Keeper of Kraata

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Dark Walk Entrance "Hmmm..." Zueya's mask scrunched up in thought. She had to trawl through a good amount of briefings... "He said we should use our best judgement, and he left the matter to our discretion. So, translating it from politician, we can blow it up if we need to, but regardless of the danger, its a valuable tactical asset. And we know its here; better the dark hole in the ground we know." Skorm cleared his thoat behind her. "Point of order, if it will protect the rookies and the Koro, I'm all for dropping this tunnel, but I'd take it as a personal favor if we didn't collapse it behind us. I'd rather not pay Mangaia another visit, especially not if Makuta truly has returned." OOC: @Leaf + dark walk crew

IC: Askha & Somei - Sado, Docks The former sellsword gently took the staff, balancing it on her palm. Her thoughts were confirmed; the point of balance was exactly in the middle. It was lighter than she was expecting, but not as light as a spear of the same length would be. Oddly, the weight was evenly distributed. During her scouting, Askha had sketched several of the rahkshi’s staves, many of which had broad blades or spear points at the end; some like fans, some like tridents, some had even been shaped like flames. This one was eerily thin, its metal curving in ways no crystal could in alien folds. Askha considered the weapon as a Ringti might consider a brush; she bounced it into the air and reversed her grip, then let go entirely as she suspended it with her Mindarm, mentally adjusting to its weight. Smirking, she snatched it out of the air and rested it on her shoulder. “Well, I have been looking for a polearm; I suppose a creepy weird Rahkshi staff will have to do.” Although, the creatures’ armor being proof against crystal blades was something that Askha had direct observational evidence of herself. Still, Askha had hope that her arsenal wasn’t completely useless. There had to be an opening somewhere. “Askha, dear?” The Menti broke from her thoughts, looking to Somei coming up the gangplank. Ah, she wasn’t done yet. “Thank you, Fanai. I’m going to go below deck and begin my preparations to scout the island. Somei can brief the captain on landing points.” When Askha had disappeared below deck, Somei approached Fanai. “Please forgive her bluntness, this is all so… stressful for her. This is the culmination of years of anger, despair, and numbness. Though she is ready, I am sure of that, just… focused. Now, where is the captain of this vessel? There were two docks on the south side of Hanaloi, but we should avoid those; the family maintained a private dock in a cove on the west coast of the island.” IC: Sydelia - Sado Gardens “Please, we’ve seen each other covered in viscera; we can discard the pleasantries, and if someone complains, I'll give them a hangover. You may call me Sydelia. I don’t believe I caught your name…?” OOC: @Mel

IC: Ahri - Oki Refugee Camp Something in Ahri woke up. An impossible gravity weighed upon him - how had he ever stood upright, crushed by his own spirit like this? Ahri gazed out; his mind was laid out like a great pond. Though, now that he saw it, it looked more like a swamp. A few threadbare strings of consciousness connecting different parts of the morass. He got the sensation of motion; he wasn't still, none of this was. It wasn't a fetid swamp, it was a murky vortex. Once he realized that this was a truth, the impossible gravity seemed to kick into overdrive - or his body remembered it. He slipped, grasping at a chain anchored above him. Murky water swirled around him; it was all that Ahri could do to look out, examine his surroundings. What did he know? His name was Ahri. The quiet one had told him that, and what little knowledge of the world seemed to confirm that fact. Alright, that's a good step forward, some functioning amnesiacs can't even remember their names; already a step and a half ahead of them. What else? A woman; Kaetyo. A Toroshu. She was his enemy. Not even a backstory, and he already had a nemesis? Interesting. What else? Ahri caught a glint; it reflected his mask like a mirror. His Hau. He had used it in battle... which meant he was some sort of warrior. Not a footsoldier; just a trophy groom. But he had been expected to fight. He had his shield, then; what was his sword. Something caught his eye; a jade jiandao, handle jutting out from the deluge. He leaped to it, catching it by the hilt. Grasping it, he knew that he had never killed anybody with a sword. Maybe a few fingers, some debilitating wounds, but no kills. Odd. It seems like a successful warrior of a certain age, who had fought in a war, should have some kills under his belt. Ahri's grip on the sword loosened; he reached up with his other hand and gripped the blade; normally a dangerous prospect, but his soulsword, the demon's gauntlet, as he liked to sometimes refer to it, protected him. Wait, back up to that one. He had a soulsword? The roar of the vortex almost drowned out his thoughts. He stared at the clawed expression of psychokinetic will. How deadly was it? This soulsword has ended six lives. Five women, one man. Huh, six. That doesn't seem so bad, its a nice round number. Is that a lot of people to have killed? Ahri wasn't sure about his question anymore. This soulsword has separated exactly twenty-two limbs from their bodies. There was something disquieting about that exact number, and how quickly it had come to him. He wanted to focus on something else. Anything else. He looked around; the incline of the vortex was getting steeper by the second. How did he get out of here? He looked back to the chain. Still there, it leads to someone sitting calmly, as if this whirlpool of memory was nothing. Their head was unfocused, like Ahri got something in his eyes at that exact spot. The Quiet One. They sat there with another, the Girl on the Water. The chain! He could climb the chain. He reached out, but his soulsword gauntlet flared, heating the links; he recoiled fast enough before one snapped. The soulsword was dangerous; put that away! He dismissed the gauntlet, and reached out to the chain, making sure to not burn himself on the superheated link. Had to keep those two safe. The Quiet One and the Girl on the Water were how he was getting out of this. The weight was almost unbearable now. He pulled himself up the chain, knowing that it would snap at any second. Just a few more lengths... just a few more links... Then, Ahri woke up. OOC: @TL01 NUVA @The UltimoScorp

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Dark Walk Entrance The Ba-Toa crossed his arms, and tried to limit his glare at Skrihen. “Zueya is trying to suggest ideas for group cohesion. We’ll respect your veterancy; if you have better plans, lay them out and we’ll follow. But I haven’t heard much from you besides threatening to assault our own teammates for doing their jobs,” Skorm checked the lightstone on his belt, and replaced it, letting his words hang in the air for a moment, “… and telling us how likely we are to die.” Zueya had been cowed by the veteran Bo-Toa, but Skorm’s defense buoyed her. She took out her own staff and extended it to its full length, trickled a bit of electricity through it, arcing from end to end, then planted one end in the snow. She tossed her own lightstone to Skorm, who caught it and placed it on his own belt. “This is of course,” Skorm resumed, “That Lieutenant Torin doesn’t already have a plan already.” OOC: @Krayzikk @Leaf

IC: Skorm & Zueya The lithe Vo-Toa nodded. "I was actually going to suggest that. You and Skorm take point; you have the best senses, heavy gear, and you have a Hau. Skorm accompanies you; he's a heavy hitter, can scout if necessary, and he's tangled with Rahkshi before." Zueya then pointed at Plagia: "I think we should be at opposite ends of the group; if we get separated, we should be able to sense out each other. Whether you're reinforcing the front with your Hau or covering us from behind is up to you; I can take the other position. But he," Zueya switched to Charek, "goes with one of us. We can amp his plasma flares if the dark is overwhelming." Zueya took a breath, before scanning the rest of the assembled warriors. "Only other thing I can think of is to have..." Her mind blanked; she had never gotten the Bo-Toa's name. "... you grow some of those glowing cave plants periodically so we have a way back.” Skorm held his comments; she had certainly grown more assertive since staying at the Koro. OOC: @Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) @Void Emissary @Krayzikk Also, @ARROW404, FYI the mods ruled that elemental Iron and Magnetism don't affect rahkshi back when Exo-Matoran were introduced.

IC: Sydelia - Sado Gardens, Medical Tents The Sighteye scanned the list, associating the names with her patients. She had to play this one cool. “Before I was absorbed into Clan Fursic, I was part of a minor, unimportant clan; there was a local Taajar tribe which shared territory with them and were regular trading partners. Grew up around them.” She affected a strong Kozu accent to mask her own: “Even picked up a bit of the language,” she continued in Vulgar Taa. “Unfortunately, I don’t remember which tribe specifically; it long ago.” She hoped that would satisfy them. Truthfully, she knew very little of the koshi zrupgar’s traditions, but she recognized their dress; long ago, in much happier times, her mother and her had visited the encampments of the Kaazi tribe on Hanaloi, where Somei had told her about their ancestors; a secret, just for them to know. There had been many secrets on Hanaloi. Sydelia held out the list, pointing to several names. “These patients can be moved back to light duty, they might be a bit addled, so no fieldwork. These two can be moved to regular bed rest; in fact, have the first set find beds for them elsewhere. These last four are stable enough to move to a recovery tent. The rest aren’t.” IC: Askha & Somei - Sado Askha nodded and fell in behind Fanai. She had planned this for so long; it was hard to accept it was finally happening. “Yeah, the map will work. There are a few docks we had on the island; I’ll have to scout them out to see if any are still there and if they’re safe. That leads me into my next question…” She glanced back to Somei, who had started behind her. Turning back to Fanai, she caught up with the Plangori. “What kind of force are we looking at? Don’t get me wrong, I’d prefer a small team to scout the island and secure my family’s compound, but… if it’s just us, and we encounter more than, like, two of the Rahkshi out there, we’re going to have to run. And that’s not a good idea on Hanaloi.” OOC: @Mel

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Ko-Koro Dark Walk Entrance The Kalta were silent as Safina recounted her story. It made Skorm revisit his experiences in Mangaia. The underground had not seemed nearly so hostile then… had he been called to Mangaia? Was it Mata Nui guiding him to eventual redemption, or the Antidermis that had coursed through his body seeking to return home? Zueya, meanwhile, was studying the others on the expedition. Another Vo-Toa was nice to see, and her mind churned through possibilities for what they could do together. Two Toa with Haus, as well as the Turaga, though she would likely be in her Exo-Matoran. The Bo-Toa that had been with Reordin, a Ko-Toa, an Onu-Toa (a welcome sight underground), a Fe-Toa, and even a heavily-armed Vortixx. A solid line-up, if she were to choose one. Personally, she looked forward to seeing the Exo-Matoran in action; Tarkahn had brought his, and she had seen several others at work during the reconstruction, but never in combat. Skorm stepped up, trying his best to look nonchalant, even though he was the tallest Toa present. He could feel the stains on his mask, tingling, almost burning. One of his constant physical reminders of his time poisoned by Antidermis. “I’ve traveled to Mangaia and slew several Rahkshi as part of a larger party, we outnumbered them two-to-one and had the element of surprise. Do you know if I should expect anything different down there?” OOC: @Perp et al

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Ko-Koro The Capella was suitably nice; the two Kalta didn’t have reservations, but the restaurant was willing to accommodate the two Toa, even if they did have to sit at one of the all-heights tables. Zuey had to sit on her leg to get an extra boost, and Skorm still had to hunch over the table. Still, the dinner was nice, and the restaurant was quiet; not quite peak hours yet. “Big guy, what’s on your mind? You’ve barely touched your mousse.” Zueya punctuated her question by reaching across the table and taking a scoop out of Skorm’s dessert with her own spoon. The massive Ba-Toa shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “At the Sanctum, I overheard that Captain Kozraa is putting together a team to go into the Dark Walk, checking out the reports of Rahkshi. It got me thinking of when…” Skorm sighed. “… of when I was in Mangaia.” Zueya paused, spoon in her mouth. No wonder he didn’t want to eat something sweet right now. “Ah. Are you okay?” He let out a rumbling chuckle, stabbing into his dessert. “Right now I’m fine. But I’m wondering if I should be going on that expedition; of the Kalta, I’m the only one with experience down there, and I’ve encountered Rahkshi. Aelied would want me to go.” The Vo-Toa finished off her mousse. “But do you want to go?” “Yes… yes I do. Maybe down there I’ll get some answers. And there is always the off chance we can find someone from the Wall.” The Wall. Casanuva had started it back at the Arsenal; a list of the Kalta’s most wanted criminals. Most were members of the Legacy, though Zaktan of the Piraka also had his name and a sketch on there. Zueya smiled. “Well, I’m going with. Call it stress-testing the new armor, call it supporting you, call it my duty to Ko-Koro, but you don’t have to go back down there alone.” Skorm smiled back at Zueya. “Thank you dear.” He didn’t have to say any more; she knew. Thankfully, that also let him finish off his mousse in two massive bites. Quickly paying (and leaving a sizable tip), and he and Zueya were on their way. They both had their gear already, no need to head back to the Arsenal; Aelied’s instructions were to be ready even if they weren’t on duty. The couple made their way to the Ko-Koro Dark Walk; while they had both seen it, neither had been inside. There was a group of adventurers already there; Skorm recognized the Bo-Toa that had been with Reordin. They saw Lieutenant Torin of the Sanctum Guard there; Skorm had met her briefly before, and her name had come up when he had heard about the Dark Walk patrol she was putting together. After a glance at Zueya and a nod from her, Skorm took the lead. “Lieutenant Torin? Zueya and Skorm of the Toa Kalta. We heard you were putting together an expedition to go down into the Dark Walk; we came to volunteer. Sorry if we’re a little late, we’re off-duty and it took us a bit to get our gear.” Zueya wiped her mask with her hand to make sure there weren’t any bits of food left. OOC: @Leaf… et al

IC: Askha & Somei - Sado Gardens The Mashtet scion grinned; "Then I take it our request with Torushu Morie has been accepted?" Askha tried to keep her voice calm and jovial, to hold the strain from creeping into her demeanor. The prospect of possibly having no support in their return to Hanaloi had only occurred to her this morning, and it had kept her mind spinning. Letting herself move forward would mean coming to terms with this mission. Somei caught up with the two Menti, also smiling. "Hello, Fanai. It sounds like you have good news?" She adjusted her pack. It was an old friend, from her time travelling the Archipelago restoring and maintaining Mashtet carvings. It was fuller than usual, with extra supplies and carving equipment. Askha had insisted on carrying the bulk of supplies, and the Datsue had only put up a minor fuss; if something were to happen to her, she didn't want her niece to lose anything. IC: Sydelia - Sado Gardens Medical Tents Nodding, Sydelia slumped onto a stool. "I'll take that list." She absentmindedly pat her satchel, wanting to reach for her pipe, but it wasn't best for the patients. And some of the medical volunteers had complained. Her eyes darted back to Hatchi. "Satisfy my curiosity; what is a Koshi-Zrupgar doing all the way in Sado, in the medical wards?" OOC: @Mel

IC: Aelied - Ko-Koro, The Sanctum The Bo-Toa narrowed his eyes - slightly. The snub from the Maru was obvious, as was its intent. Aelied’s encounters with Reordin had been brief, but by this point, the Toa’s prickly and, dare he say it, cold reception to the Kalta making their home in Ko-Koro made the Maru’s opinion of the newcomers clear. He would have to save his discussion with Kozraa for after the meeting. He followed Reordin, concentrating his efforts into not shivering. The Bo-Toa was not made for this environment. When Reordin broke to talk to Kozraa, Aelied split off and entered Akiri Tarkahn’s office. “I have gathered the members you requested, Akiri, as well as my team-member Vakua. Vakua is well-versed in the use of his mask, and has had extensive communication with the Dasaka expedition. He has also experienced Dasaka telepathy firsthand when he volunteered for mental probing before we were judged safe to travel with.” Aelied decided to leave out that the person who had done the probe had been Soraph, who had been comatose since her transfer from the Research Hospital. He laid the Greenstaff against a wall and pulled up a Toa-sized chair, carefully lowering himself into it. Perhaps the standoffish Toa of Ice would make an effective rhetorical wall to bounce Aelied’s own arguments from… or possibly an unlikely ally. OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl @The UltimoScorp @Visaru @Toa Fanixe

IC: Askha & Somei - Sado As she made her way through the crowded (but not as much as before) Markets, Askha felt like she was the only person here that was at ease. She didn't feel better about everyone else being miserable, but the Mashtet liked to think that she was coping better than most every other Dasaka in the city. Most people in Sado has lost family, were living on the streets, were questioning society, or all of the above. Askha had already gone through that rigmarole years ago. Sure, the meeting with Rayuke had shifted her perspective; she still had a purpose in the Kentoku islands, a role in society. But she would define that role. Not any Toroshu, not any Rora. As she climbed the ladder to the attic where she and Somei had been staying since they had been forced to evacuate the apartment the Royal Executioner had given her, Askha let her self-satisfying seditious thoughts die down. Somei was already there, resting. If there was any part of this invasion that made Askha indignant, it was seeing its effect on her aunt. She was crushed by the death and destruction, though she wore it better than many. Maybe it was age, maybe it was her experience as an itinerant artistic vagrant. .:How did your meeting go?:. She was obviously tired from the day of scavenging and hiding. "It went well. Plangori Morie said she'd ask the Dastana for a ship. We might have a proper expedition." Somei smiled, looking out on the ruins of the city. "Good," she whispered. "And... how did your meeting go?" "Sydelia is doing well enough. She is bitter at being left behind by the Rora - Yumiwa, I mean - but is handling herself rather well, all things considered. She has embraced her role as healer." Askha dug out the journal she had started keeping and flipped it open to a new page. "Well, that's positive. Better than what she was doing before. Did you ask her if she wants to join us?" The Datsue shifted under the blanket that was laid over her. "I asked, she said she was content here. I'm surprised you care." The Menti shrugged. "I still don't like that she flipped to the Fursics, but there's not much left of the Fursics. She's effectively as adrift in the wind as we were before. Like I said, good she's at least helping people out. Maybe she just wants someplace to belong, even if thats a bloody healer's tent." "She never did fit in on Hanaloi, did she?" Somei sighed. "Maybe that's my responsibility to bear. But it's been a long day; good night, Askha." As her aunt curled up onto her bedroll, Askha pulled up the blanket. By Zuto Nui, she was taking it harder than expected. Askha knew that she should get some sleep too, but there were still daylight hours. She found the newest journal page, and wrote down her observations from the day of scavenging and observing. There had to be a pattern. In her time as mercenary, one of the more eclectic items she had retrieved for a Vilda Datsue was a book of Rahi, detailing variations and breeds. These demons, Rahkshi, had wilder powers than anyone on Kentoku could imagine; there had to be a thread of consistency. Askha spent the daylight with her journal, eventually drifted to sleep. The morning was blessedly quiet; just the shouting of Menti training and moving, rather than the screaming of the wounded and dying and otherworldly screeches. Askha and Somei packed up what belongings they could carry, and left their attic for other refugees to use. The Gardens were, again, busy; however, it was not too long before the two found Plangori Fanai. "Long time no see, Fanai. How's the apocalypse treating you?" IC: Sydelia - Sado Gardens Someone who wasn't a healer might have missed the twinge of pain on the Dashi's mask, but it didn't pass by Sydelia. "Shh... shh..." She tried to make soothing sounds as she approached the Soulsword to take her; the exhausted Menti collapsed into her arms. She half-dragged, half-carried her to an empty cot. The last empty cot, her assistants would need to move people out of the urgent care tent soon enough. She eased up on her Sighteye, preparing to layer it on some more if the Soulsword bucked or started shouting again. OOC: @Mel IC: Ahri - Oki Refugee Camp "You are Mashtet Ahri now." He bowed before Kaetyo, the new Toroshu of Clan Mashtet. His old clan, Clan Kiantao, had been influenced by the Umbraline Toroshu to present their secondborn son as a token of goodwill; it would present the clan with a significant boon and strengthen ties between the Mashtet and the clans of Sado, who had been cool as of late. He had been informed as early as a week ago as to his fate; it was his Duty to accept it. "I was under the impression that a ceremony was required first, Toroshu." Eyes down, but not at the Toroshu's feet. Ahri had his chin lifted up; he met Mashtet Kaetyo's gaze. She was smiling slightly. "You are correct; but as you shall be residing here, you must unlearn your mainland ways. You will move through the forest like a Mashtet, see the world as we do, and by the end of the year, you will be indistinguishable from one of us by our most skilled enemies. And... Kaetyo will do do. I appreciate proper respect, but should you prove your loyalty and... skill, you will not be my mere consort." He shivered. It was a defining sensation, something that reverberated through his memories. In the waking world, Ahri's sleeping body shuddered. OOC: @TL01 NUVA @The UltimoScorp

IC: Aelied, Skorm, & Zueya - Ko-Koro :He is indeed.: Wrapping himself once more in his cloak, the two Kalta set off to return to the Sanctum. Blessedly, it wasn't against the wind, as it was on the hike up. The climate here was the biggest detractor to the opportunity that had presented itself; at least Tarkahn had allowed him to set up the Memorial Garden, which simulated a more appropriate clime. As he and Vakua approached the Sanctum, he spotted Skorm and Zueya, trailed by a distinctive Toa of Ice. Ah, they must have succeeded in finding Reordin. The Bo-Toa waved down the approaching Toa. "Thank you Skorm, Zueya. Forgive me Reordin for disturbing you, but the Akiri was rather stark when he brought up the news from Ga-Koro." "Master Aelied..." Skorm said, stepping forward, bowed forward slightly, both out of deference and for the sheer size difference. Aelied was rather tall for a Toa; the Ba-Toa was taller. "Is there anything else you need? Would you like me present at the meeting? Or... Casanuva?" It was possible that out of him, Vakua, and Skorm, the three of them were the most experienced working with Dasaka in the Koro. Aelied rubbed one of the tusks of his Kualsi in thought. "Hmmm... No, you are free to enjoy your time off. I might convene a briefing at the Memorial Garden for the Kalta if I feel the need for one after the meeting. But I will not keep you any longer," he said flatly, nodding at Reordin. He had considered Casanuva, in truth, but that truth was that the Fa-Toa was... perhaps compromised was too harsh a term, but he might certainly have a conflict of interest. "Reordin, Vakua, go ahead without me; I'm going to inform Captain Korzaa." As they left the Sanctum behind, Zueya caught Reordin's gaze and silently nodded in thanks, before pulling along Skorm. "C'mon, we should see if there are any reservations open before we freeze in place. Or worse, you get a hankering to work." OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl @Toa Fanixe @Visaru

IC: Casanuva and Kalyss - Ko-Koro, Kalta Arsenal “Soraph?” As the Vilda stood from the bed, her size rapidly increased; a few moments before, Casanuva was most of a head taller than her. When Soraph finished her transformation, the situation was reversed - including the relative bulk. “Soraph, what large… everything… you have…” Casanuva’s eyes were focused on her claws. His gazed darted to Ferrite propped up in the corner. It could wait, he didn’t want to provoke her- In a flash, Soraph’s arm was digging into Casanuva’s shoulder, gripping around the armor. Hot pain shot up Casanuva’s neck as Soraph dug her new claws in; he could feel the warmth of his blood escaping his body. “Okay, that’s how this is going down,” he winced. His first instinct was to batter her through the wall with his strength, but that would lead onto the street. He didn’t want to endanger anyone else; he had to keep her contained here. Casanuva was of good height and size, but he was still second on his team. Sparring with Skorm had taught him how to handle someone larger than himself; Casanuva’s Pakari began to glow, the Fa-Toa gripped Soraph’s arm that had a hold on him and the collar of her armor, heaving her over his head and tossing her through the doorway. Kalyss froze, seeing the beast tumble through the doorway and slam into the solid ice wall. It took her several precious moments to recognize the creature as having once been Soraph. “What in Karzahni-“ OOC: @Toa Fanixe

IC: Sydelia - Imperial Gardens It didn't take a Willhammer to sense the fear emanating off the Menti. Sydelia shifted her sidebag to behind her so she could have free access to her hands. These Rahkshi could inflict fear beyond all but the most skilled Willhammer; she had dealt with these before... though she wasn't sure if this or the grievous, fantastical injuries were worse. "Everyone get back," Sydelia stated. She probably didn't need to, with the way the Menti was freaking out. Let's see... heavy sedation; euphoria? Possibly not, let's wrap her in something warm and comfy. The Fursic healer recalled a similar dose of painkillers as her last patient, mixed with a feeling of warmth. The hard part was keeping her current condition out of this one: using the weight and warmth to weight down the Menti's limbs, lure her into a slumber, and taking away her muscle aches. As the Menti relaxed, she began drooping to the ground. "Catch her," Sydelia whispered tersely. "I don't want her to crack her mask on the cobbles and snap out of this!" OOC: @Mel

IC: Somei & Sydelia - Sado Gardens Sydelia unpacked her pipe from her bag, tapped it to clear out any old ashes, and began filling it. "So how has life been during the apocalypse?" The Datsue sighed. "Not as bad as it could be. Askha ensures my safety, we make a daily scavenging run, and my Sighteye and her scouting has been enough for that to have kept us afloat. And... how have you been holding up?" The healer lit up. "I haven't slept more than a handful of hours in several days, I'm strung out, and that wasn't the first time today I've had to amputate a limb from a fresh-from-the-Yards Menti." Sydelia took a deep inhale from her pipe, breathing the smoke out through her nose. "Before I was gang-pressed into being a battlefield medic, the Umbralines left me here because I didn't rate. I'm barely a Fursic, and that pedigree barely means anything these days, and do not try to tell me I can be a Mashtet again." Somei sighed. "I won't, though... you can. Askha is planning a return to Hanaloi. But I know you had your problems with the clan before they disappeared. It doesn't mean that you have to stop being my daughter." She held out her hand to Sydelia. Taking a long glance at her mother's hand, Sydelia gingerly reached out to grasp it with her own hand. "Maybe it would be good to return. But I'm needed here." She pulled her pipe from her mouth and gestured grandly at the field hospitals. "My talent is finally appreciated. Who would I be to abandon my legions of loyal fans?" Smiling, the Mashtet elder squeezed Sydelia's hand. "Honestly... I don't think I could be more proud of you." She continued as Sydelia scoffed: "I mean it. The last time I was this proud of you was when you stood up to Toroshu Kaetyo. I wish it hadn't driven you away... but you were never meant to walk the paths that others lay for you. Today wasn't the first time I looked for you; I know that nobody is forcing you to be a healer, to work long hours keeping people alive. And I know that you are saving lives here." A bloodcurdling scream broke through the commotion of the Gardens. A Dashi poked her head out of a tent, looking around. "Sydelia! We have another one scared out of her mind, she needs sedation!" Sydelia stood. "I lost count of how many encores I've been asked to give," she said dryly. "Good luck with your expedition, Mashtet Somei." Somei nodded. "Stay safe, Sydelia." She watched the skinny Menti run to the tent the screaming was coming from, and sighed. This war... Was it even a war? What were their opponents' goals? Destruction? Domination? The enemy could not be interrogated, could not be infiltrated. So much training according to one of the Virtues; but what had it prepared them for? Sydelia rose from the bench, making her way back to the bolthole she and Askha had been living out of. OOC: Fursic Sydelia available for healing and interaction in the Sado Gardens.

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Ko-Koro As the two Kalta and the Maru trudged back up to the Sanctum, there was an air of awkward silence. The lack of conversation didn't make Skorm uncomfortable, but he could sense that it was off-putting for Zueya. He ran through mental lists for discussion before Zueya herself spoke up. "I wonder if Aelied is going to keep you at the meeting." "Me? I can't imagine what I could contribute." Zueya bumped into him as they walked. "You've had some of the most contact with Soraph among the Kalta, excluding Casanuva. But she chose you to escort her into Ko-Koro." The Ba-Toa let out a roaring grumble. "Casanuva had a bulletin out on him, as well as Vakua and Kalyss." The bounty sign for Vakua's mask was now hanging on the Most Wanted wall at the Kalta Arsenal, right next to a picture of Eisen. "I was also the one that let her get kidnapped." Shrugging, Zueya put on an expression of aloofness. "Well yeah, but you and Cyrix were the ones to rescue her." She swept her hands as as if scoping out a vista. "Infiltrating the Legacy-controlled Sanctum, rescuing the exotic princess, and getting her to the Gukko air evac, in the midst of a daring rescue operation by remnants of the Island Liberation Front and even the Maru!" Skorm continued to glower. Not before that slug happened, he wanted to say. Maeloc and Fyura were also on the Most Wanted wall. Zueya continued: "Then, after bidding your wounded comrade farewell, you cut a swathe to the wall, and reunited with us. And Dakte." The Toa of Gravity glanced at the diminutive Toa, smiling. He tousled her mask; "We should have left you in the circus." She returned his glance and his smile. "Aelied took me out of showbiz, but he can never take the showbiz out of me." Before Skorm could react, she turned around to Reordin, walking backwards so she could face the Ko-Toa. "Before Aelied dropped in and had us find you, the big guy and I had the day off. We're still getting used to the Koro, and were going to grab some dinner. You know any nice places to eat that aren't... you know... tourist traps?" OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl

IC: Ahri - Oki Survivor's Camp The apparent Mashtet shakily stepped onto the dock, leaning on Raika. "The... Empress called an evacuation?" A hundred questions burned in Ahri's mind. Emphasis on burned. "I think I need to rest again. Culture shock, memory loss, and news of an apocalypse don't go over well on raw shellfish." Ahri nodded in appreciation to a few Dashi and Saihoku huddled under one of the tents who made room for him as Raika laid him out. "I just need to meditate for a bit." As he curled up, he decided to skip the meditation and head straight into the nap. OOC: @The UltimoScorp @TL01 NUVA IC: Somei, Sydelia - Sado Gardens It almost broke her heart, seeing the Gardens like this. Not full of people; oh no, if she ever had a snobbish bone in her body, living practically on the run with Askha and Maripi had broken it and ground it into dust; no, it the sight of the dead and dying that affected Somei so. The Mashtet Datsue shuddered as she passed a tarp covering what she could only presume were bodies... or parts. Actually, she herself had preferred to work on Mashtet carvings that had been worn by use. She must make time to see Rayuke at some point, she still owed him a once-over on his own carving. Scanning the various Ideatalk conversations was a sobering affair, but Somei did it regardless. If she was here, Somei would find her. Several minutes of soul-crushing eavesdropping later, her efforts paid off: someone telling some returning Menti to take their wounded sister to healer who had finished with her current patient. Somei steeled herself, gripping her mashtet token as a means of reassurance. "What did this?" The Menti stammered, still obviously shaken from the attack which had left her comrade with a crushed leg. "One of the bugs... it ambushed us, came out of the wall-" Sydelia made a zipping motion over the Menti's mouth. "I didn't ask that," she stated slowly, quietly, and with forced patience. "I asked what did this," she said, pointing at the Menti's crushed leg. It had been pulverized, as if crushed under a great boulder. The Menti's mask changed color with nausea. "It... it just stepped on her..." The healer clapped her hands together. "Perfect! That's what I wanted to know!" She turned to the wounded Menti on her table. The weight didn't match up; Sydelia had studied one of the corpses the Dastana had brought back, and even if it had focused its entire body weight and stomped, it wouldn't leave this level of damage. Perhaps it was carrying something, or it had made itself heavier somehow or enhanced its strength like a Pakari. The leg was going to have to come off, obviously. "So, do you need... anything else...?" Sydelia didn't turn her head to acknowledge the Menti, only waving her away, before she thought of something. "Wait! Are you a soulsword?" The Menti stopped as she turned away. Sydelia saw Plangori clan colors. Sydelia still wore her Fursic sarong, but it had been so stained that she doubted anybody recognized it. Nodding, the Plangori turned back around. The healer leaned over the wounded Menti, grasping her face. She had been able to mentally drown out the whimpering; she was still conscious. "Okay, I have bad news and good news. The bad news is that I can't heal your leg, too much damage." The Menti whimpered. "The good news is that I can heal a soulsword cut." The wounded Menti's eyes shot open, and she began to struggle. Sydelia shushed the panicking Menti. "Shhhhh, it's okay. The other good news is that you can keep your knee." Sydelia concentrated, recalling when she had taken powerful painkillers and muscle relaxants from the infirmary years before all this. She concentrated on that numbness, that good sensation, and extended it to the Menti. Her struggling died down and ceased, and she only released a pained sigh. She sounded so tired. Maybe that was some of Sydelia's current situation leaking in. Still keeping up her Sighteye illusion on the Menti, she looked at the crushed leg, and positioned her hand just above where she judged the damage could be healed. She inhaled, readying herself. "Right below my hand, cut. Make it fast, but it has to cauterize." The Plangori manifested her soulsword, a machete (thank Zuto Nui, not one of those stupid blunt ones), whispered something (probably asking Zuto Nui for forgiveness), and made the cut. The wounded Menti moaned and turned, like she was having a nightmare. Sydelia then activated her mask, focusing on the new wound. The wound stabilized, rapidly healing. Weeks worth of recovery passed in seconds. Her mask deactivated on its own when no more could be done. She also let her Sighteye illusion fade. Sydelia gasped in exertion as she stood up; the one-legged Menti's stretcher was moved away by others. She needed a break after that one. Fursic Sydelia stumbled outside the tent to a bench which, somehow, hadn't been repurposed as a bed. She didn't notice the Datsue sit next to her until she spoke. "Hello Sydelia." The Menti's head lolled to one side. Mashtet Somei sat beside her. Great. Perfect. Exactly what she wanted. He let her head loll back. "Hey Mom."

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Ko-Koro Streets The Vo-Toa walked under Skorm's arm and into the Glacierpool, stepping over debris. Behind her, Skorm bent to fit his tall frame into the building; she could feel the ground tremble slightly as he did so. She looked over the room, reading the story it told. Far too many bottles to be fresh, and most were covered in frost and dust. This wasn't a random hideaway; this was a habit. The Bo-Toa with him she didn't recognize; she had seen Reordin before at the Sanctum, but never spoken to him. A flicker of nervousness crossed her mind before she shoved it back down; she was a Kalta, a full Kalta. She wasn't one to be starstruck, anyway. "Aelied told us to find you; Akiri Tarkahn is calling a meeting with all his advisors about the Dasaka. A whole fleet of them, mostly refugees, showed up off Ga-Koro this morning." Skorm crossed his arms. "If it makes you feel better, you're not the only one whose off-time was disturbed." OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl @Krayzikk

IC: Skorm & Zueya - Ko-Koro Streets "You didn't need to cajole that guard like that," Zueya pouted. Skorm grunted. "He was holding out on where Reordin was." The Solstice district was under them. No normal direct route, but it helped Toa of Gravity to think in three dimensions. "I'll apologize to him later. But Aelied interrupted our off-time for this, and I don't appreciate playing errand boy." "Well, at least we can do it together," Zueya said, before furrowing her brow in thought. "Glacierpool Inn... wasn't there a Lavapool in Ta-Koro?" Skorm shrugged. "Maybe it was a fad." He offered his hand to Zueya, who smiled as she took it. Together the two Toa Kalta jumped off the ledge, drifting to the bottom, cushioned by Skorm's control over gravity. Zueya turned to the massive Ba-Toa. "Do you think it was a franchise?" The white-cloaked Toa shrugged again, looking around. "The Legacy was not kind to this area." "Yeah... Tarkahn is focusing on the immediately visible areas to fix up. Is that it?" Zueya pointed to one of the wrecked dilapidated buildings; graffitied, broken windows, and half a door, but with a faded sign. Skorm nodded, and started striding toward the building. Zueya could see that he wasn't in the most diplomatic mood; she had to spring for a second (with a second's use of her Calix, stupid long-legged Skorm. He pushed open what was left of the door, standing aside; Zueya peered inside. "Reordin Maru?" OOC: @Krayzikk @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl

IC: Ahri - Oki Coastline Ahri groaned as he brought his head up, relaxing his grip on the boat. "I think I crossed paths with a particularly nasty Willhammer." Still clutching his forehead with one hand, he leaned back up. "Which means... the amnesia probably isn't normal. Part of the attack, or my mind coping, or even a patchy mental tourniquet." He glanced at the fisherwoman. "Yuna, how long until we're at your clan grounds? Or wherever you're staying?" OOC: @The UltimoScorp @TL01 NUVA

IC: Aelied - Akiri's Office The tall toa of plantlife rose from his seat. "Very well, Akiri. I will return with Reordin and some of the Kalta; I believe Kozraa is still meeting the first Vortixx you sent over." A short bow, and Aelied turned and left the office, pulling shut his cloak for warmth. Complaining about the cold was for turagas. Which of the Kalta to bring in? Vakua was an obvious choice, he should still be at the radio receiver; Casanuva? No, his feeling for Soraph might compromise his judgement. Cyrix? No... he had a job to do. Kalyss should attend, as deputy leader. She should be at the Arsenal. Only a few stops, thanks to his Kualsi. But Reordin... that required a deft touch. From what he had heard from the Maru upon their appointment in Ko-Koro, Reordin might react poorly to Aelied being a messenger of Akiri Tarkahn. No... better to work through others. Outside the Sanctum, he activated his Kualsi, travelling to the edge of a building overlooking the Koro. It wasn't hard to find Skorm and Zueya, the sheer contrast in their sizes already marked them apart from the crowd. One more flash, and he was approaching them from the side of the road. The two seemed caught off-guard; Skorm removed his hand from around Zueya's shoulder, and she visibly stiffened. "Master Aelied, what is it?" "Akiri Tarkahn is calling a meeting with several of his advisors regarding the influx of Dasaka; they are refugees, fleeing an invasion of Rahkshi in their land. I am getting Vakua and Kalyss; could you get Toa Reordin and tell him of this?" The two had barely gotten a chance to nod before Aelied was off again, to the radio receivers. He saw Vakua, taking in the design of the antennae. "Vakua, the Akiri is calling a meeting regarding the Dasaka. I think you should be there, given your insights." IC: Casanuva - Kalta Arsenal The Fa-Toa immediately glanced up at the movement. His heartstone almost fluttered. Had it been a fluke? Did he need to her to a healer? She stirred again. Casanuva stood, knocking over the stool, and backed up to the door, tossing his istone on the table. "Kalyss!" he shouted. "Kalyss, she's waking up!" The healers had told him what happened to individuals afflicted with Parakuka the first time they awoke. Casanuva very much hoped it was an exaggeration, or that Soraph would be immune. But he couldn't rest everything on hope. He had to protect her, even if it was from herself. OOC: @Toa Fanixe

IC: Ahri - Oki Coast It took a few moments for Raika's signing to register in Ahri's mind as words before he caught up with Raika's signing. He took a breath, spaced steadied himself on the boat, and starting signing and speaking at the same time. "Dasaka sign; mostly taught on Odaiba and Sado, but..." And Ahri paused. Why would he know this? Was he raised on Sado? Possibly. But he remembered something, a memory that didn't make his head pound. The sensation of being in a tree, wrapping his arms around a branch so his signing could be seen. "... And by those who wish to be understood without speaking or using Ideatalk. I can't say I know why I'm here... truthfully, I can only remember flashes. I only know that my name is Mashtet Ahri because Raika recognized me, and even then, I have my doubts. I remember Kentoku, general knowledge, some of my skills, apparently, but... I don't remember anything about who I am. I don't even remember my disciplines. I have flashes, I... I know I fought a woman named Kaetyo, the Toroshu of Clan Mashtet at one point, and I helped put down the last Fursic rebellion. As I said, Raika was hiding out and spotted my body on the sea, and dredged me up." Something occurred to Ahri. "Is... Yusanora still the Rora? I recall a play in Sado where a Menti goes to sleep, but awakes an age later and males once again rule Kentoku; my first daughter-" Kill yourself. Ahri's temples flared with white-hot pain, and his vision nearly blacked out. Grunting, he nearly doubled over, clutching the side of Yuna's boat. The bamboo splintered as flickers of crimson psychokinetic energy played out over his fingers. As the pain resided, Ahri shuddered. "And on top of everything, my own mind is trying to kill me," he whispered. OOC: @TL01 NUVA @The UltimoScorp

IC: Aelied - Akiri's Office "I'm sure you have received news from Akiri Hahli directly." The elder Bo-Toa lowered himself into one of the chairs, accompanied by what sounded like bending trees. "I have come to discuss the mass arrival of the Dasaka. I hear from my sources that many of the ships in their fleet are civilian vessels. I do not believe this to be a premeditated invasion; the Chisaii Ryuu is still docked, and to my knowledge, none of the Dasaka currently present have acted any different in the last few weeks." Aelied exhaled, his breath crystallizing in the cold, thin air. "Even if there is military action - which I doubt - Ko-Koro is safe for the time being. But what concerns me is another possibility; Mata Nui has gotten visitors before, new inhabitants; I myself am foreign to this island. With the numbers reported, this represents a significant population. Some may make demands of Ko-Koro; one of their own was assaulted here, Soraph Vilda. She had... gotten involved with one of the Kalta. She is comatose now, housed here in Ko-Koro. Additionally, one of their warriors, Dakte Ageru, fought alongside my team in the liberation of Ko-Koro. I cannot say we owe them nothing." Leaning over, Aelied bridged his fingers. "I'm sure you have heard of the capabilities of the Dasaka. But one of the abilities that many of them possess is powerful telepathy; the ability to not only read minds but control thoughts. They call it the discipline of Willhammer." Aelied leaned back in the chair. "Akiri, you have taken many steps to ensure this Koro is safe, never again threatened. Before the Dasaka, the only telepath I knew was one I specifically selected because I knew he could be trusted with such a dangerous ability. These Dasaka... they are an unknown." OOC: @The UltimoScorp

IC: Ahri - Oki Beach Bowing slightly, Ahri tried to slide back into his culturally accepted role. "Mashtet Ahri. I was adrift, and Raika found me - saved me. I'm... still recovering. Still... shaky on a few things." He waited for Raika to board the boat before he did, and sat down beside her. His eyes glanced briefly at the crystal katana; Menti indeed. "Pardon, but... if you're fishing, where are your clan's Saihoko?" OOC: @TL01 NUVA @The UltimoScorp

And now you know part of why resumes are a thing.