Toa Fanixe

IC: Two moved her sword to block Jiyu's, but the male's strength won out. His blade sliced straight through her body an inch or two above the waist, stopping just before the spine. With the sword stabbing straight through her corpse, Two walked closer to Jiyu attack him. Three continued and moved to grab Shuuan from behind, her dagger ready to be brought to the Menti's throat and take her as a hostage. It was the next morning. A wagon had left earlier with their bags, taking the dawn ferry. Robalta stood outside the walls of Castle Vilda, admiring her home. She waited patiently for Raiyo, wherever she was.

IC: "I put them to sleep. We were all going to wake up later, and still be friends and no one would be the wiser. You ruined things. I'm sorry, I can't tell you why." Labelle grabbed her second Hydro blade, staring at her opponent. He was quite handsome, and he'd been so nice to her. Dakte had been the first to say hello to her when his group had spotted her. It was a shame that she had to attack him now. She sliced the air in broad horizontal strokes. Two high-pressured strips of water raced at Dakte now, with enough force to cut skin and even some armour. They would hurt the Menti or, even better, force him into the water behind him. Labelle also reached out with her abilities to the water beneath the deck. Wherever the foreigner stepped, she would raise a pillar of water that'd break the wood and swallow him. It was a shame. The wood was expensive.

IC: Labelle knew she should have been terrified of the strange warrior rushing at her with a glimmering sword -it hadn't been there a second ago - but she wasn't. As she fed her Hunger, the Hunger fed her. She felt an exhilaration, a rush of blood and pleasure as her friends fell asleep and only a single obstacle stood in her path. She hit the floor. It seemed the fall was a little harder than it should have been, but she didn't care. The Toa of Water swung an arm to the side and a burst of water slammed into Dakte, knocking him to the side. Labelle rushed to rise. It was harder to get up, she realized. But still she managed to get onto her two feet. It must be Tarkus, he was using power of Gravity on her. Well, he wouldn't be a problem much longer, once the draught took effect. Dakte on the other hand, was being a bother. Labelle considered the facts and her possibilities. Menti had 'mind powers,' usually one or two. Her opponent had already revealed telekinesis, and she guessed that making a weapon out of magic was the second ability. He would be a much more skilled fighter in hand-to hand combat than herself, so she mustn't let that happen. She, however, could control the water, and they were absolutely surrounded by it. "I really don't want to hurt you, you know." Well, maybe a little. "I don't want to hurt anyone. I just have to do this." Water rose from the cracks in the deck and formed a wall in front of Labelle. With a swish of her hand she sent it hurtling at Dakte. With the other, she took out a Hydroblade. Best to be careful, after all.

Who says there isn't a Tryna involved? One of the three assailants isn't dead...

IC: Oblivious to world due to his Willhammer-induced sleep, the Vilda First Son did not feel Seigyo's hands trying to waken him. He certainly did not hear the conversation between the Menti around him. Besides for the rise and fall of his chest, Kulrik did not move. The corpses did. The bodies of Two and Three rose slowly from the ground. A knife stuck out of the former's heart light, an arrow from the latter. Neither weapon seemed to cause any concern on the two dead faces. In fact, their faces were wholeheartedly blank, their eyes expressionless. But they walked with purpose. Two held a sword and Three a dagger. They swung at their opponents' backs.

IC: Sinshi was nearly gone, Labelle could see that. She might already be dreaming, and if she wasn't, she would in a few more instants. Either way, she was no obstacle. And Mako had just closed his eyes, asleep. Tarkus had managed to speak, but Labelle doubted he'd be able to for much longer. He might have had less than the other two, but he was just as susceptible. The draught would take effect any second now, Labelle as sure. The pain was completely gone now. Labelle felt stronger now than she had in weeks, and with that strength came more. She felt alive, gratification radiating through her body. Now was the time to act, before Dakte moved. Labelle summoned her elemental powers and created a sphere of water, nearly two feet in diameter. It materialized directly around Dakte's head. How long could the foreigner hold his breath? I'll drown him, then dice him up, feed him to fi- No, I'll knock him unconscious. Then I'll see what to do next. One step at a time.

IC: Labelle listened intently to the visitor's explanation of their homeland. It seemed a little more rigid, and dangerous, than she'd thought originally, but that didn't discourage her. She was sure that would enjoy the place when she did, one day, go to visit. Maybe live, if the people there were as generally as nice as these seated beside her. The warmth from fingers and toes began to spread, infusing her arms and legs. "Oooooo" Labelle said. The sensation soothed aching muscles and more. It was the same feeling she always got when feeding the Hunger. The sleeping draught was potent, but tolerance developed quickly. The first few evenings all it took was a few drops for a restful sleep. Days later it took a meaningful sip, then a mouthful and then a whole cup. As she'd thought when spiking the tea, Labelle had been using it for a month. The Datsue was blinking vigorously, he must already be feeling the effects the Toa of Water thought. And Sinshi looked a more tired than before, she would succumb soon enough. Tarkus would as well. Labelle had seen Dakte take a large gulp, he would not doubt dose off. Though he did seem rather a alert... Labelle let her senses spread out across the table. She could feel the moisture in the meat in addition to the water in her guests cups. Mako's and Sinshi's cups had indeed been emptied. Tarkus' was almost full - she hoped that what he'd drunk was enough. But Dakte's! She wasn't a master of her element, but Labelle was certain the Menti's tea had hardly been touched, if at all. That's not good she though, worried. They've all got to fall asleep, or I won't be able to bring them inside on the couches and wake up with them later, and they'll know what I've done, any they'll hate me, and I won't have any friends and, and and.... I'll kill him, then drop him in the water. When we wake it'll seem like he went for a swim and drowned. No! I can't do that. I can't. I won't! There's no other way. I must. I'll...I'll find another way, Labelle promised. I will. "But if Dastoo are outside the system, what if they did something bad? How would the law be enforced for someone that doesn't belong in it?" She just had to wait for the others to fall asleep, then she would deal with Dakte.

IC: Three's skin felt icy. She knew it wasn't real, but there was nothing she could do. Her targets had disappeared and replaced by this frozen wasteland. She begun to muster her mental defences, ready to break through the illusion that ensconced her completely. It would take only a few moments to see again... The arrow hit her first. Straight in the heartlight. Three was dead before she hit the ground, the spear missing her and instead sailing past. Kulrik remained on the floor, immobile. He was a having a pleasant dream. He was surrounded by a score of beautiful women, in a faraway land where males weren't treated like commodities. "My, you're faster than I thought. There's no need to leave tonight. Take your time, don't rush yourself. We'll go to Sado in the morning after breakfast." Robalta drained the last of the tea. "You can go now. And try not to tell too many people about our little trip.

IC: "They do" Labelle agreed with Tarkus. "When I come visit, I think I'll thoroughly stay away from them. Mako, are you a Menti as well? Sinshi's explanation didn't seem to cover Turaga. I mean Datsue" she corrected herself.

IC: Two's body snapped still, her arms and legs frozen as her mind was invaded by the giant. Truth, Two hadn't been expecting a mental assault, and why should she have from the brute. Jiyu's mind raced through her own. Two hastily put up defences, but Jiyu was travelling too fast, and he was too strong. Two kept on trying.....then....It stopped. Grinning inwardly, Two plucked the male's mind and pushed it out of hers. She could feel it struggling against the icy hands of her consciousness, trying to reach back in and control her. It was of no use. Then the bats came. Great frightening things, dozens of them, hundreds! The grin disappeared and was replaced with worry, fear. The flying creatures came to Jiyu's defence, turning the tide of the battle. Two could feel her opponents combined strength battle overwhelm her own. Their consciousness delved into her, farther and deeper into Two's very identity, her memories... Two was with eleven others, all dressed in black, huddled around a bed. Lying there was a thirteenth, an old and feeble Datsue. She was dying. She tried to rise but the effort proved too much for her. She fell back an inch into the bed. The old Datuse could at least beckon. She did. The twelve leaned in closer, their ears desperate. She began to speak..... "Ughhh" was all Two said. Then she fell, a knife protruding from her heartlight. Three looked angrily at her dead companion, then at the Menti that had attacked her. Only five knifes flew in the air around her now, but they were completely still. Ignoring Seigyo now, Three used her Mindarm training to shoot the knives at Seigyo and Jiyu. Her eyes stared daggers her targets. She would not miss. "Blasphemous dogs!" she spat. "That's a good things Reiyo, because I'm to go on one, and I'd rather not be alone when I do. I plan on travelling to Sado - I hear the Dastana twins are there right now, and I must talk to them. The queen too, maybe. How soon do you think we can be packed? Oh, and how soon can I expect the castle to know about our trip? Robalta asked. There was little twinkle in her eye.

IC: Two lifted her arm to push Jiyu's sword to the side. She knew now that a battle of strength would be pointless against this opponent, so instead used speed and agility. Her other arm swung upwards just a few inches. Then, where thin air had been, a Soulsword appeared, two-handed sword glistening with energy that would have been far to heavy to hold had it been real. The Soulsword caught the spear, either psyching weapon unable to break the other. Now Two and Jiyu both wielded weapons in both hands. Two bent low and dove at Jiyu's legs, swinging the Soulswod at them. Kulrik thought he heard someone say his name It's probably nothing he told himself assuringly, his mind happily returning to a very welcome sleep. Three knelt down quickly but the spear still hit her. Armour saved Three but she fell to the ground, the flying knives dropping a foot. Three leapt back up, the knives imitating their conductor, continued to let her weapons fly about, ready to send them hurtling at Seigyo the moment an inch of her was readily exposed. She drew a dagger from her belt and began to walk forward. Her prey could not escape her. One tried to stop herself, but failed. The wakisashi scraped her belly and long thin line of red appeared. It was a shallow wound but it stung. "Your name and title mean nothing to us. You are blind fools, all of you!" Then One jumped into the air. She did not fall. Then as if a giant hand had caught the black-robed figure held her in his hand, One was flung towards the water not far away. "A sage some of the time is more than most can claim, little one. You are right, you know. Not many people are very aware why the Dastana and Umbralines are fighting. I don't know. We've sided with the Dastana because our Toroshu has been imprisoned by the Empress, and Relisai' advisor, the Warden, now advises we should. The Warden says it will help free Relisai. I hope she's right... Robalta smiled at the Dashi again. "Raiyo, how would you like to go on a bit of an adventure?"

IC: "Paper? I think I do, somewhere in the house, but I don't know where. I don't really write very much, you see." Labelle reached into her pocket and withdrew a handkerchief, lifting it towards Dakte. "Will this do? And is 'Menti' a high rank in the Empire? Have you done anything special to become a 'Menti'?"

IC: "My own blend. " Labelle said. She told the Toa the names of three different tea leaves rare in Ga-Koro but common in Le-Wahi. "Traders come by every few months and I buy them when I can. I read somewhere that it helps with all sorts of sicknesses, I thought it could help me with my pain. Maybe it can soothe your stomach, Dasaka Dakte?" Labelle suggested to the foreign male. "I hope I said that properly. You don't have any other names or titles I'm supposed to call you?"

IC: "Oh, I'd love to learn! This Empire of yours sounds magnificent, I want to know all about it!" Labelle said excitedly. She felt a warmth in finger tips.

IC: "You look down on them? Why?" Labelle noticed that no one was touching their food, or their drinks. "You, know the food is fine" she said with a small smile. "I made it myself, and I'm a pretty good cook." To emphasize the point Labelle continued eating, taking another sip of tea.

IC: "Yes, the scratchings of lovers on trees saying that their love will last forever. For a lucky few, it does. Too few though, I think, in this world..." Robalta's voice trailed off, her eyes peering into the fire as memories enveloped her. Then they were gone, and she focused again on the Dashi beside her. "It is a good thing you read, my dear Raiyo, letters have so much we can learn from. They teach us the wisdom of ages, so that we might have guidance during these horrible, horrible times. You know what's going on in the Empire, don't you? What do you think about it, and the Vilda's place in it all?" Kulrik did not stir. The first figure dodged the Soulsword almost lazily, taking only a step aside while continuing her charge at Nihonei. The second, now facing the Herupa Steward instead of Shuuan, paused, brining up her own blade to parry the attack that would dismembered her. She almost dropped the sword against Jiyu's strength. She quickly jumped back, cautiously observing the new balance of things. Then she lashed out again with frightening speed, her sword poised to skewer the giant. The third Menti in black approached Seigyo, drawing out half a dozen small knives and letting them hang in the air beside her, blade pointed at her target. With a grin that was barely visible, they weapons darted at Seigyo's arms and legs.

IC: Labelle walked inside and into the bathroom. She splashed her face with some water, dried it up and looked into the mirror above the sink. Staring back at her was that same, horrendous face as always. She tried to take long, slow breaths. It was exhausting, fighting the Hunger all the time. And it hurt. Mata-Nui, it hurt. Now more than ever, she wished it would just go away. Labelle walked into the kitchen, quickly boiled some water and reached into the cupboard for ground tea leafs. Mixing the two in a large pitcher, she lifted her hand to put back the jar of leaves. Her hand froze. There it was, in a small jar. Sleeping leaves. They were added to drinks when someone had trouble sleeping, a draught to help those terrified of nightmares and the unknown. Labelle had taken them herself copiously for the past month. One world in which she was ugly was more than enough for her. But those leafs... Mix them in, knock those strangers out, bind them up and bring them somewhere dark, bring a knife, have some fun, cut them up.... No! she told herself. I won't do those things. I'm not a monster. The pain started to return. She was afraid. After that last attack, Labelle wasn't sure she could handle another outburst so soon. She knew she couldn't. Well, Labelle thought, maybe I can add the leafs. But I won't do anything else! I'll just, just, umm... I'll make them fall asleep and bring them inside on the sofa. Yes, that's it. And I'll be with them, and we'll all wake up together, and we'll all be able to continue being friends. The pain will be gone and the Dasaka won't think any less of me! Smiling, Labelle took the jar of sleeping leafs and quickly ground up a small handful. She added the ground to the tea and put back the container. She found ice in the ice box, mixed it with the tea as well. The pain had started to recede. In fact, Labelle hadn't felt so good since she'd left the house's previous owner strewn across the ocean floor. ... The Toa of Water walked outside with a tray in hand, the pitcher and enough glasses for everyone on it. She placed it down on the table, pouring the Dasaka and Toa tea and handing them the filled-glasses. She sat down and took a small sip from her own cup. "So, what were you saying about Tajaar?"

IC: Robalta smiled gently at the maidservant. "Thank you, little dove, but at my age bad eyesight is all but guaranteed. And really, if you don't use your eyes, what good are they?" The Datsue picked up a cup of tea, holding the crystal in both hands and and appreciating the heat. She took a long, deep drink and when she finished she released a satisfied sigh. "Why don't you come sit down with me, Raiyo" she said, patting the armchair beside her own, "I'd like the company. Tell me, have you ever learned to read?" The next morning Kulrik met with the others. They had a quick breakfast then departed the castle, heading east towards the coast. ... They were certainly in the right place. The ground was rocky here - though that wasn't exactly special, much of the land on Iki was rocky - but there were dozen, hundreds of geysers and spout holes from which leapt jets and streams of water. Waves crashed against the rocks, sending sea foam high into the air. Kulrik looked around, hoping to see some sign where to go next. I should sit down. No, I can't do that. We've just got here, we have a huge area to explore, I should I should sit down. Well, maybe I should. I guess I am tired from walking here. A quick rest would be nice, help refresh me. I should sit down and go to sleep. Yes, I should. All of a sudden Kulrik fell to his knees and his eyes closed. He was unconscious. Around him, three figures, dressed in black appeared, apparating through the mists like ghosts. One raised a hand a rock was lifted into the air, then it was hurtling at Seigyo. The other two leapt forward, crystal swords flashing in front of them as they struck out at Nihonei and Shuuan.

IC: Robalta looked up from the tome, squinting her eyes in the dim light. She leaned back in her chair with the sound of cracking. Even after all these years, I still haven't gotten used to that she thought with a small chuckle. Dots really are just kids with bodies that have gotten older before we've realized. The acting Toroshu rose and walked to a comfy cushioned seat by the hearth. She sat down, feeling the radiating heat from the cackling fire flow over here. It was cold in the basements here in Vilda castle, moreso for Datsue. After having spent the day seeing to the needs of the clan, and the past hour poring over a book about politics, these moments were more than she could wish for. What I could wish for! If only this whole trouble with the Empire could be ended. Fighting in the streets, threats of revolution; it does no good for anyone. And my dear, dear sister Relisai. I wish she were back here, not locked away on Sado. If only I could talk to her and the Empress, I'm sure I could convince them to make up for whatever happened. I know my sister couldn't have done anything that serious, she's as sweet as honey. What am I to do?... There was a knock on the door. Of course, that must be tea. "Come in" she chimed. ​Kulrik's eyes widened. No, he hadn't imagined it, Shuuan's grip had tightened. And he didn't like that look on her face, he didn't like it one bit. The Vilda First Son wasn't one to scare easily - he couldn't remember the last time he had been scared - but the way this woman talked and acted made afraid and confused. He just couldn't understand her. One thing he did understand though, was that he didn't like it. "Lucky me" Kulrik said sarcastically and quietly, though not quiet enough. The pair reached the Dastana home. .... The met Nihonei and Seigyo. "Hello again" Kulrik greeted the pair. "I hope everything went well on your side. Shuuan and I have discovered the likely location of the next Key; it's probably hidden in a complex amongst geysers on the eastern shore here on Iki." Kulrik quickly recounted the meeting with the merchant to both Menti. "We can leave for it first thing in the morning. With any luck, we'll be a step closer to keeping the Empire safe by dawn. Now I think I'll go sleep to sleep, best to be rested for what's to come. If you need anything, you know where to find me." Bidding them goodnight, Kulrik followed a Dashi servant to a guest bedroom.

^ Touché It's really up to you KoK. Just pick a clan you like and stick with it.

Join the Vilda! Work in the Gardens and overhear all the latest juicy gossip!

IC: The will-shattering pain lasted for for over two minutes. For Labelle, it seemed closer to two years. Once it ended her voice was a little whisper, repeating the same words over and over again. "Let it end, let it end, let it end." It was more of a prayer than anything, to any agent that could her, though no one could. As the seconds ticked by the pain finally began to subside and Labelle's strength returned, slowly. She gathered her wits together again, let out a great big sigh, and smiled weakly at Sinshi, the Dasaka women holding her wrist, caring for her. Her smile grew ever so slightly. She'd forgotten what it was like to have friends like this. Her heart bolstered by the idea that she could really have friends, Labelle pushed away the pain and Hunger again. She got up unsteadily to her feet. "Thank you miss Sinshi. I've never really had an attack like that one before, but I'm fine now. Pain is something I've come to live with, it's been my lot for some time now. "I'll um.... I'll go freshen up, I think? Yes, I'll go do that and when I come back you and the rest can tell me all about the Tajaar and the rest of Kentoku. It sounds like a wonderful place. And drinks! I've forgotten drinks. I'll come back with those too in a few minutes." Labelle turned to the house and walked towards it.

Actually Icarus, I don't think that will work. Dasaka characters MUST RP in the Kentoku topic. True, there are a few in Ga-Wahi, but they are part of a staff-led expedition that will, in the future, allow both societies to interact.

IC: Labelle listened with rapt attention to the Dasaka's words, drinking in the details of their far-away world. No Makuta, no evil beings, just Dasaka! And if the ones in that Empire of theirs was anything like the ones that had come to visit, Labelle couldn't wait to travel and see them all. She would no longer be terrorized and marginalized in society, Dasaka didn't care about that, people would no longer call her ugly and... She yelped in pain, falling off her chair and tumbling onto the wooden floor. The Hunger had returned, it's claws reaching across her insides and ripping them apart. Her nerves were on fire and she moaned in terrible pain. Flashes of colour appeared and and distorted her vision. Her mind was a mess. She had only one thought in her head. Make it go away. Labelle was curled up in a ball, whimpering at her own weakness.

IC: "Oh thank you, madame Sinshi. Nobody's complimented my cooking since... well, in a long a time" Labelle said with a smile. The food was good, there was no mistaking that. Labelle may not have been the strongest Toa, or the fastest, but if there was one thing she did know it was how to cook. When the world shuns you and your days are spent in agony, a good meal was a welcome respite. But Labelle wasn't thinking about that. Her mind was concentrating on things much more interesting. "So how far is Kentoku from Mata-Nui? Are there any other species there, or is just Dasaka? Have you ever had anyone like Makuta plague your people?" Labelle talked quickly into between mouthfuls, excited by the new world that had been opened up to her by these strange, wonderful people.