Sparticus147

IC: Apex (The Grand Temple Ruins) Apex ignored the conversation between the Administrator and Viltia, as she really didn't care to hear what the Administrator had to say...But when Viltia asked if the rooms could be rearranged, Apex instantly knew what was going to occur and found the nearest corner to wedge herself in as to not be thrown around. But she was left surprised when nothing so drastic as to answer Apex' response occurred. Dislodging herself, Apex went to scour the nearest shifted room for some secret passage into the Nui-Rama hive, when her ears pricked up at the Administrator's words. “There is no way to access the hive of Nui Rama from inside the temple. An exterior approach is my only suggestion. Entering their nest will undoubtedly anger them.” That caught Apex' attention, but what the Administrator said after caught her interest. The Administrator's mention of Mata-Nui...That name was...Distantly familiar. Something concerning the Matoran of old, but what else, Apex didn't know. And as the Administrator continued to speak to Viltia, Apex' interest turned towards concern. They wanted to learn the rite of Taboos, that couldn't be good. Positioning herself in front of Apex, her gaze to somewhere within the ceiling, Apex spoke out, as if she had a right to speak for Viltia. "Your offer is to be met with refusal. You are a being as unnatural as I, and one with a motive as inscrutable as your form. Now, silence yourself, for your words are neither wanted nor cared for," With that said, Apex turned her attention towards Viltia, "Viltia, Toa of the Green, you said that you wished to retrieve something from the Nui-Rama hive for you believe it is a danger. I too seek the hive and its occupants, come with me and I shall assist you in your retrieval if you assist me as well." OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Kal the Guardian IC: Zak-Yak (The Underground) Following along, Zak-Yak was lightly petting a rather prickly spider that had crawled its way up his shoulder, when lashing out came the maw of...Something? Zak-Yak was helpless, as it watched Takadox become consumed whole by the thing, and upon instinct, Zak-Yak retreated away into his ghostly state, the insects that covered him falling to ground, as Marrow, Providence, and Hahvok were left as the only substantial things within the tunnel. OOC: @Nato the Traveler @Burnmad @Kal the Guardian @Unreliable Narrator IC: Whisper/Vulimai (Metru-Koro, the Western Garrison) As Whisper took control and began to travel, Vulimai rescind herself to being a passive observer as she focused on her thoughts and memories, of her time before the war, during it, and now after. Vulimai's attention was so withdrawn that more than once did Whisper have to directly ask Vulimai where they were going. But eventually, the two-in-one made it to the shattered remains, any semblance of the structure that once was having been utterly destroyed. Outside the ruins, were Matoran of the Guard, going back and forth from the ruins pulling out whatever supplies, weapons, and armor that survived unscathed within the armory below, and overseeing it all, was the familiar figure Bronk. "Whisper, I have business I need to attend too here, you understand the drill by now." OOC: @Nato the Traveler

Oh my goodness, you have no idea how happy that makes me to see that Kughii, thank you.

IC: Whisper/Vulimai (Metru-Koro, Vulimai's Hut) The trip from the Taku to her hut was relatively uneventful, as Vulimai simply watched as Whisper continued to get used to her body. In addition to watching, Vulimai had to at more than one occasion refocus Whisper's attention whenever they got a little too distracted by the sights and sounds of Metru-Koro. At last arriving at her hut, Vulimai felt herself be thrown back into control as Whisper retreated into the recesses of her mind. Taking a stumbling step forwards, Vulimai took this sudden shift a lot better than she last did. Adjusting her stance, Vulimai entered her hut. Entering the hut, Whisper would see a rather bare room, with nothing really present within besides a small Matoran-sized cot, a desk, and a chair. Approaching the desk, Vulimai reached down and pulled out upon a drawer and retrieved an old, battered, beaten, and worn journal. Gingerly placing the journal onto the desk, Whisper would sense a nostalgic heaviness within Vulimai's heartlight as she stared at the cover of it, the binding leather of the cover having loss its color long ago. Reaching her hand, Vulimai briefly hesitated, till at last turning over the cover. The first few pages were a mixture of writings and drawings, and though Vulimai flipped too quickly for Whisper to get a good read on any of the pages, many of drawings were of rude gestures or the destruction of some odd-looking being that Whisper didn't recognize, most of them loosing they're head. But as Vulimai flipped through, one page settled long enough for Whisper to read it. KARZING VAHKI!!! Can't believe those bolt heads managed to nab me. Naw, they didn't nab me legit though. Would've 100% gotten away if that idiot didn't nearly hit me, I mean seriously!!! Did he not see me??? Well, it's whatever now. Glad I was able to smuggle this in here, don't know what I would do without it. Been trying to listen in on the gearheads, but its kinda hard with their obnoxious buzzing. Think they're going to send me to a rehabilitation camp, pffft, as if. I swear, if they are sending me, they're going to be sending a corpse. Flipping through more of the pages, more of the same sort of drawings and writings were seen, though less rude gestures and destruction of the odd-beings from before were noted, as well as the date for the logs growing more and more sparse. Once more, Vulimai settled on another page long enough for Whisper to read it. I would literally rather be in Karzhani than here. It's been only six months, but it feels like years since I last was in Metru-Nui. Honestly, when I heard rehabilitation, I was imaging singing songs and learning the values of the three virtues, not drills and constant exercise. I didn't even think there was any sort of military beyond the Vahki and Toa. Apparently I'm getting linked up with a unit tomorrow, already had to meet some of the losers. There was some cross-wired Le-Matoran, couldn't even say two words without stuttering, and that Karzing Chute-Speak didn't help. Some Onu-Matoran, didn't talk much, not much to say on him. And then there was this BRAKAS OF A PO-MATORAN, that smarmy little, smiling, wise-cracking, Mahi-headed, loser kept looking at me and making all these stupid jokes. Can't believe I'm going to have to work with them. Vulimai laughed as she read the log page, old, vague memories of constant frustration and irritation bringing joy to the Vo-Matoran's heartlight. Continuing with the pages, Vulimai stopped at one last log, her heartlight dropping at what she knew was beyond the current page. We're being deployed tomorrow. Some group from the south calling themselves the League of Six Kingdoms has ceded or something or other and are now declaring war. I don't know the details really, but thankfully we're just working on fortification and evacuation, the rest being handled by Toa and some other group called the Order of Mata-Nui. Juno, Twesh, Bronk, and I are being put into a squad alongside a Bo-Matoran named Verix apparently, he's going to be our acting sergeant. I hope he isn't too hard on Twesh, honestly, poor thing couldn't stop fidgeting when he heard the news. Mata-Nui help us if this war becomes more than just some border disputes. With one slow, hesitant hand, Vulimai flipped the page, and on the next, was rows upon rows of names. Continuing to flip through the pages, Whisper saw the pages fly faster and faster as names continued to line the sheets of parchment, till whole portions were being skipped. Vulimai was nearly four-fifths the way through the journal till she at last stopped. She was on a blank pair of pages with not a speck on it. Staring blankly at the page, Vulimai nearly couldn't compel herself to do it. But reaching over, she grab a spare writing utensil, set near the corner of the desk, as Vulimai shakily wrote a single word. Juno. Staring at the single word, Vulimai shuddered as she stared at it not being able to tear her eyes away from the name, a deep sorrow unlike anything Whisper could've understood filling Vulimai's mind, as tears dared to leave her optics. one of them falling onto the page itself. Wiping them off, Vulimai stood and quickly returned the journal to its spot in the desk drawer as she exited the hut, a determined expression upon Vulimai's face, but Whisper knew, from the insight of Vulimai's mind, that look of determination was merely a façade, a mask. ".........Whisper. Take me to where the western garrison once was, I can direct you there." OOC: @Nato the Traveler

IC: Whisper/Vulimai (Metru-Koro, The Taku) Vulimai felt a sudden lurch in her mental stomach as Whisper claimed control of her body and attempted to become acclimated to her form. It...was an incredibly weird feeling, still disorienting and a tad sickening, but, Vulimai slowly grew used to the feeling of not having control of her body as Whisper slowly grew used to having control of Vulimai's body in turn. Watching and feeling Whisper stumble along within her body, it was unbecoming for Vulimai to be seen like so, but nothing could've been done, as even Vulimai couldn't figure out what sort of words of advice Vulimai could offer on something so natural as walking. As Whisper reached the ladder, Vulimai could read the vocal thoughts of Whisper as she tried to ready herself for the challenge of climbing a ladder. Offer mental words of encouragement of her own, Vulimai found herself feeling amusement as Whisper worked down the ladder. As Whisper reached the bottom of the ladder, they let out a sort cry, though it came out in Vulimai's voice and in a tone uncommon for her. Hearing her own voice in this manner was something that Vulimai was going to have to get used to. OOC: @Nato the Traveler

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY! Although this hasn't been the best year, it has still been one with its moments. So, to all the lovely and incredible people here, I wish for you all a wonderful time with your families and the hope for a better new year. Merry Christmas, and a happy new year.

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "Correct, right now I'm just a passenger." "I see..." Vulimai thought in reply to Whisper, but another thought lurked in the periphery of her mind, of the exacts of their deal. With a heavy sigh, Vulimai thought to Whisper, "...You know where my hut is...You may take me there, but if anyone approaches you, you will let me take control. Understood?" A sharp tone of seriousness and commanding presence was in Vulimai's thoughts as she spoke to Whisper. OOC: @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "When you speak...is that Vulimai speaking, or is it Whisper? Or both?" Vulimai turned her attention towards Nale, though most of her thoughts were attempting to understand what exactly had happened. "It's me, Captain Vulimai. I...I don't think this is a mutual thing, it's either one or the other. And right now, I'm in control." "Am I correct?" Vulimai thought to Whisper. OOC: @Nato the Traveler @BULiK @Tarn @Toru Nui IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) Walking through the halls of the fort, Drukarus' attention was taken by the sounds of clamoring and voices from the garage. Approaching and entering the garage, Drukarus entered after Barius and saw the sight before him. Grime and the other shadowy individual who came alongside Stannis, standing within the garage surrounded by spilt oil and fuel. Drukarus' did not know exactly what was occurring here, but he could easily figure it out. Taking a step forwards, just passing Barius, Drukarus unslung his maul as he planted its head before himself, as he bellowed out in a commanding tone. "GRIME!" OOC: @Burnmad @Unreliable Narrator @Crimson Jester @Conway @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) Vulimai...Couldn't even begin to fully describe the sensation she felt as Whisper's essence enveloped and suffused itself within herself. It was cold, so impossibly cold, but it also lit a fire in her, like a fierce poison rushing through her veins, searing her from the inside out. As these extreme sensations overtook her senses, Vulimai went to take a sharp inhale of breath...But didn't feel herself exhale. As the last of Whisper's essence entered Vulimai's form, Vulimai's conscious mind was shunted as Whisper claimed control. This feeling, of being a passenger within your own body, it was sickening, disorientating; to see your body move but not being the one to make it move, to try to assert any sort of control but ultimately fail. It was a horrible experience. And then her control and senses flooding back all at once. Vulimai keeled over, collapsing down onto one knee as she tried to steady herself. Her breath came in ragged spurts as she shuddered to begin manual breathing. Coughing, Vulimai nearly began to wretch and hack in air, but she just managed to get a hold of herself. Shakily standing back up onto her own two feet, Vulimai let out one more shudder as Whisper's voice echoed in the recesses of her mind. "Sorry...got a little excited there...Are you alright?" "I'm...Fine." Vulimai said out loud between heavy breaths, her words directed towards Whisper's questions, but the words seemingly trying to dissuade any worry that those around her may have. OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler @Toru Nui

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "Toa Knichou, do you think you can manage that. There isn't a place that I can think of within Metru-Koro where we can securely keep them." OOC: @BULiK @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "Fine, whatever you need. Just watch yourself." Vulimai said, determination burning inside herself. "This was for the Matoran...This was my Duty." OOC: @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "Captain...You don't have to do this." Vulimai locked her gaze with Knichou, not wavering in the slightest, "No Toa, I have to do this. If there are consequences to this, than I alone should suffer from them. Is my Duty, to the Matoran, to my people." Turning her attention back towards Whisper, Vulimai spoke confidently and without a hint of fear, "So, do we have a deal?" OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) Vulimai contemplated Whisper's request. On the surface, it seemed innocent enough, if not slightly insidious. And the offer she has, for Metru-Koro, for the Matoran. It might honestly give the Matoran people an edge they are surely lacking. Without the constant presence of the Toa, the Matoran are virtually defenseless. But with these Kraata powers, perhaps the Matoran will no longer need to rely on their protectors... "Assuming there isn't anything you are withholding from me...I will be willing to be your...V e s s e l," Vulimai couldn't say the word without cringing inside, the uncomfortable thoughts that came from another being inhabiting your body, "But, on two conditions. I will keep complete control over my body, try anything and the deal is off. And for the power offered by these Kraata, only until this part of the deal is done will the power be given to the Matoran." OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "I wish to experience life, to feel emotion and sensation like a being of flesh and blood." "You want to inhabit...Someone's body...For a day?" Vulimai asked with incredulity as she wasn't entirely sure of this. OOC: @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "Oh, of course there is!" Vulimai thought to herself as her face expressed her annoyance and irritation. "Oh, and here I was thinking you were doing this from the bottom of your heart. What is this price of yours?" OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

Thank you so much Kughii for that answer, it most certainly makes things a lot easier for us trying to figure out what Metru-Nui is looking like and how plausible peace honestly is.

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "But, sorry, I think I'd be one to pass on letting one of those things on me." "I'm definitely not letting one of those things touch my mask," Vulimai couldn't help but agree, a part of her was still hesitant on accepting Whisper's 'gifts'. They seemed to be to good to be true...Well, at least they were if they were a little more impressive, but that was neither here nor there. But the Matoran needed aid in whatever way they can. "Though I will admit, some of these sound lacking in the current moment, I did say I would consider your offer of aid...And well, you have certainly provided. I will call for volunteers amongst the Matoran, I'm not having anyone be forced into this. It'll be there choice if they accept it. Thank you Whisper." OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

Huh, having top paged page 139, I ask this very important question. If the Matoran were to return to Metru-Nui, with the war officially being ended and peace being established. Would the remaining League soldiers/citizens accept the Matoran, even begrudgingly, or would they be openly hostile, lethally so? @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "I, See..." "That wasn't exactly what I was expecting" Vulimai thought to herself as Whisper listed the possible powers she had to offer. "...Well, I'm not exactly what sort of use we could gain from Ice Resistance, and I'm curious what exactly Stasis Field is. But Sleep and Laser Vision do both seem useful in case we will need to defend the settlement again. How effective are these Kraata?" OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) As Drukarus stepped away from Barius and returned to the fort, a familiar and sinister voice spoke within his mind. Don't count on it Although Drukarus' face did not express it, he mentally scowled at Miserix' statement. If anyone knew the lack of trustworthiness that Skakdi held, it was Drukarus, so for Miserix to imply something so obvious insulted Drukarus. But not only did Miserix insult Drukarus' intelligence, she also insulted Drukarus' faith in Barius. If Miserix held such an insight into his mind that he feared she did, then she knew just how much faith he had in the fresh warlord. If Miserix sought Drukarus' favor, than they surely were lacking in their ability to persuade the former warlord. OOC: @Unreliable Narrator IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Cargo Bay) "Hello Captain, I've returned from my hunt, with new power as promised." Although Vulimai was sturdier than most Matoran, not even she couldn't help but let out a gasp at the sudden appearance of Whisper and her startling form. "Oh, Whisper. That was...Fast?" Vulimai's expression became curious as she saw the four multi-colored worm-like creatures that seemed to be coiled around Whisper's lower form. "So...That is the power you promised? Worms?" OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

IC: Drukarus (Fort Nektann) "So tell me Barius...What are your intentions now with the prophet...Stannis? And why was it you allowed him and his companion to enter this fort?" Barius wiped the remnants of Gore’s excellent cooking from his mouth. “To answer your last question first,” he muttered, “he promised a great reward for what seemed little effort.” Thinking back to when Stannis and Korruhn had arrived at the gates earlier that day, he recalled the line of reasoning he had constructed back then. “Given that the Toa claimed not to have been here for some time, I figured that if what he was looking for was still here, we didn’t stand any chance of finding it. I’m uncertain whether that was true, but nonetheless, the fulfillment of his wishes cost me little, and stands to gain me much.” “That is...Reasonable.” Drukarus replied, as his mind went to work. Skakdi were not a generous race, seldom offering others any sort of favors without the promise of reward, which Stannis offered to Barius. But that wasn’t what lurked in his thoughts, as the implication that Stannis has been here before being a point of interest, one that Drukarus might have to ask the warmage himself, but that was for another time. “And what of my first question?...And did he fulfill his promise?” Barius nodded. “My intentions are to extract all of the information from him that he is willing to impart, and turn him back out into the desert. With his repaired aircraft, if the knowledge he offers is sufficient. That he will offer such knowledge is his promise, and though he has only just begun to fulfill it as yet, I do not plan to see him leave until he has.” “I see...Well, usually the promise of knowledge lacks compared to the actual offering...But if knowledge is how Stannis intends to pay you...Then he will surely pay you with a dragon's hoard.” Mercy, honesty, very rare traits amongst the Skakdi...Or at least, the Skakdi from Drukarus’ Zakaz. Over the past few days, Drukarus has learned much of the Skakdi of these lands, the depths of their cruelty, the heights of their generosity, both far greater than those Skakdi from his own home. Though whether such traits were the traits of the people or the individuals, Drukarus was not yet certain. But Barius, though he may appear to be no more than the usual warlord, ambitious, selfish, power-hungry, there might be traces of finer qualities...Qualities Drukarus shall hope and pray upon. “Barius...There is something I wish to discuss with you...Something that would be best said beyond the hearing of others.” The warlord considered for a moment, before standing. He pushed his seat back in - an almost comically out-of-place bit of etiquette amidst the ravenous feasting that was occurring around him - and stretched. He suppressed a wince as his wounds pained him. “Let us move out of the mess hall, then. There will be few people out of doors, at this hour, especially with the cook’s feast being in here.” And, in any case, he had a peculiar desire to see the stars. Rising from his seat, Drukarus took his maul from where he placed it against the wall as he slung it back onto its place upon his back, following after Barius, to wherever the warlord may lead. And lead the warlord did; through the carved halls of the fortress, until they found themselves abruptly underneath the star-filled sky. “Right, well. What is it, then?” His words were to-the-point, but his expression suggested he was distracted. He did not meet his counterpart’s gaze, instead looking up at the sky above. Never had he noticed just how lovely was the twinkling of the myriad points of light which made their home in the firmament; they seemed locked in an eternal dance. Seeing Barius' focus locked upon the stars, Drukarus, instead of snapping the warlord’s attention back to him and to the words which Drukarus was about to impart upon the warlord, he took the opportunity to help bring up his point. Joining Barius in his stargazing, Drukarus spoke in his stoic tones, but a vague impression of emotion was behind it, like some sort of father about to tell his son a fable tale, “Let me ask you something Barius...Do you know of any great figures amongst your history? Anyone of significant note.” “Great figures?” Barius repeated, as if weighing the words by speaking them. It was an interesting question; he knew of Boss, who had ruled before him, and he knew vaguely of Nektann the Elder, who had ruled before Boss. He knew, as well, of Miserix, who supposedly had been an Aspect of advanced age and legendary power. It occurred to him that he did not know the shadowy figure’s fate; though he hoped she had perished alongside Boss in the transformative fires of Irnakk’s Tooth, he doubted he should be so lucky. No, more likely the darkling had escaped-- they were resourceful like that. Similarly, he knew of similar Aspects, like Spiriah. It occurred to him, however, that he knew of no comparable figures among his own kind. Perhaps that was down to the respective lifespans of their kinds. Nonetheless, he sensed Drukarus was hinting at something with the query. “No,” he answered finally. “The memories of Skakdi do not persist far beyond their mortal forms, except in the minds of their direct descendants. Even then, it is only by virtue of their teeth, which are inscribed with their tale and kept as a keepsake.” “I...See…” Drukarus let out a deep sigh of disappointment, even though a part of him expected such to be true, “Well then, let me tell you. Back upon my home, my Zakaz...There were orators, keepers of history...Though, one could only loosely call it as such, rather, it would be more accurate to describe it as once true tales that have grown into something else...But...In my long life, I have heard the tales of many orators, and I believe I have been able to distill the essential truth of many...Barius, look there, in that part of the sky. Do you see that set of stars?” Drukarus pointed up towards a constellation, that if traced, would create the vague shape of a vessel shearing through the waves...Though others might describe it as being a rather voluminous rear end. “I do,” Barius replied after a moment’s pause, taken to locate the constellation the other Skak had pointed toward. “Well, back in my home, that constellation was inscribed to one Captain White Spine, a fierce and ruthless pirate who stalked the waters of Zakaz and beyond. Amongst the Skakdi pirates, only he could near perfectly navigate the blockade that surrounded our island. He would then raid and pillage the settlements of far off islands, raiding lands home to Vortixx, Steltians, and even Toa. And whenever he would return, he would bring his plunder back to Zakaz. His piracy only ended when a conjoined fleet ambushed him on his way back from his latest run. Supposedly, he was stabbed twenty times and shot at least five before he finally died, with three strokes from an axe severing his head. In addition, his last words were as follows, ‘You may have my head, but I will have yours in the end if Irrnak doesn’t get you first’...Though some stories embellish that he said those lines after his head was severed.” As Drukarus spoke of his tale, a semblance of a faint smile began to take the old Skak’s face, as his words grew from their monotonous and stoic tone, though subdued they still were. The older warlord’s conclusion elicited a single bark of laughter from Barius, who had up until now been seemingly enchanted by the story. “The indulgence of bards is a constant between our two worlds, then. Nonetheless, it is an entertaining tale; may we all have such glorious deaths as your Captain White Spine.” Though he ended his response there, his unasked next question was nonetheless obvious: Why are you telling me about him? Drukarus’ brow furrowed and his brief smile returned to it’s stoic state, as if he read Barius’ mind and knew that the newly implanted warlord had missed the point so obvious to Drukarus. Letting out a brief cough to clear his throat, Drukarus spoke again as he pointed to another set of stars. “Indeed, great tales are rarely ones that are forgotten, here, allow me to tell you another...Look there, do you see it? The great serpent, its head held by the grasp of the warrior. That is the great slayer, Throk.” Barius raised a hand, signaling his desire to interject. “Am I to infer from these tales that you reckon I should wish to be a constellation, remembered by my descendants for centuries to come?” Drukarus placed his free hand upon his chin as he thought upon Barius’ guess. With a gentle nod, Drukarus calmly spoke, “You are...Close. But there is something you are missing. I pray that you will see what I mean after this tale.” Taking a deep breath, Drukarus correlated his thoughts as he told the tale of the Great Slayer Throk. “Throk was a mighty warrior, though unlike many others, did not seek a following nor fort to rule over. Rather, he was a slayer of monsters, of beasts. And, upon my Zakaz, the only significant body of freshwater was a lake within its center. But this lake was haunted by a great serpent, the length of which some say was spanning from one shore to the other. It was this serpent that made any attempt at claiming the fresh drinking waters nigh-impossible, as the creature would swallow any Skakdi who got too close, whole. But Throk, equipped with nothing but a harpoon, an axe, and several dozen other Skakdi to hold the great length of chain he brought with himself, was able to fell the beast. Using the harpoon and the length of chain, Throk and his cohorts dragged the beast for days and nights supposedly, till half its length was exposed. At which point, Throk, equipped with his mighty axe, battled the creature for nearly twice as long as it took to drag it out, till at last, the beast was felled, its head severed. But Throk soon died from the poisonous blood that leaked from the stump, the skull of the creature becoming his tomb…” Barius nodded along slowly. This tale seemed less interesting to him than the last; too fantastical for his tastes. And, in any case, he was too busy trying to understand the subtext to enjoy it. Racking his brain, he struggled to gather Drukarus’ point. It occurred to him that Throk never saw the benefit of his own efforts; perhaps that was it? “I hope you will not see fit to tell me a third story if I say that I am still uncertain as to your point. Is it that they’re both dead now?” Drukarus let out a sigh of disappointment, his hope that Barius might have been able to understand their meaning being false, saddening the old Skak, but not defying his expectations. “No. No it is not...And I don’t intend to waste your time with another tale...The point is this. When most Skakdi hear a tale of another, and hear of their deeds, their first thought is ‘why should I care’...Hearing a tale of a long dead warlord and how he conquered acres of land does not inspire a Skakdi other than making them want to conquer more land than the warlord they heard about and prove that they are better...But these tales, that I told you. Nearly every single Skakdi I have asked knows of these tales and doesn't think ‘why they should care’. Rather than seeing them as challenges to surpass...They see these old Skakdi as heroes…” “Captain White Spine...Though he was a scourge upon others, to the Skakdi, he was a generous soul, whose great wealth allowed any coastal settlements on Zakaz to bloom. He even allowed many Skakdi families a way off of the war-torn and polluted wasteland that was Zakaz, giving them another chance at a peaceful life. Throk, he hunted Rahi, not just for the sake of it, or the challenge, but because it brought safety and security to those Skakdi who couldn’t defend themselves. And killing the serpent? It allowed free drinking water to the whole of Zakaz! He is one of the reasons why we never fight there, to honor his name...That is my point Barius...You could conquer the entire world but...People only truly remember and honor those who had given onto others and not to themselves…” A soft look marked the former warlord’s expression, as ancient memories of his home faded in and out of his mind, with the words he had spoken having almost been directed at himself rather than Barius. Barius remained silent for some time, mulling the words over in his mind. Or at least, pretending to. In truth, he was partially inclined to reject them out of hand. He did not value his legacy so highly that he was prepared to do charity for its sake; so what use was this monologue to him? Nonetheless, part of him resonated with the other Skak’s advice, and so he made a note to himself to think it over later. “You’ve given me something to think about, Drukarus,” he said, half-genuine. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He looked around the empty courtyard of the desert oasis. “I think I will remain out here for a time; you may do as you wish. You’re an honorary Warskak for now; the fortress is open to you, bar my chamber-- and the larder, though I suspect you will find little there in any case, given tonight’s feast.” He shuddered at the realization of just how much food had been prepared for one night’s dinner. Drukarus stood there for several seconds after Barius finished his sentence, the old Skakdi trying to read Barius as best he could; whether or not the younger Skak was genuine, whether they were inclined to heed Drukarus’ words or not...Whether or not he would have to commit to more drastic actions… But Drukarus felt inclined to leave his words to settle in Barius’ and to not muddy them up with anymore. So, simply turning away, Drukarus returned to the fort, leaving Barius to his thoughts and the ancient stars. OOC: @Burnmad Jammed Out With Burns. IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Bridge) "What now?" "...we're back to sitting here." "Not exactly. We can at least prepare, get those ships made and readied as we wait for the end of this...Civil war. Speaking of which, Toa Knichou, inform me immediately once a significant development occurs. Now if you excuse me, I have work to do." Getting up, Vulimai went and left the bridge, to return to her duties and prepare for the future. OOC: @BULiK @Tarn @Nato the Traveler

IC: Metru-Nui Guard (Outside Vulimai's Hut) "AAAAAAAAaaahhhh......" After a long period, Twesh finally stopped screaming, but his eyes were still wide, his hands fiddling more than ever on a Le-Kanoka disk he always carries with himself. "Do I need to repeat the question, or did you understand me the first time?" Twesh stuttered and fumbled over his words, both from his natural anxiety and the anxiety being induced by this creature, but eventually intelligent words came through. "V-V-Vulimai C-C-Captain went sssought out K-Knichou T-T-Toa at T-Taku Ssship." OOC: @Nato the Traveler

I, having made it to the 138th post, shall now ask a question for our lord Kughii. Whatever happened to Toa Lhikan and Toa Nidhiki? Are they both alive and around? @Unreliable Narrator

IC: Metru-Nui Guard (Outside Vulimai's Hut) Twesh was stumbling through the streets of Metru-Koro, fiddling with his hands and not really knowing what to do. Back in Metru-Nui, Twesh was what some my call, cross-wired, and honestly wasn't good at much. He was constantly nervous, couldn't stop fiddling with things, and didn't have much of an attention span. His only redeeming qualities was that he was incredibly good at throwing Kanokas...A trait that made him a valuable asset amongst the guard and as a soldier. But at the moment, without any sort of command, Twesh only wandered through the streets nervously...Till a large black mass with pink highlights came flying in front of him. "Excuse me? Do you know where Captain Vulimai is?" "AAAAHH!" OOC: @Nato the Traveler

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Bridge) Vulimai buried her face into her hand, completely at a loss, "Son of a Piraka! If Aurax traces Iradra back to Metru-Koro, the odds of us having a chance at peace is nothing! Honestly, now I don't even know who I want to win...Sigh...Any..Any plans anyone want to offer? Any last ditch efforts? Those final hoorays I've heard you Toa like to do?" OOC: @BULiK @Tarn

IC: Vulimai (The Taku, Bridge) Vulimai sighed a sigh of defeat and hopelessness at Knichou saying '...with the city in our control...' The idea of Metru-Nui being back in the hands of the Matoran was a faint, nigh-impossible dream. Karz, one of the reasons why Zaliyah wanted to overthrow Aurax was because he was a Toa. The only way for the Matoran being able to return to Metru-Nui and to live there as they once did, would only be if the entirety of the League was gone, and that was an equally impossible task. No, co-existence was the only possibility, one that felt the most impossible out of everything. "Yes...I suppose we should just wait and see what the aftermath is." Vulimai said with defeat in her voice, her posture mirroring that of Knichou. OOC: @BULiK @Tarn