BZPRPG: Onu-Wahi

IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)Adapt or die. You have to fight him from a range, or you're going to die here, at the hands of your employer. Get it together, Dorian. Adapt or die. Sink or swim.He reached out with his consciousness, as Naara had done in their battle at the Academy, and searched for any traces of iron. Slowly, the fallen weapons of the Matoran and Turaga Brykon had scared off twitched and raised in the air: with a mental push, swords and staves from all sides flew into the air towards Brykon.-Teezy

IC - Naryth - FightNaryth watched the fight eagerly, waiting for the outcome. The winner would obviously be the alpha male......so it was high time some lower class trash was taken out.Silently, he came from behind Sev and blasted, attempting to fire a plasma laser through his chest. All this was done discreetly, not a small detail revealing his position.

IC (Voi, Onu-Koro):"Yes, let's!"Voi ran towards the Onu-Po-tunne, expecting the others to follow.OOC: Voi and friends to Po-Wahi.

Ic: Iron against iron! the announcer in Brykon's head cried, This truly is an equal battle of epic proportions. Even as the weapons and tools were attracted to Brykon like a magnet, he raised a cylindrical shield around him as tall as he was and wrapped about. It wasn't that thick, but it didn't have to be, not for what he was planning to do. Mentally heaving against the iron, its top and bottom bent outward, making it look like a very fat chrome hourglass.The weapons and tools collided against the wall shield with immense force, but instead of bouncing off of the wall, they were seemingly absorbed as the edges folded in, encasing the weaponry like the filling in a pastry, and indeed the completely folded wall looked like a doughnut. Suddenly Dorian was again robbed of his weapons, his adaptive attack completely encased in Brykon's energies, which Dorian had no control over. *Usually at this time someone would make a witty one-liner, but Brykon remained wordless, as did Dorian, which was just as well for Brykon. The Bard was feeling drained, though he did not show it. His lack of upper armor helped relieve him of some of the stresses and allowed for circulation, but his exhaustion delved deeper, as he was using more elemental powers than he was used to in fights. Usually he chucked a steel door at his target and that was it, but he had expended the elemental energies in three iron beams, a wall and several more taxing uses of his mask. This, in addition to the physical strain and the fact that he had already used his powers before the fight even started, in addition to the hand wound Aurelia gave him seconds before the duel, meant that he was in one of the worst days and times for a grueling fight such as this. Dorian, on the other hand, seemed fresh, vivacious, ready for bloodshed, and also more trained than Brykon had expected, as if he had gotten tips somewhere. The bottom line, however, was simple: If Dorian's Mark activated, the fight would be over right there. Brykon imagined the scenario, and he concluded that while he might be able to deflect a few blows, his defense would quickly falter and he would be beaten by the Mark Bearer. And as he glanced at the other Company members in his peripheral vision, he hoped against hope that none of them would try anything stupid. Even the slightest bit of rage could trigger Dorian's mark.And then it would be over.But for now, Brykon still had the strategic advantage. He disabled another of Dorian's attempts, and now he had to finish it before anything else happened. The question was how would be break away the fighting spirit of an arguable equal? The answer, Brykon understood, was not to stoop down on their level. Take the high ground, realize you are better, take advantage of their weaknesses, make them know they are the lesser ones. Dialogue:"You have thrown punch after punch against me, each to no avail," he stated. "Even your swords cannot harm me," he said, gesturing at the doughnut that wrapped around him safely and quietly. His words were calm, deliberate, carefully chosen just as they were spoken, devoid of anger or resentment. His numb arm regained fortitude at that moment, and he snapped it in one smooth motion as it it were a knuckle. "You know you can't win and you know I can't lose, so the fight is already lost for you. I can end it in one move just as you can, only yours will cost you your pride."The doughnut-shaped wheel suddenly lifted itself from him and laid itself on its side next to him, like a tire ready to begin a race without its cart on a track aimed fight for Dorian. How Brykon intended to use it, though, was not something Dorian was privy to: A battering tank? or a very heavy projectile? or a reverse life preserver? What mattered was that Brykon had a bomb and nobody knew what volatiles it held within or how it would be used. "Why are you fighting, Dorian? Is it because of your ego that blinded you to the fact that you are fighting to protect dignity you never had? Or is it simply to save your own life, a primal instinct to endure? Or maybe you want to usurp control from me after visiting the 'Academy' for some tips?" he asked. "Whatever it is, its a lost cause and you know it."His finger twitched, ready to activate his trap card and end the fight then and there so long as he still had a chance to do so. He didn't know how much longer he could tempt fate.Ooc: * As a generally followed rule (as far as I am aware of), the energies and creations of one toa cannot be manipulated by another of the same element. This is so that there is no recycling of stuff and things and to make the fights more interesting. Um, yeah, something like that. I'm pretty much in a jabberwocky state right now and coffee isn't helping me much...And dangnabbit, I hope Sev doesn't get mad, or Naryth. This fight can still go either way.

IC: ConguzuConguzu walked around Onu-Koro. He was the new guy so he tried to find a map so that he could know his way around.

OOC: EW, that's how I've always understood it. It's off-limits; kind of like your own weapon.IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)"For someone who has such talent in psychological warfare, Colonel, you're shockingly off-base," Dorian replied, adopting a casual, relaxed position. No doubt it wouldn't fool Brykon: the bard knew Dorian well enough to know that he was still fresh and ready for battle, whereas his opponent was beginning to tire from his prolonged fight. "You want to know why I fight?""I fight because when I wake up every morning, the first thing on my mind is what kind of purpose I have, what greater power has kept me alive for so long, and why it's done so. I fight because when I look in the mirror, I see my own worst enemy, and he's doing just as little with his life as I am. I fight because now I truly have a purpose - this team. Look at me, Brykon. I'm one of the best. What else can I do that has not already been done? The answer, really, is rather simple. I've yet to serve on a team as talented and with so much potential as this one. We could do something great. All of us. So yeah. That's why I fight. I'll fight for this team."He launched a fist of iron from under the ground, underneath Brykon's little hourglass of wonders. The large projectile went flying - and it was headed right towards the other members of Bad Company. Brykon could either turn his back to try and save them or watch as his dream team was crushed to death before his eyes."The question is, will you?"-Teezy

IC: ConguzuHe soon found what he was looking for: a map. He wanted to go to the Great Mine. So he picked up his electro-blade and set off to the great mine.

IC: Dehkaz"Thank you," the Toa of Magnetism said, and took out his bag of widgets. "I'll take them."Dehkaz then began to count the widgets, placing them in his hand, and offered them once he had the right amount.

IC: AtvinAs the buzz and commotion died down in the shady bar, the atmosphere returned to its previous state where suspicious characters sat at tables, eyes darting menacingly as they sipped their drinks and tended to their own business. Since the excitement settled down, that meant boredom was to replace it and Atvin had little desire to stay in such a silent place for no good reason but a mere drink.Placing the bartender's rightfully earned widgets on the counter, the De-Toa got onto his feet and walked out of the building, looking unusually fair and graceful as he did so, considering his surroundings. Onu-Wahi held little need for him here and he grew tired of constant darkness and shades of black and grey so he figured a change-up would be rather nice.Ko-Wahi would be a perfect contrast. With his mind made up, Atvin departed the shadow-filled tunnels of Onu-Wahi as he headed for the snow-covered region of Mata-Nui.OOC: Atvin to Ko-Wahi.

Ic: Threat assessment: Large projectile headed towards friendly bodies. Big and heavy, it would shatter their armor and decimate them... if it hits. Dorian wants me to turn and protect them, giving him a simple shot to my back, or turn away from them and fight Dorian directly. Conundrum: If the others are some of the best, then they should be able to defend themselves without assistance. Dorian's idea is flawed.Reality: Turning by back will weaken the initiative of the others and give the battle to Dorian. Fighting Dorian would be unexpected and take advantage of the moment once again. Dorian would expect that it was a win-win, and for Brykon, any choice that gave Dorian success in the fight would be a losing situation. Dorian could not win this.Shomm!! A cannonball flew from Brykon's fist and collided with the ceiling the instant after it was fired. Shrackkkk!! The stone and earthen ceiling fractured at the impact and collapsed. The structure gave and plates of rubble fell, directly in the area Dorian stood.There was no iron in the rubble, nothing Dorian could take advantage of. Dorian would have to endure the strike and be buried or try and escape, difficult to do with the speed of the attack. And if he did slip out, Brykon would be there to bring him down.As for the other members of the Company? Psh, they could handle an iron doughnut by themselves.

IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)There was quiet for several moments before a block of rubble fell away: Dorian had created a large iron bubble around himself, blocking the falling of rubble from the collapsed structure. As Brykon watched, several dozen large spikes jutted out from the surface of the once-smooth bubble, catching distinct pieces of debris and impaling them. The bubble began to spin rapidly - extremely rapidly, like a giant three dimensional frisbee - and throw debris off the spikes. Brykon turned away to shield his face and protect himself: when he turned back, the Mark Bearer of Rage was gone.Out of seemingly nowhere, Dorian appeared at a 90 degree angle to the bard, slamming the back of his heel into the outside of Brykon's kneecap before spinning around and took a leap forward, spinning to a halt about fifteen feet away and throwing a spike at Brykon's temple while he was trying to regain his footing.-Teezy

Ic: Brykon's left leg faltered and he collapsed to the ground like a doll, allowing his injury to take its natural course. Fighting against such a thing only always makes it harder to deal with. He twisted himself down as he fell, though, not wasting the motion's energy. The spike of iron still trailed for his head, but with one swing of his club he deflected the large nail as easily as if it were a game of Kohlii.Then he realized something: In his haste to evade and counterattack, Dorian had reentered the gap Brykon had cornered him into prior. With an effortless counter twist he rose up, taking in the moment of peace that stood in the chamber of Onu-Koro. His elemental energy was tired and another burst of power was out of the question; he had to keep a shot or two chambered for future use. He had to use his physical power to end this.Analysis: Dorian's dossier indicated that he is a psychopath, borderline masochist. The trick is to batter him well enough that he will not be able to fight back. It is proven that he is inferior in hand-to-hand without his Mark, so drive a edge in the gap that exists. March and be unwavering. Don't fall for feints.And Brykon walked, steadily marching towards Dorian in the corner. His club was in hand, swaying side to side as if he was stretching his arm to swing in either direction. He was going to bash Dorian down like a tree under a bulldozer.

IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)SLAM!Dorian let out a small groan as his lip was split open by the force of Brykon's club, and the Toa of Iron fell backwards, slamming into the ground with a dull thud. Brykon bent down and slammed the pommel into Dorian's sternum. A loud crack resonated through the air as Dorian screamed in pain. It quickly died out with the sound of a loud ripping. Dorian looked down. So did Brykon.The pommel of Brykon's handmade club had stretched into Dorian's jacket: the hole, first created by Krayzikk, was rapidly enlarging, and as Dorian watched in horror, the tight marching band jacket was ripped away from his body, revealing a v-neck t-shirt and exposed arms. His Mark began to glow through the pale white sleeve on the Toa of Iron's shoulder, and his irises flashed a distinct blue."You shouldn't have done that," Dorian growled, reaching up and grabbing Brykon's wrist as he brought the club down; with a thud, Brykon was tossed to the side, into the building. The club rolled from his hands, and Dorian created one of his own style and slammed it into the Toa of Iron's shoulder. The bard roared in pain and stood up, moving into a tackle, but Dorian merely thwacked him in his uninjured leg, sending him to the ground. Dorian drove both palms into a slap on his opponent's temples and then delivered a hard knee to the diaphragm, sending Brykon sprawling. As Dorian bent down, his club slammed into the other Toa's ribs once. Then twice. Then a third time.As Brykon wheezed and groaned in pain, our dashing young psychopath bent down, his hand moving softly across Brykon's neck and stretching around his throat, ready to choke the life out of him. Then their eyes met, and in his mind's eye Dorian watched as he and Senegal fought off opponent after opponent in a Le-Koro fighting ring, snapping necks, breaking bones, and spewing blood and sweat as they fought their way towards the dawn of the coming day. Dorian's hand slowly moved off the defeated bard's neck, and he moved towards his bag, where a first aid kit was waiting."This fight is done, boss," he told the bard. "I'm not gonna be the one to end you."-Teezy

Ic: Brykon fell back in a gentle thump and let his body slump on the ground. He wheezed, his body aching and utterly exhausted. His lack of upper body armor had proven a downfall here, allowing Dorian to give powerful blows to his unprotected body, but he knew it wasn't a matter of skill when he gained those decisive strikes against him, it was a matter of strength. He smiled to himself as he stared up at the dirty ceiling that loomed dark and forebodingly above him as he understood: Dorian's Mark had activated. Brykon was right all along as he knew he would not be able to defend against the raw energy of Dorian's activated Mark.But there was more to a physical realm. It was true that Brykon had lost the brawl, but he also had lost the mental match. If Dorian were in his position, he was sure he would not be given the same care Dorian gave. Dorian was a man of strength, both real and emotional, and Brykon could not help but accept that fact. He, Brykon, the former Senegal, known as the Brutal Bard, had lost the battle.

IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)After creating a large, thick iron rod and tying it to the inside of Brykon's leg, Dorian helped the bard to his feet."I'd try and keep myself from doing any marathons too soon, but keep that there for a while and your leg should regain full capabilities in a couple hours," Dorian explained. "I'd also advise keeping your ribs protected; the iron cracked a couple of them, and every time you breathe wrong, you're going to cut along at least two hairline fractures. And it will hurt."He smirked a bit and put out his hand."But otherwise, you'll be fine."-Teezy

IC: ConguzuHe walked towards a tunnel and went down it hoping to find the Great Mine. He walked until he read a sign that siad " " (Translated: The Great Mine)

Ic: Brykon did not take Dorian's hand. It was not a matter of pride or ego, but rather as proof to the other Company members present that he was still as strong as before. Had it not been for his single pauldron protecting his shoulder from Dorian's savage strike with a cudgel he would not have been able to propel himself upward, which he did with surprising quality. He was still exhausted and breathed in ragged and harp inhales and exhales, but his demeanor was not humbled more than he already was. "What are you dogs looking at?" he yelled at the other members. "Quit your staring -- I'm still here, and we're moving. We're going to the Kumu Islets. Now!"

IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)Dorian shrugged and moved his hand away; apparently, the boss had opted for no handshake. Whatever. That was cool. The best possible outcome had occured: they were both still in Bad Company, and they were both still in this plane of existence. That was a win."You heard the man," he called out, his soft voice working in stark contrast to the rough, gravelly tones of the Brutal Bard. "To the Islets."He turned back to Brykon."Xa-Koro, then."-Teezy

Ic: Aurelia had seen what had occurred from within her mansion on the wall. She had snuffed out the lights in her room and stared at the street brawl in the recess, shrouded in shade and the linen veils that covered her window. The battle was a frightening one and a dense reminder of who she employed. For a long time she had believed, as Ambages had her believe, that Brykon was an ideal leader and one of the strongest fighters in the land, one of a small number who belonged in the "most dangerous persons" category. While the battle had not dulled those ideas down, it had proven that not even the indomitable Brykon was above defeat, and if he was able to be beaten, then there had to be insurance to counter that threat.Insurance.The wheels in the electress' mind whirred at that thought. She was a businesswoman, leader of a vast empire that conquered all six main koros and was now aimed at the Kumu Islets; she was very familiar with the concept of security and insurance as her business thrived on ensuring its existence into another day. The problem that she now faced was to find out just who could counter someone who could defeat Brykon in combat. But while she was indeed a woman of great power and intellect, she could not decide on that then and there -- it would require further introspection and approval from her fellow Peers. She was not wholly content with the idea of killing the criminals off if Brykon failed to restrain them, though she still saw the wisdom in that plan. For the time being she resolved to simply ponder the matter. It would not be long until she met with her Peers and discussed it all.She backed away from the balcony and vanished into her room. She had packed most of the stuff she needed already, but she finally grabbed the last remaining luggage she wanted before leaving her house for however long she had to: Her messenger bag. After slinging it over her shoulder, she opened the door and was bathed in light from the hallway.Most people thought the houses in Onu-Koro were all dirt huts with a lightstone lamp in the ceiling and a hole for a window, but it was not so for Aurelia. Her abode was a mansion in the wall, and the visible facade from the street was the literal tip of the iceberg. Her home extended deep into the recesses of the earthen walls of Onu-Koro, with long carpeted passageways lit with dozens of light fixtures dangling from crystal chains, and several great halls were waiting with golden guardrails and stairways that gave way into a chamber awash with tapestries, polished tables and walls decked out with paintings. Every room had dozens of shelves with countless belongings, ranging from trinkets to weapons, tools to artifacts, symbols of travels and immense wealth that Aurelia commanded. Some shelves were empty because their previous ornaments were some of her favourites, and they were packed away, ready to greet her when she opened their baskets when she reached Xa-Koro."Madem, the caravan is ready," her butler told her as she seemingly glided down the stairwell to the floor of the foyer. "The retainers are waiting to escort you.""Thank you," she said politely. She never understood how her fellow Peers could not have a butler as a majordomo. Even Ambages, who they all saw as their superior, merely had a valet, and the other two lived lives as bachelors without company. Whatever the case, however, Aurelia was very happy with her large host of servants and maids, and had a special place in her materialistic heart for her butler.She stepped out of the front door of her mansion back into the thick and dark air and ambiance of Onu-Koro, and in her private drive was a line of carts and chariots powered by large ussals, and in front of her was her special carriage, different from the rest in that it was roofed and far more lavishly decked out. Aurelia spared little expense to satisfy her cravings for comfort and astonishing exhibition of her ability to live that life. As she sat on her seat and the door to the carriage closed, the drivers started the crabs and the caravan moved forward into a secret passageway. As the caravan, its retainers and guards vanished into the vaguely lit void, the majordomo shut the gate to the tunnel and returned to the mansion with the remaining staff.Ooc: Aurelia and her NPCs to Ga-Wahi.

IC: NekronNekron walked over to Arkrak. "So, have I missed anything?"

IC: [Arkrak]"Not really."

IC:Why in the great spirit's name he had been brought to this place, he did not know. In fact, the dark-armored Toa felt as though he knew nothing of anything at the moment. Of course, that was not entirely true. He knew what the name of the Island was and he had an idea of where he was on it at large. But the means of reaching it here had a very peculiar set of strange sideffects. And though he knew his destination and the route intended originally, he had become truly lost.So think. Use that magnificent head your pride yourself on and figure out a way out. he told himself. Taipo smirked at his own mind in the gloom. No wonder his bretheren found him insufferable at times. He could hardly stand his own humor in his current situation.You are a riot, you know that? he thought.Just shut up and think, his mind shot back.Right. He quickly abandoned this argument with himself and shifted his focus to his immediate surroundings. He was in a nearly pitch-black cavern, the dimensions of which eluded his sight. Had Rewera been here, she would have known a way to the underground village within a minute. But as it was, it was all up to him. He was lucky enough to see anything at all. A turqoise dim glow emanated from algae-like growths on the rocks to his side and at his feet.But all the good this did was to help maintain his sense of balance.He tried to see wether or not there was a change in the intensity of the light in the cave, which might have indicated an opening to another tunnel perhaps, but he could not spot anything akin to that. He tried to think of something else that might help him. That turned out harder than he suspected. He was not used to such a level of silence, only broken by the sound of a trickle of water nearby and trying to concentrate was straining. He furrowed his rbow in frustration, but naturally that did not stop the sound of dripping water."Of course." he suddenly called out, immediately biting his won tongue at the sudden noise. He placed a hand against his forehead. The obvious answer had been annyoing him for the past five minutes already. He concentrated again.This time, he focused on the stream of water. Following the sound, he made his way over until he found the source: A tiny stream, barely as wide as his hand, softly flowing over small rocks, winding its way through the darkness. It wasn't much, but it was a first clue. And if he was lucky, the small stream might even lead to a larger body of water. With a small sigh of relief, Taipo began to follow the water.

IC: Nikarra & Nekron"I didn't realise you sang, Incommodo." Nikarra said, looking suspiciously at her 'brother'."Nor did I. I just... went for it, you know?" Nekron smirked slightly as he finished the sentence.Nikarra's eyes widened slightly, as though something had frightened her slightly, but she quickly shook it off.

IC: [Arkrak]"Nice song you sang there."

IC: Nekron"I took some inspiration from personal experiences."OOC: If this goes as I plan, it'll end up with Arkrak realising it isn't really Incommodo, Nikarra suspecting it, and everyone else just thinking he's acting weird. http://www.bzpower.com/board/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.png

IC: [Arkrak]"Alright then."

IC: Fantum, Nekron, Reichenbach, Kraal & NikarraNekron looked over at a nearby window, and noticed a stone-grey Iden looking in at him. "Excuse me for a few seconds."He walked out of the door, and looked at Fantum. "What do you want?""Come with me. There are matters which must be discussed."OOC: thebeggerpie, since you already said your character was returning, I assume this minor bunnying won't matter.Fantum soon reached Reichenbach's home, were Reichenbach himself was standing with Kraal, Stranax, and Gunfi. "I have brought him to you.""Good." Reichenbach smiled. "Welcome back, Nekron.""And you are?" Nekron growled."I am Reichenbach. I'm the one who thought up how to bring you back. Now, there's something I want you to do for me-""I will do nothing for you.""You don't even know what I'm asking you yet.""And I don't care. You of all people should know that one should not seek out power that they cannot control.""You wouldn't have any power if it wasn't for me. I control you. You can do nothing to harm me or my employees."Nekron raised his thumb, and pointed his index finger at Kraal. "Bang."A blast of magnetism, kept to the area of the end of Nekron's finger, smashed directly into the middle of Kraal's forehead, sending a small circle of his own armour directly through his skull where it impaled itself in his brain. Death was instant."That was uncalled for." Reichenbach frowned.Nekron moved his hand, so that the mock-gun now pointed at Reichenbach's head. "Unless you shut up, you'll be next. I'm pulling the strings now. Nod if you understand."Reichenbach gulped, and nodded.Nikarra looked over at the others. "Is it just me, or is Incommodo acting very strangely?"

IC: [Arkrak]"Well now that you mention it, he does feel slightly more aggressive than usual."

IC: PirokPirok looked at Arkrak and Nikarra like the were insane. "How can someone 'feel' more aggressive?"

IC: [Arkrak]"Think of it as him being ..." Arkrak waved his arms around frantically. "He just feels more different."

IC: Pirok"Uh-huh." Pirok looked sceptically at Arkrak's arm-waving.

IC: [Arkrak]"Alright. Let's put it this way. He acts differently to the Inc I know. They may be minor things, but he gives off a more aggressive aura."

IC: Commodum & Nikarra"Like when Spiderman gets taken over by Venom?" Commodum suggested.Nikarra looked over at the Toa of Magnetism, with a look that, quite clearly, said 'What is this I don't even'.

IC: [Arkrak]"I have no idea what you're talking about but I'll just say yes."

IC: Tehlin"OH MATA NUI WHAT JUST HAPPENED?" A certain Toa of Plantlife said, having just woken up.

IC: [Arkrak]"Inc is now more aggressive than usual."

IC-Marfoir:"Xa-Koro it is," Marfoir said. He grabbed his rifle and his pack, slinging one item over one shoulder and the other over the other."Shall we head off?" He asked, willing to get out of Onu-Wahi. He knew his last shot must have hit Fictus...the fact that the Turaga had dropped earlier proved it...but he didn't know how many others from NEX would be willing to try and take revenge.

IC: MikrokHaving sat through most of the fight between Brykon and Dorian, the Skakdi of earth had been watching the battle intently, seeing for himself what his allies were capable of. They left quite the impression and further earned Mikrok's respect. Now given orders by the team leader, he stood up and slung his shotgun across his shoulder.Even though he remained silent, Mikrok was ready to move when everyone else was.

IC: TakaTaka walked over to the bazaar, apparently, no one had found the merchants corpse.(OOC: Hinthint) Taka sat on a bench, and began searching the crowd with his eyes. The Higher said to find recruits, and where better to do that then in the criminal underbelly of the whole island?OOC: Open for interaction.

IC: Dorian (Onu-Wahi)"Well, then, I see no further point in sitting around in this stuffy air," he said with a shrug, wiping the blood away from his still-split lip. "To Xa-Koro?"He began to walk without waiting for an answer."Playtime..."-Teezy