BZPRPG - Kentoku Archipelago

[GSR]

IC: Soraya [The Chiisai Ryuu]

 

...Crud.  Ayiwah was for all intents and purposes a stranger, but Soraya knew she was good at her job - which meant the moment she saw Soraya, she'd know she wasn't supposed to be there - and there was practically no chance she'd drop the commodore face long enough for Soraya to actually get a read on what the tone of this expedition was going to be like before she tossed Soraya back onto dry land.  Possibly in shackles.

And in the end, Ayiwah wasn't connected to Yumi the same way Hana was.  Honestly? She could probably count on Ayiwah to keep things pretty sane, if her reputation was to be believed.  But Hana was a wild card, and if Ayiwah was a good soldier, she might stick to Hana's word if it came down to it.  Yumi to Hana to Ayiwah.  Okay, on reflection that sounded like a pretty good buffer between "Worryingly Oblivious Regency" and "A Possibly Non-Crazy Island", but-

I gotta know for myself.

She sighed.  "I appreciate it, but - look, truth be told, what I really needed was to talk to Yu- to the Rora, and if she's not here, then the next best person who knows her.  It's kind of a long story."  She was on thin ice now, but if she had any shot at avoiding having to talk her way past the Commodore of the fleet, she was going to take it.

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Fishing."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

"Wheeeee"

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"You've gone mad."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

"Says you."

[Void Emissary]

IC (Akimoto)

 

 

Her curiosity was piqued. "Which are?"

IC:

 

"We both make the world go 'round, miss," I grinned. "And no one even knows."

 

-Void

Edited July 23, 2014 by Emissary

[Mel]

[sado, Imperial Library]

 

I shrugged.  "Well it got your attention, didn't it?  Besides, I don't usually bother with courtesy; people just find other ways to show themselves out of my company.  As for me--"

 

I took a good look at him.  Up at him.  He was tall, regal, and fierce--if not exactly handsome in the conventional sense.  Exactly the type of person who ignores me on a regular basis, exactly the type who I would hate.  But I had put two and two together in the hours after the party.  Even after the Rora's death, everybody had finally become bored with the endless speculating, and conversation had turned to other things.  Now that I knew, I could see the tension in his jaw and the pain in is eyes.  I didn't dare extend my willhammer sense, but I could tell that there was something building and roiling under that stoic exterior.  Herupa Jiyu was interesting, and quite probably dangerous.  I would have be careful.  I don't do careful.

 

"I'm Plangori Shuuan.  My clan was responsible for most of the colorful garb you saw a few nights ago.  I sought you out because--I--I" and here the memory of the pain caused my voice to tremble, but I went on.  I'm not someone to hide my weakness, especially when that weakness is actually having feelings.  "--I--know someone hurt you.  And I'm curious.  That--how someone like you could get hurt by anyone."

 

It had sounded better in my head.

[AuRon the champion]

Ic:

 

"And why should I tell you that?" Jiyu asked, his full attention now captivated by this plangori.

 

"Why should I presume that you would actually care about my problems, and that your not trying to find some sort of 'chink in my armor'?"

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"You seriously have."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

"I guess so."

[Mel]

[sado, Imperial Library]

 

He expected me to be offended, to back off or offer excuses, maybe.  But I'm not that kind of person.

 

"You're right, you have no insurance I'm not trying to break you apart and play you like everyone else on this island.  You'll just have to trust me."

I stared right back at him, sensing the incredulity in his gaze.

"Look, I'm a short, ugly third daughter of backwater clan, and most of the court servants wouldn't give me the time of day.  I don't fancy trying to work myself into their favor, or the Fursics either.  Same bird, different color.  I've been called a lot of things, Herupa Jiyu, most of them not flattering, but deceptive is not one of them."

[AuRon the champion]

Ic:

 

The giant dasaka looked almost stunned.

 

That is, before he recovered and leaned over slightly to whisper to her, "your words ring true... Then know that the pain that is felt by your body is temporary... But there is no worse pain than the one being who created you, hurting you. Not in the body..."

 

He geustured to his chest before continuing, "but instead, in the heart."

 

His displeasure was easily noticible. His words had a sharp edge to them, and his deep voice began to grow raspy, as if his teeth were knives, and his tounge and lips were made of stone. His body seemed to heat the nearby air as well, as he left the books he held on an empty part of the shelves. The shelf itself began to creak and crack as the giant held onto one of its posts, the sound adding an unnerving edge to his words.

 

In other words, he was at the memories.

[Relapse]

IC: (Rano)

 

The Eiyu kept herself away from the others, still somewhat alienated from her fellow crewmembers. She pondered her own weaknesses, the least among them not that her Twin was far from her. She would likely grow duller in her abilities as a Soulsword, but she would be able to study and review Dasaka lore in the hopes that the citizens of the Other Island would listen and tell her stories of their own.

 

OOC: Rano open for interaction on the Chiisai Ryuu.

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"Alright, let's go."

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

"Right behind you."

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Hanako)

 

Later in the day, after my lunch with Desde I had come to the Little Dragon. I needed to make sure that Desde and Yumi were okay, I had been so focused on Yumi though, I had forgotten her sister and the stresses that were placed upon her. Not only did I feel guilty, there were times I felt closer, more understood by Desdemona than Yumi could ever hope to know. As much as Yumi told me to speak freely, there were so many times it was clear that she just wanted me as something to bounce her opinions and ideas off of. She's my best friend, but she can be abrasive and recent issues had not helped Yumi's attitude, position of Rora, her mother's death. It was all too much for both sisters and I did my best I could for both of them. The trip was still on. This time however, Yumi wasn't joining me, and Desde wasn't going in her place. Both sisters would remain in Kentoku and that was for the best, in the current climate our travels to Mata Nui could put some issues to rest, such as the location of the Chaotic Six (hopefully). The luggage I had brought wasn't too much, I had my normal type of dress, the red robes and leggings I had normally worn around. My hood was drawn back however as I gathered the packs, one of the servants had aided me and I thanked her, she looked surprised. As I thought over it, while I wasn't royalty like the Umbralines, the Herupa were prominent enough and the company we normally kept looked down on servants like this woman. I frowned internally, for this woman was polite, friendly and helpful. She seemed like a nice person and yet many a Menti would look at her, seeing only a Saihoko, and saying that word with such revulsion. I tried not to think of it, but it remained there nagging at my mind.

 

As I approached the ship I spoke aloud to those standing at the gangplank.

 

"Hello! It is I, Hanako Herupa. I wish to apologize to you all and the Commodore for my tardiness. I had wished to make sure things would go well, and servants attending the Rora and her sister knew everything they needed to handle while I am away. I want to apologize to the Commodore in person, for I should have sent a message ahead to alert you to this. Could I speak to her, if she's available?"

[Ghosthands]

IC (Tazera)

 

Tazera was about to answer the Plangori, but she stayed her tongue: the lieutenant had heard a voice faintly echoing into the submersible from the open hatch. She didn't recognise the speaker, but she could make out the words - and she smiled down at Soraya.

 

"It sounds to me as though Mother Zuto's luck shines on you for once, Plangori Soraya," she said. She gestured in the direction of the hatch. "Go on. I need to inform the Commodore."

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC:

 

"HANAKO YOU STAY RIGHT THERE."

 

Desde had clearly exerted herself to keep up with the Herupa before she managed to slip away into the sub - no doubt that as younger daughter of the recently departed Rora (this didn't make her chojo, did it? Please no no no) she could have weaseled her way in based off of name recognition but she was not fond of the idea of abusing her mother's blood for something so trivial as herself and she understood the Commodore well enough to know that she wanted an early departure. So she stopped - skidded, almost - to a halt in front of Hanako, knees week, breathing deeply, and searching for something to say.

 

"I just wanted to say..." The little princess' mouth opened further and then closed once, and then again, like she was still gasping for air. "Uhm...wanted to say...just...just enjoy Mata Nui, okay? I get that it's a royal expedition and all but...if you can...it's so interesting, isn't it? So have fun if you can, and uhm...oh! And don't let any jungle boys steal off with you! If Yumi found out I sent you on this expedition so that you could end up living like a tajaar she would cut my head off. So...err...yes...guess that's about everything--"

 

She broke off suddenly, as though she was startled out of her rant, and after a second of indecision her thin arms wrapped around Hanako's neck in a tight grip.

 

"I'm gonna miss you," Desde confessed to Hana's collar, her voice muffled. "Tell the Commodore I said hiya."

 

-Tyler

[25K Now!]

IC: Higashi

 

"You've been fishing before, yeah?"

[NorikSigma]

IC: Akone

 

"Once or twice."

[Vezok's Friend]

OOC: Writing from the Hotel while at Brickfair, so this is a bit shorter than usual.

 

IC:

 

Ayiwah watched Nihi being escorted to mess area. With that situation contained for the moment, she turned around, walking towards the berthing cabin. She did not spend much time there though and merely stuck her head through the passage, looking at Rano. "Do not think your late arrival went by unnoticed. Congratulations on volunteering for the first late watch shift tonight."

 

And with that, she was back on her way to the bridge, to await Hanako's arrival - which, with good timing, happened before she had even set foot on the bridge itself. She heard voices from the level above and after ascending the ladder, she quickly found Tazera who was heading in her direction already.

 

"Hanako?" Ayiwah asked. Tazera just nodded. The commodore smiled in return. "Looks like we might leave on time after all." she said with a wink, just loud enough for the first mate to hear."

 

Together they made their way back up to the main-hatch, to great the leader of the royal envoy.

 

"Herupa Hanako," Ayiwah greeted her with a respectful bow of the head, "welcome aboard the Chiisai Ryuu. We can depart as soon as you are settled in."

[GSR]

IC: Soraya [The Chiisai Ryuu]

 

"It sounds to me as though Mother Zuto's luck shines on you for once, Plangori Soraya,"

 

Soraya managed not to let out the kind of breath that says "I thought I was screwed and thus unintentionally holding my breath until the immediate danger passed."  No kidding.  She smiled and nodded at the Dasaka as she turned to leave.  Hanako was at the gangplank - that was good.  She'd just nip over there, flag her down, get a read on if this trip was going to turn into a disaster, make her case if it looked that way, and in the event that went belly-up get off the ship before anyone could actually press charges.  Easy as could be.

 

 

 

Why in the name of Zataka's left buttcheek would you lay a ship out like this? she thought to herself as she climbed what felt like the tenth ladder since Tazeka had left her.  She wasn't sure exactly how she'd managed to get turned around while tracing her exact steps back, but hey, the universe never let things be that easy, right?

 

There was the murmur of voices up ahead.  Okay, good, good, here we go.  She turned the corner, and - yeNO NO NO NO NO

 

Hanako was directly in front of her.  Unfortunately, Tazera and the Commodore were more directly in front of her, looking out over the gangplank.  Hanako was also dealing with what looked like a very mid-hug Desde, who was probably going to look up in the next two seconds and see a very-not-supposed-to-be-on-board Dashi standing behind two would-very-gladly-throw-off-very-not-supposed-to-be-on-board-Dashi Dasaka.

 

"Herupa Hanako, welcome aboard the Chiisai Ryuu. We can depart as soon as you are settled in."

 

 

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Hanako Herupa)

 

I froze right in place when I heard Desde. I sighed and chuckled lightly as she ran up to me, smiling. It was good to see Desde one last time before I went. Although...I am a little disappointed she wasn't back home getting rest. I couldn't help but laugh a little, when spoke of some jungle boy stealing me away. I would try and relax some on this vacation, but it was still my duty to act in Yumi's place. I thought for a second of how she would probably behave and a part of me was starting to think it was a really good idea that she wasn't coming. I felt Desde's arms wrap around my neck and speak to me. I smiled gently and sighed. "I'm going to miss you too, Desde. I won't be gone for forever, so you don't have to worry about that. I'll try and enjoy myself while I'm there." Desdemona Umbraline, the closet thing I had to a little sister. I releases Desde from the hug, turning to face Commodore Ayiwah and her Lieutenant.

 

"Hello Commodore Ayiwah and Lieutenant Tazera, it is an honor to be traveling in such company. I was just saying my goodbyes to Princess Desdemona. I have only brought a few things, so I hope I won't be cluttering up the Chiisai Ryuu for you and your subordinates." I smiled, bowing in respect, and then lifting my bags to show how much I brought. Actually only about several bags, I thought it prudent to travel light.

[Vezok's Friend]

IC (Ayiwah):

 

The Commodore nodded, obviously approving of Hanako's consideration when it came to the limited space aboard the Ryuu. She looked at Yumiwa's handmaiden with the faintest hint of amusement. 

 

"We were prepared for your participation in the expedition - although under the assumption that it would be in the entourage of our new Rora. Now that you are in charge we are more than capable to accommodate you in the forward cabin, as well as the rest of the envoy who are already aboard."

 

As if to emphasize the point, Ayiwah gave a quick hand signal to one of the Saihoko crew working on the deck, stowing away basic gear. Shequickly finished up her task, then quickly made her way over to Ayiwah, standing straight and snapping off a quick salute. 

 

"Please take Lady Hanako's belongings to her cabin."

 

"Yes ma'am, at once."

 

While the Saihoko started to pick up the various bags and began moving them into the ship, the commodore and her first mate exchanged a few more pleasantries with princess Desdemona and Hanako. Shortly after though, another of the crew approached them with the information that the dry dock had been sufficiently flooded with water to allow the Ryuu to finally cast off its supports and start swimming by itself.

 

"Then make it so." Ayiwah ordered. Along the outside of the basin, heavy winches began to move, reeling in unseen chains, submerged below the water, which pulled away the pillars the submersible had rested on until now. A shudder ran along the ship's length as the supports let go of its hull, followed by a small dropping sensation for all of those aboard. And then it was done, the Ryuu was now fully in action.

 

This also meant the expedition was now ready to start its long journey to the foreign island. Well, almost. After Desdemona had returned to the pier, Ayiwah had taken Hanako below-decks, showing her around the bridge and navigation room. An ideatalk message from the engine room reported that the mechanics down there were just awaiting her orders. Standing on the bridge next to the Rora's handmaiden and Tazera, Ayiwah thought for a second, then mentally replied:

 

:Start the engines; lowest speed. Navigators, take us out of the docks, then set a course for the main pier of the yards.:

 

Another soft shudder ran through the Ryuu, before a quiet humming sound started to be heard throughout the ship, as the vessel began to maneuver out of the docks. Ayiwah did not look overly happy though when she turned to Hanako once more.

 

"There is one more thing, however: Eiyu Nihi. She forced her way past one of the crew to get aboard the ship. Her name is not on the list of Dasaka that Yumiwa wished to accompany her. She says she was supposed to come along and she wished to speak with the one in charge of the expedition now; namely you."

 

Below her feet, Ayiwah could feel the Ryuu move as it cleared the docks and moved to position itself for its new course. If Hana did not say otherwise, the pier would be where Nihi would be dropped off. It also would make for the first public appearance of the new submersible.

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

I was cut off mid-sentence when the ship abruptly shuddered, whereupon I quickly grabbed my knife (to ensure that everyone got to Mata Nui with the same number of toes as they left the Archipelago with) and the frame of my berth to steady myself. I shot a glance over at Aki, but even a trader like me could understand the implications behind this sudden movement. A tingle of anticipation run up my spine.

 

"Let the adventure begin, then," I said.

 

-Void

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Hanako Herupa)

 

"Hmm, then we must go and resolve this. I'll follow you then" I replied, nodding. Nihi Eiyu, whose sister laid bed-ridden at the hospital. Poor girls, they have both suffered. It was clear what she probably wanted out of this mission, to get her revenge on the Chaotic Six. As much as I could understand her frustration, her sadness, her anger. My first thought was to have her removed from the submersible. She would likely endanger our mission in her lust for vengeance. Still a part of me did believe that she capable of keeping herself under control. Perhaps she could still pursue her goal, but with Ayiwah's sailors and soldiers, making sure she didn't complicate our diplomatic mission. Well I would decide when I saw her, and also see what Ayiwah thought.

[Mel]

OOC: Sorry for the lateness in replying.

 

IC:

[sado, Imperial Library]

 

I could feel the beginnings of a headache crawling up my skull, along with brief flashes of Jiyu's memories.  He was leaking, they always did when they broke.  He was right in that point.  I tend to find "chinks in people's armor" almost without trying.  It's because I'm the only one who doesn't wear armor.  Everyone in this island walks around with a thin veneer of unfeeling, like hard crystal, around themselves.  But they rely on that—without it they're just amorphous blobs of confused emotion.

 

I make myself clear.  Shoddy defense, sure, like tissue paper.  But because I'm soft on the outside, because I let people know how I feel, I'm stable on the inside.  I'm as hard and rare as distilled protosteel.

 

I placed a hand on Jiyu's arm.

 

"Do you want to go outside?"

Edited August 3, 2014 by Yukiko

[Vezok's Friend]

OOC: With Nuju's blessing, I am gonna fast-track this.

 

IC (Ayiwah):

 

The commodore nodded, then said: "If you will follow me, please." With her taking the lead and Tazera forming up on the rear, followed by Soraya. Ayiwah had had noticed her right away, but the situation with Nihi took precedence over the other unannounced passenger. Besides, since they were both not supposed to be aboard, having them in the same place when Hana made the call about what should be done about them seemed prudent. And so, she didn't call out the Plangori at this time. 

 

Instead, she lead the four of them below decks and to the galley, where Nihi was sitting at one of the tables, guarded. She looked up when they entered, her eye's expressing something between curiosity and anxiety. Ayiwah let Hanako take the lead. "There she is."

 

As if in an interrogation, Hanako took a seat across from Nihi. yiwah moved up behind her but remained standing. "Tell her what you told me."

 

Nihi crossed her fingers, seemingly collecting her thoughts, then she started to recount her story to Hanako, making her case as she had previously made it before the commodore. When she had finished, Ayiwah looked first to Tazera and then to Hanako again.

 

"So, what do you wish to do? In my opinion, she is not stable enough to come along for the mission, even if her previous experience might be of value. But the decision is up to you."

[Ghosthands]

IC (Dakte)

 

Dakte stood behind Nihi and to her right. He watched the unfolding conversation silently and stoically.

 

IC (Tazera)

 

Tazera too was silent in her position at Ayiwah's side, though one hand was squeezing her lower lip pensively.

[AuRon the champion]

Ic:

 

"I thank you for your offer, but the library is much more quiet... And peaceful," he said, briefly diverting some of his attention to mentally check the library for anyone aside from the two of them. There wasn't, aside from the Datsue librarian who was minding her own business, kanohi stuffed into a scroll almost as old as herself.

 

"I will be blunt, for despite appearances, you are not one for figurative speech and allusions to barely-quoted poetry," he said, leaning close to her.

 

"Regardless of what you or any others believe, the former herupa Toroshu, Eshiwa, was nothing more to me than a force that bound me to her whims. Be it through pain, words, or any other tool at her disposal, Herupa Eshiwa only considered me a nice trophy to sell off when she needed a new ally."

 

His fists balled as his blue eyes narrowed, a certain blurring appearing at the edges of his vision.

 

"There is nothing in the world that can replace the pain and anger inside of me. I would pray to zuto nui for guidance, but it is zuto nui whose teachings led to my pain and anger," he finished his face barely a foot away from the smaller Dasaka, water forming at the edges of his vision and anger boiling within his blood.

[GSR]

IC: Soraya [The Chiisai Ryuu]

 

Soraya put her chances of imminent death at something like ninety percent.  As Hanako had come aboard, the Commodore had turned, seen her, and raised her brow just slightly.  It was the same sort of brow-raise that Morie used to do when Soraya would come back from a sales trip and dodge the question of how much had actually been sold, and it meant one thing and one thing only: you're not fooling anybody, and very soon now we're going to sit down and have a little chat.

 

So Soraya had followed along - it was either that or fling herself off the dock before they got too far from land, and since she figured something like that was going to happen eventually anyway, she may as well take a shot at having her say.  She had to give Nihi credit - the Dasaka kept a fairly good stone face when Soraya followed the group in, and she didn't say a word about the Dashi as she made her case.

 

"So, what do you wish to do? In my opinion, she is not stable enough to come along for the mission, even if her previous experience might be of value. But the decision is up to you."

 

Yeah.  Up to you, Hanako.  She waited for the Dasaka's response.  Make the right choice, please?

[AuRon the champion]

Ooc: for all of you who want to do stuff...

 

Ic:

 

The disappearance of several spears from the southern barracks on Sado would've been considered an anomaly... Perhaps a requisition officer had taken then and the permit had been misplaced, or it was one of the south squad's version of a joke, but it was never really of any concern until the morning afterwards where they were found in the marketplace.

 

In the belly of a Menti warrior.

 

The area was quickly secured by the guard, and Dastana Harume was called in to aid in analyzing the corpse, and crime scene. Since that's what Dastana Harume did in her spare time, other than play with scissors.

 

It was early morning, and the dew covering the corpse was evident of it being there before dawn... In the hours where only the rich and mad stay up to. The detective also noted that the deceased Menti was an Umbraline, a fact that displeased the Dastana Detective even more. Two final, obvious details remained to the detective. The first was that it looked like she had driven the spears into herself, which is odd since the three spears had gone through her, and had elevated the Menti slightly above the ground. Almost as if she was being pinned to a board as part f someone's bug collection.

 

The second fact was that it appeared as if she had clawed her own eyes out.

 

"Grisly," she muttered to the head of the guard for this sector, "you know who was on patrol for the night?"

 

The captain nodded, "I'm familiar with the patrol leader. She and I play cards every weekend."

 

"We aught to figure out where exactly they were all night. Missing something like this had to be extremely hard... A death like this would be excruciatingly painful... Why didn't anyone hear it happening and try to intervene?"

 

Leaving the question hanging, Harume quickly whipped out a small leather-bound bookend began to record the crime scene for herself.

 

-Details: the victim was found around six-thirty in the morning, evidence on the body pointing to it being there before dawn came. The deceased has been elevated about a foot off the ground, with spears (standard imperial issue, runes upon them marking them as belonging to the Sado south guard squad) running through the legs, and one through the chest, angled so the body wouldn't fall. In addition to this, the deceased's eyes have been removed by force, supposedly by the deceased... However, no remains are present on the scene... Implying that they were removed prior. Spears will be removed for proper inspection at my dwellings, however I don't think any sort of prints remain. A full autopsy has yet to be performed as well, more notes to follow soon.

[Hanako Herupa]

IC: (Hanako Herupa)

 

"So when she was Chojo she promised you would be part of the trip, hmm," I spoke aloud, mulling over. "I can the anger, your impulsiveness, you don't try very hard to hide it. Yumiwa made a promise to you. While I am inclined to agree with the Commodore, I believe you are more than your thirst for vengeance. I believe you're capable of taking this trip with us, with keeping your emotions under control, of making smart decisions. The Chaotic Six, while discerning their exact location and bringing them to justice will be a part of our mission. Hopefully in cooperation with the villages on Mata Nui we can do so. However none of us can run off to face them on our own, as I'm sure you would want to. You want to make them suffer, you want justice for your sister. I want for her to get justice as well, she deserves it, you deserve that peace of mind," I nodded. "However, that is not our main reason for being there, we are there to learn more about the people, to understand what they are like, to broker more alliances, to see what their island has to offer and they, the people of it. I have some stipulations for you. First, you will stay by my side during the expedition. Second, your personal goals come second to the goal the Rora set out for us. Third, you may inquire the whereabouts of the Chaotic Six but be respectful of the people there. We are there to make a good impression on them. If you cannot meet these stipulations set for, you will be left in the brig for breaking them. I have faith in you Nihi, don't disappoint me by breaking my trust."

 

I got up and turned to Ayiwah, bowing again. "I feel these stipulations are satisfactory, if there are any that you you would like to set forth for her, please do. I believe the Rora's promises to her people should be kept. However, this is also not a trip of personal desires and goals, we are traveling to Mata Nui for the good of the Kentoku Archipelago and her people. A single person's goals will not endanger the entire mission. Is there still room for her aboard the ship? I really hope that it won't be difficult, should she choose to agree to the stipulations and join us."

[Nuju Metru]

IC:

"Rooming Eiyu Nihi will not be an issue," Ayiwah stated tersely, her hands clasped behind her back. "The Chiisai Ryu has enough bunks. I have no further stipulations for her."

 

Nihi could tell that Ayiwah wasn't happy with Hanako's verdict - with the prospect of Nihi's presence - but she also saw that the Commodore valued discipline above all else, and would never dream of disobeying or even hindering an order from those above her. Even as she resented the way Ayiwah looked down on her (and her passion), Nihi couldn't help but admire the Commodore's total commitment to Order. Besides, Nihi couldn't blame Ayiwah for disapproving; Nihi supposed she hadn't done much to earn the Commodore's respect. In the end, Ayiwah was standing out of Nihi's way, so Nihi was grateful for that.

 

Ayiwah having smoothed over the last detail, the only word left to be said was Nihi's. Hanako watched attentively as Nihi turned from regarding the Commodore and met the her eyes; Nihi spoke as respectfully as she knew how.

 

"Ma'am," Nihi began, bowing her head to Hanako. "Your terms are generous; I will not break your trust by disregarding them. I will fully execute my duties to the Rora and to the Empire... and my personal wishes will be of secondary importance." Nihi wasn't lying. While her revenge on the Chaotic Six wouldn't be of secondary importance in her heart, it never could be, she knew that if she wasn't prepared to grant her vendetta secondary importance in her action, she'd lose all possibility of pursuing it. "Thank you for giving me a chance," Nihi finished earnestly, meeting Hanako's eyes again. "It'll be my honor to be at your side."

 

"That's all I needed to hear," Hanako nodded. "Commodore, are we ready to depart?"

Edited August 6, 2014 by Nuju Metru

[Void Emissary]

Ooc: for all of you who want to do stuff...

IC:

 

Zyla hadn't wanted to leave the docks yet. She had wanted to stay and watch the Chisaii Ryu cast off from its moorings and sink below the surface of the sea, if only to know that it had started off on its journey safely. To know that she had started off her journey safely.

 

But Daijuno wouldn't have wanted her to hang around, not when there was work to do. A cold, oceanic wind whipped by Zyla, shaking her from her daydreams of waving her friend employer off, something that had turned out to be impossible with the steel walls of the Ryu in their her way, as if Zuto Nui herself was reminding her of her duties back in Sado. She pulled her windbreaker even closer to herself, shivering against the chill. She gave the submarine vessel (Juno always called it a "sub") one last, mournful look, silently appealing the goddess to preserve it and the women and men in its belly. Especially Daijuno. Clutching her satchel to her thigh, she turned and walked back into the city as quickly as she could, as she knew that if she turned around to keep watching, she would never be able to stop.

 

Instead, she focused her gaze on the scenery before her. The dawn sky was a sheet of grey, a promise of rain to come. The cobblestone streets were already wet with the morning dew, and Zyla took extra care to keep from slipping and falling into the path of some passing noble, some of who were already out to view the launch of the submarine or to buy a ware from the market before a rival could see them. She steered far clear of them.

 

The markets were slowly coming to life again, a strange comfort for a woman who had spent her formative years on these streets, and the merchants were rising from their slumbers for another day hawking wares. Slowly, sluggishly, the shouts began, but there was an air of uneasiness to them; a sense of foreboding. Zyla suddenly became aware of the whispers in the women around her; the traders were unsettled, and even the smattering of nobles present seemed distinctly ill at ease. Her heart was touched with fear. Was something going wrong in the expedition? Had something happened to the Ryu? Obviously, Zyla would need to ask someone about this. She was sure as she rounded the next corner.

 

But at the sight of the guard contingent assembled in the next street, it was clear what had people on edge.

 

For a moment, Zyla contemplated turning around and taking another way home; but life with Daijuno, ever the spirit of adventure and tactlessness, had instilled some less than savoury habits in her. Slowly, she crept forward into the street. The Menti warriors gave her piercing looks as she edged through, but as long as she kept her distance, they made no move to intercept her. She almost to the middle of the street when she turned her head and--

 

"oh ... oh goddess"

 

 

 

 

goddess preserve us

 

 

 

the horror was beyond

 

 

beyond

 

 

the menti was supported skewered by several spears stuck into the wall behind her held aloft like the body was some kind of art piece for display or offering to Zuto Zataka. blood leaked out from her where her eyes should have been, but where only empty sockets stared blindly beyond. zyla tried to maintain composure oh who was she kidding she let out a strangled cry because oh goddess.

 

"what ... what ... W-who, I mean, what, what, what's going, I, what, what...."

 

-Void

[AuRon the champion]

IC:

 

The detective quickly noticed the woman.

 

"Ma'am," The detective began, carefully approaching the Dasaka, and gently placing a hand upon her upper arm, "Please remain calm. Do you know anything about... This?"

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

zyla furiously shook her head because it was the only thing she could think to do. slowly, very slowly, words began to come to her, and she opened her mouth to find that her throat was suddenly dry.

 

"N-no, I j-just got back from the docks, I was going home," she said, staring intently at the detective. "What, what's going on here?"

 

-Void

[AuRon the champion]

IC:

 

"There was a murder."

 

And yes that was sortof in the obvious.

 

"This may come as an odd question, however you must trust me. Lives may be potentially at stake here."

 

...

 

"Do you know anything random or strange that has happened to you -or anyone that you have heard about- within the past twenty-four hours?"

[Void Emissary]

IC:

 

Breathe in, Zyla. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breeeeeathe out.

 

Trying to focus her thoughts, Zyla found herself nervously cycling through the last day's events, looking for something anything that could shed some light on the situation ... or, damning though the thought was, could incriminate her or Juno or Mora.

 

"Well, uh, well, I don't think so," she said, trying to sound confident. "I mean, I-I guess that me being down at the docks was sort of strange; my employer, uh, Dastana Daijuno, she's on the expedition to Mata Nui. She's a quartermaster; we spent most of the night organizing supplies, and then this morning we were, uh, overseeing their loading. I-Is that what you mean?"

 

-Void

[AuRon the champion]

IC:

 

"Organizing supplies where?" The detective asked, eyes narrowing.