Homecoming (Nero)

Nero had made it a point to often patrol the planet even outside of his usual commitments in delivering supplies and such as he did while growing up. Helping here and there, showing kindness to others wherever possible— it came naturally to him as much as breathing did. Even local banditry in the Northern Scar was on a steep decline by now!.

Both Nero and his various friends and allies had done their part as well to keep Namek as a whole safe from threats. Still, there was always something to do, aid to give, lives to change and threats to stop, that was just how the universe worked.

One of the best things to come out of recent events was ever since the end of the Trial of Peace tournament that ended with Nero’s victory, the people of Namek had been closer to each other than ever, a lot of tension had been eased as they saw their friends and protectors partake in the event.

All of the work that had been done for the sake of this world was coming together, and the ideal outcome was so close— which was even more reason to work harder, to reach that true unity and keep it in the hearts of Namek’s people.

At the moment, Nero was working with some locals who were having issues with a piece of farming equipment. It was a Namek-built combine harvester, made of locally grown parts and magic much like any other Namekian vehicle with no need for combustible fuels of any sort, it simply worked on the Ki and presence of its user— truly clean energy! Eventually the issue was found, a Ki conducting crystal inside the dome-piece of the vehicle had cracked, but with some keenly practiced magic it was fixed, in theory. All they needed to do was test it.

Seconds later, Nero felt someone reach out to him telepathically— someone he recognized— Gandigan. Listening to the message, Nero was quite happy, it was clear that Gandigan had chosen not to go through with forgetting the person that he was. ’Yeah, I hear you Gandigan. I’m glad that you have kept your truth and kept with you the person that you are despite your past.’ He responded quickly. ’I’ll be there in a minute, I’m just helping some locals with some farming equipment.’

Of course it didn’t take long, after a quick test the combine harvester was working fine so Nero was free to fly off in the direction of Gandigan. “Yo!” Nero waved as he touched down on the ground nearby. “I sense you’ve also gotten quite strong. So was training among the stars worth your while?” It was quite the improvement, he had to admit. “Anyway, what was it that you wanted to talk about? I’m here to listen.”

“Sounds like quite the adventure.” Nero nodded, happy that it was an adventure Gandigan chose to remember for better or worse. Gandigan of course had other matters to discuss, which was why he had even asked to see Nero to begin with. The two could tell tales of their adventures some other time, and by that time they may even have more to share. “Like I said, I’m here to listen, what’d you wanna ask?” He confirmed, giving Gandigan the opportunity to speak.

Nero nodded as he too stepped forward to look out towards the Outer Plait, the contrast between it and the rest of the Northern Scar was really something else at this vantage point. His gaze fell on the direction of the old castle as he listened to Gandigan recount an incident from his past— it was related to that parasite that Marimba, Mollusc and Dosu had discovered to be plaguing Gandigan a while ago. Nero had already heard the accounts of those three, but Gandigan’s was the last piece of the puzzle so to speak. “That is certainly something many would want to forget, but I think you are braver for choosing to remember.” At least now the experience could guide Gandigan to help others, and that was a victory of its own kind.

The Namekian had an interesting plan to put forward, something to bring more of Namek’s people together. Nero was always happy to hear that more people had ideas similar to his own. “Yanno, I was thinking of doing something like that myself. It was gonna be the next step after I had rejuvenated the Outer Plait, but...” He let out a sharp sigh. “People kept trying to cause problems for us so I was focused on fending them off.”

As for the castle itself being a target, Nero held the bridge of his nose. “Ugggh, more times than I would want to count, and one of those times happened just recently too. It was a madman that goes by the name of Shroom. He tried to remake it in his image and rule the land on which it stood.” His expression turned quite stony and serious, a noticeable departure from his more laid back and happy attitude. “I don’t dislike very many things, and I hate even fewer, but there are some things I simply loathe— and that would largely be manipulators and liars.” Nero explained. “Shroom is one such individual. He has a mind control ability, he manipulates and schemes not unlike Amon. Be careful and wary of him if you ever cross his path, okay?”

Afterward, Nero’s expression softened, they weren’t here to talk about things that made them annoyed or angry, they were here to speak of things that gave them hope. “Anyway, the divide between the people of Namek has been healing, and noticeably I might add given recent events. Now of course, that’s great, but solidifying the foundation of this unity would do a lot of good. I think another place that can be shared among the people like Dend Capital is a wonderful idea— especially out here where I would say it is needed. Do you have any ideas on how to structure the new town outside of having the castle be the community hall? I’m a pretty good carpenter, and I know a lot of people that can help out” Nero looked over the miniature of the old castle, and while Gandigan thought his magic to be of an amateur level, Nero didn’t seem to mind. “Don’t worry about that. You can always train to be better at those kinds of skills. What matters the most right now is what you want to do with them. I’m sure it’s obvious at this point but I’d be more than happy to lend a hand.” Or hands, since Nero could create duplications of himself, but he figured it would be best to leave that as a surprise.

Nero looked out into the land, his senses reaching out across the planet, to breathe as it breathed and see as it saw in a spiritual way. “Since we’re talking about our visions... I think that the Mazoku, Dragon and Warrior clans are important. Passion. Discipline. Honor. Those are the best key elements of each, and the talents within them are something I think we should celebrate despite them being different. Nobody should be shunned, excluded or othered because of how they were born or for the teachings they seek. We need only judge someone based on who they are, if they are kind or if they are cruel— and both can come from anywhere.” He took a moment, but he turned to Gandigan with a big grin on his face. “The Namek I want to see is one united despite difference, a Namek that is whole, and true to itself.”

“Ugh... That couldn’t have been a good time.” Nero grimaced and almost cringed audibly, having heard that Gandigan had an unfortunate run in with Shroom, and that Majin from the incident at Porunga’s Shrine. This got Nero thinking that perhaps it would be best to see if Gandigan was properly alright. “Hey, just to be sure, would you be okay with me using my power to put your mind at ease by making sure? I could also remove whatever dregs of Amon remain in the process.” That way, at least in Nero’s mind, Gandigan could be allowed to move on from these dark times in his life.

That aside, Nero listened as Gandigan went over his general ideas. “A garden would be good. There is a pretty big one in the courtyard of the castle as it is— when I healed the Outer Plait initially the soil there was of course included, and I noticed that some folks began to use it here and there.” It was natural for those in different areas to prioritize different things, at least in Nero’s opinion. “I know what you mean, there are a few in Dend that don’t often partake in the same practices, but that would be their choice. They might not have the time to do so either. Anyway, so long as what they choose to do is not harmful to others or Namek itself, there shouldn’t be an issue.”

Following along with Gandigan’s drawing, Nero took note of where he planned to put houses. At first it seemed quite solid, but then Gandigan wanted to also include avenues for farming in particular. “Right, okay. It has potential.” Nero said, looking at the diagram closer. “If we want to include farming, we can also include other crafts, carpentry, dragon-smithing and an area for fighters to train. If we go with this current layout, it may be too densely packed.” He added, holding his chin in thought. “Instead of parted circles.. What do you think about a set of small spirals that join into a larger one? It could offer us a defended inner structure, like a lattice of sorts. I’m guessing we’d want some outer walls too.” Roads of some kind could be doable as well, at the very least internally within the city that was being planned. “Hmm... Some kind of pathing structure could be good. Though, outside of peacekeeping patrols that already happen regularly, we might benefit from something else as well. What are your thoughts on setting up some watchtowers, at least in key areas? I know of some old ones... There is an ancient story that says some are buried and sealed magically underground from a time long passed— we could repurpose those if they are indeed real and we are able to find them.”

Nero raised a brow curiously when Gandigan mentioned that some might not be all too happy about this plan, or about improving the Outer Plait at all. It didn’t bother Nero at all, in fact. “Yeah, I know. It isn’t as though most people in general are fond of big sweeping changes— especially if they themselves aren’t directly part of it. I don’t blame them for feeling a certain way when they appreciate that which they do have. If anything, it shows that they care.” He smiled, looking out towards the Outer Plait. “Understanding that, and understanding the thoughts and feelings of many people that live here is why I did what I did. As you can see, the Outer Plait is unlike the other areas of Namek. It is still rugged and tough, unique. Fitting of those that call it home. It was important that I kept it that way in some sense, even if the goal was to uplift the people that lived here, to lessen the divide.” Which all cycled back to Nero’s ultimate dream for Namek— united despite difference.

“In any case, a set of dedicated defenders is a great idea. I think it would be good for Mollusc to at least participate. He was quite brief on it when I last spoke to him, but he feels like he has a lot to atone for.” Plus, it would do well for the cause to show that there are many people willing to go beyond their darker pasts as it could encourage others. Speaking of encouragement, Gandigan’s next request was to encourage others to join in on the effort. Luckily, Nero knew a wealth of people all across Namek.

The matter of the First Scar was another point of interest. Some people Nero knew lived there as well, and it was as Gandigan had said, most lived in caverns in that area; Xaphoon and Tenoroon in particular called that place home, perhaps they could also help.

“I’ll see what I can do. I’m sure there are people in the other lands that are looking for a change of pace as well.” Even with just this concept, a handful of ideas and a bit of hope, Nero was feeling really good about their chances. “Have you thought of a name? For the city, I mean.”

“That’s the value of multiple perspectives.” Nero gave a nod, thinking of the meaning behind this supposed city being, funnily enough, exactly what he just said; the personification of valuing multiple perspectives.

It was good to hear that Gandigan had considered several important things on his own, as to Nero this showed at least part of how serious Gandigan was both in his conviction to do good and to grow past his prior misdeeds whether or not they were full of his own will or not. “The walls could be akin to the magic armor our Warriors use, or at least enchanted similarly, that would add to fortifications quite nicely.”

As for watchtowers, Gandigan had also considered them as well as a frequency at which to build them. “The distance between them could be extended a little if they are always within sight of at least two other towers and some sort of communicative relay is established— and training whoever is to be within them in the art of telepathy, that would also be a great boon.”

Nero had to admit, it wasn’t easy to think of names for certain things— places in particular. Especially places that would be so significant if built. “Hm. Yeah, those do make sense, and I think you’re on the right track— I don’t think I have any suggestions right now, I’d just caution against rushing a name, names are powerful things after all.”

Now, Gandigan had circled back to his current condition, giving some more context for what he had found out in his travels. He grimaced, what a rough predicament. “Oof, that’s rough...” It was hard enough for a Namekian to fall ill at all let alone be poisoned. Still, Nero had a particular set of skills that could do away with such an affliction. “Luckily, I believe I can do something about it.” Nero took a deep breath and clasped his hands together in front of him as a white wispy aura gracefully unfurled around him with a gentle chiming sound. “Now, I’ve been told this can sting, so brace yourself.”

With that warning given, Nero extended his purification powers unto Gandigan in order to remove what remains of Amon’s physical parasite, poison and other influences from the Namekian, maybe even kickstart his natural healing if things went well enough!

“You’d be surprised as to what some ingenuity can accomplish. Or maybe not, depending on the situation.” Nero said jovially. “Anyway, my dad, he was the one that taught me what I know about certain crafts, the properties of the magic armor in particular in this case.” There was some melancholy to how Nero spoke, but also an immense amount of pride, reverence for the one that he spoke of. “If only he was around to share his perspective directly. There is only so much I can give on the topic without him. Anyway, I’d recommend asking someone from the Warrior Clan directly about it if you can.” Perhaps Mollusc might have something to add, he seemed the kind of fellow to want to help out.

Either way, Gandigan’s current health state was what ended up drawing some more focus. Nero let his powers flow around the Namekian before striking against the affliction plaguing him, while he had the power to be sure that his own magic and power did no harm to Gandigan, the same could not be said about the poison, which of course tried to fight back. Fight as it might, it was overpowered by Nero’s purification abilities. Soon enough Gandigan was free— he even almost immediately looked like he felt better, his scar looked like it was showing signs of slow regeneration and healing.

So much so, that power within him began to bubble up to the surface; it was clearly not of his own volition, and Nero didn’t use his awakening abilities in this case either. “No, this isn’t my doing, at least not directly.” Nero said, trying to get a better look at Gandigan, who chose to back away, probably to be sure he didn’t cause any harm.

After the power had reached a peak, Gandigan collapsed onto the ground. Nero swiftly made his way over to the Namekian, offering support if he needed any to stand up again. Otherwise, Nero would sit down and wait patiently. With a moment to think, Nero suggested a theory. “I think that power you just showed is something of your own. It’s probably why you haven’t dropped dead from the poison too, maybe it subconsciously fought against it— without an affliction to fight, it rushed up to the surface a bit like a shaken carbonated drink bottle being open haphazardly and releasing pressure.” This was at the very least what made sense to the man at this moment. “Just take it easy for a second, yeah? How are you feeling?”

As Gandigan stood, so too did Nero, mostly he wanted to make sure the Namekian didn’t immediately fall over. Of course, Namekians were tough, this was probably something that Gandigan could walk off in due time. Nero sighed. Oh well, it was up to Gandigan to choose if he wanted to rest or not. “Well, at least try not to push yourself too hard if you don’t want to rest, maybe pick up some fruit juice from somewhere on your way?”

Man, what was it with people that Nero knew and not taking a moment to relax? Especially when they got some big grand idea rattling around in their head too. Gandigan did make a good point, his idea would need a fair bit of support and of course he was understandably excited in some way. “Oh, Marimba? He should be around here somewhere. If memory serves, he might be hanging around one of the onyx mountains or something. Just uh, don’t be surprised if he tries to hit ya. The way you left before really ticked him off, but he does care about you, of that I am certain.” Nero gave a nod. “I’ll see about talking to some others, maybe my little brother Pankaa could help, he’s very good with magic and construction too.” Besides, the Northern Scar was his birthplace, it would make sense if he was to help.

Soon enough, Gandigan began to float away, but not before bidding adieu. “Hey, don’t worry about it. It’s what I do. I couldn’t leave you suffering like that. You take care now, alright?” With that, Nero waited for Gandigan to be out of sight safely before he returned to helping some locals on his way elsewhere.