20939 replies to this topic

[Draezeth]

IC: Trizvan

Nodding, the wild Toa activated his mask to borrow the leaping power of a brakas, leaping to the boughs in less than a second. Muscles tensed, he sharpened his night senses by borrowing the power of the nocturnal Rahi the jungle housed. The thrill of the hunt didn't stir in the Toa, calm and collected and utterly stoic, he watched the hunter-turned-prey, as well as his partner.

 

IC: Kehuri

The young Toa grinned and nodded, admiring the way the setting sun's light caught on the silky white lillies floating in the lake. He still had to fight off the association of the color with Naru. It was keeping him flustered. "The jungle is amazing. Though I can't say I could ever get used to living in it."

 

With that, he stepped towards the green elevator pod, turned golden brown by the sunset sky. "I wonder where our escort got to..." he wondered. 

[Emzee]

IC: A secretary opened the door to see Toa Merror. 

 

"Merror, it's a heart-pleasure," the Le-Matoran said. Almost everyone in the Gukko Force recognized the Toa of Fire. "Please come in. Kongu is in a confidential conference right now, but is there anything that we can do for you?"

 

IC: Kongu – Gukko Force HQ

 

The Captain nodded intently, “It does”

 

“What of Vidar and Ronkshou? I know Echelon likes to work with them…” Kongu continued, “…or the Shadow Toa? Basically, have you had any other encounters with servants of the Makuta?”

 

IC: Ronkshou – Le-Wahi – Near Destroyed Rama Hive

 

While Wokodin spoke, Ronkshou scanned the Toa. He was large, which meant that he was not a speedster. He relied mostly on his strength, and given his Stone element, Ronkshou did not dismiss the possibility of Wokodin’s strength besting his own. The Toa also wore appropriate armor, durable yet flexible. The Toa even had pads on his elbows and knees, which were among Ronkshou’s favorite targets – they were protected on this Toa. This implied a level of skill and professionalism – they weren’t fighting an amateur. He was a sword user; Ronkshou’s close range combat often had an advantage over the swordsmen. However, the Toa also wielded some kind of claw, which implied that the Toa would at least somewhat handle close-range altercations.

 

All-in-all, Ronkshou determined that strength was needed to keep from being crushed, and speed was needed in order to land meaningful hits. Ronkshou and Kohra had those traits, along with the blessing of the Makuta himself.

 

Ronkshou then mentally noted the relayed message from his partner. He could not help but notice how much mess spewed out of this giant’s mouth. The most powerful Toa on the island? That title was surely taken.

 

“If you were the warrior you claim to be you would have gotten the attention of those infinitely your great long ago. But they have ignored you,” Ronkshou heard Kohra say, “You are not the most powerful warrior. Not even close...and you should pray you will never cross his path.”

 

My thoughts exactly, Ronkshou thought. He replayed the strategy sent to him. While he hated to admit it, it did seem like “General” Wokodin could best the Vortixx in combat if she were alone. Ronkshou had the greater advantage here, as his strength could keep the Toa at bay while Kohra used her speed and dexterity to its fullest potential.

 

No more time to waste, Ronkshou reminded himself. They had to kill this Toa and continue their hunt as fast as possible. Wokodin seemed to be waiting for Ronkshou or Kohra to make the first move. Wasting no time, Ronkshou rushed towards the Toa and threw a spin-punch to Wokodin’s face. He knew that Wokodin would block, and he was counting on Kohra flanking the general as he did this.

 

IC: Wokodin – Le-Wahi – Near Destroyed Rama Hive

 

I looked on with indifference as the Vortixx spoke out against me. I expected as much – she has obviously heard nothing of me, how much of a threat could I possibly be?

 

Her ignorance is hardly my problem though. She, like everyone else, should have been paying more attention, instead of tending to their own sad, useless little adventures. Though to be fair, ignoring the greatness that stands beyond the walls of your own tiny reality must be a most practical coping mechanism when faced with the harsh whims of life: not everyone can be great, and this fact can be very difficult to live with.

 

I then watched as the Infected One rushed towards me, his eyes looking up, signaling to me that he was aiming for my upper body, or my face.

 

Finally! One of these buffoons worked up the gall to engage me. I expected that Ronkshou would engage first, but I would have to be careful: that Vortixx looked like she was quick. Nonetheless, this isn’t the first occasion in which I have taken on a duo, or else I would not be here now.

 

Sword in hand, I squatted down a little bit, and then pushed my legs to the ground as hard as they would go, and I found myself soaring into the air, sword held horizontally, flat facing outward, and moving quickly towards Ronkshou’s face. I could not jump that high compared to Toa of other elements, but I don’t think my opponent expected this response. Instead of playing defense by jumping backwards or strafing, I put my chips on the table and pit Ronkshou’s strength with mine. As a result, there is now a very dense and heavy blade shooting towards Ronkshou’s face, too fast for him to dodge or even use his Hau (unless he was expecting this response from me). My fleeting elevation also made it easier to tract the Vortixx’s movements, and I watched her move as I jumped, and wondered what she would do as I attempted to play tennis with Ronkshou’s head. 

Edited by Emzee, Jan 28 2013 - 08:46 PM.

[A billion cats]

IC: Skyra - Gukko Force HQ -

 

Thinking back the last time I'd seen or heard of Vidar was back in Po-koro, when me, Merror, and some others went out looking for Hafu for his clue. I didn't know who this Ronkshou was, but thinking back I recalled facing a Toa of fire with an infected Hau, he had weapons that resembled boxing gloves if I recalled correctly. Could he be Ronkshou? 

 

"I'm afraid I haven't seen Vidar since Merror, me, and some others battled him around Po-koro and Po-Wahi, when they kidnapped and killed Hafu." We'd never found Hafu, so we assumed he'd been killed by the Dark Toa. "As for the Ronkshou, that's honestly the first time I've heard his name, was he a Toa of fire with an infected Hau? Cause if so then I might have seen him there with Vidar as well." 

 

Kongu had mentioned a shadow Toa as well, of course traveling across the island I'd heard rumors of such a being, though had I seen him? "As for a Shadow Toa, I can't say I've..."

 

Wait...back at the Mark Bearer Temple. I remembered this one black Toa that had left with Dorian Shaddix after 'killing' Echolcan, or at least they had believed him to be dead. I had assumed he was a Toa of Earth, but now that I thought back on it... "I may have seen him at the Mark Bearer Temple, I though he was just a Toa of Earth but...there was something...off about him. He had an air of superiority, as if he just that sure of himself and his abilities.  He also flatly ignore my demand to know who he was."

 

I shrugged. "Though I don't really know if it was this Toa of Shadow or not. All I know is that he left with Dorian Shaddix and I haven't seen either since." 

Edited by Snelly, Jan 28 2013 - 08:59 PM.

[Emzee]

IC: Kongu – Gukko Force HQ

 

“I'm afraid I've seen Vidar since Merror, me, and some others battled him around Po-koro and Po-Wahi, when they kidnapped and killed Hafu. As for the Ronkshou, that's honestly the first time I've heard his name, was he a Toa of fire with an infected Hau? Cause if so then I might have seen him there with Vidar as well.”

 

“You are half-right,” Kongu said, jotting these words down, “Ronkshou is a mysterious Toa who seems to wield electricity and magnetism – not fire. Our records say that he is the Makuta’s 2^nd lieutenant, with the Shadow Toa being the 1^st Lieutenant. What about him?”

 

Skyra tried to think back, “As for a Shadow Toa, I can't say I've...”

 

Kongu noticed t hat the Toa seemed to remember something, and the Matoran leaned forward pensively, “I may have seen him at the Mark Bearer Temple, I thought it was just a Toa of Earth but...there was something...off about him. He had an air of superiority, as if he just that sure of himself and his abilities .He also flatly ignore my demands as to who he was.”

 

“Earth-heroes tend to be rough-mannered,” Kongu said, “Was this Toa ‘classy’? Did he wield charisma as if it was a power? What about a use of the shadows”

 

Skyra appeared to think back again, then he remembered the instance when he tripped over... shadow. The Toa didn't say anything, Kongu saw the truth on her face. Kongu’s eyes narrowed, “All of the military organizations have been tracking the Makuta’s top-ranked servants, though the Makuta’s first is the most difficult to learn about. Ever since we received reports about his appearance at the Rama Hive, and outside of Pala-Koro’s gates… everyone has been on edge. We don’t know what’s real about him or what’s simply exaggeration or outright myth”

 

The Captain sighed. Kongu could hardly deny that he was exasperated, and now there wasn’t even a wise elder to seek for advice.

 

“I suppose that’s all the questions I have for this debriefing,” Kongu said, “Is there anything else you know that could possibly help the Gukko Force?”

Edited by Emzee, Jan 28 2013 - 09:11 PM.

[A billion cats]

IC: Skyra - Gukko Force HQ -

 

“Earth-heroes tend to be rough-mannered,” Kongu said, “Was this Toa ‘classy’? Did he wield charisma as if it was a power?”

 

"Well...Dorian seemed to be enticed by him, and he wasn't rough-mannered in any sense of the world." I said. 

 

Kongu’s eyes narrowed, “All of the military organizations have been tracking the Makuta’s top-ranked servants, though the Makuta’s first is the most difficult to learn about. Ever since we received reports about his appearance at the Rama Hive, and outside of Pala-Koro’s gates… everyone has been on edge. We don’t know what’s real about him or what’s simply exaggeration or outright myth”

 

“I suppose that’s all the questions I have for this debriefing,” Kongu said, “Is there anything else you know that could possibly help the Gukko Force?”

 

I sat back in my chair and thought about this carefully. After a moment I replied. "Nothing comes to mind at the moment. Though I have a question of my own, if you don't mind." Kongu nodded, I remembered something that until know I'd completely forgotten about, due to Matau's untimely death. 

 

"When I arrived in Le-koro, before Matau was...murdered..." I cleared my throat. "..I came across Joske Nimil in the square, he'd taken something that was Matau's, or at least I think he did. When I tried to question him I ended up with Deputy of the Ta-Koro Guard telling me to back off, Tuara Drigton." Admittedly it still bothered me quite a bit that I hadn't been able to tell Tuara who I was, she hadn't recognized me cause well...new body. 

 

"I'm just wondering, what were they doing here exactly?" They had appeared to have some sort of odd crystal when they had left the village, though how they got it or what it was for I had no idea. 

Edited by Snelly, Jan 28 2013 - 09:49 PM.

[Emzee]

IC: Kongu – Gukko Force HQ

 

“I suppose it’s my turn to do the truth-debriefing,” Kongu joked, “Mr. Nimil has been chosen by the Great Spirit to be one of his hero-champions. The charms, while seeming to have no tangible look-effect at first, seem to open a waypath in the Temple of Faith. This waypath is where Mr. Nimil recovered the Crystal of Faith. In order to complete his quest, Mr. Nimil must retrieve a crystal from every village. I know not what exactly he intends to do with the crystals once he has them. I only know that they are vital to his quest, and that his quest is vital to the Great Spirit”

 

“Perhaps…,” Kongu said bitterly, “More vital than our Singer”

Edited by Emzee, Jan 28 2013 - 10:14 PM.

[A billion cats]

IC: Skyra - Gukko Force HQ -

 

Ah, so that's what the former Kohli star had been doing here, and to think I thought he was just some smug hotshot that got lucky enough to get a Toa Stone. Chosen by Mata Nui himself even? Wow, even I was impressed at this. 

 

It felt good to know that the Tamaru's clue had most likely played apart in his success at recovering the Crystal, as I guessed that was what the clues had been for to begin with. Tamaru hadn't died in vain. 

 

Of course, I still that Joske was an arrogant Rahi head, but I wished him luck mentally all the same. "Well, I wish them luck then." I said finally, my question answered. Part of me longed to go on a quest like that, one given by the Great Spirit himself. 

 

But no, my time traveling all over the island was done, at least for the long run, right now my village needed me more than ever, and so I was gonna stay here in Le-koro until ordered otherwise. 

 

"Well that was all I had in mind to ask." I was sure by now both of us were pretty exhausted and weary from today's events, "I'll be staying in Le-koro until further notice, I'm sorry that I was gone for so long to begin with. Whatever you need of me I'll be available and ready, I heart-promise that." Especially with those Cultured Gentry cronies lurking about, I felt like if I left my village even for a day I'd return to find Le-koro owned by them, it wasn't gonna happen while I still lived and breathed. 

Edited by Snelly, Jan 28 2013 - 10:57 PM.

[Half a Cup of EW]

IC:

 

"Do any of you know how these -" she pointed at the streamlined Kanohi on her face "-get activated, exactly?"

 

IC (Oreius)

 

That was a good question, come to think of it. Didn't Toa usually come with mask powers?

 

Inu supplied another tidbit of information. Parakuka prevent their partners from accessing their Kanohi powers. But we usually prevent the use of elemental powers as well, so...

 

The golden voice grew doubtful. I do not know. Many of the characteristics of usual partners do not apply to us. At any rate, the others have not appeared to activate their powers either.

 

Well, whether or not he could actually use Kanohi was irrelevant. At the moment, their biggest concern was getting to the Keeping Place alive, and, seeing how quickly they had dealt with Makuta's sons, it didn't look like it would be much of a challenge. They could ask Joske when they met him again; he'd had complete control over his mask, as far as Oreius remembered.

 

Oreius shrugged, and began strapping his swords back onto his belt, voicing his thoughts aloud. "It's not like we needed them to beat those Rahkshi. I'm sure we'll figure it out sooner or later."

 

 

[Vezok's Friend]

OOC: Short post to cover more topics than one or two.

 

IC:

 

Kohra waited a heartbeat before springing into action as well. Time felt somehow slower as she moved, she was able to take in everything she saw, despite the whole action taking less than five seconds. She darted forward and to the left as Ronkshou threw his punch. Wokodin reacted fast and was jumping up whil bringing up his sword to swat Ronkshou away with the flat of the blade. That left him open to Kohra, just as she wanted. It didn't matter if he could see her right now, since he had no idea what her power was. Kohra felt the tingle of energy running down her arm as the glove on her left activated. She ran another step, then brought her left foot down hard and at an angle pushing herself to the right in a quarter-spin, while she started to throw a punch with her left aimed at the Toa of stone from a distance that obviously meant her fist would not physically connect with Wokodin.

 

What would hit him though was the telekinetic force she put into the motion and right now he was in mid-air, so there was no ground to stop him. The telekinetic push wasn't strong enough to knock the massive Toa over, but it would hit him hard enough to throw him off, giving Ronkshou his own opening.

 

------------------------------------------

 

Sisk cleared his throat from beside the door and spoke up. "Skyra, Commander, uhm...if you don't much-mind, we are at your disposal as well. The squad and I originally wanted to hunt-kill Rahkshi, but there has been little-to-none of that. We'd much-like to help-aid you."

 

------------------------------------------

 

Leah nodded slowly at Oreius. "Yes. Perhaps after we go to that other place mentioned in Takua's journal."

[Ghosthands]

IC (Merror)

 

Merror inclined his head respectfully to the Matoran.

 

"My friend, Skyra, is in said conference," he said.  "I'm waiting for her.  I also wanted to be able to speak with my friends somewhere a little less open than outside.  The things they want to know are not to be told lightly..."

 

He turned back to Miha and Zealokan.

 

"So..." he sighed.  "Echelon.  You really want to know about him?"

[Strong Arm BioBeast]

IC:Miha ~Kongu's Office~

 

"I want to know everything I can about him.  Strengths, weaknesses, fighting styles, everything." Miha responded, looking Merror in the eye.

 

"I plan on hunting him down, then giving him a beat-down and taking him back here to be jailed for life."

Edited by Strong Arm BioBeast, Jan 29 2013 - 07:59 PM.

[Dallas Winston]

IC:

 

"..."

 

Leah was saying something, but Reordin's unfathomable blue eyes were focused squarely onto Korero's unassuming visage; the Toa of Air felt the very air around him chill, felt his body stiffen up inside the depths of the Sanctum Guardsman's gaze. Suddenly he felt the eyes of most of the team on him, and noticed Sulov's gun still on his belt, waiting to be returned to its owner. Korero's eyes widened, sure all his apologies were for naught and he'd already annoyed a teammate, when--

 

A smirk, razor sharp and laconic in its sense of humor.

 

"Screwing with you, mate. Just screwing with you...God, I've always wanted to give that silent treatment."

 

-Tyler

[Mr. Peanuts]

IC: Watching, observing the environment for safety purposes. Everyone's good. Nothing's up. Just time passing as we practice and talk. Nothing upcoming yet.

 

Then I sense an anomaly. Something of the jungle is amiss, not moving in its typical rhythm. The trees are swaying erratically about, scattering brakas and gukko denizens to the wind. I hear a growing thrumming sound in the distance that steadily grows stronger. A verdant glint is moving through the greenery with it, flashing on and off but getting more powerful as it goes. Following the glint and the accompanying beat, I catch others in a similar pattern, just slightly behind and ahead and all coming from around the same direction.

 

I step in front of the others. Call to the Earth. Tighten stance for anything.

 

And then a flock of kahu bursts out of the jungle. It flies overhead. I look up to make sure it's not pursued by anything that could hurt us; there's little reason why it would move at max speed for anything. Nothing but the sun...

 

Wait. The sun-

 

My arm flies to before my face. Reflex is belated. My eyes burn like my wrist did following amputation, and I feel an urge to curl up in a fetal position and cry. I stagger, stand, barely.

 

DUNG.

Edited by Jerry Renault, Jan 29 2013 - 09:16 PM.

[Jean Valjean]

IC: (Nixie, Le-Koro)

 

The elevator door opened to reveal the canopy of trees, and a platform with Nixie patiently waiting, tapping one foot and crossing her arms.  "I was wondering how long it would take you to catch up," said Nixie, in a what-took-you-so-long demeanor.  "By the way, I'm strictly a non-killer.  To throw in my two cents on the discussion you were having."

 

24601

[Draezeth]

IC: Kehuri

The young Toa grinned, pleasantly surprised by the Matoran's sudden appearance. "Sorry about that. Hit a rather emotional road block down the road." He stepped out into the Koro, briefly enjoying the view over the canopy with what little light was left. It wasn't as impressive as it looked in the middle of the day, though.

 

He found he really liked the color green. Orange was starting to grown on him, though. He blushed at the thought, mentally berating himself for wearing his heart on his sleeves. Not that he could really help it.

 

Clearing his throat, he turned back to the others, though he faced Nixie specifically, fixing her with an earnest smile, "Even though you're not a Toa, that's still refreshing to hear." Then he hastily added, "Not that there's anything wrong with not being a Toa, I mean since it's the Toa Code and all that, but it's good that Matoran honor the code too!"

 

He quickly turned towards Plagia, "So what now?"

Edited by Marius Pontmercy, Jan 29 2013 - 10:28 PM.

[Ghosthands]

IC (Korero)

 

Korero relaxed, albeit still a little nervously, and smiled.

 

"Ok..." he said.  "Again, I'm sorry..."

 

The new Toa of Air cast about for something to talk about.  Grasping the first thing that came to mind, he spoke.

 

"So...Sanctum Guard?  I thought I recognised you.  You left to join Stannis?  Or...did something..."

 

Korero sought for a tactful word to carry the meaning it needed.

 

"...happen?"

 

IC (Merror)

 

Merror's eyes widened, a frown bending his eyebrows.

 

"Miha, you can't," he said.  "Do you even have any idea who you're talking about?  Echelon is one of the most powerful, the most dangerous, the most ruthless beings on this island.  I can't let you try to go after him alone - I'd be sending you to your death!"

 

The Toa of Fire knelt down and placed his hands on the defiant Matoran's shoulders.

 

"Listen to me, Miha," he said.  "I admire your courage, I really do.  But going up against Echelon...you'd be lucky to survive, let alone bring him down!"

[Strong Arm BioBeast]

IC:Miha ~Kongu's Office~

 

"And what exactly is it that makes him strong Merror?  His enormous constitution?  His vast strength?  From what I've seen, he has neither.  He relies on his brain, his element, and his undead minions, all of which I can counter if given enough time to prepare."

 

"And let's just say that you manage to convince me not to fight Echelon.  Who would fight him in my stead?  You?  Members of the Le-Koro Gukko Force that have friends and family waiting for them?  If one of them went and died, I'd have to live with the same guilt if you would if I had gone and died."

 

She glared at Merror.  "And in case you've forgotten, I am a competent warrior Merror.  It's not like your talking to someone who hasn't been in life threatening situations before."

[Emzee]

OOC: I’m assuming the Kongu-Skyra conference is finished, so I suppose it’s GH’s turn now.

 

IC: Kongu – Gukko Force HQ

 

“Worry-not about your absence, Commander. I fact-know it was in good faith,” Kongu said, “You may take your leave”

 

* * *

 

Soon, Kongu’s office secretary notified him of another group that had an appointment with him.

 

“That’s fine. Let them in,” Kongu said to the female Le-Matoran. She nodded and headed back to the lobby, where Skyra, Merror, Miha, Sisk, and many others remained.

 

“Toa Merror?” the secretary said, looking around and quickly resting her eyes on the Fire Toa, “Captain Kongu shall see you now”

 

IC: Ronkshou – Le-Wahi – Near Destroyed Rama Hive

 

The sequence of events that ran before Ronkshou’s eyes were so fast, that the Infected Toa’s mental processor almost couldn’t comprehend them. When the dust settled, Ronkshou saw that his face was spared from the flat of Wokodin’s massive blade. Quickly analyzing what had just happened, Ronkshou ran the sequence of events over and over until he occurred to him that Kohra had quite the useful power. At first, Ronkshou had thought that Kohra would try to intercept directly, but he then noticed that she was too far to land a hit.

 

It turned out he was wrong about that, for she did land a hit… just not a physical one.

 

That sinewy and feathery glove that covered all of her left arm and part of her shoulder seemed to equip her with the power of telekinetic force. He wasn’t sure if Kohra had all the powers of a Matatu, more powers than that mask, or if this was perhaps all that that glove could do.

 

I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see, Ronkshou thought as he landed on the ground. His mind shifted gears back to the present, and the Infected Toa played over his next strategy. Wokodin would be coming down now, though a bit to the side thanks to Kohra’s telekinetic push. As such, the Dark Toa needed to take this time to position himself to land a blow on the massive Po-Toa. If he could just get Wokodin on the defensive, Ronkshou was confident that he and Kohra could easily wear him down.

 

IC: Wokodin – Le-Wahi – Near Destroyed Rama Hive

 

This Vortixx is not close enough to land a blow. Her positioning is wrong!

 

Alas, it was a thought I held only for an instant. Once that moment passed, I found myself missing my target as the force pushed me slightly to the right. That’s when I realized that the sudden, unexpected movement (Ronkshou eyes gave away a subtle but present hint of surprise) also allowed him to miss his blows upon me. It was a draw, and now, gravity was starting to take its toll.

 

Ronkshou was nothing if not a very fast thinker like myself. He would not have the ranking he had, otherwise. That’s what made he consider that Ronkshou would probably take this opportunity to land a few strikes while I was coming down, likely still stunned from the telekinetic blast.

 

Well, yes, I was slightly surprised, but what separate the professionals from the amateurs is the ability and the iron determination to always expect the unexpected. The Vortixx’s disgusting glove could have wielded the power to suck life out of people for all I knew – it’s always a possibility, but I never back down because of a possibility. Every battle we face comes with a wager against death. Embracing that is what separates the strong from the weak.

 

I’ll be cursed, however, if I am felled by something that doesn’t fall under the category of “instant kill!”

 

I looked downward and sent my eyes on a goose-chase to catch the feared boxer. The glaring colors of red and blue were quickly spotted by me; Ronkshou was already under me, most likely preparing to send one of those dense, metallic gloves to my lower back (it would be the most logical impact point if his goal is to bring me down quickly).

 

Nice try. My sword was still extended outward, and I forcefully swung it down, conjuring an orthogonal sliver of stone that was flying towards Ronkshou’s Hau.

Edited by Emzee, Jan 30 2013 - 08:27 PM.

[A billion cats]

IC: Skyra - Gukko Force HQ -

 

“Worry-not about your absence, Commander. I fact-know it was in good faith,” Kongu said, “You may take your leave”

 

I nodded to the Captain before getting up and walking out of Kongu's office, where I found Sisk waiting by the doorway. 

 

Sisk cleared his throat from beside the door and spoke up. "Skyra, Commander, uhm...if you don't much-mind, we are at your disposal as well. The squad and I originally wanted to hunt-kill Rahkshi, but there has been little-to-none of that. We'd much-like to help-aid you."

 

I gave my fellow Gukko Force member a nod. "I'd be more than happy to accept your help Sisk." I said with voice that betrayed how tired and drained I felt, both mentally and physically. It had been a long day and I was about ready to collapse. "I'll take whatever help I can get..." I muttered, though mostly to myself, it was good to know I had people backing me up. 

 

In the lobby I noticed Merror, Miha, Zealokan, and some others all waiting. Merror was called to Kongu's office almost as soon as I had left it, I realized we had a lot to talk about, but of course that would have to wait till after Merror and Kongu were finished.

 

"Have you all been here long?" I asked the group as I sat down in a nearby chair in the lobby, resting my head in my hands. 

Edited by Snelly, Jan 31 2013 - 12:09 AM.

[Jean Valjean]

IC: (Nixie, Le-Koro)

 

"I take no offense to that.  Of course it's easier for me to say that and adhere to it when I am a commonplace Matoran, living life as a noncombatant.  And yet, I cannot help but wonder if I will ever be torn out of my place as a noncombatant.  It is something I have often thought about, but I would rather be a companion to the warriors to need companions, if the world of violence ever call me strongly.  I believe that there is always a way, even if one must fail so many times before it is found.  It seems impractical and even impossible, but what truly separates us from them is..."

 

She didn't say it.  It was just one word, but perhaps that thought could be saved for another time.  Instead, she just smiled with one corner of her mouth, the kind that betrayed a two-track mind behind the mask.  "Well, anyway, while you were catching up, I took the liberty of running ahead and seeing the funeral procession of Matau.  His body has been taken and sent out to the mysterious forest, where it will never be found and disrespected.  I hope your business here wasn't to witness the funeral."

 

24601

[Draezeth]

IC: Kehuri
The young Toa didn't respond verbally, leaving that part to Plagia. He smiled at the Matoran, though. He didn't want to judge anyone, but another thing that didn't sit right with him was the Matoran standing up for themselves, rather than the Toa. Maybe his sense of Duty was a little too strong. But that was how he felt.

He focused on the task at hand once again before his mind could go on another tangent about the lack of Duty on the island nowadays.

Edited by Marius Pontmercy, Jan 31 2013 - 12:30 AM.

[Floridian Citrus]

IC: Naru

 

Le-Koro.

 

In a word: wow.

 

Naru had been here before, the fact that the entire village was contructed in the trees was never going to get old.  Still, it was still... unsettling to be walking on the platforms.  While Naru didn't doubt the Le-Koroan's ability to build such things, wood had a bad tendancy to burn.  And her elemental power did a lot of burning.  Nonetheless, it was breath taking.  The sunset was painting the sky with vast swaths of bright oranges and deep reds, the jugle silhouetted in blue from the sinking light of the suns.  Despite the situation, and recent events, a small smile crossed Naru's Kanohi.  Even if only for the smallest of moments.  No matter how much evil there was on the island, there would always be a bit of good everywhere.

 

They had finally managed to catch up with their Matoran guide, and Naru was a bit disappointed to have missed Matau's funeral.  While she didn't identify with any one Turaga, it would have been nice to pay some respects.

[Zeal]

IC: Zealokan

He took a seat beside Skyra. 'Hey, mate.' A small silence passed. 'How's things?' He looked his friend up and down. ' No disrespect, but you're going to have to fill me in on recent events.'

Edited by Clockwork Kineticist, Jan 31 2013 - 02:00 AM.

[Emzee]

IC: Tuuli – Tuuli’s Trade Shop – Le-Koro

 

The Trader, a long-time ally of Kongu and supplier of many of the Le-Matoran’s needs, sat with his mouth slightly agape from the words of the Cultured Gentry elder. Tuuli was a member of the exclusive club, and a long-time member at that.

 

“What do you mean?” Tuuli asked, a look crossed between concern and disbelief on his face.

 

“It was bound to happen, Tuuli,” Koropaki continued. He made himself comfortable in his chair and calmly folded his hands on his lap, “Back when Turaga Matau led the village, you were a balanced society; military and merchants worked side by side, helping one another and making Le-Koro was of the safest and prosperous villages on the island. Even after the First Toa were defeated, Matau tried to keep defenses and economy on the same level, despite cries from both sides for a higher priority”

 

“Now that Matau was passed away, it has become apparent to me that the balance is shifting,” Koropaki continued, “Kongu is a military man, and he feels a personal connection with his soldiers. This is admirable, and I would expect nothing less from the Captain. However, I just held a conference with him, and I fear that his interests might yield too far in the favor of your military officials”

 

Tuuli leaned forward as a question popped into his mind, “Moment-wait, is this about the sponsorship? Are they trying to back-give it?”

 

Koropaki nodded solemnly, “They have graciously accepted the funds that were raised from the concert, but that money was set to go to a specific cause, and frankly, it’s not enough to cover all the strife that this village suffered immediately after the concert. Le-Koro is among the villages most needful of our help. But moves our already being made, it seems, to block out the mercantile voice. Commander Skyra is a close friend of Kongu, and it’s possible that he might convince him to reject the rest of our assistance”

 

“And remember,” Koropaki continued, “Our success is one entity; you and I cannot hope to see victory by ourselves. If this Adoption Plan succeeds, you shall as well”

 

“Of course,” Tuuli said, fully understanding. They had already had this discussion a few days ago. Koropaki was preaching to the choir at this point. Tuuli also remembered the night of the post-concert meeting, when a ragtag battalion of Xa-Koronans burned much of Le-Koro, including part of Tuuli’s shop. The Gukko Force eventually won, but they were obviously not prepared, and the concert was hardly an excuse since hardly any of them even showed up.

 

The Gukko Force simply wasn’t as responsive, or powerful, as its members thought, or else Tuuli wouldn’t have had to spend so much of his time and money fixing his own shop.

 

“What can we do?” Tuuli asked the Ko-Koronan elder, “Kongu is our leader now. Should we not respect his judgment?”

 

“Only if it’s fair and balanced,” Koropaki said calmly, like a wise father to a son, “But if Kongu works only in the interest of one party, then it is not his judgment now, is it?”

 

“… It’s the judgment of the Gukko Force…” Tuuli finally said with trepidation. It was a dark thought indeed. Tuuli still respected the Gukko Force, ranked them as the most formidable force on Mata Nui, but the thought of them possibly attempting a power-grab gnawed at his soul.

 

“What I am asking is simple,” Koropaki said, “Remind Kongu that you’re still here. Speak up”

 

Tuuli nodded. That was really all he could do anyway, and perhaps that would be enough. Surely, if Tuuli and the other traders in Le-Koro remained silent, Kongu would rightfully assume that they were indifferent.

 

“I shall talk-schedule a meeting with the Captain,” Tuuli said with conviction, “He must hear the other side of the tale”

 

“Of course,” Koropaki said, smiling as he rose from his chair, “I thank you for your assertion, and for your understanding. I shall be in my hotel suite, if you need anything else from me. Kongu and I shall conclude our discussion at sunrise tomorrow”

 

With that, the Ko-Matoran calmly strolled out of the shop, leaving Tuuli to quickly find a colleague to run his shop for him while he visited the new leader of Le-Koro. 

Edited by Emzee, Jan 31 2013 - 08:09 PM.

[A billion cats]

IC: Skyra - Gukko Force HQ -

 

Zealokan took a seat beside me, I gave him a quick smile despite how tired I was, thinking back of when I had met him in the jungle about a year ago now, we had battled a Toa who's mask was not only infected but so was the rest of his body, head to toe.

 

 'Hey, mate.' A small silence passed. 'How's things?' Zealokan looked at me, his eyes trailing up and down, admittedly this made me slightly uncomfortable, but I didn't really blame him, I imagined it must be pretty strange to find one of your friends is suddenly the opposite sex. I know it was odd enough for me. 

 

 'No disrespect, but you're going to have to fill me in on recent events.' I couldn't help but sigh, "Alright...what do you need filling in on? Forgive me if I give very abridged versions, but I'm rather tired." 

Edited by Snelly, Feb 01 2013 - 03:47 PM.

[Ghosthands]

IC (Merror)

 

Merror rose to his feet, giving Skyra a nod and a small smile, before turning to Kongu.

 

"Thank you, Captain," he said.  "This shouldn't take long; I only want to discuss current affairs a little...and one other thing."

 

He tapped Miha on the shoulder.

 

"Come on," he told the Matoran.  "Follow me."

 

With that, he stepped into Kongu's office behind said Captain, holding the door open for Miha.  He closed it behind her once she'd come in.

 

"Right," said Merror, leaning on the table in the middle of the room, shoulders relaxed and arms straight with his hands splayed on the desk's surface.  "Let's get straight to the point.  Times have seldom looked darker, have they?"

[Zeal]

IC: Zealokan

'Well, and I mean absolutely no disrespect by this,' he said it more for his own benefit than Skyra's, 'but...' He held a hand out, as if to point out the obvious. He leaned back slightly, expecting the hardest and most painful slap to the face anyone on Mata Nui would ever feel. 'I mean, if you're comfortable with it. No pressure.' He was doing a heck of a job reassuring himself. Skyra.... probably not so much.

[Dreadheart]

IC: Plagia - Le-Koro

 

I didn't immediately respond to anyone - an unusual occurrence for anyone who knew me well - rather, I headed straight for the nearest elevator, activating its Go Up function. I have to admit, as weird as most Le-Matoran may be, they sure do know how to make simple-to-understand control panels. Three levers to push, yeah, real hard.

 

It was only once we were all on our way to the village of air did I finally pipe up, quickly and quietly stowing my whisky away before I did so - thank the stars I'm not part of the "official" Guard, eh?

 

"It wasn't," I replied bluntly, my gaze focusing firmly away from Nixie, "We're here to investigate your Turaga's..."

 

Oh come on Plag, you're not getting all emotional again, are you? Not remembering the deaths of your own Turaga, are you? Jeez, what a crybaby you are, huh?

 

"Um, assassination," I finished quickly, coinciding with the elevator's arrival at the village platform (am I good or what?)  only the slightest edge in my voice giving away my psychical turmoil.

 

-Void

[Varren Rehn]

IC:

 

The Jungle. Great.

 

The last time she'd been in a jungle, she had been chased by a herd of Kane-Ra. She wasn't fond of having to do that again.

 

Beyond that, she knew there was more to the jungle than large bulls and trees. It was alive. It was noisy. And above all, something was always watching you.

 

Quickly burning a hole in the bottom of her craft, she watched the small vessel sink into the water. It made too much smoke. It would attract unwanted attention. So she dashed towards the jungle, climbing until she reached the point where the branches could no longer hold her weight. While she was more used to urban environments, she was just as comfortable in the seemingly-endless land of trees and swamp.

 

She still hadn't breached the canopy. She needed to get higher, get a survey of her surroundings. That way, she'd be able to see where she is, and plan her next move. See if she could find civilization. Or any record of it. Maybe some sort of road system...

 

She had come to this island to discover. This patch of ocean was always marked, "Here be monsters", or something ominous of the like. Sailors had a certain fear of the ocean. Somebeing decided to name the area, "The Maw of Karzahni." She didn't care. All she knew was that ships and canisters disappeared here. Pirates, sailors and travelers entered these waters and never left. Some she had questioned spoke of "Mata Nui". Nevertheless, it piqued her intrest. A large number of dangerous activities did. Doing dangerous and sometimes suicidal activities was the reason she existed.

 

So there she was, possibly on this "Mata Nui". In a tree, some feet above the ground. Just the armor that was part of her, and the armor that she'd obtained prior to her journey. As she saw what she thought to be a game trail of sorts, a ghost of a grin spread upon her face. Game trails meant that something frequented this part of the jungle. Maybe it was a predator of some sorts, or something sentient. It didn't matter to her. It was better to go on than anything. She would just have to be careful, and hope that she didn't wind up being stalked by some Rahi she didn't particularly want to meet. So as she made the jump to the next tree, following the trail, she kept an eye out for anything that looked suspicious. Or murderous. Or anything trying to be stealthy. She wasn't particularly excited on being anything's dinner. So she followed the trail. Keeping a wary optic on her surroundings.

 

61 had arrived on Mata Nui.

[A billion cats]

IC: Skyra - Gukko Force HQ -

 

I twitched. "No pressure huh? Well alright then..." I took a deep breath. "Iden. Old body died. Stuck with this one. Rather not talk about it right now. Now you know." 

 

Well, I had warned him I was going to do an abridged version. "Sorry if I'm snappy...but I'm really not in the mood to go over everything I just talked about in length only minutes ago." 

[Zeal]

IC: Zealokan

 

'Understandable, I guess...' If he was biologically capable of such an act, his cheeks would've flushed red. 'Sorry. My curiosity got the better of me. It happens a lot, especially with a Kanohi whose power is centred around the harnessing of said curiosity for a practical purpose-I'm going to shut up now.' He twiddled his thumbs, and tried to avoid staring at Skyra. The more he thought about his friend's predicament, the more he realised how hard it was going to be to adjust, for both of them.

[The Zytrix]

IC: Kutukan from Onu-Wahi

 

Kutukan flexed his arm, but immediately winced. Ashala had healed the biological components, but the mechanical implants were still bent and twisted, jutting into places they shouldn't have been.

"I don't know," he admitted, "I would volunteer myself, but I get the feeling Jaceren wouldn't be too happy about that."

[Capricorn]

OOC: Sorry it took so long to be back, and thanks to whoever helped me before. I'm unsure of what went on with my character but lets do this anyways.

 

IC: Toa Spirox:

Everything was an absolute blur. Faint memories of sand and stuggle, of a heavenly group of mysterious figures who had carried and cared for Spirox. But what has happened? Where have they gone? Where is he now?

 

He can remember one thing: the pain. The intense pain of being jolted around and about in a sort of a boat or raft, and then in the arms of one of the figures. The entire past was a blur. Who was he really? Where did he come from? A slight memory wobbles inside his mind, like he should be somewhere else right now, but it was discarded.

 

Out of nowhere everything snapped into crystal-clear focus. What was this? Spirox could actually think again, and out of nowhere too. Dare he open his eyes in the case he is in the afterlife like he should have been so, soo long ago?

 

The eyes of his morphed Kanohi Huna gradually inched open. They hadn't for over a month, it seemed. His joints felt fresh, new. He could breath freely. He still felt his disc launcher and lightning staff under his back. But where was he?

 

Rotating his joint, which felt oddly perfect after so long, the Toa of Lightning surveyed where he was. He was in... a massive jungle. Massive.Tiny plants had emerged from the soil and were just sprouting, soon to become gigantic trees. Vines dangled from leaves and various assorted noises littered the land. He lied in an opening, surrounded with massively overgrown flowers. But more importantly... Peace.

 

The rocks that sat around where scarred badly, as if some sort of fight had occured there earlier. The jungle was making its best attempt at healing and was doing okay. Spirox was able to jump to his feet and sit crouched, silent. Listening to the jungle that revived him. What was this place? More importantly, where was he supposed to go?

 

Only a faint memory of his saviors remained. He had washed ashore in a Toa Canister. He struggled to get up, and crawl his way up shore and one of the saviors appeared. They carried him in a boat to this strange jungle. After that, Spirox cannot remember anything. Perhaps they had assumed him dead, and laid him to rest in this little jungle clearing. Or maybe they put him here and forgot. Who knows. The important thing is that he is alive, and he will owe his life to them.

 

Before Spirox could know what he had to do but was unable to do it, now he is able to but can't remember what to do.

 

He stood up. His silver and green legs sparkled in the sunlight, and the light, damp mud crunched under his feet. What was this strange land? So many mysteries. He reached to his back, and clutched his trusty disk launcher. The disk, rusted and powerless, was just a ghost of its former self. The disk launcher itself was also a ghost... it appeared a hunk of metal, its previous intricate structure heavily damaged and rusted. Upon placing the disk in the launcher, and pulling the jammed trigger, a spark flew and nothing happened.

 

"Darn, looks like I have to get that repaired," he said aloud to himself, knowing noone was around to hear. He subsequently unsheathed his lightning blade, still in precise condition, although rusty and somewhat brittle. Its weight had increased very slightly over time. He pulled it down ever so slightly, and launched it put in a straight thrust. A large bolt of blue lightning roared up through the clearing, disturbing the peace. Rahi quieted and even the wind seemed to hold its breath. The lightning Toa was more than satisfied his elemental power had not depleted over time.

 

The only thing he could remember was his name. Spirox. Toa of Lightning of... where? Someplace not here. He recalls tall buildings, lightning, silver... poor defenseless matoran being enslaved to five tyrannical monsters. What had gone on...

 

Spirox jumped into the moment. His last wish, what could it be?

 

"No matter, I'll figure it out..." he shrugged to himself. At least he was alive.

 

The tall Toa began to stride foward into the brush, pushing his way through. Perhaps this island was inhabited.

 

"Helloooo?" He called out, his voice still recovering.

 

"Anyone there?" He hollered after a few seconds, readjusting his voice.

 

He continued fighting his way through the brush.

 

[Jean Valjean]

IC: (Nixie, Le-Koro entrace)

 

"If I may ask, what is you business here, anyway?  I'm trying to make things as quick as possible for you, because you'll be heading to Ta-Koro after this, and it's in my interest to get there sooner rather than later.  I'm not being entirely selfless."

 

24601

[Dreadheart]

IC: Plagia - Le-Koro

 

I nearly rolled my eyes at Nixie's question, but was only restrained by the thinking, Hey Plagia, she's just lost her Turaga; don't get snarky at her.

 

"We're here to investigate the death of your Turaga," I repeated, heading in a general direction, hoping to find an official of some kind who could help us, "Once we're done, we'll head straight to Ta-Koro, to check out the situation there."

 

-Void

[Vezok's Friend]

IC:

 

Kohra reacted quickly, seeing that Ronkshou was still not in the clear. The warrior was still aiming for him with his weapon. She concentrated on Wokodin's sword, bringing the blade to a sudden halt with her telekinesis. She wouldn't be able to maintain the hold for long, maybe a second. Which should be enough for Ronkshou to blow through now and put this Wokodin-character in his place.

 

OOC: I will post as Sisk tomorrow =)

Edited by Vezok's Friend, Feb 02 2013 - 05:02 PM.

[Sir Flex Nardius]

IC: Kutukan from Onu-Wahi

 

Kutukan flexed his arm, but immediately winced. Ashala had healed the biological components, but the mechanical implants were still bent and twisted, jutting into places they shouldn't have been.

"I don't know," he admitted, "I would volunteer myself, but I get the feeling Jaceren wouldn't be too happy about that."

 

IC: Jaceren, Ashala from Onu-Wahi

 

"You'd be right about that," Jaceren said as he stepped out of the tunnel. "You're new to this group and I'm not sure I can trust you yet." he grunted. "We were in your little shack for what five minutes before Dark showed up and burned it down?" he said. He paused and was still as Ashala ran her hands over his armor, healing his burned organic tissue even though he'd been able to repair his armor himself. Soon the pain faded away, "Thanks Ash."

 

"You know I'd always heal you Jaceren." she said as she finished up her work.

[Jean Valjean]

OOC: Plagia's original statement was interrupted, and I wasn't entirely sure if it was said in the elevator or after it opened up to Nixie, so I took a wager and guessed that she wouldn't know their exact methods.  Even "investigating an assassination" is a bit vague.

 

IC: (Nixie, Le-Koro)

 

"If you need to talk with someone, there's always Kongu or Tuuli.  I'm not sure where Kongu is right now, but Tuuli's almost always in his shop.  Here, I'll take you there."  She tapped Plagia's knee and made a quick gesture to follow, after which point she skipped off, departing from the elevator platform and across the bridges of Le-Koro until she came to Tuuli's shop.

 

She knocked on the door.  "Tuuli!" she said.  There was no immediate answer.  Opening the door, she called out again.  "Tuuli?"

 

Tuuli wasn't there.  Instead, one of his colleagues was running the shop.  "Oh, you.  Sorry, I don't really know you, not by name, anyway," she said.  "But I recognize you as a friend of Tuuli."

 

"And I recognize you as a member of the Le-Wahi fire department," he replied.  "I think I met you once, long time ago, but I never forget a face.  Tuuli's off at the moment talking with Kongu."

 

Nixie looked back at the Toa behind her.  "Well sorry, but it look-seems that nobody is in the right place at the moment," she said.  "Wait," she turned back to the temporary shopkeeper, "Is Kongu off-away on his duty or is he here at the headquarters?"

 

"HQ, I fact-know," said the shopkeeper.

 

"Ah, okay then.  Right this way!" she said to the Toa of the ILF, and she started running again, this time in the direction of the Gukko Force HQ.  Guardsmen initially blocked her, but she pointed to the Toa behind her.  "They ally-work for the ILF."

 

"Aye, I recognize one of you," said one of the guards, and they were let through.

 

She ran to Kongu's hut and stopped by several people on the outside.  One of them she didn't really recognize, but another was someone by the name of Zealokan.  "Alright, I can tell that someone's already talking with Kongu.  Is it Tuuli?"

 

"I don't know who that is," said Zealokan.  "No, it's Merror and Miha."

 

"Ah, okay," said Nixie.  She turned to Plagia.  "We just wait out here until Kongu is finished with his current meeting.  Meet-talk with him, and he will know-say as much as anyone can on the assassination."

 

24601

[Draezeth]

IC: Kehuri (Outside Kongu's hut)
Kehuri sat down against a wall to await Kongu's audience. He felt sorry for Le-Koro's new leader. He was probably made of sterner stuff than the Toa of Earth, but the young Toa was sure that the pain of the loss of the Turaga, coupled with new responsibilities, and apparently audiences with several people from throughout the island must take its toll.

He surveyed the village, or what he could see of it. They were fixing up pretty quickly. A small smile touched his mask as he noted some muddy clumps of earth still clinging to a branch, a memento of his effort to put out the fire from the Xa-Koro attack.

Actually, Kongu wasn't the only one. All of Le-Koro was in a bad shape, emotionally. An attack followed by an assassination within two days of each other. It was no wonder the village of air wasn't looking as "treebright" as it usually did.

His mind turned back towards thoughts of home. With wise Whenua gone, who could stand up to Kyju anymore? Kehuri could only hope for now.

[Varren Rehn]

IC:

 

61 had found what the game trail led to. A road. Following the road, she had found a cave. And upon finding the cave, she found three beings who had just left the cave.

 

She knew who they were, and who they worked for.

 

Upon her way to this place, she'd begun sharpening longer branches she'd been able to slice off with her elemental powers, and sharpened them to a point. They shouldn't break and dull too easily, but she knew that she couldn't use them to hold off a large number of predators. Upon seeing the former assassins, 61 discovered a better use for them.

 

Four spears were on her back.

 

One had just impaled itself in the ground in front of Jaceren. As soon as she noted surprise in their faces as they saw the makeshift weapon appear, she headed back into the trees, seeing if the assassins would follow her.