King of the North - [Carnage]

Whatever was going through Marimba’s mind in his moment of anger, Nero was sure that the Namekian could figure it out himself. Marimba himself did once say that people remember feelings above words, how they worked through these feelings would be an indicator of the kind of person that they were.

As far as Gandigan and Marimba’s opinion on Kalimba was concerned; the former remained largely silent, though seemingly aware. The latter was more blunt, in that if Kalimba went too far then he would take issue, but for now there were other problems to sort out. Nero let it be for now.

Gira responded to Nero’s telepathic message promptly, and voiced her own concerns. In that moment, Cabasa seemed to have a violent flailing reaction in response to Nero’s radiance that he brought up for official purposes. Few things and even fewer people reacted like that. As such, Nero sent Gira one more message before she left with Cabasa and Zuci ’I’m not quite sure what it is, Gira, but I think she’s cursed.’

Following Nero’s terms, Kalimba seemed to be in agreement, which was nice. The old Mazoku may well have phrased it differently had he been the one to speak given their different perspectives. Gandigan of course spoke openly. Nero knew much of Gandigan’s trials and journey at this point, and so far everything he had been saying matched up— he even went so far as to reveal the scar left behind by Amon, and within a culture that could regenerate to willingly keep a scar was a pretty big deal.

The crowd had a lot to consider, a fair number of them were people that Gandigan had already reached out to, but there were just as many of the opposite— and those that would only emerge at such an event with being recluses and all. Zill simply spoke his own truth about what he knew of the Tultum clan, and it wasn’t something Gandigan hid from.

Amongst the accusation and declarations, Nero overheard Magaera having some sort of issue with a few things. Nero didn’t think Ticoga was necessarily being ignored entirely; the Arcosian already acknowledged that he wasn’t the focus here, he even reiterated as much. Still, it was probably a little bit awkward all the same. As such, Nero conjured a duplication of himself where he stood with Ticoga just a bit ago, establishing a telepathic link with the duplicate in order to facilitate conversation. “Apologies for the abrupt departure all the same, this is an important thing for me to be keeping track of, you know.” The duplication smiled, and Nero himself was pretty certain that Ticoga would understand the sentiment. “I did mean what I said before, Magaera. As much as it could be seen as quippy, I still believe it wholeheartedly; Peace does not exclude passion.”

It was put into practice too, Marimba, who looked very much ready to eviscerate the man who had chosen to disrespect what Marimba cared for as well as the Namekian himself... Stomped out the raw energy made his own anger instead. Though passionate, he chose to make peace. Perhaps Nero’s words were considered, perhaps it was after Gandigan’s speech. Whatever the case, this was Marimba’s choice. The duplication of Nero by Ticoga and crew gestured to this exchange. “See, it’s like that.”

There was currently no response to what was said. Perhaps the other Namekian needed some time to consider what Marimba had said, which made sense given how they had initially arrived. Nero’s duplication called out to Marimba. “Good stuff, Marimba, well done!”

Once Kalimba called for others to finally speak, the true Nero stepped forward and stood tall. “I have the power to speak to Vibra’s spirit if he still exists in the Otherworld, even bring his voice through directly if need be. Furthermore I ask that those who knew the Tultum clan either as friends, allies or even foes to step forward and speak of them. They are to be remembered, acknowledged.” He said, tapping his staff to the ground with a gentle and light ringing noise of holy power accompanying it. “Indeed, Gandigan was afflicted by a mind manipulating parasite— a conduit of a monster by the name of Amon. The core of the parasite was removed from him by Marimba and a Warrior Clansman by the name of Mollusc during the same event that Zill describes, the attack on Porunga’s shrine. The scar on Gandigan’s chest is the exit wound. If anyone feels the need to take a closer look at the wound themselves, I am sure you will be able to understand what caused it for yourself; and as a show of trust I believe Gandigan should allow anyone that wishes to do that to in fact do so.”

Though it was a dark truth to speak of and as much as many would not be satisfied with it, it was not without light. “After he was freed from the influence of the parasite and began recovering, Gandigan had found myself, Marimba and Mollusc as we gathered to train. Gandigan held remorse for actions not his own, guilt to the point that he considered running away from the mere memory of it, to wipe his mind clean and start anew— Myself, Marimba and Mollusc called it as we saw it, we viewed this as a coward’s choice, yet our words stuck with Gandigan and he chose to not run away from this harrowing event. He returned to Namek several months ago, reached out to me and first pitched the idea to recreate the castle into a city comparable to Dend, where it would be neutral ground. An interesting proposition some might say, but to do so would be to deny a large part of Mazoku life and culture in the long run when you think about it. After all, we already have Dend as our neutral ground. More recently, Gandigan spoke to Marimba, who gave him the idea and confidence to make the claim he makes today; to become your Daimaō, to lead and protect you. In both cases, at his core, I believe Gandigan wants to make amends. Should he do so bravely and honestly, keeping to his vow, we can all grow, all of Namek will continue to truly heal from many wounds of old— see a new age of unity and understanding.” The symbol on Nero’s chest burned brighter and brighter still. “That future was always there for us, we need only choose to continue walking toward it together. For those long gone, those still here, and those yet to come.”

“We’ll see how it turns out in due time, let’s hope for the best results, yeah?” Optimally, this would be a good step towards a safer Namek and hopefully a better galaxy. Only time would tell if any of that was to be the case. Any other person may have been offended by being told that Namek wasn’t something that someone was invested in, but Nero felt as though he understood Ticoga well enough since they were on friendly terms thus far. As such, t would be in poor taste to be offended over that remark when all it likely meant was Ticoga didn’t want to be causing any trouble. “You all take care, okay?” Nero’s duplication gave Ticoga and company a nod as the information was relayed to the true Nero. After the Arcosian and his entourage left, the duplication dissipated.

When it came to giving his assessment of Gandigan, Nero didn’t expect much in the way of a response; he only spoke his truth as it was asked of him. To be met with applause was something of a surprise, but given a moment to think about it, he was realizing that he had actually come quite far with what he had managed to do for Namek and its people—his home, his people.

A few people stepped forward to speak in remembrance of the Tultum Clan, Gralla in particular among some others. Nero gave a nod, hoping that others understood the importance of this remembrance.

Nero figured Gandigan may be a bit uncomfortable given the situation, and he didn’t blame the Namekian for that really, a troubled past was a troubled past and people dealt with these things differently. Nero only offered to use his abilities to gain Vibra’s account of events should the people gathered ask for it to be done, so he didn’t push for it, the offer was simply there.

A short while after, a group of Mazoku elders came forward to join their magic together in chanting of an old Namekian dialect that Nero listened in on, he would be able to piece together context and a rough translation with his enhanced hearing and linguistic skills given that he was not distracted. Eventually this chanting would summon an old relic— a crown. It had certainly seen much better days, and the last king having destroyed it in a fit of rage matched up with some historical research Nero had been doing. The old writing etched into it was of particular interest, so Nero tried to get a good look at it while it was being handed over.