Toru Nui

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - 'Dubious'?! "Oh, of course. Naturally. I don’t want Skorm to worry about me, or anything." The way Tekmo said that made it seem as if he expected Keitara to have been more distressed by his absence, or something. The more observant of the party - anyone who wasn’t Tekmo - might have noticed something blue hovering above the foliage in the distance, but it quickly descended into the swamp below. @TL01 NUVA@Void Emissary@Keeper of Kraata IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Ivu Asz Schrema "Bye! Have fun! Hahahahahah..." Ostrox turned to Vulimai. "'Speech impediment'... ha! I expected more! As for her master... ah well, we’ll incinerate that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, I should go find Stannis. That is his craft, is it not?" He pointed towards the Ambling Alp. @Gecko Greavesy@Sparticus147@Snelly@pokemonlover360@~Xemnas~ IC: Ulkarr, Enra, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro) - Civil Disobedience "Of course. I am willing to subject myself to whatever is necessary to regain your trust. Within reason." Then Enra showed up. "Akiri, I gots to tell you... oh, you’re busy. Should I come back in a bit?" Meanwhile, the Vahki continued bickering among themselves in their own language, but due to the fact they could communicate in seconds what would otherwise take minutes, their heated debate lasted only a few moments before turning back to Kanohi. "I realize it may be unorthodox, but the Squad Mother deemed Ulkarr as a potential stand-in for her should she be otherwise detained, though he would continue to be under heavy surveillance." "We should postpone any vote we take until these 'tests' are carried out." The others chirped in approval. Except Wayward... @Harvali IC: Achro and Gnabol (Kini-Koro, Airdock, The Taku, Exterior) - That Guy "Well, I guess I should be... oh, gods." Gnabol’s expression shifted to barely concealed disgust as he saw the approaching figure of- "I, uh... is this a recruitment line?" Achro addressed the two Toa, barely giving Gnabol or Padley any mind. "Or do you guys work here?" If looks could kill, the glare Achro was trying his best to ignore from Gnabol would vaporize him. As for Padley, he looked as if he were about to bolt it for the hills at the sight of the mutated Toa, his claws shaking and his treads squealing. @NorikSigma@BULiK

IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Foreshadowing "'God-killing'?! Is... is that - HAHAHAHAHAH - that what you think it does? I’d explain it to you, but you very clearly don’t care, much less understand. Have fun dooming the universe a second time, then! Who knows? Maybe we’ll pour out onto a new Xia, next! I can taste the smokestacks and misandry already!" @Gecko Greavesy@Sparticus147@pokemonlover360@~Xemnas~@Snelly IC: Gnabol (Kini-Koro, Airdock, The Taku, Exterior) - In Which Gnabol Imitates an Animal Noise for His Own Amusement Gnabol took Kantai and Sanso with him to the village’s airdock, where the airship had just arrived. "Here we are, village airdock. And here is the airship. The Taku. I don’t why it’s called that. Taku are supposed to be small." He briefly imitated the body movements of one of the aforementioned Rahi, as well as their signature noise. "QUACK." @NorikSigma@BULiK

IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - This Is Me Being Reasonable Ostrox seemed to regain his usual sneer, though his eyes still remained firmly in murder mode. "'Leverage' you say? How curious. Mazor also thought to bargain using the Sphere, and well... here we are. I understand your distrust of the Matoran, really I do, but a counterpoint - why should we trust you with it? Especially considering his - I’m sorry, 'your' - plan is to bring it with you into Mata Nui’s domain and expect nothing bad to happen. Death was no handicap for Mazor, certainly not for him." @Gecko Greavesy@Sparticus147@~Xemnas~@pokemonlover360@Snelly IC: Gnabol (Outskirts of Kini-Koro) - We’re Going for a Walk "You’ve heard correctly. Do you need a ride into town? I can get off Padley and just guide him if room is an issue." Padley grew sullen and glared at Gnabol, as if he knew what he was suggesting and didn’t like it. @NorikSigma

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp) - Eye in the Sky "Let me look at it from a more elevated perspective... I hate myself for saying that, excuse me." Waveahk used his Kraata to begin floating upwards into the sky. He began searching the swamp from a bird’s perspective to find the remains of one of these Rahkshi creatures. @Eyru@Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Sphere of Influence Ostrox’s cheerful demeanour became more obviously strained. "First of all, every 'crime' committed against you has been entirely your own fault. You act as if the whole 'centuries of oppression and slavery you claim to abhor yet did nothing to prevent and actively benefitted from' thing is not really that big of a deal. But it is." He then turned from Vulimai to Sidra. "Second of all, the notion that a single person can 'protect' the Sphere better than an entire military - PFAH! What a load of self-deluding GARBAGE. I’ve read this book before, and I don’t like how it ends. Use whatever 'reasoning' you see fit, but the truth is clear as day - you believe yourself to be the only person 'deserving' to carry the Sphere. It’s the strangest coincidence, too… Mazor, its previous holder, expressed a similar sentiment." @Sparticus147 IC: NU-8020S and Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku) - Ready for Departure NU-8020S clambered aboard the Taku. "I was informed we were departing soon." Navu was a little far back behind, running after her, out of breath. @BULiK@Tarn@Snelly IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - Remembrance Kaita. Klawne remembered seeing - and maybe being - one of them before. But the fog of ages clouded all that had happened before the Skakdi came. She wasn’t sure how it would help, exactly, but... @Vezok's Friend@Tarn@Snelly@Onaku@Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - They Went That-a-Way "Urm..." Tekmo thought back to being almost completely drained of his energy. "In a way, I suppose. One was an Aspect, I believe. If we hasten, we may yet catch up to them. They were headed, mmmmmm - THAT WAY." He dramatically pointed to where he guessed Whira, Cravious and the rock were heading before they parted ways. @Conway@TL01 NUVA@Keeper of Kraata IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp) - All the Odd Jobs "If what you say is true, then our next course of action should be to recon the surrounding area and find these remains. Assuming that no artistic liberties were taken with the depiction we saw, it shouldn’t be too hard to determine what’s a Rahkshi and what’s some other rotting corpse. I don’t suppose you could get your friends to help with that? Scour the jungle with eyes?" @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox, NU-8020S and Navu (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - I Fought the Law, and the Law Won "Ah, the million-widget question. Since all other candidates are dead or missing, I would suggest Nuju, unless you have already been to see him. There’s also this 'Stannis', who is supposedly wise and learned, and is also on board with our proposed deicide, so he says. On a related note, the only other person I’ve seen hold the Sphere grew obsessed with it in a matter of hours and doomed us all to this forsaken wasteland. Just so you know. Handle with care." Meanwhile, Navu went up to the Vahki, as Knichou ordered. She wasn’t sure what to make of the robots, having never lived in Metru Nui - for long, anyway. But she had nothing to fear from them. She hadn't done anything wrong... at least, not here. "Uh, Knichou wants you to know that we’ll be leaving for Metru Nui soon. The Taku is gonna go back to the airdock, then we’ll start making final preparations." "How gracious of him. Unfortunately, Akiri Kanohi has not yet returned so that I may inform him of my departure." "Well, er, he said we wouldn’t be leaving until I get back at least, so-" NU-8020S began carving a message into the ground with her staves. It read: DEAR KANOHI GONE TO FREE MY RACE FROM SLAVERY LOVE, NU-8020S She then converted back to quadrupedal mode and scuttled off towards the Taku, Navu running after her. @Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler@BULiK IC: Gnabol (Outskirts of Kini-Koro) - Ankle-Biters "What are you talking about? We’re stranded in an inhospitable wasteland full of raiders and horrors, your job is actually quite important. I’d offer you a place to rest a bit, but mine is currently occupied by seven screaming Skaklets. Most of them have learned that it’s not OK to bite people. Most." @NorikSigma

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp) - Sounds Like Slavery to Me So, they were slaves then. "Very interesting, I must say. But how does that help us get the 'taboo' we need for the door?" @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox and NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Keep Your Friends Close Ostrox fought the urge to draw his sword and take the Sphere from Sidra’s corpse. It could not be trusted in the hands of the weak-minded as Mazor and Irna had demonstrated, but Vulimai would disapprove of such actions, and Sidra’s character yet remained in question. You’ve grown soft, old man! Did your SPINE FALL OUT when you fled the Cortex?! Quiet, you. Just ask her where she got it. You know, like a normal functional being. "May I ask where, exactly, you came across this artifact?" As she listened to this talk of magic glowing spheres, NU-8020S hoped that, without Collector to monitor him, her Squad Members were keeping a close eye on Ulkarr. The gasbag had pledged to support her people in whatever way he could a month ago, but how much of that was legitimate - and how much he could actually do - remained the subject of internal debate. Still, there was a reason why she left specific instructions to Obedient just before she and Kanohi left for Kini-Koro. If her Squad Members and Kanohi couldn’t get their act together to act in her stead, they could unite in their shared distrust of Ulkarr to ensure he upheld his end of their bargain... @Nato the Traveler@Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro) - And Your Enemies Closer The Vahki exchanged glances at one another, before turning back to Kanohi. "Forgive us, Akiri, but we are not programmed for leadership." "Perhaps you were not. If NU-8020S managed to preserve us from destruction, it cannot be difficult." "You would criticize her in front of-" "I would criticize her in front of Mata Nui himself, should he exist. I am the only logical candidate, as you are all woefully inadequate." "You cannot become Squad Leader or councilor, on the basis that I dislike you." "How very convincing." "Shut up before I stab you." "Is there no one else in the village who is qualified? Or at least, be trusted to-" Obedient chirped something in the Vahki tongue to the others. Whatever he said seemed to surprise them. Except Wayward. Obedient outstretched his hand and pointed towards Ulkarr. "What?!" "You cannot be serious." @Harvali IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone, Exterior) - I Thought You Were Cool, Girl "Yeah, that’s my cue to leave." Enra left the Ruins for good, hastening her exit. She hadn’t gotten greedy and power hungry from Collector at all, from what little she saw of him. Something told her Avka wouldn’t be flapping her gums like that in front of the man himself. In any case, she scanned the village with her telescopic vision, and found the Akiri hanging out with the Vahki and the Aspect. She trudged over there with some reluctance, nervous about bringing bad news to an already nervous man. @Harvali IC: Gnabol (Outskirts of Kini-Koro) - How to Pretend to Be a Good Neighbour "Ah, I see. I’m Gnabol, and this is Padley." The Manas’ apprehension seemed to fade away as Sanso touched his shell, clacking his claws cheerfully. "I hate small talk, so I won’t pry into your personal lives... no, that’s a lie. The prying part, anyway. Why aren’t you staying around? Anywhere else you need to be?" @NorikSigma

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp) - And I Have Hands, and I Have Feet "So, these 'Rahkshi'... what were they, exactly? Machines? A slave race?" Waveahk continued to float above the ground. Like Apex, he didn’t want to touch the water, for fear of any further mutations. @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox and NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Unadmirable Admiral "Metru Nui is crawling with traitors who will attack me on sight for daring to remember whom my oaths were sworn to. Besides, the last I saw of the Krom Sphere, it was in the flesh maze beneath the Coliseum, and the only passageway there we know of was completely destroyed in the crash." NU-8020S tried to make it seem like she wasn’t listening to what Vulimai, Sidra and Ostrox were discussing from a fair distance away. "In any case, do you now see what I was warning you about earlier, Captain? Or do you think that Admiral Knichou will just hand you control of his killer robot army should he succeed in his vanity project?" @Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Hate to Be the Harbinger of Bad News "Alright, I’ll go tell him. Yet another thing for him to worry about. Eh, can’t be helped." Enra went off to tell Kanohi about the Mesi coming through the Earth portal. She gave Zadred a cheerful - though shaky - thumbs up as she left the ruins. @Onaku@Harvali IC: Gnabol (Outskirts of Kini-Koro) - Giant Friendly Crab After he had managed to calm the children down after their sudden rude awakening - and having to accept the knowledge that no one cared to seriously punish the one responsible - Gnabol went off riding Padley along the village outskirts. He liked doing this. Being surrounded by people - even babies - overwhelmed him even before he could sense their emotions. Padley had emotions too - but ever since being freed from Mesi control, he was mostly calm, happy, or hungry. Yes, hungry was apparently an emotion. Just before he arbitrarily decided to turn back home, he saw a pair of Toa coming down the hillside. He sensed Padley’s fear of anyone or anything new, and to be honest, Gnabol understood. A lot of bad blood between Zyglak and Toa. But it seemed that the prejudice against his kind had almost quickly evaporated over the past month or so. He gently nudged Padley towards the newcomers. At least, he thought they were newcomers. It wasn’t a particularly big settlement, but it was possible for him not to have come across either of these two before. "Greetings and salutations, or some such. Don’t believe I’ve seen either of you around." He called out to them, as Padley nervously scuttled up to them. @NorikSigma IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - I Got the Shakes Klawne gripped her staff tightly as Vashni did her thing, her body involuntarily shaking. @Vezok's Friend@Snelly@Tarn@Onaku@Harvali

IC: Ostrox and NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - I Happen to Like My Tether "No, no, I’ll take your word for it. I have encountered these 'Untethered' as you call them before." Ostrox didn’t want this 'Sidra' anywhere near his psyche, mental shielding or no. Especially in his... fractured state. That said, the argument that had ensued previously was most gratifying to him, and the ever-present grin on his face showed it. As he said before, Vulimai didn’t hold any real power and Knichou’s 'Unity' was a farce. How gracious of them to prove his point all by themselves. NU-8020S wasn’t sure how to feel about all of this. On the one hand, no organic could be trusted with control over her people, but then again, it wasn’t as if she intended for Knichou to hold power for long. She shifted to bipedal mode and continued to monitor the situation... @Nato the Traveler@Sparticus147@BULiK@Snelly@~Xemnas~@pokemonlover360 IC: Ulkarr, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro) - Software Conflict "Negative. Rogue Barraki Takadox was sighted within the Ruins of Fire, however." "That is not what he asked." "It is relevant to our discussion." "No, it is not-" "Why did we not inform him of this earlier?" "The Squad Mother-" "Is not here." Ulkarr’s expression shifted and his eyes narrowed, as if the disorganization and bickering of the Vahki were somewhat offensive to him. "It only became relevant now." "That is ridiculous-" Reckless, Obedient and Wayward began to bicker amongst each other, while Lawful and Impressionable still remained focused. "Akiri, you mentioned something about those units still under League control. What is the importance of this?" "I assure you, our allegiance is solely to Tobduk-Koro and associated territories. We are far out of range of Aurax’s control." @Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp, Ruins of Air) - Why Walk When You Can Float? "Off to greener pastures, then?" Waveahk floated across the stone floor, following Apex outside. @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox and NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Robots and Bigger Robots Ostrox made a faux-surprised expression and started shaking his fist in a deliberately comical manner at Knichou. "Curse your sudden and inevitable betrayal!" He said, deliberately making it difficult to tell if he was joking or not. NU-8020S also wanted one of those colossal mechanized techno-giants, but kept that to herself. She scuttled to where the commotion was. "Are we departing soon? We waste valuable time with each passing distraction. Furthermore, I doubt there is storage capacity for these mechanisms aboard the ship." @BULiK@Snelly@Sparticus147@Nato the Traveler@~Xemnas~@Tarn IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Now You're Thinking With Portals "Well, uh, the Akiri thinks there’s gonna be some trouble over there pretty soon. Apparently the portal network is growing faster than expected, and there’s concern over nasty characters coming in through the other side. Might not be safe, is all." @Onaku@Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp, Ruins of Air) - Rahkshi Rock "Sorry, did you say something? All I heard was the word 'rock'." @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Bunker Down "How unfortunate, because there is no other way. Stannis claims to be working on something, but for all I know he intends to sacrifice the non-Matoran population of this cesspit as an appeasement... what’s all the commotion over there, I wonder?" Ostrox wandered closer towards the bunker. @Sparticus147 IC: NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku) - Information Download "I am not technically part of the crew, but thank you for this information." @BULiK@Tarn@Snelly IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Unexpected Guest Enra’s eyes widened when she heard Zadred’s voice, quickly turning around to address her. She hadn’t expect her to show up. "Oh, uh, hey Zadred. Just, er, watching this magic portal for intruders. Also, not entirely sure if you’re supposed to be here or not, so..." @Onaku@Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Reunion "Of course." Tekmo was now certain that there wasn’t a grain of truth to the ridiculous rumour that Zyglak secreted a protodermis-eating virus. "I have returned. Please, hold your adulation." @Conway@Keeper of Kraata@TL01 NUVA IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Tragedy of Errors "Ahahahah... of course not. Though, at least he acknowledged the problem, unlike his Lordship Commander Admiral over there. First they believe in Mata Nui despite there being no evidence prior to about a month ago, now they believe he’s dead following the same rules of mortality as the rest of us, despite being a god. How easily 'faith' shatters. I feel like the straight man in a comedy of errors. Hahahahah..." @Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr, Reckless, Lawful, Obedient, Impressionable and Wayward (Tobduk-Koro) - Standby Mode "Is that so? Perhaps that is where he became... corrupted, for lack of a better term." Lawful then returned, with the other Vahki following behind him. "Squad has been assembled, and awaiting deployment orders." @Harvali IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Above or Below, All the Same Show "Oh, those guys. They're called Mesi. You’re not wrong, they are Skakdi... sort of. I think we share a common ancestor. They live underground in this big network of tunnels and caverns. Only ever come topside to cause trouble. Though it’s not as if we above ground do anything different." @Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Stay on Target "Perhaps. But they have their own prerogative - locating and acquiring energized protodermis. I believe one of them may have been an Aspect, but I believe rejoining the others takes priority." @Conway IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Salvation Through Subjugation "Well, that was a thing that happened. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to hear anything - hahah - 'productive' from either of you. If you will not permit your precious Matoran to suffer the inconvenience of being saved - for whatever excuse you can contrive - what precisely is your plan for staving off the apocalypse? The apocalypse you directly created, no less." @BULiK@EmperorWhenua IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - Word Unbroken "I told you I would not break it, and I will not." Ulkarr’s shadows retracted back into his fingers. "This is most certainly the work of one of my kin. There are protodermis-based life-forms who wield the shadows like we do, but that does not explain the antidermis within. I would suggest you ask Stannis what the meaning of this is. If his reputation is not unfounded, surely he will be forthcoming with an explanation?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Armoury) - My Idiot Detector Is Beeping NU-8020S came scuttling towards Skyra in quadrupedal mode. "You bellowed, organic?" @Snelly@Tarn IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku) - Someone Is Here Navu clutched her ears at the sound of Skyra yelling, even from where she was. @Snelly@BULiK IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Murderers and Thieves "Uh, from here. It’s not a great place to live, I’ll admit. Mostly ‘cause of the neighbours. Everyone keeps killing and stealing from each other. Then there’s those weird Aspect things, the nasty diseases you can get in the Fau Swamp, whatever it is they do inside Irnakk’s Tooth..." @Harvali

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula) - Unification "Oh, I’m fine. Somewhat worse for wear, but nothing debilitating. Those were some of the native inhabitants of this island, I believe. One of them appeared to be an intelligent rock. But enough about that. Shall we be going?" @Conway IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Bunker, Exterior) - Matorankind, Refuted "Their trust is laughably misplaced, strife is part of existence, and your 'Unity' is a joke. You cannot 'radicalize' that which is already violent and corrupt by design. Your argument is weak, as is your spirit." @BULiK@EmperorWhenua

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - Leaves in the Wind Tekmo’s face lit up as he made visual contact with Irna, his energy now completely returned to him. "Why, yes it is!" He rushed over to where his associate stood. "Good to see you, Irna. Do you have any idea where the others are? I was, uh, separated from you by this infernal gale." @Eyru@~Xemnas~@Conway@Kal the Guardian IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - 'Stymie', to Prevent or Hinder the Progress Of "The obvious solution is to 'discourage' worship of the Great Lie to stymie his efforts. But of course, simply revealing the truth to the masses would undermine your power over them. And we can’t have that, now can we? 'History and culture', indeed." SELF-RIGHTEOUS, POWER-HUNGRY- Be silent. We are to reason with them, not insult them. We are? It doesn’t seem like it. @EmperorWhenua@BULiK@Sparticus147 IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - Psychic Shenanigans "Wasn’t messing with their minds what caused them to become agitated?" There was no maliciousness in Klawne’s voice, only an unspoken objection to Triage’s idea. She then turned her attention to the infected. "Calm - everyone please be calm. I’m sure our guests didn’t mean to do... whatever they just did." @Vezok's Friend@Tarn@Snelly@Onaku

IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - What Is Dead Can Never Die "If I explain it in terms an insect could understand, perhaps the insect could explain it to you. Is there anyone else I could speak with? Someone who comprehends the fact that Mata Nui isn’t dead just because you think he is and nobody is safe until we can absolutely be certain he is?" Ostrox followed Knichou to the bunker. @BULiK@Sparticus147

IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - It's the End of the World as We Know It "Hahahaha... 'evidence'. Good one. When have Toa ever needed such a thing? You didn’t need proof of Mata Nui’s existence to believe in him about a month ago, when there was none. I could have told you it was 'foul Zyglak sorcery' controlling the revenants instead, and we would probably be halfway there already. Admittedly, there’s not a shred of evidence... presently. there might be soon, though. A veritable stampede of eye-witnesses, hehehehehahahah!" @BULiK@Sparticus147

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - Unholy Symbol "Hmm. When you said 'graffiti', I expected something more... profane. I don’t suppose either of you know what significance this might have? Or is it merely meaningless shapes?" @Eyru@~Xemnas~@Kal the Guardian IC: Ostrox and NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - Uncoordinated "Odd, that." Ostrox spoke, sliding into the conversation. "No one bothered to inform the Commander of the Guard about this. But I’m certain it was not at all deliberate..." NU-8020S went back aboard the Taku for now. @BULiK@Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro) - Action and Reaction "As I suspected. It is not just any shadow that lies within this ornament. The essence of one of my kin slumbers inside." Ulkarr’s shadow continued to seep further into the necklace, slowly but surely making its way inside for a closer look... @Harvali@EmperorWhenua

IC: Ostrox and NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Exterior) - Practice NU-8020S briefly considered firing her Staffs of Presence into the air and calling that 'practice'. Ultimately however, it wasn’t worth the energy. Ostrox glanced at a watch he didn’t have. As much as he enjoyed seeing Toa in pain, he didn’t have time for this. @Snelly@Onaku@The UltimoScorp@Sparticus147@BULiK@Tarn IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro, Telepathic Link) - This Does Not Constitute as Touching If you feel it is necessary, then do so. Turning his attention away from Bode and towards Kanohi, Ulkarr outstretched his hand, and small tendrils of shadows came from it. Wisps of darkness in the air slowly crept their way into the necklace itself... @Harvali@EmperorWhenua IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Electro Rocket Launcher) - Heavy Metal "Uh, yeah. Let me just go and get another rocket." Navu headed back to the armoury with the key. She would return, lugging around the replacement electro rocket. @BULiK IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Shock and Awe "Right. Just be sure to stand back if unfriendly faces pop through, yeah?" Enra fiddled with her Shock Gauntlets, though truth be told she didn’t really know what she was doing with them. @Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp, Ruins of Air) - Culture Clash Waveahk took a closer look at the Suva, as Apex desired. "Hmm. Yes. This is definitely a Suva. I confess to knowing little of Matoran culture... other than its failings." @Eyru@Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro) - It's Tough to Kill a God "Oh, nothing of importance. Armour, weapons, tools... nothing of the god-killing sort, I’m afraid." You don’t need to kill a god! You just need to kill THEM! They are the cause of all of this! They’re not to blame. They know no better. Justice will come eventually. Administering it now would be suicide. "So... did you have words with your, aheh, 'subordinates'? Concerning our present situation?" @Sparticus147 IC: NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Bridge) - What Can I Say, Except... "You are welcome. May I ask what prompted you to fire explosive rounds into the air earlier? We do not want that happening again in an enclosed environment such as this airship, you understand." @Snelly@BULiK@Tarn

IC: Waveahk (Fau Swamp, Ruins of Air) - Stairway to Darkness Waveahk grunted in affirmation, and began climbing the stairs with Apex. He reduced his own gravity slightly to make it easier on his misshapen form. @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro) - A Crowded Mind Ostrox’s attention was drawn to the airship called the Taku, and the various noise and activity beginning to surround it. His brain also felt surrounded by noise and activity. Travelling through the Far Shore must have done something to him. It felt as if he were haunted by those he had failed. His king, and... He saw Vulimai heading towards the ship. He followed after her, taking off his Mahiki as to not alarm anyone. "Commander! Is now a bad time? Now seems like a bad time." That means you should leave her alone. She’s not dead! She’s RIGHT THERE and NOT DEAD! Do your job properly for ONCE in your miserable life and- Work with her. Try to reason with her. If she cannot be turned, then she must be disposed of when the time is right. Ostrox tried to keep his regular expression, but not without some difficulty. @Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro, Telepathic Link) - Words Will Be Had I see. That is not as well as I would like. I shall have a talk with the Squad Mother concerning this. Ulkarr then addressed Kanohi. "Perhaps it does. There may yet be a way to be certain. If you would allow me to inspect it, perhaps I can determine its purpose." @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Bridge) - Flying Circus NU-8020S wasn’t happy about letting this idiot join them, much less the idiot’s breeding partner, but she kept her distaste hidden. "Welcome aboard, public menace." But not hidden very well. @Snelly@BULiK@Tarn IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku) - Fun's Over, Back to Work Navu got back to work, happy just be not deaf and not yelled at. @BULiK IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Savage Feral Beast "Oh. Sorry, it’s just - you seemed pretty shady, with that hood and the knives. Well, what the magic voice said was rather interesting, but I’m just gonna be watching the portal with you, OK?" @Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula) - The Fantastical Flying Fish Well, this beat both walking and flying under his own power. Which wasn’t really flying, just manipulating his own gravity carefully. "Eh. I’ve travelled with worse companions." @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Far Shore Rift) - Ghosts From the Past One Mask of Telepathy. One Krana. One new set of protosteel armour. Two protosteel daggers. One fully-loaded Cordak Blaster. And something that could be best be described as a Laser Drill. Cataloguing his unexpected gains had been the easy part. Forming opinions about them, however, had been... challenging. Just as words fell from his mouth without his notice, it seemed that thoughts and ideas not entirely his own were filling his head. For instance, he couldn’t determine if the Cordak was too much firepower... or not enough. Part of him wanted to rip Nuju to shreds. Part of him thought that was needlessly vile and cruel. Another part thought that he wasn’t worth it, and they - he - needed to stay focused. It took the form of Lord Mantax, stern and noble, practically radiating deference. The others... he didn’t want to think about them. Not now. Or ever again. He ignored the wretch, heading further into Kini-Koro, to tell Vulimai of his return. Out of courtesy, not obligation. "Courtesy... obligation... courtesy... obligation..." @Unreliable Narrator IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro, Telepathic Link) - Private Channel Ulkarr did not seem happy with Kanohi putting off this discussion, but seemed to relent. He instead, decided to answer Bode. Booodeee... it is good to hear from you. My apologies for not responding sooner, I was… preoccupied. According to the Akiri, it seems that soon there will be more portals like the one in the Ruins appearing soon. This presents a security risk. But nothing is needed of you as of yet. I trust that the mechanical enforcers have been treating you well? @Harvali IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Oi! Enra did indeed notice Avka. The sight of a shady-looking figure in a hood in a restricted area reminded her she was also supposed to be keeping watch on the temple in general. "Oi, what do you think you’re doing here? Temple’s off-limits." She tried to hit that right mix of sternness and the I’m not mad, but you’ve done something wrong tone her mother would always give her. @Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula) - Still Searching "Oh, I know of the Matoran. 'Race of builders', indeed... I do still have other questions, but those can wait for now." Waveahk started staring northward as well, trying to ascertain what Apex was looking for without actually asking it, as he was going to hold himself to his word and ask no further questions until an arbitrary and unknown span of time had passed. @Sparticus147 IC: Ostrox (Kini-Koro, Far Shore Rift) - Your Conqueror Comes Ashore Ostrox suddenly fell out of the Far Shore Rift, before Nuju. He hadn’t expected to suddenly become so much heavier when he stepped back through to his world. Had gravity increased while he was away? He felt odd, but could not pinpoint exactly how. "I’m - back - BACK - back. With no fanfare? I’m hurt - unsurprised." His Mahiki subconsciously changed his voice and eye colour as he picked himself off the ground, and began taking stock of his new equipment... @Unreliable Narrator IC: Ulkarr and Lawful (Tobduk-Koro) - The Old Order "Understood. Remaining units will be informed. We shall come and find you once we are assembled." Lawful converted to his faster quadrupedal mode and went off to tell his brothers what was happening. "You place a great deal of trust in this 'hero', called Stannis." Ulkarr said once the Vahki was gone, sounding like an accusation of some sort. "Tell me... what exactly did he 'warn' you about me, and the element of shadows?" @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Communal Table) - Sickening Sweethearts NU-8020S’ head slowly turned a full three-hundred and sixty degrees, her secret way of showing and alleviating frustration. She had no time for this mating call. @Tarn@BULiK IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Electro Rocket Launcher) - Anticipation of the Bang Navu stuck her fingers in her ears and - for whatever reason - closed her eyes. @Snelly@BULiK IC: Klawne (Ko-Pou Shelter) - Quarantine "We don’t know either, I’m afraid. It doesn’t seem to be contagious, but we keep them cooped up in here regardless, just in case." @Snelly@Onaku

IC: Tekmo (Kumu Peninsula, Antidermis Caldera) - All Lights Are Green As if offended by the prospect of his own mortality, Cravious’ words shake Tekmo out of his nausea. "NO, nonono, it’ll take more than just... whatever that was to kill me... what are we doing again?" @Unreliable Narrator@Kal the Guardian@~Xemnas~ IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula) - OK, Just One More "'Builders'? Apologies, it just seemed that you were leading me into that one." @Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr and Lawful (Tobduk-Koro) - Mother, Where Art Thou? "Negative. NU-8020S has not been sighted since her departure to Kini-Koro. What is this situation you speak of, Akiri?" Ulkarr continued to eye Kanohi’s necklace. @Harvali IC: NU-8020S (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Communal Table) - Antivirus Software The Vahki’s eyes narrowed, and her tone became more aggressive. Yet more cracks were appearing in her emotionless facade. "Only that creating new units will not replace old units. And that I would advise against uploading the virus or making any other 'modifications' to this unit." @Tarn@BULiK IC: Navu (Kini-Koro, The Taku, Electro Rocket Launcher) - Are You Ready to Rock? Navu wasn’t sure about this. She turned to Arnex. "Did you wanna go first, or...?" @BULiK@Snelly

IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula) - No More Questions, I Promise Waveahk followed the Aspect across the bleak landscape, back the way he came. "If we’re going to be working together, I am going to need your name. I say it like that so it’s not technically a question, more of a statement." @Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone Exterior) - The Leash "Ah. I thought I sensed an overabundance of light within him. Much how I sense shadow within the ornament around your neck." Ulkarr gestured toward Kanohi’s necklace, as they walked out of the Ruins. "Forgive me for intruding, but where did you find it? I have been meaning to ask for some time, but we have always had more important things to discuss. In any case, I will protect Tobduk-Koro, you know this. Even if it feels that my efforts go unappreciated at times." @Harvali IC: Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Admin Abuse "OK, I’ll watch it. Just as long as I don’t have to deal with that annoying voice in ‘ere..." Enra said, pointing to the ceiling. @Unreliable Narrator@Harvali

IC: Waveahk (Kumu Peninsula, Shrine of Shadows) - Waveahk Has Joined the Party "Many. But they can wait for now. I’ll follow your lead." @Sparticus147 IC: Ulkarr and Enra (Tobduk-Koro, Ruins of Stone) - Now Hear This "Grrmph. I guess I’ll tell ‘em ‘bout this. You coming?" Enra asked Collector, preparing to step through the portal. "Akiri." Ulkarr spoke, forcefully. He started walking after Kanohi. "I was not listening, because I could not. The one you spoke to made certain of that. Silence is just one of many powers we Aspects possess... but I am not sure he qualifies as my kin. There was something wrong with him." Not for the first time this month, Ulkarr’s attention was drawn to the necklace Kanohi wore. He had tried not to interfere in the enterprises of his brothers and sisters… but his obligations to them only went so far. And what had just happened did not place him in a tolerant mood. @Harvali