BZPRPG - Le-Wahi

[Visaru]

 Kini Nui

The Sanctum guards stare at Zelvin for a moment, before one wearing a Pakari answers her query: "We are looking for information from Mangaia. What news do you bring from the depths?"

Edited September 11, 2024 by Visaru

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

"Very little, to tell you the truth" Zelvin answered, sounding earnestly disappointed to say so. Holding her cane she looked back the way she came as if she was regarding a dreadfully missed opportunity.

"I didn't find much down there worth sharing or particularly enlightening for your purposes. Perhaps I will have better luck up here at the temple itself"

"Will your outpost remain here for the near future?" she asked, a raised eyebrow and curiosity evident in her voice.

OOC: @Visaru

[Visaru]

The two guards share a look as they receive the news, or lack of it.

"Our outpost will remain," the Pakari wearer says, "and we will offer supplies and assistance should you decide to return to the depths. If you gather information of substance, please take it our way. Mata-Nui will thank you, and Ko-Koro will reward you for your heroism."

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

"Hmm, well I suppose I might. I did literally just complete a little errand on behalf of your fine organization in the last few days, but I suppose I might deign to have at it again. Good Day!" Zelvin excused herself, and she turned to walk across the temple grounds in perfect satisfaction that the conversation was over. She did not offer the two guards much of a thought after that.

OOC: @Visaru @Silvan Haven

[Silvan Haven]

Hormd Gronjkr - Kini-Nui

IC: The crystalline Toa soon caught sight of another set of structures. These ones were much more permanent than the temporary koro set up by the Sanctum Guard.  A hut in the old style that had served the island well for so long. Off behind it a bit was a smaller one that had the look for storage hut. Then, off to one side, was another building. This one reminiscent of the large huts many of the koros and smaller settlements had raised as community gathering spots. Places where the Turaga would tell stories about the island's history or speak about the issues bothering them that day. A Matoran sat at the entrance of the larger hut. He was also white like his brethren but the wrinkles around his eyes and the calm way he looked over the bustle suggested someone much older. This one was clad in white robes perhaps more fitting for a Turaga yet he showed no awkwardness about him. Indeed there was a serenity to his posture and expression. Eventually he caught sight of Zelvin and gave her a small smile. Nodding his head in acknowledgement and welcome.

OOC: @Geardirector

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

Zelvin returned the welcoming gesture with a nod of her own, and found a spot nearby to sit down herself. The Matoran had been considerate enough to spread out a few seats in varying sizes, seeming to expect different peoples to come here.

"It seems to me," Zelvin ventured after a moment, hands resting on her crystal walking stick, "that you are a pious man, is that not so?"

OOC: @Silvan Haven

[Silvan Haven]

Hormd Gronjkr - Kini-Nui

IC: "It is what I have been called to do. Despite what lays beneath the Kini Nui this is still a temple. It should have someone around to tend it."

The old man looked from the somewhat battle scared shrine over to the woman on the other bench. His eyes narrowed slightly in thought before he spoke once more.

"I noticed you came up from the dark paths under the temple. You did not enter from here as I did not see you do so. Nor hear the Sanctum Guard get involved and they can be a rather noisy lot when it comes to such things. That suggests you came from the Dark Walks. Those were not safe at the best of times and those days were brief enough."

OOC: @Geardirector

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

Zelvin nodded, and where she sat she produced a hip flask with a little something in it, that she fashioned for herself a little glass of crystal to pour into and then put aside.

"I've been on a little bit of a pilgrimage these last few days, as it happens," she said, looking over towards the old steward with an interested look in her eye, "I've been trying to find some insight"

"I'm not satisfied yet, but I wouldn't call my little probes so far entirely fruitless. Perhaps you too can prove another opportunity"

"I'm thinking a little about uncertainty. If you were to place it in the frame of our Three Virtues... I suppose you could call it a Destiny-related concern"

OOC: @Silvan Haven

[Silvan Haven]

Hormd Gronjkr - Kini-Nui

IC: The eyehole in Hormd's Hau raised in curiosity at that. Getting people actually interested in the philosophy inherent in this place was rare. Usually they were adventurers seeking to dive into the darkness in search of excitement or power. What was also interesting was what sounded like a tact admission of looking for answers from the darker denizens of Mata Nui. Even so, the priest had a Duty to fulfill.

"You've come to the right place in that case. Please, explain your thoughts and maybe I can help shed some light on your path."

 

OOC: @Geardirector

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

"I'm a Toa. In theory, elected by the Great Spirit to fight that which assails his beloved people and protect them. It's safe to say, I haven't been the most diligent moral crusader, to say the very least"

The old huntress downed a swig of her brandy, and looked over at Hormd with a look somewhere between contemplative and a little bit coy, holding something back and delighting in that.

"What possesses the Great Spirit to choose someone like me, I wonder"

OOC: @Silvan Haven

[Silvan Haven]

Hormd Gronjkr - Kini-Nui

IC: "He may have seen something in you. Some element of your soul that promised a brighter path. Of course it is one that you have to choose to follow. Doing the right thing means little if there are no other options."

Philosophical questions  like this were always tricky to answer. Especially right after meeting someone for the first time. He had no idea what the Great Spirit had seen in this Toa. That would take time and conversation at the very least. Yet this was part of why he was here in this place. A craftsman did not blame the tools he had on hand. He merely used what was at his disposal to deal with the issues of the day.

OOC: @Geardirector

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

"A matter of personal initiative, then. A test of sorts?" Zelvin pondered aloud, sounding not outwardly repulsed by the notion, rather entertaining it as a curiosity.

"Perhaps. I was initially led to ponder about just how solid the Great Spirit's character judgement was, to doubt his ability to divine who does and does not have it in them to serve his virtuous ends"

"I'm not expecting an answer right away, that's why I've been asking around and trying to get people's opinion. I'm expecting to ponder over this one for a while yet." She gave the Matoran a slightly apologetic shrug, as if she was feeling a little defensive about voicing her uncertainty.

"You and I are both elder, or approaching it at the very least" she added "what do you consider the most important Virtue of the three?"

OOC: @Silvan Haven

[Silvan Haven]

Hormd Gronjkr - Kini-Nui

IC: "To choose one would be to diminish the others. Unity allows us to perform our Duties, which in turn lead to our Destiny. A Destiny that then provides Unity for our community and children. It is a cycle that reinforces itself if given the chance to do so."

The old Matoran let out a soft sigh as his blue eyes looked at the sky above them. The dense jungle never around the shrine never seemed to try and encroach on this sacred place. No matter how many seasons he lived here. It was one of the duties that he'd planned for himself when first setting up his own small place. It meant that the glories vault of the heavens was never blocked out by the wide leaves of the trees.

"Yet, as with all systems things get messy once free will enters the scene. We must make the choices that lead from one Virtue to the next. That itself can be a difficult task. Even so some people find the right path and choose not to walk it. And so the cycle is set askew and must be fixed by others."

OOC: @Geardirector

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

"And yet Po-Koro's Creation is derived from Unity and Destiny but not Duty, while Ta-Koro's Courage is derived from Duty alone, and so on" Zelvin offered as a rejoinder.

She drew a circle with her finger "I suppose... once you join them all together you get the three virtues. It's nice as far as it goes..."

Zelvin stood up, and struck the ground with something approaching finality with her cane.

"You too have given me food for thought, and for that I must thank you. Perhaps we will meet again"

OOC: @Silvan Haven

Edited September 24, 2024 by Geardirector

[Silvan Haven]

Hormd Gronjkr - Kini-Nui

IC: "You know where to find me."

For the first time there was a hint or ironic humor in the man's tone. He certainly wasn't going anywhere. It had taken a long journey but he had found his place in this world at last. So he nodded a farewell to the odd Toa before calling out one last time.

"Fair travels to you. And pray do listen to Mata Nui when he speaks to you. It is often through subtle and not always straightforward means."

OOC: @Geardirector

[Geardirector]

IC: Zelvin (Kini-Nui)

"Would that it were so for us all" Zelvin answered, and she turned and walked, calmly and with a friendly nod on the way out, off the altar of the Kini-Nui.

She pondered for a moment what to do next, then she recalled something, and pulled out her iStone to confirm... yes.

"Yes, that would do nicely" Zelvin muttered to herself, and put aside her taskpad, turned in the right direction and made her way.

OOC: Zelvin to Ga-Wahi

[Larry Berry]

IC: Bofen - Le-Koro > Le-Wahi

Two weeks of goodbyes was the price the turquoise Toa paid to start his quest. Ever since the Rahkshi attacks, he felt he could no longer stay at home with threats to his friends lurking throughout the island. Bofen worked and trained and prepared himself for this journey, and now the time had come. Two weeks, and as hesitant some parts of his heart were, the greater part knew he had to go. Bofen resolved to no longer leave his fate and the fate of good people in the hopes and hands of others. Bofen was master of his own destiny, and today began his quest.

One step, then two, then a few, and soon enough, Bofen looked over his shoulder to see Le-Koro some ways behind him. Forward, now, with no intent in particular, the Toa of Plant-life embarked.

His life would never be the same.

[Larry Berry]

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

Bofen was no stranger to this jungle. The trees were mighty thick and grew strong towards the sky. Occasionally, small Rahi would fly between branches or scurry between bushes. In truth, there wasn't much to see in most places. Le-Wahi spread across much of the southern half of the island, and most of that was more or less the same, as far as the environment went.

What made Le-Wahi special, was the small world within the larger one. The little habitats between the trees and under the canopy. The trickling brook that housed toads and turtles, the tipped-over tree trunk that housed a dozen insect species, a cave for beasts and a cave for bones- all this and much, much more formed an intricate web of wildlife that intersected with Matoran society. There were more popular highways built for commerce and travel, less used roads for more scenic routes and less-popular destinations, and every so often there were seldom-walked paths leading off the maps. For the bravest of adventurers, new paths could be forged.

Bofen fell somewhere in the middle between bravery and reservation. To begin, he set out along more obvious roadways, bypassing a few intersections before arbitrarily taking a turn onto a less populated road. When he started, Matoran, Toa, and Turaga could all be encountered headed towards or away from Le-Koro. Through gaps in the tree canopy, the occasional Gukko in flight could be seen. The sounds of Matoran life interspersed with the sounds of life in Le-Wahi. At the start, Matoran life was mostly heard. Now, with some distance behind Bofen as he walked beyond the highways and down the smaller roads, more of native Le-Wahi thrived.

Bofen figured he had found his point of disembarkation when three hours passed without hearing sounds of other people. He knew when he came upon a large, smooth, rounded stone placed with reverent intent along the side of the road. "Mata-Nui," the Toa of plant life muttered under his mask. He rubbed the simple face carved into the rock and lingered for a minute. This was a major step, and not yet too late to turn back, not that Bofen would go back. He felt in his heart that this was the right choice. He knew his destiny was out there for him, somewhere, and he was determined to find it.

So the Bo-Toa let go of the carved image of the Great Spirit, then turned off the road, one step, then another, deliberate and steady. He soon left all previous paths behind him, and set out to forge a new one, of his own making, and sure to lead him to his destiny.

[ARROW404]

On 12/1/2024 at 1:08 AM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

Bofen was no stranger to this jungle. The trees were mighty thick and grew strong towards the sky. Occasionally, small Rahi would fly between branches or scurry between bushes. In truth, there wasn't much to see in most places. Le-Wahi spread across much of the southern half of the island, and most of that was more or less the same, as far as the environment went.

What made Le-Wahi special, was the small world within the larger one. The little habitats between the trees and under the canopy. The trickling brook that housed toads and turtles, the tipped-over tree trunk that housed a dozen insect species, a cave for beasts and a cave for bones- all this and much, much more formed an intricate web of wildlife that intersected with Matoran society. There were more popular highways built for commerce and travel, less used roads for more scenic routes and less-popular destinations, and every so often there were seldom-walked paths leading off the maps. For the bravest of adventurers, new paths could be forged.

Bofen fell somewhere in the middle between bravery and reservation. To begin, he set out along more obvious roadways, bypassing a few intersections before arbitrarily taking a turn onto a less populated road. When he started, Matoran, Toa, and Turaga could all be encountered headed towards or away from Le-Koro. Through gaps in the tree canopy, the occasional Gukko in flight could be seen. The sounds of Matoran life interspersed with the sounds of life in Le-Wahi. At the start, Matoran life was mostly heard. Now, with some distance behind Bofen as he walked beyond the highways and down the smaller roads, more of native Le-Wahi thrived.

Bofen figured he had found his point of disembarkation when three hours passed without hearing sounds of other people. He knew when he came upon a large, smooth, rounded stone placed with reverent intent along the side of the road. "Mata-Nui," the Toa of plant life muttered under his mask. He rubbed the simple face carved into the rock and lingered for a minute. This was a major step, and not yet too late to turn back, not that Bofen would go back. He felt in his heart that this was the right choice. He knew his destiny was out there for him, somewhere, and he was determined to find it.

So the Bo-Toa let go of the carved image of the Great Spirit, then turned off the road, one step, then another, deliberate and steady. He soon left all previous paths behind him, and set out to forge a new one, of his own making, and sure to lead him to his destiny.

OoC: Welcome to the BZPRPG!

IC: Ushradra
The Toa of Sonics observed through the undergrowth as a Toa of Plantlife made his way through the forest. There wasn't anything particularly notable about him, really. Except the fact he had managed to walk right past the spot she had been napping at. That was all she needed! Life in the forest and underground had been so dull lately, maybe this Toa could help alleviate that.

She had pre-selected her disguise today, and put it on with a gentle glow of her mask. A Toa of Plasma with a Matatu, female of build, carrying a staff and shortsword.

"Hi there!" came a voice over Bofen's head. Ushadra sat on a branch right beside him, but by her expert use of her mask, she appeared on the higher branch above, and with some simple use of her Sonics, that's where he heard her voice as well. "Nice day for a stroll, isn't it?"

Not particularly. The clouds overhead were announcing rain, as was common in the Le-Wahi jungle. But that wouldn't get the fun-loving Toa's spirits down. She had yet to find anything that could!

[Larry Berry]

11 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

OoC: Welcome to the BZPRPG!

IC: Ushradra
The Toa of Sonics observed through the undergrowth as a Toa of Plantlife made his way through the forest. There wasn't anything particularly notable about him, really. Except the fact he had managed to walk right past the spot she had been napping at. That was all she needed! Life in the forest and underground had been so dull lately, maybe this Toa could help alleviate that.

She had pre-selected her disguise today, and put it on with a gentle glow of her mask. A Toa of Plasma with a Matatu, female of build, carrying a staff and shortsword.

"Hi there!" came a voice over Bofen's head. Ushadra sat on a branch right beside him, but by her expert use of her mask, she appeared on the higher branch above, and with some simple use of her Sonics, that's where he heard her voice as well. "Nice day for a stroll, isn't it?"

Not particularly. The clouds overhead were announcing rain, as was common in the Le-Wahi jungle. But that wouldn't get the fun-loving Toa's spirits down. She had yet to find anything that could!

 

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

Bofen looked up to see a Toa lounging in a tree. She called out to him, so he answered, "Hello to you. Yes, well, I suppose any day can be a nice one for a stroll, if you're head's in the right space." He noticed the Toa glancing up at the sky, seemingly aware of the same sprinkling of rain that might be developing.

"You know, I've been walking most of the day. It might be about time to settle in for the night." Bofen turned, and with a raised hand, the trees began to stretch and twirl until a small shelter propped itself up. "I could get a fire going. Looks like we might get a little rain, so better start sooner than later." He turned his attention back towards the tree-Toa as a blanket of mushy moss crept up the top of the shelter.

"My name's Bofen. My friends call me the 'Bog-Toa,' since I'm the kind of Bo-Toa who prefers the squishy, stinky, shroomy kind of flora," he announced, pointing towards some of the lichen embedded in his armor. He waved at the Toa in the tree. "And you are?"

@ARROW404

OOC: I'm still learning how to format this stuff right I hope I replied ok.

Edited December 4, 2024 by Larry Berry

[ARROW404]

14 hours ago, Larry Berry said:

 

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

Bofen looked up to see a Toa lounging in a tree. She called out to him, so he answered, "Hello to you. Yes, well, I suppose any day can be a nice one for a stroll, if you're head's in the right space." He noticed the Toa glancing up at the sky, seemingly aware of the same sprinkling of rain that might be developing.

"You know, I've been walking most of the day. It might be about time to settle in for the night." Bofen turned, and with a raised hand, the trees began to stretch and twirl until a small shelter propped itself up. "I could get a fire going. Looks like we might get a little rain, so better start sooner than later." He turned his attention back towards the tree-Toa as a blanket of mushy moss crept up the top of the shelter.

"My name's Bofen. My friends call me the 'Bog-Toa,' since I'm the kind of Bo-Toa who prefers the squishy, stinky, shroomy kind of flora," he announced, pointing towards some of the lichen embedded in his armor. He waved at the Toa in the tree. "And you are?"

@ARROW404

OOC: I'm still learning how to format this stuff right I hope I replied ok.

OoC: Yeah, all good!

IC: Ushadra
The illusion twisted around the back and flipped down to the ground, while the true Toa beneath simply did a little hop, her illusion and Sonic powers switching even the branch that shook from the action.

"A pleasure, Bofen! I am Luji, Toa of Plasma. My friends call me Luji!" She shoots him a playful grin. "Handy-dandy power you've got, to just make a camp like that! I had to make mine all by hand, and it isn't even as good!"

[Larry Berry]

14 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

OoC: Yeah, all good!

IC: Ushadra
The illusion twisted around the back and flipped down to the ground, while the true Toa beneath simply did a little hop, her illusion and Sonic powers switching even the branch that shook from the action.

"A pleasure, Bofen! I am Luji, Toa of Plasma. My friends call me Luji!" She shoots him a playful grin. "Handy-dandy power you've got, to just make a camp like that! I had to make mine all by hand, and it isn't even as good!"

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Hello, Luji. Nice acrobatics." Bofen sat on a log. "Yeah, if I had a choice, I'd still pick to be a Bo-Toa. It's handy. Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to live in Po-Koro and be a 'Cactus Toa,' if you will. Out here in Le-Wahi, though, it's easy enough to get around." He stretched a bit and felt a few sprinkles fall. 

"You headed any particular way? I'm not really, but I know I'm seeking out danger. I wouldn't mind having some help out here." The Bo-Toa gestured Luji towards a spot to sit within the makeshift camp. "Ever since the attacks, I haven't slept right. Found my peace, I'm saying. I've decided to set out and do my part to fight back against the evil that's now lurking about the island's dark places. I intend to visit every Koro as I travel across the island and back. It's going to take awhile. Maybe even a lifetime. So, if you have some place to be, I understand, but if you're going nowhere in a hurry, then why not walk with me, for a bit? I'll be turning in soon, so you could sleep on it and let me know in the morning. I'd love to get to know you more, Luji. And if I encounter any Rahkshi I can't handle, it might be reassuring to know you could just blast 'em and melt 'em down, all else fails."

@ARROW404

Edited December 6, 2024 by Larry Berry

[ARROW404]

On 12/6/2024 at 4:13 AM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Hello, Luji. Nice acrobatics." Bofen sat on a log. "Yeah, if I had a choice, I'd still pick to be a Bo-Toa. It's handy. Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to live in Po-Koro and be a 'Cactus Toa,' if you will. Out here in Le-Wahi, though, it's easy enough to get around." He stretched a bit and felt a few sprinkles fall. 

"You headed any particular way? I'm not really, but I know I'm seeking out danger. I wouldn't mind having some help out here." The Bo-Toa gestured Luji towards a spot to sit within the makeshift camp. "Ever since the attacks, I haven't slept right. Found my peace, I'm saying. I've decided to set out and do my part to fight back against the evil that's now lurking about the island's dark places. I intend to visit every Koro as I travel across the island and back. It's going to take awhile. Maybe even a lifetime. So, if you have some place to be, I understand, but if you're going nowhere in a hurry, then why not walk with me, for a bit? I'll be turning in soon, so you could sleep on it and let me know in the morning. I'd love to get to know you more, Luji. And if I encounter any Rahkshi I can't handle, it might be reassuring to know you could just blast 'em and melt 'em down, all else fails."

@ARROW404

IC: Ushadra, "Luji"

My, but this Bo-Toa was chatty! Not that she minded. Usually she was the one getting accused of being a blabbermouth. "I live out in the jungle," he said, approaching him. Or more accurately, his fire pit. She appears to touch the kindling at the base with a glowing fingertip, and sets it alight, heat soon radiating from the flames. "I don't plan on leaving Le-Wahi any time soon, but it's been a looooong time since my last visit to Le-Koro. Is that where you're heading next, because if so, I'll be happy to come along and top up some supplies. And even if you're not headed that way, I might as well walk you out to the edge of the jungle."

[Larry Berry]

50 minutes ago, ARROW404 said:

IC: Ushadra, "Luji"

My, but this Bo-Toa was chatty! Not that she minded. Usually she was the one getting accused of being a blabbermouth. "I live out in the jungle," he said, approaching him. Or more accurately, his fire pit. She appears to touch the kindling at the base with a glowing fingertip, and sets it alight, heat soon radiating from the flames. "I don't plan on leaving Le-Wahi any time soon, but it's been a looooong time since my last visit to Le-Koro. Is that where you're heading next, because if so, I'll be happy to come along and top up some supplies. And even if you're not headed that way, I might as well walk you out to the edge of the jungle."

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Actually, I just left Le-Koro today. I don't expect I'll be back there for awhile. I think I'll generally have Ta-Koro in mind for the next city I visit, but it'll probably be some weeks before I get there. I'm not traveling as the Gukko flies." Bofen looked around him, gesturing towards the general surroundings. "I'm sure there's plenty enough bad stuff hidden in these trees as is. No doubt I'll have my hands full."

Bofen sat in silence for a few minutes before rising from his seat. "It's been nice chatting, but now is probably as good a time as any to settle in for the night. I'll try and holler for ya in the morning if you end up wanting to walk with me for a time, but no pressure. If not, then maybe we'll go our separate ways for now, but who is to say we'll never meet again?" The Bo-Toa started heading to one of the raised shacks to turn in for the night.

@ARROW404

[ARROW404]

On 12/10/2024 at 6:25 PM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Actually, I just left Le-Koro today. I don't expect I'll be back there for awhile. I think I'll generally have Ta-Koro in mind for the next city I visit, but it'll probably be some weeks before I get there. I'm not traveling as the Gukko flies." Bofen looked around him, gesturing towards the general surroundings. "I'm sure there's plenty enough bad stuff hidden in these trees as is. No doubt I'll have my hands full."

Bofen sat in silence for a few minutes before rising from his seat. "It's been nice chatting, but now is probably as good a time as any to settle in for the night. I'll try and holler for ya in the morning if you end up wanting to walk with me for a time, but no pressure. If not, then maybe we'll go our separate ways for now, but who is to say we'll never meet again?" The Bo-Toa started heading to one of the raised shacks to turn in for the night.

@ARROW404

IC: Ushadra "Luji"

"Ah. I guess that means your shelter isn't built for two, then?" she asked, a little disappointed. She smiled though, "Ah, wait, we just met, that wouldn't make sense anyways. Sure, I'll head back to my own camp and try to catch you in the morning. The jungle is a rough place, so better together than apart!"

[Larry Berry]

2 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

IC: Ushadra "Luji"

"Ah. I guess that means your shelter isn't built for two, then?" she asked, a little disappointed. She smiled though, "Ah, wait, we just met, that wouldn't make sense anyways. Sure, I'll head back to my own camp and try to catch you in the morning. The jungle is a rough place, so better together than apart!"

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Oh, yeah, my mistake." Bofen raised his arms and conjured another twisted shack of limbs and vines and moss. "I suppose we met just in time too, eh?" He looked up at the sky as the occasional drop of rain accelerated into a more frequent couple drops of rain. "Course, if your camp needs attending to, that's fine. I'll see ya in the morning." And with that, the Bog-Toa retired for the night.

******

As the morning sun rose, so did Bofen. The ground was a bit damp with rainwater and Bofen wondered if it would've been better to be a Toa of Water than of Plants. He met up with his new friend, Luji, before embarking on another day of steady progress further into the wilderness. "I'll just leave those little makeshift huts up. Someone else might find use of them. Or maybe just a bear, who knows. At any rate, might as well get moving."

"So how long have you been roughing it out here in Le-Wahi? Seen any cool spots? Have you visited other Wahis before? What about danger? Have you ever had to use those Toa Tools of yours?"

@ARROW404

[ARROW404]

15 hours ago, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Oh, yeah, my mistake." Bofen raised his arms and conjured another twisted shack of limbs and vines and moss. "I suppose we met just in time too, eh?" He looked up at the sky as the occasional drop of rain accelerated into a more frequent couple drops of rain. "Course, if your camp needs attending to, that's fine. I'll see ya in the morning." And with that, the Bog-Toa retired for the night.

******

As the morning sun rose, so did Bofen. The ground was a bit damp with rainwater and Bofen wondered if it would've been better to be a Toa of Water than of Plants. He met up with his new friend, Luji, before embarking on another day of steady progress further into the wilderness. "I'll just leave those little makeshift huts up. Someone else might find use of them. Or maybe just a bear, who knows. At any rate, might as well get moving."

"So how long have you been roughing it out here in Le-Wahi? Seen any cool spots? Have you visited other Wahis before? What about danger? Have you ever had to use those Toa Tools of yours?"

@ARROW404

IC: Ushadra

The illusory Toa had spent the night in the second hut Bofen had provided, though she had made sure to wake up before him to put her illusion up before he could see her true form. She set the fire again, the same way she had the previous day, as they prepared to set out. A quick trip to her camp had her all equipped and ready, pack on her back, walking stick in hand, and dagger at her hip.

"Honestly, I haven't really kept track of how long it's been," she answered, truthfully for once. "Years, though, definitely. As for cool spots, there are more here in this wahi than in any other, that's for sure! The highest peak of Le-Wahi, where the top of the trees break out over the canopy is beautiful. The many rivers and waterfalls so far off the beaten path I doubt anyone has even named them. Kini-nui is also almost part of Le-Wahi. Ooh, and the Dark Walk too! The site of the wahi's biggest battle against the Makuta. The obelisk, where the Rama Hive once stood, until the whole island came together and destroyed it, and where the prophecy of the Toa Maru was born!" She sighed. "That isn't even the half of it, honestly! I've visited every other Wahi, but Le is, without a doubt, the most spectacular. And dangerous too, though. Except maybe for Onu. You never know when there's a Muaka lurking in the brush. Well... I do," she said, tapping her mask, which, by its appearance, was an Arthron. "The Mask of Sonar is probably the best you can have out here. It can tell you where any living things are in your vicinity, even someone cloaked by a Volitak! I've been able to avoid most unnecessary fights as a result, but those I run into are usually over shortly." She drew her dagger. "See this dagger? Wrong! It's actually a shortsword, but it looks like a dagger, so I can slash my foes without them even realizing it! Most fights end pretty quickly with that kind of surprise advantage~"

She paused finally. "So! You seem a little green- pun intended, but I do mean that- how long ago did you land on the island?"

[Larry Berry]

17 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

IC: Ushadra

The illusory Toa had spent the night in the second hut Bofen had provided, though she had made sure to wake up before him to put her illusion up before he could see her true form. She set the fire again, the same way she had the previous day, as they prepared to set out. A quick trip to her camp had her all equipped and ready, pack on her back, walking stick in hand, and dagger at her hip.

"Honestly, I haven't really kept track of how long it's been," she answered, truthfully for once. "Years, though, definitely. As for cool spots, there are more here in this wahi than in any other, that's for sure! The highest peak of Le-Wahi, where the top of the trees break out over the canopy is beautiful. The many rivers and waterfalls so far off the beaten path I doubt anyone has even named them. Kini-nui is also almost part of Le-Wahi. Ooh, and the Dark Walk too! The site of the wahi's biggest battle against the Makuta. The obelisk, where the Rama Hive once stood, until the whole island came together and destroyed it, and where the prophecy of the Toa Maru was born!" She sighed. "That isn't even the half of it, honestly! I've visited every other Wahi, but Le is, without a doubt, the most spectacular. And dangerous too, though. Except maybe for Onu. You never know when there's a Muaka lurking in the brush. Well... I do," she said, tapping her mask, which, by its appearance, was an Arthron. "The Mask of Sonar is probably the best you can have out here. It can tell you where any living things are in your vicinity, even someone cloaked by a Volitak! I've been able to avoid most unnecessary fights as a result, but those I run into are usually over shortly." She drew her dagger. "See this dagger? Wrong! It's actually a shortsword, but it looks like a dagger, so I can slash my foes without them even realizing it! Most fights end pretty quickly with that kind of surprise advantage~"

She paused finally. "So! You seem a little green- pun intended, but I do mean that- how long ago did you land on the island?"

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Long enough ago that I'm surprised I haven't rusted to bits yet." Bofen shrugged his shoulders. "It's certainly been a lifetime. Funny thing is, as long as I've been a Toa, I've never really done any 'Toa-stuff.' I remember hearing about the Rama Hive incident, but big stuff like that always felt so far away, even if they were in my neck of the, well, the woods haha. As much as I've lived around the island, I've never really lived a life of adventure. But, after the Rahkshi attacks, I feel like something's changed. Tales of shadow Toa and island invaders are one thing, but when an army of destruction opens up a tunnel to your front door, you start seeing life in a new light."

"I've seen enough of Le-Wahi to know it really is beautiful, maybe the most beautiful of all Wahis. I could be biased though, who knows. You're right about the danger, though. Lucky I bumped into someone with a Kanohi such as yours. I've never encountered a wild Muaka, but one time I got swoop-chased by a Gukko mom. I guess I was too close to her nest. Happens, I suppose."

"Say, do you know how to get to the Rama Hive? If I had to bet, it's probably the opposite direction we're walking, but I don't mind spinning around. That might be a nice place to start looking for trouble." Bofen nodded at Luji's weapon. "They burned it down, or so I heard, way back when, but by now I'm sure the jungle's reclaimed a bit of it. That blade you're holding, however long or short it may be, might come in handy if my guess is true."

@ARROW404

[ARROW404]

On 12/15/2024 at 6:03 AM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Long enough ago that I'm surprised I haven't rusted to bits yet." Bofen shrugged his shoulders. "It's certainly been a lifetime. Funny thing is, as long as I've been a Toa, I've never really done any 'Toa-stuff.' I remember hearing about the Rama Hive incident, but big stuff like that always felt so far away, even if they were in my neck of the, well, the woods haha. As much as I've lived around the island, I've never really lived a life of adventure. But, after the Rahkshi attacks, I feel like something's changed. Tales of shadow Toa and island invaders are one thing, but when an army of destruction opens up a tunnel to your front door, you start seeing life in a new light."

"I've seen enough of Le-Wahi to know it really is beautiful, maybe the most beautiful of all Wahis. I could be biased though, who knows. You're right about the danger, though. Lucky I bumped into someone with a Kanohi such as yours. I've never encountered a wild Muaka, but one time I got swoop-chased by a Gukko mom. I guess I was too close to her nest. Happens, I suppose."

"Say, do you know how to get to the Rama Hive? If I had to bet, it's probably the opposite direction we're walking, but I don't mind spinning around. That might be a nice place to start looking for trouble." Bofen nodded at Luji's weapon. "They burned it down, or so I heard, way back when, but by now I'm sure the jungle's reclaimed a bit of it. That blade you're holding, however long or short it may be, might come in handy if my guess is true."

@ARROW404

OoC: Sorry about the wait, had a busy week!

IC: Ushadra, "Luji"

"The jungle never waits long before reclaiming lost territory," she confirmed with a nod. "You're not far off, the Rama Hive is back that way," she said, pointing about 40 degrees off from directly behind them, more to the north. He hops over a root. "We'll avoid some marshland that's hard to traverse if we take the long way around here though, so follow me!"

She measured her pace to his own as they went, not too fast nor slow. "As for me, I've been wandering around. I actually used to live in Ga-Koro, but have spent more time in Le-Wahi ever since uhh... I think it was around the time the ILF's base got destroyed, if that gives you a frame of reference. A bit after. Do you know about that debacle?"

[Larry Berry]

12 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

OoC: Sorry about the wait, had a busy week!

IC: Ushadra, "Luji"

"The jungle never waits long before reclaiming lost territory," she confirmed with a nod. "You're not far off, the Rama Hive is back that way," she said, pointing about 40 degrees off from directly behind them, more to the north. He hops over a root. "We'll avoid some marshland that's hard to traverse if we take the long way around here though, so follow me!"

She measured her pace to his own as they went, not too fast nor slow. "As for me, I've been wandering around. I actually used to live in Ga-Koro, but have spent more time in Le-Wahi ever since uhh... I think it was around the time the ILF's base got destroyed, if that gives you a frame of reference. A bit after. Do you know about that debacle?"

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"You're right about the jungle. I kept up with the news reports, but never knew anyone personally involved with the ILF. As I understand it, the group disbanded now? Or at least, they moved out of Le-Wahi, right?" Bofen shrugged. "They did good work, at least. Maybe someday I'll have to check out their old village, or base, or whatever it should be called. Pala-Koro, yeah? I wonder where all the old members are now. I wonder if they think about one another, if they still remember it all. I hope they do. I hope they get the chance to come together again someday."

The two Toa continued on for a time, with Bofen letting Luji lead the way. "I've spent some time in Ga-Koro, myself. Funny thing about being a Toa of Plantlife: different kind of plants 'feel' different. If pressed, I'm confident I could affect some baseline level of manipulation of any given type of plant, but it's an element more like Stone or Earth than say Fire or Air. The wind is the wind; any Toa of Air controls about the same gusts. Even more so with fire. Fire is fire; it's all heat, really." Bofen nodded towards Luji. "Now, Plasma, as I understand it at least, is more about the substance, the what that is on fire, whereas fire is the fire and heat itself. There's really only one kind of hot, if you understand what I'm getting at here."

The blue-and-green Toa nonchalantly indicated some passing stones. "Stone, though, isn't all just 'stone.' Ask any Po-Toa and they'll tell you all about their favorite rocks. There's rocks that come from lava, some are brittle, some are smooth, some are heavier than others, and some still are tough to crack. The sand in Po-Wahi is technically stone, but a 'Toa of Sand,' as it were, is something of a rarity. I don't think I've ever met a Toa who specializes in sand, at least. The same goes for the Onu-Toa. As a Toa of Plants, I'm familiar enough with the concept of fertile soil, and how some ground isn't fit for growth, but our underground brothers and sisters go even further. There's some blurred lines between sand and loam and clay. Some earth is thick and chalky, others dry and dusty. You may buy earthenware goods at the market, but what 'earthenware' entails is entirely beyond me, though the Onu-Toa could spend all day on the topic."

Bofen raised an arm to embellish a bit of the fungal growth crawling throughout his armor. "Plants are all different, like rocks and soils. For instance, these are technically fungus, which operate fairly different to say the flowers that the bees enjoy. They feel different, they're alive in a different way. But even more 'normal' plants all feel unique." The Bo-Toa spread his arms. "These trees around us, they feel sturdier than wildflowers. They're tall and strong and mighty. The moss that covers them is subtle and soft and even a bit creeping." Bofen stretched before returning to a more normal gait and rhythm. "But in Ga-Koro, the aquatic plants are practically their own category. As I said, I'm sure I could mess with them easy enough, but to truly master, say, the seaweed or the lilies or the algae or the grass that grows at the bottom of the bay- that's a different field of specialization."

Bofen chuckled to himself, then slapped his stomach before continuing, "have you ever drank too much water, then ran or moved quickly and felt like you could feel the water sloshing around inside you? Or, have you ever tried to move fast across the room carrying a jug or a bucket that was nearly full of water? That's kind of what working with aquatic plants are like. The plants themselves are familiar enough, but there's more space inside of them filled with water. It feels like you're trying to bend the body full of water or move the jug with the sloshing taking place inside." A goofy smile curled across Bofen's face. "To tell the truth, it kind of tickles, heh heh. I guess I would describe Ga-Wahi as the most 'ticklish' of the Wahis."

The two Toa continued on, steadily approaching their arbitrary destination. "Since I've already shared so much, I can imagine you might be wondering why I might've chosen to specialize in Bog-type plants and fungi and the like. I've always wondered if its a given Bo-Toa's personality that influences their natural gravitation towards certain kinds of flora, or if certain kinds of flora influence the personality and behavior of a Bo-Toa. Maybe a bit of both, in a sort of self-fulfilling cycle. For me, I guess I feel more drawn towards change. The nature of change itself, I mean. I think about it a lot. Life is always changing, and largely without our consent. Things grow old, groups form and fall apart, new life enters the void left when other life exits. Change can be sad, especially if its outside factors imposing destiny and fate and unfamiliar circumstances upon us, but it doesn't have to be." Bofen turned to look into Luji's eyes. "That's what the mushrooms represent to me. They're decomposers. And bogs, too, are a sort of biome dedicated to decomposition. They're dedicated to the breaking down of the old, to prepare for the new. Bogs may be stinky and squishy, but they play an important part for the greater ecosystem, and not just because of the many Rahi that call them home. They're a part of the greater cycle of everything, even if the beaches of Ta-Wahi are more pleasant." Bofen pointed out a fallen tree. "And without mushrooms, what would become of the dead and rotting plants? They'd just pile up, and this forest would be a graveyard of fallen habitats buried under layers of ash from endless wildfires. Things have to change, even if we wish they didn't, because new growth can't take place if things all stay the same."

"That's how I feel, at least. I like the mushrooms and the bogs because they keep me mindful of the whole larger story of life that the Great Spirit has for us all. I've faced some changes that were hard, and maybe some things I still haven't really come to terms with. We all have, right? Everybody has problems. But I'm blessed enough, and thankful, that I can confront the changing world and be a part of it in a positive way." A sudden flash of embarrassment hit Bofen, stirring some regret as if he may have overshared. "Maybe that's all a bit too much, ha ha. At least being a Bo-Toa gives me the excuse to get out into nature. Imagine being a Fe-Toa and cooped up inside some city most of the time, or a Ko-Toa stuck on some snowy mountain all day, ha ha."

"Maybe I've talked too much, and you wanna just be quiet for a bit as we come up on the old Rama Hive, which is fine. But I'd love to hear your thoughts, or just more about you. Anything you wanna say about all this? Or just in general? Is there something you've always wanted to share with a stranger, but the occasion never came up?" Bofen gave Luji a pat on the shoulder. "Maybe not so much a stranger, now. Maybe I'm just emotional, but I'd call you a friend now, Luji."

@ARROW404

OOC: No worries, it's a busy time of year for all of us. Sorry if this is too long of a post haha.

Edited December 24, 2024 by Larry Berry

[ARROW404]

On 12/24/2024 at 12:27 AM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"You're right about the jungle. I kept up with the news reports, but never knew anyone personally involved with the ILF. As I understand it, the group disbanded now? Or at least, they moved out of Le-Wahi, right?" Bofen shrugged. "They did good work, at least. Maybe someday I'll have to check out their old village, or base, or whatever it should be called. Pala-Koro, yeah? I wonder where all the old members are now. I wonder if they think about one another, if they still remember it all. I hope they do. I hope they get the chance to come together again someday."

The two Toa continued on for a time, with Bofen letting Luji lead the way. "I've spent some time in Ga-Koro, myself. Funny thing about being a Toa of Plantlife: different kind of plants 'feel' different. If pressed, I'm confident I could affect some baseline level of manipulation of any given type of plant, but it's an element more like Stone or Earth than say Fire or Air. The wind is the wind; any Toa of Air controls about the same gusts. Even more so with fire. Fire is fire; it's all heat, really." Bofen nodded towards Luji. "Now, Plasma, as I understand it at least, is more about the substance, the what that is on fire, whereas fire is the fire and heat itself. There's really only one kind of hot, if you understand what I'm getting at here."

The blue-and-green Toa nonchalantly indicated some passing stones. "Stone, though, isn't all just 'stone.' Ask any Po-Toa and they'll tell you all about their favorite rocks. There's rocks that come from lava, some are brittle, some are smooth, some are heavier than others, and some still are tough to crack. The sand in Po-Wahi is technically stone, but a 'Toa of Sand,' as it were, is something of a rarity. I don't think I've ever met a Toa who specializes in sand, at least. The same goes for the Onu-Toa. As a Toa of Plants, I'm familiar enough with the concept of fertile soil, and how some ground isn't fit for growth, but our underground brothers and sisters go even further. There's some blurred lines between sand and loam and clay. Some earth is thick and chalky, others dry and dusty. You may buy earthenware goods at the market, but what 'earthenware' entails is entirely beyond me, though the Onu-Toa could spend all day on the topic."

Bofen raised an arm to embellish a bit of the fungal growth crawling throughout his armor. "Plants are all different, like rocks and soils. For instance, these are technically fungus, which operate fairly different to say the flowers that the bees enjoy. They feel different, they're alive in a different way. But even more 'normal' plants all feel unique." The Bo-Toa spread his arms. "These trees around us, they feel sturdier than wildflowers. They're tall and strong and mighty. The moss that covers them is subtle and soft and even a bit creeping." Bofen stretched before returning to a more normal gait and rhythm. "But in Ga-Koro, the aquatic plants are practically their own category. As I said, I'm sure I could mess with them easy enough, but to truly master, say, the seaweed or the lilies or the algae or the grass that grows at the bottom of the bay- that's a different field of specialization."

Bofen chuckled to himself, then slapped his stomach before continuing, "have you ever drank too much water, then ran or moved quickly and felt like you could feel the water sloshing around inside you? Or, have you ever tried to move fast across the room carrying a jug or a bucket that was nearly full of water? That's kind of what working with aquatic plants are like. The plants themselves are familiar enough, but there's more space inside of them filled with water. It feels like you're trying to bend the body full of water or move the jug with the sloshing taking place inside." A goofy smile curled across Bofen's face. "To tell the truth, it kind of tickles, heh heh. I guess I would describe Ga-Wahi as the most 'ticklish' of the Wahis."

The two Toa continued on, steadily approaching their arbitrary destination. "Since I've already shared so much, I can imagine you might be wondering why I might've chosen to specialize in Bog-type plants and fungi and the like. I've always wondered if its a given Bo-Toa's personality that influences their natural gravitation towards certain kinds of flora, or if certain kinds of flora influence the personality and behavior of a Bo-Toa. Maybe a bit of both, in a sort of self-fulfilling cycle. For me, I guess I feel more drawn towards change. The nature of change itself, I mean. I think about it a lot. Life is always changing, and largely without our consent. Things grow old, groups form and fall apart, new life enters the void left when other life exits. Change can be sad, especially if its outside factors imposing destiny and fate and unfamiliar circumstances upon us, but it doesn't have to be." Bofen turned to look into Luji's eyes. "That's what the mushrooms represent to me. They're decomposers. And bogs, too, are a sort of biome dedicated to decomposition. They're dedicated to the breaking down of the old, to prepare for the new. Bogs may be stinky and squishy, but they play an important part for the greater ecosystem, and not just because of the many Rahi that call them home. They're a part of the greater cycle of everything, even if the beaches of Ta-Wahi are more pleasant." Bofen pointed out a fallen tree. "And without mushrooms, what would become of the dead and rotting plants? They'd just pile up, and this forest would be a graveyard of fallen habitats buried under layers of ash from endless wildfires. Things have to change, even if we wish they didn't, because new growth can't take place if things all stay the same."

"That's how I feel, at least. I like the mushrooms and the bogs because they keep me mindful of the whole larger story of life that the Great Spirit has for us all. I've faced some changes that were hard, and maybe some things I still haven't really come to terms with. We all have, right? Everybody has problems. But I'm blessed enough, and thankful, that I can confront the changing world and be a part of it in a positive way." A sudden flash of embarrassment hit Bofen, stirring some regret as if he may have overshared. "Maybe that's all a bit too much, ha ha. At least being a Bo-Toa gives me the excuse to get out into nature. Imagine being a Fe-Toa and cooped up inside some city most of the time, or a Ko-Toa stuck on some snowy mountain all day, ha ha."

"Maybe I've talked too much, and you wanna just be quiet for a bit as we come up on the old Rama Hive, which is fine. But I'd love to hear your thoughts, or just more about you. Anything you wanna say about all this? Or just in general? Is there something you've always wanted to share with a stranger, but the occasion never came up?" Bofen gave Luji a pat on the shoulder. "Maybe not so much a stranger, now. Maybe I'm just emotional, but I'd call you a friend now, Luji."

@ARROW404

OOC: No worries, it's a busy time of year for all of us. Sorry if this is too long of a post haha.

IC: Ushadra "Luji"

The Toa of Sound covered her look of disbelief with an illusion of interest, at just how much this Toa could talk. Several times she had opened her mouth to comment, but hadn't managed to get a word in edgewise. She hid her relief as he offered her a chance to speak, in turn. He reached over to pat her shoulder and she hastily adjusted her spot to be where her illusion was, avoiding the awkward situation of his hand passing through it.

"Friends sounds good to me!" she said energetically. "Aha... I don't mind how much you talk, but I'd like to be able to interject a little more often, you know?" she said sheepishly. She paused to let him apologize before carrying on.

"What you say about the role of bog and fungi is really interesting and important, though!" she says, raising a finger. She suddenly pauses, her mask activating, then relaxes. "Gukko," she explains, nodding her head to where the Rahi was nesting. Still, she continues with a softer voice. "Anyway. Back in Ga-Koro, I used to be a priestess. You know the principles? Not Unity, Duty, Destiny, but the ones that come out of them. Purity, willpower, prosperity, et cetera. Well, after roughing it out in the wild for a while, I came to realize how naïve a lot of that was. We create, we prosper, we have faith... but the things considered the opposite of those- destruction, poison, fear- they aren't negative. They're part of nature! Fear leads to protection, and security. And as you just aptly pointed out- when something dies, what's left needs destruction to rebuild into something else. It's a cycle," she says, swirling her finger cyclically. "Creation, destruction, creation, destruction."

She hops over a fallen log. Already, plants were growing out of its trunk. "The jungle never waits long before reclaiming lost territory," she repeats what she said earlier. "Studying nature has helped me see past the narrow dogmatism I used to have." She giggled, amused. "Oh what the sisters in the Temple of Gali would say if they heard me say such things now."

[Larry Berry]

On 12/29/2024 at 2:08 PM, ARROW404 said:

IC: Ushadra "Luji"

The Toa of Sound covered her look of disbelief with an illusion of interest, at just how much this Toa could talk. Several times she had opened her mouth to comment, but hadn't managed to get a word in edgewise. She hid her relief as he offered her a chance to speak, in turn. He reached over to pat her shoulder and she hastily adjusted her spot to be where her illusion was, avoiding the awkward situation of his hand passing through it.

"Friends sounds good to me!" she said energetically. "Aha... I don't mind how much you talk, but I'd like to be able to interject a little more often, you know?" she said sheepishly. She paused to let him apologize before carrying on.

"What you say about the role of bog and fungi is really interesting and important, though!" she says, raising a finger. She suddenly pauses, her mask activating, then relaxes. "Gukko," she explains, nodding her head to where the Rahi was nesting. Still, she continues with a softer voice. "Anyway. Back in Ga-Koro, I used to be a priestess. You know the principles? Not Unity, Duty, Destiny, but the ones that come out of them. Purity, willpower, prosperity, et cetera. Well, after roughing it out in the wild for a while, I came to realize how naïve a lot of that was. We create, we prosper, we have faith... but the things considered the opposite of those- destruction, poison, fear- they aren't negative. They're part of nature! Fear leads to protection, and security. And as you just aptly pointed out- when something dies, what's left needs destruction to rebuild into something else. It's a cycle," she says, swirling her finger cyclically. "Creation, destruction, creation, destruction."

She hops over a fallen log. Already, plants were growing out of its trunk. "The jungle never waits long before reclaiming lost territory," she repeats what she said earlier. "Studying nature has helped me see past the narrow dogmatism I used to have." She giggled, amused. "Oh what the sisters in the Temple of Gali would say if they heard me say such things now."

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Pretty bird," Bofen smiled as his new friend pointed out a passing Gukko. He listened to her experiences, and tried to imagine her there in Ga-Koro.

"Yeah, you made it farther than I would have with the priests, that's for sure. I've never been great at all the more formal stuff. I try to stay down to earth, focus on the more day-to-day stuff, ya know?" Bofen hopped over the log too. "Maybe it has a bit to do with what elements we are. Perspective, I mean. Water is more obviously nurturing, so it lends itself more towards the more spiritual, I think. Plants are more diverse, and situational, and harder to put into a single, broad category. Plasma, too, I imagine, is probably thought of more obviously as destructive than creative. I personally like to think of those cool lights made from plasma, but being the element of 'that really really hot stuff' probably helps you think more about stuff melting and what not."

The two continued on, well on their way to soon be close to the Rama Hive. "I think you're right, about the cycle of life. I think a lot of the bad comes out of people trying to upset the harmony of it all. People trying to ignore the bad sides of life, or people trying to spread the bad parts of life. I think being out in Le-Wahi and living in Le-Koro has helped me a lot with Faith. I try to have faith in the good of others, and faith that things will all work out, even if the paths we take look different. I guess part of that comes from my Kanohi, ha ha." Bofen pointed as his Komau-shaped mask. "I wear a mask called Ahuru, the Mask of Empathy. I haven't seen another like it, but I doubt its rarity would make it highly sought after. Its power let's me feel how someone else is feeling, or I can have them feel how I feel. Now, maybe I just don't like Ko-Koro because the cold is opposed to plantlife, but I've always told myself that 'Peace' isn't as preferred as 'Harmony.' If we all could manage to accept what makes us different and learn to live in harmony, well, that'd be a step closer to the kind of life Mata Nui wants us all to have, I believe."

"I don't usually get so into the details of this kind belief stuff. I guess you just bring it out in me, ha ha." Bofen smiled at Luji. "Do you spend a lot of time talking about this kinda stuff with people? You mentioned your sisters in the Temple of Gali; were you trying to become a formal priestess? Maybe you could take up studying again and end up becoming some kind of wandering preacher."

@ARROW404

[ARROW404]

11 hours ago, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

"Pretty bird," Bofen smiled as his new friend pointed out a passing Gukko. He listened to her experiences, and tried to imagine her there in Ga-Koro.

"Yeah, you made it farther than I would have with the priests, that's for sure. I've never been great at all the more formal stuff. I try to stay down to earth, focus on the more day-to-day stuff, ya know?" Bofen hopped over the log too. "Maybe it has a bit to do with what elements we are. Perspective, I mean. Water is more obviously nurturing, so it lends itself more towards the more spiritual, I think. Plants are more diverse, and situational, and harder to put into a single, broad category. Plasma, too, I imagine, is probably thought of more obviously as destructive than creative. I personally like to think of those cool lights made from plasma, but being the element of 'that really really hot stuff' probably helps you think more about stuff melting and what not."

The two continued on, well on their way to soon be close to the Rama Hive. "I think you're right, about the cycle of life. I think a lot of the bad comes out of people trying to upset the harmony of it all. People trying to ignore the bad sides of life, or people trying to spread the bad parts of life. I think being out in Le-Wahi and living in Le-Koro has helped me a lot with Faith. I try to have faith in the good of others, and faith that things will all work out, even if the paths we take look different. I guess part of that comes from my Kanohi, ha ha." Bofen pointed as his Komau-shaped mask. "I wear a mask called Ahuru, the Mask of Empathy. I haven't seen another like it, but I doubt its rarity would make it highly sought after. Its power let's me feel how someone else is feeling, or I can have them feel how I feel. Now, maybe I just don't like Ko-Koro because the cold is opposed to plantlife, but I've always told myself that 'Peace' isn't as preferred as 'Harmony.' If we all could manage to accept what makes us different and learn to live in harmony, well, that'd be a step closer to the kind of life Mata Nui wants us all to have, I believe."

"I don't usually get so into the details of this kind belief stuff. I guess you just bring it out in me, ha ha." Bofen smiled at Luji. "Do you spend a lot of time talking about this kinda stuff with people? You mentioned your sisters in the Temple of Gali; were you trying to become a formal priestess? Maybe you could take up studying again and end up becoming some kind of wandering preacher."

@ARROW404

IC: Ushadra "Luji" - slowly approaching the former location of the Rama Hive

At the explanation of his mask power Ushadra had to consciously restrain herself from feeling nervous. She was used to faking her emotions. Had he used the power on her? No... If he had, he wouldn't have told her what he could do. She'd never encountered such a mask before. She restrained herself from thinking 'how troublesome'. If ever there was a mask that countered her illusions, that had to be the one.

Instead, she forced herself not only to smile, but to focus on positive emotions, herself. Though she did smirk behind her illusory mask as he talked about the kind of life Mata-Nui wanted them to have. Oh if he knew...

"Oh, that old stuffy life?" she scoffed humorously. "Impossible. I've seen too much. They'd brand me a heretic and throw me out for just what I've told you now." Which wasn't the half of her beliefs. "Coming back to what you said before- about bad coming about when people upset the harmony of the cycle of creation and destruction. I think that's actually why Makuta is so powerful now. Think about it. Before Makuta rose, the island was all about building, building, building. Prosperity, peace, and all the principles and virtues. You know how people say 'too much of a good thing isn't good', right? I suspect- just a theory of mine- that Makuta became so powerful, probably because the inhabitants of the island suppressed that destructive part of themselves so much that the proverbial dam broke. And... I don't know, I guess it broke so hard that Mata-Nui had to take a nap." She laughed. "Sorry, sometimes I make light of serious subjects. I hope that doesn't bother you." She held up a finder and added. "The reverse of this theory being that, after too much destruction, the reverse might happen. Makuta takes a nap, and Mata-Nui rebuilds. Like Ta-Wahi's edges after a volcanic eruption."

[Larry Berry]

10 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

IC: Ushadra "Luji" - slowly approaching the former location of the Rama Hive

At the explanation of his mask power Ushadra had to consciously restrain herself from feeling nervous. She was used to faking her emotions. Had he used the power on her? No... If he had, he wouldn't have told her what he could do. She'd never encountered such a mask before. She restrained herself from thinking 'how troublesome'. If ever there was a mask that countered her illusions, that had to be the one.

Instead, she forced herself not only to smile, but to focus on positive emotions, herself. Though she did smirk behind her illusory mask as he talked about the kind of life Mata-Nui wanted them to have. Oh if he knew...

"Oh, that old stuffy life?" she scoffed humorously. "Impossible. I've seen too much. They'd brand me a heretic and throw me out for just what I've told you now." Which wasn't the half of her beliefs. "Coming back to what you said before- about bad coming about when people upset the harmony of the cycle of creation and destruction. I think that's actually why Makuta is so powerful now. Think about it. Before Makuta rose, the island was all about building, building, building. Prosperity, peace, and all the principles and virtues. You know how people say 'too much of a good thing isn't good', right? I suspect- just a theory of mine- that Makuta became so powerful, probably because the inhabitants of the island suppressed that destructive part of themselves so much that the proverbial dam broke. And... I don't know, I guess it broke so hard that Mata-Nui had to take a nap." She laughed. "Sorry, sometimes I make light of serious subjects. I hope that doesn't bother you." She held up a finder and added. "The reverse of this theory being that, after too much destruction, the reverse might happen. Makuta takes a nap, and Mata-Nui rebuilds. Like Ta-Wahi's edges after a volcanic eruption."

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

The Bo-Toa scratched his chin while digesting everything Luji had said. "I don't know, I suppose there's truth in that. I think the hard part is knowing which part of the cycle you're supposed to be in, or where you are in your own destiny's path. I guess I feel like, after a certain point, there's no clear answers. That's why I'll leave the heavier thinking to the priestesses and astrologers." Bofen shrugged. "I think what matters most for ordinary folks like me is to just try to be a force for good in the world, even if it's on a small scale. Since we can't tell which way the wind is blowing, might as well do our best to help our neighbors."

A memory flashed through Bofen's mind, and he couldn't help but chuckle out loud. "Heh, sorry, just randomly thought of this one time I was helping a friend move into a new apartment. We were carrying a couch up some stairs, but I dropped my end, and he was at the bottom side, and the thing ended up crashing all the way back down with him getting slammed into the wall. Ha ha ha, sounds stupid to say out loud right now, just a small, funny memory. Don't mean to laugh and interrupt you bein' serious." Bofen shook his head. "It was funny though, ha ha. Sometimes you try to help your neighbor but ya mess it up anyway, ha ha."

"So you've been out here for years, huh? Do you miss the Koro's at all? Apartments, shops, temples, walls, yummy restaurants, all that good stuff?"

@ARROW404

[ARROW404]

15 hours ago, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Le-Wahi

The Bo-Toa scratched his chin while digesting everything Luji had said. "I don't know, I suppose there's truth in that. I think the hard part is knowing which part of the cycle you're supposed to be in, or where you are in your own destiny's path. I guess I feel like, after a certain point, there's no clear answers. That's why I'll leave the heavier thinking to the priestesses and astrologers." Bofen shrugged. "I think what matters most for ordinary folks like me is to just try to be a force for good in the world, even if it's on a small scale. Since we can't tell which way the wind is blowing, might as well do our best to help our neighbors."

A memory flashed through Bofen's mind, and he couldn't help but chuckle out loud. "Heh, sorry, just randomly thought of this one time I was helping a friend move into a new apartment. We were carrying a couch up some stairs, but I dropped my end, and he was at the bottom side, and the thing ended up crashing all the way back down with him getting slammed into the wall. Ha ha ha, sounds stupid to say out loud right now, just a small, funny memory. Don't mean to laugh and interrupt you bein' serious." Bofen shook his head. "It was funny though, ha ha. Sometimes you try to help your neighbor but ya mess it up anyway, ha ha."

"So you've been out here for years, huh? Do you miss the Koro's at all? Apartments, shops, temples, walls, yummy restaurants, all that good stuff?"

@ARROW404

IC: Ushadra - Approaching the Obelisk

She laughed with him at the mental image of the couch mishap. It had been a long while since she had partaken in enjoying some good old slapstick comedy. "Oh I still visit the Koros now and then- mostly Le, obviously. But frankly, since my... I guess I could call it an 'awakening', I've found most of that stuff stuffy. Suffocating, even. Except the food," she chuckled. She spread her arms. "The jungle, though... The jungle is freedom. Because of the danger lurking within it. I risk my life every day out here, but for the freedom that comes with it... it's completely worth it." A bold-faced lie. She was a willing and joyful servant of Makuta. She spent most of her time in the shadows of the Dark Walk, not the jungle. She had paid several Koros some surprise visits, however.

"Oh, the Obelisk shouuuuuld beeeeee... right there!" She pulled back a curtain of leaves and revealed a less dense forest glade. Hardwoods were growing up from the floor, already taller than either Toa by several Bio, but between them, peeking through, was the stark, dark shape of the Obelisk. "The spot where Matoran became Maru."

[Larry Berry]

IC: Bofen - Rama Hive

"Awakening?" Bofen wondered what Luji meant by that. It sounded more important to her than some Ga-Koro priestess studies. Inquiries would have to wait for another time, though. The pair of Toa had arrived.

"So this is the Obelisk..." A certain air of esoteric mystery blanketed the scene. Island-shaping events transpired here at one time. Now, it was just another spot in the wild where the jungle was creeping back towards lost territory. The Rama Hive didn't seem full of new-Nui-Rama, thankfully, but there did seem to be some signs of activity. Cut branches, trampled bushes, small paths walking around the larger foliage- this place may be many things, but undisturbed was not one of them. 

"You hear about something in stories for so long, but then to actually see it... strange." While Bofen looked upon the dark beacon for the first time, he noticed some prone figure on the opposite side of the obelisk, though he couldn't quite make it out. "Over there," he pointed. "Luji, do you see that? Should we look closer? Something's like, laying down on the other side of the obelisk. You know these wilds better than I, what do you think? Is it even safe to get close to the obelisk?"

@ARROW404

 

[ARROW404]

On 1/2/2025 at 3:46 AM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Rama Hive

"Awakening?" Bofen wondered what Luji meant by that. It sounded more important to her than some Ga-Koro priestess studies. Inquiries would have to wait for another time, though. The pair of Toa had arrived.

"So this is the Obelisk..." A certain air of esoteric mystery blanketed the scene. Island-shaping events transpired here at one time. Now, it was just another spot in the wild where the jungle was creeping back towards lost territory. The Rama Hive didn't seem full of new-Nui-Rama, thankfully, but there did seem to be some signs of activity. Cut branches, trampled bushes, small paths walking around the larger foliage- this place may be many things, but undisturbed was not one of them. 

"You hear about something in stories for so long, but then to actually see it... strange." While Bofen looked upon the dark beacon for the first time, he noticed some prone figure on the opposite side of the obelisk, though he couldn't quite make it out. "Over there," he pointed. "Luji, do you see that? Should we look closer? Something's like, laying down on the other side of the obelisk. You know these wilds better than I, what do you think? Is it even safe to get close to the obelisk?"

@ARROW404

IC: Luji - Obelisk, former location of the Rama Hive

"Something there?" she asked, humming pensively. Her mask glowed and she peered at it for a while, studying it. "Seems to be a Muaka. It must have claimed this territory for itself. Sleeping to digest a recent hunt, I'd wager," she said. "It's definitely not safe to get close with that Rahi there. What do you want to do, though?" she asked, looking to him. "You wanted to come visit the place. How badly do you want to see the Obelisk up close?"

[Larry Berry]

10 hours ago, ARROW404 said:

IC: Luji - Obelisk, former location of the Rama Hive

"Something there?" she asked, humming pensively. Her mask glowed and she peered at it for a while, studying it. "Seems to be a Muaka. It must have claimed this territory for itself. Sleeping to digest a recent hunt, I'd wager," she said. "It's definitely not safe to get close with that Rahi there. What do you want to do, though?" she asked, looking to him. "You wanted to come visit the place. How badly do you want to see the Obelisk up close?"

IC: Bofen - Obelisk/Rama Hive

"Hmmm.. maybe we should err on the side of caution here..." The blue-and-green Toa scratched his chin, then took out his Great Machete. "There's no need to wake the beast up, I reckon. But I'd feel silly if we walked all this way just to turn right around and leave." He nodded towards some of the larger ruined structures, remnants of an older era and spliced with new jungle growth. "I think I'll circle around and do as wide a sweep of the area I can. Just to say I've seen it all, if for no reason other than not needing a reason to ever come back here, ha ha." Bofen sliced a few young saplings and began to step away. "How do you feel about looking around as well? Two sets of eyes looking around independently might lend itself to a greater chance someone sees something worthwhile out here. And if something happens, either of us can let out a loud call or blast up into the sky like an emergency flare. We can try to meet back up here in half an hour, or maybe an hour depending on how long it takes to cut through the brush?" Bofen sliced through another step of pathway. "I'd keep that dagger-sword of yours in hand. I don't know if it's the obelisk or the Rahi but I've got the shivers down my legs right now."

@ARROW404

[ARROW404]

On 1/9/2025 at 12:58 AM, Larry Berry said:

IC: Bofen - Obelisk/Rama Hive

"Hmmm.. maybe we should err on the side of caution here..." The blue-and-green Toa scratched his chin, then took out his Great Machete. "There's no need to wake the beast up, I reckon. But I'd feel silly if we walked all this way just to turn right around and leave." He nodded towards some of the larger ruined structures, remnants of an older era and spliced with new jungle growth. "I think I'll circle around and do as wide a sweep of the area I can. Just to say I've seen it all, if for no reason other than not needing a reason to ever come back here, ha ha." Bofen sliced a few young saplings and began to step away. "How do you feel about looking around as well? Two sets of eyes looking around independently might lend itself to a greater chance someone sees something worthwhile out here. And if something happens, either of us can let out a loud call or blast up into the sky like an emergency flare. We can try to meet back up here in half an hour, or maybe an hour depending on how long it takes to cut through the brush?" Bofen sliced through another step of pathway. "I'd keep that dagger-sword of yours in hand. I don't know if it's the obelisk or the Rahi but I've got the shivers down my legs right now."

@ARROW404

IC: Ushadra "Luji"

"Sure, sounds like a good idea," she said with a nod. As she turned to leave, she heard another sound beyond the slow purring of the sleeping Muaka. The whir of Rahkshi armor hydraulics. She hummed quietly to herself. How would this Toa handle it? The Muaka made a sound. It sniffed the air. Then, shaking off its sleep, it began to paw at the ground before rolling off on its treads to look, undoubtedly, for the Rahkshi she had just heard. Depending on the Rahkshi's power, it could be the Muaka's last attempt at a meal. Or it could be the end of the Rahkshi. If the Rahkshi survived, though... she smiled privately as she sliced her way through the underbrush, slowly and silently circling around back toward Bofen. How would the upstart Toa of Fungus handle a Rahkshi encounter? Maybe if she played her hand right, she could get the Kraata to infect him!

She shook her head. She was getting ahead of herself. She extended her hearing through her element and listened, halting her progress. The Muaka had found its prey, but the Rahkshi had noticed it as well. There was a sound of confusion from the Muaka, then... Clank! It yelped, then retreated with a dripping sound. Undoubtedly injured, and deciding this prey wasn't worth it.

The Toa of the Bog was now alone with a Rahkshi, and a Makuta follower. And he didn't even know it!

[Larry Berry]

IC: Bofen - Rama Hive

Bofen nodded back to Luji, then continued through the brush, keeping one eye on the Rahi as he worked his way inside the Rama Hive. He'd never seen anything like this, even in its abandoned state. The Nui-Rama hadn't returned, best as he could tell, but the Bo-Toa remained on guard. The air itself felt different, here.

"I wonder if they miss me yet," Bofen wondered, thinking of home. It had been some time since he left Le-Koro and he was still adjusting to life in the wild. Maybe roughing it in the elements came more naturally to Toa of Plant life, compared to life in the city, at least, but Bofen was never the rugged outdoorsman type. He was still learning how to be an adventurer.

Several minutes passed, and Bofen's arm was getting tired from swinging his Great Machete. He stretched his sword arm out from him, admiring the glint of the sun off the surface of his Toa Tool. Thoughts about the Toa Maru and the fighting in the Koro's came to him. "I wonder what they're up to, now." He gripped his Great Machete in both palms. "I hope they're safe and strong, wherever they are. I wonder if it's a good or bad sign that I've never seen them before." Bofen smiled. It may be most adventurous to be a hero of legend, but one doesn't become a famed hero without overcoming life-and-death situations. If nothing else, the Bog Toa's humdrum previous life was safe, away from the front lines in the fight against Makuta.

Until now.

Bofen heard the distant yelp of a recoiling Muaka; the beast must've woken up. "Luji?" Bofen tried to weigh the possibilities. Not many Rahi would provoke a Muaka, but if a hungry enough predator caught one unawares, maybe it would try its chance of having sleeping Muaka for dinner. "Another Rahi would have to make it through the same thick brush Luji and I did, though. Surely it would've been heard. That brings me back to Luji, but no signal was sent." Bofen looked up at the sky, pierced by Nui-Rama constructs and a young canopy. "She's survived out here long enough, she can hold her own. Maybe this place is too dangerous, though. Maybe my curiosity should've been ignored this time." Bofen turned his blade over, then slowly inched towards the Rahi's sounds. "I should at least try to take a look. If Luji is in danger, I need to help."

The blue-and-green Toa crept towards a hole in the wall and gazed out at the jungle. He didn't see Luji, in danger or otherwise, nor signs of the Muaka. "It's not for nothing that such a powerful Rahi would run off somewhere. Maybe there's another Muaka here, and they're fighting for territory?" Bofen wasn't a Rahi expert; he had never even had any pets. For the first time since setting out, he felt inadequate. "I can't lose my nerve out here. I won't make it if I give in to fear." He turned back into the Rama Hive and began working his way into the darker inner tunnels once more. His hands gripped his Toa Tool tightly. "I'll just cut through the middle then circle back arou-"

THWACK

Bofen's thoughts were silenced with a mighty smack to the back of the head. He went down. Hard. His eyes tightly closed and he drew his weapon in towards his chest. Instinct took over, and he used his powers to grow the grass beneath him, surrounding his body and lifting himself off the ground by several feet. As time unfroze and his flow of consciousness returned, his fears abated, leaving a sense of determination.

"Okay. Roll off. Stand on my feet. Get ready to swing." Bofen relaxed his powers, loosening the grass's grip on his armor, and rolled off to a side. His back to the wall and Great Machete pointed out, ready to take on the foe who struck him.

"No one...?" Bofen took in the hallway, yet saw no foe. He stood a moment, then side-eyed the hole in the wall several paces back that was letting in the sunlight. "Did they run away...?" Adrenaline pumped through him. "Don't lose focus. Look down. No tracks. Look up. Nothing in the air." He glanced down the hall where the light was less. "In, or out?" The walls felt like they were closing in. "Luji's got outside. I'll go in." Bofen reasoned it couldn't have been the Muaka; he would've been in its jaws or under its claws by now. No, something else struck him: and he knew it would strike again.

He kept his back to the wall and blade extended as he shuffled a few paces down the hall. He neither got far nor had the chance to swing his sword.

Shhhinnng

Another blow. This one struck his shoulder, but glanced off his armor and smashed into the wall. Bofen looked at the metal pole that tried to maim him and followed it to the source. The opposite wall seemed as if it was moving- the wall seemed alive. The Bog Toa didn't stop to think about this one. He simply jabbed his Great Machete at the thing he didn't understand- and his foe revealed itself. The "living wall" shifted and swirled and its colors changed and a form took shape. The Bo-Toa's eyes switched from narrow and survivalist to wide and horrified. "Rahkshi!"

The apparent Rahkshi's face was an alarming red as bright and bold as fresh blood. Its eyes knew nothing but wild devastation and sinister intent. Its mouth gaped and behind its armor, the revolting Kraata could be seen wriggling within. The hands that gripped the staff, though, shone a dull, weathered gold. "Mata-Nui..." Bofen wasn't an expert on Rahkshi, either, but he at least had some experience with them from the war against Makuta and the assault on Le-Koro. His foe lept back. "Camouflage. Chameleon. Something like that." He could be sure this Rahkshi was some kind of stealth user. It started circling around him, daring to press the attack.

Bofen thought about his options. He could try to signal for Luji, but then again, he wouldn't always have help, out in the wild. Maybe he needed this chance encounter. Maybe he needed to test his battle prowess. After all, he set out to fight evil across the island. Well, here was the evil. The Rahkshi was side-stepping, so he turned to keep facing it. It could strike at any time with its staff- maybe the next blow wouldn't glance off so easily. He couldn't run, so that left one option.

Bofen strode forward and swung at the Rahkshi's head as if it were a Kohli ball. The Rahkshi ducked and swung back at him. Bofen jumped to the side, but the Rahkshi swung again, and again, and again, with Bofen jumping back and to the side and back once more. There wasn't much room to run inside the decrepit hallway of the Hive, and Bofen couldn't dodge forever. He swung his blade to meet his foe's staff. "Maybe Luji will hear this battle..." 

The Bog Toa needed tactics. He drew his Great Machete back to swing at the Rahkshi once more, though when it ducked as he expected, he let go of his Toa Tool with one hand and called out to the flora around them. Inside the Hive, there were mainly just weeds, or wildflowers, depending on perspective, but they would work. Thin stalks whipped up and knocked a leg out from under the Rahkshi as it moved to strike Bofen again. It fell to one knee, but this battle was just starting. It activated its powers and its legs seemed to transform into weeds themselves. "Not real." He gripped his weapon with both hands again and sliced downward through the air as hard as possible. His blade found its mark, embedding itself in the Rahkshi's red back. "HIIISSSssssSSsssssSSss...!" 

Injured, but not outdone, the Rahkshi used the opening to swing its staff once more. It, too, found its mark, and slammed into Bofen's side so hard that he himself was knocked over. "Get up." He reflexively looked up, panicking. But a finishing blow didn't come. "Don't lose sight." He looked where the Rahkshi was, and in its place, saw a figure half-formed of branches and leaves slinking back into the shadows of the Hive.

"Don't lose sight." Bofen couldn't think of some clever battle plan, but knew if the Rakshi were allowed to slink back into the darkness then he'd never catch sight of it again- until the Rahkshi made another stealthy strike aimed at his head. He reached out, feeling the jungle all around him. Outside, the weeds were thicker, the brush was thicker, and the resources he needed were ready for him. All at once, he conjured a mighty portion of his powers and sent a wave of green crashing through the walls. "HAAaaASSSsss...!" The plants smashed the Toa and the Rahkshi both into the far wall, but the Bog Toa wasn't done. With one hand squeezing his Toa Tool and the other squeezing itself into a tight fist, he wrapped himself and his foe and whatever rubble was large enough with the summoned green tide before surging everything back. He and the Rahkshi were thrown from the hall and into the open air. Bofen rolled without grace, landing on his back. He looked out and saw the Rahkshi already standing back up.

"Not enough." Bofen rolled over and began rising in time to block the Rahkshi as it lunged towards him. He wasn;t fast enough to block the Rahkshi's attacks with just his Great Machete. The evil beast alternated which end of its staff it swiped at Bofen with, and for every few blows Bofen managed to block, there was one that penetrated his defenses. A scrape on the arm here, a bash on the knee there, a sting on one side, a bruise on another- Bofen was losing this fight. He activated his powers once more, and around his left arm some fungus grew and hardened into a leathery glove. Then he punched the Rahkshi in the face, and the fury of blows stopped for a moment.

But a moment was all Bofen needed.

"Press it." He threw another punch, and as expected, the Rahkshi blocked with its staff, which gave Bofen a chance to lunge his blade's point into the Rahkshi's chest. It swung at him again, but Bofen parried the staff with his boxing hand, giving him another chance at a stab. The Rahkshi jumped back, and looked to pounce again. "Now." Bofen reached out once more to the surrounding plant life and called the branches of the young trees forward, wrapping around the Rahkshi's waist. It activated its powers to obfuscate where the Son of Makuta ended and where the jungle of Le-Wahi began, but this didn't save it. While the Rahkshi was distracted and put off its timing, Bofen leapt forward, raising his Great Machete overhead before crashing it down with all his might.

SPLATTTTT

Goo and slime exploded out of the red shell of the Rahkshi, and its body went limp. The evil glare inside its eyes faded, and Bofen relaxed his powers. The Rahkshi's lifeless body fell, and Bofen yanked his Toa Tool out of its armor. The fungus around his hand retreated back into his armor, and the surrounding plants lossened, leaving a strange, mangled shaped to the area. If someone were to come across the scene, they would surely wonder what caused the trees and bushes to take such a strange, unnatural form. But Bofen didn't care. Bofen didn't think. He walked a few paces, then stumbled a bit.

"It's over, relax." He looked down at his hands and stretched his fingers out. Then saw the scratches on his armor. His knee wobbled, and the growing bruise made itself known to Bofen. The blue-and-green Toa went down to one knee, rubbing the soreness in his abrasion. His breathe deepened, and the adrenaline started wearing off, leaving the pain of battle. "I got lucky." His chest heaved, and Bofen allowed himself to fall back on his rear. "That wasn't a real battle. It almost got away. I panicked, and got lucky." He looked back at the Rahkshi corpse behind him. "That was an easy one. It missed its chance in the first strike." He rubbed the back of his head, and the pain throughout his body left him as he realized how badly his head hurt. A pounding started clouding his thoughts. "What if that Rahkshi had real battle powers? What then?" Bofen felt a certain helplessness creep up inside him. "I got lucky. Yet..." Within the growing doubt, an even deeper sense of hope was kindled. "I survived. I won. And that's one less Rahkshi in the world." Bofen smiled the kind of weary smile only a victorious warrior can.

He sat there, for some time. Legs sprawled before him, Great Machete on the ground to his side, both hands behind him and leaning back. Bofen relaxed, and rubbed his head every so often. He hurt, but wasn't injured. He was bruised, but not broken. He knew he'd be okay. He allowed his thoughts to drift, and old faces to fill his mind. "If only they could see me now..." A certain rustling in the jungle brought him back to the here and now. "Could there be more Rahkshi?" A flash of panic ran through his limbs, but he reassured himself. "No. I remember how they turned on one another. It would be rare for them to form packs." This time, he was right. Not a Rahkshi, but the Muaka from earlier appeared. It cautiously slid towards the Rahkshi corpse. 

"And nature takes its course. What a disgusting dinner, heh." Bofen stood and backed away slowly as the Muaka watched him. It apparently was making sure it could eat in peace, because it started its feast. As Bofen safely vacated the scene, he noticed the Muaka's Kanohi. "Infected." 

He looked back towards the Rama Hive. "I think I've had my fill of that place." He started heading back towards the Obelisk. "I hope Luji's just had a boring time." He laughed to himself as he thought of what Luji might say. 

He made it back to the Obelisk, but Luji wasn't there. He waited a bit more, but still, nothing. He used this opportunity to sneak a closer peak at the obelisk, but still didn't dare get close enough to even risk touching the object. Still, Luji wasn't there.

Bofen waited twice as long as he expected to wait, yet still his companion was nowhere to be found. He grew a bit worried, and circled around the Rama Hive. He spent all afternoon and well into the evening looking, but there wasn't a trace of the Toa of Plasma. There were no signs of a struggle, though, and nothing left behind, so Bofen knew she at least was alive somewhere, even if missing to him.

As the light dimmed and day turned to night, Bofen journeyed back into the jungle a ways to build a shelter for the night. He didn't want to risk that Muaka sneaking up in the night, though he was confident it wouldn't be hungry tonight after having its fill of Rahkshi. "What a day," he thought. "And this is just the beginning. It has to be." 

The night grew, and the sounds of Le-Wahi at night clamored all around the horizon. Bofen was a bit roughed up, and slightly shaken, yet all the same he went to sleep with a smile this night. He was a survivor. A winner. A champion and a hero. Bofen was a Toa, and he knew tomorrow would begin the next day of his adventure.