BZPRPG: Ko-Wahi

OOC: Part one of a two part jam. KNI did Daylarias's part, me Kaithas'. (of course)IC: IC: Kaithas' grin widened. "Oh, taking you to the sword is no trouble. It's right over there." The Ve-Toa pointed to a ring of gold weapons. "No, the trouble is letting you touch the blade.""And why," she stepped towards it, foot by foot, until she was within range of the weapons, "is that a problem?" She could easily sense the Sword, and had the power to take it. She was simply going to give them the chance to hand it over."Because we can't," Kaithas said flatly. "We have to prove our worth, pass a trial to get it. You require the Kanohi Keadilan to use it, and I can't give that to you. Because I don't have it.""Well, where is it?""I would think," the Ve-Toa stated wryly, "that if there was a pull to the sword there would be one to the mask. Though-" Kaithas looked over the edge of the rift that had nearly claimed his life. "Maybe those wings of yours are no accident.""They are most certainly not!" She said with a chuckle. "Now, please do tell me how to get the mask. I do not have all of this cycle.""I wouldn't know what your specific challenge is, though I wager what you seek lies down there somewhere." He grinned. "Want to go cliff diving?"She placed a hand on her hip and let the smile (which had momentarily gone absent) return to her face."The sooner, the better.""Okay then!" Kaithas' spirit had returned from its long absence, and the Ve-Toa ran for the cliff, a vine already attaching his ankle to the wall. He jumped, falling into the darkness.She looked back to Merla, as if to question the sanity of the situation. With a shrug, she leapt over the side, dive-bombing after Kaithas. As they fell, she looked towards him. "What now?"Kaithas shrugged. "We fall. All the way down." He'd be lying if he said this wasn't terrifiying, but it felt right- like a penance for his crimes. Right before he hit rock bottom the vine shortened, bringing him to a stop. The strand of plantlife broke, its Toa controller making the last few feet into an undignified sprawl before hopping up again. "We're here!"Daylaria landed gracefully on her feet, arms crossed. "So the mask is located here?"Kaithas frowned in concentration, the Toa once more serious, though in a much better mood than when he had jumped. "Around here somewhere, yes. I imagine those may have something to do with it." Pointing at the wall, where a dark doorway sat in the edge of last glimmer of sun from above, the Toa started to walk.The Valkyr blasted through the doorway at the speed of sound, pushing past Kaithas, straight into the cave.

IC:

Though certainly no one would have blamed Esao had he looked at Genno condescendingly and then proceeded to slowly verbally dismantle him for the way he'd spoken to him, the archer had the self-taught discipline and finesse not to do so; he'd largely regained control after his initial exasperated outburst at Kethrye.

"I've been with the ILF since before Pala-Koro's destruction," he said simply. "If you haven't known I've existed, then clearly I've been doing my job right, along with my partner. Kythera?"

-Tyler

IC: Genno

"That didn't answer my question at all."

IC: Kythera

There wasn't a sound made from the Vortixx's approach, no small flurries of displaced snow as she glided through the stark landscape. Her light grey armor and rune-inscribed cloak made her lithe form all but invisiable among the drifts. The cold was unsettling, though Kythera moved through it as if she had been born there. And so, when the assassin suddenly chose to speak up, it's wouldn't be all that surprising if quite a few people jumped. "Than maybe," the Vortixx said pointedly to the Toa of Fire, "You should have listened more closely."

Kythera could make heads turn if she wanted to, or she could slip through a crowd unnoticed.

IC: Genno

Genno flinched slightly as a vortixx seemed to appear out of nowhere, but her statement didn't exactly process with him. "I was listening, and I didn't hear an on-topic response. I asked him what his plan was. He didn't answer that."

IC-Kal:

"Aren't you that Vortixx my uncle was trying to save?" Kal asked, looking over at Kythera. "He got captured trying to keep you alive, you know. You shouldn't have let that happen." When everybody turned again to Kal, expecting him to get aggressive, he shrugged.

"He's probably driven his captors insane and back eight times by now."

IC:

LoJak took a seat with the others. He placed his hands on Quada and Sur and used his elemental powers to warm them up. Sur seemed especially appreciative of the heat.

"Mostly me? Please" LoJak said. "I just provided a little brute force. The Sanctum guard could have done that, or just a big enough crowd. No, statue of Kopaka was all Valria, and don't let her tell you otherwise.

"As for what to do now... I'd say we have to wait for Kaiapo. He's the one with a plan for us, after all. In the meantime, Sur and Quada, why don't you tell us about what you were doing before joining the team?"

IC: Kythera

The Vortixx rolled her eyes, and had half a mind to shoot Kal in the foot. It would certainly make her feel better, and it would take her mind off of the cold and snow. And what came with it.

IC:

"...""This shouldn't be here." Tarnok said, pausing to direct Helios down a smaller side tunnel, that had not existed the last time he was there. In fact, it shouldn't have existed at all. A few minutes down it, he heard a rather familiar voice.

"Karzahni. That worked a bit too well."

IC: KaithasI turned to look in disbelief. "UNIVERSE! YOU WIN!"I lowered my voice, grinning. "Tarnok, I should have known I couldn't escape you. Not even at the bottom of a brand new canyon."

IC:

The Onu-Matoran's eyes narrowed. In his experience, fugitives didn't usually grin unless they had something very, very nasty up their sleeve for their pursuer. Two beings. One unknown, possible unknown species. Second, Kaithas. Ve-Toa. Known fugitive. Threat level; Indeterminate.

Idly, one hand moved into perfect position to grab at his weapons, if the need arose, while subtly shifting to block Leli from the Ve-Toa's view. Not just out of protection, but also so she could take her chance to prepare a crossbow.

"I'm from the Ussalry." Tarnok replied in a calm, measured voice. "We don't give up easily."

IC: Kaithas

"I can tell." My grin disappeared, it was just the fruit of my surprise. "Anyway, I assume you aren't here to bring me a note apologizing for hitting me in the stomach, so you're likely going to try to haul me off to jail. Again. So, are you gonna hear out my excuses or are we gonna have to fight this out?"

IC:

"If you have an excuse, feel free to spout it out whilst you are being handcuffed. Because I don't want to fight, but I have a job to do. And my sympathy is running dangerously low, for just about everyone."

IC: Kaithas

I sighed. "The fate of the island is worth more than one Ve-Toa being in jail, I would hope. Though since I'm never believed, I don't know why I keep spouting this stuff..."

My eyes refocused, a wooden sword forming in my hands. I wasn't about to try to kill or seriously injure a lawman, but I needed something to focus through. "Anyway, you ready?"

OOC: I finally have time to get back to these characters.

IC: Wokiya – Near Niici’s Home

The Ga-Matoran continued walking from the game hall to Niici’s home where she would check on them and get them to come follow her back to Lekori, Visenya, and Darien. Wokiya shivered under her furs as she her feet clicked against the cobblestone road. It was weird how something could feel so familiar to you and yet feel so distant as well. This neighborhood, adjacent to the hilly area that hosted Wokapu’s mansion, was Wokiya home for much of her memory. She would walk down this very road with her escorts, wearing the most expensive coats over even more exquisite gowns. That was her, the socialite. The girl every female wanted to be.

But that wasn’t actually her.

Wokiya had worn a metaphorical mask over her literal one, too busy enjoying the limelight like she was supposed to. She didn’t even have most of the insecurities that normal people her age were subjected to. She simply frolicked in an environment where everyone loved her. It was this feeling that made Wokiya feel alienated from the real world over time. As she got older, it occurred to her that there were fundamental barriers that separated her from girls her age. The largest barrier was obviously class, and unfortunately, that barrier seemed to be the hardest to break. She didn’t want to harm what Wokapu spent the last century building.

Indeed, it wasn’t her that even had to break the barrier, but an unlikely Matoran from Le-Koro.

While most just idolized her, Lekori was the one to actually see past her jewelry and dresses and look into her heart. The Gukko Force cadet saw that Wokiya was dangerously underexposed – too sheltered for her own good. And instead of passing her by, Lekori patiently helped Wokiya to see how life actually worked on Mata Nui.

Of course, this made her brother’s indirect allegiance to the Makuta even less tolerable. Looking back, Wokiya could really just be happy she didn’t have a meltdown, and instead slowly realized her frustration through passive-aggressive interactions with Wokapu. In the end, Wokapu saw the light as she did (also thanks to Lekori), and now it was Wokapu’s turn to help Niici see the truth… to see the folly of selling out your own soul for useless metal coins and bars.

That’s right… this was Wokapu’s turn.

Why am I out here? Wokiya sighed as she thought this. What help would she be? And how would Wokapu feel if Wokiya appeared to be meddlesome? Even if Wokiya wasn’t particularly fond of Niici, Wokapu was head over heels for her, and interrupting would just harm his chances.

Wokiya stopped in her tracks. Niici’s home was clearly in view now, off from the cobblestone road and raised up on a hill of its own. Wokiya shivered again as small snowflakes floated on the winds.

When you’re ready, Wokapu, Wokiya thought. She then turned around and headed back to the game hall.

* * *

Fortunately, it did not take Wokiya very long to find Lekori, Darien, and Visenya again. They were still at the blackjack table, about to start a new game after completing who knows how many while she was gone.

IC: Lekori – Ko-Koro Game Hall

The Le-Matoran was t he first to notice Wokiya near their table. He waved her over.

“Hey Wokiya! Are you in this round?” Lekori asked, “There’s space for one more, lucky for you”

IC. Canyon.A hovering form shot back out of the cave, landing with a sonic boom in front of Tarnok. She figured she could take him with her newfound strength and agility. She didn't take up a threatening position, but it was obvious that she was ready for a hostile situation."Right now, I need this Toa. After he has assisted me, I'm pretty sure he can pay for his crimes. Until then, I'm gonna have to ask to stand down," there was a bit of pleading in her voice, contrasting the words of the marine commander. "Or," she smiled, "you can come along." Daylaria slowly pulled out her papers, which showed that, she was, in fact, the marine commander. Even then, it looked as though she had gotten ten times more beautiful in her transformation. Not to mention the wings. Yeah, those were a bit different. With a final gesture to the cave, she let the smile fade as she backed up to the entrance.

IC: Nidiak

Nidiak had been standing up at the top of this stupid, snowy hill since Kaithas had run (or rather jumped) away, leaving the rest of the team. At this point he was pretty much fed up with the team leader's shenanigans, so he turned to the rest of the Maasi and said "I'm following stupid and his new friend down there. I'll see what they're up to." And with that, he ran to the cliff, leaped off and used his Miru to guide him to the bottom.

IC: Leli

There was something to be said about tunnels. They protected those inside from the world around, sheltering them from anything short of dark-dwelling Rahi. They also protected against the elements. There was no weather down there. And so, the green-armored Matoran founder herself longing for the Onu-Wahi catacombs once they reached the frigid icescape of Ko-Wahi. Which surprised her entirely. Leli was born in the trees, and staying underground for so long had felt unnatural. There was no sky to speak of, so fresh gusts of air, no lush jungles. Just dirt and darkness. But, it seemed that it had grown on her, however slightly, it was enough to make her wish for it over this place.

It was cold, very cold. The wind was not welcoming here, the freezing blasts the blew through canyon biting at her fingers and stinging her eyes. It caused the edges of her armor to burn at the touch, and her breath to instantly crystallize before her eyes.

Onu-Wahi might've been underground, but at least she could actually move there.

Unfortunately, the cold didn't seem to be their biggest problem. Not by a long shot. Well, maybe it was the Huna-wearing Toa of Plantlife, the one holding a wooden sword (of all things) in his hand. Then again, perhaps it was the winged Toa, the one who shot down to the ground with a considerable force. Right.

Of course, Leli used the fact that both seemed to be focused only on Tarnok to her advantage, loading her crossbow without any visiable movements. Leli was good at being unseen, and she had to be, when you're scouting in the Le-Wahui jungle, you never know what may be watching you.

IC: [Elysi]

Elysi fell into a ditch.

And didn't die!

Surprise!

"Ow."

IC:

The Onu-Matoran was silent for a long moment, watching both Daylaria and Kaithas from underneath his mask. He hand remained near a weapon, but it was clear that he was trying to decide what the right course of action to take was. On one hand, Kaithas was not explicitly guilty of any heinous crimes. Disturbing the peace, assault, property damage. But those things happened on a daily basis. And a member of the Ga-Koro marines was pleading with him not to pursue his mission.

And for a moment, it seemed like he might budge.

Before the memory of what had happened to his village returned, pushed to the forefront of his mind. The villagers, downtrodden and stepped on for the umpteenth time. Miners forced out of their jobs, bartenders without business. The villagers that had lost their lives in the Great Mine, and the villagers forced to repair the damage the Maasi had done. And the villagers doomed by their fight in Ga-Koro.

But most of all, he saw Whenua, cut down by an enemy he had failed to stop. An enemy he had believed he could stop, an enemy he had foolishly challenged one on one, to stall for time. An enemy that should have been stopped before she ever reached the Turaga. It was his duty to keep his village safe or die trying, and he had failed in both regards.

He could not take the risk again. But what would Koskium have done? Would he have stuck to the mission, or would he have looked the other way? The Maasi weren't known to be present, he could easily walk away, and say he didn't find them. No one would ever know, and his record would remain untarnished.

But it wasn't about the record. He would know. He had failed his in his duty too many times. It wasn't about what the public knew, it was about whether or not he would go through with it. It was about who you were in the dark, when no one else is looking. Helios had known that, and he had embraced it. Koskium had known it, and done what he knew was right, even though it was not what the village believed. Could he do any less?

"I am sorry. But I can't do that. My village has suffered far too much because of my foolishness, and it will not do so again. My duty is to keep this island safe. That overrules any personal desires."

"I will not fail in my duty again." His green eyes seemed to flare, as he drew one of his seax knives, and slid off of Helios' back, alighting on the floor easily. Indecision was gone, replaced by a steely resolve. The odds were stacked against him, a Valkyr and a Toa versus two Matoran. But he didn't seem to care, and one look from his eyes for a split second made those opposing him believe they were the ones at a disadvantage.

"I do not know what caused you to fall so far from your duty, Daylaria, but it will not happen to me. Toa Kaithas, you claim to desire to protect this island. If you are honest, then you will know why I cannot back down.""I am Ussalmatoran Tarnok. And I will die before I fail again."

Ic:Aurel stood upon the hill that the Maasi were upon, looking at them all in confusion."What are you people doing out here?" She asked, tilting her head to the side, "Its cold here, if you come back to my place, I can get you all some tea."

IC: KaithasTarnok was an interesting case. A man so thoroughly in defense of his land he even disrespected orders from higher-ups.Someone, in a different situation, I could be a friend of."Tarnok, no matter what happens, could you promise me something? To never let anyone dissuade you from your duty, no matter what?"

IC. Canyon."That's a pity," her voice and expression didn't relay this thought. Before he could prepare any further for combat, she shot forward and grasped a large, pointed rock. In a feat of extreme strength and speed, she launched the rock straight for him and another at his companion. Even if she dodged by ducking into the tunnel, it would cause said tunnel to collapse in on itself. But this was just the beginning. As the dark angel took flight, she became a blur that ascended into the air, seeming to flee. Just as they began to believe this, she came back down and pounded the dirt with such force and momentum, it was enough cause minor tremors to run throughout the area.

OOC: For the record, KNI, after conversing with Rene I have established that Daylaria should not actually be able to perform the feats described in your post. Anthyn's power is distinctly greater than most, due to the number of PC souls she consumed, and as such her power is near Pakari/Kakama levels. That's the sort of levels that Daylaria has displayed, and judging by the fact she absorbed no PC souls, Daylaria should be at half of that. Max. As such, the speeds and forces at which things occurred have been modified for the purposes of my reply.

IC:

As the rock was lifted, Tarnok slapped Helios on the hide, the Ussal propelling himself forward, avoiding the rock. Due to a lack of force, the sone impacted against the chasm wall, and slumped to the ground. The Onu-Matoran didn't believe for a second that she had decided to flee, and was watching for her return. As she slammed into the ground, he was already moving forward, stabbing at her neck with his left hand weapons. The right remained back, ready to deflect any incoming blows.

She's fast. Maybe half of Kakama, and certainly more than Calix. But her reaction times are normal, it's just the reaction that's faster. I've handled Calix users before, same with Kakama and Pakari. We've been trained for this. From her position, it would be impossible for her to pull me into a grab before I have time to react. Thank Mata Nui for those training regimens.

In addition, she is fighting a being at half her height. That is going to be an awkward position to fight from, once she straightens. It should lower her speed considerably.

"Daylaria, you are hereby charged with betrayal of your duty, and assault of another officer. Surrender, or you will be arrested by force."

IC: Nidiak

Nidiak slowed his descent as he reached the bottom of the canyon. As he touched the ground he immediately felt a minor tremor. He sighed and sprinted into that hole in the wall that Kaithas and his new friend escaped through.

OOC: Indeed, you are correct. As we have settled this off-site, I will continue.IC. Canyon."Apologies, officer," she deflected his wrist and struck back with a Valkyr-strength kick to the midsection. She bent her knees, coming a bit closer to his view. What Tarnok didn't know, was that she had many a time fought Matoran during her service. Though it was true that she was better fitted to fight Toa, she was in no major way at a disadvantage.She had thought out the fight in her head, and decided that the odds were in her favor. She had strength and speed over him, given her wings. They each had years of military, but she had more- after all, she had ascended to the position of captain. As far as technique, it came down to reaction time. And she had superior reflexes.

IC:

Rather than resist the movement, Tarnok allowed the momentum from the deflection to provide the force needed to turn on his heels, the kick flying past his body, towards where he used to be. Pulling his left arm back, he stabbed with his right.

What Daylaria failed not consider, was that Tarnok's rank was not indicative of his seniority. He remained at a more or less standard ranking not out of lack of skill, but due to enmity from his superiors. His reflexes were top shelf, and his skills with the knife were inferior to no being that he had ever met. With the height difference and respective skill levels, they were far more even than the Valkyr knew.

Not that Tarnok intended to inform her of her error. Better to let her believe in her advantage.

IC. Canyon.With one smooth movement, she shifted to the side to avoid being sliced, subsequently leaping up and over the Matoran with the aid of her wings. As she flew over, she threw out her legs at the back of his head. After landing behind him, she bounced back into the air, about twenty feet over his head. "I assume you're gonna arrest me from the ground?"

Ic:Aurel looked over the cliff where the canyon was down below."Is there a fight going on down there? I don't really feel like fighting..."

IC: Kaithas

I sighed. "Now, if you two don't stop fighting, I'm gonna have to... do something about it."

IC: Merla

If Aurel happened to notice, Merla was locked in some sort of deep meditation. So she didn't notice Aurel's invitation.

IC: Sur

"Sigh, really?" Sur said jokingly, though she really, really, didn't want to talk about it. "Why me first?"

IC: Leli

The green-armored Matoran was already on the move before the winged being's foot connected with the stone. In a single fluid motion, she dove to the side, her momentum carrying her well off the ussal's rough shell and towards the ground. As it was, the stone flew harmlessly past the spot where she had been moments before. Rolling into a low crouch, Leli already started moving. The masses of dark rocked surrounding them provided excellent cover as she slipped through them. Tarnok had already engaged the winged being, which Leli watched carefully out of the corner of her eye as she moved forward and around. The Le-Koroan was surprised at the speed of which the being moved, but no matter.

Taking cover behind a rock, and making sure that the being hadn't seen her, Leli slipped a dart fromher forearm armor and into her blow-dart launcher. No sound was made as she fired it off, the paralyzing venom-coated projectile silently flying through the air towards the being's back, out of sigh and out of mind. Slightly above where she would normally aim, as Leli had to account for the wings holding the being aloft. With Tarnok working as an excellent distraction, it would too late to dodge at any speed once the being became aware of it. The only problem being the time it took for the venom to take effect. But Tarnok could hold out for a few minutes, right?

Ic:Aurel hated being ignored by people she was offering stuff to, so she angrily pushed Merla over into the snow.

IC:

For one of the few times in his short life, the hulking amnesiac of a Ta-Toa, known to the world as Peho Eniblad, was silent.

In another instance, he probably would've posed some flippant, preposterous, and ultimately innocent question like "What's a mutiny?" or "Would you guys like to interact with me?", which may serve to either diffuse the tension, or to get him killed in a painful and bloody manner. But now, surrounded by his allies and friends (well, friend), even he could see that doing something so random in such a explosive situation would not end well for anyone.

And so, he silently followed the examples set by the other remaining members of the ILF, and drew his sword, though it was obvious to a trained warrior that he wasn't about to, nor was he even capable of fighting anyone with it.

-Void

IC: Darien – Ko-Koro Game Hall

Darien waved at Wokyia, noticing her brother was not with her. He assumed that Wokapu still had unfinished business, he understood how long things like this could take. It probably would not be easy for Niici to accept what Wokapu was proposing to do.

"Hey Wokiya, why don't you join us? It's a good way to pass the time while we wait for your brother." Darien was finally getting the hang of Blackjack, it would be good to have someone who was most likely even less experienced that he was at the card game. Maybe he could actually win!

IC. Canyon.Daylaria felt a prick in her back, and reached to knock it away. She flew up, out of range of her opponent for a quick investigation. She felt it- a dart, light and slim, which had created a small incision in her armor and onto her skin. It obviously wasn't supposed to cause damage. It wouldn't have really caused much, anyway. It was either a poison or a sedative. Either way, she needed to end the fight. Her pride had been overcome by the cleverness of her opponent. She retained her position in the sky, and chuckled. "Well played, Matoran. I can again take pride in this island's military." She shot down, grabbed Kaithas in her arms, and winked at Tarnok. "Until we meet again." She flew off into the cave, absolutely expecting her opponent to followed.

IC:

"Yes, really" LoJak said. "And you're first because someone has to be. We have a saying in Ta Koro: Where there is only kindle, be the spark. If we hope to be as great a Toa team as we know we can be, we're gonna have to know each other."

LoJak grinned, but he felt like sighing. This Toa team was going to need work, of that he was sure. Valria desperately needed training, although she certainly had the spirit and determination to do what it takes. LoJak thought she had wanted to say something to him earlier when they had woken up, before being interrupted by Iulius. Honestly, LoJak wanted to talk to her as well, but he reminded himself that his first Duty was to the people of Mata-Nui. His own desires would come after.

He didn't know Sur well enough to judge her character, but she seemed somewhat nervous in the group. LoJak wondered if all the Toa on this team suffered ghosts from their pasts. He had had his drinking problem, and Valria a far worse torment. From what he could tell, Sur was somewhat scarred as well.

IC: (Valria)

I was going to agree with LoJak. Perhaps even stopping withholding what happened with me before this all. However I found all my words stifled by my own heart, by my own tongue each of them refusing to speak the truth. It was difficult just saying it to LoJak, now in front of the others it felt worse than I had thought. So instead I just placed a knowing hand onto the shoulder of the only other woman on this team. However I did find a few words easier to say to her.

"Sur, I wanted to thank you again for saving my life. You and Kaiapo saved me in my hour of need. I can never thank you enough for that." I smiled. Sur was a healer, she fixed what was damaged. She saved what was nearly lost forever. I felt indebted to the woman, even if she didn't want it. Maybe she was like the rest of us, without purpose until this group, but I believe healers are never without work. Sur was like most of the people on this team, she gave me something to look up to. To aspire to and in the few days we had spent with each other I still knew so little. In fact this group could use a little team building. Maybe that was Iulius' plan today. To help the people of Ko-Koro and cementing this team's unity in the process. I thought little on it, instead waiting on the answer from Sur. "It would be nice to know a little more about the woman who saved my life. I can tell you a little about myself, if you'd like."

OOC: Yep, and I thought Valria was better written in third person, apparently I was wrong.

IC: Ko-Wahi; Just outside Ko-Koro village.

A blizzard was starting to set in in the north-east wasteland of Ko-Wahi, In that general area where the temperature was never above -10 degrees, a being was slowly walking through the violent weather and bitter cold. Toa Litozen, of the element Sonics, was trying to find the nearest village. He had travelled a long way so far, and since entering the wintery wastelands of Ko-Wahi he had done nothing but chatter as the cold bit into him. Eventually, he felt a soft THUMP as his legs gave way and he crashed into the snow.OOC: Edited to remove any dimension-hopping and to fit adjusted profile. N00b mistake.

IC: Kaithas We would have been followed, if a swarm of vines hadn't swarmed up and filled the tunnel. I had confidence in my team, and Tarnok didn't come prepared to arrest.