Bzprpg - Ta-Wahi

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"U-oh, making demands." I said, looking at Erif suspiciously. "Two things, huh? What would those be? I'm warning you, you're not likely to win a contest." I said fairly, remembering the one time i drank three other guards under the table and still had enough balance to drag them to their homes. Good times.

[Light]

IC: "1: Don't let Recra come. He's sad enough today that he needs to stay sober. Otherwise he'll go psycho." Erif shuddered. "He can drink just about anyone apart from a Vi-Toa under the table, but he's a mean, mean drunk when he's sad." The Ta-Matoran grinned. "2: I'm buying."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"I can't bar your friend from entering the Inn, but we don't need to tell him." I said knowingly. I too have met several people that did not react to alcohol well. Fortunately, I usually packed even meaner punch. "As for number two, weeeeeell.... You're gonna be a poor man really soon." I flashed Erif a grin, but it disappeared off my face soon. "Not as many speakers as I expected." I sighed.

[- JL -]

OOC: Lets make this memorable, shall we?IC: Flay - Vakama's funeral procession (Speech)

 

Her team stood guard. Nobody really payed them attention as they walked behind Jaller. No one would, and Flay didn't blame them. She wouldn't have payed attention to the team of matoran holding weapons, wearing honorary Ta-Koro guard uniforms.

 

Flay didn't pay attention to herself. If she had tripped and fell, and stopped the entire parade, she wouldn't have cared. Yet. Luckily, she didn't. And so she stood, waiting, listening, walking, all the while thinking. Understanding. When she and her team had sent the news to Jaller, she knew, from the bottom of her heart, that Jaller had known of what would happen - what has happened. And Flat paid no mind that her Captain was now leader of Ta-Koro.

 

No; What she thought was the peace Turaga Vakama had. It was probably how Jaller knew.

 

 

* * *"I am not one for speeches, so I will not start so here. Turaga Vakama was wise, faithful, and loving father to us all, guiding us with his wisdom and experience. He may be dead, but at least he died peacefully and with dignity, his parasite cut off by means unknown. He died a Turaga, and not the monster the Makuta wished him to be. It is with a heavy heart that I commit his body and soul to Mata-Nui. May his spirit join with His, and may forever be at peace."

 

There was a murmur of agreement from the gathered crowd, Jaller lowered his head for a moment of silence, and then after a while raised it. "Those who wish to say a few words to honor him may do so now."

-----

"Turaga Vakama was the greatest being I've ever known. Even when I was a mercenary he didn't distrust me, instead giving me a chance to serve as a defender of the people. I don't think he'd want us to give up hope, no matter how bad this might seem. Remember the Turaga in your hearts. Don't give in, I beg of you."

-----

"Now, I wasn't Vakama's closest or most trusted guardsman, heck, I only spoke with him a few times. But I know and we all know that he was a great Turaga, and an even greater leader. And I feel that the best way to preserve his memory and his vision, is to never give up. No matter what that ugly shadow creature and his followers throw at us, we will fight. "To Vakama."

-----

 

Silence followed after the last speech. Flay stood, her team around her, and she drew her sword. The sound of it coming out of it's sheath drew the attention of the crowd to her weapon; and, in the light of the lava, it glew, as if Flay was a real Toa channeling her fires into the sword. She wondered if that could happen, to just gather up your emotions and unleash it all in one burst. But no, you had to communicate. And sometimes, it is a skill. And as for Flay, she was pretty good in other things. As a warrior, she can endure it.

 

The sword reflected the flowing lava's red light, and soon she was the matoran that all eyes were watching intently - provided they weren't being wiped of their tears. Flay kept her sword up, but twisted it, shining the lava's light around the crowd.

 

"Like this sword at the moment, Turaga Vakama was a light. A beacon, a shining beacon. Perhaps we were those in the sea, shaking violently in the storm. And Turaga Vakama was the one who saved us. Guided us. He gave us the will of Mata Nui, followed his destiny, and in turn, helped us follow ours. This is not a set path. Ever. Destiny and Fate has not been decided. Always, we have a choice. And it is the Great Spirit, in each and every one of us, that fuels us to choose wisely."She choked on the last words. Tears welled in her eyes, and she let them drop onto the ground, wetting the dry ground she stood on.

 

"Our Turaga was our teacher. He was a great leader, but he didn't truly lead. I feel as though, instead, he helped us lead ourselves. He put us on a path, and we followed it. Sure, there would be this certain mishap, that sad point of luck abandoning you, but always, Vakama's, and through him, Mata Nui's path for us would just click. Snap. And it would be perfect."

 

She let the sword down, and stared at it, her eyes reflected from the clean metal blade.

 

"My path was of the guard. And it was a miracle. It clicked. I went on a journey, and, like luck, fate and destiny had decided to bless me all at once, I found a team. A group of matoran, ready to do our duty, no matter what the cost. At first, I thought it would be troublesome. But when the time came that we met, I cannot deny that Mata Nui's will was there. And Mata Nui's will was everywhere. Here in Ta-Koro, Vakama used it. Through him, we were given purpose. Without him, we would be scattered, without unity. Full of potential but unable to achieve it. Vakama, you could say, was our saviour."

 

She closed her eyes, and once again, the image played again, Vakama's death, the village bombing. It happened all over again.

 

"Luckily, I was there. My team was there when the attackers struck. I think we all know the tragedy - a street was bombed. I saw it, a couple burned, a child orphaned, people dying. But, remember. Vakama has taught us, put us on a path, and should we choose to follow it to the bitter end, we will - achieve - our destinies. And I know Vakama achieved his. Even in death, he was at peace. As Jaller said, the monster latched on his back was killed. Ripped off. Turaga Vakama had died, free from the clutches of shadow. He was happy." She motioned to his body. "He's smiling. We didn't do that. He was smiling as he died. And remember that, as his final gift to you. His legacy. This smile may not mean much, but his legacy does. And I shall remember his smile, cherish it for as long as I live...."

 

"Dont....ever....forget. If Turaga Vakama was here, he would wish for our pain to fade but for us to remember. And, thanks to all the guidance he has given us....." She sheathed her sword, and now people looked into her eyes. And from that, they could see a burning passion, oppressing all the darkness Flay ever had and still tried to ignore, and they knew. People knew. That- "We shall endure."

 

"Thank you, Turaga Vakama. You have made us Ta-Koro."

 

She took a small bow, just a slight dip forward, and then stepped back into her original place, alongside her team.

 

OOC: Great now I'll be waking up late for school. :/

Edited January 7, 2013 by JL v2

[Light]

IC: "Not if we go to the Flaming Gafna. Bartender's an old friend of mine, sells drinks cheap as long as you have a story to tell." Erif scratched the back of his head. "You know old Tomar?" A sigh. "Some of the high profile residents left with Joske. I don't know what for."OOC: Knowing Tomar or not is up to you.

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Makes sense." I replied to the important people being absent. I was wondering who would command the guard now that Jaller was supposed to replace the turaga. Or would he keep both functions? I didn't know. Too much logic involved. "Never heard of Tomar." I said, "But if it is liquid I'll drink it, no matter who made it." I said. "Not many stories here. It's pretty much get up, do your job, have a nice meal and go back to bed for me. Not many grunts get to do the fancy things like escorting VIPs." I sighed, but i wasn't really craving that kind of duty. Standing guard all day doing nothing or going for an occasional hunt was certainly better than getting caught up in the middle of an explosion.

[Light]

IC: Erif nodded. "Well, a tale of a high speed chase or the like will win him over." A grin fluttered over Erif's face. "Luckily I had one of those a few days ago."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC:

 

"Looking forward to hear it. All I have is falling Le - Matoran landing right on my head." I said, remembering how I got the cut on my hand. "Like I need brain damage. Believe it or not they aren't all graceful. They will still blame it on something else though!" I added my experience, "Dry branch, right..." I muttered, still having a bump on the back of my head.

[Light]

IC: Erif grinned. "Sounds like most Le-Matoran I know. An old friend of mine used to be that way. Don't know what happened to him."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Feran

Feran should have been excited. Honorary Guard members! Cool!

But all he felt was cold. A coldness not from outside, but inside.

The Matoran had just lost a leader. Who led by example, and by letting Ta- Koro lead themselves.

A tear welled up in Feran's left eye, and it dropped, hissing on the superheated floor.

For some reason, he took the stage after Flay, despite it being against his socially awkward self.

"I come not to sing praises, craft poems, or to extoll his greatness, or say oh, what a lose boo-hoo. I come here to remindd his teachings. He always allowed us Matoran to lead, not to be led. To thrive, not to survive. Ever since all of us can remember, he has led us that way. And he died happy. Knowing the village will follow Mata-Nui's light and teachings. he trusted us to continue to prosper, even in these darkening days. So I come here to tell everyone one thing.

Mourn him do not. Cry for him do not. let his teachings live on in us. If so, he would not have dies in vain. And he would never truly die."

[Geardirector]

IC: Butra and Baranx

 

Butra had went to see the memorial sermon for Vakama, and could safely say that all the sad and dark faces around him told him a story of a man who was truly dedicated to the well-being of his people. He stood quietly in the background, observing as the Ta-Matoran made her heartfelt speech.

 

Baranx was uncomfortable in the heavy armor he'd been dressed up in. Being a Po-Matoran, it wasn't the weight that bothered him, rather the roughness of it, he'd never really gotten around the wearing armor of this caliber before.

 

Regardless, he stood in line, not letting his discomfort come to show in his face.

[- JL -]

IC: Axeron

 

Watched.

[Mr. Coffee]

OOC: *cough cough cough*

No posts under 2 lines long!

IC: Fiera, after funeral

This was a rough day. I perfectly understood how a trampoline, ussal tow crab and a statue felt, all at once. I might just leave and go to Onu - Koro to work in the mines, even that had to be a better job than this one. I made a quick stop home to wash the ash from the volcano off me, picked up my wallet and headed out, making a beeline to the Flaming Gafna. There was always time to check out new place to vanquish thirst at. I parked myself outside it's door, leaning on the wall and waiting for Erif to show up.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Nohiki

[Light]

IC: "Hey!" Erif came running up, grinning. "Let's go."IC: Tomar grinned as Erif and Fiera walked in. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes. The usual, I expect." Erif nodded. "And for you, milady?"

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Lava drops" I said, raising a fist to the air, "Or stronger. This day certainly deserves it." I sighed, checking out the place. "Well this isn't half bad! How come nobody told me of it up until now? Or is this an invite only kinda place?" I babbled, my brain no longer in check. And I didn't even take a sip yet.

[Light]

IC: Tomar grinned and listened to the conversation as he poured each of the Ta-Matoran a drink.IC: Erif shrugged. "This isn't exactly invite only, but usually everyone that's here for the first time came with a regular." He grinned as Tomar put the drinks down on the table and took a sip. "Also, most 'respectable' people disavow this place's existence." IC: Tomar facemasked. "I'll be right back." The aged Ta Toa pulled a massive sword from under the bar, sneaking up on a drunk Le-Toa that had pulled a knife on someone, knocking him out cold with the hilt.IC: Erif grinned sheepishly. "That happens a lot. The one rule here is no fighting."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"I wonder why, this place seems more cultured than lots of the others. It may be just today though. and on that note..." I said, raising my glass, "To Turaga Vakama. Only because of his leadership do we still draw breath!" I called out and emptied the glass, making a grimace momentarily as the vile liquid burned it's way down my throat. "At the very least, the barman here seems able to keep the place intact." I nodded to the old toa. "say, i spotted a bow on you before. You into archery or is that just for show?" I said, trying to deliver a subtle challenge.

[Light]

IC: Erif tipped his glass back after the toast. "Well, Tomar doesn't take kindly to arrests in his place." The Ta Matoran grinned. "I'm not an archer. I'm the archer."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

I ordered another galss and leaned back in my chair, giving Erif a wicked grin. Something not easily done with a Matatu, mind you. "Aaaaaahh.... So self confident. So unaware." I said, pointing a finger at the guy, "I am the Guard's top marksman. You may get more hits, but long range, I am the one to go to." I provoked. the discussion shifted to boasting. Good. Only a step from the war stories. My favorite part of getting drunk, and no doubt the owner's too.

Edited January 8, 2013 by Nohiki

[Taka Nuvia]

IC: Huaki (Inn, Ta-Koro)

 

"Of course," Huaki nodded. "That would be great. So," she looked at her wrist as if checking the time. "The Unfortunate Fikou, Onu-Koro. Pretty easy to find."

 

IC: Zyron (Inn, Ta-Koro)

 

"I know where it is, thank you very much" Zyron replied, smiling a smile that could seem friendly to someone who didn't know him, but otherwise would always express slight distrust.

[Light]

IC: Sure enough, Tomar was watching them more intently, but doing a good job of hiding it.IC: Erif shook his head and grinned. "Sure, you get more long range hits. That's easy when you take ten times the number of shots."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Hardly." I smiled, "Unlike those with permanent positions, I have to rely on myself to provide equipment. I believe you saw that earlier today. That is what my vacation looks like. You would find me very sparing as far as shots go." I said, imitating drawing the bow and taking aim, "Snipers track their prey for hours if need be..." I continued, moving my imaginary bow around the place, "Then you get it into your sights. Pick your arrow carefully, it is all about the mass. Not just amount, but balance." my words were getting more silent, as if I was hunting right here and now. "Steady yourself. Hold your breath. Let go." I said, firing my imaginary weapon. "And the window pane is no more." I sighed sheepishly as I realized what i was doing. "Of course it helps to have a bow twice as long as yours." I added, letting go of secrecy. Perhaps it was the booze already untying my tongue.

[AuRon the champion]

IC: Nei:

 

Nei said nothing. Instead, she stood alongside the others. She didn't have anything to say, everyone was already doing that for her.

[Light]

IC: Erif grinned. "I made my own arrows for a while, but Amsa turned out to be much better at it." The Ta Matoran shrugged. "For the kind of combat I do, shortbows are the way to go. Pinpoint accuracy at in town ranges." His eyes flashed. "You should see me with a longbow."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Oh, then I offer you to try mine some time." I smiled back. The trap was set. The poor guy won't be able to pull it half the way needed. "And of course one has to have metal arrows made, but i prefer to make the wooden myself. That way i know how they behave. Sure, I could do well with anything, but it just ain't me." I said and got up from the chair. My steps were still steady, although it took me even loner than normal to walk between the tables and crowd. "Speaking of equipment though..." I said and picked up a dart from a small box nearby, "It's not what you shoot, it's how you shoot it!" I said and tossed the dart towards the board. I still hit 9, even with three glasses of whatever I was drinking in my veins. "You're up!"

[Light]

IC: Erif picked up a dart and walked to the board, aiming carefully. THWACK. Into the bullseye. Whether the result of less intoxication than Fiera had or hours spent in the Gafna practicing was up for debate. "I have a challenge. Tomar, get the Muaka's Bane." IC: The elderly toa of fire was taken aback. "If you're sure..."IC: Erif turned back to Fiera. "A bit of explanation is due. The Muaka's bane is the most potent beverage on the island. Tomar won't tell me what's in it, but it's more powerful than anything else here."

[Zulu Yankee Kilo Echo]

IC: Bloodstone, Dagger

 

Bloodstone absorbed whatever remained of his crystal trap.

"Piece of Muaka dung," Dagger spat, "if she ever returns, she's dead. I will see to it."

Though, she couldn't help but feel that the Toa's offer was tempting, to say the least.

"Oh, she'll return, alright," said Bloodstone, "and when she does, we will make her long for something sweeter than death."

Edited January 9, 2013 by The Zytrix

[Flex Lord Splash]

IC: Crystalia (Ta-Koro)

 

She jumped from rafter too rafter, soon she saw a small window in the rooftop that led outside. She jumped through it, landing on the roof as she began to slide down. She ignored the pain. She had to get back to Raxa, she had to report her failure. How could you have been so stupid? Attacking him in the open like that? When Dagger was at his side? She thought. She'd made a horrible novice assassin mistake. She hadn't used the element of surprise, she hadn't struck from the shadows, or slit his throat in his sleep. One thing was sure, Bloodstone was strong with his unique elemental powers. But she would find a way. Bloodstone would die by her hands.

 

OOC: Crystalia to Onu-Koro

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"I dunno. Another bar at the other side of Koro serves the whatsitsname, ah, Chronicler's secret. that sure was very potent." I said, "Well, let's see how good it really is." I grinned, taking another dart in the meantime and taking two steps back, increasing the distance to the target and tossed the dart. It nearly chipped off part of the one Erif put to the center. "I'm done taking it easy. Finally a worthy challenge." I smiled, giving Erif a friendly bash.

[Light]

IC: Tomar scoffed. "That drink? That's about half the bane's strength." He grinned. "Trust me, this'll do the trick."IC: As the drinks were made Erif turned to Fiera nervously. "I have one thing to ask you. I've had this once before, and I said some crazy things. So, uh, if I say something really embarrassing, keep that in mind."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Good. I managed three of those." I smiled at the barkeeper. "And don't worry, I only blackmail the people i don't like." I said in spooky tone of voice. Still I got to the table and sat down, one couldn't be too careful about exotic beverages.

[Friar Tuck]

IC

 

The time had come.

 

There was a long enough pause to warrant that there were to be no more final words. What had needed to be said had been said, and now it was time to put the Turaga's body to rest. Put to rest in the honor and tradition that was Ta-Koro.

 

Approaching the carriage that held Vakama's body Jaller reached out and touched the old man's face, as close as a father to him as anyone ever hand. With a slight pull he removed the turaga's mask, his old and wizened face for the first time visible to the assembled crowd. Clutching the noble mask close to his chest Jaller gave a nod to the Honor Guard.

 

It was time.

 

With slow, careful motions four matoran stepped forward and lifted the carriage off the hot stone, walking to the edge of the natural amphitheater where the flowing river of lava boiled below. Attaching four sets of chains to the poles they gave one last moment of silence before the turaga's carriage was slung over the edge.

 

Slowly, deliberately, and with steady hand the four lowered the bed all the way down to the lava below, only releasing their grasp when the weight slackened, signaling contact had been made. In a single motion they released the chain simultaneously, and the gathered crowd watched as his body began to float down the living river of heat and fire, lava popping and spewing, the turaga making one last passage down the very river that fed and powered his village. Eventually the heat ate away at the bed he was on, and soon after that his body slipped under the churning orange-and-red liquid, his serene and peaceful face the last thing to disappear beneath the lava.

 

Turaga Vakama was gone, now one with the volcano that had sheltered his people for so long.

 

"May no-one desecrate your body, Turaga." Jaller said in a very quiet voice.

 

With the ceremony over the crowd began to disperse, one by one, group by group, until only Jaller was left, still staring at the spot where Vakama vanished beneath the lava, the full weight and responsibility of the Koro bearing down on his shoulders. It was his job now; all of it.

 

He would not let his father down.

 

OOC: alright, that's it - fun's over there is an epilogue forthcoming however...

[Light]

IC: Tomar set the glasses down. "If you want a real challenge, take it in under 5 seconds."IC: Erif steeled himself and chucked it back, swallowing and grimacing. "Bleh. I ask again. What the KARZ do you put in this stuff?" Erif didn't wait for a response though. His mind was going foggy. "WOO."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

I took the glass and looked at the liquid suspiciously. There wasn't much of it, so I prepared for a really bad taste. Pulling the glass to my lips, i turned it upside down. And remained silent, because taking a breath seemed like really bad idea. "What do you feel?" Somebody asked from behind me. "Regret." I admitted, sounding like somebody was strangling me. "That stuff must be made out of Madu. I don't have any other explanation." I suggested to one of the two Erifs I was seeing in front of me.

Edited January 9, 2013 by Nohiki

[Light]

IC: One of the two Tomars answered. "Your friend is close. I told you this was a bad idea the first time you had it."IC: Erif blinked once or twice. "I know. I just wanted- Tomar, you're turning into a ash bear. Stop."

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Don't count me out... *hic* just yet." I managed to mumble, taking a dart and earning worried looks from everywhere. Still sitting (I didn't dare to stand up) I turned towards the target. The world was rocking left and right. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Opening them again, i briefly saw the target where i remembered it to be and swung my arm forward. Watching the dart go felt like if time slowed down. Thwap. "Seven!" somebody shouted from the target and several cheers accompanied it. "I think I'll have a glass ow water next, pretty please." I said to the old toa. The world was nice palce, sure, but not nice enough for me to need to see it twice.

[Light]

IC: Erif held up what looked like two right hands, each with a single dart. A hush fell over the room, some people even ducked under tables. Erif inhaled deeply, locking on to each of the two targets with a dart. THWACK. "SEVEN!" Sure enough, the dart lay shivering right next to Fiera's. Erif threw up his hands in the air. "WOO LUCKY NUMBER YEAH!"IC: "Sure thing." Tomar passed the water to her.

Edited January 9, 2013 by Toa Kaithas

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"Well, to Karzahni with it. We're gonna have to settle this some other time. I'm not drinking that again. There are much more pleasant ways to get equally as wasted." I shuddered at the memory of that shot, grateful for the water to cool down the fires in my throat. I laid back in the chair, pouring the rest of the water over my head. "We should do this on regular basis."

[Light]

IC: "I'm never drinking a bane again. Other than that, yeah." Erif smiled at Fiera, drinking some water afterwards.

[Mr. Coffee]

IC: Fiera

 

"It wasn't that bad. Maybe if you add a bit of the guard's pepper spray, you know, to weaken it a little..." I said, summarizing how my feelings about the bane. "I hardly get hangovers, but the next morning feels like impending doom." I sighed, the world not coming to a stop. "I just wonder how I'm gonna get home like this. On all fours probably." I snickered, the thought being funny for some reason.