this art is brought to you by @messydiabolical who took my literary vision and gave it life! Thank you so much, you're an amazing person and a fantastic artist <3 I'm honored every time you decide to draw something for me
Now, this is brought on by an AU I have where Saren time travels to before me1 and tries to indoctrinate Shepard, and yes, the lyrics are from the song Out of Touch by Daryl Hall & John Oates. You can see what I story boarded under the cut (along with the rest of the scenes)
if you'll excuse me, im gonna stare at this and listen to Out of Touch
Scene 1: Shepard stands in front of a wide window, the building she’s in is space worthy. The firing chamber of the Reaper takes up almost the entirety of it, but you can still see the curvature of it. Its red light illuminates everything and makes Shepard a silhouette. One foot is stepped backwards, as if she’s frozen in the middle of moving— in trepidation, in uncertainty, in fear. The reveal of the thing in front of her being alive—is a Reaper—is overwhelming. “You’re out of touch.”
Scene 2: It’s the same as scene 1, but farther back, revealing Saren standing a couple meters behind from her, staring at her. He too, is a silhouette. The focus of the camera is the gun in his hand. It slightly shakes. “I’m out of time.”
Scene 3: It’s Saren commanding the Geth legions, standing in the hull of Sovereign. His arms are spread like a priest, like a prophet. He heralds extinction. “But I’m out of my head when you’re not around.”
Scene 4: A close up of Saren’s face, mandibles spread wide in aggression, but the tears in his eyes glow blue from the cybernetics. Blood coats his face, there are fresh cracks in his plating. His arm is lifted toward the camera, as if he’s holding it. “You’re out of touch.”
Scene 5: A close up of Shepard’s face, red, angry and betrayed. Tears spill down her cheeks. Saren is strangling her. She’s holding his wrist. “I’m out of time.”
Scene 6: A scene of Shepard suspended in the air, arms spread at her side. Green light encases her, the beacon in front of her is causing Shepard to ascend. “But I’m out of my head when I’m not around.”
'It's an endless night, It's a starless sky
It's a hell that I call home
It's a long goodbye on the other side
Of the only life I know
And it feels like an eternity
Since I had you here with me
Since I had to learn to be
Someone you don't know
To be with you in paradise
What I wouldn't sacrifice
Why'd you have to chase the light
Somewhere I can't go?
As I walk this world alone
As I walk this world alone'
'Eternity' - Alex Warren
---
Post 3 reunion after… however long. He was broken after he thought he lost them for the final time, making a trio of three people he genuinely loved who were gone because of his mistakes and actions. He never expected to see them again- until Garrus called him one day and got Tali to bring him out, where he finally saw them again, worse for wear but alive.
He still never forgave himself, but he had them back, and that's all he needed.
This song is… yeah. Don't think I need much explanation.
...
Nihlus: be careful though
Nihlus: you put him on the floor too many times and he'll get turned on
Shepard: he what?
N: how many times did you spar?
S: just yesterday and today
S: an hour or so each?
N: haha lol
N: I guess he asked both times?
S: whats so funny
N: just keep in mind what i said
S: what a slut.
N: yeah 🤣