ME: Lost

Waves

"What - the - fuck, Alenko?"

Fear burned in her voice as she spit out the words.

"Sorry, Shepard, I guess I gave him too much credit," Kaidan chuckled grimly as he massaged his side. Shields and armor had absorbed the damage, but his newly healed ribs ached with the force of the impact. "In my defense, I think he WAS trying to aim for you."

Her eyes flashed in anger and she stalked towards the elevator, muttering under her breath. Garrus followed, chuckling softly, but Liara paused long enough to glance anxiously at Kaidan before turning away.

The doors slid open just as they reached it, revealing Commander Bailey, but Shepard shoved past him without a word. As soon as her team reached the threshold she slammed a fist against the flashing display, and the elevator shot downward.

"What's her problem?" Bailey asked as he shuffled forward, scratching his head.

Kaidan shrugged, too tired to fabricate an excuse, "what's the situation, Bailey?"

"Most of the Cerberus goons are dead, thanks to Shepard, and the rest of them escaped into the old keeper tunnels. I have some men combing the place just to be sure, but I'd say the threat is officially over."

Councilor Sparatus cleared his throat as he stepped towards them, "then I think it is time we all returned to the tower. We need to discuss our next step."

<><><>

Her two friends remained silent as the elevator descended, and Shepard relaxed against the wall. A dull ache throbbed behind her left eye. She tried to process the last hour, but all she could think about was the bullet slamming into Kaidan's side as a blue glow rippled in the air. Rippled around HER. He was an idiot, that was the only logical answer. He was a big fucking idiot who almost died while trying to save her.

Granted, a single bullet would never have pierced his armor enough to kill him, but he could have been injured again. Images flooded her brain, memories of his ashen face, bruised and bloody. The horrifying crunch as a metal arm slammed him against the burning shuttle.

She pounded a fist into the wall, wishing she had something to throw.

Liara shifted beside her, leaning forward slightly to speak, but a pointed look from Garrus snapped her mouth shut.

Good old Garrus. Shepard made a mental note to visit him more often. They shared a deep understanding of the other as a soldier, something Liara would never grasp.

Her omni-tool beeped quietly, and she flicked open the message.

ERROR-NAME CENSORED, ERROR
Location: ERROR
Shepard,
Huerta Memorial. Please come.
Thane

<><><>

Blood pools slowly as empty sunset eyes stare at nothing.
Gray shadows blot out the sun.
Tears refuse to fall.
Rage burns slowly. Softly.
Deadly.

"Commander, thank you for coming."
A calm voice breaks through the reverie.
His son.

"Father, stay!"
Bright eyes plead. Young eyes.
Her eyes. Yet not.
"You will be safe here, Kolyat, I do not want you with me."
Tears swim. "Will you come back?"

"How is he? Is he awake?"
The female voice is familiar yet distant.
"May I speak with him?"
"His time is short and his memories are many. My father is caught between the past and present."

Waves thrash, pounding against the shore.
Black sky glows with lightning.
His hand opens, bearing a coin. Small, worn, filled with love.
"My biggest regret is that you were wrong about me."
Gold flashes as dark waters consume it.

"Thane? Can you hear me?"
The voice pulls him close, a strong current dragging him to shore.
"I don't want to lose you without saying goodbye."
Light flickers past the dark clouds, breaking through the fog. Focus shifts, then clears, and he blinks carefully.
Above him, emerald eyes shine with tears.

Thane coughed carefully, lungs burning as oxygen scraped the sides. "Shed no tears for me today, Shepard. I do not mourn my passing."

She placed a warm hand in his, her eyes somber, "I am so sorry, Thane."

"Do not apologize for giving me a gift. For a man to choose his end, to stand tall in courage at his death, that is no small thing. Siha, you-" he turned, inhaling harshly before continuing. "-you gave me hope, gave me-"

Tremors wracked his body as he convulsed, coughing violently. Determined to finish, he gasped for air, but his lungs finally failed him. He grasped her hand tightly, desperate to communicate what his words could not.

"Commander," Kolyat stepped around the bed, extending a small leather-bound book towards their guest, "my father prepared a few verses for this moment. Perhaps you would read them with me?"

The warmth of her hand slipped away, and Thane relaxed. He closed his eyes, content to rest and meditate as the mournful words echoed around him.

"Kalahira, mistress of inscrutable depths, I ask forgiveness.
Kalahira, whose waves wear down stone and sand,
Kalahira, wash the sins from this one, and..."

The soothing voice faded away as his world fell silent.

A warm sensation tickled his feet and he opened his eyes in confusion. White sand, untouched by footprints, stretched out before him as far as he could see. Crystal clear waves lapped at his ankles, the water cool and comforting. The air was sweet and he inhaled, drawing a deep breath of clean oxygen into his lungs. No resistance met his efforts and he smiled.

No pain.

A hand touched his shoulder as a soft laugh caught the breeze, and he turned in confusion. A smiling face stared up at him.

Hands grasped his, pulling him towards her.

Thane smiled in wonderment as sunset colored eyes twinkled in the sun.