BZPRPG - Le-Wahi

[25K Now!]

IC: Kunitu

 

Having finished off her drinks long ago, Kunitu was now wandering the streets of Le-koro, thinking on what actions she would undertake next. Things were pretty quiet around the village, something that the guardswoman found nice, but it was definitely very boring.

 

OOC: Open for interaction.

[Geardirector]

IC: Colx (Le-Koro)

 

I was about to respond to Vrina, when I caught a glimpse of something in the corner of my eye, a familiar dash of green and gray, and a scabbard the length of a Kikanalo horn.

 

I turned to see that, indeed, it was the Gukko Forcewoman I'd arm wrestled a while back. Well, if Vrina and I were going to check how society reacted to us, might as well start with someone familiar.

 

"Hey there, Kunitu"

[25K Now!]

IC: Kunitu

 

Kunitu paused midstep, pivoting herself around to look at Colx.

 

"Hey," she replied, "what's up?"

[Geardirector]

IC: Colx (Le-Koro)

 

"Not much" I replied bluntly, "just had a talk with Vrina here, I don't believe the two of you have met"

 

"Vrina, this is Kunitu, an acquaintance of mine, Kunitu, this is Vrina"

[25K Now!]

IC: Kunitu

 

"Nice to meet you," said the Toa of Air, holding a hand out. "So how did you meet the old guy?"

[Voxumo]

IC: Vrina griiped the hand as she shook it firmly. "same to you." as she withdrew her hand she laid it gently on Colx's back "Eh i came in looking for a spar... managed to beat him in said spar. One thing lead to another and here we are" (On 3DS. Formatting may be weird)

[25K Now!]

IC: Kunitu

 

"Ah. So the flames of battle ignited your friendship or something?"

 

No, she was definitely not cheesy at all.

[Voxumo]

IC: Vrina could not help but chuckle at the sheer cheese-factor of the comment. "More or less that is the simple way of explaining it."

[Geardirector]

IC: Colx (Le-Koro)

 

I didn't say anything at first as Vrina and Kunitu seemed to be getting along, swallowing the lump in my throat before cutting in. This was going a lot better than I'd feared.

 

"I guess you could say that. Kunitu and me here know each other from an arm wrestling competition"

[25K Now!]

IC: Kunitu

 

"You're pretty strong," said Kunitu, grinning. "Of course, I'll probably beat you some day."

[Wade.]

IC: Alfon

 

"Ever considered trying your hand at writing?"

[Jakura Nuva]

IC:

 

The current events had Zeth confused and perplexed. Here he was, a Toa fresh from an unwanted "nap", only to be confronted by yet ANOTHER monstrous being.

 

What a day.

 

He considered making a run for it, but he wouldn't get too far in the condition he was in. No, he'd have to keep his guard up and play along with the guy. The Toa of Gravity was unarmed and completely vulnerable to an aggressive advance. He'd have to tread carefully.

 

"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Zeth inquired as confidently as he could.

IC: Mesonak

 

"No, no... you don't know me; but, I believe I know you... Zeth."

He gave a wicked Skakdi grin.

"Weren't you on that one team... yes, I remember them..."

Edited April 18, 2014 by Bioni-Man

[soularin]

IC:

 

The Skakdi's words were like poison. They seeped into Zeth's veins and corroded his vulnerable core. How did he know? Sure, the Toa of Gravity was famed as one of the greatest failures in the islands history. But it wasn't often he was recognized for who he was on the street by a complete stranger.

 

"Yes. What of it?" he spat, obviously hurt and disgusted.

 

He wasn't having a very good day, after all. The Skakdi's eyes taunted him, and that sick grin. Zeth wanted to break his teeth with a nice solid punch. If only he were strong enough to do so.

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Mesonak

 

"Oh, all good things, all good things... that you sucked, that you were beaten, that many of you died... that kind of thing."
Mesonak smiled. "It's a good bedtime story, by the way."

[soularin]

IC:

 

Zeth's body was trembling in rage. Who was this guy? What right did he have kicking him when he was already down?

 

The Toa of Gravity's eyes glowed fiercely. His fingers curled into neat fists, and his shoulders arched slightly. Adrenaline coursed through his veins.

 

"What the Karz do you want from me?! I KNOW I failed, alright?? Don't think I'm just gonna suck up to you because I'm weak! If it's a fight you want, than hit me you ######!"

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Mesonk

 

"Oh, I know... I know, my friend. But a fight? Of all of you Rahi, there is but one I have a quarrel with..."
Mesonak's eyes narrowed and his fists clenched as a wave of rage passed through his body. He grabbed Zeth by the throat and hoisted him up. He grinned madly and licked Zeth's mask.

"And you knew him. He goes by Jakura, I heard... and he was a Toa of Fire from your team."

Edited April 19, 2014 by Bioni-Man

[Franco]

IC: A pair of eyes watched the closed door. A pair of hands lunged for the opening. A pair of maces stopped a millimeter from the hinges.

 

Her student had left. Yet the boy was here. Reflecting in the moment between motion, she wondered if he'd learned as well.

 

Then she sighed, inaudible to any outside her dwelling, and began again.

 

OOC: Setting up for things to come.

[soularin]

IC:

 

How many times had he been completely overpowered today? Zeth couldn't even force himself to count. The Skakdi's hand squeezed his windpipe painfully as he struggled helplessly against the brute's strength.

 

The Ba-Toa choked through the words.

 

"He's.... dead, you... moron..."

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Mesonak

The cackle that emanated from Mesonak's throat was ten times worse than Varan's or anyone else's menacing laughs, ever. It filled the air with enough pain and fury to break rock, it seemed. Mesonak hissed.

 

"No. No's he not dead, Zeth. I have been searching for him for eons, and I know he is not dead. I would have... felt it... if he had died."

He fingered the burns on his face and giggled insanely.

[soularin]

IC:

 

Wait what? Not dead?

 

No, he was just an insane Skakdi who was dropped too many times as a babe. A lunatic. Nothing he said could be taken as the truth.

 

Then again, Zeth hadn't seen Jakura die. But there had been too many Rahkshi for anyone to have survived. They had been completely outnumbered, escape would've been impossible...

 

But I survived. So did Duros. Who am I to say that Jakura didn't when I don't have any proof?

 

A wave of strength came to Zeth suddenly, allowing him to rip free of the Skakdi's lethal grasp. He dropped to the ground in a fit of coughing.

 

Once the hacking subsided, the Toa of Gravity turned his head upwards to regard the monster.

 

"Are you sure it was eons ago that you saw this Toa of Fire? The last time I saw him was less than half a year ago."

[Jakura Nuva]

OOC: Ever seen the Joker from Batman: The Animated Series? Imagine Meso as him

 

IC: Mesonak

 

Mesonak frowned at having dropped Zeth, but the question asked by him caused him to think.

 

"Wait, what? Half a year?" He sat on the rock again. "My, my, my... a year? Can't be. Oh, wait! Maybe it was! Silly me!"

 

He giggled again and traced his burns.

[soularin]

IC:

 

"So... You haven't seen him any time recently then?"

 

Dealing with the mentally unstable was proving to be harder than it seemed. Zeth was starting to loose his patience already, not to mention the nausea he felt every time he looked at the Skakdi's deformed head.

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Mesonak

 

"Well... okay, no. But I've been looking for him, looking intently! Oh he is not dead, Toa. Not yet."

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: Ambages and his remaining escort wasted no time in traversing the jungle and swamp of Le-Wahi. There was little doubt as to which direction to go: The path was virtually laid out for them and made permanent by the intermittent but incessant traffic it endured. More a trail than a road, it was created by the soles and claws of matoran and ussals to avoid the most dangerous parts of the wahi and lead to the understories of Le-koro. While it wasn't in tip-top shape and required both matoran to pause a few times to dismount and maneuver their vehicles around minor obstacles. There wasn't anything they couldn't manage; a felled tree here, some erosion there, the odd large rahi blocking the way. In any case, those pauses allowed the two men to have short conversations as they traveled.

 

"You didn't tell anyone else that I was there?" Ambages asked on one such occasion before he grunted and lifted a burly trunk out of the trail.

 

"We—at least, I— didn't leave the keep, Ambages," Ardor said, obviously impressed at the Hand's show of physical strength. "We didn't speak to any of the villagers. But..."

 

Ambages laid the broken tree alongside the trail and clapped his hands free of dust. "Yeah, Ardor?"

 

"There was another toa in the keep. He told us his name, but... I can't remember what it is. He seemed genuinely concerned about Antrim. He's the one who sent Zurec up to check on the situation. Everything in the keep was just... weird. Zurec probably has a better grip on it than I do."

 

"Huh," Ambages said as they got back on their scooters. He leaned back in the saddle and folded his arms as he thought. "Another toa? This could be... interesting." They sat in silence.

 

He's asking questions. He has to be. I can hear it in his eyes.

It's his job to doubt and I don't blame him for having concerns over the event. That's what Korzaa sent him to do.

He could relay his thoughts to Korzaa. I bet she'd freak if she found a legendary toa-hero died in your presence and there was another guy who somehow knew something was going on.

He won't leak word out. I won't give him the opportunity. He's a lone wolf now with no chance at expanding his web.

Korzaa could track you down...

She can try, but I doubt she will. She chose these two because of their skills—she trusts them to do the job well enough to not need outside help.

Good point. But that just speaks for Ardor's potential. I advise you rid of him soon.

Soon, but not yet. Not so quickly on the journey. It would be too tidy.

Where then?

Ga-Koro, perhaps? Or maybe in the lava around Ta-Koro?

Ta-Koro would be preferable. No trace that way.

Hmmm... Wait, no, I want to leave a trace. No trace is, well, again, too tidy.

I suggest Ga-Koro it is, then.

It's a plan.

"We should go. We need to reach Le-koro by nightfall." The rate was much faster on the level swamplands than in the alps of Ko-Wahi and they tended to push their scooters as fast as they could go safely on the trail. It would be close, but Amages figured they could do it, and so they continued their breakneck pace.

 

With a nod, the architect revved his machine and they blazed away.

 

...

 

They made it by dusk. Barely. It was already nighttime in the undergrowth.

 

Their speeders idled up to a patch of dirt next to the elevator to Le-Koro. Both men knew they were being watched by the ever-invisible Gukko Force and they made it clear that they were not threats. "My name is Ambages," he declared to the dark forest around them. "I am the Hand of the Akiri of Ko-Koro and I'm here for diplomacy."

 

Sergeant Boreas dropped down a few branches into the lighter areas of the jungle, still elevated above the ground, "I have heard there is turmoil in Ko-Koro," his deep voice filling the trees, "Kongu will wish to speak with you while you are here."

There is a pause, "How many accompany you?"

 

"Just my singular escort here," he said, pointing to the silent warrior beside him, "sergeant Ardor of the Sanctum Guard."

 

Boreas turned, reaching up into higher branches. He vanished into the trees. A disembodied voice sang from the trees, "Welcome to sing-song-Le-Koro!"

The elevator dropped down into view as another guard stepped out of the jungle to operate it.

 

With a grateful nod, both Ko-citizens slung their rucksacks on their backs and stepped into the elevator.

 

"Oh, and one more thing," Ambages chirped congenially, "please look after the machines for us. I'd greatly appreciate it."

 

The elevator rose.

Edited April 20, 2014 by Jenny Quantum

[Palm]

IC: Akiri Kongu - Le-Koro - Akiri's Office

 

Kongu quickly nodded to the guard who had opened his door, "I will be out soon." He turned back to his desk and took Hewkii's twin blades in his hands, spinning them into their leather sheaths. He took one glance at his Akiri Robes folded neatly on his desk before deciding he'd rather not wear them today. Today was of a little more personal a nature. Instead, he took just the Akiri belt buckle and clipped it on. Kongu stretched back, his tribal tattoos from the Rama-conflicts bearing many complex shapes and symbols moving across his pectoral muscles. He breathed out and crossed his arms, each tattoo that symbolized his Captainship of the Gukko Force on his shoulders. Kongu closed his eyes, just to be still for a moment.

 

He felt oddly at peace.

 

Turning towards the door, Kongu pushed it open with gusto. He took big strides out into the Gukko Force's grounds, taking a turn towards the gates into the streets of Le-Koro. The setting sun glittered through the trees onto his body, feeling the last kiss of warmth he would take in for long. He whistled loudly and motioned to the guards at the gate. Ka swooped down from the branches above and landed next to the Akiri as the large gates opened wide. He clicked a few times, and the Kahu heeled to move alongside him.

 

Despite his casual waving to those that acknowledged him, Kongu moved with a sense of determination. Each step was on purpose, each stride was with reason. The Author was writing. And the Author was looking for others to add to his sermon. He spotted Ambages from across the street and waved to him. Kongu smiled brightly at the arrival of a representative of Ko-Koro as he crossed the crowd, "Welcome to Le-Koro!"

Edited April 20, 2014 by Palm

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic:

 

Ardor was unused to the humidity—that was what got him more than anything. The noise of music, natural and otherwise, he could tolerate, even the warmth that persisted even at dusk, but the humidity made it unbearable. It seeped back into his pores and made him feel like he was swimming in the thick air. Nevertheless, he kept quiet, silent as his people were famed for.

 

Meanwhile, Ambages merely removed his coat a long while back and threaded it through the straps of his rucksack. He still perspired but he fit right into the village's atmosphere. Even the music soothed him (so long as his earmuffs remained glued to the sides of his head) and he even swayed slightly to the beat and rhythm as he walked casually yet intently into the jovial denizens of the koro.

 

Kongu spotted Ambages from across the street and waved to him. He smiled brightly at the arrival of the representative of Ko-Koro as he crossed the crowd, "Welcome to Le-Koro!" he called.

 

"Thank you, akiri," Ambages greeted in turn, "and greetings from the only city higher than yours," he joked. It was part of his act; Ko-Matoran were known for being aloof and distant, a fact he satirized by turning it into a joke—an unseen thing from most denizens of the icy citadel.

 

They collided in the middle of the plaza and clasped hands firmly. "We met once, briefly, before the Cultured Gentry concert last year. My, how much has changed since then," he lauded, admiring the new scenery around them. "It's good to see you at last."

Edited April 20, 2014 by Jenny Quantum

[soularin]

IC:

 

"So I assume you know nothing of his whereabouts? That's why you confronted me, right?"

 

"Asked" was a very watered-down term, but Zeth was loosing his enraged adrenaline quickly, and ticking the Skakdi off any further wasn't likely to accomplish much. The Ba-Toa studied the natural shapes that swirled on the wodden platform beneath his feet.

 

His life had changed drastically in just two simple hours. He had learned that the one he'd been living for the past six months was a complete and utter lie. Not a small burden for him to process. He exhaled and looked up at the trees as they swayed in the breeze. The last time he was in Le-Koro hadn't been spent in such painful solitude.

 

"C'mon Brother, stop moping around."

 

Her violet eyes were beacons of hope against the blue sky, a delicate hand placed on his shoulder reassuringly.

 

"Sorry, I just haven't been having the best morning. Everyone sort of seems against me after what happened yesterday." He sighed and observed the bustling village bazaar that thrived around them.

 

She scooted closer to him on the bench and punched his arm playfully. "Quit being a soggy Brakas! Just because you and Konra don't get along, doesn't mean we're all on his side. To be honest, we all just wish you two would stop fighting all the time."

 

"He's so puffed up though! I don't know why he thinks everyone's just gonna suck up to him or something. I'm sure as Karz not going to walk in his shadow." The indigo-armored Toa continued to fume and pout like a child.

 

"Zeth... Open your eyes."

 

"Don't tell me what t-"

 

"Shh. Look around you. It's a beautiful day, is it not?"

 

The Ba-Toa was silent. It certainly was a nice day. The gentle breeze, and radiant sunlight that shone through the trees. It was a beautiful place of peace, for the time being.

 

"See? So stop moping around. Even when things seem at their worst, you need to stay strong. Not for you, but for those who care about you, like me."

 

She beamed at him, a smile that could easily melt the heart of any Ko-Toa.

 

"You're right... Sorry for being a downer."

 

"Don't worry. Just smile now and then. You have a good one that you don't show off enough." she winked at him and patted him on the back. "Now, let's go find the others."

 

He smirked and stood up.

 

"Yeah, I guess we should make sure Ensilus hasn't blown all his widgets on an ice cream stand."

 

She laughed, a sound that filled the world with happiness. Life was good.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Requiem

[Palm]

Ic:

 

Ardor was unused to the humidity—that was what got him more than anything. The noise of music, natural and otherwise, he could tolerate, even the warmth that persisted even at dusk, but the humidity made it unbearable. It seeped back into his pores and made him feel like he was swimming in the thick air. Nevertheless, he kept quiet, silent as his people were famed for.

 

Meanwhile, Ambages merely removed his coat a long while back and threaded it through the straps of his rucksack. He still perspired but he fit right into the village's atmosphere. Even the music soothed him (so long as his earmuffs remained glued to the sides of his head) and he even swayed slightly to the beat and rhythm as he walked casually yet intently into the jovial denizens of the koro.

 

Kongu spotted Ambages from across the street and waved to him. He smiled brightly at the arrival of the representative of Ko-Koro as he crossed the crowd, "Welcome to Le-Koro!" he called.

 

"Thank you, akiri," Ambages greeted in turn, "and greetings from the only city higher than yours," he joked. It was part of his act; Ko-Matoran were known for being aloof and distant, a fact he satirized by turning it into a joke—an unseen thing from most denizens of the icy citadel.

 

They collided in the middle of the plaza and clasped hands firmly. "We met once, briefly, before the Cultured Gentry concert last year. My, how much has changed since then," he lauded, admiring the new scenery around them. "It's good to see you at last."

 

IC: Akiri Kongu - Le-Koro Streets

 

"Le-Koro has changed?" Kongu chuckled, "Le-Koro is just trying to keep up to the rest of the world!" He winked at the joke, putting both hands behind his back politely, "How are things? It has been long since we last spoke. I heard you became Matoro's Hand not long after he became Akiri."

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: "Yeah, he brought me on board as his main adviser to balance with the seers and scholars of the Sanctum," Ambages explained. "He told me it was because he wanted a man of business in his cabinet to help him settle into being an all-rounded leader." He shrugged. "I like to think my input helped. But on that note I would like to thank you for sending your offer of assistance to the koro—I don't think we'll need it right now, though it's good to know we can count on our friends to the south, and I appreciate that."

[Palm]

IC: Akiri Kongu - Le-Koro Streets

"It is our duty to help those in need," Kongu said somewhat warmly. He leaned in slightly, speaking rather quietly, as he had yet to make a statement about the death in Ko-Koro, "Matoro was a personal friend of mine. I cannot help but feel a sense of responsibility for those affected by his passing. He would have appreciated whatever help others were able to give... just not through word or embrace."

He breathed in, "But no matter. What has happened has happened, and although it grieves me greatly we must move forward to a brighter future." Kongu clasped his hands together, "So what brings you to Le-Koro?"

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: "Ehhhhh," he said as he looked distantly at a playing band the brought his gaze back to the moment. "Business. Pleasure. Business mostly. Do we have to keep standing in the plaza or can we go somewhere nicer?" he complained, finally openly being affected by the noise. Ardor hunched a bit too much had edged through his muffs and into his hypersensitive ears.

[Palm]

IC: Akiri Kongu - Le-Koro Streets

Kongu nodded affirmatively, "Yes of course," he said, turning on his heel, "The perimeter of the village is much quieter and provides a great view of the sunset this time of night."

 

Moving alongside the edge of the village Kongu moved along with his hands held behind his back. He didn't say anything, pretended to be looking into the jungles below. Letting Ambages guide the conversation.

Edited April 21, 2014 by Palm

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: The noise of the plaza died down as soon as they left its vortex and walked out onto the limbs that serves as streets in the koro and Ambages' headache faded away the same. Ambages ambled behind Kongu and Ardor marched behind his leader all while Clades walked apathetically at the very rear, chewing idly at a banana he plucked from a peddler in the plaza.

 

"He's waiting on you," Clades said with a full mouth of smacking flesh. "Why do you think he sent that letter to Ko-Koro? He's interested in the city's affairs and he's suspicious about you."

"He said he and Matoro were friends. Akiri Kongu has always been the ally and big brother figure to the others. His interest is promoting stability as well as showing care to his friends and their holdings."

"Look, all I'm saying is to be careful. You're walking behind a man who likely could lead a crusade against you and you're on his turf."

"Your concern has been noted... again. I wonder if you've actually grown fond of me."

"As I told you earlier, I'm fond of living. You gave me life and I intend to keep what I have. Though I'd also be wrong if I said I didn't like you. Your little schemes bring me joy. So, what do you plan to tell Kongu?"

"The truth, mostly. The truth I want people to see."

"Part of my job is to run the koro in the absence of an akiri," he began slowly. "Currently, I serve as de facto head of state with authority over the koro's diplomatic and internal affairs. I delegated internal affairs to Captain Korzaa of the Sanctum Guard so that I could leave and do diplomatic work with our fellow koro while Korzaa prepares to be elected to akiri. Ko-koro suffered a great deal of isolation and lack of PR in the last few months; I'm revamping that and visiting you and the other akiri to bring Ko-Koro back into the fold, so to speak. You just happen to be the first koro I've stopped by."

 

They stopped on an outer limb and looked out at the distant setting sun's final rays over the horizon. "It's so pretty," he admired.

 

"Liar. It's a sunset. You hate sunsets. House Shaddix? Helloooo?"

"They used a sunrise. Not quite the same thing. The sunrise heralds the coming of day; the sunset, night. I like sunsets."

"Pff."

[Voxumo]

IC: Chivinix

 

Chivinix grew tired of waiting for the toa to surface from within the swamp. He knew he could always track the toa later given his scent was till on the piece of kanohi Chivinix had grabbed.

 

Without even thinking he bent at the knees and leapt into the air relying on his wings once high enough to get past the treetops. Now as he flew above the trees he could not help but enjoy the peace he felt here. The large insectoid did not know where he would be going now nor what he would do.. Just that he felt the need to fly and fly he did. The way his wings flapped reminded him of the buzzing he heard when traveling to Le-wahi. He later learned that a creature by the name of Nui-rama's gave off the buzzing and was a tell tale sign of their presence.

 

With a quick look around he noted nothing was around. With what could best be compared to a smile he stopped flapping while tucking his wings in and allowed himself to plummet towards the treetops. At the last second he extended his wings again and rose. This would go on for several minutes as he flew each time being as good as the first along with the rush that accompanied the freefalling

[Palm]

IC: Akiri Kongu - Le-Koro - Village Edge

"I spend most of my free time here," Kongu says, stopping at the edge of the platform. To any other this position might seem dangerous, until one reminds themselves that this was Le-Wahi and this was a Le-Matoran, "The village edge I mean," he says, glancing at Ambages, "It is much like watching a life begin and end."

The breeze rustles the leaves softly, "Matoro was not the most vocal of us six. I think because of that, he did not speak when he should have. Ko-Koro suffered from poor communication. Poor communication caused many to fill in blanks where they need not to. I called the Summit in an effort to correct that."

"You see Ambages, Akiri Matoro and I had an agreement. We all made an agreement that day. We put the likelihood of war to rest because we knew that there would never be a Mata-Nui without a Makuta. Whether Mata-Nui is real or not matters not to me in this example because the point is not whether or not the force of good is constant. We know that the force of evil is the true constant, no matter the circumstance. We agreed that there would be another battle to fight, whether implicit or explicit.

 

"The day Matoro died was the day that we were proven right," the Matoran of Air paused, "Ambages, there is a constant here, and it is working against us. I worry for the well-being of all who hold political importance on Mata-Nui," Kongu points respectfully at Ambages, "And that includes yourself and Korzaa."

 

His voice lowered more, "I would not suspect that this has been wide-spread, had there not been recent attacks on set-pieces villages. The monorail bombing in Ta-Koro was not random. If it was, Ta-Koro would not continue to keep the details of the attack secret. I cannot convince Akiri Jaller to explain further. Not long ago, a Toa-villain attempted to poison Le-Koro's water supply. Akiri Hahli had an attempt on her life. Individually, I would consider these attacks in an isolative manner. But these attacks cannot be of isolation. They are multiple and of similar purpose. I wish to uncover whoever it is that took Akiri Matoro's life.

"If I am to properly protect my friends, I must know Ambages. I ask of you whatever knowledge you might have of Matoro's murder. I can provide protection if it is what you seek, asylum from those who may wish to keep this information a secret. A name, an organization, I would even accept a guess as to who you believe could have done this."

He sighed, "With Matoro fallen, the other Akiri are becoming less cooperative again, so I appeal to you now. If you cannot provide me with information, than I must request you help me uncover this poison so we may destroy it before it's power grows too great."

Edited April 21, 2014 by Palm

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic:

Ambages leaned in a mite closer to Kongu's face and smiled generously. "You're right; these are trying times, so how about I do both?"

 

"What are you doing?"

"I'm forging a friendship."

"To what end?"

"Kongu can be dangerous; we know that. I don't like dangerous enemies I can't just get rid of, and so I will use him."

"All we know so far is that the assassin has been found. He was dead, apparently by suicide, and I have a private eye and several of the Guard's keenest minds looking for who was actually behind it."

 

"Who is the private eye?"

 

"Good question. He goes by the moniker 'the Hapaka' came smelling blood in the wake of the assassination. You've probably heard of him before, but just to make sure he's on our side I'm having him tracked—we of leadership and influence can't take risks these days." The Hand turned back to the quickly disappearing sun until it completely dipped under the verdant tree canopy. "At this point I have no suspects and that unsettles me... but there's nothing I can do about that beyond what I've already done. The wheels are already in motion, and now I've taken it upon myself to not only rectify the record for Ko-Koro but also root out whoever targeted our akiri," he said, tilting his head to Ardor. "Matoro was my friend and leader, too, Kongu. I took an oath to back him up and serve his mission and purpose. I intend to see that through for as long as I still represent Maoro's legacy."

 

He inhaled deeply, shrugged animatedly and stretched his neck, popping the vertebrae into place before he continued, "And yes, we'd be willing to assist with your poison predicament... as much as we are able to. You actually haven't said what the trouble is but if we—or at least I—have something to contribute we will. We're in this together, after all."

[Geardirector]

IC: Kunitu

 

"You're pretty strong," said Kunitu, grinning. "Of course, I'll probably beat you some day."

 

IC: Colx (Le-Koro)

 

"I'll be waiting" I replied with a dastardly grin, Kunitu was a welcome opponent anytime.

 

"Maybe you and Vrina here should spar sometime, I have a feeling I'd enjoy seeing that" I suggested, still smiling. Playing that card had saved me often enough in the past, since suggestion that two people wail on each other made them less likely to wail on me. Of course, this situation was radically different, but hopefully the principle still applied.

[25K Now!]

IC: Kunitu

 

"Sounds fun. When should we start?"

[Akavakaku]

IC Jrahann

 

On the shore of Le Wahi, a breeze stirred the leaves of the mangrove trees that reached out with tangled roots into the murk beneath the estuary that marked the mouth of the Kanae River. Rahi sang from the treetops and leapt from branch to branch. It was a picture of tropical serenity.

Until, that is, a flurry of splashing and flailing interrupted the jungle creatures' daily activities. There was a large being in the water by the estuary, struggling to stay above water and reach the shore. An outstretched clawed arm managed to snag a snarl of mangrove roots and quickly contracted, pulling the being up to the mangrove. The other arm firmly grabbed hold of the roots and heaved to drag its owner up onto the mass of vegetation.

The being that lay sprawled there, coughing up seawater, was a Skadki, humanoid with two rows of tall spikes on its back and a huge set of jaws that was almost always stretched into an unsettling grin. Now was an exception, as the Skadki, whose name was Jrahann, was having a very miserable time.

Just as she had been nearing this island, her destination, in her crude wooden vessel, it was slammed into by the spiny back of a leaping razor whale. Jrahann was sent flying and landed far from her wrecked raft. With her sub-average swimming abilities, reaching shore was the worst part of the ordeal. Now that she had made it, however, she was sure that her day could only improve.

Jrahann spat in a futile effort to rid her mouth of the taste of saltwater, then slowly got to her feet, shaking more with receding panic than with cold, and attempted to find a patch of swampground that would not submerge under her weight. While the heat of the jungle was welcome after her unintentional swim, the assault of Rahi sounds from all directions was not. She always had sensitive hearing, and disoriented and dehydrated as she was, the noise gave her an acute headache.

The Skadki stood up straight and stretched her head and arms back to alleviate her soreness before checking to see if the items she'd tied to her back were still intact. To her dismay, the only objects to survive her arrival on shore were her sai, which she'd been sure to tie extra-tightly. Lacking the patience to untie the knots, Jrahann simply pulled the three-pronged tools free, snapping the wet rope, and returned them to their customary places on her hips.

"Rahking great way to start the day," she muttered with a menacing glare at the world in general.

A quick glance at the murky water of the estuary told her it would be unwise to drink it. If there was clean water anywhere, it would be upstream—and so would civilization.

So Jrahann set off inland, picking her way across the most solid path she could find and shouting the occasional curse when she lost her footing.

 

OOC: Open for interaction.

[Voxumo]

IC: Vrina

 

Vrina cocked a brow as she turned to look at Colx

"You're just hoping that she will be able to defeat me in a spar,"