Harvali

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi relaxed a bit, Enra knew what she was doing it seemed. He leaned on his staff and drummed it’s hand … what should he say. Was there anything else needing saying? He supposed they should share the details about the ruins possibly affecting the Tahtarok, but he was unsure even if such a Ruin existed near Kini-Koro. The big temple was there, but were they the same thing?

He … he wracked his mind to think of what to say, before he heard a chirping sound. The two Vahki present were chattering quickly. He … where they aggregated? He was bad at reading Matoran, let alone other breeds. Swallowing he said. ”Obedient, Impressionable, has anything happened?” 

OOC: @Toru Nui

…

IC “Komisti” - Stone Ruins of Tobduk-Koro

Komisti staggered and stumbled, barely able to stand upright. They struggled along, their body felt weighed down by the carcass of the Rain Demon. Their heartlight beat slow, their feet stumbled over the rough terrain, as they tried to … to reach … what were they trying to reach.

They weren’t sure where they were walking, just stumbling. It was hard to keep their optics open, hard to tell where they were walking. Then they heard a cry. M-Matoran. Right, they … they had to protect the Matoran, their unity was … was … they needed to protect them.

The Vortixx tapped their Kanoka Blade to their side, sending searing cold over their side. They staggered from the pain, but the pain kept them awake, kept them lumbering forward. They … they could regenerate the wounds later. No … no, their mask would not work on flesh.

They dragged themselves forward, their blade freezing the molten ground to keep it solid. As they walked they could see … see movement.

”Ulkarr?” Komisti managed, leaning on their blade as they reached the Aspect, though they quickly fell behind, “What … what is that thing … it’s not … it’s not the beast that attacked Po-Koro. It’s … there are two? What … what do we do?” They mostly spoke to themself, barely able to focus enough to keep the ground frozen together. 

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Sparticus147 @Toru Nui

IC “Komisti” - Kini-Koro Portal

The Vortixx winced as they crashed to the muddy ground, shoved down by fleeing refugees. They swallowed and pushed themselves up with their Kanoka Blade, before sweeping their optics to search around the landscape. They did not have the time to worry about the portals.

It was … the landscape had liquified, the very earth melted into a pool of mud. Trees were wrenched free of their roots, their bark splintered and shattered by lightening. There was a awful smell, like the polluted skimpiest of Xia. Komisti winced at the memories that followed that scent.

The storm was close too,  loser than it had been in Po-Koro. And as they turned, they could see shadows blurred by the rain and clouds. The shadows seemed to lumber and shake, mixing and merging with each other. Could … could there be more than one?

Still, it was less hopeless than Po-Koro. They could see Matoran and other breeds digging trenches, see Toa trying to repel the landslides. There were more people here, and many of them seemed more powerful and experienced than the heroes who fought to save Po-Koro.

Komisti shook their head and began to sprint towards the trenches. Their ice might be able to support the walls, keeping them from collapsing. As they ran their Kanoka Blade trailed against the ground, solidifying a trail of ice across the molten terrain. Hopefully that would buy the villagers fleeing to Tobruk-Koro time.

But as they reached the trenches around Kini-Koro, everything changed. For a split second they saw a shadow engulfing the village, before a sudden force slammed into them. The Vortixx fell to the ground from the blow, drenching wet.

They staggered, leaning on their blade. “What … what … rain?” It was … it was hard to speak, exhausting to … to stand. They swayed as a foul-smelling fluid dropped off them, it was … it was hard to stand. Fumes burnt their … their optics, this … poison? The rain demon of Po-Koro had … had poison?

They struggled to stand, even as they spotted a colossal beast leering over the valley. One alien to the rain demon.

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Sparticus147 @Toru Nui

…

IC Mahrika - the Aqua Sphere

Mahrika followed behind the Toa, resting her Flame Sword against her shoulder. As she walked up her telescopic lens swept around her, searching for danger. If that was indeed some sort of Vahki, something from Ollem’s world, had someone else broken into this water district?

Ollem kept close to Mahrika, that thing, she might have been right. It had looked like some terrifying version of a Vahki, one whose designers had seen no reason to make them tool-using bipeds. He … his fingers strayed across his cloaking device, preparing to vanish at any instant. Not just from the Vahki, but in case Kas betrayed them.

The Desecrated Ga-Matoran could feel Ollem press close, and said, “I will keep you safe, brother.”Ollem seemed to wince at that, did he no longer trust her. Or was the term too silly? Still she meant her words, she would not let her friend die.

She continued to look around as she climbed the stairway. If there were others infiltrating this ruin, she needed to be ready at any moment. And as she looked about she felt her optics shifting, their lens reassembling and unfolding as they refocused. Her optics were adapting for better sight. 

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Eyru

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi nodded reassuringly at Enra, but leaned on his staff. Quietly he drummed to himself, muttering, “Refugees, floods, unstable terrain, cavern collapses, Toa and Skakdi stabilizing ground, stones. Refugees, floods, unstable terrain…” This continued as he spoke under his breathe, reviewing the topics he had advised Enra to say.

But he was not entirely chanting to only remind her. For one was trying to recall all the details he had shared with Enra for his own sake. Just in case he would need to speak up. And for another, he could hear the radio crackle with static as rain and thunder pounded Kini-Koro. The village was in a maelstrom, it was even audible from here.

He should be out there, rescuing Matoran, carrying them to higher ground, regenerating crumbling buildings. Kanohi was needed. But he … he was the only Councilor current in Tobduk-Koro. He could not a-abandon the village. He … he had a Duty.

His fingers tapped his Kiril Staff frantically, trying to stay calm. He should be out there. He should be helping the refugees. But he was just here, far from the horror.

OOC: @Sparticus147 @Toru Nui

…

IC “Komisti” - Stone Ruins of Tobduk-Koro

Komisti dragged themself upright, brandishing their Kanoka Blade. They … they had to protect the Unity of the Matoran. The friendships, the bonds. Lawful and the Big Bruiser were helping guide the refugees, and it was better they handle it. They were … the Vahki and Steltian could handle social issues easier than they could, Komisti would only scare the Matoran more. Right now they needed comfort.

More importantly, Komisti had … their self pity and self loathing did not matter. It was irrelevant. What mattered was that these Matoran were terrified, them and the other refugees. Their heartlights were flashing in a frenzy, their optics bulging with terror to almost rip apart their masks. They were drenched, their chassis bent and deformed from pounding water. The rain demon was … it was worse than Po-Koro.

They … they had to help. And with their Kanoka Blade freezing the ground, their Kiril regenerating the landscape l it could buy time for the refugees of Kini-Koro to escape. They could save lives.

They looked at the portal, their heartlight pounding. They did not trust this gaping hole in reality. But so far no traveler had been damaged by it, at least visibly. And … the life of a Vortixx creep mattered little compared to the lives of Matoran.

Turning to Lawful they said, “I … I will try to buy time for more to evacuate. The Matoran matter more.” And then shoving their feet down, they plowed through their fear and through the portal.

Elsewhere Avka looked at the stones, how would one tell a story with this? There was so little detail. How could they represent a Toa, or even the Vahki?

The Desecrated Av-Matoran winced as Komisti spoke, but they were right. And as much as Avka hated to admit the Vortixx helped, their Kanoka Blade did buy the Matoran time in Po-Koro. Looking at the stones, they saw one with a crystalline surface, its color a sharp cyan. Like ice.

They placed the Diamond gemstone onto the Amaja Circle. 

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Sparticus147 @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

The cross-wired Councilor winced, shuffling awkwardly, “S-sorry, I did not communicate well. I had … Enra had heard the message of the Admin regarding the stones, I was hoping she would remember more details when we broadcasted.”

He paused and swallowed, “but maybe she should broadcast. Make it more … coherent for Kini-Koro.” He winced he … he did not feel like he had better self esteem. But his voice being an error, if the age-Matoran himself had said it, that would be fine. It would have just been a joke or, a simple truth. But hearing it from another, it sat ill.

Especially since it was not a problem with his voice processor. It was his anxiety, making it hard to trust his own words. Trust he did not seem a fool or a failure.

Still, as uncomfortable as he felt having his voice called ‘an error,’ lives were on the line. That mattered far more. So swallowing he said, “We will need to inform Akiri Vulimai that we will accept their refugees in this … crisis. I do not remember if you were in Po-Koro when the rain … the Tahtarok attacked, but it’s power was w-water. And during the flood, it turned the village into a quagmire.”

He paused, “They need to avoid hiding in bunkers or tunnels, they will only collapse and flood. Likewise as the ground is eroded the landscape will crumble, especially around where caves and tunnels lay. They will need people with the power of the ground to stabilize the terrain. Toa of … Toa and Skakdi of Stone, Earth, Iron, Magnetism, Jungle, and even ice should be able to plaster and hold the land together. Psionics might help to. During the Flood of Po-Koro Komisti used their Kanoka Blade of Freezing to slow the village sinking.”

Kanohi swallowed, drumming his staff as he drew it. He … he did not believe the people of Kini-Koro could actually fight the beast. Only weather it, survive it as it wanders past. And if it actively wished to destroy them? There was nothing he could do.

Finally he added, “then explain the stones, as best you can.”

OOC: @Toru Nui

…

IC “Komisti” - Stone Ruins of Tobduk-Koro

Avka nodded, “He indeed ran through in a huff. I tried to stop him, of course, but he got past.” Komisti paused, they were not sure if they fully believed that the Av-Matoran tried to stop Ulkarr, something in their wording, but it mattered little. 

Then the Admin spoke, and the Vortixx winced. “I … we have to invent a tale? I … don’t see how that would help. And I am unfamiliar with stories. What about you two?” They asked the two Protoderms, before pausing, “Lawful, Reckless, are you familiar with this art?”

“I could try, never got a chance to tell stories in Stelt,” the Big Bruiser offered.

”If it’s storytelling we need, I can handle that,” Avka boasted, “I have watched many performances of the Dance of the Rain Demon.” Komisti nodded slowly. Of course, that dance the Matoran of Tobduk-Koro perform to celebrate the Toa and others saving them during the flood. It was appropriate to the situation, maybe it would—

And then the portal erupted with refugees, scrambling over themselves. They were mostly Matoran, but there also were Vortixx, Steltian elites, and an assortment of other Protoderms. They barreled through, their armor and clothes soaking wet, their optics wide in fear.

Komisti was shoved to the side, slammed into a wall. As they stood dazed Avka leapt behind a doorway, hiding out as the refugees fled. The Big Bruiser handled the swarm best, her body was a wall of biomechanical muscle. As they scrambled past she called out, “I will handle them, Avka, go use the circle.” She began to walk among them, trying to herd them and reassure them.

Avka meanwhile squeezed their way towards the Amaja Circle’s room. Their hands glowed pearl gold with fiery light, helping ward so of the retreating villagers from colliding with them. They would protect Kini-Koro and Tobduk-Koro. And what other way could defeating a monster be done than with the act any Matoran could do, and do better than any breed. The Principle of Creation would guide them now.

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Sparticus147 @Toru Nui

IC Mahrika - Aqua-Sphere

…

IC Kardaka - Ko-Pou

The Turaga of Stone nodded, making her way Okua. She recognized him at least, and Toa he was. He was not as terrifyingly strong as a Kaita. “The three healers here formed a Kaita. I … from what I overheard, these Matoran were poisoned by Energized Protodermis.”

She hesitated, “I … I do not remember much of Energized Protodermis. I … I had forgot it existed. I … I can vaguely remember something though. I believe it has a dual nature, corruption and healing, empowerment and destruction. Good and bad.” 

She frowned beneath her Noble Kiril, her memory failed her, but the dissolving shoreline, the crash of the Ark, the mutated Matoran who came from the abandoned village, and the strange colored waters around the Ark. Was Energized Protodermis leaking from the Ark? Could that be what was destroying the shoreline? 

OOC: @Tarn @Snelly @Onaku @Toru Nui @Vezok's Friend

IC Mahrika - Aqua-Sphere

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi rubbed his head again, the Vahki could be quite overwhelming. Still, they were great allies, they were people, and it was not their fault he struggled. His inability to handle stress was not because of them, it was his own flaws.

For now though, he had a duty. Kanohi followed after Enra, his staff thumping the ground as he walked. As he did he could see Collector, sorry, Komisti had already alerted the guards of Tobduk-Koro, some were gathering Regeneration Disks, likely to help mend Kini-Koro once the flood had ended. Others were building crude shelters for refugees. Hopefully they were more prepared, this time.

OOC: @NorikSigma @Toru Nui

…

IC Kardaka - Ko-Pou

The Turaga of Stone winced at the Matoran suspended in the air. They looked so … she wanted to embrace them, hold them tight. But she knew too well that you cannot approach a beast that way, it would be overstimulating and upsetting, and she did not want to do that to a person. Especially a sick one.

Clearing her throat, Kardaka asked, “K-Kaita, is there anything I can do to help them?” It was clear how weak she was, how little she could help.

Kardaka … she briefly wondered if she should have accepted a Kraata over her millennia here, she certainly had encountered Aspects before. But almost immediately she shook her head. She could not gain power from the death of another, that was the kind of cruelty that killed this island, and she rejected it. And so many Aspects she had met had been the embodiment of the selfishness that doomed this land, she could not serve them.

But she did serve, she had to. And she vaguely recalled that once, there were Aspects who could make Kraata from Rahi heartlights, still horrid, but at least every part of the Rahi could then be used. If she could find a noble Aspect — no! She did not deserve that power.

Even so, she was helpless to help these Matoran. To help anyone in this weak body of hers. And she had to serve the living, help make up for her evils. And a noble Aspect - she should serve someone who could keep her worse instincts in check. A Toa, well, a Turaga should not be allowed unchecked power. 

OOC: @Tarn @Snelly @Onaku @Toru Nui @Vezok's Friend

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi rubbed his mask, the Vahki were … it was a bit hard to focus, their many fast voices, the anger or frustration. It … his heartlight pounded as pressure built in his body’s piping. The cross-wired Fe-Matoran massaged his head, he had … had had to help Kini-Koro, as well as Tobduk-Koro. And that meant dealing with the … Tahtarok. The rain demon that sank Po-Koro

Finally Enra’s words registered in his head. For a split second he was relieved, then the last few months caught up with him. Between Mata-Nui and Stannis he … he could not blindly trust in magic, the Vahki were not wrong. But his visions did bring the villagers here, and … and he could not afford to dismiss this circle and it’s stones.

The Councilor cleared his throat, “R-Right I…” he cleared his throat, trying to focus, “It would be easy to trust in vague magic, or dismiss it as nonsense but I … lives are on the line. We cannot depend solely on magic, but we cannot afford to dismiss it. We … we need to alert Kini-Koro of these stones, and study the ones inside our ruins. Maybe they are science, maybe magic, maybe something in between. Maybe they are nothing. But we need something to … we cannot risk dismissing a resource that could save us.”

”Enra, can you come with me to the radio tower, so we can try to alert Kini-Koro to a potential resource they could use, as well as coordinate aid for them. Vahki, would one of you be willing to head into the ruins to investigate these stones? If they are useless or unreliable, at the least you would be more able to observe the situation in Kini-Koro, so we can prepare.”

OOC: @NorikSigma @Toru Nui

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IC Kardaka - Ko-Pou

The Turaga of Stone stepped back, summoning her pebbles back towards her. Slowly each stone dropped into her pouches, clinking against each other. She winced at the sharp collisions she … she knew it would have scratched and stung the Matoran. The rocks would not have been that harmful, but she would have been still causing harm. Still hurting people.

Kardaka used to be able to create stone barriers, form pits to coral Rahi. But since she … she had not deserved the kind of power a Toa wields, that power was destructive and abusive, but even still. Maybe she could have helped the fearful Matoran without harming them at all, if she was a Toa. But she had given up her power, as she should have. It was the right thing to do, she had a duty to perform that penance, and it had saved the life on someone in pain.

The point was, she was a weak Turaga now, and she had to adapt to her new frailer clumsier state. But it still was wrong, that her only method of keeping these people safe was to block them with a swarm of stones. There was no kindness to it, regardless of her intent.  

The Turaga shook her head, as the Kaita towered over the Matoran. “I … be careful,” she warned the fused being, “I do not recognize your spirit but … that power can be overwhelming.” If the power of a Toa was corruptive, a Kaita with the powers of three Toa, she could not help but worry at that strength. 

OOC: @Tarn @Snelly @Onaku @Toru Nui @Vezok's Friend

Two posts in one day, first time in ages.

IC Mahrika - Aqua-Sphere

IC “Komisti” - Stone Ruins of Tobduk-Koro

The Vortixx approached the guards outside the Ruins of Stone, calling out, “Listen, we may have refugees pouring in from Kini-Nui, be prepared to let them through. Those of you who have skill making tents—”

”Why should we listen to you, schemer?”

Komisti winced, feeling the hilt of their blade. Finally they said, “The Vahki intercepted a message from Kini-Koro, a storm is growing. They have spotted the rain demon.”

The guards both Matoran and other breeds spun to the ruins, their heartlights flashing. “I … we will prepare to adopt our brothers and sisters,” the De-Matoran guard nodded, clutching his Disk of Weakening so tightly it seemed to vibrate from pressure.

Komisti nodded, looking to another guard, a Steltian. “I … I may need your help. My Kanoka Blade should help me freeze any water that passes through the … portal, if the water grows too violent, I will need help resisting it.” The Big Bruiser nodded and she followed after them, hurrying towards the ruins.

As they ran through the ruins to the portal, a bolt of fiery light hurled from the ruin, nearly singing the pair. “Stay back,” a shaky voice said. Komisti strained to see them, there was nothing, there, that pair of bright torches, they were an Av--Matoran’s hands. Their Desecrated Mask was just about visible underneath their hood.

“Avka, right?” interrupted the Big Bruiser, her pickaxe relaxed, “It’s okay, I am a guard too. We are here to help refugees.”

“Refugees? Wh-what is happening in Kini-Koro?”

“The Rain Demon has been spotted by Kini-Koro.” Avka almost fainted at the Vortixx’s words, slumping against the wall. Their heartlight was a flashing mess, blazing in uneven spurts. Komisti ran to them, offering their hand. “It is okay, I will help keep the rain away.”

The Desecrated Av-Matoran nodded with an unfocused look, before their optics narrowed with memory. They grabbed Komisti’s hand and hauled themself upright, managing. “The … the Ruins, the Administrator claimed that a new room of the ruins had opened, one that can be used to fight monsters. It … it may help against the rain demon.”

Komisti made an unpracticed smile, holding out their fist for Avka to thump. Without thinking the Matoran thumped their hand, as the Vortixx called out, “Admin, the ruins, is that true? Can this temple be used against the Rain demon that destroyed Po-Koro?”

OOC: @Sparticus147 just tagging you since we are preparing for refugees. @Vezok's Friend not sure which mod I should tag for the Stone Ruins Admin, so here you go.

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IC Kardaka - Ko-Pou

The Turaga of Stone shuddered as the three Toa fused into one, their bodies unfolding and disconnecting like molten iron splashing and melding into a puddle. She stumbled, just as she heard snarls of fear. The Matoran, of course the sight of a Kaita would terrify them.

But, if they fled, they could be lost to, consumed by the vanishing, the Skakdi, or the Rain Demon. She … these Matoran had fled the dying island, but that did not matter. She could only account for her own sins, and make amends for her actions. And her penance was to serve.

Swallowing Kardaka unclamped a few of her pouches and focused her now limited Elemental powers. small pebbles and chunks of stones floated out of her bags, whirling in front of the sick Matoran. She attempted to coral them away from the exits, using the rocks to scratch mildly at them like a swarm of flies. As she tried to keep them inside she began to waddle other, to prepare to use her long pinching staff to further coral them. 

OOC: @Tarn @Snelly @Onaku @Toru Nui @Vezok's Friend

IC Mahrika - The Suva of Fire

The Desecrated Ga-Matoran nodded, if they all were going one at a time, that should be fine, “Okay, I will go first.” she said, reaching behind her to make sure her new sword was secured. That Flame Sword will be little use against Toa Kas, a Toa of Fire would have resistance to heat, and the Aqua Sphere was covered in water. Still, it was something. 

Then she reached through her mind to Tuakana, “Brother, if this Toa betrays us, and I am stranded … is there anything you will need me to do in this Aqua Sphere?”

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Eyru 

IC Kanohi and “Komisti” - Tobduk-Koro

Kanohi felt his heartlight stop, and he slumped against his staff. The … the so called rain demon, a Tahtarok as they called it, its … it had resurfaced? It was heading towards Kini-Koro? He … he thought it would be an invasion from the Earth Ruins not … not that.

The cross-wired Matoran could barely focus in on the words hurled around him. That … that Tahtarok had destroyed Po-Koro, utterly destroyed the village. And … and it had not even gotten close, just walked past. If that demon was headed towards Kini-Koro could … could anyone survive?

His heartlight began to pound, vibrating as he clutched his staff. He … he should have … he needed to—

“Kanohi,” Komisti interrupted, “it’s not here. We can still help them.”

The councilor nodded, “Okay … right. Right, right right right right right,” he rubbed his head, he and Councilor NU had developed a rough plan in case the rain demon returned, it was hard to remember in this panic, NU was smarter about this.

Finally he squeezed out of his mask, “we need to contact Kini-Koro. Warn them to avoid low ground or ground that might be unstable. Which is obvious, s-sorry. We need to alert the guards that refugees might be piling in from the portal, and to let them in. We need to have Disks of Regeneration on hand, to help mend any of their homes and tools that break.”

Komisti winced, they were not eager for more to use the portal, still they said, “I will alert the guards by the ruins. My Kanoka Blade was useful during the last flood, it might be good for me to be nearby.”

Kanohi nodded, “we also should encourage Kini-Koro to send their refugees our way, and we need temporary housing for any of them who flee here. Would one of you Vahki be willing to pass on that message? I will … I will join you by the radio tower shortly, I-I will need to be to ready to respond.”

Komisti nodded and followed after Ulkarr, drawing their Kanoka Blade. They knew their frost would be useless against that storm, they saw its power. But wearing a mask, channeling the element of Ice through their blade? It made them feel more like a Toa, and that made them a bit more confident. And they would need that push. 

OOC: @NorikSigma @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi and “Komisti” - Tobduk-Koro

Councilor Kanohi turned to the Skakdi of Lightning and nodded, “Hello Enra, I am sorry for being distracted, a lot is happening. Has something happened in the Ruins?” He looked to the Ruins that linked their village to Kini-Koro.

He was interrupted by the sound of the Vahki reacting, and turned back to see a large being before him. He was taller than most Toa, wearing what looked like a Mask of Accuracy, his armor resembled a carapace and was a blended mix of royal blue and yellow. He towered over all present, except one.

Komisti looked at this stranger, he was far wider than them. They … they did not know much of the League, but there was influences of Carapar in his proportions. Could this be a former member of the League? They shook their head, no need to be suspicious of him yet. And right now there was a truce, even if he was from the League, it would be foolish to start conflict

So instead the Vortixx stated, “I am afraid right now the Ruins are being monitored, transit is limited between them. I am afraid the portals and the ruins themselves may be unsafe, given the mutations that befell two Toa.”

That was indeed the truth, after what befell Arkius and Atamai, they did not trust the ruins to be safe. Though from what the Admin said, maybe the regulating servers were simply disabled. On the other hand, from what they had said, the NUVA doors had never been opened before. Either the ruins were unsafe because of the Admin lacking control, or because they were unprepared for that radiation. Either option was not great.

OOC: @NorikSigma @Toru Nui

…

IC Mahrika - The Suva of Fire

The Desecrated Ga-Matoran felt her heartlight beat quicker as she moved in front of her brother Tuakana, her sword gripped tight. As she moved in front her eyes seemed to brighten with faint flickering flames, and her weight shifted to hold her blade better, her arms subtly growing thicker.

Mahrika stared at the Toa, but struggled to speak. Not out of fear, her brother was here, for the first time in millennia. He could defeat Kas if the Toa was difficult.

No, she was muted with anger, struggling to articulate her frustration. How dare Kas, Tuakana had saved her beloved, without them Mahrika would have died ages ago, let alone Vokarda too. And Kas had the gull to dehumanize the noble Trickster?

Monsters, she remembered the stories now, the lies her people told about the Tricksters of the South, demonizing them as savages and manipulative, who tricked the innocents into murder. Tuakana had saved Vokarda, no one had died, only a life had been saved.

Finally she managed to articulate, “Tuakana is the one who kept me and my beloved Vokarda alive on this dying island. I trust them with my heartlight.” Then she reached into her bag and produced the Mask of Quick Travel, offering it to the Toa.

Meanwhile Ollem had taken this slight distraction as a chance to move towards the telescope. He pressed his optics to the lens and searched the sky, looking for the glow of the Red Star. 

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Eyru 

IC Kanohi and “Collector” - Tobduk-Koro

Councilor Kanohi nodded vaguely, but he had to disagree. This might be important. If only because if the Protoderms originally came from this island, then if this island is destroyed, there is a chance that no one would be left of their peoples. And that was … upsetting.

As he paused Collector approached, coughing. “Oh um, Collector. Or, whatever you end up wishing to go by. Councilor NU is currently missing, so Ulkarr has been appointed as councilor in her stead by the other Vahki.”

The Vortixx nodded slowly and said, “I have been thinking. My fixation on the element of Ice, the way my blade makes moisture in the air turn to mist. I will adopt the name Komisti, I think.”

Kanohi sighed with relief, “That is wonderful, Komisti. Um, is something wrong?”

They shook their head, drumming their Kanoka Blade’s hilt. “I was speaking to Sucordak, he is willing to offer us four spare disks of weakening. Given that we have another leader to monitor things, and we are prepared for an attack, should you, Sucordak, and I attempt to forge the blades now?”

”Oh, um, right,” He had forgotten about that, “Um, Councilor Ulkarr, Vahki, would it be alright if I leave for the moment to work in Forge of Vakama? One of the new defenses Akiri Vulimai and I discussed is to build Kanoka Blades of Weakening, to better equip our village and Kini-Koro. If you would not mind, I would like to begin working on the project.”

OOC: @Toru Nui want to have Obedient intercept the message that the Rain Demon might be approaching Kini-Koro?

IC Kanohi - Tobruk-Koro

Kanohi bowed, “Very well. Would one of you mind radioing Kini-Koro to ask if Toa Vashni is available? Or someone who owns and can access the powers of a Rode?”

He then paused and said, “Councilor Ulkarr, I … have you ever heard of an Ark? The Administrator mentioned it, when we walked in on Whisper’s conversation with it. I believe the Admin claimed that some people from this island left aboard it ages ago. I asked Toa Stannis if that’s what … the head was meant to be,” he gestured to the blip on the horizon where Mata-Nui’s skull lay, “and if my people had once been from this land, and abandoned it. He only answered that it was a theory.”

But if he had connections to the Aspects, and the Aspects only spawn in the island to the far south, then either he has forgotten, or he knew more than he said. 

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

Councilor Kanohi began to pace, mumbling to himself. Ulkarr was not a Matoran, the leadership of Tobduk-Koro would not be solely under the control of one breed. He … his story on what happened to Ramada had still not been verified, but as of yet he had not made any moves to desecrate another Matoran, and he had alerted him to Stannis’s … confusing identity, and the rest…

Finally Kanohi said, “He has worked alongside us a long time, and he knows more about this island than us. And he seems devoted to helping the island. But the situation with Bode, I … I have a responsible to know the truth. Truth … I have heard Toa Vashni is active again, she is a Toa of Psionics, she can read minds. Ulkarr, do you think you would be alright with her verifying that as far as you know, Bode euthanized Ramaka? I believe, and I am no expert on Psionics, but I believe she can control how much she sees, and that she can only see what you choose to show her. I believe she cannot dig into your private life.”

”If that idea is uncomfortable, I understand, we could try to locate a Toa with a Mask of Truth instead. I just don’t know where to find such a mask. We would not need to do it right now, but in the near future. Outside of that, if Vahki here vote for you to lead in Councilor NU’s stead directly I will accept their decision, they are smarter than me. And … your perspective already has revealed things I had not even thought to question.” His fingers twirled around his necklace.

OOC: @Toru Nui so sorry for the late reply

…

IC Kardaka - Ko-Pou

The Turaga of Stone paused outside the room, Energized Protodermis? But … the Golden fluid only enhanced or purified? How could it mutate Matoran in such a way? If it could do this, and this Toa was familiar with it, then either this form was an enhancement, or somehow The Energerized Protodermis on the Ark had been … corrupted.

As the group resolved to form a Kaita she swallowed, “It … it has been a while since I saw a Kaita. A healer Kaita, that might be safe. I … I will hang by, just in case.” Her memories, they remained hazy, but she thought she recalled towering hybrids of Toa, hurling elements against wildlife, clearing entire Nui-Rama Hives with ease, to mine the ground below. She … the memory was blurry, but she … she could not help but be wary. Toa had too much strength that they did not deserve, a Toa Kaita was far worse. And until they fused, there was little way to know what the Spirit’s personality would be like.  

OOC: @Tarn @Snelly@Onaku @Vezok's Friend

IC Minion Avka - Ruins of Stone

Avka scoffed, “Collector’s a Vortixx, you know how greedy their kind can be. Like how…” They paused, they were about to say ‘like how Skakdi are savages,’ but given the present company, they would hold that thought inside. Plus Zadred was civilized, a credit to her breed.

So instead the Av-Matoran continued, “There are exceptions, but well, I saw that smirk on their face when Po-Koro was flooded. Probably imagining how much money they would get paid to rebuild our meager homes. And worse, there are rumors that they might be seeking the power and prestige of Toahood, that they plot to go against the very order set down by Mata—”

Avka shuddered, don’t … don’t dwell on that. Instead they said quietly, “Kilo I have heard nothing bad about. Just wanted to make sure he won’t betray Toa Arkius and the other Toa in the Earth Ruins to the Mesi. But if he’s programming is stable, I will relax.”

OOC: @Toru Nui @Onaku

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

Councilor Kanohi flinched and looked away., “I … I am not sure I should give you orders. But, we need to prepare…” He mustered his courage and said “Okay, we need to locate Councilor NU, but in the meantime, we need to have a way of knowing what’s going on Kini-Koro, in case someone invades through the Earth Ruins portal. Maybe a Vahki Staff could do that.”

Kanohi paused, and said, “I do not know all the details, but I believe your Vahki team traveled much of the island beforehand. Did you encounter any threats that might attack from the Earth Ruins?”

He suddenly felt Ulkarr’s visage glaring at him, though it was likely in his head. Quietly he said, “There … is something I need to discuss with the Vahki. It is about your kin who currently serve the League. I … do not know if this would be a personal topic, but until Councilor NU returns, I will need to plan with the rest of your team. I … do not feel comfortable with a Matoran solely making the decisions here.”

OOC: @Toru Nui Sorry it’s been so long, hopefully I have not forgotten any details.

…

 IC Mahrika - The Great Telescope

The Desecrated Ga-Matoran winced and nodded, “I … yes, brother, the sword.” She looked at the Flame Sword in her hand and sighed, “If … if at all possible, if we can recover a different sword, I would like to exchange it for this blade right now. But, the Crystal Blade of the Archipeligo, it’s here.”

Ollem watched as Mahrika’s blade shimmered, before replacing with that of the Crystal Blade. She held its blade in her left hand and it’s hilt in her right, standing on her tippy toes to offer it to her brother.

Something was wrong here. She … this was no Toa she served, but this being had a link to her mind? That was too much like the staves of the Vahki. Mahrika, could he trust her? And even if she was trustworthy, could this brother of hers override her will. Something was … his hand strayed towards his cloaking device, just in case. But she … they had traveled together long enough, so for now he just waited.

OOC: @Unreliable Narrator @Burnmad @Eyru 

…

IC Minion Avka - Ruins of Stone

Avka swallowed, uneasy with two Skakdi here. Still, Zadred seemed civilized, a credit to her breed. So they coughed, speaking their wandering thoughts out loud, “There also appears to be a new defense system in the ruins, though none of us have meddled with it yet.”

They paused, they … they should not trust savages, but Zadred, well they needed to alert the Koro. “I … Tobruk-Koro has attempted to scout the landscape to the west, but much of it is now made of canyons. We can no longer reach the ruins of Po-Koro. If … if those had been tunnels that now are exposed, and even if they weren’t, the Earth Ruins were likely buried by the crash of … Metru-Nui. If that is the domain of these savages, we will need to warn the Akiri that Mesi might come through the Earth Ruins portal, as well as that a new defense system exists.”

OOC: @Toru Nui @Onaku

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

The Councilor let out a sigh, “Thank you I … I am sorry.” He paused to stare at the diadem, seeing his optics reflected in the glass. Was he really so quick to revert to distrust someone different? Had he really learned so little, grown so little?

Kanohi swallowed and pocketed the necklace, “I … I must talk to him, yes. Thank you for alerting me of this, I … I am not happy to hear it, but I think I needed to.” He let out a sigh, “I am sorry, I … I fear I have yet to grow beyond my upbringing. I will try to be more mindful of my biases, and fight them.”

He paused, “I … I am not sure if you had heard of the Far Shore, but the Aspect who told me some of the abilities of Aspects, I believe he had claimed to have gained some powers from there. Collector might know more, since they were talking to the Aspect for more details on the Far Shore.”

OOC: @Toru Nui

…

IC Minion Avka - Ruins of Stone

Avka swallowed, this was one of the savage Skakdi who wiped out the native Matoran? They … they supposed that had obviously been an option but they hadn’t really considered that. They would have to be careful. Still, she seemed to acknowledge this place was savage, that … that was reassuring.

And there was something else. They knew as well as anyone that the great hero Arkius had left to unlock the Earth Ruins. If a new portal became opened, it would likely be there. And given that the Earth Ruins might be buried underneath Mat— 

They shuddered. But regardless of that … that h-head, if the ruins now lay underground, they had heard rumors of an event that happened before Metru-Koro was abandoned. An event that might be relevant now.

The Av-Matoran mustered their courage and said, “Maybe you can explain something then. After Metru-Koro was bombed, a group of Skakdi attacked from underground. I have heard they looked a bit different than your kind. What exactly were they?”

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kanohi - Tobduk-Koro

The Councilor shuddered as the diadem shook, feeling it rattle as dark energies coursed into it. It … he could feel it shake in his hands, feel it quake from pressure. And the pressure was getting to the cross-wired Matoran too, what if it broke, he did not want Stannis to know, he didn’t want to betray him. He … he had been trusted with it, he could not risk breaking it.

Kanohi could not humor the idea that Ulkarr was manipulating him with a vision. There was too much sensory input, and he … he could not take the risk. finally he could take no more and pulled the necklace back, panting.

“I … I don’t want to risk it brokering,” he said through heavy breathes, “but you have … proved you concerns are more than valid. I … I will have to alert Councilor NU, or at least the Vahki, if she is still missing.”

OOC: @Toru Nui

IC Kardaka - on Route to Ko-Pou

The Turaga of Stone slid off the bike, falling flat on her face. Shakily she propped herself back onto her feet, using her Badge of Office as leverage. She shook her herself off and followed after Triage, using her staff to balance her steps. As she walked she out her hand to her mask, focusing on mending anything damaged by her fall. Her numerous falls.

It … she deserved it, for so long she had enjoyed power, both as an enforcer of Matoran supremacy and as a repentant wanderer. It was only right than her penance take away the power she had over others. Power she did not deserve, nor have earned. She deserved this discomfort, this unease, it was part of the punishment her kind deserved. And this … the body of a Turaga wasn’t the most uncomfortable form she had been stuck in. Though, that had been a long time ago.

And any unease she felt towards her new form immediately felt insignificant and arrogant as she followed behind Triage. These Matoran, she heard they had been sick, but these strange forms, what had happened. Even … even after everything the Matoran had done, she … her heartlight pulsates seeing the charges she was empowered to protect suffering and mutilated.

”What happened to them? Is … is there something I can do?” Kardaka turned to Triage, though her optics could not stray from the strangely beastly Matoran. She … she … she deserved to suffer, but even if these were some of the wealthy rulers who fled in the Ark, they seemed … in pain just by existing. And that was … horrifyingly familiar.

OOC: @Vezok's Friend @Toru Nui @Onaku @Snelly @Tarn