Daniel the Finlander

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ko-Wahi) What the Vortixx said almost made him chuckle. Did they have a positive reputation anywhere? He realized more and more just how badly the Brotherhood had ruined the reputation of the faithful. They had gambled everything on their alliance with Makuta's servants, only to lose it all. Now they were alone and forsaken, himself included. He smiled faintly. "Do not worry, I know. I have heard the news. Yet I fell in battle defending the Koro, so I expect them to be at least somewhat grateful for my sacrifice." There was brief silence as he looked into the distance, towards his home, even if he couldn't see it from so far away. "Farewell then, stranger," he said quietly and walked past him. OOC: @Whisper

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ko-Wahi) He frowned when he heard the Vortixx call the outpost his home. Perhaps it wasn't so abandoned after all? When the stranger appeared to be eager to end the discussion and move on, his frown deepened. "Wait, before you depart, I must tell you that the Outpost is not empty. You may find three individuals there. One of them, the Le-Toa, was my travelling companion. But the other two... well, let me simply say that they are either honest treasure hunters or lying murderers. I do not know if they can be trusted either way, so beware." He respected the Vortixx' desire to move on, so he turned around and, with a simple motion of his hand, solidified the snow in the stranger's path to carry his weight better. "There, this should make your journey easier. Stay safe, and may the light of Ak'rei'an shine upon you." OOC: @Whisper

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ko-Wahi) The stranger waved back and even exclaimed a greeting. It was a good sign, so Dahkapa continued to descend and approach him. Once he was close enough to be heard without having to shout, he bowed and began to speak in a friendly, yet somewhat reserved tone. "This humble servant of Ak'rei'an greets you. It is a pleasant surprise to meet someone out here in the wilderness. Are you headed to Ta-Koro, perhaps? I am coming from there, on my way back home to Ko-Koro." He turned to look behind him, in the direction of the outpost, as if to make sure that he wasn't being followed. OOC: @Whisper

IC: Dartakh (Ko-Koro, near the Lieutenant) He stepped back as new arrivals appeared, all of whom were apparently eager to join the suicide squad. "The more, the merrier," he muttered to himself dryly before the Lieutenant began to speak. When he did, he listened closely and quietly. Hearing about their true objective made him raise an eyebrow. Why hadn't he been informed of it before? He thought this would've been a simple scouting mission, but now they were going to look for some dusty tome? Dartakh cared little for the book's contents, thinking more about the possibility of getting extra pay for having to do an extra task. But he was a fresh recruit, so it would be unwise to go begging for anything. He'd have to prove himself first. He considered mentioning his previous experience visiting the tunnels at Kini-Nui, but that had been an uneventful and short trip. There was no point in talking about it, so he waited to see if anyone else spoke up. IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ko-Wahi) The blizzard around the Knight died down with a single wave of a hand. He had used it to cover up his tracks so it would be harder for the suspicious Toa and Skakdi to follow him. It was better to be safe than sorry, after all. As the shining sun above was unveiled, he continued his journey back home, walking on top of the snow without falling through the surface. It was good to be back in Ko-Wahi, to be surrounded by his own element. The burden of imprisonment in the heat of Ta-Koro was already fading away, and his spirit was lifted. As he travelled, he spotted a figure approaching in the distance. It was no Rahi, but rather a Vortixx. He frowned as he wondered if they were a friend or ally. It was still possible servants of Makuta were lost in the wastes, having been expelled from Ko-Koro. But there was no way to tell if he was right. Perhaps it was merely a lone wanderer, or even a kindred soul. He stopped and waved to the stranger as they climbed up the slopes. OOC: @Whisper

IC: Oliphko (Onu-Wahi Tunnels) She followed Ferron, unsure of where they were going, but nevertheless trusting the Turaga. He probably knew a good spot for meditation. Her first doubts only appeared when they appeared near the coast, with the silence of the tunnels being replaced by the crashing waves of the ocean. Covering her eyes as they adjusted into the brightness, she stepped outside, still following him despite feeling more uncertain than before. "Um, Ferron, where are we going, exactly?" OOC: @Geardirector

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Obsidian Outpost) He nodded. "Understood. Until we meet again, Joskander. May the light of Ak'rei'an guide your way." Briefly, he turned to face the Skakdi and the De-Toa. "If Joskander does not come to meet me, I shall return here and find out why. You have been warned." Then, without saying anything else, he walked out of the Outpost and headed into the frigid wastes of Ko-Wahi, soon disappearing into a blizzard. OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)@Geardirector@Wotz also open for interaction while travelling i guess

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Obsidian Outpost) While the conversation continued, Dahkapa wanted more and more to simply move on, as his desire to see his home again was far greater than the desire to dig a hole for a corpse. He handed over the shovel to Joskander. "Well, it appears that I am the only one with no interest of remaining in this abandoned complex. My home beckons for me, so I'm afraid I shall depart by myself." As he put the widgets in his grasp back into a bag, he wasn't sure if leaving Joskander behind with two possible murderers was a good idea. So before he moved anywhere, he asked him: "Are you sure you want to stay?" OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

http://www.eeemo.net/

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Obsidian Outpost) Dahkapa frowned as the Skakdi suddenly lost interest in the very thing he had asked about, and hesitantly took the shovel with the hand that wasn't holding widgets. He guessed the shovel would be more useful for digging a grave than excavating hidden treasure. He wasn't sure what to believe, with the Toa's statement about the other Skakdi freezing to death conflicting with the... damaged form of the corpse. He wished he knew how to raise the dead like more senior Brotherhood members did. It wouldn't reveal anything about what had truly happened, but at least a perfectly usable body wouldn't be foolishly wasted. As Joskander asked the strangers to come along, he didn't say anything. All he wanted was to see his home again.

IC: Oliphko (Onu-Koro Tunnels) There was an awkward silence as Oliphko expected Ferron to elaborate, before realizing that he wouldn't. "Oh, um, well that's good... I hope it's just a feeling that goes away." She didn't want to talk more about it either, so the rest of the journey was silent. OOC: @Geardirector

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Obsidian Outpost) After stepping out of the cable car, Dahkapa remained motionless and silent, listening to the conversation. He already had widgets in his hand -- the one that wasn't grasping the handle of his weapon -- and kept them there even when the Toa said there was no toll after all. If tensions escalated, he could simply appease them by paying. It indeed seemed to escalate when Joskander pushed the Skakdi. Usually, it was not a good idea to push the members of that species, even gently. He stepped forth closer to Joskander. "What did I tell you?" he said, "we do not want any trouble with them." He turned to look at the Skakdi. "I apologize on his behalf. We have no interest in treasure hunting, as we're headed to Ko-Koro." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Wotz

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Cable Car/Obsidian Outpost) He wasn't surprised when he heard the news, but he did wonder what had happened to the mercenaries while he was gone. Not that he genuinely cared much for a band of thugs. It didn't make any difference, as in the end they'd have to pay the toll either way. Joskander's suggestion made him frown. "We should avoid unnecessary conflict," he whispered. "I'll just pay him so we can go on our way. If you want to ask about the body, do so at your own risk. However, the Skakdi's fate matters little. Remember that death is only the beginning." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Cable Car/Obsidian Outpost) Dahkapa frowned. He didn't remember seeing Skakdi at the Outpost last time he was here. Why was he calling it an "official toll gate"? Were the Outsiders still in control of the place? Who was the dead person? Just in case, his hand shifted to the handle of the war hammer hanging on his waist. His body became tense, ready to spring into action if necessary. "Do you have widgets?" he said quietly to Joskander. "I can pay for both of us if you do not. I pray that money is the only thing that Skakdi wants..." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Cable Car) He let out a chuckle, albeit not out of amusement. It sounded dry and lifeless. "Ah yes, the Conversion... it was quite the experience. But I am thankful for it. It opened my eyes for the Truth. Allow me to tell about it, about Ak'rei'an. I can tell that his reputation has been tarnished by the Brotherhood, to the point where people know more about the practitioners rather than the deity Himself. This leads to blind persecution of all who follow Him, which is why I suffered unjust treatment during Ta-Koro. In any case, I digress..." "First and foremost, you must know that Ak'rei'an is dead. He was a former ferryman of the souls of the deceased, but Mata-Nui killed him when he tried to grant the gift of immortality to all. There is a way to resurrect him, but unfortunately it requires the complete rule of the earthly plane. That is the goal the Brotherhood strived to accomplish, unsuccessfully. Personally, I believe the faith of Ak'rei'an can be spread by peaceful and honourable means. The Conversion should be the last resort. Once Makuta's servants have been driven into the sea and peace returns to the island, I will dedicate my life to missionary work. The misguided heathens who follow the slumbering Mata-Nui can yet be redeemed." He turned to look at their destination as the cable car slowly approached it. "Ah, it appears we will soon arrive at the outpost." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

meanwhile in seprilli

IC: Oliphko (Onu-Koro Tunnels) She followed him into the tunnels that led out of the Koro. It was pleasantly quiet there as the noise of the settlement faded away. Underground, there wasn't even any howling wind like in Po-Wahi, so it really was the best place for meditation. But at the same time, the darkness below made her uneasy for some reason. "Um, Ferron, while we're walking, can I ask you something? Have you had this... strange and ominous feeling recently? It's, um, difficult to describe." OOC: @Geardirector

IC: Dartakh (Ko-Koro) At least the Toa told him his true name, so perhaps he was no coward after all. He appeared to be sharp-eyed and sharp-minded as well. "You got everything right. Name's Dartakh. And yes, I know what your plan is. Where are the recruits so I can start training and give them a chance of surviving in the Dark Walk?" OOC: @Leaf

IC: Oliphko (Onu-Koro, Ferron's Forge) Oliphko winced slightly from the metaphor. "Um, yeah, that makes sense. Anyways, I have everything I need as well, so I guess we can head out. Lead the way!" OOC: @Geardirector

OOC: dahkapa from ta-wahi IC: Sir Dahkapa (Cable Car) The cable car ride to Obsidian Outpost was taking a while, so Dahkapa figured he could converse with Joskander in the mean time. "Tell me, Joskander, what do you know about Ak'rei'an? You seemed uncomfortable when I spoke of Him. Mind you, I am asking about the deity, not the Brotherhood. I no longer belong to that infamous group." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

IC: Oliphko (Onu-Koro, Ferron's Forge) While Ferron was distracted, she breathed a sigh of relief as she managed to avoid combat training. When he turned back to face her, she smiled. "Sure thing! I've done it quite a lot. I guess this means I can be the teacher this time?" She noticed how he had packed some supplies. Even though it was possible to meditate anywhere, she figured Ferron wanted to go to a more peaceful place. The Koro was quite noisy after all, so it was probably hard to focus. "Where do you think we should go? Maybe that cave we were in last time?" OOC: @Geardirector

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ta-Koro) Dahkapa smiled too, until Brontes' name was mentioned. "Yes, I did. But while I was incarcerated, I pondered that I may have been too hard on him. He was trying to help with the evacuation of civilians. Perhaps I should even be thankful to him. Without his help, I was defeated, captured and converted to the true faith. Maybe if he hadn't been a coward I would've never seen the warm light of Ak'rei'an." He let out a dry chuckle. "Amusing how Destiny works sometimes, is it not?" He glanced at a nearby Ta-Koro guard who had been keeping an eye on him the whole time. "In any case, let us leave Ta-Koro, then. I do not like being watched." His cape swirled as he turned to walk towards the cable car station in the distance. OOC: dahkapa to ko-wahi. @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ta-Koro) Dahkapa listened quietly as the Toa spoke, his mask showing little of his emotions. More memories of the battle resurfaced. He had been furious at Brontes "Do not worry, you are not the only one who left me behind. But at least you are apologizing for your actions, instead of trying to explain away your mistake. Perhaps Ak'rei'an may yet grant you redemption." He stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder. "All I need help with is with the only thing that matters. The eternal crusade against the servants of darkness. It is the duty of all true Toa, no matter who they worship." He moved the hand away and turned to look westward. "I was heading to Ko-Koro, to see my home now that it has been liberated from evil. You may accompany me if you wish, but I am afraid there are no pawns of Makuta to fight against any more." After staring into the distance for a moment, he faced Joskander again. "I do not think I ever found out your name during the chaos of that battle. What is it, if I may ask?" OOC:@Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

IC: Dartakh (Ko-Koro, Sanctum) He followed after Dargon and sat down on one of the benches that wasn't Matoran-sized. As Dartakh listened to him speak, he thought how despite all the history, organization and "protocol", the Guard had failed to prevent the town from falling into enemy hands. At the very least, he got some useful information about how he was supposed to behave. It appeared the rules were less strict for a freelance mercenary such as himself, probably because mercenaries could always seek a better employer if they were unhappy with the conditions. Sometimes, that employer was the enemy. Finally, at the end of the speech, he stood up and firmly shook his hand. "Thank you, sir. I'll be on my way then." He left the room, walked down the hallways to leave the Sanctum and was soon heading down the Muaka road, looking for the Ko-Toa Dargon had described. Eventually, he saw one who looked like the right person. Of course, the only way to be sure was to ask. "Hey there. Are you the Lieutenant?" He wasn't sure what the Toa's real name was. He used to simply call himself Champion back when he had been part of the Outsiders, but he doubted that the Highlanders required its members to avoid using real names. Usually the only people who voluntarily tried to obscure their identity were cowards. Hopefully that wasn't the case with this Toa. OOC: @Leaf

IC: Sir Dahkapa (Ta-Koro) He was walking down the streets leading away from the Guard HQ and its prisons, headed to the cable car station so he could return back home to Ko-Koro. But on the way, someone called out his name. He stopped and slowly turned to face the stranger, only to realize it was no stranger after all. For some reason he appeared familiar to him. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the fellow Toa. "Yes, that is me. And who may you be?" Memories of the First Battle of Ko-Koro, before his conversion, flashed in his mind. He remembered this Toa lying on the ground as the battle seemed lost. "I think I may have seen you before." OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)

IC: Dartakh (Ko-Koro, Sanctum) The room certainly didn't look like an office, and at first he wondered if he was at the wrong place. But the tone of the Matoran left no doubt that he was the officer he was looking for, even before he said his name. He always found it annoying when puny Matoran tried to act tough. Dargon's remarks about his past annoyed him even more. He had to resist the temptation to punch his face and merely frowned. "I am a mercenary warrior, and the rest is none of your business, sir. Captain Korzaa told me to bring you this message, and to get 'orientation on guard protocol', whatever that means." He offered the inscribed chunk of ice to him. OOC: @Visaru