IC(Garren, Ta-Wahi):
Ta-Wahi was like the calm after the storm. Most of the matoran had settled down to tend the wounded, a few had already begun cleaning up the damage that countless Rahkshi of Disintegration and Fragmentation had inflicted upon the walls and buildings of the city. The inhabitants of this islands were nothing if not resillent. The city was as peaceful as it always was, possibly even more so, with the apparent destruction of Makuta himself. The island would grow, the people would innovate and build, and peace would reign.
And Garren hated peace. Peace held people together, gave them unity when they would otherwise be at each other's throats. It dulled emotion, and reduced otherwise powerful beings to pawns in a leader's hand. The "good" beings would inflict moral order upon the population, and bring all the people under one banner, smothering or destroying anything that got in their way. The class of the warrior would die, replaced by the laborer and innovator. Everyone would be "equal," and given "the same chance that everyone else gets."
Or so they think. Garren smiled, hidden in the shadows, under a hood he had "borrowed" from a friend. Of course, the friend was no longer living, but that was irrelevant. Peace could never, would never rule as long as he lived. Chaos would live as long as peace would live; perpetuated by the very thing that sought to destroy it. The more the rulers of Mata-Nui tried to squeeze and mould their people into "model" citizens, the more inhabitants would slip through their fingers. Those who lived in this iron fist of rule would eventually die out, leaving only Chaos. Because when you have a closed fist, nothing can get in, and nothing can come out.
Garren smiled; one of the first smiles in a long while. The smile held none of the malice, hatred, or insanity that one would expect from a "evil" toa. If anything, the smile looked almost content in its meaning, like a man who's just had a satisfying dinner. Yet a single misdemeanor remained in that face, like an impish child that would not be restrained. Yes, Chaos would rule. It would come, it would rise, and it would fall, to give way to another kind of "peace." And then we will come full-circle again. For that is the balance of this world.
And who would want to upset balance?
-Elrond
IC: Bok Ga-Koro Rahkshi fight
The Rahskhi advanced.
"Well, so much for getting back to Ga-Koro. Guess we're the first line of defense," said Bok to the two Toa he had been about to take to Ga-Koro. Bok put his Kakama back on. "Ah that's better," said Bok as his power returned to him. With a scream like a madman, Bok went charging into the horde of Rahkshi yelling "For Mata Nui!"
His first opponent was a yellow Rahkshi of Heat Vision. Bok instinctively activated his Kakama and rushed aside when it fired two searing beams of heat straight at him. Bok noticed that the Rahkshi seemed stunned after attacking. With a mighty swing, Bok's hammer came crashing down upon the hideous creature's head. Much to Bok's surprise, an orange and black worm crawled out of the fallen armor. Bok fired a razor sharp piece of metal from his hand that tore the worm to shreds.
"One."
Bok felt an emotion course through his veins. Fear. The desire to run away from the battle filled Bok and it was all he could do to stand still. Then, he felt another emotion. Indignation, anger, fury. Using his elemental control of Iron, Bok picked up the two Rahkshi in front of him and violently smashed them together until they were unrecognizable and bashed the pile of metal that was left over with his mighty hammer to make sure they were dead. Amazingly, the Kraata Za, injured grievously, crawled out of the battered Turahk. Bok picked up the Kurahk's staff and sliced the slug in half.
"Two."
"Three."
The fear and anger left Bok after destroying the Rahkshi. If these had controlled his very emotions, what horrible powers could the other hold? As Bok was pondering this, a green Rahkshi charged towards Bok and prepared to stab him with its deadly poison. Bok parried the blow just in time with the Kurahk's staff. Bok thrust his staff forwards into the Lehrahk's chest. It stuck. The Lehrahk fell to the ground and the Kraata crawled out of its ruined armor. A swing from Bok's hammer and it knew no more.
"Four."
Bok saw a black Rahkshi in front of him and attempted to use his elemental powers to lift it. Bok felt like trying to use his powers only made him...weaker. He decided on a new strategy. Bok brought his hammer down on the Vorahk's staff, shattering it like glass. With it's staff broken, the creature reared back in surprise. This time Bok was ready. As soon as the Kraata emerged, Bok grabbed it and tore it in half.
"Five"
That last fight had seriously weakened Bok. He couldn't take much more. Bok was flung to the ground and away from his hammer by an explosion. The origin of the explosion, a Panrahk, walked up to the fallen Bok and prepared to strike. Bok ducked to the side as the Rahkshi tried to skewer Bok. Bok used his waning elemental powers to cause the Rahkshi's spine to collapse and crush its maggot-like pilot.
"Six."
Bok was exhausted. As he lumbered over to his hammer, he was pushed to the ground by a blue Rahkshi of Disintegration. Bok used what little remained of his strength to summon his hammer. As it flew towards Bok's outstretched hand, the Guurahk swatted it aside as one would a fly. Using the very last of his power, Bok tore open the Rahkshi and sent its pieces flying in all directions. He crushed the Kraata with his heel.
"Seven. I got seven. I guess I can live with that," said Bok. It was now all he could do to keep his eyes open. Bok saw a squad of Rahkshi flying towards him. When they reached him, they merged into a smaller Rahkshi riding a horrible steed and a terrifying three-headed creature.
Or I can die with that, thought Bok as the two Kaita approached him. Then something changed. The fusions broke apart and the Rahkshi began fighting each other. They brawled until only one was left. The survivor approached Bok, but its eyes held a feral animalistic madness instead of an evil intelligence. Before it could kill Bok, it was vaporized by yet another Rahkshi. Bok fainted.
Bok dreamed of walking through a snowy mountain. Then a Ko-Matoran appeared and led him to a cave. The Matoran said something about knowing the location of an island called Arthaka. The Matoran started gasping for breath as if choked by invisible hand. A large figure with appeared, holding what looked like a Rahkshi's head mounted on a pole. Then Bok was somewhere else, in a fortress. He saw a Toa of Water killing the Ko-Matoran and a great golden being stood by laughing at the Matoran's last words. Then Bok ran.
Bok woke up in a hastily constructed tent, with his hammer next to him. He was being treated for his fortunately minor wounds. His greatest problem was exhaustion and he had fixed this with his nap, which apparently lasted two days. Were his dreams memories or idle fantasy? He did not know. "Well, I guess now I make a life for myself." "How many did you get?" asked a Toa of Fire. Bok replied, "Seven."
OOC: More or less my last few posts of the year as I wrap up posting as my characters.
IC: Aurel, Noira (Ko-Wahi), Sehrii, Nei (Ta-Koro), Auron (Po-Koro), Beynii (Ga-Koro), #61 (Le-Koro), Karkhalm (Onu-Koro), Dalia (Ta-Koro):
"Hey Iegasa... Did you hear that?" Aurel asked, who was about to take another sip when she heard the screams of the horde as it fled from Ko-Koro. She wasn’t sure what would happen, and she was in no hurry to find out what had occurred outside of the shrine.
In fact, she was concerned more for Iegasa and Noira. Concerned that if they knew this would happen, and if the villagers from Ko-Koro would find the shrine. For if they found the shrine... She didn’t know what they would do to them. They served the Makuta... And the villagers might hurt them...
Protect them. She decided, outwardly giving no indication of these thoughts passing through her mind. Protect them, then look for Zacax again. He can wait, these two can’t.
Noira sat next to Iegasa, not taking a sip of her tea, and carefully watching Iegasa and their guests. While she said nothing, that didn’t mean she did not think.
And what she thought, was her singular greatest desire, one that she constantly thought, while she served Iegasa willingly and quietly.
I want to leave.
---
Sehrii sat upon the wall for Ta-Koro, looking approvingly at the small field outside of Ta-Koro. The battle had been hard-fought, and Sehrii was sure a joint in her shoulder had been disconnected by a group of the Rahkshi. But she didn’t have the time for that. Right now, she wanted to relax.
Relax, and plan where to go next. I wonder if the other villages were attacked like this...
Nei sat with the other members of the Renouncers, staying quiet. It was Nei’s first real taste of battle. And she couldn’t say that she liked it. She’d seen Toa and Matoran alike cut down by the Rahkshi, all while defending the village.
During the fight, she’d been temporarily cornered by a Rahkshi of hunger. She could feel the energy leaving her body, her body shutting down from lack of energy to stay conscious... Then the Toa showed up. She was silver and lime, and crushed the Rahkshi with her powers.
Nei took the time to throw up. She eventually caught up with the rest of the Renouncers...
But she hadn’t said anything since rejoining them.
---
"Haha! We're still alive Aelynn!" The Ta-Toa exclaimed, twirling a staff that formerly belonged to a Rahkshi of fear. He’d single-handedly slain the creature after a fierce battle with it. Auron took the staff as trophy, but he couldn’t get the Rahkshi’s effects out of his mind.
Fear. While his exterior was as happy, fear was the only real thing going through his mind. The Turahk’s powers made him relive... Almost all of his life.
“What are you? Some wanna-be hero?”
“Compared to us, you’re nothing. What did you even do as a Matoran!?”
“Stupid fool. Do us a favor and take some of the Skakdi with you when you die.”
“Look at this one, a little Ta-Toa, ripe for the kill...”
“What’s he doing!? Mata Nui... He’s out of control! Get away from him!”
“See what you’ve done? You’re nothing but a failure. We should have never brought you along.”
“Get lost before we kill you.”
The Ta-Toa crumpled down to his knees, barely keeping himself off the ground by using his newly-obtained staff for balance. The visions that had accompanied the sudden panic attack
“Mata Nui...” He said, gasping, “That wasn’t like during the fight... Or at night...”
As Auron slowly stood up, leaning on the staff for support, only one thought passed through his mind.
What’s wrong with me?
---
"Trieze. What just happened?" Beynii asked, looking back at Trieze.
---
The Toa that was known as #61 looked upon the remains of the battle. It disinterested her. She hadn’t really learned much about what was going done. Anyone, or anything that had tried to attack her suddenly found itself engulfed in plasma.
So she looked at the remains of the battle. Trying to figure out a rhyme or reason that the battle had taken place...
---
Karkhalm had been part of the battle. Although, for a completely different reason than ‘protecting the villages’. To Karkhalm, the Rahkshi were serious offenders. Unlawful sentience, weapon-carrying without legal permission, the unlawful act of drilling tunnels without a permit, major counts of property damage, crimes against civilization, crimes against matorankind, littering, air pollution, noise pollution, water pollution, unauthorized sacrifices, violating clause a7-46 of the Flying Objects Regulation Act, Membership of a terrorist/totalitarian organization, marching without a permit, unauthorized euthanasia, and disturbing the peace.
The problem with this, was that Karkhalm couldn’t find any live Rahkshi to put on trial for these crimes. Which was fine with him. So Karkhalm was back at work again, scouring Onu-Koro for drunkards and any minor offenders in the wake of the recent victory. The law never slept...
---
Dalia sat hunched-over in her chair, quietly looking at the glass of liquor in her hands. She hadn’t taken a sip since she ordered. It was her first glass. She knew that somewhere in the world, there was someone teaching about emotional wrecks, and was using her picture for an example. She put her drink on Agni’s bill, briefly describing the older Ta-Toa to the bartender. She mulled over her feelings from everything that had happened to her, as well as the recent victories that apparently had been won.
No money. No home. No weapons. No mask. Elemental power takes longer to charge, and I use more for less. She thought dimly. Angelus... Tuara... Emotia... The Angel-Toa... Utu... Echelon... Tank...
The only people that really mattered to the Ga-Toa. They all were awful. Except for Tank...
Tank...
Angelus betrayed her for Tuara. Emotia was nice to everyone, and died for her pains. Utu got what he deserved, being made a slave to Echelon...
And Tank... He was a being that no one cared for. Tank told her to make something of her life, to go out there, and avoid making the mistakes he made. He betrayed people, just to meet his own ends.
What would Dalia do? Her attempts to escape, to see what that brilliant light was and start anew, it led her back to the start. She wanted out. Out and away.
She withdrew her good-luck charm. The stone piece with the bow and crown carved into it. The first thing she found since awakening in Le-Wahi with the mark of passion on her shoulder.
Dalia reached a decision. She pocketed the seal as a grin broke onto her face. She decided to let it all go. Let it go, and start a new life. Preferably one where she didn’t have to deal with evil servants of dark gods.
Kale Ironshaper- Ga-koro
IC: As the silver Toa got the last pieces of ammunition to their proper places, a cry rose from the army of rahkshi on the shore. It was one that dug into the primal parts of ones mind and triggered one of the bassist of instincts.
Fear.
The sound of that cry coming from a hundred different throats, some of them adding their powers to the mix, froze Kale in place. It was like nothing he had ever heard before and made him feel small and weak. He had heard the stories, it took a full team of Toa working together in perfect sync to properly defeat just a few of them. There were a hundred of them out there and Ga-koro was trashed. They had the Fowadi and their pirate allies sure, but there had not even been time to come up with a plan.
This was it, they were all going to die.
NO
Something else stirred inside him. He wasn't sure what it was and it would be a while before he figured it out. It may have been hope that brought him out of his stupor, it may have been the work of a higher power. Or it may have just been his Fe-tribe stubbornness rebelling against the idea that they were dead no matter what they tried.
Whatever it was, it got him up and moving to the side of the ship. The lines were moving towards the village of Water steadily, already a few elemental attacks were being tossed their way. They did next to no damage though.
Before the first on each side began to clash, the nearby pirate ship began to fire on the approaching rahkshi, prompting Kale to run along the deck doing the same. A full broadside was soon sent flying, hitting a few and missing others. Moving quickly, the Toa of Iron reloaded and was able to send another volley downrange before a pack of rahkshi descended from the sky where they had flown to deal with the object causing them the most trouble.
Jumping backwards, he dodged a blast of poison and thrust out his hand and sent a single command to the level one kraata's suit of armor.
Disperse
With a shriek from its rider, the suit of battle armor fell apart into its constituent pieces, prompting a missive focusing of the Makuta spawn on the Ironshaper. A volley of bolts from a dozen different sources all flew at him, forcing him to begin a series of acrobatic maneuvers that sent all over the ship before he could bring his real weapon to bear.
With a sweep of his hand, the sand in his tube jumped forward, intercepting the next wave of attacks. It proved surprisingly effective as the more deadly powers such as shattering and disintegration simply made the sand even finer.
For a while after that, he did his best to keep the Sons of Darkness away from the ship and give the other crew members room to use their own tools and weapons. He caught of few here and there, but for the most part they were too nimble in the air. Eventually he tired, and the cloud of metal sand drew closer and closer until the only thing it could protect was himself. And after a few more minutes, he was unable to do even that.
Using the last of his elemental energy, he swept the cloud back into the tube and set it to the side. Picking up a rahkshi staff that had fallen nearby, he joined tho others in more short ranged combat.
Tiredly, he charged towards one a rahkshi of Anger that had boarded the ship. It was a plain, straightforward charge and easily dodged, which the rahkshi did. It struck out at his back as he went past and only a diving roll forward saved him from getting his spine sliced. Turning, he sent a series of kakama speed thrusts at the beast, sending it on the defensive. Even though it was not striking back at him though, he was unable to force it to back off. That was, until something happened. All over the battlefield, rahkshi were stopping and looking around like wild animals that had suddenly found them selves in the middle of a town. Kale took the opportunity to finish his off with a stab to the underside of the carapace, spearing the kraata within.
Breathing heavily, he all but collapsed, leaning on the staff and looking around at the battlefield. Everywhere, the vile beasts were being driven back by people who struck with renewed vigor. No longer did the rahkshi move with the swift surety and organization they had before. Now they were like a pack of wild animals, each one fighting for itself and on its own, sometimes even against each other. A mighty push was being made to get them out of the village, one that seemed to be working. Kale Ironshaper did not take part in it however, as he fell against the main mast and slowly fell into unconsciousness.
The following days were a mixture of boredom and work as he recovered from his overuse of his elemental powers and then got to work helping to fix up the town. Rumors were flying thick and fast as to the reason that the rahkshi had suddenly stopped their attack. The most prominent among them was something that people had been hoping for for over a thousand years.
What if the Makuta had died?
It made sense if one thought about it. His losses had been too severe for it to have been some sort of feint to draw them off guard. He had been about to win anyway.
One day, one of the guards around the giant hole reported foot steps could be heard from within. Fearing another attack, people gathered, ready to defend their homes once again. To the suprise of almost everybody, what came out was not a legion of rahkshi of rahi but a single Toa. One that nobody had ever seen before and one that bore a unique mask. The words that she spoke when she saw everybody sent the crowd wild.
"Makuta is dead."
IC- Dorgath - Ta-Koro
IC: Everyone (Po-Koro Desert)
Spikes of ice erupted from the ground, sending the two up into the air. Then they retracted fast back down, and the two fell hard to the ground. "It's only a matter of time before you die. Just give it up and I'll make this less painful."
"You're going to have to do better than that to stop us. Hraaaggghhh!"
Flaredrick charged at the Toa of Ice, then slid under him and slammed his sword into his back. The Ice Toa stumbled forward, only to be met with a hard blow to the head by Lavist. He got knocked down to the ground, and lay motionless for a minute.
"He wasn't so tough." siad Lavist with enthusiasm.
Then the Toa rose up from the ground and snapped his neck. He turned around to the two, stunned. "Figured. I never liked foes that backed down."
With that the Toa of ice charged at them with his blade at hand.
IC: FeranFeran sat with the other Renouncers. He had just finished cleaning up several Rahkshi Carapaces and sat down to join the thers.The dying screeches of Matoran Toa, and Rahkshi Kraata haunted him.He had changed so much.Feran closed his eyes.
IC: Tellus- Ga-Koro
Once he, Lasinia, and Gunner had been dropped off on the docks, Tellus found himself in what was easily the most intense battle of his life.
At first, he'd hung back, using his powers over plant matter to try and make as much a difference as he could. Lily pads under the feet of Rahkshi on the ground suddenly rippled wildly, vines shot up to distract those flying through the air, walls of lily pad formed to intercept attacks. At first, the defenses held fast. Briefly, he wondered if this was how gods felt.
But it couldn't last.
Before long, he had to cut back, save what energy he could for what was shaping up to be a long fight. All the while, more defenders fell, with only a few Rahkshi falling to join them. Soon, he found himself in a slow, steady retreat. He could never hope to match a Rahkshi one-on-one.
As he looked around him, he realized something. They couldn't win. Today.... today, he was going to die. Instead of fear, he felt a grim determination. If he was going to die, they'd pay dearly for it.
Behind him, he heard the whump of a Rahkshi landing on the lily pad. As he turned, he felt a strange, unnatural rippling sensation shoot through the pad. So, there were Rahkshi of Plant Control. He found himself facing a green and brown Rahkshi, spine bristling as the Kraata inside screeched its challenge. With one hand, Tellus made sure his tricorne hat was firmly in place. With the other, he drew his cutlass.
The lily pad he was standing on became a weapon, clay in the hands of the slowly advancing monster. Without warning, holes tore open under his feet as thorns sprung up from what once had been a smooth pad. Vines shot out from nearby huts, the plant under him bucked wildly. He was forced to use both his Miru and what remained of his energy just to avoid the attacks.
And then the Rahkshi was upon him. As the pad suddenly became still, the vile creature lunged forward. Tellus tried to dodge. The pain that shot up his arm told him that he'd failed. He fell to one knee. His sword arm was unharmed, but the end was inevitable. As the Rahkshi raised its staff over its head with both hands, he raised his sword with one. As the Rahkshi loomed over him, its armored 'head' splitting apart to reveal a Kraata screeching in triumph, Tellus bleakly realized that he lacked the strength to block the blow. He was going to die.
Then, the Rahkshi faltered. It froze, suddenly disoriented. And Tellus saw his chance. He lunged forward, driving his sword into and through the still-exposed Kraata with a triumphant yell. As the empty suit of armor fell to the ground, he flicked its remains off his blade and looked around. A miraculous change had taken place throughout the ranks of Rahkshi; suddenly, they were fighting amongst themselves, and many were already in retreat. Tellus beamed as sheer joy flooded through him. They had won!
Using what was almost the last of his elemental powers, he created a sling for his wounded arm. It'd take a while, but he would recover. Triumphantly, he made his way to the still-intact ship, grinning widely. He activated his Miru, and floated over the side, cutlass raised high. As he opened his mouth to make a triumphant, witty remark, he froze. There, on the deck, was Cap'n Lohkar. The expressions on the faces of the crew told him all he needed to know. Quietly, he landed and, sword still in hand, he removed his hat and placed it in the hand of his injured arm. Silently, he walked up to the lifeless corpse of his captain. Using the last of his powers, he grew two vines, one parallel to the body, the other perpendicular. He used the cutlass to cut the vines, leaving a few inches leeway on either end. Sheathing his sword, he picked them up, and walked down into the hold, where the wood was stored. As ship's carpenter, it was his duty to build the coffin.
But, before he went belowdecks, he paused. He simply couldn't leave the Cap'n and, more importantly, the rest of the crew alone like that. So, just as quietly as he had arrived, he walked back to the body, beside Yasurek.
"'E was a good Cap'n," Tellus said, fighting off tears. "I... I can't believe 'e's gone."
OOC: Obligatory long last post? Done.
IC (Caerus Valli) (Onu-Koro)
The Rahkshi attack had been thwarted, against all odds. Caerus had never been much of a believer in deities, but this cemented it: you couldn't kill a god. The Makuta had never been more than a man behind a curtain, much like Caerus himself.
The poet didn't join the celebrations: he had no interest in frivolity, except to send out some of his birds to pick up what secrets any revellers, drunk on victory, might let slip. He remained at home, sipping on a glass of scotch, and writing, as he always did.
His parchment was crisp; his quill was sharp. His bright eyes were feverish in intensity; all that could be heard was the sound of nib scratching out secrets.
A single lightstone cast a warm glow over the Ba-Matoran's desk; otherwise, the house was dark.
The night is dead, long live the night
The king has fallen from his throne
Dawn arrives with end of fight
Some call it sun, and others, stone
IC: Ril, Ta-koro
"You're impossible, you know that?"
Ril gave a quiet chuckle as he held his arm out for the medic to bandage. Going out to fight Rahkshi was an incredibly dangerous endeavour, and doing so while injured was supposedly very moronic of him. Of course, he had never really given much thought into the intelligence of his actions; the slugs were attacking his village, what else was his supposed to do, stand aside and watch them do so? He was a guard! He was supposed to protect the village!
"Eh," he replied in a non-committal tone. "I lived didn't I?"
"And may never use your left eye again," said the medic dryly as she finished wrapping the bandage. "I doubt you'll be very effective with no depth perception."
"It's a small price to pay though. I probably saved quite a few-"
"You saved one Matoran who would not have been injured anyway had you not gotten in the way."
The Fire Toa blinked, or at least, tried to blink. Instead, he settled for winking his right eye, as his left had been sealed shut.
"Well ... that sucks."
Noticing his spirits had been slightly dampened, the nurse gently punched his uninjured shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. "You still did good out there though. Heard that they might be promoting you soon."
"Of course," said Ril with a grin, standing up. "I was pretty awesome."
The nurse shook her head, moving on to patch up another one of the injured.
"Tone down that arrogance and I might actually like you," she muttered.
OOC:
IC (Lohkar) [The Infernavika, near Ga-Koro]
[...]
Zmija was the first to his side, closely followed by Yasurek, who grabbed his Captain’s wrist and felt desperately for a pulse.
The Ko-Matoran’s head slowly drooped.
IC: [The Infernavika, near Ga-Koro]
Something was wrong, thought the cloak.
The cloak's mind broke down probabilities in seconds. It analyzed consequences without a care for their causes. The end justified the means, in its head.
In this case, the ends were that the Rahkshi had been annihilated. The means were simply that the captain died.
So, then, why did it feel like the means were as important as the ends?
Why did it feel like the captain's once-rakish speech and absent chortle were to be regarded equally with the victory? Why did it feel like the cloak was a she, a person who cared about people and not solely possibilities?
Even should the win outweigh the loss, why did it feel like the captain was someone beyond his title named 'Lohkar', with a unique identity and imaginative thought?
A single droplet of water fell from the cloak's hood onto the pacific kanohi of the fallen leader.
Some of the sea had gotten into Zmija's eyes.
There was no more to be said.
IC: Everyone in Po-koro desert
The three battled each other valiantly. Blocking and parrying each others attacks like they knew what was going to happen. Then Black Ice kicked Flaredrick out of the way and sealed him in ice. Then as Lavist charged, he striked him in the chest. The blade went through him, and he stood there motionless. Then the Ice Toa retracted his sword and the Fire Toa fell.
Seeing his companion die right before his eyes made him remember his fallen team. Flaredrick melted the ice and went into a complete rage.
"That's it! You will pay for what you did!"
"Finally, a match I'll be worth to take down."
Flaredrick charged with his hands on fire, and sliced maniacally at him. The Ice Toa was now injured, and his armor cracked. He then gave him on final slice and Toa of Ice fell, with his head. A code broken, but without a cause. Toa born to protect, but not to kill was something that Flaredrick never really obeyed. The code was useless now.
He knelled at the fallen Toa, who was barely alive, said his last words to him, "Do not let me die in vain...like the way yours did. You know what to do." He gave him his sword and said, "Take my sword and carry on what we never accomplished. Now...I will be with the Great Spirit...and you will carry me on through your journey."
With that the Toa of Fire died. Flaredrick could not say anything after seeing another team member die before him. But now was a new dawn, and the time to re-live one's life is now upon him. He took his sword and placed it on his back. He buried the Toa of Fire and laid his mask on top of his burial ground. He then walked off into the sun, in search of a brand new beginning to call his own.
OOC: That is the end.
IC: Morok in Le-Wahi
Morok quickly ran through the Le-Wahi trail scanning the area for where ever Vuracious maybe.
"This is my chance to set things right", said Morok.
He quickly went to Le-Koro.
OOC: By dispose, you mean kill, right?
IC(Roase-Po-Koro):
Roase halted his beating of the Matoran waiter when Araedrex walked in. He gave him a rather toothy grin, but as he left, Roase looked at Maioro. "What was that about, mister Toa?"
IC(Kaerhi-Ko-Koro):
"Well, um, thank you for the teanotreally, I think we should be going now. Sorry."
IC: Vuracious in Le-Koro
Vuracious sat in a more peaceful place in Le-Koro wonder where Murcurious was. He had full intent on pursuing him.
"Where could he be", he asked out loud as if expecting a response.
IC: Morok in Le-Koro
Morok ran around scanning the area. He didn't even know if this was the right place, but if it was he'd better look harder.
After scanning hut after hut, he remembered hearing somebody yell not to long ago and it seem to be northwest of him, so, he went in that direction.
IC: (Tarotrix/Ta-Koro)
It had happened so fast. Too fast. The Rahkshi had came marching through the gates, he remembered. Guards stood in tight formation, spears and shields outward. Arrows whined overhead. Screams of "Ta-Koro!" consumed the air. The booming of horns echoed through the village's black stones. Boulders and flares of flame hurdled at the enemy. It was all Tarotrix had expected of a battle this magnitude. For five or so minutes, they had held firm. Then more and more Rahkshi had came, slicing through Toa and Matoran alike. Another officer had ordered a retreat. But Tarotrix, a Toa of Stone, and other guards who followed said officer, got cut off from the rest of the host.
For what seemed like an eternity, he, and nearly twenty five other guards fought off three Rahkshi. They were stuck there, right outside the Guard's eastern station. One Rahkshi, a tall, hissing mass of ebony armor, tried to break their ranks. It stabbed three men right through the throat, and blasted one into the lava with a sonic blast.
Within seconds, Tarotrix, the Toa and twelve others swarmed the beast, while the other guards distracted the two remaining beasts. The screeching was louder then anything he'd ever heard and it swung its staff at an unnatural speed. But somehow, they managed to pin it to the ground. Writhing and fighting them with all its strength, Tarotrix took out his gladius and pried open the Kraata's control chamber. He and the officer began to stab and stab the Kraata, thirty times, he counted. After five seconds, the Rahkshi was dead.
His armor covered in Kraata blood, he had raised his sword, and yelled at his men to hold rank. The two other Rahkshi began to circle. But, in a seeming act of Mata Nui's kind love, the two began to fight one another. "Charge!" he had yelled, but by then the two were nearly dead. The next thing he heard was the gleeful cries of victory from guardsmen a half mile away. That was when he knew they'd won.
Now, after the storm had long since past, Taro found himself among the wreckage, with two young guards in tow. Oh, and a wheelbarrow. They were picking up the shells of the dead Ebon Rahkshi. It and two others were stacked nice and high. Nice armor they would make. Very nice armor.
"Good, gentlemen, take them to my home. Here, have some widgets for your troubles."
With that said, he ran back to his home and changed. Changed into the fanciest tunic he owned. After all, it wasn't every day the Makuta died. Grabbing some extra cash, he casually walked on over to the Lavapool Inn. There, he found Grochi, sitting there and enjoying himself. Taro took a seat right on next to him, and ordered two glasses of the finest Bula Wine. He took a sip, and maneuvered the glass to the front of the Toa.
"I guess even rats deserve a victory drink."
IC: Janas (in Le-Koro)
I've seen enough fighting and killing to last a lifetime. I'm going to strike out on my own. And enough of my stupid name, now it's time for a change. From now on, I'll be called Vaus! But if I'm going to become a wanderer, I need something more suited to my needs. Kind of like a pickaxe, but with a surprise or two in tow. Well, if that's the case, I better head off to Ta-Koro. I don't know how long this will take, or when I'll get to see my cousin again, but I know that things will turn out for the best.
IC: [united We Stand] - Mata Nui
IC: [Plagia] - Le-Koro
"Oh for crying out loud, would you two just smooch already?!"
There's something to be said about a girl whose scars and stitches and bandages are covered with more scars and stitches and bandages, who had managed to cross Karz and come back to the other side relatively sane, who had lost both of her swords, -- her only real livelihood -- and who had more emotional baggage than the entirety of the Onu-Koro lost luggage claim department... and was still agitated by the fact that two people weren't kissing.
Or maybe it was because of all those things, that it was so bloody important for me to see Kehuri and Naru mack (and yeah, I realize how weird that sounds, but I swear that it was better in my head); after all the fighting and bloodshed and death I had seen in the past month, something as simple as resolved romantic tension might have been enough to make things seem... well, normal.
At least as normal as they were ever going to be on this island.
"But seriously, guys," I added, smiling from my leaning-spot next to the window, arms crossed across my chest as if to salvage some of my tough-guy rep, "Glad to see you're okay."
IC: [Gunner] - The Infernavika
"Lohkar, you bloody fool..."
We had won, right? The Rahkshi were gone, the Makuta was dead, the day was saved; that meant we had won.
"We did it, Lohkar," I muttered, pacing erratically around and around the deck of the 'Vika, "We saved Ga-Koro; we did the right thing. We were the good guys for a change."
This is the part of the story where the heroes ride off into the sunset. Where we're all smiling and laughing and toasting our victory -- where everyone is happy.
"Lohkar, you... you--" I stumbled for words; my mouth didn't feel like it fit on my face; my words sank in my throat before I could speak, "We saved the day, we came back alright, and... and... this is what you leave us to find?"
This is part where the Captain of the ship offers a toast to our efforts and makes a few heartwarming comments which remind the audience that he's that bad of a guy.
I collapsed on the nearest crate that I could find, my head toppling into my cradled hands like Humpty Dumpty off of the wall, and all I can do is mutter about how stupid Lohkar was for trying to fight off those Rahkshi, and that we could've just escaped, and that his sacrifice wouldn't be remembered in any history book and why did he have to die out of every person on this godforsaken island why him and on and on and on...
And then coherency hit.
"Someone get me a freakin' drink."
IC: [Rynekk] - The Fowadi
A lot of things happened to me after that battle.
First off, I got a new mask. My old one had been smashed to bits by a rahkstaff, and I had haphazardly swapped out the fragments for a slightly-more-shiny mask of psychometry. I'm not too bummed; besides, I didn't really like that Kakama anyway. Too unpredictable for my tastes.
Secondly, I found a new spear. One of the staffs which I managed to scavenge off of a broken Rahkshi. Vorahk, I think. It's a nice weapon -- powerful, elegant, graceful, strong, sturdy -- it's like the Toa Tool, despite having been created by the worst villain in recorded history. It's steely veneer flickers in the faint light, giving it almost a glow which could simultaneously be called angelic and demonic. There's no weapon like it; this is the best I may have ever laid eyes on.
And thirdly?
Thirdly, I threw that staff into the water without a second thought.
IC: [Eniblad] - Ko-Koro
Among the remaining ILF, Eniblad appeared to have ended the worst off. His fiery halo had long since worn off, leaving his body starved for elemental energy. His own armour was battered, burnt and quite nearly broken in some parts. His sinew was torn and bloodied, ripped apart and shredded by both the rahkstaffs flying through the air, and his own over-exertion. Karz, he was only still moving thanks to the fact that he only needed his mind to power his Kadin.
But of course, his childish, now-unnerving smile remained on his battered visage.
And of course, he was one of the first to speak.
"So... did that violent interaction go well?"
-Void
IC: Morok and Vuracious in Le-Koro
Morok ran towards the direction he thought he heard the yelling and sure enough, there he was. Morok silently ambushed him.
Vuracious just sat as the cool breeze went by. Then suddenly a sharp, burning pain went through his shoulder.
"GAAAHH", he yelped in pain, instinctively pulling out his sword to fend off against the attacker.
The blades clashed and when he turned around and yelled,"WHO THE KARZ ARE Y-!"
He stopped to look at the attack noticing his lime and red colors.
"No, no, no, NO!", he yelled,"It couldn't be....Morok? You're dead! I saw your island and all of its inhabitants perish!
IC-Grochi (Ta-Wahi):
"And I guess even a glory-seeking fool deserves to share in the celebrations, eh?" Grochi asked, cracking a smile; now that the battle was over, he couldn't care less what this Matoran decided to do. After a moment, the cake Grochi had ordered earlier came out, the Toa dropping down widgets of his own.
"Eat up."
IC-Verak (Infernavika):
"I have whisky right here, Gunner," Verak called to the Toa of Air. "Join my toast!"
IC: Morok and Vuracious in Le-Koro
"I don't know, maybe I am dead, but if I am, I'm back from Karzahni to slay your ( OOC: I think you all know what word I was going to use.)"
Morok shot fire at Vuracious from his two Magma Swords attempting to melt him. Viracious, however, seeing this as being predictable, shot a blast of wind at the flames hurling them back at their creator. Morok, however, redirected the blast, but not in enough time to melt the toa of air who quickly jumped out of the way before Morok even though of redirecting the redirected flames.
Viracious used his powers of air to boost a jump he made into a tree.
"You're going to have to do better than that Morok!", he yelled, quickly hopping to another tree in hope that Morok didn't know where Vuracious was.
IC: Floria - Vika'
Two steps. Then three.
She didn't really move from her spot on the boat. Well, she had, when she'd began slicing Rahkshi to pieces from behind, blowing them off the ship with her air, all of those things.
But now, she just stopped. She hadn't known Lohkar long, but she'd been acknowledged to become part of the crew. And that was really enough.
2 tears. Then three. Then more.
Lohkar had been a symbol for her, after all. To her, he'd represented freedom, and she was happy to follow him where freedom brought the crew.
Now.....
IC: Tellus
Tellus looked at the Cap'n for a few seconds more. He smiled sadly- he simply couldn't think of the Cap'n as 'the body.'
He looked at Verak and shook his head, then turned to Gunner. He felt a stab of sorrow. They had already lost the Cap'n.... and, in a very real way, they now risked losing Gunner. Softly, he said, "Gunner, if ye don't mind me sayin', I don't think now is tha time fer drinkin'."
IC: Morok and Vuracious in Le-Koro
Morok with no other option he could think of; shot fire from his hands like flame throwers burning every tree in sight.
"You fool," said Viracious silently.
He then shot Morok with his sword in front him wounding Morok's side then quickly blasting air at him, however, Morok swiftly dropped to the ground and rolled out the way, then jumped to his feet and shot a blast of flames at Vuracious.
I let out a laugh, a surprised and giddy laugh. “I’m not sure if I should be overjoyed that Makuta is good and dead or if I should be mad at you for admitting to drugging my lunch with hallucinogens!” I gave Tillian a good punch in the shoulder, though in the end I think it hurt my hand more than it did Tillian’s shoulder. “Ow!”
IC: Morok and Vuracious in Le-Koro
Vuracious shot a good half of the flames away with a cool blast of wind, however, most of the other half hit him.
Morok then ran towards Vuracious, pulling out his Magma Swords he then jumped and swung.
CLING-TING!
When the smoke cleared a badly burnt Vuracious was still holding his ground against Morok. They then clashed swords again and again attempting to wound each other in any way.
CANK, TINK! Sounds like this were repeatedly heard all through out Le-Koro.
Vuracious and Morok clashed swords again then jumped back to the point they were four meters away from each other, then, almost simultaneously; they released their elemental powers at each other.
IC (Ga-Koro)
In the aftermath of the Rahkshi attack, the villagers of Ga-Koro were jubilant, but also plaintive. When the sons of Makuta had been purged from the village, all suddenly recalled the battle that taken place just before the assault, when the Toa Arete had revealed their true colours, and set to killing each other.
The docks were no more now than so much flotsam and jetsam. What the Arete had given, they had also taken away. There were few casualties, and most of those that perished were Marines. Ga-Koro's guard mourned their deaths, but also celebrated that they died defending their home. There was no greater honour.
As the people of Ga-Koro set to rebuilding their village, there was, for awhile, a question that lingered at the back of every mind: where was Ketan, the Toa who had secretly been plotting against them call along?
Some of the Arete had been seen fleeing the village; others had held their ground against the Rahkshi, changing sides in the last moments and redeeming themselves. But Ketan... no one knew. The last anyone had seen of him was the ferocious duel he had fought with Decaia and Kynaera, when he had traded in his handsome smile for a shark's grimace. Some recalled a wave that washed the lily pads clean of bloodshed; still others remembered, even as they ran for the gates to hold back the invading Rahkshi, seeing the Toa of air drag himself out of the ocean and lie, exhausted, on a scorched and stained lily pad.
Where had he gone after that? No one knew. While most were content simply in the fact that he was gone, there were some who dwelt upon more worrisome thoughts. Ketan was a snake, and that snake had disappeared. Who knew if -or when- Greed would strike again?
After all, the most dangerous enemy is the one you cannot see.
IC: Kehuri
The Toa of Earth's face felt as hot as if Naru had fired plasma at it. "G-good to see you're okay too, Pla-- Professor." He chanced a smile, glad he'd managed to retort to her jab. He couldn't help but glance at Naru, though. She looked a lot less beat-up than he did, and likely a whole lot prettier. Good thing, considering he'd done his best to protect her. It's only natural for the shield to get more of a beating than the one wielding it. He quickly considered actually giving in to Plagia's demand, but couldn't bring himself to do it. He liked Naru, that much he would admit. But did he like her enough? Could he build a lasting relationship based on the feelings he had so far? With someone he'd met less than a week prior? He didn't know, so he wouldn't make the first move. But with a face of confidence, looked back at Naru, "Lips or fist? Your choice."
IC: Morok and Vuracious in Le-Koro
After the blast of the two elements fire and air were release the two toa charged at each other with swords ready and charged with their element.
The results were burning trees, and demolished huts to the point they weren't even recognizable as huts. Yet, both toa continued to battle to the death.
IC: JL - Axeron [Ta-Koro]
Rumble. Rumble.
The cohesive steps of the Rahkshi bore fear straight into the hearts of Ta-Koro's defenders. This fear was about to ignite - ignite with the tension that the village had held ever since.....ever since.....he couldn't tell. The death of Turaga Vakama had built up the tension to insurmountable heights - now, with this army of Rahkshi getting closer and closer to the gate each second, either the blood vessel to the brain was popped and the whole system slumped.....or some miracle happened.
JL shook his head. As much as miracles were supposed to happen on this 'island paradise', it seemed rare.....right?
The sounds of cannons and energy blasts cut him out of his self contemplation, and he himself added electricity to the mix of explosives, elemental barrages, mask powers, Skakdi and Vortixx creations, and the full strength of an defensive attack that, if used anywhere else, would have traumatized those who were being struck by the might of Ta-Koro.
Not this time.
The Rahkshi continued walking, blasting energy to combat energy, user their staves with high accuracy to block some of the projectile weapons. It was scary - Ta-Koro, village of fire, built into the heart of a pool of magma, was fighting a losing battle to a bunch of worms in worm armor.
Still, who said they weren't planned? The plans of Perkahn, Tarotrix and all the others didn't have the full time to be fully prepared, but it was enough. Thanks to their efforts, more Rahkshi were downed before the others started to walk a little bit faster. JL continued to hurl electricity towards the Rahkshi vanguard, and he was pretty sure he managed to pick one or two off. But in the end, despite valiant efforts of nearly half an hour of successful defense, nobody had enough ideas to stop them from getting through the gates, into the village, and start their full offensive.
That was when it got a bit fun. Most of the Toa and Matoran leapt off from their spots, and immediately went into close combat against the Rahkshi.
* * *
Some time later.....
Axeron cut, smashed and fought for his life and those around him. He had originally been beside Butra when the fighting began, but all the evasion, the attacking, the helping out, the blasting of flames into the face of a Rahkshi as his hidden blade came of his forearm guard to stab another in the slits of his armor had brought him just somewhere inside Ta-Koro fighting.
A single Lerahk charged its staff and fired a beam of poison energy towards Axeron. With Calix enhanced reflexes and power, he leapt to the side, where he unleashed twin flames towards the Rahkshi. It's response? It simply walked through the flame, ignoring the pain as it's body armor started to glow. It swung it's staff which Axeron barely blocked with his sword as he cut off his elemental power. The Lerahk screeched in his face, spittle coming out of the open faceplate and the ugly worm inside before it closed up again. Axeron grunted, and dropped down low, swiping his leg to trip the Lerahk, left leg first. The larger, uglier opponent's left leg was flipped out from under, but a staff game down into Axeron's gut to balance out the loss of a leg on the ground.
Axeron spat blood in pain, then pointed his sword towards the Rahkshi, and unleashed all of his fury, all of the internal fire that burned within a Ta-Toa's core, into a single beam of white hot fire that melted through the Rahkshi's chest armor, cleaving it in half. The pieces left toppled, the legs remaining in place while the torso came crashing upon Axeron, who kicked off the stave and rolled away just in time to not have his face stung by the Kraata.
Stupid Kraata, he thought, and with a sense of anger brought his foot unto the lowly worm who crawled away in fear after it's armor was terminated.
*Shlick!*
His eye's fell upon a nearby Toa of Lightning....
* * *
A minute prior.....
JL fought against a Farahk. Well, that was what it seemed like. He didn't really know the name of a Fa-Rahkshi, so he just named the guy 'Farahk' and proceeded to try to fight with whatever he could. The tactics were familiar - he'd faced certain Toa of Magnetism before, and he'd hated it. He also knew electricity could do something to affect Electricity, so every time the Fa-Rahkshi decided to magnetize him then try to crush him or stab him, he'd just electrify himself, or the air beside him, to disrupt the magnetic hold over his metallic body as he turned and went on the offensive again.
Slash. His sword parried the Rahkshi's staff, sparks flying from the air as his electrified sword clanged agains the long metallic weapon the Rahkshi held with both hands. A magnetic and physical push from the Rahkshi launched JL backwards, flipping through the air.
Reyna, where?
Get ready to fire to your right side!
That was the great thing about having an Anxilia; you always had an advantage. JL charged his sword, and aimed at his right. His body continued to be flung through the air, but he still had enough focus to fire as he spun perpendicular to the Rahkshi. Firing from the right side smacked the Rahkshi right on, launching him backwards and removing the hold of the magnetic push. JL started to fall, and hit the ground hard when he did.
Stay down!
Why?
Twin laser beams flew from over his head, nearly ripping his skull open for his brain juice to ooze out. Instead, it went towards the Rahkshi of Magnetism.
Oh. Thanks.
No problem. Now, get up and run left. The sonar coming back from the Arthron seems to show that a Jewelry and Furniture shop is there.
Perfect.
Picking himself up, JL followed Reyna's orders, a cohesive unison in battle meaning that they would never be beaten. Another beam of laser came, melting the ground where the Toa of Lightning was just a second ago. Quickly, he ducked into the nearest building, which, sure enough, was a shop that had chairs and diamonds and pretty things. The one he temporarily borrowed, though, was a mirror.
Haha! Can't wait to see the look on that Rahkshi's face!
Wait, there's a nearby Toa fighting a Lerahk.
We're more than a bit busy ourselves, right?
Well....you could at least redirect the laser-
Nah. He can handle it!
If you say so. Get ready to have the mirror angled immediately. The Rahk is just staring right at you.
JL jumped outwards, and the Rahkshi instantly fired lasers from it's eyes, two magnificent, beautiful red beams of light that would have been better as a light show than as a death ray. Thankfully, the mirror was very well polished, and most of the laser was reflected backwards. Of course, it still absorbed some of the heat, and by the time the Rahkshi was blasted through the head by it's own laser, JL, whose hands were slightly burnt, had already let go of the mirror, which was smoking, the metal having molten onto the ground.
JL, how about you help the Toa now?
I said - he can handle it! We've got other things to worry about.
As he looked around, he did manage to see the Toa of Fire, who blasted flames right through a Rahkshi, severing it in half.
Told you so. Now, where to, Reyna?
Uh......######! You've gotta-
* * *
Axeron looked at the Rahkshi of Magnetism, missing a leg, and it's staff, which was impaled between his chest. He looked back at the Toa of Lightning, a look on his face of confusion. Blood blurted from his mouth, mixing with sweat and tears, as he slowly faded away.
So that's that, huh.
All I can say is........
I'm sorry, Flay.
* * *
JL just stared, for a second.
Then the tears came.
Then the anger.
Then the bang, as uncontrolled electricity blasted from all his body towards the Rahkshi, who was powerless to stop it from vaporizing everything within the magnetic monster's surrounding.
Then came the black.
IC: He paused for a moment, hesitant.Fate favors the bold, kid.
He smiled gently, spreading his arms wide. "I'm told." he chuckled, stepping forward and embracing Arianna."Hey, Mom. Been a while, hasn't it?"
IC: Lasinia; Ga-Koro
Lasinia pulled herself up onto the side of the Infernavika, face expressionless as she stared at the dead body of her captain. Lohkar had not been as entertaining to annoy compared to Raknar, but she still felt a certain sense of kinship with the Lesterin pirate. He had been a larger than life figure; someone who she felt could not die. But he still did. And his corpse lay on the deck of the ship, motionless.
A sound emerged from her throat. If it was a choked sob or the beginnings of a cackle, she didn't know. She didn't even know how to react. Her captain (She had stopped thinking of him as Funny Blue Person and as 'her captain' for a while) was dead, and she had no idea how to react.
She forcibly grabbed a bottle of whiskey from Verak, silently watching as the liquid within sloshed around. Her eyes rose to meet her captain's body once more, and she handed the bottle back to her fellow pirate.
"When you drink the water," the Toa of Lightning whispered, tone heavy with unknown emotions, "remember the spring."
Turning away, Lasinia began to walk towards the cabins.
"We will need to give him a funeral."
IC Yasurek- Ga-koro- Infernavika:
The fight had been a bit more unexpected than Yasurek would have liked. Without so much as a loud hiss, the rahkshi were on the move. Almost immediately, Yasurek began assisting with the cannon barrage. Rahkshi may have been strong, but even they don't like cannon fire on their heads.
Soon though, the two ships had been noticed and boarding by the rahkshi began to commence. With a number of the crew taking part in a ground assault, Yasurek remained behind to assist the crew in protecting the ship. Even as the rahkshi flew towards the ship, Yasurek could only think about the fact that no matter where he was in this fight, he was going to die.
The first rahkshi began to land. He was just a mere matoran, fighting among other beings of much greater power against a force that dwarfed theirs in both number and strength. Here he was, an ex-guard turned pirate fighting off an invasion by Makuta's own spawn in a village that wasn't his own. A man who had left his life behind seeking an oppurtunity to do more good for the world, helping to ward off evil itself.
Life has an odd way of giving you what you want, he thought to himself, ducking under a slash from the creature he was fighting. The rahkshi stabbed its staff downwards, attempting to pierce the ko-matoran to the boat, but he rooled out of the way, letting the staff imbed itself in the deck wood. The monster's faceplate opened for a second to allow the kraata inside to let out an annoyed hiss. It soon turned into a very pained and high-pitched hiss.
Turns out rahkshi also don't like spears in their interior. Who would have guessed?
Yasurek had little time to celebrate though, for as soon as he had retrieved his spear he was forced to quickly turn and block an incoming slash. The slash was followed by a kick that sent Yasurek flying across the deck, skidding to a halt on the other tip of the ship. He cursed physics as he got up and prepared to rejoin the fight when an idea struck him. Since he wasn't really equiped to fight the rahkshi head on, why not just assist his fellow crew. After all, the rahkshi were too busy focusing on the greater threat to retaliate against a mere matoran. He made his was through the brawl, flitting about, stabbing and tripping up any rahkshi he came across and vanishing before retaliation could be administered. It was helping, but Yasurek knew that they wouldn't be able to keep it up.
That is, until the behavior of the rahkshi suddenly changed. No longer were they the organized killing force of before. Now, they seemed to be confused, apprehensive about their current situation. Infighting began followed shortly by retreat. It seemed that the fight would be won. That was when he noticed the Lerahk. It was an ordinary Lerahk, had a staff, seemed to have taken some damage, nothing special. But what was on the end of its staff was what Yasurek focused on.
It was Lohkar.
The first logical thought to enter Yasurek's mind was to try to get some medicine or aid for Lohkar, but that thought was shortly drowned out by righteous fury. He leaped forward.
The Lerahk died.
That was the only thing to be said about the matter.
A now covered in blood Yasurek rushed to his captain's side. He examined the wound and knew that it was almost certainly fatal, especially with the venom included. He felt for a pulse and could feel nothing. He lowered his head.
Wait, why would he have a pulse? We're all mostly mechanical, said the logical part of his brain. He checked Lohkar's heartlight. It was dark.
Wait, sometimes heartlights go out temporarily for other reasons, like shock or something, the logical part of his mind chimed in. He checked for any breathing. There was none.
Maybe he's just hiding, said the illogical part of his mind. He didn't address it, instead leaving the logical part of his mind to give it a very stern talking to. Around him, the other crew members gathered, all knowing the fate of their captain. Some were speachless. Some spoke of toasts for the dead, of funerals to be had. Yasurek didn't care about any of that though. All he could recognize about the world right now was that Lohkar, his captain, confidant, inspiration, leader, and friend was gone. Forever. He stepped away from the body and made his was to the edge of the ship. He looked out at the landscape, at the island of Mata Nui and how healthy it looked, as if a burden had been lifted from the island itself. He looked up at the sky and felt a warmth and light from the sun that he had not felt before. He thought about the change in the rahkshi's behavior. All of this pointed to Makuta being gone.
But how? he thought. He remembered hearing some mumbling about a mysterious toa that had arrived in Ga-koro after the rahkshi's defeat bringing word of Makuta's defeat, but that was impossible. That would require toa to live up to the legends.
Could it be that we're finally able to rely on others somewhat for help? he thought. Is it finally possible to believe again?
He took another glance at the body of his fallen captain. A weight filled his insides, squirming about in his stomach. It wasn't grief however; it was a question that he had to ask himself.
Can I bring myself to believe in things again? Can I trust in others and things that have been predicted, knowing that even with success things of even greater value will be taken from us? Can I let myself do that knowing that next time it might not be just one of the people close to me? What if next time the final battle takes Lasinia and Gunner, or Tellus and Zmija and Verak? What if by that time I actually care enough about Floria that I'd feel bad if she died? Can I go on like this? How can I deal with this pressure on my own without him?
"That's the thing Yasurek; You're not the only person on the island who wants to do the right thing."
That's what the Boss said to me all those years ago when I first set out. He knew that it was my duty to go out on my own and keep the peace. He would have probably come with me too if he hadn't been at the rank he was.
"An' every other time, you've always been reliable. Dependable."
Yeah, but you still died, even with me around to watch your ba- NO, WE ARE NOT BLAMING OURSELVES, BECAUSE THAT'S STUPID. He was fighting rahkshi, we were fighting rahkshi. He didn't have spatial awareness, it happens. It wasn't our fault, and that's final. And yet, I still feel empty. Maybe there's a void in me where he used to reside, but I have no idea how to fill it.
With life's experiences, same as everyone else dealing with issues?
You know what, that might actually be a good idea. I mean, no matter how much I might grieve over his death, I'm still here. It's up to me to carry his legacy with me, along with the rest of the crew. And with them, I won't be on my own. I might be midshipman, and I may be useful, but I'm still a part of this group, and I can't let myself be led astray. But know this Lohkar: I will carry on, and whether as a piarate or not, I won't let you be forgotten. I will carry your legacy with me, just as I carry my spears.
He turned back around to face the rest of the crew as they mourned in their own ways. He looked down at his former captain and saluted.
"Captain Lohkar Sir, you were a man of inspiration, tact, and a very confusing amount of luck. I think I speak for the rest of the crew when I say that you will be missed, and that we will never forget you. You're probably in a better place now, but know that the mortal realm is also looking a lot brighter, and that was due to your help just as much as any of ours. You have guided us and set all of us on a path to follow, and I thank you for it." He released his salute, whispering one last comment to himself.
"Goodbye my friend."
IC: Whorok and NPC (Onu-Wahi)
The dry smell hung in the air, as if the titanic battle that had taken place had sucked the humidity from the Sea of Soil itself. Whorok couldn't hear anything, and he couldn't detect much movement in the earth around him, aside from a few spasms from Kraata and mutilated victims of the Rahkshi's fury.
Whorok himself wasn't much better off: The hunchback had taken a fatal blow to his side, a blast from a Lerahk that had pumped the deadly substance into his body, sending tendrils of pain lashing out within him. He'd done it to protect an injured Matoran.
The tunnel he was fighting in had suffered a cave-in, and he'd been smothered in his own element. So now he lay there, partly buried in stone, mud, soil and pebbles. Sighing to himself as he ignored the throbbing pain in his side.
"He-hello?"
Whorok looked up, and there was the Matoran he'd protected from the Lerahk's blast, from the looks of it she was still injured, her arm was in an awkward position as she cradled it with her other arm, and a trail of dried blood ran the length of it from fingertip to shoulder.
"Are you okay?" She asked, and took a step closer to where the broken Toa was taking his final breaths.
"As long as Onu-Koro survives, I will be" Whorok replied. His vision was fading in and out, and it was getting harder to breathe.
"Thanks for saving me" the Matoran replied, and gave a weak smile.
"I'm a Toa, aren't I. It's what I do"
Whorok was surprised to find that he didn't feel any regret about sacrificing himself to save a "blasted surface-dweller" as he usually would describe them. But this Matoran hadn't been that, she'd been a life in danger, and Whorok had saved that life.
Whorok knew he'd said many things about surface-dwellers over the years, quite a lot of it of the kind that would be best kept behind closed doors. But today he'd seen warriors, nay, heroes, of all kinds stand up and die for his village with just as much valor as himself. Today he'd fought beside them, and today he'd fought for his Koro, and they had prevailed. Whorok just knew that they had.
"You're hurt" the Matoran said as she readjusted her arm so she could inspect Whorok's wound more closely.
"I'm not the one who matters here, only Onu-Koro matters" Whorok insisted "I'm not going to survive, not this time"
The Matoran was silent for a while as she took a few looks around, there was nothing anywhere but dirt and soil, nothing of any value or usefulness.
"I'm glad to die for my Koro" Whorok finished.
"I'll... I'll make sure people remember you" the Matoran said "it's the least I can do"
"You do as you wish... I'm going to rest now" Whorok said.
"What's your name?" the Matoran asked.
"Whorok"
"I'm Xarya" she replied "and I'll make sure they remember you, Whorok"
Whorok smiled and closed his eyes, finally drifting off to eternity.
Not seconds later, Xarya saw the cave wall collapse as a rescue team tumbled in. With a bluster of efficiency and dedication, they rapidly dug Whorok out and helped the two back to the Koro.
***Some time Later***
Xarya was standing across from a tombstone, one among many in the graveyard dedicated to the fallen heroes of the battle against the Makuta's legions.
She readjusted her backpack as she threw a single, solitary salute at the tombstone. On it was this inscription:
Here lies Whorok.
A man of dedication and loyalty
And a true hero
"I'll remember you, Whorok" Xarya promised to the tombstone. She waved one last goodbye, and then started on her lonely way into the tunnels. She had places to go, and things to do, but no one could imagine what was in store for her...
IC: Naru
It was a Karz of a good thing that her Kanohi was orange, as it hid the blush rapidly spreading across her face quite well. Plagia looked like a lightning-throwing mummy clad in blue and yellow armor. And of course she would have mentioned that. Naru didn't glance at the Toa of Earth, though the Toa of Plasma looked like she was just going to punch him again to get it over with. Naru rolled her eyes, and did exactly that.
Just before kissing the Toa of Earth full-on.
OOC:
fine
i'll do something nice
before i go on character killing spree
IC: Kehuri
The Toa of Earth thought he'd had enough for one day already... But it was okay. For some reason he felt he had a debt to the Toa of Plasma that he hadn't repaid yet. For a second, he felt a pang of disappointment as well as humor. And then it was gone when the Toa of Plasma's lips met his. Any feeling that this was happening too quickly left his head as he kissed her back. Ignoring the dull throb in his side, he gently pulled Naru to a sitting position in his arms.
It was strange, knowing that somebody was yours, and that you belonged to them in turn. To actually have somebody reciprocate such strong feelings. It was alien to him, but welcome, bringing a rush of warmth to his chest the likes of which he'd never experienced before. The warm figure in his arms felt so comfortable, and right, there.
Then Kehuri remembered Plagia and Atox were there.
His eyes flew open, though he didn't break the kiss, a huge blush under his mask.
OOC: Thought Atox was done, but I can't seem to help posting uber-long posts as him. Oh, well
IC(Atox, Le-koro medical station):
The healing had begun.
I saw it in Naru and Kehuri's eyes as they kissed, some of the pain gone from the living death we had all gone through. The kind of things we had all gone through in the past few months were nothing to laugh at. The pain, anger, and destruction still existed; they would fight all around us, every day of our lives. But here, here was a safe haven. In the company of friends. As long as one had someone to lean on, they would never need to face the dark alone.
I looked down at my injury. The healer who had fixed me up said that the edge of the staff cut deep, all the way across my torso. It would take months to heal, she had said, and that I would never regain the full strength that I once had. The wound was currently full of stitches, and it hurt to move, but I didn't really care. The Island was safe, for now. A small physical debilitation was a minor price to pay. And besides, you didn't need physical mobility to use a shield, anyway.
I looked at the pair again. True, the toa of Earth and the toa of Plasma were an unlikely pair; seeming to fit better in romantic tales of times gone by. And yet, I never saw Orange and Black go so well together until now. Kehuri began to blush, the rose-colored tint showing ever so slightly behind the mask.
And then I laughed. Not a chuckle, not a guffaw, but a deep, hearty Laugh that echoed across the battlefield.
Some Matoran and Toa gave me some blank stares, obviously wondering if I was insane. My body screamed the same, threatening to pull each individual stitch out with excruciating pain. But do you know what? I didn't care a Muaka's rear end. The weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I was free.
"You know, Kehuri, I think she likes you."
I looked over at Plagia, and gave her a wink. "Why don't we let these youngsters have some time to themselves."
I walked away, giving the young Onu-toa and the Su-Toa some time to "wrap up loose ends."
Life was looking much brighter. Much brighter, indeed.
-Elrond