BZPRPG: Kumu Islets

OOC:A marksmen, then. Remember that you can't take direct hits without feeling their effects.Either dodge the lightning, or drop for a few minutes.IC:Charging at Matatu wasn't smart-Lightning flew straight into Jyra's path. This was even more powerful then the last, enough to leave you laying on the ground for several minutesMakkan noted a canoe pulling up on the beach. "We'll get to you in just a minute."

IC: JyraJyra was knocked to the ground. She hurt all over. She barely had enough energy to even reload her rifle before lying down on the ground. She knew she had to catch them off-guard, but how? She could barely move. In fact, she suspected that some of her insides were fried. "Not fair... Why are snipers so weak? (OOC: TF2 reference). All we get is a rifle, maybe a piece of back armor, and a knife..." She continued to rant about the weakness of snipers in direct combat, but in a strained voice.

IC: Tank - Kumu-IsletsThe boat nestled gently on the soft grass, Tank looked at Kearrstrun stand up. He wasn't feeling too good about the Toa of sonics. Not after he found out he wasn't in any of Arekule's memories. He gave an uneasy look to Tuara, who broke through her face of hard emotionless to share the expression. She knew as well Tank remembered. Iris must've been showing her things at the same time. Probably suspected he might die. Maybe thought the secret should be passed on.Boy was he spot on.Tank didn't quite get why Kearrstrun didn't get rid of him either. He trusted him? Why? Did it even matter? He was still alive. Maybe it was because of the Mark on his arm.Tuara followed along the group, looking about the area nervously. Her face was blank, void of any indication of feeling or thought, minus a few hints of humanity when Angelus and her made eye-contact.Are you happy?Of course.The voice had been talking to her for a while. At first, she had not recognized it, but after studying the slight rasp she realized it was her Guard friend. Kearrstrun had specifically chosen Dren to replace Iris.I've finally said what I needed to say. The relief has made up for the pain and hurt I've felt, although it will never be repaired.Dren was silent.I'm sorry this happened to you Dren. I didn't want-No, don't be. Better me than some psychopath right?Tuara fell silent too. She watched Kearrstrun nervously, walking along through the thick foliage. She would have never guess he had lied about his position as Arekule's assistant. But something told her that Kearrstrun knew what he was doing. It might be just an illusion of hope Tuara had built up in order to continue, but that was unlikely. Especially due to having her body back. Rounding the final section of trees Tuara realized they were in between two cliffs. On on their left, the closest cliff, was a grand temple.Tank was taken aback at it's size. He wasn't exactly sure why, but he had expected it to be smaller. Suddenly realizing Kearrstrun was still the only one walking, Tank picked up his feet again. There it was, just like in his visions. Upon reaching the steps, Tank looked at his feet. He could hardly believe it. Tank had expected to go up the steps to the door, but something held him back. Something told him not to.Kearrstrun however was already at the door. Pulling out a shard of Krillactum he looked behind him to the others, saying three simple words, "This is it."Turning back the Mark laden doors, Kearrstrun slammed the Krillactum into the center, just about the Mark of Fear. A shape started to glow a bright white, oozing out further and further. Slowly but surely, the light had filled the space previously unseen on the sandstone door and wall.A massive eye, not much different than the one of Kearrstrun's chest shone brilliantly.The Call had begun.

IC: [The Seventh]The Seventh's unconscious body shuddered once more, the mark on her shoulder glowing a brilliant white as she pulled herself out of Wraith's arms and began to lurch along. Her lifeless body shook with every step, pain jolting through her, her own free will deprived of her as she slowly trudged towards the temple.The call had sounded, and even though she was unaware of it, she was answering.

IC: Wraith - Kumu Islets -Wraith wasted no time following the bright light pulling Seven away. He'd sooner go to karz then abandon her now.

IC: [The Seventh]Seven's body continued towards the destination.

IC: JyraJyra was knocked to the ground. She hurt all over. She barely had enough energy to even reload her rifle before lying down on the ground. She knew she had to catch them off-guard, but how? She could barely move. In fact, she suspected that some of her insides were fried. "Not fair... Why are snipers so weak? (OOC: TF2 reference). All we get is a rifle, maybe a piece of back armor, and a knife..." She continued to rant about the weakness of snipers in direct combat, but in a strained voice.

IC: AntrakhaThe outrigger canoe came to a stop on the shore. Its occupant, a Toa of Sonics, stepped into the surf and pushed his craft onto the sand. He seemed tired, his eyes and Heartlight glowing duller than they should have been. His armor was slightly worn, and his mechanical arm and leg creaked with every movement. He looked around for inhabitants.

IC: AurumAurum, seeing somone interact with the Toa on the beach, left.OOC: Open for interaction.

IC: Jyra"I'm not trained for direct combat. I'm a marksman. On the battlefield, as long as I remain unseen, I can destroy legions of foes. But if I'm jumped, even by a medic, I have a tough time." She continued to lay on the ground, but with her grip slowly tightening around her rifle, planning to point blank that stupid toa of plasma in the chest if he dared come close.

IC:"We'll see about your long range skills, then. Fail us, and you won't be living long. Understand that if you are to survive long in the Inferno, you'd better be planning on learning how to fight at melee range, with beings by far more powerful than yourself. Get up. We'll test your skills soon enough. We have a second applicant to deal with, so it seems." Vilor's booming voice sounded.

IC: JyraJyra slowly got up, and put her rifle on it's holster on her back.

IC: Antrakha-"No," he replied simply. "I am but a Toa seeking supplies and his destiny." He motioned toward his creaky arm and leg. "Any smithees around here? Salt air is unkind to fullmetal limbs from my lands."

IC: Jyra"Go to the northeast of here. There you will find a village, but I warn you, the place is swarming with thugs,"" she said gruffly. She didn't like this overmechanical newcomer and the sooner he was gone, the better.OOC: He's gotta have at least SOME organic tissue in there; toa aren't like creaky skeletons; they have muscles powering their mechanical parts.

OoC: I know. He lost his arm and leg in a Muaka attack. ;)IC- Antrakha:"Thank you," he said. He slung a bag across his shoulders and headed in the direction indicated.---The village was seedier than he'd thought. Most of the Matron seemed afraid, except for some vendors, and they were few; the majority of vendors were Vortixx. Nearly everyone kept a close eye on Antrakha as he approached a vendor.

IC: (Kino Iho)Kino's eyes shone like sharpened daggers from the tone she had received from Echelon before he left. This did complicate her plans however, although she was fine with overseeing the construction of the Temple of Makuta and perhaps getting the group of Followers on its feet. The idea of leading them wasn't exactly the kind of position a spy wanted. It wasn't where their skills were best put to use. Kino could definitely play up the priestess role, in fact she had some robes...rather revealing robes to be exact for just this occasion. At some point she would need to convince Echelon that Ambrages was a threat to Makuta's control of Xa-Koro and then they could force his influence out of the Koro.Kino's gloved hands ran against a building as they walked through the ruined section of Xa-Koro. Until she had found what she was looking for.There it stood, a massive building, rectangular in nature, with a domed roof and what seemed to be a second floor, though that was probably just the rather high cielings of the build. She walked around it, examining it, it would definitely need work. The paint was chipped in multiple places and she could see rotten sections where she could reach and other spots that she could not. Glass was shattered in spots, but such glass could be replaced. She walked up to the door, forcing it open to reveal the inside. She was right, there was no second floor, the ceilings were rather high instead. There were various table and chairs, but they were all decaying from lack of us. Refuse cluttered the ground. Kino muttered under her breath as she noticed a stain on her clothing, that covered her body, the cloak had gotten some sort of green stain upon it."Kufa...I think we have found our place!" She yelled out somewhat jovially to the matoran. She hoped Ahkmou would agree to this and just to make sure they weren't under too much suspicion, the group of Followers would be rebuilding Xa-Koro as well as fortifying it, before pushing that last bit of corruption out of the seat it was supposed to occupy. It was good to be home.

IC- Antrakha:He quickly got his supplies and left, not seeking a fight. It was something his old mentor-- Turaga Dalo-- had taught him."Toa do not seek battle," he had said. "They seek diplomatic solutions first, and fight only when necessary." More and more often, it seemed, force had been necessary. Beings had less patience, less insight, to sit back and just discuss things like rational creatures. He was lost in his thoughts, and only came to when he heard a voice. He was struck by the sight of the domed building. True, it was old, but it was still quite daunting. He paused, his ears pinpointing the other beings. One was female... he couldn't detect the other very well. Using his Mask, he attempted to spot the other.

IC: Dalia:Dalia was lucky. She had gathered her things quickly before she was forced to start walking south. It had taken her all of her limited control of water to create a bubble for herself to float in to get to the islets, and already she was walking... Not to Xa-Koro that's for sure, but wherever she was going, Dalia had the feeling she wasn't going to be bothered on the way there.

IC IraIra created a flame and peered inside. The place was... old, but still usable. It had a high roof, making it good for meetings. overall, not excellent, but decent.IC SkaaraaSkaaraa looked inside as well. Unlike Ira, he didn't like it. It was too old.

IC: Kearrstrun - Kumu-Islet - Runes TempleKearrstrun turned around to see a large Toa round the corner of jungle into the clearing. Here he was, Utu. Alive. The first Mark Bearer; fear. Kearrstrun watched the intimidating Toa of ice continue on his way. He was frightening even without control of his body. His face was void of any emotion, but his simple body size and knowing what that Toa had done was enough to send chills through Kearrstrun's spine. Beside him was Jikal, about the same size.Kearrstrun moved towards the top of the stairs as Tuara, Angelus, and Tank started to react to the newcomers.Praggos and Reaver, was close behind Utu and Jikal, next came Emotia, and Miha. Plus another Toa. Mutated, apparently sadism. He didn't recognize her. His heart dropped when he realized why she would have one at all. Arekule had branded another Toa in place of Frieza. His master knew. But so did Kearrstrun.Tank, gave a fearful look to Kearrstrun, "Kearrstrun..." Tank started. Kearrstrun waved his hand, "Stay back from Utu."Tank nodded and moved closer to the steps. Utu, as though entering a bubble, snapped back to reality. His Mark still was glowing white, but he was now moving on his own a smile spreading across his face. Utu stopped and turned around to watch his companions enter the radius, allowing themselves control of their own body.He spread his arms wide, an air of grandiose gesture was about him, "My friends, I welcome you to your destiny."Kearrstrun interjected, "I'm surprised to see you alive Utu, I thought you were brutally beaten by Yuru without putting up a fight."Utu's smile flickered, but didn't respond to Kearrstrun, instead he turned to Tank, "Are you ready to be proven wrong? I've been looking forward to it ever since I woke up."Tank's voice was flat, "You came back to see your life become nothing but an empty shell, a broken Toa trying to prove to the world how special he is because of a Mark on his arm. You came back to see just how ordinary we and especially you really are. I don't expect to be right, I only expect you to be wrong."Another voice was brought into the mix. One nobody recognized. Nobody but Kearrstrun. It was a smooth yet dark voice, rumbling low, "Your coming here is the product of both science and magic, a singular point in which a correction must be made."Tank looked around, only to realize that the voice came from the Mark of Fear on Utu's arm."Do not be so quick to decide your fate, when it has already been determined for you."

IC: Dorian (Temple, Xa-Koro)"Yeeeesh," I drawled, making my way up the steps and standing between the two lines of Bearers, taking turns to glance at Utu and Tank. "This brings back memories, huh? Last time we were all together like this, someone ended up...stabbing me from behind, right?"I took a second to spare a glance behind me, and, after thoroughly satisfied that no one with a Rahkshi staff was about to gut me, I turned back around, gun still hanging softly in my hand and ready for use if necessary."Yep. Brings back memories."-Teezy

IC: NikarraNikarra approached the other Mark Bearers. "Could anyone tell me what the **** is going on? Because it could be useful."

IC: JikalJikal stood silently, observing events. He kept his eyes away from Tuara, his greatest failure. He greatest crime.Inside, Iris fought for control.

IC: [The Seventh]Quiet footsteps could be heard from behind the assembled group of Mark Bearers, and from the sound, they could determine that someone was struggling up the stairs. Yet there was no noise of complaint, no groans of tiredness, but mere scuffling of feet on stone as the other being finally pulled itself into view. The lifeless body of the Seventh stared at the assembled group with dead eyes, no emotion whatsoever coming from the unconscious Matoran.The Mark stopped glowing. She collapsed to the ground.

IC: Utu - Kumu-Islets - Mark Bearer TempleUtu smiled, "What's the matter Tank? Surprised to hear it?"He looked to the others, "We are special. If our Marks on our arms can speak..."The Seventh dropped to the ground. Kearrstrun didn't move from the top of the stairs, Tank however sprinted over to the small Matoran. He slid to a stop next to the body, laying a hand on the Matoran's chest. He hissed at Utu, "These Marks have brought us nothing but pain and suffering," He couldn't tell if the Matoran was still alive, "Whether your Mark speaks or not, they will bring us to death," He shot a look at Dorian, "Death we can't come back from," Tank stood up quickly to the sound of somebody coming up behind him."Yuru."

IC: Dorian (Temple, Kumu Islets)I spun around on my heel barely and caught sight of Yuru: instantly, my mark, Utu's Mark, and Tank's Mark all started to glow in time with Yuru's before slowing and dying. The big four. The most powerful Bearers, together again."Well, well, well. If it isn't Yuru. Barely making the cut as always," I said, smiling cheerfully at him as he made his way to Tank's right hand; I made my way to Utu's right hand, and together, the two pairs of us stepped forward and met in the middle, my eyes on Tank, Utu's on Yuru."We have a lot to talk about," he said quietly, his eyes meeting Utu's in what could be akin to fear, though there was definitely rage in there as well.-Teezy

IC: Utu - Kumu-Islets - Mark Bearer TempleUtu gave a great twisted smile, the edges twitching uncontrollably, "What's the matter Yuru? Disappointed to see me?"Tank interjected, "We're all disappointed to see you Utu. Those of us with morals at least."Utu ignored Tank, he kept his attention on the Toa of plantlife, the Toa that killed him. The Toa that betrayed him. The Toa that was weak enough to believe Tank, "I've been looking forward to this moment ever since I woke up next to Arekule himself."

IC: Dorian (Temple, Kumu Islets)"Sounds dirty," Yuru replied scathingly. "But then again, Utu, you always were a disgusting creature--"The Mark Bearer of Cruelty was cut off by a hand around his throat, squeezing temporarily, lovingly, before releasing as my arm snaked its way back to my side."I'd watch it, Yuructum. You never know what jokes could fall flat with the audience, and this crowd's looking puh-retty rough tonight..."-Teezy

IC: [The Seventh]The Seventh's lifeless body twitched slightly.

IC: Utu - Kumu-Islets - Mark Bearer Temple"Tell me Yuru. Why are you still alive?"

IC: Dorian (Temple, Kumu Islets)"Being Tank's pet has its perks, I guess," I answered with a shrug. Yuru gave me a glare that spoke of anger, and fear - more fear, I noticed, than he gave Utu, probably because Utu had at least a semblance of predictability - and disdain, but I ignored it, shrugging and turning back to Tank."So what happened to you guys? I mean, I just walked here - I was already in town, y'see, doing my own thing - and then I see the young representative of the Lollipop Guild lying on the ground over there marching up here like a zombie, so...I'm going to assume that was the case for a lot of you?"-Teezy

IC: Tank - Kumu-Islets - Mark Bearer Temple"Kearrstrun activated something here at the temple," He motioned to the massive glowing eye on the wall, "He referred to it as 'The Call'. Apparently, he's been waiting to do this because something else will be invited."He looked around nervously, noticing Utu never took his eyes off Yuru, "Which is why I'd suggest-""Why is it you're so afraid Yuru?" Tank rolled his eyes, "I'm not going to hurt you."

IC: Dorian (Temple, Xa-Koro)"He's not scared of you," I replied, my words naught but a contented sigh that was only reserved for the most deserving of people, the most skilled of lovers, the most interesting and skilled and powerful of beings. "He's scared of me. He knows what I'm about to do to him."This, apparently, was exactly what Yuru had expected, because in a Mark-fueled burst of strength and speed, the Toa of Plantlife flung himself at me violently, only to get tossed down as I grabbed his throat and threw him headfirst into the ground ten yards away. Instantly, he was up again, charging, but this time I grabbed his face matador style with both hands around his cheekbones, pulling him to the ground and rolling over so that he was on his back and I on top of him, my lips hovering, shivering in the cold air surrounding the old temple."We had a deal, Shaddix. A truce. We would...we would protect each other!" he hissed, trying to sound more brave than fearful and failing miserably. My only reply was a laugh as I leaned my lips closer towards him."We did, Yuructum. And it was a good deal, too. One I might've obliged, had you not immediately gotten to building your own team to kill me like you did Utu. Did you really think I wasn't going to catch on, lover? You poor, sweet, heartsick thing, the second I saw Reaver at Casa Juturna with that extra time on her wrist, I knew what you had done. I knew what you'd been doing all along: taking down those who are stronger than you with the help of those that are weaker, biding your time so that you can become the only Bearer with any real clout.""The thing is, Yuructum, you didn't account for one thing: me. You forgot the crucial rule that even Tank here has remembered since the day we met: there is no outfoxing a man who has built his life on bluffs. You can't predict someone who's unpredictable unless you account for the fact that they can't be predicted, and you forgot that time and time again, my sweet. It takes wit to get where I am. You have to be just strong enough, just charming enough, just savvy enough, just crazy enough to build something of yourself off bluffs and lies and unpredictability. I can. Utu can. Even Tank can, to an extent, otherwise he and Kearrstrun and Lovebirds, Inc. wouldn't be here. But you...you're nothing. Am I right? Answer me, Yuru."He was quiet, and as my lips, pressed together in a tight kiss, hovered less than a centimeter above his ear, my voice turned into a scream."ANSWER ME!"Angelus, meanwhile, stood beside Tuara, his posture tense: Dorian's voice had gradually been shifting. Yes, its soft, musical tone was still there, charming any in its radius, but...it was different; mixed in was a deep, ugly, guttural snarl like that of an animal grown weary of stalking its prey and about to pounce on its victim once and for all. The voice was very clearly not solely Dorian's, and he wasn't the only one who heard it, either: Tank and Tuara looked distinctly worried, Emotia and Tillian were watching in morbid curiosity, Labelle was still checking Dorian out with something akin to infatuation, and even Utu looked slightly put off by the display.But that was nothing compared to the look in Yuru's eyes.-Teezy

IC: Gunner - Xa-Koro DocksI sighed, breathing deeply through my nose, "I don't deny that you always have a plan, captain. I just challenge the validity of said plan."I glanced over at the Infernavika, where my crew-mates were buzzing around, in various orders and situations, each trying to do something different, whether with each other, or in spite of them.It was chaos.It was the closest thing I had to a home.I turned to face Lohkar again, my eyes steely, "I hope your plan works, captain. I really do."With that, I activated my elemental powers, and vaulted over onto the deck of the 'Vika, before walking straight to the store rooms, where Lasinia, Mimira and Yasurek were currently rummaging through supplies. Apparently, they didn't see the bed resting in the corner of the chamber."What are you guys doing down here? No one ever comes down here except me and Grochi..." I said quickly, hoping to startle the trio.-Void

IC: Jikal"Need I remind you, Yuru."Jikal's voice cut through the sudden silence. He looked down at the other Bearer of Cruelty from where he stood. No pity or sympathy existed in his eyes. "You have always been expendable.""Count up your sins. You'll find they are a bit too high for Artahka."

IC: Lasinia"Food for Raknar."

IC: Gunner - Infernavika Store RoomsI paused for a very long moment, trying to absorb the three words that Lasinia hit me with."Um, alright then. Can I have a little more explanation here?"-Void

IC: Lasinia"Mimi and I caught a Brakas Monkey. She named it Raknar."

IC: Emotia - Temple, Xa-koro -Emotia stood close to Tillian as she watched the whole thing play out. She whispered to Tillian. "Maybe if we're lucky they'll just kill each other off."

IC: [The Seventh]The Seventh continued twitching.

IC: Wraith - Temple, Kumu Islets -Wraith came moments later into view, marching straight through the group of mark bearers and knelt down to check on Seventh. His wounded arm had slowed him down a bit, but he'd finally caught up to her. He began to check her breathing and heartbeat. "Whatever it is that this temple is gonna do...it better do it soon."