Fiction:Ice Age/Loyalty to the Team

With and the  defeated,  and his team were left to their own devices for the rest of 2797. However, each of his close associates would come to be bothered by personal matters. It would be up for the Penumbran to aid his teammates in their time of need.

Kamaris: Disorder in the Order
<!--- It was nearing the very end of 2797, and Vekaron and his crew were making preparations for the new year. It was late at night on his ship, and most of the crew members were asleep - except for Kamaris, who was, probably without permission, using the ship's display as a method of communication. He was given a message before, to contact other Mahanayans at the home of the Order he belonged to. Three s were on the screen, and, in order for Kamaris to keep his conversations secret, he spoke in his native tongue. The tone of the conversation appeared to be sombre, as Kamaris spoke little and sparingly. At this moment, Vekaron entered the room carrying a glass of water, noticing Kamaris and approaching him to see what he was doing. Kamaris, in return had sensed Vekaron approaching, and before Vekaron could get too close, Kamaris had closed the display down and turned to his captain.


 * Kamaris - Apologies, Vekaron. I should not have used the display without permission.
 * Vekaron - You own me no apologies, Kamaris. What happened? You look distressed.
 * Kamaris - ...It is a matter close to home. The order which I belong to, the Colossi, is in need of a reconstitution. I recieved news that the head of my order has passed away. And...well. You could imagine.
 * Vekaron - If that's what is bothering you, we could take the ship to the Colossi' headquarters and resolve matters personally. It's not like we have much in our way now that Torrent is gone.
 * Kamaris - That is true. I am required to return to the Order by decree, nonetheless. I must stand...a trial of sorts.
 * Vekaron - We can head out after everyone wakes up. But if you have a trial to go through then you should rest.
 * Kamaris - There will be time for that later. The trial is much like a court. I must stand in front of my superiors and they will decide whether I am suitable to continue my role in the Order. If I am, then I should rest for the forthcoming events.
 * Vekaron - ...And if you're not...
 * Kamaris - Nothing happens. Except that my position in the Order is granted to someone else. It is rather democratic. You don't think that all Mahanayans are savage, do you?
 * Vekaron - I didn't mean to imply anything. You're the only Mahanayan I've ever encountered. I just assumed losing your title would be a big loss.
 * Kamaris - Oh, no. It is just that my title in the Order itself is rather sought after. I could think of a few who would wish me not to sit on the higher council...or dead.
 * Vekaron - Well, considering all the stuff we've been through since you joined the team, I'm confident you're worthy of your title. We'll look into it tomorrow.
 * Kamaris - Thank you. You may wish to set course for planet, then. And...you may want to ready the hazard suits. Mahanaya is...volatile as a planet.
 * Vekaron - Very well.

The next morning, the ship had set course for the Mahanayan homeworld. Mahanaya was a desert world, where the residents of the world were densely populated into habitable areas, as much of the planet was desolate and wildly dangerous for many to permanently live in. The Colossi's headquarters was far from civilisation however - far from the eyes of technology as they remained a spiritual order that abstained mostly from using technology for many millennia. Their ship landed not so far from the entrance to the headquarters - which, from a distance, appeared to be vast, scuplted mounds of eroded rock that lay in the side of a cliff face.


 * Kamaris - Here we are.
 * Kirlisir - How... fancy.
 * Kamaris - You needn't bother trying to appeal to my good nature. The temple was built many thousands of years ago.
 * Dolgan - Good Vaxal, this planet is suffocating. Were it not for my armor's systems, I'd have fried to death the moment we arrived.
 * Kamaris - This is Mahanaya's concept of autumn, as well. The winter months are indeed cooler...at a cost of more dangerous weather.
 * Vekaron - We should head to the headquarters now.
 * Kirlisir - Yeah. As much as I enjoy the view, there's not too much to look at out here.
 * Kamaris - Very well. ...I wish Wragrot was here to see this. I imagine he would like it somewhat.
 * Dolgan - He'd probably claim it's too cold for him.
 * Kamaris - Possibly. Sixty degrees is somewhat temperate for this time of year.
 * Kilchárunya - ...Why are we on Mahanaya? You know what; I don't care...let's just get whatever this is over with.
 * Vekaron - Someone didn't pay attention to the debriefing. Again.
 * Kirlisir - Hehe, well, Kicath and spiritual agendas do not mix so well. I'm surprised Kil hadn't fallen asleep during debriefing, to be perfectly honest.
 * Dolgan - Can we shut up and move before I turn into a water puddle?

Moving towards the gigantic structure not too far ahead of them, the team walked on an eroded tile path, as the winds were blowing strongly to the left. The hazard suits were picking up small disturbances in the atmosphere - the winds were carrying small shards of rock with them. Ascending up the staircase at the entrance, dimmed by a colonnade of sorts, a Mahanayan in similar attire to Kamaris, who was not wearing armour at that point, was surveying them from a distance. Kirlisir eyed the Mahanayan from afar, nodding her head in acknowledgement of its presence and as a gesture to her teammates in case they had not been aware previously.


 * Mahanayan - I welcome you home, Natyrazhakamaris. And I welcome your...associates.
 * Dolgan - I really hope the insides of the place are cooler than outside.
 * Vekaron - Greetings. I am Kamaris' captain.
 * Kirlisir - We are here to deliver Kamaris to his... trial.
 * Kamaris - Please, let me speak.

The Mahanayan looked somewhat puzzled at the team; the concept of Kamaris having a captain was somewhat odd to him.


 * Mahanayan - ...Yes. The court. It will begin momentarily now that you have arrived. I trust your associates will not cause a disturbance in the midst of the session.
 * Kamaris - I sincerely hope they will not. Kilchárunya.
 * Kilchárunya - What? ...Fine. I'll be on my best behaviour.

Kirlisir glanced upwards towards Kamaris, an eyebrow perked as she had an uncertain expression written across her face.


 * Kirlisir - What are you expecting to happen, big guy? How do these things work?
 * Kamaris - I will explain along the way. Lead us on.

The Mahanayan nodded, and, turning away to face the large doors of the temple, a gust of wind seeped through the entrance as they walked in. The halls were dimly lit as braziers marked the way through the underground temple, whilst members of the order looked at Kamaris and then the team, somewhat intrigued that foreigners were inside their walls.


 * Kamaris - So. How these things work?
 * Kirlisir - Yeah. You said it was a "democratic" gathering during debriefing, but... Well, what do you have to do to keep yourself in your position? Prove yourself, kiss an ass or two?
 * Kamaris - Perhaps I should have explained better. There are in fact two trials. One is the court session. Where the head of the order has now died, it is necessary to re-shuffle the hierarchy in order to elect a new head, and by doing so, trials in the court are held to determine our...abilities to serve as a leading member. There are eleven overall heads you see - I am one of them.
 * Vekaron - In that case we should probably keep silent unless talked to.
 * Kamaris - I was about to say that. A foreigner has not entered these halls in centuries.
 * Kirlisir - Oh, well, lucky us.
 * Kit - So, what is the second trial?
 * Kamaris - In my case, should I be deemed eligible to continue my leadership...I may have to contest my eligibility to lead the entire order. As is the way of things.
 * Vekaron - Everyone keep quiet now.

Passing various halls, containing items of peculiar and ancient appearance, the team were finally lead into the court. It was massive in size - seven hundred and sixty eight Mahanayans were seated around a semicircular room, whilst there was a table that was in the centre of this hall that had eleven stone thrones. Kamaris' position in the order allowed him some leniency, and thus only three of the ten living heads were present whilst the others sat with the rest of the court. The three Mahanayans - named Syravakazan, Haalthayan and Naamadraal, oversaw the court as Kamaris and the team was brought to the centre of the room before them.


 * Syravakazan - The court is now in session. We are here on this day to determine the spirit of Natyrazhakamaris Anthorsovaylato, in light of recent events.
 * Kamaris - I would ask to shorten the ceremonies, Syravakazan. I am busy.
 * Naamadraal - You may be one of us, Natyrazhakamaris. But we cannot shorten ceremony for the sake of one.

Kirlisir shuffled where she stood, muttering beneath her breath as she folded her arms and whispered to Vekaron.


 * Kirlisir - Don't think they quite realise Kamaris isn't alone here.
 * Vekaron - We're outsiders. He practically is.

One of the overseers, Haalthayan, looked at the corrale that was Vekaron's crew, as they stood some distance behind Kamaris.


 * Haalthayan - Tell me, Natyrazhakamaris, why do you bring foreigners to our court?
 * Syravakazan - You know that is...not customary to do so, correct?
 * Kamaris - I know so. There is no written rule against it.

Kamaris turned to the team, his face slightly more displeased than usual.


 * Kamaris - Apologies, my friends. I have been misleading you somewhat.
 * Dolgan - Oh boy. What now.

Kamaris turned back to the overseers to continue his conversation.


 * Kamaris - These here are my votaries; they are here to support my eligibility.

The court rabbled slightly, as the overseers looked at each other.


 * Haalthayan - It is not becoming of one of us to call upon outsiders for support. You know you should have --
 * Kamaris - I have been away from here for three years. Perhaps you should elect your votaries in the space of eight hours and see what you find.

Haalthayan was silenced by Kamaris' remark, his mouth swiftly closed as the overseers looked at each other again.


 * Naamadraal - Very well. They must come forward to speak.

Kamaris stepped aside, allowing the team to step where he was. Vekaron stepped forward with apprehension in his face, while Dolgan's eyes narrowed as she glared at the court. Kirlisir's arms unfolded and she let them fall to her sides, eyeing the court with a displeased expression.


 * Syravakazan - Speak your names, friends of Natyrazhakamaris. Make yourself known to the court.
 * Vekaron - Vekaron Zankho, Penumbran of the .
 * Dolgan - Dolgan Tuchaki.
 * Kilchárunya - Kilchárunya Althārulísi.
 * Kit - Kitmnárochoaltánún Atthārutási.
 * Kirlisir - Kirlisir.
 * Naamadraal - Natyrazhakamaris has brought you here as his votaries. To speak for him in his trial to continue his term as one of the eleven overseers.
 * Vekaron - We shall do so.
 * Haalthayan - ...Very well. Speak.
 * Dolgan - ... You're yet to say what you want us to talk about.
 * Haalthayan - Should it not be obvious? Speak of Natyrazhakamaris and his merits.
 * Kirlisir - Well, for starters, I would like to see anyone fight and navigate as coherently as any one of us with the absence of sight - or eyeballs at all, for that matter - as Kamaris, perhaps one of our strongest partners, does on the regular.
 * Vekaron - Kamaris has been on my ship for three years and has always showed himself to be a great warrior. He was fundamental in the defeat of the Children of Synthesis and the New Wranploer Legion, which as you should be aware, have caused much suffering to the Polar Crystal Alliance.
 * Naamadral - A Penumbran, you said?
 * Vekaron - Yes. I am the first Penumbran.
 * Syravakazan - We have heard of the merits of the Penumbrans and their role in the wars as of late. If Natyrazhakamaris has fought alongside you, then we shall certainly honour the Penumbrans. What else is there to speak of him?
 * Dolgan - He's strong. I wouldn't try my luck against him, and he's blind. Could probably snap me in half.
 * Kirlisir - ... And what is more important, he has, pardon my words, not lost sight amidst his strength and power. In spite of the strength he wields and the innumerable enemies he has faced, he remains compassionate, kindly, and overall intact with regards to his personal balance and his relationships with others. ... He is more than an ally or partner as of now, having proven himself passive and caring enough to be called a friend as well.
 * Dolgan - Yuck. So sentimental.

The overseers nodded in agreement to Kirlisir's words. A small moment of silence passed, before their eyes turned to the Kicath.


 * Syravakazan - Anything to say, Kicath?

Kilchárunya simply looked at the councillors, and before long, said nothing, but instead gave what was the Kicathian equivalent of a thumbs up.


 * Kit - ...Yes. Kamaris has tought me patience in a chaotic galaxy. I would be a lesser Kicath if it were not for his teachings.

The overseers nodded again, albeit more hesitantly in reaction to Kilchárunya.


 * Naamadraal - If there is nothing more to say, then I suggest it is time to pass the vote.
 * Kirlisir - ... He also made sure to exact payment against the one who took his sight from him; an augmented and enhanced Sankáryn who worked beneath the NWL who gave even Vekaron and the rest of us strife, where Kamaris sought him out and executed him single-handedly.
 * Dolgan - Heh. Fun day that was... well, half of it.
 * Kirlisir - I do not believe there is more to say in his defence, your honour.
 * Haalthayan - Very well.

The overseers stood from their chairs, as they were to announce the vote.


 * Syravakazan - Let it be known in this chamber - who here deems Natyrazhakamaris worthy of his title?

Of the seven hundred and sixty eight Mahanayans that were there, at least half of them present rose their hands in favour of Kamaris to retain his role in the Order. As they lowered their hands, the overseers were obliged to ask the second question.


 * Syravakazan - And who here deems Natyrazhakamaris to test his body and blood to lead the Order?

A similar number of hands rose.


 * Naamadraal - Then it is decided. You will have your leave and have your fate decided in the ways of old...the court has decreed it to be so.

Kamaris nodded, as his expression was one of both anticipation and dread. Kirlisir tugged on Vekaron's arm as the rest of the team heard the verdict, her eyes locked onto Kamaris from where she was standing, swallowing heavily as her nerves were wracked. The number of Mahanayans present quickly vacated the room, soon leaving only Vekaron and the crew there.


 * Dolgan - Well, by his tone, I take we'll have to fight stuff now.
 * Kamaris - Yes. The democracy of this order is nonetheless built on the ideals of peace through bloodshed. As is the rest of the universe.
 * Vekaron - What happens now?
 * Kamaris - We must wait further until the others in the eleven overseers are tried. There can only be one other who is able to contest leadership, and...we will have to fight him.
 * Kirlisir - "We"? ... How can one man require a whole team to fight him?
 * Kamaris - He will not be alone. The votaries in the court are votaries in battle. His votaries will fight us.
 * Dolgan - It's like you forgot Torrent. Or Brakarion. Or me, even.
 * Kirlisir - ... Hmph, good. I wanted to wipe their smug grins off of their faces ever since I stepped into this courtroom; how dare they look down to us... Look down to you, even.
 * Kamaris - I am afraid political jurisdiction from the Polar Crystal Alliance does not resound as far as the Order of the Colossi. As far as they see it; I lead all of you, and not Vekaron as the captain. We are in a rural part of the universe, here.
 * Vekaron - If Wragrot was here, he'd probably have provoked to punch them in their faces. I suppose we'll get a chance to do that to at least one then.
 * Kamaris - I doubt we will not face one of those three. They are not warriors in the same sense that I am. Regardless, I suggest that you all return to the ship. I must remain here and oversee a few trials myself. We will know what will happen by sunset.
 * Dolgan - God, finally. I'll spend the rest of the day facing the air conditioner if you need me.
 * Kamaris - Oh. And do not consider wandering around Mahanaya. There is a reason our cities are shielded in.
 * Vekaron - I wasn't really planning to.
 * Kirlisir - Kamaris...

Kirlisir approached the Colossus and took one of his hands in her own, placed her right palm on top of his while she faintly smiled; although Kamaris could not see it due to his lack of sight, her smile was concocted of worry and affection simultaneously.


 * Kirlisir - ... Thank you for choosing us as your votaries. It's an honour.
 * Kamaris - I would have not chosen anyone else.
 * Kilchárunya - Well yeah; you're stuck on a ship in the middle of --

Kamaris clenched Kilchárunya's jaws shut with his hand, whilst she yelped and throttled in surprise as the Mahanayan took ahold of her face.


 * Kamaris - I appreciate the sentiment, Kilchárunya. But I speak for everyone here. Shut up.
 * Dolgan - This is all the hot weather's fault, I tell you. Let's get out of here.
 * Kamaris - Indeed. We all must prepare for tomorrow.

Kamaris let go of Kilchárunya, as she held on to her snout with mild growls of pain.


 * Kilchárunya - Right, right. I've gotta polish my armour anyway. And my face considering you just crushed it.
 * Vekaron - Let's leave Kamaris to his trials. Come on, everyone.

Vekaron nodded to Kamaris before turning to the exit, while Dolgan already ran a distance ahead of them. Kirlisir hesitantly let go of Kamaris' hand and followed after Vekaron, wrapping an arm around his own as she walked beside him, a look of uncertainty written on her face.

Sunrise came over Mahanaya's surface, as the vicious sand dunes in the sky lit up almost like fire in the horizon. Kamaris' trials had gone on into the night, and, instead of returning to the ship, he decided to remain in his own personal quarters inside the building, though he had contacted the crew to meet him there instead of back in the ship. Vekaron arrived with his vibrosword visible, while Dolgan carried her coilgun, eager for combat. Kirlisir had fitted herself with her Gallarade armour, a frown written across her face as she cracked the knuckled in her hands with her fingers. Kilchárunya was wearing her armour as per usual, and was equipped with as much weaponry as she could carry on her person. Kit on the other hand, carried only his blade.


 * Kirlisir - I'll teach those horse-faced bastards to look down at us like we're pond-scum.
 * Kilchárunya - What's a horse?
 * Dolgan - ...Yeah. What's a horse?

As they entered Kamaris' quarters - which was laid out similarly to how his quarters were on Vekaron's ship - except for the vast quantity of written scrolls in a mesmerisingly complicated script hanging from the walls, they found Kamaris sitting down, facing an oddly-shaped shrine as he only wore clothing for the lower part of his body.

-->
 * Kilchárunya - Is he asleep?
 * Kamaris - I'm quite awake, thank you.
 * Dolgan - So when do we get to kill people?
 * Kirlisir - How are you feeling, Kamaris? I trust those bureaucrats didn't pull any funny business while we weren't around.
 * Kamaris - I am ready. And...well. They did not pull any...'funny business', per se. However I was not expecting my challenge to be like this.
 * Vekaron - What's your challenge?
 * Kamaris - I learnt that I have to face an overseer named Thoomzakaran. He is a warrior by trade; nothing out of the ordinary. Until I learnt of his votaries.
 * Kirlisir - What of them?
 * Kamaris - Well...they appear not to be from the Order either. Outsiders.
 * Kirlisir - And what do you mean by "outsiders", Kamaris? What are we dealing with here?
 * Kamaris - ...I believe there has been some...infringement within the Order...though there is no rule against bringing outsider votaries no matter what they are. Thoomzakaran appears a little different to what I remember; I believe I have deduced why.
 * Vekaron - And that is?
 * Kamaris - Thoomzakaran appears to look as if he is descended. As in...that particular kind. How the Order have overlooked this, I am not sure. But I am intent on purifying it from that scum.
 * Vekaron - That's got to be illegal.
 * Dolgan - Hey, at least we'll be doing the universe a favour by killing him.
 * Kirlisir - And just when I thought we were done with having to deal with daemons and the like. ... This is just perfect.
 * Kamaris - That is not actually the worst of it. Thoomzakaran being descended will prove a hindrance. His votaries...will prove downright dangerous.
 * Dolgan - ...More descended?
 * Kamaris - Oh yes. The even worse part is that...well. I walked past the chambers not so long ago. I believe he has employed descended . My guess is that he is linked to the Dominion in some cause...I think we should keep him alive for interrogation if we can.
 * Dolgan - ...Your Order's superiors are bloody idiots if you don't mind me saying.
 * Kirlisir - No, they know exactly what they are doing.
 * Kamaris - Kirlisir is right. Though I imagine Thoomzakaran has...psychologically bribed them into silence. No matter. I believe that fighting him and two descended Zí-Jittorám will be within our grasp rather safely. Many others like us have faced similar odds and lived.
 * Kirlisir - And many more died.