Magical Girls in Mass Effect

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 12-Processing

They soon arrived within one of the main corridors of the academy. There, they were startled to see many dark monsters everywhere. They were attacking everyone in sight.

Kahlee: “What are those things!?!”

Garrus: “Damn it! It’s the vigilante’s monstrous underlings.”

Jewel: “No, not here!”

Garrus: “Jewel?”

Jewel: “Um…we have to take them on.”

Star: “Sure, what better way to demonstrate our powers than during a real, action-packed fight.”

Mordin: “Couldn’t agree more.”

Jewel: “Alright, let’s go, girls. Metamorphose!!”

From there, the girls underwent their transformation, then rushed off towards the monsters. Both Kahlee and Jack were startled from what they have seen.

Jack: “Whoa..!!! They really are real-live magical girls..!!”

Tali: “Wait till you see how they fight. It’s truly epic.”

They watched as the girls fought against the monsters while protecting everyone from being attacked. Everyone they defended had a chance to rush off and retreat to safety. They displayed their different powers like they always have. Kahlee and Jack seemed amazed by what they were seeing.

Kahlee: “They’re incredible! So, this is what real-live magical girls look like.”

Tali: “Now do you see why we enjoyed watching shows like that?”

Miranda: “Hm, I’ll admit, I loved watching many of them…when I finally received the chance to do so.”

The girls continued fighting the monsters with very little change during the battle. Just then, the fight was seemingly quieted down. The girls stopped and looked out towards the monsters.

Star: “Wha…what’s going on?”

Splash: “Has he finally overexerted himself again?”

Flare seemed suspicious, then became startled for some reason.

Flare: “No! I sense something else!”

From there, the monsters became active, a lot of them began sprouting wings and lifted themselves off of the ground. The rest of the crew watching were startled by this.

Jack: “What the hell!?!”

The monsters flew around the place. Jewel watched with a slight tense look on her face.

Jewel: “Airbourne, huh? I see. Aera, give us a lift.”

Aera: “You’ve got it.”

She summoned a few small funnels. The girls jumped into them and were launched into the air. From there, their wings materialized and the flew out towards the monsters.

Jack: “Whoa!! They have wings!?!”

Kahlee: “Are these girls fairies?”

Garrus: “We’re not really sure to be honest. They might be.”

Mordin was seen on her Omni-tool with a concerned look on his face.

The girls fought against the monsters while flying around. The battle persisted, Mordin, looking tensely at his Omni-tool, analyzed the battle. Garrus took notice of this.

Garrus: “What’s is it?”

Mordin didn’t say anything for a bit as he continued on his Omni-tool.

Mordin: “Something is not right. The girls’ magical energy draining at an alarming rate.”

He looked up as he observed the girls fighting.

Mordin: “A lot of their powers used up when they were on the ground. They’re powers, now depleting even more with their wings out.”

Tali: “Are the monsters trying to tire the girls out?”

Mordin: “Not the monsters, not sapient life-forms. Not their doing. Monsters merely underlings to the vigilante without any thought processing of their own.”

Garrus looked back up at the girls as they fought.

Garrus: “No….this can’t be….!!!”

The girls fought on and eventually, they were feeling tired. The crew members took notice of this. They were very concerned about this.

Ashley: “No!!”

Mordin: “Just as I thought. Their powers intentionally depleted by this fight. Greatly increased with their wings out.”

Garrus: “Damn it! That vigilante is setting them up.”

Liara: “Is he trying to finish them off?”

Garrus: “It seems like it.”

Miranda: “That vigilante is one very clever strategist. He knows these girls’ weaknesses.”

Tali: “At this rate, they’ll never succeed.”

Jack began to tense up as she watched this. She was becoming more frustrated and agitated. From there, she unleashed some of her biotic energy and rushed out.

Jack: “LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!”

Miranda: “JACK!! NO!!!”

Jack shot out a large blast of her biotic powers at the monsters, pushing them away from the girls.

Jewel: “Jack!!! What are you doing!?!”

Jack: “Saving your sorry a****!!! I won’t let these b******* kill you with you badly weakened like this!!”

Flare: “No! What you are doing is foolish! Only we can combat them.”

Jack: “Screw that!! You’re barely in any shape to fight!! I can’t let you go at it alone!!”

Jewel: “Jack…”

Ashley: “She’s right, you know. It’s been obvious from the beginning that they can’t fight this alone.”

Miranda: “Absolutely, we may be powerless against them, but we have to try something.”

Garrus: “I agree. I won’t stand by and watch these girls be destroyed by that vigilante b******.”

Liara: “But what can we do?”

Miranda thought for a moment, then looked at her hand as she generated some biotic energy from it.

Miranda: “Whatever we can for them. I know that I will.”

She ran out towards the fight.

Liara: “Wait!”

Garrus: “I agree with Miranda on this. I have to do something.”

Mordin: “No! Too dangerous!! Won’t stand a chance!”

Garrus: “I don’t care! Jewel needs me. She and her friends are fighting these monsters to protect us. I won’t let any of them die on our behalf. Besides, if they’re destroyed, then there’s no hope for any of us.”

Garrus pulled out his weapon and rushed off.

Mordin: “Very well then. Your funeral.”

Liara:” I guess there’s no other choice…it must be done. There’s just….no other way…”

And with that, she ran out as well. The others continued to stand by and watch.

As Jack attempted to use her biotic powers, she was not faring well against the monsters.

Jewel: “Jack! Please stop!! You’ll get yourself killed!!”

Jack: “So, what? I don’t give a damn what happens to me!! I can’t let them do anything to you!!”

Star: “You’re such an idiot!! Didn’t we already tell you that we’re the only ones who can fight them!?!”

Jack: “And didn’t I already say that I don’t care!?!”

Jewel: “Jack! Please!”

Aera: “Geez, she is really headstrong.”

Just then, there was a blast of biotic energy from somewhere else.

Star: “Whoa!! What was that!?!”

Splash: “Where did that come from?”

Flare looked in another direction and spotted something.

Flare: “Guys! Look!!”

They looked over and noticed Miranda utilizing her biotics.

Star: “Miranda!?!”

Aera: “What is she doing!?!”

Soon enough, they noticed Garrus as he was shooting at the monsters.

Jewel: “Garrus!!!”

Soon enough, Splash turned her head slightly in another direction and spotted something.

Splash: “What the…!?!”

Liara was also seen lunging at the monsters with her biotics.

Aera: “What are they doing!?! Are they crazy!?!”

Jewel: “This wouldn’t be the first time that they’ve done something like this, but they are way out of their league.”

Star: “I don’t think they could care any less.”

Splash: “But why are they doing this!?!”

Jewel sulked as she stared at them for a brief moment.

Jewel: “They want to protect us.”

Star: “What!?! But…how can they….!?!”

Aera: “They should be aware of what we’re dealing with.”

Jewel: “They do know that, but Star’s right, they don’t care. I can’t let them get killed just for us.”

She rushed down as fast as she could.

Splash: “Jewel!! Wait!!”

She rushed directly in front of Garrus as he was shooting at the monsters.

Garrus: “Jewel!”

Jewel: “I won’t let you get hurt on my behalf. If anything were to happen to you, it would be my fault.”

Garrus: “No, that’s not true. None of this would be your fault.”

She stared at him, seemingly sulking but had a tense look on her face. She then tapped the purple jewel on her chest, expanding it into a massive shield. She shielded herself and Garrus, then thrusted the massive jewel towards her enemy with great force. This surprised Garrus. She looked back at him.

Jewel: “Surprised I can do that?”

Garrus: “I…don’t even know what to…”

Jewel: “If I had to materialize another of my jewels, I wouldn’t have enough energy to do that. I can utilize the jewels I wear on my clothes for attacks. It uses up less magical energy but they wouldn’t cause as much damage as the ones I would forge from my body.”

Garrus: “Yeah, I already saw that, the jewels from that magical form of yours are more than just decorative accessories.”

Jewel: “Yes, that’s right. They’re my back-up weapons in case I need to conserve my energy. But I can super-charge them. I’ll need more energy, though. I’ve already used up too much, so I can’t do it now.”

Mordin was still on his Omni-tool.

Jewel: “No matter what happens, we can’t let these monsters hurt our friends.”

Star: “Oh, I’m so with you, Jewel. If these monsters so much as lay a claw on any of our friends, I’ll rip them apart and that goes double for any who would even try to hurt Mordin.”

Jack: “Uhhh…..”

Aera: “We’ll explain later.”

Jack: “O….K…?”

At that moment, a monster was about to lunge at Jack. Jewel took notice of this.

Jewel: “Jack! Look out!!”

Jack took notice of this and was about to attack. Jewel, out of impulse, forged and blasted a massive gem at the monster, decimating it.

Jewel: “Huh? That’s strange…I’ve never done that before.”

Star: “Jewel, how did you do that?”

Aera: “And how come you’ve never done that before?”

Jewel: “I….I don’t know….”

Mordin continued on his Omni-tool.

Mordin: “Hmm…..”

Star: “Can you do it again?”

Jewel: “I…I’m…not sure…I don’t think I have enough magical energy to do that.”

Star: “Whoa! Heads up!!”

Star shot a blast of her Light powers.

Star: “Whoa!! How did I do that?”

Liara: “Are you girls….OK?”

Star: “I…I…think so…”

Flare: “Hmm….odd…”

Flare looked towards Mordin, who was still on his Omni-tool. She was then taken by surprise by one of the monsters nearby. She blasted it with a large burst of fire. It combusted almost immediately and was incinerated. This greatly startled her.

Star: “Whoa!! That’s never happened before!!”

Flare stood by spellbound, then looked at her hands.

Flare: ”How…did I…do….that?”

She looked back at Mordin who was deeply focused on his Omni-tool. She seemed perplexed as he continued with this.

Flare: “Hey, Star, I think you should look after Mordin. He’s been preoccupied with that Omni-tool of his, so the monsters could easily target him while he’s distracted.”

Star: “Say no more, I’m on my way!”

She flew over towards Mordin at great speed. Sure enough, as she was flying over towards him, she noticed many of the monsters surrounding him.

Star: “Get away from him!!”

She unleashed several bursts of her Light magic, causing several massive flashes that badly damaged the monsters and chased him away. Star was surprised by this.

Star: “Wha-? But….how…!?!?!”

Mordin looked up then looked around him.

Mordin: “Hmm….”

As the girls stood by perplexed by what had happened, all of the monsters cleared out. Everything went quiet. Everyones stood by, wondering what had just happened.

Garrus: “What…is….!?!”

Liara: “Wow, that’s odd.”

Jack: “This….hadn’t happened before, right?”

Miranda: “No…it didn’t…”

The girls were still shocked. Garrus looked at each of them, concerned.

Garrus: “Any ideas on what was going on?”

Flare: “Hmm….I’m not sure, but I think Mordin may have been on to something.”

Splash: “Any chance that he can fill us in on what just happened?”

Ashley: “Perhaps it’s best not to discuss it here. We still have a few other things that we need to take care of.”

Jewel: “Fair enough, Ash. We can wait.”

Later on, after the girls reverted to their normal forms, they finished the tour of the facility. The Normandy crew were about to return to the Normandy. Jack and Kahlee stood around to see them on their way.

Kahlee: “Thank you so much for stopping by. It truly has been a great pleasure to see you again.”

Ashley: “Thank you for sparing the time to meet with the girls.”

Kahlee: “Of course. We look forward to having them return.”

Jewel: “Thank you for opening your academy to us. You don’t know how much this means to me and my friends.”

Kahlee: “You are most welcome, Jewel. I look forward to observing your powers some more in the near future.”

Star: “And we look forward to demonstrating them. I have so much that I want to show off to all of you.”

Aera: “Really? Not just Dr. Solus?”

Star: “Hey! Zip it, Aera!!”

Jack: “I’m glad I met you girls. You have most certainly left a better impression on me than the Cerberus cheerleader.”

Miranda: “Ex-Cerberus, mind you.”

Jack: “Whatever.”

Aera: “Ahem! Remember, play nice, you 2.”

Miranda: “Yes, of course, I’ll try not to forget that.”

Jack: “Same here.”

Flare: “We must take our leave. I am certain that Mordin will have a lot to look into regarding our powers.”

Kahlee: “Yes, please don’t let us delay you too long.”

Splash: “Alright, see you guys again, hopefully soon.”

The girls left with the rest of the crew back to the Normandy, it then detached from the docking bay and flew off. Kahlee and Jack stood by and watched.

Jack: “Come back anytime, girls. You’re always welcome here.”

As the ship continued its way through the group reunited with the rest of the crew.

Traynor: “You’re back!”

Jacob: “So, how did it go?”

Miranda: “Better than I expected. Jack was very friendly towards the girls.”

Tali: “Yeah, and a lot friendlier than she was towards Miranda, that’s for sure.”

Zaeed: “You 2 ladies are still going at it?”

Miranda: “It’s a rocky history that we have yet to overcome. We’re still on friendlier terms than before, at least we didn’t try to kill each other this time.”

Grunt: “So, things are still interesting between the 2 of you.”

Miranda: “Perhaps as you would say it.”

Aera: “Those 2 would really need to work on trying not to insult each other.”

Flare: “Yes, indeed, I still sense some tension between both of them.”

Miranda: “We agreed to work out our differences for the girls’ sake.”

Javik: “Hmph! I am surprised that Jack would be willing to compose herself for the sake of these girls.”

Tali: “Well, we couldn’t believe that Jack would clean up her bad attitude enough to become a terrific role model for all of those biotic students back at the academy, but lo and behold, she has. What’s to say that she wouldn’t do the same for the Fayelons?”

Ashley: “She seems to be much more respectful towards them than you are.”

Javik: “Hmph! I would have loved to see Jack when you first met her. Those stories of her instability are indeed intriguing. Now she is just…uneventful.”

Star: “Oh, how I wish I had handed my piece of the key over to Mordin instead of you. Too bad he wasn’t with us when we had handpicked some of you who would.”

Traynor: “So, anything we need to discuss regarding this encounter?”

Mordin: “Not now, much to look into. Monsters attacked us while we were still there.”

Wrex: “What!?! Monsters!?!”

Samara: “You don’t mean the vigilante’s monsters, do you!?!”

Mordin: “Yes, those monsters. However, not the most unusual occurrence. Something happened with the girls’ powers. Must research this first, further discussion afterwards. (Sniff) Need to get back to the lab.”

He walked off.

Joker: “Uh…Lt. Commander? I just received a transmission from the admiral. He wishes to speak with you.”

Ashley: “I’ll be right there, Joker. Excuse me for a moment.”

She walked off after Mordin.

Splash: “So…..what now?”

Liara: “Perhaps we should discuss the progress regarding those Intel Crystals that I’ve asked you to look into.”

Jacob: “Oh! Right, that! We’ve….found out some interesting things from those crystals.”

Liara: “And what about Glyph? Did he find out anything about how they work?”

Jacob: “He’s analyzed us as we were touching each crystal. The…experiences we’ve had from them…it was…extraordinary.”

Miranda: “What was it like?”

Samara: “Those Intel crystals were truly amazing, a single touch and everything within them is played out almost like it is being played out in front of you. It truly was an experience unlike any other.”

Tali: “What kind of things did you see from them?”

Everyone stood silent for a bit.

Samara: “We have seen…worlds that we have never been to. We saw so many things, so many secrets kept by the Fayelons, these girls’ entire race.”

Jewel: “So, you must already know so much about our world.”

Samara: “Yes, so many of those worlds…they’re beautiful. Your culture is something to behold. Not only that, but the assortment of experiences from so many people. So hard to fathom, and yet, the crystal made it easy for us to.”

Wrex: ”Those shiny rocks of yours showed us so many that I thought we could only experience within a krogan and asari’s lifetime. They’re quite the magical gems.”

Jewel: “I…see…”

Jacob: “James and Thane are still sorting through them. Glyph is still scanning them, he said that he’s on his way to figuring out how they’re able to insert the contained intel into our minds.”

Samara: “Who was it that forged those jewels?”

Jewel: “We…we don’t know…they were just handed to me one day…”

Star: “We promised each other to never tell anyone about them. Given what we have experienced, we wouldn’t want to anyway.”

Jewel: “I didn’t know why we got them exactly…but…hmmm…I wonder…”

Garrus looked at Jewel, concerned. Soon enough, Ashley returned.

Garrus: “Back so soon?”

Liara: “So? What did the admiral want to tell you?”

Ashley: “He informed us that the Citadel Council want to meet with the girls. We’ll need to make our way back to the Citadel to do so.”

Tali: “What?”

Garrus: “You can’t be serious! They want to meet with the girls?”

Ashley: “Yes, I’ve had Joker plot a course for the Citadel.”

Garrus crossed his arms and grunted a little.

Garrus: “I don’t like where this is going.”

Jewel: “Why? Is there anything wrong with these…council people?”

Ashley: “They’re not exactly what you would call “lenient”. Believe me when I say I’m not looking forward to doing this to you girls, but we’ll need to get this over with sooner or later.”

Garrus: “Something tells me this won’t be a friendly exchange of introductions.”

Ashley: “No, I don’t think so either.”

Splash: “Oh…I’m really nervous about this.”

Liara: “We’ll all need to go with them to meet with the council.”

Ashley: “Yeah, I think so, too, there’s no way we’ll allow them to be chewed out without us around.”

Garrus: “I know I won’t sit this one out. I’ll stay with these girls.”

Tali: “Yes, as will I.”

Traynor: “I’m coming, too.”

Miranda: “Some of us are still at odds with the council. I’m afraid myself and Jacob will need to stay behind.”

Aera: ”All because of your connections with Cerberus?”

Miranda: “Unfortunately, yes.”

Garrus: “Why are they still angry with you? A lot of the Ex-Cerberus researchers helped out immensely against the Reapers. They know that.”

Miranda: “Yes, we are well aware of that, but…actually, I’m not really sure, myself.”

Ashley: “Yeah, that’s a good question. The Alliance are on good terms with all those who deserted Cerberus.”

Tali: “The quarian fleet have forgiven a lot who use to work for them. But not the council.”

Jewel: “Have you guys tried asking why they hold a grudge against Ex-Cerberus operatives?”

Ashley: “We tried, but they refused to answer us. They would sidestep us or lash out at us each time we have.”

Garrus: “To think those bureaucratic b******* would finally become much less stubborn, but it’s almost as though they have that annoying urge of being stuck in their ways. Almost like the war did nothing to change them.”

Star: “Is the council really that bad?”

Ashley: “Back when Shepard was brought to the Citadel to try and inform them of Saren’s betrayal as well as him murdering Nihlus, the council refused to hear him. It made sense considering that we didn’t have any proof.”

Traynor: “But you guys had an eye-witness, didn’t you?”

Ashley: “Yes, but the council wouldn’t hear him considered that he was “too flustered”. The charges were dismissed and we needed to find some proof to convince them that he did.”

Garrus: “And that was where I came along. This was back when I was working for C-Sec, I was working on trying to prove Saren’s guilt, but my superiors wouldn’t allow me to continue investigating due to classified information, so the case was closed. I tried to convince them that I had a lead, but they still weren’t convinced, so I took matters into my own hands.”

Splash: “What was that lead that you were pursuing?”

Tali: “Me, I had information from one of the geth that I had dismantled involving a recording of Saren admitting that he was the one responsible for the geth attack on Eden Prime. I tried to send the information to the Shadow Broker but one of his own, Fist, betrayed the Shadow Broker and tried to take the data to Saren. If it wasn’t for Shepard and the others coming to my aid, I would have been killed and the data would have been lost.”

Splash: “That was horrible.”

Ashley: “But we were able to have the proof of Saren’s betrayal sent to the council and they revoked his Spectre status from there.”

Star: “Oh, thank goodness.”

Garrus: “But that was just the beginning. Still, we wouldn’t have gone through all of that if the council wasn’t too stubborn to listen to us.”

Ashley: “You’d think they’d change after finding out that Shepard was right about the Reapers the whole time. But no, things only got worse.”

Splash: “How so?”

Ashley: “You girls will find out more once we meet with them. I know that it’s going to be a disaster.”

Flare: “Hmm…”

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Calling all Expert Mods!!
I have a few requests for any of you that would like to accept my offers!!
Calling all Expert Mods!!

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 13-Council

After an extended period of time, they arrived back at the Citadel. They docked the Normandy and several of the crew members stepped out with the girls. Amongst the groups leaving with the Fayelons were Ashley, Garrus, Liara, Samantha, Mordin, Tali and EDI. The several others that stayed behind stood within the doorway.

Ashley: “We’ll be making our way to the Council Chambers. That’s where the council are to meet with us and the girls.”

Miranda: “Then the rest of us who will stay behind will continue to sift through those Intel Crystals. Best of luck, you guys. You too, girls.”

Jewel: “Thanks, we’re probably going to need it.”

Garrus: “Let’s go.”

The group walked off with the girls.

Ashley: “Alright, so there are a few things that you need to remember when speaking to council. They will tend to say things that might provoke you, so try not to get too riled up.”

Aera: “I’m already not looking forward to this.”

Splash: “What kind of things do they usually say?”

Tali: “They have a tendency to challenge things that we believe but they wouldn’t want to, even if what we believe tends to be true. It can be infuriating too often.”

Garrus: “You’d think they would change after the Reaper war, but…recent events have made them even more stubborn and in denial of these…events due to the bizarre nature of these occurrences.”

Jewel: “You must be referring to the miraculous survivals.”

Garrus: “Correct. They’ve said a lot of nasty things about many of these survivors and see a lot of them as abominations just because of the abnormality of the whole thing.”

Star: “Oh, no, don’t tell me they would see Mordin as one of those atrocities, do they?”

Garrus: “I hate to tell you this, but yeah, they do.”

Star became visibly peeved.

Garrus: “Yeah, I knew you would react that way, Star. Just try not to be hostile or…homicidal. It would not paint you in a positive light.”

Aera: “Let’s hope these people would keep their distance. She’s nowhere near as lethal as Splash when someone’s chowing down on one of her “brethren” right in front of her, but she can be incredibly violent.”

Garrus: “I don’t have a hard time believing that.”

Flare: “Hmmm…I can sense a most…disconcerting aura in the air. I do not like how it feels. I am concerned about this.”

Liara: “Don’t worry, we’ll be here for you all the way.”

Traynor: “Absolutely, always remember that we are your friends and we will help you through this.”

EDI: “Even everyone back on the Normandy are sending their full support towards each of you. Things may seem hard, but we won’t let you face this alone.”

Jewel: “Thanks, guys.”

Flare: “Indeed, your aura of positivity, optimism and courage has helped us through this so far. It has been a while since we have received such incredible support.”

Star: “Usually, we’re by ourselves, with no one else to support us but each other. It helped us to endure but we could only go so far.”

Mordin: “Perhaps provide you with more support than what could be seen on the surface.”

Splash: “What…do you mean by that?”

Mordin: “Was looking into the data from the previous fight, noticed some strange spikes in each of your magical powers. Computers back on the Normandy are analyzing it as we speak.”

Jewel: “I sure hope your findings turn out to be as helpful as you claim them to be.”

Star: “Are you kidding me, Jewel? Of course they will be! I have 100% faith that Dr. Solus will find something that will be undeniably helpful.”

Liara smiled and let out a slight chuckle.

Garrus: ”We’ll see whether or not that will come to pass, but right now, let’s worry about the matter at hand.”

Star: “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

They continued on their way through and made their way to the Presidium. Along the way, a young woman with short dark hair and tan colored skin stood nearby. She had a sly grin on her face.

Woman: “Excuse me.”

They were almost immediately stopped by her. They turned towards her. Most of the Normandy crew looked less than pleased to see her.

Ashley: “Oh, no, not you again.”

Tali: “Well, if it isn’t the queen of smear campaigns herself?”

Garrus: “What do you want from us this time, Khalisah?”

Khalisah: “Well, hello to you, too, Normandy crew.”

Splash: “Who is she?”

Liara: “That would be Khalisah al-Jilani. She’s a reporter for the Westerlund News.”

Tali: “She mainly specializes in attempting to paint anyone that she reviews in a negative light.”

Ashley: “You girls don’t have to answer any of her questions if you don’t want to.”

Aera: ”If what you say about her is true, then I don’t intend on saying anything to her.”

Khalisah: “So, these young girls right here must be the magical girls that I’ve heard so much about. Hm, who would have thought that magical girls were actually real, assuming they’re “magical powers” aren’t fabricated for show.”

Garrus, annoyed, walked up to Khalisah and went real to her face.

Garrus: “Listen here, you annoying, disrespectful pyjak, you can say whatever you want to me and the rest of the crew, but don’t you DARE chastise these young girls. They’re just teenagers and they have been through far too much crap to put up with yours.”

Khalisah: “Tch! Since when did you become their father? I didn’t know you were on the market for adopting teenagers, especially young girls. I presume you received consent from Commander Shepard’s cousin?”

Everyone else behind him cringed.

Traynor: “Oh, no, please tell me she didn’t say what I thought she did.”

Tali: “Believe me. I wish that I could.”

Garrus became even more enraged, he nearly grabbed her by the throat.

Garrus: “I thought I told you last time to never bring her up if you continue to talk smack about her, my relationship with her is none of you damn business!! If you so much as even say one God awful thing about her, I’ll see to it you will never want to be seen in public, much less in front of a camera, ever again.”

Khalisah: “Need I remind you that your threats are being recorded right now? I’ll have all the evidence I need to file a lawsuit against you and your entire crew.”

Tali: “Don’t be so smug, you bosh’tet. He’s not the first to threaten you and he most certainly would not be the first to beat you senseless. Your attempts to scrutinize everyone that you’ve interviewed to satiate your smear campaigns have backfired on you many times.”

Traynor: “She’s right. Everyone knows what kind of person you are and they will all back us up on anything that we would do to you.”

Khalisah: “Um, have you forgotten how much I was able to help out in the Reaper wars with my broadcast? I’ve brought in lots of donations for the cause from many all over the galaxy.”

Tali: “No, we haven’t forgotten, not at all.”

Liara: “Still, it doesn’t give you the right to continue with chastising everyone, even though we do appreciate what you have done for us during that previous year.”

Ashley: “Also, we thought you would have changed after that.”

Tali: “Heh, it seems as though old habits die hard.”

EDI: “Well, humans are known for being creatures of habit.”

Star: “Well that explains why Jack and Miranda are still so hostile towards each other.”

Flare: “Indeed.”

Ashley: “Listen, we love to engage in this lovely interview, but we’re busy right now, the council requested an audience with us and we need to take the girls over to see them.”

Tali: “Best of luck towards the next unfortunate sap you intend to interview, we know that you’ll need it.”

The group left her and continued on their way.

Aera: “Well…that was fun.”

Star: “What was her problem?”

Ashley: “That’s just how she is. She has caused a lot of people grief from her…methods of carrying out interviews.”

Jewel: “Hm, I wonder how often she gets clobbered.”

Tali: “Most likely everytime. Shepard did all he could to compose himself whenever she would try to do the same with him. I wouldn’t blame him for wanting to sock her.”

Aera: “I wouldn’t either. She was just awful.”

Mordin: “No consideration towards others, always brutal, always fishing out dirt on all those that she comes across. (Sniff) Most conniving individual.”

Jewel: “Heh, that’s a given.”

Garrus: “I won’t let her attempt anything like that towards any of you girls. You can bet on that.”

Aera: “Yeah, we know that.”

Star: “Thanks for sticking up for us again.”

Garrus: “My pleasure. I’ll always be there for you. They can have it out for you as soon as I become a rotting turian corpse.”

Jewel: “Noted.”

Tali: “For someone who didn’t want to become their main caretaker, he seems to be taking this position very seriously.”

Mordin: “Exactly why he was specifically chosen for this. May not obliged to it but apparent that he’s the right fit for this from the very beginning.”

Tali: “Yeah, I agree.”

After a little bit of time, they arrived at the Council Chambers. There, they stood before the holographic images of the 3 council members; Tevos, the asari council member, Valern, the salarian council member and Sparatus, the turian council member. The group stood before all 3 of them.

Tevos: “It’s good that you were able to meet with us.”

Ashley: “Yeah, OK.”

Valern: “So, this must be the…girls that we’ve heard of. The…magical girl, if I’m not mistaken.”

Jewel: “Yes, that is us. I’m Jewel, this is Flare, Star, Aera and Splash.”

Splash: “Hi!”

Sparatus: “What is he doing here!?! Isn’t he supposed to be dead!?!”

Everyone took notice of Sparatus addressing Mordin.

Aera: “Um…wow…that is just rude.”

Star: “Hey! Don’t you DARE talk to Mordin like that! I don’t care how high in the chain of command you are; you don’t have any right to…”

Garrus then placed his hand on her shoulder, she looked at him.

Garrus: “No, Star, don’t. It’s not worth it.”

Star: “But I…”

Mordin then placed his hand on her other shoulder, she looked at him, he shook his head. Star turned her head back towards the front then dropped and sulked. Garrus seemed concerned with her.

Garrus: “We’ll talk once we get back to the Normandy.”

Sparatus: “That is no way to speak to us, young lady. Perhaps you are not aware of the customs of our galaxy.”

Jewel: “We meant no disrespect; Star was just standing up for a friend.”

Star: “Damn straight!”

Sparatus: “Yes, well, I don’t know what kind of trouble you have brought into our galaxy. It’s bad enough we had to deal with the bizarre incidences of people who are supposed to be dead somehow surviving. We do not recognize any who are of these circumstances as alive, they are mere abominations, just like whatever bizarre incident has caused them to even be alive in the first place.”

Ashley: “I thought we went over this with you! You may think that, but the friends, families and loved ones of these survivors have taken personal offense to that statement.”

Valern: “Have any of you managed to figure out what has caused these mysterious survivals?”

Liara: “We did manage to have a major breakthrough and it was all thanks to these girls.”

Tevos: “Perhaps you could provide us the details of this revelation.”

Sparatus: “Unless it involves magic, then we don’t want to hear it.”

Tali: “And why is that? Because magic is nothing more than fairy tales?”

EDI: “What if we could prove that magic is real?”

Tevos: “Are you serious? Is what you’re saying true?”

Tali: “Yes, it’s true. At the very least, we have discovered strange energy that we can best identify as magic. We assure you that it is all very real.”

Liara: “Perhaps you witnessed these girls transform when they fought against the monsters while they were here? It was the first time that we have ever seen anything quite like it.”

Valern: “Transformation? You mean like from anime? That set of fictional shows that were made by humans?”

Traynor: “Yes, and it was the most amazing thing to have ever behold!! Just like in those shows!!”

Tali: ”Fiction or not, their powers are genuine.”

Sparatus: “Bah! Enough of this talk of magical girls and fairies. There is a looming menace that is threatening our galaxy and you girls brought it upon us.”

Jewel: “That wasn’t our intention. We have been running from this for many months. We intended on leaving this galaxy the second we would sense him even approach us.”

Flare: “But things did not go as we had expected. He caught up to us much earlier than he usually had.”

Tevos: “Is that so? How long would this threat usually take to catch up with you girls?”

Jewel: ”A few days. We would stay no less than a day before he was to find out where we were. We were only here for a few hours before he found us and took us by surprise.”

The different council members exchanged looks with each other then looked back towards the group.

Tevos: “So, you girls have been drifting from one galaxy to another and…”

Valern: ”Has this been the first time that he was able to catch up with you?”

Jewel: “Yes, since we left our realm, we had been really good with avoiding him. We would shift from one realm to another before he could even cause harm to that realm.”

Sparatus: “Hm, “realm”. Don’t you mean galaxy?”

Garrus: “Realm is another word for galaxy for them.”

Sparatus: “Hm, yes, of course. As I’d figure.”

Tevos: “But why have you been running from this…looming menace? Why is he even chasing you around in the first place?”

Ashley: “The girls took something that he wanted. Magical keys to a mysterious door.”

Sparatus: “Magical keys? Mystery doors? You’re risking the lives of everyone in the galaxy over some more fairy tales?”

Aera: “Alright, enough of this talk of fairy tales!! We are really getting sick of it!!”

Jewel: “And this is NOT just some simple fairy tale!! The legends of our realm states that behind that door could be a source of massive magical energy. We don’t know exactly what it could be, but whatever it is, we can’t let him gain access to what is behind that door. I would die before we let that happen!!”

Tevos: “That is very noble of you, girls, but what of the other magical beings of your realm? Why not enlist the help of them against this being?”

Jewel’s face tensed up a bit as she clenched her fist.

Jewel: “As if they care…!!!”

The members of the Normandy crew looked towards Jewel, concerned.

Sparatus: “Well, regardless of your motives, you are putting too many lives at risk. Perhaps you should take your problems elsewhere before your recklessness causes any harm to our citizens.”

Liara: “No! They can’t do that!!!”

Sparatus: “And why not?”

Liara: “When they arrived in our galaxy, they were exhausted from the constant fighting and drifting from one galaxy to another. If they were to continue that cycle, it could wear them down.”

Garrus: “These girls are the only ones who stand a chance against this dark menace. If anything were to happen to them, it wouldn’t matter where they would end up; this threat could easily decimate this entire galaxy, perhaps much faster than the Reapers.”

The council was surprised to hear this.

Sparatus: “Are you saying that this threat could be worse than the Reapers!?!”

EDI: “He’s right. Given the data that we have collected, nothing that we could provide would stand a chance against this entity. Only the girls’ powers are formidable against it.”

Garrus: “At least we were able to find a way to decimate the Reapers. This dark entity, on the other hand, is something that only they can combat.”

Valern: “Are you saying that the fate of the galaxy lies in the hands of these girls?”

Garrus: “Yes, and we intend to do everything we can to help them in this battle. You can say whatever you want about us, but we’re not giving up on them. We will never give up on them. Count on that!!”

The council exchanged looks with each other once again before turning their attention back to the group.

Jewel: “We know that our being here will put the people of this galaxy at risk, but this is the only way. We have to stand our ground and fight and we will do it here!!!”

Valern: “I see, so even though you know about what will come of this, you would be willing to do whatever you must?”

Jewel: “Yes. We can’t run anymore. Our new friends are willing to lend their resources, their know-how, their willingness to learn what they can about our powers. This will help us in this ongoing struggle, perhaps even put an end to it. I have faith in them just as they have faith in us.”

The Normandy crew members stood by the girls, the looks on their faces indicated that they were serious.

Tevos: “We…acknowledge your courage and dedication towards what you feel needs to be done.”

Sparatus: “Even though you are reckless.”

Flare: “That does not matter. This is a risk that needs to be taken. Any others would seal our fates and not in a good way, I’m afraid.”

Everyone else nodded.

Valern: “Your…words have been heeded. We can and will acknowledge your actions as brave.”

Sparatus: “Let’s just hope you girls are taking a gambit that will ultimately pay off in the end.”

Jewel: “We can’t make any promises, just that we will do everything we can to put a stop to this.”

Liara: ”And we will be here to help them by any means necessary.”

Tevos: “Yes, we are counting on you with that.”

Sparatus: “Fine, your minds appeared to have already been made up but know this: if your efforts don’t pay out, the decimation of this galaxy will be on your hands. You have been warned.”

Their images were shut off.

Jewel: “It’s not like that would have mattered.”

Aera: “Geez, no wonder why you guys weren’t looking forward to this.”

Ashley: “They’re as stubborn as ever. The Reaper war hardly did anything to change them.”

Splash: “That was awful…”

Star: “If those guys weren’t holograms, I would have lunged over and strangled them!!”

Garrus: “That’s not a good idea, Star.”

Star: “But they…”

Mordin: “No, Garrus is right, not recommended. Highly consequential.”

Star: “But they bad-mouthed you for being alive! I cannot take that sitting down!”

Mordin: “Not much can be done about that. Cannot change their minds. Threats of violence and such will make no difference; only make things worse.”

Garrus: “Besides, this isn’t the first time that they’ve said anything like that and it’s not even the worst.”

Splash: “But what of that Commander Shepard guy? What did they say about him?”

Garrus: “They hold no regard with him ever coming to. They want us to…put him to rest…for good.”

Tali: “But we will never do that!! Even if he is already dead from what they can comprehend, he won’t give up on him.”

Jewel: “Good! Don’t! Because he isn’t dead.”

Liara: ”No! We all know that.”

Ashley: “Come on everyone, let’s get back to the Normandy.”

Everyone made their way back to the Normandy. Flare, however, stopped as she looked towards another direction. From there, she could sense the mysterious entity. She “saw” as it was glaring towards the direction where the holographic images of the council were projected. She seemed perplexed and concerned by this.

Edited March 27, 2022 by FayelonMagicalGirl

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 14-Enlightening

Much time later, they returned to where the Normandy was docked. There, the rest of the crew stood outside the ship, awaiting their return.

Miranda: “You’re back! So, how did it go?”

Ashley: “About as bad as it usually is.”

Miranda: “I see…so how are the girls fairing?”

Liara: “A bit shaken up, but Jewel seemed to have driven the whole thing home.”

Jewel: “I just spoke my mind, told them how I felt. They can say whatever they want about us, but I’ve made my choice and I will stand by it.”

Splash: “Yes! We all will!!”

Miranda: “Good on you to do that. Come on, let’s get back in and get out of this place.”

Jewel: “Sure, I don’t want to stay here, at least…not now.”

They entered the Normandy. It took off and left the Citadel.

As they were making their way further into the ship, they had a chance to collect their thoughts.

Ashley: “I’ll need to make my report to the admiral.”

Ashley walked off. Garrus placed his hand on Star’s shoulder.

Garrus: “Star….”

Star: “You still would like to have that talk with me, wouldn’t you?”

He nodded.

Star: ”OK, I suppose we could.”

Liara walked up to them.

Liara: “Come on, Star, let’s get to a private room.”

Mordin stood by her as well. Jewel and Splash walked up to them, too. All 6 of them walked off. Flare was still deep in thought about what she sensed back at the Council Chambers.

They arrived within one of the Normandy’s break rooms. Star sat down on a sofa alongside both Garrus and Liara. Mordin sat next to Liara with Splash sitting next to him. Jewel sat next to Garrus. Star sulked as she was sitting down with the others looking at her, concerned.

Star: “I know I have a tendency to act up and…sometimes….I just can’t help it…”

Liara: “It’s OK, Star. There’s no need for you to feel apologetic. We’re able to recognize that you’re dealing with some emotional pain.”

Garrus: “You’re not as good at hiding your pain as you think you do. We can tell from how you tend to lash out over things that you want to defend. It’s very apparent to us.”

Star sat there, silent for a bit as she sulked.

Star: “I guess you could say that…my life was hardly easy…ever since I was younger, a lot of…things have been pushed on me. Everyone in my life believed that I should be into girl things. At first, I was, but…I grew bored of a lot of that without really knowing why. Regardless, all of that stuff was still constantly pushed on me.”

Garrus: “Really? Everyone in your life?”

Jewel: “Not exactly, ever since she…well…when we first met her, she wasn’t exactly part of our group, but we’ll talk more about that later.”

Star: “Well, not everyone, my dad, actually. He always believed that just because I’m a girl that my interests should only be limited to girl things. I had no idea at the time how wrong that was. I was so young.”

Liara: “So, basically, your father had dictated your interests based on your gender?”

Star: “Yes…that pretty much sums that part up.”

Splash: “Unfortunately, that wasn’t even the worst part.”

Garrus: “Really?”

Star: “Of course not. It wasn’t just about my interests. My dad…he wanted to control every aspect of my life. He was always such a manipulative, egotistical…not the kind of man that I would call a father. I never really had any friends because of how he would influence me and if I so much as even drifted slightly away from what he wanted me to have, he would scold me, reprimand me, in such harsh ways.”

Splash: “It’s true. He would very often berate her, insult her, gaslight her. You name it.”

Garrus: “So, this man, your father, is basically the textbook definition of “abusive parent”.”

Star: “Throw in “sexist” and that would be him in a nutshell. He always believed that women should be dominated by men down to every last detail of their lives. He always wanted me to be “daddy’s perfect little princess”. But…that’s…”

Liara: “It’s not who you are, right?”

Star: “No…everything that he pushed on to me…I…I was never too crazy about. I would like it for a time, but then my curiosity always gravitated towards things that are supposedly considered off limits to any girl. I was trying to find my own identity based on those things that intrigue me, but…he is in so much denial of that, of me wanting to be my own person. He believes that such a thing is unheard of. At least…in his little world, that perfect little world that he wanted to create in which the women in his family are just perfect little dolls for him to dress up and control to his will.”

Mordin: “Horrible, no parent should ever dictate the life of their own child. Never meant for such.”

Garrus: “How long did it take for you to realize that?”

Star: “Too long. I would easily get into trouble because I “wasn’t allowed to show interest” towards things that aren’t girly. Time and time again, he would say how much of an embarrassment I would be for not being so ladylike. But I was just a little girl, a kid, so I didn’t know any better.”

Liara: “But what about your mother? What would she say about this?”

Star: “My mother was always in compliance with whatever my dad says. She had no spine. Constantly nervous over my gravitation towards non-girlish things that I would be curious about.”

Liara: “Nervous? She would get nervous over turning your interests away from girlish things?”

Star: “Yes, she would slurp away at her tea, consistently, my dad always blamed that nervous habit on me and demanded that I’d “be a good girl” and obey him if I ever wanted her to stop being so easily susceptible to that nervous habit of hers.”

Mordin began pondering for a bit.

Liara: “Star, you shouldn’t blame your mother’s habit on yourself.”

Garrus: “Yeah, especially since your father keeps pressuring you on keeping your personal interests to whatever he wanted them to be.”

Star: “Well, that’s how much of a heavy influence he was towards us. He might as well have pushed that nervous habit on her just to guilt me into obeying him. When I got a little older, I found out some things that made me realize that my dad was wrong, about me, about my interests, about everything.”

Splash: ”When you were brought to the major institution that all of us were to attend?”

Jewel: “Right, the place where all us Fayelons were to be sent for the much more advanced education and training system for our powers. I remember something like that.”

Splash: “It was a miracle your parents allowed you to be sent there.”

Star: “Yeah, my father severely opposed the idea, but it was not optional and all Fayelons needed to attend it. I was actually thrilled to be pulled away from him, but I still suffered from a conflict of interest.”

Garrus: “How so?”

Star: “Let’s just say…when I first met my current friend group, we didn’t become friends right away. It did take some time for me to find where I needed to be. I’d only wish that I made that decision sooner.”

Jewel: “You were still trying to figure out who you were. At the time, you did seem happy, even though I’ve noticed some things about where you were that were…a little off.”

Star: ”Yeah…I suppose you’re right. Better late than never, huh?”

Jewel: “Sure, exactly.”

Liara: “Well, however long it took for you to find yourself, you’re doing a wonderful job and it’s apparent that so many of your own interests as well as the people who have become close to you are indeed near and dear.”

Star: “Of course, having these girls as my closest friends have been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I will never trade them away for anything. You guys also mean a great deal to me.”

Liara and Garrus seemed touched by this as Mordin glanced over and smiled.

Star: “And that’s also why I take such personal offense towards anyone who would antagonize those who are close to us, especially Mordin.”

Garrus: “Yeah, you seem to have taken a personal interest in him. I believe it has something to do with what you’ve been through during your childhood.”

Star: “Yes, my interests, overtime, have become a way for me to cope with the pain of what my father had put me through. Being in a cheery mood also does so much to ease all of those emotional scars. It may not be the right way to handle all of it, but…it has worked for me.”

Liara: ”We can understand that.”

Garrus: “Although, you really need to tone it down with how you intend to stand up for all those that mean a lot to you. You should not lash out like that.”

Star: ”I know…I just…can’t help it. I want so much to be there for everyone that I care about.”

Liara: “Of course, we’ll help you out with dealing with all of that a bit better.”

Star looked up at Liara and smiled.

Garrus: ”Now, if only we can deal with Splash’s outbursts.”

Jewel: “That…is something that won’t be so easy to tackle. Believe me when I tell you we’ve tried.”

Garrus: “I can understand that, but I would not want her to violently attack the next person who enjoys the kinds of things that she hates.”

Mordin: “Hm, indeed. Some would not understand her viewpoint. Would perceive her as crazed.”

Garrus: “Not to mention that there are plenty of people out there who enjoy seafood.”

A tense glare appeared on Splash’s face.

Splash: “Mmmmmoooonnnnnnssssssstttttttteeeeeerrrrrrssssss….!!!!”

Jewel: “That psychosis might not be so easy to overcome.”

Liara: “Well, let’s take it a little at a time. At the very least, we should make sure that Splash doesn’t go anywhere by herself in case another incident were to occur.”

Garrus: “Yeah, good idea.”

Liara: “Well, I think that should be enough for now. Shall we get back to the others?”

Jewel: “Yeah, I think so.”

Liara: “OK, then.”

They got up from the sofa and walked off. As they were making their way, Liara stood near Star and placed her hand on her shoulder.

Liara: “If and whenever you need to talk, let us know. We will be here for you for emotional support.”

Star looked at Liara, a small smile appeared on her face.

Star: “Thank you…”

Liara smiled back at her. Mordin was seen pondering.

Mordin: “Hmm…..”

Garrus took notice of this.

Garrus: “Is there something the matter?”

Mordin: “Star’s mother. A tea drinking habit, very peculiar.”

Garrus: “Yeah, the habit, itself is strange.”

Mordin: “Not just the habit. Although, habit very odd. Wouldn’t put it past Star’s father enforcing the habit on her.”

Garrus: “I wouldn’t doubt it, either. Star’s father sounds like a very manipulative man. He also seems like someone who feels that he could do whatever he wants and being sexist, he feels entitled to control women however he likes.”

Mordin: “Yes, indeed. Might be more to it. Probably. The tea. (sniff) Very suspicious.”

Garrus: “You think there could be something suspicious about the tea her mother’s drinking?”

Mordin: “Uncertain, a possibility, no way to know for sure, wouldn’t put it past her father to do something like that.”

Garrus: “It sounds crazy, but then again, I wouldn’t rule it out. From what Star has told us, the guy is insane. We’ll need to continue looking into this a bit more. I know she didn’t tell us everything but she did outline a lot of the important issues about it.”

Mordin: “Yes, will ask Star more questions about her parents. Is her mother truly incapable of standing up for herself or is the father that seriously influential that she is unable to? Or….perhaps….there is something else going on beneath the surface of this issue. Hmm….”

Eventually, they reunited with the group.

Traynor: “Oh, good. You’re back.”

Miranda: “So, did you guys talk about anything important?”

Star: “Yes…I…I wanted to get some stuff off of my chest. It felt really good.”

Liara: “Star was telling us exactly what we have suspected: she was hiding a lot of emotional pain.”

Traynor: “Really? I’m so glad she had the chance to do that with you guys.”

Miranda: “So, what things did she mention about it?”

Garrus: “Something that we didn’t necessarily expect. Turns out her father is controlling, manipulative, egotistic and sexist, feeling that he had every right to control every woman that’s part of his life.”

Traynor: “Oh, no…!!!”

Miranda: “Hm, it almost sounded like you were describing my father. Her father sounded just like him, although I don’t know about sexist.”

Liara: “Perhaps you 2 would like to talk about it. I’m sure you have some understanding as to what she has been through for most of her life.”

Miranda: “Of course.”

Soon enough, Ashley returned.

Ashley: “Hey, everyone.”

Traynor: “Oh, hello again, Ash. How did the briefing with the admiral go?”

Ashley: “I told him about the meeting with the council. He was displeased by how they were towards the girls, but he did expect this.”

Traynor: “I’m surprised they didn’t bring up us wanting to just turn off life support for the commander.”

Garrus: “I’m surprised, too. They would bring it up everytime we’d meet with them.”

Jewel: “What!?! They wanted you to just put down the commander for good!?!”

Tali: “Yes, pretty much.”

Ashley: “As you can imagine, we have Shepard hooked up to life support so that he would be kept alive.”

Miranda: “We’ve done that with all of the miraculous survivors, but they insisted on removing them from life support and just let them die like they’re supposed to. Their words, not ours.”

Aera: “Unbelievable!! That is just so insensitive!!!”

Traynor: “We told them the exact same thing, but due to the bizarre nature behind their survivals, the council wouldn’t acknowledge them as being alive, so because of that, it would just make sense to just let all of them die.”

Garrus: “It’s the only thing that makes sense to them.”

Splash: “I can’t believe they would be so insensitive.”

Star: “I know, just because it’s bizarre that they’re still alive, that doesn’t mean they have to die!!!”

Ashley: “We told them that, too, and lots of other people agreed with us, but they still wouldn’t budge.”

Miranda: “It’s almost like it’s so bizarre, they pretty much don’t want to acknowledge that it’s real. And even though some of those people have already came to, it still doesn’t make any difference. They would say that we were better off disconnecting them from life support before they were able to recover from their comas.”

Aera: “I don’t believe this!!!”

Ashley: “I know, they’re as stubborn as ever, but they’ve seriously gone too far this time.”

Tali: ”Whether they want to acknowledge it or not, this is real and they have to realize that sooner or later.”

Miranda: “She’s right, they can’t fight this forever.”

At that time, Flare was still lost in thought. Liara noticed this from her.

Liara: “Flare? Is there something the matter?”

She was startled a little as she looked up at Liara. She was silent for a brief moment.

Flare: “Oh! Um…sorry about that. I…”

Miranda: “Is there….something that you want to tell us?”

She shifted her gaze to the side as she tilted her head in the same direction, concerned about something.

Flare: “Right after we finished up with our briefing with the council, I…I sensed out…the entity again.”

Star: “What? It was there?”

Flare nodded. She still seemed concerned.

Flare: “It was glancing towards where their images were. It was…it was glaring…”

Ashley: “Glaring? You mean the entity is angry at the council?”

Flare: “I think so…the look in its eyes…it was tense, like it had a deep disdain towards them.”

Liara: “Hm…if what you say is true…then I wonder why…”

Flare: “Your guess is as good as mine. There’s barely anything that we know about the entity. All that I can say is…it always knows where we are and…I feel that it knows many things that I’m sure we’re unaware of.”

Liara: “Yeah…apparently…if only we knew what this entity is…”

Jewel pondered for a bit, she seemed worried.

Tali: “I wonder if it has something to do with these bizarre occurrences.”

Garrus: “That’s a possibility. It has a strong connection with these girls who are very much tied to this magical energy that’s caused a lot of these bizarre occurrences. But what are their main focal points?”

Everyone pondered for a bit.

Mordin: “Perhaps this needs further analysis. A proper scanning of this entity might yield some vital clues.”

Aera: “That would make sense.”

Star: “Now if we could only find it.”

Flare: “That…would not be possible…if anything, it could find us and…it’s not always there. At most, it will only appear a few times.”

Jewel: “Not to mention that only Flare is able to know when it is there.”

Flare: “Hmmm….it might be a longshot, but I could try and scan it whenever I see it. I can’t guarantee that I would get much, but I can try.”

Mordin: “Certainly, won’t hold it against you if you hardly receive anything. At least you would try.”

Jewel still seemed concerned.

Liara: “Perhaps we should contemplate on this a bit. There’s clearly so much that we need to try comprehending.”

Garrus: “Yeah, let’s take a break for a bit.”

Liara: “I’ll head back to my office. I would like to see what else the others have extracted from the Intel Crystals.”

Liara walked off.

Garrus: ”Same here, I still have some work that needs to be done on the forward batteries.”

He walked off, Jewel, left with him. Everyone else temporarily disbanded and scattered throughout the entire ship. Star, of course, left with Mordin.

Much time later, Star was with Mordin in the lab. She was sitting on the table near him while he was on a console. Star was staring up at the massive holographic image before them. Soon enough, they heard the door open. They looked over and noticed Tali, Garrus, Liara as well as the rest of the Fayelons walking in.

Star: “Oh, good, you’re here, just in time. Mordin was just finishing up with looking over the data that his computer was analyzing. We were just about ready to reveal to you guys the results.”

Aera: “Good, thought we would arrive here a little too late. Had a bit of trouble peeling Splash off of the fish tank at the commander’s private quarters.”

Splash’s eyes were sparkling from tearing up like the anime characters that she was made out to be.

Splash: “But…the fishies…”

Aera: “Oh, brother, the fish are not going anywhere, you can spare just a few moments of not being glued to that fish tank for something as important as this??”

Splash: “But….oh….alright.”

Aera: ”She can be such a child sometimes.”

Everyone stared awkwardly at Splash.

Liara: “O….K? Now that that’s over with, perhaps it’s time for us to exchange some intel. I just got finished up with sorting through some of the data from those Intel Crystals. I have to say, there is a lot of data regarding the Fayelons’ world. Their system, their culture, everything.”

Tali: “Is there really that much within those crystals?”

Liara: “Yes, there is also much about their history. It’s all fascinating but I find this to be very alarming.”

Garrus: “Yeah, I feel the same way. All that data just…handed over to the girls. Whoever did must have been worried about something.”

Liara: “Yeah, I think so, too. I’m sure there are lots of things in there that even the girls didn’t know.”

Aera: “Wouldn’t doubt it one bit, what we were taught are just small fragments of our own realm.”

Jewel: ”All we know is our own culture as well as our powers. I feel as though there’s more to our origins than what was taught to us, something that I feel that they’re trying to hide from us.”

Garrus: “And something tells me they’re contained within those crystals.”

Jewel: “I feel the same way.”

Splash: “So, Liara, did Glyph find out some things about how the Intel Crystals work?”

Liara: “Yes and he seemed quite surprised with what the analysis yielded. He already had sent the data here for Dr. Solus to look into.”

Splash: “Oh, good!! Does that mean you guys were able to find out how the information within the crystals are inserted into our minds!?!”

Mordin: “An interesting question, Splash, the data, indeed remarkable. The crystals themselves work through process of permeation to communicate data from a single touch.”

Garrus: ”You mean these crystals can penetrate our minds and insert the data within them?”

Mordin: “Yes, the crystals, a force of communication through accessing storage units to transfer data, acting as a bridge between many of said units for obtaining and bestowing.”

At that moment, the door was heard opening.

Samara: “He’s right.”

They looked over and noticed Samara along with Jacob, Thane, Javik, Wrex, Grunt, Zaeed and James.

Samara: “With a single touch of one of those crystals, it felt like it was opening me up and letting itself into me. From there, I was able to see everything contained within it.”

They walked up to the table and stood around it.

Garrus: “Do all of you think that way?”

Each of them responded in compliance to what Samara said but in different ways.

Tali: “So…how did it feel? Was it weird?”

James: “It did feel kind of strange. Didn’t hurt, though.”

Javik: “I felt like my mind was being probed, but instead of taking things from it, the contents of those crystals were inserted into me.”

Aera: “Didn’t feel violated, did you?”

Javik: “It almost felt like that at first, but I did not feel anything similar to “inappropriate touching”.”

Wrex: “Surprised you think that way considering it would feel like a violation of sorts to you protheans.”

Javik: “I do not find this mockery as amusing, primitive!”

Aera: “Alright, break it up, you 2.”

Jewel: “Yeah, that kind of thing is not something that we need to have, especially when we’re trying to talk about important exchange of intel.”

Wrex: “Sure, OK, just bringing up something I would have believed to be true.”

Javik: “True or not, I am not amused.”

Star: ”So, what does this mean for you guys? Will you be coming up with some sort of computer system that will allow itself to be penetrated by these crystals?”

Liara: “That’s the whole idea. We intend to construct a computer system that can replicate the different conditions of someone touching one of those crystals and penetrating it, thereby allowing the crystals to have the data within them to be extracted without having to interfere too much with the crystals themselves.”

Mordin: “Will help out tremendously with storing data, no need to input them manually. Working on figuring out how to build a system of such.”

Garrus: “That all sounds very interesting, but back to the subject of the intel that’s contained within those crystals. We were discussing just now the kind of data within them.”

Zaeed: “Right, well, I have to admit, when I was touching those crystal do-hickies and looking into what was in those things, I felt like I was looking at things I shouldn’t know.”

Jacob: “We all did. I get the feeling that what we saw might have been classified information.”

Star: “Well…we wouldn’t know anything about that.”

Splash: “But, what makes you sure about that?”

Wrex: ”Well, as we have mentioned before, there was a ton of data that could take an entire asari or krogan’s lifetime to learn and process.”

The girls stood silent and perplexed for a bit.

Star: “Well…um….”

Jacob: “Alright, let’s start out with what you girls were taught during the years that you went through your education systems. What sort of things were you taught as kids?”

They thought about this for a moment.

Jewel: “Well…one of the vital courses we took was comprehending the origins of our powers and why we are able to wield certain elemental abilities.”

Star: “We were taught that what kind of powers we have were based on where we lived.”

The doors were heard opening again.

Miranda: “Yes, that much we were able to learn, ourselves.”

They looked over and noticed Miranda and Ashley.

Splash: “Miranda! Ashley!!”

They walked up to the table as well.

Miranda: “We found out that you girls lived in many different and interesting kinds of worlds.”

Ashley: “And from each of those different worlds, you were able to adapt different kinds of powers.”

Miranda: “By surrounding yourselves with the different elements of your worlds, the magical energy within your bodies were able to adjust itself to those different elements, thereby making you girls able to utilize the different elemental powers.”

Jewel: “Yeah, that’s exactly right.”

Samara: “It is much like any living being adapting to the conditions of their worlds and being able to thrive within such. That, in of itself, is very much part of nature.”

Jewel: “Of course. Where I come from, there were a lot of rocky mountains and terrains, so from there, we were able to become geomancers. How some of us developed our Gemma Kinetic abilities is another story all of its own.”

Star: “I came from a very bright and sunny world, so from there was where I developed my powers over Light. Not as strong as the superior Light magic but Light magic nonetheless.”

Aera: “Where I came from, we lived high in the sky. We were able to learn how to wield the wind and ride along them at will. It was always so much fun.”

James: ”I would imagine. You guys must have a lot of aerial sports.”

Aera had a huge smile on her face.

Aera: ”Yes, I always loved playing those sports.”

Garrus: “I don’t think I need to guess where Splash came from. She must be from a world consisting of a lot of water. An ocean world if I’m not mistaken.”

Splash: “Yep, that’s right. Lots and lots of water with a few bits of land. It’s where I call home and it’s also there where I can become a mermaid at will!!”

Everyone stared awkwardly at Splash.

Garrus: “Ummm…..”

Aera: “No, it’s not possible.”

Ashley: “Yes, from what we have found out, we know that it’s not true.”

Splash: “WHAT!?! But…but I…I actually lived it!! Swimming in the ocean with all of my fishy brethren!! Wild and wet underwater adventures for hours on end!! It was amazing!!!”

Everyone still stared at Splash awkwardly. Jewel slumped over while grunting.

Thane: ”She…is…OK, right?”

Grunt: “Is she delusional or something?”

Aera: “No, she actually believes that she has done all of that and…in a way, she has.”

Everyone was still staring awkwardly.

Liara: “If it never happened, then how was it that she was able to experience it like she claimed that she has?”

Everyone was exchanging awkward looks with each other.

Aera: “Jewel? Perhaps you would like to fill them in on what made this possible?”

Everyone was startled, they then looked at Jewel, who had already placed her hand on her forehead, annoyed. She then dropped her arms and she continued to slump over and let out an exasperated sigh.

Jewel: “It’s my fault. Ever since we were kids, Splash used to always talk about these “wet and wild” fantasies that she would love to have. I…might have….blurted out something about forging a jewel in which one can live these fantasies like they were actually happening. After she heard that, she begged me to forge one for her. I tried to tell her no, worried that she would misuse it, but she wouldn’t stop begging. So, in order to get her to finally stop….I caved.”

Garrus: “So, you created one of those jewels for her?”

Jewel: “Yeah…they’re called Fantasy Crystals.”

Garrus: “Wait, I thought you girls said that you don’t have fictional stories where you’re from.”

Jewel: “No, but that doesn’t mean we create our own forms of fiction. Actually, now that I think about it….hmm….well…yes, that would be a form of entertainment for us, but….it’s hardly passed around. I don’t really understand it, myself, to be honest. Anyway, these crystals can extract dreams and fantasies from our minds and then we can replay them as many times as we like. The problem is….if you use it too many times, those fantasies can actually seem real to the point where you can actually believe that they are real memories as opposed to them being just fantasies.”

Garrus: “And I’m guessing that’s exactly what Splash did.”

Jewel: ”Yeah…which was why I tried to decline giving her one.”

Tali: “Wow, no wonder why she thinks she’s a mermaid.”

Jewel scratched the back of her head while letting out a nervous grin.

Aera: “I told you not to cave!! We knew that it would escalate to her being this deranged!!”

Jewel: “Well, what can I tell you!?! It seemed like it was a lot better than having her constantly beg me to forge the dang Fantasy Crystal!!!”

Aera: “Yeah, do you still believe that now??”

Jewel: “Ummm….well….I….honestly can’t tell….”

Aera stared at her in an annoyed manner.

Garrus: “Alright, I think we’ve heard enough of that.”

Tali: “Yeah, that should probably be all that we need to hear on the mystery of why Splash thinks she’s a mermaid.”

Aera: “Fine! We’ll work on how to fix it later.”

Jewel shrugged while still keeping the nervous grin on her face.

Liara: “So, what about you, Flare? I take it you’re from someplace warm, right?”

Flare: “Huh? Oh, right, I am from a…much more cultural world. A truly warm and elevated location where we are able to channel the heat from the sun for our pyrokinetic abilities.”

Ashley: “And from what we found out about your culture, you kind consists of deep mediation and other disciplinary exercises for maintaining composure.”

Flare: “Right, it is a means of preventing our influences over fire from taking control of us. To maintain control of such a dangerous power is a truly effective and illustrative demonstration of maintaining balance and harmony with oneself.”

Star: “Yeah, if only it wasn’t totally necessary for the pyromancers to prove that they can maintain self-control.”

Ashley: “Necessary?”

Star: “Yes!! They have been going at this for many generations!! It should be enough to convince all of us but there are still some who are stupid enough to believe that they’re lethal regardless of how long they’ve had to practice these exercises!!”

Aera: “A lot of us were able to finally get it while others already knew about it. It’s the whiny and cowardly crybabies out there that are the reasons why the pyromancers still need to “prove themselves”.”

Liara: “Well, I don’t think you need to convince me any further. One look at Flare’s self-composure and I would believe that all pyromancers were calm and at peace.”

Flare: “I appreciate the compliment, Liara.”

Liara smiled at her.

Star: ”Yeah, if only all pyromancers are exactly that.”

Garrus: “Of course, there’s bound to be some who are unhinged.”

Aera: “You’ve got that right, Vakarian!!”

Tali: “And I highly doubt the other kinds of Fayelons are any different.”

Star: “Oh, boy, is that true? But the belief that only the pyromancers being dangerous makes a lot of people more delirious and deluded than Splash.”

Garrus: “Uhhh….somehow….I can believe that…”

Jewel: “So, yeah, that pretty much covered those basics. Is everyone in agreement with this?”

Everyone nodded their heads.

Jewel: “Good, let’s move on to other subjects regarding the Intel Crystals.”

Jacob: “Finally, I’ve been waiting to move on to the established respect that I was trying to make regarding the classified intel on those crystals.”

Thane: “Yes, I, too, have been waiting for this. Your people’s history, although fascinating, contained some…vital data that we feel you know very little about.”

Star: ”Hmmm….history….history….what do I remember from history classes….?”

Garrus: ”That’s assuming your father allowed you to attend your courses.”

Star: “Well….at first, he tried to hold me back from it. Thankfully, the system that we were a part of didn’t work in his favor. Couldn’t be happier about that.”

Garrus: “OK…?”

Jewel: “From what we can remember, during the earliest time Darkness and Light have been intertwined in an ongoing fight. Undergoing bout after bout.”

Tali: “Why were they fighting so much?”

Aera: “Well, it’s just part of what they are, 2 opposing forces in an ongoing struggle.”

Tali: “That’s….it? Darkness and Light just fight each other because that’s what they do?”

Jewel: ”Yeah, well…that’s what we were taught, anyway.”

Miranda: ”Sorry to object to what you feel you know, but that’s not entirely true. I mean, yes, they fight because It’s part of what they are, but there’s more to it than that.”

Star: “Really!?! There’s more to it!?!”

Ashley: “Yes, from what one of the Intel Crystals we have touched has told us, It’s not just part of their nature, it’s a power struggle.”

Star: “What!?! Why were we never told that!?!”

Flare pondered at that time.

Miranda: “As depicted in many, many different fictional stories, Darkness and Light have been battling each other for many reasons; power, domination, balance, order. This is no different.”

Mordin: “Yes, indeed, the magical energy that is picked up from many different corners of space. The energy could be remnants of that ongoing conflict. Essence left behind from these forces in conflicts fought ages ago, could have occurred all those years ago, could still be going on now. Who’s to say? No way to tell with what we have at the moment.”

Tali: “But those remnants are still being used now.”

Thane: “Of course, we cannot deny the confirmation of Light magic being used for the miraculous survivals.”

Samara: “So, that means that there is some untapped force still out there that’s able to use this magical energy.”

Wrex: “Or it could be, you know, this magical energy is a life of its own.”

Zaeed: “Magical energy, an actual lifeform? I find that hard to believe.”

Mordin: ”No, not possible, energy readings contain no signs of life. Was able to pick up on readings vaguely consisting of a lifeform, but the energy source not a lifeform of its own.”

Tali: “That would have been weird if it was.”

Liara: “So that leaves the question of what being is influencing the magical energy to initiate these miraculous survivals.”

Javik: “Let us not forget the important matter of why this is able to happen now and not ages ago.”

Garrus: “Yeah, we haven’t forgotten that at all.”

Mordin: “Hmm…good question indeed. Theory suggests that it could have had something to do with the ongoing battle between Darkness and Light. No way of knowing for sure or why.”

Tali: “That is an interesting theory, actually.”

Everyone remained silent for a bit as they pondered this.

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 15-Kasumi

As the silent thinking continued, Flare looked around for a bit, almost as though she was startled by something. Liara looked over and noticed her doing this.

Liara: “Flare? Are you OK?”

Flare: “I…hmm….I’m sensing…something unusual…”

Everyone else also took notice of this.

Tali: “What is it, Flare? Is it the entity again?”

Flare: “No…I…I can sense…something that feels like…another person…they are…invisible, but…there are no traces of magical energy…very perplexing.”

The different crew members exchanged looks, almost as though they knew something about what Flare is sensing out.

Ashley: “Alright, we know you’re here, Kasumi.”

Voice: “Damn it!”

From there, Kasumi appeared before them. The girls were startled from this.

Star: “Wha-what the…!?!”

Aera: “Whoa!!!”

Splash: “Wha-??”

Flare: ”Oh!”

Jewel: “Huh? So, you must be Kasumi!”

Kasumi let out a smile, which is the only part of her face that can be seen from her hood.

Kasumi: “That’s right. It’s nice to finally meet you girls. So, you must be the famed magical girls that I’ve heard so much about.”

Jewel: “Huh? How long have you been here?”

Kasumi: “Since you were still at the Citadel. I thought I might sneak aboard and take a look at those storage trinkets. They’re called Intel Crystals if I’m not mistaken.”

Aera: “You know, it’s usually courteous to introduce yourself before you start snooping around with their things.”

Kasumi: “Sorry, couldn’t help myself. I love to be sneaky.”

Flare: “Hm…yes, I can sense that in your aura. You take great pleasure in surprising people.”

Kasumi: “Hm, you’re the magical girl who specializes in sensing out people’s aura, just like my resources say you do.”

Flare: “Wait, what?”

Kasumi went on her Omni-tool and checked on it.

Kasumi: “Hm…I can also see that each of you have picked some pretty interesting locations for where to hide away each of these “magical keys”, as they are called. Hmm…it seems that one of them was thrown into the mouth of a Thresher Maw, if I’m not mistaken.”

Wrex: “What!?! No one’s supposed to know that!!!”

Tali: “Hold on, does that mean…you actually know the locations of where all of the keys have been hidden?”

Kasumi: ”That’s right. They are really good hiding spots, no one would be able to guess any of them. I’m impressed.”

Garrus: “Those were supposed to be kept to ourselves!! I swear, Kasumi, if you end up compromising those hiding spots, I’ll…”

Kasumi: “Relax. No one else will find out. I’m really good at keeping confidential intel to myself. You know how good I am at keeping myself out of the public eye.”

Garrus: “I really hope so. The last thing we need is to have all of those efforts be for nothing.”

Kasumi: “Yes, understood. Those keys are very important and must be kept away from the dark entity that has been chasing these girls around. They are why they’ve been pursued throughout many galaxies, after all, or realms as they have called them.”

Jewel: “How is it you were able to figure out so much about us?”

Kasumi: “Sorry, I can’t disclose that, it’s a trade secret of mine. The less anyone knows about my resources, the better.”

Aera: “The same goes for what you do know, I’d figure.”

Kasumi: ”Hm, you really are a smart young girl.”

Aera: “Heh, that goes without saying. My nickname is “Ms. No-Nonsense".”

Garrus: ”Yeah, you pretty much give out that impression, Aera.”

Ashley: ”It’s good to see you’re here, Kasumi. Cortez has been looking for you, he had no idea where you were.”

Kasumi: ”Yeah, I suppose that’s my fault, but hey, I would have found a way back here one way or another, so no need to worry about leaving me out of this.”

Miranda: ”Well, now that you’re here, I’m sure you would like to be up to speed on what we’re dealing with.”

Kasumi: “Oh, I’ve already looked into what has been going on. You’ve been dealing with a dark entity that’s been chasing these girls and they intend to take the fight against him here in our galaxy.”

Jewel: ”You’re right, it may not be preferable for any of us, but it’s what needs to be done.”

Kasumi: “No need to worry about how I feel about it. It’s good that you decide to take this threat on. I don’t know why you girls are the ones who decided to oppose this force, but I guess we’ll need to work with what we have.”

Jewel sulked. Kasumi then turned her attention towards Flare.

Kasumi: “So…Flare, is it?”

Flare: “Yes, I am she.”

Kasumi: “So, you were able to sense me out. You have some extraordinary powers.”

Flare: “Yes, it is…a special gift that those with my kind of power has nourished over the many generations.”

Liara: “I wanted to ask if you’re the only one who has this power, but then I realized that Jewel is able to sense out that dark entity. Is that correct, Jewel?”

Jewel: “That’s right. It is something that we can and are able to do.”

Liara: “I thought so, it’s not something that only the pyromancers know how to do.”

Star: “Not really. All Fayelons can do it, it’s just the pyromancers are the ones who pretty much learned this through their deep meditations and such.”

Flare: “Of course, it is because of our deep devotion towards composure and our deep self-revelation that we have come to acknowledge such a power. Through my many years of meditation, I have fortified this ability of mine to a point where I can sense all those within the universe, including the looming darkness that hangs over us.”

Aera: “Flare taught us this technique and we have learned to access this ability. It’s nowhere near as potent as Flare’s sensing powers, but we are able to use it, nonetheless.”

Jewel: “It turned out to be very essential since it was much needed for us to detect when that entity would be upon us. It has been very helpful throughout our long journey.”

Miranda: “Could there be any chance that maybe us biotic users are able to utilize this ability?”

Flare: “Hmm…I am…uncertain of that. Your biotic powers consist of a mysterious substance known as Element Zero, or eezo for short.”

Miranda: “Sounds like someone’s been doing their homework. I don’t think we’ve discussed the concept of biotics, or even mentioned such power, but I’m sure you girls had some time to review it with the use of Jewel’s special gems.”

Jewel: “Yes, we have.”

Jewel conjured another of her jewels.

Jewel: “I’ve been meaning to ask about that for a while now. This element zero enables some beings of this galaxy to undergo a unique anti-gravity power known as biotic abilities.”

Jacob: “Anti-gravity, energy waves. Some understand it better than others.”

Liara: “My people, the asari, are very, very well known for this ability. Pretty much every asari knows how to use this power. Most of us learned to fortify and utilize it.”

Flare: “Hmm…considering that your power is pretty much connected to the entire galaxy, perhaps enabling your biotic abilities to develop the same kind of power as mine is doable. I do not think it would hurt to try.”

Miranda: “Of course. We can most certainly work on that. What’s the harm?”

Flare: “Very well then, I think it can be arranged. Perhaps a nice, large, open room would suffice.”

Ashley: “I know just the one. If you guys would follow me.”

Eventually, everyone was in one of the Observation Rooms. Flare walked up to the front of it and looked out the massive window. She turned and looked towards Ashley.

Flare: “Here?”

Ashley nodded. Flare looked back outside the window. Ashley walked up to a button on the side of the window and pressed. The metal slab outside closed, which startled Flare.

Flare: “Oh!”

She looked up at Ashley as Ashley smiled back at her.

Ashley: “There, just so would be no issues or distractions.”

Flare stared at her for a bit, then changed her mood a little.

Flare: “Shall we get started?”

Ashley nodded. Flare turned towards the rest of the crew member.

Flare: ”To all those who are biotics please step forward.”

From there, Liara, Wrex, Miranda, Jacob, Samara, Thane and Javik stepped up while everyone else stood by. The small group of biotics stood before Flare.

Flare: “Right, I shall teach you all those that I have learned from my mentors. Now then, if you will please join me on the floor so we may begin the meditation.”

She sat down on the floor and the small group did the same. In lotus position, they closed their eyes. Ashley regrouped with the other crew members and watched with them.

Flare: “Now, I need you to relax. Release all tension, let go of everything around you, feel your center and focus on it.”

They sat in silence for a bit before Flare continued.

Flare: “Now, feel the eezo within your system naturally flow through, allow it to flow harmoniously within you. Do not force it, do not influence it, it will take on its course naturally. Allow it to fill your body with its energy, harmoniously and gradually infuse with all parts of your body. Let it flow.”

For a while, the biotics remained still. Everyone was silent, the spectators continued to watch in silent, waiting for something else to happen.

Flare: “Now, within the emptiness around you, allow the eezo within your system to reach out to the natural energy that is all around you. Let it reach out as far as you can, sensing out all that is connected to it. From this, you should be able to feel out the others with the same kind of energy. Reach out to your peers with this energy.”

As they sat in silence, Mordin went on his Omni-tool and analyzed it. He seemed amazed with what he was seeing.

Mordin: “Incredible…! It…is working…!!”

Garrus and Tali took notice of it.

Tali: “Is this true? Is what Flare telling them to do actually happening?”

Mordin: “Yes, the energy from the Element Zero, reaching out, becoming part of their senses. The energy that surrounds them, acting as an extension of their senses.”

Garrus: “Is this how it’s actually done?”

Jewel: “Yes, the pyromancers were able to figure out how to use the magical energy from within their bodies to reach out to all corners of the cosmos. They can sense out other forms of magical energy, not just their own. This also includes the natural forms of energy it is said to be from the…Divine Bringer of Light.”

Garrus stared at her for a bit. Mordin continued looking into his Omni-tool.

Flare: “Can you feel it? The energy around you? The eezo, can you feel it surround you? Can you feel it from the other nearby? Can you feel it within the cosmos? All around you?”

Miranda: “I…I can feel…something…it feels…very much like biotic energy.”

Samara: “Yes…this energy…I feel it all around me. I can sense the others, the energy within the air, it is everywhere.”

Liara: “I can feel it recharge me, I can sense everyone around me and I am able to sense everyone else reaching out to me with their energy. I can feel as though…we are all very much connected.”

Flare: “Good, I can tell that you have utilized your biotic abilities quite a lot, so this has made this process easy. You are now well aware of what you could not see.”

Samara seemed a bit troubled.

Flare: “Now then, the energy within your body can connect with other forms of energy within the cosmos. Try to reach out to other forms of energy with the use of your biotic energy.”

Everyone sat silent as they continued on with this. As this continued on, Ashley was starting to get a little choked up. Garrus took notice of them and looked over towards her.

Garrus: “You OK, Ash?”

Ashley: “Yes, it’s…it’s just that…Kaiden would have wanted to take part in this. I just…”

She looked as though she was about to shed tears, Garrus went up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked towards him as he looked back at her.

Garrus: “I miss him, too.”

She smiled in a mildly emotional manner. Tali looked towards them. From this, there was a slight reaction from both Liara and Wrex.

Flare: “This process itself may not be so easy to achieve, our energy is somewhat different from eezo energy. What you must keep in mind is that all energy within the cosmos are very much connected with one another. The eezo within the galaxy connects with the magical energy of Light magic. That magical energy is everywhere. Allow your own biotic energy to become an extension that can reach out and sense it. Be it magic or not, all forms of energy within the cosmos truly are connected. Establish that connection.”

Everyone still remained silent. Then, the different biotics developed a slight reaction.

Miranda: “Oh, my goodness…I…I can feel…another form of energy…it is…warm, soothing…like a gentle hug…”

Samara: “Yes…it is indeed that…I feel like I am caressed in a warm haze of positive emotions. Could this be…the Light magic of the Divine Bringer of Light?”

Flare: “Yes, it is that. You have reached out to touch that very light energy. Light magic is an energy of positive thoughts and feelings of so many beings all across the galaxy.”

Garrus: “Whoa….is this actually true?”

Mordin was still on his Omni-tool.

Mordin: “Yes, picking up on readings from the biotic energy, came in contact with the eezo energy that touches this light energy. Magic and eezo, intercept one another without conflict.”

Tali: “That’s…unbelievable…!!”

At that moment, the entity was in the room with them, however, they are very much unaware of this.

Miranda: “Hm? I sense someone has appeared within the room.”

Aera: “Huh?”

Liara: ”Yes…I also sense it…it is…some sort of magical being…”

Samara: “Yes…I too sense such a being…it is…pure light magic.”

Wrex: “Hm? What? I…I can also sense this, just now.”

Jacob: “Hm…it just appeared. I didn’t sense it before.”

Thane: “Ah, I can picture it perfectly. It is…almost very ghost-like. Even the way it appeared in the room…odd.”

Javik: “I am guessing that this being is your…mysterious entity.”

Flare: “Yes, that is correct. I recognize that sensation anywhere. It is without a doubt the entity.”

The girls were startled by this.

Jewel: “Oh, my gosh…!! That…how can that be??”

Star: “They can actually sense the entity?”

Splash: “Whoa!! That’s incredible!!”

Garrus: “You girls can’t sense the entity, can you?”

Aera: “No, not really, at least…not like how Flare can.”

Garrus: “Hmm….say, professor, can you pick up on the entity with that Omni-tool are yours?”

Mordin: “Hmm…interesting…another energy reading, highly potent magical energy, mysteriously shaped in a silhouette of an unseeable person. Yes, yes, without a doubt, the mysterious entity.”

Miranda: “I can only make out the shape of its body, but that’s just about it.”

Jacob: “Yeah…so can I. No face, no emotions, nothing, just a silhouette.”

Flare: “Hm, I am not surprised that you could not make it that far. Such prowess can only be achievable by one who has dedicated and persistent training of this power, someone like me. That should be enough for now.”

They stopped meditating and stood back up.

Flare: “Well done, I can see that it is possible for you to initiate this ability with the use of your biotic energy. However, I have only taught you the basics, so you still have yet to grasp the intermediate potential of this power. But I do see promise in all of you. With a few more practices, I know that you guys can heighten your senses so much more.”

Liara: “That’s wonderful to hear.”

Miranda: ”Thank you for letting us take part in this. That was quite an incredible experience.”

Samara: “Yes, I did not know that you could achieve something so deep and insightful, almost as though I could reach out and touch the stars.”

Thane: “Indeed, I could feel myself leaving my body and drifting out for just a brief period of time. I could not see anything but I was able to develop another sensation that was almost like another form of sight.”

Wrex: “All of this is…bizarre to me, so I never really understood any of it. Still don’t, but…I feel like I don’t need to.”

Javik: “It was…OK, I guess. Such psychotic sense of preservation hardly piques my interest.”

Star: “Does nothing ever amaze you, guy!?!”

Javik: “Hmph, I have very little fascination over much within this cycle, although I will do this again, it is…certainly an interesting challenge to my biotic abilities.”

Flare: ”Let me know when you wish to do this again and we can arrange it whenever each of you ready.”

Liara: “Certainly.”

They left the room and went to different areas of the ship. Kasumi got a chance to approach the girls.

Kasumi: “So, Flare, that was interesting. I couldn’t believe that you could enable a few biotics to develop the kind of powers that you have.”

Flare: “To be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was possible, I just utilized the same kind of lessons and techniques that I was taught by my own mentors.”

Liara: “Your mentors sounded like incredible people.”

Flare: “Yes, many from my culture were truly admirable, but none more so than my grandfather.”

Garrus: “Your grandfather? He was one of your mentors?”

Flare: “Yes, he is a cultural man, very traditional, he is stern in his ways and takes our customs very seriously, but he is a fair teacher. I have the highest regards for him.”

Star: “Oh, yes, Flare’s grandfather is awesome. He’s just about the best kind of role model you would ever meet.”

Tali: “Sounds as though you actually have met him.”

Star: “Yes, we did and man, what an experience!”

Splash: “He has such immeasurable respect for other cultures and their ways of life.”

Aera: “However, he has zero tolerance towards narrow-minded adamancy for other’s beliefs truly being absolute. You can imagine that he greatly detests the petty squabbles over whose powers are the most superior.”

Garrus: “Heh, I’m guessing that also includes the mindless squabbles between the aquamancers and the cryokinetics as well as everyone else in between.”

Aera: ”Oh, boy is that true.”

Flare: “My grandfather does not believe in the “superior power”, he believes that all forms of magic are unique and special, that since they exist together, they must coincide and coexist harmoniously as such is essential in maintaining balance with our abilities as well as within ourselves.”

Miranda: “It makes sense. Actually, it is no different here. There are many different species that live within this galaxy and because of that, we must at least learn to live with each other.”

Ashley: “Yeah…I suppose…that makes sense…”

Garrus: “And yet, there are 2 forms of magical energy that refuse to coexist in peace.”

Flare: “Hm, yes, that is…lamentingly factual. Such a conflict that involves a power struggle of cosmic proportions.”

Tali: “By the way, this dark entity, does this have to do with the Dark force that has been fighting against the Light magic said to be from the Divine Bringer of Light?”

The girls seemed startled by this answer.

Jewel: “Huh? Are you…could you be suggesting…?”

Aera: “Whoa! Hold on there, Tali! You’re not suggesting that the dark entity has some involvement with…I mean, yes, that would make sense, but…we are dealing with a massive Dark power that many of us couldn’t possibly conceive!!”

Kasumi: ”I agree with Aera on this. That’s kind of stretching it.”

Splash: “None of us could even stand a chance against something that massive!!”

Garrus: “I get where Tali is going with this, but maybe this is something that is beyond any of our expertise or comprehension. Besides, it’s not possible for your vigilante to be able to control that much Dark energy.”

Jewel: “Yeah, you’re right about that, Garrus. The strongest of our kind has yet to perceive that much Dark magic, much less a male Fayelon.”

Flare: “Hmm…maybe not the Darkness directly, but…it could be a small portion of it.”

Everyone stood and thought about this for a brief moment.

Mordin: “Still much to look into, so much we have yet to comprehend. Could be the Dark magic, could be just a portion of it. Still, no doubt a strong connection. (sniff) Mysterious, suspect nefarious intention. Could Darkness try to get the upper hand against the Light? Could it be weakening and trying desperately to maintain its existence? Could also be an underhanded tactic against the Light, or maybe…another type of interior motive.”

Miranda: “Who knows what could be happening? That massive amount of Darkness could be capable of anything and all that we were able to witness is a colossal Dark void of sorts attacking us.”

Jewel: “Hmm….what could all of this mean…? Why this? What…is going on…?”

A little afterwards, Liara was back in her office with Jewel as well as a few of the Normandy crew members assessing the Intel Crystals. Kasumi was also there with them.

Kasumi: “Hm, that’s quite an impressive set-up you have there.”

Liara: “Thanks, we’ve been busy trying to look into a lot of the data that was given to us by the girls. We’re working on a way to upload all of that intel on to a computer from the crystals.”

Kasumi took a closer look at the crystal.

Kasumi: “So…these…crystals…are they part of a special power?”

Jewel: “Yes, my kind is capable of forging crystals that consists of special magic functions. What you’re seeing right there are Intel Crystals.”

Kasumi: “They’re beautiful.”

Jewel: “Yeah, us Gemma Kinetics have a way with making such detailed patterns. I forged a jewel that can collect the essence of any realm and convert it into what can best be identified as “data”. I was able to comprehend from it the concept of “currency” and how some items can be viewed to have monetary value.”

Kasumi: “Hm, you really have been doing your homework on our galaxy.”

Jewel: “Yes, well, I compared our kind of gems to what is considered to be of such value and…I’m sorry to say that they are worthless when it comes to such value. Sorry.”

Liara: ”That hardly means anything to us, Jewel, we would never enforce to sell your jewels even if we wanted to.”

Kasumi: “But that doesn’t mean that your jewels are completely worthless. To have such magical items is indeed a very handy thing.”

Liara: “Hmm…”

Jewel: “I appreciate that. I just don’t want to be too valuable to the point where I were to be treated like an object.”

Liara: “We wouldn’t do that either, Jewel. And we all know that Garrus would never allow that.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I know.”

Kasumi: “Hmm…really? Is Garrus really that protective of them?”

Liara: “Like you wouldn’t believe. He is always the first to speak up and express is discontent towards such treatment.”

Jewel: “He has been amazing to us. When we first arrived at the Citadel, we were dealing with a bartender who tried to push alcoholic drinks on us despite our protests. Then Garrus came in and seriously grinded that jerk. It’s like he’s been protecting us since we first met him.”

Kasumi: “Hm, that does sound like him, alright. He hates all kinds of wrong-doing, so I’m sure he would jump in on the chance to protect a group of young girls from being forced to undertake illegal actions, especially those that could be harmful to them.”

Jewel: “Absolutely.”

Kasumi: “you know, I was thinking, Intel Crystals might actually have a value in another way. You’ve heard about the Information Brokers, haven’t you?”

Jewel: ”Hmm…they’re the people that work for the Shadow Broker, right?”

Kasumi: “Yes, and a lot of those people value information perhaps just about as much as currency. In fact, information IS a form of currency to them. Intel Crystals can truly become a very, very valuable towards any Information Broker.”

Liara: “You know…when you put it that way, you would be right about that. However, I severely and strongly advice against that!!”

Kasumi: ”I knew you would say that. Just a thought, I would not want anything like that to be let out. The girls are hardly anything to be treated as such. I would indeed worry about someone who intends on exploiting them like that.”

Liara: “Yes, you’re right, it is indeed a very troublesome thought, but…rest assured, we would never allow that.”

Kasumi: “Yes, yes, I know.”

Jewel sulked but then a petite smile appeared on her face.

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 16-Nevos

After quite a bit of time, Mordin and Star were back in the lab.

Star: “So, how is the research involving that data from the previous fight going, Dr. Solus?”

Mordin: “Coming along nicely, still finishing up with the last of the analysis.”

Soon enough, they could hear the doors open. From there, Garrus and Tali entered and walked up to the other side of the table.

Star: “Oh, hello again.”

Tali: “Hey, how’s it coming along?”

Star: “We’re still looking into a few things at the moment, but I’m confident that Dr. Solus will inform us of what we’ve found very soon.”

Tali: “That’s good to hear.”

Star: “So, how has the data regarding the Intel Crystals been coming along?”

Garrus: “Liara, Jewel and Glyph are still analyzing everything. They’re already coming up with the plans and designs for that computer program involving compatibility with those Crystals.”

Mordin: ”Ah, yes, wonderful news, can’t wait to get started on that.”

Garrus: “Hmm…you know, I’m concerned about Jewel. She seems to have that…far-off gaze regarding the crystals.”

Tali: “I know, it’s almost as though…well…she did mention that she might have some idea on who forged them.”

Garrus: “I’m still troubled by what’s on them. A huge abundance of vital intel of their entire realm.”

Tali: “Yes, what we’ve found was very alarming. I mean, should the girls even have so much data in their possession?”

Garrus: “I know, it seems like the deeper we get into this, the more suspicious it gets, almost like the people of their realm can’t be trusted for some reason.”

Star looked to her side as she sulked.

Garrus: “Say, Star, perhaps you can tell us about what personal experiences you girls have been having in your realm.”

Star: ”Well…it’s difficult to talk about, but…”

Just then, they heard the doors opening, from there, the rest of the Fayelons came in.

Aera: “Hey, guys, what’s up?”

Tali: “Oh, hello. How are you feeling?”

Aera: “Can’t complain, at least not now.”

Garrus: “Were you having a hard time pulling Splash away from the fish tank again?”

Aera: “Yes, but let’s forget about that for the moment. The crew members back in Liara’s office are still sorting through those crystals and that floating robot seems to be on its way to getting started on forming those plans for that special computer program.”

Tali: “Sounds great.”

Aera: “But…there are still a few kinks that they’re trying to sort out. That might be a whole other thing of its own, but we’ll worry about that once we reach that far into the project.”

Star: “Alright, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty of these tid-bits. Mordin, are you still finishing up with that analysis?”

Mordin: “Yes, just worked out the last details.”

Splash: “Great, let’s hear it.”

Mordin: “So, spent some time looking into your powers as well as the previous fight, found an unusual spike in each of your powers. Analyzation concludes a very interesting piece of data in regards to them.”

Jewel: “Hmm…Interesting.”

Flare: “So, what happened to us back there? A while into the fight, our powers were being used up, but then…we experienced abilities that we never thought we could actually use.”

Mordin: “As mentioned before, a unique spike in your powers.”

Garrus: ”This happened around the time a few of us stepped in to help the girls out. Could that have something to do with it?”

Mordin: “Believed so, too coincidental to be just that. But then looked into their magical energy and amazingly, this is the cause of the unusual spike in magical energy.”

Tali: “So, Garrus and those others stepping in to help out the girls, they caused that spike in their powers?”

Mordin: “Yes, a sort of emotional response. The need to defend their friends triggered something in their powers, from that, their powers changed. Modified, enhanced, responding to those emotions.”

Garrus: “Are you saying their wanting to protect us somehow triggered their magical powers to change in some way?”

Aera: “Huh, nothing like that has ever happened to us before.”

Mordin: ”Magical energy, looked into it deeper, can respond to emotions. The need to fight for those they care about, the anger towards the threats of those close to them, no doubt about it, caused this response.”

Jewel: “I…really? Hmmm…”

Garrus looked down at Jewel.

Garrus: “Jewel?”

She looked up at him.

Jewel: “Um…well…um…”

Star: “So, if what you’re saying is true, then could this mean that you guys can help to make us stronger?”

Tali: “I really hope this isn’t going where I think it is.”

Garrus: “What do you mean, Tali?”

Tali: “I’ve heard about this before. The Power of Love and Friendship. I really hope it’s not that.”

Garrus: “Power of Love and Friendship?”

Tali: “It’s a really dumb and lazy cliché used in anime countless times. It’s when during a very tough fight, the protagonists are being beaten badly by the bad guys then all of a sudden, either one of them or some of them bring up the whole crap about them being friends or whatever and all of a sudden, they’re miraculously strong enough to take down the bad guy once and for all.”

Garrus: “What? Are you serious? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!”

Tali: “Dumb or not, it’s been used many times.”

Mordin: “Ah, yes, indeed a most unlikable cliché in the genre but rest assured, not like that, at least not a major magical source to bring up the ultimate endgame. Love and friendship not a source of ultimate power, not in this case. Merely a means of enhancing power, serve as a drive, support, motivation to fight harder.”

Tali: “Well…that sounds like it makes more sense.”

Garrus: “I really hope it’s something that well clarified. I don’t want to be dragged into some infamous anime cliché.”

Aera: “Neither would I.”

Star: “So, our powers can be supported by our emotions, huh? Hmm…I think…I remember hearing something like that before…”

Jewel: “Yeah, same here. I think…it was talked about a little when we were still attending our courses.”

Splash: “Yes, that’s right! It totally slipped our minds!”

Garrus: “Say, how come you girls didn’t hear much of this?”

Jewel: “We…we don’t know…but…actually…hmm…something about this…seems very suspicious…”

The girls stood by, contemplating for a bit. At that moment, they heard the door open, they looked over and noticed Miranda, seeming as though she had rushed in.

Miranda: “Guys! We’ve got a problem!”

Jewel: “What is it, Miranda!?!”

Miranda: “I was practicing that meditation technique that was taught to us by Flare and sensed something awful occurring. There’s no doubt that it involved Dark magic!”

Jewel: “What!?! Where!?!”

Miranda: “I just had Ashley instruct Joker to set a course to where it’s taking place! We’re on our way there as we speak but you girls need to be ready when we arrive.”

Jewel: “Of course, we’ll take care of it.”

Star: “Well, this sounds like a perfect opportunity to test out our new findings, right, Doc?”

Mordin: “Hm, indeed, needed to collect more data regarding this. May need some help looking into it. Perhaps some volunteers who are willing to help out you girls.”

They both looked at Garrus as they smiled. He grunted a bit.

Garrus: “As much as I don’t like to get involved in something risky over research, I won’t let anything happen to Jewel, so, I guess it would be inevitable for me to concede to this.”

Jewel looked up to him, worried.

Tali: “I’m coming, too.”

Aera: “What? Are you crazy?”

Tali: “Maybe, but I can’t just stand by and watch you fight. I have to do something.”

The girls seemed a bit nervous about this.

Star: “OK, then, let’s do it! I’m so itching for another beat down!”

Jewel: “Yes, but let’s try to not get hurt out there too badly.”

Later on, they met with Ashley within the New Communication Room that used to have been the War Room.

Ashley: “OK, listen, because this very much relates to you girls.”

Jewel: “Miranda did mention something about sensing out Dark magic, so I would figure as much.”

Ashley: “Yes, she mentioned the same thing to me, but she also doesn’t know much about what’s going on. The vigilante has sent out his monsters on a far-off colony in the Outer Council Space region. An asari colony on the planet Nevos. We’ve picked up on readings very similar to Dark magic as well as multiple activities regarding it.”

Jewel: “I see, we’ll do what we can.”

Ashley: “This isn’t going to be an easy fight. You girls handle those monsters while the rest of us deal with saving as many civilians as possible.”

Tali: “Some of us have agreed to stay near the girls to help out however we can.”

Ashley: “You’re sure about this, you guys?”

Garrus: “Oh, absolutely, I get the feeling that they’ll need some of us close by.”

Ashley: “Well…from what I’ve noticed back at the Grissom Academy, I guess I can say that it is necessary.”

Star: “Oh, we are so ready for this! Dr. Solus said that he’s been working on some research related to that. It will definitely come in very handy, I’m so sure of it.”

Ashley: “Well, if you say so, Star.”

Liara: “You do sound awfully confident.”

Star: “Of course, I know that we will get through this if we’re together in this fight.”

Tali: “Oh, no, I don’t like where this is going.”

Garrus: “Let me guess, this is one of those “Power of Love and Friendship” speeches, isn’t it?”

Tali: “I’m just hoping it won’t lead to that.”

Garrus: “Yeah, same here.”

Mordin pondered for a bit.

Splash: “So, while we wait to arrive on this planet, perhaps you guys can tell us what it is.”

Liara: “Of course. Nevos is a lovely garden world that was colonized by my race, the asari, founded many, many years back. It consists of a bustling tourist economy filled with sandy beaches and many other wonderful attractions.”

Splash: “Wait, did you say sandy beaches? You mean as in vast oceans!?! Oh, wow! That sounds sooo coool! Can we go swimming!?! Please oh please oh please!?!?!”

Aera: “Hold on there, Splash, we’re going over there to fight that jerk’s monsters, not take a dip in the ocean.”

Splash: “Yeah…OK…but can we go after we saved the planet!?!”

Aera: “We’ll see…”

Flare: “Hmm…this is indeed troublesome.”

Liara: ”I know, that colony being overrun by monsters. I can’t help but worry about how it’s faring.”

Flare: “Um, yes, there’s that, but that’s not what’s on my mind.”

Kasumi: ”What is it that you’re worried about, Flare?”

Flare: “Well, being that it consists of resorts along the coast, I fear that it involves cuisines of marine wildlife being a popular thing there.”

Liara: “Oh, I…haven’t thought of that. Yes, that would be the case.”

Kasumi: “Why? What’s wrong with seafood? I find them to be quite tasty.”

Liara: “Yes, but…word of caution, be careful when saying things like that. Splash, well…has a tendency to lash out at anything involving the subject.”

Kasumi: “Hm, really? Does she hate seafood that much?”

Liara: “Yes, she actually hates the concept of cooking fish in general. She thinks of fish as her brethren. Gardner made a seafood gumbo once and well…she threw an incredibly violent temper tantrum and tried to rip him to shreds. If it wasn’t for her friends stepping in to hold her back, she would have.”

Kasumi: “Oh, um, wow, that…does sound extreme.”

Miranda: “Something tells me that might happen again. We can be sure of that.”

Flare: “Exactly and that’s why I’m worried.”

After a long flight, they arrived at the planet Nevos. They looked out at it.

Miranda: “There it is, girls. The planet Nevos.”

Ashley: “Are you ready?”

Jewel: “Ready as we’ll ever be.”

Liara: “Let’s take the shuttle to the planet.”

Miranda: “Let’s hurry, there’s not much time.”

They boarded the shuttle and made their way out post haste. As they were making their way towards the planet, the girls sat along with the crew members. Some of them sat near the girls while the others were sitting at another part of the ship nearby.

Ashley: “OK, so here’s what’s going to go down; some of us will head out to try and lure those monsters away from the civilians. The rest of us will stay near the girls to provide support.”

Jewel: “The important thing in this matter is to save as many innocent civilians as we possible.”

Liara: “Of course.”

Jacob: “Those of us who are handling crowd control will head out first. Everyone else will leave with the girls.”

Aera: “Sounds like a plan.”

Jewel held her head down and sulked, Garrus took notice of this.

Garrus: “You OK, Jewel?”

Jewel: “I…it’s just…he’ll harm as many people as he can. So many innocent lives will continue to be threatened because of us. I can’t help but feel responsible.”

Liara: “Jewel, whatever happens here is not your fault. Don’t ever feel that way.”

Miranda: “She’s right, you’re the one who’s receiving the worst of it and you’ve made a difficult choice; one you know needed to be made.”

Ashley: “At least you’re actually doing something about it. Don’t regret your decisions.”

Jewel: “Yes…I have made my choice, like it or not, this needs to be done. I will continue to fight, I have to. There really is nothing else to it.”

Splash: “Absolutely!”

Flare: “He may continue to threaten the innocent but we will be there to combat his attempts. There is no going back on that.”

Star: “And besides, we are definitely not alone in this. These good people like

Garrus and Mordin will never allow us to take this jerk on by ourselves.”

Garrus: “Yeah, you can count on that.”

Jewel: “Thank you, everyone. We have to push forward, not just for everyone in this realm, but for everyone else back at home. We have to do it for them.”

Star: “Yes!”

Aera: “That’s pretty much the case, whether they like it or not.”

Garrus looked suspicious.

Samara: “By the way, you girls do have family back in your realm, right?”

Jewel: “Umm…”

Garrus: “We already talked with Star about her parents. To say they’re dysfunctional would be putting it lightly.”

Star: “It’s not even good enough for how they are.”

Flare: “Some families are better than others.”

Aera: “Oh, boy, is that true?”

Jewel: “I do have loved ones back at home. There are my parents, of course, and my little brother, Jasper.”

A petite smile appeared on her face.

Liara: “You…you must really love your brother very much.”

Jewel: “Of course, we have a very, very close bond with each other. He’s been like one of the greatest joys of my life and he thinks of me as the best big sister ever. I would do anything for him.”

Everyone seemed touched as they were glancing towards her. Samara got up to her and reached her hand out, touching the side of her shoulder.

Samara: “I hope that you are able to return to your brother one day.”

Jewel looked up at her and smiled.

Jewel: “Yeah, I hope so, too, but for now, we have to continue fighting this threat, for him and all of the good people back in our realm.”

Aera: “Yeah, for whoever is left, anyway.”

Everyone seemed kind of startled by this.

Over time, the shuttle landed on the planet. As the door opened, the first group rushed out. This consisted of Wrex, Jacob, Grunt, Zaeed, Thane, Samara, James and Javik. The rest of the group stood by.

Ashley: “Let’s hurry over to the source of this attack.”

The rest rushed off with the girls. Star grabbed Mordin by his wrist as they rushed off, Garrus rushed off near Jewel.

They soon ran into an asari and stopped in front of her.

Asari: “Thank the goddess you guys are here! I was worried that you would arrive too late.”

Ashley: “We got your message. We already have some in our group sent out to rescue the civilians.”

Splash: “Who’s she?”

Liara: “Girls, this is Irina, she is a member of Nevos’ committee.”

Jewel: “We are here to put a stop to this onslaught. Where can we reach the source of this?”

Irina: “Follow me, it’s not too far from here.”

They followed her through the city.

They soon arrived at the edge of a cliff. She pointed up at the sky.

Irina: “There, that’s where the assault is coming from.”

They looked up towards the sky and saw the massive, dark overcast of a very familiar vortex-like entity. Jewel’s face grew somewhat tense.

Garrus: “It’s him, alright.”

Jewel still stared at the dark entity with that same look in her eyes.

Kasumi: “I don’t believe it, it’s massive and yet, these girls are supposed to fight that thing?”

EDI: “The massive amount of dark energy from it is, without a doubt, too much for them, but we will rectify that one way or another.”

Kasumi: “How will you be able to do that?”

Garrus: “We don’t know, not yet, but we will figure something out.”

Jewel: “For the time being, we have to fight and chase it out of here. We won’t continue to let it harm these people as well. Let’s go, girls!”

The other girls stood firm, ready to fight.

Jewel: “Ready? Metamorphose!”

From there, the girls transformed again. They then rushed off the cliff at great speed.

Irina: “No! Wait!”

She was about to rush out, but Garrus held his hand out and stopped her.

Garrus: “It’s OK, they know what they’re doing.”

One by one, the girls jumped off. From there, their wings emerged and they flew off. Irina was greatly startled by this.

Irina: “Oh! By the goddess! They’re fairies!?!”

Liara: “Umm…to be honest…we’re not really sure about that.”

Tali: “They’re actually a race of magic-wielding aliens known as Fayelons.”

Mordin: “Could be fairies, not really sure, more evaluations need to be made.”

Irina looked back towards the sky.

Ashley: “We need to stand our ground here. Prevent those monsters from advancing anywhere beyond this cliffside and leave the rest to the girls.”

The crew pulled out their guns and aimed them directly towards the sky.

The girls fought the beasts in the sky. As they fought, the crew on the ground shot at any of the monsters that tried to fly past them. The battle raged on for a good amount of time. The crew tried as hard as they could to prevent the monsters from passing them as well as keeping them in the sky. The Fayelons fought off the monsters the best that they could with the best of their abilities. During the fight, Jewel felt uneven for some reason.

Jewel: “Hmm…something feels strange. I don’t know why, but…something doesn’t seem right.”

Flare: “I sense it, too. There is an unusual shift in the Dark energy.”

Star: “Very odd. How come something like this has never happened before?”

Jewel: “I don’t know, but I don’t like it one bit. Stay sharp, everyone!”

The fight continued. The girls unleashed the full might of their powers. The crew still shot at any of the monsters that came near crossing them.

Ashley: “Let’s keep at it, you guys! These monsters must not come anywhere near the good people of this settlement.”

Garrus: “Hmm…there’s something going on up there. The girls seem to be changing their tactics a bit.”

Tali: “Hmm…it does seem that way.”

Liara: “Do you think they suspect something?”

Garrus: “I…don’t know…”

The fight continued a little afterwards with no other changes, just then, Miranda received a transmission from Jacob.

Jacob: “Miranda? Are you there?”

Miranda: “Jacob, what’s going on?”

Jacob: “Things are getting intense. We were able to clear out a lot of the civilians but…something doesn’t seem right. I feel a…strange shift in the air.”

Miranda: “I feel it, too and apparently, the girls have taken notice of this.”

Jacob: “Hmm…I don’t like this, we’ll keep our guard up, but other than that, things are going well, I think we’ll…wait! What’s that?”

Miranda: “Jacob? What is it?”

Jacob: “Is…is that…? No! It can’t be!! How is this…ahhh!!”

Miranda: “Jacob!! Jacob!! What’s wrong!?!”

Jacob: “Miranda!! It’s…there’s…AAAHHHH!!”

Miranda: “Jacob!! Jacob!! Come in!! Do you read me!?! Jacob!! Damn it!! This isn’t good!”

Liara: “What just happened!?!”

Miranda: “I don’t know!! It sounded as though he encountered something!! I’m worried about the others!!”

Tali: “Oh, no!! We have to do something!!”

Ashley: “No! We hold our ground here! Whatever happens, we have to keep those monsters in the sky!!”

Liara: “But…what about the rest of the crew??”

Ashley: “They can handle it. Besides, if we leave our post, things would only get worse for them.”

Tali: “But…are you sure?”

Ashley: “Yes…it’s…all we can do at the moment. There really isn’t anything else that can be done.”

Mordin: “Agreed! Must hold the line!”

Tali: “Well…I just hope the others pull through.”

Garrus: “What is going on?”

A little while afterwards, the fight continued. Soon enough, they heard back from Jacob again.

Jacob: “Miranda!!”

Miranda: “Jacob!! What happened to you!?! We were worried about you and the others!!”

Jacob: “We’re hanging in there! Something bad just went down! We were able to hold them back, but…Miranda, everyone, there’s…”

Just then, they heard a loud shriek. They looked behind them, and saw what appeared to be Husks.

Ashley: “What the…!?!”

Liara: “By the goddess! Those are…!!”

Garrus: ”Husks!?! But…that’s not possible!”

Kasumi: “What is this!?!”

The Husks approached them.

Miranda: “This really isn’t good!!”

Ashley: “Brace yourselves, everyone!!”

Tali: “Oh…I really wish Shepard was here.”

Ashley: “We all do, Tali. We all do.”

The small group went on to shoot down the Husks. At that time, the girls took notice of this.

Jewel: “Oh, my god! What are those things!?!”

Splash: “Oh! I’ve never seen those creatures before!”

Jewel: “This is bad. They’re going after our friends.”

Star: “No! Not Mordin!”

Splash: “What can we do!?!”

Jewel looked down at them for a bit, then looked up at the sky where all the monsters were still flying around.

Jewel: “We have to finish up our fight, then we go back down there to protect our friends.”

Aera: “But how? We’re nearly spent!”

Jewel: “We don’t have a choice in the matter! We must use up what we can! Everyone’s depending on us!”

Star: “I know I’ll do what I can! No one hurts my friends and gets away with it, especially not Mordin! If they so much as even scratch up him or even Garrus, I’ll blast them with my most lethal attacks.”

Flare: “No time for idling around! We have to keep at this if we want to save our friends.”

Jewel: “Agreed. Let’s go, girls!! Double time!! Give it everything we’ve got!!”

The girls flew off and fought even harder. Unleashing full forces of their powers, bombarding the monsters with everything they’ve got. Some even became clever with their powers. Splash raining down ice spears, Flare flying around while unleashing her fire powers and flying around like a sky dragon. Aera’s attempt was the gutsiest of all. From where she hovered, she proceeded to cease flying and fell from a great height. The rest of her friends took notice of this.

Star: “AERA!!”

As she fell, she waited till she was a good distance above the ground far below her. Then, she flipped to her back towards the ground and unleashed a huge gust of wind, bombarding the monsters, then flew back up at great speed, carrying a massive amount of air, causing severe damage to a vast amount of the monsters. She looked over, seeming very pleased with what she did.

Jewel: “Aera!! Are you OK??”

Aera: “Yeah, fine, never better. I can’t believe that worked.”

Flare: “You know, that was very risky what you did. You could have ended up killing yourself.”

Aera: ”Yeah, you’re right, I did take a big risk pulling that off, but you have to admit, it looked cool.”

Star: “I’ll say!”

Jewel looked back towards the small group on the cliffside.

Jewel: “There’s not much time. We have to protect them.”

Aera: “You go on ahead. The rest of us can finish off the rest of these beasts.”

Jewel: “Are you sure?”

Splash: “Absolutely! I’m really feeling it!”

Flare: “This is where we need to divide our attention. You must go.”

Jewel: “Alright, I’ll take care of those things on the ground.”

Star: “I’m going with you, Jewel!”

Jewel and Star flew back towards the cliffside while Flare, Aera and Splash continued the fight within the sky.

The small group did all they could to fight off the Husks. They’re pounding at them, but the Husks continued persisting.

Tali: “It’s no use!! We’re barely pushing them back!!”

Garrus: “I can’t believe this is happening!! Now of all times!! And where did these Husks come from!?! I thought they all perished after we defeated the Reapers!!”

Liara: “I agree. What is going on??”

As the crew continued to fight, the Husks advanced towards them, but then, they were surrounded and blasted by flashes of Light. The group stood by, surprised.

Garrus: “What the…!?!”

They looked up and noticed Jewel and Star nearby.

Ashley: “What are you doing!?! Are you supposed to be fighting off those monsters!?!”

Jewel: “The others can handle it just fine with what they have.”

Star: ”Besides, there’s no way we’ll let those terrifying creatures lay a hand on any of you.”

Miranda: “That’s…very noble of you.”

Jewel: “Oh!! Look out!!”

Jewel unleashed a bombardment of massive jewels raining down on the Husks.

Star: “What are those things!?!”

Ashley: “They’re Husks. Humans transformed into hideous abominations by the Reapers.”

Liara: “We thought they all but perished after the Reapers were decimated.”

Star: “Really? Those things are humans transformed into monsters? That’s just horrible!!”

Jewel: “And if the Reapers are gone, how are they still around?”

Garrus: “I don’t know, someone else is probably changing them from more humans.”

Mordin: “No! Actually, not humans! Picked up on zero traces of humans or anything remotely indicating humans. Husks consist of 100% Dark energy. Fully formed from such.”

Garrus: “What? Are you saying that these Husks are actually replicas forged from Dark magic?”

Ashley: “No wonder why they’re so tough.”

Liara: “Oh, no, this isn’t good.”

Jewel: “This means that they’re susceptible to our abilities. Out of the way!”

Jewel flew in, forging a large, square cut corner jewel, then held it in front of her as she rammed into the Husks. Shattering the jewel, she flung the shards towards the Husks, damaging them. She then laced each of them with the shards, expanding them on the monsters and shattering them, causing even more damage. The small group was amazing as they watched this.

Star: “Yeah!! Go, Jewel!!”

The others in the sky continued the fight, still finishing off the monsters. Flare looked down as she watched Jewel unleash her devastating attack. She seemed quite pleased.

Flare: “Well done, Jewel.”

Jewel and Star continued on, finishing off the Husks with their devastating attacks until they disintegrated. The rest of their friends in the sky finished off the rest of the monsters. The Dark Vortex in the sky faded, everything became silent.

Flare, Aera and Splash returned to the ground and all 5 girls reverted to their Dormant forms.

Liara: “Well done, girls.”

Jewel: “Yeah, thanks, that was a close one.”

Tali: “What just happened? Did our Dark entity just manage to figure out how to forge Husks from Dark magic?”

Ashley: “Well, that Dark entity clearly demonstrated that it could whatever it wants.”

Garrus: “But that’s not the biggest concern. How could the vigilante even know about the Husks? His entity wasn’t even here for that long.”

Mordin: “Hmm…yes, not possible for him to have known about the Husks or the Reapers within such a short period of time. Suspect something else going on.”

Miranda: “I’m afraid that he may be right about that. This whole thing has been suspicious from the very beginning.”

Liara: “Indeed, with each encounter with this entity, there seems to be another inconsistency with just his conflict with the girls.”

Miranda: “But what could all of this mean?”

Jewel also stood by, suspicious.

Soon enough, the group with the girls reunited with the rest of the crew.

Ashley: “Thank goodness you guys are alright.”

Jacob: “Yeah, that was rough, but it could have been a lot worse.”

Miranda: “Jacob, I’m so glad you’re OK. I was worried about you.”

Jacob: “Yeah, I’m OK, for the most part.”

Wrex: “I didn’t think that we would make it out of that unscathed, but we’re tough.”

Grunt: “Yeah, we’re as tough as they come.”

Samara: “Regardless, that was indeed a difficult battle. I’ve never encountered so many monsters.”

James: “At least we’ve managed to save so many people.”

Soon enough, Irina approached them.

Irina: “Thank you, everyone, for saving our colony.”

Jewel: “No need to thank us. We were just doing what needed to be done.”

Flare: ”Besides, this place or any other world within this realm is far from savaged. If we hope to save everyone, then we must put a stop to this threat from the source.”

Irina: “I…see…well, you’ve saved so many people regardless. I feel as though I should reward all of you accordingly. So, as thanks from all of us on Nevos, I would like to invite all of you to a wonderful seafood banquet.”

Nearly the entire group developed startled looks on their faces as though they were all thinking “Oh, crap!”

Zaeed: “Well, don’t mind if I do. I could go for an all-you-can-eat seafood extravaganza fit for heroes like us.”

It didn’t take long for them to notice Splash about to throw another fit.

Splash: “You…”

Her face exploded with a look of intense rage.

Splash: “Fish…MURDERER!!”

Ashley: “Um, let’s get out of here!”

Garrus: ”Yeah, good idea.”

Splash was held by her friends as she attempted to lash out at Irina. The shuttle arrived and all of them stepped into the ship. Splash’s friends struggled to pull her into the shuttle as she screamed at Irina.

Splash: “YOU FISH MASS MURDERERS WILL BE SENT TO THE DEEP END FOR ALL THE HORRIBLE ATROCITIES YOU HAVE CAUSED TO MY UNDERSEA WILDLIFE BRETHREN!!”

The shuttle door closed and the ship took off. Irina stood by, stunned at the whole thing.

Irina: “Huh, that’s the last time I offer a seafood banquet to that group.”

On board, Splash was forced on to a seat while Jewel forged the dark-purple jewel she used before and used it on her again. She fell into a calming trance.

Zaeed: “My god! I’ve never seen anyone throw such a massively violent hissy-fit over seafood before.”

Aera: “That’s Splash for ya.”

Garrus: “This is related to her overusing that Fantasy Crystal you gave her, right, Jewel?”

Jewel: “Umm…somewhat…it’s…a really long story…”

Garrus: “I would really appreciate hearing that story someday.”

Flare: “That depends mainly on her. So far, she’s been unwilling to tell anyone about it. Not that I blame her.”

Kasumi: ”You never could discuss this with anyone else?”

Aera: “A lot of us have many trust issues. We only keep these things amongst each other.”

Star: “Perhaps finally, she’ll be able to mention it to you guys, but…”

Jewel: “The memory itself is just too painful for her to want to recall, so because of that, she doesn’t want to talk about it and she demands that none of us mentions it to anyone else.”

Miranda: “I would have thought that she shouldn’t hold you back from telling us if I wasn’t aware of how “influential” she is. Also, it’s her story, so I think we should let her tell it whenever she decides to.”

Liara: “Yeah, that is something that she should decide for herself.”

Flare: “I think it’s safe to remove it now.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I think so, too.”

Jewel removed the jewel from Splash’s chest.

Splash: “Ah! Fishy friends! Wait up, I’m…huh?”

Aera: “Welcome back to reality, Splash, did you have fun swimming amongst your fishy friends?”

Splash: “I…oh…what a trip.”

Zaeed: “No kidding. I can’t believe we had to be pulled away from that seafo-!”

Aera: “Shush! Do you want her to rip you to shreds?”

Zaeed: “What? Even mentioning it could set her off?”

Miranda: “From what we’ve witnessed before, there’s no doubt that it’s a major pet peeve of hers. It’s best to not even mention it.”

Zaeed: “Fine, I see how it is. I’m just glad that I wasn’t at the receiving end of that girl’s vicious temper tantrum.”

Aera: ”No, you wouldn’t want to be, even a Fayelon would be stupid to set her off.”

Star: “But many have and…let’s just say that their influences keep her from having her lay a hand on them.”

Everyone exchanged concerned looks with each other.

Jacob: “Let’s change the subject, shall we? Before this gets dangerous.”

Aera: ”Agreed. So, anything else on your minds?”

Jacob: “Yes, did you guys encounter them, didn’t you? The Husks?”

Miranda: “Yes, we did, I can’t believe it.”

Jacob: “I know, I was shocked when I first saw them. There was something about them that seemed very abnormal, at least for what we have dealt with in the past.”

Liara: “Yes, I felt it, too. Those weren’t the same kind that we have fought before.”

Mordin: “Yes, Dark magic involved. No traces of human assimilation. Replicas forged from Dark energy.”

Thane: “That doesn’t sound good at all.”

Samara: “Indeed, to hear that Dark magic is causing this, it is a massive problem.”

Jacob: “I know, first that vigilante mentioned that he knew something about the Reapers, then him being able to forge Husks. I feel as though things will only get worse from here.”

Jewel sulked.

Liara: “Well, good thing we have the girls here with us.”

Garrus: ”Yeah, I agree. At least we have someone who stands a chance against this threat.”

Mordin: “Indeed, very strong, still have a long way to go before ending this, but potential is there.”

Miranda: “Well, let’s keep at this. We may have a long road ahead of us but we have to press on.”

Ashley: “Yes, only this can be handled by these girls.”

Jewel: “I can sense greatly that our powers are increasing when we’re around you, but there’s still much more improving that needs to be done.”

Mordin: “Yes, already have much to work with, lots of data, resources, useful intel. Possible to combat this threat and put a stop to it.”

Star: “Well, we’ve done great so far.”

Jewel: ”But there’s still lots more work to do. We need to figure out all we can, about the Dark entity, our powers, all that we can to put a stop to this, for both of our realms and all the people that live within them.”

Flare: ”Absolutely. We will do what we must no matter what.”

Everyone else nodded in compliance.

Star: “When we get back to the Normandy, we’ll need to have Gardner cook us up a delicious meal. I’m starving.”

Flare: “Indeed, we will need to keep our strength up.”

Aera: “So much for food being just for pleasure, huh?”

Jewel: “We’ve always suspected that, ever since…well…”

The girls sulked a bit.

Star: “Well, first we eat, then we’ll go over the details on…other things.“

Splash: ”Yes! But no seafood, of course.”

Aera: “We know, Splash.”

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 17-Nourishment

They eventually made it back to the Normandy. They made their way to the crew quarters. There, Gardner was waiting for them.

Gardner: “Welcome back, girls. I heard that you have done excellent work handling those vicious monsters on Nevos.”

Star: “It was nothing.”

Aera: “There were a lot of monsters, and….a few special surprises.”

Ashley: ”The girls handled themselves very well.”

Liara: “They were truly phenomenal.”

Garrus: ”But things will only get worse from here. We have to prepare for when our vigilante friend unleashes another devastating surprise on us.”

Gardner: “Well, then, we’ll need to keep these girls in peak condition. I’ve already made a batch of a welcome home meal for them to keep their strength up and none of which came from the ocean or any bodies of water of any kind for that matter.”

Jewel: “We appreciate that, Gardner, especially that last part.”

Zaeed: “I’ll say, we had to vamoose early and miss out on a smorgasbord of decadent seafo-”

Both Garrus and Jacob slammed both of their hands in front of Zaeed’s mouth.

Garrus: ”Ix-nay.”

Jewel: “Well, let’s chow down, you guys, shall we?”

Flare: ”Yes!!! Let’s get to it!!! It all looks soooooooo gooooood!!!!”

Star: “Easy there, Flare. Make sure to save some for the rest of us.”

Flare rushed over and began eating. The other girls started eating as well. The crew stood by and watched them eat.

Gardner: “Those girls sure can work up an appetite.”

Miranda: “Yeah, they sure can.”

Mordin: ”Hmm….”

The others looked towards Mordin.

Liara: ”Something the matter, professor?”

Mordin: ”Girls mentioned something about food being mere pleasure but suspect otherwise.”

Garrus: “Yeah, I noticed that, too. I wonder what that meant.”

Miranda: “Why don’t we ask them?”

The few of them walked up to the girls as they were eating.

Liara: ”Sorry to bother you right now, we just….”

Garrus: “We have a few questions regarding your impression on food.”

Flare: ”Sorry, can’t talk now. Need to eat! Sooooo hungry!!!!”

Aera: “Wish I could but I have to eat what I can before Flare eats it all.”

They stood by, watching them in stunned silence for a bit. Mordin was on his Omni-tool, making analyzations and checking on them.

Mordin: “Hmmm….interesting…”

The crew looked towards Mordin.

Tali: “Did you find something worth mentioning?”

Mordin: “Remarkable data, food having a unique and significant effect on them. A most interesting reaction within their systems. (sniff) Fascinating.”

Ashley: “Can you tell us what you’ve found out?”

Mordin: “Must look into this, lots of data to analyze. Will be in the lab.”

He walked up towards the girls while the others stood by and watched. He continued analyzing them, almost fixated on his Omni-tool. The others watched as this was occurring. After a while, he seemed to have stopped fiddling with is Omni-tool and nodded.

Mordin: “Fascinating data. Must look into this much further.”

He walked off. As he walked past the others, he signaled them to follow him. They did just that. Garrus stopped to look back at the girls for a little bit then walked off.

A little while afterwards, Mordin was on the console in the lab. A few of the other members entered a little afterwards.

Mordin: “Perfect. Hoping you would arrive here.”

Miranda: “You really seem to be fixated on the analyzation that you were making on the girls.”

Mordin: “Yes, found lots of important intel. The Fayelons have a unique reaction to food. Lots to look into. Found some crucial data.”

Liara: ”That’s seems awfully unusual given what I have seen on one of those Intel Crystals. I saw that they claim food to be a form of pleasure and nothing more.”

Mordin: “No, food more than just pleasure, a unique reaction that truly indicates that. Each one receives nourishment based on what they eat.”

Tali: “Mind going into a little more detail than that?”

Mordin: “Certainly. Different flavors and tastes more appealing to each one serves as an interesting form of nourishment. Enhances the replenishment of the magical energy within their bodies. Some consist of different primary nourishment for each. The more favorable to each one, the more beneficial it is to them.”

Ashley: “Wow, so food provides them with a different kind of nourishment for the girls.”

Mordin: ”Exactly.”

Tali: “Do the rest of their kind know about this?”

Liara: “I…don’t know…one of the Intel Crystals claim to be nothing but pleasure, but…the intel presents itself as though they’re insisting that it is.”

Garrus: ”Really? Is that so?”

Liara: “Yes…not only that, but that particular kind of data seems to be more insistent than any of the other forms of intel, almost like whoever inserted that particular data wanted everyone to believe in that being true.”

Garrus: “Hmm….passive aggressive data…that’s…very suspicious.”

Mordin: “Persistence not worthwhile. This data claims otherwise. Whoever insisted on contradicting what these findings have uncovered is wrong.”

Tali: “And yet, they’re trying to push us or anyone into believing the other form of intel.”

Garrus: ”Why would they try to push others into believing something that’s not really true?”

Miranda: ”Perhaps stubbornness, much like pushing one’s own beliefs on to others.”

Ashley: “Is it really stubbornness, or are they trying to conceal the truth?”

Miranda: ”That’s a good point, actually.”

Tali: “But why would they want to hide something like this from anyone?”

Miranda: ”Probably because knowledge is power. Keep a tremendous amount of knowledge from many and they would be easy to control and manipulate.”

Liara: “Well…a lot of those crystals do contain a vast amount of knowledge regarding their realm. Someone wanted those girls to have those crystals.”

Garrus: “Hm…I don’t like where this is going. The more we look into this, the more suspicious their realm is becoming. I really get the feeling that there’s some shady business going on.”

Miranda: “You think the vigilante could be connected to this?”

Ashley: ”I’m not sure, but I get the feeling that the worst of it won’t end with his defeat.”

Garrus: ”We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. For now, we have a mass-murdering rogue to deal with.”

Liara: “Yes, one thing at a time. I’ll still look into the crystals to see if there are any more suspicious data stored away.”

Liara made her way out of the lab. A little afterwards, the girls arrived.

Ashley: “Oh, good. You’re here.”

Miranda: “Did you girls enjoy your meals?”

Jewel: “Yeah, we did.”

Star: “I have to say, that was the best that we’ve had in a long time.”

Flare: “I’ll say, it was all soooooo gooooood!!!!”

Aera: “No kidding, we had to make sure to eat as much as we could before you ate it all.”

Splash: “So, what’s going on, you guys?”

Tali: “We were just looking into some things.”

Miranda: “Mordin has figured out some interesting intel that I think you girls would be interested in.”

The girls looked at each other, then back towards the crew members.

Jewel: “OK, we’ll bite. What’s up?”

Ashley: “You girls mentioned that your kind thinks of food as just pleasure, but we have found out so much more.”

The girls stood by without making any expressions on their faces.

Jewel: “Yeah…we already knew that.”

Garrus: “Then you must know members of your kind are insisting on being nothing more than pleasure.”

Star: “Yeah, we know that, too.”

Flare: “We knew someone who…looked into that subject. She…well…she was not highly regarded.”

Star: “Heh! No kidding! They thought she was a total nutcase!! Even though she was able to prove that those claims were absolutely true!!”

Garrus: “Hmm….interesting…”

Ashley: “Did everyone discredit her claims and proof of her claims?”

Jewel: “Well….we…”

Star: “We’ve known her a few years after we started attending our advanced courses. She was….a lot of fun to be around….she was just wonderful.”

The girls sulked, the crew members seemed concerned.

Ashley: “I suppose…you don’t want to talk about this.”

Jewel: “No….at least…not now…”

The crew members exchanged looks with each other then looked back at the girls.

Miranda: “OK, we understand, but….”

Tali: “Whenever you’re ready to, please tell us.”

Jewel: “Yes….we will….eventually…”

The girls continued to sulk for a bit.

Star: “So…Dr. Solus? Did you find out anything else about this?”

Mordin: “Hm, yes, lots, currently looking into this. Managed to confirm lots of crucial facts.”

Star rushed over to him and stood by him with her hands behind her back.

Star: “Let’s hear it then!”

As he continued typing on the console a few images appeared within the middle of the table.

Mordin: “Different flavors and tastes have unique effects on your powers. Some nourishes each of your powers better than others, depending on preferences.”

Miranda: “So, basically what he’s saying is their favorite foods can nourish them and replenish their powers better than some that aren’t.”

Mordin: “Correct.”

Star: “Hmmm….makes sense…that explains why I feel so much energized from eating a lot of my favorite food.”

Garrus: “So, what kinds of food do you have in your realm?”

Star: “Well, a lot of them are easily provided by the Fayelons who specialize in magic involving plants. We have plenty who enjoy growing trees and other plants for food. There’s one particular tree that produces some tasty edible bark. It’s so sublime.”

Miranda: “Really? There’s a tree that you guys can eat?”

Star: “Oh, of course. We….hardly ever see it anywhere near our institutions. They would never allow edible trees or plants too close to us.”

Aera: “Don’t know why, it’s not like we would eat the bark off of the trees. The chlorokinetics need to carefully handle the bark and I mean very carefully before it can be eaten.”

Ashley: “So, how often do you girls usually eat?”

Star: “At least once a day, mainly for taking a break from our courses. They could really work us up till we start having cravings and such.”

Aera: “We usually don’t need to eat for any more than once a day. We would take that once a day food break, sometimes developing cravings can cause issues.”

Flare: “But given that food is much more important than many of us have perceived, this is indeed alarming.”

Star: “But we never had any serious issues with our health from eating just once a day.”

Garrus: “Hmmm…I have to wonder if that really is the case.”

At that moment, Liara reentered the room.

Liara: “Hello again, everyone.”

She soon noticed the girls.

Liara: “Hello again, girls. I was hoping to see you.”

Tali: “Did you find anything else from those crystals?”

Liara: “I have been sorting through them to find more intel regarding food. It basically says the same thing.”

Garrus: “So, basically, you didn’t find anything else about it?”

Liara: “Well, no, but….it seems that not only is it mentioned that they’re insisting that food’s nothing more than pleasure, but…whoever forged those crystals mentions that’s all they understand about it. However, there’s some suspicion of that being otherwise. I have reason to believe that they knew more about food than they claim.”

Ashley: “Hmmm….is that so…?”

Miranda: “Hmm…very suspicious…”

Star: “So, anything else that you would like to tell us, Dr. Solus?”

Mordin: “Not yet, still have much more to look into, might need a bit more intel from you girls.”

Star: “Well…I suppose we could leave you a list of some of our favorite foods.”

Mordin: “Ah, excellent idea, Star. This would indeed help with research. May need to look into it a bit more.”

Star: “Looking forward to it.”

She looked over to Jewel, who seemed to have a lot going on in her mind. Star seemed concerned for her. She walked over to her side and tended to her. They looked at each other for a bit before Jewel walked out. Star followed after her. The other 3 girls followed a little afterwards.

A little bit later, they met in a private room and sat down in a circle. Jewel still had the same preoccupied look on her face as her friends looked at her.

Star: “You’re…thinking about…her again, aren’t you? Our….other friend?”

Jewel was quiet for a bit more.

Jewel: “Yes….I just….I just hope….what I did….I…”

Aera: “You’re still beating yourself up about that!?! You did what you had to do. She made her choice and got herself into that mess!”

Jewel: “I know but…what if….what if what I did….what if it killed her?”

Star: “That depends on whether or not you could break her out of that crystal you encased her in.”

Jewel: “Exactly!! I still don’t know how to…I can’t…why…why did it have to come to that!?!”

Flare: “It was the only thing that you could have done. She was risking everyone over her feelings.”

Aera: “She was reckless. She made her choices and we made ours. You know that what she has, she was willing to hand it over to him. If she did, everything that we did to protect everything and everyone would have been for nothing.”

Splash: “Yes, not to mention that she was blinded by her affections towards him.”

Aera: “Exactly.”

Splash: “Also, how could she after what happened to her sister?”

Jewel: “Yeah….I know….”

The girls sulked for a bit.

Aera: “You know…we do need to tell those Normandy people about her.”

Jewel: “I…I want to…I want to so badly, but….I don’t want to risk having him find her before we do. If we even mention it too soon, we could risk that.”

Star: “So, what? We keep quiet about her till we’re able to find her?”

Jewel sulked.

Splash: “But who knows where she could be? You really did fling her very, very far after you encased her. For all we know, we may never be able to find her.”

Aera: “Not to mention the chances of her being in this realm is very, very slim at best.”

Jewel: “Perhaps you’re right….and if we can’t find her, then I know that he can’t.”

Star: ”Right, so that final component is far from his reach, which means that we don’t have to worry about it.”

Aera: “Not to mention that we locked him within this realm. He couldn’t leave even if he was able to find where she wound up.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I guess you’re right. But…”

Flare: “But that final component is still very vital. We’ll need it for the door.”

Jewel: “Yes, I know that, too. I just hope…wherever she is, be it this realm or another, we’ll find her, if we have to.”

Star: “Right, but we’ll worry about that when that time comes.”

Aera: “Assuming it would come at all.”

Jewel had a content look on her face, she then looked up with her face developed a slight tense look.

Jewel: “I know you’ve been listening, EDI.”

EDI: ”My apologies. I am to monitor everything that’s happening on the Normandy.”

Jewel: “It’s fine, just…don’t tell anyone about what we talked about.”

EDI: “Understood. I know you are worried about whoever it was that you were talking about. If you would like, I can keep a lookout for any readings regarding her.”

Jewel: “That…that would be….helpful.”

EDI: “If what you say about her is true, then I believe it is crucial that we should find her.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I think so, too.”

Star: “At the moment, finding how to beat Mr. Dark Vigilante Mass-Murdering Jerkwad is our main priority. Anything else can come after.”

Jewel: “Yes.”

Flare shifted her gaze to the side, she seemed concerned about something.

Meanwhile back in the lab, the group that were still there stood by to look at the research being processed. Kasumi appeared near them.

Kasumi: “So, those girls sure are interesting.”

Miranda: ”Yes, they are, so is their realm, in some ways that aren’t good.”

Liara: “I’m afraid I would have to agree with you on that.”

Ashley: “There is no doubt that there is so many questionable things about their realm. I’m still thinking about what Jewel said a while back when, during our meeting with the Council.”

Tali: ”What did she say that concerns you, Ashley?”

Ashley: “When they asked about more powerful members of their species more qualified to handle this threat, she mentioned something about them not caring at all.”

Tali: “But why would the rest of their kind not care about this senseless slaughtering?”

Garrus: “Yes, that’s something I would like to know. There should be many seasoned, well-experienced Fayelons that could have taken on this vigilante, and yet the only ones to take action are these girls.”

Liara: “I know, they’re so young and it’s apparent that they’re still beginners.”

Ashley: “But they’re the only ones who decided to take action. Why is that?”

Liara: “Hmm….I’ll go look into those crystals some more. Perhaps there is a clue as to why this is.”

Liara walked out again.

Kasumi: “Perhaps I can help Liara out a bit. I’m also curious about all of this.”

Kasumi also departed.

Miranda: “So, did you manage to find out anything else about the girls and their powers?”

Mordin: “Hmm….notice an alarming decrease in their magical energy. Utilization of their powers uses up their magical energy within their bodies.”

Tali: “But what about that spike in energy that you were looking into? Did you find out anything else?”

Mordin: “Did notice a significant change in their magical abilities, readaptation; a metamorphose of sorts.”

Garrus: “Good thing Aera wasn’t around to hear that.”

Mordin: “Sorry, couldn’t resist, pun was too perfect to pass up. Anyway, have noticed changes to how their powers respond to emotions. Jewel, her ability to shatter her own gems at will then utilize her shards as weapons, projectiles and then crystallization.”

Tali: “Oh! You mean when she broke apart that one massive jewel, then shot out the shards towards those husks?”

Ashley: “And then coated them in those shards and shattered them again?”

Mordin: “Yes, that! Such remarkable powers, these Gemma Kinetics.”

Garrus: “I know, her abilities were truly incredible! She seems very skilled with her powers.”

Mordin: “Yes, but not only that, took notice of the usage of her magical energy. Can utilize massive amounts of her own magical energy for abilities such as that. Her powers are changing.”

Miranda: ”What do you mean by that?”

Mordin: “Before their arrival, noticed significant deficiencies. Indications of deprivation.”

Ashley: “Are you serious? Are you telling us that their energy is being used up quickly due to malnourishment?”

Mordin: “Malnourishment not the problem. Usage of magical energy without rest. A reason for their Dormant forms so their magical energy can replenish. Food merely accelerates that process. Respite helps that exceedingly.”

Garrus: “But what was is you said about their emotions? You mentioned something about their feelings for us can enhance their powers.”

Mordin: “Yes, a significant spark in their magical energy triggered by the need to protect us. Jewel, for example, has a strong, emotional attachment towards you, Garrus.”

Garrus: “And then there’s Star, who seems to have a thing for you.”

Mordin: “Yes…hard to….overlook.”

Garrus: ”I’m just really hoping that this doesn’t eventually lead to that whole “Power of Love and Friendship” trope. Seriously, that whole idea sounds really dumb.”

Mordin: “Indeed, never liked that cliché, no creativity, no potential thought, just one quick and easy solution against a massive problem. Pointless. Cannot solve issues with just feelings, even with magic, such is inadequate. (sniff) A waste of a massive story.”

Garrus: “Glad to hear you don’t like it, either, professor. I’m no anime fanatic myself, but I don’t think I need to be one to know what their bad ideas are, regardless of what kind of story it’s involved in.”

Mordin: ”Of course, never liked such simple-minded ideas. Lazy writing, truly memorable stories should be complex, makes them more engaging, exciting, keeps you guessing what could happen next. A simple idea deprives stories of such excitement, buildup becomes pointless. (sniff) Asinine and anticlimactic.”

Tali: ”And the concept of complex ideas is one of many reasons why anime is so well-liked.”

Mordin: “Yes, speaking of which, been working on downloading the Pretty Cure series. Would like to start watching them after having downloaded entire seasons of each.”

Tali: “Really!?! That would be amazing!! I would love to take part in watching those shows!! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve missed them!!”

Mordin: “Absolutely. Already began downloading the first season. Will begin watching as soon as all episodes are available for us.”

Tali: “Wouldn’t miss them for anything!”

Mordin: ”Excellent! Will get started on the arrangements.”

Tali: ”So, how about you, Garrus? Care to join us in watching these shows?”

Garrus: “This again? How many times are you going to keep this up?”

Mordin: “As much as necessary, would really appreciate it if you took us up on this offer.”

Garrus: “Now’s not the time for me to decide.”

Mordin: “Of course, will have plenty to think it over.”

Garrus: “I don’t think I’ll be given enough time make up my mind…or even enough elbow room for that matter.”

Much time later, Ashley met with the girls again within the observation room.

Jewel: “Thanks for meeting with us, Ashley.”

Ashley: “No problem. EDI told me that you wanted to talk a little more about your homes.”

The girls sulked a bit without saying anything. She sat down right beside them.

Ashley: “We have been finding some things about your realm that are questioning and little by little, we’re becoming suspicious towards the moralities. Your people…do have moral principles, don’t they?”

Star: “Yeah, we have morals…many of us for so many years have been devoted to that.”

Flare: “Indeed, it is our sworn obligation to uphold such. It is a great passion and a pleasure.”

Ashley: “Wow, so your kind really do hold morality to such a high standard.”

Splash: “Of course, we have so many reasons to.”

Jewel: “The idea is to serve our Divine Bringer of Light, the one we believe to be the source of all life in the Universe. The Divine Source.”

Ashley: “The Divine Source? Is that what you call your….god?”

Jewel nodded.

Jewel: “It is what we’ve been taught since we were very young, that we serve to protect all of our deity’s creations, to prevent all those that threaten it.”

Ashley: “Wow, that is a really massive responsibility.”

Star: “Well…yes, but we have a right to choose if we are to take on such huge responsibilities.”

Flare: “And as I have said before, it is truly a pleasure. I know I would give so much to preserve the balance and order of the universe.”

Splash: “But it’s also to protect all those that we love.”

Aera: ”Yeah….what’s left of them, anyway.”

Ashley: “Aera?”

Aera: ”But that’s beside the point.”

Jewel: “What we’re trying to say is…morality is indeed a huge part of our culture and our people.”

Ashley: “That…that all sounds…wonderful…but…from what we have heard before and what we have learned from those Intel Crystals, we’ve been noticing some things that are very well off.”

Jewel: ”Yeah…we’ve noticed that, too. Even though we’ve been taught the importance of protecting the universe and serving our Divine Bringer of all life in the universe, we have taken notice amongst our kind a sense of apathy.”

The other girls nodded.

Ashley: “Apathy?”

Jewel: “They think we haven’t noticed anything because we’re so young and inexperienced but we know when some are not interested in upholding such servitude.”

Ashley: “Well…not everyone needs to serve your…deity if they don’t want to. It’s not like all Fayelons have to uphold that sworn obligation, right?”

Jewel: “Of course not! No one has to serve if they don’t want to, but some do and that is plenty that our Divine Source could ever ask of us. But…I feel that it’s much worse than that….”

The girls sulked as they sat by for a bit.

Flare: “We all do.”

Ashley seemed concerned for the girls.

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 18-Concerns

A little afterwards, Ashley made her way back to the lab. There, Tali, Miranda, Garrus, Liara, Kasumi and Mordin were looking through the data.

Ashley: “Hey, everyone.”

Tali: “Oh, hello, Ashley.”

Ashley: “How is everything going?”

Kasumi: “Great, we were just looking into a few things.”

Ashley walked up to the group.

Miranda: “Mordin was just analyzing the data regarding the girls and their…connections to food. He found out some incredible results.”

Ashley: “Really? That sounds great.”

Tali: “You’re just in time. He was about to reveal them to us.”

Garrus: “And not a moment too soon. Another minute of these 2 pestering me into watching their shows with them and I would have reopened that second exit to this area from the QEC.”

Miranda: “Well, shall we get on it, doctor?”

Mordin: “Yes, of course, just uploading the last of my findings.”

Garrus: “Finally! We’re all ears, professor.”

Mordin: “Preferences to their diets indicate that they tie very much to their powers. For example, Jewel prefers earthy flavors given that she is a geomancers.”

Liara: “Interesting.”

Kasumi: “But does her being a Gemma Kinetic mean that she could live off of a diet of rock candy?”

Mordin: “Absolutely not! Hardly a recommendation.”

Ashley: “I assume you were only joking about that, Kasumi.”

Kasumi: “Perhaps a little. I was thinking that it would connect well because, you know, Gem powers, rock candy. I thought it would make sense.”

Mordin: “While an understandable theory, would disagree with that. Shaping certain foods in some ways does not affect the kinds of influences they would have on the girls. No flavors to suggest that.”

Kasumi: “I see.”

Ashley: “So, would flavors related to heat affect Flare?”

Mordin: “Yes, studies show that Flare favors spicy foods as well as other flavors involving heat. Toasty another good preference for her.”

Ashley: “I suspected as much.”

Garrus: “I would think that everything she devours would be considered a preference to her.”

Kasumi: “I know, that girl sure does eat like she’s never seen food before and the rest of her friends had to be just as ferocious around food since she would pretty much eat everything.”

Liara: “They did mention that she has done that before.”

Miranda: “I would assume that their tastes don’t completely revolve around their powers.”

Mordin: “Indeed, not completely. Star, for example, prefers sweets. May or may not have any specific connections to her powers but does reenergize her in some ways. Also prefers other flavors such as dairy products or even zesty.”

Garrus: “Hmm…dairy, huh? I remember when I first met the girls that Star was served a milkshake, that is after I reamed in on that bartender for promoting underage drinking.”

Miranda: “And you also mention zesty. Would their tastes also coincide with their personalities?”

Mordin: “Yes, tastes very much coincide with their personalities.”

Tali: “Let me guess, Aera prefers salty flavors.”

Garrus: “Yeah, that pretty much sounds like her considering her snarky attitude.”

Mordin: ”Also prefers semisweet and tart.”

Kasumi: “Semisweet? You mean as in chocolate?”

Mordin nodded once.

Liara: “I wonder what kinds of flavors Splash would go for.”

Garrus: “I just hope it has nothing to do with seafood.”

Kasumi: “Oh, I hope not either, especially with how she reacts to it. That would be like cruel irony.”

Garrus: “Exactly.”

Mordin: “Yes, indeed, thankfully, her tastes don’t involve any seafood of any kind. Being that she is an aquakinetic, her preferences run in the category of fluids.”

Garrus: “Hmm…I would think that she’d prefer beverages over food.”

Mordin: “Yes, makes sense, however, there are some foods consisting of high volumes of fluids, such as fruit.”

Ashley: “Fruit?”

Mordin: “Yes, anything with high amounts of fluids very helpful toward aquamancers. Frigid diets especially for those that are also cryokinetics.”

Kasumi: “Sounds like Splash would benefit greatly from ice cream.”

Liara: “But nothing involving fish, right? Just to be sure.”

Mordin: “No, would not recommend it. Fish may live off of water, but does very little to benefit aquamancers.”

Garrus: “Well, that’s a relief. I’m sure that Splash would rather starve to death then having to live off of a diet of fish. Um…it is possible for Fayelons to starve to death, right?”

Mordin: “Most likely not. Fayelons can go many days without food, however, it could greatly slow their body’s natural rejuvenation of their magical energy. One meal a day should be sufficient.”

Liara: “So, I would assume that in conclusion, all of the intel regarding food to be nothing more than pleasure for them is false, correct?”

Mordin: “Yes, absolutely; data never lies.”

Liara: “Hmm…I wonder….do the entire species truly believe that food is nothing more than pleasure or…”

Garrus: “Or if something else is going on. It wouldn’t surprise me if that were true.”

Liara: “Well, it does make sense, I mean, why would someone be so insistent of something to be true? Perhaps there’s more to it. I’ll need to take another look into that Intel Crystal again.”

Ashley: “Yes, in the meantime, let’s check on the girls.”

Kasumi: “Sure, I would like to see how they are.”

Liara: “Last I recall, Dr. Chakwas asked to look into evaluating their health.”

Garrus: ”Great, let’s head over there.”

Ashley: “You guys go on ahead, I received another transmission from the admiral. He asked to meet with me for another briefing. I’ll meet with you guys later.”

Most of them left. Ashley made her way to the QEC.

Meanwhile, within the bridge, Joker and EDI were sitting near one another, still piloting the ship. Joker seemed a bit concerned as he noticed EDI with a far-off look in her eyes.

Joker: “Say, EDI. Are you already? You seem a bit out of it.”

EDI: “I am fine, Jeff. It’s just, I overheard a private conversation that the girls had with each other.”

Joker: “Really? A private conversation? With just each other?”

EDI: “Yes, they did make me promise to not mention what they talked about, so I am sorry that I cannot disclose any of it, especially to you.”

Joker: “Don’t worry about it, it’s their secret, so who are we to make them confess to what they’re keeping to each other? I know you don’t have any right to that, either.”

EDI: “Thank you for understanding. I did, however, offer them to scan for any unusual reading regarding their magical energy in case…well…let’s just say…they’re worried about something.”

Joker: “Worried? About what?”

EDI: “It regards the door. They seemed concerned that if the vigilante were to find…whatever it is that’s out there before they do, well…they believe that all of their efforts to prevent him from gaining access to that door would be for naught. I don’t exactly know what it is, but…it sounds like something that is in need of our attention.”

Joker: “Wow…that’s some massive secret.”

EDI: “I cannot say any more than that, so until we are able to find this…component, I suggest that we are to not mention any of this to the others. The less that they know about this, the better it is that he does not find it.”

Joker: “My lips are sealed. I just hope that we are able to find whatever is out there that they’re worried about before that psychotic evil master of this Dark magic or whatever.”

EDI continued on her far-off stare, concerned.

At that time, a few of the crew members arrived at the medical bay. There, they met with Dr. Chakwas as well as the girls. Jewel was on one of the tables with the rest standing around nearby.

Dr. Chakwas: “Oh, good, I was hoping to see each of you again.”

Liara: “It’s good to see you, too, Dr. How are the girls doing?”

Dr. Chakwas: “The girls seem to be doing quite well. Although, from what I can tell, they seem to be a bit more energetic. Their bodies seem to have more….magical energy within them. Perhaps a bit more than the first time we’ve met them.”

Liara: “Yes, we figured as much.”

Garrus walked over to Jewel and stood near her.

Garrus: “So, how are you feeling, Jewel?”

Jewel: “Pretty good. Dr. Chakwas seemed quite pleased with the results of this check-up.”

Garrus: “That’s good to hear. We’ve been going over some things regarding food. There’s no doubt that we have some suspicions with how your entire race has perceived food in general.”

Jewel: “Yeah…so do we….”

Dr. Chakwas: “I’ve looked into some of the data that was sent to me by Dr. Solus. From what I have seen, it is indeed that food does have some significant effects on the girls’ magical energy.”

Mordin: “Indeed it does, enhances their ability to rejuvenate the magical energy that they produce naturally in their bodies. Such suggests and confirms contradictions with the data from Intel Crystals regarding food.”

Liara: “Hmm…well…yes, the data regarding food is truly incorrect, but how it’s been displayed isn’t.”

Tali: “I don’t understand. How is that so?”

Liara: “It mentions that many believe that food is nothing more than pleasure and that many authorities are insisting that to be true. I have looked over the data repeatedly, trying presenting proof that it is wrong, but…it’s almost as though they’re demanding otherwise and that everyone should believe that.”

Garrus: “Are you saying that they’ve been lying and have been perpetuating that lie?”

Liara: “From what I can tell…yes…”

Kasumi: “But…why would they lie about this? What are they trying to achieve through it all?”

Miranda: “Hmm…when it comes to withholding information and fabricating to cover it up, it usually involves a sense of power and domination. This data we found out, although not incredibly massive, does seem to be plenty vital.”

Kasumi: “Are you saying that some kind of power struggle is involved in this?”

The girls sulked, it seemed as though they were contemplating on something.

Jewel: “That would explain why…”

They were still sulking. The rest of the crew members looked out towards the rest of the girls. Garrus seemed a bit annoyed but calmed down a bit.

Garrus: “You mentioned something about someone you knew looking into this. Could you…clarify that a bit more?”

Jewel still sulked a bit.

Jewel: “Well…it…it’s hard for us to mention…but…she meant us so much to us…I can’t really say…”

Just then, Ashley stepped into the medical bay.

Tali: “Ash!”

Kasumi: “Hey, what’s up?”

Ashley: “I just finished up with speaking with the admiral. He’ll be arriving here shortly to talk about a few things with the girls. He also requested that the few of us will need to speak with him as well.”

Liara: “What’s this about?”

Ashley: “It involves exchanging intel. He wants us to brief him on what we have found out as well as some things that he needs to inform us about.”

Liara: “Well then, I guess he’ll want me to be part of this.”

Ashley: “Yes, he did ask for you. Garrus, you’re needed. Mordin, you, too. I have already told him about finding out a few new details. He wishes to hear more about it.”

Liara: “Of course.”

Miranda: “Then the rest of us will meet up with the other crew members and inform them of what we have found out.”

Tali: “We’ll see you after your briefing is done.”

Tali, Miranda and Kasumi walked out of the medical bay.

Joker: “Ash, the admiral just arrived. He’s waiting for you in the docking bay.”

Ashley: “Thank you, Joker. Well, let’s go meet with him.”

Ashley walked out of the room.

A little while afterwards, the group made their way towards the admiral who was standing before them.

Hackett: “It’s good to see all of you again.”

Liara: “Same to you, admiral.”

He looked down at the girls.

Hackett: “And it’s good to see the girls again as well. Chipper as ever, I suppose.”

Star: “Never better.”

Aera: “We just finished up with a huge meal a while ago.”

Flare: “It was soooooo good….!!!”

Splash: “And not a single fish food in sight.”

Hackett: “That’s good to hear.”

Jewel: “So…what would you like to discuss with us, admiral?”

Hackett: “There has been a few things that I need to go over with all of you, but let’s have this conversation someplace more secluded.”

Liara: “Shall we make our way to the Shepard’s quarters?”

Hackett: “Yes, I think that would be fine.”

Star: “Hold on a minute. You guys intend to have this private meeting where your commander is still in a coma? Doesn’t that seem kind of…rude and inconsiderate?”

Aera: “Yeah, it’s an invasion of privacy, not to mention that it’s kind of awkward.”

Splash: “I know I wouldn’t want anyone to have private conversations while I’m asleep.”

Aera: “This coming from someone who has slept through many private chats after Jewel places one of her Dream Crystals on you?”

Star: “And after your fish tantrums.”

Splash: “Wait, what? I don’t….what are you….”

Aera: “Nevermind.”

Ashley: “We have done this several times before. It’s…”

A few of the crew members shifted disheartened gazes to their sides.

Liara: “We always hope that these ongoing private meetings will help Shepard to come out of his coma with the sounds of our voices.”

Aera: “Well, obviously, it hadn’t worked yet.”

Liara: “No…but…we keep hoping…”

The girls exchanged concerned looks with each other.

Jewel: “Well…if you feel like it would help, then…I guess it’s OK if we tried.”

Liara: “It hasn’t exactly brought him back, but we’ve been receiving reports from Dr. Chakwas that his vital signs have gradually improved each time.”

Flare: “Well…that is something…”

Liara: “Yeah…”

Ashley: “Shall we get going?”

Jewel: “Yes…let’s go…”

Hackett: “After you, Williams.”

Ashley walked off with everyone else.

They arrived within Shepard’s quarters. There, they went up to the sofa near Shepard’s bed where Shepard was still lying down. At the one end that was closer to the bed, Garrus sat near the edge with Jewel sitting right next to him. Liara sat next to her. Mordin sat on the other end that faced the bed with Star happily sitting next to him. Ashley sat next to Star with the admiral beside her. Splash, Aera and Flare brought up chairs up to the other corners of the table that’s for the sofa and sat on them.

Hackett: “Alright, now that we’re all here, let’s start this conversation. First off, I want to hear about the progress regarding the girls’ powers. Have any of you found out anything new about them?”

Liara: “We’ve actually found out plenty.”

Hackett: “Before we get to that, how was the girls’ first visit at Grissom Academy? Was everyone there friendly to them? How has Sanders been doing?”

Liara: “Things have been wonderful. All of the students there were happy to meet the girls. Jack especially.”

Hackett: “Yes, I hear…Jacqueline has been…improving…in her biotic powers as well as her behavior.”

Jewel: “We were very happy to meet Jack.”

Aera: “We’ve heard some…questionable things about her, but she didn’t seem all bad.”

Star: “Not that we actually blame Jack for her…colorful past. What she went through is something that makes my worst experiences greatly pale in comparison.”

Aera: “I don’t find that hard to believe.”

Hackett: “That is good to hear. Now then, I heard that their vigilante’s dark monsters attacked the academy. From what I have heard, when the girls fought those creatures, they underwent some unusual changes.”

Flare: “We wouldn’t know anything about, sir. At least…we wouldn’t have been able to tell you anything about it.”

Jewel: “All we knew at the time was that it happened when Garrus and a few of our other friends stepped in to help us. We never really experienced anything like it before.”

Star: “I know, it’s like our need to protect our friends changed our powers in some way.”

Ashley: “Dr. Solus had been analyzing this unusual change while it was occurring and found some amazing results.”

Mordin: “Hm, indeed. Readings show that their magical energy responds to emotions. The need and desire to protect us enhanced their powers. A significant change to their abilities as well.”

Flare: “We began to carry out abilities that we didn’t know we could do. It was…astonishing.”

Star: “We never thought we could be capable of doing anything that we did back there.”

Garrus: “The anime fans seem to know something about this. Tali mentioned that this reminded her of some infamous anime cliché known as the Power of Love and Friendship. It’s no surprise as to why such an idea is so appalling.”

Hackett: “Hm…I think I remember hearing my kids mention something like that when they were younger.”

Liara: ”Your kids also watched anime?”

Hackett: “When they were younger, yes. My grandchildren’s love for the series of Japanese cartoons were passed on from them. It seemed that they also inherited their contempt for these infamous clichés.”

Garrus: ”Hm….I, myself, am not so much a fan of these…unique human cartoons, but I am able to tell just how stupid of an idea this is.”

Aera: “I would think that anyone with half a brain could conceive that, but Dr. Solus did inform us that this is not the case for us.”

Mordin: “Indeed, although similar to a certain point, not very much so. Power of Love and Friendship consists of a lazy and quick solution to a final battle that seems unbeatable at the time. This, however, conceives a subtle and reasonable circumstance. Magical energy responds to emotions. The change will progress overtime. May help with enhancing their powers, but only partially.”

Ashley: “There have been a number of other issues that we took notice of.”

Hackett: “Hm…is that so? You did mention something about a few suspicious things regarding the Fayelons and their realm that you’ve been needing to address to me.”

Ashley: ”That’s right. We have a reason to believe that these girls’ problems didn’t even start with the vigilante.”

Hackett: ”Can you name one example?”

Liara: “Yes, we can. We looked into their impressions on food. I have to say we’re very concerned.”

Hackett: “Food? What are their impressions on food?”

Liara: ”Well, their entire kind perceives food to be nothing more than pleasure.”

Hackett: “You mean food to them isn’t a form of nourishment?”

Liara: “Not as an absolute necessity. Their kind can thrive a good amount of time without eating. They would often have 1 meal a day and that’s just about as far as necessary for them. However….”

Hackett: ”There are some things about this that concern you regarding the details, right?”

Liara: “Yes, we have found some indications that somewhat contradicts what they have believed and convinced themselves and each other.”

Mordin: “Hm, yes, indeed. Results show food to be very significant to Fayelons and their body’s rejuvenation of their natural magical energy. Enhances such.”

Hackett: “So, food does serve as more than just pleasure for their kind?”

Liara: “From what we are able to find, yes. However…this also brings up some concerns.”

Ashley: “The girls’ entire kind are insistent on food being nothing more than pleasure and we believe that such a claim is being enforced on them constantly.”

Hackett: ”Enforced? You mean their entire kind wants them to believe that food to be nothing but pleasure?”

Liara: “Yes, we received some magical objects from the girls known as Intel Crystals that we’ve been looking into.”

Hackett: ”Yes, Williams already told me about that. These…Intel Crystals, they’re magical objects forged by the Gemma Kinetics to store away information.”

Jewel: ”A Gemma Kinetic trademark specialty. It was kept a secret for a good long time before we shared them with other members of our kind.”

Splash: “Those objects became revolutionary when they were introduced to the rest of us. They’re amazing!! Gemma Kinetics are the most amazing magical beings ever!!”

Jewel: “We’re not that great, we just have a unique power, that’s all. All Fayelons are special.”

Star: ”Don’t be so modest, Jewel. You’re amazing! Your kind is so cool! I’m almost envious.”

Splash: “Yeah, the rest of us hardly come close to having that kind of unique power. You truly are the best.”

Jewel: “Um….well….”

Jewel began to blush a little.

Flare: “Girls, that’s enough. You know Jewel doesn’t need to be praised this much.”

Star: “Yeah, we know, we just want Jewel to be more confident in herself. She’s been through far too much crap and she deserves to be complemented every once in a while, at the very least.”

Aera: “Oh, we are very well aware of that.”

Splash nodded.

Hackett: “Back to the matter on what we were previously trying to discuss.”

Star: ”Oh, right, sorry, got carried away there.”

Hackett: ”Thank you, now then, what was it you were going to say regarding the Intel Crystals and food?”

Liara: “Oh, right, well, I’ve been….looking into one particular Intel Crystal regarding the subject of food. The intel, itself, it’s…shocking.”

Hackett: “Care to explain, Dr. T’Soni?”

Liara: “Well, the intel mentions that food is nothing more than pleasure, but there are some things about it that I find questionable and alarming. The intel is passive aggressive, almost as though it’s insisting on such being true.”

Hackett: “I’m afraid I don’t understand. What do you mean “passive aggressive”? Are these Intel Crystals interactive?”

Liara: “Yes. It’s…an experience all on its own. Some consist of actually seeing these different places and events regarding the intel. Others involve interacting with what appears to be a manifestation of what looks like a person explaining a lot of what is contained within the crystal.”

Hackett: “Oh, I see, so it’s a way of receiving a more detailed clarification of the intel contained within the crystals.”

Liara: “Yes, I have spent a long time “interacting” with these crystals. The intel, itself, is inserted into our minds. I have been undergoing this experience for what feels like hours.”

Jewel: “Lots of other members of this ship have been helping out with this as well.”

Liara: “Right, Jewel, so it’s not just me going through this.”

Hackett: “So, what of the intel regarding food? What is it about it that is so unusual about it? I would think that intel from these crystals are more so informative but this….this is…insistent and not in a subtle manner.”

Liara: “That pretty much sums it up.”

Hackett: “Hm…that indeed sounds very suspicious.”

Garrus: ”This does raise the question on the legitimacy of how food is perceived to the Fayelons, especially with what we have found out.”

Mordin: ”Hm, yes, indeed. Data truly confirms that food does play a vital role in revitalizing their magical energy. No doubt that otherwise is wrong but…wondering if this is what they understand or…”

Garrus: “Or if their kind is enforcing them to believe that food is nothing more than pleasure. They should have been able to figure out by now that that’s not the case or even a long time ago for that matter.”

Hackett: ”Hm…it indeed sounds like their kind is trying to keep them in the dark about this.”

Garrus: “Well, I wouldn’t think that they know nothing about this and are just keeping anyone from believing what they didn’t want to believe out of sheer stubbornness. No, there’s something else going on and this isn’t the only thing about their kind that’s suspicious.”

Hackett: “Hm…yes, I’ve noticed that, too. I would like to talk about that more with you guys but not now. There are some things that I need to go over with the girls. That is, if you girls don’t mind.”

Jewel: ”Of course we don’t. Whatever you need from us, we’ll provide.”

Hackett: “I appreciate that. I’m not one to pry if it’s unnecessary. I don’t want to do anything that would make any of you uncomfortable.”

Jewel: ”Of course, thank you for that.”

Hackett: “I would also like to go over a lot regarding this intel from the Fayelons and their…realm.”

Liara: ”Sure, we can provide you what you’ll need from us.”

Hackett: “Also, there’s another matter that I need to have done.”

Everyone stared at the admiral for a bit.

Hackett: “The Council asked to meet with you again. They also asked for me as well.”

Aera: “Oh, no, not those guys again.”

Star: “What do they want with us now?”

Hackett: “It involves the recent attack on Nevos. They’re concerned with said occurrence.”

Flare: “Hm, most troublesome indeed.”

Ashley: “Well, if it’s what needs to be done, then we’ll make our way back to the Citadel as quickly as possible.”

Jewel: “I’m not looking forward to this.”

Ashley: “I’m not either, but we should at least hear what they have to say, whether we want to or not.”

Star: “More like complain about us!”

Flare seemed a little concerned as a slight serious look appeared on her face.

Aera: “Well, guess we should get this over with and hear what kind of grievances they have for us this time.”

Everyone stood up.

Hackett: “Not to worry, girls. I’ll be here to vouch for you.”

Jewel: “I just hope it’ll be enough.”

Hackett: “For what it’s worth, you have the support of a lot of good people in this galaxy. Word of your heroic exploits have spread very quickly. Many of us have a lot of faith in you.”

Jewel: “Thank you…admiral.”

The admiral seemed pleased; they made their way out of the room. Aera kept Splash close to her, making sure that she didn’t become distracted by the fish tank. A few of them, however, stopped to look back at Commander Shepard. They seemed a bit sad to see him still laying on the bed, unconscious. They then proceed to leave his quarters.

Much time later, the Normandy was making its way back toward the Citadel again. The admiral stayed on board to chat with the crew members. At that time, Miranda was having a long chat with Jack via communicators, which had been occurring around the same time as the briefing within Shepard’s quarters and is still continuing on.

Jack: “So, let me see if I got this straight: Flare taught you and the other biotics a special meditation technique that enabled all of you to be able to use biotic energy to reach out to the magical energy throughout space and you didn’t even bother to include me?”

Miranda: ”Sorry, Jack. You weren’t with us at the time.”

Jack: “Yeah! But you should have told me! I would have been there within a heartbeat!”

Miranda: “We were worried that it would have been an inconvenience on your part with your busy schedule and all.”

Jack: “Please, I would have made time to make my way over there. Seriously, I can’t believe you wouldn’t even consider mentioning it to me.’

Miranda: “Perhaps next time we plan another session with her, we’ll remember to mention something about it with you. With how advanced your biotics are, you could easily catch up to us or maybe even surpass us to where only one session would be enough for you.”

Jack: “You are such a b****, you know that right?”

Miranda: “Well, I do know that it’s not the first time you’ve mentioned that.”

Jack: “Yeah, yeah, smarm it up, cheerleader.”

Miranda: “Now, now, Jack, we did promise the girls that we were to be on our best behavior. We’re both aware of how much they don’t like it when we don’t get along.”

Jack: “Yeah…I suppose you’re right. I do like those girls and I want to help them out however I can. Sure, we can set aside our differences, but only for them.”

Miranda: “Agreed. I’ll do my part to keep a lot of my own snarky comments to myself. I can’t blame you for our butting heads constantly. It does take 2 to tango, afterall.”

Jack: “True. You know, I may not have liked you, but you’re not one of the worst people that I have ever met, much less the worst that I have encountered.”

Miranda: “Thank you, Jack. I will gladly take that as a compliment.”

Jack: “See ya, b****.”

They severed communications with each other. She looked over and noticed the girls nearby.

Miranda: “Oh, hello, girls.”

Jewel: “Hey, Miranda. Um…”

Miranda: “You OK, Jewel?”

Jewel: “Yeah! Fine….it’s just…”

Flare: “The council wants to meet with us again.”

Miranda: “Oh? Is that so?”

Jewel: “Yes…they…they also asked for you and Jacob as well.”

Miranda: “What? Really? Are they sure about that? Do they really want to meet with us?”

Jewel: “Yes, they do. The admiral told us to remind you of this shortly after we returned from our briefing with him. They requested the both of you specifically as well as the rest of us who are to meet with them.”

Aera: “We don’t know why. We were told that they still have a bit of grudge against all former Cerberus operatives. For all we know, it’s to continue airing their grievances towards you for working for such a shady organization.”

Miranda: “No, that would not surprise me at all. Jacob and I have been doing all we can to avoid anything regarding the council. We have not been pleased with their obstinate demeanor towards us.”

Splash: “But why not? It’s clear that both you and Jacob are good people, even though Cerberus was evil. Besides, you have never gotten involved with any of their evil deeds.”

Miranda: “No, you’re right, we haven’t been involved in any of their questionable actions but working for an organization who has is still considered a crime.”

Star: “But what of people who have left the organization? People like you?”

Miranda: “Well…it wasn’t easy for many of us. Yes, many were happy to have disbanded and we have been invaluable resources during the Reaper War, but we still deal with a lot of conflicts and controversies. Many have questioned why we even joined in the first place and some still see us in a negative light. I can’t blame them completely, though, which is why some of us still conceal ourselves from the public eye.”

Splash: “That’s not fair.”

Miranda: “It’s not all bad. We were able to surround ourselves with people who have been willing to work alongside us and see a lot of us for the good that we are. We have also provided a lot of assistance from our time in Cerberus through the knowledge we’ve gained from working for them and really helping out a lot. Many of us have redeemed ourselves and really helped to spread the importance and understanding of not exploiting others through cruel experiments. I believe that such heinous actions have greatly decreased thanks to us and it really helped to shine a more positive light on humanity in the eyes of many alien races. A lot of the aliens that we have worked alongside and made friends with also helped with increasing their trust in humanity.”

Splash: “That’s wonderful.”

Jewel: “I really hope that you guys are able to keep this up.”

Flare: “Yes, you would help your kind out immensely.”

Miranda: “It’s a slow process, but we have been seeing a lot of favorable results.”

Flare: “Indeed.”

Miranda smiled as the girls did the same.

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Episode 19-Shadows

Much time later, they arrived back at the Citadel. The Normandy docked, several crew members along with the admiral and the girls stepped off. They made their way towards the Council Chambers. The girls were unnerved. The admiral seemed concerned by them.

Hackett: “You girls…feeling OK?”

Jewel: “For the most part, yeah, but…”

Aera: “We’re hardly thrilled about the idea of meeting with the council again, especially after how they treated us.”

Star: “Not to mention that they were so rude about Mordin. I can’t believe they would say such horrible things.”

Hackett: “I can understand your frustration. But no matter what they would say about you, you’re the only hope against this dark threat and they know it, so they’re very well aware that they have to concede with entrusting you against this threat whether they like it or not.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I suppose, but…hm…why are they so passive aggressive towards us? Almost like…they really don’t want us here regardless of the circumstances.”

Hackett: “Hmm…I wonder that, myself, too, actually. They are indeed very resistant towards the idea of accepting you, unlike myself. I have no qualms with any of you even though this threat is very much related to you. I understand that there really isn’t anything else that you girls should be doing and staying here pretty much is the most effective way of dealing with it from what I have been told.”

Jewel: “Yes…it wasn’t an easy decision for us, but…this, so far, it’s been the best option that we have come across. At least Garrus and the rest of the Normandy crew understand that.”

Jewel looked towards Garrus with a petite smile on her face.

Jewel: “And I appreciate them for that.”

Garrus looked towards Jewel as he was also smiling.

Flare: “However, there are some things that I have noticed that are quite suspicious. Some things indeed don’t add up.”

Star: “I know, right? Things really are just not right; we’ve all noticed that ever since we arrived here.”

Splash: “That’s really scary.”

Flare: “I just hope that we are able to find the answers to these mysteries.”

Ashley: “So do we. I don’t like any of this and I would like to find out as much as we need to about them.”

Mordin: “Indeed, notice that there could be a connection between our galaxy’s mysteries and the Fayelons’ ongoing conflict. All the more reason why we need to work with these girls.”

Garrus: “There’s no doubt about that. The vigilante knowing about the Reapers, encountering the Husks again and finding that they’re completely formed from Dark magic. What could any of this mean?”

Liara: “It is indeed very alarming and I do worry about the girls’ welfare as well.”

Garrus: “So do I. We have yet to scratch the surface of how bad this conflict really is.”

Liara: “I know, I’m just glad the girls are here.”

Garrus: “So am I.”

Miranda: “Hm, never did I think that we would get involved in a fabled battle of good vs. evil before and to have it be far greater than anything that we have encountered.”

Jacob: “And here I thought that the Reapers were bad.”

Tali: “Say, wasn’t Cerberus one of the major issues that we were dealing with at the time?”

Miranda: “Don’t remind me.”

Just then, things got dark. They looked up to see the sky blackened by the same dark vortex that they have seen before. Everyone else nearby stopped to look up at this dark aura in terror.

Jewel: “Oh, no…!!”

Traynor: “It’s him again.”

Garrus: “What surprises does he have for us this time?”

There was a brief pause, then bits of its dark energy shot out, unleashing many scary monsters. People nearby screamed and ran as they noticed them. Some were attacked.

Jewel: “No! Not again!!”

Members of the crew with weapons pulled out their guns.

Garrus: “Girls, you know what to do!”

Jewel: “Of course. Let’s go!”

The other girls nodded once and readied themselves.

Jewel, Flare, Star, Aera, Splash: “Metamorphose!!!”

From there, they transformed again, then rushed off.

Aera: “You guys take care of getting the civilians to safety.”

The girls made their way to fight off the monsters.

Ashley: “You heard her. Make sure these people are out of harm’s way.’

Those with weapons rushed off with the few without followed behind.

As the girls fought, the Normandy crew made their way towards civilians that were being attacked, jumping in the way and shooting at the monsters while directing the civilians to run. Some directed them to safety while shooting, some like Samantha stepped in to lead people away. Admiral Hackett also took part in helping out.

Ashley: “Normandy, this is Lt. Commander Ashley Williams. I need the rest of you out here now. The vigilante just unleashed another onslaught on the Citadel. Get out here as fast as you possibly can and help the civilians to safety.”

James: “Roger that, Chica, we’re on our way now.”

The fight continued, shortly, the other members of the crew arrived. They had their weapons ready and shot at any monster in sight. The few others that were already out were pleased to see them.

Ashley: “Thank goodness you arrived.”

James: “You think we would just stand by and let you guys have all the fun?”

Javik: “These creatures don’t know who we’re dealing with!!”

Zaeed: “You guys really look like you have your hands full!!”

Samara: “How are the girls doing?”

Ashley looked out and noticed the girls faring well in the tough battle.

Ashley: “They’re hanging in there. Let’s help them out and give them less to worry about.”

James: “You got it, Chica.”

Zaeed: “Leave the monsters to guys like me. The rest of you can take care of saving the people.”

From there, the rest of the crew members helped out.

The girls continued on the fight while the crew members handled the rest. Some that specialized mainly in fighting focused on shooting with some interchanging between shooting and leading civilians away to safety. A few of the crew members stepped up to help out their squad mates with fighting and crowd control. Before long, they were caught off guard by many Husks that appeared everywhere.

Aera: “Oh, no, not these things again!”

Jewel: “Handle these things any way you can. We can’t let any of them get near the civilians.”

Just then, they heard what sounded like a loud screech from above them. They turned towards the sky to spot a hoard of Banshees floating down from the large vortex.

Star: “What the…!?! What are those terrifying things!?!”

The Normandy crew looked up and became startled as soon as they spotted them.

Garrus: “No…this can’t be…”

Liara: “By the goddess…those are…Banshees!!”

Garrus: “Our dark adversary is really pulling the stops.”

The girls stood by for a bit as the Banshees approached.

Jewel: “Let’s take to the skies, girls. We can’t let these creatures get too close.”

Her friends nodded once and made their way towards the edge of the balcony. They climbed over and leapt out as their wings expanded, then flew off towards the Banshees. The crew members watched as the girls flew off.

Garrus: “Be careful, girls.”

The girls fought against the Banshees while flying around. The fight continued on with them keeping the Banshees away from the ground levels and civilian areas the best they could. The crew members were dealing with the Husks and other monsters while clearing out the citizens to safer areas. Some looked towards the sky as the girls fought against the Banshees.

Miranda: “This is ridiculous!! First the Husks, now these Banshees!?! Just what is going on here!?!”

Mordin: “These creatures not like previous encounters. Banshees consist of pure Dark magic.”

Ashley: “Just like the Husks!”

Miranda: “Of course! Replicas created by this dark entity!!”

Liara: “But this just doesn’t make any sense! How could their vigilante even know about this!?!”

Ashley: “That’s something I’d like to know.”

The crew members were able to clear out the chaos on their end just enough to stand by as they watched the girls continue on with their fight. From their point of view, the girls weren’t faring well.

Thane: “The girls look like they’re struggling a bit.”

Kasumi: “That dark magic is no doubt some powerful stuff, I just hope that they’re able to handle themselves against it.”

Mordin: “Hmm…dark magic consists of potent energy. The Fayelons can handle themselves, but noticed the massive dark energy at critical levels. May be too much for them.”

Garrus: “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Liara: “I just hope that they’re able to manage this somehow.”

The fight dragged on with the girls barely hanging on.

Star: “It’s no use!! We can’t beat these by ourselves!!”

Splash: “We never had to handle anything like this before.”

Flare: “I fear we may have reached our limits.”

Jewel: “No! We have to keep going!! We need to protect the Citadel and our friends!! We’re the only one who can fight this threat!!”

Star: “I feel the same way!! I want to protect all of our friends, too, but I don’t know how much further we can go!!”

Aera: “Is there anything we can do!?! We’ve used up nearly all we have!”

Jewel: “There is one thing! Let’s combine our powers!”

Aera: “What!?!”

Splash: “Are you serious!?!”

Flare: “Are you certain of this, Jewel!?!”

Jewel: “I am. It’s the only way!!”

Star: “But…can we…are we…!?!”

Flare: “You do remember the last time we tried this…”

Jewel: “I know!! But we’re out of options. We have to try! We have to do this!!”

Star: “Jewel…I…”

Jewel: “Don’t you want to protect everyone!?! Garrus, Mordin, Ashley, Liara, they’re counting on us! And besides, we’re Fayelons, we’re supposed to protect everyone!”

Star: “I…yes, you’re right. I want to protect Mordin, Garrus, everyone. They’re all near and dear to us.”

Splash: “We all feel that way.”

Jewel: “Then let’s stop talking about it and just do it!!”

Aera: “You’re right, Jewel! We have to do this!!”

Jewel: “Ready, everyone!! Let’s combine our power!”

Flare, Star, Aera, Splash: “Yeah!!!”

From there, they conjured up each of their magical powers. The crew members watched as this was taking place.

Liara: “What is…going on…?”

Tali: “It looks like…they’re…doing something with their powers…”

Miranda: “But, what is it exactly?”

Mordin was on his omni-tool again.

Tali: “I think it might be…are they…they’re bringing their magical powers together, aren’t they?”

Mordin: “Hm, indeed, this is what is happening. Never thought I would see this. (sniff) Convergence.”

Garrus: “Convergence?”

Mordin: “Yes, an advanced magical technique. It’s when 2 or more magical beings combine their powers to undergo a powerful attack.”

Garrus: “Is this from another magical girl anime?”

Mordin: “An anime? No. A magical girl show, yes.”

Garrus: “Wait, there are magical girl shows that aren’t anime?”

Tali: “Anime, itself, is an incredibly unique and well-liked form of animation. No other form of cartoons or animation was like anime.”

Kasumi: “Indeed, it’s love by many people on Earth and it’s so unique and very well-liked that everyone and their mother tried to mimic a lot of their unique qualities.”

Garrus: “And I’m guessing magical girls fall under that category.”

Mordin: “Yes, talk more about it later.”

The girls formed different components of this type of power from their magical abilities. Jewel and Splash formed crystals, Flare and Star inserted some of their energy into these crystals and Aera carried them along her wind stream. They were sent towards the Banshees and as soon as they came in contact, they exploded with bursts of light and explosions. From this, the Banshees screeched in pain. They were badly damaged.

Jewel: “It worked!!”

Aera: “I can’t believe it. We really pulled it off.”

Soon enough, the Banshees retreated as they were still screeching from the intense pain. The dark vortex then faded away and everything became silent. The girls continued staring into the sky in disbelief of what they were able to accomplish. Soon enough, they heard many sounds of cheering and looked over to see many of the denizens of the Citadel cheering and applauding the girls. The girls were touched by the praises. The Normandy crew stood by, they seemed quite happy.

Garrus: “Well done, girls. You did it.”

Liara: “That was impressive.”

Miranda: “I know, they’ve done wonderfully.”

Tali: “Still, it seems like this dark entity and its monsters are getting tougher each time we encounter them.”

Liara: “No doubt about that. But still. We should be impressed by how far they’ve come.”

Mordin: “Indeed. They are truly powerful.”

Hackett: “No doubt that the girls are formidable but I feel that the worst is still yet to come.”

Ashley: “Yes, we already know that.”

Hackett: “But rest assured, we will stand by them.”

Ashley: “Yes, we will. We can’t give up on this, no matter what.”

At that moment, some of the crew members looked around and saw some things that left them at a loss for words. In the midst of the cheering crowds, there were some that glared disdainfully at the girls. The looks on these people’s faces disheartened each crew member. The crowds that glared didn’t say anything, but from the looks on their faces, they displayed pure hatred and contempt.

Miranda: “There appears to be some that do not share in the same jubilation of these girls.”

Hackett: “That does not surprise me. Although there are many who will support the Fayelons, there are some within the shadows that won’t regard these girls as beacons of hope. I can understand why they would think that way, though.”

Garrus: “If that’s the case, then our support will be greatly needed in this fight.”

Much time later, they arrived back at the Citadel. The Normandy docked, several crew members along with the admiral and the girls stepped off. They made their way towards the Council Chambers. The girls were unnerved. The admiral seemed concerned by them.

Hackett: “You girls…feeling OK?”

Jewel: “For the most part, yeah, but…”

Aera: “We’re hardly thrilled about the idea of meeting with the council again, especially after how they treated us.”

Star: “Not to mention that they were so rude about Mordin. I can’t believe they would say such horrible things.”

Hackett: “I can understand your frustration. But no matter what they would say about you, you’re the only hope against this dark threat and they know it, so they’re very well aware that they have to concede with entrusting you against this threat whether they like it or not.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I suppose, but…hm…why are they so passive aggressive towards us? Almost like…they really don’t want us here regardless of the circumstances.”

Hackett: “Hmm…I wonder that, myself, too, actually. They are indeed very resistant towards the idea of accepting you, unlike myself. I have no qualms with any of you even though this threat is very much related to you. I understand that there really isn’t anything else that you girls should be doing and staying here pretty much is the most effective way of dealing with it from what I have been told.”

Jewel: “Yes…it wasn’t an easy decision for us, but…this, so far, it’s been the best option that we have come across. At least Garrus and the rest of the Normandy crew understand that.”

Jewel looked towards Garrus with a petite smile on her face.

Jewel: “And I appreciate them for that.”

Garrus looked towards Jewel as he was also smiling.

Flare: “However, there are some things that I have noticed that are quite suspicious. Some things indeed don’t add up.”

Star: “I know, right? Things really are just not right; we’ve all noticed that ever since we arrived here.”

Splash: “That’s really scary.”

Flare: “I just hope that we are able to find the answers to these mysteries.”

Ashley: “So do we. I don’t like any of this and I would like to find out as much as we need to about them.”

Mordin: “Indeed, notice that there could be a connection between our galaxy’s mysteries and the Fayelons’ ongoing conflict. All the more reason why we need to work with these girls.”

Garrus: “There’s no doubt about that. The vigilante knowing about the Reapers, encountering the Husks again and finding that they’re completely formed from Dark magic. What could any of this mean?”

Liara: “It is indeed very alarming and I do worry about the girls’ welfare as well.”

Garrus: “So do I. We have yet to scratch the surface of how bad this conflict really is.”

Liara: “I know, I’m just glad the girls are here.”

Garrus: “So am I.”

Miranda: “Hm, never did I think that we would get involved in a fabled battle of good vs. evil before and to have it be far greater than anything that we have encountered.”

Jacob: “And here I thought that the Reapers were bad.”

Tali: “Say, wasn’t Cerberus one of the major issues that we were dealing with at the time?”

Miranda: “Don’t remind me.”

Just then, things got dark. They looked up to see the sky blackened by the same dark vortex that they have seen before. Everyone else nearby stopped to look up at this dark aura in terror.

Jewel: “Oh, no…!!”

Traynor: “It’s him again.”

Garrus: “What surprises does he have for us this time?”

There was a brief pause, then bits of its dark energy shot out, unleashing many scary monsters. People nearby screamed and ran as they noticed them. Some were attacked.

Jewel: “No! Not again!!”

Members of the crew with weapons pulled out their guns.

Garrus: “Girls, you know what to do!”

Jewel: “Of course. Let’s go!”

The other girls nodded once and readied themselves.

Jewel, Flare, Star, Aera, Splash: “Metamorphose!!!”

From there, they transformed again, then rushed off.

Aera: “You guys take care of getting the civilians to safety.”

The girls made their way to fight off the monsters.

Ashley: “You heard her. Make sure these people are out of harm’s way.’

Those with weapons rushed off with the few without followed behind.

As the girls fought, the Normandy crew made their way towards civilians that were being attacked, jumping in the way and shooting at the monsters while directing the civilians to run. Some directed them to safety while shooting, some like Samantha stepped in to lead people away. Admiral Hackett also took part in helping out.

Ashley: “Normandy, this is Lt. Commander Ashley Williams. I need the rest of you out here now. The vigilante just unleashed another onslaught on the Citadel. Get out here as fast as you possibly can and help the civilians to safety.”

James: “Roger that, Chica, we’re on our way now.”

The fight continued, shortly, the other members of the crew arrived. They had their weapons ready and shot at any monster in sight. The few others that were already out were pleased to see them.

Ashley: “Thank goodness you arrived.”

James: “You think we would just stand by and let you guys have all the fun?”

Javik: “These creatures don’t know who we’re dealing with!!”

Zaeed: “You guys really look like you have your hands full!!”

Samara: “How are the girls doing?”

Ashley looked out and noticed the girls faring well in the tough battle.

Ashley: “They’re hanging in there. Let’s help them out and give them less to worry about.”

James: “You got it, Chica.”

Zaeed: “Leave the monsters to guys like me. The rest of you can take care of saving the people.”

From there, the rest of the crew members helped out.

The girls continued on the fight while the crew members handled the rest. Some that specialized mainly in fighting focused on shooting with some interchanging between shooting and leading civilians away to safety. A few of the crew members stepped up to help out their squad mates with fighting and crowd control. Before long, they were caught off guard by many Husks that appeared everywhere.

Aera: “Oh, no, not these things again!”

Jewel: “Handle these things any way you can. We can’t let any of them get near the civilians.”

Just then, they heard what sounded like a loud screech from above them. They turned towards the sky to spot a hoard of Banshees floating down from the large vortex.

Star: “What the…!?! What are those terrifying things!?!”

The Normandy crew looked up and became startled as soon as they spotted them.

Garrus: “No…this can’t be…”

Liara: “By the goddess…those are…Banshees!!”

Garrus: “Our dark adversary is really pulling the stops.”

The girls stood by for a bit as the Banshees approached.

Jewel: “Let’s take to the skies, girls. We can’t let these creatures get too close.”

Her friends nodded once and made their way towards the edge of the balcony. They climbed over and leapt out as their wings expanded, then flew off towards the Banshees. The crew members watched as the girls flew off.

Garrus: “Be careful, girls.”

The girls fought against the Banshees while flying around. The fight continued on with them keeping the Banshees away from the ground levels and civilian areas the best they could. The crew members were dealing with the Husks and other monsters while clearing out the citizens to safer areas. Some looked towards the sky as the girls fought against the Banshees.

Miranda: “This is ridiculous!! First the Husks, now these Banshees!?! Just what is going on here!?!”

Mordin: “These creatures not like previous encounters. Banshees consist of pure Dark magic.”

Ashley: “Just like the Husks!”

Miranda: “Of course! Replicas created by this dark entity!!”

Liara: “But this just doesn’t make any sense! How could their vigilante even know about this!?!”

Ashley: “That’s something I’d like to know.”

The crew members were able to clear out the chaos on their end just enough to stand by as they watched the girls continue on with their fight. From their point of view, the girls weren’t faring well.

Thane: “The girls look like they’re struggling a bit.”

Kasumi: “That dark magic is no doubt some powerful stuff, I just hope that they’re able to handle themselves against it.”

Mordin: “Hmm…dark magic consists of potent energy. The Fayelons can handle themselves, but noticed the massive dark energy at critical levels. May be too much for them.”

Garrus: “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Liara: “I just hope that they’re able to manage this somehow.”

The fight dragged on with the girls barely hanging on.

Star: “It’s no use!! We can’t beat these by ourselves!!”

Splash: “We never had to handle anything like this before.”

Flare: “I fear we may have reached our limits.”

Jewel: “No! We have to keep going!! We need to protect the Citadel and our friends!! We’re the only one who can fight this threat!!”

Star: “I feel the same way!! I want to protect all of our friends, too, but I don’t know how much further we can go!!”

Aera: “Is there anything we can do!?! We’ve used up nearly all we have!”

Jewel: “There is one thing! Let’s combine our powers!”

Aera: “What!?!”

Splash: “Are you serious!?!”

Flare: “Are you certain of this, Jewel!?!”

Jewel: “I am. It’s the only way!!”

Star: “But…can we…are we…!?!”

Flare: “You do remember the last time we tried this…”

Jewel: “I know!! But we’re out of options. We have to try! We have to do this!!”

Star: “Jewel…I…”

Jewel: “Don’t you want to protect everyone!?! Garrus, Mordin, Ashley, Liara, they’re counting on us! And besides, we’re Fayelons, we’re supposed to protect everyone!”

Star: “I…yes, you’re right. I want to protect Mordin, Garrus, everyone. They’re all near and dear to us.”

Splash: “We all feel that way.”

Jewel: “Then let’s stop talking about it and just do it!!”

Aera: “You’re right, Jewel! We have to do this!!”

Jewel: “Ready, everyone!! Let’s combine our power!”

Flare, Star, Aera, Splash: “Yeah!!!”

From there, they conjured up each of their magical powers. The crew members watched as this was taking place.

Liara: “What is…going on…?”

Tali: “It looks like…they’re…doing something with their powers…”

Miranda: “But, what is it exactly?”

Mordin was on his omni-tool again.

Tali: “I think it might be…are they…they’re bringing their magical powers together, aren’t they?”

Mordin: “Hm, indeed, this is what is happening. Never thought I would see this. (sniff) Convergence.”

Garrus: “Convergence?”

Mordin: “Yes, an advanced magical technique. It’s when 2 or more magical beings combine their powers to undergo a powerful attack.”

Garrus: “Is this from another magical girl anime?”

Mordin: “An anime? No. A magical girl show, yes.”

Garrus: “Wait, there are magical girl shows that aren’t anime?”

Tali: “Anime, itself, is an incredibly unique and well-liked form of animation. No other form of cartoons or animation was like anime.”

Kasumi: “Indeed, it’s love by many people on Earth and it’s so unique and very well-liked that everyone and their mother tried to mimic a lot of their unique qualities.”

Garrus: “And I’m guessing magical girls fall under that category.”

Mordin: “Yes, talk more about it later.”

The girls formed different components of this type of power from their magical abilities. Jewel and Splash formed crystals, Flare and Star inserted some of their energy into these crystals and Aera carried them along her wind stream. They were sent towards the Banshees and as soon as they came in contact, they exploded with bursts of light and explosions. From this, the Banshees screeched in pain. They were badly damaged.

Jewel: “It worked!!”

Aera: “I can’t believe it. We really pulled it off.”

Soon enough, the Banshees retreated as they were still screeching from the intense pain. The dark vortex then faded away and everything became silent. The girls continued staring into the sky in disbelief of what they were able to accomplish. Soon enough, they heard many sounds of cheering and looked over to see many of the denizens of the Citadel cheering and applauding the girls. The girls were touched by the praises. The Normandy crew stood by, they seemed quite happy.

Garrus: “Well done, girls. You did it.”

Liara: “That was impressive.”

Miranda: “I know, they’ve done wonderfully.”

Tali: “Still, it seems like this dark entity and its monsters are getting tougher each time we encounter them.”

Liara: “No doubt about that. But still. We should be impressed by how far they’ve come.”

Mordin: “Indeed. They are truly powerful.”

Hackett: “No doubt that the girls are formidable but I feel that the worst is still yet to come.”

Ashley: “Yes, we already know that.”

Hackett: “But rest assured, we will stand by them.”

Ashley: “Yes, we will. We can’t give up on this, no matter what.”

At that moment, some of the crew members looked around and saw some things that left them at a loss for words. In the midst of the cheering crowds, there were some that glared disdainfully at the girls. The looks on these people’s faces disheartened each crew member. The crowds that glared didn’t say anything, but from the looks on their faces, they displayed pure hatred and contempt.

Miranda: “There appears to be some that do not share in the same jubilation of these girls.”

Hackett: “That does not surprise me. Although there are many who will support the Fayelons, there are some within the shadows that won’t regard these girls as beacons of hope. I can understand why they would think that way, though.”

Garrus: “If that’s the case, then our support will be greatly needed in this fight.”

At that moment, Liara looked up and spotted something that startled her. At a distance on one of the balconies was the council. They looked out at the girls. They didn’t have looks of approval or contempt but rather unemotional expressions of mild disappointment. They soon turned around and walked off. Liara kept staring at them as they departed. The crowds that were still glaring also walked off. Some shook their heads in disgust before departing. Mordin, having noticed them walking off, displayed a look of concern as he pondered.

A little afterwards, the group continued on their way to the Council Chambers with the girls reverted to their dormant forms.

Hackett: “You’ve done very well, girls.”

Star: “Thanks, I admit that the fight was really tough, but I think we held our own out there.”

Mordin: “No doubt your powers have increased immensely. Your abilities outstanding.”

Star: “Aw, go on, doctor.”

Jewel: “I can’t believe we were able to make it through all of that. I wasn’t sure if we could.”

Garrus: “You girls were phenomenal. There’s no doubt in my mind that you’re able to handle yourselves.”

Mordin: “Yes, but still much to look into regarding your abilities. Magical prowess has increased but did notice some things that were a bit off.”

Aera: “I suppose you’ll be able to come up with a way to look into it that isn’t painful, right?”

Garrus: “Don’t worry, Aera, I’ll make certain that he doesn’t cause any harm to you.”

Aera: “Oh, I know you would.”

Miranda: “I have to admit that it was a really tough situation, but you have helped to save a lot of people.”

Jewel: “Yeah, I guess I can’t complain about that. The praises we were receiving, they were…amazing.”

Hackett: “Yes, a lot of those people out there are truly counting on you.”

Liara: “But there were some that were less considerate. We have noticed that the glares that they were giving out. It was…disheartening.”

Miranda: “I was also able to sense out a small tinge of what I believe is…Dark energy?”

Flare: “Yes, I’ve noticed it, too. Often when such Dark energy can be sensed out from people, it is a sign that negative emotions overwhelm them greatly. I have sensed much like this before.”

Splash: “Oh…I don’t like this one bit.”

Aera: “We could never escape from these negative feelings, you know that.”

Splash: “Yes, but…I…”

Jewel: “Let’s not worry about them too much. We should focus on those who will support us. They’re the ones who will help us out through this, regardless of the contempt from those who wouldn’t.”

Star: “Yeah, absolutely, such as our new friends and I agree with Jewel on this; let’s not forget that there are so many people who are standing behind us on this.”

Flare: “Yes, indeed, perhaps a lot more than those who are not so welcoming.”

Hackett: “Yes, some may not like it, but we all need you and I will always stand by that.”

Star: “And besides, we should enjoy the praises.”

Aera: “Well, I wouldn’t be too surprised that you would think that way, but I can’t really blame you. This is the most that we have ever been praised. Even those back at home didn’t praise us that much, not that they ever could.”

Garrus looked down at the girls with a concerned look on his face.

Eventually, they were able to arrive at the Council Chamber. Before them were holographic images of the 3 Council members at their podiums.

Valern: “It is good of you to meet with us again.”

Aera: “Yeah, it’s not like we wanted to, but we shouldn’t be disrespectful.”

Sparatus: “Alright, what trouble have you girls caused this time?”

Star: “Hey! What do you mean by that!?! We didn’t do anything!!”

Sparatus: “Oh, really? What of the attack on Nevos by your Dark entity? There were also reports of husks being spotted there, as well. Care to explain yourselves?”

Star: “Listen, first of all, he’s NOT our entity; we don’t even know where that entity came from. Second, we knew nothing about those scary creatures that were formed by him, but we were informed that they haven’t been seen since your Reaper invasion. Also, we don’t know how that jerk even knew about them.”

Valern: “We received reports that your vigilante somehow knew about the Reapers as heard by everyone on Earth.”

Splash: “Yeah, he did mention that.”

Sparatus: “How was it that he was able to know about the Reapers!?!”

Star: “Why are you asking us!?! We don’t have any idea, either!”

Sparatus: “Well, we want answers and we want them now!!”

Hackett: “Calm down, councilor. Believe me, we are all antsy about receiving answers from this ordeal, but chastising the girls isn’t going to help anyone. We are working as fast as we can to resolve these strange mysteries.”

Tevos: “We apologize if we are imprudent, but there are many who wish to know the truth behind all of this. We are very well aware that these girls are young and that there is plenty that they do not understand.”

Valern: “But there are some that are more impatient than others. They simply cannot wait for any revelations to this matter. They want answers now.”

Miranda: “Believe me when we say that we feel the same, councilors, and you need to give us time. We’re not going to find all the answers all at once, so the best that you’re going to get from us is progress reports, nothing more.”

Liara: “Besides, you can’t deny that these girls have done so much for us already. Irina back on Nevos has expressed gratitude towards their efforts.”

Jacob: “Absolutely. Many lives were saved during the attack. We may have played some part in it, but the Fayelons were phenomenal with keeping most of those monsters away from civilians.”

Tevos: “I suppose we can’t overlook that. We did receive a lot of praise from the citizens of Nevos for the girls’ valiant efforts as well as Irina.”

Valern: “And yet, they couldn’t not stop the attacks, themselves.”

Sparatus: “Hmph! For a bunch of magical beings, these girls do very little to conjure up massive miracles.”

Aera: “If we were capable of such a thing, then none of these issues would be happening.”

Sparatus: “(groan) You…you make a valid point, young lady.”

Valern: “Well, I suppose that we must accept what we can get even if it seems insufficient.”

Miranda: “Absolutely.”

Jacob: “We assure you that we will do the best that we possibly can through all of this, regardless of sufficiency.”

Tevos: “We will hold you to that.”

Star: “And besides, we’re doing far more than you even had done. Maybe you should come out here so that we can talk face to face about this ordeal.”

Sparatus: “Heh, we hardly have any time to meet with you in person. In fact, we could never find the time to step out into the public.”

Liara developed a serious and tense look on her face.

Sparatus: “And just recently, we’ve been hearing about a reestablished trend with these Earth shows known as magical girl cartoons from some bizarre chunk of land known as Japan.”

Hackett: “You must be talking about anime.”

Sparatus: “Yes, that’s the one!”

Tevos: “Don’t think too harshly of us, we are not familiar with the humans and their unusual forms of entertainment.”

Sparatus: “Especially with all this talk of these magical girl shows, Pretty Cute, Silly Moon and Lowly Rod.”

Tali: “That’s Pretty Cure, Sailor Moon and LoliRock.”

Sparatus: “Whatever.”

Ashley: “Isn’t LoliRock of european origin, not Japan?”

Garrus: “Look, all this aside, you can’t deny that the girls can and will help with everything that is happening here.”

Miranda: “Absolutely. Like it or not, they can’t leave. It’s too late for that.”

Garrus: “And besides, they’ve absolutely done more for this galaxy than any of you ever have, as they have just mentioned.”

Tali: “He’s right. Shepard would also vouch for them as he has also done so much for all of us.”

Miranda: “He made countless claims that you have denied and brushed aside, all of which turned out to be true.”

Tali: “Yes, Shepard was right about everything. He was right about Saren, he was right about the Reapers, he tried to tell you about the attacks on the human colonies within the Terminus System and what did you do? Nothing, you did nothing for any of them.”

Garrus: “You brushed aside his claims and acted as though he had no idea what he was talking about. Think of how many humans we would have saved if you were more attentive.”

Miranda: “Cerberus may not have exactly been known as heroes, but they did more for the humans of the Terminus System than you ever did. Shepard worked with us because he didn’t have any other choice.”

Splash: “Is that really true?”

Miranda nodded.

Aera: “If that’s the case, then you might as well have pushed him towards Cerberus.”

Sparatus: “That doesn’t excuse him working with terrorists.”

Aera: “Oh, doesn’t it?”

Sparatus: “I…we…”

Garrus: “We all knew what Cerberus was, but we did what we had to do. I think turning our backs on those who needed our help seems like a far worse treason than working with those who have earned their terrible reputation. Think about that the next time you berate anyone who is in the same position as Shepard.”

The council was silent for a brief moment.

Hackett: “It does not matter if these girls were or weren’t responsible for everything that is happening to us. We need them here, and besides, can you honestly say that things would have been better if they have left or not have even arrived in our galaxy? Given the circumstances that were presented to us, we really don’t have a choice. We have to rely on them; they’re the only ones who stand a chance against this threat.”

Liara: “Besides, we have noticed that the girls’ conditions have improved a lot since their arrival here.”

Mordin: “Indeed, with the data required, our support has helped them tremendously.”

Garrus: “All the more reason why we will continue to support these girls regardless of what you would say.”

Sparatus: “That is…understandable…very well, we’ll allow this to continue, but know that we will be keeping a close eye on your progress. We’re not completely trusting in these girls, but we have no other choice but to leave everything to you.”

Liara: “We appreciate that greatly.”

Tevos: “We will need to meet with each of you more and more. There will still be much that is needed to be discussed.”

Aera: “Oh, goodie, looking forward to that.”

Valern: “Best of luck, each of you, I feel as though we would all need it.”

Sparatus: “I don’t doubt that one bit.”

Their holograms dissipated.

Jewel: “Well, that was better than I expected.”

Flare: “I still am bothered by their indifference.”

Aera: “Aren’t we all?”

Garrus: “Well, I think we’ve given them a lot to think about.”

Miranda: “I think so, too.”

Splash: “I guess you guys really had a lot that you wanted to say to them, huh?”

Miranda: “Yes, we did.”

Ashley: “Come on, let’s return to the Normandy.”

They turned around and walked off. Liara looked back with a suspicious look on her face then left with the others.

They were making their way back to the Normandy.

Jewel: “I really don’t like how those guys have been talking to us.”

Star: “Tell me about it. They’re so stubborn, I don’t think I would be happy to even chat with them again.”

Garrus: “I know, Star. They really haven’t changed one bit.”

Liara: “Not to mention that they were lying.”

Garrus: “What? What do you mean by that?”

Liara: “They mentioned something about not having any time to be out in public, but that wasn’t true. I saw them out and about.”

Garrus: “Are you serious? You actually saw them, in person?”

Liara: “Yes, I did…but…there was also something…a bit off about them…”

Miranda: “Yeah, I’ve noticed it, too. I also saw that they were out and about and at that time, I could sense a slight tinge of Dark energy from within them.”

Flare became startled by this.

Tali: “A slight tinge of Darkness? From the council? What…what could that mean?”

Splash: “Darkness consists of negative emotions, if I’m not mistaken.”

Flare: “No, you’re right about that, Splash. But…why from the council? Do they think so negatively of us?”

Miranda: “I believe so. I don’t like this one bit. I get the feeling that the council will not provide us with much support. But for some reason, I also feel as though it is something much worse.”

Liara: “Yeah, this did give off an unpleasant vibe. They weren’t glaring like a lot of the crowd who were contempt towards the girls. They seemed…impassive, like they had no feelings of praise or content.”

Ashley: “Huh, well that’s very strange. Any ideas on why that is?”

Flare: “Hm…I’m not sure. I would think that something deep within them is causing this, as my grandfather once told me. I just…I just hope that it isn’t something too horrible…”

Garrus thought suspiciously for a brief moment.

They eventually made it back to the Normandy. The ship took off and departed from the Citadel.

Liara: “So, where to next?”

Hackett: “I received a call from Sanders. She wishes to meet with you guys again.”

Ashley: “Very well then. Grissom Academy, it is.”

Miranda: “I’m guessing Jack already told her about the special lesson that Flare had given to the few of us with biotics.”

Hackett: “That’s correct. She requested that Flare gives a demonstration of that technique.”

Aera: “I imagine that Jack would also like to take part in it.”

Miranda: “You would be correct.”

Aera: “Fair enough.”

Flare: “I would be happy to demonstrate my technique.”

Ashley: “That’s all we would need to hear from you.”

Miranda: ”You’re more than welcome to decline if you do not feel like it.”

Liara: “Absolutely, we would hate to force you into something if you didn’t want to go through with it.”

Flare: “No, it is alright. I want to do this. I, myself, am curious with how much I can enable biotics to carry out this technique. Besides, my grandfather would be most pleased with me passing this on to others. It’s what he would have wanted from me.”

Liara: “Yes, I’m sure your grandfather would be very proud.”

Flare smiled at Liara in a content manner.

Hackett: “By the way, before I forget, there is something that I’ve been meaning to give you, Professor Solus.”

He pulled out a data pad and gave it to Mordin. He took it from and examined it.

Hackett: “Here is some of the data that our scientists were able to receive. It turns out they found some residual traces of Dark magic.”

Liara: “What!?!”

Ashley: “Are you serious!?!”

Hackett: “Yes, I am very serious, Williams. Aside from the traces of Light magic, there seems to be some traces of Dark energy. I don’t really know what any of it means but they were able to confirm that this is but a fragment of how much dark energy is out there.”

Mordin examined the data pad a bit more and nodded.

Mordin: “Hmm…interesting theory. Also suggest this could be the case. Data is indeed inconclusive. Will need to collect more samples.”

Hackett: “That won’t be a problem. We’re already tracing out all readings similar to this. I get the feeling that this will paint a very grim picture knowing this…Dark magic.”

Jewel: “Hmm…what could this mean…?”

Jewel looked towards Aera as she shrugged.

Hackett: “One other thing: I just received a transmission from Commander Shepard’s cousin. She said she would like to meet the girls so I instructed her to meet with us at the academy. She is looking forward to meeting with us.”

Garrus had a startled reaction on his face then looked to his side in a sort of despondent manner. Jewel took notice of this.

Mordin: “Hmm…in the meantime, perhaps we can look into this new data. Will be at the lab if anyone needs me.”

He walked off.

Star: “Mordin, wait for me.”

She ran off after him.

Aera: “And there she goes again.”

Jewel: “We should probably go with him, I’m interested in knowing what this residual trace of Dark magic is all about.”

Jewel walked off after Mordin as well.

Aera: “Well…guess I should go after him as well. I’m also curious about this.”

Aera also walked off. Flare and Splash stood by for a bit before they walked after her.

[FayelonMagicalGirl]

Another Announcement!!

Soon enough, I will be posting some side stories on here. They are a series of short stories consisting of events that take place in between the main stories. They will be coming up after a certain amount of episodes.

Stay tuned