Neckhome 2 looks gorgous in the morning, long necked people going back and forth, talking about their stuff, the smell of grass and delicious food fills the air, the sun shines at Mono's "Fortress". That's probably what Hamo and Carlos thought on their way to eat breakfast. There was no electronics being used, everything was cooked on fire, and it really tasted amazing. Hamo and Carlos were peacefully finishing their meal when out of the sudden Mana sit with them, filled with enthusiasm as she always is. She looked at Carlos.

-Oh, you must be the short neck boy my brother was talking about! I'm Mana.
-Carlos.-Carlos answered while looking at Hamo, clearly confused, Hamo did not tell him about Mana whatsoever.
-She will be our companion, she's a very experienced fighter.-Hamo quickly said.
-Can't wait to see the Tamarana Ritual! Mono was telling me about it my whole life!
-Oh, what is it exactly, by the way?-Hamo asked.
-Mono didn't tell you? It is a test which is the only way to see if you are a true member of the Brown legacy. Tamarana is a mighty beast no one outside of the family has really seen except Mono. The beast was a marriage gift from Lawa Brown for Ui Brown generations ago, only a descendant of the family will be able to tame the beast.
-What if I turn out not to be their decendant?
-Well... then you'll die... but I belive you are a Brown!

Hamo was all sweaty because he was so terrified, but he smiled.

-When will the Ritual happen?
-Today! In the midnight! My brother will tell you all about it, you have a training in 8 minutes.
-In 8 minutes?! I didn't even...
-See ya on the Ritual!-Mana said and left

-She's amazing isn't she?- Hamo asked Carlos after Mana left.
-What?
-Isn't she gorgous?
-Meh, maybe she's pretty but way too annoying for me. Do you like her?
-I think so...

After the breakfast Hamo quickly ran towards a place where he was supposed to be trained by Mono. He gave him some sport clothing made of old cloth and some kind of big leaves and a bandage, which hamo tied on his neck just like Mono wears it.
-it is said that the neck is the weak point of any creature. We have instead turned it into a strength. This is why we have reached our place above the rest. Literally, and figuratively. We are called the Ice Breathers, and our task is to protect people from the destructive Firebreathers, such as your father. You have to learn the art of fighting with your neck and freezing your foes with your breath. Soon you'll make a Neck Armour from the resources you'll find, but for now this bandage should protect your neck from injuries.- Mono said.

Hamo and Mono were batteling with their neck, they learned fighting, blocking and dodging after 3 hours of exhausting training, Hamo only could perform the simpliest moves, but it's better than nothing. Then they were learning icebreathing, but it turned out to be harder than it looks and they gave up in the 3rd hour. Hamo went to a bar located in the village and prepared for the Tamarana Ritual. Carlos was there too, but he was too busy flirting with ladies  and he didn't care. Hamo went back to their yurt and took a nap.

A Mono's helper woke him up 5 minutes before midnight, Carlos was eighter already gone or STILL gone and Hamo couldn't see him anywhere. Then he finally arrived. Everyone was in their ritual clothes, there were torches everywhere and the atmosphere was terrifying. The helper lead Hamo to a big iron door. He pushed Hamo inside and quickly closed the door
-Hey! At least give me a weapon!- Hamo exclaimed at the door.

He was now alone with the monster. Hamo was super scared, but couldn't see anything in Tamarana's cave except for a lot of bones and something that looked like stains of silver paint. Hamo descended further into the darkness, where he heard a growl. Hamo was trying to escape, but it was too late. A silver tentacle made of some kind of liquid caught his arm and started to drag him further inside. It was too dark for Hamo to see Tamarana, but he knew for sure that it was right in front of him. Now the tentacle instead of holding him, started to cover his body like some kind of a liquid. It was until it got into his neck. The growling stopped and quickly got on Hamo's neck taking form of a silver neck armour with spikes. On the outside everyone already lost hope and some of them left. At some point only Mono, Carlos, Mana, guards and less than a dozen people left. Mono was trying to stay professional, while Carlos was sobbing and Mana was on the ground. Then the door opened, revealing Hamo with his new accesory.

-What?! Where is Tamarana?-Mono asked in confusion. He did not expect Hamo to succeed
-Right here.-Hamo pointed at his neck armour.

Mono was trying to sort this out in his head, while Carlos highfived with Hamo and Mana started hugging him.

-Sooooo....-I am his protector now, right?-Mana asked Mono
-Yes, yes you are.-Mono said, still shocked, he expected Tamarana to be anything but a neck armour. The three went to celebrate, still not being aware of the spy that is preparing for a fight.

-I know where they are.-Allison said through her walkie-talkie.-Tell Dion to prepare the troops.