Toa Fanixe

IC: The blast of wind blew the Hordika off the Gukko's back, but it was too late - for the bird. The blasts of heat vision missed their mark and struck the Gukko instead, and now both Lema and the bird began falling to the ground. The Hordika materialised another Rhotuka and grabbed hold of it, then used his thoughts to direct the spinner towards the falling Toa and bird pair.ooc: lots of electricity makes hair stand on end, hum, etc. and the hordika has awesome Rahi senses

IC:The Guko bird the Hordika and Lema were fighting upon lurched to the right as it tried to maintain altitude despite the fight. The bird's movement ended up saving the Hordika great deal of pain, the heat vision just barely missing his shoulder. He sensed another blast of electricity flying towards him, but now he couldn't fire another Rhotuka. Instead he jumped straight at Lema, his claw about to grab the Toa's axe arm so the weapon couldn't be used against him and intending to push both himself and the Toa of the Guko to avoid the electricity.

ooc: He's jumping from one Nui Rama to the next.IC: The Hordika's superb Rahi instincts sensed the blast of electricity far before he saw it. He moved his right hand and charged a Rhotuka for a split second, then threw it towards the electricity. The Rhotuka collided with the electricity and exploded, the energy that had bonded it together dissipating in the air. He then arched his body backwards to avoid Lema's axe, but lost his balance and began to fall of the Gukko. The Hordika used his feet to grab hold of the bird and swung underneath, landing behind Lema. He swung again towards the Toa.

IC:The Hordika ran forward in sheer glee, the sounds of the beggining of the battle stirring its primal instincts to fight. The Hordika was agile and used the Nui-Rama as a steed, jumping atop them and letting them fly him towards the attackers. The Nui-Rama treated the Hordika as an ally- both fought for Makuta, even if the Hordika did not know it, and fought purely for pleasure.The Hordika and the Nui-Rama he was flying were nearly at the center of the battle, where swords and stingers clashed amid houls of anger. The Hordika added his vocie to the tumult and leapt off his Nui Rama onto another, then another. The Hordika saw the squad of Toa riding Gukko birds and launched himself at the one called Lema, arms raised high and about to be brought down onto Lema's face.We will die if you do not let me take control!Never!!!Lantz and Skaarn continued to wrestle mentally for control of the Hordika's body, each unable to vanquish the other.ooc: the Lorax?

IC:The Hordika houled at the sky as he watched the Nui Rama swarm out of the Hive, ready to take on the Toa, Skakdi and any other being that sought to resist Makuta. The mutated Toa had come to the Hive some time earlier, happening out in while searching for food. Weeks before, when Skaarn had been traveling with Rhow, he had smelled the Darkrann root, causing short-term amnesia. Prolongued exposure caused Skaarn's conciousness to withdraw from control of the body, releasing it to the Rahi instincts that were present in all Toa that had been mutated by the Visorak's venom. Now, the Hordika was in control, and all it knew was that its territory was being attacked by invaders. It's natural reaction was to fight. He stood on all fours and pawed the ground angrily, snorting and began charging his Rhotuka. The invaders were coming, and the Hordika would be there to greet them. Here, the Hordika was among his brothers, the Nui Rama. Here, the Hordika would fight, unaffected by the fear of death that so plagued the Toa it had once been. Even, if the fight would cost his life.Oh, how I tire of fighting you, Lantz. Just let me take control. Even you must know that by staying to the fight, the Rahi instincts will lead to our death.Never. I would gladly die rather than allow you to take control of my body.Do you truly despise me so much that you would rather have the Rahi run rampant with your body?Yes.And again Skaarn and Lantz clashed again, both trying to regain control, both knowing that the mental fight was too evenly matched, as it had been for some time, and that neither would prove the victor.ooc: Hope its ok I join the other side?

IC:Shadow Lantz eyed Rhow carefully. Although the two had just formed a temporary truce, Shadow Lantz was still suspicious. Skakdi were known for their duplicity - a feature which Shadow Lantz usually admired, but in the present circumstances found irritating. "I don't think I will" he responded to Rhow's request to put down the flower. Instead he walked up to her and used it's own stem to tie it around her wrist. "A token" he said simply. He then pulled out some more of the plant from the ground and put in a bag he'd found earlier. "Now let's try and find a way out of here."

IC:Shadow-Lantz was still holding the Darkran flowers, although he didnt quite realize it. He was too focused and trying to figure out what was going on. He tried to remain calm. "Look, I don't know who you are Skakdi" he began. He hated the situation, but Rhow seemed to be just as clueless as he. "But we aren't going to get anywhere by fighting. Now why don't we try getting out of here, together, and we'll figure everything out later. How does that sound?"

Ic:"I'm sure you're right, but I doubt a word exists in this language that can communicate just how bad this situation is, whatever it is." Shadow Lantz appeared to daze off for a moment, his eyes unfocusing. They refocused, and Shadow Lantz squinted them at Rhow. She looked familiar, although Shadow Lantz couldn't quite say why. He looked around again."Who are you?" he demanded. "Where are we, and why did you do this?!?"Lantz wished he could immortalized this scene somehow. If only he could write down somehow- of course he couldn't, what with being trapped within his own mind, but still he wished.

ooc: Thanks, VF. Now to figure out what happens next.IC:"I just told you where we are" growled Shadow-Lantz. "Didn't I?" he asked, changing his tone yet again and questioning himself. "We're in.... in...." Shadow Lantz tried to recall the name of the place, but he couldn't. In fact, the further back he tried to remember, the blurrier his memories became. Most were completely dark. "Rhow, I think this is bad. This is very bad." Lantz chuckled. Let the bugger become afraid. He deserved it. He probably won't even have enough sense to put down those darned flowers.

Ic:"Oh, you have no idea, my dear Rhow" Shadow Lantz said. Suddenly a change overtook him, and glanced around worryingly. "Rhow, what are we doing in Le-Wahi? And what kind of flower am I holding?" he asked. It was as if he had forgotten the events following when he struck the deal with Rhow.From within his head, Lantz couldn't help but laugh at the evil being that was in control of his body. The haughty, conniving villain had just inhaled the scent of an amnesia causing plant, and had made sure to offer it to the only other person around that could possibly have helped. In moments the female Skakdi would also be feeling effects of the Darkran. Lantz did not consider himself particularly evil - his pact with Makuta had been for power, not ideology. Still, he loved the idea of Shadow Lantz have amnesia. And considering the act that he was still holding the flowers, the effects would not be going away.

IC:"Right," Shadow-Lantz began. "Sorry about that. I must have dozed off for a second or two. But, as you said, back to the plant."Shadow Lantz carefully followed the flower's petals back to the stem and then finally the roots. Grasping a handfull, he firmly plucked a number of the Darkran flowers from the ground and and got up. He brought them to his noise and inhaled deeply. The smell was strange. Shadow Lantz combed through Lantz' memories to see if his predecessor had any recollection of something similar, but found nothing. The odor was sweet, like honey, with a faint bitter waft. A little like some of the stronger drinks served at The Dripper back in Ga-Koro. He brought the flowers close to Rhow's face and gestured for her to smell them as well.

IC: Shadow set off into the jungle. He wasn't quite sure where he was going, but he had no intention of letting as wonderful a specimen as Rhow, a Skakdi, know that. No, definitely not. "Yes, Dakran" he replied to Rhow.The two began in what was relatively open jungle. Houses and villages were visible in the distant treetops. The sounds of Matoran could be heard as they lived their lives under the rule of the Turaga. Shadow Lantz found the thought disgusting. The very idea of not living under the rule of The Shadow, he who was Power, absolutely horrible. Which was in large part of the reason why he now worked to further Makuta's reign.Soon Shadow Lantz and Rhow were in a deeper, more dense part of the jungle. The trees were thicker and older, and little light trickled down through the high treetops. It was quite, with the occasional sound made by a Rahi- likely of the dangerous variety. Shadow Lantz thought he saw an interesting flower in the distance. He hurried over to it and motioned for Rhow to do so as well.Ooc: others are free to Jon.

ooc: sorry about that, didnt realize.IC:"Well, the plant is called...." Shadow Lantz's mind raced. The truth was that he had no idea. In fact, he didn't even know if the plant existed. He just figured that given the sheer variety of flora of Le-Wahi, there had to be one that would have the desired effect. However, he'd forgotten to come up with a name for the possible plant. "...Darkran. It's called Darkran. I'm not sure where it is. I'm sorry, but my intel is somewhat limited. We should probably start looking around."

IC:Shadow-Lantz finally arrived. Le-Wahi was quite different from Kini-Nui and Ga-Wahi - no tunnels and no bodies of water. All the trees, vines and bushes almost begged him to run wild, give in to his more base, animal instincts. He was however the son of Makuta, and so had great self control. He was on a mission. And a mission he would complete. He was here to find a rare plant, which was much like trying to finda needle in a haystack. He needed allies to help hasten the search. He wondered where Rhow was.ooc: VF? Also, open for interaction.

IC:"Well Rhow, our employer has some rather intricate plans which require certain materials" Shadow Lantz began. The truth was that Makuta had pretty much given him, or rather Lantz, free reign when it come to furthering The Darkness. While that was generally for the best, it did require Shadow Lantz think creatively."First we we must travel to Le-Wahi. There is a special plant with unique properties. Our current mission is to retreive a few kilograms of it."Shadow Lantz got up from his seat and left The Dripper. He was sure Rhow would follow.Lantz furious. He could not allow some Shadow to control his body. Not some spawn of Makuta. Lantz promised to himself that one way or another, he would destroy Shadow Lantz.ooc: Shadow-Lantz/Lantz to Le-wahi.

Anyone up for an adventure into Le-Wahi forests in search of rare plants? The dangerous kind?

IC:"Wonderful! Absolutely Wonderful!" Shadow Lantz was genuinly ecstatic. He had already procured a partner, which given the time span and his figure, was quite the accomplishment. His father would be proud. He quickly grabbed a glass of liquid, not quite sure of what it was exaclty and gulped it down. It had an interesting taste, although it reminded him too much of the salty sea. "Would you like to begin with out first order of business?"he asked Rhow.

IC:"Well, I'm sure you'll be the first to say that appearances aren't everything" Shadow Lantz began. He had to choose his words carefully. The wrong thing might change her mind for the worse. "Now, it may have come to your realization that at the moment, this island is divided - various factions are all trying to control the Koros and the people, but to the detriment of said Koros and people. My employer, as well as myself, seeks to stop these childish battles and unite the people of Mata Nui and develop a lawful system of government. One where individuals as amazing as yourself can flourish." Not too far from the truth, and not that bad. Not that bad at all.Lantz wanted to throw up. Of course, he was not in control of his body, so he contented himself with feeling nauseated and watching as Sakaar, or Shadow-Lantz, commanded his physical being.

IC:"So, what's the catch?" Rhow asked.Yes. This Skakdi was really quite the find. Beautifull and intelligent. Shadow-Lantz was very pleased."The catch? Well, the usual stuff. Obviously there will be some danger - there are those that oppose the good we would do for this island. I will of course try to keep both you and I out of harm's way as much as possible, but who can forsee the future? There will also be some....morally questionable activities, but I assure you, the ends justify the means by a mile. And finally, the occasion may arise resulting in a few... scars. But these scars will also benefit you. Why, one such scar gave me elemental control!"Which was more or less the truth. In reality, the scar had been a complete transformation in body, as well as the very creation of his being from that fool Lantz. And it had been more of a restoration of elemental control. But Rhow did not need to know that.Lantz watched on helplessly. Calling a Skakdi beautiful? Shadow-Lantz really must be the Son of Makuta to think that. Lantz wondered why he had ever made a deal with the Dark Lord.ooc: Its quite alright, i know exactly what you mean.

Maybe it could be more of a library, with the librarians being former warriors. That way it would be more neutral, with knowledge accesible to all Toa. And I agree it should be in Ko-Wahi.

An Academy for training people? Sounds like The Academy from a couple years ago.

IC:Shadow Lantz didnt show it, but he was happy. Rhow was proving to be more intelligent than upon initial inspection. She understood, at least partly, that he was not what he seemed."Because, Rhow, there can more to life than just eating and surviving. Come work with me and I can show you the better parts of life - sunsets the likes of which few have ever had the pleasure of seeing, pits so deep and dark they defy logic and power that most fools cannot begin to comprehend. It might take some time, but al these you can have. Perhaps it seems a little grand - but for one such as yourself, nothing is grand enough."

IC: "Then perhaps you would like to fight and survive with me? I have many enemies, enemies that would have you dead and gone from these lands. And, my employer pays rather well. Enough to eat for many, many days" Shadow Lantz responded.

IC:"Wise words, my good Rhow. They probably run deeper than any the Turaga may have uttered." Shadow Lantz signalled to the barkeeper to send him and Rhow some drinks and some food.He continued talking to Rhow. "As it so happens, I have a job which would be greatly aided if I were to have a partner as skilled and truly amazing as yourself. The job pays quite well" Shadow-Lantz added.

IC:Shadow Lantz noticed Rhow's discomfort. He decided it would be best if they had a conversation - in addition to being what normal people would do, it would give him information about the beautiful Skakdi. But then, all Skakdi were beautiful."So Rhow my dear, what is it that interests you here on this island? Surely there must be something other than food?" he asked.Lantz did not like this. Conversing with a Skakdi? Horrible. But of course, there was nothing he could do about it. Nothing at all.