Vezok's Friend

IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro harbor] The Dasakan flagship was large, but being aboard now impressed upon the Toa just how large it actually was. The ship felt remarkably stable below her feet - more so than most of the floating pads the Koro was built on. The Menti waiting for her was not the Rora, and was dressed differently to most of the other Dasaka she had seen thus far. She wasn’t entirely sure what being the chief of staff to an empress entailed, but figured it was similar enough to being a Turaga or Akiri’s right hand. She returned the greeting, not with a full bow, but with a slow respectful nod of her head. “Well met, Zafin.” Then, speaking more softly, she explained: “My visit concerns the attack on your homeland and events leading up to it. There were things that happened here on Mata-Nui that appear to link directly to what happened to your people. I’m here to find out exactly what those links were - or still are.” IC: [Rhow - Inner Port] The Rhow that looked back up at Yukie from her raft looked even more emaciated than before, scars not merely fresh, but reopened. She held two things clasped in her hands. One the Menti already knew: the piece of rusted metal that she still carried today as her weapon, although it looked even less well maintained than in its present state. The other was a makeshift paddle. She was kneeling on the side of the raft, using the paddle to hold her position, while the blade was held at the ready, suddenly plunging down, coloring the sea red. She pulled her meager catch onto the raft before looking up to meet his eyes. The remembered Rhow didn’t speak, but Yukie could still hear her voice echo across the mindscape: Never stop moving, never go back. It wasn’t a conscious thought, but some sort of ingrained mantra, embedded somewhere deep within. But despite the offer of reprieve, the Skakdi still reached out, took the offered hand and pulled herself up. At first the raft was rocking from the sudden shifting of balance, but then Yukie became aware of the sound of crashing waves nearby, the red seas swirling angrily, rough and choppy all around them. Rhow was using the paddle to steady herself, but her focus was on something in the distance. Following her line of sight, Yukie’s view was also drawn to the horizon. Cragged cliffs resolved out of the roiling mists, towering overhead like a monstrous jaw of unfathomable scale. And Rhow only said one word: ”…Zakaz” OOC: @Mel@Umbraline Yumiwa@BULiK

IC: [Rhow - Inner Port] The Rhow Yukie was faced with in the memory seemed like she had very little in common with the one actually sitting across from him, despite obviously being the same Skakdi. The way she carried herself, body tense like a coiled viper, the way the eyes were held narrowed and kept darting around, face still covered from her meal. She rounded on him as his image formed beside her in the memory and it almost seemed like that image would suffer the same fate as the Takea, but instead, after a few tense moments, Rhow turned with a grunt and waded out into the surf. The grunt apparently was an invitation to the Menti to follow and soon they were both standing up to their thighs in the water. The mists were still all around them, no closer or farther away than they had been before. But then Rhow stopped. Looking around, Yukie suddenly noticed the coast had disappeared completely, despite having only left it a few paces behind. Now there was only the sea and the mist. When he turned back to Rhow again, she was next to a pile of flotsam that only began to register as an actual raft when the Skakdi climbed aboard. Rhow looked at him again - and again her appearance had changed: Wavy lines of crusty salt covered her scarred body and he could have sworn he caught a glimpse of barnacles clinging to her upper back where an arm might not easily reach them. He also noticed the scars looked a lot fresher than they had a moment ago on the beach. —— Observing from their bench, Daijuno could see Rhow’s shoulders moving as she began to take deep, raspy breaths. OOC: @Mel @Void Emissary

IC: [Kohra - Iron Mahi, First Passenger Car] “Hey buddy, I think you got the wrong door, the buffet service is two cars down.” Oh to karz with this. Benefit of the doubt went out the window as her frustration spiked. Whether there was someone hurt or not - and there was that part of her mind that was shouting at her that there wasn’t - these people had clearly no intention of helping. In fact they seemed to be determined to be in her way. So she’d have to go out of her way. Sorry, Datrox. The other Vortixx was blocking the corridor forward, so instead of through him, she leapt to the right, using the overhead luggage racks to swing herself sideways - up and onto the seats - before jumping over them to get back into the corridor behind him. Be unexpected, go around, get past. That was the plan. She could picture it flawlessly in her mind. But her body was unwilling to follow through with a flawless execution. In fact it protested, her muscles aching just from holding her own weight. The up and onto part worked well enough, but getting over the seats became an inelegant scramble to keep her footing. OOC: @Tarn@Nato G@Perp

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro Beach] Facial expressions were a bit harder to read on the reptilian features, but the grunt of disapproval was impossible to mistake. She had been on either end of that many times before. Usually it was something one tried to suppress. But - she was dealing with a dragon. And if this one shared any qualities with those she knew from Kentoku…a little directness was to be expected. She also noted the irony of following that critique up immediately with proposing a logging site. But she replied: “I will add your concerns to my considerations. But I doubt anyone would be able to fully bend this island to their will. Even our shared enemy hasn’t accomplished that. I hope that is something Kentoku has in common with Mata Nui - since it seems there are more ties between the two than we initially believed. Like your memories.” Nice segue. “So, what did you know as Dasaka before?” IC: [Agni - Cael’s house] Agni’s eyes had drifted off the to side somewhat as Tuara took over, which he was thankful for. It gave him a few seconds to collect himself. But Praggos’ reply brought his view right back to the other Toa. It wasn’t anything specific, but something about the combination of words and body language tickled at the guard part of his mind, creating a fleeting feeling. But before it could solidify into anything more than that, they were already following him across the doorstep. Besides, he hadn’t come here to interrogate anybody, so he just shot Tuara a quick, questioning glance to clue her in as they stepped inside. Any further questions about what Praggos’ was saying were pushed aside for a moment however as the other Toa in the room came into view. Agni attempted a smile, but it fell short. “Hey, Cael.” OOC: @otter@Palm@Eyru

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro Beach] The menti did take careful mental notes of all the places Aclaraung suggested. In fact she concurred with most of his assessment of the different wahi. But the first thing she said was: “I will take it into consideration.” “But there are many other determining factors and this is a decision that can not be rushed - even if time is something we don’t have in abundance.” Other factors like clan politics and all the complications that would bring. But that was something she was not willing to share yet. “Our homeland isn’t as…diverse in climates. I would avoid settling in the extremes if there are alternatives. It is hard enough adjusting to these circumstances already, if we move our people somewhere where even their most basic building & farming skills will not be as useful at first, the impact on morale would be devastating. That mustn’t happen. Even if our stay is only temporary until we retake Kentoku, it will still be some time before it is ours again. Until then, those that remain here need to know that their work is just as crucial to our people’s survival as those that return to fight Makuta’s hordes.” “So we will need to settle in those places where they can make use of their skills. My more immediate concern is if it should be one settlement, two, or even several. There are arguments for each. One settlement would make it easier to get our cultures acquainted and with all our forces in place, it could be better defended in the right location. But it also means there are no fallback options if we are attacked in force. Two settlements or more could provide a strategic advantage. But it complicates many other things.” IC: [Agni - Cael’s house] “Aggressors…yeah, I heard of them. Thought one of those boats out there looked familiar. As for Merror, I…don’t know where he is.” Agni said. He glanced back at Tuara. Explaining everything that had happened on his end would mean going over her story as well…no. Now was not the time and place and it wasn’t his story to tell anyway. So he said: “Last time I saw him we had just gotten back from Ko-Wahi together. We had barely set foot back in the Koro before the next case landed on me. It got real busy, real fast. By the time it was over, I hadn’t even noticed he and the kid both had left…” The detective trailed off, a pained look in his eyes. He tried not to let it show, but that particular wound was barely a day old and wide open. OOC: @otter @Palm

IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro harbor] The Toa Maru had bid Cael and the others farewell, then left the healer’s hut and immediately slipped into the sea and out of sight, commanding the currents to carry along quickly and quietly, first out to sea, and then back towards the Koro. She felt both alert, with clear thoughts and mind focused on the task at hand, but also still keenly aware of the day’s ordeal. The thin scars on her cheek stung in the water - a reminder just how off her guard she had been caught. She grimaced. Save it for the rematch… A few moments her head broke the surface again, eyes zeroed in on her target: The enormous trimaran was easily the largest ship in the island’s waters and impossible to miss. With a mere thought, she had the next wave lift her up so she could step out directly from the sea onto the pier, in full view of the Dasakan guards patrolling it. The Menti immediately tensed. Unsurprising after the day’s events. She took on step forward away from the edge of the pier, then stopped and said: “Apologies for such a late and abrupt visit, but please inform your empress that Toa Leah Maru is here to see her on urgent business.” IC: [Agni - Cael’s house] The Toa of fire blinked in surprise. Of all the faces he might have expected to see today, this one hadn’t been among them. “Praggos…long time indeed.” he replied, not quite sure what to say, eventually settling for: “Good to see you’re still in one piece…” He trailed off, realizing the choice of words may not have been ideal either given that he didn’t actually know what had happened to his former travel companion since they’d last met. Something he should’ve rectified sooner. “That was some storm. A lot’s happened since. How have you been? What brings you here?” IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro Beach] For a brief instant as she caught up to Aclaraung, the commodore pictured herself from afar, walking along the beaches of this foreign island, talking about the future of her people with a being that back home may as well have stepped out of myth - an impression that was only reinforced by the swirls of bioluminescence playing around his claws whenever the lapping waves washed over them. But he was just as much protodermis and blood as she was. Which meant, she still had to be somewhat careful. “I have studied your island, but saw no mention of other major settlements in that Wahi beyond Le-Koro itself and the abandoned Pala-Koro.” OOC: @otter @Umbraline Yumiwa

IC: [Agni - Ga-Koro] Soon enough, the Toa of fire were outside the healer’s hut. Agni had noticed a slight downslope when crossing the walkway that connected the pad Cael’s hut was on to the rest of the village. “Seems we’re not the only visitors.” he commented quietly as they approached her front door. He thought he’d seen people come and go to the place earlier from a few platforms away, but with the general hustle & bustle going on in the village right now he couldn’t be sure. They stopped in front of the door and the detective found he had to pause and take a deep breath, suddenly feeling rather unsure of himself and what he was going to say. It had been some time since he had spoken to Cael. Taking a second to collect himself, he raised his hand and knocked… OOC: @otter@Palm@Krayzikk@Eyru

IC: [Ayiwah - Chiisai Ryuu] A hint of a smirk played across the commodore’s face. “Very well, lead the way. Although this meeting is hardly what I’d call inconspicuous, whether we speak here or elsewhere. Assume there will be eyes on us.” She notably didn’t mention the Rora further. As family, she was of course concerned about her well being and the stress she was under. Yumiwa had been thrust into her role years, maybe even decades ahead of schedule, lost her mother and was faced with a number of major crises at the same time. That had to take a toll, no matter how strong willed or tutored she had been for the position prior. Aclaraung did not know that. But, as commodore it was also absolutely not Ayiwah’s place to fill him in on any of that, especially since they had been acquainted for a few hours at best at this point. She made her way down the outside stairs of the conn - more sliding down on the railing than climbing down - leading down to the top deck, before heading to the gangway and the pier. She sent a brief message to the watch standers as she stepped off the Ryuu and started to head in the direction Axlaraung had indicated before. .:Commodore is ashore, Lieutenant Tazera has the deck.:. IC: [Agni - Ga-Koro] The two Toa of fire were still in the village. A lot had happened during the day, some of which found its way to them by word of mouth, other things they had observed directly. Most worrying had been a story about a brief fight involving a stranger and Leah Maru down by the waterfront. Someone new stepping up to one of the Maru was definitely Someone the guard ought to know about. But details were sparse still. Agni turned to Tuara, a bit hesitant. “I’d still like to check in with Cael before heading back - if you’re up for it.” OOC: @otter @Palm @Ghosthands

IC: [Ayiwah - Chiisai Ryuu] Her eyes had barely returned to the chart when she caught movement in her peripheral vision ahead of her. Aya’s head snapped back up, finding their draconic visitor from earlier looking in on her. Almost simultaneously, half a dozen ideatalk alerts reached her from various Menti on lookout duty, whom she told to stand down. Good response time though. Unfortunately for Aclaraung, the viewports were thick enough to withstand the pressure of being submerged, so what little sound carried through was rather muffled. Something about the Rora. From outside, the dragon saw the commodore indicate ‘up’, before she turned to leave her cabin, teacup in hand. A moment later, she reappeared - further overhead, leaning over the railing on the conning tower. “Well met again, Aclaraung. But the hour of your visit is rather late. The Rora should have retired for the night by now, if that’s what you were asking.” OOC: @otter

IC: [Ayiwah - Chiisai Ryuu] After a day that felt like months, the sun had finally dropped below the horizon and twilight was giving way to night. But activity in the village continued unabated - as did the commodore. Ayiwah was still awake, standing over the desk in her cabin, intensely studying a spread of charts, maps and other documents laid out before her, eyes flitting from one to the next, making annotations or taking notes where appropriate. This was the invisible yet critically important part of her job. One that had been rather small for the expedition alone and had now increased exponentially in complexity, literally overnight. The only part of the desk not covered in paper was a corner carefully kept free to make room for a half full mug of tea that had gone cold well over an hour ago. She was aware of the controlled chaos that had unfolded around her, but for the time being, this was the best option available. The Ryuu had been prepared with ample room for the normal amount of work her commanding officer was expected to handle, but it was not suited for full-time management of a whole fleet - much less coordinating the refugees on top of that. It would have been preferable to do this work in the Yukanna’s state room, since it was a floating headquarters, but all her materials were still aboard the Ryuu and she wouldn’t order crew to move them to the flagship while there were far more important tasks for them to prioritize. And doing it herself would take too much time. So for the time being, she was stuck with the limited space (although large by submarine standards) of the cabin she’d lived in for the expedition so far. The one comfort she did indulge in however was to change out of her uniform coat into a slightly-less-formal sleeveless vest. She was propping herself up with one hand on the desk, while the other’s index finger kept tapping away at the location of Ga-Koro on her map. When the fleet had left Kentoku, the only goal was survival. So a majority of the ships had sailed with either too much or too little crew (although redistributed during the crossing) and entirely too few provisions for such a long journey. It was already a feat of perseverance that this many had managed it all the way across the sea. She’d spent the past hours compiling a list of all the Dasakan vessels that had made it to Mata-Nui, military and civilian alike. Then she’d worked her way down through the list and gotten in touch with the captain or otherwise highest-ranked crew member of each ship via ideatalk to get an overview of its status: Surviving crew, damage sustained, armaments, cargo manifest etc. etc. Thankfully, a lot of them had been prudent and already prepared that information during the voyage. As the reports came in, she took notes of what was needed to affect repairs and notes on initial ideas of what improvements could be made to each vessel, depending on size and type. She knew the likely materials that would be needed in large quantities just from seeing the fleet arrive, but now she was beginning to get an overview of the actual amounts required. And with that, she could start to figure out where to source them. She’d marked those locations on the map. And with what she knew of the island, she’d also started plotting the ways to get those materials delivered to them or the most convenient places to sail to for a pickup. The nice thing about a fleet was that you could easily move it or parts of it to where they could take on a shipment of cargo. And as the ships were repaired, more would become available to carry that cargo. And in other places, there were other means like the iron mahi to get those goods. Different colored lines were starting to spread out over the charts. But the markings were not just for supplies and trade routes. They couldn’t expect Ga-Koro to sustain this influx of people indefinitely. Nor could the fleet serve as a floating village, they would need as many of its ships as they could crew to retake the archipelago. One ship had been easy for the village to adjust to, but with such a wild mix of clans, there were bound to be problems down the line once the relief of just having survived the exodus had passed. They needed to get ahead of that happening, so Ayiwah had circled areas on the map that seemed a good fit to establish a Dasakan village. She would run them by the Rora once she had compiled the other data for her report. And Yumi would have her hands full too. On paper, they had these ships. In reality, it would require convincing all the clans’ Toroshu as well to requisition them. Now that they were relatively safe, she wasn’t entirely sure how they’d feel about having all their private vessels drafted for the war effort again, considering they were often the only major clan property some of them had left at this point. Speaking of, figuring out what they needed and how to transport it was still only the beginning. This Makuta spirit didn’t seem like the kind that would just let them build up their strength unchallenged. They would need to ensure protection while they prepared as well. Another thing to add to the list. Ayiwah briefly paused to rub her temples, take a sip of her cold tea and to take a look at Ga-Koro’s lights glittering on the waves through the viewport. Then she turned her attention back to the desk and the work continued… IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] She flashed Praggos a wry smile. “I’ll try not to make a habit out of it.” “If that’s all then, I’d best be off. If all goes well, I’ll find you again in a day or two in Ta-Wahi. Hopefully with some answers.” She shot Cael an apologetic look. She knew rest was probably wiser - but this couldn’t wait. So she’d have to recharge the rest of the power on the go. The Toa Maru picked up her staff and travel pouch, fastened the latter to her hip as usual and turned to leave. OOC: @Krayzikk @otter

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] “If you will have me, I’d like to help you to get to the bottom of this. I could definitely help the Fowadi cut down on travel time. But…if we need insight into what happened on the archipelago’s side of things, those who can tell us about that are most likely here in Ga-Koro still. If we leave now, chances are they’ll travel over the coming days as well and it’ll be harder to find them later. Perhaps I should talk to the Dasaka first and then catch your ship in Ta-Wahi. Of course, if you stick around, there’s a chance to meet their empress. If anyone knows about strangers from another land visiting Kentoku, it’s her. Figured that’s where I’d start.” IC: [Rhow - Inner Port] The Skakdi parked her bulk opposite the smaller Dasaka. She still felt a little awkward, she’d mostly seen these benches used by Matoran on dates. Focus on my oldest memory. Okay. Focus. Can do. She sent her mind back, far as she could remember. Location wise, she didn’t have to go far. She was in Ga-Wahi. Far from the Koro, standing in the shallow water Of a secluded cove. Ahead, a fin cut through the waves, on the hunt - but she was not the prey… The Menti could see her eyes narrow, with a glint of something dangerous behind them, but just for a heart light flash, then it was gone. “Got it.” OOC: @Krayzikk@Mel

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] “The crystal flamberge…I thought Joske had taken possession of it after defeating Heuani. I wasn’t even aware he’d gone…are you sure he said he went into the legend? It wasn’t the keeping place?” Leah remembered the weapon well. She’d first seen it at the battle of the Rama hive - and then later again, in Mangaia. Heuani had wielded it with deadly precision. She hadn’t made the connection before either, but of course a blade forged out of such crystal could only come from the archipelago. But if that was the case…a weapon from there on Mata-Nui so long before they ever encountered the Dasaka meant they couldn’t have been summoned from the legend in exchange for Makuta, could they? “Oh karz.” Suddenly her mind was racing, her hands clenching and unclenching in quick succession as a new realization dawned, which she immediately shared: “I always thought that the sword had been forged by Makuta and was then given to Hueani when he became his favored servant. But if the sword came from Kentoku…unless Heuani acquired it by other means it means Makuta was likely aware of the link between the two lands long before any of us were and these simultaneous events were all part of his schemes already. Maybe this was his contingency plan all along...” She let out a groaned curse, then took a deep breath. “We need to find out who was present for the event on the Dasakan side and talk to them.” OOC: @Krayzikk

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] “Yes, that is what it is called.” Leah confirmed, but didn’t say anything further as to not interrupt the other Toa’s thoughts. Between that and the keeping place…just how many quasi-realities are out there and how many could be accessed? OOC: @Krayzikk

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] The Toa Maru was quiet for a moment. At first it looked like she was going to say something, but then seemed to think better of it and instead, Krayn could see her set her jaw, before she very deliberately replied, keeping whatever emotion she’d just processed out of her voice: “We’re all owed peace.” She left it at that and, tone returning to normal, continued: “I would greatly appreciate those notes. Taking down Echelon is no small feat. So for what it’s worth, my regards to your friend. But regardless of meeting him or not, I still think we should collaborate.” OOC: @Krayzikk

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] “I had a feeling you might.” The Toa Maru could feel the slightest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Her mask hadn’t registered anything malicious from Krayn, obviously - he hadn’t come here to deceive her, after all. But she’d been right about him knowing more. “And I think you’re right - that whatever happened did so simultaneously. Ayiwah - the Dasakan commodore - reported she witnessed something like a sudden storm near Kini-Nui not too long ago…in fact just about the amount of time it’d take to sail to Kentoku and make it here by now from what I understand. I didn’t know what it meant before - but I’d bet that was the same thing too.” Yes, she could definitely feel the gears turning now. Everything that had happened, right up until recently, the Dasakan exodus…even the Rahkshi this very morning: It was starting to form a picture. And there was a mystery here to solve. Interestingly enough, it seemed they already knew the who and why parts for the most part - what remained was the how. And it promised to be a big how. But that was her job now, as a Maru. Big problems were the norm. Small problems were a luxury. Leah uncrossed her legs and swung them back over the side of the cot. Her eyes mat Krayn’s once again. “And I think you’re right about it opening a way to whatever place we sent Makuta to let him back out too. I was actually going to look into that before…” she instinctively started to reach for the scars on her cheek, but checked the motion. “Before the Lesterin showed up.” For a moment she grimaced, like she’d just smelled something rotten. Then she slightly shook her head and focused back on the matter at hand. “Now…” she started, standing back up. “If you have questions for the Dasaka I think I can point you to the right people to ask. In turn, it might be helpful if I could talk to your friend. Taking out Echelon’s no small feat. I’d like to know more about how that happened.” “In fact…maybe we should join forces. Or at least gather and share everything we know so far. I think if we work together we could get to the bottom of this. I’d understand if you don’t want to, given all that’s happened - but someone's undone something I fought very hard for. I'd consider it my duty to help you.” OOC: @Krayzikk

IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro harbor] Rhow chuckled. “Relax, just checking if you’d flinch.” she said. “...But good to know my mind’s got a say in this. Doubt they’d have a go at a…Toroshu, was it? Commodore sounded deferent. Important title?” OOC: @Mel

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] Did Stannis know? Her thoughts returned to the keeping place, that other realm beyond reality - but which held things that could very well become real. She found herself back in the ethereal secluded cave by the sea, calm waves lapping against its rocks under an eternal warm sun. For a brief flash, she wished she really was back there. Maybe one day she’d try to visit - if it even existed still, now that it’s purpose had been fulfilled. That purpose had been to store the great Kanohi Ruhaku until its destined wearer claimed it. Each Maru had found their mask in a similar space of their respective element. And each of them had their Kanohi’s nature revealed to them. Including Stannis. The Maru had reunited and shared their newfound abilities with each other - but now that she thought back on it, she noticed just how hesitant he’d been to tell them about the Hiripaki. Now knowing at least the basics of its power, she could understand why. He must have felt as reluctant to tell others about that kind of power as she did now. Not out of a desire to keep that power to oneself or to withhold knowledge - but out of awareness of what it was capable of and could do in the wrong hands. And now just like then, even sharing it with allies was a risk. But that apprehension was more about the principle of the mask itself, not Makuta’s defeat specifically. And while she and the other Maru had been elated at the time - Stannis had been ponderous as usual. She untucked her legs and briefly stretched them, before switching to a cross-legged sitting position, still facing the other Toa. Then, slowly, she replied: “I know now that he was aware of risks that the rest of us weren’t at the time. Was it reversible? Theoretically, yes. You’ve seen master mariners and flax weavers tying knots - once tied, it is nearly impossible for the uninitiated to loosen them. Certainly not from inside the net. But using their knowledge and skill, the master knows just where to tug to make the knot unravel in an instant.” Leah’s fingers danced through air, mimicking weaving motions. “But no one else had that knowledge, so in practice…no.” She sighed. No point putting it off any longer. In a way she was thankful Krayn had brought up Stannis by name himself - it took away the obstacle of that first step. “I think that’s why he chose to keep the fact that Makuta hadn’t been destroyed from us. Which is why Ko-Koro was the only time you’ve seen the Maru together since we found out - and why we’ve not spoken to him since. I’m sorry we didn’t come clean when we first found out. But as far as we knew there was no other way to bring him back, so with everything else going on…like you put it: Dead or gone, it seemed like the same thing. I just hoped it was enough.” “But this…the way things are now. I don’t think what we did was undone, exactly. No one untied the net, no…someone’s taken a blade to it.” OOC: @Krayzikk

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] You don't know the how. One of Leah’s eyebrows to raise a fraction. Do you? A beat. She took a breath, then began: “You’ve all heard the stories. You already know most of what happened. We fought our way into Mangaia, faced Makuta, and won.” She let her gaze drift, from Krayn to the others and back. “And yes, we considered if this was just a deception of his, so we checked for any trace upon returning to secure the lair - for all the good that did. But Makuta was gone. Not…killed - not in the way we usually understand it. The best way I can describe it is…banished from existence. Erased. Totally and utterly.” “At the time I believed that to be the same as if he’d been destroyed. I did not find out differently until much later.” She knew what the next question most likely would be and braced herself for it. Because answering it would mean sharing knowledge that she believed no-one - not even a Maru - should have. And it would mean throwing one of her brethren to the proverbial kavinika. IC: [Ayiwah - Chiisai Ryuu] Internally, the commodore heaved a sigh of relief. Good. All her crew were accounted for and the ship was safe. Externally, she acknowledged Dakte and Tazera with a slow nod. Ayiwah was not one for public vocal praise, especially the Lieutenant recognized the gesture as the familiar one of approval she had witnessed countless times before - usually while being the recipient of said silent approval. Finally, the commodore’s attention shifted to the unconscious rogue Toa. She realized she hadn’t seen too many of Mata Nui’s inhabitants without their masks on. Even without it, the point where the Toa had taken the bump on his head was notable. She studied him for several long seconds, her jaw firmly set, as she took a few slow, pacing steps from one side to the other. Then, with curiosity about the interloper apparently satisfied, her eyes met those of the aspiring battlemaster. “Ageru Dakte, please escort the intruder off the Ryuu and transfer him into the custody of the Ga-Koro Marines.” The lack of tone in her instruction spoke volumes about what she thought of the intruder: Nothing at all. IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro harbor] The Skakdi grimaced slightly at Yukie. She still wasn’t entirely keen on having her mind probed, but her need for answers was stronger. Then, she nodded. “Sure - “ she said, then paused for a fraction of a second, thinking quickly, before adding: “Long as you don’t plan to scramble my brains and leave me drooling in a back alley.” OOC: Thanks for your patience, everyone. Between work and studying next to that, it's been a busy couple of weeks for me. @Ghosthands @Mel @Void Emissary @BULiK@otter @Lady Takanuva @Eyru @Krayzikk @sunflower @Click @Snelly

IC: [Ayiwah - Chiisai Ryuu] It was hard to tell for the bystanders and others viewing the scene, even fellow Dasaka, but Tazera noticed the commodore relax, the tension disappearing from her posture. Well, almost. There was one immediate concern that took priority for Ayiwah, before taking a closer look at the intruder or acknowledging the Mentis’ success. .:What’s Dastana Inzu’s status?:. It was faster to inquire via ideatalk. It also had the benefit of not audibly broadcasting her concerns, just in case the rogue Toa was not alone after all or if there were unfriendly ears listening in. OOC: @Ghosthands

IC: [Leah - Cael’s house] And there it is. She had expected the question would come, just not quite so soon or delivered in that tone. “I don’t have a good answer.” she replied plainly. And truthfully. Leah pulled up one leg, resting her arms and chin on her knee. But, her eyes met Krayn’s unwaveringly. “How? I don’t know how it happened - not in detail. Not yet. Some dark magic, mechanism or trick method…I was about to look into that before…” - she gestured at herself and the cot she was sitting on - “...all this.” She smiled, but in that uncomfortable, tight-lipped way that made it clear there really wasn’t anything to smile about. “But that’s not the how you are interested in. You want to know how it is possible he even had a chance to claw his way back from nonexistence in the first place after the prophesied heroes sent him there.” She recalled the similar conversation she'd had with Talli and Kimala just that morning. She hadn't beaten around the bush with them. She wasn't about to start now. “If you’re looking for a one word root cause that allowed for his return…I suppose carelessness works. Or negligence. Depending on how charitable your reading of the situation is.” OOC: @otter @Lady Takanuva @Eyru @Krayzikk @sunflower @Click @Snelly

IC: [Leah - Cael’s hut] The Toa Maru continued her deep, healing slumber. Resting safely on her cot, with the assurance that others were keeping watch, it was the most restorative sleep she’d had in a long time, as opposed to the constant waking vigil of the recent past - for all the good it did. The day passed. Then, as twilight began to creep in, she began to stir again. So softly at first, it went utterly unnoticed. It had only been a few hours, but to the Maru it felt like months. Eventually those still present in the hut found her quietly watching them talk amongst themselves with bright eyes. A faint smile played across her features though it was tinged with…something, a feeling below the surface. “I am glad to see you’re still here.” She began, voice clear, but speaking quietly. “Thank you all, truly. You have spared me a grim fate. I owe you my life.” She paused for a moment, a knowing look in her eyes. “That kind of debt is not easily repaid. But I know you have questions. Maybe I could start by giving you what answers I can.” OOC: @otter @Lady Takanuva @Eyru @Krayzikk @sunflower @Click @Snelly

IC: [Ayiwah - Chiisai Ryuu] The commodore continued to watch the ship, her expression frozen in stern focus, impassive. Then, a moment later Ayiwah started moving, ascending the Ryuu’s gangway purposefully. The sailors watching over the anchor chains linking the submarine to the Yukanna stiffened, but she gave them a quick hand signal to carry on. She crossed the deck, then took up position across the main hatchway into the ship, standing tall with crossed arms, uniform coat billowing softly in the evening breeze.

IC: [Rhow…and Ayiwah - Ga-Koro harbor] .:Understood.:. Came the commodore’s quick reply. But Tazera could feel the relief over the connection at having rescued Inzu. .:Koso is standing by as well.:. .:Right here, ma’am.:. the other Menti answered instantly. As if on cue, Koso appeared before Tazera in the corridor. Ayiwah, noticing Yukie had taken over the conversation with Rhow and the others, focused fully back on the Ryuu, taking a few steps towards the gangway in anticipation of boarding herself soon. Either to reinforce Tazera directly, or to at least meet their intruder face to face on his way out. ———— Rhow meanwhile, didn’t mind Dihunai’s clipped response. Simply wasn’t a talker. Fair enough. So instead of pushing her for more, she tried her best to follow this Toroshu fellow’s explanation, but the nuances were a bit lost on the Skakdi, who’d always required another to actually do anything with her element. Something she had not done in a long time… Meanwhile, these Dasaka could do all sorts of things, all from the same source? Karz…Kind of a raw deal when you think about it. What ‘great spirit’ came up with that…Think it’s too late to convert? “Yeah, Daijuno thinks your like could kick loose whatever’s holding these memories back. Like seeing a shape in clouds, one second there’s an image, the next it’s gone again.” OOC: @Ghosthands@Mel@BULiK@Void Emissary

IC: [Rhow…and Ayiwah - Ga-Koro harbor] The Skakdi looked back at Dihunai, expression expectant. Her shoulders raised slightly, the unspoken question clear: Well? IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] The Toa watched the Dasaka Toroshu leave,scratching his chin absent-mindedly. Then he turned to Tuara. “That’s probably enough to report back to Jaller for the time being…” he said. “What do you think?” OOC: @Palm@Mel@BULiK@Void Emissary

IC: [Rhow…and Ayiwah - Ga-Koro harbor] There was a notable change as Rhow watched the Dasaka’s display of her power intently. She’d seen elemental displays before, but this was new. The Skakdi had leaned forward, feet apart, arms ready at her side and her eyes firmly fixed on Dihunai, trying to take in every detail - one fighter studying another. When she’d finished, a small excited growl escaped Rhow. “Nice. You lasses got all sorts of new tricks. Would be fun to learn one or two sometime.” She harrumphed. “Not sure it’ll jog my memory though.” While the barkeep was still fully occupied with Long Dijunai, Ayiwah noticed Plangori Yukie approaching. She’d seen his name on the list of confirmed arrivals from Kentoku. But being directly approached by him…that in turn almost got her full attention - she still kept the Ryuu in her field of view. The commodore returned the greeting with a brief bow of her own, but was no less formal in her greeting. “I am Honored to make your acquaintance, Toroshu Plangori. I wish it was under happier circumstances.” With the upper echelon of the empire and the rora, there was the advantage of them being family. She had regaled Yumi with tales of adventure since her earliest youth and interacted with others like Rayuke outside of formal occasions. There was no such level of familiarity with the other clans’ Toroshu. She switched to ideatalk again for a second, as it was the fastest way to bring Yukie up to speed. .:You are correct; there has been an incident: A rogue of the kind locals call ‘Toa’ has snuck aboard the Ryuu in an attempt to make off with the ship. He’s taken one of my crew hostage after they foiled his plan. We’re working to resolve the situation, but your assistance would be welcome if needed. Lieutenant Tazera is keeping me apprised of her status. She will let us know what is required.:. Then, audibly, she said: “Dastana Daijuno and Rhow here-” she indicated the Skakdi, “-were looking for someone with your skillset to help with a curious problem: we are the first strangers from afar that have come to this island without suffering from a peculiar type of memory loss everyone else that arrived before us seems to be afflicted by.” Hearing her name, Rhow did finally look over to the newcomer. “Memories, yeah. Trying to dig ‘em out - but also did you just see her fists?” She pointed at Dihunai. “What kinda element is that?” Yup. Definitely excited. OOC:@Mel@BULiK@Void Emissary