BZPRPG: Ko-Wahi

IC:

"I bet you would like to know," I said impassively, working to keep my face calmer than I felt on the inside. Had he mentioned Le-Wahi to goad me? The last time I'd fought alongside the team, if their reactions to me at the temple had been any indication, had gone anything but smoothly; Utu in particular seemed in shambles, but considering Dorian had shot him, dropped him, and torn out an Akrainid's heart with each hand before his prone body, I could forgive the big guy for being a bit woozy on the details. It was the smaller reactions...Dorian, Tuara...Cael... that made me think something had gone wrong while I'd been away. While I'd been...

"I guess it was too much to hope that I'd sneak through the Drifts unnoticed. It doesn't surprise me, but I saw how busy you were. Aren't there some cute forest animals you should be smothering somewhere?" 

Wow...had I really just said that? I guess there was a little bit of Dorian somewhere after all.

-Tyler

IC: Crab

"Excuse me, but you people were the ones who kidnapped me and wouldn't leave me alone." Crab grumbled.

IC: Ayar (Obsidian)

 

"Because nobody should be made to feel like that! He shouldn't even be in this position in the first place!" 

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost Infirmary. 

"I get that you're a healer an' all, but take a bit of advice from someone whose lived a while longer than you 'ave," Veteran growled, "you can't save everyone. It just aint gonna happen." 

IC: Ayar (Obsidian)

"That may be true, but I'll be if I don't save everyone I can," I shoot back "And this guy here, I can save him."

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost Infirmary. 

"You can't save someone who don't want to be saved..." 

IC: Ayar (Obsidian)

"Well, I just saved him from a fairly life-threatening wound, so evidently I can."

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost Infirmary.

"You saved 'im from a wound.... and he's still saying he wants ta die...." Veteran sighed. 

IC (Kohra): 

The Vortixx' head turned to Agrona. 

"People tend to be so much more cooperative when they feel they are getting something in return, aren't they?"

A small smile played across her lips. 

"Therefor I propose we encourage our citizens to be our eyes and ears and pass us information. And in return we use the generous funds of Ko-Koro's treasury to give them the means to fulfill their more...materialistic needs. If I am not mistaken our new allies have set up shop within the city's walls, yes? I am sure they would love a few more customers if we send them their way."

"And maybe, just maybe we can tell our more involuntary guests that we are returning the riches their so-called leaders have been sitting on to them, to the hands of the people."

IC: Arcturia

She couldn't tell whether the Toa was tempting her intentionally or not.

She didn't really want to get any closer, but the warmth of the flame was too enticing in this frigid landscape. The trek up the slopes was warming her up, sure, but the sheer cold was just gnawing at her fingers and feet, even underneath the cloak.

She took another unconscious step towards the source of heat.

IC: Chivinix

 

Chivinix approached the gates of the Frozen City, a city he had only been to once before. Of course if the rumors around the island were true, this would likely not be the same city he knew... Not that he really got a chance to know it before since it was on lockdown. But he liked to think it would have been a somewhat decent place. 

 

He noted the various guards standing outside the gate. He lifted his four hands for them to see, revealing no weapons whatsoever, though his Chain scythe was wrapped around his waist. As he approached he likely would get odd looks, something he has gotten used to.

 

OOC: Alrighty, not sure who is in charge of the guards at the front gate, but none the less it's your move.

IC (Ko-Koro gate guards)

The Lesterin guard captain narrowed his eyes at the approaching creature, and his men tightened their grips on their weapons.

"State your name and business!" he barked, then after a moment's hesitation, added, "...and...species!"

IC: Chivinix

He glanced between the guards with a somewhat knowing look. Their reaction has been common among the most burly of guards in the various koros. Afterall it is not uncommon for anyone to fear what they do not know.

"My name is Chivinix, my species..." A small pause was given "Chivinix. My business here is simple; Food and work. I believe your kind refers to one in my line of work as a Mercenary?"

IC (Ko-Koro gate guards)

The guards exchanged glances, but after a moment their captain gave them a small nod. The guard holding a ledger jotted down a few words on the list of arrivals, and the others stepped aside to allow the insectoid being entrance.

"All right," said the Lesterin, with a backward jerk of his head. "You can go in."

IC: Chivinix

He lowered his arms back to his sides as he walked past the guards into the frozen village of Ko-koro. 

At least these guards are more open to the unknown then the prior ones

Given he had never been inside ko-koro before, he had no idea where anything was placed, so instead decided to wander the streets of Ko-koro a bit, just to get the lay of the land.

OOC: Chivinix is open for interaction

IC (Ko-Koro gate guards)

Once Chivinix had passed out of sight, the Lesterin guard captain called a runner over.

"Inform the Big Cheese up in the Citadel that a being that they may interest them, some kind of insect creature, has entered the city," he said in a low voice. "Calls itself a 'Chivinix', says it's here as a merc."

He jerked his head in the direction of the Citadel.

"Go on, be off with ya."

IC: Cyrix sighed. "I don't know. It was still him, but... twisted."

 

Aelied nodded. "Researching this Antidermis substance might be in our interests while we are here. If there is a cure..." The elder toa looked at the stairway, and thought of Zueya. "We must hold hope there is a cure."

IC (Korero)

"Hmmm."

Korero looked grimly thoughtful.

"I could evacuate the three of you, you know. Three Jumps with the Hiko and you could all be out of here, anywhere you want. You could find Skorm, or this 'Vakua' you're so worried about."

IC: Aelied rubbed one of the ridges on his mask, mulling over his options. "While I won't lie, the opportunity to cut and run like that is appealing, I can't help but think it wouldn't accomplish anything. Zueya and I gave cover identities at the gate, and while I don't think two toa disappearing would cause much of a fuss..."

Cyrix shook his head. "Remember that toa that attacked you? His body was disintegrated. I don't think anyone would care much. Given the girl, I don't think it would surprise anyone, either."

Aelied slowly nodded. "I see your point, though your confidence in your team is noted. It might be best for us to reunite the Kalta, secure Vakua, neutralize the threat of Skorm..."

"Sir?" Cyrix interrupted. "Permission to stay here. I could help out here a lot more than out there. Plus I'd be able to, uh", he coughed, looking between Korero and the Kalta leader, "accomplish mission parameters."

The elder toa nodded, and looked at Korero. "I have no problem allowing Cyrix to remain here. He is trained for stealth, infiltration, and reconnaissance. He could prove a boon in your search."

IC (Korero)

Korero nodded in only-slightly-begrudging agreement.

"Having an extra pair of eyes and ears around would be helpful," he said, and then a little of his usual humour stirred up a small smile. "Especially ones attached to a face that isn't as recognisable as mine."

He looked back to Aelied.

"You want out, then?" he asked. "I can take you and Zueya anywhere you like, it's no trouble for me: it's probably high time I regrouped with my Brothers and Sister anyway, and I should inform the Akiri of my operations, so I'll be Jumping out of here for a while anyway."

IC: Ayar (Obsidian)

"Well, what do you expect me to do, then?" I demand, flinging my arms out to either side. "Just let him throw himself into the Break?"

IC: Veteran.

"Works for me." 

IC: Aelied smirked. "Saying that we 'want out' is such harsh term. I prefer it as... touching base. Regrouping."

Cyrix leaned against the wall. "It doesn't matter how many buzzwords you use, boss, I know what you mean."

"I suppose," the Bo-Toa stated, "That Ga-Koro is the last place most of my team was spotted, so starting there might be best, I suppose."

IC: Crab

"Well this is nice and all, but I'm going to go now, BYE!" Crab attempted to smash past Ayar, and aimed to make a run for the break.

IC: Ayar (Obsidian)

Ayar moved to the side slightly as Crab rushed past, a trail of stink, something along the lines of a dead rat, behind him. She glared at Veteran. "I'll be in my room if you need me." With that, she stalked off through the corridors, an unruly mind twisting and tumbling, conflicted.

IC: Crab

Crab stopped before the break, the distance making his head spin. Should he do it? Was his life really that monstrous? Could he turn his life around? He stood on the edge for what seemed like ages, until eventually, he collapsed backwards into the snow, and fell into a deep, troubled sleep.

IC Kotak:

He watched Crab run out, and shrugged, adjusting his position on the seat.

He'd been waiting quite some time.

IC (Agni):

I noticed how quiet things had gotten after the last words had been spoken. A bit too quiet for my taste, considering the state Utu was in. I stepped a little closer to the large Toa. "You still with us? It's not much further to go."

​IC: Luta - The North March

Now then time to find out what this thing says, oh wait I gotta sell some stuff first, ANYONE WANT SOME SILVER!? 

IC: Veteran - Obsidian Outpost.

Muttering to himself, the Ta-Skakdi headed outside into the snow, following the stench left in the crab's wake. "Too cowardly to off yourself, eh?" he mused, standing over the unconscious creature. "I never should've brought you in 'ere."

His foot snapped out to none-too-gently nudge the creature over the edge.... and into the break....

IC: Crab 

Crab fell.

IC: Veteran.

Waiting until he heard the immensely satisfying splat and sizzle of the mutant hitting the bottom of the Break, Veteran turned away and wandered back inside, whistling softly to himself. 

IC: Luta - academy

"Guess no one wants any", " may as well go to that academy".

I enter the academy.

"Ah hello?" 

IC: Arcturia

IC: Vyartha - Heading up Mount Ihu

The winds are bitter cold here. My coat, more decoration than practicality, does nothing to protect me from the icy clime.

My companion, Arcturia, appears to be of the same camp; her cloak seems to do little to maintain her body heat, if her approach of my flame is any evidence.

I make no sign to her, careful to appear both powerful and non-threatening. I have no quarrel with her.

Not yet.

Silently, I continue my ascent, preparing myself for a climb.

-Void

OOC: Suggested listening
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nbrdx6nQQO4

IC: Utu Kotore - Tu-Koro

I think I died on the walk over.

I had for sure slipped into... something. It's hard to describe.

I felt strange presences surrounding me. First they were soft, but before long - or whatever my perception of time had become - they were clearer. Strong shapes which reflected and contrasted my own geometry began to come over me. It was then when when I noticed I couldn't see, feel, or perceive anything any more. I was lucidly aware, yet entirely unaware of what had happened. I felt as if I no longer existed.

I wasn't even afraid. I felt relieved. There was cold warmth, wrapping me in loving arms. Stroking my soul with care.

"...still with us?"

In the swirling dizzy blackness that had surrounded me, I heard Agni's voice like a siren, louder than anything I'd ever heard before. With a single soft breath, I jolted back to reality, feeling the pain I could never grow accustomed to. I could feel the dull pain in my torso, the wrenching of my lungs as they expanded and contracted. And most importantly, I could feel my tears; frozen underneath my eyes.

I remained silent for a moment, eyes widening as one would to wake themselves up from a bad dream.

I gave some semblance of a "Yes... I'm...".

I was "still... here." wasn't I?

In the last few steps, I had felt like life had already slipped away, even if my legs continued to move and my body continued to feel pain. I had - in the manner of a minute - lived an eternity of death.

I wanted to give my head a shake. Who was I anyways?

I was Utu Kotore! The last giant of Tu-Koro and the Mark Bearer of Fear! I'd bested Ta-Koro's guard, fought off Ga-Koro's guard while fighting Dorian, and not only that, but I returned from the grave; twice! God put me here because he was afraid to keep me there with him! I was invincible once. I was strong enough once.

Once? What am I saying? I am strong enough.

My name is Utu Kotore, and I'm strong enough to make it home.

We lowered into the village border as I fought with all my might the desire to become shapeless again. I screamed as my fists began to bloody, covered in the life-force of my would-be killer. I roared gutturally my name, over and over again at death, 'not yet not'

yet. Not yet. Not until I make it "h..." swallow, "home." to my dying-place.

I could hear my name. It was in the wind of Tu-Koro's fallen, calling for my life amidst the ruinous village, and in the 'voice' of the shapeless death, beckoning me to die.

I leaned towards the right to take the turn, hoping one of my comrades would get the message.

IC: Aelied smirked. "Saying that we 'want out' is such harsh term. I prefer it as... touching base. Regrouping."

 

Cyrix leaned against the wall. "It doesn't matter how many buzzwords you use, boss, I know what you mean."

 

"I suppose," the Bo-Toa stated, "That Ga-Koro is the last place most of my team was spotted, so starting there might be best, I suppose."

IC (Korero)

Korero nodded once.

"Works for me. Anything else before we head downstairs and get Zueya?"

IC: (Eisen)

"An effective plan." The Fe-Toa said, having been silent while he listened to Kohra's suggestion. "An occupying force can act much more effectively if it integrates what it conquers into itself. If we can sway them with greed, then it is worth the effort."

IC: Cyrix shrugged. "You know how long you'll be out? I can hold down the fort here while you're gone, make sure you don't teleport back and its been turned into some junkie's den, but an ETA would be nice."

Aelid focused his energy, and created several edible plants laid out on one of the crates. "You'll probably need those, so you're not just stealing food from the locals."

"Salad. That's great. Just... just what I wanted."

Paying him no mind, Aelied turned to the Toa Maru.  "I'm going downstairs to tell Zueya. I ask that, when you meet her, you keep Cyrix a secret." He turned, breathed in, and passed through the vacuum field to head downstairs.

Zueya was sitting on one of the wrecked counters. Everything, while still a bit of a mess, was somewhat tidier. She perked up when Aelied came down the stairs. "What's up? There a plan with that new guy?"

The elder toa nodded. "There is, of a sort. We're leaving."

The Vo-Toa tilted her head quizzically. "... Really? After all that trouble to get in? What about-"

"We'll discuss all this later, but do not doubt that we are leaving the situation in good hands. We will be able to regroup with the others in Ga-Koro."

For a moment, Zueya sat in stunned silence. "Well, um, alright, I guess."

IC (Korero)

"All right," the Toa Maru acquiesced, though he could not help but be a little suspicious at the old Toa apparently keeping Cyrix's very existence secret from his own teammate.

Dismissing the matter for now, he turned to his fellow Le-Toa.

"It shouldn't take me more than a couple of hours to do what I need to do, but I find that life has a way of making things more complicated than you expect," he said. "Even if it does take longer than expected, I'll be able to Jump back here briefly so you're not completely in the dark."

The slightest hint of a wince flickered across his face, the only sign he had shown so far of any exertion in keeping the vacuum field up.

"If there's nothing else you need, I'll let the vacuum go and head downstairs."

IC: Cyrix looked out into the street through the shutters on one of the windows. "Couple hours sounds good. Though if you can bring back some supplies, we could be a lot more self-sufficient here. Not have to steal and scavenge."

IC (Korero)

"I'm already a taxi service, and you want me to be a delivery boy too?" Korero remarked dryly. "In all seriousness, I'll see what I can do whenever I have the time."

He let the vacuum bubble drop, and headed for the stairs. He gave Cyrix a nod of farewell, then descended to the ground floor to find Aelied and Zueya speaking.

"If there's anything you need to bring with you, grab it now," he said to the two Toa Kalta.

IC: Zueya looked to her master, who nodded. She picked up her staff, twisted it into a more compact form, and slotted it back into the holster on her back. She looked around, and shrugged. "That's it. I'm ready to head out."

Aelied tore off his poncho, and absorbed the plant fibers that made it up. The Bo-Toa took one final look around the room, and nodded at Korero.

They were ready to leave.

IC: Arcturia

She continued her climb in silence.

After a few minutes, she quietly brought the pendant out from beneath her cloak; the same one she had rescued from within the captured village, earlier.

She tried scraping the dried blood off the face of the gems with her fingernail, though most of it still stained the wood they were laid in.

IC: Vyartha - Ascending Mount Ihu

I regard Arcturia's actions with vague interest. Once one has travelled the circles which I have, bloody pendants become commonplace; besides, it is not everyone who travels to the summit of Mount Ihu. One cannot expect banality from those who do.

"Ko-Koro?" I ask lightly, my gaze turning back to the mountain's peak. Word of the village's fall has reached far and wide, and I would not be surprised if such a macabre trinket had seen its way into my companion's possession with the icy realm as the middle man.

-Void