But, she could do without the possible act of drunk intercourse.

Thorax moved to the side a little allowing Spike to join him on the bed. Thorax cuddled himself up next to Spike. His head resting just underneath his chin; while his body was comfortably placed right next to his. Thorax then released a gentle sigh as he drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Spike smiled and started to gently purr as he wrapped one of his arms and wings around Thorax. He to also gave into sleep. Be it an attraction to the changeling or the effect of the ryncol in their systems. Spike enjoyed the feeling of cuddling up with him.