Vezok's Friend

IC [Metru Koro] The six-eyed lizard watched as the duo of Toa approached his tanning spot. The nerve of some people! It thought, before promptly scurrying away. The first thing Okuo and Triage noticed, seeing the hut in daytime were the letters carved into the wall near the front entrance, which read ‘Nixie - Astronomer’. Okuo then remembered what the afflicted had recounted of that night, as far as possible: Vhisola had been staying over at her friend’s place after returning from a trip, it wasn’t her hut. Aside from that realization, everything looked familiar still. The telescope in the back of the hut had been removed during the move to Kini-Koro, as had Nixie’s collection of charts. But things that weren’t worth carrying over had been left behind - including the mess the two Matoran had left in the wake of their transformation. Their bedding was still scattered in the middle of the room, along with the remains of their supper. Okua remembered Vhisola telling him of Nixie kicking and screaming. A few stains marked the floor, but if there had been food left that night, it had long since been scavenged by Rahi. Some dishes and a single cup were lying where they’d fallen. OOC: @Onaku @Tarn IC: [Nixie - Kou-Po] The two afflicted brawlers snarled once more, but more meekly, before lowering their heads in submission as the Turaga stood her ground. They retreated a little away from her, exchanged glances and then hesitantly settled down on the floor. Nixie meanwhile hissed softly, with a look of defiance. As far as she was concerned, Klawne’s words were not meant for her. She’d tried breaking the brawl up in her own way, she wasn’t going to submit to punishment for that. The former astronomer turned around once, shooting the other afflicted a look that seemed to tell them to play nice, before she took up the now vacant spot from where she could observe outside, where the airships that had made their way to Kini-Koro earlier. OOC: @Toru Nui IC [Zataka - Irnakk’s Tooth, w. Yumiwak & Co.] The titan was about to answer, when she heard suddenly approaching footsteps. Once again, weapons immediately pointed in the direction the sound was coming from, but it turned out to be Korio. “Yeah, something like that.” Zataka replied to both his and Ysocla’s earlier questions. The titan inclined her head slightly with a knowing look and let out a long breath, as she began to keep pace with the Skakdi. She decided not to elaborate on her experience. Anything she shared would find its way to Yumiwak and she wasn’t too keen on that idea. “Like you said...bad memories and nightmares. Too much to unpack just now.” With the Skakdi now in the lead, the titan focused on covering the spots Ysocla and Korio weren’t, while also keeping an eye on what the shadows and her Kanohi told her. If Yumiwak or someone else was near, she’d know. OOC: @pokemonlover360 @EmperorWhenua

IC: [Nixie - Kini-Koro] The transformed Matoran jerked back, looking startled at the Turaga, before trying to push past Klawne to get back to the brawl. She still hissed and snarled at the other two, and Klawne could have sworn it sounded like Nixie was giving her fellow afflicted the Rahi equivalent of a verbal dressing down. The two on the ground behind her reacted indignant, with snarls of their own, clamoring to get back to their feet. They were not willing to concede yet. Not backing down either, Nixie flashed them her fangs. OOC: @Toru Nui IC [Zataka - Irnakk’s Tooth, w. Yumiwak & Co.] She was still waiting for a reply from Yumiwak when the thunder cracked behind her, back down the passage she’d come. Still twitchy from the mind games she’d just endured, the titan immediately halted her advance and spun, weapons raised. The last thing they needed was to be physically ambushed on top of the nightmare visions. But it wasn’t their opponents that rounded the bend, it was Ysocla. The titan didn’t trust her current companions as far as she could potentially throw them (which was quite a bit), but out of the bunch, she found this one the most agreeable - relatively speaking. So, to the potential surprise of the Skakdi, she felt compelled to ask: “Are you alright? Was that you with the thunder? What happened?” OOC: @pokemonlover360 @Tarn @EmperorWhenua

IC [Zataka - Irnakk’s Tooth, w. Yumiwak & Co.] The titan followed Yumiwak into the darkness. There was something strange about this place. Besides the fact that they were hurrying to get deeper inside an active volcano. Something was seriously off here, Zataka could feel it. But a deal was a deal. Whatever the Skakdi princess was going for had better be worth it, or they would have to have...words. You don’t belong here, but here you are. Welcome. Their footsteps echoed in the tunnel as they moved further in, a dull thudding in rhythm with her own heartbeat. She hadn’t realized she’d gone up in frequency that much. Ahead, Korio and Yumiwak’s silhouette’s disappeared around a bend as they continued their charge. Zataka followed, only to find them gone once the passage straightened out again. She slowed her pace, feeling a sort of mental itch telling her that someone or something was messing with her. The grip on her blade tightened. You could be so much more. She tried to reach out to the shadows surrounding her. She had hoped to not have to use too much of her abilities in front of the Skakdi, as to not tip her hand more than absolutely necessary to get what she needed. But this… The titan let out a soft breath and reached out to the shadows, to banish them. At first it seemed like her attempts were ineffective - supporting that feeling of her perception being manipulated somehow. But then the shadows did part and the tunnel up ahead got brighter again. No sign of her Skakdi allies, but at this pace they must have gotten further ahead. She picked up her pace again and moved towards the brighter passages up ahead. Surprisingly it kept getting brighter still, until daylight stung right into her eyes from up ahead as she rounded another bend. All you need do is let go. She instinctively raised a hand and stepped back, to avoid getting hit in the momentary distraction. But no-one opened fire. But she did hear the faint sound of voices up ahead. Slowly again, she approached the end of the very-much-shorter-than-anticipated tunnel...and stepped out into rolling fields of tall grass, blown into mesmerizing patterns by strong winds. The air was laden with the salty smell of the sea. Up ahead the meadows faded into a haze, but rising from it in the distance were shimmering towers of crystal, piercing into the sky like needles of glass. Welcome home. A figure emerged, standing up from the tall grass as the titan approached. The figure was a villager - she recognized them, but couldn’t remember their name. But they certainly did because as soon as their eyes met the villager cried out: Zataka! As soon as the name was uttered, more figures appeared. Had they all been hiding in the field? The first villager hurried towards her, but they seemed joyful, happy to see her. The others approached her too. ‘Zataka!’ ‘Welcome home!’ ‘We missed you!’ ‘Where have you been? Tell us of your journeys!’ Soon, she was surrounded by a crowd. No, not just a crowd. Her people. They clamored to get close to her, to speak to her, to touch her. She could feel them brushing against her clothes and sides and without thinking, she raised her arms magnanimously, letting them brush across the top of her people as if to embrace them all. More and more came, until she had a hard time seeing where she was walking. Their tugging at her got more forceful, their expressions of joy blended together in a cacophony. Someone grabbed onto her arm. It was almost painful. She looked down and where there had been smiles, empty eyes gazed at her, distorted mouths wailed. She tried to push forward, but there were just too many bodies. They screamed and clawed at her, clinging to her legs, reaching higher, trying to drag her down, trampling each other in the process. The titan tried to fight them off, but found her body reacting sluggishly. Glancing down she trampled masses had sunken into the ground, which was more akin to tar. She was stuck. The bodies piled on to her until she could no longer move forward at all, knees buckling from the strain. In one final, desperate act, she raised her right arm, reaching for the crystal pillars up ahead, before the screaming mob dragged her down into the blackness. Stay here. The pulling on her continued as she sank lower. She could feel the darkness filling her nostrils, taking her breath away. She thrashed around, trying to shake it off, but to no avail. Star began to explode in her vision, the signs of asphyxia taking hold. Let go. The stars continued to spread, but she no longer fought it. There was no point. She felt oddly detached from herself. Powerless to stop what would happen next, doomed to watch. And with the detachment her own perspective shifted too. She still felt her body, but saw herself from afar, drifting among the stars now, a lifeless body hurtling through eternity. She tried one last, straining against a cruel fate, only for her body to give out at last and shatter. But she still watched. And realized the crumbling figure of herself was a great spirit in its own right - except there were no survivors. Air and water were blown out into the void and with them anything alive that had been protected by her before. :Only if I give in!: Zataka’s eyes shot open and she saw her fingers dug deep into the dirt in front of her like Rahi talons. Her lungs were burning and with a huge gasp she drew in air. Her mind began to clear. And with the clarity came anger. She activated her Suletu, pushing back against the presence that she’d felt bearing down on her since the moment she’d set foot into these tunnels. :Destroy me or let me pass, but do not toy with me!: The titan got back up to her feet and rolled her shoulders. Her weapons were still next to her. Good. With set eyes, she began to follow the passage again, mask still active, but this time reaching out to her Skakdi allies, trying to find their presence on the mental plane. :Still there, princess?: OOC: @EmperorWhenua @Unreliable Narrator, and yes, her ego even extends to nightmare visions like that =P IC [Metru Koro] A small lizard was warming itself, lying on top of the warm rubble that was left of Vhisola’s hut. Twin rows of strange barbs growing from its back caught the hot rays of light. Today was a lot noisier than usual in this place. How bothersome. It passively watched the source of the noise, the two Toa loudly talking, with its six eyes, forked tongue darting out every now and then to moisten them. If they kept this up it’d have to go over and ask them to keep it down. OOC: @Onaku @Tarn IC: [Nixie - Kini-Koro] The former astronomer made a noise that sounded...assuaged, but not completely without worry. Maybe it was just imagination, but it sounded like she was trying to say I hope so. Just then, a small ruckus broke out between the other afflicted. There’d been a lot of air traffic over the settlement today and the transformed Matoran were pushing against each other to get the best view, which in turn made them lash out at each other in annoyance. Two of them were currently tussling on the ground, hissing and snarling. Nixie spun around, took one glance at the situation and then with a snarl, barreled into the midst of the quarrel with her head lowered, using it to knock whoever happened to be on top at the moment flat on their back. They protested loudly, but Nixie flashed her Rhotuka as a warning, hissing. OOC: @Toru Nui

IC [Zataka - Aboard the ‘Tactical Panda’] "You handled one Mesi warband already, so what's another?" The titan returned Yumiwak’s look with a neutral expression, her face unreadable. She could feel the adrenaline rising but at the same time she also felt like a third party observer, watching the scene play out from a distance. This was it then, the point of no return where she would find out if this tentative alliance would pan out and the Skakdi princess would get her way with her help, or if she would have to start striking out on her own again. Either way, she was determined to see this through. She conjured up the shoreline of her home before her mind’s eye. She took hold of the thought and held it tight. She would see those shores again. Failing here was not an option. As the airship began its final landing approach Zataka stepped forward, feeling the weight of her armaments. Irnakk's Tooth loomed over them. She raised her blade, still in its makeshift protective wrapping, high above her head. With a flick of her thumb, she undid the knot that held the wraps in place and with a flick of the wrist, they fell away at once, dark ribbons fluttering away in a stiff breeze. The revealed blade gleamed, it’s edge keen as ever. As Yumiwak and Korio sprang into action, Zataka followed suit, smoothly vaulting over the railing. Her armored feet hit the black sands with a thud, kicking up ashen dust. She took one last glance up at the volcano, then followed the Skakdi princess into the mountain with long, powerful strides. OOC: @EmperorWhenua IC [Metru-Koro] Surveying the area, the Toa found that Metru-Koro looked little worse for wear after being abandoned - that was to say, the ruins had not degraded much beyond the damage they’d already suffered prior to the Matoran exodus. The two main signs that this was no longer anyone’s home: the eerie silence and that even in a place such as this, nature eventually would reclaim its territory. Rough weeds had begun to grow out of cracks in the ground and here and there, patches of moss grew in shady spots. Aside from this sign of abandonment the settlement looked unchanged. People had packed up everything of value of course, but what had been left behind was untouched so far. Everything was still familiar and Okuo would have no trouble navigating the place. OOC: @Onaku IC: [Nixie - Kini-Koro] Klawne felt something nudge her side. It was Nixie. Normally keeping her distance from the other afflicted and her caretakers, the former astronomer had quietly moved near the Turaga and was now looking at her quizzically. OOC: @Toru Nui

IC: [Zataka - aboard the Tactical Panda, End of SKR/Beginning of timeskip] The ‘Tactical Panda’ hung in the air, lazily sailing eastward, for the moment at least. Ahead, the sky was glowing in pastel orange and lavender hues as the sun got low, but the shadow of the great skull behind them created an eerie twilight. For miles around them, night had already fallen. Which was just as well, it obscured the thin smoke trailing from one of the engines. Zataka leaned forward, over the railing and looked down to get a visual on the damage. A few sparks, mostly chipped paint. Nothing major the Skakdi wouldn’t be able to fix. Her eyes drifted back up, inevitably drawn again to head of the late great spirit, now sitting far lower than it had previously. The Titan's reaction to the sight ranged from slightly sad and worried to relieved and - all things considered - satisfied. They’d pulled it off - though luck had undoubtedly on their side for this little detour. As good as the execution of her plan had been, Zataka couldn’t deny that. Yumiwak, the Zakazian Skakdi princess had taken a liking to her Cordak blaster (or Kordak, as it was occasionally spelled back home). For the titan, it had been a convenient sidearm. In a Skakdi’s hands, it appeared very much bigger. No surprise it had drawn the royalty’s eye. The problem was that Zataka had used all of the ammunition she’d had to defend herself against a night raiding party - a tribe known as Mesi, as she’d come to learn - shortly after arriving on this land, which left the Cordak a fantastically engineered paper weight. The refugees that had escaped the crash and were now trying to survive in the wilds had no means of producing more of the explosive rockets and Yumiwak’s base of operations - the Rig - had been laid waste by a Tahtorak under the control of a rival warlord. That left the ruined city of legends as the only currently viable source for more Cordak missiles. Yumiwak wanted them, Zataka knew where to get them. The question was how to get into the ruined city and out without starting a war with either the refugees or what was left of the league. Yumiwak straight up refused to let Zataka talk to ‘her’ people, not even to gather intel. The Titan had caught on to the fact that the princess regarded her less as an ally and more as a...curious specimen to parade around, to put it as mildly as possible. Trophy prisoner to show her dominance was probably what she was going for - but that’s where her unstoppable force of will ran into the immovable object that was Zataka’s ego. The Titan would not bend the knee, but she had to play nice too. She was a leader as well - a leader of a people that were currently at best stranded in a headless robot in orbit, or at worst trapped there and either dead or dying any number of ways. She had to get back to them. And for that she needed to re-forge the broken Kanohi Olmak in her possession - something she had thus far managed to keep a secret. She needed to find a working forge - another reason to go to Metru-Nui. So if that meant giving up her gun and entering into this uneasy alliance with the Skakdi, so be it. But even so, convincing the Panda’s crew had been no easy task. They had no information on what to expect in the city, it’s condition after the fall as unfamiliar to the Titan as it was to the Skakdi. A tough sell for anyone. “You should reconsider your stance. If we move fast enough, there will be little risk involved.” she’d tried again. “There can be nothing good for us in that Head,” Yumiwak replied scornfully. It had all but decimated an entire coastline of Zakaz by it’s mere descent, and since then had spilled out mobs of thousands of riotous and deplorable matoranfolk. “Little risk is worse than no risk at all.” “We still need the ammunition. The Rig is gone, so you lack the facilities and materials I’d need to make more. And between Metru-Nui and your fellow warlord’s strongholds, the former is by far the lesser of two evils. If I didn’t think the risk was worth it I wouldn’t have brought it up in the first place. A little risk now rather than a bigger risk later from being ill prepared.” Zataka replied, keeping her voice level as much as possible, though she couldn’t hide entirely how tired she was of belaboring the point. It was true, Yumiwak knew, that the Warskaks were a far more… perhaps, antagonistic party. The Matoran seemed to be content doing what they did, keeping to their enclaves of refugees for the most part despite their sprawling about the land, but the threat of Nektann’s bands of warriors was a constant roving danger to all remaining Riggers. And she did need all the help she could get if she was to hope for any edge against him. Having a Tahtorak of her own was enough to even the odds, but she needed something more. And she’d already seen what that hand cannon was able to do in the first place. “What are the risks, then?” she asked, a curious edge to her tone now. Zataka went over the list in her mind. There was the overall state of the city, the flooding, the fact entire skyscrapers might topple at a moment's notice due to instability caused by the impact, to name a few. Not to mention whatever specimens had broken free and made it out of the archives in the aftermath. And that was just the environment. But they were not going anywhere near the archives or skyscrapers, and this ship was particularly suited to deal with the flooding, so the Titan merely said: “The city is most likely in the hands of the surviving ‘league of six kingdoms’, the faction that attacked the capital of our world to gain dominance. Now they dominate a graveyard. Depending how deeply entrenched they are by now, they may have taken control of what’s left of the Vahki - robotic enforcers.” “Great,” Yumiwak said with an eyeroll, not liking the idea of enemies her psionic abilities would not be able to detect or counter. “Evil robot minions.” The fact that it was a city recently demolished by a civil war, though, was promising—warring factions were typically less attentive to the smaller incursions when focused on their known enemies, and were too likely to lick their wounds when the dust settled rather than stay on high alert. At least, that’s how they were on Zakaz, and there was little reason to think these Matoran were any different based on their own apparent barbarism. “I want to know more about what we’ll be up against. This has to be a sure thing, because if anything happens to my ship or my people it will all be in vain and I am not letting everyone down when the stakes are this high.” Eventually, they’d settled on two day’s observation from a safe distance to determine what kind of defenses they were dealing with. Two days they’d all spent taking turns at the telescupe, staring through the eye socket of Mata Nui. Until Korio had called out excitedly that something was happening. They’d rushed over and Zataka saw that in fact, two things were happening in rapid succession: Tiny points of light were erupting on the façade of the coliseum - there was a fight going on there! Which meant the city's defenders were probably occupied right now. The other important thing going on had probably done so ever since the head’s impact, but was impossible to miss now. Imperceptibly at first, but at last, with considerable speed: The GSR head, despite seemingly stable so far, had suffered the final consequence of its impact and, though it had taken quite some time, the ground had destabilized enough that it had started to sink. What was left of the city’s Metru were flooding. Zataka had turned to Yumiwak once more then. “Last chance, princess.” “Alright,” Yumiwak said reluctantly. A plan of action formed in her head—less a real plan than a set of principles that would come into play—as she finally pierced together the bits of information they’d gathered about the Head and it’s current occupants. The princess hated the Head and everything it represented, but she was hard-pressed to reject the boons it contained, or the quickly diminishing returns of its resources that could be used to benefit her people instead of wasted in murky mutating water. “But we do this furtively, no outside attention. You lead the way, but the Panda and its crew will play by my rules,” she declared. “We’re all leaving the city on this ship.” They’d waited until nightfall before making their run. The ship was running dark. No lights were on and all reflective surfaces had been covered as much as possible, so as to not give their presence away via any ill-timed reflection. Making their way in seemingly undetected, they landed on the border of Ga- and Ta-Metru. Ga-Metru had survived the impact the most and was a good place to land the ship, while Ta-Metru was where they might find the ammunition (and forge). The big complication was that an armory of the kind they needed wouldn’t be too far from a Vahki hive, for obvious security reasons. Thanks to her experience in Dume’s office, Zataka had gained some rudimentary knowledge of the City and its security systems. With whatever had been going on at the coliseum, the Titan dared to assume the Metru that had been little more than molten slag even before the great spirit’s fall was low on the list of priorities and had little in the way of surveillance. So she’d told the Skakdi to grab rope and as many carrying bags as possible before leading them from the ‘Panda’ into the ruined streets. Zataka could tell Yumiwak was very much unhappy with this situation: Here she was, on the closest thing to ‘home turf’ as the titan had right now, depending on her to lead the group - possibly into a trap. For the record, the Titan had no such ideas in mind, but she couldn’t fault Yumiwak for being paranoid either. She knew she’d have the same doubts if their roles were reversed. For the princess, it was an opportunity unlike any other to see what Zataka was capable of doing. She kept one eye on Zataka and the other on her surroundings, never too shy about her priorities and making sure her crew was safe. She was not comfortable surrendering command to the Titan, though as a leader she knew well as any that she had no business pretending to know what to expect in the supposed “City of Legends,” and so she ‘delegated,’ as it were. The city itself looked like an odd array of magnificent technological achievements meshed with dilapidated remnants of previous iterations. Everything looked like it served a function, with emphasis made on efficiency over aesthetic, which may have suited the Matoran well enough though the mellowed display of art and culture in the architecture of the city tasted bland to Yumiwak’s senses, like a soup meant first to settle well in a spoon at the cost of being delicious to eat. It was all very dark, too, and covered with the beginning of mildew that crept over some of the lower surfaces in the dank capsule of the Head. Yumiwak felt the beginning pangs of a migraine forming. Perhaps it was different when it was at its peak, she suffered to think, and maybe it was even beautiful before everything happened to it, but that was not a problem for her to endure. For the present, she simply hovered her hand around her carbine’s pommel and kept her guard up. They’d be out of there as soon as they’d gotten what they came for. The distinct Vahki hive building was actually useful as a navigation landmark and allowed them to find their destination with relative ease despite the gradually flooding streets, and they soon found themselves standing outside a heavy gate. Warning chevrons were painted and signs were posted. ‘Authorized personnel only’. Using her prior knowledge, the Titan entered an appropriate code and the sound of warped bolts retracting could be heard. The armory looked like it had been thoroughly tossed, despite the heavy locked gate. Crates once neatly stacked were scattered in massive piles as the water slowly began to flood this room as well. Results of the crash, once again. Zataka had moved from crate to crate, until finally making an ‘ah-ha’ exclamation and opening one, pulling out the bright red projectiles that they’d come to find - as well as another launcher, which the Titan took as a replacement for herself. It wasn’t quite as nice as the one Yumiwak now held, but as long as it was calibrated properly it would do just fine. She slung the launcher over her shoulder and they began to stock up on ammunition. Then, their luck seemed to run out. Whether they had been spotted, or inadvertently tripped an alarm, none of them could say, but the sudden lights and sirens clearly meant something had gone wrong. They would have company soon. “Looks like you get to test your new toy out a little sooner than planned.” was Zataka’s only comment. Internally however, she cursed the lost opportunity to go find an intact forge in Ta-Metru. Their resupply run had become a heist. Yumiwak was probably considering shooting her in the back for her trouble just then, but ultimately decided against it, keeping her larger plan in mind. They hurriedly picked up as many ammo crates as they dared to carry, before making their exit, feet now splashing as they moved over ground that could now be felt trembling as the massive skull sunk lower. Back in the streets, they found themselves confronted by a Vahki patrol. Three Nuurahk units by the looks of it, though the Kanohi dangling around their necks were an odd new addition that Zataka had no time to figure out. ‘In the name of Barakki Aurax, surrender or run!’ Zataka remembered thinking ‘who in Karzhani is Aurax?’ before promptly opening fire in response. One patrol was no match for the Titan and Skakdi, but from then on, the return to the Panda became a race against time as the missing patrol drew the attention of forces previously occupied with the attack on the Coliseum. Their run was increasingly interrupted by brief, running exchanges of fire as they rushed back to the ship through increasingly impassable streets. Somehow, it had all worked out, and the few scratches on the airship’s hull and minor engine damage were the only signs that something had not gone quite as planned. But they’d done it. Zataka turned back to look at Yumiwak standing on deck. She doubted the princess trusted her any more or less than before - she didn’t either - but she was certain she’d proven she was capable. “So, your highness...what’s next?” Yumiwak bit her lip. “Next… we sail for the Tooth.” OOC: @EmperorWhenua

Shhh, don't give it all away already!

IC: [Vhisola - Ko Pou Shelter] The transformed Matoran shook herself slightly, which made the Rhotuka attached to her wiggle, before settling down on her hind legs in front of the Toa. Maybe it was the fact that he’d come to help when she’d found him in her desperation or just in her nature, but Vhisola had proven to be the easiest of the afflicted Matoran to manage. In a series of various growls and snarls she recounted, as well as her new form allowed, what she could remember. Came from Fau Swamp alone. Long Walk. Tired. Worried for Koro, saw the smoke rise. But fighting had stopped, so went in less worried. Confused. Fire. Damage. Didn’t recognize streets at first. At this point, Vhisola shook herself again, this time angrily at the memory of the damage after the league’s bombardment of the settlement. Her head turned, eyes scanning the room until they found Nixie, resting not too far away. The former astronomer was given a lot of space. The first to change, she’d also taken it the hardest and was prone to lash out. With a soft hiss, Vhisola continued her story. Found Nixie outside new archives. Talked. Had no place to stay, so agreed to stay together for a little while. Followed Nixie home. Helped clean. Ate together. Talked some more, then went to sleep. Woken by Nixie crying and changing. Ran to get help. You know rest. OOC: @Onaku @Tarn

IC [Zataka - Aboard the Tactical Panda]: Boop. Maybe it had been seeing their home destroyed - or whatever the destroyed settlement drifting away below them counted as - but her hosts seemed much more ponderous and less tightly wound than before. It was a welcome reprieve, though Zataka didn’t count on it lasting, even for a second. Yumiwak was still setting up for her next move in the powerplay for dominance over the island. Her goal was to be on her way back home and alive by the time things came to a head. With that in mind, she answered the princess’ question: “I can make them.” She let the words hang for a second, then added: “With the right resources.” The way Yumiwak had said ‘made’ had a certain tone to it. Of course, if they didn’t have this exact type of weapon on this Zakaz, then Yumiwak’s only exposure to its capability would be the aftermath of her clash with the desert raiders. Zataka thought back to that night - it felt equally close, yet long ago already. The shock of getting ported to this place had really messed up her sense of time those first couple of days, making it all blur together. Regardless, Yumiwak did not need to know that some of the worst fates the raiders had suffered had been inflicted after the Cordak had run out of rounds. That was something shouldn’t be told, but rather find out for herself when the time was right. In a good way or not was up to her. Until then, the titan would try to make this tenuous quid pro quo work, ideally for them both. “No need to look glum however.” She took a sauntering step forward, and if the Skakdi princess followed her gaze, she’d see the titan’s eyes locked on the hazy silhouette of the giant head on the horizon. “I know just the place to restock.” There was more to it than just some more of the explosive micro missiles though. The idea had come upon her as she’d once again glimpsed what was left of her world. Ulterior motives? Certainly. But again, furthering both their agendas. With the ship they could get to the city easily enough, get Yumiwak her desired toys and maybe find what she needed for her own quest. OOC: @EmperorWhenua

IC: [Vhisola] Nixie slowly approached the offered food, still very much cautious. But after sniffing for a few seconds she seemed convinced the jerky was safe to eat. Okuo watched her nibble for a bit, but any encouragement stemming from the situation evaporated as the changed Matoran froze, head suddenly lifting and eyes staring past the Toa. A moment later he realized what must have drawn Nixie’s attention: Vhisola had disappeared from sight, but could be heard softly groaning. Crouched behind the wall in the same spot as before, Vhisola felt as if her insides were twisting around themselves. She’d put the nauseous feeling up to stress from worrying before now, but no, something was seriously wrong here and it hurt. Was this what had happened to Nixie earlier? How...had they been cursed. There must have been something if this caught up to them both. She was shaking, arms wrapped around herself tightly. She didn’t know what was going on, and in her current state she had neither the time nor strength to figure it out. All she knew was that she and Nixie needed help. But who? Her thoughts went back to Sorilax and Sala, but she didn’t know where they could be by now... “Find...aspect.” she managed to groan, before collapsing into convulsions... OOC: @Onaku

IC: [Vhisola] The changed Nixie growled once more, trying to get some kind of reaction out of the Toa, but as Okua settled down, she bristled once more, before visibly relaxing. Whether it was some remaining recognition or just Rahi instinct, the former Matoran did not perceive him as a threat anymore. If that was just for the moment or a more permanent attitude towards him remained to be seen. Of course that left him with the question of what to do next. Vhisola risked shakily peeking over the edge of the wall once more. “Is it safe now?” she asked nervously. IC [Zataka/Kunok McGrokk - Outside McGrokk’s shoppe]: So she was to help this Skakdi princess kill a dragon, so to speak. She thought about it for a moment. Yumiwak was right insofar that left unchecked, this Tahtorahk would be a danger to the Matoran as well. They weren’t exactly her people per se. She didn’t hold the same love for them she held for those she’d left behind to go to Metru-Nui and defend. But - the Matoran also didn’t deserve this. If stopping this thing ensured she could go home and it protected them at the same time, she supposed that would fall fully under the parameters of helping Yumiwak she had outlined to the Skakdi earlier. Well, as long as she knew what exactly she was doing, that was. And while ‘making a better one’ did sound like a plan - it didn’t sound like the most sane of ideas. She'd have to ask her about that. So she moved to speak, but halted as the Skakdi trader suddenly snapped his fingers loudly and tapped his temple, eyes lit up with recollection. He had promised Yumiwak the gun, hadn’t he? Yes, he had. “Of course, of course. A good reminder.” he said and turned around, disappearing inside. The sounds of rather thorough rummaging began a moment later, until finally a very audible “A-ha!” rang out and Kunok reappeared, carrying the shiny projectile weapon with both hands. “Well, well…” Zataka cut in, speaking up before the Skakdi princess could. The titan stood, one hand on a cocked hip and a bemused look playing across her features. “That solves the mystery of how you knew where to start looking for me.” “I suppose I did discard it, so finders keepers. But, unless your friend here has an armory that knows their stuff I’m not sure it’s good for more than looks right now.” She looked at Kunok. “Unless you’re holding out on us?” Her tone was more inquisitive than a challenge, so McGrokk didn’t take it personally, even though some of his lackeys did snarl in response. “I resent the accusation.” he simply shot back, with a smirk. So, no ammo from him then. Zataka glanced at Yumiwak. “Well, then I guess I know a thing or two more that might prove useful. Kordak rounds is one of them.” “And in return, you can tell me just how one goes about creating a giant monster in order to fight another.” OOC: @Onaku @EmperorWhenua

Alrighty, Arkius Nuva Proxima approved. Sorry for the wait.

@Nato the Traveler Sidra Nuva approved. I forsee some interesting synergies between her abilities, masks and gadgets in the future. Gotta keep an eye on those

IC: [Vhisola] Vhisola did as she was told, but that queasy feeling wouldn’t leave her alone. Fighting against her instinctive need to try and help her friend and breathing heavily, she ducked low, hands gripping the edge of the wall so tightly her knuckles ached and she felt shaky on her legs. This was really getting to her. Meanwhile, Nixie didn’t nod, but she did stop hissing and then tilted her head, not unlike a bird, as she took a very cautious step forward, eyes fixated on the Toa before her. Her clawed legs knocked over some cups and other utensils the two Matoran had eaten with earlier. The noise made them both flinch, but luckily nothing more. In the dim light now hitting her, Okuo could see that the reptilian head still bore features of the Kanohi she’d worn, though heavily distorted. Armored scales ran down her back and along the tail. The protrusions on the shoulders turned out to be Rhotuka launchers of some sort, twitching, ready to be used at any moment. The creature took another step forward, this one more decided and accompanied by a soft growl. Even if the panic had subsided a little, Okuo still sensed confusion. She was still figuring out if the Toa was a threat. And even if he wasn’t, he was still an intruder to her. She wasn’t just reacting to his presence anymore, she was testing him. OOC: @Onaku

IC [Kunok McGrokk]: Kunok didn’t respond immediately, as he was busy instructing his helpers where exactly to put a piece of salvaged machinery, while also reminding them that if they ‘misplaced’ any of it, they would find parts of theirs ‘misplaced’ too. His way of keeping the hired hands honest. Well, as honest as possible. The trader always calculated with a certain percentage of ‘lost’ merchandise. “Well, to be fair, I doubt your presence would’ve made much of a difference. I suppose some of the flotsam might look nicer - nevermind.” The trader shrugged. “Not much detail to tell, it all was a bit of a haze. We had no warning anything was out of order. Sun was out, a bit of clouds, Rahi chirping away and doing what they always do. Riggers doing what they always do...” He continued for a full three minutes in this fashion, describing in vivid detail how utterly mundane the day had been. “It was a perfectly fine day, up until the storm hit, that is. But we all know storms, so still no reason to worry, especially out here on the coast. And that’s when I noticed the monster in the tempest. Now I don’t know what makes the weather do what it does, but I know for certain that big monsters ain’t part of the equation. Never got a clear look at it, but I reckon it was one of those Tahtorak beasties your kin is so fond of.” OOC: @EmperorWhenua

IC: [Vhisola] The shape growled again and rose. It was still too dark to see the details of the being clearly, but Okuo could now make out two eyes blinking at him from within deep sockets in a vaguely reptile-like head, attached to an elongated neck and body, standing horizontally upon two strong legs and balanced out by a tail. Long arms ending in claws twitched nervously. Where they reached the body on either side, there was a large, rounded protrusion. It growled again. Still no words, just confusion, panic and shame. “Spirits…” Vhisola’s whisper cut through the quiet. The Matoran couldn’t help but move to the edge of the hole torn into the hut to see if Okuo could help. She hadn’t meant to speak, it had just slipped out upon seeing the silhouette in the darkness. She felt a twitch in the pit of her stomach and a flash of nausea as the eyes snapped towards her. For the creature, apparently two guests were one too many. It began to hiss again, clearly agitated now. It was backed into a corner and didn’t like it. OOC: @Onaku

Correct, the silver lake is not a viable source of EP for taboos.

IC: [Vhisola] Vhisola stood back , hands clenching and unclenching from nervousness as she watched Toa disappear into the dark interior of the hut. There was no verbal response to the Toa’s question, just a growl. There were no words in it, but his mask gave him enough understanding to interpret the growl’s tone as one of fear and confusion. In the soft glow of the Kanohi he could make out the shredded remains of the Matoran’s bedding. Following the trail of destruction he eventually noticed a shape in the furthest corner of the hut, near the base of the telescope. He couldn’t make out any details, but it was decidedly not Matoran - not anymore. Another growl. Embarrassment. And a warning? Stay back. OOC: @Onaku

IC: [Vhisola] “Yes! This way...please hurry!” The Toa didn’t have to worry about the Matoran walking, she kept up and even outpaced him at times. It didn’t take all that long, but the urgency made it feel like trekking through the swamps all over again. When they finally arrived back at the astronomer’s hut, she suddenly froze. When she’d left, Nixie had been audibly in pain. Now there was silence. Cold panic gripped the Matoran. Were they too late? Forcing herself not to lose it, Vhisola approached the hole in the side of the battle-damaged hut. Inside was almost dark. The heat stone must have gotten knocked out of sight again. “...Nixie?” she asked, barely louder than a whisper. She looked briefly at Okuo, eyes full of worry. There was no reply, but they did hear something moving, accompanied by a groan. Or was that a growl? The Matoran glanced at the Toa again, as if asking: What do we do? OOC: @Onaku

IC: [Vhisola] Vhisola almost barreled into the Toa suddenly in front of her. Toa was good. Okuo? Yes, that sounded right. Explain fast. “Nixie - she’s sick. Changed. I don’t know, I woke up and...She’s in trouble - back at her hut. Please help!” As the words tumbled out of her mouth, she kept pointing in the direction she’d come from. OOC: @Onaku IC: [Takadox] You wanna follow this one back to...nope, nope nope. The warlord was about to start dissociating again. This day just would not stop piling it on. He desperately wanted to go back to Metru-Nui. Pridak and his fellow Barraki and whoever else was waiting in line to get a piece of him be . At least it’d be familiar. Stop. You try and go back now you won’t make it in one piece. You couldn’t make it one night on your own. And even if you miraculously do make it you’re heading for a quick end no matter which side of the war finds you first. But if you get a grip on what’s going on out here...you just might learn enough to get an edge. To survive long term. Maybe even figure out that weird temple place they kept you at before... He took a deep breath. You’re still a king… I was a king. ...Whatever. Use those kingly words. He stood up a bit straighter and deliberately turned towards Providence, trying to downplay his frayed nerves as much as possible. When he spoke, he tried to put as much of the old authority behind his words as he could muster. “Besides avoiding potential trouble above ground - what exactly is it you hope to achieve by going down there?” In the moment of silence left after the question, Havohk and Zak-Yak piped up. “I don’t like you, Tall Blue.” Oh no...however will I recover from this? Maybe don’t antagonize them? You’ve got no friends as it is anyway. ...fine. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” ...that wasn’t an apology. Shut up. OOC: @Burnmad @Kal the Guardian @Nato the Traveler @Sparticus147

Curse of the Were-Matoran All things considered, this should have been a Halloween post. Feel free to run into a very shaken Vhisola in Metru Koro.

IC: [Takadox] Like a giant worm, but worse. Perfect. Just perfect. So not only were there various tribes of marauding Skakdi on this land, jockeying for places in line to desecrate themselves with these Aspects for a little more power. No, on top of that you had giant mythical monsters people could just...summon. And here all he’d wanted was to conquer a city, and a war and bring about a more egalitarian society. Inconvenient. At that word, the foreign warlord actually burst out with a short, bellowing laugh. “Oh, I could tell you a story or two of inconvenience after my time in those caverns.” he commented, before catching himself and raising his hands palms up, already apologetic. “But, you raise a fair point. Let’s find some place safe.” He glanced from Providence to the Mesi. “Who knows, since this one hasn’t tried sacrificing any of us to some pit monster, perhaps they’re willing to tell us of safer routes.” He glanced at the Bohrok again. “And while we get there, maybe you can explain where in the blazes you came from and how you’re up and about all by yourself.” OOC: @Burnmad @Kal the Guardian @Nato the Traveler @Sparticus147 IC: [Vhisola] After parting ways with Sorilax and Sala, Vhisola’s remaining trek back to Metru-Koro was little more than a stroll compared to the hardship of navigating the swamps these past few days. The ground was solid, the path ahead was clear and she didn’t have to constantly scan every possible corner for some hungry Rahi. Not that she went from alert to careless in an instant, but she could physically feel the tension releasing within her. She followed the smoke rising from the recent battle to lead her back to the village itself. To her great relief, most of the smoke was coming from the hulks of dead airships that had come down, not the settlement. But Metru-Koro had still gotten hit hard. The damage was extensive, but not insurmountable. They could rebuild, in time. As she got closer, Vhisola found that her return was hardly noticed. She had expected more heads turning, but she soon realized that in this state of affairs, she was just another lost Matoran wandering the aftermath of the battle. People were way more focused on those closest to them. She knew the feeling well. It had brought her back earlier than intended after all, and she definitely kept an eye out. Eventually she waved down a group of three Matoran clearing rubble. She didn’t know any of them and none of them seemed to recognize her, but she still asked: “Have any of you seen a Ga-Matoran called Nokama? Or Nixie?” The trio argued amongst themselves for a moment whether or not they’d seen anybody going by those names or their descriptions, before they all concurred that no, they had not seen them, but to go and check the new archives cave. But on the way there, she finally got lucky, spotting a certain Matoran wandering around, looking a bit dazed. It took her a few seconds to notice Vhisola standing in front of her and recognition to set in. Her eyes grew wide. Vhisola smiled awkwardly. Nixie looked...well, as good as one could, surviving calamity after calamity. “You look terrible.” Vhisola finally said, breaking the silence. Nixie looked the other Matoran up and down, shaken out of her thoughts. She took in all the scrapes, bruises and mostly the mud and dirt clinging to her friend. Her blue figure faded rapidly into mottled brown, green and tan from her face on down. “Thanks. You too.” she replied. They laughed and embraced one another. “It is so good to see you!” “Same! I came as soon as I heard of the attack! It was the league, right? Did we win?” “I...I don’t actually know. I heard some weird Skakdi attacked right after the league too, so...it’s all been a mess.” Nixie replied, honestly. “The league came and offered a truce, but Turaga Sans refused so they came back with those airships. Sans...didn’t make it.” “Oh…” Vhisola’s eyes dropped. “Did we lose anyone else? What about...about…” “She’s not here.” Nixie said, knowing instinctively who she was referring to. Vhisola could feel her throat clenching. “Not here...because she escaped, or did they...did they…?” she couldn’t finish. Nixie took a step back, but held onto Vhisola’s shoulders, steadying her. “No I mean, Nokama isn’t here at all. I haven’t seen her since the spirit fell.” The astronomer was quiet for a moment. “There are many familiar faces I haven’t seen since then.” Her thoughts briefly stopped on Taja. “And even some of the ones I have, I don’t recognize anymore.” Vhisola took a shuddering breath. This was not the news she had hoped for, she’d somehow convinced herself Nokama would be here, not waiting for her, but...just be there. But at least she wasn’t dead. She was certain of that much, somehow. Nixie coughed and cleared her throat. “Come on. It’s been a long day for us both and you have had a long journey. No way we’re gonna get anything else done today anyway, so come with me. You can stay at my place tonight.” They made their way back to Nixie’s hut. To the astronomer’s great relief, the airship blasts had missed her hut for the most part. She still had a massive hole in it, but her telescope was still there - covered in dust and sitting at a weird angle, but if the lenses weren’t damaged it would be fine. While Nixie went and began to clean up the place, Vhisola took time to clean herself, before they settled down in the middle of the room on two bed rolls. They ate a meager meal of rations Nixie dug up and then sat and chatted, huddled around the heat stone between them, catching each other up on their respective adventures. Nixie recounted everything she’d witnessed leading up to and during the attack. Vhisola mentioned her run in with Sorilax and Sala and they had a good laugh over her using Nixie’s name. At any other time, the astronomer might have been upset at the identity theft, but she was just so glad to have a friend to talk to, she continued chuckling, until the laughter turned into coughing. “Are you alright?” Vhisola asked, looking concerned. She’d originally just figured it was because of the battle, but now... “You look unwell.” Nixie coughed once more before answering. “Sore throat and a headache. Nothing a good night’s rest won’t fix.” Nixie reached for a canteen and took a deep gulp of water from it. Vhisola looked unconvinced, but replied. “Okay, if you say so…” Eventually, both exhausted from the day’s events, they laid down. But Vhisola found it hard to fall asleep. Her body craved rest, but her mind...it almost was like she was back in the swamp, the jungle, with danger all around her. Or maybe it was the opposite? Out here, there was no noise. No insects, birds or other Rahi...no rustling leaves in the wind. Just calm breezes...just calm...calm. Vhisola woke up startled in the middle of the night to the sounds of struggle right next to her. She looked around in the darkness of the hut, alarmed, thinking they might be under attack, but there were no sounds of battle. What she did hear was Nixie writhing on her cot, as if struggling to breathe. Vhisola kicked off her bedding, scrambling to uncover the lightstone between them to see what was going on. Just as her fingers found the canister, Nixie spasmed and lashed out. Something hit Vhisola’s hand hard and the canister went clattering off into the darkness. Nixie yelped. “Oh no!” Vhisola muttered, trying to keep the rising panic in check. “Try to lie still, I’ll get it!” Vhisola dove after the canister, crawled on all fours to try and find it, she blindly patted the floor in front of her, knocking over eating utensils and mugs, until they finally brushed against the canister once more. With shaking fingers she opened the lid. A soft, warm glow sprang forth. Despite it’s dimness, the sudden change from utter dark to light was momentarily blinding. Blinking, she turned around - and froze. What she thought had been Nixie was still writhing on her cot, convulsing...but this creature could not be her friend. It was almost twice as long as Nixie had been tall - claws scraped at the hut’s floor and it’s elongated tail whipped around - probably what had hit the canister from her hand, a part of her mind noted. But then one of the eyes frantically rolling around in their sockets locked on to her - and Vhisola knew that this WAS Nixie. She recognized her eye and she saw the pain and confusion and fear behind it. Oh god… She felt her stomach drop. For a heartlight flash, she was tempted to just freeze up. But then another instinct took over and she moved, desperately kicking her legs until they found purchase and she managed to get to her feet. She didn’t know the layout of the hut, so she went straight for the hole in the wall and ceiling, where a patch of starry sky provided a point of reference. She tried to vault over the gap in the wall but misjudged. Her foot caught on the edge and she tumbled outside. She tasted sand but ignored it, struggling to her feet again and running to...whoever first crossed her path. “Help...get help.” she rasped, in-between gasps for air.

IC [Zataka - Aboard the Tactical Panda]: Zataka looked at the destruction around her. Had Yumiwak known about this? No, apparently not. All the Skakdi of the airship crew looked like they’d had no idea this had been going on. Their expressions ranged from shocked to distraught. It didn’t take a mind reader to tell they’d expected to find their homes intact. Maybe Yumiwak would understand her own quest a bit better now? Or perhaps the princess would double down. Destruction like this left people looking towards leadership. Zataka wouldn’t be surprised if Yumiwak rushed to fill that need and the rig’s power vacuum. Up ahead, what must be McGrokk’s hut appeared to have survived the Tahtorak’s tempest largely intact, but it was hard to tell what parts of the ramshackle hut had always looked this way and which had suffered damage during the storm. Yumiwak couldn’t see Kunok immediately, but he had mobilized more than enough helpers, dragging salvage up from the beach on improvised sleds, using torches to cut metal down to size etc. Despite the devastation, life at McGrokk’s was thriving at this moment. And then she heard the eponymous Skakdi, caught in an argument. “You’ve got to be kidding!” “I assure you I am not.” Kunok’s voice replied, as light hearted as ever, but there was definitely an undertone to the way he said it. As they approached, they found the trader facing off against a fellow Skakdi that easily towered over him. “Five...fer this prime piece!? All me’ life an’ belongins got swept an’ yer only offerin’ five?” they bellowed, pointing at the pile of machinery between them. “Yes, all your belongings got swept, so unless you’ve got something worth more tucked away between all that muscle somewhere, five is what this is worth and five is what you will get. Or you can pack your scrap and try your luck elsewhere.” “Ain’t nowhere else!” the other snapped back. Kunok flashed them a brief smile. “What a shame.” The other growled. “Shame if I snap your neck proper. Right ‘ere.” Kunok tsked. “I wouldn’t recommend it. You know I keep things moving around here. Things keep moving, people get to eat. You kill me dead and they’ll go hungry and unhappy on your account. You don’t want that kinda heat on you.” The other growled again, but finally just snatched the bag of whatever “five” Kunok had offered them and trudged off, while other Skakdi carried away the salvaged machinery. Pleased with himself, Kunok took a look around and spotted the new arrivals coming from the ‘Panda’. “Ah my dear Yumiwak! I see you were successful! Well met yet again. Welcome to the aftermath.” OOC: @EmperorWhenua IC [Coliseum]: "Prepare for any attacks on the Coliseum. Oh, and send some Vahki to move my ACR and the debris from Pridak's ACR to a room on this floor. I want to set up a workshop here. And one last thing: mind showing me to my new sleeping quarters?" “Certainly.” was the Vortixx’ reply, with a smile. They turned and motioned for the ‘king’ to follow them. Facing away from him, the receptionist's eyes rolled hard. Prepare for any attacks? What am I, a warlord? I prepare for attacks on the breakfast meeting buffet, not the entire building. Didn’t you just go down to the Vahki processor hive? Do I get a raise with the added responsibility? Oh my bad, I don’t get paid, period. Guess I’m part of the inventory now, your highness... As they walked, the receptionist swiped around on their tablet, passing on the directions regarding the cleanup, ACR workshop, as well as security arrangements to the Vahki. They just had to trust Nuparu’s algorithms were adequate. A few moments later they opened a discreet door that led to the former city ruler’s sleeping chambers. It was spacious enough to accommodate beings larger than Matoran and Toa, but was otherwise rather spartan in its appearance. A bed, closet, a few small artsy objects not worth mentioning on display. Everything was softly lit from a window overlooking the city. Pridak had not bothered changing the decor too much since moving into the coliseum either. It had been very low on his to-do list. Evidently rulers of Metru Nui had not much need for luxury in their quarters, as they hardly spent any time there anyway. OOC: @~Xemnas~ EMT Vahki The Vahki whirred and clicked, finishing up the first aid it excelled at, treating all the superficial wounds and scrapes. Then it spoke again: “Mutation - is not covered by emergency medical protocols. Please consult a specialist about your condition for further treatment.” it explained to Waveahk. “Your lost property report has been forwarded. Your items will be ready for pickup at the reception shortly.” OOC: @Toru Nui

Just got around to catching up on other characters. If I missed anyone, or if anyone is requiring posts from me otherwise, please ping me here.

IC: [Takadox] Takadox was standing at the back of the group, one hand tensely balled into a fist, held in the spot where he normally would have one of his blade hilts by his side. First, the Skakdi raise a Tahtorak and then a Bohrok shows up. The powers that be couldn’t leave well enough alone and leave it at one fundamental revelation for today. Never rains but it pours...have you not heard of pacing, universe? I can’t even be properly terrified by the juicy bits of the previous horror story before the next one crashes down. Spirits! The warlord had his own, private little freakout moment as Hahvok appeared, but he wrangled his feelings of dismay down and concentrated once again on the previous unexpected encounter: the Mesi talking to Providence. “I know where your faith lies…far below.” Takadox spoke up from behind the aspect. “Your kind almost fed me to it earlier, after a decidedly unpleasant sightseeing tour.” “I feel rather inclined to return that particular flavor, but since we’re already talking and if you can ignore the Bohrok there for another minute - they’re nothing to worry about without a hive - then perhaps you can tell me how a bunch of Skakdi managed to raise a beast that is all but legend? Is a Tahtorak just another thing in this place, like that giant worm you share your tunnels with?” IC: [Coliseum] The Vahki didn’t reply, instead it froze in place, blinking, slowly first, then very rapidly. Those who knew a little about how Vahki worked might have guessed that the automaton had just received some sort of patch, forcing it to reboot: Aurax’ update had been rolled out. Then it looked up, down, left and right, up and down once more - before continuing on, as if nothing had happened. The Kanohi around the machine’s neck jingled on its chain as it approached Rose and set about treating her various injuries, starting with an ice cold disinfectant spray, for which the canister had been attached to the Vahki’s staff, before patching up scrapes and bruises and removing splinters and whatever else had gotten stuck in the Toa in her fight. Once satisfied it had executed its first protocol properly, the Vahki stepped back. “Extensive but superficial.” the Vahki assessed. “Category: Fortunate individual.” It reached behind its back and from the backpack-like container it carried, produced a box, smaller than a Matoran’s hand, which it unceremoniously dropped into Rose’s lap. “For pain, if needed. Do not try to intentionally experience pain as an excuse to use them.” Then the Vahki-EMT turned towards Waveahk. “Your architecture does not match baseline parameters. Please specify the nature of your injuries and/or sickness.” IC: [Zataka - Aboard the Tactical Panda] The warlord stood on the foredeck of the Panda, watching the devastation below from the portside railing. Whatever structure or structures had been here previously, they had been utterly demolished and swept away. One creature had done this? One that shouldn’t even exist. And then her mind flashed back to Metru-Nui and the damage it must have suffered in the crash and perhaps what similar fate had struck her home...no, there was no time to mourn or think of these matters now. She had to stay focused. Yumiwak was a “Tahtorak princess” implying some sort of family tie to the fabled beast. Whether directly or metaphorical, the connotations that carried in light of this destruction were to be taken seriously. Then Zataka spotted something else as the Panda began to descend a bit: Small figures moving among the floating debris, some on boats, some swimming, others navigating what little of the structures still stuck out of the waves. “There are survivors.” she said, loud enough for the Skakdi crew to hear. “Let’s hope this Kunok of yours is among them...” OOC: @Nato the Traveler @Burnmad @Sparticus147 @Kal the Guardian @Toru Nui @Tarn

As Halloween is over, I can finally return to the land of the living! Sorry for the inactivity, I had intended to get back regular posting as far back as 3 weeks ago, but that plan did not work out thanks to some very busy work weeks. Then last week the urge tow rite got strong but first I had to get through all the wonderful posts that appeared in the meantime. My goodness you have been busy! In a really good way. I am on the edge of my metaphorical seat watching the Le-Metru Nuva battle unfold and I'll echo what Sparticus said: the untethered are by far the scariest thing, even when you're privy to the other GMs thoughts at times. Speaking of, very happy to have Eyru on board this little triumvirate! =3 Quick Takadox post to get into the swing of things and hopefully more regular interaction from here on out again! Cheers!