Bzprpg - Kumu Islets

[Riisiing Moon]

IC--Beast [Final Problem]Beast's hand tensed around his dagger, then loosened as the words dissipated in the air. He raised an eyebrow quizzically. His first impulse was to berate the Toa for his selfishness and corruption...but then he realized the owner of this place had probably deserved a far worse retribution, and a guy like Dorian was probably doing it for far more reasons than the money. "Just for the money?"

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC: Dorian (The Final Problem, Xa-Koro)"Aw, c'mon, now," I said, chuckling lightly. "What's a guy like me need more cash for? Of course there's a motive behind it. What that motive is..."I shrugged, but my eyes made it very clear that my intention went slightly beyond going after the building itself.-Teezy

[Riisiing Moon]

IC--Beast [Final Problem]He laughed agreeably, if somewhat emptily. "You got some beef with the owner? Hey, I'll give you three guesses what I do for a living."

[a goose]

OOC: Onarax, are you happy now? IC: NikarraNikarra rose up from the bed, and walked over to the door, exiting the villa. As she did, a Vortixx bumped into her. "Mind where you're going."

[Legolover-361]

IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroA minute after the door of the Black Muaka swung shut, it opened again silently. A cloaked, purple-armored Toa of Gravity slipped through the opening and shut the door behind her sans theatrics; her hood fell back, revealing a blank expression and eyes riveted upon the collection of alcohol behind the counter. The bar-goers turned back to their drinks without a thought of the newcomer on their minds.Her gait was oddly smooth, but many people in Xa-Koro had had some form of fighting training in the past. No one here could fault someone for being an assassin in some past job.Kynaera moved to a table that lay between a corner and the guitar thief. Her gaze slid silently past him to the bartender, who was fervently scrubbing a large glass mug. He was also a meter to the guitar thief's right, which kept Kynaera's target in her peripheral vision.Flicking her eyes to the ceiling and down to her fingers every so often, she continued to wait.

Edited August 2, 2012 by Legolover-361

[Eyru]

IC (Ketan)Ketan watched silently as beings entered and exited the bar. The place was dim- though the windows were wide open, the room was deep, and the sunlight only penetrated so far. The bar at the far end boasted an impressive array of glass bottles and flasks, while the aroma of freshly cooked meat wafted from the kitchen. The menu boasted Maha, but there was little doubt that, in an establishment like this one, it was a lie. Xa-Koran bars were not known for their food.The Toa of air turned his gaze back to the door, watching as the door admitted two Toa, one a few minutes after the other. They sat alone, apart, as did most occupants of this bar. There were a few groups, but most of the people here drank or ate alone. Typical of criminals and those on the run from the law;:after all, those who lived in Xa-Koro learned quickly not to trust anyone, and sharing a meal was a declaration of friendship in many cultures.Ketan leaned back and closed his eyes. He breathed deeply, feeling his chest expand as air rushed into his lungs, then contract, breathing out through his mouth. He opened his eyes and smiled."I think," he murmured to his companion. "Makuta has sent our first friends."The Toa of air snapped his finger, drawing the attention of the waitress, a Ga-Matoran, who hurried over."Hello there, sweetheart," Ketan smiled, laying a few widgets on the table. "Pour a glass of fine red wine for the Toa of gravity at the far table, would you? And mug of ale for the Toa of green in the corner."

[Legolover-361]

OOC: Minor in-game timeskip of about a minute.IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroKynaera didn't notice the waitress approach her till a soft cough and greeting of "Miss?" broke her attention.She glanced to the Ga-Matoran, whose head was a little above the sitting Kynaera's. Being short could be irritating. "Yes?" she queried.The waitress slid Kynaera a glass of red wine. The Toa of Gravity examined it with confusion."I didn't order this."The Ga-Matoran shrugged and gestured toward a table nearer the counter. "They did," she said, already returning to the counter and retrieving another mug.Kynaera turned her attention to her own glass and the deep crimson liquid wthin. She had no methods of checking for poison with her and so couldn't risk downing the wine. That left three options.One: Ignore the drink, perhaps trigger a brawl.Two: Approach the people who had ordered the drink for her, perhaps trigger a brawl.Three: Run out the door, get a bounty on her head.Door number two. She stood up, gently sloshing the wine in her glass as she approached the buyer's table. "Hello. I don't believe I know you."

[Eyru]

IC (Ketan)The Toa of Air smiled. "You don't."He reached over, and pulled a chair out for the Toa of Gravity. "But that can change. In fact, I hope it does. Have a seat."He paused for a beat, then, having watched the Toa examine her drink and not taste it, added, "Oh, and I can't get to know you if you're dead, so don't worry about the wine."

[Legolover-361]

IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroKynaera paused before taking the offered seat and placing the wine half an arm's length from herself. She hadn't expected her potential murderer to be so... cavalier."Forgive my suspicions," she said, "but you must realize this isn't a typical get-together. What need do you have of me?"

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC: Dico (The Black Muaka, Xa-Koro)"That's a sound question," Venedico said, moving beside her, ale in his hand. "It's also one I'd like an answer to, myself."-Teezy

[otter]

IC-Marfoir:"It has been time enough," Marfoir muttered, standing up from his earlier position, looking about the room. Little had changed, except that, apparently, a Dikapi had arrived with a note."Good timing." He grabbed his rifle and his listening device, prepared to head out quickly.

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC: Dorian (The Final Problem, Xa-Koro)"We'll play 20 Questions later," I said, standing up and moving towards the door, gesturing for my new partner to follow. "You and I, meanwhile, have things to do."-Teezy

[Legolover-361]

IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroKynaera's eyes flickered dangerously as the newcomer took a seat beside her, but her demeanor otherwise remained unchanged.

[Eyru]

IC (Ketan)The Toa of Air chuckled, and took a sip of the wine in his hand, before setting the glass back down on the table."Ask not what you can do for me, but, rather, what can I do for you?"The two Toa looked suspicious, and even more wary at this remark. Ketan's companion, however, had obviously heard enough of the Toa of Air's odd speeches, and was not perturbed; he was busy eating, probably not even listening."You have both spent enough time in Xa-Koro to know that there is no such thing as a free lunch, or even a free glass of wine. The difference between the gifts I offer and the gifts others offer is that I need no service from you." Ketan smiled. "However, there are things you want that I can provide."The Toa of Air folded his hands in front of him. "So, tell me, what is it you want?

[Riisiing Moon]

IC--Beast [Final Problem]The red hulk blinked. "Oh. I was gonna offer my services as a bounty hunter, but I guess I'm in this for free. Where're we headed?" He rose inconspicuously and strode out the door beside Dorian.

[Legolover-361]

IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroKynaera's eyebrows rose. Her features remained glacial. "I want a lot of things," she said, her tone matching her face. "You can't provide them all. Clarify?"

Edited August 3, 2012 by Legolover-361

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC: Dorian (The Final Problem, Xa-Koro)In about ten, fifteen minutes, the entirety of Bad Company - save Grokk, Brykon, and Sev - was gathered up in a straight line in a side alley near the Final Problem. I paced up and down the alley, feeling Beast's wary stare boring through me as he leaned against the damp, mildew-stained brick wall. As I opened my mouth to speak, a shout rang out through the air and I instinctively spun before relaxing slightly: it was Grokk, running into line and slapping me in the back harder than necessary as he stood in between Marfoir and Mikrok. I decided I could wait for Sev, since he was doing a job for me and even if he was a mole, keeping Nikarra in check was far more important than letting him run free. For now."Well, then, since the gang's all here," I said, grinning. "At the risk of sounding pretentious...one of you will betray me."Obligingly, Grokk raised his hand. I chuckled lightly, and the sound brought a smile to one or two faces; the others merely tensed up, wondering where exactly this was headed. I could see nervousness in a couple of faces, resentment in others, and, perhaps, a glimmer of expectation in Marfoir and Grokk. Those Skakdi, man. Great warriors, no one quite like them, but...those Skakdi, man."Unfortunately, Grokk, this isn't a joke. Somehow, Reichenbach's family is aware of my name and occupation, something which I have gone through great lengths to keep from the rest of the world. As a matter of fact, the only people in Xa-Koro who currently know both of those items are you all, as well as my informant. The informant, I can trust. The rest of you...not so much."Of course, this, too, was a bit of a fib. There were three main suspects I had at this point: Sev, Illicia, and Grokk. The latter was only because of sheer logic; Grokk was a known professional, the kind of guy who would backstab you, your brothers, your father, your cousin, and then sleep with your sister just to get a leg up, but I knew that as long as the cash - and opportunities for witticisms - kept rolling in, Grokk would be content as my field partner. The others...well, we'd see."So, I started to do some research, and I honed in on one Vortixx in particular," I continued, pacing up and down the line. "This Vortixx...man, deciding to do this was a doozy. But then I started to realize that this person had been largely inactive in team gatherings, had shown a bit of an interest in me personally, and had a record of going against one's old affiliation for a better deal. So I'm thinking all this to myself, and I realize that this is really the only logical thing I can do."I had stopped in front of Illicia, and I ran one finger lovingly across her cheek, drawing a small, quivering smile from her; my eyes glowed, not in adoration, but in determination, as I took a moment to examine her from head to toe and then met her eyes for several seconds. The succubus's look was guarded and careful, but her deep eyes belied a look of fear, and with a wink, I turned away and faced the wall."Bad Company doesn't have much of a severance package, not yet. So I figure for now, this is the best I can do. Sorry, Naryth."I pantomimed cocking a shotgun and spun on my heel, firing off two iron slugs I had created in my hand and sending them flying into the stomach of the ex-leader of the Order of the Phantoms. He fell to the ground with a roar of pain and rage, thudding against the wall with a sickening thud. My Mark glowing wildly, I darted forward and was on the ground beside him in seconds. Huh. Cool, I didn't think the slug trick would actually work..."I couldn't help but notice, Naryth," I whispered to him lovingly, brushing his cheeks and causing him to shiver madly from blood loss and anticipation, "that you didn't even show up in the bunker. Or in any of the planning stages of any job since the NEX hit. Why is that? Could it be, as I discovered recently from whispers here in the casino, that you're restarting the Order of the Phantoms? Creating a new team? That's...disappointing, to say the least. Expected. But disappointing nonetheless."Naryth gurgled blood and muttered something foul, and I smiled, clapping his cheek several times and walking away from him; flicking my wrist, I sent a spear of iron shooting up mercifully into the chest of the once-proud mercenary, and I turned to the rest of the group."Just so you know," I said, "he wasn't the traitor. Well...not the traitor. No, that person still stands somewhere in this line. And I warn you, when I find out who you are, it won't be pretty. Now, with all the serious stuff out of the way, meet Beast. He's going to be working with us for the time being to replace Naryth, and I want you all to treat him with full respect. We cool?""Depends. Can I put my hand down now?""Yes, Grokk," I sighed, bending down and plucking Naryth's six-shooter shrapnel pistol away from its sheath on his thigh; it was a weapon I'd always envied, and I tucked it into my back waistband with a nod and moved off towards the casino again, Beast in tow. "You can put your hand down now. The rest of you, mobilize. Find your positions, take the rest of the afternoon and evening to yourself. We start on Bry-Bry's mark. You'll know it when you see it."I walked out of the shadowy alleyway and into the building again, fiddling with my new toy and smiling as my Mark slowly dimmed. It was gonna be a heck of a night...-Teezy

Edited August 3, 2012 by Tyler Durden

[Eyru]

IC (Ketan)The Toa of Air chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "You're right, my dear; perhaps I was letting my excitement get the best of me. Let me rephrase."He leaned forward. "You two wouldn't be here unless you were in trouble with the law, or unless you have made some powerful enemies elsewhere on the island. No one chooses to enter, let alone live in Xa-Koro, unless they have to."So it's simple: you want something. You did something you shouldn't have; you made a foolish move; you said something unwise, and you did so because there was something you wanted."The Toa's voice thrummed in the still, smoky air. "Or, perhaps you are here to further your quest for what you want. Perhaps you aren't in trouble, not yet; you are here in pursuit of your goals. If so, then I am here: I am the next step.Ketan smiled. "Wherever your treasure lies; wherever you have inked the 'X' that marks the spot; I am the continuation of your journey, just as you are the continuation of mine. We are here, in this shady bar, not because we have chosen to meet, but because destiny has drawn us together, pulling the threads of our lives together when otherwise we would never have spoken. I did not enter this tavern knowing I would meet you, and I am sure the same can be said for you."Regardless of our intentions, we are here, together, with the potential to make valuable allies in our own quests. That is why I wished to speak with you: because there are things that I desire, and I know that there must be things you desire as well. Together, we can achieve more than we could alone."The Toa of Air raised his eyebrows. "So, let me ask a proper question this time. Why are you here?"

[shadow pridak money gang]

IC: Venedico (The Black Muaka, Xa-Koro)Venedico cast a quick look at Kynaera, then back at Ketan, then at the Toa of Gravity steadily working away at his meal, not even giving any sort of acknowledgement to the two newcomers. Diii-sgusting. And yet...he was curious."I came here because I seek the recognition of the world beyond this dung heap," he said quietly. "I came here because I grow weary and bitter as heroes in glass houses cast iron and fire and rock at those who do not agree with their white and grey view of the world, call us heathens and criminals, drive us to refuges such as this. I came because I want to show the world that destiny, fate, the forces you speak of, do not define us individually; I came here because I wanted to prove that a musician from Po-Koro could make a difference without fighting a losing battle against the forces of nature or building himself hundreds of huts to be all alone in, like the fools in the Island Liberation Squad. In short, I guess, I came because I want people to know me. And I came here, to Xa-Koro, for one specific reason: I don't care what they know me for."-Teezy

[Legolover-361]

IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroKynaera mulled over the Toa of Air's question as the Toa beside her answered, but her thoughts got no further than, He must like his voice a little much. An addendum: Both of them.The impromptu reply Makuta has many wills was on the tip of her tongue, but she discarded it almost immediately. She hadn't come to Xa-Koro on one of her master's wills; she hadn't come for anyone but herself. Looking for work could bring one to the strangest places..."...Being a servant of Makuta brings its fair share of troubles on the main," Kynaera finished her thought aloud. "Xa-Koro is one of the few places people don't care about it, so... I look for work here a lot." Throughout her dialogue, her eyes remained fixated upon the Toa of Air's face, as if she was keen to see his reaction to her allegiance.

Edited August 3, 2012 by Legolover-361

[sunflower]

IC: Mokrax Rehl (Xa-Koro)The gigantic Skakdi had finall aquired a means to get off this small island, a way that didn't include going for a long swim. Although it had cost a fair more amount of widgets then he was willing to spend, Mokrax felt it was worth it."I'll take you as far as Le-Wahi," the Matoran said, seemingly indiffernt to the massive being he was talking to. Well, it seemed as long as he was paid."That will be far enough," the Skakdi of Magnetism replied, stepping into the small boat. Soon, they were off to Le-Wahi, the village of Xa-Koro shrinking as they got further away.OOC: Mokrax Rehl to Le.

[Riisiing Moon]

IC--Beast [Xa-Koro Alley]Beast blinked.Then he did it again.Well, that was a lot to take it. He hadn't seen organized crime like this in a while...in fact, judging from the quality of their criminal prowess (which, he might add, was totally based on first impression, but after a lifetime in the profession you started noticing these things), he hadn't seen the likes of a league of trained killers pretty much since Stelt. But now wasn't the time to dwell on old friends.At first glance, it looked more like a rowdy rabble of rambunctious ridiculousness than a faction of seasoned murderers, but beyond the insanity and sheer absurdity there was something darker. Needless to say, money was clearly not the objective of the heist. And he believed Dorian would be at least of triple the importance he'd initially suspected--it wasn't a matter of luck rising to the top of programs like these. And staying there, for that matter.He blinked again."Uhm. What's up."

[Eyru]

IC (Ketan)Ketan listened with an attentive ear to both Toa's stories, and sipped at his wine. The crimson liquid slid down his throat, rich and smooth as oil, as the two Toa shared their stories. The Toa of Green was open with information, tending towards the eloquent; he was well-spoken. The Toa of Gravity, on the other hand, was concise and blunt, and shared as little as she could."So." The Toa of Air leaned forward. "You have both come here for different reasons, but I believe we can help each other achieve our goals."There has never been a better time for those beings like us. The Toa of old are long dead, slain by Makuta. The island grows ever more chaotic, and every day, the Matoran civilization teeters further on the brink of destruction. The Turaga, too, are now gone, stolen by some agent of Makuta, no doubt."In short, the balance of power is shifting. And every day, it becomes more clear who the real power on this island is."Ketan locked eyes with the Toa of Gravity, who had subtly declared her allegiance to Mata Nui's brother. "Makuta.""I do not deny that I serve Makuta. He is omnicient and all-powerful; who wouldn't ally themselves with him? But the majority of this island doesn't see that. They fight against him, dashing themselves on the rocks until they are broken. But the alternative..."The alternative is to serve the Makuta, and then to reap the rewards of his favour." Ketan looked at the Toa of Green. "You wish to be known? Then join me, join the Makuta, and we will make ourselves famous.He looked to the Toa of Gravity. "You wish to serve Makuta, and are an outcast because of it." His eyes softened. "You are ostrasized merely because of what you believe. That is not fair, nor is it right. But we can make it right."The Toa of Air paused, and though he had not been speaking loudly, a hush seemed to follow his words, as though the earth itself were holding its breath.

[ZTG]

IC: The DuskThe Dusk docked in the Xa-Koro port and walks to it, with his staff out, he knew this place was filled with thieves and crooks,"

[Wotz]

OOC: You did that on purpose, didn't you Tyler? Now I pretty much know for sure Illicia will die by way of Nikarra.IC: IlliciaIllicia was uneasy, but concealed it pretty darn well. The only agitation she showed was in anticipation of what was to come. But inside, she was worried. Does he know? Was that a warning, or a horrible coincidence?

[Legolover-361]

IC: KynaeraMorningThe Black Muaka, Xa-KoroThe Toa of Air had spoken what had been on Kynaera's mind for so long. She nodded fractionally, and though her gaze didn't soften, it also didn't bore into the Toa of Air's forehead anymore. "How exactly do you plan on making our situations right?"

[BenLuke]

OOC: From Ga-Koro.IC:After a night spent reclaiming some much needed sleep within aboard a small cargo vessel Feongulf arrived in Xa-Koro.OOC: Filler post, I know. Sue me.

[a goose]

IC: XylakA hunched Turaga, perhaps slightly too tall, walked out on to the docks, his noble Volitak gleaming in the light as he approached Feongulf, the staff he held clicking against the wooden planks.

[ZTG]

IC: The DuskThe Dusk walked through the streets of Xa-Koro, searching for a place for food.OOC: Open for interaction.

[BenLuke]

IC:Feongulf need information.Things changed quickly in Xa-Koro, village of scum and villainy, and she needed someone to fill her in on anything she'd missed during her jaunts off to the other Koros.Stepping over to a hunched being standing near the end of the docks, Feongulf greeted him causally with a smile that didn't go all the way up to her eyes. "Hello."

[a goose]

IC: XylakIn a flash, the Turaga was a Toa, and that Toa was holding a knife against Feongulf's throat. "Never take anything for granted."The Toa was tall, and thin, mainly black and silver but with some purple highlights. He seemed to wear a Volitak (although it was obviously a Mahiki), and his voice was strangely low and growly, like he was doing something to change it. "Follow me."A few moments later, the Toa stood before Feongulf inside a small warehouse. He had made sure to check that they weren't being followed, and if anyone tried to enter they would be warded off by the security guards outside. "If you have any questions, you can ask them now."

[BenLuke]

IC:Great, things just can't ever start making sense, can they? Feongulf thought as she was led down the dirt streets of the village and into a empty and disused looking storage shack. She stared apprehensively at her captor; Toa, although she couldn't guess what element, wearing a Mahiki that had been reshaped into a different form.Feongulf spoke, her voice not betraying neither the suspicion nor the annoyance her mind was directing at the Toa. "Questions? Well first, who the karz are you?"

[a goose]

IC: Xylak"I am a dreamer. The Dreamer, to be precise." The Toa answered. His voice showed no emotion, no personality... nothing. It was just as empty as the building in which he stood.

[BenLuke]

IC: "The Dreamer? very sinister, I'm sure you'd be ruling the world if it wasn't for the fact that you dream of grandeur are, well, dreams," Feongulf said, the ends of her mouth rising in a small grin. Feongulf had met his kind before, it seemed half the people on Mata Nui were under the delusion that giving themselves a silly name and melodramatic titles mean they actually mattered in the grand scheme of things. "Dreams can't do much, can they?"

Edited August 3, 2012 by BenLuke-116

[a goose]

IC: Xylak"But they can." The Toa chuckled. "When they are made, dreams are no more than that -- ideas. But, when provide with something with which they can turn those dreams into a reality, a Dreamer becomes so much more than that. They become a visionary, a legend. And I have something to make those dreams a reality."

[BenLuke]

IC:Macabre name? Check. Philosophical monologueing? Also check. Feongulf thought. She would have rolled her eyes if the situation wasn't quite as serious as it was."So, what exactly do you want?"

Edited August 3, 2012 by BenLuke-116

[a goose]

IC: Xylak"I want order. I want to destroy the chaos that consumes this island, and I know how to do so." The Toa seemed unaffected by Feongulf's scepticism. "To kill a plant, you take away its roots. And I know where the roots of Chaos lie. That is why I need you."

[Constructelf]

I know that this isn't going to be very consistent with what's going on right now, but I just made my character and he just arrived here.IC: PsyzhranPsyzhran had been here for nearly a week's time. He had wandered all around the Kumu Islet's fighting mutated rahi and looking for a boat to the main island. Returning to his little campsite, he huddled around the fire, trying to dry himself off from being knocked into the ocean by some kind of weird rahi, then swimming 7 kio before realizing he was going the wrong way, an escapade that nearly short-circuited his mace. Not that he couldn't repair it though; he knew his most powerful weapon inside out. His thoughts turned to his very presence here; what was he doing here on this strange island so far away from the civilized world?After drying himself off, he resumed his exploration of the island when he noticed a small town. "Finally, I've found the settlement," he thought. He walked into the village of Xa-Koro...

Edited August 3, 2012 by Constructman

[BenLuke]

IC:"Wow," she said tonelessly. "Mind giving me an actual answer?"

[Constructelf]

IC: PsyzhranPsyzhran had been begging on the roadside for 3 days now. The villagers here weren't very kind. Then, he saw a Toa of Earth coming up the street. "Hey, you got any food?" he asked him.OOC: I'm talking to you, IX. Dymex

Edited August 3, 2012 by Constructman