Vezok's Friend

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] On an intellectual level, she’d assumed that kind of power was a possibility. Seeing it actually demonstrated was…alarming. Sure Aya, let’s find a place to settle down, see what the rest of Mata Nui has to offer - oh nothing, just the first person you run into could be a walking weapon of mass destruction if someone like them played for the other team… She added that to the long list of things to worry about that was piling up in the back of her mind. Actually, that wasn’t fair. It wasn’t a pile. It was a precisely sorted and labeled library of things to worry about. Outwardly, the stoic commanding officer betrayed none of these thoughts and answered the comment about the talent of their artisans with: “They had a very long time to perfect their craft.” “But that abundant resource of our homeland is rare here, so our people need alternative resources - hence this scouting expedition up-river.” .:Let’s hold off on the details until we can learn more about our new friend here.:. OOC: @Geardirector@Mel@Void Emissary

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] .:Then the lone travelers are not very wise:. Ayiwah considered that perhaps her jinbaori was still more ornate than she had figured if this Toa could guess she was in charge at a glance. But she was also standing next to a literal Toroshu, so it was likely the clue was something in her bearing - or a lack of something in Yukie’s? The other thing that stood out to her was the surprise at their crystal effects. How had she heard of their arrival without mention of the crystal fleet. After a long time away from the ubiquity of the material, the shining fleet's arrival had given the commodore a glimpse of how the people of Mata Nui who witnessed them at first must have felt. It was hard to imagine word spreading without mention of that. But she also recognized the familiar glint behind the Toa's back. “I am commodore Ayiwah, and these are my companions.” she returned the introduction. “I take it then that crystal is your element?” OOC: @Geardirector @Void Emissary @Mel

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] .:Very well:. Ayiwah replied, switching seamlessly to ideatalk. Even if the Dashi couldn’t reply, they’d be in the loop. .:But let us keep the specific purpose of our journey to ourselves for now:. She gave the other Menti officers a nod and the boat pulled closer to shore, slowing down to match the speed of the current and coming to an almost-stop. The commodore returned the offered wave. “Well-met, Toa. We did not expect lone travelers this far out.” OOC: @Geardirector @Void Emissary @Mel

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] Ayiwah nodded reassuringly. “That is the plan, Toroshu. And it’s why this Koro must be built by our own hands. Both for purpose and to have a home…” The commodore trailed off. She had meant to continue, to ask the clan leader to support a home shared by many if not all clans on the island while in exile - at least until they could retake the archipelago. But that little glint ahead up-river had drawn her attention. If there was one thing Dasaka knew, it was the reflection of light upon crystal - like on the hilt of a staff. And in this jungle, that stood out - as did the figure on the riverbank that had just come into view around the next bend. :Eyes up.: The warning thought also contained the information of where the potential threat could be found. With Inzu at the helm, Koso moved forward, shielding the Dashi aboard, while Ayiwah turned to better cover the Toroshu. OOC: @Mel @Void Emissary @Geardirector

IC: [Kohra - Iron Mahi, First Passenger Car] Kohra stood, with her arms covered by her poncho. Her eyes drifted from Datrox to the other Vortixx, looking him over with an intensity that had not been there before. Her Toa companion recognized the icy tone that crept into her voice as she spoke. He’d heard it that morning when he’d offered a comforting hand. “Except you’re a friend short. Maybe it’s time you took a seat.” OOC: Choo choo. @Tarn @Nato G

IC: [Leah - The Great Takea] The duo had spent the night so far asking every likely official contact if they’d registered any of the Matoran they were looking for, even splitting up again for a while to cover more ground, each in their preferred way. “Any luck on your end?” Korero asked, reappearing in a flash. Leah shook her head, still glistening wet. “Nothing yet.” she admitted. Beyond confirming their arrival aboard the Yukanna, which they already could infer from what the empress had told them, neither Marine nor Menti could point them towards the exact group they were looking for so far. Disappointing - but not too surprising. Standout or not, back here a small group of Matoran probably looked more like helpers than new arrivals. Leah sighed, and with a fraction of her power absorbed the water clinging to her. “I could use a snack and a drink. How about you?” she said, tilting her head towards the inn. “Really?” Korero asked doubtfully. “Sure. And we can ask them too while we’re here.” She started towards the entrance. “Besides, the food’s good - and they always serve it with a smile.” She didn’t need to look back to notice the eyeroll. Five minutes later they had two cups and snack bowls - and the information jackpot: one of the Matoran - Lekua - had been confirmed sighted. And by sighted, the server explained, they meant: nearly crashed through the door from the back of a Kahu before making introductions to others in the establishment. No wonder that had stuck in the staff’s memory. They had then proceeded to drink, chat - including with the empress and a dragon that had stopped by - before heading out with company - but not the other Matoran they were looking for. However… “When they left here, they had a Toa with them…gray fellow with pearl armor, yellow eyes, wore what looked like a Mahiki I think.” Leah raised an eyebrow. “Looking a bit anxious perhaps?” she asked. The server nodded. The Maru slapped her hand on the counter, flashed her brother a victorious smile and quietly thanked the great spirit. “We met this morning! They’re a new arrival - the name’s Timak.” OOC: @Ghosthands

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] “As far as as the river will take us and then further on foot.” came the answer to Zyla’s question. Ayiwah indicated their route on the map again. As intimidating as the jungle to either side seemed at first, after the trees didn’t immediately reach down to smother them in greenery and a chance encounter with a pair of Matoran in a canoe coming down river proving they weren’t the only ones venturing out this way, a short while later the surroundings just became the new status quo. The river was still wide and they had a good draft and room to maneuver. So far, so good. She let Inzu take over the helm again for a bit and joined the thus-far quiet Yukie. “How fares your clan, Toroshu?” OOC: @Mel @Void Emissary

IC/ Skrall/ On the road again Skrall had disliked the too-close-for-comfort discussion of her origins already, but the conspiratorial tone the other was striking up now sat even less well with her. Baterra. He was right about one thing: It was a convenient cover for when skrall supremacy came up short due to arrogance, incompetence - or simply screwing up. And yet…the story the former skrall had shared with them about what had happened to his unit was still fresh in her mind and it was not so easily dismissed. But she was facing enough prejudice already without opening herself up to conspiracy. He couldn’t think she’d seriously engage him in this conversation, could he? She shot him a stern glance over her shoulder. “So wise that you’re talking about it now?” OOC: @a goose @skrall

IC/ Skrall/ On the road again She wanted to reply to the speculation, to say that there had been no fight, not with how resigned their prisoner had been, just more talk - but instead, she found herself bristling at the other’s question regarding herself. Others didn’t casually mention skull mountain to her face, even if they suspected… “Been in and out of Roxtus between recons. Maybe our schedules never crossed.” she answered, looking back at the road ahead and the spikit pulling their cart. OOC: @a goose @skrall

IC/ Skrall/ On the road again Jay virtue of holding the reigns, the first warrior looking back at skrall was her. Was she studying him or was that just part of keeping an eye on the road ahead? Eventually though, her gaze moved on. Skrall for her part was mulling things over in her head still. A shadow hung over them, even more so than usual. Or perhaps not unusual after selling one of your own. Maybe deserved, but after seeing what awaited him…but they’d done their duty. And yet... “Long time for a done deal.” She observed after a quiet long time of her own. OOC: @a goose @skrall

IC: [Ayiwah - docks/aboard the Ruki] The commodore took the helm again and they were off. She kept cross checking the map versus a small hourglass - navigating the bay by dead reckoning - but the other two Menti on lookout took the time to point out the occasional school of Takea to the Dashi. Daijuno noticed that these were smaller than the jaws that welcomed people to Rhow’s implied. So they came in larger sizes too. But the Menti were obviously keeping an eye out for even worse and bigger things. But soon enough the water got too shallow again for the sharks. The mouth of the river loomed up ahead, much larger in person than it had appeared to Daijuno at a distance. Trees loomed to either side of the bank. After a few feet, the jungle grew thick enough to completely block the view. The only clear path was the water snaking its way inland. Ayiwah slowed the Ruki down to the appropriate speed and pointed it upstream. OOC: @Void Emissary more of a mood setting post, feel free to keep moving us along.

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] She recognized the look on Zyla‘s face. The Dashi understood. As for Daijuno, she didn’t need to see her to know her reaction to the mentioning of authority figures. But they’d address that later… To answer her question, simply saying ‘a dragon told me’ probably wasn’t sufficient, no matter how strange this island was. However, she had checked the recommendation against other sources and found it promising. She continued the Dashi’s trace up the river. “Enough space and fresh water for our people in a defensible position for starters.” OOC: @Void Emissary

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ On the road again Skrall didn’t have to wait long. Now with something to do, skrall didn’t hesitate and boarded the second wagon. She’d briefly contemplated joining Atakus in the first. Part of her wanted to confront him about what they’d just done - but it was done now. She’d done her part in speaking to the other. She hoped they’d cross paths. How things played out from there was up to Him. She took the Spikit reins and urged the beast to hurry after the lead chariot. OOC: @a goose @Burnmad @skrall

IC: [Ayiwah - docks/aboard the Ruki] “The Akiri knows.” Ayiwah confirmed. “It was among the first things we spoke of the night we learned of the arrival.” “But it shouldn’t come as a surprise. We cannot impose upon Ga-Koro’s hospitality indefinitely. And while safe harbor may satisfy for now, once this new reality settles in…you know what Toroshu can be like.” Ayiwah glanced back across the bay. Even at this distance, her beloved Yukanna was still clearly visible. She longed to take her back out to sea…but this took priority. “And we cannot stay aboard our ships…I will have need of them.” OOC: @Void Emissary

IC: [Ayiwah - aboard the Ruki] “There’s nothing bold about a fair question. But in light of recent events, answers must wait for the moment.” Ayiwah replied as she put the engine into reverse while Inzu and Koso aided to push the Ruki away from the pier. The Menti were clearly back in their element. The commodore for her part could feel excitement well up inside her. All the planning, studying charts and working the numbers had been dry, exhausting work - but actually getting underway, her hands at the helm and with a clear mission objective - it made it all worth it. The feeling carried over to her body language as well. Daijuno noticed the commodore seemed more at ease somehow. They navigated their way out of the crowded harbor at the fastest possible safe speed until they reached the open waters of the bay. Ayiwah turned them onto a heading that mimicked the typical routes she had observed the local fishers taking. “Brace.” she advised the Dashi, giving them just enough time to grab hold of something before she opened up the throttle. The bow rose sharply, waves rhythmically slapping the bottom of the hull. Once she was certain the boat was running steady, Ayiwah handed off the helm to Inzu and briefly knelt by the railing, reaching a hand over the side into the water while simultaneously scanning the surrounding sea and sky. At the bow, Koso was clearly scanning their surroundings as well. A moment later the two Menti exchanged ‘all clear’ nods and the commodore moved over to sit next to the two Dashi. She produced a map from a larger pouch strapped to her thigh and spread it out so Zyla and Daijuno both could see. The map showed the eastern central section of Mata-Nui, encompassing all of Ga-Wahi, its coastline - but more importantly the rivers feeding into Naho bay. Their eyes were drawn to one of the larger ones on account of the many navigational annotations marking its meandering flow. Ayiwah tapped an area that was very much upstream and then leaned in closely enough so they could hear her. “This is a scouting mission to find a suitable location for Dasaka-Koro.” OOC: @Void Emissary Our little adventure is under way, but if anybody else still wants to join, we can pretend they were along for the ride already 😃

IC: [Ayiwah - docks/aboard the Ruki] “It has been rather busy lately.” the commodore remarked drily from behind the open engine cover as she worked her way through the checklist. Power supply and connections looked good, pressure gauges were nominal. She tapped on the instrument glass, just to ensure the displayed value was correct. Satisfied everything was in order, she closed the hatch again, eyes briefly meeting Daijuno's as the Menti stepped over to the helm. “I’m pleased you could make the time between your local outreach program and old contacts. Speaking of - ” She turned towards the other Dashi. “I don’t believe we’ve had a proper introduction. Welcome aboard the Ruki, Dastana Zyla.” With that, Ayiwah turned over the engines, which gurgled to life at the back of the boat. OOC: @Void Emissary

IC: [Ayiwah] Her eyes traced the line snaking its way across the map spread out before her, committing the annotated route to memory. A yawn broke the concentration and she reached for the cup of tea off to her side, placed safely away from the maps. It had been a short night due to a very long conversation with someone she would have considered a mere myth until recently. Her lips found the rim of the cup without looking away. Commodore Ayiwah grimaced as the liquid hit her tongue. Cold. Again. With a sigh she downed the rest in one big gulp, put the cup back down and proceeded to roll up the map in order to place it in a waterproof carrier bag. She placed it next to a waiting backpack while she slipped on her jinbaori. There had so far not been an occasion that had allowed her to wear it - but the lighter garment was much more suited for the task at hand than her coat, especially with the extra gear they’d be carrying. She shouldered her bags and left the cabin, locking the room behind her. :Koso, Inzu. It’s time.: A few moments later, the three Menti disembarked the submersible, each similarly equipped with knapsacks and other gear. They made their way across the docks, which had turned into an absolute Rama-hive of activity since the Dasaka’s arrival. It took some time to find Marka, the Hau-adorned shipwright. She was just as busy as the rest of the village. Between the distraction of her many other tasks and the irony of the Dasakan request coming from the commanding officer of an entire fleet it took several more minutes of interrupted conversation to negotiate the loan of one the Matoran’s boats. Ayiwah would have preferred one of their own, but the simple truth was that the vessels that had been able to cross the not-so-endless ocean had too much draft. Half the morning had passed by the time the Menti had stored their gear aboard the ‘Ruki’ - a typical Ga-Koronan fishing vessel - and were familiarizing themselves with it in preparation to cast off. OOC: If anybody else wants to tag along for a little scouting mission, feel free to join!

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ Skrall answered the offered Look with a slow blink while maintaining eye contact. Its meaning was equally straightforward: nothing to be seen, nothing to be done. Don’t worry about it. She glanced skyward, then to the shadows wandering across the fortress. A simple prisoner handover should’ve wrapped up by now, especially since this wasn’t the first once-skrall they’d received. Then again, one couldn’t expect bone hunters to keep to skrall standards. OOC: @Burnmad @skrall

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ She remained for another moment looking at the window, but in actuality just staring into space. As uncomfortable as the encounter had been…she had learned something. She wasn’t quite sure what yet. But she would remember this meeting. She turned away and wordlessly rejoined the others. OOC: @skrall

IC: [Kohra - Iron Mahi,First Passenger Car] They’d know each other for less than a day, but Kohra was relieved to hear Datrox' voice. She pulled herself through the door and back into the car, glad to be out of the slipstream. She winced a bit as she put her weight back full on her legs, but otherwise managed to keep her balance. “You alright?” How to answer that one? What scale applied here? “Not really, but…I found a sentinel.” she replied, attempting something that approached a weak smile. OOC: @Tarn

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ Her visage shifted into something akin to uncomfortable, although it’d be hard to distinguish that from the prior disgust at her compatriot’s distance. She still remembered the feeling of the cloak around her, stuck in the shadows. The others beside her. Watching - and being watched. It doesn’t take psychic powers to feel the presence right behind them. Do not look away. See the chosen enter. Nervous, but determined. Not backing down from a challenge. Do your duty. Learn what is expected of you. They’ll know if you look away. And then they leave again. Whatever strength they had…taken. To be given to the next generation. Or so the priestesses claimed. The husks were escorted out. No sister would ever see them again. By design, a tiny thought in the back of her mind kept insisting. Her expression remained grim, but it was no longer aimed at the one behind bars, merely at bitter memories that weren’t as long gone as she would have liked. “Then she wasn’t lying.” And then, honoring the request, she actually turned to leave, pausing just long enough to quietly make a request of her own that only he could hear: “Take care of the other when you see him.” OOC: @Mel

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ The other’s eyes still looked as if scanning for any sign of teal. Not a sister. Skrall. He got that right. That a once-skrall voice could ever sound like this though…it was chilling to hear. But, there was a glimmer of resistance in the words. So, not entirely broken then after all. The expression of disgust softened imperceptibly. “Sisters don’t see you once they’re done with you.” The implication was clear. You should pray He keep it that way. OOC: @Mel @skrall

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ The wretch still stares. Longing for what once was? Their presence here - a painful reminder. No…not them. He does not stare at them. He stares at her. And she finds herself staring back. No choice. This is what it takes. She can feel the hands on her shoulder and neck again - forcing her to watch, to learn. Do not look away. Could this one actually see her for what she was? Or what she was not? Much as she tried to fight the feeling, she couldn’t help it: There was a kinship here. Broken things, cast aside. No longer what they were meant to be. And that was perhaps the most disgusting part of it all, the part that etched the scowl onto her features as she approached the window. She knew she shouldn’t. No choice. Watch and learn. But she was still skrall. This thing was not. Even if it saw her, the others couldn’t. They wouldn’t. “Has it been so long that you can’t even stand the sight?” she sneered, peering into the gloom beyond the bars. OOC: @Mel @skrall

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ The conversation had lasted long enough for her to return to the moment after her surprising revelation and to finish her ration bar. Apparently they were still on the subject of how best to conquer all that they saw before them, openly talking strategy. Maybe a bit too openly. She started to look around to see if there were any unfriendly eyes or ears nearby that were too close for comfort. All the while she wondered why they were discussing strategy in the first place - after all they already had been tasked with one. “War is not the southern way.” she chimed in. “Save it for the arenas.” That’s where disputes were settled. And when they got there they would use the South’s own honorable system to take whatever they laid claim to. Skrall would challenge, fight - and win. All is as he willed it. Just then, she felt the all too familiar sensation of eyes on her. She knew it well from home - had known it all her life. Those who knew what she was - or suspected - staring at her in all ways subtle and obvious alike. She slowly, deliberately turned and looked over to the barred window to meet the others' gaze. For a split second she thought it might have been their prisoner, already processed. But this thing was much more emaciated. Only color hinted at what had once been skrall - but was no more. Was that what awaited the unfortunate one they had just handed over? Maybe skrall could be broken after all? The possibility disgusted her and she made no effort to hide her reaction. She nudged spec-ops to get his attention, shot him a dark look and nodded her head in the direction of their observer... OOC: @a goose @BULiK @Nato G @oncertainty @Burnmad @Toru Nui @Mel

IC/ Skrall/ Bonehunter Stronghold/ Markets/ “May enough of them think that logically.” she commented. The scout was right - but so were skrall and skrall. Just because Roxtus and the tower had made a deal that wasn’t an absolute guarantee. Despite the intertwined history and rock tribe origin - the bone hunters weren’t a monolith. And come to think of it…neither were skrall. This group alone was proof, including herself. She glanced around at her companions. Cynics, true believers, outsiders…revolutionaries? The sudden thought caused the usually stoic fighter’s mouth to drop open a fraction. There was an angle to this mission she hadn’t considered before - even though they had all openly guessed at its purpose already. Revolutionary? No, not in a political sense. Perhaps…evolutionary, then? Yes, it made sense. And explained why Tirveus would send a group of volunteers like them. Maybe the tournament was merely a crucible to burn away the slag. This wasn’t about glory in battle and a name for the legends. Winning against the other tribes wasn’t the objective - or at least not the primary one. So even the possible outcome of Skrall facing each other was logical. This was about finding out what kind of Skrall could prevail in the South. Maybe Tirveus was planning to conquer it all. Maybe not. But he still would need to know what kind of soldiers he would need to ensure skrall superiority. She needed a moment to let that sink in. But standing around flabbergasted at her revelation wasn’t a good look, so she made her way over to where their Spikit wagons were being loaded, hoping her change in demeanor hadn’t been too obvious. She returned with a handful of rations and water that she started distributing among her peers. “Here. Stay hydrated. Keep up your energy.” OOC: Hope this doesn't read too much like her jumping to a conclusion. Debated making this much longer and more detailed, but in the interest of time and keeping up posting momentum I opted for the more direct version. @a goose@BULiK@Nato G@Burnmad@Mel@Toru Nui@oncertainty