Bzprpg - Ko-Wahi

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

Out of all the Toa, Cael had fared the best. Being a Toa of Water, getting wet wasn't a problem, and the cold didn't affect her as much as it did the Toa of Fire. Nevertheless, she was glad to finally get inside, out of the snowstorm.

 

Agni nodded at a nearby empty group of chairs near a fire, looking at Joske. "Shall we?" he asked.

 

The group seated themselves around the fire, holding out their hands to the flames in an attempt to warm up. The Toa of Water used her powers to dry them all instantly, helping to replenish her energy, but the cold would take a while to recover from.

 

The host, Rhanus (whom Agni knew, apparently) helped with that. Having swiftly prepared their room, he returned with a bottle of spirits and five glasses, as well as menus, encouraging the Toa to order something hot to eat.

 

Cael didn't usually drink, but the liquor, though it brought tears to her eyes, also lit a warmth in her stomach, waking her up and stilling her shivering. The other Toa also swallowed some of the alcohol, and appeared to appreciate its effects as much as she did.

 

The menu boasted an impressive array of entrees, both hot and cold; Cael resolved to order a simple soup when Rhanus or a waiter returned. In the meantime, she, like the others, waited for Joske to reveal what he knew: he alone knew what clue had brought them here, and, though the youngest of the group, he had quickly and expertly taken leadership of their journey. It was his quest, after all.

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-KoroTuara had sat down next to Angelus, placing some of her things on the table. Tuara wiped her mouth, and planting her now empty glass of alcohol on the wooden table. She glanced at Angelus. He hadn't said anything to any of the other party members since they met up in Ta, and hardly anything to her either.Angelus was usually a lot more talkative, or at least involved. Granted, he didn't really know many members of the party. But even so. She sighed mentally. Tuara spun the glass in her fingers, her black knuckles shifting curiously, as though dancing slowly on her red fingers.She stopped momentarily, to look at her companions, Joske still scarfing down his meal was too busy to say anything. Agni, like Tuara had already finished their meals. Cael was still in the process of eating, as was Angelus, neither of them taking their meal as hastily as Joske. She eyed the gold and red Toa momentarily. She was going to have to follow up on what she showed him, make sure he was still doing alright. That could wait. It wasn't a conversation that was appropriate to have over dinner with others around. Come to think of it, she was going to have to talk to Angelus to. And Agni. And Cael.Why did she have to talk to everybody all the time.I'm not so sure about your plan.I haven't made a decision yet. And besides, I think it's worth looking into, even if I don't follow through with it.If we follow through with it you mean. I'm in here too you know.I know Dren, I didn't forget you. And if it erases stuff we don't want erased, I won't do it. Unless for some reason, you wish for it.Tuara nodded to Cael, a careful smile constructing on her pretty face, "Cael," Cael looked up momentarily, "I've heard you're quite the healer."

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

Cael wiped her mouth with a napkin, then set it down beside her bowl of soup and plate of half-eaten toast. The meal was delicious, but, even better, it was hot. The chill of the blizzard outside was nothing more than a distant memory now, warded off with a plate of hot food and a crackling fire.

 

“I suppose you could say that,” she said with a small smile. “It's what I've spent my life doing, so I guess I'm somewhat competent.”

 

This was an understatement, to say the least -not that the Toa of Water would ever say that.

[Constructelf]

IC ThliverosWalking out of the Ko-Koro prison, the Anzaros looked around. Silently, he watched as Nuju walked into the village. Silently, he followed the turaga into the sanctum. For some reason, he just had the urge to... Think. Walking to a meditation mat, he sat down and began to think...

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-KoroTuara's smile widened, "Competent, I feel might not do justice to some of the things I've heard about," she gestured to the Toa of water, "You've become a bit of a legend among the medical crew in the Guard."

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

The Toa of Water chuckled. “That's right: I suppose Agni's been sending you reports, hasn't he?” She looked at the Toa of Fire, who appeared to suddenly find that his meal required all of his attention.

 

“I don't know about a legend, but I have been a healer for most of my life,” she continued, looking back at Tuara. “I've spent enough time on it to be reasonably skilled. Like anything else, you improve with practice and time.”

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-KoroTuara nodded, "I suppose so," she picked up her badge, looking at it carefully for a minute before stashing it away, "Had any particularly difficult fixes? I mean, of course you've had your fair share of difficult jobs, but..."

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

The healer frowned in thought. “The hardest... would have to be healing Joske, back when he was a Matoran.” She laughed softly. “I practically had to raise him from the dead, he was so far gone.

 

“I'm sure you read this in your reports, but a Tarakava punched him in the chest. I had to expand his collapsed thoracic cavity in order to heal his internal organs-”

 

She stopped, a faint flush creeping into her cheeks. “I- I'm sorry; this is hardly dinner conversation.”

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-KoroTuara nodded, "Don't worry about it," she waved the situation away with her hand, "I did a little medical work myself, but my field now is more mind oriented," Tuara's voice lowered a little, as she leaned forwards, "It's sort of complicated, but my field is a mental physical."The Toa of fire almost shrugged, stopping the spinning glass, "I'd actually like to get your take on it."

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

“Physical... and mental?” The healer cocked an eyebrow. “I suppose that has something to do with your Iden, then?”

 

She raised a spoonful of soup to her mouth, savouring the rich, salty broth. “The Iden is a fascinating mask, one of the least-understood Kanohi, in my opinion. I'd be glad to hear anything you can tell me about it.”

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-KoroJoske and Angelus looked up.Tuara kept going, suddenly feeling a little more uncomfortable than a couple minutes ago, "I'm in a more specific position. My Iden is only part of it," she turned her attention back to her spinning cup, Angelus and Joske had started to sit up straighter, suddenly more engaged, "Like I said, it's really quite complicated, but I've been thinking a lot about it," Tuara sat up straighter before leaning into the table, "Due to a past... experience, I gained some attributes that I've yet to hear about anywhere else on Mata-Nui. Although, I suppose I should explain."Tuara interlocked her fingers, her elbows on the table, "When an Iden is in play, the user is granted (at least from my understanding) a second, er, space, if you will. A sort of representation of the physical world that resides within their mind. This world is chalk-full of memories," Tuara faltered, realizing at this point she couldn't really turn back now, "But not everybody can access them, or the space they are stored. It requires something to literally tear the mind and space apart, and something else to inhabit it. A caretaker that accesses and allows the Iden user access to this space."She rubbed the base of her neck, "The user, if the caretaker allows, can bring others from the outside world inside, where both parties take a physical form within the consciousness. All made possible because of the initial tearing or breaking."Angelus started after sharing a worried glance with Joske, probably realizing what was about to be said, "Tuara.""As far as I know, I am the only one on the island who this has happened to. And... I can't outrun the damage that's been done," she looked up with reading eyes at Cael, "But I wonder if it can be repaired."

[Emzee]

Ooc: Gotta establish my presence before my phone dies.Ic: Niici - Niici's HomeThe toa of ice walked down the vibrant, ornate hallway, lined with posters, artifacts, and exquisite vases and carvings. At the end of the hallway was the dull grey metallic doorway, sealed by a massive dial that signaled that the door was indeed part of a safe.It was Wokapu's glorious safe - given to Niici right before his disappearance. It contained many of his most private documents related to the Gentry. While it was at Niici's residence, however, she gladly supplied it with a few of her tokens as well. Now, however, Niici needed to check some things regarding the Cultured Gentry. She wanted to verify the roster, and read over the newest, private draft of the contract regarding the "adoption" plan.A content smile rested on her face as she began manipulating the various switches. The massage and spa appointment worked wonders on her body and her psyche. She also had her mask and armor polished, and she had on a bedazzling dress complimented with silver bracelets and diamond necklaces.Finally, deep clicks reverberated through the hallway. She gripped two of the handles of the large dial and turned it counter-clockwise.

Edited December 30, 2012 by Emzee

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: The time had come.

 

Brykon's eyes fluttered open and he stood, ready and recharged. Predictably, Turaga Nuju would meet with his acolytes, seers and guard leaders to discuss events and prophesy. Nuju was a thinker as much as he was a doer and Brykon knew there would be no rest for the venerable leader. The toa dusted the frost off his coat and started his walk. He was slow and deliberate, taking each step as if it was for penance. He looked about the city as he crossed the numerous ice bridges that spanned the crevasses into the glaciers that slowly rumbled around Ko-Koro. Those glaciers and Brykon shared many characteristics, he thought: They were both unstoppable forces of nature that always carved where they wanted to go; they were unforgiving hosts and loyal leaders. And they both seemed to have ice cold hearts.

 

At least, on the outside.

 

Brykon was different in that regard. He cared about things, about people, in ways often lost in translation. He liked Dorian like a son and wanted to make a man out of him; the fleeting glance afforded him when he gave the assignments the day before was enough to tell the colonel that Dorian understood it. He was one of the few people who seemed to get who Brykon was. Hopefully he would see the light and get himself out of this mess and be a better man than the mentor... Liacada was someone he connected with, too. Brash and confident but desperate to get out of her hole, she was a lot like what Brykon was when he was called Senegal. He wanted to leave his pit of fighting and go to a new world and have a different meaning. He hoped that by bringing the Toa of Fire to his world she would learn to live better. But then there was people he never would meet or seem to care about: Everyone else on Mata Nui.

 

People like Visenya she he spoke with mere hours before. He warned her to stay away from the disaster he would conjure. Why? Maybe because he wanted to be clean. He did the wetwork, the dirty work, but there didn't have to be splash damage to those who did not deserve it. Despite everything Brykon cared about the people who lived their lives normally on Mata Nui's villages.

 

Yeah, right, just as he was about to kill an old man of wisdom and sage. No splash damage? An entire village was going to feel this.

 

He knew, of course. It was a damnable crime he was committing and it seemed to betray everything he wanted to fight for. But why else would he have felt so disturbed by the assignment than if he felt strongly for it? There were no illusions of the depth of error in the present path he was taking, but Brykon couldn't waver. He had a plan. Saying he killed Nuju to save Mata Nui would never fly in court, but at least he would live to be in court if he followed through. Declining the task would mean his death, and with it the opportunity to fight back at the master plan he was the hand for.

 

The Sanctum. It's entrance arch towered over him even as he approached it. Twin Sanctum Guardsmen stood on either side of the entrance, ice axes in hand, and gave the approaching toa four wary eyes. "Stop!" the commanded when Brykon was coming near. They didn't know what hit them when Brykon flung a pair of iron spikes at their chests. They collapsed to the white ground, blood straining the gate they were sworn to protect. Brykon was unstoppable.

 

He entered the Sanctum with artificial reverence. The colonnade on either side of the great hall had seers of all levels standing and listening quietly as they both read the prophesies and heard Nuju's words translated through Matoro by the image of Kopaka's mask on the far side of the hall from Brykon. Instantly, all eyes turned to the mysterious toa who stood at the door to their sacred meeting place. The seers and Nuju gave him suspicious eyes and the Sactum Guards in the throngs stepped out of the colonnade.

 

Nuju clicked and whistled, and Matoro spoke for him. "You have blood on your hands, Toa." The words had no fear but seemed full of despise. Nuju's emotion was satisfactorily channeled by the translator.

 

Brykon nodded slowly. "Aye."

 

Clicks and clacks. Matoro: "You cannot take what we need so much!" Nuju clicked out harshly at Matoro, but the translator defiantly ignored his elder's words. "No, Turaga. I must speak for myself now." He turned back to Brykon and said, "Please, leave without fulfilling your mission! We all beg of you. We have waited for our father to return for so long. We have sacrificed too much to this war. Take your villainy elsewhere!"

 

"Oh, Matoro..." Brykon said in a whispery tone as he cautiously took a step closer. The three toa who escorted Nuju in before were coming into view, materializing from the crowds in the sides. Brykon glanced at each one of them, taking their specifics in. They were all Toa of Ice, one with a Kakama and an axe, one with a Hau and a sword and one with a Huna and a mace. "What did these walls say of my coming?" he asked.

 

Matoro looked back at the prophet, Kylma, who shook hid head. "Nothing," Matoro said, suddenly uncertain.

 

"I come not as a foretold harbinger, Matoro, but as a thief in the night, a dog on the run. You couldn't expect me. My mission is not something I wanted to do, but my eye spied what you have and there is nothing that can stop me from finishing the task assigned. I'm sorry," he lamented, "but your words may move me but will not faze me."

 

"Then you must fail!" Matoro shouted with urgency as he stepped backwards to protect his Turaga.

 

Instantly the three Toa were mobilized and the guardsmen stepped forward and encircled Brykon loosely, weapons bared. They sealed the door and created a barrier between him and Nuju. But Brykon wasn't wavering. This was expected. Two weapon formed in his hands, a hatchet on the left and a club on the right.

 

Kakama attacked first, emerging from the fray and throwing his might into the axe as he aimed to cleave Brykon apart right there. His movement was fast as a blink and Brykon's enhanced reflexes allowed him to just barely catch the downswung axe with his club. A quick slice with his hatchet cut deeply into the open toa's chest, slicing through his armor with efficiency granted his strength. Huna crept up behind him; his footsteps gave him away. Brykon heard the whistle of his mace and he shoved himself against Kakama, pushing the defending toa back and escaping the mace's lethal strike and Brykon pressed the blade of the hatchet into Kakama's chest, sliding it even further into the flesh.

 

Kakama yelled as he was forced back; he was thin and limber, perfect for quick attacks but failing at matching Brykon's toned might. He was shoved against one of the Wall of Prophesy's columns and the two toa, one hero and one villain, gave one another deathly looks. Huna tried his attack again with a stealthy strike. Brykon had to give him some credit -- he was being persistent. He threw Kakama aside to give him room to evade the strike again and pressed himself against the carved column. Just as the mace whizzed by he jumped around clockwise, heel raised.

 

His foot connected with Huna's shoulder as he ended his swing. A crack as his arm fell out of joint was audible in the otherwise silent chamber and echoed on the ice, covering the shuffle of feet on the white dusty floor with its sound. Huna was thrown back from the force of the impact and fell to the floor unceremoniously. The guards prepared to enter the fight, but Brykon followed through with his body movement and swung his club down. Huna's namesake did him no good; his breath gave his head's location away. The club connected with the toa's head and a long arc of bloody spray and skull shards cascaded out as if from a jettison. The Guards stepped back from the visible carnage for a moment before pouring in with rage.

 

Brykon swung his weapons with deft grace, striking the Matoran down one after another and matching their blows at first but they had the advantage of being far more numerous than his hands and feet combined. Despite their stature they were strong, too, and they even managed to snatch Brykon's club away, though at a cost of a guard.

 

Brykon grew another weapon to take its place, however, and threw himself at the guardians, freely expending his energies he built up for a moment such as this. A spike here, a crampon kick there, a heavy slash yonder. Each hit felt like a stab in his heart, though, a harder pound of his muscle each time his weapons struck a Matoran.

 

These were the people we wanted to defend! He wanted to save them from a destruction being waged from members of their own kind! Was this how you wanted to help them? a voice asked Brykon.

 

No, he answered.

 

And yet he was killing them with brutality. Savage his nature was, this was what came naturally to him, he could not bear to do this to those he loved enough to want to sacrifice everything for them. Was this how you really envisioned the fight to be?

 

No, he answered.

 

The colonel crouched and spun on his heels like an ice dancer and stretched the weapons out, smacking two Matoran down at their heads. Their blood spilled unceremoniously on the Sanctum's holy floor. He threw himself into the air and brought his weight down, crushing another guard by falling on him like a rock. He bashed another guard away; he slid on the icy floor like a deer skidding on a frozen pond.

 

No, he declared. I can't do this. No more damage to the innocent. No more than needed.

 

Nuju was stashed against Kopaka's visage with Matoro. Hau stood before a semicircle of guards that protected the Turaga just as much as Matoro. The guards around Brykon took the chance to assault him again but he activated his Calix and jumped up and away, landing outside of their efforts. Some collided with each other as Brykon got back up and charged at Hau.

 

The final Toa was far more capable than the others. He could watch as Brykon did his fighting and learned his style just from observing it for the moment before. He was ready. Brykon's weapons spun down to kill the toa with successive strikes and get him out of the way. If he could parry one tool the next would deal the blow.

 

Both weapons failed to hit the intended target. A forcefield of protective energy rejected the weapons entry and dissipated as Hau darted his sword forward.

 

Brykon parried it and lunged with his hatchet to slay him. Again, denied like a coconut on a tortoise's shell. A kick. Denied like a knock at Mata Nui's door. But with every use of the Kanohi of Shielding the force field grew smaller, weaker, clearer. Brykon saw his chance.

 

He didn't let up. He spun his weapons as if they were sawblades and raised down upon Hau like a stormcloud. The predictable defense tactic was erected and Hau stood his ground, preparing for an opening. The weapons hit the shield one after the other, a hiss of energy sounding the repulsion, until it grew so transparent that it collapsed. Hau's willpower and mask were exhausted. And then Brykon was thrown back by a new shield, this one made of ice.

 

The fist of ice struck at Brykon so hard he lost his weapons and was repelled forcefully. He landed on his back, the gears on his back grinding as they dug into the floor like anchors and stopped his slide. The guards readily jumped for him but were thrown back by an eruption of iron from Brykon's body that threw them away just the same. He painfully got back to his feet and eyed Hau, this time with a new sense of respect for the last warrior. "Nuju!" Brykon called out to the Turaga, "Dismiss Matoro. You know you can't survive this. I will kill all your defenders if I have to, but my mission calls for your demise, not... the Translator's."

 

Nuju looked at Brykon with sad eyes as he understood the truth. There was no stopping someone as strong or as determined as Brykon, he knew, but the future could still be guarded. He nodded and clicked at Matoro.

 

"But... Turaga..."

 

"Click clank click tweet twoot clack!!"

 

Matoro gave the Fe-Toa a look that could kill before embracing Nuju cautiously and stepping away, looking at Brykon carefully as he stepped as far from Brykon as he could and leaving the Sanctum chamber.

 

"Now then," Brykon said. he didn't mean to end the thought, though inwardly he surmised this was the least he could do. He had ensured the line of succession remained unbroken. The wailing of Matoran guards behind and beside him filled the chamber now like the cries of tormented souls and the wounded men squirmed with the pain they suffered. It tore at Brykon's soul just as it did their flesh, but he could never say that to them.

 

He looked from Nuju to Hau and gave the Ko-Toa a nod of genuine respect before mentally tearing his armor away, rending his body with it in a magnificent display of elemental prowess. For Brykon, elemental skill went hand in hand with physical discipline, and while taking great concentration it seemed too easy for him to do. Blood scattered wherever the armor went and even Brykon had to grimace a little at the sight of such carnage. "Now release the guards," he ordered, sounding reasonable. "I do not want to harm them any further, and now that you see what I can do, you see they are not worth murdering."

 

"I already decided so," Turaga Nuju said in his harsh voice, his speech sounding rough and unnatural. The guards seemed to ascertain the meaning by themselves without further instruction and slowly filed out of the Sanctum obediently, each one giving Nuju a tearful but rigid bow of honour.

 

Brykon stood impassively, still watching Nuju like a hawk. When the guards all left, he spoke. "I want you to know that I have no grudge against you or your people. I do this because I'm a soldier and I have to, not because I want to, and one day, eventually..." he sighed deeply, "I will make it right."

 

"I know," Nuju said. "I don't feel that you are an evil man, Toa. But you are dark."

 

"Thank you," Brykon said under his breath. "It does me good to know that I have not fallen... too... far... for redemption." He sagged with sorrow, knowing the truth hurt.

 

Nuju only looked back with silent sage.

 

Brykon looked back up and a single-bit axe materialized in his grip. "And now that I have heard your true voice, I think I am ready to kill you, Turaga."

 

Turaga Nuju's Parakuka, however, was suddenly activated. Nuju, mere seconds earlier standing tall and noble, suddenly hunched forward like a beast and his body morphed into something animalistic. His arms hung lower and thicker, his head sunk into his shoulders and his legs seemed to burst into columns. "You -will- try!"

Edited December 29, 2012 by Littlefinger

[Friar Tuck]

IC

 

[inn of Rhanus, Ko-Koro; late evening]

 

Yes, this conversation had taken an interesting turn.

 

I was sitting rather stretched out in my rather comfortable chair, buried under a mass of heavy fur blankets that must of weighed altogether twice my own weight. Only my head was peeking out from under the furry mass, and a very content head at that. The chill I had collected was gone, the meal had been delicious, and the spirit provided was a nice touch; normally I didn't drink, trying to keep up my physique and all, but considering the circumstances I made an exception.

 

Cue the conversation.

 

Before Cael could say anything, I opened my mouth. "Look, I know we're pressed for time, but Cael, if you can... heal her."

 

The entire group turned as one to stare at me. My lips felt suddenly a little dry, but I pressed on. "I... Tuara... showed me things. Things that even I would not want to see happen to my enemies. And it was the nice things in her head; I didn't get the full detailed description of everything else. As much as I want to have you all with me on this, I can do most of it alone... most of it. It will take time to find out where the charms are anyway before we can even start to look for the temple, so it would be okay with me if you all decided just to stay here for a while and work on Tuara. I... I don't mind."

 

For a reason I could not put a finger on, that was rather difficult for me. Was it that I was beginning to see the need for teamwork? That I needed these people to finish my quest? Or maybe that I would be separated from Cael for an extended period of time?

 

I tried to smile. "Really, I'm serious. I can't see the future, but my gut tells me that if we're to see this through we're ALL going to need to be not only of sound body, but of sound mind as well. Might as well do it now and not have to worry about it later."

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-Koro"I'm not unstable Joske," Tuara motioned to the wrapped Toa of fire, "I can function fine. It's just," Tuara sighed, leaning forwards again, "I just want to be back to who I used to be. And Karz, I'm not even sure you can help Cael," the beautiful Toa of fire shook her head, "Look, this isn't that pressing an issue. I'm just curious!"

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

“I... think I understand,” Cael said thoughtfully. “You're saying that your mind had been... torn, in a way that allows others to access your thoughts and memories?”

 

She paused, appearing to be deep in thought. “I've never tried to heal a mental injury with my mask. I'm a healer, not a psychiatrist. Anyway, as far as I know, the mind is vastly different from the body; it has its own rules and anatomy that science has yet to understand.”

 

The helaer sighed. “But... Joske is right. If this injury is at all detrimental to your health, then I should try. I can, if you would like me to.”

[Palm]

IC: Tuara - Ko-KoroTuara threw up her hands, "It's not detrimental!" her eyes wandered, "As far as I know," she shook her head again, "It hasn't caused any problems really, I think it's just something worth looking in to. I'm just interested in the science behind it, if it can be affected by an outside source brought inside; other than the caretaker," she sighed, waving her hand away dismissively, "Whatever, it's not that important. Like I said, I'm just curious. It won't cause any problems."

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)

 

"Arekule?" Echelon replied, walking over to Utu. He was carrying a device made from metal and glass, similar to a small gun in shape. Instead of a barrel, however, it had a glass tube, marked like a syringe, and a needle at the end. The tube was full of a fiery-orange liquid. "I caught wind that he was interested in the Marks. I contacted him, telling him I could give him the information he needed to create them. Naturally, I didn't give him nearly all the information - the Master Marks, for example - but he was wilier than I'd expected."

 

He walked to Utu's side, and examined the Mark.

 

"In some cases, however, he was satisfyingly predictable," he continued. "As I hoped, he did not seek to recover you, but rather created a new Mark Bearer of Fear - paving the way for me to resurrect you, and spare you the fate of your brethren."

 

Utu's gaze snapped to Echelon's.

 

"What?"

 

"Oh, don't sound so surprised, Utu," Echelon replied. As he spoke, he pressed the device's needle against the skin near the Mark and pressed the trigger. It injected its payload into Utu's arm, and the Mark Bearer gave an involuntary shudder. "I realised your power a long while back. To kill you along with the others would have been a terrible waste - so I allowed Arekule to create another Mark of Fear. I only needed one of each, you know..."

 

The Necromancer noticed Utu's apparent distrust of the substance he'd been injected with.

 

"Juice of the Rajai plant," he said. "It is a powerful, localised anaesthetic, which also provides a temporary resistance to high levels of heat."

 

The Dark Toa's smile glittered.

 

"Wouldn't want you screaming in pain, now would we?"

[Palm]

IC: Utu - Ko-KoroUtu's eyes started to feel heavier now, "At the temple. Dorian cut off your head. After of course Arekule predicted your moves and blew up your chest."He shook his own groggily, "How did you survive?"

Edited December 29, 2012 by We Are Legion

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)

 

Echelon moved over to a small vat, wherein there bubbled a thick, silvery liquid: molten krillactum. Next to it there lay another device, also similar to a gun, but with a spherical end. The Necromancer picked up the tool and pressed the trigger; the sphere began to glow red, then orange-yellow.

 

"A wise plan-maker always includes safeguards," he said as he approached Utu again. "The man you saw decapitated was nothing more than an illusion. I was already long gone before Heuani decided to play his little game. Cheating death has always been a hobby of mine..."

 

Echelon pressed the heating implement against the Mark of Fear. This time, however, the Mark did not react violently to the heating; whether this was a result of the damage, or due to remnants of Echelon's Master Mark, or simply because it sensed that this heating was not a threat, Utu did not know. The Mark's surface began to soften, then smoothen out, developing a silvery sheen. Despite the intense heat of the molten metal, Utu felt no pain, nor was there any smoke or stench of burning flesh. The Rajai juice was at work. Echelon raised a hand, and another syringe-like instrument hovered from the vat, connected to it by a long tube. The conical tip (much blunter and wider than the needle of the first one) pressed against the Mark, and molten krillactum began to flow into it from the vat, causing the level of metal in the Mark to rise and spread out, until the lost krillactum was fully replenished.

 

Echelon gritted his teeth, sending the instrument back to its tray. Repairing a Mark was far more difficult than creating one; it had to be reshaped into its correct form.

 

Holding out a hand over the Mark, he closed his eyes and began to create magnetic fields around the Mark of Fear. Echelon devoted his full concentration to creating and maintaining these fields to the incredible degree of complexity and precision necessary, with the purpose of molding the Mark back into its former shape. One slip, and the Mark could be damaged yet further - with untold consequences for Utu and his mental stability...

Edited December 29, 2012 by Illusive Ghosthands

[Constructelf]

IC ThliverosIn the corner of the Sanctum, Thliveros meditated, seemingly oblivious to the events of the world around him. Unnoticed by all, he sat, still as stone, shrouded in darkness, shadows as deep as the shadows that raged in his mind. Unlike many who meditated, who meditated to escape the turmoil of everyday life, Thliveros seemingly... cast himself into it, embraced it, plunged himself head first into the sea of worries and doubts that had plagued him for so long, tht had plgued him ever since he first stepped shore on this island. There was no peace inside of the Anzaros's mind; no, there was only worry, doubt, and... anger.So when the last guard had either fallen or fled, Thliveros opened his eyes. Looking around, he saw a terrible sight. Toa and matoran alike, many who had been the closest things to friends that he had ever had, were now dead and gone. Dead and gone... gone forever, never again to feel the light of dawn, never again to see the glow of sunset, never again to love, or be loved. Once they lived, now they were dead.Dead. Dead. Dead.Yet Thliveros did not let his grief show. No, it was not like him to show such feelings. He was a warrior of mind, not of emotion; feelings were merely a distraction, a deceiver, a stumbling block, something that hindered, not helped. So his face was as cold and sharp as ice when he formed seven ice darts in his hand, using his knowledge of anatomy learned from many battles to his advantage, as seven razor sharp needles flew straight for the toa of iron, each going for a soft spot, like in the eye, or twixt the ribs, or straight for the solar plexus, or even threatening to cut off his very manhood. "He won't do this," Thliveros thought grimly. "Not without a fight. By the Silver Hawk I swear." OOC EW, permission to get involved?

[Emzee]

IC: Ronkshou – Echelon’s Lair

 

“Yes, yes there is,” Ronkshou said to Kohra. He knew that the Matoran eventually planned to come together again, and he had presumed that they would meet in Onu-Wahi, or maybe Po-Wahi. Alternatively, the Matoran might have decided to simple divide their search now – make something good out of their inconvenience.

“Perhaps it might be wise to cover more ground,” Ronkshou said, “But if so, we’ll need more fighters; three of the Makuta’s most powerful were defeated by a rock and a Toa – something tells me that such obstacles will continue to move themselves in our way, and they need to be cut down swiftly”

 

IC: Wokapu, Lekori & Wokiya – Wokapu’s Mansion

 

“Thanks,” Wokapu and Wokiya both said at the same time. Wokiya skipped past the group and twirled herself around to face them.

 

“Would anyone like some tea? And perhaps some thicker coats for those used to warmer climates?” Wokiya offered.

 

Wokapu, in the mean time, walked down a pristine hallway decorated with portraits of himself and his other family members. At the end was just a boring, beige wall of plaster; the safe that Wokapu owned had been given to Niici for protection. He remembered how flustered and anxious he was last time he saw her, as he forced all of his burdens on that young lady before taking off. Of course, Niici was apprehensive, but she cared about the Gentry just as much as Wokapu did. She took it on as a Duty to herself – she Willed herself to take on the incriminating documents, sparkling coffers, and a load of other things.

 

On the left side of the wall was a door that led to Wokapu’s private chambers. He walked inside and fell back into a soft, humongous chair, relaxing his muscles and trying to ease his tensions.

 

It was admittedly difficult to do. No matter what happened, Wokapu’s victory condition was based on him being punished for his crimes. As much as Wokapu wanted to do the right thing, redeem himself as Cael said, one does not simply say ‘I’m going to be exiled, arrested or executed… because I’m a hero!’.

 

Wokapu sighed. This was a tough pill to swallow, but swallow it he would.

[EmperorWhenua]

Ooc: I suppose that's fine.

 

Ic: Brykon didn't feel threatened by what he saw, but he did have a sudden wave of unease as Turaga Nuju literally transformed into something as primal and untamed as a Rane-Ra. The spectacle of seeing an elder give in to a dark side in an effort to stave off an unavoidable fate was harrowing, and Brykon could not help but wonder... that maybe Nuju was doing this to teach him a lesson. Nuju, surrendering to darkness and showing what evil could wield, offering mute advice to someone who had not fallen to the shadows yet. It was as if the turaga was saying, "Look what can happen to you if you decide to abandon faith."

 

It frightened Brykon to the core, more than it hurt him to kill Matoran. But Brykon was strong and he was sure. His axe did not waver and his eyes did not quiver as he readied himself for the assault.

 

The sound of ice formed behind him caught his attention and he spun around to face the new threat, at first thinking it a trick by the Turaga and his feeble elemental powers (he was not aware of the symptoms of a Parakuka's possession). No, it was a lone toa trying to be a hero at the last minute. Brykon threw up a barrier of metal that bounced the ice daggers off with ease without allowing them to come so far as to touch the colonel. Thinking fast he fired a globe of iron with the force of a cannonball at the roof of the colonnade above Thliveros, shattering the portion of the Wall of Prophesy and raining rubble down on the toa.

 

With the distraction out of the way, his faced off against Nuju now. The Turaga hadn't waited for Brykon to be ready, though, and charged. His speed was considerable and his attack was swift, bringing his Ice Pick down with savage power that matched Brykon's abilities. He blocked the pick with the handle of his axe and kicked at Nuju's massive thighs and then to his side before activating his Calix and jumping over Nuju and landing with feline grace behind the Turaga and stepping back just enough to evade a wicked long swing of the edged staff of office as Nuju spun in rage at his enemy escaping his defense.

 

This, Brykon found, was going to be far more tricky than he anticipated. Nuju was quite able to put up a fight, it seemed.

[Palm]

IC: Utu - Ko-Wahi

Utu's eyes narrowed, the lids fluttering, "This isn't just anesthetic-c."Utu reared a little, almost disturbing the motions Echelong continued to hold. He shook his head before it slammed back onto the table "Don't even think about-"

Utu was out cold, defenseless against the Master Mark Bearer.

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

Cael shrugged helplessly. "If there are no detrimental effects, then we don't have to do it now. Besides, I don't even know if I could. I'd rather try after this is all over, when I've gotten some research done and have proper equipment at hand. It would be foolish to try now when our energy and time is so limited."

[Constructelf]

IC ThliverosThe sound of shattering rock above Thliveros made him turn around in shock. Looking up, he saw that a metal cannonball had struck the pillar of his portion of the wall, causing the ceiling to rain down on him. Putting up a forcefield, the Anzaros rolled off to the side, barely escaping just as the forcefield shattered under the weight of the rocks. "Oh dear," he thought. "This guy is good." Using the same fallback strategy that he did with every criminal he came across, he formed a forcefield around Brykon. "Whatcha gonna do about that?"

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: "Whatcha gonna do about that?" the toa's voice could be heard, slightly muffled through the forcefield Brykon found himself encapsulated with. He punched and bashed at it but it remained firm and strong against his raw power. Conversely, however, Turaga Nuju could not touch him, either, his powerful blows having the same result from without. Brykon was neither happy or upset at this development. He was safe, after all.

 

But there was an idea. This forcefield may have prevented physical strikes but not mental ability. "I think I know what," Brykon said with confidence as he had an idea.

 

The cannonball he lobbed was still embedded in the icy wall of the Sanctum; Brykon could not just feel it like an extension of himself but could see it, making his control of it all the more precise. Exerting his ability on the orb of steel, he pulled it free from its hold and hurled it to Thliveros. The unsuspecting toa was caught off guard by the ball and hit on his back, throwing him forward like a ragdoll and ridding his concentration from the forcefield.

 

The energy dissipated like Hau-Toa's shield and left Brykon open to attack from Nuju. The cannonball rocketed from the Anzaros to Nuju with the intent of bashing the Turaga to bits, but Brykon was amazed by Nuju's raw power.

 

Nuju caught the orb like it was a stray kohlii ball and hugged it in a tackle, carrying it down with him and then he buried it into the floor od the great hall. Ice cracked in all degrees from the sudden infusion of mass and not even Brykon could raise the ball from the ground. The colonel was quite impressed. Stepping quickly away from the turaga he directed his attention to Thliveros. The stranger's appearance was another unexpected delay, and the sooner he was out of the picture the sooner Brykon could dedicate all his abilities to slaying the elder. He stepped steadily towards Thliveros, axe at the ready to chop him into bits.

[Constructelf]

IC Thliveros"Ugh..."The Anzaros slowly got to his feet. As he reoriented himself, he saw the intruder advancing on him, axe at the ready, presumably for the kill. "Okay," Thliveros thought. Drawing his twin swords, he exhaled slightly. "Okay then," he said, getting into the stance he used, every time. He started to charge, pretending going into a whirlwind slash...But as he began the attack, his second pair of arms unhinged themselves from his back. Grabbing the second pair of blades, he cast off his cloak, second pair of arms whirling like propellers, creating a shield of defense. Stepping back from the feint, he got into a defensive stance, his second pair of arms spinning around being very reminiscint of a certain cyborg, but he wouldn't ever know, as that would require a Kanohi of fourth wall smashing. "You sir," Thliveros boomed. "Are under arrest for breaking and entering, multiplie counts of first degree murder, and attempted murder. Stand down, and this will be easy."OOC And then he gets owned.

[Friar Tuck]

IC

 

[inn of Rhanus, Ko-Koro; late evening]

 

"Whatever."

 

I threw my hands into the air, which was hard to do when you're buried under furs. Peeling the layers away I dug myself out from under them, taking a moment to stretch my stiffened muscles. "Then don't get it fixed. If you say you're fine then we'll take your word for it, sorry for bringing it up. Now if nobody minds I'm going to bed; the last two days have been rather taxing and I'm exhausted."

 

Without another word I marched up to our room, giving a nod to our host in thanks. It never ceased to amaze me how many people Agni knew, his contacts coming in frequently useful, and just when we needed them. And he thought I was lucky.

 

With a click the door closed behind me, the room sparsely furnished but comfortable and homely. The effect of that feeling, mixed with the warm reception of our host and my own slight irritation made me sigh in frustration. There was nothing to complain about really, our progress was actually rather fantastic - I was just tired and cross, not to mention a little combative. The last two days had stretched me to past my breaking point, I could feel myself trying to adapt to the rapid change I was undergoing. It would seem as though I had finally had enough and was bucking the change, if not a little bit. Thus my irritation... and my exhaustion. The re-building process of an attitude and worldview was not as easy and wonderful as it may first seem.

 

Such as simple kindness and a positive servant attitude that our host displayed. Maybe it was his job, maybe he was going above and beyond the call due to Agni's friendship, but it still made me think. I had spent so much time at the top and simply expected my needs to be met, having everything done for me I never bothered to watch as it happened... or having to ever rely on the kindness of strangers before. It was, well, strange.

 

As jumbled as my thoughts were I was asleep instantly as my head hit the pillow.

[Snelly]

IC: Darien - Wokapu’s Mansion -

 

“Thanks,” Wokapu and Wokiya both said at the same time. Wokiya skipped past the group and twirled herself around to face them.

“Would anyone like some tea? And perhaps some thicker coats for those used to warmer climates?” Wokiya offered.

"I'd love some tea, thank you. And some thicker coats would be a godsend." Darien said, who disliked the cold outside greatly.

Darien noticed Wokapu had gone down the hallway and out of sight. Darien knew he must of had a lot on his mind, the very fact that he basically was going to turn himself in to justice had to be weighting heavily on his heart.

Darien looked at Wokiya, he wondered how this was all gonna turn out for her. It wouldn't be easy when her own brother was most likely going to be exiled or worse when it was all over. "Wokiya..." Darien began, not completely sure how he wanted to say it. "You're pretty close to your brother are you not?"

Edited December 30, 2012 by Snelly

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: Well, Brykon thought, this hour is just full of surprises. Whoever expected a toa to sprout an extra pair of arms? Not Brykon. Was this all a nightmare? Killing Matoran, watching a Turaga turn into an animal and a toa into an insect?

 

The very real sensation of pain as Nuju's ice pick dug into his side's armor with unnerving speed and power told him no, and if this was a nightmare he wasn't waking up anytime soon. Brykon quickly kicked Nuju away for a temporary reprieve as he dedicated himself to down the strange toa before him. Nuju's hit did little to hinder him, though a thin flow of blood emerged from under his armor and stained the white longcoat he wore with a splotch of crimson.

 

Thliveros' seemed quick but repetitive and held the stance the way it was, spinning his weapons to shield himself. The swords he used were thin and light, hardly heavyweight material, more meant for quick slices and snips than power and awe. While a new thing for Brykon, this would not prove to be too difficult to overcome. He hacked his axe at the spinning blades and caught two in a scissor lock. Two more swords spun for him like sawblades but Brykon slid the axe down and let go with one hand, catching all four blades in a lock with a horizontally held axe. Thliveros retracted to strike and Brykon raised his foot high and kicked the axe handle as if it were a low-hanging tree branch, and his kick made short work of Thliveros' arms, but more importantly it gave Brykon room to overcome his foe.

 

The axe was snatched before it hit the ground and he used the inertia in it to spin it and hack downwards with a full twirled swing, battering right through Thliveros' weak defense. With lightning-quick speed Brykon followed through with another swing, putting his might in the attack. This time Thliveros' defense caught it and repelled the attack and Brykon didn't hesitate to swing again, this time down low to cut off the toa's legs like little trees.

 

The Anzaros jumped up deftly and avoided the attack and aimed to strike at Brykon with the might of four quick blades, only this time Brykon was the one who jumped. He leaped up and over Thliveros, surprising the four-armed being with the perfect acrobatic maneuver, before landing with his face at Thliveros' back and spun his axe at the vulnerable behind. He swung his axe down with great energy, the shiny edge of the head gleaming with power as it almost effortlessly embedded itself into Thliveros' back, severing one arm from its root and nicking the root of its parent arm. Pain shot through the now three-armed beast and shock suddenly followed and he screamed out in a shriek of agony from the unexpected setback. The swords clattered to the floor with the disembodied arm as he fell to his knees.

 

Brykon didn't bother to pull the axe out. Instead, he punched at it with the palm of his hand, embedding it further, before he shoved Thliveros to the ground, face down as if in prayer. "Stand down?" he taunted. "I agree. it is much more easy this way." He walked around the downed hero and a fresh axe emerged in his hand. That arm... creeped Brykon out, however; it twitched lifelessly.

 

 

(Ooc: I tried to give your character the credit due. I gather from your last ooc that you knew this was coming, too, and took that as liberty. Thanks for interacting, but you are the weaker link. Goodbye! : D [but really, if you have a problem with how I did this, feel free to PM me.] Your character is now severaly wounded and will be scarred for the rest of his life from the encounter, but at least he participated!)

 

 

Resumed Ic: With Thliveros out of the way, Brykon could pay attention to Turaga Nuju. The Turaga was up on his feet again but stopped short of attacking Brykon with a rain of blows again. The fire pit of meditation was between them like an uncrossable crevasse and they stalked each other, circling the pit like opposites, ying and yang, chasing one another in a cycle.

 

"You're strong," Nuju commended, his voice even more unnatural now under the influence of the Parakuka, sounding more uncontrolled and shriekish. "Maybe strong enough."

 

"Of course I am," Brykon retorted with absolute confidence. "No power in the 'Verse can stop me from finishing the task assigned to me... or the tasks assigned to my comrades." Nuju's red eyes glared back with curiosity, expecting more. But his face, freakish as it was, became one of rage as he heard Brykon's confession. "Even now as we duel in the night the other Turaga are being assassinated in their own villages. Within the hour all six of you will be just as dead as the Chronicler's Company."

 

It was a tender nerve. Nuju, unbridled by his typical reservist nature, felt anger swell in his heart at those words. "NO!" he shrieked. "Impossible! Only pure malevolence could do this, but I don't feel the taint of the Makuta on your soul, and I know the dark one's touch well!"

 

"But it is true, Nuju," Brykon answered sternly. "And not by the Makuta's hand. But Turaga, listen to me--"

 

Nuju didn't bother to give him a moment's time. He bolted aroung the obstacle and met Brykon head on again. Even with the Calix activated the two fighters were evenly matched with Brykon just about able to meet Nuju's strikes. Clang! Steel met protodermis staff. Clash! Clang! The weapons sang. Finally, Brykon grabbed hold of the Turagas weapon to still it; Nuju did the same to Brykon's axe. They were rigid, neither allowing the other to take ground.

 

"Listen to me!" Brykon howled, spitting unintentionally from his exertion. His muscles were tight as iron as he tried to match Nuju's unholy power, and he spoke between grunts from the strain. "Listen. Do you want to be known as the Turaga who gave in to darkness in vanity or the martyr who gave his life for peace? I'm here to kill you, not destroy your image. You have to die, but that does not mean you have to die a monster."

 

Nuju's eyes still glowed red from Parakuka-enhanced rage, but as he peered at Brykon's eyes he softened. His eyes turned pink, his muscles relaxed, the legs shrunk and his head was realigned with his spine. "You're... you're right." The Parakuka shrieked in a frenzy, upset that its parade was cut short.

 

Brykon's grip did not waver but Nuju's ice pick point hit the ground. "I will make it quick," Brykon promised. "And one day, someday, the schemers will pay for their crimes. I will see to it. Your legacy will live on in Matoro."

 

"Then it must be done. Kill me as I am," Nuju said, drained of energy from the massive expenditure he had with the duel. "Kill me so that Ko-Koro can enter a new age... of destiny."

 

Brykon let the Turaga go and heaved his axe to his side and swung it straight for Nuju's neck. The Parakuka screamed at the threat posed to its host but it could do no more than protest as the sharp edge sliced Nuju's head off.

 

It fell to the white floor and rolled, a trail of crimson following it. Nuju's decapitated body fell to its chest, and the Parakuka continued its wail.

 

"Will you SHUT UP!" Brykon said before hacking at the slug, too, repeatedly. Slime and organic innards spilled out of the body. The wailing stopped.

 

And there Brykon stood, over the dead body of a village elder, blood-soaked axe in hand and a head at his feet. He was motionless for a long moment and listened to the silence.

 

Long... quiet... silence. Thus was Ko-Koro.

 

Finally, in the distance: "A toa is killing Turaga Nuju!!!!"

 

"That's my cue," Brykon said quietly and picked up Nuju's head. The Kanohi Matatu almost fell off but he snatched it before it hit the floor and slid it reverently into a breast pocket of his big coat. A keepsake for the while; he would find a use for it later. Right now, however, he had to get out of the Sanctum before he was overwhelmed with zealous villagers.

 

He walked quickly past the unconscious and bleeding body of Thliveros and exited the Sanctum's great doorway, leaving nothing but a bloody mess of the Sanctum and a damaged Wall of Prophesy, a dozen dead Guards, three dead toa, a dead Turaga and Parakuka and a wounded warrior. He was weakened by the fight with a few bleeding wounds on his body and a great burden of guilt. He had made a temple and meeting place desecrated. He breathed the fresh air in deeply. He was successful in his mission, but at great cost.

 

The bridge between the Sanctum and the rest of the village was all that spanned from him and the thin line of Matoran and Toa that wanted vengeance. Brykon threw the maskless head of the Turaga at the throng, halting them as they realized the great magnitude of this sight.

 

And then, without warning, Brykon threw himself off the ledge and plunged into the vast and dark crevasse between the glaciers under Ko-Koro. His white-robed body disappeared in the depths under the village of ice.

 

A new age had begun that day.

Edited December 30, 2012 by Littlefinger

[Eyru]

IC (Cael)

 

The morning dawned cold and clear: the blizzard of the previous day had blown itself out, as far Cael could tell.

 

The Toa of Water had slept in a small, comfortable room with a window overlooking the village of Ko-Koro. Upon awaking, the first thing her eyes opened to was a window frame full of blue sky. The second thing she awoke to was the cold.

 

The fire in her room had gone out sometime during the night, and with no cloud cover, there was nothing keeping any heat from rising into the infinite sky. The morning was cold and icy, and Cael shivered as she got out of bed and force herself to do her morning meditations.

 

She sat cross-legged, right palm lying on left palm in her lap, her eyes closed. Each breath was measured carefully, as was each thought. Slowly, methodically, the Toa emptied her mind, allowing everything, even the cold, to slip away, leaving her floating in a still, quiet sea.

 

* * *

 

A half hour passed, and the healer finally emerged from her room and made herway down the stairs to the inn's main room, where she and her companions had eaten the previous night. Joske, Agni, Tuara and Angelus were already there, busy tucking into breakfast.

 

The Toa of Water sat in an empty chair, greeting the others as she did so, and helped herself to some toast and bula juice. She would need all the energy she could get today, if it was going to be anything like the day before. Hopefully Joske would let them in on his plans before they started off again.

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: Visenya hadn't been given the best hand by fate. One moment she was a pampered daddy's-girl in Ta-Koro with a throne in her mind, the next she was throwing the last party she ever would. Her family all dead in her absence and a brother likely long since demised in Po-Wahi, she was relegated from socialite to outcast, traveling from village to village trying to find a new purpose in life.

 

Her armor still shone, but dimly, and portions had been sold to smithies for the precious metal it was composed of. She had only a few reminders of her past: Her katara between her thighs and a thin tiara on her gentle Kanohi. Her travels had started in the desert, but she found no traces of her brother and left to the other wahis. From the coves of Ga-Wahi to the tunnels of Onu-Koro she had found nothing of permanence and few people willing to listen to her story or take her in. She was a princess without a realm, a duchess of shame.

 

Her sojourn had led her to the city of ice, which she found peaceful but haunting. It echoed her loneliness to an almost frightening degree, but at least the image in the mirror could keep her miserable company. It was here, in Ko-Koro, that she found the peculiar beggar who shook a vessel at people who walked by. The cup never took a widget and it only made her feel worse, both for herself and the man who begged. He was a toa like herself, she thought, a stray animal long divorced from a previous life.

 

And then that man had gave her a warning: Stay out of the streets, "there's a storm coming," he said to her. But more importantly, she was "too pretty to be left in the open." That touched her. It really did. Someone could look beyond the soiled and portioned-off armour and seen a beauty she couldn't detect even in her own reflection. It took someone as derelict as herself to know the truth.

 

She wanted to obey the stranger's advice, even as she turned away from him and even as she sat against the wall in the street now under the golden plaque of an address for a clearly rich person, but she had no place to be, in stark contrast to the apartment she rested upon which doubtlessly held opulence she once enjoyed. There was no home for her, not anymore. The one place she could have a shelter in was locked before she could get there (the shop) and she was left with nowhere to stay for the night. So she shivered against the wall, trying to keep the cold at bay, and thought of the kind toa's words. She could not shake the idea that the storm was not physical.

 

She pondered this for a long while until she heard someone shout, "There's a toa killing Turaga Nuju!!!" An uproar ensued and people all over the village stormed down the ladders and across the ice bridges to join up before the Sanctum with blood in their eyes. And then, abruptly, just as her curiosity was heightened, she saw that kind toa, still donned in his white overcoat, step out of the Sanctum with a turaga's head in his one hand and a red axe in the other.

 

Even the nice people of the earth were not all innocent, it seemed. She wanted to cheer for the mysterious man even in the face of evidence of a murderous person, and stood to get a better look at him.

 

And then he fell into the abyss. She didn't know what to think.

 

So she simply stared down with fright as his ghostly body vanished into blue and black depths.

[Ghosthands]

IC (Echelon)

 

Echelon opened his eyes, a sinister smile spreading across his face. The Mark of Fear was now set, its characteristic shape restored.

 

"Ohh, Utu," he whispered to the unconscious Toa of Ice, "you didn't think we'd let you go unpunished for your failure, did you?"

 

For Utu was correct - it was not just anaesthetic. Rajai juice was part of the mixture that now drifted through Utu's bloodstream, but it was accompanied by another substance. In its pure form, it was a white salt-like crystal, and completely harmless; in solution, however, it was a clear liquid, indistinguishable from water except that it was ever so slightly thicker. Even now, it had reached his brain, and taken its insidious hold.

 

"What have you done to him?" Vidar asked curiously.

 

"Mekraph," Echelon replied simply. "Mixed with the Rajai juice. In solution, it is causes powerful retrograde amnesia."

 

The Rahkshi-Toa raised an eyebrow.

 

"He'll have no memory," Echelon elaborated. "Makuta's will be done, my friend. Utu had begun to question his orders. We can't allow that."

 

Walking over to a cabinet, Echelon opened it and removed a fist-sized stone, with a depression of some sort carved into the top. The Dark Toa took a vial, dipped it into the vat of still-bubbling krillactum, and poured the molten metal into the stone's depression, as though it were a mould. The silvery liquid filled the depression, forming a shimmering surface in the granite.

 

"The Marks are remarkable tools," he said, "to one who knows how to use them. There is more than one way to skin a Mahi, as they say - and I do not need a Master Mark to control my creations..."

 

The krillactum began to cool, and as it did so, its colour began to change. It began to glow with a cold purple light, and as Echelon raised it in his hand, Vidar could see the shape the metal made:

 

A Mark of Fear.

[Palm]

IC: Utu - Ko-Wahi - Epilogue

Epilogue

When Echelon put me under, something happened. That prick did something to me I hadn't really foreseen. Although I should've. Like he said, he plans for everything. That mad moron was up to his old tricks again, even though Makuta had a literally grip on his face; granted, it was for the Master of Shadows. But was it really his idea? I could only imagine the confusion Vidar was feeling at the time, probably had no idea what the Marks really were. What was up with that guy anyways? Some sort of Rahkshi-Toa hybrid that Makuta probably conjured up, and the only thing that could mess him up more was what happened to his face.I wouldn't be surprised if Echelon had something to do with Vidar. I mean, it was fairly clear Ronkshou knew who Echelon was, probably just from association with the model of masks plastered on their faces. But I suppose I should push aside the conspiracy theories regarding morons I was already growing to hate, and start focusing on what really matters right now.Waking up.Of course I'm not going to be able to fully fight anesthetic. And unless by some sort of divine intervention, I rise up off this bed with my eye ablaze white, and the Mark of Fear giving a sermon on the end of the world like last time, I'm not going to change whatever Echelon was doing up there. May as well accept it. I screwed up. Again. Now, it wasn't my idea to come to this mad-man, but I could've said something. I could've refused to go. I could've sat down in the snow, crossed my arms and legs and pouted like a child. There's no fixing a pouting child. Ronkshou didn't have candy or a leash; the sucker couldn't do diddly-squat. But no, I didn't do anything, because my Mark of Fear was to busy flipping it's lid to notice it was driving it's host crazy.Maybe I shouldn't have waltzed out to the Kini-Nui.Joining these freaks was never a good idea, admittedly. But I had nowhere else to go. Karz, all the people I used to consider "my people" were dragged into a temple by some tentacled monster that was somehow sentient and somehow decided to stop eating people when I asked it to. When you've got nothing to look to, and when you have nowhere to turn to, you tend to turn to the wrong people. Wrong people in this case being people obsessed with not actually fulfilling the wills of their master. Heuani being the main case for this argument.Let's look at what the demon has done.Showed up out of the blue, looking sexy (if I swung that way; holy Karz), been a manipulative prick, probably killed my only friend on Mata-Nui, been a manipulative prick, stalked people from the shadows, cut people in half with shadows, toyed with the minds of every person he's ever spoken to, roke; those cheek-bones (I actually can't tell if that's even real), and been a manipulative prick.Ronkshou said so too, and if we look at the data from this list of Heuani's accomplishments it confirms something. Here, let's review the charts. Hm, yes, that's righteous. I think I figured it out guys. Just doing some final calculations on the information. Done.I got it: Heuani is a manipulative prick.He sent me alone to roke with me, with no information on the mission I was tasked, he sent Ronkshou and Vidar after me and my contracts with no information on the mission that was tasked. Not to mention said contracts seem to practically untouchable; and guarded by other moronic Toa in addition to being seemingly impervious to real-life-odds. If this mission was so important, why didn't he go? Why didn't the Toa of Shadow do his masters bidding? Although I suppose there's only so much being a manipulative prick in a single day that you can do, especially when you're looking bomb as karz in the process (seriously, does anybody know if his face is real?).But if he's so concerned with actually doing what Makuta wants, wouldn't Heuani just do it himself? Unless he knew these Matoran were apparently invincible. And this isn't just about me messing up, Makuta's 2nd and 3rd couldn't do jack about those little guys either. If it were up to me, I'd rise up, beat up Echelon, and leave. Roke Heuani's mission. The more I thought about it, the more I felt confident in saying he was just doing this to watch us all squirm.But it's not up to me anymore. And when I realized what was really happening, and when I realized just how wrong we all were, I couldn't do anything. When I opened my eyed again, I couldn't do anything.This body is no longer my own.I'm trapped in a shell of the Toa I used to be, and I want out.I look up at Echelon, (who of course is smiling like a deranged cat) with anger in my eyes, but with no means to teach the kitty-cat a lesson. And I don't mean just splashing some water in his face. I meant breaking it, wiping that dumb grin off his mask and making him spit out his own teeth. I wanted to so bad. But like I said, when Echelon put me under, something happened. I reached over to the side of the bed, pulling my legs out from under me to plant them on the stone floor. It seems I was out long enough for Echelon to fix up Vidar. And it seems I was moving without meaning to.I fought for the right to my limbs again, I really did. We all know how stubborn I am by now I'm sure. But no matter how much I fought, I couldn't do what I wanted to do. I was forced to watch as I lost control of the only thing I had left in my life. Me. I almost felt bad for Tuara, but I didn't (have you seen those legs?). I didn't feel sorry for anybody. I was too busy being angry. I was too busy being literally controlled by the freak before me. I still am being controlled by the freak before me to this day. I'm helpless.I stand up, coming to my full height. Echelon is tall, but I am even taller. I tower over him, but there is no motion to strike him down, no motion to bring him to his knees, and no intent to show him not to mess with me again. My body is no longer my own. And I am infuriated.My name is Utu Kotore, and when I am in control of my own body again, I'm going to kill everybody.

[Emzee]

IC: Niici – Niici’s Home

 

Niici fluidly walked into the metallic chamber, her feet clacking against the cold metal floor. In the bottom shelf to her left was a metal drawer. She squat down and pulled it open. As she fingered through the various thin documents, she scanned the headers of each one. Finally, her hand stopped at a slightly thicker grey tablet. Niici tenderly pulled it upwards to see that, yes, this was the contract that bound the Gentry with the Minions of Makuta. A lot of legalese wording was on this document, but the important part was the bottom. Was the contract renewed to account for its new chief of operations?

 

Indeed, Wokapu’s name and symbol was still scribbled on here. Niici was literally off the slate.

 

On the one hand, this meant that she could not be implicated. On the other, larger hand, however, this could affect her credibility. Her documents noted her connection with the club, but without a connection to the Makuta…

 

Niici gingerly set the tablet back in the drawer and closed it. She would have to think about that one. As she rose to her feet, a beige circular artifact caught her attention, sitting comfortably on the top shelf in the

 

[The next morning]

 

Niici was reading over the morning news, tablets sprawled out on her kitchen table. Her Matoran butler then walked into the room, and her eyes rose to meet his eyes she sipped her coffee.

 

“What’s up?”

 

“I heard through the underbrush that the transformed Kolhii player is in town. I didn’t think you’d be concerned, but Madam Gaira has ranted about your… interest in him”

 

Niici raised an eyebrow and lowered her mug, “Well, it’s hard to deny that. He has the perfect personality, and I saw an illustration from when he was in Ga-Koro… I can’t say I’m too excited though. Certainly not a Gentryman”

 

“I agree, madam,” the butler said. “It’s for your information. He’s staying at Rhanus’ Inn”

 

“Mmhm,” Niici had resumed to drinking her coffee, her eyes reverted back to the arrangement of tablets. She was not interested.

 

[30 minutes later]

 

A golden and glossy envelope was handed to the Innkeeper, a logo indicating that it was a letter from the Gentry, and it was for one person’s eyes only. The messenger nodded and quickly went about his way, and the letter was passed to a waitress.

 

Inside the envelope, was a "note of disinterest":

 

Hi Joske Nimil!

 

I hope the weather hasn’t been too harsh. You probably don’t know me, but I happen to be a fan. I’m going to be at the Ice Pick Café for lunch. Feel free to join me if you’d like a guide! I know everything about this region, and I’m sure there’s plenty the two of us could talk about!

 

<3

 

Niici

 

P.S. I’m the midnight-blue Toa outside on the balcony under an umbrella.

 

Meanwhile, Niici sat on her sofa with a sly grin. She had realized that she spent way too much keeping the Gentry rolling in money for their offerings to the Makuta, and not enough time being the director. The concert reminded her of that, and the massage and spa treatment gave her the motivation she needed.

[Friar Tuck]

OOC: Thanks for the timeskip Eyru. And since we're a tad behind schedule I'll skip a bunch of boring pleasantries...

 

IC

 

[inn of Rhanus, Ko-Koro; late morning]

 

With the addition of Cael to the table our group was complete. It was a late breakfast, for after the adventure in the ice and cold we were exhausted, and thus decided to sleep in. The morning not only had brought a new day but a new attitude as well, a feeling of a fresh start like the new snow that had fallen last night. As she took her seat and began to eat, I cleared my throat.

 

"Right, now that we're all here we can get started." I began, looking at each member around the table. "The last two we in one way rather easy, the charms known and/or easy to find. Here I think they will be more difficult to locate if not obtain; it's not a projection, just a gut feeling. Unless, of course, anyone knows where they are located or has a good guess?"

 

The silence around the table was enough for me. I nodded, folding my hands as I did so. "In which case I happen to know of a matoran named Kokkan in the village, though his is simply known as the Trader in these parts. He he might know the location of them, of if we're lucky, one or two himself. As soon as I am done here that's where I'm headed, and it shouldn't take me long. As much as I am for splitting up again, this region happens to be the worst place for most of us, and the last thing we need is a couple Ta-Toa losing themselves in the ice and cold."

 

I gave a small smile to Cael, the only non-fire-toa in our group. Definitely a small advantage at this point. Returning my gaze to the party I continued speaking. "I would suggest staying here, or someone can come with me, it doesn't matter to me either way. Though if you wish Cael you could take this time now to go poking around in Tuara's head; take it from someone who has been in there, it's a fascinating trip."

 

Pressing my palms against the table I quickly stood and stepped away, winking at the Ga-Toa while watching Tuara's face begin to contort. With a smile and a wave I grabbed a nearby cloak, very courteously provided by Rhanus, preparing to make my escape, but it was at that moment that I nearly plowed over the waitress who had stepped right in front of me. There was a second of odd momentum shifting for the two of us, but I managed not to run her over. As I looked down at the small matoran waitress, who held in her hands a small golden and glossy envelope. The waitress smiled shyly.

 

"I-I'm sorry sir, but this arrived early this morning."

 

With a nod of thanks I took it, opening it carefully and reading the contents within:

 

Hi Joske Nimil!

 

I hope the weather hasn’t been too harsh. You probably don’t know me, but I happen to be a fan. I’m going to be at the Ice Pick Café for lunch. Feel free to join me if you’d like a guide! I know everything about this region, and I’m sure there’s plenty the two of us could talk about!

 

<3

 

Niici

 

P.S. I’m the midnight-blue Toa outside on the balcony under an umbrella.

 

Niici, Niici... where had I heard that name before? Perhaps some fangirl I had posed with way back when? I tapped the note on my free hand, deep in thought.

"Joske, what does the note say?"

 

I turned to face Agni, as well as the others, who now were curious as to my change in demeanor. I humphed, smiling slightly. "Oh, just my amazing luck coming through yet again. I was thinking I would have to hunt down a Trader, but it seems as though fate has provided another way. I'll be back later. Bye!"

 

With that I finally left, note in hand, bracing myself for the temperature. It wasn't as bad as I stepped out into the arctic air, the wall of cold hitting me hard despite the sunny sky and low wind. Pulling the cloak tighter around myself I trudged through the village, searching for the Ice Pick Café... which wasn't easy, considering my unfamiliarity with the region. After about twenty minutes though I did find it, a second-story restaurant atop a fancy store. No wonder I didn't see it earlier. From my vantage point I did indeed see a midnight-blue female toa, sitting rather comfortably in a clearly expensive and fashionable set of furs, under said umbrella attached to a small table. I couldn't make out any details, but it was obvious she was beautiful, and knew it.

 

Well, here was go.

 

Collecting my thoughts I walked up the stairs to the balcony to meet this Niici.

 

OOC: Emzee, please describe the setting and with whom I am speaking with?

Edited December 30, 2012 by Friar Tuck

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC: Angelus (Rhanus' Inn, Ko-Koro)

 

[Earlier, that morning...]

 

Tuara, suffice it to say, was not happy: however she tried to play off her emotions in front of Angelus, that much was clear to the Toa of Fire. The Deputy stood in front of him as he sat, curled up against the window, an open journal balanced on his knees and pen hanging out of the end of his mouth, like a cigarette. A blanket was cast haphazardly over his shoulders like a shawl, so that the freezing glass of the window wouldn't chill his back unduly, and it looked as though the hunter had developed quite a little cave for himself.

 

"I didn't know you kept a journal," she said casually. Angelus, to his credit, tried to play it off with a grin, looking up and replying with a simple "I'm a man of many layers, Tuara" before scribbling out another couple lines of thought onto a blank spot about halfway down the page to the right. Tuara watched him work for all of about twenty seconds, a remarkably straight face on her beautiful visage, before Angelus finally looked up and the grin slowly slid away.

 

"What?"

 

"I know you, Angelus. You don't have layers: you have jungle boy, lover boy, and weird jungle shaman guy. You don't have journal guy," she said quietly, her voice deliberately hushed to keep out any accusatory or angry notes, as she plucked the journal from his distracted hands and began scanning it despite his yelps of protest. "And why is it that you've written more words on this one page than you've said to any of us since we left Ta-Koro. I know you don't know anybody, but--"

 

"You're right. I don't know anybody. May I have my journal back?"

 

"But you could at least talk to me," she finished. "Angelus, please. Talk to me. Cooping yourself up in a journal, spilling all your thoughts onto pages, both of us know where that leads people. It isn't healthy."

 

A subtle reference to Dorian's journal. Okay. Angelus ignored the inadvertent barb, merely snatched the journal back - receiving quite a paper cut down the length of his left ring finger in the process, and staring at the page. After about two minutes of silence, the Toa of Fire shut the journal, dropped it against the blanket, and stood, the pen balancing on the corner of his mouth still like a tightrope walker balances his way between two buildings. His hands brushed Tuara's cheeks softly as their eyes locked and Angelus sighed heavily.

 

"Fine. Alright, fine. I will make a cohesive effort to try and make conversation with at least one other group member by nightfall. Okay?"

 

Silence. The journal stopped rolling around in front of the window and lay facing front-cover up towards the roof. Tuara's eyes slowly broke their chokehold on Angel's and then met the leather-bound book slowly before heading back to those of her partner's.

 

"Okay," she finally said, a small, increasingly rare smile spreading across her face. "Okay. Fine. I believe you."

 

"Alright, cool. I'll be down for breakfast in a second."

 

If Tuara had stopped on her way out of the door, put her sudden, brief elation on hold just for a moment to turn around, she would have seen Angelus wrap the journal up with the rest of the few belongings he'd brought with him from Ta-Koro and position it so that it was hidden from view. After sparing a couple glances to make sure that the Deputy was gone, Angel sighed, dropped the pen on top of his stuff, and followed behind, running his hands over his face as he did so in a rare, private moment of exhaustion.

 

-Tyler

Edited December 30, 2012 by Tyler Durden

[EmperorWhenua]

Ic: The cold winds of change buzzed into Brykon's face as he fell ever downward, ever faster, into the chasms under Ko-Koro. Darkness seemed to swallow him up like a vast mouth agape, and he was diving right into it. He hit the steep inclines of the glacial chasm at great speed. It knocked the wind out of him but he quickly inhaled again and recovered, but his jacket was doing nothing to protect his body from the grind of body and armor on sheer wall of ice. His entire body started to be ground down by the ice as if he were a diamond in the rough.

 

And maybe that's what he was, just a diamond in the rough, being cut and polished. Maybe that's all he would ever seem to be to those who saw him.

 

It was dark then but he dared not to draw his lightstones out, not that he could have anyway. The steep side turned more angular and threw him off as if he were flicked from some giant's shoulder. He was airborne for a moment before he hit the ground hard again and was tossed further down into the abyssal subterranean world of Ko-Wahi. His body slammed into walls one after another, passed further and further through the tunnels.

 

Finally, he stopped falling and bouncing about and was dropped into a pool of frigid meltwater. He gasped for air, fearing an unfair death by drowning, and stabbed at the water in a vain attempt to swim. He thrashed with it, his fingers unable to dig into the slippery ice, desperately seeking salvation. Is this the fate I am to get? he asked himself. Is this my karmic punishment?

 

Sometimes it takes questioning one's self and surrendering to an ill-suited fate to be saved.

 

He stopped thrashing and slowly sank for a second before he hit the bottom with his feet. The pool wasn't even deep enough to consume him. It was just a trivial obstacle, there to test him, not to kill him. He started laughing at this sick joke by Fate and pulled a pick from his elemental hammerspace to slowly pull himself out of the slippery pool with his other hand clutching a lightstone for illumination.

 

He was in a vast icy cavern, it seemed, that served as home for a pond of icy water that flowed like a river and was output at one point. Seeing no other direction, he went down that path. With his pick and light he would find his way out of this maze. In this underground all streams went towards Onu-Wahi's caves. He would go there.

 

Hours later he entered Onu-Wahi's back, cold but less-iced tunnels. He had escaped Ko-Wahi and retribution from killing a Turaga. He was well on his way to success.

 

Ooc: Brykon to Onu-Wahi.

[Emzee]

Ic: Wokiya - Wokapu's mansion"It varies from time to time", Wokiya said, shrugging, "But I've tried to keep him close for the last century. Something about our family... we need each other to keep from losing our minds"Ic: Niici - CaféThe Toa eyed Joske as he walked up to the balcony. He looked considerably different from the illustrations. Despite this, Niici couldn't complain. At least he showed up.Still, thoughts crept through her mind about this meeting. Why was she really here? A desperate attempt to validate herself? Mind numbing loneliness? (the butler didn't count) Niici's pristine visage remained as it was while she forcefully beat these thoughts out of her head. The reason that she was here was that she DESERVED to be here; so much time, stress, and even pain went into running this club while helping her own plan come to fruition. Not to mention: engaging the kolhii star would be a boon to her popularity, a nice bonus along with just meeting an eligible bachelor. "Niici," Niici introduced herself as she rose from her small, circular table. She moved out from under the cool-hued umbrella so that Joske could clearly see her. She wore a slick get-up underneath her coat, one that shouted "business" but was still on the cutting edge of fashion. Her face was more than just clean, it was radiant, softly reflecting the bright sun's rays. Her mask was polished, her blue hands manicured to perfection. "It looks like you have had quite an adventure," Niici said, giggling as she extended her hand, Joske taking it in turn, "Please, have a seat"As they both sat down, and sharply dressed waiter walked by. Niici knew this Ko-Matoran and quickly ordered her usual drink."one coffee please, usual color," Niici said, "usual" meaning black. "what would you like sir?" asked the surly waiter.