BZPRPG - Po-Wahi

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

Aurax raised an eyebrow at Ranok, questioning what the bard had told Timak and Kanohi. Upon receiving the same information, Aurax nodded and led the group over to the tram station. There was indeed a map there, just as Ranok had said.

"Let's see..." he murmured as he scanned over the map. Using familiar landmarks like the Suva and the Vuata Maca tree, he was able to pinpoint where his house was. Or where it was supposed to be, anyway. 

One particular labeled location on the map stood out to him: Office of Stannis Maru.

Aurax chuckled. The thought of Stannis of all people having an office was funny to him. From what he remembered, Stannis was not the type of person who was content to sit around in an office. But it probably be a good idea to talk to him, let him know I'm back, the Dasaka thought to himself. After I check on my house.

"Alright, I think I know where to go," Aurax said. "We can go check out the Suva after we get to my place."

OOC: @Harvali @ARROW404 @Mel @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Umbraline Yumiwa @Rahisaurus Finally got around to a post.

[Vezok's Friend]

IC: [Kohra - Iron Mahi,First Passenger Car]

They’d know each other for less than a day, but Kohra was relieved to hear Datrox' voice. She pulled herself through the door and back into the car, glad to be out of the slipstream.

She winced a bit as she put her weight back full on her legs, but otherwise managed to keep her balance. 

“You alright?”

How to answer that one? What scale applied here?

“Not really, but…I found a sentinel.” she replied, attempting something that approached a weak smile.

OOC: @Tarn

[Emzee]

On 8/21/2023 at 9:55 PM, Void Emissary said:

"This place gotta back door?" I asked one of the busboys as he stood back up straight. He answered in the affirmative, pointed in the expected direction, and I -- like an idiot -- gripped my sword and headed back there....

OOC: That was good.

IC: The Waif (Ostia, Rooftop of the building in front of The Dancing Crab)

The lithe Toa was pacing about, scanning the tavern, when her peripheral vision picked up the slightly hurried movements of a taller being (Toa? Lesterin?) moving with purpose out of the front door and around the side of the building. The Waif kept her cool for beat, continuing her pace until she detected the grey and green armored being turn the corner and head into the dark alleyway. Then, she slunk down to her knees before then touching her nose to the rooftop, ending up flat on her belly. She could turn her head to the right and see front of The Dancing Crab, and the dark alleyway next to it where her superior, an experienced Reaper, had last been seen.

The Waif didn’t get a good look at the grey and green armored Toa (something about the way he walked seemed more Toa-like than Lesterin-like), but they didn’t seem like they were new to their current surroundings. The hooded Toa steadied her nerves and readied herself. She was the Blade. Killing Tailua was her mission.

* * *

The Reaper Vortixx (Against the wall of a motel, near its back door)

The hooded figure had passed through the narrow, dark alley and emerged in a wider, better lit one that was flanked by the back doors. This one had enough space for cart and ussal traffic. He was skulking along the wall of a motel (opposite the sunlit alley behind the tavern) when he heard the footsteps. He had detected the coming footsteps almost subconsciously, the stone walls flanking that first narrow alleyway and amplifying the noise.

The Reaper put his back against flat the wall. He was close enough to another alleyway, this one as narrow as the one he initially ran though. He could conceal himself there assuming the individual lacked a Mask of Vision. In a swift three strides, the towering, hooded Vortixx was back in the shadows.

What emerged from that narrow alleyway by The Dancing Crab was a green and gray armored Toa. A fast mover with a sword he clearly knew how to use—definitely a Toa of Air. He hoped this Toa wouldn’t be a problem. They were well out of sight and sound from his subordinate, a fresh Reaper. He could depend on her and had many times in the past. But he was an entire building away. Not even the deadliest Reapers in the Fellowship would sense if anything went wrong—not with her set of elemental and Kanohi powers, anyway.

With that, there was nothing for the Vortixx to do but wait in the shadows. He stood flat against the side wall of the building.

OOC: I'll let you decide how sharp of an eye Gunner has @Void Emissary.

[a goose]

IC: (And never let him go)

There was a whistle on the wind, a merry, malicious little tune that carried like a foul odour.

There was a crooked man,

And he walked a crooked mile.

The thin man had walked far further than a mere mile, from the depths of Mangaia to the dusty desert wastes of Po-Wahi. If he felt the pains of the journey – if hunger troubled his stomach, if the wind and sun stung his milky eyes, if the sand worried the exposed tendons and ligaments of his bony hands – he did not show it. He just… walked. He walked, and he whistled, and he smiled. He had work to do, you see, and he did so enjoy his work.

“You wish for a compliment? Bring me a Maru as a trophy. Kill the Matoran that escaped me upon the Archipelago, or kill the Toa that slew that fool Echelon.”

“Tell me… about… the Matoran.”

The village was in sight, now, and his tune had come to an end. He remained unbothered. He knew another.

The Crooked Man wetted his thin lips with a pale, slimy tongue.

A-hunting we shall go, a-hunting we shall go…

OOC: @~Xemnas~ et al, you have been warned

Edited September 5, 2024 by a goose

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

“Tell me… about… the Matoran.”

A slithering whisper pierced through the barrier of sound. Perhaps it had been spoken days ago, or even years in the past. But it was with Kanohi now, as it always had. Something was coming for the Matoran.

He began to tremble violently, as the lens of his optics seemed to fracture. Through some of the cracks in optics he could see normally, his companions reaching to comfort him. But spliced in his shattered vision he could see six Matoran, each humming with the pulse of the stars. The Maru that could have been.

”A-hunting we shall go, a-hunting we shall go…”

Another whisper, and these words stayed like they were carved. They hummed like a sputtering heart light, before shadow took them and gave the form. In Kanohi’s gaze he saw a Rahkshi’s staff take shape, a moldy staff that seemed to reek of death. It flew with a whistle, piercing straight into Aurax.

His stars were engulfed in the rotting blackness of the staff, his heart light pierced. Aurax went limp, and the other five wandered away. But gradually the shadows cloaking him faded, and he stood now in his new body. 

Kanohi staggered towards Aurax, only to hear a squish like muscular tissue being ripped from a chassis. Piercing through Aurax’s heart light was a bony hand, but not the hand of a Rahkshi. This was closer to the hand of a Toa. 

His armor rattled together as he clutched the wooden mask he wore, squeezing it against his Kanohi. the shattered vision dominated him, his lens had no physical cracks but chassis was unsteady.

There was only one thing relatively constant in his cracked world. The vigilante’s sight was shattered, but Aurax stood before him in both vision and life. Kanohi struggled to speak, but the pistons and electronics operating his vocal processor refused to respond.

Gradually, Kanohi’s optics merged to show a single Aurax. Kanohi felt himself, unsure if he was even awake, only to brush against his telegraph bracer. He clutched it like it was the mast in a violent story at sea, before clicking.

”Something is coming for Aurax. Not a Rahkshi. A person reeking of death. We need to run.” 

OOC: @ARROW404 @Snelly  @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel 

[BULiK]

On 8/18/2024 at 11:55 PM, ~Xemnas~ said:

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

"Alright, I think I know where to go," Aurax said. "We can go check out the Suva after we get to my place."

OOC: I'm officially back

IC: Nichou [Po-Koro]

Nichou was glad to be back in the city of stone. He had spent a lot of time here before his sabbatical to the Massif. He had spent more time in it as a growing center of industry than back when Makuta was still a presence on the island, what felt like a lifetime ago. The new buildings and roads almost entirely paved over the memories of Hafu's kidnapping. Almost.

Being led back into the city by Aurax was a stark reminder that despite the new infrastructure, many brave people had been lost to keep it held together...

~~~

12 hours ago, Harvali said:

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

He began to tremble violently, as the lens of his optics seemed to fracture. Through some of the cracks in optics he could see normally, his companions reaching to comfort him. But spliced in his shattered vision he could see six Matoran, each humming with the pulse of the stars. The Maru that could have been.

~~~

His armor rattled together as he clutched the wooden mask he wore, squeezing it against his Kanohi. the shattered vision dominated him, his lens had no physical cracks but chassis was unsteady.

There was only one thing relatively constant in his cracked world. The vigilante’s sight was shattered, but Aurax stood before him in both vision and life. Kanohi struggled to speak, but the pistons and electronics operating his vocal processor refused to respond.

Gradually, Kanohi’s optics merged to show a single Aurax. Kanohi felt himself, unsure if he was even awake, only to brush against his telegraph bracer. He clutched it like it was the mast in a violent story at sea, before clicking.

”Something is coming for Aurax. Not a Rahkshi. A person reeking of death. We need to run.”

For the most part Nichou had been at the front of the pack, walking closest to the friends he knew the best - Lekua, Sigrus, and Aurax. But when the group neared Aurax's old neighborhood, something changed. Always focused on the journey instead of the destination, Nichou was one of the first to notice Kanohi's shivering. The craftsman had not had a personal discussion with their mute ally - he tended to let the many-masked Matoran speak his mind through those that knew how to interpret his signals or those he would write messages to. It was only when something was truly wrong that Nichou realized what a mistake his ignorance had been.

Nichou was now near Kanohi. "What is he saying?" the carpenter asked out loud. He didn't raise his voice, not wanting to draw too much attention. Behind the darkly tinted lenses in his Kakama, the Onu-Matoran's green optics glowed with concern.

Edited September 6, 2024 by BULiK

[Mel]

[Po-koro Outskirts (Ranok)]

Ranok had been trying to figure out the pattern of Kanohi’s semaphore for a while, and now he made a note to asked the masked vigilante to teach him.   The other matoran looked like he might topple over or start sprinting full-tilt into a building, posed on the precipice of two very drastic actions.  Ranok found himself moving closer in case he needed to support their new acquaintance.

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

Aurax frowned in concern. Kanohi's frantic clicking could tell him that something was wrong, but what exactly it was, he wasn't sure.

"What is it, Kanohi?" he asked. He gestured to Kanohi's tablet. "Something wrong?"

OOC: @Harvali @ARROW404 @Mel @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Umbraline Yumiwa @Rahisaurus 

[Void Emissary]

IC: Gunner | Behind The Dancing Crab

The alley was empty, as you might have expected. No assassin worth their salt would stick around at the scene of the crime - successful or unsuccessful. More than likely, they had scurried off as soon as Tailua had landed in a public spot, waiting for his next moment of vulnerability. And that was assuming that Tailua had been telling the truth at all. But what I had seen up on the roof - that glint of metal up there...

A brief push off the ground with my Miru and I was scaling the wall of the Crab, up to just below its low roof. Removing my hat and holding it in my free hand - the other still resting against the hilt of my sword - I could poke my head over the edge of the roof and look at the rest of the city skyline, hopefully without being spotted.

And amidst that skyline: a dark shape on a nearby roof. Too far away to make out clearly without Lohkar's spyglass, but perhaps big enough to be a person? Not to say that this was our assassin - the odds were just as good that they were a blithe sunbather or an unfortunate contractor. But it was a lead, which was something. I just needed a way to get closer to them...

OOC: @Emzee up to you if the Reaper Vortixx would want to do anything with Gunner's back to him.

-Void

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

Why did no one understand him? He had communicated with this group easier enough before, and he hadn’t been able to talk verbally in some time. He was, the tablet, he had been using the pad. In his fear and frenzy he had forgotten. Kohlii-head, he had wasted valuable time.

With trembling hands he pulled out his tablet and began to scribble the circles of the Matoran written language. Blast him, wasting time while whoever that was headed closer to the group. Fool, failure, if Aurax dies oh would be his fault. Was Aurax even the only target? A number of this group had been in the Companions, had Kanohi made an assumption? Curse his struggles to interpret his power. 

Finally he presented his message to the group, in particular making sure Nichou, Lekua, and Aurax himself all saw it. ”Something is coming for us, I think he’s after Aurax. Not a Rahkshi. A person reeking of death. We need to run.” 

OOC: @ARROW404 @Snelly  @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel 

[Rahisaurus]

IC: Timak [Po-Koro]

While the sound bubble had been nice for a few minutes of respite, as soon as Kanohi started panicking, Timak had dropped the barrier to make sure the others could hear whatever happened next. Perhaps not the best thing from Kanohi's perspective, but Timak thought it best that everyone could easily hear and respond to him.

He took a step back as Kanohi started making unexplained clicking noises, and was as concerned as the rest of the group at the poor Matoran's agitated terror. When they finally got a written explanation, Timak stood straight, his eyes darting around the village to hopefully catch sight of anything unseemly. He was, after all, taller than most of the crowd. So far nothing jumped out as being dangerous.

He turned to Aurax, his furrowed brow hardly masking the internal turmoil of nervous energy that was twisting his gut into a knot, but said nothing. His promise to guard the Matoran was about to be tested, and he felt some innate responsibility to take charge and lead them away from danger, but he knew that many of the group knew Po-Koro better than he did (which was not at all). Eventually he spoke to the group collectively. "Does anyone know the fastest route to a safe place, or defensible area?"
 

ooc: @ARROW404 @Snelly @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel @Harvali

Edited September 9, 2024 by Rahisaurus

[Mel]

[Po-koro Outskirts (Ranok)]

Ranok was glad that Timak said something; he had been about to propose several courses of action that likely would have made things more confusing.   His profession was not particularly one that lent itself to efficiency of language.  Someone else choosing a direction made things easier.

“Surely, the sentinels would know-understand what to do?”

He cocked one ear, searching the soundscape for...whatever death sounded like.   He assumed it involved screaming.

OOC: @Rahisaurus

@ARROW404 @Snelly @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Harvali

Edited September 9, 2024 by Mel

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

Aurax's heart skipped a beat. He thought back to his first (and hopefully only) death. He didn't want to experience that again.

And yet...

"If there truly is something coming for me, then hiding won't do any good." He turned back to Kanohi. "How do you know something's coming for me?" he asked.

OOC: @Harvali @ARROW404 @Mel @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Umbraline Yumiwa @Rahisaurus 

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

Kanohi’s hands fluttered with unease, before he began to click his bracelet frantically. He was not trying to communicate, he was trying to exhaust his stress and fear. He needed to focus, he had to protect Aurax. Knichou too, ugh, Nichou. Blast his fractured memory.

Why couldn’t Aurax just hide? He needed to run from this person, they only had a few Toa in this group and Timak was inexperienced and was draining his element maintaining this bubble of silence. This could go wrong very quickly.

And now Aurax had asked that question. That terrifying question that made Kanohi want to huddle under a pile of masks. How does he know? If he is honest, then Nichou might realize who he is, and if anyone knows then the real Makuta might know and then Kanohi will have to flee or risk endangering these real heroes. And he, he couldn’t suffer those flames again.

But he had to say something. Aurax might not listen otherwise.

Finally, Kanohi wrote down frantically. “I saw somrtging. We can dishust later. We neee to preoare onest.” He flinched, and scribbled, “sorry, typos. Scared.” His masks rattled with his frantically beating heartlight, they needed to stop talking, they needed to be ready. They needed a plan. 

OOC: @ARROW404 @Snelly  @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel 

[Mel]

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

Kanohi’s terror was infectious.   Ranok was usually good at multi-tasking, good at holding a vast amount of ideas in his head.   But it was one thing to be the conduit of a story he had collected from his travels and quite another to be in the center of it.

“We need…” his brain, unusually, went ahead of his voice “…a tall place, good-viewed, and a way out.   If I hear anything bad, I’ll scream.   I can scream really loud.   There have got to be other toa here.” He was rambling, but he didn’t see how Aurax could be so calm.  

Wasn’t he the one who was Makuta’s target?

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @BULiK @Harvali @Rahisaurus @Snelly @Lady Takanuva @ARROW404 @Tarn @EmperorWhenua

[a goose]

IC: (Po-Koro)

Karsi was not having a good day. They had overslept, arrived late to work – again, as their supervisor was so keen to remind them, and as always he would not be so lenient next time – and been labouring through the bright, cacophonous morning with a splitting headache. They’d been drinking again last night; everyone knew. They hadn't exactly been teetotal before Noma left, but it was getting worse. They needed it now, just to get through the night; there was nothing like loneliness to make a Matoran parched. They glanced up at the blindingly blue sky, and felt a fresh wave of nausea. The pay of a tram repairman was not worth this.

And then a shadow fell over Karsi, and the world grew just a little quieter.

“Beg pardon,” came the voice from behind them. It was deep, breathy and hoarse, but unsettlingly articulate in spite of that. Scratchy and soft and the same time, with a meticulously measured clip. Despite the heat, Karsi felt a shiver run through them, and with it came an inexplicable, primordial certainty that they must not turn around, must not move a muscle, some instinct inherited from the days when Matoran must have been little more than Rahi themselves. Then the voice continued: “I’m looking for a group that might have passed through here – a Toa, a few Matoran, one of those foreign types. Fresh into town. I don't suppose you've seen them?”

There was a foul, oddly familiar odor on the air. Karsi knew it was the stranger; it grew stronger with each second that the shadow hung over them. They just wanted it gone. They opened their mouth to speak, and gagged – they could taste it. They could still taste it. It clung to their tongue like a vile film, like bitter mucous. They retched and spat on the dusty ground, but the odious taste still lingered.

“Feeling unwell, are we? Not to worry. Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll be on my way.”

Karsi’s mind was a feverish haze. Something was wrong, deeply wrong – sweat was pouring down into their eyes so that they blurred and stung, and their shivers had grown into violent convulsions. The stranger had asked them a question, the stranger who stank of dirt and decay and-

Karsi’s stomach seized as they finally recognised the odour, doubling them over. It was Noma. Not their Noma, full of light and joy, always with a poem on her lips – the other one, the one that glared up at them from the hospital bed with tired, bitter eyes, that spat bile at them whenever it was fit enough to speak, that wasted and withered away before them with every passing day. That pathetic, skeletal, blue-lipped creature that dared to call itself Noma even as it lay there in soiled sheets, grasping feebly for their hand, unable so much as to muster anger when they pulled away.

Vomit bubbled up in their throat and burned the back of their tongue. It tasted of whiskey and bile. With great effort, Karsi swallowed it, and lifted a trembling hand. They felt the stranger follow their finger, saw the shadow shift as it turned its head. Then it turned back to them. The shadow grew lower, darker, and then Karsi felt the stranger’s foul breath on the nape of their neck.

“Thank you ever so kindly,” it whispered. It didn't move. Neither did Karsi. Their mind was racing, racing with regrets and mistakes and with oaths to Mata Nui Himself as they promised everything they had to Him and more, all in exchange for simple survival. They would give up the drink. They’d apologise to Noma. They’d go straight home and empty every bottle and then they’d run to the hospital and kiss their lover’s hand, spend every hour of every night and every day by her side, read her every one of her favourite poems.

Study me then, you who shall lovers be
As the next world, that is, at the next spring;

“For I am every dead thing.” There was a sadistic smile in the stranger’s voice, and Karsi screwed their eyes tightly shut. They stayed that way for what felt like an eternity; when they gathered the courage to look, the shadow was gone, and the stranger with it. Unable to hold it down any longer, they retched and heaved upon the tracks until there was nothing left inside them, and then again for some time after, tears streaming down their dusty cheeks.

When it was over, they found their supervisor and asked for the day off sick. It only took a glance at them for him to agree, and Karsi rushed home. They had promises to keep.

And though Karsi didn't know it, the Crooked Man did too.

Edited September 10, 2024 by a goose

[Tarn]

IC: Datrox Karvan - Po-Wahi - The Iron Mahi

“Good,” Datrox said, both to the state of his companion and the news she had found a Sentinel. The presence of authorities meant that there was now pressure on the heisters. It also meant that his stalling was working.

“Have you met my new friend yet? We were just about to shake hands.”

OOC: @Vezok's Friend@Nato G

IC: Nale - Po-Koro

Nale had spent much of the trip lately keeping to herself. Quiet, but present. She had a brave face, and the polearm and shield she carried were always at the ready in case anyone had tried to harm the group she traveled with. The fact a Toa walked with them did not mean she always felt safe. Safe, for her, was a matter of whether she had a weapon in hand and knew what was coming.

And right now, she knew nothing.

After Ranok spoke, she stepped forward. “No matter what happens, I will help keep you all safe.” She glanced at Nichou, who she had wished she would get to know better before their lives were put in danger. “You have Timak—” she hit her spear against the face of her buckler once, “—and you have me.”

OOC: Xemnas~ @BULiK @Harvali @Rahisaurus @Snelly @Lady Takanuva @ARROW404 @Tarn @EmperorWhenua

 

[Nato G]

IC: Minnorak – The Iron Mahi

For his part, Minnorak was also relieved to see the other Vortixx. Her survival meant that no one was dead yet (discounting the possibility that the shooting he’d heard earlier had been lethal for someone). The news she brought was also welcome. If there was a Sentinel here, it hopefully meant the distraction was finally having its intended effect. 

“We’ve met,” he said, the slightest shadow of a smirk flitting across his features. “Looks like we’re all back where we started.”

Despite his conversational tone, Minnorak was tensed, ready to fend off an attempt to get past or through him. The other Vortixx had already managed to flounder past him once, and the Ta-Toa looked to be growing impatient enough to fling himself into the fray at any moment.

@Tarn @Vezok's Friend

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

Aurax's eyes remained locked with Kanohi's. He could tell that, however it was that Kanohi believed, or knew, something was coming for him, it was a real fear. He nodded. "Okay," he said. "I believe you. But I still don't think hiding is the best answer. I appreciate the concern, I really do, but the last time I tried to help a friend hide from Makuta's servants..." his voice trailed off as he looked over to Nichou and Lekua. "...it didn't go well. I don't want to repeat that and be on the receiving end of whatever horrible second death may await me.

"However," he continued, "I don't think it's a coincidence that Kanohi relays this information to us as we plan on heading over to the Suva. Maybe something, or someone, doesn't want us to go there, which would mean that we're pulling the right thread. New plan- we head for the Suva right now."

He glanced around. "Be on your guard and keep your eyes up. We don't know exactly what the threat looks like. Timak," he said to the Toa of Sonics. "Keep your ears open, we'll need your sharp hearing. Let us know if something sounds amiss." He turned to Ranok. "Ranok, if something does go down, we'll definitely need your lungs to alert the Sentinels." He shifted his sheathed katana to make sure it was within reach. "And everyone, be ready to draw your weapons at a moment's notice." 

He began to lead his friends towards the Suva, at a more urgent pace now.

OOC: @Harvali @ARROW404 @Mel @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Umbraline Yumiwa @Rahisaurus 

[a goose]

IC: (Po-Koro)

12 minutes ago, ~Xemnas~ said:

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

"Be on your guard and keep your eyes up. We don't know exactly what the threat looks like. Timak," he said to the Toa of Sonics. "Keep your ears open, we'll need your sharp hearing. Let us know if something sounds amiss."

OOC: @Harvali @ARROW404 @Mel @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Umbraline Yumiwa @Rahisaurus 

Somewhere out there, slowly approaching, Timak heard a jolly whistle. They knew the tune.

A-hunting we shall go, a-hunting we shall go,
We’ll catch a fox and put him in a box
And never let him go.

OOC: @Rahisaurus

[Rahisaurus]

IC: Timak [Po-Koro]

8 hours ago, ~Xemnas~ said:

"Keep your ears open, we'll need your sharp hearing. Let us know if something sounds amiss."

Timak nodded, thankful for Aurax's leadership, and stood straight again. He took one last moment to look over the busy town, and he siphoned off a touch of elemental power to help focus his hearing on wherever his line of sight landed.

He saw the rest of the group start to hurry in the direction of the Suva, and was about to turn to follow, when his gaze touched upon the tram line on the outskirts of the village, back near where they'd entered. A whistle broke through the usual humdrum of the crowd; a reedy, cutting sound, as if the whistler's lips were made of paper. When he recognised the tune, it sent shivers up his spine.

Quickly catching up with the back of the group on his long legs, he settled into a brisk stride behind them, uttering a harsh whisper.

"We are hunted. RUN."

He kept his hearing in the forefront of his mind, glancing back nervously, obsessively, at every sound.

ooc: @ARROW404 @Snelly @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel @Harvali @a goose

Edited September 11, 2024 by Rahisaurus

[Mel]

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

Ranok detected the ominous whistling sound soon after Timak.   His lack of elemental powers gave his hearing less deliberate focus, but all the same it seemed to cut through the landscape.  Something about it was wrong.

He sped up his pace so he was walking alongside Aurax; the resurrected matoran had seemingly taken up the position of their leader. “So, when should I start screaming?”

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @Tarn @Rahisaurus @Lady Takanuva @Harvali @ARROW404 @EmperorWhenua @BULiK @BBBBalta @ARROW404

[ARROW404]

Po-Koro Streets: Lapu

The recluse's rusty language skills left him a step behind the others in understanding what was happening. But emotions, he understood. The air was so tense it felt like it could snap. He scanned the crowd, but couldn't identify a source. Still it paid to be prepared, and he trusted Kanohi's instincts. 

His powers were hampered here, not only in the desert, but a city in the desert... He was used to being able to pull from the power of his surroundings in every direction. It took more concentration than usual, but he summoned a long, thick war club-shaped knot of hardwood, curved back like a hook on one side, and gnarled with jagged edges on the other. His empty hand, he placed on Kanohi's shoulder, reminding him his friend remained by his side. 

 

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @Tarn @Rahisaurus @Lady Takanuva @Harvali @Mel @EmperorWhenua @BULiK @BBBBalta @ARROW404

[BULiK]

On 9/10/2024 at 11:49 AM, Harvali said:

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

Finally, Kanohi wrote down frantically. “I saw somrtging. We can dishust later. We neee to preoare onest.” He flinched, and scribbled, “sorry, typos. Scared.” His masks rattled with his frantically beating heartlight, they needed to stop talking, they needed to be ready. They needed a plan.

On 9/10/2024 at 1:04 PM, Mel said:

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

“We need…” his brain, unusually, went ahead of his voice “…a tall place, good-viewed, and a way out.   If I hear anything bad, I’ll scream.   I can scream really loud.   There have got to be other toa here.”

On 9/10/2024 at 6:26 PM, Tarn said:

IC: Nale - Po-Koro

After Ranok spoke, she stepped forward. “No matter what happens, I will help keep you all safe.” She glanced at Nichou, who she had wished she would get to know better before their lives were put in danger. “You have Timak—” she hit her spear against the face of her buckler once, “—and you have me.”

On 9/11/2024 at 12:36 AM, ~Xemnas~ said:

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

Aurax's eyes remained locked with Kanohi's. He could tell that, however it was that Kanohi believed, or knew, something was coming for him, it was a real fear. He nodded. "Okay," he said. "I believe you. But I still don't think hiding is the best answer. I appreciate the concern, I really do, but the last time I tried to help a friend hide from Makuta's servants..." his voice trailed off as he looked over to Nichou and Lekua. "...it didn't go well. I don't want to repeat that and be on the receiving end of whatever horrible second death may await me.

"However," he continued, "I don't think it's a coincidence that Kanohi relays this information to us as we plan on heading over to the Suva. Maybe something, or someone, doesn't want us to go there, which would mean that we're pulling the right thread. New plan- we head for the Suva right now."

He glanced around. "Be on your guard and keep your eyes up. We don't know exactly what the threat looks like. Timak," he said to the Toa of Sonics. "Keep your ears open, we'll need your sharp hearing. Let us know if something sounds amiss." He turned to Ranok. "Ranok, if something does go down, we'll definitely need your lungs to alert the Sentinels." He shifted his sheathed katana to make sure it was within reach. "And everyone, be ready to draw your weapons at a moment's notice."

On 9/11/2024 at 12:15 PM, Mel said:

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

“So, when should I start screaming?”

IC: Nichou [Po-Koro, Po-Suva]

Upon reading Kanohi's message, Nichou gave the mute Matoran a serious nod. It was a tense moment, but the Onu-Matoran knew that he didn't need to speak for people to know he agreed with Nale and Aurax - they were all in this together, and unity would keep them safe. As Nale brandished her spear, Nichou attached his dagger to the end of his walking stick and gave an affirming nod. Nichou's makeshift modular spear was perhaps not as effective as her purpose-built one. He made a mental note to improve his gear as the team's quest continued.

He agreed with Aurax's plan, but before they knew it, the tension had escalated.

On 9/11/2024 at 8:30 AM, Rahisaurus said:

IC: Timak [Po-Koro]

"We are hunted. RUN."

The group's pace quicked on Timak's urging. Nichou wasn't sure what the Toa had noticed, but he didn't let his guard down. In fact, Timak's panic reminded Nichou of his earlier days on his first adventure. Surely the newly-arrived Toa was overwhelmed by the danger of the adventure, the same way Nichou had been scared upon leaving Onu-Koro for the first time.

Po-Suva was in the center of the village. Many Matoran thought that the wall of history in Ko-Koro was the greatest Matoran-made monuments among the Koro. To Nichou, even as a expatriate from Onu-Koro, it was clear that Po-Suva was the foremost display of craftsmanship on the island. The entire structure was an architectural marvel, with the six newly constructed columns supporting an impressive dome that gave shade to those tithing at the hemispherical suva below. In the renaissance after Makuta's fall, the dusty shrine had truly become a temple.

Each of the six great columns stood at the height of two Toa, and their entire surface was covered in immaculate carvings that told Po-Koro's story. It started with the earliest days of Onewa's leadership, then told the battles of Pohatu, before shifting to the dark time after the First Toa were defeated. It showed Echelon stealing Hafu, the attack of roaming Rahkshi, as well as Onewa's kidnapping. One column showed the opening of the dark walk for the final stand of Po-Koro at the end of the war, with a group of Matoran, Toa, and allies of all types holding back an endless wave of Rahkshi before Stannis arrived to announce Makuta's defeat. That part was slightly uncomfortable, given what they knew now about Makuta being back. After that, a column depicted the rebuilding of Po-Koro. For some reason, Hewkii's leadership decisions were not embellished. Nichou recalled that the topic was somewhat controversial at the time of construction.

Nichou was very familiar with this site - during his apprenticeship in Po-Koro after Makuta's fall, he had studied the master carvers of Po-Koro as they engraved the new histories on the new columns. He had even helped a little bit in the work, but didn't dare claim any credit over the design. Like with the events depicted on the columns (even the ones he was a participant in) Nichou knew he was just a small part of a larger effort, helping however he could. Even the most renowned carver needed someone to steady their ladder.

"The Suva has good lines of sight, Ranok. I will stand watch with you," Nichou said as the crew neared the structure. He then turned to Aurax and said, "The renovations never touched the Suva itself - they were meant to better preserve it. If there's anything to find, I don't think it would be in the new outer temple area."

[a goose]

IC:

Even as the party picked up speed, the whistling drew ever closer. It moved at a steady pace – slow, unhurried. Unrelenting. The hunter knew that they were running, and he did not care.

They could not outrun him forever.

The whistle changed, though, the closer he became; at a distance, the direction was obvious, but as it approached it had grown less and less distinct until only the one thing was clear, pointing behind you, behind you, always behind, no matter what direction one looked. So near, it was a scraping, mocking sound, nails on a chalkboard, full of malice and delight. It never paused, never waivered. And then it stopped.

Then came the whisper, breathy and wet:

"Found you."

Edited September 18, 2024 by a goose

[EmperorWhenua]

IC Sigrus | Po-Koro

The Fa-Matoran had thrown his woolen cloak all the way back on his shoulder and bunched the belt around the hem to let the mass of fabric cascade on his back. His hammers and bamboo disc were open to be seen, and he regarded the matoran team's suddenly dangerous situation with an underwhelmingly calm aplomb. He looked north, then studied the shadows on the ancient architecture with Nichou.

"Hmm, lots of tragedy has transpired here. And where is the Wanderer when we wander to his doorstep, hm? United we can stand, divided we can fall... but stand with y'all I will, yes."

@BULiK @~Xemnas~

[~Xemnas~]

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

On 9/11/2024 at 5:30 AM, Rahisaurus said:

IC: Timak [Po-Koro]

Timak nodded, thankful for Aurax's leadership, and stood straight again. He took one last moment to look over the busy town, and he siphoned off a touch of elemental power to help focus his hearing on wherever his line of sight landed.

He saw the rest of the group start to hurry in the direction of the Suva, and was about to turn to follow, when his gaze touched upon the tram line on the outskirts of the village, back near where they'd entered. A whistle broke through the usual humdrum of the crowd; a reedy, cutting sound, as if the whistler's lips were made of paper. When he recognised the tune, it sent shivers up his spine.

Quickly catching up with the back of the group on his long legs, he settled into a brisk stride behind them, uttering a harsh whisper.

"We are hunted. RUN."

He kept his hearing in the forefront of his mind, glancing back nervously, obsessively, at every sound.

ooc: @ARROW404 @Snelly @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel @Harvali @a goose

Aurax picked up the pace at Timak's warning. 

On 9/11/2024 at 9:15 AM, Mel said:

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

Ranok detected the ominous whistling sound soon after Timak.   His lack of elemental powers gave his hearing less deliberate focus, but all the same it seemed to cut through the landscape.  Something about it was wrong.

He sped up his pace so he was walking alongside Aurax; the resurrected matoran had seemingly taken up the position of their leader. “So, when should I start screaming?”

OOC: @~Xemnas~ @Tarn @Rahisaurus @Lady Takanuva @Harvali @ARROW404 @EmperorWhenua @BULiK @BBBBalta @ARROW404

"As soon as you see something that stands out," the Dashi said with hurried breath. 

As they approached the Suva, Aurax had to fight the urge to stop running to marvel at the new construction overlaying the shrine. Having spent most of his life in the village of Stone, Aurax had always appreciated stonework and carving. He glanced over the figures carved into the pillars, noting that, while some events he was familiar with were depicted, there were others that he was unfamiliar with. Probably what had happened in his absence.

Well, it's no Hafu original, but... he almost said aloud. 

Nodding in appreciation to Sigrus, Aurax then turned to Nichou. "Right, if it's too new, it probably won't hold any secrets despite being a great work," he agreed. "Sigrus, Lekua, I'd like you two to come with me to take a look at the Suva." He pulled his katana out of its scabbard, the translucent blue crystal making an almost melodical noise as it was drawn. "The rest of you, keep your eyes and ears peeled. Be ready for anything." He began to turn toward the Suva, but then turned back. "Oh, also," he added, "if anything happens to me, I'd like the rest of you to keep journeying together. I regret the way Stannis's Companions broke up, so it'd be nice if you could all stay as a group... even if I die again."

With that said, Aurax turned and began to step toward the Po-Koro Suva, unsure of what, if anything, he would find.

OOC: @Harvali @ARROW404 @Mel @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Umbraline Yumiwa @Rahisaurus 

 

 

Edited September 21, 2024 by ~Xemnas~

[Emzee]

IC: The Waif (Ostia, Rooftop of the building in front of The Dancing Crab)

The Waif laid on the baking roof of the neighboring building, as still as stone. Taking in the sounds around her—from the occassional breeze, to the very dulled rancor from inside the tavern, to some murmurs clearly coming from the site where the fallen Tenderfoot had been wrapped up and taken away, and finally to the footsteps.

Every being had a rhythm to their walk, and each one was different. This talk did not belong to her supervisor. Could it be that green Toa?

With her right hand, the Waif pulled out one of her daggers and waited.

 

The Reaper Vortixx (Against the wall of a motel, near its back door)

The Vortixx frowned as the Toa of Air walked towards the building opposite of The Dancing Crab. Was he about to become the Toa of Water’s problem.

Nothing she couldn’t handle. He had seen her in action before. But this could prove to be a grave distraction. It would just be when there’s a fight outside that their target happens to leave the tavern.

The hooded figure hook his head. The roles may have to switch. He would become the Blade if he encountered the target first.

He watched and waited to see what the Le-Toa would do.

OOC: @Void Emissary Stalemate! Stalemate!

 

IC: Tailua — Ostia, The Dancing Crab

The one-handed Toa had ordered a rather expensive dark-colored drink in the meantime, and appreciatively took a sip after handing the barkeep the expected currency plus a hefty tip—not nearly enough to cover the damage to the window, but still.

“What kinda job would I be workin’ anyway?” Tailua finally asked, “For saving my life from those killers I’ll do it of course, but now I wanna know”

OOC: @Ghosthands @ARROW404 @BULiK

[Geardirector]

IC: Sholix (Po-Wahi)

The sun beat down on the expanse of sanddunes, their almost amber sheen finding a point of contrast on the white and orange silhouette of the woman driving an Ussalry cart across the desert's Main Road coming from the east. In the west, the sanddunes of the Motara desert, to the east the rocky clifffaces and blasted valleys of Tiro Canyon. The four ussal crabs pulling the carriage gave away the heavy, cumbersome nature of their load in the covered wagon.

Sholix turned on her radio, and found a music station transmitting from Po-Koro that was just comfortably enough in her range to come through without too much white noise.

She had woken up that day with a good feeling, the work cycle of Onu-Koro roaring to life with the foundries and mines, workshops and construction yards gathering workers before beginning the day's labors and the activity in the Koro picking up rapidly. Akiri Nuparu had actually recently introduced a small reduction in the work cycle, leaving the cycles of relaxation and rest slightly longer.

This, however, did not apply in full to the Ussalry, the steadfast defenders of Onu-Koro against the forces of Makuta or whomever else would treaten its security and prosperity. People like Sholix herself didn't mind; the Ussalry was her life, once she bid her husband goodbye in the morning as he went to the mines until she returned from duty. She wouldn't have it any other way, she derived a lot of satisfaction from her service, and there were always perks. Perks like the one she was pulling along with her in the back of her carriage were among the rarer type. She had gotten excited enough when she'd been told, but actually seeing thew new rig, to know she was to begin piloting an exo-matoran, was something else.

Sholix grabbed a drink of something cold as the carriage kept trundling along. Heat wasn't a big problem for her but she was still happy for the refreshment. She was headed to Po-Koro on none other than Nuparu's own recommendation to do some finishing touches on her new suit, and she had been given an adress not too far from the Sentinel HQ. Po-Koro was now visible in the distance.

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

Kanohi relaxed slightly at Lapu’s touch. At a simple mathematics level, a Toa of Jungle had the closet Element to Life itself. If they faced death, Plant life might be vital. But that would diminish their bond to simply say it was a matter of math. Lapu had traveled with him for much of his journey since he began hunting that Lesterin, they had learned to speak to each other, albeit not in the way many did. And they both were unnerved by the city.

He nodded to the Toa, and squeezed his hand in thanks. Thank goodness Lapu was not as important to Destiny as Aurax. If Lapu was worthy of being a Maru, then Kanohi wouldn’t be worthy of viewing the Toa as a friend.

Aurax’s words cut through Kanohi, and he flinched. To a more rational Matoran, those words were solely directed at Nichou and Lekua. But to the cross-wired vigilante Aurax was speaking to him. “Do not abandon these Matoran. Keep them safe.”

Whether or not Dece was worthy, this was Aurax’s will if he should die. Aurax might have been denied his destiny as a Toa Maru, but he carried weight in Mata-Nui’s eyes for the sleeping god to resurrect him in a faraway land and guide him home.

Kanohi blushed, before turning to Ranok. The De-Matoran was much less terrifying that rejection and letting important friends down. He scribbled circles, before showing the Matoran of Sonics. “If you want, I can carry you while I grapple with my Volo Lutu Launcher, and drop you off on a rooftop. That way you can shout to the sentries and survey the landscape for this monster.”

OOC: @ARROW404 @Snelly  @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel 

 

IC Kardaka - Po-Wahi - Ostia 

Kardaka took time to depart the station. It was difficult to lift and balance on her two massive feet, she had relied on her Badge of Office as a third leg to reach the Iron Mahi station. It had taken longer to figure out which train it would cost to reach Po-Koro, the infrastructure of Po-Wahi had truly expanded since she had last been here.

But at last the Iron Mahi was on its way, carrying the weary Turaga of Stone to Po-Koro. She gazed outside the window as the desert whipped by, compared to her aimless wandering, the Iron Mahi was far quicker and much more direct. She should reach Po-Koro soon.

How much had her home changed? The stranger had said water now filled her home and plants. That progress had stained Po-Koro. But after living through the era of Akiri Hewkii, a more Unity with other Elements did not sound horrid to her. It sounded like what was needed to face Makuta as he returned.

She would not run from these changes. She would no longer run from the world. She would do her Duty and try to protect and guide the Matoran of her island home.

Hopefully, she would find wisdom in these coming days. She still felt like a Novice Toa trapped in a weak wrong body. But Kardaka would no longer hide from her people. Even if things got difficult for her.

Edited September 20, 2024 by Harvali

[Mel]

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

Ranok would normally have spent time reviewing the buildings, but he knew there was no time to waste—their pursuer was close at hand already.

“There.” He said, pointing to a small water tower just outside the temple complex.   It was no Le-wahi, but the pipes and maintenance ladders leading out the building offered an enough of an escape route for these desperate circumstances.

OOC: @Harvali @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~ @BBBBalta @Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @EmperorWhenua 

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

Kanohi nodded and hoisted Ranok onto his back. He stomped briefly in place to brace himself, before firing his Volo Lutu Launcher at the water tower. From this view, Ranok might notice the device was homemade, built of scavenged parts from Volo Lutu Launchers abandoned on battlefields. It also had been attached to Kanohi’s arm using medical supplies like bandages and splints.

Whether or not Ranok noticed, the cross-wired vigilante felt suddenly embarrassed by the idea he might see the crudeness of their gadget. He really needed to get a proper wrist-mounted  Volo Lutu Launcher. Maybe Nichou could help with that, as he was a craftsman. It would be nice to work with him again.

But that might require exposing him to Nichou.

Despite its cobbled together nature, the Volo Lutu Launcher fired its grappling hook with force. The gadget hooked the roof of the water tower, before yanking Kanohi and Ranok skyward. Kanohi was not as strong as a Po-Matoran but he was more durable, so he used his body to support Ranok’s weight. The two Matoran tumbled onto the water tower’s roof, standing up with a vantage point over the Suva.

OOC: @ARROW404 @Snelly  @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel 

IC Kardaka - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro 

Kardaka could see the big city of Po-Koro approaching. Maybe they would call it Po-Metru someday, Koro sounded a bit too humble for such a sprawling cityscape. And she couldn’t even feel it yet. Once her feet were planted on the ground her connection to her element would let her feel every stone around her, whether they were walls or wells. She would truly see the changes to the Koro then.

Her fingers drummed her Badge of Office, despite her resolve she was nervous to see how her city changed. Would she recognize her people? Would the new Akiri be trustworthy? Would Unity have been restored between the Matoran? Or would things be worse?

Whatever the answer, she would do her best to face those challenges. She would no longer run from her Duty.

[Geardirector]

IC: Sholix (approaching Po-Koro)

The carriage ride was taking her closer to the site of the village of Stone by the minute, and Sholix was reaching the stage now where she couldn't think of anything she looked forward to more than to hit up a watering hole when it was all over and get herself a nice refreshment or two.

She maintained her lookout as she trundled along, the radio still twinkling jauntily away next to her in her seat as she spotted someone ahead of her on the road. A lone figure, Turaga by the looks of it, that was walking the road to Po-Koro by their seemingly lonesome self. Sholix would catch up with her soon, might send a greeting her way when she did.

@Harvali

[a goose]

IC:

A strange, queasy feeling of vertigo began to settle over both Ranok and Kanohi. Adrenaline, perhaps, or the speed with which the launcher had pulled them to such an altitude. A sound followed, one that could only be expected with a structure of this kind, of this age – especially with a little weight added to it.

Gently, ever so gently, the metal struts holding up the water tower began to creak.

OOC: @Harvali @Mel

[Harvali]

IC Kanohi - Po-Wahi - Po-Koro

Kanohi was not a Le-Matoran, as a Fe-Matoran he lacked the inherent grace for maneuvering in the trees. Because of this his time in Le-Wahi had often featured collisions with branches and falling from unsteady perches. He had been forced to learn better reflexes, to recover whenever he began to plummet.

His vision had been vague, so Kanohi did not question the cause of his nausea. He might not have the time. Instead, his brain translated the sensations into a story of sorts. The water towel was unsteady and creaky, and the motion from it beginning to sway had given Kanohi nausea similar to seasickness.

The nausea was a symptom in his mind, the unsteady water tower was the bigger problem. Once again Kanohi ignored his pain and searched for a sturdier structure. There, the temple housing the Suva itself. With his free hand scooping up Ranok he fired his Volo Lutu Launcher, grappling over to the stone dome of the temple. 

OOC: @ARROW404 @Snelly  @Rahisaurus @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel @a goose

 

[Rahisaurus]

IC: Timak [Po-Koro Suva Temple]

Timak ran behind the group as they entered the temple, and tried not to be distracted by the many stories in the carvings he'd never seen before. No sooner had he stopped and looked around, than he heard the whistling stop. It had been driving him almost feral on the way here, making him tense up like a cornered animal, dominating his focus. Now, the silence almost felt blinding - until he heard the whisper.

On 9/18/2024 at 2:45 AM, a goose said:

"Found you."

Timak drew his vibro-blade and began feverishly scanning the surroundings. He watched Kanohi and Ranok fly to the nearby water tower with unease, uncomfortable that they were outside his reach.
 

ooc: @ARROW404 @Snelly @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Mel @a goose @Harvali

Edited September 22, 2024 by Rahisaurus

[ARROW404]

IC: Lapu

As Kanohi rappelled away, Lapu chose to stick close to the Toa of Sonics, who seemed to be the most keenly aware of what they were watching out for. A pulse of his power ran through the withered plant material of his armor, revitalizing it in case he needed it.

@Rahisaurus @Snelly @~Xemnas~@Lady Takanuva @Tarn @BULiK @Mel @a goose @Harvali

[Tarn]

IC: Nale - Po-Koro - Suva Temple

Although things felt on the verge of panic, Nale did not let it get to her. With everyone taking their positions, she chose to stay close by Nichou’s part of group. Had the situation allowed, she would have taken in the structure around her, and the beauty in its age and carving work…but she was focused ahead, to the side, all around them.

Every now and then, she would think she was catching a glimpse of something in the corner of her optic. And every time she would look, and see nothing. Nale blinked hard, forcing herself to focus. Being hunted, and you can’t even figure out what’s hunting you? Timak also seemed disturbed by this.

“I feel like prey. I don’t like it.”

OOC: Xemnas~ @BULiK @Harvali @Rahisaurus @Snelly @Lady Takanuva @ARROW404 @Tarn @EmperorWhenua

[BULiK]

On 9/18/2024 at 12:25 AM, ~Xemnas~ said:

IC, Aurax: Po-Koro

"Oh, also," he added, "if anything happens to me, I'd like the rest of you to keep journeying together. I regret the way Stannis's Companions broke up, so it'd be nice if you could all stay as a group... even if I die again."

IC: Nichou [Po-Koro, Po-Suva]

When Aurax beckoned for Sigrus and Lekua to help him investigate the Suva itself, Nichou gave a confident nod in acknowledgement. Nichou only began to feel uneasy once Aurax doubled back to give hasty last wishes. Nichou wanted to say something back to Aurax to reassure his friend - but he was speechless before Aurax disappeared behind the columns of the temple. Does he really think he's in that much danger? I won't let that happen.

I wonder if that's what Stannis and Atiel thought during the Rahkshi attack...

The Onu-Matoran straightened his posture, as if that would help prepare him somehow for the mysterious omen that the De-Toa had heard. He still had no clue what was actually going on. He would stand side by side with Ranok and make sure nothing suspicious passed into the temple to endanger his friends. Nichou looked to one side, seeing Nale join him and Ranok. Surely between the three of us, nothing can slip past, the craftsman thought. A second later, he heard a strange noise in the other direction that he didn't recognize - the sound of Ranok getting yoinked up to the top of a nearby water tower. He sighed, half in relief and half to reduce his own stress by this strange situation.

4 hours ago, Tarn said:

IC: Nale - Po-Koro - Suva Temple

“I feel like prey. I don’t like it.”

Nichou kept his optics trained on the horizon instead of his allies, with his focus bouncing between the various people walking the dusty street in front of him. His spear was pointed upwards, butt against the ground. While he watched, he attempted to shift the small talk in a positive direction.

"If there's a predator out there, whatever it may be, that's probably how it feels. It's in enemy territory, not us."

It was clear from how Nichou spoke that he also felt like prey and didn't like it.

On 9/18/2024 at 8:55 PM, Emzee said:

IC: Tailua — Ostia, The Dancing Crab

“What kinda job would I be workin’ anyway?” Tailua finally asked, “For saving my life from those killers I’ll do it of course, but now I wanna know”

IC: Frii'Glokk [Ostia, The Dancing Crab] ("Yesterday")

The over-armored Skakdi turned to look at the Captain. As a passenger to Zakaz, the job details didn't particularly matter to Frii'Glokk - but the answer would speak to how Lohkar managed his ship, which Frii'Glokk knew very little about. It never hurt to be situationally aware.

OOC: @Ghosthands

Edited September 22, 2024 by BULiK

[Mel]

[Po-koro Streets(Ranok)]

Ranok, in his short stint as a gukko rider, had learned how to fall, to be cognizant of the rush of air and relax in anticipation of landing.   The jump to the water tower went about as well as could be expected. However, his brain barely had time to register the creak, to start to analyze how severe of a bending of metal it entailed, then he was flying through the air again.

The deep breath he was holding in escaped as a startled yelp as they hurtled right toward the dome of the suva.  Adrenaline dimmed the pain of contact, and he was sure glad nothing broke (he knew what that felt like), but he knew he would feel the bruises later. Luckily, the dome was not a perfect half-sphere—the curvature was gentler, and the carvers has taken out a series of stepped rings.   He couldn’t hug it like this, he wasn’t doing any good facing inward.   He turned, scooting his bottom back so it hit the edge of one of the steps as he took another breath.   No time to question Kanohi’s decision, to make that connection between the creaks and the nausea.   It was time for him to do what he was best at.

“HELP, MAKUTA WORSHIPERS ARE HERE!”

Ranok was not lying about his ability to be loud—but it was more than the volume.   His voice projected over the square, landing perfectly clearly on the ears of the crowd with a clarity hard won from nights in crowded bars.

“SENTINELS, TOA, HELP!   DEATH WALKS AMONG YOU!”

One could hardly blame him for indulging in his flair for the dramatic.

OOC: @Harvali @~Xemnas~ @a goose @BULiK @Lady Takanuva @BBBBalta @Rahisaurus @EmperorWhenua @BULiK @ARROW404 

Edited September 22, 2024 by Mel