Toa Fanixe

IC: Relisai didn't have the time to open her mouth to object when her handmaiden's hand pushed her head below the surface of the water, for which the Toroshu was ever grateful. The stench alone of the sewage and Zataka-knows what makes up the junk in the tunnels was horrendous - Relisai had no desire to imagine how it might taste. So, instead, Relisai kept her mouth shut and activated her Kaukau. She could do it, she told herself. She breathed slowly through her nose, imagining the smell of Oki wildflowers, of running through the jungle as she had in her youth. There was still something she had to take care of. She relaxed her body, expelling enough air to sink to the bottom of the water. She felt a current here, slight but distinct, hidden by the heaps of trash littering the surface. She thought of running between the trees, scents of pine and mint filling her being. Her body was being pulled now. Away from Raiyo, away from the approaching male. She didn't resist. All she did was focus her mind. With effort, she slowly wrapped her mental self in shadow, stilling the reverberations across the mental plane that usually emanated from all life. She stayed as silent as possible. She thought of walking pleasantly through a garden, admiring the serenity of the glade. Of stepping in something. Looking at her foot. Something didn't smell right. Oh. Dung. A few bubbles rose. She started to slip into a small pipe, scarcely big enough for the Menti to fit in, built into the wall and completely submerged in water.

How about Onu-Wahi? I was thinking of also introducing my character Ezrak there, they could start off meeting each other.

IC: Soraph nodded, her face set in an expression of regret as she listened to the Commodore go into a length explanation of why the Vilda's first request would not be granted. She wasn't sure if she preferred it or if the commodore had simply said no; instead, Soraph had to keep quiet while the Toa nearby waited on a wordless conversation to end. As the Commodore started winding down, a sinking feeling in her gut told her that she'd be stuck in Ga-Koro for a long, long time. And then, there was the good news! Come morning, Commodore Ayiwah may let her leave! Soraph held still while the Commodore finished speaking and descended into the submarine. Then, the Vilda princess turned towards the Kalta, smiling. "I'm sorry to say but the Commodore doesn't think it would be a good idea for Vakua to join us on the ship. It puts too big of a target on our back besides his own, and more than that, the more he learns about myself and other Dasaka, the bigger the target HE'll be to any enemies of ours here. "But the good news is I might be able to join you on a trip to scout out Ko-Koro. I'll have an answer for you tomorrow. Do you think you could come by so I can let you know?" she said, more to Casanuva than anyone else.

IC: :...: "Hello Commodore. There were actually two things I wanted to talk to you about. The first is right here" Soraph said, gesturing to Vakua behind her. "This Toa's name is Vakua. He control's sound, and remarkably, he has a Mask of Telepathy." She paused to let that last bit of information sink in. In all of Kentoku culture, there had never existed such as mask, and to find one here, on this island that had no Menti or psychic connection at all, was remarkable. "The mask has, unfortunately, made him a target of some very bad men on Mata-Nui, who would like to kill him as much as steal that mask. I've talked to him and a teammate of his, and we came up with the idea that Vakua could hide out on the Ryuu for a little while, at least until things calm down for him a little bit. He'd have someplace safe to stay, and he'd be able to help as a sort of cultural ambassador." :I've seen the mask in action, and it really does confer telepathy to the wearer. Having him aboard would be an invaluable opportunity to learn more about it, as well as this island. Also, I've Willhammered him and one of his teammates, Casanuva, and inspected their minds. They're completely safe, as honourable as any Menti. They see it as their mission to protect all peoples. Some of their earliest memories are cloudy, but from what I understand that's not too uncommon on Mata-Nui.: "Secondly, Vakua's team, the Toa Kalta they call themselves, are going on a reconnaissance mission to a village called Ko-Koro, and I'd like to go with them." Before the Commodore could speak up, Soraph continued. "I know what that you wanted everyone to stick together here in Ga-Koro, but ma'am, I'm a Vilda. I've spent the last few months cooped up on the ship, and while this fishing village is a definite improvement, my place is out there. In the wild. The mission itself is completely safe - I'll be with Casanuva and the rest of the Kalta the entire time. I'll use my abilities to get a bird's eye view of the ice village and learn as much as I can while staying far away. And while travelling, I'll be able to do my duties and start cataloguing the flora and fauna found on this island. " :Apparently, Ko-Koro is currently run by very bad people, possibly including some of the Chaotic Six. Now's the best time to learn about how they've settled into Mata-Nui before they hear about our arrival.: "With Vakua here and me with them, we'd be able to build some trust with the natives here Mata-Nui. What do you say?"

IC: Relisai nodded, even if there wasn't much light in the sewer and she had no idea if Raiyo could see her sign of agreement. It didn't matter. The maidservant grabbed hold of her and together the pair moved onwards. Ooc: edited. Sorry about that

IC: Relisai nearly trembling, a combination of fear, anger, excitation and trepidation. Everything was happening so fast around her, and that ridiculous Sighteye kept her from perceiving reality properly. The Vilda wondered if this was how crazy people felt. However, she didn't have the luxury of exploring the thought, not given the situation. She felt herself handled this way and that by Ashka, her rescuer. Then she felt a small push, a release, and she fell to the floor. She heard Ashka's instruction to follow Raiko. The Toroshu didn't need to be told twice. The maidservant was just beside her, already nearly through scampering into the storm drain. Relisai threw herself after Raiko, falling head first into the sewer. The smell was repulsive. "Raiko?" she asked, looking for her guide.

IC: Kulrik had certainly been intrigued as he was led through the Plangori compound to meet Toroshu Morie. Each step revealed another contradiction to the assumptions he'd had about the artistic clan. Where he had expected displays of strength he had found beauty, and where he'd thought to see beauty he saw instead strength. The Plangori weaved subtlety and mystery into their home, the Vilda First Son thought to himself, in a manner he'd never seen before, whether on Oki or Sado. When he finally walked into the Toroshu's office, Kulrik blinked. “Welcome to our humble quarters. I am Akiyo--as my mother is currently indisposed at the moment I tend our home in her stead. My cousin tells me that you came in search of my younger sister. Come, sit. 'I am very curious as to the details of your quest. My sister does not make friends easily, and well…” she smiled almost fondly. “Her enemies do not usually go to this much trouble.” This....this was Shuuan's sister?!? The prospect was impossible. It had to be some sort of prank some colossal prank. The Menti Kulrik had spent the previous days with was hideous, a blight upon the eyes of any male, and even a few women too. Kulrik freely admit this, his disturbing, growing affection for Shuuan aside, but it still boggled him to be told that she and this, this angel ​were so closely related. The Vilda prince had seen many Menti of greater beauty, including in his own clan, but Akiyo was different. She was startling to behold, and she exuded a presence in the room that would have brought Kulrik's gaze to her even if the office had been full. The way the loose dress lay against her form, the sweet smile and large orange her eyes focusing on him... Kulrik realized his jaw was open, and quickly closed it. This visit was going to be much more pleasant than he'd thought, Kulrik thought to himself. Very pleasant indeed. He smiled broadly, and bowed. "It is an honour and pleasure to meet you, Plangori Akiyo. But I must confess, it is a shame I have never made your acquaintance before - my Menti training on Sado would have been much more palatable if I might have had the opportunity to see you everyday." He and Seigyo took their seats on the cushions, and Kulrik continued. "But as you said, I think you would like to hear about the quest. I gladly share the details, but ask you do not repeat them to anyone else, except your mother of course. In brief, it goes like this. On a diplomatic mission on Odaibo I discovered a sword, the very one I have on my back, in an ancient, hidden chamber belonging to an organization that had once been known as the "Children of Zakuta." This sword was, and is, no simple blade however; I learned it is in fact a Key. There is a message hidden within, and the message states that it, along with some number of other Keys, to unlock a power capable of bringing the Empire to it's knees." Kulrik paused, allowed Akiyo to absorb everything he'd just told her. "Naturally, I took it upon myself to find the rest of the Keys and keep them safe. The Empire has it's faults, but anyone that claimed this locked power would ultimately bring untold bloodshed to the Empire. And I believe there is, in fact, another group trying to find the rest of the Keys to do jus that. Anyways, I recruited some Menti to help me find the Key alluded to by the message in this one, the sword, and that is where your sister Shuuan comes into the picture. She helped me find a second Key on Iki, and I asked her to hold on to it for the time being before we examined it for a second clue on where to find the third Key. Shuuan and myself got separated, but I knew she would be returning here shortly, so I decided I would come and wait for her. Perhaps learn some things, help where I can... make some friends" he said with a glint in his eye. "If you'll have me, of course."

IC: "We better hurry then, there's no time like the present after all" Soraph said with a wink. Grabbing the Toa's arm she darted off with the group behind her towards the shores where the Dastana ship was docked. Or submerged. Terminology became a little strange when it came to submarines. She spotted Commodore Ayiwah. :Commodore! I was hoping we could discuss some things: The Vilda princess didn't bother announcing her name, the naval commander could easily tell by Soraph's 'voice' on the mental plane.

IC: Soraph returned to Casanuva and Takua. "Sorry about that. I met those people earlier, and they had wanted to talk but I didn't have the time... Now where we? Going to ask the Commodore some favours, right?" she asked.

IC: Kulrik raised an eyebrow. He didn't like it when other Menti went snooping around his mind. Being born to a society that degraded his gender had led the First Son to be extremely protective of his inner thoughts. Growing up among the Vilda, a clan that honoured Willhammers, had not been easy him. "As long as it's just a surface inspection" Kulrik agreed to the Plangori guard's request. "I'm a little touchy when anyone tries to go down too deep." So long as the Willhammer did as she said, Kulrik wouldn't resist. He, after all, had nothing to hide - he was genuinely just here to wait for Shuuan to return. If the Willhammer did try to probe too far, then he'd be a little more upset. "One at a time, first me, then Seigyo."

IC: "Ko-Koro?" Soraph said. Wasn't that the place Casanuva had gone to with his team, the village they'd be returning to soon. The frozen village overtaken by villainous thugs? The Vilda had thought these character before her were interesting before, now they were positively captivating. "Unfortunately I'm under orders not to leave Ga-Koro right now, certainly not by myself." She looked down, eyes moving back and forth as thoughts raced through her mind. She looked back up. "But if I am able to travel soon, I'll definitely look for you. I should probably be heading back to Casanuva and the others now... if I can't find you, who in Ko-Koro should I speak to for this antidermis substance?"

IC: Kulrik opened his eyes wide as he surveyed the veritable fortress he was being led into. He didn't know why, but it was nothing at like he'd expected. That's not right, he corrected himself, he did know why. The Plangori were known as some of the finest artisans in the Empire, and Kulrik himself knew how expensive some of their finer-end cloths could be - more than one Menti had complained to him about their ruined outfits. Looking around, Kulrik had expected the same beauty in their home, and was understandably surprised to see something so obtuse, so solid. "Now I know where Shuuan gets it from" he whispered to Seigyo. He readied himself to meet the Toroshu. He wasn't sure what quite to expect.

IC: Relisai very nearly shrieked in frustration at the situation. Everything she saw was wrong, and the shrill sound of a whistle began to give her a headache. It was enough to make anyone go mad, and Relisai was not especially appreciative. Nevertheless, she didn't stop focusing her Mindarm shackles around Yukie. "Hurry. Get me out of here" she told, nearly begged, the small Vilda. ooc: Edited

IC: "Ko-Koro? That's where Casanuva and his group travelled to..." Soraph said, thoughts churning. She looked at Maeloc and Fyura more cautiously now. "What exactly is going on in Ko-Koro, and what's your part in this? And say I did go there...where exactly would I find the Antidermis substance?" she added.

IC: Soraph quickly pulled back her arm, shocked to find it pale and feeling significantly weaker than just a few moments earlier. She started massaging it gingerly with the other hand and watched as it's usual color began to return. The Menti flashed a look of anger at Fyura was replaced almost instantly with fascination. Drained to unconsciousness? Now this power was something Soraph could use. She returned her focus to the Datsue Maeloc. "And how could I, a foreigner with little funds, get my hands on this Antidermis?" Soraph asked.

IC: "And what source is that?" Soraph asked eagerly.

IC: Warily, Soraph approached the latched Skakdi and lay a hand lightly on Fyura's left arm. "What now?" shed asked. She felt awfully silly just standing there holding someones arm.

IC: The Vilda princess visibly winced when Maeloc mentioned the loss of powers associated with being latched by a Parakuka. Soraph understood that there would be drawbacks, but to completely lose access to the mental realm? That was unthinkable for any Menti. She would no sooner agree to be blinded, deafened or suffer the loss of a limb. No, Parakuka were decidedly not nearly as attractive as Soraph had originally thought, energy-stealing parasite aside. But the mention of 'Toa Maru' piqued her curiosity, as did these 'other' powers that Fyura had developed. "Yes, I would very much."

IC: "She can be a little tough to understand through that accent" Soraph agreed. It still seemed strange to her that this Datsue Maeloc insisted on hanging around -Fyura's speech wasn't that difficult to decipher - but he seemed to be in charge. And the Vilda princess had to admit, the more she could learn about Mata-Nui, from anyone, the better. "I guess I'd like to know more about the Parakuka on her back. I know it can give her incredible strength, and it has some sort of sentience, but can you tell me anything else about it? And I've heard it comes from some being called 'Makuta.' What can you tell me about him?" Her voice sounded more eager than she'd mean't it to. She had always been looking for something that would give her an edge over her aunt Relisai, and Mata-Nui looked like it was full of them.

IC: Relisai could hear the others' words over the high whistle, but only just. The Toroshu silently cursed Sighteyes, and thanked Zuto-Nui the Vilda were dedicated to the much more noble discipline of Willhammer. When she returned to Oki, and she would return, Relisai would personally make sure this particular Sighteye suffered. A lot. :Get ready to run: she Willhammered to her rescuers. The Vilda sent out another probing force of Mindarm energy at Yukie, just enough push for her to know exactly where he was. Then she wrapped two coils of the psychophysical force around his ankles, to keep them firmly in place while her and the others ran. :Now!: she Willhammered to Ashka and Relisai. Robalta wanted to cry. Her sister was in danger, she was fighting other Menti and she was so tired she the Datsue just wanted to fall down and sleep for a week. She prayed to Zuto-Nui her dear little sister would make it out of here safely, and that this whole mess could be sorted out later. She didn't even have a thought for her own safety, so long as no one else was hurt in this affair. With a deep breath, she continued Willhammering the Sighteye trying to wear her down into exhaustion. "That sounds wonderful" Kulrik told the older Menti. "Please, do lead on. I'm sure I will enjoy every minute here on Plangori lands" he said, motioning for the Plangori to take him to the Toroshu.

IC: Soraph raised an eyebrow. She didn't see why Fyura's companion was so quick to interrupt the Parakuka-latched Skakdi. That usually mean't someone had something to hide. The Dasaka decided not to comment on the deception - after all, the expedition was here to make friends with the locals. "I understand, rocks can be troublesome. That's why back home we prefer to build with crystal. I'm Soraph by the why; who might you be?" she asked the Turaga.

IC: Soraph whipped her head around. Why was Ayiwah talking aloud, especially when Soraph had started the conversation on the mental plane, this made no sense... Oh. Right. Things could get confusing when multiple conversations were going on at once, even if one of them didn't involve any sound. Soraph waved back at Skadidi with a giant slug attached to her back, beckoning for her -them? - to come over. :I hope everything went well with your little fun. Why don't you get over here so we can talk?: she Willhammered across the square.

IC: Casanuva still stood beside the Vilda princess, as did the silent Vakua. Akimoto had disappeared around a corner, which Soraph took to mean the other Dasaka wanted to hurry back to the ship. :Commodore Ayiwah, do you hear me? I need to speak to you: Soraph broadcast on the psychic channel.

IC: Kulrik bowed low, more respect than was required in the situation but not unheard of. "The beauty of the Plangori goes unsung. If all your sisters share similar features, I'd say you're well on your way to becoming like the Vilda ourselves." Rising up, he finally addressed the guard's question. "Seigyo and I have come in expectation of Plangori Shuuan, who should be arriving in the next few days. I had a few things to discuss with her. Until then, I thought I might make a friendly visit to your clan's grounds. Meet another of the great clans of the Empire, build more ties. You wouldn't be able to escort me to your castle, would you?" Relisai felt a large form push against the telekinetic ribbon of energy she'd surrounded herself with. Growling, she threw psycho-physical energy back at the intruder, a strong punch-like force directed at Yukie's head. She grabbed at a second being that passed her psychic field, smaller and shorter. It was the maidservant, Raiyo no doubt. Grasping the Dashi's arm in a tight grip, she whispered "Get me out of here." ooc: Sorry for not posting. My internet access has been unexpectedly bad, and probably won't be decent for another 2-3 weeks.

IC: Robalta felt close to tears. She could sense her Willhammering against the Sighteye was not going as successfully as she'd hoped. The usual tactic of subterfuge was being negated by the opposing Menti's strong sense of will and determination - Robalta knew a lost cause when she saw one. The only way to possibly win was a brutal assault, but the Vilda Datsue didn't dare do that for fear of harming the Menti. She was just trying to do the best she could, after all. The Datsue took a long, deep breath. She withdrew from Hanabe's mind, finding new targets for her Willhammer skills.. First Raiyo. :You must go get Relisai and the Mashtet, now! We do not have much time.: Second, Relisai. Robalta sent her sister of the image of the street she herself saw, hoping to provide some feedback to help the Toroshu escape. :Relisai, Raiyo is coming to help. Take her hand. Watch out for the Menti trying to capture you.: Finally, Robalta returned her attention to the Dashi. She sent a few subtle thoughts, infused with kindness and concern. The thoughts were simple enough :care for your elders:. "Perhaps you're right" Robalta told Zyla. She raised a hand and wiped moisture from her eye. "Won't you help escort me away from this messy affair?" Relisai grimaced. She hated being told what to do, especially from her fox of a sister. But the aging Toroshu had no choice but to believe the image and words sent into her mind. They were her only chance of escape. Still unable to properly see reality, she created a thin strip of telekinetic force a half dozen feet around her, around shoulder's height. If she felt anyone push into at any point, she would respond with a much larger application of force. Now, she just had to wait. Kulrik swore as he saw Shuuan walk away with the giant of a Menti Jiyu. He couldn't fathom why in the world the Plangori would ever (ever!) choose the hulking oaf over himself. Jiyu was a living monstrosity for Zazaka's sake! Hardly even natural! While Kulrik himself was handsome beyond anyone's measure, even the Empress's. The First Son shook his head. Something was wrong with the world. Very, very wrong. In what world could a woman, even Shuuan, prefer Jiyu over himself? And the necklace! In his fuming, Kulrik had nearly forgotten about it. How could have so carelessly given it over to Shuuan? How didn't he see that her judgement was undeniably wretched? Kulrik had to get that necklace back. The only question was how. Jiyu and Shuuan were out of sight by now, and the Vilda had a feeling that seeing them again so soon wouldn't be good for anyone's health. No, Kulrik needed to figure out where their next destination was and meet them there. If he remembered correctly, one of them had said something about returning to Oki. "Come on Seigyo" he told his dear friend, "looks like we've some more travelling to do." .... A short ferry ride and walk later, Kulrik and his trusted Herupa aide were standing by the grounds of clan Plangori. "Let's see who's around?" he asked cheerfully, as much to himself as Seigyo. With that, he walked forward.