Friar Tuck

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] “It'll be fine,” she said with a smile. “I'll be safer down there in the water than up here. I promise.” Yes, yes she would. Why then was I so anxious? I knelt at the edge of the hole, staring down into the inky blackness of the hole and invisible water below as my fingers drummed restlessly on the dirt. She was a Ga-Toa; water was her element. If ANYONE could find it down there it would be her. But once she disappeared from view I felt butterflies in my stomach from uncertainty; none of us knew what was down there, and while she may command the water if she had to fight her way out... not to mention she didn't have a Kaukau. It had been what, two, three minutes now? There was no way for us to know if she drowned, let alone try to rescue her. No, I was overreacting. I needed to calm down. Have some faith. She obviously did; she had squeezed my hand in confidence before vanishing into the blackness. I had to trust her. Trust my team. Especially now that I had made such a statement to her earlier. That was probably why; I had just found something else worth fighting for on a more personal level and I was too afraid to lose it. I took a long, deep breath, realizing I had forgotten to breathe. “I found it!” There was a splash, then a burst of light as she lifted her lightstone high, the light bouncing off her wet mask as her voice echoing up through the tunnel that I had carved, treading water. “I just need the charms to get in.” "Alight!" I said, relief in my voice. I scrambled to my bag as I pulled out the small mound of charms I had thus collected, realizing that we didn't know which ones it required. Emptying out my bag I wrapped them all in it, preparing to toss the lot down the hole. She would have to play trial-and-error with them, but hopefully now that she knew where it was she would have more time to mess around with them before needing to surface for air. As I finished wrapping though something tugged at the back of my head - every temple required a lesson be learned for me to access it, no exceptions. So what was the lesson? At the same time I was physically unable to enter this particular temple, which meant we had two possible problems. Sitting down I took a moment to think: Prosperity. Hmm, probably derived from the Virtues of Duty and Destiny. So, what did that mean? Well, Onu-Koro is based on this principle, and following the Principle of Prosperity requires great determination and skill; thus the Charm of Stamina. But in doing so usually brings great wealth. One was prosperous by attaining great wealth, often through hard work. I looked around me, seeing those idea put into action by the busy Onu-Matoran. They were probably the hardest-working matoran on the island, and therefore were indeed wealthy; their stores of protodermis, lightstones, precious metals and gems were legendary, and through them all raw material was sold. How did that apply to me? Well, I never really worked worked... and I didn't have a lot of money. Or things for that matter. As stuck-up and egotistical as I was I wasn't very materialistic. I played Kohlii. Lots of Kohlii. And I worked hard at that, which is why I became the best player. I worked my mask off now that I think about it. A lot of self-sacrifice, long days, longer nights even. Pushing, striding, testing. Working on myself to be better. What did I have to show for it? Not much. I may have a perfect body, but that was about it. Until recently I had no friends, few material possessions, little wealth... I really didn't have anything to show for my lifetime of achievement. Achievement. Well, I had trophies. Lots of trophies. If there was one thing I had excess of, it was medals and statues and masks and- Masks. Copper Masks. Copper Masks of Victory. I owned several in fact, all due to my extraordinary ability on the field. Yes, it could be said that I worked to become the best player, and my multiple Copper Masks were my wealth. To own one was a near-miraculous accomplishment, and I owned four. Four. In those terms I was rich beyond compare, proof of what I had done with my life. Perhaps that was the key? The more I thought about it, the more it felt right. If this was the Temple of Prosperity, then it would want proof that I did not completely squander my life away, my talents, my spirit-given abilities on fruitless activities, just like all the other temples wanted proof of me learning their lessons. I may not be wealthy in terms of monetary means, but in my Kohlii abilities I was a millionaire, and used them to their fullest extent. The Copper Masks were the proof. Proof of my Wealth and Prosperity, proof that I had the Stamina and endurance to work at something and excel at it. And if I had so much, that I would not be so selfish to hoard it. I would have to give some of it up to prove I had it in the first place. My hand went to the pile of things that had unceremoniously dumped on the ground, digging out the Copper Mask I had brought with me. At the time I had done so in vanity, planning to use it as proof of my abilities and use it to gain favors with people... now I see it served another purpose. It was amazing how in this journey so many things fell into place, item and people used not for their intended purpose, but for something better and greater than planned. Yes, it was a Copper Mask, and item that did not have a price tag, but I had many. I was Prosperous enough to obtain several. All I really needed was one to prove anything; the rest was, well, pompous. I could part with it. After all, it was just a mask. Not like it was a friend. Placing the Copper Mask and the charms in the bag I wrapped it up tight, sliding back to the hole and dropping the satchel down in. "Incomming!" There was a splash, and then the sound of slight swimming. I could hear Cael down below feeling it, the charms dully clinking against the mask. "What's in here?" "A hunch. Take your time, be careful. I'll be waiting for you." This time when I sat by the edge, I was significantly calmer. Granted, I was still a little nervous, something like this one was guaranteed to feel a little anxious, but I was much calmer now. I felt like I had learned something else today, and that was the power of giving. Vakama and Jaller had demonstrated that with the launcher, and I had done it when kissing Cael. It was better to give than receive, and the more prosperous you are, the more you can give and bless others. I could give up a mask to help save the island. And now I knew I would give anything to her if she asked.

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] I spent a moment looking at the two marks Angelus placed on the ground. One was the apparent location of the temple, and the other... "An access tunnel." Angelus said, a ghost of a smile on his lips. "One that's flooded. Cael?" I turned to see her on one knee, eyes closed, a single hand pressing into the dirt. "Yes... I cannot make out any details, but there is a significant flow of water between the two locations just below is." Opening her eyes she stood, a her face serious. "I cannot say if there is a temple down there, but there IS a long chamber filled with flowing water not to far beneath our feet." I returned my gaze to Angelus, who by now had his arms crossed, looking a bit smug. I snorted. "Ok, so how do your propose we get down there, oh Wise One?" "Dig, of course." "With our bare hands?" It may have been dirt, but it was packed and as hard as rock. Agni stepped forward at this point, up until now silent. "Well, there are three Ta-Toa present. I do believe our combined heat should be sufficient to melt a hole to the subterranean tunnel." "Dirt doesn't exactly melt." I countered, though that was just a technicality. True, I don't think there would be much that could stand between three Ta-Toa and their objective, but something told me it was a bad idea. "I know what you mean, but I just can't seeing that end well, blasting our way down. What we need in a small, localized, focused usage of... heat... " When I slowed like that, it meant that I had an idea; whether that idea was good or bad was anyone's guess, but I could see the slight apprehension in their eyes. With a disarming smile I waved my hand. "Don't worry, this will work; I think." With that I detached my jetpack, slamming it into the ground nozzle-side down where Angelus' mark was. Reaching into my bag I pulled out a Kohlii ball, placing it into the head of the launcher. Granted, it wasn't the best of fits, but the hydraulic claps did their work, grasping and holding that circular object in place. I grinned; I KNEW those balls would be useful. Planting my feet firmly I clutched the ball as tightly as I could, mentally preparing for what was about to happen next. "Joske- " Angi warned. Too late. With a thought I activated the jetpack-mode of the launcher, feeding into in my elemental energy. It shifted and moved, angrily trying to fly into the air, but I held it firmly in place despite its attempt to launch itself into space, willing my muscles to overcome the momentum I was struggling against. Slowly the jetpack began to move in a circle, the only motion it could make, the sound of metal on metal echoing across the chamber as the Kohlii ball rubbed against the clamps. That crawl turned into a quick clip, and soon my jetback was spinning rapidly, the jets of flame eating into the earth below it. I grunted as a beat of sweat formed on my brow, feeling the shower of sparks flow over my hands as the temperature around me increased dramatically. Still it spun, creating a red-hot lava-like circle between my legs, slowly sinking into the dirt as rock and ash flew past my face. I could feel my arms tiring, the vibrations doing wonders for my stamina, and just when I could hold it no longer I felt a sudden sensation of moving forward. My jetpack-turned-plasma-drill had broke through. I felt my feet leave the ground as a jet of water slammed into my chest, causing me to fly backwards and land square on my butt, my launcher landing a short distance away from me. I grinned, dirt and mud smeared across my body. "That worked swell." There was now a perfectly circular hole leading into a pool of water.

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] "Yeah, well, I... " Nope. Couldn't say anything. All I could do was sit there and watch him scoot across the dirt like an Ussal, audio receptor to the ground as he somehow could track the sound of water deep underground via sound. I mean that was completely... absolutely... normal... Not strange at all. No. Perfectly legit. I stood up, leaning in to Cael and speaking out of the corner of my mouth. "You're the local water expert; is he pulling our leg, or can he really do that?"

IC [Great Mine; afternoon] I frowned. Not deep enough? "How... how much farther then?" I was on one knee next to Angelus, looking upwards for what seemed like kilobios. This place was huge, and we were only observing a tiny fraction of the place. "We're already who-knows how far down, and there aren't many shafts that go that much deeper, not to mention those that do are flooded, so we really have no idea just how deep they go. We have a stunning lack of Earth Toa, but at least Cael can help mitigate the flooding." That wasn't what miffed me though. "Can you really hear all that?"

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; late evening] "Well, that's just great. I don't know about you, but I need sleep; I had a long day of projects and custom work, and tomorrow promises to be just as hectic. You're welcome to stay if you need a place to hole up and think, but I am going to bed." Standing up and striding to a closet I pulled out a pillow and a blanket and tossed them next to Firen, yawning as I arched my back in a stretch. "Just don't touch anything - there's a lot of sensitive material for my various projects lying about here, I'm not the greatest in organization, and some of that stuff is expensive as karzahni to replace, if not find. If it's any comfort the amount of work I have scheduled for this week will keep me off the streets and away from my extracurricular activities." Before I closed the door to my bedroom I gave a look back. "By the way, as much as I hate to admit it, you're not half bad... for an introverted geeky cop with no social life working for a huge overreaching government with conspiracies out the wazoo." With that comment I closed the door and upon hitting the bed fell asleep.

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; late evening] "I am not a criminal." I pouted, crossing my arms and sinking into the couch, a slight snort escaping my nostrils. Misunderstood, maybe. Not trusting, absolutely. But a criminal? That was harsh. "Alright, geek, what's your brilliant solution? Obviously according to you this must be solved tonight, so I guess I'm not getting back to sleep until that happens. Fantastic." What was it, one in the morning? I wondered if he ever slept, considering how perky he seemed to be.

IC [Marn Tunnels, Onu-Wahi; afternoon] As I spoke I turned back, just to make sure they were following me and not standing there, too shocked and overwhelmed at my bravado to think straight. Well, with one obvious exception. She wasn't anywhere near here. Cael was laughing, her cheeks slightly flushed as she bounced off Angelus, the two of them sharing some playful words as they raced to catch up. The way she tossed her head, the slight shifts and move of her body... her mind hadn't yet come back down to earth. She was lost in a tsunami of emotion, an ocean of ecstatic feeling and pure ecstasy. I wasn't the only one feeling like this, my head somewhere in the stars and refusing to come down. But I already knew that. The moment we kissed. As soon as our lips touched, I could feel the reaction: she melted. As I pulled her in there was no resistance, only a slight, fleeting sensation of surprise, then acceptance. Something deep down within her wanted to do this as much as I did, only she had hid it better than I had... until then. I felt her breathing stop as we embraced, so lost in the moment that I swore something in her head cross-circuited, her own arms wrapped around me as she eagerly and greedily soaked in the moment. And when I pulled away she was lost in space; I saw it in her eyes. Her world was spinning, her head somewhere lost in the stalactites, flying high in a world only she could see, a glazed and distant look in her stellar golden eyes. I dared thought she actually enjoyed the experience more than I did. I turned back forward, the entrance to the Marns before us, a huge smile on my face. I took a huge risk there, making a long shot from across the field with that move, taking a chance on something that could have ended up disastrously. With all that running through my head, there was only one thing I could think of, a huge toothy grin across my face: Score! * * * The Marn Tunnels were a myriad of annexes and off-shoots of the Great Mine, a series of at least twelve tunnels established to extract precious minerals and other raw material. The Great mine itself produced most of it, and we were fortunate enough to be allowed access inside with Taipu's good word despite the massive amount of work going on inside. I was simply amazed at the amount of work that has gone into making this mine, the sheer size of it daunting; I had heard of a recent time when production here had slowed significantly, where only a few idle Ussal Crabs and abandoned equipment had been before, but all is now abuzz with activity, thanks to the Lightstones and their unique abilities. The Mining Captain on duty could not afford the time, nor the time of any of his workers to assist or even guide us, but he did give us a detailed map of the mine and possible locations for a secret temple. Even if he thought it a bit ridiculous. There were several abandoned mine shafts at the bottom of the Great Mine, a handful of them flooded due to digging too deep and opening up holes into a subterranean river. The leakage had been stopped before it threatened the mine as a whole, production continuing unabated, but it made our search that much more difficult. I studied the map intensely, trying to figure out a good starting point. I turned to the group. "Well, I'm out of ideas. Anyone?"

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; late evening] I sighed, seeing this conversation looping around and around. I sat myself down next to him, staring at the opposite wall. "Ok, ok, I see your point. Look, at least I was honest and admitted it to you, let alone promised to take it easy on my late-night activities. Though I highly doubt they'll truly get me if I actually tried." I rubbed the bridge of my mask, seeing this back and forth going nowhere. "So, what do you suggest? Just sit here, twiddle my thumbs do nothing, live a simple, boring, uneventful life here on the coast? Trust your bosses and co-workers to get it right when their their track record isn't as good as they project? I... just can't do that either. So what do we do?"

Which is why I said enough is enough above. Come the new season all these topics will be re-booted, and the hundred to thousands of pages will be sent to the archives, making it easier for everyone. Guys, there is no need to look down on those who decide not to read everything. STOP. Or I start deleting posts. And if you don't read the plot... don't be snobbish or rebellious if you don't think it's good or worth while. Both sides take a chill pill.

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; late evening] "Well, if you're willing to look the other way, that's a solid in my opinion. If it's any consolation I did not enjoy the chase myself-" I paused, allowing myself a smile, " ...well, at least not completely. Your pursuit vehicles drivers could use more experience." I put the coffee away. "I'll be more careful to be certain, do my homework before I don the 'suit'. I didn't like the surprise I got; trust me, it wasn't fun. Especially considering how a simple chase got this much attention, if I go out I'll make sure to disappear more quietly. If you're willing to work with me, I'll definitely be more picky with what I do. I'd hate to cost you your job, and that's the better end of that result." I raised an eyebrow. "Though I am open to negotiations."

Yeah, guys, lay off. If he doesn't want to follow the main plot, that's his prerogative. Don't berate him for doing so. Now that's not to say he's only hurting himself in the long haul for lack of knowledge and understanding, let alone a great narrative and a way to become a better writer, but that's his choice. Not so say his reasons are sound or worth while, but don't make him feel less for doing so.

IC [Taipu's hut, Onu-Koro; afternoon] “I- I didn't think it was possible, either.” I watched as Cael laughed, her surprised expression finally breaking into a wide smile. She, like the others, was usually a very serious individual, concerned with the physical and mental health of our group, healing and mending what wounds she could, both visible and unseen. But it was a very different type of seriousness. The type of that was caring and supportive, a working relationship that was on a far more personal level than Agni's or Tuara's fight training and rugged discipline. Not to say that kind of relationship wasn't important or had its uses, but after a lifetime of shallow pursuits and always striving to make myself better, what Cael provided was something different. Unique. Personal. And to see her smile and laugh like that, like the cool murmuring of a babbling brook... Despite her initial shock, previous reprimand, her stern tone, it was all done in playful half-hearted fashion. I found myself stunned as I looked into her eyes, the deep gold color the same as the hundred of lightstones around us, sparkling like the stars on a clear night. To see her like this, so lighthearted and relieved, was very different from her usual demeanor, and I was entranced by it. I had finally found myself, survived and encounter with possibly the most dangerous toa on the island, and right now had so much adrenaline pumping through my veins from being able to fly that the world could have ended I would not have known it, let alone been saddened by it. And now Cael... In that moment something happened to me. Something wonderful. "But you've gotten into the habit of proving us wrong- I guess we should've learned by now to expect anything from you." Throwing off all inhibitions I seized that moment. One hand went to her waist, pulling her close to me with a gentle tug as my other hand wrapped around the back of her head, lifting it up slightly as I leaned in, pausing for a dramatic moment, and then kissed her. It lasted for only a few seconds, but in that moment I hit the sky and didn't slow down, fiery passion in my soul burning as bright as the sun. It was as if every fiber of my being exploded with heat and fireworks as my emotions went into overdrive. It was only here and now that I realized just how long I had wanted and waited for this moment, but was either too arrogant or shy to understand. What I said the other night in Ko-Koro was not just because I cared for her as an individual... it was because my feelings went deeper than that. Deeper than just seeing to it that a non-combatant was out of harm's way. More than just a doctor, a consultant, a friend. I found that I was falling in love with her. As I pulled away, I felt like a bandit who had gotten away with the heist of the century. In one way I had: I just stole a kiss from Cael... in front of everybody. As I stepped back there was a distinct bounce in my step, my head bobbing back and forth in giddy energy. I cleared my throat, trying to slow down my heart rate as I worked to regain my composure. Tearing myself away from her I turned to Taipu, who stood there like someone struck dumb. Which he was. "So, Taipu, would happen to know any information regarding the Temple of Prosperity?" To be fair, he had just been swarmed by a team of Toa, seen a strange artifact, observed a Ta-Toa fly, and bore witness to an awkward moment. Somehow though he managed to raise an arm and point. "Great Mine. Flooded shaft. Maybe." I patted his head. "Thank you, little one. Your help has been most appreciated." With that I turned and walked out in front of my companions, a slight air of authority surrounding me for the first time since we've started. Gone were my previous inhibitions, doubts, and fears, finally able to develop and become the person I needed and wanted to be. With a confident smile I turned back. "Alright gang, you heard the matoran: to the Great Mine!" I began moving to the Marn Tunnels.

IC "...... I am really, really bad at awkward silences." I just stared at him for a long moment before I found my face buried in my hand, a strange sound coming from my chest. It was the sound of laughter, a choking, chuckling kind of snort that was really unattractive yet hilarious at the same time. Somewhere between how tired I was the the emotion of the conversation I could not help myself. "O-of course you are," I managed to squeak out, "you're a geek, and that's a very common trait amongst your species." Finally calmed down enough, my face of one relieved. Slowly I uncurled myself from the couch and went to the sink, emptying my half-drank cup of cold coffee. Bringing it and the pot back I sat back down, my eyebrow raised. "Well, I appreciate the silence; I can't imagine what you're thinking right now. But I guess the question is: what now? I'm not a regular law breaker, nor a threat, but you are now privy to my occasional vigilante work. So how do we sort this out?"

IC "I wasn't so lucky." I found myself curled up on the couch, clutching that cold cup of coffee as my mind was somewhere else, a place many decades ago. "The first time I went to jail... it was terrifying. To go there and spend time in a cell as a child, at an age where I should have been in school, doing homework, knocking off masks in recess... you may not have been an adult, but you weren't a child either when they finally nabbed you. I don't think you understand how scary that is. And it never got easier; being thrown in there alone for days on end, no visitors, only basic food and water, dealing with all the other scum that can see you and within earshot, knowing that once they let you loose you had no-where else to go but back to the gang, back to that dysfunctional group you called a family, knowing that nothing will change. You'll be back. This is your life. And one day you'll find yourself in that cage, never to be released again, or in a body bag at the morgue. Do you understand what that does to a child? This is why I can't trust them: because no-one stood up for me. No one reached down to help me when I couldn't do it myself. I only escaped that life because of a miraculous set of circumstances, and my stubbornness to find a hand. No one stood up for me, the street urchin, the orphan. I found out the hard way that nobody cared about me, only what I could provide for them." I didn't cry, but my eyes were moist. I blinked it away. "The force needs more cops like you Firen. People willing to get down to everyone else's level and see them as they are. Kindness is a lost art these days... " I straightened up a little bit, looking him in the eye. "Alright, I'll trust you; that girl you see driving that hovercycle? That's me." There was a long silence as we stared at each other. "I was there that night, helping on old man. He owns one of the rare mom-and-pop shops still operating these days, and unfortunately he was on the receiving end of a profiteering and "protection" racket. He had been on good terms with the gang that used to be there, but when a new organized crime syndicate muscled in, they began to set up their own operation, forcing him to "pay up" for their "protection" or find his shop trashed on a regular basis. He tried the police and other official lines, but he got no help; they didn't want to touch these guys. So when he came to me, I had to help him out. So last night I raided their block office, a small store that was a front for their operation. I trashed their place, took all the money they had stolen from him and others, leaving it in an unmarked envelope in his mailbox. Unfortunately, they were smarter than I expected." I took a shallow breath. "The store was a legitimate business, at least on the books, despite the street knowledge of the operation. Which meant that when I broke in and was obviously more than a match for their goons, they called the police. It's sad when the mob uses the cops to protect their interests, but that's how the world works: through clever use of the legal system and bribes either the police don't know, or those that do know are either to afraid or can't touch them due to everything involved. So they called the cops, and cue the chase. So here we are."

Ah, Kray, well played; found the chink in the armor. I appreciate a good writer. Let's hope she doesn't get burned... again.

Well, Haven, for that to happen, you first must get her past her distrust of the police and the government in general

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; late evening] "Well, to get to the point, I need some help." Reaching into his coat, I watched as he withdrew a small rectangular screen, roughly the size of an old fashioned tablet computer. He handed it to me, using his element to bring up and play the footage. He had spent hours, I realized, analyzing whatever data and footage he could to get this much, as little as it was. For it showed, from several perspectives, the police chase that had occurred a day before. His face, though cheerful, revealed nothing. "That's from yesterday. As you can see, a highly advanced hoverbike evaded police pursuit with what could best be called impunity. The vehicle is remarkably similar to some high end mainline models, enough so that identifying it on sight alone is next to impossible. What I need, is help finding it. Or at the very least who might be capable of building one." Oh, how to play this. Very, very carefully. "Why?" I suddenly asked, leaning back against the couch, a look of slight defiance on my face. "Why should I help you find her?" Though not unexpected, he probably hadn't counted on that question being asked. "What do you mean?" I looked to the side, staring at the kitchen counter in the distance. I might as well be honest. "Because, simply put, I don't trust you. Not you personally, but who you represent. What little faith I had in the system was systematically beaten out of me as a child, and I cannot without good reason help and institution that failed me and thousands of others over the years. While you may be good at catching and stopping the big stuff, the smaller things get, the more they slip through the cracks and you are ineffective. A mob boss gets away with mass murder with only a slap on the wrist, while the third offense of a minor drug possession lands the guy a life sentence. It is not fair nor is it right, so why should I help you find a joyriding teen? This is not to say I don't understand the roles of laws and the enforcement of them; trust me, anarchy is not better, but worse for a society. I follow the rules because I understand that without them a civilization cannot stand, but that's not to say in any may that I agree with them. Even a dictator and a tyrant can have a peaceful empire, but does that make him a decent and good guy?" I looked as Firen, pegging him with a look. "Thus the question why. I work on those types of models three to four times a week. I do custom jobs on a regular basis. I do most of my work in cash, no questions asked, fewer things said, and yes, I have my reasons, and very good ones at that. For me to dig up a specific vehicle that is so generic, so common on the outside is next to impossible even though yes, I am one of the few people who could pull off a construction job like that. What I want to know is why she is going that fast. If you can tell me with certainty that she killed someone important, robbed the Central City Bank for a million widgets, or is otherwise one of the planet's most wanted, I will drop my tirade and pull up every record I have in an attempt to pinpoint this person. But if all you have is a police chase, a possible adrenaline rush, or maybe some punk kid with something to prove I'm sorry, there's no point in my bending over backwards to help you find this molecule in the ocean. My apologies if that sounds harsh, but... " I paused, staring at the table before looking at him. "But I can't help you. I'm sorry."

Tisk tisk, you make it sound as though I have this villain ready and willing to destroy this game. Truth is, I don't. Depending on your actions will determine her future, whether she becomes and ally or an enemy. Play your cards wisely gentleman

IC [Taipu's hut, Onu-Koro; evening] As the packaging fell away, all heads leaned in to see what was inside. Taipu was the first to speak everyone's thoughts, but in a very confused and slightly let-down way. "A disk launcher?" "Well, he is a Kohlii player," Agni quipped, "and a decent shot I last checked. Still, an odd gift from a Turaga at a time such as thi-" As I pulled it out, all voices fell silent. The first thing that struck everyone was the craftsmanship. The size, design, and attention to detail put into it was astonishing, not to mention beautiful. The head could clearly hold a disk of any size, miniature hydraulic clamps allowing for the versatility and apparently power. The body was long and sleek, an indent perfectly shaped for an arm to slide into. But what drew the most attention were the pair of nozzles on almost wing-like appendages attached to the hydraulic clamps. Why would a disk launcher require nozzles? "What's this?" Cael, who had been standing off the side until now, picked up a piece of parchment that had unbeknownst to us fallen from the package as I had removed the weapon. With signature grace she held it between two fingers, reading it aloud. "Dear Joske, Turaga Valama had me dig this out for you. He said something about this being an old relic that he had refurbished by a Vortixx some time ago. It's a Toa Tool that he thinks you will find most useful, considering your skill set. All I can say is this: good luck and happy flying. You're going to need it." She looked at me quizzically. "'Happy flying'?" I held it out in front of me, head leaning to one side. A sudden image popped in my head. "Happy flying... " Agni must have been reading my mind, for after a slight shocked (or was it panicked?) look he took a half-step towards me. "Oh no, Joske, you can't be- " He didn't get to finish as my lips twitched. One step I was moving for the exit. Second step I had placed the disk launcher on my back like I did my Kohlii stick, the sensation of magnetic adherence filtering down my spine. Third step I was at the door, hearing the slight sliding of metallic expansion. I jumped slightly, fourth step both my feet landed together, hearing the whine of something powering up behind me. Fifth effort I pushed upwards, a mere thought later I felt my elemental energy begin to rush out of me and into my launcher, which had shifted into jetpack mode. With an explosion of fire and heat I was launched into the air, a trail of flame tailing behind me as I, for the first time in my life, experienced controlled flight. Like a comet, or better yet, the Red Star I sailed high over Onu-Koro, a red streak painted against the dark and lightstone-riddled cavern. Below I could hear the astonished shouts of my companions. "He can fly!" "He can FLY?" "HE CAN FLY!?" All on just a happy little thought... Truly though there was only one thing I could say as I shot through the heavens: "YEEEAAAAAAHHHHAHAAHAHAHAAAAAAAOOOWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!" * * * Somewhere between five to fifteen minutes later I coasted back down to earth, not only having had my initial fill but also having mastered the basics of manned flight. Apparently I needed to not only adjust the trajectory of the nozzles, but using my arms and feet helped stabilize my flight as well; it was only by the grace of the Great Beings themselves that I did not hit anything, though there were few close scrapes. As flame shot out of my jetpack I hovered in front of Taipu's door for a moment, smiling like a child with a new toy at my companions below. With a thought I cut the power and fell to the earth, gracefully landing on my two feet and going to one knee before standing again. The hiss and discharge of heat filled my ears for a moment as it cooled off, the clicking indicating that it was retracting slightly for travel. With a new back ornament I strutted up to my friends, poking a finger into Agni's heartlight, my face clearly triumphant. "TOLD you I'd learn how to fly." I turned towards Cael, arms outstretched, turning slowly around once for her to take a good look at me, acting like a child looking for a parent's approval of his choice of clothing. "Well? What do you think?" I had that boyish, playful grin plastered all over my face. OOC: movie reference gets a cookie

... Nooooo... you can leave tuck alone, in his little corner... he's essentially harmless...

IC Jaller sighed, collapsing into a matoran-sized chair in an office he now felt short in. It was his old office, but most of the arrangements and transition was done, sized for a toa. The Vaults had been opened, the gear removed and place into a different, secure location, and several items had been packaged and shipped to various places around the island. He had done his duty. Whatever happens now, it was up to those that got his gifts; no, not his, but Vakama's. He gazed at the amulet, an object with incalculable worth; within it was stored the cumulative knowledge of a turaga, something for his eyes only. Now he could focus on guiding the village, becoming the leader Vakama needed him to be. But there was one thing he did not know what to do with: the names of the Turaga's Assassin's. What to do? He spun the amulet lazily in his fingers, his mind elsewhere. At some point he was going to need to tell someone, but who? And when? Justice needed to be served, but what was the point while we were in the middle of a war, the villages still grieving at their collective loss? If this information was released now it would do irreplaceable damage to the psyche of the island, something that could not be risked. He would have to wait. He would have to sit on this information. He absolutely hated it when he had to do that. With a deep breath he stood, securing the amulet around his neck, taking up Vakama's Firestaff as a testament to his authority. That list would have to wait. Justice would be served, but at a later time. Right now it was his job, his duty to lead and comfort a grieving village, and in essence a whole island. Captain Jaller, now Leader of the Village of Fire, finally took his role with a ready heart. A new age had begun.

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; evening] Try as I might, a sigh escaped my lips, my eyes closing as my the side of my mask hit the door frame with a slight tink, my body language clearly of one in exasperation. My shoulders slumped slightly before I stood upright again, adjusting my mask. "Then come on in... there has been nothing but a parade of officers through here today. You're what, the fourth, fifth one I've seen today? I swear this place has become a regular hangout, and I don't even have donuts... " I escorted him inside, flipping on one light - enough so that we could see comfortably, but not enough to destroy my vision. As he stepped inside I squinted as I looked at his credentials: sadly, he was legit. Though not as sadly as I first thought. I recognized the name. Firen Eltair I had heard of him as a kid when I was on the streets, living and breathing the gang life. He wasn't officially part of any gang, but a freelance hacker, going to whichever group gave him the most incentive at the time. We'd breezily met during that time, but not enough to make an impression on either one of us; he was a geek, and I was jailbait. A well-adjusted and highly-skilled if not very sought-after gang geek. Our past was similar, though how we ended up here and now was drastically different. I got lucky. Fortunate. I managed through a sheer unexplainable set of circumstances pull myself out of the streets and into a credible, clean lifestyle, leaving that garbage behind. Firen wasn't so lucky; he got caught. He didn't know this, but I was affiliated with the gang he was working for when the bust happened. I wasn't there, but I heard the story: most got away, a few got taken, including Firen. That was the last time I had heard of him until recently. Now he was a cop. Somehow, somewhere through his institutionalization, he cleaned his own act up and decided to join the cops, becoming one of these new-type "synthetic element" toa. For a reason I did not fathom he trusted the government enough to let them tamper with his body, selling his soul to them in an effort to become a more efficient law enforcement officer. I could not understand why someone in our position would go to them, seeing how terrible the social services was and how unfairly the judicial system treated individuals. I didn't get. But to each his own. Yet Firen was known to be a more lenient cop, probably due to this past, and overall from what I knew he maintained a very friendly personality. At least the cybernetics implanted into him didn't alter him in that way too much. I sashayed to the coffee maker, my camille nightgown moving with me. I kept it running twenty-four seven, knowing that my schedule often meant I would be up at all hours, though I tended to go through too much of the stuff... and too many coffee makers. Pouring two cups I walked out into the living area, where Firen remained standing, professional as most of his type are. "Please... just sit down." I said crossly, unceremoniously plopping myself onto the couch, cradling my cup as if it was the most important thing I owned. I didn't mean to be disagreeable, but I was so tired at the moment being cross was the only reasonable attitude I could have at the moment. "And help yourself the the coffee." I nodded to the steaming cup on the end table. "Personally I would have waiting until morning to pick the brains of someone, but if it's that important, who am I to stand in the way of justice?" I sighed again, now a little calmer, a slight twinge of a smile on my lips at the situation. "So, Firen, what do you need?"

IC [Aishta's Garage, Ga-Koro-Nui; evening] I was jolted awake at the sound of a loud pounding. I looked around, frantic, until my mind finally caught up with reality: I was in my basement, dissecting the schematics I had obtained of the strange device, determining what materials I needed to make one myself. I had also fallen asleep in the process, the previous night's antics and the day's grueling work catching up with me. Lazily and half-asleep I looked at my screen- Analysis Complete Ah, good, it was finally done... but what had caused me to wake up? The loud knocking was polite enough to remind me. I had someone at my door. At this late hour? I pushed my chair back, leaning back and stretching as I stood, a huge, gaping yawn escaping my lips as I raised my arms. I had half a mind just to ignore them, but the other half figured I should at least go an see who it was, lest it be something (or someone) important... one never knew these days. With a shuffle I shut down my computers and moved towards the stairs, still trying to wake up. "I'm coming, I'm coming... " I mumbled. Climbing the stairs I happened a glance of myself in the hall mirror. I was in a small and simple nightgown, having taken the time to at least clean up and shower before retreating into my private sanctum. A part of me realized just how flattering and almost inappropriate I looked considering I was about to answer the door, but the tired side of my brain really didn't care; just answer it and get to bed. Still, I looked away quickly, wondering why I left those danged mirrors in my house. I hated the way I looked. I was too pretty. I never had much interest in girly things. I never played with dolls as a child. I rarely used make-up or other beauty products. I hated dresses, despised high-heels and other feminine clothing, and I never let a guy open the door for me if I could help it. I was a tomboy through and through, as tough as they come, and if I was ugly as a Skrall I would be the happiest girl in Bara Magna. I hated it when guys ogled over me, saw something that wasn't there - I wish I was just left alone. But one has to play with the hand that they've been dealt, and I got the beauty pageant queen. I was stuck with this body, whether I liked it or not, whether it fit with my personality and lifestyle or not, and no matter how hard I tried to disguise it I could never truly hide it. So yes, in other words, in terms of the good looks department: I got shafted. I opened the door to the night air just as the person outside was about to pound for the third time, my lithe frame leaning against the doorframe as I looked at my visitor with half-asleep eyes, adjusting my mask with one hand. "Yes?"

IC [Taipu's hut, Onu-Koro; afternoon] *poundpoundpound* "Taipu! It's Joske! Open up!" I stepped back, snorting slightly. I knew he was home; he had to be home. Being the fastest toa on Mata-Nui did not lend itself well to patience that often, and it took everything I had not to pace in front of the door. I raised my hand to knock once more, and that's when the door opened. "Joske... " "Taipu!" I bent down to one knee to look him in the eye. "My old opponent. How are you?" "I've... been better." he said slowly. The fact that something was bothering him registered, but my mind was working to fast to acknowledge the fact at this particular moment. I pulled out a charm, lifting it in front of his mask. "Look, I need a favor. I'm looking for charms, similar to this one. Happen to have seen one?" There was a moment of uncertainty, then sudden surprise as if he remembered something. Sticking his head out the door he glanced about, as if making sure he wasn't being watched. He stared at my companions for a moment, as if judging them, and then simply nodded. "Come inside. I have something for you." He rushed inside, and we curiously followed, careful to shut the door behind us. His hut was of standard design, and the various tools and furniture found within was typical of the standard Miner.... somewhat. Taipu workes hard and does his best, as do all Onu-Matoran, nothing unusual. He can, however, be a bit gullible and playful, and his greatest wish I found out after one particular game is to travel and see wonderful sights, hearing that he likes to talk excitedly often about places he has never been... and his taste in decoration showed it. His hut could almost be mistaken for a souvenir stand, he had so many trinkets and odd items from around Mata-Nui. I wondered how he acquired so many odds and ends, seeing him dig through a pile of merchandise- "Aha!" He pulled out a rather large box, a box that would have toppled a normal matoran. But Taipu was not your normal matoran; no, he is Whenua's left hand and the strongest Onu-Matoran, if not one of the strongest matoran in general. I would not be surprised if he could beat out your standard toa in an arm-wrestling contest. Setting it down on the table he looked at me, then nodded to the box. "For you." I blinked a few times. What, for me? "Surely there must be some mistake Taipu - the charms I seek are barely a fraction of the size of this- " There was a slapping sound, and two charms appeared on the box. Taipu's face was distant. "No, I have the charms. I was instructed to give them directly to you and only you when you arrived, along with this package." I looked quizzically at him, then at the charms, to the box, then back to him. "When... did this package arrive?" "This morning. From Ta-Koro." I took a sharp intake of breath. I was not expecting a package from anyone. "Did the messenger say who sent it?" "Yes, it was one of the couriers of the Guard, orders directly from Captain Jaller." My heartlight skipped. "So... Jaller sent me this package?" Sometimes getting information out of him can be a challenge; he is not, perhaps, the brightest lightstone on Onu-Koro, but his strength is equaled by his heart. What he said next however put my curiosity over the edge. "No! It was... Turaga Vakama." The way he said it... dark, sorrowful, brooding. I was slightly taken aback, and he seemed to notice. "You.. haven't heard?" "Heard... what?" There was a long pause. "You... will learn soon enough. Go ahead! Open it up! I want to see what's inside!" His demeanor changed almost instantly, the mysterious contents of the package completely consuming his thoughts. "Maybe another souvenir?!" "Alright, alright, I'll open it!" I said quietly, a smile on my face. Taipu had always been an excited, energetic matoran, and I wasn't about to deny him the experience. With a swift yank I pulled the packaging away. OOC: kay guys, I am trying to stave off the knowledge of the turaga's death for our team until we arrive in Ga-Koro, which will be our next/last stop after this temple. I don't know how well that will work, but that is my goal. try to make it happen

IC It is all due to Turaga Onewa Yes, the rock-headed, ever-skeptical, Great Referee himself, is the one to thank for this information. It was not Nuju who prophesied, nor myself who could determine out of current knowledge, nor even Nokama with all her wisdom. No, it was Onewa. For he was the one during our imprisonment who stumbled across this information, he was the one who learned of it. It was because he was the only one willing to look within himself, look past his approach and instead of being repulsed by his new companion, embraced him. Learn from him, work with his parasite to achieve a symbiotic relationship, something the rest of us could not, would not do. And it is through his relationship with his Parakuka that he found this out. In this light Onewa is truly the greatest of all the Turaga, something that I have finally come to realize. I shall explain. It is well-known that the Master of Shadows retains complete control over his minions, despite the apparent visage of free will. No, he sees what they see, hear what they hear, feel what they fell, and most importantly, know what they think. He maintains a link, a telekinetic presence within their mind at all times, which is why he is able to control his vast armies with such infinite precision: they hear his very thoughts no matter what the distance. The very few that have succeeded in having their Infected Masks removed have all told similar tales, one of a dark presence filling and overtaking their minds, their bodies no longer theirs, able to catch glimpses of a mind much broader and greater than their own. It is the same with Makuta's sons - the Rahkshi. Derived and created from his very essence they have an even greater empathetic and telekinetic link with their master, thoughts and sensations flowing more freely than those with mere infected masks. It is with this basis that one can begin to understand the Parakuka; they are a variation of the Kraata slugs, only with more malicious intent. Instead of the slugs becoming animals in their own right they latch on and turn their unwilling host into an animal, a rampaging beast to serve the Master of Shadows however he so wills. A slow corruption. A one-sided battle of wills as the body slowly concedes to the poison, the craving, the addiction that turns them into a monster. Yet it was Onewa who decided to see past that, to see the kernel of intelligence and sapience within the Parakuka, and work with it so that both may benefit, learning that without a host the parasite will die despite its destructive nature. And it is here, Jaller, that I consider Onewa to be the bravest soul among us. He could have simply made his peace with the creature. He could have come to that point and stopped. But somewhere in that process Onewa discovered something. Discovered the mental link between the Makuta and his creations. A back-door to the Master of Shadows and his mind. A way to glean information, gather intelligence, in a way so unforeseen and unpredictable that, if he was careful, the Makuta would not even notice his presence. And thus as Onwea worked with his Parakuka in that pit, that dungeon, that torture chamber we called home for too long, Onewa played cat-and-mouse with the greatest mind on the island. And won. The Makuta does not know. Onewa once and for all proved that he is not omniscient; things can indeed be hidden from the Master of Shadows. He also proved however that the Makuta knows nearly all, his shadows reaching into every crevasse and dark place. He knows of Stannis. He knows of the Wanderer's Company and their mission. He knows of Joske's transformation and for some reason been watching his actions very closely. He knows of everything we thought he didn't know, and more. He keep a close eye on his minions, and an even closer one on his enemies. Even those select few he called "allies" he has spies in their own ranks, using the shadows to listen on on their every conversation. This is how we learned of our fate, how we were to be disposed of shortly after our rescue, how the Makuta decided to let this happen, using this to his own ends. Using our deaths to sow more Anger, more Fear, more distrust and anxiety among the matoran and further weaken our already strained virtues. Yet in his arrogance is our chance, for he does not know that WE know. Onewa played a dangerous game, and came out the victor. There is so much more I wish I could tell you, my dear Jaller, but time grows short. After the Toa disappeared under Kini-Nui I began to construct this for you, knowing the day would come when I would no longer be with you. By the time Heuani came for me it was ready, and I was prepared. Yet all this Onewa told me on the ship back to our Koro's, and I simply do not have the time to give you every detail on who and why did this. In thew precious few moment I have left I give you the names of our killers: Brykon, slayer of Turaga Nuju; Sev, slayer of Turaga Onewa; Marfoir, slayer of Turaga Matau; Dorian and Jin, slayers of myself; Grokk, slayer of Turaga Nokama Illicia, slayer of Turaga Onewa Liacada, slayer of Turaga Whenua My time is up; this is as much as I can say. My final request to you is be discretionary about this list - while these are who were contracted to kill us, I do not know how it will happen, or if any of us will survive. I leave it to you to determine how to best use this information, but please be careful and wise. Not only will it cause public chaos if it were revealed, not to mention a witch-hunt, but I feel as though there are greater forces at work here, and if this became known those shadows would slink away into the darkness, never to be brought out into the light again. Written about you there will be instructions and lists to help you not only see to the justice of these assassins, but also how to help the Company in their destiny; we may win this war yet. Be careful my son. May Mata-Nui watch over you... as will I. * * * With his arm aching Jaller sat down, mind spinning over the massive amount of information that passed before his eyes. To think that the turaga, Onewa especially, managed to fool the Makuta, learn his greatest secrets... at first he was dumbfounded. Then he was in awe. Followed by joy, then a feeling of courage, a sudden surge of optimism and gritty determination to see this battle through. For the first time in over a century we had a fighting chance, an opening to strike back, a variable given with the blood of the turaga. One final go to eliminate the darkness and all the shadows hiding on the island. Jaller tore out of the hut, a red blur running down the streets and towards the Koro Vaults, where the best of the best gear and equipment was held. Vakama had long ago given him a key to the most secure of safes, telling him the time would come to open it, Jaller knowing when that time would be. The time was now. Time to open the Vaults and see what Vakama had hiding within. Those destined to fight the Makuta would not do so empty-handed. Jaller would see to that.