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.' Also, the name 'Carissa' means 'the most beloved one.' I just thought the names fit their purposes."

N._.S._.S

Chapter Fifteen: The Wanderer V.

Those few Drell who still believed in and practiced the old ways often whispered amongst themselves that restless spirits wandered Kahje. These spirits, they said, were incredibly wise and powerful beings, and were only those precious few who had not yet completed the life's purpose that the three Gods and Goddesses (Amonkira; the Lord of Hunters, Arashu; the Goddess of Motherhood and Protection, and Kalihira; the Goddess of the Oceans and the Afterlife) had set for them.

They were those who had someone they wished to protect so much that the three had taken pity upon them, and allowed them to return to the world of the living to watch over their loved ones personally.

The believers also said often that it was Kahje's Great Lakes that offered these glimpses into the afterlife, and that if a soul needed to consult them, they can be found wandering at their shores under the misty skies that covered the glistening stars of the vast space of the Galaxy beyond Kahje.

It was to these Great Lakes that Kolyat ventured to under the cover of darkness tonight.

For the time after his father and Commander Shepard saved him from his would-be fate, and he'd served a few weeks of "Community Service" with Bailey in C-Sec as punishment for his "almost crime," he'd left the Citadel and returned to Kahje, where he apologized to his uncles and aunts for what he'd done.

Then he sought out a priest of the old ways, just as his father had asked him to.

Back then, Kolyat still didn't know why he was so intent on obeying his father's wishes- he didn't even know if he'd forgiven him for what he'd done yet. It's true that his father had been mostly justified, and the ones that had killed his mother had gotten what they'd probably deserved, but... still.

He learned the old ways and began to truly believe in them, learning the priest's way of prayer, while at the same time visiting his father regularly on the Citadel, where his father was confined to because of his illness- he was getting worse; and required daily medical care. Kolyat knew that though Thane didn't tell him directly, that he didn't have much time left.

Between his studies and visiting his father... something began to change in him.

For the better.

They exchanged letters day by day, even though Kolyat visited Thane every last day of the month. Kolyat mainly told his father of his studies and the new things he'd learned; and in return Thane told him of what he saw in the Citadel- and about the Reapers and Commander Shepard- although Kolyat had to gently press him on for details on those matters.

They grew closer.

Father, Kolyat had once written, I went down to the Great Lakes today alongside one of the priests- the same one where mother was given. I doubt there is a more beautiful place.

He'd gone on to detail the flowers and interesting shapes of the rocks and cool, translucent waters and how the priest had told him the story of the Lake's creation and its purpose.

That was the last letter he'd ever sent- and his father never responded to it.

He was called to the Citadel and told his father had been injured while protecting the Salarian Councilor from an assassin- something, Kolyat knew, his father would certainly do. He'd been badly hurt, and Kolyat was needed at his side.

Of course, there was nothing that could be done.

And his father passed away that day.

He returned to Kahje determined to keep the promise that he had made.

Kolyat doubted that his father knew the extent of his studies under the Priests until he recited a prayer in the Hospital. The stunned look was quickly replaced by one of pride- and happiness.

He arrived at the sacred place, and slowly made his way toward the Lake.

The Priests said that only those who had a strong enough connection to the Goddesses and Gods could truly see and hear the restless spirits of Kahje. But even then the spirits were a force to be reckoned with- their voices alone could drive a man insane, they said.

As Kolyat drew closer, he saw a dark figure standing at the edge of the lake. It was a Drell. He stood with his back facing Kolyat, and his hands were folded behind his back. His form was harsh and full- Kolyat couldn't tell whether he was looking at a ghost or a living being.

I wondered when you would come.

Kolyat nearly jumped out of his own skin at the deep, powerful voice- was that his dad?

It really was his father who turned to look at him.

N._.S._.S

"Father."

Thane gave his son an almost considering look before nodding.

Kolyat gripped the prayer book hidden deep within his jacket pocket before stepping closer, dearly hoping this wasn't a hallucination and he wasn't insane.

You are different from when I last saw you, Thane began, gently. I wonder what has changed in you.

"Riddles aren't going to help,"Kolyat told him, flatly.

Thane chuckled lightly at the response.I suppose not. But, he added in amusement, That was no riddle.

Kolyat was now side-by-side with his father, and they both stood facing the Great Lakes.

"I need your help."

Thane turned his head to look at him with some concern. I know.

"You know about Cerberus and the Reaper?" Kolyat asked in surprise.

Yes. I also know what they are planning- and how to stop them. But in order to do so, Thane said, warningly, you will put yourself into great danger.

"That's obvious," Kolyat responded, bitterly.

The Citadel is the heart of our Galaxy's government.

The fact startled Kolyat, and he lifted his eyes from the translucent waters.

"I know what the Citadel is."

Thane gave him a mild look. But you do not know what part you have to play in its destruction.

"It's destruction? What does that mean?" Kolyat asked, cautiously.

The Reaper that landed here months ago was intercepted by Cerberus on the orders of the Illusive Man. Thane revealed, slowly. The group's name is 'Project Control.' It was a contingency plan of the Illusive Man's, made just as the Reaper War began. They are, as we speak, plotting to revive the Reaper and control it, using it to destroy the Citadel, the Council, and take control of most of the Galaxy, all in a single blow.

"Will it work?" Kolyat asked, stunned.

If their control is not altered and this device, as Thane spoke, he held out his hand, revealing a small metallic chip, Their Control Chip, is not taken from their hands, I fear that it will.

"How did no one see Cerberus before?" Kolyat questioned, folding his arms.

No one paid close enough attention to the Reaper's fall to notice that Cerberus was following it.

"Why did the Reaper fall?"

I do not know, Thane conceded, quietly. Perhaps the Illusive Man had a weapon we did not.

"What about Shepard?"

Siha is... currently wandering her past. She will not wake until the day of the attack.

"Her team?" Kolyat counters, desperately.

They will be caught unprepared.

"Can't you warn them?"

I cannot. I am no longer part of the living world, Thane said, gently. If I could have, rest assured that I would have done everything I thought might have helped you.

"So it's all on me."

Thane gave him a cautious look. Yes. You must go to Vassla Island, find the Reaper and steal the Control Chip. Then you must go to the Citadel. Do whatever it takes to get the Control Chip to Commander Shepard and her team. Warn anyone you need to along the way- use any assistance you are offered.

"And pull the trigger?" Kolyat added, grimacing.

You do what you must to stay alive.

"That's it?" Kolyat demanded, scathingly. "It's that easy?"

He turned in frustration toward his father...

But found that he was already gone.

N._.S._.S

You're doing this because you have to.

Dammit, that was such a stupid reason.

Stupid, but true.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid." Kolyat muttered dangerously under his breath as he made his way to the silent shuttle bay, where a lone shuttle-driver was waiting. The Widow was already strapped to his back, and he was wearing his old blue leather, bullet-and-waterproof jacket, with his prayer book stowed gently into the deepest inside pocket he could squeeze it into.

In the other pockets, he had three or four thermal clips stored safely out of sight.

Because I have to. What kind of lame excuse is that, anyway? Kolyat thought, bitterly.

"One to Vassla Island," he said to the clerk in front of the shuttle. The driver, a Drell, gave him a suspicious, cautious look, and then shrugged it off, taking the credit chit that Kolyat handed him. Handing it back, he silently gestured Kolyat into the passenger's side, and got into the driver's seat himself.

They were only in the air a few minutes when the driver spoke, breaking the silence.

"You've got a scary look in your eyes."

Startled, Kolyat looked over at him. "Excuse me?"

The older Drell shrugged. "It's none of my business, but..."

Kolyat shook his head. "I've just got a lot on my mind."

"I can see that much," the driver laughed. "This is a last minute trip, right?"

Kolyat gripped the prayer book hidden in his jacket. "Yes."

The stranger shrugged. "Have something you have to do?"

Something I have to do?

"Yes," Kolyat affirmed, his voice stronger than he meant it to be.

"You going after Cerberus, aren't you?"

Kolyat nodded. "How did you know that?"

The driver shrugged again. "Just a guess. Do your parents know?"

"My dad does, most likely."

"What the hell kind of answer is that? You think?" The older Drell chuckled good-naturedly, shaking his head at Kolyat in disbelief.

Kolyat smiled a little in response. "I hope he knows."

"So do I, kid. No offense, but you sure look like you can use the help."

N._.S._.S

SO! Kolyat finally knows what's really going on and is heading down to Vassla Island to steal a chip that might save the Galaxy or damn it to the hands of Cerberus! Shepard's dreaming about when she was a little kid, and Garrus and Adelais Vakarian are not getting along as well as people might have hoped!

Thoughts? Any at all?

1/26/13