Friar Tuck

IC [secret location above Turaga Matau's hut; early afternoon] "So...what have we got?" Agni coughed once, then pointed at the contraption in front of me "Slots for each of the charms and a riddle for each. If these all work the same way, the riddles indicate the order in which to put the charms into their respective slots." Pulling out two charms he handed them to me, reciting the inscriptions in the old script for each slot: "In Darkness, Light; Strength of Numbers; Word of Honor; Faith Grants This. " I saw my mentor shrug. "I considered trying to place the ones we already have in their right place. But now that you're here, the final part is up to you. This task was appointed to you, kid. I doubt we others could unlock these places." I may not have responded to that last statement, but it meant a lot when he said it. Bending to one knee I pulled out my own two, collecting the fifth one back from Angelus. So, this temple required four? Different from the Temple of Courage, but then again, they weren't cookie-cutter structures. Well, we had five, so somewhere in here we should have enough. "Faith grants this," I started, knowing very well what this one meant, smiling to myself as I slid the Accuracy Charm into the slot. Glancing to the next I spoke aloud, "Word of Honor." Duty seemed to be the best fit, for one's word is one's honor, and is his duty to carry it out; the Guard drilled this into us in boot camp, something even in my egotistic stupor I still managed to follow. Skipping one I read the first riddle, "In Darkness, Light." "Faith itself." Agni said quietly, my head nodding silently in agreement as I placed the third chart in the slot. This left the fourth riddle, and with only two charms in my hand something didn't feel right. Agni came over and knelt next to me, studying the riddle and the two remaining charms in my hand. "Strength of Numbers?" I questioned, looking at the Courage and Strength Charms in my hand. It couldn't be strength, for it was used in the description. It could be courage; granted, one would feel more courageous and secure with more people at your side. But courage was often needed by a single individual, so why would numbers matter? The two of us looked blankly at the contraption before Cael walked up behind us. "Unity." she said, a bit of disappointment in her voice. "Strength in Numbers refers to the virtue of Unity, for a number of individuals to be strong like one they need to be united like mind and purpose. It's... it's a cornerstone of my village and people." It was several long seconds before the realization sunk in for the rest of us: We were missing one! With a blank stare I fell to my butt, leaning against the wall as I turned. We... we were missing one. Apparently there was an order to these confounded temples, and we just went out of order... despite the clue left at the previous one. I shook my head, unwilling to accept our predicament. No... this can't be... "It would seem... we have been handed a setback." Agni said quietly and thoughtfully, standing up with a heavy, somber demeanor. "Apparently we must travel back to Go-Koro to collect the Unity Ch- " "No!" I said in a sudden outburst, slamming my fist against the trunk of the tree. Everyone was quiet as I fumed quietly, unwilling to accept defeat. Agni stood there stoically as always, waiting for me to simply acknowledge our current situation and move on. But we couldn't. I couldn't. I didn't come this far and go through what I did just to backtrack. There HAD to be a way, there just had to be! I had never believed in the no-win scenario, and I wasn't about to give up now. With a frustrated sigh I leaned my head back to gaze up at the treetop, hundreds of bios above us. If there was only a way around the lock, above the-wait. "Joske- " Agni started. "Up-tree." "What?" I stared at the tree's crown, a shaft of light entering my mind like a beam filtering through the leaves. "Ever-remember answer always up-tree." I was standing now, head craned sideways to get a good look upwards. Agni, as well as the others, were completely lost. "Joske, what ARE you talking about?" I began to smile, suddenly so many things making sense. Perhaps that matoran was spirit-sent after all. Before was the written exam; gazing upwards, clearly this was the practical application of the test. I began to walk around the trunk, looking for a good place to start climbing, waving a hand behind me. "You guys stay here; I'll be back in a little bit." Spotting a suitable branch I leaped for it, my read-and-gold body vanishing in the sea of green leaves.

That would be because I don't have the request in my inbox. I cannot answer PMs that never arrive. I think the server ate it. Wouldn't be the first time. BTW, it IS Christmas, and I DO have family, so sorry I haven't been cranking out massive, complex, character-building posts... I need a break. And some cookies. And some presents. Did you know it's my birthday too in a day and a half? Give me a break, please?

--------------- __ Where is Tuck. He should do this. ----------------- ~~~ ...This must be. Huh. Interesting... Really though people, how in the name of the Great Spirit would I be able to pull that off without looking like a- ... Hmmmmmmmm... There is one possibility, one coming up relatively soon. I coooooould... and if all else fails I could do it next year as well, there will be several choice instances for it as either an amazing event or an encore performance... I'll get back to you.

Aaaaas in the same way your current armor can get wrecked by EITHER a Toa of Iron OR a Toa of Magnetism? Your point is?

Ok, joking aside guys: STOP There is no more point in discussing this "noob" or "newb" argument. They may have technical differences like many other words in the English language, but for all practical and in most purposes they are interchangeable. The next person who brings this up will have their post deleted. In fact, I will start deleting posts on a regular basis if you guys can't keep off these spammy topics. Really guys, this is enough.

Me too! I am SOOOO excited for the new year and arc! I can't wait to see what Nuju has for us! New Staff characters (most likely), new locations (maybe?) and a new storyline (possibly!?). I'd really wish he'd give us more so we the players wouldn't be so in the dark all the time. This waiting is killing me I want to know! START TALKING NUJU!!!!

IC [Le-Koro Disk Range; midday] "NO." I don't know who was more surprised: Cael, Rit, or myself, all for different reasons. Something was rising to the surface within me, much like the moment I froze Utu solid with my heat abilities... yet different. Different because at my hip I felt a strange warmth, emanating from the same belt compartment that I was currently keeping the Crystal of Courage. It wasn't like a power surge, or some sort of ability being pumped into me... no, the crystal was inert as far as I knew. In my mind's eye I could see it glowing in my pocket - a reminder. About Courage. Sometimes you had to stick up for yourself too without being obnoxious about it. "No, Rit, that's not how things go. You are not entitled to walk all over me and demand things simply because you do not trust me." Deep down there was an inferno raging, but on the outside I was remarkably calm, as if this fire was fueling my spirit. In my fear of myself I had grasped onto the destructive part of fire, the all-consuming flame that laid waste to Koro's and countrysides, that destroyed lives and futures. Yet there was another side to fire that was rarely mentioned but used every day: beneficial fuel. It was fire that heated the food so that it could be cooked and consumed; it was fire that heated the water for steam and power; it was the heat and warmth of fire that people of all ages would sit around telling stories and legends, spreading comfort with it's flickering flame. Fire could consume you, or it could fuel you. I had learned Courage, but it was just a single lesson; the Principles relied on each other to fully function. What was Courage without Faith? Just because you could face down your demons didn't mean you believed you could, let alone believe it was the right thing to do. Having Faith in yourself and what was just and right allows you to have Courage when facing those tasks, giving you the backbone and foundation to stand up and resist your fears and failures. They worked hand-in-hand, one cannot function without the other. This was the true lesson of Faith. "Rit, I am sorry. I am sorry for what I said back in Ga-Koro. I was wrong in my arrogance AND my ignorance, and I apologize for my stupidity. But just because I was in the wrong does not automatically make you in the right. Not in any sense of the word." I took a step forward, by speech slow and steady. Yes, there was emotion in it; a great deal in fact. I was a Ta-Toa after all, and fiery passion was a part of my very being. But that didn't mean it had to be out of control; I could still be passionate yet reserved. I've experienced the hard way already that shouting didn't get anywhere, and in fact only made matters worse. So this time I spoke quietly, yet with force, our masks close. "No Rit, it takes two people to dance, and two people to make an argument, and it would seem as though we are not that different. You waltz in here making demands, expecting me to follow them based on some misguided assumption. Assumptions, Rit, and you are making A LOT of them. I have apologized now, twice, and you have completely ignored it. You have made assumptions on my character and what I am doing. You have made assumptions on Cael's involvement. And clearly your demands are just because I am untrustworthy and you have no faith in my abilities. I am not saying those assumption are without bias; had you said those things three months ago there is nothing I could say in response without showing my true colors as an ignorant narcissist. A lot can change in a few months, let alone a few days... a lot can change." I stared at the floor for a second, reliving the memories of just the past three days and how life-shaking they had been to me before looking dead in the eye again. "I am sorry that you cannot trust me. I am sorry you do not have and faith in me, my abilities, or in the Great Spirit for giving me this chance. That does NOT however give you the right to trample myself or anyone else for that matter if they do not meet up to your standards, what you believe is right. I have already learned the hard way what you think is right and what is really right, as in Absolutes, can be completely different. It would seem as though I'm not the only one here with an ego Rit." There, I'd said it. "It takes one to know one, and I'm sorry to say I'm not the only obstinate Toa standing here that's had a problem with inflated opinions and overgrown self-righteousness. Unless the motive and heart and really in the right place its slippery slope that can lead to misguided justice. I don't have to prove myself to you, those that need convincing have already made up their minds. Yes, you ARE going to have to trust me and not only put the fate of the island on my hands, but in the hands of six matoran who are currently running for their lives from an army that the Makuta himself sent after them... because you're not coming with. And that's final. Whether you like it or not." I made a gesture with my right hand to emphasize the point. "One of me was bad enough, the last thing we need is two. I cannot stop you from following if you so choose, but I AM NOT going to invite, or otherwise let you join us; and yes, us, not me. And if you wish to argue the point I will be more than happy to do so the same way I argued with Utu, except- " I stopped mid-sentence, feeling a familiar gentle sensation on my shoulder. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Cael's hand on it, her head nodding slightly. Her face wasn't full of worry, but it was getting there. I... I took a breath and stepped back, realizing that despite my best attempts I was racing for that edge without realizing it, feeling that previous burn inside of me extremely intense and more livid now. I silently thanked Mata-Nui that she was there to keep me from going over the brink and losing what ground I had just gained. I still had a ways to go. "I'm sorry. Hopefully the next time we meet it will be under better circumstances, perhaps then able to work out this bad blood between us. Until then- " With that I walked away, moving around her and out of the disk range, my feet taking be back towards the center of the Koro. The walk was done in blessed silence, giving me time to compose not only my thoughts, but my composure as well. That wasn't the easiest thing to do, and I'm sure I ensured myself yet another enemy, but it wasn't my choice. Rit and myself simply didn't see eye-to-eye, and right now hashing out old wounds wasn't going to get either of us anywhere, let alone the other crystals on this time crunch we were experiencing. Still, a part of me DID feel bad, something a few days ago I would have laughed at. I knew what it was like to be obstinate and misguided... something I knew that ALL to well. We happened to pass the Turaga's hut on the way to the square, and to my surprise the door was open with two guards posted outside. They smartly saluted as we walked by, one of them speaking. "Fly-Captain and fire-spitters await you inside up-tree." "Huh, so Agni came through after all... " I wasn't really surprised, more just thinking out loud. Kongu was waiting within, and before a word could be said he pointed upwards towards a single vine hanging in the room. With a shrug I followed the same path Agni took before, eventually finding myself and a platform made by a convergence of several large branches, Agni, Tuara, and Angelus waiting for us. As I helped Cael up the remaining few bios I heard Agni clear his throat behind me. "Sorry! Ran into an... old acquaintance." I mumbled, brushing off the leaves that I had accumulated during the climb. I looked past the group at the odd contraption built into the tree, rather curious myself. "So... what do we got?"

Hama. Herrrm. Grreaaaheeeee. Whaaaaaaat? That's... so not fair! My little company is near capacity, and now you're just dumping her in MY lap? Geeze loiuse, I tell ya, some PEOPLE! *sigh* I'll do what I can. Why I'm so nice I don't know...

OOC: Yeah, well, it would seem as though Onarax has other ideas... IC No, not now! Out of nowhere fell none other than Rit, the Icy Cold-Hearted Vixen herself. The last time I had seen her was in Ga-Koro months ago, when I first became a toa. We had a rather... heated conversation on the beach when I was a matoran, before the Tarakava attacked. That lovely conversation was later picked back up after my full transformation, and if the previous was heated, then the second was an inferno. To say we parted ways in a rage would be an understatement. We hadn't seen or spoken to each other since. And now she literally decided to drop in. Her gaze nailed me in the eye, intense and icy. Out side of that, however, she was completely deadpan; her tone, her body language, even her stance was completely neutral and devoid of emotion. This gave me nothing in terms on how to read her, yet she had been obviously watching me for a while; I could not have been at a more disadvantage position - oh, right, she was blocking the only way out of the disk range AND I was going through a personal crisis and identity upheaval. I don't think I could be more metaphorically cornered. I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly through my nose and with as much control as I could muster; I had to control my emotions at all costs lest everything I had done thus far unravel, but I was this close to panicking. The only other person within eyesight was Cael, and to be honest in this very instance I wished beyond all powers that I had Agni right here, right now. I was not ready for this; I was not ready for her. I had managed to bury the memories of that argument, of that past fight deep, deep within my self-righteousness and massive ego, but with those gone that spat was focused in a whole new light - one in which I now saw the large part I played in its creation. Granted, she helped tremendously, but I could not pin ALL the blame on her; it takes two to tango. In fact, that was the problem. It had been two egos colliding. Quietly, like bubbles rising to the surface, I began to see everything that led up to that fight, why it happened... and why I was so flustered at this moment. She may look calm, but deep inside there was a fiery passion and a drive to match any Ta-Toa, one that I had managed to tick off a long time ago. Maybe if I wasn't in such an emotional flux I would be able to deal with this. Maybe if I wasn't going through a personal trial, dealing with feelings and emotions I had spent my life trying to ignore, maybe if I wasn't in the process of finding out who I really was and re-building my identity I could handle her. But here. Not now. I couldn't deal with it. To confront my own pride was hard enough, to swallow my mistakes and humble myself before my superior was bad enough, but to now deal with someone that had a personality, and ego that closely matched my own... I was afraid. Yes, afraid. Because I knew just how horribly wrong this could go. If things got heated, there was no way I could pull myself back from the brink; I didn't have the will. I just didn't. It would come to blows, or blasts, and while Rit may be the more experienced fighter, I had already beaten a MORE experienced cold-user... and won. Not only that, but with my emotions as unstable as they were and with my back towards the wall... there's no way she could have known, but the way she just presented herself gave me precious few options, none of them positive. It would be a disaster, and in my mind's eye I could see nothing but fiery carnage as the aftermath. She had placed me in a desperate situation, and I had no idea how to deal with it. And due to that I was fearful; fearful of the exchange, of the fight, and of the eventual aftermath. Raising my hands I took a full step back. No, it was two steps, and it was of a man who really, really didn't want to be there. My eyes never left hers, like watching a wild Rahi that could at any time pounce if I moved wrong. She had placed the ball squarely in my court like karzahni I wanted it. Fear overtook my hesitation to make amends as I did my best not to let my voice warble. "Rit, I'm sorry. Look, things were said and done that should have never happened, but right I can't deal with that... can't deal with you." I closed my eyes and breathed out, trying to control my racing heartlight. "I...I, we, I mean, should really work it out, but right now if we try it's going to end in disaster and one of us hurt, or worse. I am not ready to deal with that, and I am asking you nicely if we can postpone it. I don't know where, I don't know when, but just not now. Please. I just don't want something stupid to happen like last time." I had no idea what I was saying or what I was trying to attempt, all I knew was that I DIDN'T want to be there. At all.

IC [Le-Koro Disk Range; midday] “That... that was amazing.” I turned around at the soft voice. Cael stood there completely shocked, amazed, and dumbstruck, jaw slack after watching the whole showdown take place. To be honest I was mildly surprise at her surprise; I mean, she was a doctor after all, and one who specialized in denying death it's prizes. She had probably seen more crazy things than I had, yet she stood here as if this was some sort of revealing moment. It was just a throwing contest, that's all. Crazy things happened when you tossed bamboo plates. My lips twitched in a ghost of a grin as I bowed deeply and regally, one hand over my abdomen while the other reached far back behind me. "Your absolute confidence in my abilities is uplifting, my lady. If only more people had the kind of faith you do." My humor was starting to come back as well. That's a good sign. As I stood up straight my attention was diverted downward, the little Le-Matoran standing at my feet. As I knelt down to him he thrust something into my face, a sheepish grin on his own. It was the kid's prize disk. "Famous Kohlii-star fire-spitter quick-sign?" I knelt there for a second, now fully aware of the reasoning's behind this mad matoran's antics, to which my heart promptly melted. He wanted to play against me for the sheer fun of it, to be beaten by a legend in the sports community... and ergo sign his disk. That's all he wanted, and apparently he didn't have the guts earlier to simply ask; but now if he could sucker me into a throwing duel... "Absolutely. Anything for a fan." He danced on his toes as he tried to remain still, letting me take his disk. If only to have the faith and mind of a child again, the energy, exuberance, and innocence it evoked. It would seem as though he wasn't here as a messenger from the Great Spirit, but he had taught me a valuable lesson anyway. Taking the disk in my left hand I pressed my right index finger on it, heating the fingertip until it glowed almost painfully red. As soon as I had mastered at least a portion of my elemental powers I had begun to practice the art of heat engraving, if not for this very reason; I DID have a lot of fans after all. Now I admit my skill wasn't the greatest, but I wasn't drawing a picture - I was simply signing my name. Or was I? I thought for a brief moment before finally moving my finger across the smooth, polished bamboo, leaving behind blackened lines of text as the matoran alphabet began to burn itself into the disk. When I was finished I handed it back to the kid, who was quivering in excitement; he could barely hold it in. I watched his eyes as he read my message, those colored pupils growing wide. To the kid who nearly beat me, and taught me a thing or two about faith - He hugged that thing so tight I thought he was going to break it. I was just about to say something when he leaped forward, wrapping his arms around my neck in a tremendous bear-hug. I was caught off-guard, surprised and now out of breath, but I hugged him back, greedily sucking in air when he released me. With a dance and a shout he spun around and leaped up into the branches, the range quiet once more as he left. It was only now that I realized I never got his name. I smacked my head. Or the charm! Blasted, stupid, ignorant- There was a flurry of leaves as his head popped out upside down, that lopsided grin on his face. "Almost ever-forgotten! Luck-charm!" There was a flash of white, and with a deft movement I caught a smooth, circular object. Turning my hand over I found myself holding the Accuracy charm, the very reason for this whole side adventure. "I look-find it moon-cycle ago in range. Good thing I ever-remembered to keep it! Happy-cheer good-luck!" And with that his head vanished, only to reappear a half-second later. "Almost ever-forgotten! Ever-remember answer always up-tree!" This time he was gone for good, the sounds of rustling leaves and shaking branches signalling that he was swinging away to some unknown destination. I looked down at the charm, puzzled. Ever-remember answer always up-tree? I shrugged, having what I came for. Grabbing my bag I turned to Cael, a small but confident smile on my face. "We should head for the square. It's past noon already and knowing Agni he'll be there waiting for us." OOC: Emzee, VF, whenever you two are done

IC [Le-Koro Disk Range; midday] I stared at the target, tapping my foot in angst. The first throws had been the easy part; we were now on the trick-shot section of the competition, brought on by a tie. The part where not only accuracy and strength were required, but a creative and imaginative mind as well. And a HUGE helping of confidence to pull off such feats. That was something that I lacked at this time. "Deep-think about next shot?" I glanced over, my thoughts interrupted by that high-pitched voice. He was leaning over looking at me, facial expression a bit miffed. Apparently he was expecting me to go charging forward, releasing an amazing disk throw; something I was hesitant to do. "Yeah, I suppose... " I stood up straight, extending my arm to line up... something. My mind worked furiously, trying to come with a shot that would at least buy me time to continue the round, something I could do- "You good-well?" "Just a little hesitant, that's all." I mumbled to myself, forcing a shot. Immediately I knew something went awry. As I threw I felt it slip a little early, instead of arcing upward and took a dive for the wooden floor, extremely low and very short. The disk hit the floor, and due to the angle shot back upwards, careening towards the target at a way that would never stick. True to my gloomy prediction my dick ricocheted off the target backwards and up into the air, the thing spinning and wobbling crazily. I sighed in defeat, that shot was- THUNK! I stood there in shock. Between the bounce off the floor, the ricochet off the target, and my own terrible throw there was enough backspin on the sucker that after going up and back it paused, slicing back down again, landing squarely in the target next to my opponent's disk. There was a long silence before I heard the little guy speak again. "That... great luck." "No kidding." He looked at me accusingly. "You not plan terrible-bad disk-shot? Chance-shot?!" I raised my hands in defense. "Look, kid, sometimes we get lucky. I tend to be luckier than others." He pouted for a moment. " Why not hard-try true-shot disk-throw?" I gave a mental pause after running that through the translator. "Hey, kid, look, I'm sorry. I know you're probably expecting some sort of great shoot-off, but honestly I'm just not feeling it. I've had a rough few days recently and well... I'm not at the top of my game exactly. Know what I mean?" He gave a nod in agreement. "Faith-lack." I opened my mouth to agree. "Yes that's exact-what did you say?" His head bobbed eagerly. "Yes, fire-spitter toa-hero faith-lack. Maybe spirit-blessed, but confidence-lack." My entire being ground to a halt as he said that. How could he say that? What did her know? First I get suckered into a throwing competition, and now a lecture about faith? From a child? I needed the charm to get the crystal, not another soul-wrenching experience. Faith was for the priests, the over-religious, the- THUNK! Mata-Nui. As my mind went on its little tirade, the kid must have noticed the change in my demeanor. Closing his eyes he began to spin around again, twirling faster and faster until the little cyclone released his disk, causing it to not only fly over the target once again but making it fly perpendicular to the ground. Without losing much momentum it sailed over the target then arced gracefully down in a full circle, threading the needle as it cleared the tiny space between the ground and the target itself, rising high into the air. It was at this point the backspin finally took over, and in a near repeat of my extremely lucky shot it flew backward and landed square between the other two. I was dumbfounded. The kid however looked thoughtful. No, never. If the first shot was forced, then this one was crammed. I threw my whole body into it, the speed at which the thing flew must have blown any previous record away. The disk spun so fast it sounded like an angry Nui-Rama, the circular blur making a bee-line for the target, had it hit directly it might of blown it to bits. Well, not quite. The shot was off-target, hitting the edge and glancing off, bouncing to the right and slamming into another target. The force of the disk cleaved the unfortunate target in two, only to embed itself squarely into a third. Impressive yes, but not what was expected or within the rules. I stood there, heaving, a great strain taken on me from that shot. My opponent just looked on, no longer joyful and exuberant as he was just minutes ago. Now he just looked sad. Taking his third and final shot he didn't even spin, instead merely taking a few step back and letting it go... closing his eyes before he did. Yes, he had just shot blind. As his disk began to arc and turn, he lifted a twig into the air, a single leaf fluttering in the wind. He stood there quietly, passionately, in a zen-like trace, as if he was in some other place- Zip-Clip! THWACK! Impossible. His disk had completely encircled the range, turning all the way around and coming from behind us. How it had that much lift on it I didn't know, but as it whizzed over his head it neatly and cleanly cut the single leaf from the twig, never touching anything else, before landing as always perfectly centered in the target. I just stood there, a gentle breeze playing across my body, feeling utterly defeated for the second time in the last few days. This... this was just- "Before Makuta took him, Matau the Singer, great Turaga of Le-Koro and soul of the forest people, taught life-dawn folk about faith, and how it grants true-shot. No matter how good vines-man, no matter how big-strong arm, once thrown the disk is no longer under thrower's control. Must believe that disk will true-shot target. Must be confident. Must have faith." For the first time he spoke slowly and comparatively normal, eyes still closed, his face serene, but in doing so his words had more punch than ever before. I don't know if he knew or not, but a lack of confidence is what I had been struggling with for the last couple of days now. After I had ripped my ego out of me I had realized I had stripped the confidence as well, my ability to trust in myself. The very idea that I could be wrong shook me to the core, and thus liable to mistakes; I no longer believed in myself because of it. I simply lacked the faith in my my own abilities, and therefore it was affecting how I performed. Was it... was it I simply lacked Faith? Is that why he won? Faith may grant Accuracy, but something tugged at my heart, as if there was more to this game than met the eye. No, it wasn't just a lack, it was also a touch of fear. I had been shown the error of my ways, how an overconfident ego can be a bad thing, so when I ripped it out my confidence therefore had to go. To be overconfident in one's abilities led to arrogance, which led to the very problem I had just solved. Or so I thought. Perhaps I had gone too far? Extremes were always bad. Overconfidence had it's downfalls, obviously, but placing no faith whatsoever in oneself? I was afraid that maybe that might lead back to the same issue, but maybe I was misinformed. To believe in oneself was not inherently bad... to do so at the expense of others and tact was. Perhaps... perhaps THAT was the line? How could anyone expect me to do anything if I was always cowering over decisions, second-guessing every move I made, wondering if it was right? You HAD to put some faith and trust in yourself, otherwise you would find yourself blown by every idea and wind you came across. Having faith was like having a backbone, setting firm in something that may not be fully evident to everyone, but there all the same. Evidence of things unseen... Suddenly that phrase took on a whole new meaning. "Wait." The kid had packed his things had had began to shuffle out of the range, looking defeated despite having single-handedly defeating me... literally. Or had he? "You know... I get one more shot." I watched him freeze, stand straight, slowly turn towards me, then grin, as if he knew what had just happened. Dropping everything he rushed for the low wall and bounded on it, taking an eager seat to see me pull off a miracle. Yes, I would need one right about now. All you needed was a little faith, right? Bending down I reached into my bag, pulling out one of my personal Kohlii balls. Setting it down before me I stood up straight, taking a deep breath as I concentrated on my last attempt. In order to beat his shot I would have to combine both of my passions and hope it would wor- No. It would work. I simply had to believe. Believe in myself and my skills as a champion. Just a little Faith. With a heave I threw the disk high into the air, much to the surprise of those watching. As it sailed high into the sky I took several steps back only to sprint forward, hitting that ball with every ounce of my being. Like a rahkshi out of karzahni it flew, a grey comet with a trail of sparks speeding angrily through space, the spin I placed on it something nasty. I watched as the two objects hung in the air for a second, one moving faster than the other, both on an apparent collision course with- CRACK! The impact was violent as it was spectacular, the two heavenly objects meeting in space only to shoot off in opposite directions. The ball, it's trajectory significantly altered, went down and to the left instead of up, rolling and turning as it fell to the earth, aiming right for the target. But instead of hitting it the ball just barely missed, instead taking out every single disk that was imbedded in it in a shower of sparks and bamboo splinters. As it bounced away I diverted my attention to the disk, watching as it moved slowly right, the wobble suggesting it was having a hard time keeping its stability. Come on, come on... The disk shot upwards as it caught the updraft, spinning rapidly back around to the target. The disk stabilized, made a u-turn, and then promptly began a killer dive as it swerved, the spin I had put on the ball finally transferring to the disk- THUNK! Dead center of a cleared target. The little Le-Matoran went nuts. "FamousfirespitterKohliistarbeatlifedawnforestpersonwithtrueshotdisk! Singsonghappydaynearclosethrowmatchhappycheer! HURRAH!" My sentiments exactly. I stood there as he danced wildly in excitement, feeling slightly different. Yes, that void was still there, but it wasn't as empty as it was before. There was a tiny little something, akin to a seed, deep within that void, filling a small portion of it. Somehow through it all this little matoran taught me a valuable lesson in faith and confidence, how one needed to believe not only is something greater, but also in oneself. Not overconfidence, but confidence in one's skillset and his ability to do what he did best. I could trust not only myself, but others even when there was no good reason to, that was the lesson here. I just had to believe that if I did everything right, I could let go, and everything would turn out right in the end. Just like throwing a disk.

IC [Le-Koro Disk Range; midday] "Fire-spitter ready to bad-lose?" The kid's happy-go-lucky attitude was contagious, his positive demeanor rubbing off on me. He hopped and bounced around, balancing on the low wall that separated the shooting area from the spectator and waiting area. As I rummaged through my bag, trying to decide which disks to use, I sized up my opponent and the advantages both sides held. Obviously I was larger and stronger, capable of much harder and farther-throwing shots; that was a given. Also, given the apparent age of this Le-Matoran I had been practicing this sport longer than he had been alive... and I wasn't exactly old myself. So experience was also on my side. Normally, that small list would be more than enough to render the odds in my favor. But this wasn't a normal disk shootout. I was throwing against a Le-Matoran. First off, he had home-field advantage: he knew the range, weather conditions, and other details about this place I hadn't the foggiest on. Second, and more, important, he was a Le-Matoran: they WERE the disk-throwing champions, and for good reason. It was innate. When they were born, they had a disk in their hands, and the moment they knew how to walk (or swing in some cases) they could already out-throw most Guard members of any Koro. Think about it: try to be the Second on a Gukko as your pilot is constantly performing death-defying stunts and maneuvers, a never-ending ride of spirals, turns, flips, and reversals, and yet still able to at a hundred bios clip a single, marked leaf off a full branch. It was incredible how they did it, and did it regularly. Yeah, this would be a challenge. The rules were simple, yet customary: each thrower would be allowed six disks, each with his own target. The every-expanded rings were color-marked, each color representing a different point value. After six throws, the points were tallied, and the one with the most points won. In the event of a tie there would be a shoot-off, in which each thrower would take turns making complicated shots at a single shared target, the most difficult yet accurate shot crowned the winner. Hopefully we would not get to that point. Grabbing my disks I signaled I was ready, and the duel began. As predicted my superior strength allowed for precise shooting, every shot in or near the bullseye. The wind was minimal, and with the sun above us, I had an excellent view down-range. Indeed my practiced arm never failed me, each throw and swing a fluid motion, each satisfying thunk afterwards proof of my skill. But as I feared, not skilled enough. This kid was good. Real good. In fact, I suspected he was toying with me. For every hit I scored, he did the same. For every point I tallied, he landed an equal shot. His throws were not nearly as hard, or as drilled as line, but lofty, graceful, as they hung and spun through the air, only to land right where he needed it to land to keep pace with me. With each progressive throw I grew more and more anxious, realizing that despite my best efforts, I would either lose, or it would end up in a tie. Releasing my last disk I managed to land a perfect shot, but it still wouldn't be enough; if he did the same, he would be a mere point ahead and win the match. I watched with baited breath as he took his final disk and paused, rocking back and forth in concentration. Taking a half-step back he wound up, then threw.... THUNK! He missed! Just barely though. I let out a rush of air, realizing I had been holding my breath. Wait a minute, that would mean- "Hurrah! Famous toa-hero fire-spitter and life-dawn forest-person score-tied! Both true-shot warriors! Now both perform oak-new challenge! Such happy-song!" I stared at him as he leaped backwards and performed a perfect handstand on the low wall, speaking excitedly... on one hand. Pushing himself upward and landed expertly on his feet, rushing into the range to grab our disks. If I didn't know any better, he was just simply excited to play against me... or he was trying to tie me. He... wanted the shoot-off. He... he had played me. Wow. As he came skipping back he dropped the large pile at my feet, and in a few seconds had separated our disks. Grabbing three he looked up at me, a huge grin on his face. "Now start true-shot-off! Life-dawn go first!" Dropping two of them he ran along the wall, only to stop and start spinning in a circle, disk held far out. After about a half-dozen or so turns later(really it was hard to tell, a tiny, spinning whirlwind of a green matoran) he grunted, releasing the disk as he went hurtling through space, landing in a nearby pile of branches. He looked up dizzily at his disk, causing me to look as well. The shot, well... I don't know what he was thinking, but it was a doozy. The disk twirled and spun, hooking far left of the intended target. He had missed, and by a kilobio. I turned to face him, expected to see disappointment, but all I saw was giddy excitement. Ok, this kid was either in it for the kicks or maybe the Le-Matoran insanity charge was true- His sharp intake of air was enough for me to turn back, and what I saw next I could not believe. The disk, as far off-course as it was, began to double back after reaching the apex of it's flight, the massive amount of spin placed on it finally paying off for the thrower. As it glided left it began to fade right, and with a graceful arc made a complete u-turn around and behind the target, making a complete circle back towards the front. It spun lower and lower, the arc almost complete- THUNK! The disk landed square in the target. As he leaped into the air and screamed with excitement, my jaw hit the floor. The disk had done a complete circle around the target before landing practically dead-center. The spin it must of had... I didn't even know how that could be done, but it just was, right before my eyes. Slowly I turned, his eager face staring up at me. Clearly, it was my turn. I felt a small knot in my stomach.

OOC: Hi Onarax. Being my OCD self he doesn't currently have the gauntlets, or any armor for that fact (Tuara has them in a bag somewhere). He alos doesn't have a Toa tool, or even a weapon now that I think about it, never replaced that hammer... huh. Must get this problem resolved soon. IC "Have you seen another charm like this?" That must have been the fifteenth time I asked that question, and for the fifteenth time I got the same response: a sad shake of the head no. NONE of these matoran had seen or even heard of it, making the last hour a complete waste of time. It was difficult not to growl in frustration, but I forced a smile and thanked the Le-Matoran anyway.This was going nowhere fast- "Dark-luck on seek-find charm?" There was a flurry of green leaves, and staring before me was one of those crazy Le-Matoran, hanging upside-down from a nearby branch, his head poking out from the surrounding leaves. I was about to shove him away when I realized that I recognized him. He was one of the first matoran I had asked, and he said he knew nothing about it... in a dodgy-sort of way. Yet here he was... was he following me? "No... such luck." I said slowly, eying him up. His positive demeanor was a bit annoying, but now I was curious. "I remember you. You said you didn't know anything about them earlier. Are you following me?" "No! Yes!" came the rather quick and conflicted response. He gave me an upside-down lop-sided grin as he just realized what he had just said. "I slow-think when I spoke know-nothingness of lucky-charm. I ever-remembered now! Happy-cheer for you fire-spitter!" My head spun as my mind tried to keep up translating his rapid treespeak into normal matoran. Reaching out I grabbed his mask, pulling his upside down face close to mine. "Ok, so I'll forgive the stalking if you would be nice enough to give it to me." He looked uncertain for a fraction of a second before changing to sheepish. "I... not have it. But it near-close!" I forced another smile, trying really hard to keep my cool. "So you mean to tell me you at first didn't know anything, then remembered you had it, followed me for over an hour just to drop in and tell me, only to reveal you actually don't have it on you?" "Yes! Happy-cheer thought-plan fire-spitter!" I tried not to laugh from the sheer ridiculousness of the conversation, as well as holding myself back from throttling the little guy. "Riiiiight. And WHY should I believe a word you say, let alone that you know where it is?" "Fire-spitter must trust and have great-faith life-dawn forest-person!" It was a outlandish statement, but it hit me right between the eyes like an out-of-control Kohlii ball. It wasn't exactly what he said, but HOW he said it. Faith. The chances of that were... I took a deep breath, wondering if this was one cosmic coincidence or if maybe there was more to him than met the eye. Slowly I let him go, letting him sway in the branch at eye-level. Faith and Trust. Evidence of things unseen. "Alright, I'll follow you." "No rapid-quick fire-spitter! First Toa-hero must do something for life-dawn forest-person!" He could not be serious. I sighed in exasperation, closing my eyes and rubbing the bridge of my mask, free hand resting on my hip. "Yes?" "You famous Kohlii-star Joske, right?" I sighed again. "Yes." "You true-shot with flat-disk as well, right?" Granted, I was known for my skill in that area. "Again, yes?" He grinned broadly, and from the leaved he produced a bamboo disk; from the markings and notches on it, a personalized one as well. "Fire-spitter Tao-hero Kohlii-champ Joske must beat life-dawn forest-person in true-shot flat-disk competition. If fire-spitter wins, forest-person will tell toa-hero where charm is." I blinked a few times, unable to fully register the request. Did this kid just challenge me to a disk-throwing duel? I... I mean... Actually, I didn't have a choice. If I wanted to know where it was, I would have to play his little game. My lips twitched slightly. "Alright life-dawn, you're on." "Hurrah! Sing-song smart-plan! Quick, fast-chase Leaf-Runner!" And with that he took off like a bolt, running, jumping, and swinging through the vines and branches like any deft Le-Matoran would, heading towards the Disk Throwing Range, leaving me quite befuddled as I attempted to keep up. What the karz had I gotten myself into? OOC: uuug. Accurate tree-speak is a doozy

We truly have an unruly and bizarre group of individuals playing this game. And yet this game still functions... I love my job

Meh. To each his own. I get more satisfaction to see how a character's view and attitude change over time due to the experiences and interactions he or she has had over the course of the game. While battle is useful, and at times critically essential, I view that tactic as one-dimensional if not often times frustrating due to the lack of ability, maturity, or understanding of the rules. Not saying anyone here is guilty of that, not at all... When ALL facets of a character are developed, just not the ability to beat the living snot out of someone, that's when the best stories are written.

OOC: Yes. IC [Le-Koro square, late morning] "Alright everyone, I suggest we split up and spread out so that we can cover more ground. Ask the locals if they've seen anything like these before, and if so, where. It's almost midday, so let's meet at the village square at noon to compare notes. Sound good?" "I will go and talk to the guards here." Angi said, as I stiffly noted with some authority. "Those of you who want to come with me can do so, though I can do this by myself as well. We will need to take a look at the temple as well and as far as I know, Matau is not back in his village yet and being held in Pala-Koro, so Kongu is our next contact. We need him to let us inside the Turaga's hut, since the temple of faith is located above it in the same tree. And it wouldn't be wise to break in after an attack on the village." I saw his gaze at our small group, finally resting on Tuara and Angelus. Apparently it would be the three of them and the two of us, another sweeping gesture of command. That wasn't what had me irked however; it was the fact that he seemed to know where this "hidden and secret" temple was... and didn't bother to tell us!? Then again maybe I should have asked. He said something to Tuara about catching up with Kongu before turning towards the direction to the Gukko-Force HQ as if this was an everyday occurrence. Did he not remember that we were on a timetable? "Just try not to recruit every Toa on the island in this, okay?" I said, somewhere between a mumble and loud voice, enough so that he heard but not enough that others could hear. The last thing we needed was a mob following us. If he heard me he didn't respond, and with a wave of my hand I stalked into the village - or at least I thought I was going to. "Good day travelers! What brings you two here to Le-Koro?" My foot stopped in mid-step, taken completely by surprise by this helpful and cheerful voice. Before me was a male Po-Toa, dark brown in complexion with silver accenting his rather thin body, in his hands a very ornate metal staff. I turned back to note only Cael with me, who shrugged. I did my best to hold in a sigh, but I wasn't sure if it worked. Somehow in the last five minutes or so I had become unsociable. When my ego and confidence disappeared so too did my grip on my emotions apparently. The last two days had been a karz of a wild gukko ride on my heartstrings. Needless to say I really didn't want to deal with Mr. Sunshine. "Nothing much, just looking for some old trinkets," I found myself saying rather brusquely as I slid past. "the type you would have to be a local for a very long time to even know about. I suspect you are not the case. So if you don't mind, we are in a slight rush, please excuse us." Perhaps it wasn't the most polite, but again, I wasn't feeling sociable to extraordinarily happy people. Spotting a local trader I walked on over and bent down to his level, pulling out the charm I had in such a way that only the matoran could see it, asking the question I would no doubt spend the rest of the morning asking: "Have you seen another charm like this?"

Yes, yes I am. He's been keeping A LOT of things from me lately, and as of this quest I've thrown my hands into the air. I have no idea what he's about to do next most of the time and, well, makes for an exciting writing experience. And we used to be so close... Huh. Must of missed that edition. I guess I stand corrected, wouldn't be that hard at this point

My thoughts exactly *sighs and shudders* EDIT: IF all the "ifs" were in place then probably? However, as far as I'm concerned (and from the posts I've seen) it's still not widely known that Joske transformed into a toa. Yes, there are a decent amount of people that know, but that's because they've met him personally and got over the awkward "Do I know you... ?" conversation. I have yet to see a massive fangirl rush on him like when he was a matoran Now if said person was BIG Kohlii fan and kept up on the famous people rumors, then I'd say there would be a decent chance of recognition. I mean he DOES look similar to his matoran form, just not exact. That's my position on the subject. He's been keeping his new form surprisingly low-key. I'm a little baffled at it myself...

@ Dreae: Lol. Then make something happen if you're that desperate. Anyway, Joske and Co. just landed in Le-Koro, and I can't imagine that going without incident, for I see several people Joske has interacted with in the past there as well... So yeah, I image that a lot of things will be happening in the Le-Wahi topic now shortly

OOC: timeskip! IC [Camp at Lake Pala; early morning] In the midst of my dreams there was sounds of the morning gukko. Dreams of my past, dreams of my currents companions, and dreams of the one Toa I was to fight... he was the real quest, the charms, the stones, mere preparation- The loud call went off again, except this time right next to my audio receptors. I awoke with a gasp and a start. Instantly most of what I had dreamed retreated to the subconscious, where such things normally resided, leaving me with only tantalizing fragments of what went on in my head as I slumbered. Moving stiffly I rubbed the bridge of my mask, willing the sleepiness from my eyes, trying to make sense of nightly visitors. When that project proved fruitless I sighed, opening my eyes fully to take in the new day. I was still laying in the nook of a tree, the world quiet and green, the only interruptions the morning chirping of the birds. The scene was breathtakingly beautiful as a fog covered the lake, occasional streaks of light cutting through, a steamy cauldron produced by the warm water and the chilled air. Clearly despite the abundance of light the sun hadn't risen yet, otherwise it would have chased the lake fog away. Glancing down I looked at my hand, the one that had intertwined itself with Cael's, and clenched it. Apparently at some time after I fell asleep she had left... a small, quiet, non-admitting part of me wished that she had stayed. Still, I was eternally grateful that she had found me anyway. Even if now my feelings got more complicated. With a groan of protest I slid off the branch, heavily falling to the ground below. It had been only two days since my adventure in Ko-Wahi, meaning I was still not recovered from the excursion; it felt like an eternity ago, that's for sure. Rubbing my arms I jogged back to camp, noting that I was the first one up... or at least in camp. Agni or one of the others light be up and just not here, but I surely doubted it. I was always an early riser, religiously getting up and performing my daily rituals. Except this time I didn't feel like doing them. I really didn't feel like anything at the moment. My lack of motivation was... unsettling. At least I could go for a swim to wake up my body. A few moments later I broke the surface of the lake, my head surrounded by a thin, wispy cloud that hugged the lake. I didn't notice it in the tree, but now that I was in the water I noted just how cold the morning air was, and how warm the water was. Taking both on my hands I started at the bottom of my mask and moved upwards, finally coming back together at the back of my head, removing much of the water and stimulating the facial nerves. Back to my apathy. Not really apathy... but lack of confidence. The new morning had brought a fresh outlook on the day, but the gnawing void was still there. I wasn't nearly as devastated as I was yesterday, but I was still as crushed by my new condition as I was the previous day. Somehow, somewhere, I had to fill that gap, plug that void where my ego had once been, but with what I didn't know. Even more disconcerting, I was at a vulnerable stage. Emotional, tired, still injured, I could very easily become swayed in a wrong direction and fill it with something worse. But that's why I had friends. As I pulled myself to shore, water rolling around my muscles and dripping off my skin, I realized that despite my loss I had gained something possibly even more valuable: true friends. Yes, I might be vulnerable right now, but they would see to it that I wouldn't become worse for this experience, only better. They would make sure I would find something worth while to cling to, even if it took me years to do so. It wouldn't be pleasant meantime, but then again, when tearing down and building up, when isn't it? It was a terrible, awful process, one that hurt to the core, but this time I had someone other than myself to turn to if I needed it. I didn't have to rely on myself anymore, as strange as that sounded. I thought about last night, and about Cael, how our fingers intertwined and she didn't protest... Yes, complicated. * * * The sun rose rapidly, the green brilliance of Le-Wahi coming to full color as the morning progressed. Breakfast was brought to you via Guard rations, an amazing combination of tastelessness and hardness, yet nutritious enough for warriors on the move. In other words disgusting as usual. Thankfully the local flora was ripe with an abundance of fruit that helped make the tack go down, lest one of us choke on it as it went down. After filling our waterskins out of a nearby stream that fed into the lake we broke camp, continuing along the path that would lead us to Le-Koro. To our continuous right was the Mangai Volcano, our westward travels always under the massive volcano's shadow. It wasn't long before we were forced to stay on the path as the Fau Swamp grew around us, the area becoming wetter and ground spongier as we went. By the time we reached the north edge of Lake Kanae the swamp was in full force, making travel exceedingly difficult, make more treacherous by the overabundance of quicksand and otherwise object-sucking muck and swarms of annoying insects. I wasn't sure of our collective heat was a deterrent or an attraction. Still, the beauty couldn't be dismissed. The green was eye-popping, and the flowers that grew, especially on the lillypads that we often found ourselves traveling on, were astounding. Despite the bugs I was admiring the sights, remembering that this was one of the few areas of the island I didn't travel often to. After traveling the length of the lake we came to a massive tree sitting entirely in the water, a trail of lillypads leading to the base, both sides lined with white flowers and lightstones. "We made it." I breathed quietly as we traversed the plant bridge, clamoring on the wooden lift that would hoist us to the Koro above. When the gate opened I gasped and squinted momentarily, covering my eyes from the sudden deluge of light. Most of the trip had been done under the cover of the massive jungle, so direct sunlight was a bit much. But it wasn't the sunlight that made me gasp. It was the damage. Clearly a massive battle had taken place here, and while it looked like the village had won and survived, the burnt roofs and cut vines were proof enough that it had been close. Already the villagers were hard at work repairing the damage, in a few days any trace would be removed, but at this moment it was a fresh reminder of the strife that covered the island. Who attacked and why I didn't know, and in some ways I didn't want to know. We were here on a mission, one that was pressed for time. I turned to my companions, handing Agni and Tuara each a charm. "Alright everyone, I suggest we split up and spread out so that we can cover more ground. Ask the locals if they've seen anything like these before, and if so, where. It's almost midday, so let's meet at the village square at noon to compare notes. Sound good?" OOC: first all, Joske and company in Le-Koro... Hi Everyone! Second, my group: there are only two here, one in Kongu's hut, the second at the disk range. I'm claiming the disk range, so I don't know who wants to get Kongu's, you guys can fight over it. Be creative

IC Wow. And I thought I had a hard time with this kind of thing. It... was almost amusing. If everything wasn't so serious. My lack of answer or even reaction must have given off the wrong impression, for she inhaled deeply, opening her mouth to start another tirade. She never got the chance though as my hand covered her mouth, preventing it from even starting. She stared at me confused and surprised, and I looked back, this time taking the time to look. Mata-Nui truly had blessed me with amazing companions and friends in my life, but I had been so self-centered and conceited to notice; he literally needed to hit me over the head with a mountain to get my attention. Before I had been seeing without looking, but now my eyes were open, actually seeing the world for what it was. Her eyes were really beautiful. "No, it wasn't." If she wasn't surprised before, she was now. I removed my hand from her mouth, turning my gaze towards as the sky continued to fill with twinkling wonders. "Cael, you were right. You said it, you meant it, and I DID deserve it. Trust me, I don't like saying it, but it's true." I paused, looking down at my feet before glancing skyward again. "Problem in, the truth hurts; the longer you ignore it, the more painful it is when you are finally confronted with it, just like an injury that you refuse to get treated. I... I have been living my life in a delusional state for so long, completely ignorant of what was really going on around me, that when I was finally face-to-face with who I was and what is actually true, well... you get earlier." I paused again, breathing out slowly. "You weren't being stupid, you were trying to protect Tuara from my stupidity, and yes, I do need to take it to heart. All if it. And that's the problem; it hurts. It hurts to know that I have been part of the problem I have been complaining about, hurts to see how insensitive I was, and hurts to know people I call friends either have to leave me or whack me across the head to get my attention. Really I should be the one apologizing to you for making you do that when I should have had the sense never to do it in the first place. And thanking you." My eyes were closed as I found myself relaxing in that tree neck next to Cael, suddenly realizing that the fingers of my right hand were intertwined with hers. I could feel my thumb rubbing over her smooth metallic skin. "Thanking you for doing the hard thing and being the real friend, keeping to your guns and calling me out... then sticking around afterwards. No one... no one has ever done that to me before." I still had a mountain of issues and complicated feelings to work out, but right now I felt like a little part of it was gone. I guess I didn't want to be alone after all. "Ever." The feeling was enough to let the day's exhaustion overtake me, and I felt myself nodding off, mumbling as I went. "I'm... so sorry. Thanks... for being there...." I was out.

IC “Joske... can I come up?” I looked down, trying to hold back the surprise, my self-absorbing thoughts derailed from a soft voice below. In the leafy darkness below were a pair of golden eyes gazing upwards, the glow faintly illuminating a Mask of Healing. From what little I could see on it was written concern, and maybe a bit of anxiety. I held my gaze for a moment, unsure what to do. That... was a profoundly good question actually. I came up here to be alone. I didn't want to be with Agni, and it was too soon for me to have a meaningful conversation with Tuara after what she had just showed me. Angelus? Didn't know the guy, just knew of him. But Cael... what about Cael? She had ripped me a new one earlier, that was for sure, and we hadn't spoken a word since. Not to say she was wrong, no.. she had been right. Too right. And that's why it hurt so much. Mixed feelings about her mere presence on this mission didn't help the situation any, let alone in a fight she'd be useless... and it was bound to happen- I shook my head slightly, trying to get these thoughts out of my head. She sought me out for a reason, knowing clearly that I had wandered off alone to be alone. Anyone else I would have ignored or simply moved away from, but she... I dunno, yes? No? Maybe? I looked at the space next to me, noting that the fork was more than wide enough. Makutaspawn. Couldn't use that excuse. Hm. Another good question: why was I trying to come up with excuses? Because... maybe I didn't want to be alone after all? I let down a hand, not frowning anymore but not exactly smiling either. "I suppose. There's space enough for two up here."

They are the same as Canon, or as similar as they can be in this twisted world known as the Bzprpg. Generally taller but thinner than toa.

Alright cool; thanks! *scrambles to figure his own side quest and doing it in a timely fashion* EDIT: Guys, between Nuju and myself the question was answered. Please move on to other things.

Oh Nuju, you punny little man you. I should give you the Punitzer Prize for that one. I mean this book-like conversation of flight and anti-gravity... I just can't put it down. If I whip up eight more I can submit them to a contest and hopefully win; I did so once before, but no pun in ten did. In other words: Two demerits for bad use of pun. And Ghosthands, you're welcome Onto a more related topic, surprisingly I don't know exactly how many of the Essence Stone the Company has. Anyone?