BZPRPG - Ko-Wahi

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer.

 

The result of the fight is unexpected. Rekhyt is more resourceful than I'd anticipated. Had this been a real fight to the death, I remain confident that Forger would have ultimately prevailed, but I see the wisdom in Forger's choice to end it here. Rekhyt has proven himself. That is all that is required.

 

I size up the remaining three recruits. Charek, Faora, and Verulas. Verulas and Veteran are escorting a visitor to the cable car, so I doubt he will be fighting in the next round, and Tracer had expressed an interest in being the one to fight him. That just leaves Faora and Charek.

 

I know I will be fighting one of them.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Roman Torchwick

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Crab

Soon he wouldn't be able to move his claws. His whole body was slowly freezing. His shoulder would stop bleeding soon. And then he would fall asleep. For a long time. And one day someone would thaw him out and study him as if he were some sort of rahi.

 

Hopefully someone could find him on the path to Ko-Koro. He didn't particually want to become frozen Crab.

[Timageness]

IC: Verulas turned back to Septima, giving her a thumbs up as she began to follow the pair back to the cable car. She had not been expecting the Ta-Skakdi to accompany them on their way back, but it mattered little since he was in front of them. Now was her chance...

When the trio had put a fair amount of distance between them and the rest of the group, she intentionally bumped into the Bo-Toa, wrapping her fingers around the pouches of widgets before yanking them off of his belt and stuffing them into her bag in one clean motion.

"Sorry," the Fe-Toa explained, flashing him a quick smile. "Must have slipped on a patch of ice."

"It's cool," he said as they continued on their way.

When they finally arrived, Septima boarded the car, placing her bag on one of the seats as Verulas walked up to the door.

"Hey, uh... before you go...," he said, leaning his arm up against the device.

She turned to face him.

"Yes?"

"What you said about me ever needing someone to talk to... Well, I just want you to know that it goes both ways. You need to get something off of your chest, you know where to find me, okay?"

Septima quickly turned around, momentarily trying to hide the fact that she was blushing before nodding her head.

"Yeah... Sure thing," she said, feeling a slight twinge of remorse for stealing from him. "I guess we'll be seeing each other around, then."

 

Dravennica watched as Khil'rayu opened one of the doors to the inner Sanctum, before using his Vision Power on a currently unidentified target. She grasped the hilt of her sword as she returned to her feet, whistling for Shredder's attention as she turned the rest of her body towards the doorway and readied herself behind her shield.

"Heads up, people; we have company."

OOC: On the off-chance that Veteran noticed any of that going down, can he please not say anything until Septima's way on her way across the break? I'm cooking something up regarding that particular bit of business. Oh, and don't forget to ask about the toll!

[Jakura Nuva]

OOC: On mobile

 

IC: Transient

 

Transient found himself wandering the Obsidian fort after awhile. The recruit-battle had gotten quote boring, and he wasn't in the mood for anymore training - so, why not explore the place? Surely none of his old companions would mind. After all, it was his home as well. At least, it used to be, and now was again.

 

The thought on his kind as he searched for a drink was his name. Transient - he was named such given his temporary membership on the team, which was in effect only until he could pay off his debts. But he wanted to be more than that... he wanted to be permanent.

 

When the thought hit his mind, it hit hard. For so long, he had enjoyed his work as an all-around scholar - it was what he felt meant for. Then again, there were many Toa who had jobs they felt they were made for, but truly weren't. After all, Toa were here to fight battles, right? So, perhaps there wasn't any occupation suitable for Toa other than fighting. Maybe that's why he felt how he felt.

 

The Toa of Earth would never abandon his life's work - that was for sure. But he needed something else to do, now that he had taken a leave from his old duties. The answer was obvious, of course; that's why he was here, ready to sign up as a full-time mercenary. But he needed a way to prove himself again... to show that he still had it. That extra bit of brutal touch, mixed in with sincere skill, that every good mercenary had. He needed to get into a fight...

 

The idea struck him like a Vo-Toa's lightning bolt. The recruits - they needed experience Outsiders to fight with in their trial. And, Transient figured, why not him? He was as experienced as any of the other Toa... if Zero would allow him, maybe it could even help lift his debt!

 

The Toa began to walk faster, hoping to catch Zero before the next match.

 

 

IC: Varan

 

The impressed Ba-Toa stood from his seat and clapped. The battle had certainly been a cleverly-played one - and the recruit had succeeded. He was interested to see how the other recruits would fare...

 

Activating his Mask of Sensory Aptitude, Varan zoomed in his optics to get a better view. He wanted to study their fighting moves, just in case he one day found himself in battle with one of these mercs. As he puffed on his pipe, the Toa smiled. There were some benefits to being in such a filthy place...

Edited December 2, 2014 by Jakura Nuva

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran.
 
Listening in to conversations was second nature to Veteran, but the banter of the two Toa held little interest to him. As Septima stepped into the cable car, he held out his hand expectantly. "There's a toll, mate" he explained, "a few widgets to cover expenses, that sorta thing."
 
IC: Dayeth.
 
Dayeth peered around Dravennica and spotted the crazy skakdi attacking a pair of Toa. She froze in surprise, recognising one of them immediately. Korero Maru. Speak of the devil, and he shall appear...
 
"Echelon! The Maru are here!" She wasn't going to fail the Dark Toa again.

 

 

Edited December 2, 2014 by Roman Torchwick

[(Daedalus)]

IC: Faora

 

The duel appeared to be over, and as congratulations and praise were offered, Faora closed her eyes. She realized she should volunteer--she wanted to volunteer--for the next match, but she needed to collect herself. Keeping her eyes closed, she took several deep breaths.

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer

 

I wait.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Roman Torchwick

[Jakura Nuva]

OOC: Daedalus, I feel I should mention that, when it's your turn, Faora will be going up against Transient.

 

IC: Transient

 

Transient reached the room where the battles were taking place. He noticed that the last one had just ended, and distractedly joined in the clapping as his eyes scanned the area for Zero.

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Deriksha

"So when are we going exactly?" Deriksha said.

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer.

 

I see Transient and approach him. "What are you doing back out here?" I assumed he'd gone inside to rest after the long journey here, but he looks restless, as if he's just had some kind all-consuming idea.

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Transient

 

The Toa felt he could confide with his old companion. "I didn't know if Zero would mind, but I wanted to see if I could take on a recruit."

 

A gleam came into Transient's eye... one of eagerness. Of hunger. Of bloodlust.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Jakura Nuva

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer.

 

"Fair enough; I intend to do the same." I point out towards the recruits, "Tracer wanted to try her hand at fighting Verulas. That leaves Charek or Faora. Which one do you want?"

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Zealot

 

Zealot noticed Faora's mask subside. He watched here subtly.

The fight ends and she responds to:

audio.

Blindness confirmed.

 

Zealot kept his mouth shut. Revealing this information could ruin whatever she was trying. 

But she needed to be careful.

He locks eyes on her, waiting for her to look in his direction

[Vestak]

IC: Razsk

 

The toa gestures to the sleeping Jalkron.  "Soon as he's in a condition to move.  With a mask of healing that would be seconds, but otherwise it could be days."

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Deriksha

"He's not coming. Remember?"

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Transient

 

Without a moment to think, Transient blurts out, "Faora. I'll fight Faora."

 

He didn't know why, but something strange had happened in his mind. He had felt an urge to say the recruit's name, the reason why beyond his comprehension. It bewildered him, but he had the slightest feeling that he could triumph using a skill of his that would only work on her...

 

Shaking off the odd tingling that crept down his spine, the Onu-Toa stood firm, letting his face reveal nothing. "You and Tracer may go before me - I can wait."

Edited December 2, 2014 by Jakura Nuva

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer

 

"Very well..." I shrug, ambivalent. "I'll take Charek, then."

[(Daedalus)]

IC: Faora

 

Faora took one last deep breath and did her best to relax. She reactivated her mask and the world came into focus. She leaned back and stretched, glancing at Zealot as she did so.

 

Froze.

 

His expression... Mata Nui, he knew. There was no doubt this time. He actually, positively, without a doubt knew.

 

A feeling, hard to describe, formed deep within her being. Fear, nervousness... both, and more. They crashed together and embraced, forming a knot within her stomach. At the same time, however, she couldn't help but feel... relieved. Someone else knew.

Zealot knew.

 

Thawed.

 

Would he tell? She didn't know. She wouldn't blame him if he did, but for some reason, she doubted that he would. Still, doing her best to hide the fear all over her face, she found herself bringing her finger to her mouth, briefly lining it up vertically in the universally understood "Shh" signal, after which she scratched her upper lip.

 

She was absently aware of her name being blurted out by someone.

[Jakura Nuva]

IC: Transient

 

The Toa of Earth can't help but turn to look at the recruit. Faora was, in turn, staring at him. She must've heard him say her name.

Transient was known for intimidation - his dark armor, sharp yellow-green eyes and imposing weapon made him a fearful sight (when he wanted to appear that way). He peered out her from beneath his hood, both hands folded on his Axehammer.

 

And then, he smiled.

[Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)]

IC (Charek): "Are you certain you want to do that, Enforcer?" Charek called, raising a metal eyebrow.  "I've no doubt you're exceptionally skilled, but against a fully-equipped Toa with lengthy combat experience, I'm inclined to believe the odds would be in my favor nonetheless."

 

OOC: Trash talk, away!  

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer.

 

I have to admit, Charek possesses a talent for stand-up comedy that I had not anticipated. I actually find myself laughing at his words. I've been so use to being treated with respect, awe and fear that I've almost forgotten what it feels like to be challenged.

 

The laughter soon fades, and my voice lowers to a menacing growl. "I'm going to enjoy this."
 

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk/The Drifts)

 

He'd gotten out of Ko-Koro, by the grace of whatever thing held the world together. Sukot slogged through the snow, his hole-ridden coat letting in the harshly cold air. His wounds had long since gone numb, He had in his haversack and pockets as much wealth as he could carry, along with a liberal amount of Patero rounds looted from dead comrades. The Makuta servants had the city, he knew well, and were likely going to reestablish Xa-Koro in that glorified icebox. His contract with the Sanctum Guard was rendered null and void. The mercenary would have to find his new employers, he knew well. It made him sad, loosing such stable employment, but karz, he figured he'd find a place somewhere.

 

Going to the cable-car, he mentally applauded himself for opting out of selling his services to the Makuta cultists. Now he'd be able to go to Ta-Koro, get a drink in some Firespitter tavern, and get himself a cushy room to wait inside the city. Alarm bells, however, began to ring when he heard noise ahead. Cocking his Patero launcher, he began to wonder who would be near the cable car. Ta-Koroans? Refugees? Makuta servants? Either way, he'd make it to that thing, and if anything stood in his way, blow it to smithereens. He crouched down, and slowed his movement. The snow in the wind obscured his sight, be he knew someone was out there.

 

"Hello! Is anyone by the Cable Car!" he shouted. "I much rather would like a ride in it..."

 

He waited for friendlies or enemies to come to him.

 

OOC: That would be the Outsiders.

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Crab

Crab's head swivelled round to see the source of the noise. It was coming from near the cable car. He tried to move his arm, to wave. It was too numb. He started to drag himself towards the source of the noise, his arms aching so much. He needed help.

[Jakura Nuva]

IC (Charek): "Are you certain you want to do that, Enforcer?" Charek called, raising a metal eyebrow. "I've no doubt you're exceptionally skilled, but against a fully-equipped Toa with lengthy combat experience, I'm inclined to believe the odds would be in my favor nonetheless."

 

OOC: Trash talk, away!

IC: Transient

 

Transient turns to Charek and smirks. "In your favor, Charek? This is bad comedy."

 

OOC: First person to place the quote I paraphrased gets a cookie.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Jakura Nuva

[Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)]

IC (Charek): "You keep telling yourself that."

 

OOC: M-Megatron?  Is that you?

[Nato G]

IC: Enforcer.

 

"Enough," I hold up a hand to silence Transient and Charek. I hear shouting nearby, outside the outpost walls. Without waiting for a response, I stride across the courtyard and open the gates, peering out into the windy white expanse. "Who's out there?" I shout.

 

OOC: Over to you, Mr House.

[Rorschach the Absolute]

IC Zealot

 

Zealot rubbed his chin and touched his lips, subtly signalling the De Lesterin to focuse her exceptional hearing on his lips.
He whispered, hardly louder than a breath "are you sure you want to do this?"

his voice was like a cold mist, it would be unlikely the person closest to him would have heard; only one atune to the element of sonics would know what was said.

[Timageness]

IC: "A toll?"

"Yeah," Verulas added, thinking quickly on his feet. "Our supply budget suffered a cutback recently, and the higher-ups told us to start charging a toll on this side of the Break to make up for the deficit. You know how these things are."

"Right...," Septima said as she turned around, reaching into her bag and pulling out a sack of fifty widgets.

She started to remove some, but suddenly stopped, figuring that between the amount she had made, the group's proximity to the battle, and her guilt for robbing Verulas, they needed the money more than she did. She leaned over, tossing the entire pouch into the Skakdi's hands before closing up her satchel and moving back towards the pair.

"Consider it a tip for the hospitality and the entertainment," she said with a smile.

Just as the Fe-Toa was about to sit back down, a voice rang out from some distance away, inquiring about using the cable car. Verulas turned around for a second, trying to locate its owner and failing before turning his attention to the Skakdi.

"Think we should wait?" he asked. "Or should we send her on her merry way first?"

[Vestak]

IC: Razsk

 

"He said he stick with us until he was well enough to go on alone."

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran.

 

The Ta-Skakdi looked off in the direction the shout had come from, "Nah," he said to Verulas, "looks like Enforcer's dealin' with it. We'll send 'er across now and have the car back on this side in time for the next traveller."

 

He looked down at the coin pouch in his hands. "You must have an awful lot of money lyin' around," he said offhandedly, turning to Septima.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Roman Torchwick

[soularin]

IC: Zero

 

A slow grin crept across the Su-Skakdi's face as Forger allowed the Fa-Toa a sense of victory. He had always been overly generous- a true example of pure chivalry. A cold-hearted snake such as herself couldn't help but enjoy the warmth that his aura provided.

 

"Very well done!" she said enthusiastically, taking a few steps forward to make herself more apparent to the two weary Toa. Blood dripped from both of them in several places. Of all the trials she had observed, this had proved to be one of the most brutal. That healer she had seen floating around with Scholar... Her services would definitely be needed.

 

Zero opened her mouth to speak, just as a yell resounded from around the corner of the Outpost. She immediately shifted her attention in the voice's general direction. Enforcer seemed to be on it.

 

I swear we get the most visits every time I try to group everyone together for trials.

 

She rolled her eyes, speaking only loud enough for those in close proximity to hear. "We will regroup after a short intermission." she said, obviously irritated. Trying to flock a group of killers together like Mahi was never an easy task.

 

You gotta give them some air now and then, otherwise they'll get bored and resort in slitting each other's throats.

 

The She-Skakdi was still weary from her travels. That, on top of the fact that there was a swarm of new faces buzzing around her home put her on edge. She restrained the urge to grab the nearest being and strangle them to death.

 

"Take a break, everyone." she yelled hoarsely. "We meet back here in fifteen minutes. Spread the word."

 

'Bout time I went inside to get a chair, she thought to herself grumpily.

Edited December 2, 2014 by Requiem

[Timageness]

IC: "Yeah, well...," Septima said, pulling her scarf down from on top of her head as she continued to smile. "It comes with the job, I guess. It does have a nasty habit of disappearing faster than I'd like it too, but I guess that's your fate when you're a widget."

Verulas chuckled.

"Believe me, I know what you mean. It's exhausting just trying to keep the darn things in your pockets," he said, returning her smile.

The Bo-Toa's comment caught her temporarily off guard, but after a moment, she realised that she was merely overthinking it and nodded in response.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now," she said. "Stay safe, you two."

"Same goes for you," the Bo-Toa replied. "And who knows? We may just end up running into each other sooner than you think."

He leaned forward, sliding the door shut as she took her seat, waving goodbye one final time as she readied herself for her journey into Ta-Koro.

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran.

 

"Made a new friend, did we?" Veteran inquired, triggering the mechanism and sending the cable car on its way across the Break. "Or do you know somethin' I don't?"

[Vezok's Friend]

IC (Kohra):

 

The Vortixx hat remained in the Sanctum, near the wall of prophecy, while the other's had spread out. When Rorg returned from the search for Korzaa, the Skakdi found Kohra busy pinning one of the dead scholars to one of the high shelves. They were trying to send a message after all and if this was going to be their base of operations for the time being it needed something to tie the room together. A rug wouldn't do here. 

 

She turned to Rorg just as she finished the macabre decoration, the scholar's eyes staring blankly into emptiness. She could already tell something hadn't gone as planned.

 

"She's gone?" she asked.

 

 

IC (Agni):

 

Being from Ta-Wahi is a rather unique condition in my opinion. Of course my insight on the matter is limited, and I suppose those from the other villages might feel the same, but I doubt they understand that fire burning inside each of us. It's there all the time, driving us forward, a flame alight with passion, anger and whatever else fuels it. It can be hard to control at times; it makes us reckless and impulsive and aggressive. And right now, mine was searing with rage. It was one thing to lose one fight. It was another to lose and entire Koro. And some part of me wondered if we could have prevented it from happening if we'd moved out of Le-Wahi sooner...

 

But what's done is done. Now we had another duty. While the Maru returned into the village to do whatever they needed to, I followed the group back out of the village of ice in search of a safe place for the survivors we had with us. Or rather, I scouted the nearby area to make we weren't followed or ambushed. Right now I was crouched atop the side of the glacier flanking the eastern side of the Ko-Koro valley. It had been a quick trip up here, thank the mask-makers. Scanning the terrain from up here, I could see a few Rahi moving here and there, either alone or in small groups, but none of the Makuta followers were after use. My eyes turned back to Cael and the rest. With another use of the Kualsi I appeared besides them again. 

 

"No danger in the immediate vicinity." I informed them, outwardly calm. "But we're still close enough to the village that we should move quickly."

 

 

IC (The Traveler):

 

The monastery of the Massif was an impressive building, but that fact had only registered in passing as the dark Toa's focus was on something else right now. Namely Antrim -  or what was left of him. It had taken a bit of convincing of the guards so that they would let him see it. The protector of the remote village had been a mighty warrior once, now he was a corpse. Curiously, a corpse with no outward signs of violence to cause the passing, the dark Toa noted as he looked at the body laying in state.

 

His body had apparently given out, caused by an emotional outburst, or something along those lines, one of the guards had mentioned. That was utter nonsense, the Traveler knew of course. He and the likes of him were still around after all and if a little emotion was enough to make one in the same age-group keel over they would have been dead long ago. But the guards believed it. 

 

Well played, Ambages. he thought as he turned to leave the monastery again.

 

Back in the village, he asked the guards when the architect had come through and where he'd gone to, under the pretense of having a message for him from Captain Korzaa. They could only provide a rough direction, but that was all he needed and so the dark Toa set out once more. 

Edited December 2, 2014 by Vezok's Friend

[Timageness]

IC: Verulas returned the gesture as he watched the cable car begin its journey towards Ta-Koro, waiting until they were well out of earshot before answering the Skakdi.

"Let's just say that I noticed she had a very particular skill-set when she wanted access to the cable car, yet purposely avoided the large group of people in front of her to go make smalltalk with the guy standing at the bar by himself," he said, hoping the other mercenary got what he was trying to imply. "And from there, I pretty much knew how the whole thing was going to play out."

 

Septima pulled a small wedge of cheese out from her bag, stuffing it into her mouth as she gazed through the open window of the cable car, taking her surroundings as a leaf that had somehow become stuck on the glass began fluttering in the wind.

OOC: Septima to Ta-Wahi.

[Nato G]

IC: Veteran.

 

Draygon didn't call himself Veteran for nothing; he'd earned the name. He knew every trick in the book, even written a few himself. He had a pretty good idea as to what Verulas meant. "A thief?" he cast a glance back towards the receding form of the cable car.

 

He chuckled, then tossed the bag of widgets to Verulas. "These are probably yours, then."

[silo]

IC: (Rekhyt/Obsidian Outpost)

 

Hearing Forger's words, the Fa-Toa had cut himself out of the metal with a katana. Warily (because Forger could have been tricking him, although this seemed unlikely) Rekhyt stepped out into the courtyard.

Just like that? he thought, hearing Zero's words. Oh, well. He nodded at Forger.

Hearing the Su-Skakdi's next words, he went inside to be healed by Ayar.

 

IC: (Mortem/Sanctum)

 

Stepping forwards, I realise the threat, and Dayeth warns Echelon before I can. I do not fear, as they stand no chance against our forces. Two toa? Strong toa, yes, but nothing compared to the power Makuta has gifted us all with.

I am tempted to collapse the section of the Sanctum above the toas' heads, but I wait, instead brandishing my knife and metal bar. 

[Mr. House]

IC: (Sukot urn Voyuk)

 

"That rather much depends upon the persons I'm talking too!" he shouted.

[(Daedalus)]

IC Zealot

 

Zealot rubbed his chin and touched his lips, subtly signalling the De Lesterin to focuse her exceptional hearing on his lips.

He whispered, hardly louder than a breath "are you sure you want to do this?"

his voice was like a cold mist, it would be unlikely the person closest to him would have heard; only one atune to the element of sonics would know what was said.

 

IC: Faora

 

His words touched her ears like a cool breath. Soft. Caring.

 

Melted.

 

A thin smile, both sad and determined, crossed Faora's lips. She nodded almost imperceptibly. This was what she wanted: to be here with h--them. The Outsiders. Them. To fight with them, perhaps die with them. Yes, she wanted to do this.

 

Besides, it's not like she knew anything else.

[Daniel the Finlander]

IC: The Champion (Obsidian Outpost)

The trial has ended, apparently. Forger does seem quite beaten, so I think the recruit is more than good enough to join. When I see Zero leaving I turn around and walk after her. Her steps are long, and she seems to be eager to have a rest, but unfortunately, she has a visitor. I catch up to her, and get her attention by saying "Zero, you have a visitor." She turns around to look at me, fatigue in her eyes, and I continue: "A Toa who calls himself Varan. Says that he's an old acquaintance of yours."