Hunter and Commander
A Mass Effect/Predator AU
The Crew of the Normandy encounter a strange being of an ancient, mysterious race who asks to join them in their "Great Hunt" for the Collectors and the Reapers. Dubbed "Cousin" by Garrus due to their races' supposed shared ancestry, Shepard and the others manage to transform this at first standoffish but accomplished hunter into a valuable team member, and, in some cases, Cousin becomes even more than just a comrade.
This AU started off as a joke response to a submitted prompt during a Christmas 2019 follower request event on my twitter that soon spiraled into its own, maybe overly expansive story. This carrd attempts to collect all the comics, drawings, and writings scattered across my social media, to make all the content more accessible to new readers!
To everyone who has enjoyed and encouraged this indulgent, indulgent piece of fanwork, thank you so much. It's been (and hopefully continues to be) a lot of fun.
Character Introductions
Below are just the "introductory" posts of the characters, the ones that give the gist of who they are and what they are about. Consider this a sort of "meet the cast" section! Of course there will probably be other posts linked in other sections that give you more insight, but for now, get to know the crew!
Mass Effect 2
After unsuccessfully trying to hunt her, a yautja joins Shepard and the team in hopes of claiming some of the biggest prey the universe has to offer. But being part of a virulently secretive and prejudiced race means that there's gotta be a lot of learning and trust-building before they can call their new friend "Cousin" a comrade. The feeling, at least, is mutual. His respect for Shepard and his excitement for the Hunt at least has him sticking around.
Cousin's first bond on the Normandy is with Garrus. After all, the kid gave him his nickname, and for a long time, he was the only person he could talk to. Some looks at their dynamic. Plus a short comic about Grunt, Cousin, and Youngbloods. (Comic, Sketch | Humor)
*Note, Cousin says he was a youngblood a hundred years ago in the Grunt comic, which is laughably off. This was written very early on, before Cousin's age was established.
"Do not make me find you foolish." Cousin gives Garrus a talking-to about how much he has to learn. Garrus isn't sure whether it was a threat or not. (Comic, Sketch | Humor)
Cousin's inability to communicate with the rest of the team causes issues, and Shepard has had enough. After asking him to teach his language to the team, he unexpectedly gives her a language pack with one stipulation: she's the only one who can have it. (Comic, Sketch | General)
Cousin and Samara's first meeting goes about as smoothly as two murderous people with strict honor codes can go. Much to Shepard's frustration. (Comic, Sketch | Humor)
"It's a potentially awkward question..." In order to pay back a favor she owes, Shepard asks Cousin a series of somewhat probing questions about his love life, which leads to a potentially awkward misunderstanding. It's not Mass Effect if it doesn't have embarrassing Love Interest Trigger Dialogue. (Comic, Sketch | Humor, Romance)
Immediately following "Awkward Questions." Shepard answers Cousin's question. (Sketch | Romance)
A little bit of exploring each others faces. (Sketch | Romance)
Mass Effect 3
Cousin returns to aid Shepard and her crew during the Reaper War, showing up unexpectedly with a faction of Yautja Warriors during the Battle for Palaven. He has risked his own life and honor, defying the council of Elders, to help her. The Greatest Hunt continues, but that isn't the only reason he's there.
Cousin appears in Shepard's quarters post Battle of Palaven. It's their first real reunion since Cousin had left the team for Yautja Prime at the end of ME 2. Despite uncertainties, they pick up right where they left off. (Comic | Romance)
Shepard and Cousin chat after doing some catching up. Immediately follows 'New Scars'. (Comic | Fluff/Romance)
Cousin greets Garrus with excitement and affection, in the usual Yautja way. Plus, small blurb about Cousin's friendship with Garrus. (Sketch | Humor)
After the Battle for Palaven, Shepard comes face to face with Cousin's eldest Son, who turns out to not quite be the person she was expecting. She's quite taken by him. (Sketch/Comic | Humor)
Cousin's sons Kal'thnde and Little Knife attempt to console Garrus after Jagged-Tooth continues to rebuff his attempts at friendship. With mixed results. (Sketch/Comic | Humor)
Jagged-Tooth and Shepard chat now and again, as he's surprisingly affable and open to talk. Description includes small details of Jagged-Tooth's role 'in-game.' (Sketch, Comic | Humor)
Jagged-Tooth discusses with Shepard his job as an Enforcer. (Sketch, Comic | Humor)
Jagged-Tooth gets a genuine James Vega Nickname. (Sketch, Comic | Humor)
Jagged-Tooth opens up to Shepard about not having many children, the risks of mating as a biotic, and the questions he doesn't want to answer. (Comic | Drama)
On how Cousin would react to the Evil Shepard Clone in the Citadel DLC. (Sketch, Comic | Humor)
On Cousin and Wrex's inability to gauge human sturdiness. Or at least Shepard's sturdiness. (Sketch | Humor)
Cousin and Shepard have a 'date' from up high in the Citadel on their last night before the final battle. They talk about devotion, sacrifice, and what it means to be together. Mushy as all get out, as any scene from the Citadel DLC should be. (Comic | Romance/Fluff)
"Bad Ending' scenario, dealing with if the player's choices led to Cousin dying during ME3. A glorious hunt, an honorable end. Cousin goes out with a bang. Plus a small blurb about the in-game aftermath. (Sketch/Comic | Drama)