Hanako Herupa

IC: (Kino) "Perhaps later we can talk about this." I smirked, best not dwell on things like this. I picked up a few case files, something to work on, something to get the boulder that was sitting on my chest off. Something caught my eye, just outside the window, I could see something like a flare, and not too soon afterward, I could hear the footsteps of people moving through the hallway, probably out to aid whoever had sent out the call. I originally joined this Guard because it was steadier than the normal mercenary work, because I had a friend in Liacada, and because I felt I had a future here...but now Liacada was on sabbatical, Angelus never responded, and I was alone again. A woman had passed through here I think her name was Vera, said she was looking for people with a skill set similar to mine, I told her I was currently tied to the Ta-Koro Guard as a Detective. Though if she could find him, Pae would be the best choice, and if she did manage to find him, to please send him my way. Especially now, when every night was just one more drink than the last, just one more attempt to suppress what I was feeling. I needed to feel like I belonged, and with Xa-Koro lying at the bottom of the sea, I really couldn't go home again. I needed this, I needed to get my mind on the work and not on those thoughts, bury them so I could keep moving, keep myself alive. ------------------- "Heeeey Oreius? Who's big, blue, and ugly?" I chuckled, walking up to him, my badge on my chest and my weapons strapped to my sides. A large blue Skakdi held his hands up ready, clearly I had missed all the interesting parts of this, anyways it was part of the job description, helping the Maru even though he could probably tear off one of this Skakdi's arms.

IC: (Vera Polzin) "Are you afraid? Your name was one of the one's Dorian mentioned, as he had his breakdown. You think I'll throw you to the wolves." Vera said, her lavenders eyes looked directly into Jin's green ones. Jin thought she could hide her fear, bury it deep inside, act like it wasn't there but for Vera she knew fear, she knew how people compensated for it, she remembered feeling that kind of fear herself, that black fear that wrapped itself around your mind and heart, clouding your brain and stealing your courage away. "I always treat my employees well in return for their services. I'm not the kind to turn you out. The others though, those other names, those people who are sitting at the top of this all, those are the people I want the most. I'll go to bat for you, provided you're willing to basically do the same for me. Whoever planned assassinations on that kind of scale, that is someone to truly fear, someone that needs to be removed from whatever seat of power they occupy." Vera paused to sip her tea, letting her words settle into the minds of her future employees, agents who purpose would be to seek out those threats that lied behind the saccharine surface of this island and pull them to forefront of it all, to see the truly ugliness of it. Vera tended to think of it like she was a gardener, if you let weeds overrun the garden, it would be ruined, the other plants would die and the harvest would be ruined. If you tore out the weeds though, if you removed these threats to the garden. It would grow healthy and thus the fruits of said labor would be reaped. There were still weeds in the garden and they needed to be plucked, otherwise the corrupting influence would overrun them all.

IC: (Ripple) "Have you seen Children of the Corn?" Asa smirked, unable to keep a straight face as she tried to act terrified. fidgeting a bit, mostly to elicit another grunt out of Nate as he laid underneath the weight of two people. She smiled. "Soooo...what are waiting for then?

IC: (Vera Polzin) "Kino Iho. When I set about finding all of you, I had to dip into my sizable funds, do some digging. I was able to talk with your friend for a short time, she was unaware that you where so close. She told me to send you her way when I found you. She didn't know where to look, I, myself was surprised when you happened to be so close." Vera replied, her voice cold as ice. Vera took in everything, they way he stood, Nika's occasional puffs of his cigarette, Jin's posture as she sat in the chair, eating Vera's food and drinking Vera's beverages. Her guests of course were welcome to her food and drinks and she kept her eyes on Pae. "I don't recommend you threaten any future employers after me, not many people on this island will give you the benefit of a second chance." Her voice remained, flat, even, emotionless as she regarded Pae. Then she turned to Nika, finally responding to Jin's comment. "This is Nika, about a month ago he tried to blow one of my warehouses. My people managed to foil him and I gave him a choice. Either he worked for me or I ensured that he would hang for killing my employees and destroying my property. Like any smart man, he started working for me and like any smart employer I keep him on a very, very short leash. He enjoys his comforts and in return his skills are mine to command. Now I'd want for the last member of our group to join, though if all of you have some so quickly I'm sure he isn't far behind. Though I think you all deserve to know why I called you here." She sat down, pouring a little bit of lemon and honey into her tea before, stirring it with a spoon. She took a few sips and set it back down. "I invited you all here because by all accounts each all of you are good at what you do, and you want something, whether it's money, purpose, or a new life. Something someone with money and connections can provide you with, someone like me. As for your actual task. There's quite a bit that has been going on, the island of Mata Nui has been advancing...and yet there's still some questions that never got their answers. Like the destruction of the Kumu Islets or the deaths of the Turaga. Some would call it coincidence that the Turaga died within such a short time of each other. Those people I sincerely hope are the minority, this is not a coincidence. I'm launching my own investigation into this. All of you will be compensated for helping to find those responsible and bring them to task. Any questions?"

IC: (Valria) "To be honest I'm not exactly sure. Cael and Praggos are currently watching over him right now." I sighed, I turned to the Toa with black armor who just came upon us. "Hello again Liacada. Oh this is Tuara and this is Merror. This is Liacada, I met her in the hospital's waiting room." IC: (Hari) "Yep, come on it won't be as bad as you think Skyra and with one tug I pulled her inside the shop. My eyes lit up with all the possibilities in front of me. A myriad of colours colored my vision. Skirts, blouses, swim suits, dresses. The place was a veritable rainbow of colours, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. I went through a wave of things picking out what I wanted, already creating a pillar of various items stacked in my arms. "Alright Skyra what would you like to try first?" I smirked. This had been a long time coming, I hoped Skyra would end up enjoying this as much I did. Afterwards we'd grab a bite to eat, and maybe I could get some combat training with Skyra.

IC: (Braen) "What do you want to do?" Braen smirked, rubbing Lana's cheek as she smirked at him, he had a few things in mind, but he'd rather hear what she was thinking, distinctive orange eyes, not a color he often saw, but a beautiful and unique color nonetheless. She could be so cuddly and yet if she wanted she could easily break his spine similar to how you break a stick over your knee. Of course Lana had no real reason for Braen had saved her. The pieces needed to be moved into place, information needed to be gathered, but Lana...she was distracting, and it was so very hard for the Vortixx to keep his mind on his "noble" pursuits.

OOC: This jam is brought to you by Daenerys Targaryen and I, please do enjoy! IC: The door opened and I stood to the side, bowing to both Yumiwa and Inokio as they entered. "Good afternoon my Chojo, Yumiwa and Master Inokio," I replied, happy to see both of them had returned after so much time. I did not enjoy parting with my friend, sometimes Inokio's lessons required that I do not follow. It was something I understood clearly as a Herupa but deep down did not enjoy. I'd like to be there, just in case, my Yumiwa was my world. Call it instinct but I felt as though something had troubled my future empress and best friend, though still I asked the question. "How was today's lesson, my lady?" I quickly hugged Hana as soon we were in arm's reach, disregarding the formality of bows or whatever. We were like two magnets that came at each other at an even pace until our fields connected and we snapped together when our fields of force intertwined. Our embrace was in the doorway, though, so it clogged the pathway for Inokio to get back into his own house, though I didn't realize that when it happened and he waited patiently until I stopped hugging Hana and walked further inside. "It was, ermmmm... uhhh... /Lots/ of things. It turned out to be much more than a lesson, akshully." I hugged Yumi back, my smile grew slightly larger. Although she was only gone for a few hours, it had felt like centuries had passed for me. As we both moved aside for Master Inokio, so he could enter his home again. "Really, my lady Yumiwa? It sounds like you had a most interesting day." I turned to Inokio again, bowing and offering my thanks. "Thank you for the violin and sheet music you left for me, sir. You are thoughtful as always." I smiled. In my life, our culture, the two people I was talking to were my betters, although Yumi seemed to at times treat my opinion as equal. It is a kind gesture, for of my three siblings, favored as I was, I was third born, the youngest. Such kindness, such friendships weren't so often afford to people in my position. I was so happy to help the Umbralines, specifically my Yumi, for she had been the only true friend I have ever known. Inokio nodded once to Hanako in return. "One tries to be thoughtful," he said kindly, "and you /are/ rather easy to shop for." He laughed, then looked at Hana and then back at me. "You girls have a lot to catch up on, I think." "Right," I said and poked Hana in the rib to pull her along. "That we doooo. Let's go and I'll tell you what I found." The Clan Hogo retainers quickly formed up around Hana and I like flies encircling a temporarily lost prize as we left Inokio's house and went back to the streets of the Wards. The Palace's diamond towers reflected light differently than when I saw them earlier, an indication of how much time had passed. By my estimation it was early afternoon by then, shortly after the second sundial pip, and that gave me a full hour until my riding session in the Gardens, and I wasn't going to waste time standing idly so I walked quickly. Hana, as usual, remained by my side effortlessly, as was her nature. "Inokio's lesson was on focusing on things. He said I have to be able to keep track of everything on me, around me and in the distance, to be a good ruler. You know what I mean -- like looking at the big picture, balancing out the needs of others and making sure all points of view are accounted for. Simple ideas for me to catch on to, buuuut... harder to do in practice than I thought, I guess."

IC: (Braen) Braen knew that Lana cared little for those he called friends and colleagues, it was something through that sigh and those expressions she always made. She did not trust them, and he did not blame her, for Braen had made friends that were peculiar sorts. Braen smirked as Lana shifted against him, he could tell she wished to stay alone with him, and while he did appreciate the intent, if they not make it, it meant their plans would delay even longer, and that meant moments that could be seized now would likely be lost forever. That and there was still some groundwork they had yet laid. He hoped his one friend was doing well, they had not talked in a long time, He merely sighed and held his Lana tighter, things seemed slow now, but on Mata Nui, no peace truly lasted for any measure of time.

IC: (Hari) "Really? I always thought Krayn could pass easier for a gal than Tillian," I laughed as we moved through Le-Koro. It was much less the village of air and much more like a city, there was so much trade and activity here, so many things to do, so many people to meet, so many friends and memories to make. As we drew closer to the market of Le-Koro, The smell of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, as matoran bakers sold their sweet rolls and fruity desserts. Sharp blades and armor sat on tables, off in the corner though sat our destination, it was a store of sorts, meant mostly for clothing and it was there I led my band of friends. Taking care as I moved my through the crowd. Making sure my friends were following close. So excited as we now stood near the entrance. "You ready Skyra?" I giggled, excited about what would be happening next.

IC: (Braen) The tall and lithe Vortixx wrapped his arms around the Toa of Stone, protectively, placing a soft kiss on her neck as he held her tightly. "These things in life, they don't just magically go away unfortunately. Sometimes they don't even seem to fade, but the thing is we get stronger, and eventually we're strong enough to deal with them," Braen sighed. He held Lana, just a little tighter. Lana needed him, he wouldn't disappoint her, there were few people he cared about that much. Most other people, hadn't done much to endear themselves to him. Lana cared about him, and her loyalty to him was undying, people like her were so few in this world now. He was glad she was his, and the he was hers. "I had called our friends to meet us here, so far I haven't heard anything, so I'm hoping there making the trip as we speak, if not I assume we recieve correspondence soon."

IC: (Hari) "Well Skyra looks it's just going to be us two," I sighed, shaking my head and giving one last yell upstairs. "I guess it's just going to be Krayn, Skyra, and I then!" Suffice to say, I was sick of my friends dragging their feet, almost deliberately. I wasn't so much angry as I was disappointed in the fact we had delayed here so long, to do what, just stand around and what for something to happen? I got off from the wall I was leaning and made my way towards the door, waiting on Skyra and Krayn to follow. I saw Tillian starting to make his down the stairs. Well maybe things would start picking up? I couldn't let myself get bogged down, I was Hari Korari and considering what things were like a short time ago, I'd say things had gotten a lot better. IC: (Valria) "I would defer to either you or Agni on this, personally I want to go searching for Echelon and make sure he doesn't walk away this time," I replied. "I think Agni is talking to Dorian right now."

IC: (About an hour later) "These moments are far too few," Asa smirked, sitting on Daken's lap as him and her sat up in the bed, she leaned against him, her hand rubbing his neck, her soft and delicate fingers that were surprising capable of wrapping around a powerful gun. Daken had seen this firsthand, and now her and Daken were enjoying a break. Asa wouldn't lie, she felt comfortable here, this was the kind of place most gals wanted to be at some point in their lives. Asa in some ways wanted that too, but she knew Daken could be holding her up one minute and dropping her the next. That's the kind of guy he was, these kind of moments were fun, and also relaxing, but they felt far too sparse in her life. She couldn't expect to lean on people as her crutch, intimacy though was never a thing to be turned down.

IC: Scylla awoke with a groan, her head pounding and her vision blurry, the poor Vo-Matoran struggled to gain her bearings, having to wait a bit for herself to recover. Slowly but surely her vision came back into view, but the room was damp and dark, no lights and she swore she could her the sound of someone singing, maybe it wasn't real. However as it grew closer she struggled to move, finding herself bound to a chair, struggling. Meanwhile she caught the lyrics as the footsteps and the voice drew ever closer. "I can't stand this indecision, married with a lack of vision..." The voice sung out as it rounded the corner. It was a tall figure, looked to be built just like a Toa, but she couldn't see much. "Oh hello! I hope my singing didn't bother you much." He walked over towards a table on the left, pulling a cloth off of a lightstone, and lighting up the room. As the man turned to face Scylla she gasped loudly clearly not prepared for what she was seeing. His eyes, his eyes were that sickly yellow-green that she had seen in the infected masks one would find on Rahi back when Makuta was still around. However there was no sign of such infection upon his mask. His mask itself was crimson red, almost as if it had been coated in blood. What really caught her eyes though was his stomach, it was...awful...it looked as if someone had taken a knife to his abdomen and carved the symbol of a laughing Hau. Scylla shivered and tried to look away, so inside she closed her eyes. "Where am I, what do you want with me?" She stammered out, eyes clenched tightly shut, her voice quiet. She had always wanted adventure, but this wasn't that, this was horror. She should be at Kohlii practice, and then trying out for Ga's Kohlii team soon. The matoran stifled a scream, as she felt hot breath approach her neck. She flinched as she felt a peck, she squirmed, trying to escape the unwanted attention she was receiving. "Two for flinching, my name is Scurra by the way," The Toa with a red Hau, white armor, and some blue highlights in his armor chuckled. He struck her twice in the arm, hard enough for the poor girl to groan in pain. "Where are you? Where are you? Well you're in a cave, one of those ones you find underneath the water, but still manages to have these areas. Two, you're my victim. As interesting as things have got on this island, things are still relatively boring, you and I are going to rectify this." "V-V-Victim?" She squeaked out. "Yes, victim. You're well known enough around your village that people will surely miss you. That's why you and I are here." He smirked. "Now I think it is time this conversation ends, I have already been cruel enough." He sighed. Pulling out a knife. The poor matoran struggled to escape. "No wai-!" The once ever talkative matoran was never able to finish her plea as a knife plunge in her heart and the her throat, she ended up dying so quickly that it remained relatively painless. Unbinding her he set to the rest of his work. ---------------------------- Some time later, the body of a matoran washed ashore near Ga-Koro. On her chest was the symbol of a laughing Hau. More innocent lives would be soon to follow. Scurra smiled as he retreated into a tunnel to Onu-Wahi. There was work to be done. OOC: Scurra to Ta-Wahi.

IC: (Valria) I nodded, and added the hachiwara to my bandolier of knives wrapped across my chest, a slight sigh escaped from lips as Tuara told Merror what I had deliberately left out. Mainly because now Utu was alive, and with Stannis's talks with everyone, having everyone bare down on Dorian wasn't a good idea. I turned around to face the two Toa of Fire. "Utu's alive now though, by some measure of luck I suppose. Cael is with him, as well as man named Praggos," I replied. I had enough coins to buy an apple, rubbing the ruby red fruit on my armor to knock off any remaining dirt and also out of habit. I took a bite, because , I was hungry too. I wiped the juice from the corners of my mouth chewing and then swallowing. "Agni went off to talk to Dorian again. Personally I want to gut the Toa of Magnetism and his little cult, but running off right now isn't going to accomplish anything."

IC: (Asa) "Mmmm, haven't had a night this relaxing since a long time." Asa smirked, as she brought the campaign glass to her lips, taking a sip, before sliding the bottle Daken's way so he could pour himself another glass, as he sat opposite of her. That ever mischievous and disarming smile spread across his lips. Daken was that wild mustang, that horse everyone thought they could control but often got thrown off, and ended up breaking their back. Asa didn't tell herself that lie. No one but Daken knew Daken, and that was something in this short frame of time with him that she understood. She sunk a little lower in the warm water, he eyes looking back to Daken as he sat on the other end. She was with him because it was fun. Well that, and her employer was giving her a decent place to live, and the kind of money she didn't have to spend months building up. Oh she could get used to this, to the money, to this lifestyle, and especially to the man, currently sharing one half of the tub. Even though she knew, he could disappear Poof. Just like that if he wanted to, but she would keep having fun, until there was none left to have, because she was Ripple, and like Daken. She did whatever she well pleased (unless the paycheck was good enough).

IC: (Asa) Initially she saw that there was no possible way to win, her direct route was cut off. Daken had her beat...at least that's what he thought. Of course Daken seemed to assume she'd go for the obvious route. "Well I guess...I guess I still have to try...even though it looks...like you've already won." However Asa got up, walking over to the top of the table, the cue ball sat there, the eight ball was there teetering on the edge, one slight tap, she'd sink it and automatically lose the game. Instead she leaned in and focused, her eyes narrowing on the cue, mapping out where each ball should land. While Daken's moved into varying positions, none of them were blocking this route she had mapped out. She relaxed and then...Crack! The ball sped down the table, banking off the cushion, and knocking her 14 ball away, back into the cushion where it bounced off, heading towards the top center pocket. Knocking one of Daken's ball near the center top away, and sliding straight into the top center pocket. The cue ball had remained with the eight ball, a slight tap was all it needed. Angela started laughing, her eyes remained glued to the pinball machine as another smile spread across Ripple's lips. "Bottom right pocket. Look at that, a first...Daken on the bottom." Asa smirked, tapping the cue ball ever so slightly, and sinking the eight ball exactly where Daken had been nice to put it for her. Clunk! That sound was the sound of Daken's defeat. She turned back and picking up the money, pocketing it and leaning up to whisper in his ear. She leaned back against the pool table, that playful smirk spread across her lips. She laughed a little, along with Angela. That's why she was asked to be a part of this, because she was won.

IC: (Asa) Asa leaned into position again, Daken was up by two, but not for long. Asa sized up the table, sliding into position, focusing she lined up the shot, pulling back and then....Crack! The cue ball zoomed down the table, banking off the cushion and splitting three of her striped balls, 10, 11, and 13 went their separate ways: 10 sunk in the right upper corner pocket, where as 11 sunk in the lower left, and 13 in the lower right. Daken didn't see it, but by sinking 2 and 6 he gave her the angle needed. She chuckled, winking as she looked back to Daken. "Uh oh, looks like the reigning champ might not be coming out on top this time," Asa playfully mocked.

IC: (Asa) "Those other girls and guys aren't me. You'll have to work a little harder if you want to come out on top." Asa smiled, moving slightly to put herself in the right position, leaning over she eyed up the cue ball, pulling back and driving it just hard enough to bank off the cushion, just enough to pocket the 15 and 12 striped balls. Though when Daken leaned in more, it threw her off and sent one of his solids right into the perfect position for him to easily sink another. A small groan of disappointment escaped Asa's lips, a small pout on her lips.

IC: (Asa) "Alright then." She chuckled, she pulled her own wallet out, and placed the same amount down. She leaned lightly against the table, waiting for Daken to go first. "Six hundred, sounds like high enough stakes to me, and a little something extra? I look forward to ending up on top." Asa smirked, shaking her head, so self-assured that she would have Daken under her heel by the end of this game.

IC: (Asa) "What if I want more than peek?" Asa chuckled, setting the netbook aside and getting to her feet. She walked over to pick up a billiard stick of her own, sauntering over to table and winking. Wasn't like she couldn't put the other stuff off till later. Besides she got most of her shopping done while Daken bludgeoned John's face upstairs. "How about a game between you and me? What's the wager you want to set?"

IC: (Asa Thurman) “How was therapy?” Asa replied, a netbook laid across her lap, searching for new weapons, gear, and clothes. Instead of her combat catsuit, she wore a vibrant red tanktop, and snuggly fitting red leather pants, her legs draped over the chair’s armrests, her light blue eyes looked over to Daken. Her lips parted slightly, her eyes immediately drawn to him. Daken had the kind of chest that would break the average man’s fist, that wasn’t just a compliment to his lean, and athletic figure, it was a proven fact. She saw it happen back in Texas, couldn’t help but giggle at scream of pain that ensued. Daken of course, made that disarming smirk as usual at her and the pre-cog. She would have continued. However, of the many things Daken was excellent at he had a penchant for throwing off her line of thought. Far too clever, far too attractive. She realized her eyes had been lingering and she turned them back towards the notebook, a pinkish ting to her normally pale cheeks.

IC: (Valria) "Good I guess, I'm thinking of which of these knives will look best buried in Echelon's heart." I smirked, setting down the knife and picking up a stiletto, and a bandolier. "What about you?" IC: (Hari) "It's not as bad as you think Skyra, besides I think you'll end up enjoying it." I chuckled, wrapping my arm around the dark green Toa. "I'll be there, Naona will be there. Offer still stands though, you can leave when you have the chance. I won't push you into something you don't enjoy." I smirked, and leaned against the wall, waiting on Tillian and Naona. "Come on you two!"

IC: (Valria) You know how when you break something, like a tea cup, or a porcelain doll. You try to put it back together, glue the pieces in the same places just as they were. Thing is no matter how much you try to fix it, there's always the marks of damage. I hate to say this but I spent a lot of time, sitting on my hands, and it's never something I really enjoy. Agni went off in search of Dorian, Stannis had taken his leave, and Merror was probably mulling over the news. I could sit here and about being left with nothing to do. Yeah, like that would accomplish anything, but if they expected me to do that. Haahhhaaa! No. that. "Well, maybe I'll see you later." I said, getting up and walking towards the doors. I stepped outside into the fresh Le-Koro air, and made my way towards the market, the smell of fresh meat on open grills, the myriad of colours with the fruits. I walked up to a Toa of Fire, currently looking through some fruits at a stand, next to that one, a weapons seller. I picked up a knife, testing the weight, twirling it around in my hand and opened my mouth as I looked over the matoran's weapons selection. "Hello Tuara."

IC: (Hari) "Awww, Skyra you looked great in it, but it's been quite a while since then. I think it's time to get you something new!" I chuckled, wrapping my arms around the flustering Toa of Air and leading her away. "Perhaps I'll see you later, Dorian!" I leaned in and spoke to Skyra. "You know we don't have to do it if you gals don't want to, I think Krayn will probably go with me anyways. Won't you Krayn?" I raised my voice, and turned to him with a grin. Ready to enjoy my day, Skyra and Naona didn't want to come was fine, if it was like pulling teeth, then I would just be annoying them anyways, that wasn't fair. Yeah, it hurt I wanted to hang out, figured we could each do a thing we liked, but apparently Tillian had just woken up, and Naona probably had friends in the Gukko Force to hang out with. "So you don't have to come."

IC: (Hanako) "I suppose now we must wait for whoever is hiding in the shadows to make another move. Unfortunately my lady Desde I must really be returning to Inokio's living quarters, your sister will be returning there shortly. Remember if you ever have need of me, I am always here." I smiled, my head turning downward in respect to Lady Desdemona, but now I needed to go. This discussion with Desde, it was important, a good half of it pertained to the safety of the family I was sworn to protect, specifically Lady Yumiwa, the Chojo and my furture Empress, and currently the among the only true friends I have ever had. I briskly left her quarters, Desde smiling and waving me off, knowing I had some to return to Inokio's quarters. It took a short time, shorter than I initially thought to return to Inokio's quarters, where I returned to the seat, relaxing before bring the violin back up to my neck and chin, drawing the bow against the strings, reading through the music, practicing, taking mental notes on the mistakes I made. Herupa were trained to make few mistakes in any regard, whether it was combat, military tactics, or a variety of other subjects. We were supposed to be models of prefection, chiseled like a finely crafted crystal breastplate from the best armor-smith Kentoku had to offer. Every mistake was considered a piece of dirt that needed scrubbing away. I am Yumiwa's Handmaiden, I could not be anything less, not for my lady, not for my Chojo, not for my best friend. I had to be the best I could possibly be, and then some. That was the Herupa way.