Mass Effect: Each Story Has A Million Tales.
Summary: "There is always more than just one side to a story- and more than one lesson to learn. Follow Garrus Vakarian as he stands by a promise that he means to keep, contemplates the true meaning of life, death, and the ultimate sacrifice, and as he confronts someone who should have been behind him all along. Follow Adelais Vakarian as he mends a broken bond, and as he comes to terms with a terrible loss of his own. Follow Kolyat Krios as he navigates through a very dangerous place, only to find another- under the guidance of someone who may or may not be there at all. And follow Commander Joleen Shepard as she goes through her past and present, only to find herself in the middle of a battle for her future." (Garrus' Story: 'The Promise-Keeper.' Adelais' Story: 'The Old Soldier.' Kolyat's Story: 'The Wanderer.' Shepard's Story: 'The Missing.')
Warning: "This is a heavy one- some swearing, angst, implied adult situations, adult situations, a few character deaths, violence, and blood. All the big ones this time. Remember, this is my Shepard, my feelings on the game and what should have happened and will happen, with my own opinions and storyline, so no nasty comments. Got it? Good." (Commander Joleen Shepard: War Hero, Earthborn. Soldier. Paragon. Romanced Kaidan Alenko in the 1st game, Garrus Vakarian in the 2nd and 3rd. Shot and killed Udina during the Citadel Coup.)
Disclaimer: "I do not own Mass Effect. Don't make me say it again."
Author's Note: "Just so you know, the name 'Adelais,' is Latin for 'Noble.' I thought it fit perfectly. The name 'Carissa' means 'the most beloved one.' Again, I just thought the name fit."
N._.S._.S
Chapter Eleven: The Wanderer III.
The Hanar city was different than the Drell's in a number of obvious ways, but the most important was that Kolyat felt he could breathe easier there. The place felt more familiar to him, more peaceful, and less boxed-in than inside the Dome. But really, other than the fact that there was no dome encasing the entire city, both cities were nearly the same- the only major difference was that there were more Hanar in this area than there were Drell- which only to be expected, because not many Drell left the Dome, and those who did often left Kahje altogether.
It wasn't as if Kolyat hated the Dome- no; that wasn't it at all. The Dome was a safe place, always had been- for the most part, of course. It was a marvel, really, a testament to how far the Hanar were willing to go to save his species from extinction two centuries ago.
And it wasn't because he wanted to go off on some big, save-the-Galaxy adventure. He'd had his little personal "adventure" about a year ago now, when he'd gone to the Citadel.
He wasn't too anxious to do that again.
No, the reason Kolyat left the dome was mostly out of curiosity. He didn't like being holed up in a place full of people he already mostly knew. He liked its stillness, sure, all Drell did for the most part, but something deep in him wanted to see what the rest of Kahje- and beyond that, the Galaxy- had to offer.
Thus, the exploring.
When he was younger and lived with his uncle and aunt, Kolyat would venture down into the small islands with a small group, mostly consisting of other young, curious Drell. As he got older, he would often venture deeper than most others would- much to the agitation of his uncle. He would find great pleasure in the silence, the stillness, of the islands and went back and forth so often that even the Hanar began calling him the 'Island Dweller.'
But as he reached adulthood, and as more and more of his missing father's past was revealed, these trips into the islands grew more and more far apart. They began to symbolize a freedom that Kolyat had begun to believe that he wasn't able to have.
One that he felt was forever out of his reach.
He hadn't ventured down there in what had to be two full years now.
But when that Reaper came down, that long-dormant "claustrophobic itch" that his uncle hated so much came back in full force, like a constant, unsettled feeling Kolyat had to keep from thinking about.
In all honesty, was only because his father had asked him to stay put that Kolyat didn't go chasing after it the moment he'd seen it.
Now, with the fact that Cerberus was lurking around down there...
Well, that was just another reason to go down there.
Kolyat leaned against one of the sleek, silver pillars near the shuttle's landing point, crossing his arms and delving deeper into his thoughts.
I want to see it.
Then the more dangerous thought:
I've got to see it.
The dream he'd had popped suddenly back into his mind, along with the image of the loaded weapon he had in his arms, and Kolyat shuddered a little, shaking his head, that ten-year-old kid's excitement backing off slightly, recoiling with the terrifying thought.
If that dream was real, he'd end up shooting- and probably even killing- people.
That seemed so real, Kolyat thought, and if it was, could I really go through with pulling that trigger?
"Excuse me, but this one would like to know if the Island Dweller is feeling all right?"
Jolted out of his thoughts, Kolyat looked up.
A Hanar was floating toward him, stopping a few feet from him. "This one remembers the Island Dwelling child, yes; it has been a long time since he came to play there."
Too startled to respond, Kolyat said nothing.
"Has this one startled the Island Dweller? This one apologizes, "The Hanar said, calmly, "It noticed the Drell standing there, and it wished to help if it could,"
"I'm fine, thank you," Kolyat responded. "I was just thinking."
"It sounds troubled. Does it wish to speak?"
"I... don't know," Kolyat answered, honestly.
"Perhaps that is the Island Dweller's trouble- it doesn't know?" The Hanar suggested.
Kolyat just stared as the Hanar started to slowly drift away.
N._.S._.S
All right, here's a shout-out to the first two reviewers- totally made my day with these!And now, I'll give you both what you asked for. To Shynerdylady- I've got this chapter and a whole bunch more with your name written all over 'em! And to the anonymous reviewer, Bob Rijke, I've got another SUPER SPECIAL gift- the gift of a promise for longer chapters, as you wished for in your awesome review! To both of you- enjoy! And I hope ya like it! :D
Also, to all those who Favorited and Followed both me and the story- it means the Galaxy to me!
You guys rock!
On another note, I know that some of you might be realizing that there's something important missing from this here Mass Effect Fic- Commander Shepard herself!Some of you might be wondering where she's been off too, all unconscious and stuff. So I'll be answering that question, and more, soon enough, so keep your pants on!
And another special thank you to Pawakin, who noticed the mistake in this chapter.
1/26/13
