Friar Tuck

IC [Naho Bay... underwater; early afternoon] Any form of correlation between swimming and diving out in deep water sank to the ocean floor in the same manner as I did. Like a rock. I cut through the water, a trail of bubbles detailing my decent into the bay as my weights tugged me into the deep. It was so unexpected, so sudden... I was caught unprepared as I was swept away, my downward trajectory suddenly altered as I hit an underwater current and I felt myself get swept off in a random direction. It was dark down here, murky, cold, and I could feel the pressure of the water press on me with uncharacteristic force. I was out of my elements - in more ways than one - and I found myself opening my mouth. I forced my mouth closed, only swallowing a little bit of water, but the mental damage was already done. I began to panic, just as I felt my feet hit sandy bottom. It took everything I had not to start breathing heavily. As I stopped moving, I could feel the heavy silence like I did the pressure, nothing was faint, swirling water filling my audio receptors. It was dark, but not dark enough to see, as if everything was covered in a heavy, waving blanket, a thick blue hue cast on the shadowy rocks and strange plantlike. I probably would have marveled at the alien world I found myself in, including the exquisite and colorful fish that swam around my head, but I was too busy blacking out from the lack of oxygen. I reached for my bandolier, fumbling with the twine in the water that held it to my chest, vaguely realizing that the water resisted and hampered my movements, almost as if I was moving in slow-motion. Stars exploded in my vision and unable to hold back any longer I opened my mouth, knowing that it would be my last- And I greedily gulped in the stored air. I watched the bladder slowly rise to the surface, blinking away the dizziness, coming to grips on just how close I came to drowning. Taking a second air bladder I burned a second breath, just to make up for the lack of air I had been experiencing. Perhaps not the best of strategies, but I did have a secret weapon: my Kanohi Kakama. Granted, I might not be as fast as I would be on the surface, but with it I could cover the entire bay in a very short time without fear of getting stuck or slipping. I might be down to only three bladders left, but with that second breath I was almost fully recovered and able to think properly. Which made all the difference than compared to trying to think with an oxygen-starved brain. Taking stock of my surroundings I consulted my hand-drawn map, activating my mask. I dunno if fishes could think, but I'm sure they thought it odd as a red streak began to run about the bay floor. I know I would. * * * I finally found it. Eventually. I had accidentally passed it twice, the seaweed-covered rock so well camouflaged and identical to the rest of the ocean floor that I didn't recognize it the first two times, forcing me to burn a third air bladder in my search. Still, here I was, hovering in the current before a massive granite door, a series of riddles between me and my goal. Just place the charms in the correct keyholes... I grimaced, fighting off a headache. My head hurt, due to the constant lack of oxygen. I was so unused to this. Reaching down I grabbed my fourth air bladder, taking the time to slowly suck in every iota of air held within. Yes, I may only have one left, but I was sure there was an air pocket inside, and all I needed was one breath to get back to the surface. Besides, I needed the air power to think. Releasing my hold on the bladder I let it rise to the surface, the pain retreating momentarily. Alright, what do we have here... All Are One... Or None Easy: Unity. In order to be united all must be of one mind, else there is none. Cael aptly gave Agni and myself that lesson back in Le-Koro, so that charm went into the slot. The following two however posed a little more challenge: From Unity Derived and From Clear Waters Granted. Well, I only had two choices: Purity and Speed. I didn't see how Speed derived from Unity, but I could see how Purity was - only from a united front could the purity of the cause be brought forth; a divided house was often a corrupted one. That made sense, but how did speed come from clear waters? Perhaps the answer was more literal than philosophical. Clear, pure water moved faster than sludge water. The less the water contained, the faster it went... maybe it was that simple. Worth a shot. Click. Click... Click! Not a moment too soon. As soon as the last charm fell into place, I felt that headache claw back, my lungs suddenly aching as my air quickly vanished. I might of had enough time to reach for the fifth bladder had the door not opened, a yawning, black chasm before me, a whirlpool forming at the entrance as water rushed into the opening. I opened my mouth to yell as I got sucked in, down into the blackness that seemed to swallow me whole as I spun like a leaf in a drain, nothing but a trail of tiny bubbles signifying that I had been pulled into nothingness... * * * I coughed violently, a mixture of water and blood oozing from my mouth. I could hear it slap on wet stone, the sound echoing as if I was in a small, enclosed chamber. I continued to hack for some time, forcing the water from my lungs and I slowly came to. Indeed, I was in a small, enclosed chamber, completely surrounded by damp, dark stone, the only light coming from a pool in the distance. The air in here was stale, but there was plenty of it, so I eagerly sucked it all in, making up for the time I hadn't been breathing. Finally calmed down I finally took stock of my surroundings. The pool before me was still and quiet, a blue, ambient light emitting from deep withing, casting an eery glow and odd shadows on the rest of the chamber. In the center of the pool stood a small platform in which I knew the dais would appear once I proved myself, but that wasn't the oddest sight. Above the pool against the wall were four matoran-head fountains, positioned in a semi-circle around it. They weren't activated, but it was clear out of the mouths would come some sort of liquid. There was a gap in the wall to my right, to which I spotted a contraption with faucet wheels located in what appeared to be a control room to the right of the main area I was in. Clearly these were the controls to operate the fountains. I staggered to my feet, reaching for the controls- "I wouldn't touch that until you are ready." I twirled around, launcher in hand, disk loaded, ready and willing to release a fiery disk of hurt at whoever it was that was down here with me. That is, until I saw who it was. On the center platform stood what at best I could describe an apparition; a ghostly image that I could partially see though, hovering there without any viable means of support. I could sense no heat come off her, everything pointed to something more supernatural than physical. Yes; her. It was the image of a Ga-Toa, the very image of pristine beauty and grace, but not one that I recognized. My first instinct was Toa Gali, but after closer inspection I realized it was not the case. I went through the list of Ga-Toa and even Ga-Matoran I had ever known or heard of, and none fit the bill. I stood there, ready for anything, but I felt an overwhelming sense of calm, all the way down to my soul... as if deep down I knew she wasn't here to harm me. "Peace, hunter; I bid you no harm. I welcome you to the Temple of Purity. You are safe here." I found myself lowering my launcher, relaxing as I did. She was sincere, I could feel it. But it didn't squelch my curiosity. "Who... who are you?" I asked quizzically, taking a step towards her. "I am the Guardian of the Temple." she replied gracefully, giving me a regal bow. "I am here to test those that seek the Crystal of Purity. You seek the stone, correct?" "Yeah... " I said, barely able to get the answer out due to my surprise. "Is that to mean that I am not the first person to come to this temple?" "You are the first to come with the other five." she replied, giving me an answer while at the same time dodging my question. She smiled at me, and I found all my inhibitions falling away. It was strange, but comforting nonetheless after the harrowing adventure to get here."My Duty is to ask a question of anyone who enters, to determine if it is their Destiny to retrieve it. Are you ready?" "Wait, a question? A riddle?" I paused for a second, my mind racing. "So if I answer wrong, I don't get they Crystal?" She laughed, her pure voice ringing throughout the chamber."Please forgive me Toa, I misspoke: it is a test, but not one you can necessarily fail. It is merely a way to measure one's soul." I stared at her confused, and she nodded at me in understanding."It is a question that has no right or wrong answers, only what you believe is right. Your answer will show your true colors, what truly are on the inside. This question will make you face yourself, a mirror, a way to gauge your own ideals against a backdrop of a choice, a decision. Once you are comfortable with your choice you choose the faucet wheel and allow that type of water to flow into the pool, taking your prize. The catch here though is that you will see what kind of hero that you are, and will be forced to live with that decision with the rest of your life. It may be fictional, but you will know what you would do in that situation... who you really are, on the inside. Are you ready to take the test?" I stood there for a moment, mulling over what she said. So this was a test of purity... against myself. A question that had no right or wrong answer, only a choice that showed who I really was on the inside. I guess I was about to find out how much I changed. I raised my head, looking at her with a confident gaze. "Yes."

IC [Naho Bay; early afternoon] Cael masterfully guided the boat to the coordinates; I had never thought of her much as a sailor, but I supposed that came with being resident of Ga-Koro. To her it may be a simple task, but I found the experience exhilarating. The constant rush of wind; the splash of the salty sea on my mask; the calls of ocean gulls; the strange and wonderful large sea creatures swimming under our craft... it was something so completely different than what I was used to. It was amazing. I could feel the craft slow; we must be nearing our destination. Bending down I began checking our supplies. Let's see... Rope? Check. Air bladders? Check. Diving buoy? Diving weights? Check, check check... The engine cut suddenly, and the boat suddenly became much quieter as we began to drift. I looked up at Cael. "Everything's in order. Sure we're at the right coordinates?" She glanced down at the stone tablet in the seat next to her, nodding. "Yes, this is the place." With a sharp intake of breath and a heave she shoved the anchor overboard, and together we watched it sink beneath the waves. After a while the chain stopped, and after a tug to confirm it was solid I began to don on the equipment. The bandolier of air bladders, a belt that had the diving weights, tying up the rope to my belt so that I had a connection to the boat... I paused. Something was wrong. It was quiet. Too quiet. I cast my glance at Cael. She sat near the engine, hands folded in her lap, staring at the floor of the boat. Just... staring. As if lost. I stepped forward and bent down, cupping my hand under her chin. "Hey, love, you alright?" She snapped out of it, giving me a startled look. She blinked a few times, and then smiled. "Yes, of course." That was a forced smile if I ever saw one. That was a lie, and my tone showed it. "Cael... something's wrong. Don't lie to me like that." She searched my eyes, as if looking for something... and then didn't find it. There was a abstract sense of fear in them, almost like helplessness. It was the same feeling I had got earlier that day when she cried on me, only this time it was stronger. Strong enough to affect her spirit. She sighed. "It's just that... you've never been diving before." I chuckled. "Yeah, well, there's a first time for everything. I need to be the one to get inside; I don't think the trick we used in Onu-Koro will work here. Besides, you'll be up top here watching over me; if something goes wrong just tug on the rope and I'll come straight up. It'll be fine; it's not like I'm fighting a horde of Makuta's servants. Oh, wait, already did that." We shared a laugh, though hers was shallow. I bought that explanation, but there was still something missing, something she wasn't telling me. I guess I'll just have to wait until after the dive - I wanted to make sure I had enough daylight to get in and eventually out. I climbed over the edge, easing my lower body into the cold water. I involuntarily shivered, Cael reacting immediately, placing a hand of my shoulder. "Relax; just colder than I expected." I flashed her my patented grin, that boyish, roguish look that made so many women swoon back in the day. Back when I was a womanizer, back when I was an egotistic prick that could only think of myself, unable to have any real feelings other than the shallow and callous being that I was. I was a changed man now, and not because of the Crystals... yes, they helped tremendously, but it was because of the woman before me. This Toa of Water that had stuck with me despite my faults and failures, willing to stay with me and help me through my most difficult times, loving me despite of me. She was the most beautiful Toa on the island... on the inside. And that's the part that really mattered. "A kiss for luck?" No sooner had those words come out of my mouth did she pounce, landing one on me that took my breath away, both her hands wrapped around the side of my head. It was deep, passionate, romantic... if not a little desperate and angst. It was as though she was kissing me for the last time and wanted to remember it, burn it into her memory banks. When we finally separated I was grinning broadly. "Easy love, I'll be back in a little while. Just sit tight, ok? It'll all turn out fine. Just you wait and see." I tapped her under the chin. "I love you." The last thing I saw of her as I took a deep breath and dove under was her smiling yet concerned face looking down on me.

IC [Ga-Koro dock; midday] "Ummm... Toa Joske?" I felt a tug on my leg as we stepped out of Marka's hut. Looking down I saw another matoran that I recognized: Kai, Marka's errand-girl, and maker of the finest rope in Mata-Nui. I actually had some of her work in my bag come to think of it. She glanced around nervously, as if in trouble. "Something bothering you Kai?" Cael asked sweetly, bending down to her level. Kai instantly relaxed, though not all of the apprehension from her face was gone. I could not help but marvel at the Toa of Water and the effect she had on these villagers; it was truly something else. "I, um, overhead what you and, um, Marka were, um, talking about and, um, well... " Cael smiled reassuringly. "It's ok, we won't tell anyone you were eavesdropping." The Toa winked, and whatever was left of Kai's inhibitions vanished. I remember a story about she and several others trying to start a rowing club with Marka at the center, but it didn't go very well... not to mention the Ga-Matoran could be a demanding boss. Which would explain Kai's nervousness. And curiosity to listen in on "important" conversations without the Chief Shipwright knowing. Without further encouragement she thrusted out her hand, a white object held within, apparently more than eager to help out a Toa she knew very well. "I have one too! I kept it because I thought it made me faster and able to carry out Marka's orders faster, but it seems like you two need it more than I do." Cael handed the charm to me, and I nodded with satisfaction: the Charm of Speed. That's three... in theory that's all we needed to open the temple. I turned to look down but Kai was already scooting away. "I-I need to go, I don't want to get in trouble for not- " I bent down, catching her arm. Against her surprise I gave a disarming smile. "It's ok; thank you for your help. You've done more than you think." I paused for a second, collecting my thoughts. "Do you know where Nixie is? Kotu said she might be here." Kai shook her head. "No, she's still in her hut. Can you let go of me now?" With a chuckle I relented, and Kai ran to do whatever it was her boss instructed her to do last. Holding all three charms in my hand I turned to Cael. "Three down, just a temple to go. Let's see if the astrologer is home, hmm?" * * * I knocked three times more, wanting to make sure she was really home. There had been no answer or movement within, and I was beginning to wonder if- "Who is it?" The voice was faint and cross, as if it didn't want to be disturbed. I had heard that Nixie kept herself busy, always working with the telescope that was nearby, and the few times she wasn't there she was here, decrypting what she saw in the heavens. Which made her a bit unsociable at times. It would seem as though this would be one of those times. "It's Joske... Toa Joske, and Cael. We need to speak with you!" "Unless you're here to give me relevant information about the recent reorganization of the constellations I'm really not interested in talking." I snorted, crossing my arms in frustration. Clearly she didn't want any visitors, but from what I had gathered she was the only one who might know where the temple was located. As I stood there thinking of possible other ways I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. "It would appear that she is taking Nokama's death rather hard... and burying herself and her grief in her work. Do not blame her for wanting to be alone." "Yeah, but we can't afford that right now." I said quietly, calmer now after her guidance. "Still, there MUST be a way to get her to speak with us." "Unless you are a master scholar on the heavens, I highly doubt she will." As soon as Cael finished saying that to me however, her face showed immediate regret. "What do you have in mind?" "Oh, just an idea." I chirped, stepping close to the door. I rested an audio receptor on in, speaking firmly but not shouting. "Nixie, I believe you." Cael just looked at me, but I raised a finger. I turned back to the door after a pause. "Yes, you're not crazy nor insane. You think you found something out in the bay, and I have complete faith in you that you are right. I'll even help you prove you are right." There was about a half second of silence, then the sound of rushing footsteps, followed by the sounds of locks being released. Slowly the door opened, and Nixie's face peeked out. "You do?" I peered forward in a non-threatening way. "Of course; why else would I seek you out? In fact, I think I have something else that might be of help." Stretching out my hand I showed her the assorted lot of charms I had collected, including those from outside Ga-Koro. Her eyes grew wide for a second, and then ushered us inside with reserved excitement. As we stood there the little matoran dashed about, grabbing charts and maps and other navigating equipment before loudly clearing off a spot on a full table. Setting out her graphs she began to set up various measuring equipment, speaking to us as she did. "The heavens are in turmoil, and I must chart their fluctuations. It had been my duty ever since this village was founded, given directly by Turaga Nokama, and I have done so without error. I have done this by developing Formulas derived from the movement of the stars, equations created from thousands of hours of study and experimentation. My Formulas have helped predict storms, movement and migration of sea creatures, best time to set sail and fish, even to locate and find hidden and secret objects. The stars tell all, one just must be quiet and still enough to listen. They see all, high above... and my work gleans from their knowledge. I am rarely wrong... rarely wrong... " I gave a sideways glace to Cael, who shrugged. Ok, this one was a bit odd, but given the circumstances and her work it was to be expected. I watched as she measured and charted on a map using some strange contraption, constantly referring to a set of numerical values of a slab of stone. Finally she turned to us. "The discovery of ancient relics and locations has been a recent breakthrough for me, though not many people take it seriously. I mean how can a star so high up in the sky tell you anything about things buried deep underground? They can though, if you know how to look. And I have looked hard enough through my astrological readings to derive a Formula to determine if there is anything under Naho Bay by calculating the movement of the currents. From this Formula I was able to obtain a set of coordinates that are most usual. Unless the Formula is wrong... something is out there, I tell you! Something is under the sea!" She slapped her hand down on the table to emphasize her point. I was taken aback slightly, but quickly recovered. "Yes, you're right, there IS something out there... a temple. A large, hidden underwater temple that these Charms will unlock, probably built in antiquity... when the stars were watching." She flew off the chair she had been standing on, dancing around the hut with unbridled joy. "I knew it! I KNEW IT! There WAS something under there! A sacred temple! No wonder Nokama stonewalled my research in that area... she must have known! And didn't want me to find out! But I did! I did! Oh, thank you, thank you, thank-" She froze mid-celebration, taking in both our looks, her mind finally drawing the connections. "Wait... so you both also knew it existed?" I nodded. "But you didn't know where?" Again I nodded. She pursed her lips. "Aaaand... you wanted to see if I knew... and if I did, what the coordinates were?" "Yes." I said, slightly exasperated, rubbing the bridge of my mask, "that would be nice, Nixie. Would you be willing to do that?" "So if I give you the coordinates, you'll dive down there and find proof of it's existence?!" I couldn't tell if she was excited or skeptical, wondering why a Ta-Toa would want to go swimming out in deep water. It didn't matter though as she smiled broadly. "Of course! Let me write them down for you." As she pulled out a fresh stone slab, I turned to Cael, rolling my eyes as I did. "Did I ever mention your people are almost as strange as Le-Matoran?"

IC [Ga-Koro; late morning] Cael took a deep breath, nodded in agreement... then succumbed. She cried, weeping in her quiet, deeply emotional way. As I took hold of her shoulder she fell into my embrace, relaxing against me and pulling herself in as close as she could, letting my body heat warm her, supporting her. I simply held her close, allowing her to let go of the emotions she had collected and stored away during this quest, waiting for a time where she could deal with them one by one, letting them go instead of letting them fester beneath the surface. I could feel the sobs as her warm breath escaped her lips, hot tears streaming down her cheeks and onto my chest. She cried for Nokama, and all the emotions that went with it, letting it all out. She squeezed me to tight that for a moment I might lose my breath, but thankfully I didn't. I just held her. Let her release. Gave her someone to lean on. Someone to help her through grief and dismantle the dams she had built for her emotions. Long had she been the one to be there for the sick, the injured, they dying. Now someone was there for her. Still, as we pulled apart, I could sense not all was well with her. As much as she had unloaded herself into me, released and dealt with her grief, something else had replaced it. It was almost as though she wished to say something, but at the last moment decided against it. Almost as if she was... afraid of something. “I'll be fine,” she finally said quietly, looking away. It was as though she couldn't bear to look me in the eyes. “I know what we need to do.” There was a long silence as she stared out over the bay, completely engrossed with her own thoughts. I was sorely tempted to ask what was bothering her, but I knew better than to do so. I just sincerely hoped whatever it was, she would eventually tell me. “Kotu,” she said at last, finally meeting my concerned gaze. “She can help us, if there's anyone left who can.” I gave a slow, thoughtful nod. "Yes, Nokama's left hand if I remember correctly. Agreed. Ready?" I raised a slight eyebrow, a tug of a smile on my lips. A ghost of a one shone on hers as I wrapped my arms around her and activated my Kakama, this time giving her enough time to mentally prepare for the sensory-jarring experience. * * * "Look, Shasa, I understand you need those items delivered, but have been so busy lately with Hahli gone and these new Rahi that-" The two Ga-Matoran and their conversation were interrupted by the sudden arrival of two Toa in the animal pens where they were. I looked down at the two speechless ladies, hands on my hips. "Please, don't stop your conversation on my account. It's not like I'm busy or anything." Shasa just blinked a few times at my smile, whereas Kotu narrowed her eyes and frowned slightly. "Joske. What a surprise." She turned to Cael, and her face brightened considerably. "Toa Cael! It is wonderful to see you! You've been gone for quite some now, and most of us were getting concerned!" Her face suddenly darkened. "If you've just arrived, then you may not know of- " "I am aware." Cael said somberly and with much sadness. I let there be a moment between the three water-maidens before I bent knelt down to their level. "Kotu, I... we need a favor. And you can't tell anyone. It's... rather important." The matoran eyed me up, unsure whether or not to take me at face value. She had been a long-time opponent of mine, and when I was a matoran living here she had been my usually-scheduled practice buddy... to which she lost. Every time. Now here I show up asking for a favor when all she knew me as was a stuck-up, egotistic and spoiled Kohlii star. "Why should I help you?" she finally asked. Clearly I would have to give a convincing answer... which means I would need to tell her of SOME things of my quest. I sighed inwardly, feeling as though this was a bad idea, but I didn't have a choice. We needed her help. "I am looking for charms, charms that will open up a door... a door to a secret, hidden temple. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?" The surprise and shock on her face meant I had struck protodermis, but still she said nothing. Both Kotu and Shasa shared a knowing look, before they turned to Cael, who gave them a reassuring nod. Apparently they trusted the Toa of Water much more than they did me. "And I take it you don't trust the Toa Arete, since you are coming to me?" I inhaled sharply. They were forcing me to put all my cards on the table, something I loathed to do. Slowly, I shook my head no. Kotu looked at Cael, then to Shasa, then back to me. "I know not of a hidden temple, but Nixie has been babbling for some time about something under the water out in the bay. As for the charms... " Neither matoran moved, and Kotu kicked Shasa in the foot. Immediately she produced a small, white circular object, handing it to me sheepishly. It was the Charm of Unity. With a nod of thanks I took it. "I... found it some time ago." Shasa said quietly, digging a toe in the firm seaweed. "But I suppose I can part with it... if you'd be willing to take some of my weaving goods to Marka and Kai. They should be at the docks." I took her bag with a smile. "Absolutely; thank you very much. Both of you." I stood, slinging the bag over the shoulder. I paused a second to look down. "Any idea where I can find Nixie?" "She might be at the docks; if not I am sure Marka and Kai can direct you to her." I raised an eyebrow. "As for what happened here... " Shasa giggled a bit, but Kotu kicked her again, both becoming serious. "Not a word." "Thanks!" I turned to Cael and nodded, removing ourselves from the Rahi pens. "To the docks then."

IC [Ga-Koro; mid-morning] The news hit me like a pyroclastic flow off a volcano. Turaga Nokama, dead? All the turaga... dead?! I was paralyzed momentarily. Then I saw Cael's reaction. “No,” she whispered. “No.” To say that I was unused to emotion would be a lie - being a Ta-Toa if was particularly well acquainted with the varying personal emotions a being could have, more so than most, so by now I knew how to deal and react when they cropped up. But this, this was new, and only after I had started traveling with Cael. Feelings that transcended happiness, sensations of giddiness, a relationship, a tie, a connection with someone more deep that I had ever before experienced. Love was new and strange to me, along with everything that came with it, including the fact that now the two of us not only shared a bond, but similar feelings. When she was happy, I was happy; when she was sad, I was sad, and this was something I was still trying to wrap my head around. So when she turned around and wept, her body convulsed in sobs and tears, my heart wrenched. I was heartbroken. For her. For me. For... us. All of us. I just stood in a trance, not sure how to handle this situation. Touchy-feely had never been my strong point, let alone comfort; I was an athlete, a sportsman... warrior even. How could I be a comforter to Cael when I could barely sort out what was going on in my own head and heart? She needed me now more than even, but I didn't know how. That's when she closed her eyes and took a breath, a look of determination on her face as wiped away her tears, jaw set, putting her emotions where-ever it was she stored them when she needed to be calculating and logical, in the present. I used to see this all the time when we first met, and over time I had managed to get her out of her shell; while I may not of usually been a fan of it, right now that's exactly what needed to be done. Now suddenly we were heading for guard headquarters, this Valkyr as our guide, and I found myself uneasy. Not only was Nokama murdered, but Hahli missing as well? And these Toa Arete... I had never heard of them before, and we'd been gone for what, one, two weeks tops? I've lived in this area for months previous, and I couldn't remember them, let alone her claim of ownership and defense of the village. It was all too convenient, them to be here as it happened, everyone else in a possible leadership position either dead or missing. Couple that with the way she talked and held herself... yes, I had made a slip of the tongue, but her reaction was unwarranted, over the top almost, as if... as if she was trying to convince us she was a protector of Ga-Koro. Like it... was an act. And I KNEW a thing or two about acts. My whole life up until recent had been one. So when she mentioned about obtaining help from the powers-that-be, I was suddenly extremely cautious. Reaching forward I wrapped one had around Cael's shoulder and another around her waist. "Let's not." I whispered in her ear, activating my Kakama. There was a slight rush of wind as Anthyn spoke nonchalantly to us. "You know who and what I am. Please, give me your names." She turned around, but found herself talking to thin air. * * * When the dizzying sensation passed, Cael found herself on her back porch. Her hut was situated at the edge of town, so where we are was hidden from prying eyes, though the view of Naho Bay was spectacular. My hands were on my hips as I paced before her, an indignant look on her face. "What was that for?!" I paused my pacing to look at her, then half-closed my eyes and continued. Granted, this hadn't been a perfect run, many obstacles had come up on the course of this adventure, but overall I had to say this quest had gone rather smoothly, spirit-blessed to say the least. But now here on the last leg we were thrown a curvedisk, something that could significantly alter our mission. In a bad way. "Because we haven't needed any help from the governing body of any Koro thus far," I started, my pacing slowing down, "and now we have a situation on our hands that screams 'Bad Mojo' to quote Angelus." She crossed her arms and gave me a look, to which I shook my head. I proceeded to give her my reasons why not to trust this 'Valkyr', the thoughts I had had while following her. "So call me paranoid, but something is not right here, and it's NOT due to Nokama's death. Something was off about her, but I don't know what, and that goes with the entire village. At first I just thought it was the overwhelming sadness of her parting, but now I feel as though it's some undercurrent that is gripping this Koro. Call me paranoid. Maybe I'm just imagining it. But after our recent conversations about the lack of Toa morality and how few of them follow the code, her odd behavior... and not to mention my brush with Heuani." I finally stopped pacing, crossing my own arms. "Every since I came into contact with him, I've had a heightened sense of perception. I don't know if something rubbed off on me, or maybe it was due to the fact I grappled with pure evil and came out unscathed and uncompromisable... I don't know, it's as if I can feel a sense of darkness and shadow in people not common to most beings. And something's wrong here. Everywhere. We haven't needed much help before, and I don't see any reason to change now." My voice softened as I approached Cael, placing a hand on her cheek. "I can't take the pain away, but we can't get sidetracked, not now. I know how you feel, but there is nothing we can do about it. What happened in the past or where we were not cannot be undone, but the future is still malleable. There is time for everything, including grief, but right now is not the time. Once this mission is done we can hold a proper time of sorrow, but we need to focus. I need you to focus." I took a breath. "Can you do that? For the better of the mission?"

IC [Outside Nokama's hut, Ga-Koro; mid-morning] Our thoughts were interrupted as a lovely voice cut through the air. We both turned around to see who spoke- And I was promptly taken aback. What stood before us on the bridge looked like a Toa, but as similar as she was, there were significant differences. She wore a mask, a Kanohi Mahiki, contoured to match her slimming features and pronounced curves. Her colors were a remarkable combination of alabaster armor with flaring red lines of exposed skin hiding underneath, brilliant orange eyes lighting up her face. She had no heartlight, her extremities altered as her fingers were elongated and ended in clawlike points, while her pointed feet resembled fashionable high-heeled boots instead of normal feet. The most stunning feature however were a pair of wings. Wings. Real, incredible wings, tight tan and white in color, densely woven with feathers that appeared almost metallic to the touch. From the angle I was at it would seem as if they could stretch out almost twice as wide as she is tall if fully extended, though at the moment folded neatly behind her back. Her face had a good-natured smile on it, her demeanor that of helpful introduction. I... I had never seen such a creature before. I stood there spellbound and speechless for a moment, my mind trying to wrap around the image it was seeing. Finally I got a mental kick in the rear and I seemed to pop back to reality. "Yes, um, I-we, were... um, well, wondering... " I pointed to the flowers, my voice sharp and concerned, but not accusing in any way. "What in the name of Makuta happened here?!"

Yes, "leet speak" and all its forms is against BZP rules. Please refrain from using it, or you might find posts disappearing Thank you.

IC [Ga-Koro; mid-morning] "Alright, Turaga Nokama it is. Maybe we'll be lucky and she's back." Together we navigated the seaweed streets of Ga-Koro, making a beeline for the elder's residence. As we walked however I got that familiar feeling, an unsettling uneasiness that I had felt and seen when in Onu-Koro, especially when speaking with Taipu. The air was salty and fresh, the sun shinning and warm, and the water blue and beautiful. Even the village seemed to be cleaner, as if a massive effort had been tone to tidy up the place. It was the undertone that was bothering me. This Koro was not a peace. Evidence of some tragedy surrounded us as we walked through the Koro. It was as though the entire village was in mourning, both of us surrounded by bloodshot eyes and tear-stained faces. Cael looked at me, disturbed; she was much more in tune with the people here and no doubt sensed it much more powerfully than I did. I just shook my head in bewilderment; I had no idea. It was as though someone died... someone rather important. A knot formed in the bottom of my stomach; there were few people in the entire Wahi that could elicit such a response from the matoran- We turned the corner, and were faced with a shocking scene. Turaga Nokama's hut, usually the center of activity, laid eerily quiet, all the windows dark and foreboding, and a sign that proclaimed no entry. But what shook me the most was the immense pile of flowers front of the Turaga' hut. A small mountain of pink and yellow, with the occasional smattering of other colors, small gifts and even the occasional trinket thrown into the mass. There could be only one reason for this type of display. No! I rushed to the door, frantically trying the handle. No luck; it was locked. Sturdily locked, and from the outside. From the outside. The powers that be didn't want others to gain entry... not that someone inside wanted other out. Slowly I turned to see Cael standing there dumbfounded, a hand over her mouth as she tried to come to grips with what this suggested, valiantly holding back tears. I quickly strode back to her, gently grabbing her shoulders. "Hey, love, calm down... take a deep breath. We don't know for certain yet." There could be only one explanation, but until proven I was going to hold on to that slight ribbon of hope. "Let's find someone who knows what happened recently before we start making conjectures and losing our heads. Let's find out if Hali is here, or maybe one of the Marine officers. No need to panic." Not yet, I thought very quietly. My smile and voice was reassuring, but deep down I was concerned. If Nokama really was dead... Everything would change. And for the worst. OOC: well, Joske and Co. are out of the loop both locally and politically. this ought to be fun...

IC [Old Fusa Path, along the Hura-Mafa River; morning] There was a shuffle of greenery as Cael and myself pushed ourselves out of the jungle and into the clearing next to the path. In unison Agni and Angelus looked at us, busy consuming a light breakfast. Angelus quickly resumed his consumption while Angi simply gave a nod of greeting, though both of them had a slight look about them: they had both seen the way we walked in... with our hands clasped. Out of the two Angi had the more eying gaze, but chose not to say anything. At least, not right away. "So, how are we this morning?" "I think I'll make it." I quipped, more upbeat than I was the previous night, though the weight of what was soon to happen along with my still-solidifying spirit damped my cheerfulness. That didn't mean however I wasn't up to my usual tricks. As I walked past Angelus to grab my back my wrist flickered behind his head. WHAP! As Angelus removed his face from the plate soft food dripped off his mask onto the ground below. Slowly he turned, a very dangerous look on his face as my own held a smirk. "Payback." * * * [beach, outskirts of Ga-Koro; late morning] "So here we are." Two hours later we had emerged from the undergrowth surrounding the path, the breathtaking view of Ga-Koro nestled in the Naho Bay before us. Cael called this place home, and to an extent Angi and myself as well; most of our recent lives had been involved with this Koro, long before we even met. I could feel the surge of emotion from our group, but before anything else happened I stepped out in front. "Before we go any farther, I feel the need to say this: we need to stay focused." I met the gaze of my companions, Cael being last. "This may be home to most of us, but we're not here because we're done - there is still a crystal that needs getting, not to mention the hidden temple to find and the charms to locate. It's going to be tough, but we can't slow down now; we need to get that crystal. Therefore I suggest that we try to keep interaction to a minimum, at least to those we know exceptionally well. We need information and locations, and we need them quickly; I have no idea how far the Wanderer's Company is, and for all we know that could be toa already, lounging around waiting for me to get back to them." I looked down the beach to the village. "I suggest we split up like before to cover more ground; Agni, Angelus, why don't you two scope out the Marine Headquarters and see if there is any reference to a temple or the charms in their files? Cael and myself will talk to the villagers and see if we can learn anything that way. Let's meet up at high noon at the docks. Sound good?" There were no arguments, so with that we stepped out of the jungle and onto the beach, following the path that led to the stone arch and into the Village of Water. As soon as we entered we split up into our designated pairs, and quickly we found ourselves in the main square among a rather busy crowd. It was odd to be here again after all this time, and not for relaxation OR for healing; we were here on a mission, and one of drastic importance. I could see that Cael wanted desperately to go to her hut, to mingle with old friends now that she was home, but that wasn't an option. Taking her hand I squeezed it tightly. "Who do you think we should speak to first? You're the local expert." I said quietly.

IC [unknown locale; night] They say the first kiss you ever have is the most memorable. To be fair, yes, that first kiss I stole from her in Onu-Koro was one for the books, don't get me wrong, a swashbuckler's dream. But really it was the second that I would remember the most fondly. It was the fact that she came to me; that I had only asked once, after a briefest moment of thought she leaned in and kissed me. I kiss she wanted, a moment she desired as much as I did, not something forced or tricked upon. It was long, passionate, and wonderful, something that I would indeed remember for the rest of my life, made even more special by the fact that when she finally pulled away.. she giggled. Like a schoolgirl. The scientific, analytical, over-cautious healer was gone, at least for the time being. I had the real Cael, the one buried deep underneath all those layers, the young woman with hopes and dreams and fantasies that was always hidden under the seriousness of her work. I realized that as we had kissed she had maneuvered to sit on my lap, and now she fingered my chest as we sat under the stars. We sighed in contentment simultaneously as my own played up and down her legs. Not a word was exchanged. There was no need too. Making herself comfortable she curled up on me, resting her head and hand on my chest while wrapping the other around my back, one of my own hands stroking her back while I held my neck with the other, both of us staring up into the vastness of space. The only movement of her I could see was the slight rise and fall up her upper body as I breathed, feeling the warmth yet infinite coolness of her person on mine. It was the simple joy of each others company, young love along a babbling brook. I suppose in the end it really wasn't surprising, but still... I had fallen head over heels over a Ga-Toa. Stunning Toa of Water, child of the ocean. An ocean's daughter. I half-smiled to no-one in particular, finding myself humming an odd tune. I wasn't the most talented musician on the island, but this turned out pretty good. I think it had something to do with the whole "young love" thing, causing the heart to soar and make stupid little love songs. Beauty in the water, Angel on the beach. Ocean's daughter, I thought love was out of reach. Till I got her, had I known it could come true I would have wished... wished... ... for a Ga-Toa like you? That last part needed work. It wouldn't come now though as the day's events finally caught up to me, crashing over my consciousness like an avalanche. With Cael on my chest I winked out. * * * I awoke to the sounds of brilliant bird calls, warm sun, and cool water lapping around my feet. As I yawned stiffly I could feel Cael stir on me, and realized that she must have fallen asleep either before or immediately right after I did; neither of us had moved an inch during the night, so exhausted from the previous day's events that we simple slept straight through the night.. Pressing gently on me she pushed herself up with unearthly grace, blinking the sleep away from her eyes. "Morning." I said quietly. She looked at me with those golden globes, still half-closed as she slowly work up. She gave a coy smile. "Hmmmm... morning." She leaned in and gave me a long, good-morning kiss before pulling back. I gave a sigh as she pulled back. "Sleep well? I slept like a rock." "And I slept like one on a rock." My entire back half was sore, having been pressed from that flat rock on one side and Cael on the other; now I knew what a sandwich felt like. I chuckled quietly. "No, I was out all night; I don't think I moved a muscle. Did I ever tell you you are amazing?" My finger brushed her cheek, and I could see her sigh contently. She still hadn't gotten off my chest, and now the pressure was getting to me. Not that she was heavy - ok, I'd better get off this track. Women and comments of weight do not mix. "We'd better get back; I can't wait to hear the little speech Agni will give us when we return... " Even though we didn't do anything. I finished wordlessly. She simply nodded, and together we got up and after enjoying some breakfast fruit began the walk back to camp, Cael as my guide. Not that different as usual. Except for the fact that we held hands all the way.

IC [unknown locale; night] I had wandered off to far. Bending down I took a drink, cupping my hand to scoop up a small amount of water. I looked around in the moon-lit darkness, realizing that nothing looked familiar. I have have lived here for an extended period of time, and this may have been the smallest Wahi on the island, but that didn't mean you couldn't get lost. Especially in the dark. I sat down on a flat rock, depressed, even the world around me seeming to have the same demeanor - the stars were dim, the few bird calls were low and somber, even the water that flowed beneath my feet seemed melancholy. Add the the fact I was now lost... Lost in more way than one. I looked despairingly at the black sky as a grappled with my conscience. As a young matoran I saw the Toa through rose-tinted lenses, believing them to be like the heroes of old; sage, wise, powerful, pure. As I got older I realized that this was not the case, and most Toa you met were NOT the protectors of the little ones, champions of the weak as we were taught. I can only blame myself for this, but once I learned that hard and terrible truth, the betrayal of their morality, I held a slight grudge against them. All of them. There was a certain bar, a set standard I had placed in my mind Toa were supposed to be, and the Toa Code was it. If you did not live up to that, then you were a failure. Wasted potential. Villain. So strong was my worldview that I would go picking fights with Toa just to ram that down their throats, just to prove them wrong. Then I became one myself. In my pride, arrogance, and previous scars I took that worldview and pumped it up only an egotistical pig-headed star could, trying to be a moral champion in a fallen world. I was doing the right thing but in the wrong way... I could see it now, in hindsight. I attempted to be the hero I always envisioned Toa to be without truly taking the time to understand what the Code really meant. Now I wondered... was it worth it? Could it be done? Was... was the Code worth the effort? I hugged my knees, staring at the river, no answers coming forth. It was so easy just to throw my hands in the air and say "Screw it", taking what I will and living my life as I saw fit, and if the Code benefited me at the time, so be it; if not, oh well. To take it literally, and the sacrifice it demanded... was something that demanding even relevant? I didn't know. I just... didn't know.

IC [Old Fusa Path, along the Hura-Mafa River; evening] Fire. It crackled and popped, happily consuming the dead wood we had managed to scramble together, giving us a friendly display of heat and warmth. I stared at the dancing flames, the tongues of orange and red, bobbing and weaving in an intricate and beautiful pattern that was only observable to a Ta-Toa like myself. It was comforting, welcoming, even useful, as Angelus pulled through again and provided a hot meal for us. Fire. But now I also personally knew the dark side of that flame, the all-consuming destruction in could wrought. I had been there, if not only briefly, the horrifying other side of this likeable and useful element. An experience that would not leave me any time soon. Fire. All-consuming fire. I leaned up against the tree, staring at the night sky above our heads. If I looked down, I could see the gradual sloping of the landscape until the hill we were on met the sea, the dim lights of Ga-Koro winking in the distance. To my left was the river, and to my right was the path and beyond that endless, dark jungle. I hadn't said much all day, and that seemed to be affecting the group as a whole. By now I not only realized I was the pseudo-leader of this motley crew, but the lifeblood of it. I was the one with an indomitable spirit, a light heart, always upbeat and optimistic... if I was down, it showed, that that unfortunately spilled over to everyone else. I didn't like that kind of responsibility, but it was something I had been forced to learn over the last few weeks since my transformation. To be a toa meant to be in charge of whatever situation you were put in, whether wanted or not, whether you felt like it or not. It was a responsibility that I felt ill-prepared for, but struggled forward with it anyway. In fact, it was only one of a thousand lessons I had been forced to learn astonishingly quickly. Every since that fateful day in Ga-Koro I hadn't slowed down, to think, to reflect, let alone absorb it all. One can only take so much before he begins to suffer under the strain, and that last fight might have been the straw that broke the Kikanalo's back. My experience back at the Temple of Courage? Small beans compared to the crossroads I was facing now. This wasn't some attitude adjustment, or a way to dismantle a prideful ego; this was foundational. How I viewed the world. Which would in turn affect how I interacted with it. Which would affect every decision I would make after this point. This was a decision of what I believed as a person and individual. What and who I was at the core, what was left at the end of the day when everything you had and knew was stripped away. It was staggering. I suddenly stood, still staring at the sky, hands on my hips. Yes, we were on a timetable. Yes, we were in a crunch. Yes, I had to get that last crystal and get back the Wanderer's Company before it was too late. But this was something that could not be rushed. I was unsure, vulnerable, conflicted; I was not moving forward until I made a decision. I was going to sort this out. Peel away the layers of my soul if need be until I found an answer. Even if it took me all night. Without a word I left camp. By now I was certain my companions were used to this; wouldn't of been the first time, probably not the last either. They might even be sharing a slight laugh now at it as I pushed through the underbrush, trying to get lost in my own thoughts. Angelus, why? I found myself following the river as I thought, breaking off to follow a small tributary. The code is one of the most valuable possessions of any true Toa. You know what it means to be a Toa by now, you've seen it in the Mata - to be one of us is to be a champion of the people and a paragon. The Toa Code is cool; I've got no beef with the Toa Code. But the problem is that it's a theory, put together in an era where Toa didn't deal with the same limitations and issues we now take for granted because we face them every day. The Code didn't factor in Makuta, or Heuani, or the sort of Toa who waltz around this island with glowing tattoos that eat your emotions and use 'em to buff up. The code is that set of moral values which guides us on that path. Toa is not just a name, it is a title...one we have to honor. A fact that is...often forgotten these days. Where I come from, you learn to evolve, or you die. Stagnation is frowned upon, because if you stagnate, you won't make it where I come from. You learn to release your inhibitions, one by one, because if you don't circumstances will only get worse and worse for you until you're either dead or you're so melancholy that you want to be dead and it never comes around. With all that has happened, with all the tragedy around us, it seems that the code is no longer relevant. So many committing acts of violence in the name of righteousness, they don't realize anymore that our code is what separates us from Makuta's servants. So that's the Toa Code for me: it's a theory, always evolving, always adjusting, and depending on the day and age you're a Toa in - take ours, for instance - you have to put emphasis on some parts and decrease emphasis on others. But it's all subjective. No...killing them would be too darn easy. You know that first hand. All it takes is one step to go from beating and opponent to beating them to death. And it is just what they would do. Mercy is not a word in the vocabulary of evil. Which is why it is so important to us. Mercy and compassion are what separates us from not only the villains, but from the animals as well. Without it, in the end, we end up being no better than they are. Were either one of them right? Both? Neither? I kicked a rock in frustration as all these voiced crowded my head. Tuara with her single-minded devotion and hard justice had a few choice words to say to both, and Rit came galloping through with her own two cents, more or less agreeing with Angelus but wither her own spin on things, that conversation with her not five minutes after my transformation at the forefront. Every toa I had ever spoken with had in way or another a different version of what they believed to be the Code, or not one at all. Angi was the only one I had met that held any sort of literal translation of it, and that's what startled me the most, reviewing Angelus' words. But it's all subjective. All the evidence pointed in that direction. The logic part of me was nudging me hard to that conclusion, but my soul was screaming bloody murder at that idea. If the Code is simply a loose bias, a interpretive set of laws, then are they rules in the first place? If there are more exceptions than than followers, why do they exist? What's the point? To make us feel like we're the good guys? Something for us to hang our hat and pretend that we're a bunch of moral heroes? What is the point of having rules if no-one follows them? I guess the question was then: are they subjective? Are they open to interpretation, or are they immovable, able to despite the age and chivalrous intentions be relevant in any and every era and situation? This was the question I had to answer for myself.

OOC: from Onu-Koro Thanks to VF and Tyler for their input. Sorry if now I am going to pit you two against each other IC [Ga-Wahi delta, Old Fusa Path, near Hura-Mafa River; early evening] Ga-Wahi. Warm, wet, wild Ga-Wahi. The place where you could cut the humidity with a knife and dull the blade at the same time, the home of swimming pools, Kohlii stars, and all the pretty fisherwomen you could lay eyes on. Stunning beaches, magical plantlife, a getaway resort of vaccination proportions. Here... here is where it all started. My first dream-like vision. Where I fought the Tarakava and almost died. Met Cael. Got transformed into a toa. Trained to be a warrior. Outside of meeting the Wanderer's Company - and everything that went with it - nearly every important recent event in my life happened here. I've come back full circle. We meandered along the Old Fusa Path, following the Hura-Mafa River down to the bay in the distance, Harakeke and Bamboo plants proliferating all around us. We had entered the area through a little-used tunnel from Onu-Wahi, and upon doing so realized just how late it actually was. Being underground messes with your internal clock, no sunrises or sunsets to gauge the passage of time. When we emerged to the surface it was clear that the light was waning, not quite sunset, but long shadows indicating that it would be soon. There was no way we could reach the Village of Water before dark, but we could make good headway with the hour or so of solid light we had before we were forced to break for camp. The walk was done in relative silence, the events and words surrounding the fight earlier in the day having a heavy impact on all of us. Particularly me. My spirit was troubled, and despite my best attempts I knew it showed. Angelus had presented a worldview radically different from my own, one that flew in the face of what I personally held dear. More specifically: the Toa Code. The strict moral code, the Unspoken Word amongst those that bore the title "Toa", the very rule and law that, ideally, every one of us should follow. I... I was having trouble reconciliating the two. I could not deny the truth in his words, but at the same time I could not accept the fact that the Toa Code was useless either, which was what he had indirectly said. Or had he? I needed to know. "Angelus," I said quietly, as if not to disturb the songs of the birds around us, "what is your view of the Toa Code? Your comments earlier, about letting everything go, about doing anything an everything you needed to survive... what's your take?" His reply was almost immediate. "The Toa Code is cool; I've got no beef with the Toa Code. But the problem is that it's a theory, put together in an era where Toa didn't deal with the same limitations and issues we now take for granted because we face them every day. The Code didn't factor in Makuta, or Heuani, or the sort of Toa who waltz around this island with glowing tattoos that eat your emotions and use 'em to buff up."Where I come from, you learn to evolve, or you die. Stagnation is frowned upon, because if you stagnate, you won't make it where I come from. You learn to release your inhibitions, one by one, because if you don't circumstances will only get worse and worse for you until you're either dead or you're so melancholy that you want to be dead and it never comes around."So that's the Toa Code for me: it's a theory, always evolving, always adjusting, and depending on the day and age you're a Toa in - take ours, for instance - you have to put emphasis on some parts and decrease emphasis on others. But it's all subjective, so... " He let that hang, and it was heavier than the humidity around us. I stared at the dirt path under my feet, trying to come to terms with that. Here was another Toa that, in essence, did not follow it. Good guideline, but that was about it. Open to interpretation; all of it. A set of rules that are prone to, and indeed do, change on a regular basis depending on person and situation. I closed my eyes trying to grapple with it; had it been anyone else I would have laid into them like I did Rit all those weeks ago... but I considered Angelus a good friend, a solid warrior, someone with an even more solid head on his shoulders, and extremely smart. How could such a person have such a view unless they were right? And even if he somehow wasn't, the argument he presented... It was a bewildering experience to say the least. I happened to glance next to me, Agni walking straighter than usual. No, more like a board. Clearly he wanted to say something, but was too polite to come out and say so. I raised a slight eyebrow. "Have something to say about that?" Lifting a fist to his mouth he cleared his throat. "The code is one of the most valuable possessions of any true Toa. You know what it means to be a Toa by now, you've seen it in the Mata - to be one of us is to be a champion of the people and a paragon. And the code is that set of moral values which guides us on that path. Toa is not just a name, it is a title...one we have to honor. A fact that is...often forgotten these days." He paused for a moment, hesitating, a dark look in his eyes. I may not know a lot about Agni's past, but I did know that some time ago he accidentally and indirectly killed an opponent; I knew not of the details, but the experience was enough to still haunt him today. Still, he moved ahead, undaunted, giving a sideways glance to Angelus. "With all that has happened, with all the tragedy around us, it seems that the code is no longer relevant. So many committing acts of violence in the name of righteousness, they don't realize anymore that our code is what separates us from Makuta's servants."Angelus' face was neutral, if not a tad hard at the comment. "If that be the case, why then shouldn't we just kill villains?" the jungle-toa questioned, almost as though he was baiting the older Toa of Fire, "Villains like Echelon, where one act of violence can prevent countless others? Or is it just too hard for you to bring yourself to do that?" I wanted to open my mouth to object, to voice that was not a fair question. Agni waved his hand however, taking it with grace."No...killing them would be too darn easy." he responded firmly, his gaze meeting Angelus' before looking back to me. "You know that first hand. All it takes is one step to go from beating and opponent to beating them to death. And it is just what they would do. Mercy is not a word in the vocabulary of evil. Which is why it is so important to us. Mercy and compassion are what separates us from not only the villains, but from the animals as well. Without it, in the end, we end up being no better than they are." The jungle was eerily silent as Agni finished, my mind and body caught between two opposing ideals, not expecting the exchange that had just transpired. I had a LOT to think about.

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] "Yeah, Joske, I want you to stop holding back. I want you to release every instinct that you've ever thought wouldn't be appropriate for public viewing, I want you to get a handle on everything you think you can use as a tool, and then I want you to let it all out. Then, when it's out there, I want you to take it all back again, push it all together, and I want you to whittle all those inhibitions and tools into something that you can drive through Heuani's heart. You understand?" It wasn't a problem of understanding. It was a problem of accepting. What Angelus said flew in the face of everything I knew, everything I had taught, even my very beliefs and values; shook me to the core. What made this argument so potent was the truth it presented: raw, unbiased, experienced truth. Yes, he may have grown up in a different world, but that didn't mean he wasn't right. I understood, but I had no answer for him. Nothing to say. He had successfully assaulted my worldview, turning it on his head, something not even Tuara had been able to do. The carpet had been pulled out from under me, and now I had to decide what I believed, what I thought was right. Three different people, three completely different ways of looking at the world- That's when Cael stepped into my field of vision. She gently pushed Angelus aside, looking me straight in the eye, in her hand a simple cotton cloth. Her eyes darted about my face, cataloging my injuries before settling on a cut on my temple, blood dripping down the right side of my face. With a small smile the healer reached up with the cloth and with gentle touches carefully wiped the blood away. Her mask was that gentle composition, quiet strength, and subtle comfort as she tended to my face... an attitude unlike everyone else in this company. Unique to her. “Angelus is right, Joske,” she said quietly, so softly that I had to strain myself to hear her. “But remember... when you let go of everything... remember what you're fighting for.” Remember what you're fighting for. I took a deep breath, letting her cool calm flow over me as she tended to my injuries; I could feel fell the damp cotton dance over me, followed by a slight sting as the wounds slowly mended shut. Without thought I found my hands on her hips, thumbs lightly caressing her as she worked. My eyes were closed, head bent slightly, taking slow, regulated breaths. I could smell the faint fragrance of the ocean off her - a breath of fresh air, gentle breezes, a child's giddiness; of summer sensations and sun; of surf, salt, and seaweed... of ancient infinity. I moved my face closer to the side of her head, leaning in slightly, taking it all in, absorbing it all, burning it into my memory, eyes still closed. I wanted a tangible reminder, not just a visual one. The only change in her was a relaxing of her body against me and hand against the side of my head, a gentle pressure, a light squeeze against the side of my face. Nothing else. But that was more than enough. A hand on my shoulder was the signal that she was done. Slowly I pulled away, opening my eyes and just gazing at her. Thank you. I didn't say anything, but I didn't have to; the eyes were the gateway to the soul, and by now Cael had gotten pretty good at reading them... even at a distance. Grabbing my bag I slung it over my shoulder, meandering over to the nearest elevator. To an outside observer I may have looked frustrated, a little angry even, but that's now how I felt; my companions knew that. I was lost in thought. Gone, retreating to an inner place that let me think and mull over recent events. I still didn't know. I would need time to sort all this out. And make some sort of decision about my worldview. This was not something to take lightly. I yanked the lever, and the elevator creaked and groaned to life, shifting and jerking upwards before becoming smooth as it ascended. I stared upwards, my mind somewhere else as we crowded the small lift. "To Ga-Koro." I finally said. OOC: Joske to Ga-Wahi

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] Bandages. Someone rolled me bandages. I bent my head farther down to look between my legs, only to spot that pure-while roll of gauze. Cael wouldn't of done that; she would used her mask and fixed it herself. Agni wouldn't of done that, probably in need of more medical attention than the rest of us combined. That left Angelus. I wanted to ask why, but I really didn't feel like asking questions. In fact, I really didn't feel like doing anything at all. I rolled over, landing on my butt heavily as I stared out over the lowest region of the Great Mine, nothing but a large expanse of black water before me. My back was facing them, but to me it didn't matter; I didn't feel like talking. Slowly I took the gauze and began to apply it sparingly on my body, wrapping the most cut and bleeding sections of my skin. Ironically it wasn't much; my fiery tantrum had seared shut most of my open wounds that I had accumulated with Agni while blindfolded, so the one roll was enough to cover the few that still bled. As I finished I sighed, legs in the water, arms leaning heavily on the lip of the basin. Now calm and collected, I could rewind, play, rationalize, and understand what had just happened. I closed my eyes, not sure how to feel at this point. I understood only at this point that pushing me over the edge was Agni's goal all along; ratcheting up my reaction speed was just a by-product. I had never blown it in regards to my temper, so I never actually knew where that line was, how much it took me to go over the edge. But now I knew. I'd done it. Violently. Which was the plan all along. Which is why I felt conflicted. What I did was horrid, absolutely reproachable, but yet wanted by some, needed by another. It was a lesson I apparently needed to learn. So was I to feel accomplished, seeing how I passed that aspect spectacularly, or ashamed that I could not control myself, severely wounding those I called fiends? I didn't know.

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] "No." I was seething from head to toe, blind rage filling my vision as Angelus stood between me and Agni, the only reason I gave pause was the sharp sword pointed at my chest. I could care less about Angelus at this point; all I had eyes for were Agni. There was a point when training, a line drawn, a certain border not crossed, an unspoken rule between student and master that was not to be violated. It was the place where it ceased to be meaningful instruction and became a underhanded bar brawl, a slugfest worthy of only malice and spite. Agni had crossed that line. He had leaped and bounded over that barrier, he had violated my trust him him as a teacher... I lost my cool. I didn't care he was making a point. I didn't care if there was something else to this. He was wrong. He had overstepped his bounds. And I was angry. VERY angry. The fire within my soul was consuming me, and at this moment I embraced it. Sought it. Reveled in it. I was going to beat Angi. Beat the fluids out of him. I was going to pay him back for all the pain he had caused me. The late nights. Early mornings. Never-ending practices. Grueling duels. The Pain. Suffering. Humiliation. I was reliving every loss, every reprimanded move he had ever said and done to me in my mind, and he was going to get that back tenfold. Oh no, I wasn't going to kill him, not even close; that would be too good for him. I still had a shred of dignit- "Yes. Stand down." Like Karzahni. "No." "Stand down." The imbecile..."Out of my way Angelus." "STAND DOWN JOSKE!" I was dangerously close. "MOVE IT, SAVAGE!" Misery loves company, or something to that effect. Angelus snarled as I pushed a button as he lunged at me. No, not a lunge - lethality. Angelus had the intent of putting me down at least to the point where I was no longer a threat... like a mad animal. Like an out-of-control creature. I was nothing but a Rahi to him. What shred of self-control I had was consumed by my rage. My Kakama glowed, and with ease I slid past Angelus, knocking the sword from his hand and into the water far below, making a rapid series of blows that caused him to stumble back in painful confusion. With Angelus out of the way I was free to met out my own version of punishment on Agni, something a long time coming. I pounced on him, his almost-helpless body near the edge of the grate, and began to beat him savagely with flaming fists. Agni did what he could to defend himself, but it was practically a moot point: he was already weakened and I was high. Oh so very high. High on anger. Rage. Blind fury. I roared as I began my assault, mentally prepared to leave him a bloody, broken, mass of a toa. As I raised a clenched fist, preparing a blow that would have broken his jaw, I felt resistance. Then a tug. The pull became a yank, which resulted in a tumble as I found myself wrestling with Angelus on the grate, our two bodies intertwined as I tried to break free. He had greater experience than I did in this sport, however, and coupled with the element of surprised he managed to momentarily pin me. "Is this what you want?" His firm and steady voice cut through the red I was seeing, the rushing of blood I was hearing in my ears. I could have sworn just a moment before he was angry like- "How does it feel to be pushed over the edge?" I screamed, trying to break free, but it wasn't fully out of rage. His tone had gotten through, and a part of me realized what had just happened. I had lost it. Utterly, completely, and irrevocably lost it. Even when I first became a Toa I managed to retain some type of control, but now, but this... I was gone. Angelus was correct: right now, I was an animal. Blind. Without rational thought. Deep down I was suddenly afraid, but there was no way of conveying that. I was karzahni-bent of hurting, even killing Angi, my mentor and teacher... I wanted to to it. Desperately. Yet... oh Mata-Nui... I grabbed Angelus tighter and threw him off me, pushing with my legs in a savage fiery assault. I managed ot get to my knees, but before I could move any more he tackled me in the back, pressing my face and chest to the grate, arms pinned and wedged between my back and his knee. My breaths were quick and shallow as I tried to break free, so many emotions coursing through my veins... "Go ahead." Two words. Two words that held so much meaning. It could have meant a challenge, his taunt to prove that I wasn't going anywhere... or the fact that he was prepared to hold me there no matter what. I grunted, I struggled. I clawed, but despite all my prowess and power he had me perfectly. There was nothing I could do. I was trapped. I could do nothing to Agni but just stare at him. In rage. And hatred. I let myself loose. I don't know how he did it, but Angelus managed to hold me there for ten minutes as I burnt out under him. I unleashed my elemental power indiscriminately, passionately, and with force, the temperature around us skyrocketing exponentially, creating explosion after explosion of fire and heat, trying to shake Angelus. The heat was incredible, and I have no doubt it must have been painful, but he held me compassionately, calmly, without a word as I lashed out, absolutely unable to do a thing. Slowly I began to putter out, which caused me to struggle even more desperately, even as I began to regain control of myself. I could feel the exhaustion from Angelus as well, and for a moment I thought I might be able to break free, just for a moment. That is, until we all heard the groan. The grate we all were on shifted slightly, a metallic creak and the sound of warping metal ringing in our ears. It was red-hot... no, melting. My tantrum had been enough to cause structural integrity to disappear, the grate twisting and warping in all directions. For a moment it seemed as though it was going to hold, but then there was the sound of grinding coupled with wet slapping, and the platform gave way. Completely. There was a sensation of weightlessness, then freedom as Angelus and myself drifted apart, and as I tilted my head I could see the dark blue surface of the water below come rushing at me. * * * I pulled my chest onto the lip, coughing violently as the water I swallowed came rushing out of my lungs, my body trembling. Slowly I climbed out, staring at the earth beneath my knees, wrapping my head around what just happened. The combination of the impact and to cold water had given me such a shock that I instantly lost my rage, like a tsunami squelching a cooking fire. The water sucked all the anger, heat, flame, passion... well, everything from me, and emotionally pulled the carpet out from under my feet. One second I was high, the next completely low and spent, trying to get to the surface to breathe. Now I was here, on solid ground, and my ears told me that Angelus was helping pull Angi out of the water next to me. But I didn't look. I couldn't look. I couldn't raise my head. I was on all fours, staring at the dirt, mouth open as I gasped for air, but that's why I couldn't look. It was out of shame. That same feeling that I had experienced back in Ta-Koro when I realized who I really was. Only this time it was worse. Far worse. For the first time in my life I had lost my temper in every aspect of the word, and only now did I realize there was a good chance I would have killed Agni in blind rage. I had completely lost myself. I... I... I buried my face in my hands, unable to meet the gaze of my friends, especially Cael, my shame too great. Now I understood what happens, what happens when I let things get out of control. When I want to hurt my friends, those I love. Everyone had seen it... the animal inside that I could become... I couldn't bear to look at anyone.

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; morning] Firen rolled his eyes good-naturedly at my comments, smirking as he picked up his book and stood. He readjusted his coat almost subconsciously as I watched him slip the volume he had been reading into the left breast of the garment. "I am a living, breathing GPS. I can find my way anywhere." As if in response to that comment there was a muffled roar right outside as his motorcycle purred to life outside. Even at this distance I could marvel at it, the sounds of the engine music to my ears. To me a vehicle was more than a machine, every sound a tell-tale signal of what was going on inside... and that bike was a match for mine, I could hear it. Oh, how I would love to dissect that beautiful piece of metallic transportation! "I left my number on the counter, next to the coffee machine. Yes, I know there are bound to be sarcastic remarks to that," The Toa of Data said, walking toward the door. "Give me a call if you need me." "Uh-huh." I said, giving him a sly look as he brushed past me, my arms crossed. Just as he passed the threshold of the doorframe however there was a distinct smack as I whapped him on the backside of the head. He jerked forward slightly before turning around, a look of shock, confusion, and slight amusement on his face. "And what was that for?" I just raised a eyebrow. "For inviting yourself over in the middle of the night, interrupting my beauty sleep, and making my life a general pain as a cop. By the way, if you wanted a date, you should have just asked instead of leaving your number. I still would have said 'no'. Chow!" With that I closed the door with a distinct slam. Exhaling loudly, I realized just how much of a bullet I dodged there. And it wasn't due to the chase the other day. Yes, I figured they'd come for me eventually on that, and at the worst I would pay a fine, maybe a day in jail for recklessness. No, it was about the Head of Security's vehicle and the schematics I had been downloa- Active downloading!? I bolted down the stairs, realizing I might of just made the greatest mistake of my life. Firen was a Toa of Data, and if my computers had been on when he had been here- My panic subsided however as I reached the bottom of the stairs and looked around. Yes, I they were all off, I remembered now, and the lack of sound and active lights proved it. In my half-asleep stupor I had still managed to shut everything down; there was nothing Firen could have gleaned from. I was still safe. For now. I leaned on the railing, eyes closed and breathing slowly, letting the adrenaline work through my system. Ok, sure, I stop playing vigilante for now, just to exchange sifting through and in essence stealing government secrets. Was that any better? Worse? Same? Why? Here I was, living a life of freedom, free from my old ways, from living in the streets, from fear and apprehension of the police and the powers that be. All I had to do was live a normal life, play by the rules, and I would be happy. Content. Safe. Free from fear and the uncertainty of life on the street and vagabond. That's all I had to do. But as I gazed at my equipment, I realized that was a lie. I couldn't. That only worked if you trusted those in charge. If the powers that be had your best interests in mind. But even when I got clean I saw that wasn't true, even when I was a law-abiding citizen it was assumed I was a mindless sheep, following every news feed, every announcement with glazed eyes, willing to take and accept every word they said. That life was good, we were safe, the government had it all under control. They didn't. They were lying. And the more tech and knowledge I gleaned from them the more I realized just how much of a double-standard they held. Now add to the fact that old habits die hard. And I don't trust easily. Put it all together... With determination I stood, and marched back upstairs and out the back door, to where the airship lay. Jumping into the pilot's seat I powered it up, hearing the delightful hum of a perfect engine purring to life, ready and waiting to be used. A minute later it was on the street outside my garage, and I was on my way back inside. I was determined to find out what was going on. Whatever was in that craft I had a copy of, and I was sure I had enough materials lying around to build a version of it, albeit significantly smaller one. I would find out what it did and how it worked. I would reveal this secret they had. Even if they branded me a criminal to do it. But there was no fear when one was doing what was right.

My money is on Turara and that she kills him outright. Any takers?

OOC: Corvin, you're the best; well done my turn IC [Great Mine; afternoon] Being blind has a terrible misconception to it. The best way to describe what people think it's like is a "lack of information". The loss of a sense, best example here being sight, was always assumed to bring less information, a distinct lack of sensory input, making it difficult to function. Used to to five sensors, the brain only has four or less to work on; thus the impaired physical ability. In reality however, the opposite was true. It was a distinct overload of information. With one sense down, the body has to compensate for this loss; it still needs to know what is going on in the world around it. Therefore all the remaining senses get jammed into overdrive in order to try and make up for this deficiency. Smell becomes enhanced, suddenly able to detect odors it could not before; hearing becomes painfully acute, the audio receptions trying to pinpoint moving object with echo location to compensate for the loss of sigh; but the most dramatic sensation is enhanced touch as that is the only sense that is in direct contact with the outside world and tries to make up for the others. Touch becomes hypersensitive, almost to the point of over-sensitive, sounds and smells colliding with everything that's going on in your head, and your brain does not know what to do with all it. Your senses are suddenly on crack, giving the mind more information than it had ever dealt with before as it tries to absorb and disseminate everything coming in. You hear, but do not comprehend; you smell, but cannot identify; you feel, but have no idea what you are touching. When you're so dependent on sight losing it is utterly detrimental, and being a Kohlii player that was the sense I used the most. And now it was gone. Agni disappeared, I knew that much, but where he went was impossible to tell as my mind tried to sort out everythin- *thwack* I may be blind, but my vision exploded with stars as I felt was like a boulder slam into the back of my head. He couldn't of hit me that hard... no, he wouldn't of hit me that hard. With my sense of touch on overdrive every strike felt ten times worse than it was, and the blow tot he back of the head was enough to cause me to stumble forward, losing my footing. I recovered, and attempted to swing where I thought he was- Only air. I was hit again, this time by the side, and I practically sprawled to the grate. I managed a roll and came up on my knees, shooting a fireball in the direction the strike had come from. I was vaguely aware that it hit the fall wall some several second later. I was too busy fending off blows from my invisible assailant. I spun around again, trying to locate Agni, when it hit me: I had no idea where I was. I was so dizzy and disorientated that I could barely stand, let alone know which direction I was facing. But that wasn't the most foreboding thought - I had no idea how far away from the edge I was... any edge. My next step could be nothing but air. I froze, trying not to make any stupid mistakes. I was rewarded my an inexplicably hard punch right into the gut. I collapsed to my knees, trying not to throw up as the rest of my body rebelled, pain rolling over my muscles. "Bad move." I could hear his slow footsteps as he walked around me, like a predator sizing up his prey. I could barely breathe, let alone focus with everything going on in my head. "Take away sight, and you are helpless. Incompetent. Simply reacting, and not doing a very good job of it I might add." His voice had changed, and I was unsure if this was my mentor or a very real opponent; it still didn't take the truthful sting out of his words. "Shadows remove all light, all hope, from a place, rendering it black and cold, a place where one can see nothing, see only his own fears in his mind. How can you expect to defeat Heuani when you can't even stand on your own two feet, let alone predict where he will strike next? Yes, you have learned to react and plan ahead when you see your enemy move, but how about when you can't see?" I heard him move, and I tried to make a rolling dodge, but his foot caught me in the chest. I skidding across the grate, the sharp edges digging into my skin, and then nothing. The Edge. Only my fast reflexes saved me, my hand shooting forward and grabbing the edge. I hung there, trying to formulate a plan of action while forcing down the panic of my near demise. Without sight I could not fly, and there was every possibility I would have rocketed myself into the closest wall. Pulling myself up I crawled back onto the grate, Agni's laughter ringing in my ears. "Such a pathetic toa." On all fours I sat motionless, every fiber of my being wanting to lash out in anger, rip off this blindfold and call "Foul!" I didn't know where I was, he had resorted to name-calling, and in a matter of moments I had been handed a solid defeat. Problem was, getting angry would not solve this. I... I couldn't afford it. As much as I was beginning to hate him for such low tactics, getting angry would only kill my chances. I... I had to keep my cool. Stay focused. Concentrate. Sort out this new type of information. Learn. Carefully, painfully, I stood. And was immediately knocked to my feet. "Don't you ever learn?" "Slowly." Raising my arms I willed myself to block out the pain, focusing in on the myriad of sounds around me. I would have to sort them out, identify what was needed and what was white nois- I felt my knee buckle, and once again I was on the sharp metal grate. By now I was pretty tore up, my usual smooth complexion marred by deep gashes and bleeding abrasions, but I ignored it. I focused. I needed to not only listen, but understa- I was hit again, from a completely random direction. Stagger, fall, get back up, hit again. I moved carefully, trying to figure out my location, not to fall off, locate Agni – hit again. Vanish. And again. Vanish. And again, and again, and again… Agni was brutal. Merciless. Toying. Not once in our training was he as underhanded and cruel as he was here, not even as punishment. I don’t know how he did it, but Agni had slipped into his opponent’s role almost too well, but that was the point. At any time he could have taken me out, but instead he messed with me, hit-and-run, making it impossible to move without being punished, and simply standing was worthy of punishment. I could not see him, but I could sense his popping in and out of the shadows, striking where it hurt most, only to melt back into where-ever he went. It was the most spirit-awful session of my life, and I just stood there and took it, no doubt to his mild surprise and probable amusement. But it was not without cause. I had a plan. I just needed to bear the brunt of it. Survive the pain. Learn. There. An ever-so-soft metallic clank. A sound I could identify. The pattern I was looking for. Activating my Kakama I tried to dodge, but I was too late. But it was a glancing blow. I rolled, knowing that Angi had vanished yet again, but I could feel his suspicion. Somehow I had managed to avoid a direct hit. I knew he would attribute it to luck, but soon he would learn otherwise: I had managed to discern the pattern. Not physical pattern, he kept it random, but the sensory pattern, the cues I needed to react. The disappearance of a presence, the whisper of wind that accompanied it, followed by the slight sound of metal-on-metal and he re-emerged from teleport, becoming real and engaging with the physical world around him. It was these slight clues that had been hidden from me that I now understood. I just had to react. I tucked, feeling his fist of my shoulder instead of my chest, feeling him move to the left as I attempted a jab. Nothing but air, but I guessed I was close. Gone. I listened, reaching out… back right. As I bobbed and weaved I could feel a kick on my thigh. I couldn’t block it in time, but I was tensed and ready to absorb it. I could hear him back away and vanish again… There was a pause in the onslaught. I think he was beginning to figure that I was- Slight clank, left high. With my Kakama fully activated I move, twisting, reaching up… blocked. Our arms met, and for the first time since that cursed blindfold had been put on me I successfully stopped him. I could feel the momentum shift in that moment. It wasn’t immediate, but as time went on Agni had less and less success striking me. At first I played defensive, simply trying to save my body from more punishment, dodging and blocking where I sensed the attacks were coming from. To his credit Agni was getting more creative, but at this point I had grasped the understanding of reaction to stimuli. Yes, I was only moving after he appeared, but I could move faster than him, process information at greater speeds… it wasn’t that he was slowing down between attacks: I was moving faster. Significantly faster. He popped in directly behind me, and I whipped around, moving faster than my mind would allow. I simply let my body react, I didn’t think. Just moved. Kakama and me, one body, one mask, one mind, one movement. I circled with my left arm, knocking away his arm, and with my right made an uppercut to his gut- I connected. He stumbled back, activating his mask and teleporting away. Left low, jump and leg swing. Coming high right, low shoulder and upward jab. Every time he teleported and materialized I was facing him, every blow he tried I successfully block and most of the time made a connection of my own. It was as if I knew ahead of time where he was going to go. But that wasn’t true. I was simply reacting to his presence quicker than his eyes and body could read my reactions. I was faster than his teleport. He popped in and out several times without striking, trying to confuse and throw me off balance before charging forward. I leaned forward, planting my foot as I grabbed his arm, clutched his elbow, and lifted. Add momentum, and Agni took a free flying lesson as I flipped him overhead and threw him. “Pull.” I released a fireball, as much heat and flame as I could muster, and I could hear the searing connection of it with his flesh. Shooting forward I grabbed his ankle, and with a pull and twist yanked him down to the grate as I rolled over him, my knee pressing hard into his heartlight as he laid sprawled on his back, on hand around his neck as my other was engulfed in flames, ready to give him and up-close-and-personal experience with my fire. I pushed on him hard. “I swear if you weren’t my friend I would fry your brain right here and now. Try to teleport again and I will cook you where you land.” Ok, maybe a bit much, but I wasn’t having any more of this. I was in control, but Agni had pushed enough of my buttons in this training exercise to get me riled up. I would thank him later… I would absolutely thank him later; I don’t think I ever had a harder, more productive session in my life. I was just a little PO’ed at the moment.

No, as far as I can tell there is no plan to allow for a Toa of Light in the Bzprpg, and Toa of Shadow only sparingly as staff-used plot-drivers. This NOT to say however that the Elemental Power of Light will not show up at some time, just like Shadow is being used. Inner light, inner shadow? Very possible next year, though it really depends on how things shake down. BTW Nuju, do you think its about time we released a few more teasers? We're pretty close here

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; morning] "Huh." That was the best response he got from his thoughtful answer. I stepped out on my room back in my full mechanic getup, a pair of wrenches in my hand. With deft movements they spun rapidly before being slammed into place in my tool belt. In a matter of three minutes I had gone from half-asleep girl to fully-loaded, dressed, and eaten mechanic. I cocked my head. "Well, I'm already late to open up.. as usual. Not to mention I have to get that airship I was working on yesterday out of my lot and into the street for pickup later today. I hate to kick you out, but... ok, not so much, I'm kicking you out. Business hours start now." My thumb was pointed at the front door, a stupid smile on my face as my tongue stuck out a little bit. "Think you can find you way or does the detective need an escort?"

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] This time... this time she was gone longer than before. Even I couldn't hold my breath for that long, and I was in perfect physical shape. I was calm, but now... something must of gone- There was a mighty splash below me as I heard Cael break the surface, her strained lungs taking in a huge gasp of sweet, precious air before her body fell back into the roiling pool. In the dim light I could see her float there, simply breathing, heavy and rapid, as if there was not enough to go around. I didn't have to see her to know she was exhausted. "Cael!" No response. "Cael, are you alright?" Nothing but that heavy,staggered breathing. "Cael!?" At last, she managed to cough out an answer. “I- I'm fine.” I could hear movement in the water as she attempted to stand upright and tread, the faint glimmer of her wet mask looking up. “I got it.” Air rushed out of my lungs as I gave a long exhale. So she survived and got the crystal; I shook my head. Yes, clearly it had been close, but she had done it. I should not have worried as much. She was capable and competent on her own. I needed to remind myself she had been a toa much longer than I have been. With a swift motion I leaped over the edge, keeping one hand firmly grasped on the lip of the hole as I swung down, my feet planting themselves against the shaft wall. I reached my free hand down, my fingers about half a bio above her head. She looked at me with a taxed expression, mouth still open as she tried to regulate her breathing, but that excursion had been almost more than she could handle. Clearly she was tired and even treading water required a concentrated effort. Stretching as far as I could I looked at her, a confident, approving, comforting smile on my face. "It's ok; I got you." There was a moment between us, and then with effort she reached up and grasped my hand, slowly followed by the other. With a heave I released my coiled body, pulling her up and out of the water in one swift, fluid motion as I simultaneously lifted with my one arm, pushed with my legs, and pulled with the other arm. It was so quick, so sudden, so effortless on my part that as her face flew past mine I could see the mild surprise, a second later I had tossed her over the lip and onto dry ground. Agni was immediately there, pressing on her back, helping her cough out the water she had swallowed. I could not help but smile slightly in morbid entertainment as I climbed back over the edge; a Toa of Water almost drowned. It was like me saying I was nearly burned to a crisp. I knelt down next to her as she was on all fours, now back on solid ground rapidly recovering. I squeezed her arm once. "Thank you." That was all I needed to say at that moment, a lot of information and feeling conveyed in those two simple words. She had just done something I could do, and thanks to her we were now just one crystal shy of a full set. Gingerly removing the satchel from her neck I rummaged through the contents, noting that all the charms were there, the crystal was there, but my mask was not. So the temple had decided not to give it back. I pulled out the Crystal of Prosperity, gazing at it's features for a second, before adding it to the rest. Ringing out the water in the bag, I spoke to the group. "Five down, one to go. Who's up for heading back to Ga-Koro to finish this little quest?" I had that quirky grin on my face.

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui] "Apologies if I put anything out of place, but some of my more.... Ahem, "neat freak" tendencies kicked in. At least with regards to the kitchen." "Yesh, it's been commented that my garage is kept cleaner than my house." I spoke with food in my mouth, a muffin in one hand and coffee in the other. I was a whirlwind of activity as I inhaled a quick breakfast, trying to (as usual) make up for my late start. "I don't know about you, but I slept so soundly that I had no revelation to our little problem. Think of anything?" OOC: EDIT: Post 4000! Woot!

Friar's going to blow a gasket when he sees that group name, just so y'know. CABAL OF CRUELTY!?!? Hrrrrrmmmm... grrrrrrr.... rrraaaarrrrrr.... *pop* NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Emzee... help...

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; morning] Buzz Buzz Buzz Buzz... *groan* SMASH! There was dancing of sparks and the sparking of wires as my fist was embedded into the alarm clock, a concave indentation where a square shape should have been. I held it there for a few seconds to make sure it was dead before I rolled out of bed. *thunk* "Ouch." I pushed myself off the floor, sleepily looking about the room, licking my lip. Mornings. I really hated them. The birds may be singing, the sun may be shining, the air may be warm and beautiful, but there was noting good about them. Morning meant you had to wake up. Get up from sweet, lazy dreams, from blissful sleep, back to whatever grind you had been doing the day before... As I slowly walked to the door, my feet dragging as I did so, my mind was trying to piece together the events of last night. Something had gone down... I thought I had a visitor... something about a vehicle. With a yawn and a stretch I opened my bedroom door and shuffled into the living room- "Good morning." So you know that thing that a cat does when it gets spooked? Back arched, all hair standing on end, a hiss and an incredibly-impossible jump in some random direction. Yes, that would be me. There was what appeared to be a toa in my house sitting on my couch, and he just spoke. I freaked. When my mind caught up to what my body had done I was leaning against a near wall, poised to ponce, several gigawatts of power arcing around my hands as I breathed heavily, suddenly VERY awake. It was only now that I remembered everything the previous night in perfect clarity, and that I had offered to Firen to spend the night. With my momentarily-heightened senses I could smell fresh coffee, see an assortment of breakfast items out for consumption, and hear my dishwasher going. Apparently he was a good guest. And I had come a heartbeat away from frying him to a charred corpse where he sat. "Don't... don't DO that!" I dismissed my power, fuming as I stalked to the kitchen. I wasn't a morning person to begin with, and that was possibly the most flattering and friendly greeting I had ever given anyone... not. At least I was awake now. Pouring myself a cup of coffee I grunted. "Morning to you too... " There were a host of words I could have finished that statement off with, but the decent part of me won out for once.