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. At all. So don't make me say it again."

Author's Note: "Just so you all know, the name 'Adelais,' is Latin for 'Noble,' and the name 'Carissa' means 'the most beloved one.' Personally, I just thought the two names fit the story and what the characters were meant for."

N._.S._.S

Chapter Forty-Three: The Wanderer XIII.

For the record, confronting the entire Council and the Primarch all at once like this was not Kolyat's idea.

Now, as he stood before them, Kolyat found he didn't have a lot to say. He realized what he must look like to them pretty quickly- a Drell (not even part of a Council Race!), disheveled-looking, beat up, and barely able to stand up on his own two feet, causing mayhem for the past few hours?

Keeping a firm grip on the prayer-book hidden in his jacket, Kolyat spoke again.

"My name is Kolyat Krios-"

Why the hell are you repeating what they already know, you idiot?

"I came from Kahje's Vassla Islands. I heard rumors-"

Don't tell them about your dead dad...

"- About Cerberus and a Reaper. I decided I'd see if it were true-"

"So instead of perhaps alerting your superiors, the Illuminated Prophecy, you journeyed down to an environment toxic to yourself... willfully?" Valern interrupted, callously.

"I don't think worrying about what I did to get here is important, Councilor- I can handle myself." Kolyat retorted, rather heatedly.

"I found out what Cerberus was planning, and stole what they needed to control the dormant Reaper. I need to get it to Commander Shepard before-"

"So it's the Commander's duty to protect the Galaxy, instead of ours?" This time, it was Tevos who interrupted him, placing a delicate-looking blue hand on her hip as she spoke.

Now even Councilor Sparatus seemed skeptical.

"See here, Drell-" he began, but for some reason, the usually prideful Turian balked when the Primarch shot him a glare, along with the Turian Kolyat had just spoken to, Adelais Vakarian, and the younger, female Turian beside him. "Carry on," Sparatus sighed, almost politely, under the satisfied looks of the three Turian companions behind him.

Before Kolyat could start again, Valern spoke up.

"This may be another wild outburst-"

This time, Kolyat snapped.

"Listen to me!" he snapped, causing the Human Council-member's smile to widen ever so slightly, as if he'd been waiting for this.

"Why the hell else would I be here?" Kolyat snapped, folding his arms despite the stabbing pain in his shoulder in protest at the sharp movement. "There was never a wild outburst- not from me, and definitely not from the Commander! The last time this Council ignored a warning like this, we got the Reaper War and the Cerberus coup- during which," Kolyat added as wrathfully as he could at Valern, "my father sacrificed himself for all of you! Stuff your pride, and listen to me! I may not be a so-called Council Race," Kolyat spat that hated word with as much anger as he could manage, "but that shouldn't matter! Cerberus is here, and they have a Reaper under their control!"

Silence.

Stunned silence.

Kolyat was about ready to turn and walk away before Hackett and Sparatus both stepped forward.

"Have you ever considered public speaking as a career, son?" Hackett asked.

"No, sir. I've always hated crowds," Kolyat replied, darkly, shooting a withering look at the Asari and the Salarian Council members- both of whom looked thoroughly put out.

"Well," Hackett said in clear, unabashed amusement, "We'd better get you cleaned up before you see Shepard. It sounds like you've got a War to help stop."

"I'll be fine," Kolyat lied easily, "I need to see Shepard first."

N._.S._.S
Sorry this one's a little short.

Don't worry though, there's probably a few more coming!

XD

Anyway, please, please tell me what you thought of these last few chapters!

I seriously want to have all of your opinions in here!

Plus, it's funny, what some of you guys are saying.

Oh, and Palladius?

I'm a girl.

And my name- my REAL name- is Joleen.

So yeah.

You can say it.

I'm automatically a badass.

XD