Vezok's Friend

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro] Ayiwah had bowed deeply, shot Desde a cheeky wink and then left Yumi’s cabin aboard the Panda and closed the door behind her quietly. She took a moment to straighten out her uniform again and make sure every buckle and button was in the exact spot again. She allowed herself a quiet chuckle at her own expense. Why was such a small thing giving her such a hard time? And apparently only with her family around. It certainly hadn’t been an issue with Whitehot… She adjusted her epaulettes, the blue tinged crystals ringing out softly against each other, and smiled. Her family was around again. She was grateful for that. She made her way off the Panda, where she was rejoined by the two royal retainers that had accompanied her since the Dasaka fleets' arrival had become known. The trio made their way across the piers and back onto the beach, towards the shelters that had been erected. Further up North on the beach, more were in process of being built. Queues had formed along the length of the beach, watched over by most of the Ryuu’s other enlisted Menti and Ga-Koro’s guard. They formed in the surf, where Dasaka were unloading from the ships. Once the ships were unloaded their remaining crews backed them off to make room for the next, or to ferry the next load over from the larger vessels that could not get too close to the beach. Ga-Koro’s harbor was not able to handle them all. In fact, between the Ryuu, Yukanna and Panda and Ga-Koro’s vessels, the port was pretty much at capacity. Most arrivals carried only what they wore on their person. Some had managed to come with small amounts of luggage and a few very fortunate - or privileged - had managed to actually bring personal items and valuables in crates or chests. Thankfully that seemed to be where the privilege ended right now. Dashi, Saihoko and Menti alike were standing in line without complaints. That was one thing Ayiwah had insisted the captains of the fleet impress upon their people: Do not pull the caste card when you get ashore. At the head of the queues, their names were registered and a quick health check was performed. If they needed further aid, they were moved to the first row of shelters, which were meant for the sick and injured, the rest were assigned to the others as needed. That’s where Ayiwah headed. The Menti on duty stiffened at her approach, but she let them be at ease. She was just here for a personal look to stay on top of the situation. Inside, she moved between the rows of cots that had been set up on the sand. Ga-Matoran flitted about. Most of the injured were just suffering the effects of the long journey with inadequate supplies. Serious, but they would recover. The unfortunate reality was that the most grievously injured in the evacuation had either been treated or passed away during the passage. There were some however, who were still fighting for their life. They were in their own shelter, which was curtained off from view. The injuries here were as varied as the Rahkshi that had caused them. Ayiwah stopped by the side of a Dashi covered in Acid burns. The remains of a uniform stuck to her skin in places. But she was conscious, which became clear when she tried to salute the commodore through gritted teeth. “At ease!” Ayiwah commanded, though there was no edge to her voice. The Dashi grunted but let her arm drop again. .:...Didn’t think...I’d see you again...ma’am.:. she managed to say mentally. .:Well, I’m glad you survived, so I could see you too.:. the commodore replied. .:We’ll need everyone.:. .:...to...rebuild here?:. the Dashi asked. Ayiwah’s eyes hardened. .:And to retake our homeland once we’ve regained our footing.:. .:Is that...possible?:. .:Yes.:. The commodore confirmed, with conviction. There was absolutely zero doubt in her mind. .:Well...if the Leviathan doesn’t eat us on the way back…:. A small smile. .:The...what?:. .:Just a little joke. Don’t worry about it. Rest now. That’s an order.:. The Dashi nodded, head sinking back on the cot. Once her round was finished, the commodore and her retainers headed back into the village, where Ayiwah ordered the duo back to the Ryuu. This next part she wanted to enjoy by herself. She took her time, eyes fixed on the large vessel practically parked in the middle of the village of water. Yukanna. The sleek bow, trimaran hull and tall masts were her pride and joy and it had been far too long since she laid eyes on her, to the point that even the many little things she noticed weren’t quite perfect did not bother her at this moment. Her first step on deck after ascending the gangway was like a ripple across still water, as the nearest crew shot to attention the instant they realized who had just boarded their ship. Silence came over them even before the captain shouted: “Commodore on deck!” Ayiwah took a moment, looking around with a glint in her eyes. Then she let out a breath, squared her shoulders and clasped her hands behind her back. The corner of her mouth twitched as a grin spread over her face. “So tell me...what’s become of my ship?” OOC: Couldn't resist. Aya open for interaction, if you wanna catch her before she goes below to do paperwork ^^

IC:[Agni - Ta-Koro, Tuara’s house] Agni placed the tea back down in front of him, his hands were too shaky with impotent rage. Part of him knew this was irrational, just a part of grief. But the main part of him wanted to yell about the hare-brained reasoning, the utter stupidity of going up against someone like Echelon alone. Even with Heuani he’d been there - and not just him, ready to assist. And that had been with a power up from destiny. He clenched his fists, but kept it in check, for Tuara’s sake. “I think…I finally understand why you left the group back in Ko-Koro the first time around.” He said, obviously struggling to calm down. “This is driving me…so karzforsaken mad.” OOC: @Palm

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Aboard the Panda] “Fine! Fine.” She stood up and, quickly and unceremoniously undid the clasps of her uniform coat. She felt all pairs of eyes in the cabin on her. Usually not a problem - when she was on deck and giving orders or a pep talk. Unfathomably awkward while she was undressing herself. How had she so readily agreed to this? Desde…she really had a soft spot for the young chojo. With a sigh, she pulled back the sides of her coat, bearing her midriff at the assembled royalty. She leaned back, so they could get a better view, rippling abs taught, which also had the useful side effect of protecting her against the tickling sensation when Desde inevitably reached out to touch the jewelry. “Sooo…more like a naval piercing, eh?” She winked at her. Oh spirits, protect me. For the next couple of minutes, the commodore reverted back to the old tricks she’d learned in the yards to maintain focus and shut out external distractions, to survive the white squall of remarks that washed over her without completely turning purple with blushing. Finally, the topic of conversation moved onto the next subject and Ayiwah quickly dressed herself again, glad to slip back fully into her coat and role. She quietly took up a spot next to Masa, exchanged a glance with her, but didn’t say anything else. Just a hat and coat rack, nothing more. Then Desde brought up Yumi’s idea of Twin Soul training. Not a bad idea. Especially for the two of them. Desde had spent most of her life in her sister’s shadow. And while a difficult position to be in, there was one upside if they pursued this skill set: with the both of them in the same room and all eyes on the Rora, no one would see the chojo coming. In fact,the thought of having a surprise up one’s sleeve and the talk of learning new skills touched right upon an idea that had been circling in the back of Ayiwah’s mind for some time now. Once her duties permitted it, she would have to look into it. There was also the little matter of planning the retaking of the archipelago. But that could also wait until they all had places to stay again. The task to find those places however, came first. .:Yumi, Desde, unless there’s anything immediate you need me for, I should get back to my duties, so…permission to be dismissed, your highness?:. OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl@Caedast@Krayzikk IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro, Docks] “Matoran sized, Volitak, stands out socially like an orange Ghekula, got it!” the Toa said, with a smile. Standing back up to full height she turned back to Karoru, Daijuno and Sato. “I’ll go and tell the guards to keep an eye out - and to direct them and the other Saihoko to your office, Daijuno. Might get crowded though…your people came with a lot of ships. But again, if she’s here in the village or aboard the ships, we’ll find her.” “I’m about to head out, sooo…You can stay here with Sinshi and White, or tag along with me and I’ll give you the five widget tour of the Koro. Or we all go together. Up to you.” She winked, rolled her shoulders and looked at the jacketed duo to see what they’d say. Something glinting drew her eye to White’s midsection. She hadn’t noticed that little crystal detail on the sergeant before. With raised eyebrows she quietly mouthed: Nice bling! OOC: @Pteronura Brasiliensis@Void Emissary@TL01 NUVA

IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “You don’t think I’ve been trying!?” Kohra snapped, and immediately shook as the sudden outburst took its painful toll. She clutched her arm around herself again. “I’m sorry…” she managed to get out. “I didn’t mean to…” Datrox had been nothing but helpful. She didn’t even know where this much sudden anger came from. But for just that instant, it had felt like Datrox represented everything wrong with the world. The images in her mind were fragmented. Snapshots. “I don’t even know if what I remember is real...” She took another slow breath, steadying herself. “I see…someone behind a portal. A fiery chasm. Walls of ice painted red. Figures flailing in black water. Iron bars.” OOC: @Tarn

IC:[Agni - Ta-Koro, Tuara’s house] He could see it in her eyes: Tuara was feeling the exact same way he did. Though he wasn’t sure if he deserved any thanks. He’d gone just as much to find answers for himself. What he’d found were confusion, anger and pain. And he was struggling to keep them in check. His tea was still near boiling point in his hands. “Why?” Agni let the question hang in the air for a moment. “Why didn’t they say anything? We could have helped, they didn’t have to go alone. Neither of them.” “I know Dorian spoke to you before he disappeared…he say anything to you?” Part of him was worried he came across as the interrogator again - but Tuara could hear the difference. Agni was clutching at straws. OOC: @Palm

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Aboard the Panda] “Yumi, that regulation has not been enforced since before Rora Yui’s reign. Have you ever seen that hat? I’ve got it back in my quarters in the yards somewhere. It is ridiculous.” The commodore used her left arm still wrapped around her cousin to discreetly squeeze her side, tickling her. OOC: @Caedast@Haman Karn: A Magical Girl

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Aboard the Panda] As the group had walked, Ayiwah had quickly and efficiently checked in with the other captains and other organizers of the arrival on the island. Things were progressing well for now. Smaller issues, like the search for the Saihoko Zyla we’re still ongoing, but largely the Dasaka refugees were being processed and taken care of. Of course, the commodore would soon have to return to her duties, but thanks to Taz and the others, she had the time to spend with the Rora and Chojo right now. It seemed the latter was seizing on the opportunity as well. Quite literally. Before she could take a proper look at the royal quarters aboard the Panda, the commodore found herself with Desdejona wrapped around her. “I missed you too, princess.” Ayiwah softly patted the chojo’s head, then put her right arm around Desde’s shoulders, returning the embrace with enough gentle strength to prove the meaning behind her words. With her left she reached out to Yumiwa and pulled her into the hug as well. “I missed you both.” “The captains told me what happened. The evacuation, the fighting…the dragon. I’m very, very proud of you two.” In this moment, there were no titles, no ranks. Ayiwah just showed her cousins the affection she had been unable to before. Even prior to departing for Mata-Nui. She had only been able to mourn Yusanora with them in her official capacity as commodore, but there had been no opportunity to just be there as herself for them. Despite being the ruling clan, it seemed none of there wasn’t much left of the Umbraline family nucleus. Ayiwah’s captains had also explained the absence of Rayuke and Inokio, in broad strokes at least. She would have liked to inquire further, but she did not ask the girls. It could wait right now. They had been through so much in such a short amount of time already. Ayiwah chuckled, and, in low tones, since she was close to both her cousins’ ears, said: “I could get used to seeing my empress in navy colors. I bet the crews got a kick out of that.” OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl@Caedast

IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] There was a brief flash of emotion in Kohra’s eyes, too fast to really pin down what the feeling was. Anger? Shock? Pain? It just went by too fast.But there was something dark about it. She blinked. “I…that’s the thing…I don’t remember. It’s like a whirlwind…in my mind. Images — or memories?” She shook her head and groaned softly. “Maybe it’s all nightmares…so many terrible things…” OOC: @Tarn

IC: [Sisk - Le-Koro] “Yes, of course. I was fly-heading back to the roost anyway, what’s a quick-short detour?” Sisk pushed himself back to his feet, ready to follow Verdi back into the air. He doubted however his leg would be back to normal anytime soon. It had been a long time already and while his knee had definitely improved, it just wasn’t the same. It might never be. OOC: @~Xemnas~

IC:[Agni - Ta-Koro, Tuara’s House] “Nothing, I mean…” Agni replied, voice throaty, “…I found the cairn. Joske’s cairn.” He looked up at Tuara, eyes equal parts grim and apologetic. “No sign of…-I’m sorry.” He picked up the cup of tea. It was scalding still. So, perfect temperature for the fire Toa. A tiny comfort. OOC: @Palm

IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] “Yeah, I’m fine, s’just…” she started to reply, but paused, scratching at the largest of her fins as she tried to find the right words. “You ever get the feeling like there’s some important thing you oughta be doing, but can’t remember?” “Been that way a while now. But now, these folks lost their home and it made me think of ours. Our original home I mean. Like, this place is all great’n such, but it’s been tugging at my mind.” Rhow let out a frustrated growl. “I ain’t sleeping well lately. Weird dreams.” OOC: @BBBBalta@Pteronura Brasiliensis@Palm@Wade.

IC: [Sisk - Le-Koro] The tamer sat down next to Verdi on the edge of the platform and stretched his injured limb. He kept fiddling with the brace, adjusting the tightness of various pins. “I much-hoped it’d have well-healed by now but Ko-Koro really showed that was rash-thought.” Behind them Skyscratcher returned Ajax’ greeting with a chirp of his own. OOC: @~Xemnas~

IC:[Agni - Ta-Koro] Agni watched Tuara prepare the tea. The trial…yeah, that had been something alright. He had worked with Angelus and Jaller to make things as easy on Tuara as possible. Under the circumstances that had amounted to very little unfortunately. She really had been through enough. Which was exactly what made answering her question so difficult in turn. He didn’t want to burden her with anything more. On the other hand, there was little actual comfort in sticking to sad smiles and half-truths. In fact, Tuara probably would understand him better than most. Karz, that was part of why he’d come to her place to begin with. So he said: “Not…really.” before sitting forward on the couch with a sigh. He had his head tilted down, eyes focused on the wisps of smoke rising from the teapot. “I, uh…I just got back from Ko-Wahi.” He glanced up at his fellow Ta-Toa, finding her eyes again. “The peace temple.” OOC: @Palm

IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “Like…you?” Datrox. Karvan. Right. He had said that before. He must have, right? Had she forgotten already? “Well, I had…no.” She replied. “I…don’t have anywhere.” “Maybe…if someone knew me…maybe they’d remember.” She continued, but then shook her head. “But, maybe that’s…not a good thing.” Something had drawn her here into the desert, some memory, or a half-remembered dream of a memory rather. But it wasn’t a happy one, she felt. OOC: @Tarn

IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “Maybe…” the vortixx replied. She finally stopped drinking and stood up straight, only to -romp toy wince and double over again. Kohra heaved a deep breath, steadying herself. “You’ve…been here before…?” She started to ask, then blinked and added. “What’s your name again?” OOC: @Tarn

IC:[Agni - Ta-Koro] It took Agni a second to respond to the hug. Tuara, guard herself, could instantly tell something was on his mind. But then he caught himself and returned the embrace. When they stepped back from another, he studied her face intently for a moment, but didn’t seem to draw any strong conclusions. “Tea, yeah…” He started, sounding absent minded, but quickly added. “That sounds good!” He followed Tuara inside as she set about making the aforementioned tea. “How are things?” OOC: @Palm

IC: [Agni - Ta-Koro, Guard HQ, Jaller’s Office] “Thanks, I will. Good luck with...well everything.” I trust your judgement... He winced at that, at least on the inside. ————— Taking his leave, Agni made his way from the headquarters back through the narrow alleys. He could have teleported again, but since he’d been robbed off the long trek down from Ko-Wahi, he took his time now. Not quite the same as having a half day to himself, but the familiar environment was comforting in its own way. As he passed near the Magma lounge, he heard the sounds of laughter. Always something happening at that place. A short while later, he found himself outside one particular flat. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but hesitated. Then with a deep breath, he finally rapped his knuckles against the door. “Tuara? I’m back.” OOC: @Palm

IC:[Sisk - Le-Koro] Above Verdi, another distant sound grew louder, then a shadow fell over him. Looking up, he saw a familiar Kahu, wings spread to slow its descent, swooping down from above before pulling into the tightest of turns to touch down on the platform behind the Matoran’s Gukko. For all their size, Kahu were rather elegant birds. The same could not be said for its rider however. Another Le-Matoran, but despite that, the way he dismounted, though experienced, was awkward and slow by comparison. “Hey Verdi!” Sisk said. He hopped down the last bit of distance from the stirrups down to the platform and grimaced. “Right-thought that was you; quick-spotted you from up high.” He said, as he reached down and adjusted the brace on his leg. “How are things?” OOC: @~Xemnas~

IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “Okay…okay…” With her momentary worries alleviated, the Vortixx stepped forward again, hesitant for just a moment, before eagerly beginning to drink from the fountain. In fact, for the next half minute or more, that was all she did, pausing only briefly to take a breath before eagerly drinking more. How long had she been without water before this? She could only remember trying to move forward through the dark places, towards the light, no matter what. Dayton could see the sheen in her eyes change a bit, as her awareness of her surroundings increased. “Thank you…” she said again, still softly, but no longer as raspy. “This is..new. The whole village seems…bigger.” OOC: @Tarn

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Akiri Hahli’s Hut] “An ideatalk broadcast would be ideal under the circumstances.” The commodore commented. An obvious statement, but with so much chaos around them, those helped to keep everyone on the same page. Not to mention that technically, she had not yet given a proper situation report to Yumiwa. “Not all the ships have made it to shore yet, so it would be the best way to reach all the commanding officers and clan leaders. Once they are ashore, we can begin giving them proper orientation lessons.” “For the time being, our priority is to finish unloading the ships and to take care of the injured and sick. We have set up shelters for them along the beach with the Matoran’s help, but more will be required as soon as possible. In the interim we can convert the ships to floating habitats, but that will also require new infrastructure like piers to be built. In the longer term, I suggest finding a spot of land where we might establish a settlement of our own, so as to not strain our host's hospitality and to give our people agency in adapting to this situation.” Idle hands reach out to Zataka, and all that… “But that can wait. Your highness, if it is reassurance you seek to provide right now, might I suggest visiting the shelters in person? It would do our people good to see you among them and that you have made it safely as well, I think.” OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl@Caedast ————— IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro, Docks] The Maru’s head briefly snapped towards the sound of rustling feathers on the wind, instantly spotting the diving Kahu and just as quickly noting it was just doing a standard Le-Wahi stop’n’drop. With no danger inbound, she focused back on the group. “You know, your commodore’s put a lot of royal guard types up on the beach to help the new arrivals,” she commented on Karoru’s concerns. “One more shouldn’t be an issue. OOC: @Krayzikk@TL01 NUVA@Void Emissary ————— IC[ [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] Rhow’s eyes followed the Kahu as it took off again, then her eyes drifted down to the building that had been her home for the better part of her time on the island. It felt strange though. Like she was seeing it for the first time, just for a second. “Expand…right.” She muttered, notably less enthusiastic than Iraanus. Why did the suggestion feel like throwing herself into the bay with an anchor tied to her just now? She shook her head, trying to rid herself of that particular funky feeling, then harrumphed. “At least it’s the nice mind-scrambler ladies coming to visit…imagine half the Skakdi population rocking up here.” She spotted another newcomer…Toa of plantlife judging by the display of vine motor control. Not in the best shape by the looks of him either. He shuffled past the group and inside, only to re-emerge, teleport and return again a moment later. Just another day on Mata Nui. “Think we might actually have to do some work soon.” OOC: @BBBBalta@Pteronura Brasiliensis@Palm@Wade.@Wotz

IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “Looking...yes, maybe...I don’t know.” Kohra replied. She tried to remember but when she did the only feeling she got was one of either being abandoned...or being hunted. “I...have...no more friends.” she said, stepping up the water fountain. She activated it and the surprisingly cool water sprang forth in a small stream that got recycled back down the built-in drain. She bent lower and moved closer to the water… Water...Water...well...poison...poisoned!? She paused and let go of the button, the stream stopping just before it could touch her lips. Datrox could see how tense the Vortixx was. Her body was frozen in place, rigid, except for the involuntary shivers. “Safe...drink...is it safe...to drink?” OOC: @Tarn

IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro, Docks] Leah tensed slightly. She really wanted to help, but the list in her hand was pretty much all she had to go by, and though extensive, it had been compiled in a hurry and transmitted telepathically between the Ryuu and the incoming ships. She could see Daijuno’s eyes widen. The Toa Maru dropped to one knee to make it easier for the Dashi to see and held up the iStone with the list for her. “Here, look, maybe you or Sinshi can get more out of this than I can. Nothing can be ruled out just yet, not all the ships have even managed to unload their people yet. Maybe she’s yet to disembark? But if she's on this island, we'll find her.” OOC: @Void Emissary @Krayzikk IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Akiri Hahli’s Hut] Excerpt from ‘Engagement Rules - Umbraline Rora’: Don’t fire unless fired upon. .:Yumi, the only reason I do this song and dance is so the only people that get to walk over your backside are those massage therapists you like so much.:. OOC: @Caedast

IC: [Agni - Ta-Koro, Guard HQ, Jallers Office] “No Rahkshi just yet. Just gonna check in on Tuara. Y’know...see how she’s holding up.” OOC: @Krayzikk

IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Akiri Hahli’s Hut] The fact that the commodore's face didn't even betray the most miniscule hint of the hot flash of embarrassment her cousin's words caused to roll over her, was yet another testament to her self control. .:Umbraline Desdemona, you know better than to pry...how did you even-:. The mental chiding cut off the moment the realization hit her. Her uniform was immaculate, as always, and the recently upgraded navel souvenir of her more exploratory days was well concealed. The chojo hadn't known - until she'd confirmed it just now. .:That,:. she replied sternly, .:was a lucky guess.:. A second passed. .:...but yeah it’s pretty cool! I can show you later and tell you all about it.:. OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl ----- IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro, Docks] “Morning, Sinshi!” Leah greeted the new arrival. “Welcome to the controlled chaos. Sleep well? Are you up to speed on things?” OOC: @Krayzikk@TL01 NUVA@Void Emissary

IC: [Agni - Ta-Koro, Guard HQ, Jallers Office] A few quiet moments passed as Agni waited for Jaller’s response to his estimate. “I am sure Akiri Hahli has messengers on the way. But with the recent uptake in hostile Rahi and Rahkshi activity...I can go check the situation out if you’d like, cap-Akiri.” he caught himself. “Though in that case, there’s one other stop I have to make first before heading out.” OOC: @Krayzikk