Unseen: Mass Effect FanFiction (ReWritten)

Chapter 41

** Garrus POV **

Garrus offered a small smile. "Of course we did, Mina. Now, let's get out of here."

Instead of speaking, Mina nodded her head.

"Can you stand?" Solana asked, giving her a hand.

"I can try," Mina said softly.

"We need to get you off the Citadel," Wrex said, leading the way out. "I have a ship waiting for us at the docking bay."

"We can use the service tunnel to get back," Nihlus interjected. "John should have already cleared the remaining troops from the area."

"This is it," Nihlus continued. "As soon as the Cerberus troops get ousted by John and his squad, Wrex can take Mina and get off the Citadel."

"I'm going with you," Garrus said, speaking up. "I wasn't there for you last time. I'm not about to let you go through that all over again alone."

"You have to stay," Mina said softly, walking over and wrapping her arms around him. "You're needed here. If you leave now, it'll give them a reason to brand you as a traitor."

"You're my wife," Garrus stated, dismissing the idea of letting her leave without him. "I'm not about to let you leave and fend for yourself."

"Garrus," Mina whispered. "You have to. Once this is all over, I promise I will come back."

Garrus knew she was right, but his instincts told him not to let her go. Who knew how long it was going to take for everything to be solved? After much deliberation, Garrus reluctantly agreed. Mina gave him a small smile and stepped back. Garrus followed behind everyone, covering their retreat. Mina's freedom was only a few yards ahead, and he promised to do everything in his power to make sure she got away.

*

The seven of them moved through the service tunnel without any incident. Garrus kept on scanning the area ahead of them and behind them, just in case any Cerberus troops were waiting for them.

'They're bound to realize that Mina isn't at the private holding area,' Garrus thought to himself. 'I hope John can distract them long enough to get Mina off the Citadel.'

"We're almost there," Nihlus said from in front of the group. "Be ready. From C-Sec, we will have to get to the docking bay."

Nihlus opened the service door a bit before sticking his head out to see around.

"I'm going to check and see if the coast is clear," he said. "I'll knock before opening the door. Stay here until I get back."

Nihlus stepped away from the door and disappeared from sight. The group waited patiently for his return. A few minutes went by, and they heard a soft knock before the door opened.

"It's clear," he told them, opening the door wider.

"Mina," Garrus heard Solana say. "How about we take a small break, huh?"

"Only a few minutes," Nihlus replied as the group went past him. "We have to get going as soon as possible."

As Garrus went to stand guard on the other side of them, he saw Solana fussing over his wife. She kept on mumbling something under her breath.

"I'm fine," Garrus heard Mina whisper to her. "I only look bad, but I feel great."

Apparently, Mina's comment didn't sit well with Solana because she smacked her on the arm before standing up and walking away. Garrus waited a few seconds before walking over and sitting down next to her.

"She's upset because she cares," Garrus commented. "You're family."

"I know," Mina said softly.

"Mina," Garrus said, turning to face her. It was then that Garrus saw how tired and exhausted she looked.