Toa Fanixe

IC: "Not talking about the past sounds good to me. Just thinking about it tends to give me headaches" Mirror joked, though he was also being entirely serious. Those headaches were horrible. He hopped over to Spirit and tried to lower himself to the ground slowly, but in his state he ended up just falling a mess of limbs. Mirror struggled to turn himself to a generally upright seated position. His leg had begun to tingle and his arm now ached slightly, which he took as a good sign. "So you're a Dark Hunter recruit? Funny meeting you here, I am one too " he said sarcastically. Turning more serious and a little conspiratorial, he continued "To be honest, I'm not sure the obstacle course wasn't meant to be deadly. You, help weed out bad apples, separate the chaff and all that. I wouldn't be surprised if some people from our group don't last the week." "You'll be fine though. Anything too dangerous comes around and you'll just go incorporeal again. That's a useful fighting style you have, you know. You ever think of buffing up those muscles to make your corporeal punches pack some more, well, punch?"

IC: "Don't think so" Mirror said with a shake of his head. "Found myself in the infirmary this morning so I'm a little behind the pack. Everyone else already has their opponents." He flopped his arm uselessely. It was still tingling. "And I dont I'm in much shape to fight yet, not after the obstacle course." Mirror saluted his fellow recruit with his one good arm. "I'm Mirror. So whats your story?"

IC: Mirror hopped into the combat arena. His arm was starting to tingle again though he still couldn't feel anything else or move it an inch. Once inside, he leaned against the wall and watched the matches. He noticed one fight going on in which one of the fighters kept disappearing. And reappeared right before hitting her opponent. The Skakdi grinned. Now that was an interesting power. [Kanohi Command: Activate] [Kanohi Command: Copy] ~Command confirmed. Kanohi activated. Copying beginning now ~ The Mask of Emulation began to glow as it started copying the fighter's incorporeality ability. In a few minutes it'd be ready for Mirror to use. "That was a great fight!" he called out to Spirit. "And fun to watch too!"

IC: Mirror cursed under his breath. He was having one Karz of a first day as a recruit. ---- It had started with that dream. He'd had it the past few nights, so he shouldn't have been surprised it would come again, nor the splitting headaches. It was the same dream every time. Mirror was standing on the walls of a Dark Hunter outpost when a pair of vile Toa appeared beside him. They jeered him and his filthy clothing, pointing their weapons at him. They attacked. And he fought back. Toa were supposed to be among the best trained fighters in the world, but Mirror's ferocity and viciousness turned the tide and at the end he stood triumphant over their soon-to-be corpses, his claws bloodied and his jaw cocked in a devilish grin. He picked one of the Toa up by the neck to inspect it's mask when a glint in the Toa's eye made Mirror pause. The Skakdi moved his own head closer to the Toa's and gazed it's eyes. He saw his own reflection. But it wasn't a Skakdi staring back. It was a Toa. And that's when Mirror woke up, screaming with his head feeling like it was going to explode. He had run to the infirmary where he was treated and told to take some medication against these dreams. Apparently such things were the price to pay for the Dark Hunter's gifts, said the healer. They would pass in time, Mirror was told. But now he just had to make his way back to the rest of the recruits. ---- He'd missed the morning run and only caught site of the maze entrance just as the last recruit was entering. By the time Mirror made it everyone else had probably already finished. Mirror cursed again. He had hoped to catch site of another recruit using their abilities, so Mirror could copy it himself, but now he'd have to get through the maze without the help of his Kanohi. Karz. He unsheathed his broadsword, took a deep breath, and stepped into the maze. He saw nearly a dozen set of footprints in all directions, which he tried to avoid as much as possible. He might be mirror, but he wouldn't copy someone else's success on the first day. Or their failure. He took a left at one intersection, then a right. He tripped a wire that sent a cascade of head-shaped rocks directly on top of him but which he dodged easily. Too easily. Mirror looked in all directions. This maze was hiding something. He was moving through it too quickly. He slowed his pace. Mirror noticed a pair of false floor tiles and sidestepped both. He began moving forward when he heard a roar up ahead. He widened his stance and raised his blade protectively. Mirror could hear something running towards him, fast. The Skakdi didn't see anything until it was almost too late. It was a blur, some creature with inherent camouflage that made it blend into the maze's walls and floor. If it has been standing still Mirror would have missed it entirely. As it was, the camo-creature leapt at him, which Mirror only avoided by bending backwards and ultimately falling onto his behind. He heard the camo land - on four paws? - and snarl while claws scraped the floor. Mirror jumped upright, dropping his blade and grabbed hold of bot his dagger as he turned to face the hidden foe. Mirror snarled back at his opponent. Then he drew a dagger against the back of his left hand and let the blood flow. The next five seconds were tense as he and the Rahi faced off, at least as much as anyone could face off against a near-invisible foe. Instinct would determine Mirror's success. He felt as much as heard as the Rahi tensed its muscles, scraped it's claws against the floor as it retracted them in anticipation. It's breathing paused. And then it leapt again. Mirror was ready for it this time. He dodged to side but swung his left arm against the Rahi's side, delivering a strong blow and winding the predator. And most importantly, leaving a streak of his own blood on the creature's hide. Now Mirror's target was clear, and this would go much easier. He didn't wait for the Rahi to ready itself for another jump. Mirror ran forwards, brandishing his daggers like a madman and slicing one through the creature's side. There was a satisfactory scream of pain from the Rahi and Mirror lashed out again, this time cutting it's leg. He shoved the creature to the side as it began to realize it no longer had the upper hand. Blood flowing from it's wounds it started to run away, towards the entrance of the maze. Mirror wouldn't let it escape. He was having too much fun now. Mirror moved to follow it. He bounded after it when, two steps later, he heard a click. He froze, balancing on one foot. One of the traps he'd sidestepped earlier. Karz. A flurry of darts flew through the air at him. He tried to dodge but one hit his arm, another his leg. In a flash he slashed with his daggers, cutting the darts before letting his weapons clang to the floor as he dug the needles out. Hopefully they hadn't delivered to much poison. Whatever poison it was. Karz. He didn't have time to spare now. Mirror gathered up his weapons and turned back away from the entrance and ran. One left, then a right. Dead end. Back fifty paces, take a left then another. His arm was starting to tingle. Was that normal? Was that just from blood loss? He came up to a climbing wall. He took a running leap and grabbed onto handhold seven feet high, nearly a third the height of the wall. He lunged upwards to next handhold, then the next. His powerful legs helped boost him higher, and then his leg started to tingle. Just a few more feet. Then he couldn't feel his arm. Mirror lay dangling against the side of the wall, hanging on with one hand and his feet. The top was so close. He bunched his legs and jumped up. He wrapped his one good arm over the wall and began scrambling with his legs to push himself over. Mirror started to tip over. The Skakid tried to stop himself, but then his one of his legs stopped working. And he realized he really hadn't thought this one through. The wall was over twenty feet high, for goodness sake. Mirror started to fall in earnest. Before he hit the ground he remembered one of the gifts the Dark Hunters had given him. The ability to use his elemental powers without other Skakdi. He unleashed a burst of air, slowing him down. Not very much, but enough. He still fell onto the floor with a crash, and Mirror was sure he'd find a number of new bruises on his body tomorrow morning. Feeling around, he was confident he didn't have any broken bones. At least not in any of the limbs he could presently use and/or feel. He looked up ahead of him. He was in a small corridor now, the maze's exit in sight. Mirror clambered up onto one leg and leaned against one of the corridor's walls. He unsheathed the broadsword and held it point down, using it as a makeshift crutch. The Skakdi started to hop forward, out of the maze. Everyone else was already out, readying themselves in the combat arena. Mirror hopped towards them. One Karz of a first day.

Name: Kaspar Codename: Mirror Species: Toa Appearance: Although a Toa at heart, Kaspar appears to be a Skakdi. The colour of his armour is dull gold, trimmed in crimson and replete with scratches and dents. His eyes are midnight black and never seem to focus on anyone or anything - they are always focused on something in the distance. He wears a Kanohi in the shape of a Kanohi Crast, the spine of which extends onto his back and lies adjacent to his own spine. Powers: Mask of Emulation ~ allows its user to replicate any one power of another sapient being for a short time by analyzing and duplicating it, as long as the user sees the power in use. Elemental Power of Air ~ allows user to create, control, and absorb Air Backstory: At the the beginning of the war between Dark Hunters and Toa, the Toa were losing. Badly. Despite their elemental abilities, training and teamwork there was little the Toa could do against the onslaught of Dark Hunters and their multitude of powers and forms. So the Toa developed a plan to infiltrate the Dark Hunter organization and learn it's secrets. Find out where they would attack, when and how. Kaspar, a young Toa, was selected for the job. Unfortunately for him, Kaspar bore one of the exceedingly rare Masks of Emulation. The leading council of Toa instructed him to copy the power of a shapeshifter, which Kaspar did, and to transform into a member of Sidorak's species, which he did. He was part of a Toa team that ambushed and captured a small group of Dark Hunters, which is where he changed the power of his mask. He was locked in a prison cell adjacent to the Dark Hunters', where he told them he'd been imprisoned and that he had a plan for escape. He had managed to steal a key (which had in fact been given to him) from their captors and had been waiting for a group to help him make it off the island safely. The Dark Hunter's agreed, and the group, including Kaspar returned to one of the Dark Hunter's bases. Careful not to use his power lest he be found out, Kaspar used his position among the Dark Hunter's to leak information to the Toa. He was good at his job. Kaspar didn't leak so much that it would be evident he was a Toa spy and he never left a trail that led back to him. Not once did he become disillusioned and he was steadfast in his duty as a Toa. Until the end of the war. There was chaos and he lost communication with his handlers and the council of Toa. He didn't think much of it and Kaspar continued to play the part of a Dark Hunter. Then one day a a small squad of arrogant Toa attacked the Dark Hunter base he worked out of of, ignorant of the fact that one of their was a spy stationed there. Kaspar yelled aloud for them to stop, that he was a Toa too, but they didn't listen. To defend himself Kaspar used his elemental abilities to fight back, killing the Toa - those people he would have once called comrades. But the other Dark Hunters had heard what'd he said, seen his powers. Spent from his battle with the other Toa, Kaspar couldn't stop them from knocking him unconscious and imprisoning for real. He was sent to the Shadowed One's compound and questioned. The truth abut who he was and what'd done was uncovered. Then the torture began. He was forced to use his Kanohi to shape shift into a Skakdi, then to overwrite the shapeshifting power. His memories were erased, replaced with feeble ideas of what life as a Skakdi was like. When he thinks too hard about the past his mind tries to form coherent ideas but it gives him headaches, so Kaspar doesn't focus on the past too much. He was told he'd been experimented on, that he could use his elemental abilities without another Skaki in proximity. He was told he was a fine new recruit for the Dark Hunters, that he'd been saved from a life of destitution and had been given new strengths, treasures from the Shadowed One. He was told his name amongst the Dark Hunters would be Mirror. And Mirror was proud to serve. Tools: A large broadsword and two long daggers. Skils: Kaspar, A.K.A Mirror, is quite deadly with a sword, a lingering effect of his early days in Toa training. Sometimes he surprises himself how well he can fight with it. He's not very good at throwing daggers (but he's trying to learn) and instead uses them for close-quarter combat when his sword is too unwieldy. His control of air though is relatively unformed - he can create bursts of it to knock people down, but more advanced techniques are still beyond his abilities.

IC: Soraph stood wide-eyed and mouth open but not making a sound. She looked over Casanuva. She recognized Skorm from Casanuva's (or rather, Merceon's?)memories, but when she'd felt Skorm's mind Soraph had sensed any hostility. "I think we all need to calm down and start talking to each other...."

IC: Soraph nodded curtly before closing her eyes and expanding her senses. The minds of her fellow Dasaka flared into existence, bright lights on the mental landscape. These were followed by the Kaltas' consciousness. Soraph couldn't help but focus on Casanuva's for a moment. She thought she saw a glimmer of black - was that Merceon, waiting at the edge to take control? She forced her mind to continue outwards as she sensed all the bugs and small Rahi around them. Until... There it was. Zueya's mind. It was in the distance, approaching the group. But there was another mind beside her. Soraph opened her eyes. "She's not far" the Vilda Menti announced. "She's walking back here, and she's not alone."

IC: ******** Soraph was the first to wake that morning. It was peaceful here on Mata-Nui. There were no politics to worry about, no fear of invading armies, no assassins in the night- Someone was missing. Soraph looked over to Zueya's hammock and it was swaying gently in the wind, completely empty. She immediately woke Casanuva (Merceon?) and then the rest of the Kalta. "Zueya's gone" she told them.

IC: This surprise didn't turn out too bad, Soraph thought to herself. Casanuva might not be able to help her get rid of Relisai, but Merceon definitely would. In fact, it seemed like he would enjoy ending Relisai's life as much as Soraph would. :Getting Aelied to trust me shouldn't be a problem. I can be very convincing, and I would never do anything to hurt you, Casanuva or any of the other Kalta: Soraph appeared unsure for a moment, considering her next actions. Then she took a quick step towards Merceon and, leaning upwards and forwards on tiptoes, gave Merceon a quick kiss on his cheek. :Thank you, Merceon, for telling me all this. I realize how hard it must be to give up so many secrets. I should probably be going soon. Before I do though - what happens if I need to talk to you again? How can I get you to come out of hiding again?:

IC: Merceon's answers only led to more questions. He claimed that if he took control then/Casanuva would become "unstable" as he put it, but then how was he speaking so calmly now? And who else was it that he was supposed to be loyal to? And the most obvious question of all, why was he and Casanuva like this? Soraph thought it was better to leave this questions for another time. If Merceon was as unstable as he said he was, it would be best not to make reveal too much at once. :So as long as one of you are in my life, both of you are. And he wouldn't be who he was without you. I think I'm beginning to understand.: Soraph crossed her arms too, mirroring Merceon's pose. :There's still one thing you haven't told me. I asked Casanuva if he would come with me to Kentoku to help get rid of my aunt, and then you appeared and said it wasn't his decision. Now I'm going to go ahead and guess you meant it was YOUR decision, so let me ask you, will you allow it? Will you help me?:

IC: Soraph was shocked. She reached out a hand to touch the small blue orb deeply lodged in Merceon's chest. He winced at her contact but she didn't notice as she focused entirely on the orb, which begun to pulse a bright light as Soraph's fingers touched it's edges. :I'm so sorry: she whispered but she barely heard herself. What she'd intended on doing to Casanuva, lodging an affection for her in his mind, had gone completely awry, she saw that now. Soraph had never come across a situation like this before, where one person had two minds in one body. Or was it one mind, but layered into two? The Vilda Willhammer didn't know, but however Merceon and Casanuva's minds were fused, the structure had taken Soraph's energies and changed them. The mind was complex and Soraph had meddled with it, and the consequences would be unlike anything any Dasakan had ever seen. She doubted she or anyone else could remove the blue orb now - it was a part of Merceon, whether Soraph wanted it or not. Soraph looked up into Mercon's molten eyes. :I'm not sure I completely understand. Casanuva is you, but you're not necessarily Casanuva? When I talk to Casanuva, when we're together, am I speaking to him or to you, Merceon? Or is both of you? Which one of you is it that cares for me? Which one of you is it that I care for?:

IC: Soraph nearly tripped as she backed away against the other half-wall of the platform, reaching behind her to steady herself. Her mouth hung open in surprise. In all her days as a Willhammer she had never experienced anything like this. The only two minds that should have been present were Casanuva's and her own. She sensed that there was no other Willhammer intruding on Casanuva's dream, so who could this new figure be? Soraph thought Mata-Nui didn't have anyone able to use Menti techniques. Unless... Casanuva's body had disappeared just as the black-clad warrior had coalesced into existence. This was all happening in Casanuva's dreams, so... Soraph gulped. In just a few seconds she faded into thin air from the platform and reappeared a few feet from the forge. An impossible task in the real world, but then, she wasn't in the real world, was she? :I came here to speak to a friend without having to worry about being overheard. Now, who or what are you?:

IC: Soraph climbed up onto the platform and stood opposite Casanuva. Even with the protective smock he'd gotten pretty dirty from all the smoke during the metal's purification process. :I don't think I've seen you out of your armour. You really are quite large, maybe even larger than any Dasaka back in the Archipelago.: She looked down at the forge below. Soraph hesitated before saying anything else. She was unsure how Casanuva would react, or how anyone would react for that matter. She'd intended to bring it up with Mako but she'd never had the right opportunity. And Casanuva she'd only met recently... She took a short breath. :Casanuva, you know I'm princess in my clan in Kentoku, but things are more complicated than that. The truth is that when my grandmother passed, my mother was supposed to ascend to the throne, but at the last minute my aunt Relisai was able to steal the position of ruling the Vilda clan. She stole my mother's birthright - my birthright.: :Now she rules over the Vilda with iron fist. Nobody is allowed to disagree with her or question her decisions. Anyone with a grudge against her, or whom she doesn't particularly like, is practically exiled away from our home. I was a threat to her own lineage's claim so my aunt sent me far away for "business matters." Relisai was absolutely ecstatic when she found out I'd be traveling halfway across the world here to Mata-Nui.: Soraph stopped talking to look at how Casanuva was digesting the information. She stepped close to him, placing a hand on his arm. :That's why I'm asking for your help. When all this is over, will you come back to Kentoku with me and help get rid of my aunt Relisai? Will you help me kill her?:

IC: Soraph regarded the scene. It was said by the Vilda elders that dreams showed us how we thought of the world around us - in Casanuva's mind, he was a hard worker and sought to change the world around him. :I can see that: Soraph said with a soft smile. :Those look like fine treasures you're crafting - you never told me you knew how to manage a forge. But swords and axes aren't why I've come here now. I was wondering if I could talk to you about some things. May I come up there?: she asked.

Anyone happen to have some baddies lying around in Ga-Wahi?

IC: Kulrik stared at gelatinous goo for a moment, bewitched by the eery jiggling and wondering how such a dish had become a delicacy here and in the rest of the Empire. He looked back up at Akiyo while moving his utensils to add a small piece of the goo to his plate. He wouldn't want to be a rude guest, after all. "Ah, well, the capital is mostly the same as it's always been, as I'm sure you must remember from your own days while training in your Discipline. The city-island is one big jewel mean't to showcase the Umbralines' wealth and power, and remind the rest of the Empire who's in charge. Not that we'd ever forget, of course " he added with a note of sarcasm. No male could ever forget his place in society, not even a First Son. He started moving his thumb unconsciously against the ring on his finger, turning the metal band around and around. "Everyone is on edge there, more than usual anyways. There used to be a time I could sneak around with anyone I pleased but now the guards will arrest anyone they think might start a mob. Of which there have been few. Overall, this business of regicide, the expedition to Mata-Nui and the Dastana declaring their independence have made the prospect living in the capital really unfavourable. Sado can keep their politics. Kulrik took a bite of the goo and nearly froze as it made its way through his gullet. It quivered and tumbled the whole way down. He swallowed again to get rid of the bizarre and unsettling feeling. "Speaking of sneaking around with someone... you wouldn't happen to have any free time on your hands, would you?" the Vilda First Son asked with a wolfish smile as all thoughts of the food at the table disappeared and his eyes focused on his quite attractive host.

IC: The small party of Toa and Dasaka had camped for the night, resting as they neared the outskirts of Ga-Wahi and enjoying the warm winds before they turned into frigid arctic gales of Ko-Wahi. It was peaceful in the group's little glade, the lapping waves of the nearby river mixing with the quiet birdsong to lull them off into sleep. It wouldn't be too hard for any of them, Mata-Nuian or Kentokuian to forget all about the outside world, at least for that one night. But Soraph couldn't sleep. Nor did she especially want to. This island was a novelty yet so similar to her home; in truth, it was what the Vilda dreamed Oki could be. Not just a small reserve of ancient forest but a true, lively, vibrant ecosystem where Dasaka were the guests, not the masters. Soraph needed to see it all, to remember and relish in every detail, every leaf. She walked out of the glade to the shore of the river, sitting on flat rock and letting her feet dangle in the water. The Vilda Dasaka expanded her senses, concentrating her mental energies to project her mind outward as only Willhammer, or a Sighteye could. Her mind turned backwards, towards her companions. Vilda Mako was there, his mind bright, despite his age, and familiar after the months out at sea. The minds of the other Dasaka were there too but she ignored them. It took only another moment to find Casanuva's, as strong and bright as a beacon under this night's sky. Soraph didn't doubt it was because she'd already plumbed his thoughts. Even though she'd avoided parts of his consciousness and many memories were shrouded in darkness, the feel of Casanuva's mind was still incredibly unique to her. She approached it carefully, caressing the boundary. That he was sleeping made it much easier for her step inside his dreams. Normally on the mental plane Soraph appeared as herself but composed entirely of plants and vegetation; here, in Casanuva's dream and without consciously trying to disguise herself, she would look however Casanuva's mind dreamt of her. Soraph spoke softly, loud enough to garner Casanuva's attention without waking him. :Casanuva? Haven't you missed me, Casanuva?:

Yeah, the Rahkshi hunt with Ezrak and Dhalgria is open to pretty much anyone. If someone from the recent in Onu would like to join after that event is over, they're more than welcome to. Also, for those that haven't noticed, the Vilda clan in Kentoku is somewhat leaderless, what with their Toroshu currently being imprisoned on Sado and all. I'd like to create a position of Interim Toroshu open to other RPers. The position is to help co-run the clan and help lead clan plots. It's open to anyone with some bzrpg experience and who isn't likely to become inactive soon. Although temporary, the position would still likely last quite a while If you've got any idea, questions and/or would like to create a Vilda char for the position, send me a PM. It can be a great way to get involved in Kentoku and get that topic active again.

Is there anyone else who was getting involved with Ezrak about a Rahkshi hunt besides Dhalgria? Anyone I'm forgetting? I'd like to get it started up again soon.

Some people joined/were supposed to join, and I was waiting, and waiting.... Hopefully it'll start really soon. It'll probably just be Ezrak and Dhalgria though (anyone/everyone is welcome to join!)

Any chance I can have a char jump in on the bandwagon that's happening in Onu?

IC: The fishing boat neared the coast and Robalta waved a small bag, it's contents clinking noisily across the water. The owner of the boat beckoned for the two Vilda to climb aboard, then asked the Dastue what they needed. Robalta told the fisherwoman the bag of coins was hers if she could bring the both of them to Oki. The fisherwoman agreed. Robalta breathed a sigh of relief, her eye just tearing up. "We're going home, Raiyo. We're finally going home." ... A few short hours later and the loss of some currency, Robalta and the faithful Vilda handmaiden stood on Vilda soil on the island of Oki. Everything was just as I left it, Robalta thought to herself. The trees were just as high as before, the plants sprawled across the landscape and twittering of birds could be heard not too far away. The Empire may be tearing itself apart in the rest of the archipelago, but here Nature ruled oblivious . Robalta couldn't wait to return to the castle, to tend her gardens, to gossip with the rest of the Dastue. Politics and battle were for other clans - for the Vilda, the simple pleasures of life were all that were needed. Now she was home, Robalta could finally relax. "Dastue Robalta!" exclaimed an older Menti that caught sight of the returning Vilda. "You're just in time. The Committee meeting is starting soon. You'd better come along." Robalta looked shocked. "I - I didn't realize its been so long..." She looked at Raiyo. "You've been through a lot the past few days. Technically you shouldn't even know about the Committee, but I think you've earned the right to observe. Yes, I think I'd like it for you to come with me." She tried nodding to convince herself everything was fine. "What do you say? Are you up for one more adventure today?"

IC: Sick rahi. Mercy kill Ezrak wrote down on the slate. He had seen what war did to people. He had seen the worst that any being could fall, and Ezrak knew that no innocent creature deserved such a fate. The rahi had been diseased, in pain with no resolution in sight. And more than that, if the Rahi had been allowed to live it would have affected the rest of the herd. Ezrak could not allow that. But before he had been able to deal with situation, the Tiokaha had arrived and done what was needed. Time soon he wrote. There were too many Rahkshi alive on Mata-Nui, and no Matoran was safe as long they lingered. Ezrak would make sure they didn't linger any more.

IC: Soraph heard some rustling behind her and when she looked back she Dakte and Mako walking up the dock. She stepped away from Casanuva and waved at her fellow Dasaka. She introduced them to the the two Kalta that had come to fetch the island's visitors. "Looks like we're all here, Casanuva" she said. "Lets go discovering."

IC: Robalta sighed in response to Raiyo's words. The Vilda Datsue felt guilty for what had happened today, and especially for having put Raiyo through all everything that day. Robalta had just wanted to show the handmaiden what the capital of the Empire was like, have a taste of the finer things things in the Archipelago. Instead, what had happened? Brawling in the streets, sword fights in the sewers, Raiyo putting her life in danger countless times. The Datuse prayed to Zuto-Nui that Relisai had managed to escape. If not, the day had been for nothing. "You're right, my dear. Those mercenaries are the last of the Mashtet, they'll do whatever they need to to survive and we can hardly blame them. Let's just hope my sister was able to get away and is on a boat back to Oki." Robalta raised a hand to her brow, blocking the evening sun's glare. She saw a fishing boat was passing nearby. She waved for it approach them. "Whatever happens, you and I probably won't be able to leave our home in Castle Vilda for a while, certainly not to step foot on Sado, not until our clan has settled this affair with the Empress. If Relisai did escape, maybe thing's won't be so bad. But if she was recaptured, and can't end the misunderstanding with Yumiwah soon... things are going to be changing for the Vilda. A council is going to have to be called." She smiled weakly for Raiyo. Robalta wanted to appear optimistic, but she couldn't quite manage it. "I've got enough coin for us to return to Oki. Let's hurry back, before this Empire changes any more."