Friar Tuck

IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex; interior Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. I burst out laughing. Despite the heavy oppressiveness of the underground, against the need for quiet and discretion, I found myself barking out a short, sharp laugh. Not only was is sudden, but it was also sarcastic... and a thread of bitterness? "I wish." I said glumly, listening to my own echoes bounce away as well as my composure. "Shorty after the Makuta was defeated I was... sent away, becoming a recluse against my will. Only recently I have returned, trying to piece together what has happened in my absence. Thus why I'm here. Lavasurfing in Ta-Wahi? I haven't done that since... " Since well forever, I finished in my head. To be honest I don't remember the last day I had off, let alone some fun. I don't think I actually have since I became a T- No. Po-Wahi. With Cael. Kikanalo-tipping. THAT was the last time I had fun. For the slightest of moments I was depressed, only to come about when I realized I had at least one good, fun memory. It wasn't a lot, but it was something, proof that there were positives in my life, positives that I could hold on to. And seek out, I reminded myself. The only way that was going to happen again was to get my personal life straightened out, something I needed to get on pronto. But I still held on to that memory, and I could feel my demeanor brighten considerably. "Don't step there." I could hear Lantz freeze behind me, his foot barely over a stone, one I had casually avoided. With a motion I moved the lightstone to the nearby wall, only under direct light the thin slots for disks now visible. As much as the suva was the classic hidden door, this was the classic trap. I turned my head slightly, one eye looking at my companion. "Please be more careful." Moving the lightstone ahead of me once more I slowly and with more caution moved forward.

IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex; interior Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. "Private." Interesting... I thought quietly to myself. I couldn't dwell on the thought long however as a low growl echoed in the distance, the sound bouncing off countless side tunnels. Once more it became deathly quiet, and after a short while it was Lantz who broke the silence. "Someone promised to give me something. They aren't currently able to give it to me, so I've decided to retrieve it myself." He paused momentarily, not willing to divulge any more. "What about yourself, friend?" "Me? Call it a mixture of business and pleasure." I said with a distracted voice as I pulled my little device. "A combination of morbid curiosity and answer-getting. There is a lot of history here and I wouldn't mind sorting some of the fact from legend." I paused as I looked down at the screen, several simple schematics tabbed. I could see Lantz trying to look around my shoulder to see what I was doing. "Just an iStone, nothing special." I said quietly, keeping at that perfect position where he knew I was using it but really couldn't see what I was doing or what it said. At least I was being truthful; I had turned off the advanced functions earlier. Any close scrutiny would reveal your basic taskpad, but even so I didn't want to take that chance. I could tell by the quizzical look on his mask he was curious as to what I was on to, so I continued to be honest. "Let's just say I managed to meet someone who had been here before, someone more than willing to give me some maps of the place. That said, it has been a long time since he had been here AND he was doing it by memory so these apparently aren't the most accurate, judging by the fact that despite the schematic saying there should be a hallway there is nothing here but a wall." I raised my lightstone, and lo and behold, a wall. Wonderful. With a look I glanced back at the map, taking note of the anomaly. Judging from my own memory of how far we've walked it would appear that about seventy-five percent of the maps were accurate, though we could have just gotten lucky and hit the only area that was correct. Still, I was willing to put my faith in the little device if only for one thing: the secret passages it suggested. They might be even more secret now than they were before if everything had gotten severely remodeled. "I will say this now there might come a time here soon when we split paths. Something tells me that despite our need to travel together our goals are vastly different, and it would not surprise me if they laid in opposing areas of this here underground maze. That said I still think we should stick together if not for the fact that I do believe we are still in Rahkshi territory, and safety is in numbers. Shall we?"

IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex; interior Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. After that question I gave him a look, the kind that said 'You really think I'm going to use my power for that?' before raising an eyebrow, pulling out a lightstone, and with a tap flooding the circular staircase with yellow-white light. "Pays to be prepared." I said with a chirp as I led Lantz down the staircase. The way the Toa said his name, his bow afterwards... I was beginning to understand why those above had quickly developed a distaste for the guy. Still, he was at least for the most part polite and so far it wasn't that bad tolerating his presence - minus those constant Makuta/Mata-Nui remarks. "Originality, perhaps, but even you must give credit for it's location." I said quietly, using my free hand to stabilize myself against the wall as we descended the damp, circular, moss-covered stairs. "Hiding things in plain sight is a time-honored tradition, if not for the simple fact that it still works - how many hundreds or even thousands of years did it take us to find that entrance? And that's probably only one of many. If something works I highly doubt the owner cares if anyone thinks less of the method; the point has been proven and the results are unquestionable. Megalomaniac, perhaps, but effective. And in the end I hate to say it it's how effective your schemes are that counts, pitiful, grandiose, or not." I somehow found myself enjoying this conversation despite the content. Probably because while not necessarily disagreeing with the aforementioned statement, it the reasoning and usefulness of it that was in question, and to be frank a rather useful mental exercise. Besides, I needed to learn get along with people at some point. "So what exactly are you here fore? Curiosity, exploration, or more... private reasons?"

I know it has been mentioned already, but from someone who has been around the block several times, let the old geezer say something: Remember, kids, this game is supposed to be fun. Sure, we as staff have a bunch of rules to make and enforce. And yes, there is/needs to be a sense of some realism, because we don't want some character to break the fourth wall or have an army of bazooka-wielding gummi-bears (believe it or not I've seen worse). THAT SAID... this is a fantasy game. Fantasy. One cannot expect to be completely real when there are beings slinging fireballs, shooting evil viruses, and otherwise popping in and out of existence at a whim. Honestly if you remove the super-serious vibe you get half the time reading this stuff is actually pretty hilarious, because, let's be honest, for as "real" as we make it, we all know 90% of this stuff is really impossible. But that's what makes writing so appealing. You can do (almost) whatever you want, as long as its within the reason and guidelines of the world you set up. This is a place where one's imagination can soar, or at least should be. As much as one cannot win, that also means one cannot lose. That's right folks, just as much as there is no real "winning" there is no real losing unless you wish it. Isn't that refreshing? You are in charge of your own destiny, no matter what others or even staff may necessarily say. This is your story, WRITE IT! All I ask on behalf of the staff is that you be respectful and reasonable; use common sense towards other players while doing so (this is why I wrote up Friar's Tuck Guide to Common Sense!) We are here to have fun and write stories good or bad, happy or sad, powerful meaning or not so much, NOT to screw over someone else's character. If you make a character who's sole purpose is to be a prick and ruin other people's day, that's not needed or wanted here. There are other websites and forums for that. We as the player community are sitting around this campfire telling an interconnected story, not a bunch of Rambo's trying to be the dominate storyteller. I spent a lot of time fostering that kind of mentality after a really bad spell - let's please keep it and patch up the damage that has already been done. We are a community. We work together... evening if our character don't

IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. It took every ounce of willpower not to cringe at the Toa's statement. Oh, friend, if you only knew. Makuta is quite alive and well... somewhere. It's the not knowing where that terrorizes me the most. "Yes, right, Toa Joske. Shall we?" I said, trying to bring myself around in a reasonable fashion to the task at hand. With a gesture I pointed towards the half-opened suva, the same way the Toa Maru took in their initial decent. Would also give me the best reference point to figure out the current layout of the place compared to what had been told. I began to walk. "By the way, once again someone else has me at the disadvantage. Your name, Toa of Gravity?"

IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. That... changes things. Unless the Matoran was lying, which I had no reason to believe he was, we had a dark Toa here, further supported by the tenseness in the air. I had felt it before, but now I noticed it, just how everyone seemed to be eying up the Toa of Gravity rather harshly - the stiffness of everyone's muscles, the controlled breathing, the hairy eyebrows. The Toa of Plantlife seemed to have things under control at the moment, the Matoran safely back down to a solid footing. That could change in an instant however. Guess it's time to start practicing what I've been taught... I became much more serious as I approached the supposed dark Toa, making sure to keep myself as non-theatening as possible. Gently I placed a hand on his shoulder, nodding to the Matoran. "Look, there is no reason to be dragging along a Matoran who does not want to go, let alone would become mildly terrified over the decent. Unless he has explicitly stated otherwise, there is no reason to suppose he knows how to get there or more importantly avoid the dangers that lurk below. Even if he did I would still not take him." I briefly looked straight at the Matoran, still speaking to the Toa. "I mean him no insult, I have great respect for them, but I think here someone like him would be more of a liability to you than a boon during the decent. The last thing I think you want to do is protect two people down there." I gave a small knowing nod to him before returning my gaze to the Toa my hand was still on. "If you want I'll go down there with you instead; I was meaning to do a little exploring myself. I may not exactly know the way, but I can promise you I'm much more capable." I gave a small smile. "Besides, why drag him around when you can travel with more of an equal, hmmm?" Hopefully I would be able to diplo everyone out of this despite my misgivings. I really didn't want to have a companion, but I wasn't about to have a couple of Toa go tearing over a Matoran either. I just hoped the little guy understood my strategy and didn't take my comments the wrong way.

IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. "Ho, fast footed Toa! Would you perchance like to accompany me to the Vault?". The voice broke my contemplation, snapping me out of my walk down memory lane. At least it wasn't too violent, after so much training it was hard to drop my radar completely. That said my look on my mask was no doubt one of mild surprise as I finally notice a small group of beings nearby. Completely did not notice them on my way up. Were they here previous or had they just- "Toa Joske!" A new voice called out called out, cutting through the mostly silent air with ease. "You seem to have fared well since your time at the Massif. Mind helping me down? This troubled soul of a gravity Toa has decided that I shall be his guide through Mangaia whether I want to or not." I opened my mouth to speak, trying to wrap my head around the scene that played before me. A bunch of Toa, a rather rag-tag bunch if I do say so myself, more or less surrounding a floating white Matoran, apparently being help aloft by the Toa of Gravity that had called out to me first. But the Matoran knew my name however, and I was inclined to answer him first - that was, until another Toa decided to throw his Toa tool into the mix. A pair of vines shot up from the ground below, winding up the old stone walls before wrapping around the floating Matoran, anchoring his arms to the structure itself, preventing him from floating further in any direction, only to turn and bead a narrow eye on the Matoran's apparent attacker. I closed my slacked jaw and found myself smiling ever so slightly. "Sorry little one, but you have me at a disadvantage. Most people know me, but I don't know them all back. Besides, this seems to be like a personal squabble." I raised my hands as if to back away peacefully. "I've gotten into too much trouble lately jumping into other people's business without asking first. Though honestly I wouldn't recommend going into Mangaia, guide or not. There are... things down there best left alone." I shook my head, unable to remove that faint smile still on my face. "Besides, last I checked, picking on someone smaller than you was generally frowned upon, at least last I checked; here I see two Toa playing tug of war on a rather helpless Matoran. You guys can do better than that."

OOC: Joske from Ta-Wahi IC Toa Joske Location: Kini-Nui Temple complex Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. There was a small pop as my body rematerialized from supersonic. It took skill to minimize the sonic boom that came when using this mask to its fullest potential, if not learned quickly enough the unfortunate Toa could find himself on the wrong end of several violations and citations if caught doing so in populated areas. I suppose I didn't need to have done so here, but it had become habit. Besides, being discrete was a virtue, and clearly I still had some work to do in that department - and least when it came to relationships. A never-ending battle... The sun was high and the air pleasant, if not a little humid; the jungle always was this time of year. As I strolled along the grassy knoll towards the steps of the great temple something tugged on the back of my head. It kept nagging until I almost reached the steps. Then it hit me. The grass was red!? It took a moment to register, then another to remember. It was after the defense of the entrance suva, myself and a small band of Toa against Echelon and a hoard of infected Rahi. One of the Toa was a Toa of Plantlife, and in the aftermath as a monument to carnage used his power to forever turn a patch of the grass here red. I couldn't remember the name, but I definitely remembered the action. I could never get that moment, let alone that single day. With a greater sense of reverence I climbed the stairs to the top of the temple, noting the scars of that battle, still unrepaired since my departure. The half-gone suva, blast marks on the stone, cuts and streaks on the pillars... a moment in time forever etched into the granite architecture. One by one I relived the moments in my mind, replaying them slowly, my fingers gently caressing and touching the wounds in absent-minded fashion, walking from place to place like a being in a trance. Such is the legacy of the Makuta. Coming to a stop I crossed my arms, stating at the pillar I stood upon that day, the moment the sun rose and I got my second wind. What a rush it was... what a nightmare too. Despite everything that had happened since I left there were some things I hadn't forgotten. I reverently gave a moment of silence. OOC: oh hai guys

OOC: from Le-Wahi IC Toa Joske Location: Ta-Wahi Beach Chapter One: Crystals, Temples, Secrets... oh my. A wave of sand rolled cross the beach, scattering tiny crystalline shards high into the sunlight air before falling unceremoniously into the water below. My feet were a blaze of red and gold as I ran along, my mask allowing me to cover distances in mere moment what would take other hours or days to do. Some might think is nauseating, but at this point I did it without thinking to where my mind could wander to any subject that happened to cross my mind. Currently it was in reply mode, my mind showing me images of the last time I was here. I was running then too... running out of fear and apprehension. People call me crazy but honestly Cael can be even more insane than me... I still hadn't complete shaken what he had done to her. It wasn't a burden or even a thorn, but it was still a bad memory that I could never forget. At least this time things were different. Sort of. Well, at least nobody is dead or about to die in the next minute or two... With a simple mental shrug I cut power from my mask, and like streaks of wet paint the world snapped into focus and I bounded up the massive stairs towards the great telescope. Three, two, one steps, take a left and here I was. Back again. I trotted to a stop under the shadows of stoney behemoths. "Hello beautiful." I sarcastically muttered. Before me was an old sight: the Makuta Stone and the Mata-Nui Stone, surrounded by six stones representing the Toa. Slowly I walked between them, drifting my fingers across the smooth, worn surfaces, marveling despite sitting the elements nothing had changed. Each of the stones each had the slot in them, and the symbols of the Virtues and the Kolhii skills carved onto the faces. Except this time the slots were not empty. Amazingly, the crystals I had placed in the slots were still there, untouched, but dark and unresponsive. Last time I saw them was placing them here and watching them emit a bright glow, accordingly unlocking the secrets of the Mata Nui stone and the Makuta stone, the mysterious transportation the the Keeping Place. Such a tense moment. Such a rush. And such a naive Toa I was. It was more than a transportation circle - it was a teleportation circle. And the crystals were the keys. And they by some miracle were still here. "Way too easy," I spoke to myself, standing after the long inspection. Still here, this should still work. I rapidly touched each crystal, seeing a dim glow emanate from each, stood in the circle as I heard some sounds from deep below- I blinked. After a moment I looked around. Still here?! I made the rounds again, stood in the circle, yet nothing happened. Why... why wasn't it working? Pulling out the device I used earlier I pressed a different button, this time a screen flaring to life as it booted up. It very closely resembled what everyone called an 'iStone', but had anyone played with it it would have been noticeably different. I pressed the screen. "Analyze. Why won't the circle work?" There was a chirp as it processed the request, a moment later giving me a reply. Gathering data... uplink established. Local jumpnet offline. I stared at the screen in disbelief. "Impossible! I used this once already. Reanalyze." Analyzing... local jumpnet offline. I glared at the device. "What do you mean 'offline'? Doesn't this place have power?" Affirmative. Extra-facilital access pad power supply at 12%. Crystal keys in place. Link to local jumpset severed. Connections unavailable. Slowly my eyes narrowed. "Explain." Emergency back-door protocol was established upon deactivation of local jumpnet, allowing only one additional jump to main facility after deactivation. Once jump was made, system went into lockdown to prevent unauthorized personnel from using jumpnet. System reboot is required to re-activate. My eyes fluttered as it took a sharp breath in. "Who authorized this?" Last registered user: Takua, matoran. Sentinel, Grade II. Master override used. Manual system reboot at main facility required. My arms slumped at my sides as my head fell backwards, staring at the sky as I spoke. "I suppose I can't use my 'Gatekeeper' override?" Master override used. Manual system reboot at main facility required. "Uuuuuuuuuuugggggg... " All this to protect that Vault... I stood there long enough for my device to chirp once and go into sleep mode. "All I want for once is an easy mission. Just once. Maybe on my birthday. Is that too much to ask? Hey, Mata-Nui, big guy, just once!? Pleeeeease?" And of course making myself look like a crazy person standing in the center of some statues talking to the Great Spirit himself as if he was right here next to me. Maybe I -am- a little off my rocker. With grumblings and muttering that would rival Tahu himself I pulled myself together and started the process of prying loose the crystals. Some came easy, but others required a little more persuasion, to the point where the sword came out for leverage purposes, only to find myself scrambling after flying chunks of crystal due to a little too much persuasion. Finally after much sweat and about an hour later I had dug out the gems and had them once again in my possession. "You guys are almost not worth the effort... " I snarked quietly, placing them in my bag. "Manual system reboot my mask!" Properly packed I looked inland, realizing I would once again have to venture into that dark place. This time however I was armed with proper knowledge, but even so I wasn't sure if that was going to be enough. Well, if Takua can do it, like karzahni so can I. Besides, the Toa Maru cleared the place out, so besides a few feral Rahkshi what could possibly go wrong? As I powered up my mask and world turned to colored strings of spaghetti, I somehow felt I was once again going to be proven dead wrong. And in my line of work the emphasis was usually placed on dead. "Oh, what a wonderful feeling! Oh what a beautiful day. I've got a wonderful feeling, everything's going my way..." I started singing sarcastically as I bolted across the ashy plains and back into the jungle. OOC: Joske to Kini-Nui

IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return Like a submersible rushing upwards I broke the surface, my momentum fast enough to carry me up out of the water and onto the craggy outcrop, landing softly on the weathered rocks that supported the abandoned lighthouse. With fluid movements I stood from one knee, shaking the water off like a dog as I looked across the skyline towards the main island, palming a device from my pocket. "Activate. Record entry, personal log." I spoke quietly, my mouth near one of the corners as I held it up to my mask. "First day back, and it's been a bumpy ride. Initial objective is complete, the reacquisition of the crystal flamberge, as well as my secondary objectives, meeting up with several key members of my former traveling party... and reactions were mixed. As predicted there was much negative emotion and breaking up of the group due to my... unusual disposition, but yet there were a small handful still willing to believe in me. This is good news despite the setback. Still missing some individuals however, but will be unable to complete this secondary objective due to the nature of my primary objective. If all goes well I might have this done by nightfall. End log." I clicked the the device off and put it away, eying the distant shoreline, looking for on opening. Well buddy, welcome back to the jungle. You ready? I activated my mask, in the corner of my eyes seeing the slight, familiar glow. Not a second later I was skimming across the ocean's surface, a V-shaped trail behind me as I ran across the water, grinning all the way. Mata-Nui I love this mask! The world became a blurry streak as I hit shore and weaved through the trees as I angled northeast towards Ta-Koro. End Prologue OOC: Joske to Ta-Wahi

I wasn't planning on it, but this is a valid point since not everyone will be able to keep up on all the topics, but usually able to keep up on the GD. So yes, I will, starting the this one, the only one I have done thus far. So yes I will. But I'll keep the fanfare limited

Currently in Le-Wahi, but that will change frequently. Don't worry, I'm good at posting where I move to

OOC: HOW DOES SHE DO THAT!?!?!? IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return Cue wet towel across the face. *metaphorical WHAP* Nothing actually touched me, but I felt my cheeks turn red at her words. No blows exchanged, but somewhere in my stomach I felt gutchecked. So simple, yet so powerful. How does she do that? I fell to my knees and exhaled, a sign of the huge burden that I had been forced by others to carry. "Why I brought you back? Why you were worth the sacrifice? This. Right here, right now. You are the only person I have found who can cut through the ###### and keep me honest. Without that, without your constant ability to be that reality check, I wouldn't be what I have become, despite what others may think. If I lost that, if I lost what you bring to the table, to this relationship... " I shuddered. "We would have another Heuani. Dead serious." I closed my eyes and lifted my head. "And that's not what you mean by your question, is it. You don't care about what my destiny is, do you? Or what I learned in the legend, or why I'm going where I'm going. You just want to know... want to know if I would still give it all up for you." My eyes opened in a moment of clarity as I stood, slowly walking towards her. "Not necessarily asking me to, no, but... but asking if even after all this time I'm still the same Joske who would keep redealing the cards until I liked my hand. That's what you want from me, yes?" She nodded. "Then yes, I would." I took her hand and fell to one knee. "I would still defy destiny for you. I would ask, no, plead, beg even that you don't ask it of me, but if that is what it took to prove that I am still the Toa willing defy it all to change the stars for us, I would. It's... it's not selfish." I couldn't look into her eyes anymore. "Not mean because you're not the one who has changed. It was me. I... I have forgotten. And that's my mistake. I'm sorry. It's... so hard. So much. So much at stake. My knowledge is... debilitating. So much so I didn't want to think of the possibility of losing you after going to such great lengths to gain you. But the truth is, only because I did that I'm here today." I was finally able to look her in the eye again. "I... forgot that my defiance and my love for you got me here in the first place; not putting my faith in it again would be a fool's errand. Not that I would do so flippantly - I learned my lesson last time. Bringing you back was a pain... metaphorically speaking, that is." I grinned sheepishly. "Do you forgive me, accept this, and follow a madman? Apparently Skyra's willing so I must be on to something."

Ok guys, I really hate to toot my own horn, but I might as well be fair considering Nuju and Co. have a habit of announcing posts that have major plot changes. As it has been discovered Joske is back, which means he survived and escaped from Legend. Also mentioned in the recent posts is that he therefore has a stash of knowledge about the island that nobody else knows about. I will be slowly revealing this information via flashbacks, as well as actions he carries out in game. In essence we have a fountain of information that will slowly and continuously finally explain some of the secrets of this island, and in fact BZPRPG world and universe, all accumulating with the Dasaka story arc. The staffies dragged me back from the grave to help kick this sucker back into high gear, so hang on tight. And to be honest I'm just happy and honored to be able to FINALLY reveal some of the dirty little secrets we staffies have been hiding from you players of this world at large. It will be exciting to say the least.

IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return I stood there, calmly, my mind spinning and calculating. Her demands were justified, but she was asking the impossible. I stood there for a moment, trying to come up with a reasonable answer. What in the world am I doing? [Flaskback] The desk was hard and cold, the room not much better. I gripped the edges of the platform with a death grip, wondering why he had to set it up like some middle-school classroom. But I didn't know which was worse; the setup, or the nonsense he was telling me. "No, I refuse to believe it." "What I said or the what the repercussions will represent?" came the tart retort. "The former. Latter. BOTH!" I pounded my fists angrily against the wood. "You mean to tell me that my path, this 'grand destiny' will put me in collision course to, well, everyone?!" "Most everyone, yes." "And they're going to hate me for it?!" "Because they don't understand." "I don't understand!" The other gave a frustrated sigh, like as if he was teaching a child some basic principle that the child was just not getting. "Because you are the Gatekeeper, as I have said before. Stannis had no idea how true that statement was, let alone what he has unleashed. But I digress. As the Gatekeeper your job isn't to be nice. You're not here to make friends. You hold the keys, know only two things - open or close. Yes or no. Entry or no entry. Up, down, left, right... take whatever idiom you want, that's what you represent. You work in a world of grey yet represent absolutes, and trust me people hate absolutes. Because with absolutes there is no middle ground. either they are correct, or they are not. Either they are right or they are wrong. And as much as you need to show mercy, you con't give in either. You have a job to do-" He paused, no doubt staring at me as I rubbed my temples. This... this was all too much, too fast. From martoan superstar to Toa to opening doors and fighting Makuta's henchmen, only to watch my love die, bring her back, then almost immediately get tossed into Legend- "WAKE UP!" The slap of the ruler across the desk snapped me back to reality, or whatever counted as reality here. "You need to stop thinking so hard." "I can't help it you-" "Me what? You know I technically don't exist and that you can't hurt me even if you tried. I have one purpose here, and that's to prepare you for what is about to happen down there. I exist to help you, just like you exist to help the Maru. That is what the Gatekeeper is, that is what he does. He is the background character, never fighting evil directly. You work in the shadows, in the grey, in the very territory of the enemy, doing things that might seem questionable. Your duties lie behind the scenes, behind the curtain, not in the open. Matoran instinctively distrust that - those are not the qualities of a Toa. It goes against the very code that they are entrusted with, and they know that." I forced myself to be calm, to take it all in the best I could. Leaning forward, I lanced my fingers together, placing all my weight on my elbows. "So what you're saying is, because most of my friends have this instinct, it's the reason I will become distrusted." "One of many, yes." "And because I know things that I can't reveal until certain events occur?" "Another reason." "Because... " "Because Makuta is watching." came the flat reply. "And as Stannis ###### him off. Hard. The noble Toa in a sense cheated, though he doesn't know that. Which is not how true Toa operate. But once cannot condemn on ignorance. So at this point Stannis and his Company have Makuata's complete and utter attention... along with the matoran who so happily rejoiced his apparent defeat. Which means he isn't watching you - not that he could anyway, you're here and away from his prying eyes." "Again, this doesn't make a lot of sense... " The Toa was more patient this time. "How does the Makuta operate?" "Elaborate?" "Does the Makuta operate openly and with frontal assaults?" I opened my mouth to answer, but stopped as the glimmer of light trickled in. "No." I finally replied. "Then how does he normally operate?" "In... in the shadows." "Precisely." he paused for a second, letting it all sink in. "The Makuta rarely fights out in the open, rather operating through the back in in secret. That is where his greatest power resides. It's only when his plans come to fruition, or otherwise forced to, does he show himself fully. Unlike proper Toa, your responsibility resides in this shadowy world - on his very doorstep. Which makes you, in a sense, a greater threat since you are targeting his plans directly." He paused again. "This is my you cannot reveal much once you return, if at all. He won't know you're back, at least not right away. You need to use that time to the best of your ability to get as much done as possible. Once he sees what you are up to, he will not hesitate to throw everything he has at you. The Maru are troublesome, annoying, and a constant distraction as they foil his plans. You, on the other had, are dangerous, because you know the process." "The process." I repeated. "The process of awaking Mata-Nui," He clasped his hands behind his back and paced. "Just because you know doesn't mean you will be the one doing it - that's not you job, not completely. Others will help you, others will do the heavy lifting, but you need to get the ball rolling. You need to start the process. And if the Makuta can take you out early, the Maru won't stand a chance when this all comes to a head. You need to be discrete. You need to be quick. And you need to be prepared." "It's all about the Maru, isn't it?" He stopped, and chuckled. "Yes, they are - the ones destined to save and protect the matoran. The world really revolves around them, as it should. They replaced the Toa Mata and thus have the mantle of responsibility. Though I must admit on a more technical term however the island of Mata-Nui is on the geographical center of the planet, which for us makes it the center of the universe. But that's for another lesson." I leaned back in my chair, exasperated, trying to wrap my head around all this. "So I'm the new Gatekeeper. I need to rebuild what the Makuta has destroyed, which is the only hope to re-awaken Mata-Nui. Which means I need to keep my mouth shut and do whatever it takes to make that happen... even if it seem contrary to mainstream. Because there is far too much at stake, far more than anyone realizes. And because of all this I will lose many friends as gain even more enemies. So I'm to go it alone?" "Oh no, people will follow. Who I don't know, I'm not a fortune teller, but they will come. Not many mind you, but a solid core will emerge. From all walks of life, from all places they will come. Some for the adventure, some for the conviction, and some because they are too naive or stupid to understand what they are signing up for. And you're the ringleader. You'll lead them and with them start the rebuilding process. Doesn't it sound exciting?" I found his sarcasm not amusing. "Why... why does this have to be so painful?" I finally said, slumping in my chair. "I spent so long, so hard, building and creating relationships, ones that were real and shallow like I had before. I even gave it all for one of them. And you're telling me I'll be throwing it all away to do this?" The Toa stared at me for a long moment before slowly walking forward. He grabbed the edges of my desk and with precise movements our masks were eventually mere inches apart. The intensity in his eyes was something else. "Pain? Suffering? Love. I am going to tell you a secret, one that I myself learned the hard way long ago: Love IS suffering. There is no true love save in suffering, and in this world we have to choose either love, which is suffering, or happiness. Matoran is the more Matoran - that is, the more divine - the greater the capacity for suffering, or rather, for anguish. This is the true definition of a real hero - suffering. Some people do all the work while others take the glory. Some must suffer so that others may not. That is YOUR job." He poked a finger in my heartlight. "Be prepared to take the blame, to take the fall. Maru are the sword, but you are the shield... their shield. Which will lead to decisions that you otherwise might not make. But it's not without hope. Trust me, the reward is worth it, even if it takes a lifetime to achieve. Besides, if they truly love you, don't worry about it. yes, they will be angry - very angry, trust me - but when pust comes to shove true love stays strong. Brotherly love, sisterly love, fatherly, the love of a lover. They say a good love is one that sits you down, gives you a drink of water, and pats you on top of the head. But I say a great love is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn through the skies and ignite the night like a phoenix; the kind that cuts you loose like a wildfire and you can't stop running simply because you keep on burning everything that you touch! I say that's a great love; one that burns and flies, and you run with it! THOSE are the kind of people you need to associate with. If your friends truly have this, they will come around. Maybe not at first, maybe not for a long time, but eventually they will. You will simply need to toughen through it." The empty room was silent for a long time. My mouth way dry and I felt clammy, licking my lips as I tried to speak. He broke the silence for me. "So, any more questions before we begin?" "No," I said, regaining my voice at last, "just a statement - if you weren't already dead, I'd probably kill you myself." For the first time I say him grin, and it was one of mild victory. "No you wouldn't; that's not like you. But I know what you mean - and that's good, very good. I think you're finally ready." With that he stepped back in grand fashion as the white room exploded with pictures and graphs, the world coming alive in greater fashion than I ever thought possible. "So, Gatekeeper, are you ready? You training begins now." I saw Cael before me again, looking just as intense as she was before my mind's eye took over. Taking a slow breath I turned my head ever so slightly. "Fair enough. But I need to ask some questions first, questions that will help me gauge just how... " I paused, trying to find the right words, "... how to properly answer them. Is this permissible?" Her glare said one thing, but was overruled by a simple nod. Good enough I guess. "Ok, first question: Have beings from another island come recently, arriving in strange ships?" She peered at me strangely. "There are rumors of creatures called 'Dasaka'. It is said that they met met Grokk, then met Hahli, then inexplicably left. Apparently they look like us but have strange powers never before seen." Ok, so the Menti haven't shown up proper. That's good, but that limits things severely. "Alright, I take it you know of the Vault?" "Yes, under the ruins of Kini-Nui." Okay, good. "Has the Riddle been found?" I was venturing a bit far with this one. "It's common knowledge-" Yes... "As well as the creature that protects it, called the 'Abettor'." Even better... I could feel my pulse quicken slightly. Perhaps, just maybe- "Has anyone figured it out?" "No." Makutaspawn. Thank Mata-Nui I didn't say that out loud, but my crestfallen face must have clearly shown, for I could see it in their masks a streak of suspicion that I knew something. In any case, this would going to be tough. Real tough. With all the courage I could muster while staring down a very angry Cael, I looked her straight in the eye. "Answer to one-way trip? No. Can't tell you that." I could see her stiffen, but she said nothing. "Answer to why I am acting so strange... it's what I mentioned earlier. I have been cursed with knowledge, things that need to be known but cannot yet be revealed. So I guess you could say I have a... unique perspective on current events. And it's perspective that I am forbidden to talk about." I paused, trying real hard not to spill me guts at this point. "Which leads into your third question, why I would be willing to break all connections... " I sighed. "I don't want to. Mata-Nui help me, I want things to go back how they were. I didn't ask for the Toa stone Takua gave me, nor did I ask Stannis to send me away. I wanted to stay here, with you, ALL of you. But the world... the world has changed, though nobody knows it. What I know... what I know is what Takua knew." I relaxed slightly, finally having a comparison to use. "Takua was withdrawn. He didn't have a social life. He acted strangely, and did weird things. We ALL know this. What he didn't know is why. Why would he go to great lengths to be alone? Why would he be so secretive and shady? And how did do what he did and know what he knew? Well... now I know. I've... become the new Takua so to speak." I looked back up to Cael. "He did it because the last person on the island to know things. Great things. Terrible things. Things that the Makuta wanted eradicated. He had no friends, went out in secret because the Master of Shadows was gunning for him personally. Anyone close to him would be targeted too... just look at the Turaga." That seemed to get a reaction from the crowd. "I'm not burning any bridges Cael. I... can't do that. I've been told I must, but I don't want to. On the same token once it becomes known that I'm back, and people start seeing what I am up to... it's going to get ugly. Real quick. The corruption of the Toa Mata, Heuani... love, that was just the start. If I don't finish what Takua and those that were with him started, what Stannis did will only have given us a respite from the Master of Shadows. Time is short and I need to use what little there is left to get as much done as possible before I'm discovered. And once I am I will be dodging and weaving for a long time. I'm not going to allow my friends to be used as bargaining chips or collateral damage... but nor am I going to stop them if they want to go along anyway. The stakes are ten times higher now love and this time you have to choose to follow me blindly. No explanation, no reasons, not until later." I stared at the ground. "That's... that's all. I know it's not much but already I fear I've said too much already. Maybe one day I'll wake up and realize this is just a dream and I'm not crazy, but until then I have to play along. I... I'm sorry." I didn't cry, but my eyes were a little misty. It was killer not to tell someone you confided everything to, but right now that's what needed to happen. It would be a small miracle if they were willing and understood my predicament.

OOC: Mmmmm... perfect. IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return I had been warned about this. It was happening not one hour since my return. Yet another thing that old man said came to pass. Slowly whatever hope I had that he might have been a tiny bit off his rocker was fading... much like the current oxygen supply apparently. Without word or acknowledgement I stepped past the group and knelt in front of the bubble's edge. Behind me I could hear Skyra's groans as she struggled to maintain this breathable abode and I calmly unclipped my backpack and set it before me. Taking a moment to dig inside I finally found what I was looking for. To those with any knowledge of technology it looked like a type of breathing apparatus, and they would not be that far off. With practiced moves I partially disassembled it, eventually holding what looked like a small black box with a pair of probes sticking out the top. Rising to my feet I turned a knob and pressed it against the bubble wall. Immediately there was a hissing sound, like air escaping a container, while on the outside a jet of bubbles shot out into the darkness. "Skyra, in a few moments you should start feeling better." I didn't know if she heard me, but after a minute or two I got the distinct feeling that she was eying me hard, if not for the simple fact that the bubble - or more specifically her - had not yet collapsed. Well, not exactly a feeling on my part. The edge of the bubble was faintly mirrored so I could see the glare. "Electrolysis," I said flatly, continuing the hold the device against the film-thin edge, my voice sounding like a recorder replying the lesson I had learned in my departure, "is the decomposition of water into it's two main parts, oxygen and hydrogen gas, due to an an electric being passed through the water. This will take a bit, but it will also buy you time... not that we have much time to buy." Mentally I smacked myself, the outward reaction an audible, frustrated sigh as I looked dejectedly at the ground. Ignorance is such bliss... "You're right. I'm not the center of the universe. The Toa Maru are - the ones destined to save and protect the matoran. On a more technical term however the island of Mata-Nui is on the geographical center of the planet, which for us makes it the center of the universe. The Mask of Legend is not at what it seems, Stannis is playing with power reserved for that of the Great Spirits themselves. And when you lost a friend into the Legend it wasn't my choice." I blinked lazily. "Your anger... is justified. I have no defense for what you have all thrown at me, nor rightly should I try to defend any of my actions. The only thing I will say is that I didn't choose this. Stannis forced me into the Legend, and the repercussions from that are what they are - I can't change them, and therefore what affects they have on future events. I am truly sorry you all feel this way, though after hearing your outbursts I should have realized this would have been the case. I... I had been warned such. But I did not listen. Things can never go back to how they were... I cannot unlearn what I have been taught... I cannot forsake this dammed path before me." If they were expecting some emotional outburst or some brilliant audible defense, they got none of it. I continued to hold the device, creating air, finding myself speaking ever so quietly. "Some are born great. Some find greatness. And some are unlucky enough to have greatness thrust upon them, ready or not. I... I have been cursed with knowledge, cursed with the destiny that is tagged along with it. I cannot be the nice guy everyone wants. I... have been forced to take the path less traveled. Takua started it, the makutaspawn; he knew who to pick for that Toa Stone. He knew who I was and what I was going to inherit, and he knew that Stannis was going to end it - end the process that he started. People... people are going to hate me." I could not help it as my voice stuttered and cracked, even now after all this time I still had not come to terms with the revelation of my destiny and what it entailed. "Those who are close to me will turn away, I will be shunned, and if I manage to have one person who calls me their friend when all this is done I will count myself as the luckiest Toa in the world." I took a half-step back, shutting off the device with a soft click. "Not everyone can be the proud heroes in shining armor. That spot's already been taken. I... I get stuck with the trash. There needs to be others... others who will have to do the dirty work. Those willing to be a little tarnished. Those with a heard of solid gold but a stained, blackened body. This is why I gravitated to people like Dorian and Utu... for the first time I'm beginning to understand their world. What it takes to do that. Which is why their comments here ring so exceptionally true." I turned to face Skyra after slinging my pack over my shoulder. "That should buy you twenty minutes or so of time, more than what I used. My apologies for the interruption and lack of tack - that classic Ta-Toa bull-headedness is something I still haven't shaken." I smiled weakly. "Though I guess if I'm going to counter anything, it's what he said about love. Love isn't about being friendly, or nice, or emotional... it's about trust. Patience. And Forgiveness. A heart filled with the right kind of love can take a lot. It can wait. And even when presented with an opportunity, but told it wait, it will. Because Love is strong. It's courageous. It can wait that long and then a little more. Because that what Love does - it gives. A never ending fountain of giving; for true love in inexhaustible. The more you give, the more you have. And if you draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant its flow." I gave a small snort. "They say a good love is one that sits you down, gives you a drink of water, and pats you on top of the head. But I say a great love is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn through the skies and ignite the night like a phoenix; the kind that cuts you loose like a wildfire and you can't stop running simply because you keep on burning everything that you touch! I say that's a great love; one that burns and flies, and you run with it! Simply put: love hurts. A lot. But in the end it's worth it. I know I have this, and my own love has this, as well as anyone who is truly a friend with another has this." I hit the remaining crowd it my icy stare, my unnaturally blue eyes adding impact. "There is no true love save in suffering, and in this world we have to choose either love, which is suffering, or happiness. Matoran is the more Matoran - that is, the more divine - the greater the capacity for suffering, or rather, for anguish. This is the true definition of a real hero - suffering. On all counts. If that's the case than I choose to suffer the anguish that is about to before me and in fact all of us here shortly than make potshots at those I am angry at. I am not being proud, or precocious, or even self-centered - that was systematically beaten out of me long ago. I simply choose to do what must be done, for the sake of Mata-Nui, to fix what is actually wrong. Take it as you will. I am fully prepared for whatever backlash you and everyone has prepared for me. In all blunt honesty I'm not here to save the world... " It was this moment that I felt a small weight lift off my shoulders as I admitted this. Small, but at this point all I could ask for was small victories. "... I'm here to rebuild it." With a solid click my pack was secure and I looked up towards the surface, adjusting the sling on the sword accordingly. "Cael, if you're still ready and willing, I'll be back. If not, I understand. The path before me is not easy, and if you wish to bow out now I will hold no grudge. The world is about to change like never before, and those from beyond the sea will shake things up like never before... and if we are to survive I must be ready. Ready to assist the Maru, ready to help the Maru defend all of us." I closed my eyes. "Sometimes destiny can be really dumb." With a powerful leap fueled by years of professional athletics I broke through the bubble, this time being extra-careful to make it as little of a strain on Sykra as possible. My mask glowing before me it would only take seconds to reach the surface. So, Joske, how was your first day back? Well, are we talking of omens of things to come? Hmmmm. ... Sucky.

IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return A lot of people I knew, a lot of people I didn-wait. Utu... not evil? Skyra's... mother!? I rubbed my temple absentmindedly. So maybe things had changed a bit since I've been gone... I took a deep breath and re-focused, settling into the now. I had enough voices in my head and enough to think about than try to piece together a string of events I wasn't even present for. And in an abrupt one-eighty my attitude shifted to a more serious demeanor now that I got all that emotion out of my system. You know, that "new normal" that happened during my campaign across the island? The one that seemingly everyone didn't know or care about. Oh well. I wasn't put on this world to make friends. Oh, the irony, considering my previous occupation. "Thanks, luv, for that. And it's true; I'm only this obnoxious when trying to deal with Dorian - it's the only way I found that makes him listen to me." My voice and stance had radically calmed to the point of pleasant seriousness, a more neutral undertone with a hint of playfulness, proven by the slight wink I gave to Dor. "My apologies for the sudden arrival, but let's just say nothing has been the same since the defeat of Makuta and his minions, lest of all for me. And speaking of... " I took a half-step back, but did not unlace my fingers with Cael. "Time is short, whether any of you realize it or not. Now that I have my sword back I must continue with my-" I stopped short, the words caught in my mouth. How strange to be speaking like this these days! Dumb Legend and Stannis with his with one-way ticket to oblivion mask... Focus. "... my mission." I finished slowly, giving a small sad smile to Cael. "Look, I know we just reunited, but there are a few things I really need to do as quickly as possible. I'm not going to tell you no, but I would feel more comfortable if you stayed behind, just for a little longer." I gritted my teeth at that. It was the last thing I wanted to say, and probably the last thing she needed to hear, but I was being thrown head-first into places I had no idea how dangerous they were going to be. I focus my attention on her, desperately trying to convey how serious and grieved I was on this. "Cael, I know it's been a long time. I know there is a lot we need to make up. But you got to hold on, just a little longer. There is one more place I need to go before I can take a break, and it's for personal reasons. Can... can you do that?" I wrapped both my hands around hers on comfort. "I won't physically stop you if you must come, but that is my request. As for Dor... he's probably here fore a reason, but if he's gonna tag along he better keep that mouth of his shut lest we both get killed. But once we get back I'll do whatever you want. Shopping, dinner, just talking... you name it. But I desperately need to go. Will you be alright?"

IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return Confusion. Talking. Screaming. There was so much going on, an angry swell of raw emotion rolling around in this tiny pocket of air... yet it didn't bother me. Or more like I didn't notice it. It was as if it was all fading away, like I was on a boat sailing away into the distance with the commotion becoming faint and then unhearable babble. The world faded away as a single figure stepped out from behind Dorian. And in that single moment I felt all my breath being taken away. I forgot how beautiful you were. In the back of my head I knew it must have been strange for this newcomer, this unannounced to be standing dumbstruck as others screamed in his face. The others... the other didn't know. Didn't understand. It had been so long... I felt that in that instant I became smitten all over again. It was a wonderful feeling. I began to walk forwards in a dazed stupor, rainbows and unicorns dancing around my head, my eyes locked into those soft, deep, endless gold orbs. I registered a sensation on my hand, realizing that I was pushing Skyra away via her mask "If I cared about permission I would have never sought the Temple Crystals, let lone face Heuani." Even lovestruck I could still nail a good putdown. One moment I was there, the next I found myself sweeping Cael into my arms, her lithe frame nearly weightless in my arms. I drilled into those fathomless twin suns, trying my best not lose myself in the moment- What the karzahni am I talking about!? I'm a HOPELESS romantic! "You mean, last words I said to you before you died?" I breathed slowly, for the first time in forever taking in the faint smell of her scent, "You mean that moment that just you and me on the boat floating in Naho Bay? Where you ridiculed me for never having dived before? Where all I did was ask for a kiss for luck and you pounced like a stalking cat? That time?" I gripped her tightly, feeling everything leading up to this moment, a smile dancing on my lips. The connection, the emotion, the irony... I closed my eyes and breathed out, speaking ever so slowly, simply experiencing the moment. "Easy love, I'll be back in a little while. Just sit tight, ok? It'll all turn out fine. Just you wait and see." I paused, opening my eyes to slits so I could see enough to tap her under the chin. "I love you." Gently grabbing the back of her head I finally kissed her, unable and unwilling to hold myself back any longer. Ta-Toa were famous for their passion, usually for the wrong set of emotions, but we could bring it to other avenues as well. One moment we were standing, the next I dipped her, her back nearly horizontal with the ocean floor. How long we stayed like that I didn't know, but eventually we were upright again. "Love?" I manged to meek out between smooches. "Mmm?" "I think... you... have something... of mine." In my gentle manhandling of her I felt something rather familiar... and sharp. Enough that a brush caused minor pain and what I assumed open cut on my finger. Thank Mata-Nui SHE was the one that had it. "When we're done... I want it... back... Please."

For the record (and I think everyone has forgotten this little tidbit) that I have a degree in Biochemistry with an emphasis on math and computing. Oh, don't worry, Ghostie and myself have had amany good scientific debates and conversations, but just to be clear I've been doing LOOONG before he finished high school. If I have my dates right. I wrote the book on BZPRPG science!... othermadramblingsandgrumblingsfromhereoneout.... Anyway, Aaron, know I'm late to the party but you have the blessing on the Old Headmaster for your appointments. They're both good, solid players and I know they will perform wonderfully. If not I bust out the meteors. Either way I have fun Now where's my lab coat and steaming beakers? I have a character to play and a species to catch up on. TO THE TUCKMOBILE! *cue theme music*

This is all so touching. I'd love to stay and chat and pun it up as usual, but work beckons and I must be off. I'll be back soon, don't you youngin's worry Good to be back

IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return "Weeellllll I can't promise anything, ma'am." I said trying ever so hard not to look intimidated from those steely eyes. "Dor's a bit of a, um, shall we say, maverick. But I can promise you this-" There was a streak of red, and a flash of a heartlight later I was twirling a pair of cuffs between my fingers. "I'll bring him back. Oh yes, we have some unfinished business, him and I. Unfinished business." I was still grinning, but a glint of protosteel flashed in my eyes. If there was one thing I learned from the guy, never get mad. Get even. "Hey... where are my cuff-" The Toa's hand was on her empty belt slot, with a death look on her mask. I could feel that stupid boyish grin creep across my own mask once again. Such a long time since I've busted out THAT look- Was she growling? Yeah, best not stick around. "Riiight, you keep the keys. I'll bring him back! Promise!" I was already speeding along the piers, racing to the nearest speedboat, not even pausing to leap inside and yank the pull-chord, the tiny engine sputtering and coughing to life. Striking a post in the back of the boat I stood tall, pointing out to sea past the lighthouse. "Off to apprehend the master criminal! Yo-hooooooooo!" That last part was drowned out by the roar of the engine as I sped away. * * * "So you say they went down there?!" The Toa of Air merely nodded silently, and gave an exasperated sigh. Oh, I didn't mind water, not at all, which was of course unusual for someone like me, but the idea of deep-diving wasn't exactly high on my to-do list today. This was a complicated undertaking for Dorian, which made me even MORE interesting in finding out what he was doing out here. A large sea-going vessel, a full crew, multiple Toa of Air for diving... for what exactly? Only one way to find out. Only a few moments later I found myself overboard and under water, surrounded by a small pocket-bubble of air. This reminded me on that dive in Ga-Koro to that underwater temple. The same dive where I found out Cael had ditched me. Which later that night I found out- Best not think about that bud. You need to focus. I snapped back to reality. Yeah. Focus on the present. You have enough to worry about in the present than thinking about the past. Like how are you going to explain yourself when you finally meet everyone? That was a question I had been avoiding for a while now... and one I planned on continuing to avoid. For quite some time if I could. Already the water was getting darker and dropping in temperature as I sped to the sea floor. My mask was glowing slightly, using a fraction of its power to drive me downwards as my feet kicked in a blur of motion. It didn't take long for me to find them, but it wasn't the group of Toa that garnered my attention; it was the huge freaking underwater structure that loomed out of the darkness before me. Ok, just HOW many underwater temples does this island have again?! I shook my head and continued my decent, focusing on the group coming into view. Should I float to the bottom and walk up? Should I announce myself? Should I simply hang back and watch until my air supply runs out? ... Nah, just going to get this over with as quickly as possible - and hope one of them don't kill me in the process. So without further thought I shot to seabed, flipping around and turning on the brakes as our air bubbles melded, seamlessly allowing me to literally drop in the middle of this group of underwater explorers. With a dignified brush of the shoulder I stood up to my fullest height, feeling the energy of those here change. I didn't even have to look around it was that drastic... like a bomb had showed up instead of me. I turned my head to look at Dorian, the Toa of Iron, the man of the hour, the guy I was down here looking for, the sad stud himself.... with slow, precise movements I raised the pair of cuffs. "I've been deputized by the Marines to bring you in. Charges include Grand Theft, Larceny, Threatening an Officer of the Peace, Insubordination, Inappropriate Flirting, Tackiness, and being Too Studly and Persuasive. I am also authorized to give you two demerits for bad use of puns. Will you come peacefully for will have tell you bad jokes and laugh at them myself until you surrender?" Best part? The whole time I said this, deadpan face. Yeah. OOC: kk, that's enough of tuck for one day (just all tuckered out from posting, ya know?) Ya'll be good now and individually post your responses. Next time I'm on (which will be soon, promise ) I'll make my replies. try not to kill him, please?

IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return "Dorian Shaddix, Commander - I want him arrested!" Say what now? My head whipped around as I attempted to pinpoint where I heard that. Not even thirty seconds back and I already heard a name I was all too familiar with. And that voice sounded pis- "Insubordination! Veiled threats! He flirted with a police officer!" Good to see absolutely nothing has changed. "Do you really expect to ever see our boat again?" I finally tracked down the voice as I skittied to a stop around a pile of barrels. There was a lean, angry Toa of Plantlife with a recurve bow slung over her shoulder standing there boring into her commander with a rapid-fire barrage of complaints and questions, superior officer hardly even bent over from the impact of the words. The angry clickclick of her steps bounced off the harbor while her long-suffering Ga-Matoran superior inspected boats. "He thinks he can just waltz right in and make geology puns and smile with his pretty, pretty teeth and I will not stand for it!" There's my cue. "Maybe I can help?" If ever there was a sudden and crashing stop to a tirade, that was it as both heads swiveled in unison in my direction. I gave my best grin without trying to copy Dor's (or was Dor's a copy of mine? I couldn't remember), looking as helpful as I could. "I happen to know the guy pretty well... in fact I'm kinda looking for him myself at the moment! If you could steer me in the direct he went I could, you know, talk to him, persuade him in giving it back? He's not the only persuasive Toa in the area." Yeah, that sounds a LOT better than Dor. It took all I had not to slap my forehead.

Boo.

OOC: *creepy smile* I'm baaaaaaaaaack IC Toa Joske Location: Kumu Inlets Prolouge: The Return Dum dum dedumdum... The wave splashed against my boat, an island looming before my eyes. Not just any island. The island. My island. Mata-Nui Home. Pirate-themed music played in the back of my head as my craft slid across the water, midday sun high above me as a still breeze played at my back, the smell of the salty brine wafting playing across my nose. I was hanging loosely from the single mast, striking a heroic pose as I sailed in from the great beyond, some feet above the water. I took a breath. Was it pride I stood like this? The fact that I made it back without help from Stannis? My own vanity and the need to show off my dashing good looks? Nope. I had a leaky boat. I looked down, watching my craft slowly fill with water as it struggled, limped into port. The journey home had taken its toll on my glorified life raft, stubbornly clinging to whatever life it had left. And simply put I didn't think it was going to make it. Unless... Lifting my chin up I flared my nostrils, resuming that pose as I gliding across the bay, my craft slowly sinking. Slowing, sinking, slowing, sinking... With seemingly practiced ease I leaned forward and took a step just as my sinking boat came to rest at the bottom of the shallow bay, striding across the dock that it had stopped just in front of, right in time with the music in my head. The thuds of my footsteps reverberated on the waterlogged wood as I hummed along, getting stares from the dock workers and other assorted characters that happened to be standing there. Where in the world did this Toa come from? Why was a Toa of Fire sailing across the vast ocean? Didn't they hate water? And how did he manage to pull off that stunt in such epic fashion? As I strode down the walkway I passed by the stunned harbormaster. "H-Hold up there, you! It's a widget to tie up your boat to the dock. And I shall need to know your name." I paused, my body rocking slightly from the momentum of the sudden stop. I turned to see a still stunned but now slightly defiant matoran, clinging rather tightly to his book. Reaching my hand into my pocket, I placed some objects on his table. "What do you say to three widgets, and we forget the name?" Our eyes met. "...Welcome to Mata-Nui, Mr. Smith." With a grin and a nod I turned and faced the island, taking in a full breath of salty air. "So... what have I missed?"

Oh, I am aware of that fact. I, however, have just recently returned from a small leave of absence and is only now catching up on recent events. Thus my comment. That said, in my readings I've noticed that the players seem to be at each others throats more these days that last year - I've noticed a significant increase in the elitism, clique-ness, and better-than-you attitude than even a month ago, especially when it comes to new and less-visible players. Not exactly the most pleased to see this shift continue that I noticed even before my hiatus. I would simply like to remind the players that this is still a community, and you need to treat each other with respect. Those of you in greater authority both IN and OUT of game are under this mandate even more, as you are the leaders and need to be setting the example. Having neat toys, being Akiri, given special powers and privileges, all are rewards for your amazing if not stunning and captivating work and your commitment to the game and contributions to the community; it can just as easily be taken away. Last arc when everyone was essentially on the same level there was a strong sense of cohesiveness since you ALL had to work together to survive and bring down the Makuta... or aide him in his dominance of the island. Everyone was in a small way struggling so it made for a strong community. Now it seems with that temporarily lifted this new attitude is re-emerging as we have given players power and reward. I would rather strip everyone back down to basics and foster a sense of togetherness than help create an elitist group based off of "rewards". Its more fun for everyone that way, trust me on this. Like I said, this is just a reminder. There is no need nor reason for me to do anything, but please bear in mind that I will be paying close attention to posts, both IC and OOC content. I highly suggest you think before you post Thanks much guys. Appreciated.