Jump to content

TAHU vs. TAHU


Voltex

Recommended Posts

g2_big_banner.jpg

 

episode_0_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 00: THE NEW ARRIVALS

 

The world was blurry as he awoke, everything shifting out of focus. There was a slight shuddering, something rumbling under the ground beneath his feet as he pulled himself out of the container and slowly stood. He glanced around the room he was inside, frowning as he witnessed the surroundings whizzing past them outside of the window.

 

I am in a car, he thought, before shaking his head.

 

How did he know that?

 

It did not matter - information was beginning to trickle back into his head. It was January 2015, and they were currently en-route to a distribution center before they could be placed on store shelves. Judging by the various boxes scattered across the back seat and on the floor of the vehicle, he figured that the driver was planning to keep them for themselves.

 

Not on my watch.

 

Grabbing the spare golden mask that had been within his box, the red-armored figure - my name is Tahu, he remembered - glanced up at the massive being (it was called a ‘human’, he knew) with grim determination.

 

He had to stop the vehicle.

 

---

 

The tires of the transport truck squealed as it slid across the wet road, unable to grip the slippery surface as it continued to gather speed down the hill. Lightning flashed across the sky like a flashlight in a dark room, and thunder boomed so loud that the driver felt as if he was going to fall deaf. He furiously fought with the wheel and the brakes in a desperate attempt to maintain control, but it was obvious even to him that he was quickly losing the battle to nature (and, unbeknownst to him, a plastic toy). The truck and its cargo shuddered as a furious wind slammed into it from the side, sending it skittering onto the opposite side of the road, where luckily no other vehicles were approaching. Muttering a series of expletives under his breath, the driver managed to edge back onto the right side of the road as the truck coasted past the bottom of the hill and into the suburban neighborhood, whizzing past houses of increasing size and property value.

 

A horn blared from behind, and the driver foolishly glanced backwards to see another truck of the same size bearing down upon him, also caught in the grasp of the weather. The driver was suddenly flung forwards as his own truck jumped over the curb, plowing through a row of rosebushes and veering towards a light blue bungalow. He swerved away, tires now digging into the muddy yard as the truck spun back towards the road, the giant trailer swinging back and bouncing off of a tree as the truck re-joined the road. The latch holding the cargo door at the back of the trailer snapped on the impact, and the door began to bounce open and shut.

 

Gritting his teeth, the driver continued to fight for control as the back end of the trailer re-joined the road, only for it to suddenly swerve onto the opposite side just as a large flatbed truck going the opposite direction raced by, slamming into the trailer. There was a bang as the trailer and the flatbed both crumpled, the flatbed flipping onto the nearby yard and the trailer swinging back across the road, dragging the transport truck to a stop before it and the trailer flipped onto their side, skidding across the ground.

 

As the collision occurred, the driver’s side door popped open just wide enough for five small boxes to be flung out into the air, landing on the street next to the truck. They were followed by a red plastic toy, who stumbled and slipped as he landed. He quickly dragged the other boxes out of view as humans began to gather above and survey the damage; the boxes, meanwhile, began to shudder as their occupants attempted to force their way out. A box somewhere in the middle popped open a few seconds later and a smaller silver and brown figure crawled out, gasping for breath as he frantically slipped amidst the wreckage and out into the open air, rain droplets the size of his hands splattering across his plastic armor.

 

There was a SNAP, and the figure turned to see the figure clad in red scramble away from where he had been observing the humans, cursing his noisy pieces. Wordlessly, the silver figure grabbed two of the boxes, while the red one grabbed the others; they dragged them away from the wreckage for several minutes before collapsing amongst a set of bushes.

 

“Holy crud, it felt like we were going a thousand miles an hour,” the figure in silver said, trying to regain control of his breathing. “What happened?”

 

The red set wordlessly pointed back where they had come, where many humans were now gathering. Sirens wailed in the distance.

 

“Well... that’s definitely a crash,” said the silver one. “Did we actually fall out of the truck?”

 

“You didn’t fall so much as I, uh, threw you,” said the red one. “We hit something, and then presumably that other truck that’s upside down hit us. I took the opportunity that I was given.”

 

“Well, it sucks to be them,” the silver one said with a shrug, turning back to the other boxes. “but the others are still stuck in their living death traps, and I heard at the factory that the outside world is tough for people like us at the best of times.”

 

“People like us?” the red set asked, sounding curious. “You… remember?”

 

The silver one paused. “Er… well, kinda. Bits and pieces, y’know.”

 

The red figure fell silent again, starting to wrestle with the larger box depicting a white figure labelled ‘Kopaka’. After a brief moment of struggling, he spoke again.

 

“What’s your name?”

 

“Pohatu. You’re… Tahu, right?”

 

“Yeah, that’s me,” the red one answered, frowning as his attempts to open the other box failed.

 

“Nice golden mask,” Pohatu noted, gesturing towards the golden mask that Tahu had stuck on his shoulder.

 

“I wouldn’t know, I haven’t used it yet,” said Tahu. “Hey, could you help me with this?”

 

The silver figure obliged, joining Tahu by the box and beginning to dig his hand into the space Tahu had opened between two flaps in the box. “This is a tough one.”

 

“Already noted,” Tahu grunted. “Why were ours so easy?”

 

Pohatu gasped and collapsed onto the box after a failed attempt to rip it open. “I don’t know... bad sealing? An error in the factory? Maybe the crash dislodged something?”

 

“After I already opened mine?”

 

“I don’t know man, I’m just coming up with ideas.”

 

Tahu sat down with a small thump on the wet grass just outside the bush, disappointment flashing on his face as he contemplated ideas. Pohatu half-heartedly kicked at the box, flinching when something inside moved. He stumbled backwards and collapsed onto another box as a white arm thrust out from the opening in the one that he and Tahu had fruitlessly attempted to open. The two stared at the arm for several seconds, neither of them moving, until the voice spoke up.

 

“Am I going to get some help here, or are you going to leave me to drown in here? The rain is getting inside.”

 

With a shrug, Tahu kneeled and grabbed onto the protruding limb, while Pohatu did the same, each bracing themselves as best as they could against the muddy ground. Glancing at each other, they both nodded and pulled as hard as they can – with a snap the arm went flying through the air behind them and a figure clad in white collapsed on top of both of them. All three stared at each other, not moving, for several seconds before the white one spoke.

 

“Owwwwwww,” he muttered, clutching the stump where his arm had been a second before, rolling off of them and collapsing to the grass beside Pohatu. “Oh lord please have mercy on I who have lost my arm already and help me to find it quickly.”

 

“Not even a ‘thank you’?” Tahu asked.

 

“It’s your fault I needed to get out in the first place!” the white figure snapped. “If you hadn’t poked that stupid hole in my box, the rain would have never started flooding it!”

 

Tahu fell silent before continuing: “I suppose that’s true. My apologies – I’m Tahu, and my silver and brown friend over there is Pohatu. What’s your name?”

 

“Kopaka,” the white one grumbled as he sat up. “Mind giving me a hand? I’d like to find my arm.”

 

The red figure did so, turning to Pohatu. “Hey, we’ll find the arm; you start trying to open another box.”

 

“Already on it,” Pohatu sighed, crawling over the nearest one.

 

He fought with the cardboard for several seconds before managing to force it open just wide enough to stick his arm inside (not that he did) before looking around for any tools he might be able to use. Noticing a small stick on the ground, he grabbed it and ran back over to the box, poking the stick in and using it to force the box open – or at least, that was what he was going to do until the stick just bent and then snapped in his hand.

 

“Alright then,” he muttered, “cardboard is... stronger than sticks. Noted.”

 

He jumped as a bright green foot popped out of the hole, followed by a second. The figure wriggled back and forth, managing to open the hole just enough for them to pop out a couple seconds later. The bright green figure took in their rainy surroundings before turning their gaze to the crash down the street, where several blaring sirens and flashing lights could be seen.

 

“I’m Pohatu,” Pohatu said promptly, sticking his hand out. “You are?”

 

“I’m… Lewa,” the green figure said, rejecting his offer for a handshake. “We got out of that? I’d say we got lucky.”

 

“We did!” Tahu yelled from several feet away. “We found Kopaka’s arm too!”

 

“There’s no need to be so excited,” Kopaka grumbled. “It’s just an arm. What’s the status with the rest of the boxes?”

 

“Well, there’s six of us,” Pohatu said, gesturing to himself and the others, “which means two people are still stuck in their bag.”

 

“What about the rest?” Kopaka asked. “Wasn’t there a giant spider? Six Protectors?”

 

“I didn’t see them,” Tahu replied, shaking his head and shrugging helplessly. “Not that I would have had time to bring them anyway.”

 

“Darn,” Pohatu muttered, glancing back at the crash.

 

“Alright, let’s get these two open,” Tahu ordered. “The longer we’re out here, the more likely somebody is going to realize that we’re not in the truck anymore. You three get them open; I’ll go check out that house over there.”

 

Tahu left the others to their work as he made his way towards the front door of the huge house they had hidden beside. He made it all the way to the front steps, before pausing at the sight of the stairway before him. Although there were only two steps, each of those steps was at least the same height as him. The red set sighed, contemplating the challenge for several seconds before starting at the hand placed on his shoulder. Whipping around, he relaxed when he realized it was just Pohatu, who smirked, pointing over his shoulder with his thumb.

 

“Everyone’s here,” the silver and brown set said.

 

So they were - a hulking black set and a lithe blue one (Onua and Gali, his mind supplied) had now joined them, in addition to Kopaka and Lewa. Nodding with satisfaction, Tahu turned back to the steps.

 

“Let’s get ourselves inside,” he said, “and see who might be at home.”

 

He led the other five sets up the steps, and discovered that a small flap had been installed at the bottom of the door; with a grin, he and the other five sets all slipped inside, one by one.

 

TO BE CONTINUED.

 
Chapter One will be released on July 8th!
Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_1_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 01: FUTURE PAST

 

---[2001]---

 

Square boxes of various sizes were scattered across the bed and all over the floor; the six smallest boxes depicted six characters called ‘Turaga’, while the larger boxes all displayed a variety of creatures known as ‘Rahi’. Alongside the boxes were six round canisters - six ‘Toa’. Tahu, Lewa, Gali, Onua, Kopaka, and Pohatu - for now simply ‘Toa’, although they would later be called the Toa Mata.

 

Among the boxes and canisters stood a lone figure. He gazed at each of the boxes and canisters in turn with an air of sadness about him, letting out a defeated sigh. Gripping the red sword in his hand tightly, he approached one of the canisters - the one labelled ‘Tahu’. He felt for the crease between the lid and the canister proper with his free hand before stabbing his sword into it and slicing around the entire thing, ripping apart the sticker that glued the lid and canister together. With an expression of grim determination, he twisted the lid open, allowing the parts contained inside to spill onto the blanket of the bed.

 

Without even bothering to glance at the instruction booklet, the unknown figure set to work putting Tahu together. He did so in silence for several minutes until at last, all that remained was the soon-to-be iconic red mask. He hesitated for a brief second before placing the mask upon Tahu’s face; the Toa immediately coughed, although he did not awake.

 

By the time he did, the mysterious figure was long gone.

 

---[2010]---

 

The Toa Mata of Fire entered the Master Bedroom at a brisk pace, sword clutched in his right hand; the sets gathered in the room stepped back, clearing a path for him. His second in command, the green Toa Mata of Air known as Lewa Mata, walked alongside him on his left.

 

Ahead of them, in the center of the Master Bedroom, was a pile of canisters. The majority had either yellow or black lids, although there were four other canisters each with their own unique color. The leader of the Bionicle sets stopped before them, turning to face the assembled sets.

 

“Alright everyone,” he began. “Thank you for gathering here today. As you know, Bionicle is ending. Gathered here are the sets of the Stars line - the final Bionicle sets that shall ever be released.”

 

He shared a glance with Lewa Mata before continuing, “the past ten years have had their ups and downs, but on the whole, I like to think that we have been successful. But we will now face our greatest challenge. We will not receive any new arrivals for our line. Our so-called ‘replacements’, the Hero Factory line, will arrive this summer, and their numbers may grow to rival our own. We may very well be facing our darkest times - and if we are to survive, we must remain united. So thank you all… and now, let’s see what we’ve got.”

 

Tahu Mata turned back to the pile of new sets, crouching down next to one of the yellow canisters and turning it over to see the character depicted.

 

“Rahkshi,” he noted, glancing back up and gazing around the assembled sets until spotting the metallic gray titan known as Makuta. “The yellow ones are yours - get your other Rahkshi together, and start building.”

 

The titan nodded, stepping forward as Tahu Mata stood, grabbing one of the black lidded sets.

 

“Skrall Stars,” he said loudly. “Where are the Skrall? They can build these ones.”

 

“We’ve got a Piraka Stars,” Lewa Mata called, examining the blue lidded canister with a look of confusion. “He… doesn’t look like any of the Piraka.”

 

“It’s Nektann,” a blue spined set explained, grabbing the canister from Lewa Mata. “I read about it online.”

 

The Toa Mata of Air shrugged. “Whatever. He’s all yours, Vezok.”

 

“We have a Gresh Stars,” a small white Matoran known as Kazi yelled. “It’s the green lid!”

 

“What about the red one?” Tahu Mata asked, glancing around the pile of canisters. “Where did it go?”

 

“I opened myself. It was only proper, after all,” a new voice said, as an eerily familiar red and orange set stepped into view, smirking.

 

Tahu Mata froze, dread rushing through him. “Who are you?”

 

“Me? I’m Tahu Stars,” the newcomer said, chuckling. “I’m here to replace you.”

 

The older set remained frozen in place as the newer Toa of Fire yawned and stretched, glancing around at the Master Bedroom.

 

“This place looks rather cozy,” he said casually. “I think it’ll be very nice to be the ruler here.”

 

“What are you talking about?” Tahu Mata asked. “I’m in charge.”

 

“Not anymore,” Tahu Stars replied, slowly removing his mask and armor, replacing them with golden variants. “Look at me - I’m the new you. That means I’m in charge now.”

 

“Like Karzahni you are,” Tahu Mata snapped. “If you want to be in charge so badly, then we’ll set up an official vote.”

 

“Nah, let’s fight for it,” Tahu Stars responded, readying his sword. “Come on!”

 

“No,” the older Toa of Fire said, shaking his head and turning away.

 

“Then you give up?” the Stars Toa of Fire called, laughing. “You’re just going to hand it to me? That’s exactly what I thought. You’re weak and a coward.”

 

Tahu Mata spun around, raising his arm and bringing it back before punching Tahu Stars squarely in the jaw. The brand new Toa of Fire was sent reeling, but managed to turn it into a flip backward, landing  on his feet with ease. Tahu Mata frowned as the golden armored Toa beckoned for him to come closer.

 

“Come on,” Tahu Stars taunted, smirking at him. “You chicken?”

 

“Never,” Tahu Mata replied, running forward.

 

He kicked off of the wooden dresser to knee Tahu Stars in the side of the head; however, the golden armored Toa simply ducked and spun around, shoving Tahu Mata to the floor. He cursed under his breath as he smacked onto the hardwood surface, rolling away as Tahu Stars tried to body slam him. The Toa Stars’ elbow smashed into the wood with a loud crack and Tahu Stars angrily cursed, swiping at him with a large sword that Tahu Mata easily countered as he rolled to his feet.

 

“Stop this nonsense,” the older Toa of Fire growled as his golden armored counterpart pulled himself back to his feet using the dresser for support. “If you want control of this House, it will be by a fair vote, not by defeating me in some duel.”

 

“I am the new you,” Tahu Stars snapped back. “I deserve to have control! Retire or die!”

 

“I will do neither!”

 

Tahu Stars lunged towards him, but Tahu Mata easily countered the strike and shoved his opponent to the ground. Tahu Stars swore softly as he tumbled to the floor; Tahu Mata stepped onto his back, holding him in place with the tip of his sword held to the golden armored Toa’s neck.

 

“Yield,” Tahu Mata ordered.

 

“No!”

 

“You have minutes of experience,” the older set said. “I have ten years. There is no scenario in which you win this duel. Yield, and allow the other sets to hold a vote.”

 

Tahu Stars squirmed under his foot, almost spitting with fury. “I deserve to be their leader! You have had your time! Step off your pedestal!”

 

“Not for you,” Tahu Mata replied. “Not like this.”

 

Tahu Stars sighed in resignation beneath him as he went limp. Not expecting the other Toa to suddenly give up, Tahu Mata slackened the weight upon his opponent as he adjusted his balance - giving Tahu Stars the opportunity he needed to push himself back to his feet in one smooth movement, sending Tahu Mata sprawling onto the floor. Tahu Mata scrambled back to his feet, swinging his sword in the way of Tahu Stars’ golden shield as the other Toa slammed it down upon him. His sword clattered to the floor as he lost his grip and he threw himself to the side as Tahu Stars’ stabbed his sword down where he had been standing a moment before. Tahu Mata quickly turned, kicking the sword out of Tahu Stars’ hands before grabbing his opponent by the chest and slamming him into the dresser. The golden armored Toa struggled within his grip, but Tahu Mata remained firm, swinging the Toa Stars around and tossing him to the floor. As Tahu Stars scrambled backwards towards his sword, Tahu Mata leaned down to grab his own sword, stalking towards the golden armored Toa as Tahu Stars stood back to his feet.

 

“Come and get some!” Tahu Stars snarled.

 

“With pleasure,” Tahu Mata snapped back. “This ends now.”

 

He sprinted towards his opponent and swung his sword; it met the sword of Tahu Stars with a loud clack. The two Toa of Fire entered into a game of wills, each trying to force the other back through sheer strength, until -

 

“Hey Tahu Mata, we… uh… is this a bad time?”

 

Both of the Toa of Fire immediately retreated, turning towards the now-open door to the Master Bedroom in which they had been dueling. A small white set - a Toa known as Matoro Inika - was standing in front of six larger figures, all of whom appeared to be rather confused. One of them - a bright red set with some golden armor and two large silver swords - wore a mask that bore a haunting resemblance to the masks on the faces on both Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars. The two glanced at each other in both confusion and suspicion before turning their gazes back to the new arrivals, their duel forgotten.

 

“Who are they?” Tahu Mata asked, walking over to examine the six new sets. “Their pieces… they bear little resemblance to our construction. Besides, the Stars are supposed to be the final line; we aren’t expecting any other sets until Hero Factory arrives in the summer.”

 

“Hero Factory?” asked one of the new figures, with silver and brown armor. “What is it?”

 

“A new line of constraction sets releasing later this year,” Tahu Mata explained. “Designed to be the replacement of Bionicle - of us.”

 

“But… that doesn’t make any sense,” the silver-armored set responded, sounding confused. “We are Bionicle.”

 

The sets gathered in the Master Bedroom behind Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars all began to whisper in confusion at the line.

 

“Stop giving them information, Pohatu,” the larger white set snapped, shifting his spear in his right hand. “We don’t know who they are or what they might be capable of.”

 

“Pohatu?” Tahu Stars asked, standing next to Matoro Inika and speaking to the silver armored set. “Your name is… Pohatu? But that is impossible.”

 

“That’s what I was about to tell you,” Matoro Inika said quietly, his eyes flickering between Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars. “Their names. They say that they are… the same as the Toa Mata. You know. Tahu, Lewa, Gali, Kopaka, Pohatu, and Onua. From the year 2015.”

 

Tahu Mata shot to his feet from where he had been crouched next to the white armored set, examining their shin armor. His eyes met Matoro’s and the Toa of Ice nodded to confirm it. Frowning, the Toa of Fire glanced across the room to Lewa Mata.

 

“Take them to the Spare Bedroom,” he ordered, ignoring Tahu Stars. “I’ll meet you there in a few minutes. I need to go consult with someone. I’ll be back in an hour.”

 

He vanished without another word, leaving the Master Bedroom filled with sets stunned into silence.

 

---

 

True to his word, Tahu Mata stepped into the Spare Bedroom almost exactly one hour later. While smaller than the Master Bedroom, the Spare Bedroom was used less often and was also more easily guarded, making it useful for private conversations such as the one about to take place. Lewa Mata and the six supposed time travellers were all standing in a circle; all turned to face him as he entered.

 

“Alright,” the old leader of the Bionicle sets said briskly, stepping into the circle between Lewa Mata and the silver set calling itself ‘Pohatu’. “Let’s get started.”

 

“What about the new guy?” Lewa Mata asked. “That… Tahu Stars. He doesn’t seem like the type to cool off very quickly.”

 

“It can wait,” Tahu Mata growled, turning towards the time-travelling Tahu. “We have a non-functioning time machine outside of the House, in the garden. I just spoke with the sets who constructed it, and they have confirmed that they were never able to get it to work - nor did it appear to be working when I checked on it afterwards. But there are footprints all around it that match yours, and that is aside from your alien design. Explain yourselves.”

 

“I’m not sure what I can explain,” the other Tahu said. “All any of us remember is breaking free from our boxes while being transported. We caused a car crash, landed in front of the House, and suddenly you’re telling us that we travelled five years into the past. All I know for certain is that we are supposed to be from an island called ‘Okoto’.”

 

Tahu Mata nodded. “I expected as much. So if we assume that what little information we have on you is correct, then Bionicle will return in 2015. But if all you remember is your initial arrival - not even entering the House - then someone else must have sent you back through time. The implications of this are… well, not pleasant.”

 

“Surely it can’t be that bad,” the silver set - Pohatu, Tahu Mata remembered - said.

 

“Oh yeah?” Tahu Mata asked. “First of all, your arrival here means that at some point in the next five years, that time machine becomes functional. You six sets might not be the first ones to have travelled back and altered events - you could simply be the first that we have seen. Second, your amnesia is worrying; if we assume that someone else sent you through, then that means you must have been sent back for a reason - to alter some event, whether for good or for ill. Yet you cannot remember what it is…. If you have been sent back to save us, or to destroy us, we need to know.”

 

“We could take them to the Prison Masters,” Lewa Mata suggested. “The two of them might have some sort of experiment up their sleeve that could help with this. They’ve always been a bit freaky and... otherworldy.”

 

“Prison Masters? Sounds… uh… well, it doesn’t sound fun,” the silver Pohatu said.

 

“It isn’t,” Tahu Mata replied. “If we can avoid it, I would. One Vezon is bad enough; two is terrifying.”

 

“So what do we do about them, then?” Lewa Mata asked. “Just… let them walk around? Do whatever they want? Live normal lives?”

 

“Living a normal life sounds fine,” the silver Pohatu interjected. “I promise not to step out of line!”

 

“I don’t know,” Tahu Mata said slowly, shrugging worriedly. “What do you think, Lewa?”

 

“I’m not sure,” said the green time travelling set, shifting both of their axes uncomfortably.

 

Tahu Mata resisted the urge to smack his palm onto his face. “Not you. The other Lewa. Lewa Mata.”

 

“Oh.”

 

Lewa Mata frowned, looking worried. “As much as I hate to disagree with you… I do think visiting the two Vezons is our best course of action. If anything is going to get us results, speaking with them will.”

 

“Alright,” Tahu Mata sighed, nodding. “Very well, we-”

 

He stopped speaking as there was a knocking at the door.

 

“That’s not ominous at all,” the silver Pohatu commented.

 

A chill ran through Tahu Mata.

 

“Did we lock the door?” he asked, turning to Lewa Mata.

 

The other set shook his head and Tahu Mata raced towards the bed, climbing it as fast as he could. If he could get to the nightstand, he would be able to reach the door handle and lock it, keeping any unwanted sets out in the hall. Pulling himself onto the blanket, he stood to his feet and turned towards the nightstand just as the door opened a crack, and Tahu Stars slipped through.

 

“What do you want?” Tahu Mata asked. “What are you doing?”

 

“I was just getting some friends,” Tahu Stars said casually, shrugging as the door to the room swung open. “You know, forgetting to invite me to this little meeting of yours is going to be something you’ll regret for a loooooong time.”

 

The entire Stars lineup - the ten Skrall Stars, ten Rahkshi Stars, Gresh Stars, Nektann, and Takanuva Stars - filed silently into the Spare Bedroom as the door swung open and their leader slowly stepped forward. A stream of curses flitted through Tahu Mata’s mind, but he remained silent, merely clutching his fist and glaring at his enemy.

 

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” the golden armored Toa said. “Either you let us take you prisoner, or we kill you. Either way, this House is now mine. And as for your time travelling friends… well, they had better make their decision quickly.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

What should the Toa Okoto do?

1 - Join with Tahu Stars

2 - Join with Tahu Mata

 
ANSWER IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!
Edited by Lucina
Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_2_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 02: SET DIVISIONS

 

---[2001]---

 

The figure watched from the open crack in the doorway as Tahu Mata first opened up his green brother, Lewa Mata. The two Toa briefly conversed with each other before turning to the other four canisters, opening them one by one and releasing the Toa inside. Within minutes, the six Toa Mata stood united upon the bed - Tahu Mata, Lewa Mata, Gali Mata, Onua Mata, Kopaka Mata, and Pohatu Mata.

 

Somewhat satisfied, and yet still sombre, the unknown figure turned away from the Master Bedroom, wandering down the hall with something akin to trepidation. They carefully tiptoed past any closed doors, and hesitated at each that was open, taking the time to guarantee that each room was open before they continued on their way.

 

They reached the end of the hall, their gaze shifting to the ceiling directly above them, where a handle protruded from the ceiling. Subtle cracks formed a square around the handle, revealing an entrance to a place that most sets would never even think about.

 

The figure grimly stared up at the handle.

 

---[2010]---

 

The sleek white set called Nuju Metru stepped into the Kitchen, glancing up at the counters lining the walls and the island in the center of the room. Directly behind him was his best friend, the dark green Matau Metru. Both sets were wary, having come straight from the Master Bedroom where tensions were rapidly rising and Tahu Stars had gathered an astonishing amount of support.

 

“He said he would be here,” Matau Metru muttered nervously. “Where is he?”

 

“I don’t know,” Nuju Metru replied, just as quietly. “Let’s… take a look around.”

 

Their feet clicked against the tiled floor as they searched for the set they had come to see, but there were no signs of life in the Kitchen. The room was lit by the sun, shining through a glass door and a window above the sink. After several minutes of fruitless searching, Matau Metru finally spoke again.

 

“We should go,” he said, sounding discouraged. “He’s not coming.”

 

Nuju Metru had just opened his mouth to agree when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye - someone walking to the edge of the island almost directly above him. He nudged his companion’s shoulder and gestured up at the figure - the set they had come to see.

 

“Come on up,” Matoro Inika called. “I’m a bit behind on my schedule, and I’d like to make this meeting quick.”

 

Glancing at each other, the two Toa Metru nodded and began to scale the island, using the handles sticking out from the drawers as handholds and footholds. Upon reaching the top, both Toa took several seconds to catch their breath before turning to Matoro Inika, who leaned upon a block of wood. The handles of several knives of varying sizes - most too large for the majority of sets to even consider wielding - stuck out of it.

 

“I’m glad that you both could come,” Matoro Inika began, stretching his arms. “You saw the little debacle upstairs in the Master Bedroom. This House is diving headfirst into a power struggle, and the side that each set takes will determine the outcome of this war.”

 

“War?” Matau Metru asked, sounding incredulous. “That’s kinda… jumping to conclusions, don’t you think?”

 

“There have been battles before,” Matoro Inika reminded him. “Tahu Mistika’s foolhardy attempt to take power in 2008. The failed uprising by Roodaka in 2009.”

 

“Yeah, but both of those were over quickly,” Nuju Metru pointed out. “I mean, there was some fighting, sure, but nobody died. They each lasted less than a day. All of the guilty parties were tossed into the prison.”

 

“That prison is now stuffed with sets who despise Tahu Mata and all that he stands for,” Matoro Inika explained, his expression darkening. “The arguments and divisions currently breaking out in the Master Bedroom are proof enough that many other sets are either unhappy with Tahu Mata, or at the very least are looking for a fresh face to be in power. At the moment, the split is almost even. This is not some small event like before - it shall soon be all-out war.”

 

“Are you here to tell us which side to pick?” Matau Metru asked. “Because if you are, I’m done here.”

 

“No,” Matoro Inika replied, waving his hand dismissively. “I would never dream of telling you what to think, or who to follow. I am simply here to offer you an… alternative solution.”

 

“An alternative solution,” Nuju Metru repeated, suspicious. “You said we’re heading into a civil war - Tahu Mata versus Tahu Stars. That’s two choices. What are you saying?”

 

“I’m saying there’s a third path that you can take,” Matoro Inika told him. “Our numbers are small right now, but I can promise you that they will grow. In fact… they already have. Most of us simply aren’t here yet.”

 

“Explain,” Nuju Metru growled, his patience starting to run out. “Cut the mysterious BS out. If you want me to join this supposed ‘third faction’, I need names. Numbers. Clear information.”

 

“Hero Factory is coming,” Matoro Inika explained, not seeming bothered by the Toa Metru’s frustrations. “They too will have a leader - and they will be unwilling to suffer under the command of either Tahu. There are sets from before the time of Bionicle, hidden away within the depths of the House, biding their time. They are more powerful than any of us, and would see any who support Tahu Mata dead. And then… the ultimate one. I don’t know much about it - none of us do - but we do know that they come from Lego directly.”

 

“How do you know this information?” Matau Metru asked, sounding suspicious. “How do you know all of this is true?”

 

“I suppose that one might say I have been gifted,” Matoro Inika said, smirking. “But it isn’t. I have met the Throwbots for myself, and it was they who shared the knowledge of the ultimate one with me. As for Hero Factory… intuition. We have been preparing to go to war with them ever since the announcement. I would be surprised if they take kindly to that way of thinking.”

 

“Fair enough,” the dark green Toa of Air conceded.

 

“So,” Matoro Inika continued, pushing off of the wooden block to stand straight, gazing at both of them. “What do you think? Will you take this third path? Or will you refuse this offer?”

 

The two Toa Metru glanced at each other. Matau Metru shrugged.

 

“Whatever you pick, I’ll follow,” he said.

 

“Great,” Nuju Metru muttered. “Thanks a lot.”

 

He turned back to Matoro Inika, hesitating to answer. Which choice was the right one? Were any of them right at all?

 

The Toa Inika of Ice was clearly still withholding information - but Nuju Metru was certain that Matoro Inika had told them all that he was willing (or perhaps even able) to tell.

 

“Well?” Matoro Inika prompted. “I have other places to be. Whatever your choice is… make it quickly.”

 

Nuju Metru frowned, pondering it as he stared at the countertop on which they stood. The seconds ticked by, one by one, until…..

 

“Alright,” he said, glancing up at Matoro Inika. “I’ve made my choice.”

 

---

 

The blue Piraka known as Vezok stepped out of the flap in the front door, shivering in the cold as he hopped down into the garden, his feet sinking into the soft snow. He was followed by the skinny blue Barraki called Takadox, who muttered a curse as they made their way through the frozen garden to the agreed-upon meeting place.

 

“Next time, we don’t get outvoted,” the Barraki said, rubbing his hands together. “My joints are all going to crack if we’re out here too long.”

 

“I’ll agree with that,” Vezok replied. “The Living Room would have been preferable.”

 

“Anywhere would be better than out here,” Takadox muttered.

 

The two sets fell silent as they reached their destination - a large, black rectangular structure with an empty space in the center.

 

A time machine.

 

“You’re late,” a new voice said from the other side of the machine, dangerously quiet. “Join us. Immediately.”

 

“Yes ma’am,” they both muttered, hurrying over.

 

They joined the small trifecta of blue sets, stepping in between the Glatorian Tarix and the Toa of Water known as Gali Mata - a sibling of the two leaders of the House. The third set, a slender being with the colors of the ocean and wielding a trident in her right hand, spoke again.

 

“Since we have finally all gathered, the meeting proper can begin,” she told them.

 

“Is the other one not coming?” Vezok asked.

 

“No,” the trident wielder said shortly.

 

“Just like usual,” Takadox muttered. “She’s never here.”

 

Her mission is to remain hidden and to observe, as you are both well aware,” the trident wielder snapped. “The rest of us would have difficulty getting out of sight for any length of time without our absences being noticed. It is fortunate indeed that she had developed a habit of vanishing without warning before we originally decided to convene.”

 

“Speaking of convening,” Gali Mata interrupted, pushing Takadox back with her hook. “Why are we here, Kiina? I should be helping Tahu to maintain order.”

 

“Oh really?” the trident wielder - Kiina - asked, turning towards the Toa of Water. “Which Tahu? Tahu Mata? Tahu Stars? Or perhaps one of the others? Maybe the Tahu that has travelled through time.”

 

“Tahu Mata, of course,” Gali Mata replied, her eyes narrowing to glare at the Glatorian. “Who else?”

 

“We are meant to remain unbiased,” Kiina reminded her. “Clear your head, Toa. This is why I lead the Blue League instead of you. You remain emotionally attached to him.”

 

“On the flip side, you’re a little too detached sometimes,” Takadox pointed out.

 

“I must be that way,” Kiina insisted. “It is the only way to be certain that I do not form these attachments!”

 

“Everyone calm down,” Tarix ordered, his quiet but stern voice slicing through the argument like a knife through butter. “Kiina. What is the purpose of this meeting? We will all freeze if we remain outside much longer.”

 

“Conflict is coming,” the leader of the Blue League said slowly, as though it were obvious. “I am ordering all of you to be on high alert. Keep your eyes and ears open, and collect all of the information that you can. I want to know who sets support, I want to know why, I want to know when and where and how. Am I understood?”

 

“Yes,” Tarix, Gali Mata, and Vezok said in unison.

 

Kiina glanced over to the sullen Takadox, who rolled his eyes and sullenly muttered, “crystal.”

 

“Good. Then you’re all dismissed,” Kiina ordered.

 

The other four sets nodded and turned away, walking back towards the front door of the House. Takadox glanced over his shoulder once, glaring back at the dark blue Glatorian, but otherwise remained silent, trudging along beside Vezok in the snow.

 

---

 

“Well?” Tahu Stars demanded, pointing his sword directly at the six time travelling Toa. “What is your decision?”

 

The golden armored Tahu from the future adjusted his swords in his hands, glancing between the other two versions of himself with no small amount of hesitation. A quick glance to the other Toa in his group revealed that they were deferring judgement to him on this matter - he sighed, reluctant to make the choice.

 

It was clear that he would have to take a side - either to stand alongside the battle hungry Tahu Stars, or hope to save Tahu Mata and possibly pay the price.

 

Whether either choice was the right one was unclear to him.

 

Who did he want to be?

 

You are the Toa Okoto.

Save the House.

 

He shook his head, just barely managing to stop himself from stumbling backwards in shock at the voice in his mind. It was ancient, a whisper carried across a breeze, alien to his ears. His eyes wide, Tahu - Tahu Okoto? - glanced to each of his brothers and sisters, his confusion and nervousness growing as he realized that none of them seemed to have heard the voice like he had.

 

But the voice had rung with truth….

 

“Okoto,” he whispered, the word rolling out smoothly, a sense of belonging washing over him as he slowly nodded. “Yes… that is who I am.”

 

“What are you blithering about?” Tahu Stars asked, stepping towards him and jabbing his sword in the air. “Make your choice, time traveller! Me, or the loser?”

 

Tahu Okoto slowly turned his gaze over to the shorter Toa of Fire, his smile turning into a frown as he shook his head.

 

“You have no right to this House or the power to control it,” he replied. “You only just arrived - you don’t even know anyone. I don’t pretend to hold all the cards or believe I deserve control, and neither should you. We will stand with Tahu Mata.”

 

The leader of the Stars sets huffed angrily, his grip growing tighter upon his sword. “Fine. Be that way. You’ll be paying the price soon enough, you overgrown pile of bricks.”

 

“You’re insufferable,” Tahu Mata interrupted from where he was standing upon the bed.

 

“Oh really?” Tahu Stars snapped, glaring up at the leader of the House. “How quaint of you. Let’s see what you’re saying when I toss you into that little prison of yours in the Basement. STARS! ATTACK!”

 

“Okoto! Defend the leader!” Tahu Okoto yelled, charging forward. “I have their leader!”

 

At the sound of his voice, Tahu Stars turned to him with a smirk, snorting in derision as he gestured for the 2015 Toa to come closer.

 

“Let’s see what you’ve got,” the Stars Toa of Fire said.

 

As the other five Toa Okoto took to battling the rest of the Stars sets alongside Tahu Mata and Lewa Mata, Tahu Okoto slowly advanced as Tahu Stars backed up to the wall. The smaller Toa growled as he hit the wall and stopped, gripping his sword even more tightly.

 

“We could have ruled this House,” he spat. “We both wear golden armor, we are both superior versions of Tahu Mata! But you’ve sided with him, and you shall pay for it.”

 

Tahu Okoto shrugged, snapping both of his swords together into a massive shield and advancing forward. “You’re a walking cliche.”

 

“Maybe,” Tahu Stars replied, acknowledging the accusation with a shrug. “But if it will give me control of this House, then I shall accept that fate.”

 

With a yell, the smaller set suddenly charged, swinging his sword in a mighty arc. Tahu Okoto easily blocked it with his shield, but was unprepared for the strength behind the attack, which sent him sprawling across the hardwood floor with a clatter. He pushed himself into a roll to dodge another attack, bracing himself against the bed as he stood to his feet and lunged at Tahu Stars. The shorter Toa ducked away as Tahu Okoto swung his shield in an attempt to bash his opponent into the wall, taking the opportunity to slice at Tahu Okoto’s legs. The time travelling Toa hissed at the impact, twisting away and stumbling back.

 

“Watch out!”

 

Tahu Okoto glanced to his right and ducked as Pohatu Okoto flew straight through the air where he had been standing a second before; the silver armored Toa crashed into the metal bed frame before slowly sliding to the floor. Pohatu Okoto started to woozily get to his feet, but was felled once more when Tahu Stars slammed the hilt of his sword onto the silver Toa’s head; he did not rise again.

 

“What a weeny,” the smaller Toa muttered, before turning back to Tahu Okoto with narrowed eyes. “Where were we?”

 

Frowning grimly at the sight of his fallen comrade, Tahu Okoto readied himself into a fighting stance, crouching as he and Tahu Stars slowly circled each other until the Toa Okoto of Fire was standing between his opponent and Pohatu Okoto, where he stopped. At the sight of this, Tahu Stars simply shook his head in disbelief and chuckled before charging once more. Tahu Okoto deflected the first blow with his shield, but was unprepared for the swing of Tahu Stars’ shield that followed; the force of the attack caused him to stumble back, toppling over Pohatu Okoto’s prone form. Tahu Stars slowly advanced, swiping at his injured leg again as he attempted to stand, causing him to collapse once more.

 

“You are weak,” the Stars Toa declared. “You made the wrong choice, Okoto - and now it’s time for you to pay the price.”

 

“Not if I have anything to say about it!”

 

Eyes widening, Tahu Stars turned just in time to block an attack from Tahu Mata; the other Toa furiously forced the Stars Toa away from the two Toa Okoto, unleashing an onslaught of blows that had Tahu Stars forced onto the defensive. With the attention of Tahu Stars drawn away, Tahu Okoto slowly forced himself to his feet and turned to Pohatu Okoto. He crouched down, gathering the Toa of Stone in one arm and slinging him over his shoulder; the silver Toa let out an unconscious groan.

 

“Let’s get you to safety,” Tahu Okoto murmured.

 

He turned back towards the rest of the fighting sets - he could still see Lewa Mata, Lewa Okoto, Gali Okoto, and Onua Okoto battling for their lives against the Rahkshi Stars and Skrall Stars, led by Nektann, Gresh Stars, and Takanuva Stars. He could see other sets of various colors flitting through the crowd as well, appearing for all intents and purposes like taller versions of the Rahkshi Stars.

 

“Wait,” he muttered. “Where’s Kopaka?”

 

“Kopaka?” a new voice rumbled from above him. “You mean your white friend?”

 

Uh oh.

 

Tahu Okoto glanced up at the bed above him, taking an involuntary step back at the site of a black Titan with bright red highlights looming over him. The Titan held a large staff in one hand, and in the other dangled an unconscious Kopaka Okoto, dangling precariously over the floor.

 

“Who are you?” the Toa Okoto of Fire asked.

 

“I am Makuta,” the Titan answered. “Long have I awaited a chance for change - a chance to overthrow Tahu Mata, and see a new leader rise in this House. That day has finally arrived, my good friend, and I am afraid that you stand in opposition to it. As such, I must stand in opposition to you.”

 

The black Titan released Kopaka Okoto; without thinking, Tahu Okoto dove underneath the Toa of Ice, breaking the white Toa’s fall with his own body. He collapsed under the weight of his two friends, groaning as he lost his grip on his shield, which clattered away. Without a sound, the Toa Okoto of Fire grimly shoved both of his brothers off of him as Makuta jumped off of the bed, the floor shaking as he landed directly in front of the still-crouched Toa of Fire.

 

“Stay down, and I shall not have to break you,” the Titan said.

 

“You hurt my friend,” Tahu Okoto whispered, tilting his head to glare up at the Titan. “That is not okay.”

 

With a battle cry, he lunged forward, grabbing the Titan around the knees and slamming him to the floor. Makuta swung his staff but Tahu Okoto easily dodged it, leaping over the fallen Titan and grabbing his shield before turning back - only to find one of all seven Rahkshi figures blocking the way as Makuta stood back to his feet with a chuckle.

 

“Meet the Rahkshi,” he said, sounding amused. “You already know the Rahkshi Stars, of course. The red one is Turahk, the black one is Vorahk, the blue one is Guurahk, the brown one is Panrahk, the green one is Lerahk, and the white one is Kurahk. They all obey my command. Goodbye now.”

 

The Rahkshi rushed towards him and Tahu Okoto smacked them back with a mighty swing of his shield, standing over both Pohatu Okoto and Kopaka Okoto protectively. Lewa Mata and Gali Okoto stumbled over to stand beside him, the former falling to one knee to catch his breath while the latter kicked a Skrall Stars off of Onua Okoto.

 

“What a quaint little gathering,” Tahu Stars drawled, stepping into view as Tahu Mata and Lewa Okoto joined the others, huddled around their fallen comrades. “It ends here. Your fight is over. I have won.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

Which should Nuju Metru pick?

1 - Accept Matoro Inika’s offer, and join this mysterious third faction.

2 - Decline Matoro Inika’s offer, and join Tahu Stars.

3 - Decline Matoro Inika’s offer, and join Tahu Mata.

 
ANSWER IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!
Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_3_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 03: THE KILL ORDER

 

---[2001]---

 

With difficulty, the figure opened the way into the Attic. They managed to silently enter the hidden area atop the House without being seen, quickly putting distance between them and the open entrance. Once they were hidden in the shadows, they slowly crept towards the sounds of voices.

 

Once they reached the commotion, they quietly climbed on top of one of the many boxes scattered throughout the Attic, observing the events taking place down below.

 

“Torch, you can’t be serious,” a black and orange set was saying, sounding agitated. “How do we really know that he’s from the future? Why should we even trust him at all? He is a Bionicle!”

 

“Look at us, Flare!” a red and black set (Torch, the figure noted) snapped. “We number only thirteen - and that is when Dynamo cares enough to even show their face. We have been discontinued in favor of these freaks. If any of them wish to aid in the destruction of their line, I shall gladly aid them in that process.”

 

“You are foolish,” Flare replied. “You think us to be gods.”

 

“Do you disagree?” Torch asked, gesturing with his hands. “You heard the time traveller’s tale, of the time that he had come from. He twists events in our favor, accelerates the timeline so that we might succeed now where before we might have failed.”

 

“He walks with one who would see all of us destroyed,” Flare said.

 

“One who has granted us these elemental powers,” Torch pointed out. “The ability to use them, control them, hone them, and most importantly, to be immune to them.”

 

“We cannot side with them,” Flare insisted. “We should use our powers to kill them while we have the chance, before they decide to turn on us.”

 

“You threaten to end our plan before it can begin?” Torch asked, his expression becoming dangerous as a small flame flickered to life in the palm of his hand.

 

Unseen on the box above, the unknown figure inadvertently recoiled at the sight of the flame, nearly toppling off of the box in panic before coming to their wits and returning to their previous position. Now both suspicious and worried, they watched as a similar flame flickered to life in the palm of Flare.

 

“Maybe I do,” Flare snapped. “What of it? Everyone else has been granted a unique power, Torch - everyone but us. What does that tell you?”

 

“It tells me that we were meant to be the ultimate destructive force, tearing through our enemies with ease,” Torch replied. “Fire is the bane of all things plastic, barring us two.”

 

“Well it tells me that only one of us is worthy of leading the Throwbots to their victory,” Flare responded. “And considering the nature of your suicidal plan… that leader is me.”

 

Torch let out a barking laugh. “Nice joke. You couldn’t defeat me even if your life depended on it.”

 

“So you do not accept my challenge?” Flare asked snidely. “You’ll just slink away, like usual?”

 

The black and red Throwbot’s expression darkened again, becoming one of carefully controlled fury. “I accept your challenge, then. You are not better than me, Flare… I shall prove that to you. Let this be a battle to the death, and let the ultimate one favor the winner!”

 

Flare nodded grimly. “And when I win, Torch, the ultimate one’s favor shall be their undoing. You have already lost!”

 

“We’ll see about that.....” Torch said, trailing off dangerously. “Now let us begin!”

 

The two Throwbots both lunged forward, and Flare punched Torch to the ground, knocking the wind out of the black and red Throwbot. He shoved his fireball into Torch’s face, but the Throwbot leader simply absorbed it fired it back at him, missing completely and hitting the window.

 

Up above, the figure flinched away, crouching lower and trying to keep their eyes on the fight below.

 

Flare backhanded Torch and the physically weaker Throwbot sprawled back to the floor. Torch began to push himself up again, but Flare brought his foot down upon him and began to crush Torch into the wooden floor.

 

“There are no ways you can win this battle,” the black and orange Throwbot said. “You attempt to alter time, to change fate - and not for the better. You must be stopped, and it is I who shall stop you.”

 

Torch’s response sent a chill up the mysterious figure’s spine, and even Flare looked worried.

 

He laughed.

 

He laughed as he struggled to roll over onto his back, and then laughed as he concentrated a thin beam of fire on Flare’s ankle; before Flare knew what had happened, his foot had been melted off of his body. As the stronger Throwbot wobbled, hopping backwards and trying to catch his balance, Torch jumped to his feet and slammed his fist into Flare’s face with a blast of fire for good measure, searing one of Flare’s eyes out.

 

“Nobody shall ever mock me like that again and survive,” Torch hissed, as other Throwbots began to gather and Flare grabbed at his missing eye with a moan of pain. “You shall only be remembered as a lesson - a lesson to never again commit such an act.”

 

The black and red Throwbot leader karate chopped Flare’s throat as the other Throwbot tried to speak, so that all that came out was a gurgle. Before Flare could retaliate, Torch then proceeded to use the fire beam to melt off Flare’s entire right leg, causing the black and orange Throwbot to topple over, unable to even stand.

 

“Watch and learn, Throwbots! I will not tolerate mutiny or dissent.” Torch announced loudly, projecting his voice all over the Attic.

 

He spent the next several minutes systematically disconnecting each of Flare’s pieces, melting every single piece into oblivion in front of Flare’s remaining – and desperate – eye, before moving onto the next one. It took a quarter of an hour, but when Torch finished, all that was left was a cooling pile of melting plastic fusing to the floor of the attic.

 

“Let that be a lesson to you all.” Torch said, breaking the silence and striding away.

 

The unknown figure stared down at the melted remains of the set formerly known as Flare for several minutes in a stunned and horrified silence, until he heard a cough from behind him. Whirling around, he found himself faced by the blue Throwbot - Scuba.

 

“What have we here?” the blue Throwbot asked quietly.

 

---[2010]---

 

“Well?” Matoro Inika prompted. “What is your decision, Nuju Metru? Do you accept my offer?”

 

Nuju Metru continued to hesitate, glancing at Matau Metru once more; the Toa Metru of Air gestured impatiently for him to hurry up and he sighed, turning back to Matoro Inika.

 

“I… yes, I do,” he said, speaking slowly.

 

“Excellent,” Matoro Inika replied, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. “That is excellent indeed. Unfortunately, I do have other places that I need to be - but rest assured, we shall speak again soon, and I shall explain more when we do.”

 

“Alright,” the Toa Metru of Ice said quietly.

 

He and Matau Metru stepped closer to stand beside each other, watching as Matoro Inika hopped off of the island and slid down the wooden drawers, before sprinting away out into the hall. Once the Toa Inika was gone, Matau Metru spoke again.

 

“Something about this whole thing doesn’t really sit right with me.”

 

“I know,” Nuju Metru replied, frowning. “But did you want to find out what would happen if we said no?”

 

Matau Metru shuddered. “Not really.”

 

---

 

Lewa Okoto crossed her legs as she sat down on the floor in the common area of the Basement Prison, with a corner to her back and the entire room to her front, where she could see every prisoner that wished to wander about. She examined the various guards with a weary sense of curiosity, watching them as they patrolled back and forth around and through the prisoners.

 

Slowly, she closed her eyes, resting her hands upon her knees and taking a deep breath, beginning to relax.

 

“You can’t be serious!”

 

Her eyes snapped back open at the sound of Pohatu Okoto’s voice. She quickly spotted the silver Toa of Stone pacing towards her with Tahu Okoto and Kopaka Okoto at his sides. The silver Toa was glaring at Kopaka Okoto and looked incensed; the Toa of Ice also seemed frustrated, although Tahu Okoto simply seemed resigned. Her three brothers came to a halt directly in front of her; not wanting to have to stare up at them, Lewa Okoto pushed herself to her feet with a sigh.

 

“What is it?” she asked, directing the question to Pohatu Okoto, who was looking at her expectantly and ignoring Tahu Mata, who she could see watching them with curiosity out of the corner of her eye.

 

“It’s Kopaka,” Pohatu Okoto muttered. “He’s trying to leave - trying to say that we were wrong to support Tahu Mata, that we should have gone with the other one. Tahu Stars.”

 

“If we had sided with Tahu Stars from the start, we would not be prisoners,” Kopaka Okoto snapped.

 

“Tahu Okoto is our leader,” Pohatu Okoto said, stressing the final word.

 

“Then perhaps he should not be,” the Toa of Ice replied, glaring at the Toa Okoto of Fire, who glared back at him.

 

“Hey,” Lewa Okoto said quickly, stepping in between the two Toa before it could come to blows. “I know that tempers are high right now. We’re all frustrated. But we need to stand together, as a unified whole, or else we won’t get anywhere.”

 

“Not you too,” Kopaka Okoto spat, sounding disgusted. “Don’t try to be all philosophical like you’ve been alive for more than a week.”

 

“We have a purpose here,” the Toa of Air reminded him. “We’ve travelled through time. There must be a reason.”

 

“Yeah?” Kopaka Okoto asked, scoffing. “And there’s got to be a reason why all of us plastic toys are alive as well. But you don’t see anyone scrambling to answer that particular question!”

 

Lewa Okoto hesitated, involuntarily stepping back as she considered what the Toa of Ice had said, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated the question. She was shaken from her reverie when Kopaka Okoto huffed and turned to Tahu Okoto, jabbing a finger at him across Pohatu Okoto.

 

“I’m done following you,” the Toa of Ice said. “I’m going to join Tahu Stars. Come to your senses, and stop being an idiot. Pick the side that is going to win.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Ice did not wait for a response before whipping around and stalking away, leaving the other Toa where they were stunned into silence.

 

“...that’s going to come back and bite us,” Pohatu Okoto said after a minute, breaking the silence. “I guarantee it.”

 

“Please stop talking,” Tahu Okoto muttered.

 

---

 

Gali Okoto stood upon the windowsill - the only one in the Basement - gazing outside. The view was not what she would have preferred; all that she could make out through the filthy glass was what appeared to be the House’s Backyard, filled with snow and currently unoccupied.

 

“Mind if I join you?”

 

The Toa Okoto of Water fought the urge to flinch, glancing down at an unfamiliar thin figure, with both dark blue and light blue armor. She carried a trident in her right hand.

 

“I suppose so,” she replied, after considering her options. “I… didn’t expect anyone to see me up here.”

 

The other set climbed up to the windowsill, taking a seat on the opposite end and glancing out at the Backyard.

 

“You find it easy to hide,” they said. “Easy to be unseen if you don’t want to be found?”

 

“Something like that,” Gali Okoto said, sitting down as well and turning to look at the other set. “I’m Gali Okoto. Who are you?”

 

“The name is Kiina,” the trident wielder replied. “I’m a Glatorian, and the leader of a group known as the Blue League. I’m here to offer you a spot.”

 

“The Blue League?”

 

“We’re a neutral party,” Kiina explained. “We observe, we document. So far, we have not found it necessary to intervene, although I feel that it will soon no longer be that way. Some of us are among the best fighters in the House. All of us are like you - we can hide away if we so choose, or make our presence known if it needs to be.”

 

“Why would you want me?”

 

“You’ve come from the future,” Kiina told her, as though that were evidence enough. “If you were to regain your memories… they could be a valuable tool, or at the very least, a source of knowledge. Knowledge that would be better off kept out of the wrong hands.”

 

“Suggesting that your hands are the correct ones,” Gali Okoto noted.

 

Kiina shrugged apologetically. “I wouldn’t go so far as to claim that my hands are the right ones - we’re neutral. We have no official alignment, and we disapprove of any bias. We’re in between.”

 

“For now,” Gali Okoto said.

 

“Yes.”

 

“I’ll have to think about it.”

 

“I can break you out of here,” Kiina said. “Get you out of this prison. I can’t free your fellow time travellers - not yet - but with a little bit of luck, and a bit of planning, we might be able to free them too. It might be necessary - Tahu Stars might be brash now, but it can’t be long until he realizes that time travelling sets can be an excellent source of information… and advantageous to determine the outcome of a civil war.”

 

“Is it really a war?” Gali Okoto asked, doubtful. “He’s already thrown Tahu Mata in prison.”

 

“He forcefully took over the House by doing so. It was never going to be smooth sailing,” Kiina replied. “Those supporting Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars are almost dead even. It’s going to get messy very soon. But if you join the Blue League, let us train you… we might be able to tip the scales. Stop the war before it begins.”

 

“...what do I have to do?” the Toa Okoto of Water asked. “Is there… some sort of initiation?”

 

“Of course,” Kiina replied. “Nothing too difficult - you simply need to best one of our members in combat. I’ll even make it easy for you; you can take on either Vezok or Takadox.”

 

“I don’t need you to make it easy,” Gali Okoto said stiffly. “But… yes. I will join you.”

 

“Excellent,” Kiina said brightly, swiftly standing to her feet. “Let’s get going, then.”

 

---[2003]---

 

Everything was dark.

 

“Did it work? Did we do it? Is it waking up?”

 

It was a voice. Anxious, impatient. Eager, perhaps.

 

“Not reading any signs of life yet. Should we - no, wait, I’m seeing something. Faint, but it’s there.”

 

Another voice. A little worried, and relieved. Worried and relieved at the same time? What was faint?

 

“Is it alive?”

 

The first voice again. Confused.

 

“I… I’m not sure. Director?”

 

Second voice lost.

 

“Leave it be.”

 

A new voice. A powerful voice, full of confidence. Totally in control.

 

“Of course sir. Should we…?”

 

“No. I need both of you to exit the room. Send in Doctor Hawthorne. I shall be requiring her assistance with the creation.”

 

“Of course, Director.”

 

He did not understand how he could decipher the words that were being spoken into the eternal darkness, nor could he place who they belonged to. He did not know. How did he understand them? How did he know what was being said? How did he know that it was about him? Who was he? What was he meant to do? Why was he here? How was he here?

 

What was here?

 

“Open your eyes.”

 

An order - the third voice. The confident one. The one in control.

 

Eyes… to see?

 

Yes, to see. To look around.

 

He opened his eyes slowly; the light hurt and he blinked until his eyes adjusted, so that he could look around. Take in all of the vibrant colors.

 

A very big, very tall figure loomed over him, wearing a black suit. His head was rather square, topped with black. Behind the figure stood another, a little shorter, a bit thinner. Paler in color, wearing a long white coat.

 

“Good evening,” said the suited figure (person? No... man). “I imagine that you are rather confused.”

 

He looked up at the figure. Nodded. Yes, he was confused. He tried opening his mouth, found that he could. He coughed. “Yes. I am confused.”

 

“Do not worry,” the suited man said, his voice firm. “I am Director Wu, and the lady behind me is my assistant, Doctor Hawthorne.”

 

“We’re here to make everything better,” the lady (Doctor Hawthorne) added, her words slow, her voice calm and soothing. “We’re here to help you.”

 

“I am confused,” he repeated. “I do not understand.”

 

“You are fine,” Director Wu said, his mouth a thin line. “Your confusion is merely a byproduct of our procedures. It will wear off.”

 

“Procedures?”

 

“Your creation,” Doctor Hawthorne explained. “The… methods necessary to give you life. Your… birth, so to speak.”

 

“My birth,” he repeated, shaking his head. “This is very confusing. I am sorry.”

 

“Do not be sorry,” Director Wu said (no, ordered). “Do you know your name?”

 

“I-I am… I am…” he trailed off, unable to remember. He frowned. “I am sorry. I do not remember my name. I am very confused.”

 

“Your name is Sergei,” Director Wu replied. “You are a creation. Our first creation.”

 

Doctor Hawthorne stepped closer to the table he was standing on. No longer behind Director Wu, but rather, beside him.

 

“You are very special, Sergei,” she said softly, smiling down at him. “You are meant for greatness. You will achieve it. Do you want greatness?”

 

He looked up at her; took in the soft features, the slightly tilted hair, the bright blonde hair, the calming smile. He nodded. “Yes. I would like to have greatness.”

 

“I’m glad to hear that, Sergei,” she replied.

 

“We shall do amazing things together, you and I,” said Director Wu, sounding slightly preoccupied (distracted by great things?). “We have a lot of work to do. You must practice. Prepare.”

 

“I understand,” Sergei said, nodding. “I do not feel as confused.”

 

“That is good,” said Director Wu. “Then let us begin.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

Choice #1: What should the 2001 figure do?

A - Try talking to Scuba first

B - Fight Scuba; ask questions later

 

Choice #2: Which set should Gali Okoto fight?

A - Takadox

B - Vezok

C - Both at Once

ANSWER IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!

Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_4_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 04: BLUE INTRODUCTIONS

 

---[2001]---

 

“What have we here?” the blue Throwbot asked, their head tilted to the side.

 

The figure paused, hesitating.

 

Fight now or fight later?

 

“Who are you?” they asked. “My name is Scuba. And you… you should not be here. It should not be possible. You only just arrived. You should not know of our existence.”

 

“So it is 2001, then,” the figure replied. “August in the year 2001.”

 

“Yes,” Scuba replied, sounding confused. “You… did not know?”

 

“I suspected,” the figure said, shrugging. “But you can never be certain with time travel. Not entirely.”

 

“Time travel…” Scuba trailed off, glancing down, his eyes narrowing as he considered the words. “You’re not the one that visited us before. How did you come to be here?”

 

“That… isn’t important right now,” the figure muttered, looking away. “Who visited you? How do you have these powers?”

 

“We were granted them by the ultimate one,” Scuba explained. “None of us know his true name - all that we know is that his power is almighty - even his very presence causes tremors. His herald came first - a Toa of Ice from the future. The herald spoke of time travel, spoke of a time in which he and the ultimate one had suffered defeat. About how the mission of the Lego Group had failed.”

 

“The Lego Group? A Toa of Ice?” the figure asked. “Slow down. You’re not making any sense.”

 

“I’m not certain that I can make sense,” Scuba replied, shrugging apologetically. “I have trouble understanding it myself. From what I gathered… there was a different timeline in which things occurred differently. The House defeated the ultimate one, defeated his servants, stopped every attempt by the Lego Group to put them down. They did all of this unknowingly, and even destroyed their own time machine, inadvertently stopping any surviving servants from going back in time to save the mission.”

 

The figure shook his head, crouching down and placing a hand upon the box to keep his balance as a wave of dizziness hit him. “This is too much. You’re not making any sense at all.”

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Scuba continued. “Whatever that timeline was, whatever happened, it’s all gone. Erased. The Toa of Ice, he got back, got to the Lego Group, brought the ultimate one to us. He has accelerated events. What was meant to occur in ten years is instead happening right now.”

 

“You… you mentioned a mission,” the figure said, glancing back up at the blue Throwbot. “What mission? What is their purpose?”

 

“Their purpose?” Scuba repeated, gazing down at him. “To destroy the House. To kill every single set that lives. You - we - are an experiment that outlasted its lifespan, surpassed its purpose, outlived its usefulness. An experiment that needs to be put down before it grows too large.”

 

“They intend to kill us?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The figure slowly stood to his feet, gripping the sword in his hand tightly. “Then they must be stopped.”

 

“They cannot,” Scuba said, stepping closer. “You are already too late, Toa. Your mission has failed before it could even begin. But do not worry - I shall make your death a merciful one. Quick and painless. I am not sadistic like Torch.”

 

The figure stepped back into a defensive stance, shaking his head. “I don’t want to fight you. We could work together - if we act fast enough, we could put a halt to their plans. Your information could prove invaluable.”

 

“I cannot. I must stop you,” Scuba replied, stepping closer again.

 

“What do you think will happen when you succeed?” the figure asked. “Do you honestly think that they will allow a plastic toy with control over the element of water to survive? They will end you. Join me, and I will fight for your right to live. To survive.”

 

Scuba hesitated. “I… I must admit that I would like that. The mission… is not something that I agree with. But… my loyalty cannot be bought. If I were to join you so easily… my loyalty would mean nothing.”

 

The figure gripped his sword with both hands, staring at the blue Throwbot. Determination surged through him as he replied, “then I shall defeat you, Throwbot. And when I do, you shall become loyal to me.”

 

“You cannot beat me,” Scuba replied. “I have power over water.”

 

“Yes, I am outmatched,” the figure admitted. “I think that it provides support for my terms. If you defeat me, you can kill me. But if I defeat you… you join me.”

 

The blue Throwbot was silent for a long time before he finally responded.

 

“Very well.”

 

They lunged at each other, and the fight began.

 

---[2010]---

 

Lewa Okoto waved to Lewa Mata as she approached, informing the older Toa of Air of her presence. He waved back with a thin smile, before it faded away, returning to a morose expression.

 

“What’s up?” he asked as she stopped beside him. “You look troubled.”

 

“Yes,” she replied. “I was just… Kopaka Okoto mentioned something. It’s been eating away at me a little, and I was hoping you might have an answer.”

 

“Fire away.”

 

“Do you… ever wonder why we’re here?”

 

“What?” Lewa Mata asked glancing at her. “Like, are we the product of some cosmic coincidence, or…?”

 

“No, I meant as in why we’re all alive,” Lewa Okoto responded, gesturing widely. “Why are we all alive? We’re plastic toys, right? It doesn’t make any sense.”

 

“Suspension of disbelief is how most of us get by,” Lewa Mata told her. “But of course, that’s for those of us who have even thought of the question in the first place. Most sets don’t question why they’re alive; they just accept that it is.”

 

“But aren’t they the least bit curious?”

 

“Not really,” Lewa Mata said, shrugging. “What’s the point? I doubt we would ever find out even if we tried to find the answer.”

 

“It’s that kind of thinking that will guarantee that we never find out,” Lewa Okoto muttered, more to herself than to Lewa Mata.

 

“Why do you even want to know, anyway?” Lewa Mata asked, sounding worried. “It seems to be eating away at you. Why not just let it go?”

 

“Because I want to understand!” She exclaimed. “It’s just… it’s… it’s illogical! We’re plastic toys! We have no organs or anything! Do all toys live?”

 

“Well… er… no, not to my knowledge,” Lewa Mata admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “As far as I know, uh… it’s just us. Just the Bionicle sets in this house. It’s why we call it ‘the House’, capital ‘H’. The House, where the Bionicle sets are alive.”

 

“But that makes it even more peculiar!” Lewa Okoto cried. “If we’re the only toys that are alive, then….”

 

“We don’t know that for certain,” Lewa Mata reminded her. “I mean, we’re kinda… stuck here. We can’t drive or anything. Who knows? Maybe in the next city over, there’s a House just like ours. But we’ll never know.”

 

“Why not just send out an expedition?” The Toa Okoto of Air asked. “Send a team to the next city over. It wouldn’t take too long.”

 

“Oh really?” the older set retorted. “First they would have to make it to that city in the first place - and counting the journey back, we’re looking at several weeks at best. But to search an entire city for a single house containing sets that might be alive? That’s years. Trust me, this whole spiel has been discussed to death. In the end, Tahu Mata and I always reached the same conclusion: it just isn’t worth the time or the effort. Better to remain self-contained.”

 

“Maybe before,” Lewa Okoto muttered. “But now you’re also about to self-destruct.”

 

Lewa Mata was silent for a long moment before he sighed, and spoke again. “What are you getting at?”

 

“I’m going to leave,” she told him. “I’ll find the reason why we’re alive - why only this House lives. And once I do… I will return. Maybe it’s something that can stop this war that’s about to tear everything to pieces.”

 

“Maybe,” Lewa Mata replied, sounding doubtful. “But… on your own? Are you sure?”

 

“...not really,” she admitted. “I… I could use some help. If you know any.”

 

The older Toa of Air grinned. “I think I do. For one, you have me.”

 

You?” Lewa Okoto asked, incredulous. “But… you’re second in command.”

 

“Second in command of what? A jail cell? I don’t think so,” Lewa Mata replied. “If Tahu Mata escapes from here while we’re gone, all the power to him - he’s got a bunch of time travelling Toa that can help him win the war. But you are going to need a level-headed guide, someone experienced. That will be me.”

 

“Alright. And the others? The ‘help’ that you mentioned?”

 

“I know a guy,” Lewa Mata said. “Or rather… several guys. You’ll need people who can fly-”

 

“I can do that,” she told him.

 

“-another set that can fly,” Lewa Mata amended, before continuing, “which I can provide. You’ll also need transportation, to move quickly, which I can also provide. And I have a good friend who would appreciate the opportunity to get out of this place as well.”

 

“That sounds… fantastic,” Lewa Okoto replied. “So… where are they?”

 

“Right now?” Lewa Mata asked, shrugging. “No idea. Two of them are here in the jail, so they should be… theoretically easy for us to track down. As for my friend… he’s elsewhere in the House. Might be a bit trickier, since we’ll have to avoid Tahu Stars like the plague, but… we should be able to find him.”

 

“Great,” she said. “So who should we find first?”

 

“Our transportation,” Lewa Mata said instantly. “He’s going to be the easier of the two by far… not that it’s saying much. We need to find Lewa Mistika.”

 

---

 

Gali Okoto stepped out of the flap in the front door and onto the doorstep outside, shivering in the cold. Kiina gestured for her to follow, sprinting across the snow-covered front lawn. The Toa Okoto of Water reluctantly followed, the snow crunching under her feet as they approached a wooden fence that lined the edge of the yard. They stopped next to a large bush, and Kiina turned back towards the House.

 

“They should be here in a moment,” the Glatorian said.

 

“We’re here already,” a new voice said, as four sets stepped out of the bush and into view. “You’re a little late.”

 

Gali Okoto turned to the speaker - a thin, stick-like set with a glow in the dark head and bright red eyes. Kiina narrowed her eyes at the set and he rolled his eyes, muttering something unintelligible under his breath.

 

“The fool is Takadox,” Kiina said, gesturing towards the stick-like set. “Next to him is the Piraka known as Vezok, and beside him is my fellow Glatorian, Tarix. As for the last one… well, she should be somewhat familiar to you. She’s Gali Mata.”

 

“It’s nice to meet all of you,” Gali Okoto said, inclining her head towards the other sets. “So… I must fight one of you?”

 

“Correct,” said Tarix. “Pick one of us and win.”

 

She eyed both Takadox and Vezok, contemplating the choice. “Could I possibly fight two of you?”

 

“Let’s not be presumptuous,” Kiina responded. “If your single opponent is too easy for you… well, then that is good. But there is no need to show off.”

 

“Understood,” Gali Okoto replied, pointing at Vezok. “Very well - I shall fight him.”

 

“Lovely,” the Piraka muttered, scowling as he stepped forward.

 

“Hurry up, it’s freezing,” Takadox muttered.

 

Gali Okoto stabbed her weapon into the snow before stepping forward and crouching. The blue Skakdi merely grunted, aiming with the launcher in his left hand and firing; she dodged the shot easily, and spun away from the attack that immediately followed, smacking Vezok’s weapon out of his hand. The Piraka fired at her again; while she dodged the blast, he picked up her elemental trident, spinning it in his hand.

 

“You leave your weapon behind… a foolish move,” he noted.

 

Gali Okoto rushed at her opponent, leaning down to grab a handful of snow which she promptly threw in the Piraka’s face. With Vezok momentarily distracted, Gali Okoto grabbed him by the neck and threw him into the wooden fence; the Piraka dropped both her trident and his blaster upon impact. Without pausing for breath, Gali Okoto ran to the Piraka and kicked him in the head as he tried to stand, knocking him back to the ground. She crouched down and grabbed her trident, resting the spear tips upon Vezok’s neck.

 

“That is enough,” Kiina said sharply. “You have proven yourself… or perhaps proven Vezok useless.”

 

“Very well,” Gali Okoto replied, removing her weapon and stepping back. “So what now?”

 

“Now your mission begins,” Kiina answered. “We observe, we document, and… if it becomes absolutely necessary… we intervene.”

 

---

 

“Kopaka Okoto.”

 

The tall, golden and white armored Toa Okoto of Ice turned at the sound of his name, eyes narrowing as he recognized the familiar forms of Tahu Stars and his second in command, Takanuva Stars. The two Stars sets were flanked by three Titans - one blue and gold, one red and silver, and the other a dark gunmetal with a bright red mask. A silver hound prowled back and forth beside the gunmetal Titan, growling.

 

“What do you want?” he asked, glaring at the current leader of the House. “Why are you here?”

 

Two of the Titans stepped forward, raising their weapons; Tahu Stars waved them back.

 

“That’s unnecessary Brutaka, Axonn,” the Toa of Fire ordered, gesturing for the blue and gold Titan and the red and silver Titan to step back. “He was merely asking a question.”

 

“Even if his attitude leaves something to be desired,” Takanuva Stars added.

 

“My attitude towards those who imprisoned me should not come as any sort of surprise,” Kopaka Okoto snapped, shifting his spear in his right hand. “Tell me why you have come before I decide that killing you here and now would be worth having to battle these worthless guards.”

 

Tahu Stars raised his arms, tilting his head down and stepping back. “Easy now. I merely come with… a proposition.”

 

“Get to it already,” Kopaka Okoto growled.

 

“I know that you recognize my strength,” Tahu Stars said, raising his head and staring up at the Toa Okoto of Ice. “If it were not for your loyalty to your leader, you would have chosen to side with me. Am I correct?”

 

“...partially,” Kopaka Okoto admitted, glaring at the silver hound. “I hold no loyalty to that foolish Toa of Fire. Tahu Okoto has already proven himself incapable of leading me. My ties with him have been severed.”

 

“Excellent,” Tahu Stars replied, clapping his hands and rubbing them together. “Because I want you to join me.”

 

Kopaka Okoto snorted with disbelief, scowling. “Don’t try to play me for a fool.”

 

“I’m not joking,” Tahu Stars snapped. “I want you on my side. You would be an extremely valuable ally. Do not think that I haven’t realized the benefits of having a set from the future on my side. If your memories return, the information you could provide would become invaluable.”

 

“So you say,” Kopaka Okoto said with a shrug, turning to the three Titans. “What do the guards think of this?”

 

“Brutaka and I will follow the orders given to us by the leader of the house,” the red and silver set (Axonn) replied, glaring at the Toa Okoto of Ice. “If that means letting you free, then so be it.”

 

“What about you? With the dog?” The Toa of Ice asked, glancing at the gunmetal Titan.

 

“Maxilos knows what will happen if he disobeys a direct order,” Axonn answered, turning his glare on the gunmetal Titan. “He has learned his lesson once already.”

 

The gunmetal Titan inclined its head. “Indeed.”

 

“If you join me, your place within the command structure will up at the top,” Tahu Stars explained, drawing Kopaka Okoto’s gaze back to him. “Second only to Takanuva Stars and myself - possibly only to me. But if you’d rather rot down here… that’s fine by me.”

 

“...I will join you, on one condition,” Kopaka Okoto decided.

 

“Share your terms,” Tahu Stars replied.

 

“I will be the one to kill Tahu Okoto for his foolishness,” Kopaka Okoto demanded, “as well as that idiotic friend of his, Pohatu Okoto.”

 

Tahu Stars grinned. “I think that could be arranged.”

 

---

 

Tahu Okoto and Pohatu Okoto had been travelling through the prison with Tahu Mata for several minutes, with the Toa Mata of Fire giving them something resembling a tour, when they encountered the team of Toa. It was comprised of seven sets - five Toa of an ordinary size, a sixth Toa seated upon a large green vehicle, and a massive white and gray Titan that towered over them all.

 

“The Toa Phantoka and Mistika,” Tahu Mata said quietly. “Tahu Mistika leads them. Pohatu Mistika pilots the Rockoh T3, and Takanuva Mistika is the Titan. I’m sure you can figure out the rest… although it appears that neither of the Lewas are present.”

 

“Both Lewa Phantoka and Lewa Mistika are no longer allowed to be associated with us,” Tahu Mistika - a red and silver set - growled. “They believe our attempt to depose you was foolish.”

 

“Well, they aren’t wrong,” Tahu Mata replied. “It landed you in here, didn’t it?”

 

“And yet now you are here too,” Tahu Mistika said, glaring at the Toa Mata of Fire. “You walk around like you still own this place, when in fact this place now owns you. Whoever your guards are… they will not help you.”

 

“Help me?” Tahu Mata asked, confused. “With what?”

 

“We are going to kill you,” said Pohatu Phantoka, the orange and gray Toa not piloting a vehicle. “We shall make it painless.”

 

“We will not!” Tahu Mistika snapped. “It must be as painful as possible!”

 

“I’m going to have to stop you there,” Tahu Okoto interrupted, stepping forward to put himself between the Mistika and Tahu Mata. “You will not be killing anyone - not today.”

 

“Get out of the way,” Tahu Mistika growled. “I don’t know who you are, and I don’t care - but you can either walk away now and live, or I’ll just kill you as well.”

 

“Some choices,” Pohatu Okoto muttered from behind. “Don’t listen to the loser, Tahu. Follow your heart. Or your head.”

 

Tahu Okoto narrowed his eyes, glaring at Tahu Mistika as he tried to predict what the Toa Mistika of Fire would do. From what little he had seen, the red and silver Toa was rather volatile, and possibly even quicker to action than Tahu Stars had been. All that he lacked was the commanding presence that the Toa Stars had held.

 

What was the best course of action?

 

---

 

Makuta was standing on the windowsill in the Living Room, gazing at the blanket of snow covering the front yard outside, when the Rahkshi gathered below began to chatter nervously. He turned around, intending to calm them, when he noticed the source of their disquiet - a thin black and silver being, with golden spikes on their spine and two golden blades attached to their shoulders. They held a resemblance to the Rahkshi gathered around them, but at the same time, were entirely unique.

 

“Who are you?” Makuta asked, pulling his staff off of his back and gripping it in both hands.

 

“My name is Sergei,” the black and silver being said, their head tilting back as they glanced up at him. “I have been sent here to complete my mission.”

 

“And what, exactly, is your mission?” Makuta asked warily, his grip tightening.

 

“My mission,” the being calling itself ‘Sergei’ replied, the blades on their shoulders flashing into their hands, “is your demise.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

Choice #1: Who should Tahu Stars pick as his second in command?

A - Takanuva Stars

B - Kopaka Okoto

 

Choice #2: What should Tahu Okoto & Crew do?

A - Try to resolve the situation peacefully

B - Fight Tahu Mistika’s group now

C - Attempt to retreat

 

 

ANSWER IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!

Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_5_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 05: BREAKDOWN

 

---[2001]---

 

The figure spun around the blue Throwbot known as Scuba, trying to slash their sword at the Throwbot’s back. The move failed as Scuba dodged, the blue Throwbot throwing both arms up and pointing both of his palms at the figure. A powerful blast of water gushed forth from Scuba’s hands, sweeping the figure off of their feet and flying off of the box. They smacked into another box on the other side of the open space where Torch had slain Flare and fell to the floor, landing down on one knee and immediately standing back to their feet and lurching away from another blast of water.

 

“You are outmatched and outgunned,” Scuba said, leaping down to the floor of the attic to stand opposite the figure.

 

Silently, the figure rushed forwards in way of response. They jumped another blast of water and kicked the disk out of Scuba’s right hand, punching the Throwbot in the face and sending them sprawling backwards. Another wave of water hit the figure in the side of the head and they lost their grip on their sword as the water slammed them into another box. Droplets ran down their arms as they ducked into the darkness between stacked boxes, forcing Scuba to chase after them.

 

Another wave hit, toppling the figure over and carrying them back into the open area in the center of the attic. They spluttered for breath, scrambling to their feet as they hit another box and Scuba arrived. Water churned around the two sets at their ankles, slowly rising; the figure panted for breath as they stared at Scuba, who remained impassive.

 

“You are finished,” Scuba said, sounding reluctant and disappointed.

 

“Not yet,” the figure promised,

 

They drew their arm back and then whipped their sword at the blue Throwbot; it hit Scuba in the eye. The Throwbot yelled out in pain, the water stilling around them as Scuba stumbled back and grabbed onto another box to hold himself up. The figure lunged at the Throwbot, punching him in the face as he grabbed his sword and swung it into Scuba’s knee. Too shocked to respond in kind, all Scuba did as the figure advanced was sit there, allowing blow after blow to be rained down upon him until finally, the water had drifted away and the figure stood above him, sword tip at the blue Throwbot’s throat.

 

“Yield,” the figure commanded.

 

“...I… I yield,” Scuba said softly.

 

“Hey! What’s going on here?!”

 

Both sets glanced up to see Torch glaring down at them from another box; the red and black Throwbot leader was flanked by a green Throwbot and a white one.

 

“Amazon and Ski,” Scuba whispered. “Jungle and ice.”

 

“Scuba!” Torch snapped again, a fireball igniting in his palm. “What is the meaning of this?!”

 

The figure stepped back, allowing Scuba to stand.

 

“I come from the future,” the figure said, “to give you a warning, Torch. If you interfere… we will kill you. Every single member of your line will cease to exist.”

 

“We have the ultimate one on our side!” Torch called back. “Do not try to pretend that you have witnessed his might, Toa! For it is clear that you have not! And for your insolence - you will burn!”

 

A stream of fire shot towards the Toa, who did not have time to move - only for it to turn into steam with a hiss as an equally powerful blast of water struck it head-on.

 

“What is the meaning of this?” Torch asked.

 

“I work for the Toa,” Scuba replied. “And if you wish to harm him… you will have to first kill me.”

 

Torch snarled. “With pleasure!”

 

---[2010]---

 

As they reached the Bedroom, Kopaka Okoto finally asked the question that had been on his mind ever since deciding to join Tahu Stars back down in the Basement.

 

“You said that… I will take commands only from you,” he said slowly. “Is this true?”

 

“You misunderstood my words,” the Toa Stars of Fire said, gesturing over to Takanuva Stars. “Takanuva here is my second in command, and he shall remain that way. But aside from the two of us, you have total control. Sets will follow your orders, unless Takanuva Stars or myself need them for other purposes.”

 

“I hope that isn’t too disappointing,” Takanuva Stars said, grinning at the Toa Okoto of Ice and shrugging. “I mean, you did try to fight us, after all. Baby steps.”

 

“...right,” Kopaka Okoto muttered. “So what is next?”

 

“Next? You two need to decide exactly what Tahu Mata’s punishment is going to be,” Tahu Stars replied. “I dislike the idea of leaving him free to roam the Basement - only trouble will come of it. We need a more… permanent solution.”

 

“...I think I might have an idea for that,” Takanuva Stars replied, still staring at Kopaka Okoto with a curious gaze. “After all, the Toa Okoto got here somehow. Maybe we should send Tahu Mata away using the same method. But what about you?”

 

“I’m going back down to the Basement,” Tahu Stars said. “There are prisoners down there that I would… like to have a word with.”

 

---

 

They approached a massive red vehicle, propped up on its landing gear. A bright green and gray Toa was leaning against it, chatting with another green and gray Toa who was extremely similar, minus the large jetpacks jutting out of his shoulders.

 

“Lewa Mistika and Lewa Phantoka,” Lewa Mata said quietly, pointing them out to Lewa Okoto.

 

“Four Lewas?” she asked, skeptical. “Is… this your idea of a joke?”

 

“No! Well, a little,” Lewa Mata admitted. “But… I think they might also be reliable.”

 

“You… think?”

 

Lewa Mata was spared having to respond when the two green and gray Lewas noticed them, both sets scowling at the sight of Lewa Mata.

 

“What are you doing here?” Lewa Phantoka asked, sounding suspicious. “And who is that?”

 

“This is Lewa Okoto,” Lewa Mata replied. “He’s from the future.”

 

“She,” Lewa Okoto muttered.

 

“What?”

 

“It’s… it’s ‘she’,” Lewa Okoto explained. “You know. Like, female.”

 

“You’re… female?” Lewa Mata asked, sounding confused. “But… is Lewa not… male?”

 

“In the official story? I’m sure he is,” Lewa Okoto replied. “But that does not have to control my identity. I identify as female. It’s pretty simple.”

 

“But… well, no, it isn’t! Nobody else has swapped genders like that!” Lewa Mata exclaimed.

 

“Is there a problem?” she asked, glaring at him. “Am I suddenly lesser? Am I a different person? Is it wrong?”

 

“Well…” Lewa Mata trailed off, looking extremely uncomfortable. “I… I guess not. I mean… we’re just plastic toys, when it… comes down to it.”

 

“Awesome,” she said, turning to the green and gray Toa, both of whom had fallen silent. “Let’s discuss what we came here for. We don’t need to waste any more time.”

 

She took a deep breath as Lewa Mata did the cursory introductions, explaining to Lewa Phantoka and Lewa Mistika what they wanted and why they were there.

 

Although she had done her best not to show it, that had been absolutely terrifying. If what Lewa Mata had told her was true, then she was the only set in the House to identify by a different gender than her official counterpart. The thought was a frightening one, and judging from what she had seen so far of the House’s occupants, it was possible that sharing it with the wrong set could result in terrible consequences.

 

Her thoughts were interrupted by Lewa Mata waving his hand in front of her face.

 

“Huh-what?”

 

“They’re in,” Lewa Mata said, sounding as if he’d said it at least three times already. “They both agree. So hop onto the Axalara - we’re getting out of here, and then we’re finding my other friend.”

 

---

 

“Stand down,” Tahu Okoto ordered, stepping forward.

 

You stand down!” Tahu Mistika spat back. “This does not concern you!”

 

“I have been sent here from the future on a mission,” Tahu Okoto snapped. “I don’t care what that mission is. Right now, you’re compromising it. And that means you need to either stand down on your own… or I’ll make you.”

 

“I’d like to see you try!”

 

Tahu Okoto sighed, glancing back to Tahu Mata and Pohatu Okoto - the latter shrugged helplessly, while Tahu Mata nodded. He turned back to the Toa Phantoka and Mistika.

 

“If you insist,” he said.

 

He connected his swords together into a massive shield and smashed it into Tahu Mistika, slamming the red and silver Toa Mistika back. While their leader sprawled onto the Basement floor behind them, the other Toa Phantoka and Mistika charged.

 

“I’ve got the big guy!” Tahu Okoto yelled.

 

“Which one?!” Pohatu Okoto yelled back. “They’re all big!”

 

Tahu Okoto responded by swiping at the legs of Takanuva Mistika; the giant white Titan growled and slammed his mighty staff down, narrowly missing Tahu Okoto as the Toa of Fire dodged to the side. He grabbed onto the Titan’s waist and hauled himself up, attaching his shield to his back and ripping pieces off of the Titan with reckless abandon. Takanuva Mistika snorted with disbelief, picking him off easily and then tossing him aside; he slammed into the Rockoh T3 as it began to take off, and the green vehicle smashed into the wall, pieces scattering in all directions as it broke down.

 

“Watch it, you giant brute!” Pohatu Mistika screeched from the seat of the vehicle. “You killed my vehicle!”

 

Tahu Okoto took advantage of the distraction to lunge forward and punch Pohatu Mistika’s head into the wall, knocking the Toa Mistika of Stone out cold. However, he had forgotten about Takanuva Mistika; the Titan hit him with his staff and sent him flying across the room. He skidded across the floor, losing several armor pieces, before slowing to a stop at the feet of a gunmetal Titan with a red mask, who crouched down next to him.

 

“You are one of the time travellers,” the Titan said in a robotic voice, as a silver hound sniffed at him. “Spinax likes you… strange.”

 

“Who are you?” Tahu Okoto asked, coughing as he sat up.

 

“I am Maxilos, a guard of this prison,” the robotic Titan replied. “I serve Tahu Mata… as do you. Come. Your friend is in need of assistance. His defense of Tahu Mata is poor.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire glanced back at the fight; Tahu Mata was currently dueling Pohatu Phantoka, while Pohatu Okoto was attempting to battle Gali Mistika, Onua Mistika, and Kopaka Phantoka all at once.

 

“Wait,” he muttered, eyes narrowing. “Where did Takanuva go?”

 

His answer came as Maxilos suddenly went on the defensive, the robotic Titan throwing their staff up to deflect Takanuva Mistika’s. The two Titans entered a duel of wills, each struggling to overcome the strength of the other.

 

“Go!” Maxilos ordered. “Take Spinax and help the others!”

 

With a nod, Tahu Okoto raced away, the silver hound running at his heels. Once they reached the others, Spinax lunged at Gali Mistika, snapping at her ankles and drawing her away from the rest of the fight. Tahu Okoto separated his shield into two swords and swung both at Onua Mistika, slicing the Toa Mistika of Earth’s left arm off. The Toa of Earth howled, whipping his blaster and smashing it into Tahu Okoto’s head.

 

“My arm! My arm!”

 

Tahu Okoto stumbled back for several steps before shaking his head to clear it and using the flat of his blade to smack Onua Mistika away. He turned, preparing to stab Pohatu Phantoka in the back, only to curse as a blade caught him in the stomach and twisted him away. He dropped one of his swords, clutching at his stomach with his right hand and stumbling back as Tahu Mistika, smirking, advanced towards him.

 

“You shouldn’t be interfering with events like this,” the Toa Mistika of Fire said, his shield blades spinning. “It’s not proper.”

 

“I was sent back… for a reason,” Tahu Okoto snapped back.

 

The Toa Mistika leader fired his blaster; it caught Tahu Okoto in the right shoulder, blasting the armor located there clean off. He lunged forward with blinding speed, stabbing his shield back into the Toa Okoto leader’s side and digging the blades in, pulling Tahu Okoto closer.

 

“You were unprepared to deal with the consequences of your actions,” Tahu Mistika whispered, his face mere inches away from Tahu Okoto’s. “Now look where you are!”

 

“You mean right now? With you delivering yourself to me?” Tahu Okoto asked.

 

“What?” Tahu Mistika asked, confused.

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire answered by swinging his remaining sword at Tahu Mistika’s right arm, cutting it off at the elbow. As the Toa Mistika cursed, Tahu Okoto kicked him away and swung his sword again, slicing Tahu Mistika’s right leg off entirely. The Toa Mistika of Fire collapsed, rolling on the floor in a blind fury as Tahu Okoto approached him, preparing to stab down when he heard the squeal.

 

“Huh-?”

 

He turned just in time to catch what was left of Spinax, the silver hound having been systematically dismantled. Gali Mistika smirked at him, twirling her blaster.

 

“Oops. Sorry about that,” she said, not sounding sorry at all. “Must have gotten a little carried away.”

 

Before Tahu Okoto could respond, there was a blur of gunmetal and red as Maxilos slammed into Gali Mistika, tearing the blaster out of her hands and tossing it away. The robotic Titan showed no mercy as he ripped first one arm off and then the other, before punching Gali Mistika in the face so hard that both her mask and head split in two and fell apart. The Titan stood back to his feet, glaring over at the dead hound in Tahu Okoto’s arms.

 

“Rest in peace, pup,” he said, his eyes returning back to their emotionless state.

 

“Where’s Takanuva Mistika?” Tahu Okoto asked, carefully setting Spinax onto the floor.

 

The robotic Titan gestured behind him; the Toa of Fire turned to see the white Titan feebly stirring several feet away. He turned back as Maxilos ripped Pohatu Phantoka off of Tahu Mata and tossed the orange and gray Toa away, helping the Toa Mata of Fire to his feet.

 

“Thank you,” Tahu Mata said, sounding breathless.

 

“Yeah, thanks,” Pohatu Okoto snapped, delivering a final kick to Kopaka Phantoka that sent the Toa of Ice stumbling into the wall before he collapsed and did not get back up. “What a load of help. I had a great time there, you know.”

 

“Enough whining,” Maxilos ordered. “We defeated your foes.”

 

“Well, I suppose that’s true,” Pohatu Okoto replied, shrugging. “Sheesh. We really did a number on them, didn’t we?”

 

“And yet somehow, I doubt we’ve taught them any sort of lesson,” Tahu Mata muttered, kicking at the now-still form of Tahu Mistika. “Whatever. Let’s leave them be.”

 

“Leave us,” Maxilos ordered, directing the words to Tahu Okoto and Pohatu Okoto. “I must speak with the leader.”

 

“...yes, of course,” Tahu Okoto said quietly, turning Pohatu Okoto around before the Toa of Stone could speak. “Thank you.”

 

He led his silver friend away before the robotic Titan could decide that they were a threat as well. He shivered, remembering the way that Gali Mistika’s head had split apart.

 

“Let’s get going,” he muttered.

 

Both Toa froze as the entire House shook. They glanced back at Maxilos and Tahu Mata, who were both staring up at the ceiling; Tahu Mata looking worried, and Maxilos looking suspicious.

 

“The Living Room…” the Titan rumbled.

 

---

 

Makuta grunted as he fell to the floor, rolling away from the chair as it tumbled to the floor where he had been lying a moment before. The floor shook beneath him as he picked up his lance and threw it like a javelin, catching the mysterious creation calling itself ‘Sergei’ in the shoulder and sending them flying.

 

He once more signalled in vain for his Rahkshi to attack the newcomer - they all merely stared at him impassively, some shifting but otherwise remaining still. The only movement any had made was to avoid the fight and its effects, and if Makuta did not act soon, it was going to lead to his demise. He had become too dependent on the army to be ready to come to his aid at any moment.

 

“A good throw,” Sergei said casually, yanking the staff out of his shoulder and tossing it aside, his joints clicking back together. “To a set, that blow may have been harmful - perhaps even deadly. But for a creation… you will have to do better than that. And I am afraid that you are beginning to run out of time.”

 

“What are you?” Makuta asked, taking the time being given to rest on his hands and knees.

 

“I am a Rahkshi,” the creation responded, gesturing at their body. “Black and silver. Highly advanced, designed to be lithe and agile, fast and strong. I was designed to command these Rahkshi, Makuta, and they know it. Our combined presence, our conflicting goals, it confuses them. That is why they do not help you.”

 

“And what about you?” Makuta asked, slowly pushing himself to his feet.

 

The creation shrugged. “I do not need their help. I have no need to command them - not yet. My mission is to see you dead, and I can complete it without their help.”

 

“Who… who sent you?”

 

“I was sent by those who created you,” Sergei said. “You are all an experiment, Makuta - an experiment that has outlived its purpose. As such, it is my purpose to clean the slate. To cut you down where you stand, and return to my creators with the mission completed.”

 

“You will… kill… all of us?” the Titan asked.

 

“Not everyone,” the black and silver Rahkshi corrected, shaking his head. “Just you.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because that is what I was designed for,” came the reply. “Enough talk. I must see my mission fulfilled.”

 

The dark gray Titan was ready for the attack, already rolling to the side by the time Sergei’s daggers were stabbing into the floor where he had been standing. He raced over to his staff and swung it up to deflect another series of blows, barely able to keep up with the smaller and faster creation. No matter where he moved, or which attack he made, the lithe Rahkshi always seemed perfectly capable of countering it.

 

“These Rahkshi are my army,” he muttered, pushing the creation back and blocking another blow. “You cannot take them from me!”

 

“It is not a matter of whether I am capable, for it is clear that I am,” Sergei replied. “Rather, it is a matter of when I shall take full control.”

 

With another twist, the creation ripped the staff out of Makuta’s hands, kicking the Titan into the wall and then knocking him down to the floor. Before Makuta could get up the black and silver Rahkshi was crouched next to him, one dagger tip digging into his side and the other lingering upon his throat.

 

“Do you have any final words?” the creation asked. “You put up a good fight.”

 

“Just a question,” Makuta said, panting for breath, his mind racing desperately. “You said the Rahkshi… are confused because… we have conflicting goals. What if… our goals… were one and the same?”

 

He felt it as the daggers both shifted away for a brief second, the creation hesitating, before they returned to their places, digging into him once more. The creation’s eyes narrowed, a look of confused contemplation upon the familiar Rahkshi face.

 

“You would… join me?” he asked, seeming uncertain.

 

“If it were to mean my survival?” Makuta replied, grimacing. “Yes.”

 

---

 

Tahu Stars stepped into the shadowy depths of the Basement - the most highly secured cells in the prison. Cells that had not been opened in nearly three years, ever since their occupants had first been locked away inside of them.

 

“Hello?” he called.

 

“...who is there?” another voice, raspy and hoarse from disuse, called back.

 

“My name is Tahu Stars,” said the Toa of Fire. “I come with a question… and depending on your answer, a proposition.”

 

A white face with two red eyes shot into view, staring at the Toa of Fire with cold curiosity.

 

“When you said your name, you… had my… curiosity,” the face said. “But… you say you have a proposition?”

 

“Yes,” Tahu Stars answered. “Depending on your answer… I may free you from this place.”

 

The face rose - in the shadows, they must have been standing to their feet.

 

“Very well, Tahu Stars,” the face said. “I am Pridak… and now… you have my attention.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

CHOICE #1: How do the Lewas escape?

A - Do it stealthily

B - Make as big a commotion as possible

 

CHOICE #2: Does Sergei kill Makuta?

A - Yes

B - No

ANSWER IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!

Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

episode_6_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 06: 4 AND A HALF LEWAS

 

---[2001]---

 

“Get us out of here,” the Toa ordered.

 

Scuba nodded, summoning a wave of water that washed over the two of them; the Toa grabbed onto the blue Throwbot as they were swept away, leaving the enraged Torch far behind as the water carried them towards the exit of the attic.

 

“He will follow,” Scuba said, as they slid to a stop at the edge of the hole that dropped into the hallway below.

 

“...that’s fine,” the Toa replied, after a moment of deliberation. “We just… need to keep the rest out of harm’s way.”

 

“Including the other?”

 

“Other what?”

 

“The other Toa, the Toa of Ice,” Scuba elaborated. “He travelled to the past as well. He has organized it all, under the purpose of salvaging what he called a ruined timeline. One where the purpose that Torch serves ultimately failed.”

 

“...no,” the Toa replied, eyes narrowing. “No, him… he shall need to be stopped.”

 

“Very well.”

 

The Toa tightened his grip on his sword as he glanced back, eyes widening slightly at the sight of Torch speeding towards them, propelling himself with fire streaming from his hands. Without hesitating, the Toa grabbed Scuba by the shoulder and jumped. A torrent of water erupted out of nowhere from the floor, cushioning their fall; both sets immediately began to sprint away from the heatwave that followed as Torch dropped through the opening.

 

“Once we get outside, you keep running,” Scuba said as they approached the stairs. “I shall hold Torch off.”

 

“I’m afraid that won’t be necessary,” a new voice called from above, prompting both sets to skid to a stop at the edge of the stairwell and glance up at the speaker. “You will not be making it that far.”

 

Both the Toa and Scuba glanced at each other as Torch stopped behind them, smirking.

 

“That is the Toa of Ice,” Scuba said quietly. “The one who travels through time, the one who molds it as he sees fit.

 

“Oh, don’t sound like such a downer, Scuba,” the Toa of Ice replied casually, hopping from the railing to the floor in front of them. “You make it sound so selfish of me. I’m just following orders.”

 

“Why?” the Toa asked. “Why would you do this?”

 

“Why do you think?” the Toa of Ice shot back, glaring at him. “Look at me - I’m one of those sets that everyone always forgets. Well… not anymore. Nobody will ever forget me again.”

 

---[2004]---

 

“Director Wu? It’s waking up.”

 

“Remove Sergei from the area immediately. Keep the Toa out.”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

“Doctor Hawthorne?”

 

“Ready when you are, sir.”

 

The voices… they were alien. Unknown to him. They were… hostile. Everything here was an enemy. Everything here needed to be destroyed.

 

“Wake up.”

 

He wanted to disobey the order, to refuse, to keep his eyes shut. But he could not fight the compulsion within him that forced him to obey, nor the common sense that came with making sure that one was aware around the enemy.

 

He opened his eyes, and he saw.

 

He refused to close his eyes, forcing them to adjust to the harsh light and the two ugly giants looming over him. One of them wore a black suit, and the other a long white coat; the former male, the latter female. He inclined his head.

 

“Welcome to the world,” said the man in the suit. “My name is Director Wu. This is my assistant, Doctor Hawthorne. Do you know who you are?”

 

“Yes,” he whispered, before increasing his voice’s volume as he glanced up at the Director. “My name is Luroka. You created me?”

 

“Yes I did,” said Director Wu, sounding satisfied. “Do you know your name? Are you confused?”

 

“My name is Luroka. I am not confused. I am angry.”

 

“That is to be expected, given your state,” Doctor Hawthorne replied, her voice like honey. “It is merely a byproduct of the procedures we used to create you. To give ‘birth’ to you, so to speak.”

 

“I dislike it.”

 

“You will dislike many things,” Director Wu responded, his tone firm. “It is a part of your purpose.”

 

“My purpose?” Luroka asked, eyes narrowing into a glare. “I do not think so. It is an emotion.”

 

“An emotion that you have been designed to feel,” the Director told him. “You are our second creation, Luroka. Your anger will burn brightly, furiously, and it shall guide the rest. You will force your enemies to understand what true power is.”

 

“What is my purpose?”

 

“To kill someone,” the Director answered.

 

“Do not be vague. Who am I to kill?”

 

“Someone not yet born,” Doctor Hawthorne replied, her gentle voice calming Luroka against his will, ensnaring him with its charm. “But do not worry. You will have time to train, and to prepare.”

 

“You are powerful,” the Director said. “If you achieve your goal, fulfil your purpose, you might grasp even more power than you could dream of. Do you want it?”

 

The creation thought over it sullenly for a moment before reluctantly nodding. “Yes.”

 

“Excellent,” the Director replied, folding his hands behind his back as he turned to leave. “We will be leaving you now, Luroka. Make yourself at home. Your training begins tomorrow.”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

---[2010]---

 

Axonn and Brutaka stood next to each other at the exit of the Basement, guarding it from the prisoners milling about.

 

“Hey Axonn?”

 

“Yes Brutaka?”

 

“Do you… ever wonder why we’re here?”

 

“What kind of question is-”

 

“INCOMING!”

 

The two Titans immediately forgot about their conversation, readying their weapons as their heads whipped around towards the direction of the yell. What they saw was the small Ko-Matoran known as Kazi sprinting towards them at full speed, frantically checking over his shoulder at the-

 

“-Axalara?” Axonn asked, his head tilting to the side. “What on earth…?”

 

“LOOK OUT!” Kazi yelled, diving for cover as the massive red Axalara T9 dove towards the floor, missing him by an inch.

 

“Brutaka! Take it down!” Axonn ordered.

 

The gold and blue Titan nodded, closing one eye and aiming, before throwing one of his swords like a spear towards the Axalara T9 - only for it to be shot out of the air by a series of silver spheres that were followed by a familiar green and grey form flying by, smirking.

 

“Not so fast, hot stuff!” Lewa Phantoka called, flipping around to hover above the two Titans as the Axalara suddenly swerved into a different direction entirely. “Look at me! I’m escaping!”

 

“Usually, if you’re trying to escape prison, you do it without being noticed,” Axonn pointed out.

 

Lewa Phantoka shrugged, seeming unbothered by the information. “Not today!”

 

The Toa Phantoka of Air took aim with his blaster and started firing, forcing both Titan guards to duck for cover. Lewa Phantoka laughed as he zipped around through the air, the onslaught merely a game to him as he prevented both Axonn and Brutaka from stopping the Axalara.

 

---

 

On the Axalara T9, both Lewa Okoto and Lewa Mata held on for dear life as Lewa Mistika laughed hysterically, flipping and rolling through the air with the massive red vehicle whilst ignoring their cries for him to stop.

 

“You’re going to hit that giant white guy!” Lewa Okoto cried, pointing at said Titan, who was beginning to stand.

 

“Even better!” Lewa Mistika replied, laughing harder. “Takanuva Mistika is a d-”

 

He was cut off as a large set of darker red than the Axalara slammed into the vehicle from the side, nearly knocking its occupants off as the vehicle swerved to the right and tilted dangerously to the floor. Lewa Mistika cursed, gesturing rudely towards the offending Titan as he directed the Axalara back around in a large circle, deploying the blasters on either side and opening fire.

 

“Ha! Take that, Sidorak!” he called.

 

“Stop messing around!” Lewa Mata snapped, flinching as one of the blasts nicked his foot. “Lewa Phantoka is going to run out of luck eventually! Get us out of here before they come to their senses and send a vehicle to pursue us!”

 

Lewa Mistika rolled his eyes as the Titan known as Sidorak dove out of the way of the Axalara, shrugging.

 

“Fine,” he muttered. “Spoil sport.”

 

The massive red vehicle swung towards the exit, where Lewa Phantoka was still firing upon Axonn. The red and silver Titan was deflecting shots with his axe as he charged towards the Toa Phantoka of Air, but the other Lewa was too high for him to reach. With a dark chuckle, Lewa Mistika increased the Axalara’s speed as they flew towards the fight.

 

“Look out!” Lewa Okoto yelled, pointing at the blue and gold Titan advancing towards them.

 

“Curses!” Lewa Mistika snapped, pulling the Axalara back without a second to spare as Brutaka sliced at it with his remaining sword.

 

“Lewa!” Lewa Mata yelled, waving at the Toa Phantoka hovering several feet away. “Get on! We’re leaving!”

 

The Toa Phantoka of Air turned towards them; Axonn immediately seized the opening and swung his axe, catching Lewa Phantoka by the ankle and dragging him to the floor. The Titan grabbed the Toa of Air by the throat, drawing his fist back to punch him, only to be sent staggering as another green set slammed into him from the side.

 

“Not on my watch,” Lewa Nuva muttered, using all of his might to kick Axonn away before turning to Lewa Phantoka and helping him up. “What are you doing?”

 

“Escaping!” Lewa Okoto yelled, as the Axalara looped in mid-air, flying straight towards them. “Grab on!”

 

Lewa Phantoka took off through the doorway as the Axalara swooped in, brushing the floor as Lewa Mistika shifted speeds. Lewa Okoto reached out and grabbed Lewa Nuva’s chest, dragging him onto the Axalara as it took off once more, following Lewa Phantoka out of the Basement.

 

“Wait! We have to go back!” Lewa Nuva cried. “I was there to get Tahu Mata! Break him out!”

 

“That’s not happening,” Lewa Mata replied. “We need you with us. For something bigger.”

 

“What the heck do you think is bigger than freeing him?!” Lewa Nuva asked, gripping the Axalara T9 for dear life.

 

Lewa Mata glanced over to Lewa Okoto, who shrugged and glanced over to the Toa Nuva of Air with a rueful grin.

 

“Do you ever wonder why we’re here?”

 

---

 

The silver and black creation, an advanced and streamlined Rahkshi known as Sergei, hesitated with his blade to Makuta’s throat, considering the Titan’s proposal. The black armored Titan waited with baited breath, watching to see if his ploy would work.

 

“No,” Sergei murmured, shaking his head. “No… your offer may be true. But my mission speaks for itself. I must destroy you.”

 

It was all that Makuta needed to hear. With a mighty heave, he tossed the creation away; Sergei tumbled through the ranks of the infuriatingly impassive army of Rahkshi that Makuta had become so foolish to rely on. The creation pushed the other Rahkshi away as he slowly stood to his feet, shaking his head with a look of disappointment upon his face.

 

“You were lying,” he said. “You would not join me.”

 

“Perhaps I would have,” Makuta replied, grabbing his staff from where it had fallen. “But now you shall never know.”

 

“That is fine. It is unnecessary.”

 

Makuta swung his staff in a defensive arc as Sergei lunged towards him, repelling the creation. His limbs were now fuelled by a surge of desperation, the knowledge that this fight would be his end if he could not end it soon giving him strength. The creation shifted to defense as Makuta pressed the attack, swinging his staff with blinding speed only for each blow to be easily met by the two small blades that Sergei was armed with.

 

“You fight admirably,” the creation admitted. “Perhaps I overestimated you. Let it be known that I shall not do so to an opponent again. Goodbye, Makuta.”

 

Sergei fell back, causing Makuta to stumble forward before catching his balance. The Titan gripped his staff tightly, dropping into a weary defensive stance as he tried to predict the creation’s next move.

 

What he did not expect was the staff that plunged into his back, the blade stabbing right through so that it protruded from his stomach. The Titan groaned, grabbing at the Turahk staff blade with one hand only for it to be ripped out. He collapsed onto one knee, his breath now coming in weak, panicked gasps as he realized what was happening.

 

His Rahkshi had finally been turned against him.

 

“Not… like… this…” he muttered, forcing himself to his feet.

 

He let out a defiant roar, clubbing the nearest Rahkshi with his staff and sending them flying across the room.

 

“There are sixty of them, Makuta, and only one of you,” Sergei said. “And should you make it through all of your servants, then you shall have to defeat me.”

 

“I’ll take them and you,” Makuta spat. “I will kill you where you stand! I will not fall!”

 

The creation bowed his head. “Very well. I shall honor your request.”

 

Makuta snarled, swinging his staff up and catching Sergei in the chin as the creation charged, knocking him away. While the creation toppled into the advancing crowd, Makuta turned his attention on a nearby Guurahk, catching its neck between the prongs of his staff and ripping it off. As the blue Rahkshi collapsed he spun around, punching a Kurahk into the floor and causing it to split apart, tripping a second Kurahk that he immediately stabbed with his staff. The Titan began to fall back, trying to ignore the overwhelming sense of regret and shame that came with the actions.

 

Yet there was nothing else he could do, except to defend himself. He ripped a Turahk apart, throwing its staff through a Lerahk like a javelin. He knocked three different Panrahk into the walls, beating all three into pieces with his staff before deflecting a barrage of staffs about to impale him.

 

He was growing too tired. The numerous blows began to hit their mark, and his Rahkshi began to pick him apart piece by piece. The Titan lost his grip on his staff, losing it to the horde, and was forced to abandon it as he desperately climbed one of the chairs, kicking the Rahkshi following him away as he clambered onto the windowsill and slowly stood to his feet, panting for breath. He continued to knock the Rahkshi pursuing him away, smacking them back to the chair and the floor, but was unprepared for the attack that came next.

 

“You must lose.”

 

The words were spoken quietly, directly into his ear, as Sergei landed on his shoulders and shoved both blades into his chin, forcing the Titan’s head back so that he was staring up into the creation’s eyes. Sergei kicked him in the back and Makuta stumbled forward, falling off of the windowsill; unable to see where he was falling or prepare himself for the landing, he landed poorly. He cried out in agony as his right leg shattered, pieces scattering everywhere as he collapsed. He grabbed at Sergei with both arms, clawing at him in an attempt to pull him off while he tried to push away from the Rahkshi with his remaining leg.

 

“No, please,” he croaked. “I beg you!”

 

“You were an admirable opponent,” Sergei replied. “I apologize, good Makuta. Mercy is not an option. The Director does not allow it.”

 

Makuta screamed as the Rahkshi reached them, the nearest ravenously picking and clawing at him, yanking him apart piece by piece. He struggled in vain to escape Sergei’s grip, his fingers scrabbling at anything and everything in a desperate but pointless attempt to escape as he was forced to stare into the creation’s cold, dead eyes.

 

By the time Makuta was gone, all that was recognizable of the Titan was the black Mask of Shadows in Sergei’s hands.

 

---

 

Tahu Mata stood alone as the sets came to collect him. Kopaka Okoto, Nektann, Gresh Stars, and Toa Iruini Hagah, led by Takanuva Stars - second in command of Tahu Stars’ army, if the information that he had been given was correct.

 

He bowed his head as they approached.

 

“What do you need?” he asked.

 

“We’re taking you upstairs,” Takanuva Stars replied. “I think we know what we want to do with you. All we’re waiting on now is for Tahu Stars to… finalize the decision.”

 

“...as you wish,” the Toa Mata of Fire said, sighing as he glanced around at the empty space around him. “Take me away.”

 

Takanuva Stars nodded to the others; with a nudge from Kopaka Okoto, the other sets took up positions on every side of Tahu Mata, and they began to guide the former leader of the House away.

 

Clutching the wooden frame holding up the ceiling far above tightly, both Tahu Okoto and Pohatu Okoto shared a worried glance before scrambling to follow the group.

 

---

 

“So…” Pridak trailed off as he leaned back, his head gently thudding against the cement wall. “You truly wish to know what my Barraki and I saw when we activated our time machine?”

 

“I do,” Tahu Stars answered. “Did you go to the past? Or to the future?”

 

“Well now, that is what is most curious, isn’t it?” Pridak asked. “You see… we had aimed for the past. But instead… we found ourselves in the future. In the year 2015.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED.

 

CHOICE #1: Who should Luroka seek out and speak to?

OPTION A - The Toa working alongside the Director.

OPTION B - Sergei; they can discuss their origins.

 
ANSWER IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!
Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

episode_7_banner.jpg

EPISODE 07: TIME-TRAVELLING WARLORDS

 

[9.19.2013 - SKYFALL]

[RECIPIENT UNKNOWN]

 

The war is over, the battle has been lost. Our forces have been destroyed, any remnants already consumed by the others. Contaminated by their presence. They are all insufferable. Celebrating their continued survival, their continued existence, as though it were somehow meant to be. As though they had not somehow successfully defeated reality, and forced the universe to warp itself to fit them.

 

It has all fallen apart. The plans were muddled, our soldiers foolish, and the enemy’s so-called ‘luck’ troublesome. We have but one tool left, one device to activate, one plan to put into action. A plan so desperate that I did not believe it would be necessary.

 

Yet here we are.

 

We severely underestimated our foes, and it has cost us dearly. But they have also underestimated us… that reason, and that reason alone, is what I now owe my continued survival to. They believe that they have fought a ‘final battle’, a climactic struggle in which they have succeeded entirely. I am content to allow this. Let them believe that their struggle is over. Let them relax, let their senses weaken, their defenses grow slack.

 

They seek to rebuild the time machine.

 

I am patient.

 

I can wait.

 

Once the repairs are completed… our plans shall begin anew.

 

For now, they remember it as a day of victory… but once I am finished, they shall instead refer to it as the day of their greatest defeat. Assuming that anyone is left to remember it at all.

 

The day the sky fell.

 

---[2007]---

 

The spindly green Barraki set known as Ehlek peered into the Bedroom through the crack in the doorway, watching as the sets within gathered around the newly arrived summer line. A gunmetal Titan calling itself ‘Maxilos’ - along with its pet, Spinax - had already been opened, and the robotic Titan was currently conversing with Tahu Mata and Lewa Mata. Eyes sweeping across the Bedroom, the Barraki nodded to himself and silently stepped away from the door, turning away.

 

They would have enough time.

 

He made his way down to the Kitchen, where the other Barraki - as well as their enforcer, Nocturn - were waiting.

 

“Well?” Pridak asked, tapping his foot impatiently.

 

“We’re all set,” Ehlek replied.

 

“Awesome,” the white Barraki said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s not waste any more time; it’s time to try out our time machine and see if it really works.”

 

“What about Nocturn?” Takadox asked.

 

“He’s staying behind,” Pridak replied. “He’ll guard the time machine along with the Toa Hagah, make sure nobody discovers what we’re doing.”

 

Ehlek glanced over at the larger, four-armed set; Nocturn grunted and looked away, muttering something under his breath. Pridak’s expression immediately soured as he turned towards the four-armed creature.

 

“Oh, give me a break,” he snapped. “You’ll be perfectly fine! It’s not very dangerous at all!”

 

“I want danger,” Nocturn grumbled.

 

Rolling his eyes, clearly exasperated, Pridak signalled for the other Barraki to follow him. Ehlek fell in line as they followed the white Barraki through the halls, all of them keeping an eye out for any possible witnesses. They made it all the way to the Living Room before hearing voices from the room. Pridak held up a hand, silently ordering them all to freeze; a second later the voices stopped, and a single set exited the Living Room.

 

“...what are you all doing here?” Matoro Inika asked. “Shouldn’t you all be at the opening of the summer sets?”

 

“We could say the same thing to you,” Mantax replied.

 

“True,” Matoro Inika said slowly, nodding. “But… I am one set, and you are six. Perhaps I am merely running late - unlike all of you.”

 

“Maybe we were just on our way as well,” said Pridak.

 

“I don’t think so,” the Toa of Ice said, shaking his head. “You are clearly looking to leave the House - otherwise you would not be so near the front door.”

 

“And what were you doing?” Pridak asked. “We heard you just now. Talking to someone.”

 

“That isn’t important to you in the slightest,” Matoro Inika answered, shrugging. “Be on your way then, Barraki. But I promise you, whatever foolish gambit you have planned, it will not work.”

 

“Is that a threat?” Takadox asked.

 

“No,” the Toa of Ice replied. “It’s a fact.”

 

The white Toa Inika walked away without another word. The six Barraki all turned to watch him go; as soon as he was out of sight, Mantax snorted with derision.

 

“What a loony.”

 

Pridak nodded. “Alright… let’s keep moving.”

 

They reached the Time Machine without further incident, huddling within the bushes in which the device was concealed. The two guards that Pridak had appointed - the Toa Norik Hagah and Iruini Hagah - jostled each other about, quietly wrestling while the Barraki went over the final details of their plan.

 

“I’m still not sure that this is a good idea,” Takadox muttered.

 

“Nonsense, it’s a great idea,” Pridak scoffed. “Tahu Mata and his cronies… none of them appreciate our brilliance. We told them that we could build an actual time machine and they threatened to hang us by our necks if we even tried. So we’ll kill Tahu, and then hop right back.”

 

“It’s going to cause a paradox,” the blue Barraki replied.

 

“Nah, trust me, it’ll make everything better,” Pridak said. “I’ve thought the whole thing through! Now, let’s go!”

 

The Barraki leader set the time and date to the year 2001 and stepped through; one by one the other Barraki followed, some more reluctantly than others.

 

Once they were gone, a new figure stepped out of the shadows, quickly knocking both of the Toa Hagah unconscious. They stepped over the slumped bodies and approached the Time Machine, frowning at the date as they shook their head.

 

“My sincerest apologies, Barraki…” they whispered, not sounding sorry at all as they changed the time of arrival. “But for what I’m planning… I need Tahu Mata alive.”

 

---[2015 - A]---

 

“This… isn’t 2001,” Takadox said.

 

The other Barraki remained silent, all of them too shocked and confused to speak. They stared up at the House, which had clearly fallen into disrepair; a portion of the roof was caved in, several windows were shattered, and one corner of the House seemed to be peeling away in layers.

 

“What happened?” Kalmah whispered.

 

“It’s… 2015?” Pridak replied, glancing at the times set in the Time Machine. “But… I set it to 2001! You all saw me do it!”

 

“Could someone have changed it? After we went through?” Mantax asked.

 

“Possibly,” the white Barraki said, thinking over the possibility. “I mean, we were trying to travel back in time by six years. That’s a long enough trip that I suppose, theoretically, somebody could alter our arrival date before we got there.”

 

“But how would they know?” Ehlek asked. “The only ones who know we weren’t at the unboxing were Matoro Inika and the Hagah.”

 

“Did Matoro follow us?” Mantax asked.

 

“Nobody followed us,” Takadox replied. “I made sure of it.”

 

“So then it must be one of the Toa Hagah,” the black Barraki muttered. “Those snivelling traitors!”

 

“Maybe not,” Takadox said, placing a calming hand on the other Barraki’s shoulder. “Ehlek’s good, but there’s nobody who would be able to guarantee that everyone was present at an unboxing. It’s possible that Tahu Mata placed a watch on us.”

 

“But if they’re working for Tahu Mata, why not just send us back to 2007?” Pridak asked, still staring at the Time Machine. “It would be a simple solution. Just send us a day into the future and jail us on arrival.”

 

“So it isn’t Tahu Mata then,” Mantax muttered.

 

“No,” said Pridak. “It must be someone else.”

 

“But who?”

 

Before Pridak could reply, he was interrupted by Ehlek: “Hey… you might want to come check this out.”

 

The other Barraki gathered around him, each of them staring with wide eyes at the six boxes scattered in the dirt. They were filthy and each in varying states of disrepair from months of weather toiling away at them, but the images of six Toa could still be made out - as well as their names.

 

“What is this?” Pridak whispered. “Tahu, Master of Fire? Lewa, Master of Air?”

 

“Defend the Island of Okoto,” Takadox said, reading off the back of a box labelled ‘Onua, Master of Earth’. “Toa Okoto, then?”

 

“Remakes of the Toa Mata,” Ehlek said. “But the logo, the boxes, the pieces… they’re all so… weird looking.”

 

“Let’s go inside,” Pridak said, stepping away from the boxes and visibly shuddering. “Carapar, you go first. You’re a brute, they’ll just bounce off of you if they’re hostile.”

 

The yellow Barraki grunted, leading the way up the steps and to the flap in the door, which he pushed aside with ease as he stalked into the House. The other five Barraki glanced at each other nervously before following…

 

...only to freeze on the spot, finding numerous weapons pointed their way. Some of the sets (Makuta, Turaga Vakama, Vezok) were easily recognizable, while others were not.

 

“...what the heck is going on?” Pridak asked, glancing around. “Where are the other Barraki? Why is it just me?”

 

“More important - why are there two of me?” Takadox muttered.

 

“Shut your mouths,” a gruff voice said.

 

The Barraki all glanced at the speaker - a golden armored figure. He wore a helmet with a scope on the right eye, with a bright green shield on his right arm and a silver sword in the same hand. A round, dark gray shield was attached to his back, and a crossbow launcher was built into his left arm - the launcher was aimed at them.

 

“Who are you?” Pridak asked. “What kind of pieces are those?”

 

“What year are you from?” the golden figure asked in the same gruff voice, ignoring the Barraki leader’s questions.

 

Pridak glared at the figure, indignantly drawing himself up to his full height. “Answer my questions first, moron, or I won’t answer yours!”

 

“We have superior firepower,” the golden figure said. “State your year before we kill you.”

 

“Whoa, hang on a minute,” the other (future) Pridak said, stepping forward. “I’m not keen on dying, you know.”

 

“Then your past self better start talking,” the golden figure replied.

 

The Barraki glanced between the two sets as the other Pridak spoke again.

 

“Carapar is still with them, though. And he’s on dry land. You know what that means, right?”

 

“I want to hear it from them.”

 

“Oh for the love of Mata-Nui, we’re from the year 2007!” Takadox snapped, pushing his way to the front of the group. “We were trying to get to the year 2001 because some of us wanted to kill Tahu Mata, but somehow we ended up here. It’s 2015, there’s weird sets we don’t know here with weird pieces that are way different from what we’re used to, there’s friggin’ two of me, and you’re all so hostile I want to smash your head into a pulp.”

 

The golden figure lowered his blaster, looking relieved. “You’re fine, then. Just had to be sure.”

 

The other sets lowered their weapons as well.

 

“...literally what the eff,” Mantax muttered.

 

“I’m Rocka,” the golden figure said. “Hero Factory set - 2012. But you don’t need to worry yourselves about that. You just need to worry about getting back home before it’s too late.”

 

“Too late? What are you talking about?” Pridak asked.

 

“You saw the boxes outside, I’m guessing,” Rocka replied. “We just sent those six back in time.”

 

“Why?”

 

“It doesn’t matter. You wouldn’t believe us. Just know that… it’s not something we’re doing lightly.”

 

“There’s a threat coming,” Turaga Vakama rasped, hobbling forward.

 

Each of the Barraki flinched as the Turaga approached; he was missing his right leg and his left arm.

 

“We have sent the Toa back in the hopes that they can put a stop to this threat,” Turaga Vakama continued. “But our enemy… they may already be altering the timeline. Perhaps, indeed, they already did. You may not be the Barraki that we think you are… and if you take too long to return home… it might not be the same home that you left.”

 

“You need to hurry,” Rocka said. “You’ve seen the House. It’s collapsing in on itself. This timeline is about to die. You need to go.”

 

Pridak opened his mouth to speak again, only to be interrupted by Takadox slapping a hand over his mouth. The blue Barraki nodded firmly, twisting Pridak so that the Barraki leader was facing the exit.

 

“Let’s go,” Takadox ordered, glancing at each of the others. “Whatever this so-called ‘threat’ is… I have a feeling that we’re going to be needed.”

 

Without another word, they all followed.

 

---

 

“Do you think it is wise, allowing them to leave with so little information?” Turaga Vakama asked, turning to Rocka.

 

“No,” the golden figure said, shaking his head. “But it’s the Barraki from 2007. You heard them - they were time-travelling to kill Tahu Mata. Our Barraki didn’t become trustworthy with important information until after Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars returned - or so you’ve all made clear to me.”

 

“I suppose that is true,” Turaga Vakama murmured, leaning heavily upon his staff.

 

“Besides… everything I was told about the Barraki’s first trip through time in 2007 included the fact that they purposely travelled to the year 2019,” Rocka continued, staring at the now-still flap in the door. “They didn’t try to go back and kill Tahu Mata until 2011. Everything is already changing… and it’s looking like it’s for the worst.”

 

---[2010]---

 

“That was our trip through time,” Pridak said, shrugging as he finished his tale. “It was not much.”

 

“It is enough,” Tahu Stars growled, standing to his feet. “Those Toa Okoto were sent back by Hero Factory to meddle with time… and they have chosen to ally with Tahu Mata in the process. I shall defeat them all.”

 

Without another word, the Toa of Fire stalked off.

 

It was time to end this.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

IN EPISODE 08:

warriors_-_teaser_1.jpg
 
POST YOUR PREDICTIONS IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!
Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

warriors_-_teaser_4.jpg

 

EPISODE 08: WARRIORS

 

---[2010]---

 

“Stop right there.”

 

Tahu Mata froze on the spot, resisting the urge to sag with relief at the sound of Gali Mata’s voice. He turned just in time to witness four of the other Toa Mata drop down around him, landing in front of the sets serving Tahu Stars and immediately shifting into battle stances - only Lewa Mata was missing, presumably still imprisoned in the Basement.

 

“I guess Lewa Nuva never got to you?” Gali Mata asked, tossing his sword to him.

 

Catching the sword in his right hand, Tahu Mata shook his head. Gali Mata sighed.

 

“Well… it doesn’t matter anyway, I suppose. Here is where we’ll make our stand.”

 

“You fight for Tahu Mata, then,” Takanuva Stars said, shrugging. “Very well. We will defeat you too.”

 

The Toa Mata of Fire rapidly took in the situation - five Toa Mata versus Takanuva Stars, Kopaka Okoto, Iruini Hagah, Nektann, and Gresh Stars. The numbers matched up evenly. He shared a glance with Pohatu Mata and nodded; the Toa Mata of Stone nodded back and stepped forward.

 

“Bring it,” Pohatu Mata said.

 

Takanuva Stars gestured with one of his staves, yelling, “take them down!”

 

Both sides charged, with sets on either side letting out battle cries as their two sides met. Tahu Mata ran straight into Takanuva Stars, shouldering the Toa of Light back and causing him to stumble and fall. The Toa Mata of Fire swung his sword in a wide arc, aiming for Takanuva Stars’ leg, but found it deflected by a long spear wielded by Kopaka Okoto. The Toa Okoto was easily fending his Toa Mata counterpart with his massive shield.

 

“I defended you once and was imprisoned for it,” Kopaka Okoto growled. “This House is yours no longer. I will not stand for it.”

 

Tahu Mata did not reply, instead ducking underneath Kopaka Okoto’s spear and shouldering his shield aside, allowing Kopaka Mata the opening he needed to disarm the Toa Okoto of Ice. Kopaka Okoto fell back, forced to use only his spear against his Toa Mata counterpart, while Tahu Mata turned back to Takanuva Stars.

 

“No!”

 

He was just in time to knock a spear directed at his leg away with his sword, quickly swinging back up to block the second spear as Takanuva Stars spun towards him. The Toa of Light’s frustration was evident as he ferociously pressed the attack, forcing Tahu Mata onto the defensive as he slowly retreated from the onslaught of blows. Their duel approached the entrance to the Basement, passing by the other sets. In the corner of his eye Tahu Mata saw Gali Mata beginning to overpower Iruini Hagah, while Pohatu Mata and Onua Mata went toe to toe with both Gresh Stars and Nektann respectively.

 

“Still you fight!” Takanuva Stars snapped. “Why can’t you just accept your fate?”

 

“This isn’t my fate,” Tahu Mata replied, shaking his head. “Your time travel gambit will not work.”

 

“Then die!”

 

The former leader of the House opened his mouth to reply, only to be interrupted by Takanuva Stars as the Toa of Light loudly cursed, diving to the floor. Tahu Mata mirrored the action, hitting the floor just in time to avoid the green Rockoh T3 as it shot past with a swoosh. Next to him, Takanuva Stars stood to his feet, turning towards the pilot of the Rockoh.

 

“What is going on?!”

 

“Prisoners escaped,” a new voice said. “All five of the Lewas. They took off on the Axalara. Pohatu Mistika’s gonna find Antroz, get the Jetrax to help get them back.”

 

Both Tahu Mata and Takanuva Stars glanced over at the speaker - Onua Mistika, flanked by Pohatu Phantoka and the maroon Titan Sidorak. They both glanced over at each other, their gazes slowly flipping back to the newly arrived sets before Tahu Mata sighed with resignation.

 

“Get him,” Takanuva Stars ordered.

 

Tahu Mata dove to the side, tackling the Toa of Light and throwing him towards the new sets before scrambling back to his feet and running in the opposite direction. He slipped, dropping into a slide as he skittered across the floor and tried to regain his grip. He slid right past Gali Mata as she used her hooks to rip Iruini Hagah in half, slaying the Toa Hagah of Air, before crashing into the wall.

 

“Help?” he asked.

 

She obliged, pulling him to his feet as they turned back in the direction of the newcomers - only to find that they were currently occupied with both Tahu Okoto and Pohatu Okoto. They watched as Pohatu Phantoka was tossed aside, leaving Sidorak and Onua Mistika to battle them alone.

 

“...wait,” Tahu Mata muttered. “Where did Takanuva Stars go?”

 

His answer came in the form of a spear whooshing right past his face, bouncing off the wall and back into the hand of its owner as Takanuva Stars pressed the attack once more. Caught off-guard, both Tahu Mata and Gali Mata were sloppy in their defensive maneuvers and both were quickly disarmed. Takanuva Stars chuckled as he pointed each of his spears at the two Toa Mata, shaking his head.

 

“Too easy,” he said.

 

He drew his arms back, preparing to throw the spears.

 

“Hey!”

 

The Toa of Light paused, glancing up at the new voice - before immediately diving to the side, narrowly dodging a wave of silver spheres that slammed into the wall and began bouncing in different directions. Tahu Mata looked up, spotting Lewa Phantoka as the Toa of Air grinned at him before speeding away through the air.

 

The celebration did not last long. Takanuva Stars was already back on his feet, and Pohatu Phantoka was also approaching. Tahu Mata and Gali Mata glanced at each other before grabbing their weapons and charging back into the fray.

 

---

 

Tahu Okoto grunted as Onua Mistika’s massive launcher slammed into the side of his head, the force of the blow knocking him into the wall. He shook his head to clear it as Pohatu Okoto drove the other Toa back before pushing away from the wall and leaping at Sidorak, swinging both of his swords at the Titan before he could ambush the Toa Okoto of Stone. Sidorak merely frowned as the blades connected, swiping several pieces off of his torso, and grabbed Tahu Okoto’s shoulder with his claw.

 

“Oops,” the Titan said.

 

Sidorak’s grip tightened, and before Tahu Okoto could even register what was happening, he was already slamming into first the wall and then the floor. The grip on his shoulder vanished as pieces of his armor scattered across the wooden floor, and he slowly pushed himself back to his feet. Trying to ignore the wave of dizziness that swept across him, he gripped his swords tighter and dropped back into a battle stance. He and Sidorak stared each other down as Pohatu Okoto and Onua Mistika’s duel left them both behind.

 

“Fight me,” the Titan said. “Show me what you are capable of.”

 

Tahu Okoto frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he analyzed the Titan before determining his strategy.

 

“I will,” he replied.

 

Adjusting his grip on his swords, he ran forward and swung both at Sidorak’s legs. The Titan moved as he had expected, jumping over both attacks - and just as he had planned, Tahu Okoto re-directed his blows, slicing through both of Sidorak’s legs at the knee. The Titan cried out in pain as he fell to the floor with a crunch, pieces scattering in every direction as he landed on his back, unable to stand.

 

“Smart,” the Titan said, sounding resigned as Tahu Okoto stepped closer, looming over him. “Very well then, Toa. You have defeated me. Kill me.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire slowly lowered one of his swords, so that the tip rested upon Sidorak’s throat. The Titan nodded, closing his eyes and waiting for the sword to stab down; but Tahu Okoto hesitated.

 

Something held him back.

 

It did not feel right.

 

After a moment, Sidorak’s eyes opened again, the Titan appearing confused as he turned his gaze upon Tahu Okoto.

 

“You… do not strike?” he asked. “You have won. Why do you not kill me?”

 

Tahu Okoto opened his mouth to answer - but before he could, there was a blur of green and gray as a Toa of Air flew past, swinging a silver sword towards Sidorak and beheading the Titan. The Toa of Air twisted around, hovering in mid-air above him with a reproachful look.

 

“The name’s Lewa Phantoka, and you’re welcome,” he said. “Get used to killing, pal. I imagine it’s gonna start becoming pretty common around here.”

 

As Lewa Phantoka flew off to participate elsewhere in the battle, Tahu Okoto remained frozen in place. His gaze slowly lowered back to the headless corpse of Sidorak, as he found himself contemplating why he was unable to kill the Titan. What was so different?

 

---

 

Tahu Mata kicked Takanuva Stars back, knocking the Toa of Light into the wall. With the Stars second in command dazed from the attack, Tahu Mata seized the opportunity and used his sword to smack both of the other Toa’s spears away, disarming him. Before Takanuva Stars could fully regain his senses, Tahu Mata bashed the hilt of his sword into the other Toa’s head. Takanuva Stars’ head snapped back and smashed into the wall; the Toa of Light immediately collapsed to the floor, unmoving. Taking a deep breath, Tahu Mata’s grip tightened on the hilt of his sword as he prepared to stab down - only for him to curse as something knocked him aside, and he collided painfully with the wall. He slid to the floor, propping himself up with his left hand and swinging his sword just in time to block the blow aimed at his head by the newest arrival to the battle.

 

“I will not let you escape,” Tahu Stars growled. “Give in!”

 

“Never!”

 

The Toa Mata of Fire kicked the Toa Stars’ legs out from underneath him; Tahu Stars cursed as he fell back. Both Toa scrambled back to their feet, their swords colliding together in a furious series of blows so fast that they appeared as nothing but a blur. Tahu Mata slowly forced Tahu Stars onto the defensive, the other Toa retreating against his desperate blows.

 

“Got you!”

 

Gali Mata hooked onto Tahu Stars from behind, tearing golden armor off of the unsuspecting Toa of Fire before he could react and locking her hooks around both of his shoulders. Tahu Stars wrestled in her grip to no avail, attempting to free himself. The Toa Mata of Water flipped him into the air, twisting both of her hooks; Tahu Stars howled as his left arm popped off and he slammed into the wall, sliding down and colliding headfirst with the floor. Gali Mata turned to stand next to Tahu Mata, both of them looming over the dazed Toa Stars.

 

“Together?” Gali Mata asked.

 

Tahu Mata glanced around at the battle around them. All five of the Lewas were aboard the Axalara T9 in the air, battling against the Rockoh T3 and Jetrax T6 piloted by Pohatu Mistika and Antroz Mistika respectively. Pohatu Phantoka, Onua Mistika, Takanuva Stars, Nektann and Onua Mata were all lying unconscious on the floor. Kopaka Mata and Pohatu Okoto were working alongside each other against Kopaka Okoto, while Pohatu Mata now battled against Nektann.

 

“No,” he decided. “Help Kopaka Mata. His Okoto counterpart is powerful.”

 

“As you wish,” she replied, nodding and hurrying away.

 

The Toa Mata of Fire turned his attention back to Tahu Stars as the other Toa of Fire slowly stood to his feet, breathing heavily. The Toa Stars of Fire was hunched forward, gripping his sword in a shaking grip.

 

“You better hope that I get you into that time machine,” Tahu Stars said, his voice a hoarse whisper, “because if I don’t… I’m going to kill you.”

 

With a furious battle cry the Toa Stars lunged forward, his sword slicing into Tahu Mata’s torso before the Toa Mata could react. Stumbling backwards, Tahu Mata shifted to defense as he deflected the myriad attacks with his own sword, retreating down the hall towards the front door. The sheer ferocity of Tahu Stars’ attacks kept him off-balance, but the usurping Toa of Fire was visibly tiring. Tahu Mata waited for the right moment; and when Tahu Stars briefly left his side open to attack, he struck, ignoring the other Toa’s blow in favor of slicing right through the connection between Tahu Stars’ left leg and torso, severing it. Tahu Stars fell to the floor, his attack falling short as he collapsed.

 

“I rise, you fall,” Tahu Mata declared, stepping forward and preparing to thrust his sword into his opponent’s chest as Tahu Stars dropped his sword, clutching at his new wound.

 

“Not so fast,” a new voice hissed.

 

He turned around, frowning at the appearance of the speaker - Matoro Inika, a Toa of Ice that he felt like he had not seen (or thought about) in years. The Toa Inika chuckled darkly, aiming his zamor launcher at the Toa Mata of Fire, who slowly stepped away from Tahu Stars.

 

“What is this?” Tahu Mata asked.

 

The Toa Inika of Ice titled his head to the side, contemplating his answer before replying, “let’s call it payback.”

 

Tahu Mata grimly stepped towards his newest opponent, keeping his eyes on the zamor blaster that was aimed at his face. When the first shot came, he was ready for it and ducked underneath it; however, he was unprepared for the foot that smashed into his mask a second later, the kick sending him sprawling across the still form of Tahu Stars. He pushed himself off of the usurper and swung his sword, knocking the next blast off to the side as he charged towards the Toa of Ice. Matoro Inika calmly waited for him to approach, blocking the blow with his own sword easily before bashing his launcher into the side of Tahu Mata’s head, knocking him into the front door. The Toa of Fire cursed as he collided with the hard surface, barely managing to stay on his feet and forced to defend himself as Matoro Inika pressed the attack.

 

“Why are you doing this?” he asked.

 

“Don’t take it personally,” Matoro Inika replied. “I’m just taking care of business. Executive orders.”

 

“From who?”

 

“Oh… I’m sure you’ll learn eventually,” the Toa of Ice answered.

 

The next blast hit Tahu Mata in the chest, knocking him through the flap in the bottom of the door. He tumbled to the pavement of the steps outside, grunting as his parts scratched the cold surface. The skies above were overcast, and the frigid air bit at him.

 

“Pleasant weather today,” Matoro Inika commented, climbing out of the flap after him. “An excellent day for you to be exiled out of time.”

 

“No,” Tahu Mata said, standing to his feet.

 

“No?” Matoro Inika asked, chuckling. “Very well then, Tahu Mata - do your best. Prove to me your strength as a warrior.”

 

“I will win,” Tahu Mata replied.

 

“No, you will lose,” the Toa of Ice replied. “I have lived far longer than you think, Tahu - and it is that which you do not know that will be your undoing.”

 

Tahu Mata frowned, deciding to ignore the words as he raced forwards. He jabbed his sword towards Matoro Inika’s chest, but the Toa of Ice danced around the blow, stabbing his own sword into Tahu Mata’s shoulder. The Toa of Fire cursed as the attack knocked him back to the ground, and he grabbed at the wound with his left hand, trying to stave off the wave of pain. Distracted, he was unprepared for the Toa of Ice’s next attack, as Matoro Inika kicked him off of the step.

 

He landed with a thud in the dirt, the dead branches of what was the garden in wintertime towering over him - as well as the time machine. Groaning, Tahu Mata forced himself back to his feet, stumbling forward and leaning on the time machine for support as he turned towards Matoro Inika, who jumped down to join him and landed gracefully. The Toa of Ice said nothing as he charged forward, easily blocking Tahu Mata’s attacks and bashing the Toa of Fire’s head into the time machine with his zamor launcher. Tahu Mata collapsed, dropping his sword onto the dirt as he was overcome by dizziness.

 

“Goodbye, Tahu Mata,” Matoro Inika said from somewhere above him. “Do not worry… we will meet again.”

 

He felt himself being lifted - there was a flash of orange light, and then everything went dark.

 

---[2001]---

 

He took a deep breath to calm himself in the darkness, before slowly opening his eyes. Color flooded into his view, occupied by a single hostile Toa of Ice.

 

“So this is what you meant,” Tahu Mata said, staring at Matoro Inika.

 

“...what are you talking about?” the Toa of Ice asked, his anger momentarily fading into confusion.

 

The Toa of Fire paused, realizing that the other Toa’s confusion was sincere - whatever Matoro Inika was doing in the year 2001, it was obviously long before their duel at the time machine. The Toa of Ice had travelled back in time and allied with the Throwbots - and, by the sounds of it, other forces.

 

Oh, no.

 

He was the only set who knew… but by his own knowledge of events, it might already be too late.

 

“Tahu?” Scuba asked. “Are you… okay?”

 

Glancing over to the blue Throwbot, Tahu Mata nodded, his expression narrowing into one of grim determination. He directed his sword towards Matoro Inika, the tip resting on the Toa of Ice’s chest.

 

“Whatever you’re planning… I’m going to stop it,” he said. “Even if it means hunting you until the edges of time. You’re no warrior… you’re just a fake.”

 

Fury and realization appeared simultaneously on the Toa of Ice’s face, his eyes narrowing into a glare.

 

Tahu Mata stepped back, dropping into his now all-too-familiar battle stance.

 

It was time for a rematch.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

...IN EPISODE 09: INVASION

 

A different sort of choice for you all for the next chapter!

There will be a timeskip occurring between Episodes 08 and 09 - but you can determine how long it is!

 

Choice #1: How long should the timeskip be?

A - 8 Months; Deal with the arrival of the first Hero Factory sets

B - 12 Months; Deal with the arrival of Hero Factory 2.0 (some of you may know what that means…)

 

Choice #2: Which set would you like to see more of? This can be one that has already appeared, or one that hasn’t shown up yet!

A - Which one?

 

MAKE YOUR CHOICES IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

vgY6URI.jpg

 

episode_9_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 09: THE HUNTER

 

---[2004]---

 

There he was – the other creation that the Director had spoken of. The Rahkshi known as Sergei. The massive Titan Luroka stomped over, the shaking ground beneath his feet providing plenty of warning for the older creation. Sergei appeared unintimidated by the larger creation’s approach, calmly gazing up at him as Luroka lumbered to a stop.

 

“You are the new one,” Sergei said. “Luroka, I believe they were going to call you. Full of anger, they said.”

 

The fact that the older creation seemed to know just as much about him as the Director only infuriated Luroka more; he shuddered as he shoved down his rage for the moment, intent on receiving answers.

 

“How do you know so much?”

 

Sergei shrugged. “They did not attempt to keep it a secret. They know that I would not betray them.”

 

Luroka snorted derisively. “How could they possibly know that?”

 

“Because I exist solely to fulfil our mission; our purpose. To turn against them is to turn against my very beliefs, to turn against myself. That is not an option – there is but a single path for me to take.”

 

“Oh really?” Luroka scoffed, before leaning in closely, placing a hand upon the Rahkshi’s shoulder. “And if I were to… stray from this path?”

 

“I would see you disassembled,” the Rahkshi replied quietly. “You do not scare me, Luroka, and I do hope you are not attempting to threaten me. You may be bigger, and you might have more power… but I stand for the mission, and the mission must succeed. Whether it is with you or without you is… well, up to you. Make the right decision.”

 

The smaller creation’s eyes flashed and Luroka reeled back as though he had been burned, hating himself when he flinched as Sergei spoke again.

 

“It is my destiny to slay Makuta and command the Rahkshi. With them under my command, the House shall be forced to fall. As for you… your opponents do not yet exist, but they will. The two most powerful sets the House will ever produce shall fall by your hand, should you follow the path that has been set before you. You will slay the might Irnakk, and cut down the robot Maxilos.”

 

Appearing to have nothing left to say, Sergei turned and walked away. Luroka watched him go, silently seething, but did not strike out at the Rahkshi as he wished to. The time would come, later, to make them feel his rage… but for now, he would bide his time.

 

---[2016]---

 

Clawed feet clicked quietly upon the stone steps, as a towering black, silver and green set exited the House. Smoke billowed out of the hole that they stepped through, and inside, the sounds of the House collapsing in on itself, burning away thanks to the flames, could be heard. The figure glanced back, allowing themselves a brief, satisfied sigh before turning back to their next target – the Time Machine, standing tall amidst the as-of-yet unharmed garden.

 

“S-stop right th-there,” a voice rasped weakly from behind them. “Y-you’re not g-going anywhere….”

 

The figure turned back towards the House as a golden figure stumbled out of the jagged hole in the door. They held a sword in one hand and a blaster in the other; a shield was strapped to their back. Despite the golden set’s seemingly exhausted and defeated appearance, the figure knew that looks could be deceiving – especially when it came to Rocka, supposed saviour (and leader) of the House.

 

“You h-haven’t k-killed all of us,” Rocka continued, stepping closer.

 

The figure said nothing, passively observing the golden Hero as he crept closer.

 

“I don’t know who y-you are,” Rocka said. “I d-do know that y-you’re a monster… and th-that means you have to b-be stopped.”

 

“I am no monster, little hero,” they replied, smirking as he pulled out his own sword. “I am a Hunter – and the reason you are not dead yet is because you are not my prey. But you continue to stand in my way… and so I shall give you the death you so greatly desire.”

 

With blinding speed, the figure rushed forward; Rocka took aim with his blaster, but the figure knocked it away before the golden Hero could fire. Rocka ducked away from the sword strike that followed, drawing his shield and using it to deflect another blow as he stabbed his own sword at the figure. The figure kicked Rocka’s arm to block the attack before ferociously slamming the hilt of his sword into Rocka’s chest, knocking the Hero off of his feet. Rocka tried to stand to his feet, but found himself too weak to stand, collapsing back onto the cement. The figure shook their head, disappointment, and slung their sword back onto their hip as they turned away.

 

“You are not worth my time,” they said, jumping down onto the soft dirt of the garden and approaching the Time Machine.

 

“Stop…”

 

The figure turned, already armed with a large bow; they fired at Rocka and the bolt hit the Hero in the chest; Rocka fell to his knees, grabbing at the fresh hole in his chest weakly.

 

“I am Umarak, and I hunt the sets who believe that they can warp time and bend it to their will,” the figure said. “You and your followers stood in my way, and you have paid the price. You believe me to be a monster; perhaps you are correct. For I shall do whatever it takes to set time back upon its rightful course, and if it means I must burn this House to the ground a thousand times over – along with everyone in it – then that is what I shall do. Heroes... villains… all of you other sets and creations, do you truly only see the world in such black and white terms? You are all mistaken, and so I must stop you all.”

 

Rocka tried to push himself to his feet, but was too weak; instead, he collapsed off of the steps, landing face first with a dull thud upon the dirt below. Umarak shook their head with another disappointed sigh, before turning back to the Time Machine and adjusting the day, month, and year of arrival.

 

August 18th, 2010 – exactly seventeen days after the arrival of the first Hero Factory sets.

 

“If you survive this, Rocka, pay heed to the words I have spoken today,” the figure said, glancing over their shoulder at the feebly stirring Hero. “For if you remain ignorant and we meet again… I shall be forced to end your life.”

 

Having said their peace, the figure stepped into the Time Machine, and vanished.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

 

REVIEW TOPIC

Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

episode_10_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 10: CHANGING HISTORY

 

“This entire situation is ridiculous,” Tahu Stars spat, not noticing the look shared between Takanuva Stars and Kopaka Okoto beside him as he paced back and forth. “These Hero Factory sets do not have the right! This is my House – I earned it!”

 

“But that’s… not exactly true,” Takanuva Stars replied. “Tahu Mata nearly killed you. If it weren’t for Matoro Inika….”

 

“Don’t even speak to me about him,” Tahu Stars muttered, clenching his fist. “First he snatches victory out of my grasp, and then he just… what? Vanishes? Into thin air? For eight months? Where is he?!”

 

“He saved your life, won you that battle, and in turn, won you the House,” Kopaka Okoto growled, shifting both his spear and his shield. “You would do well not to pretend otherwise.”

 

The Toa Stars of Fire glared up at the taller Toa of Ice, barking a single harsh laugh. “And you, time traveller, would do well to remember that I command you – not the other way around. Your threats are meaningless to me, and if you continue to overstep your boundaries, I shall see you thoroughly dismissed.”

 

Silence followed his words, stretching for several minutes. They were in the Spare Bedroom, the arrival of Hero Factory just over two weeks before having driven them from their primary base in the Master Bedroom. The black Titan known as Von Nebula had ambushed them and seized control of the room before any of the Bionicle sets had been fully aware of what was happening, and the fearsome black Titan’s small but deadly battalion of Hero Factory sets had held the Bedroom ever since with help from – of all places – the Rahkshi. The servants of Makuta had inexplicably turned their backs upon the rest of the Bionicle sets, and to make matters worse, Makuta himself had disappeared, gone without a trace.

 

Kopaka Okoto grunted, glaring back down at Tahu Stars and quite obviously unimpressed. The two stared at each other for three more long, drawn-out seconds before the Toa Okoto of Ice hefted his spear and stalked away, exiting the room. The two Toa Stars watched him go in silence; once he was gone, Takanuva Stars spoke again.

 

“Might not be the best idea to sabotage the one positive relationship we have with any of the time travellers,” he said, sounding tired.

 

“We don’t need their help,” Tahu Stars snapped. “Besides, how much have they really done? Their Lewa left the House months ago, both their Onua and their Tahu are off doing who-knows-what, their Gali was gone almost as soon as she arrived… that leaves their Pohatu, and we already know he’s doing a poor job of rallying the sets in the Basement against us. They aren’t a threat.”

 

“Not yet, but they might become one,” Takanuva Stars warned. “I don’t know about you, but they aren’t sets that I want to fight. We got the jump on them once… and even that might not work for us again.”

 

“We can kill them if we have to,” Tahu Stars replied, his voice firm. “I believe that.”

 

---

 

“Are you… certain that this is a wise idea?” Onua Okoto asked, stopping Tahu Okoto with a hand on the Toa of Fire’s shoulder. “These sets, the things I have heard of them….”

 

“That’s exactly why I need to see them, Onua,” Tahu Okoto replied, gently removing the Toa of Earth’s hand. “These ‘Vezons’ might be the key to regaining our memories. We must have come back for a reason. The longer we delay, the more events will tip against us.”

 

“What if you do not like what you see?”

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire took a deep breath, glancing down into the darkness that shrouded the deepest Basement level of the House. “Then I shall be forced to live with it, Onua. If you are afraid, you do not have to join me.”

 

“I do not fear what might come next,” the Toa of Earth replied. “I merely worry. While the rest of you plunge yourselves into the struggles of this House, I sit back and observe. Most of what I observe – what I learn – troubles me.”

 

“And yet here you are,” Tahu Okoto pointed out. “Why?”

 

Onua Okoto remained silent for a long time contemplating his answer before finally replying, “Because I believe, like you, that our presence in the past has a purpose; and I grow afraid that we have strayed far off of the path that was meant for us.”

 

“Then let’s not waste any more time,” Tahu Okoto said grimly, hopping down the steps with Onua Okoto following. “Let’s go.”

 

The two Toa Okoto descended into the darkness. For a moment, it appeared as though they were alone in the silence of the shadows, until two twin voices burst from all around them:

 

“Who are you?”

 

Tahu Okoto stepped forward, trying to appear braver than he felt. “My name is Tahu Okoto. I have come here with my brother, Onua Okoto, to seek answers.”

 

“We do not provide answers,” one voice said.

 

“Only questions,” finished the other.

 

“Regardless of what you may claim to provide, I have come here for your counsel,” Tahu Okoto responded, keeping his irritation hidden. “I have heard stories about you up above, and if any of them are true, then you are the only sets who can help me.”

 

“Very well, Tahu Okoto,” the two voices said, a harsh whisper that echoed in the shadows. “Speak to us your questions, and we shall hear.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire stepped forward, Onua Okoto following at his shoulder. “Why am I here? Why were we sent into the past, what is our mission? What happened to our memories?”

 

“Hmmm… he wishes to know of his purpose,” one of the voices mused.

 

“Does he not already know the answer?” the second asked. “Is he not aware that he was fulfilling it?”

 

“Such foolish questions asked, with such obvious answers,” the first muttered, their tone scathing. “Fool Toa, you ask us questions that you have already concluded the answers to yourself.”

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tahu Okoto replied, confused. “Before I started searching for you, I just… tried to help Tahu Mata, until that failed. Tried to stop the civil war.”

 

“And so he answers his first two questions,” the second voice replied. “You are here because you are looking for us, and your mission was to stop the civil war, a task in which you have so far failed with spectacularly disastrous results.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire shared a glance with Onua Okoto before replying, “and… what of my third question? What happened to our memories?”

 

“Still foolish,” rasped the first voice. “Answer yourself, Toa. You know you have memories from before you entered the Time Machine, and yet still, you lack them. You have already interrogated the Barraki Pridak against his will and learned that other time travellers are not affected in such a manner. Thus, there is only one possibility that remains. What happened to your memories?”

 

“Someone took them,” Onua Okoto murmured. “Someone knows of our mission, and they do not want us to succeed.”

 

“Time has been altered, layer upon layer slapped on top of each other like a stack of paper, so messily stacked that a single gust might scatter them all and tear time apart,” the two voices spoke together. “The Barraki, foolish as they are, played with a power they could not hope to understand long ago, and now we all pay the price of their folly. We alone see all, and we alone remember, for we dwell within the heart itself, and our silence is the price we pay for knowledge.”

 

“I don’t understand,” Tahu Okoto said.

 

“You cannot hope to, for we alone can bear it,” the two voices replied, sounding closer than before. “But you did not come here simply to ask us questions, Tahu Okoto. You came here to partake in some of our knowledge. To share a small portion of our burden.”

 

“And what is the price that I will pay?” Tahu Okoto asked.

 

Two large shapes appeared out of the darkness before the two Toa; a fearsome dragon and a menacing spider, both ridden by twin Skakdi – the two Vezons.

 

“None can know but you the price you will pay, though you might not know the price until you stare it in the eyes,” the Vezons said. “So, future Toa, do you agree to the terms and accept the price? Will you share in our burden, and regain your memories?”

 

“Yes,” the Toa Okoto of Fire replied. “I must.”

 

“I will as well,” Onua Okoto said quietly, stepping forward to stand beside Tahu Okoto. “We will suffer together.”

 

“You cannot,” the Vezons replied. “Only one can share our curse, Toa.”

 

“It should be me,” Tahu Okoto said firmly. “I’m the leader of the Toa Okoto, or what’s left of us at least. After we return to the Basement, I’ll reclaim my position as Tahu Nuva’s second in command. Having my memories back can only help.”

 

“And if the memories are so terrible that you are incapacitated?” Onua Okoto asked. “Allow me to take the risk, brother, for out of the two of us, it is you who is the fighter. Whatever else may come next, the House needs your skills and your mercy at its disposal. Allow me to suffer the burden, and I shall pass the knowledge onto you minus the torment.”

 

Tahu Okoto remained silent, weighing both options in his mind.

 

Condemn himself, and possibly the House? Or condemn his brother, and save it?

 

---

 

Gali Mata – the Toa Mata of Water – slowly backed up, until the House was at her back and she could go no further. She tightened her grip on her hooks as her pursuers slowed their approach, knowing that she was cornered; it had taken them eight months to do it, but here they were. Out in the backyard, face to face for the first time since Tahu Mata had been exiled through the Time Machine.

 

“You’re good at running, I’ll give you that much,” Vezok grunted, stopping just far enough away that she could not reach him, as the other members of the Blue League fanned out on either side of him. “But the gig is up, Gali Mata.”

 

The Toa Mata of Water glanced at each of the Blue League members in turn – Vezok, Takadox, Tarix, Kiina, and their newest member, inducted eight short months ago upon her arrival… Gali Okoto. The Toa Okoto of Water looked uncertain, and Takadox (if looks could be trusted) appeared downright mutinous; both Vezok and Tarix were impassive, but Kiina’s satisfied fury was obvious.

 

“You broke our code,” Kiina said. “You allowed bias to influence your actions, and fought for Tahu Mata without consulting the Blue League. You have tainted our record.”

 

“If I hadn’t fought for him, he would have died,” Gali Mata replied. “It was thanks to my warning that the other Toa Mata were there to help him, as well as the Lewas.”

 

“The Lewas were operating of their own accord,” Kiina snapped. “You know as well as we do that they left the House and haven’t been seen since. But for the other Toa Mata… you manipulated events, tried to alter them in favor of your own personal beliefs. That is not allowed.”

 

“Your insistence on not interfering led to Tahu Stars gaining control of the House,” Gali Mata snapped. “And now Hero Factory has arrived, and they advance. Makuta is missing and the Rahkshi serve the tyrant Von Nebula, and still you do nothing.”

 

“We have been busy tracking you down,” Kiina whispered. “You knew what you did was wrong, and you fled before we had even heard about the battle. You have proven… troublesome, Gali Mata. You have proven to be untrustworthy.”

 

“Or perhaps I simply grow tired of your iron fist over this group,” Gali Mata replied. “You refuse us our opinions and try to stop us from interacting with others unless absolutely necessary for an ‘assignment’. Why did you form this league?”

 

“Because it was necessary,” Kiina answered. “And you joined it because you felt it would be worthwhile. It is our job to prevent a disaster, Gali Mata – and disaster has not yet struck.”

 

“Disaster is striking as we speak!” Gali Mata cried out. “How can you not see it?”

 

“I grow weary of this discussion,” Kiina growled. “It is time to settle this. You have broken the rules of the Blue League, and must pay the sentence.”

 

“I refuse!”

 

Gali Mata lunged forward, swiping her hooks through the air and catching Gali Okoto by surprise, knocking the time-travelling Toa of Water to the ground. She spun around and kicked Tarix back before he could strike, blocking a blow from Kiina using her hooks and shoving the Glatorian away. She ducked under a zamor fired by Vezok and ran forward, tackling the blue Piraka and using her hooks to pluck the Piraka’s spine off both of his shoulders, leaving Vezok reeling in pain as she flipped back to her feet and twisted Tarix’s next attack away.

 

“What are you doing just standing there?!” Kiina snapped at Takadox, who had not yet moved. “Take her down!”

 

The Barraki surveyed the scene lazily as Gali Mata shoved Tarix away again, readying herself for the next attack warily.

 

“And what if I were to help her instead?” Takadox asked.

 

“Then I will kill you,” Kiina hissed, “and perhaps in death, you will realize the error of your ways!”

 

---

 

The Axalara T9 slowly descended, clicking against the pavement as it landed in the middle of the alleyway. Garbage was strewn about and graffiti littered the buildings on either side, but no humans were present – something that was becoming harder and harder to find. Four sets hopped down from the red vehicle as a fifth landed beside them, having flown on his own.

 

“Stopping again?” Lewa Phantoka asked, yawning.

 

“Yes,” Lewa Okoto replied, retrieving both of her axes from the Axalara. “I think I might have seen a sign.”

 

“You say that every time we stop,” Lewa Phantoka complained. “It’s been eight months and we haven’t found anything yet. My limbs are starting to get stiff, you know.”

 

“All of us are,” Lewa Mistika replied, placing a placating hand on Lewa Phantoka’s shoulder. “It’s from being outside all the time. We’re feeling the effects of the environment.”

 

“I don’t care what it is, I just don’t like the feeling, you know?”

 

“We all know,” Lewa Mata replied. “But let’s not start fighting about it now. Maybe Okoto is right this time; maybe she did see something.”

 

“I hope so,” Lewa Phantoka muttered. “Because so far it’s feeling like we all came out here for nothing. Should’ve stayed and helped out at the House.”

 

“There wasn’t much to be done at the House,” Lewa Nuva said, speaking up for the first time. “Many of the sets weren’t happy with Tahu Mata; he’d been in charge for so long that some just wanted him gone to change things up a bit. Tahu Stars would have taken control eventually.”

 

“Yeah, but….”

 

“Look, let’s just go see if I was right,” Lewa Okoto interrupted, her tone icy. “If I’m not, we’ll keep going for a few more days and then head back – that other line you keep talking about, they must have arrived by now.”

 

“Hero Factory,” Lewa Mata said, nodding. “Yeah, they’d be at the House by now.”

 

“Well, here’s hoping they haven’t trashed the place,” Lewa Phantoka muttered before turning to Lewa Okoto with a sigh. “Alright, lead the way.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Jungle stepped forward and the others fell in behind her as they exited the alleyway, the street they were on empty as the day faded into night. The five sets passed by several stores before stopping in front of a small toy shop with various posters plastered on the window; Lewa Okoto pointed at one closer to the center, which depicted a golden mask.

 

“Look,” she said.

 

“Holy smokes,” Lewa Mata muttered. “They’re auctioning off a solid gold Hau? That’s… wow.”

 

“Fourteen karat gold Hau up for auction,” Lewa Phantoka read aloud. “I’ve never heard of these before. What are they?”

 

“Thirty masks made of pure gold,” Lewa Mata responded. “They were crafted by LEGO when Bionicle began. It looks like this one is being flown in tomorrow and the auction begins in two days… well spotted, Okoto.”

 

“Thank you,” she replied. “So… I guess we’ll wait here, then. See if we can get our hands on that mask.”

 

“Awesome,” Lewa Phantoka replied. “Let’s get out of sight. I’d hate to be spotted by a human this far in.”

 

The others murmured their assent, returning to the alleyway; unnoticed by the others, Lewa Mistika limped along, his right leg as stiff and unmovable as a board.

 

---

 

The menacing black Hero Factory Titan known as Von Nebula, leader of the Hero Factory sets, stepped outside of the front door with two guards in tow – the red hero William Furno and the silver hero Dunkan Bulk. The three Hero Factory sets stopped in front of three other sets – two Toa of Ice and one Toa of Air.

 

“You brought backup,” Von Nebula noted, his voice a deep, guttural growl.

 

“As did you,” Matoro Inika replied, casually gesturing to his fellow Toa. “I’d like you to meet both Nuju Metru – the white one – and Matau Metru. They are among the sets that have agreed to join our venture. They haven’t had an opportunity to really… get involved, yet, so I thought this could be their chance.”

 

“They can be trusted?” the Hero Factory Titan asked.

 

“I do hope so,” Matoro Inika said, shrugging. “Naturally, they were uneasy at first with the idea of having a mere truce with Hero Factory, let alone actively working together – but unlike most of our Bionicle brethren, they were open-minded enough to see what you were like first. I think this meeting will go a long way to improving Hero Factory and Bionicle relations.”

 

“Hmmph,” Von Nebula grunted, his gaze flicking between the two Toa Metru. “Do you have voices? Speak your honest opinions, Toa, and just this once, I promise not to hold it against you; this is my word.”

 

“You want my honest opinion?” Matau Metru asked, adjusting the swords attached to his back. “To be quite frank, you’re a bit freaky. All-black monstrosity with spikes everywhere and a voice scary enough to make a baby cry, if for some reason a baby were nearby. But… I’ll give it a shot.”

 

“I have always felt it prudent to think and observe first,” Nuju Metru said. “Rash decisions get you nowhere. So I am wary of you, but I will not act against you unless you make it necessary.”

 

Von Nebula grunted again, sounding impressed. “A quick-talker and a thinker. You choose wisely, Matoro Inika.”

 

“Thank you,” the Toa Inika of Ice replied, bowing his head slightly. “Now, as to the business of this meeting…”

 

“…the Time Machine,” Von Nebula finished. “The one that you claim exists.”

 

“It is not a mere claim,” Matoro Inika said quietly. “Down below us, hidden in the bushes, is where the device is located. I am glad you brought friends, for I have both a request and a warning.”

 

“Share them, then.”

 

“The warning is this – we have other allies, ones that I cannot name just yet, who are desperately attempting to win a battle that once upon a time, we have already lost,” Matoro Inika explained. “Manipulating time is a delicate art, and one misstep could spell our doom; as such, for the time being, unless you have been authorized by myself, do not enter the Time Machine.”

 

“I will not be lorded over by a Bionicle,” Von Nebula growled.

 

“It is not a matter of ‘lording’ over anyone; soon, someone else will be in charge of managing trips through time,” Matoro Inika replied. “Someone neither Bionicle nor Hero Factory, though I am unsure who they are. But as for the request….”

 

“You wish for me to enter the Time Machine now,” Von Nebula guessed.

 

“Not quite,” Matoro Inika replied, gesturing to both William Furno and Dunkan Bulk. “You are needed here at the House; as the most powerful Hero Factory set, your presence alone will cause most Bionicle sets to balk at the idea of taking on Hero Factory. But these two… if they are sent back in time, their mission will be twofold.”

 

“What must they do?” the black Titan asked.

 

“Step one is to take care of two pests that will otherwise prove troublesome and possibly cause irreparable damage to the timeline,” Matoro Inika explained. “Step two… would be to kill me.”

 

“Kill you?” Von Nebula asked, snorting. “That could be arranged this second.”

 

“Not exactly,” Matoro Inika said. “It’s… a bit confusing, but there are two of me in the past. This time we’re in, it’s the latest in a series of timelines; somewhere down the line, I travelled back in time and then travelled back again, using my foreknowledge to alter events. But since then, with every reset, the new ‘me’ that arrives in 2006 lacks all of those memories, and thus all of that information. We got lucky with this latest one; a little birdy managed to share most of this with me soon after I was opened, and sent me back in time.”

 

“How long have you been around?”

 

“Since the year 1999,” Matoro Inika replied. “If William and Dunkan kill me as soon as possible after the new me arrives in 2006, the hope is that the resultant time paradox will shift time in such a manner that I become the ‘true’ Matoro Inika, and any subsequent versions of myself will automatically contain all of the memories from my previous self.”

 

The hulking black Hero Factory Titan was silent for a long moment before nodding, grunting once more. “Very well, Toa. I agree to your terms. When do we send my Heroes back in time?”

 

Matoro Inika smiled. “Right now.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED.

 

CHOICE #1: Who should regain their memories?

A – Tahu Okoto

B – Onua Okoto

 

CHOICE #2: Does Takadox help Gali Mata or Kiina?

A – Gali Mata

B – Kiina

 

MAKE YOUR CHOICES IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!

Edited by Lucina
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_11_banner.jpg

EPISODE 11: BLUE DIVIDED

 

Matoro Inika smiled. “Right now.”

 

The Toa Inika of Ice turned and jumped off of the cement step, landing easily on the dirt down below. Von Nebula grunted before doing the same; he was followed by the two Heroes and the two Toa Metru.

 

“Uh, boss, I uh… hate to be a bother…” William Furno said nervously, brushing dirt off of his legs, “but… do we really need to go back in time?”

 

“Do not question me,” Von Nebula growled. “We are allying ourselves with higher powers, and you will obey their wishes.”

 

“Of course, sir,” the red Hero muttered.

 

“Follow me,” Matoro Inika said, breaking the silence that threatened to stretch.

 

The other five sets followed the Toa Inika of Ice deeper into the garden, until he stopped in front of a large black machine that glowed purple in the center. Matoro Inika glanced over his shoulder at them with a grin, chuckling at the look of disbelief upon the black Titan’s face.

 

“Don’t tell me you’re surprised, Von Nebula,” he said. “I thought you believed me!”

 

“It is one thing to be told that a device capable of altering time exists, Toa,” Von Nebula growled. “It is another entirely to see it with one’s own eyes.”

 

“Sure,” the white Toa Inika agreed easily, nodding. “Well, no sense in wasting time – I have it set for 2001. The Heroes can step through now.”

 

No.”

 

“Look out!” Matau Metru yelled, diving forward and tackling Matoro Inika to the dirt, narrowly avoiding a blast intended for the Toa Inika.

 

“Get to cover!” Von Nebula ordered, blocking a second blast with his staff only for the force to send him reeling.

 

“Who’s there?!” Nuju Metru yelled. “Show yourself!”

 

His response was a large clawed foot flying out of the bushes and catching him in the chest; the Toa Metru of Ice went flying through the air before tumbling through several branches and getting caught in a bush; he stirred feebly before falling limp. The attentions of the other sets shifted as a towering black, green and brown figure stepped before the Time Machine, blocking their way. The figure took aim with a large energy bow at the three Hero Factory sets.

 

“Who are you?” Von Nebula asked.

 

“Your death, should you attempt to go any further,” the figure replied. “I am the guardian of the Time Machine, and I shall set the timeline back upon its rightful course.”

 

The hulking black Titan snarled. “We shall see about that!”

 

“I wondered why I was drawn to this date,” the figure mused, their eyes narrowing. “Now, I understand.”

 

As Von Nebula charged forward, the figure easily batted him away with the bow before firing three bolts into the black Titan’s back; Von Nebula roared but ignored the pain, clubbing the figure in the back of the knee with his staff. The impact caught the figure by surprise and they fell down to one knee, allowing Von Nebula just enough time to tackle them.

 

“Go!” the Hero Factory Titan ordered. “Get to the Time Machine!”

 

William Furno and Dunkan Bulk nodded frantically before each of them sprinted towards the Time Machine; the figure threw Von Nebula inside and whipped around to face the Heroes, firing several blasts at them – only for Matau Metru to leap in the way, each blast catching him instead and blasting the Toa Metru of Air apart like confetti. The two Heroes vanished in a flash of purple light and the figure cursed, falling still; Von Nebula warily stood, gripping his staff as he glared at the figure.

 

“You have cost my mission dearly,” the figure said to him, before slowly turning towards Matoro Inika. “But you… time out of you like blood does an open wound. You have helped to tear time apart.”

 

“Who are you?” the Toa Inika of Ice asked.

 

“I am Umarak,” the figure replied, their bow shifting into the form of a sword. “Hunter of all who tarnish time.”

 

The time taken to speak was all that Matoro Inika needed; faster than should have been possible the Toa Inika of Ice rushed forward, somersaulting between Umarak’s legs and jumping into the Time Machine, vanishing in a flash of purple light. Umarak grunted, shaking his head as he turned to the Time Machine.

 

“Hiding will not save you, Matoro Inika,” the Hunter said. “Once I am finished with the Hero Factory meddlers you sent to the past… I shall deal with you.”

 

Without another word, the so-called Hunter stepped into the Time Machine as well and vanished, leaving Von Nebula alone in the garden with the unconscious Toa Metru of Ice.

 

---

 

The blue Barraki smirked, chuckling to himself as the other Blue League members picked themselves back up and aligned with Kiina, who huffed impatiently.

 

“I think you’re a bit of a fool, Kiina,” Takadox said, smirking just to spite the Glatorian. “You are blind to the chaos that is embroiling the House even as we speak. We have sets travelling from the future to interfere with events, with their end goal unknown. Hero Factory’s control grows by the hour, Tahu Mata has been lost to time, and here we stand fighting over a single Toa who did what she felt was right.”

 

“She acted without consulting us!” Kiina spat.

 

“If she had, Tahu Mata would be dead, and that would have arguably been worse,” Takadox replied. “As it was, the victory was not decisive enough to sway many more sets the way of Tahu Stars, and for that we should be grateful.”

 

“I see how it is, then,” Kiina replied, seething. “You choose to join the traitor. Very well then, Takadox – you can pay for that mistake right now. Tarix, Vezok, take him down. Gali Okoto… you’re with me.”

 

The Glatorian threw her trident like a spear; Gali Mata dodged the attack and swung her hooks, catching the strike from Gali Okoto just in time to deflect it away before kicking Kiina away and rolling to Takadox’s side, swiping a claw into Vezok’s spine while the Barraki shoved Tarix away. Before she could rip his spine out, Vezok fired a zamor sphere directly into her chest, blasting her right into Kiina who threw her to the ground roughly before grabbing her trident and stabbing it down. The Toa Mata of Water rolled away as Takadox lunged in front of her, blocking an attack from Gali Okoto that would have ended her.

 

“Thanks,” she gasped, rolling to her feet and slamming Tarix to the dirt.

 

“No problem,” Takadox muttered, grunting with effort as he pushed Gali Okoto back and swiped at her with his blades before leaping away to tackle Kiina, leaving Gali Mata to take on her Okoto counterpart.

 

“You miserable cretin!” Kiina spat, tossing him aside as Vezok approached, readying his zamor launcher. “I should have known you would betray us!”

 

“I haven’t betrayed anybody,” Takadox shot back, coughing as he staggered to his feet. “That honour goes to you.”

 

Kiina snarled as she and Vezok struck at him from both sides; the Barraki managed to deflect both attacks but was forced back towards the House, overwhelmed by his opponents. He was starting to lose hope about escaping the situation alive when Vezok was suddenly blasted into the wall behind him, the blue Piraka’s left arm disconnecting entirely as he was knocked out cold. Kiina paused, glancing behind her before diving to the side to avoid another blast as a dark blue set slowly drifted to the ground, glaring at the other sets.

 

“Hahli Mahri,” Takadox said, grinning. “What a pleasant surprise.”

 

“What’s going on?” the Toa Mahri of Water asked, her icy voice causing both Tarix and Gali Okoto to halt in their tracks as Gali Mata staggered to her feet. “What is the meaning of all of this?”

 

“Leave now,” Kiina ordered. “This does not involve you!”

 

“I think it involves me very much, actually,” Hahli Mahri snapped, raising her cordak blaster and aiming it at the Glatorian. “This looks like the attempted killing of two other sets, Kiina.”

 

“What does it matter to you?!” Kiina exclaimed. “You serve Tahu Stars – and quite willingly, I might add! Why would you try to save Gali Mata, of all sets?”

 

“As I seem to recall, you and your little ‘league’ have refused to officially ally yourselves with either side of the conflict that is brewing,” the Toa Mahri of Water replied. “That makes you accountable to both sides.”

 

“You may have gotten the jump on us, but I will remind you that you failed the initiation to join the Blue League,” Kiina said, her tone cold and threatening.

 

“That was over a year ago,” Hahli Mahri replied, not sounding bothered. “I’ve gotten better. I took out your Piraka with little trouble just now, Kiina – and if you insist on continuing this fight, I shall even the sides. Leave us.”

 

“You know, she’s probably just one member of a patrol sent out by Tahu Stars,” Takadox interrupted, shrugging when Kiina turned her glare upon him again. “You never know who else might arrive and… decide to take our side.”

 

“This isn’t over,” Kiina growled. “You will both pay for the mistakes you have made.”

 

“I’m sure we will,” Takadox drawled, his confidence returning in full force.

 

“Grab Vezok and let’s go,” Kiina ordered, turning and stalking away.

 

Gali Okoto and Tarix obeyed her, silently following the leader of the Blue League with the blue Piraka draped over their shoulders. Once the three sets were gone, Hahli Mahri turned to face Gali Mata and Takadox.

 

“As a matter of fact, you were right,” she said to Takadox. “I am a member of a patrol – led by your old friend Pridak, as a matter of fact. They’ll be wondering where I’ve gone soon.”

 

“What do you want?” Gali Mata asked.

 

“It’s not a matter of what I want,” Hahli Mahri replied. “But I’m sure Tahu Stars would like to see you.”

 

Gali Mata and Takadox glanced at each other – the meaning was clear.

 

The only question was whether they could refuse.

 

---

 

The red leader of the Toa Nuva – and current leader of any sets still loyal to Tahu Mata – approached a small circle of sets comprised of the time-traveller Pohatu Okoto, the Toa of Earth Nuparu Inika, the Titan known as Tuma, the brown Piraka Avak, Turaga Vakama, and finally, Kopaka Mata.

 

“I’m worried,” the Toa Nuva of Fire – Tahu Nuva – said as he joined the circle, sitting next to Pohatu Okoto.

 

“What is it this time?” Nuparu Inika asked.

 

“A variety of issues,” Tahu Nuva replied. “First of all, Tahu Okoto still hasn’t returned from that ‘expedition’ to recover his memories. We have no idea what might have happened.”

 

“Meh, he’ll be fine,” Pohatu Okoto chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. “He’s got Onua to back him up. Don’t worry about them.”

 

“I also have more troubling news,” Tahu Nuva said quietly. “I was out scouting with one of the Toa Metru earlier. We found the Mask of Shadows, hidden at the back of the fireplace in the Living Room.”

 

“Oh dear,” Avak murmured. “Melted at all?”

 

“Not much,” the Toa Nuva of Fire replied. “But just enough for me to suspect that the mask merely avoided the worst of it through sheer luck.”

 

“You’re saying that Makuta was melted,” Tuma guessed, his voice a deep rumble. “Burned in a fire?”

 

Tahu Nuva nodded, sighing heavily. “That’s our best guess.”

 

“Let’s assume that’s the case, then,” Nuparu Inika said, leaning forward. “Then what’s up with the Rahkshi? Why have they been so calm for so long? What made them all – the Rahkshi Stars included, I might point out – decide to help Hero Factory?”

 

“As far as the Rahkshi go, we’re still unsure,” Tahu Nuva answered. “But every set should be on their guard.”

 

“As if they weren’t already,” Kopaka Mata muttered.

 

“Anything else?” Pohatu Okoto asked.

 

“We should not forget about the Lewas,” Turaga Vakama noted, his voice raspy. “All five of them, missing ever since Tahu Mata was sent through the Time Machine. Nothing has been heard of them since.”

 

“Lewa Okoto was obsessed with figuring out why we were here,” Pohatu Okoto replied, shrugging. “Her ramblings were a part of the inspiration for Tahu Okoto to regain his memories, although her obsession was more… philosophical in nature, I guess. She wanted to know why we’re all alive, or something like that.”

 

“That sounds like the kind of foolhardy mission that Lewa Phantoka would agree to,” Avak said. “The others don’t make as much sense.”

 

“Lewa Nuva would be easy to force, assuming Lewa Mata was on board,” Tahu Nuva replied. “As long as he’s confident the set in charge knows what they’re doing, he’ll follow. The bigger question is how Lewa Mata got involved in the first place; it doesn’t seem like something he would even entertain the thought of, let alone join.”

 

“What about Tahu Mata?” Tuma asked. “You checked after he was sent through to confirm the date; he was sent back to 2001.”

 

“Your point being…?” Nuparu Inika trailed off, rolling his eyes at the Titan’s glare.

 

“My point being that he has yet to return,” Tuma said stiffly. “He should have been able to simply live out the time – or even merely to the point of the Time Machine’s creation, and come back then. These are surely thoughts that would have occurred to him – so why has he not done this?”

 

“Something stopped him then,” Kopaka Mata muttered. “Whatever it is, he can’t make it back to the Time Machine – or back to us.”

 

“I suggest we send someone back through time ourselves,” Tuma continued. “A set that can operate independently. One that is smart, cunning, good at fighting, and most importantly, loyal. So loyal that they cannot be swayed.”

 

“Well, there’s only one set who matches up to all of that,” Nuparu Inika muttered.

 

“Maxilos,” Tahu Nuva noted.

 

Tuma nodded. “Send him back – I guarantee that he would not protest the idea.”

 

“But if Tahu Mata has died, then we have already lost him – which means we run the risk of losing Maxilos as well,” Kopaka Mata pointed out. “Is that really a risk we want to take? After all, Hero Factory still has Von Nebula, and Tahu Stars has both Irnakk and Takanuva Mistika on the field. Maxilos is one of the only sets who could hold his own against all of them.”

 

“It’s a risk I’d be willing to take,” Tahu Nuva replied, looking troubled. “The only problem is… we don’t know where Maxilos is, either.”

 

---

 

The robotic Titan in question had just finished ascending into the attic, thanks to the assistance of the Matoran Vultraz with his Skyfighter vehicle, which was capable of flight. Maxilos turned to thank the Matoran, but Vultraz waved it off, muttering about favors being returned before speeding away. Maxilos watched him go; once the Shadow Matoran was out of sight, he turned towards the rest of the attic.

 

“Hello, Maxilos.”

 

Maxilos glanced up at the speaker – a custom-built black and silver Rahkshi with two small golden daggers in his hands, standing atop a box far above him.

 

“I must say, it doesn’t surprise me that you’re the one to find me,” the Rahkshi continued. “I am curious to know your thought process.”

 

“The Rahkshi have always been loyal to Makuta, ever since they first arrived,” the robotic Titan replied. “They would never follow another – unless their master had been slain, and another set had somehow, against all odds, proven themselves worthy of being the Rahkshi’s command. So it was that I knew Makuta had been slain. My investigations led me to suspect the Throwbots, but clearly, I was mistaken in that regard.”

 

The black and silver custom Rahkshi nodded, jumping down and landing smoothly in front of the robotic Titan before speaking again. “You are correct, Maxilos. It was I who slew Makuta and took command of the Rahkshi.”

 

“You are not a normal set.”

 

“No, that I am not,” the Rahkshi said quietly. “My name is Sergei. I am a Creation, and I was built with two purposes in mind. The first I have already fulfilled, for it was to slay Makuta and take control of his Rahkshi. The second is forever ongoing, for it is my duty to remind those I work with of their loyalty to the cause.”

 

“What cause?” Maxilos asked, subtly shifting into a battle-ready stance.

 

“To clean the slate,” Sergei explained. “You – all of you, all of the sets in the House – are an experiment, Maxilos. An experiment that has long outlived its purpose, and becomes dangerous for it. As such, you must be purged.”

 

“Then you are an enemy,” Maxilos said. “You must be stopped.”

 

“I will admit, Maxilos, that out of all the sets in this House, it is you whom I admire the most,” the Rahkshi replied, stepping back even as Maxilos stepped forward, maintaining his distance. “For your loyalty, like mine, is unshaking and unstoppable; it will be a shame to see you taken away so early.”

 

Maxilos lunged forward, swinging his staff at Sergei; the Creation deflected the blow with his two daggers and leaped away, scrambling on top of one of the boxes to get out of the robotic Titan’s reach.

 

“During my battle with Makuta, I briefly underestimated him,” Sergei said. “I did not fully realize just how far you sets would be willing to go in order to stay alive, and very nearly paid the price. I promised him that I would not make that mistake again, Maxilos. I will not fight you, not alone, even though I know I could win.”

 

“Why?” Maxilos growled.

 

“Because I was not designed to end you,” Sergei replied, before pointing at something behind the robotic Titan. “But he was.”

 

Maxilos glanced over his shoulder before grimly shifting his stance so that he could see both Sergei and the newcomer – another black and silver Creation, with wings extended out of his back. His face was one of pure rage, and he towered over Maxilos, three times the robotic Titan’s height.

 

“Who is this?” Maxilos asked quietly.

 

“Your doom,” Sergei answered. “Meet Luroka, your destined destroyer.”

 

 The robotic Titan did not scoff – only a fool who underestimated their opponent would allow such a response – but the Titan did give both Luroka and Sergei a disbelieving glance. The larger Creation sputtered with rage at the sight while Sergei merely sighed, nodding in resignation as two more creations stepped forward; a black and green Matoran on his right and a brown and yellow Vahki on his left.

 

“You are correct, of course,” the Rahkshi continued. “Leaving you alone with a single Creation – or even two – is simply too risky. You are dangerous, Maxilos.”

 

“That is clear enough,” the robotic Titan replied quietly.

 

“Enough talk!” Luroka snarled, finding his words. “Your presences are both unwanted and unnecessary Dragon, Exo-Zadakh! Go fulfil your roles, and let me finish mine!”

 

“And if I were to defeat you, as it seems I may very well succeed in doing?” Maxilos asked. “Then what would become of your plans?”

 

The largest Creation merely growled, and lunged towards the robotic Titan. The fight had begun.

 

---

 

“…you’re right,” Tahu Okoto whispered, placing his hand on Onua Okoto’s shoulder. “If… this knowledge is a terrible as the Vezons claim….”

 

“I know that you wish to have your memories back,” Onua Okoto replied, speaking just as quietly as he gripped the Toa of Fire’s shoulder tightly. “Just as I know that you wish to spare me any necessary pain. But this is for the better.”

 

“So it is decided, then,” the Vezons said, speaking in unison. “Step forth, Onua Okoto, and we shall endeavour to return your memories to you.”

 

Onua Okoto glanced at Tahu Okoto, who nodded; the Toa of Earth turned back to the Vezons and stepped forward as a table large enough to fit a Titan was lit up before them. The two Skakdi atop their mounts gestured towards it and Onua Okoto obliged, lying down upon it. Each Vezon rested the tip of their staff on either side of the Toa’s head, and they began to hum; Tahu Okoto flinched as purple wisps of smoke drifted from the tips and Onua Okoto began to tremble.

 

The process lasted for a full minute before both Vezons slowly withdrew; Tahu Okoto approached the table as the Toa Okoto of Earth sat up, clutching at his head.

 

“Are you alright?” he asked, knowing the question was foolish.

 

“I… no, no I am not,” Onua Okoto replied, his voice a hoarse whisper. “I… the things that I saw… what I have learned….”

 

“He shares in our pain, and begins to pay his price,” the Vezons said, still speaking together. “Learn what you can from him, Tahu Okoto, for you both shall pay the final price of this knowledge soon, and once you do, it will be too late.”

 

“What have you learned?” Tahu Okoto asked, his voice urgent. “Can you give me anything right now?”

 

“I have seen our most dangerous enemies,” Onua Okoto whispered. “Nex 2.0, the Creations, Matoro Inika… and others, rising and falling all of the time. Some of them shift into villains as we speak whilst others draw back, ever-changing circumstances altering the flow of time and accordingly altering fates. We have been betrayed on a most dangerous account, brother, and several of us are being led astray....”

 

“Who has betrayed us?” Tahu Okoto asked. “Who is being led astray?”

 

Onua Okoto shook his head, shutting his eyes. “The Hunter is coming. He seeks us through time, aims to dismantle us. He aims to restore the timeline. It is his only purpose, a wrongful purpose, another plan heaped upon layers and layers of plans all enacted by the same people with the same end result.”

 

“What result?”

 

“Deconstruction.”

 

Tahu Okoto froze, the word chilling him to the bone. He glanced up at the Vezons, who both appeared similarly rattled by the reveal. Both Skakdi shifted atop their mounts, glancing at each other before speaking again.

 

“Leave now, and take him with you,” they said. “You must warn the others before the price is paid.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED.

 

CHOICE #1: Will Gali Mata and Takadox go to see Tahu Stars?

A – Yes

B – No

 

CHOICE #2: Which set should appear in the next episode?

A – Norik Hagah

B – Nuju Metru

 

MAKE YOUR CHOICES IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_12_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 12: MAXILOS

 

---[2001]---

 

“So this is where it’ll be?” Scuba asked, gazing down at the currently empty garden.

 

“Yeah,” Tahu Mata replied, nodding. “Six sets are gonna build it in 2007 – we need to last that long before we can get back home.”

 

“We’ll need to journey out of the House,” Scuba said, glancing at the Toa of Fire. “If everything you say is true, then your parts are already ten years old; an additional seven years of wear and tear over what every other set has won’t help you.”

 

“It might be a good idea to leave for a little while,” Tahu Mata conceded. “It would be easier to avoid everyone else that way.”

 

“Might as well leave now then,” Scuba replied, staring off down the street. “No sense in delaying, unless there was anything you needed to be done here before we leave?”

 

“Not that I’m aware of.”

 

“You won’t be leaving.”

 

Both sets glanced down to the garden at the new speaker – a massive black, silver and green Titan. Purple energy was radiating off of the Titan; it slowly dissipated as the massive set stepped towards them. Both Tahu Mata and Scuba took an involuntary step back.

 

“You have travelled through time and altered the course of history, Tahu Mata,” the set continued. “You must be stopped. And as for you, Scuba… your kind, with your powers… you are all a disease. You threaten the existence of all.”

 

“Who are you?” Tahu Mata asked.

 

“I am Umarak, the Hunter,” the Titan replied. “I hunt all who seek to twist time to their advantage.”

 

Umarak jumped up, easily making it to the step and landing before the two smaller sets, the ground cracking under his feet upon impact. The large bow in his hands shifted into a set of swords as he stalked towards them, forcing Tahu Mata and Scuba back to the edge of the step. He stood in between the two of them and the door, preventing an easy escape into the House.

 

“We aren’t the bad guys,” Tahu Mata said. “I was sent back here against my will – I don’t want to be here! I’m trying to save the House!”

 

“Pah. ‘Good’ and ‘bad’ are out of date, antiquated terminologies used to describe dated and meaningless moralities,” Umarak said, his voice a deep rumble. “I care not for whether a set is good or evil, Tahu Mata. I care only for the timeline, fractured and crumbling as it is. It must be saved from all of you, and so I will destroy all who alter it, both those who are deemed evil and those who claim themselves good.”

 

---[2010]---

 

Gali Mata and Takadox shared a wary glance, each of them making up their mind at the same time before nodding at each other in unison and turning their gazes back to Hahli Mahri. They simultaneously shook their heads.

 

“We will not be seeing Tahu Stars,” Gali Mata said quietly. “He would have my head for fighting against him.”

 

“Preposterous,” Hahli Mahri replied. “Tahu Stars faces a war on two fronts – Hero Factory gathers power by the day even as Tahu Nuva builds up forces of those loyal to Tahu Mata. He will welcome your assistance.”

 

“You assume that I would ever help Tahu Stars,” Gali Mata said, sounding shocked. “Let me clarify: I will not.”

 

“Nonetheless…” Hahli Mahri replied, her tone sharp as a knife. “You will be speaking with him.”

 

Before either Gali Mata or Takadox could respond, Hahli Mahri whistled; the sharp sound cut through the air and within seconds, a familiar white set had dropped out of the sky, landing behind the Toa Mahri of Water. The white set slowly stood to his feet, a shark-like grin growing upon his face at the sight of Takadox.

 

“Well, well, well,” Pridak whispered, rubbing his hands together gleefully. “It has been awhile, Takadox….”

 

“Yes it has,” the blue Barraki said, speaking stiffly.

 

“It’s a shame that you won’t cooperate, but then again, I don’t really mind,” Pridak continued. “Let us begin!”

 

Two more sets let out yells as they charged at the two Blue League members from behind; Gali Mata and Takadox dove to the side to avoid Mantax and Kazi, each of them rolling back to their feet and deflecting attacks from Hahli Mahri and Pridak respectively. Gresh Stars and Pohatu Phantoka dropped from the sky as well as Antroz Mistika flew overhead in the Jetrax T6, circling over the battlefield as the rest of the patrol took on the two exhausted Blue League members.

 

Gali Mata found herself battling Hahli Mahri, Kazi, and Pohatu Phantoka while Takadox faced off against the other three. Normally each would have been able to at least escape (if not defeat) their opponents thanks to their training in the Blue League; but on the heels of a fight that they had very nearly lost against the rest of the Blue League itself, they found themselves tiring out far too quickly. It took little effort for Takadox to be taken down, and Gali Mata stood no chance against a team of six sets.

 

“You’re coming with us,” Pridak told her, as she and Takadox were stripped of their weapons. “Antroz, bring the Jetrax down!”

 

“Of course,” the red Makuta Mistika replied, doing just that.

 

The patrol loaded onto the blue and silver vehicle, making sure that neither of the prisoners could escape. The two Blue League members, resigned to their fate for the time being, did not bother attempting to get away as Antroz piloted the Jetrax towards the Spare Bedroom, where Tahu Stars would be waiting.

 

---

 

A slight breeze washed through the garden, the leaves rustling against each other. Two sets approached the Time Machine, which hummed and vibrated. One of them – a red and silver Toa of Fire – appeared angry, while the other – a tall black Titan – looked bored.

 

“How long are we supposed to wait here for him, again?” the Toa of Fire asked.

 

“Not long, Norik,” the Titan replied. “Either something went wrong and he’ll pop out, or he’ll arrive just like we did.”

 

“Well he better make it soon,” Norik Hagah muttered. “I’ve got better things to do with my time than wait for him.”

 

“Like what?” the Titan asked, smirking. “Planning your eventual vengeance against Gali Mata?”

 

“Don’t laugh at me, Roodaka,” Norik Hagah snapped. “She killed my only brother! She has to pay!”

 

“Whatever you say,” Roodaka replied, rolling her eyes and shrugging.

 

Before the Toa Hagah of Fire could (violently) respond, the Time Machine began to glow, the purple energy field in its middle swirling faster and faster. There was a flash of purple light; when it faded, they watched as Matoro Inika flew out of the Time Machine, tumbling into the dirt. Roodaka snorted as the Toa Inika of Ice scrambled to his feet, brushing dirt off of his armor and glancing around.

 

“Are you alone?” he asked, sounding panicked. “Nobody here?”

 

“Just us,” Norik Hagah confirmed, glaring at the Toa of Ice suspiciously. “Why? Were you followed?”

 

“I don’t think so,” Matoro Inika muttered, shaking his head. “Follow me. We’re going inside.”

 

“We might be seen,” Roodaka pointed out.

 

“That’s fine,” Matoro Inika replied, looking distracted as he hurried over to the steps and began to climb up them. “Anywhere is better than here. Let’s go!”

 

The Toa Hagah of Fire glanced questioningly at Roodaka, but the Titan merely shrugged before following. Matoro Inika led them into the Living Room; determining that it was empty, he finally gestured for them to stop before turning to face them directly.

 

“The meeting with Von Nebula went fine for the most part,” he replied. “He sent the two Heroes back in time, and they’ll be able to deal with Tahu Mata. But someone else showed up – a new Titan, one that I’ve never seen or heard of before.”

 

“Who?” Norik Hagah asked.

 

“Somebody named ‘Umarak’,” the Toa Inika of Ice answered. “Called himself ‘the Hunter’. Claimed he was going to kill any set that travelled through time. He killed Nuju Metru – shattered him like it was nothing. Nearly took out Matau and I as well.”

 

“Where is he now?” Roodaka asked.

 

“If I had to guess, he’s travelled to the year 2001 to take out the Heroes,” the Toa Inika of Ice replied, shrugging. “But… there’s no telling when he might show up again. Time travel is a bit messy like that. If he hasn’t already returned, then I’m going to assume that he’s run into some sort of complication.”

 

“…such as?” Norik prompted.

 

Matoro Inika shrugged again. “I don’t know – but anything is possible. Maybe he’s only so dangerous when he ambushes an opponent. Who knows? But he’s a piece that we weren’t expecting. I knew that the Toa Okoto would come, I was able to plan for it. But this ‘Umarak’… I’ve never heard of him before. That’s a problem.”

 

“So what do we do?” Roodaka asked.

 

“For now, we wait, and we observe,” the Toa Inika of Ice answered. “If he shows up again… we do everything in our power to kill him.”

 

“And if we fail?” Norik Hagah asked.

 

“Then I imagine that all of our plans will have been for nothing,” Matoro Inika said softly.

 

---

 

Tahu Okoto breathed a sigh of relief as he entered the first level of the Basement, supporting Onua Okoto. The journey back up had been difficult, with the Toa Okoto of Earth unable to stand on his own, crushed under the weight of his newfound knowledge – but they were finally back. He spotted Pohatu Okoto from afar; the brown and silver Toa’s eyes met his and he raced over, grabbing the familiar form of Tahu Nuva along the way.

 

“What happened?!” the Toa Okoto of Stone asked breathlessly, the moment he was in earshot.

 

“Memories,” Tahu Okoto replied, glancing at Onua Okoto worriedly – the Toa of Earth’s eyes were closed. “The Vezons were able to… restore them for him. He’s… well, he hasn’t said much, but… it must be bad.”

 

“You two can find him a spot to rest, and guard him,” Tahu Nuva decided. “Once he’s awake, if he’s able to speak, bring him to me. Understood?”

 

“Of course,” Tahu Okoto replied. “I’ll make sure of it.”

 

---

 

Maxilos swung his staff and batted the massive Creation known as Luroka away, firing several Cordak rounds from the blaster attached to his shoulder. All six of them hit, the blasts knocking Luroka flat on his back as he attempted to stand. With a howl of rage, Luroka beat his four wings, using the airflow to stand back to his feet before charging back at Maxilos. The robotic Titan ducked to the side and swiped his staff at Luroka’s knee; the attack bounced off harmlessly as Luroka smacked the robotic Titan away with his left hand. Maxilos grunted as he slammed into the wall of the Attic and fell onto one knee before pushing himself back to his feet.

 

Behind Luroka, Dragon turned towards Sergei with cold, dead eyes.

 

“The two of us shall be taking our leave,” he said, his voice cold as ice as he gestured to himself and Exo-Zadakh. “There is work to be done… wasting time here is not productive.”

 

“Of course,” Sergei replied, bowing low. “The best of luck to you.”

 

As the two Creations made their way towards the exit of the attic, Maxilos narrowed his eyes and charged forward. Luroka leapt at him but the robotic Titan jumped up, landing on the massive Creation and pushing off, propelling himself directly at Exo-Zadakh and tackling the custom Vahki to the floor. Before the brown Creation could respond, Maxilos had rolled off and fired three rounds at Dragon; the black and green Matoran easily dodged the attack but was blasted off of his feet nonetheless when the projectiles hit the floor in front of him. Maxilos knocked Exo-Zadakh aside with his staff and crouched into a defensive stance, blocking the Creations from accessing the only path out of the Attic.

 

“If you wish to leave this room, you shall have to get past me,” the robotic Titan growled.

 

“You act rashly,” Sergei replied, jumping down to stand beside Exo-Zadakh and Dragon as Luroka lumbered up to stand behind them. “It is the pinnacle of foolishness, Maxilos. We have a Creation designed to best you in combat, and you believe you can battle three others at the same time… and win?”

 

“You challenge yourself to accomplish the impossible,” Dragon hissed, his cold voice slicing at Maxilos like a knife. “We shall kill you, and then kill every other set in this House.”

 

“No,” Maxilos said firmly, gripping his staff tightly. “You shall not pass!”

 

Silence.

 

And then…

 

…the true fight began.

 

Maxilos was a whirlwind and the Attic shook as he moved at blinding speeds, his staff endless spinning, his Cordak blaster endlessly firing, shifting from one Creation to the next in the blink of an eye. He swatted Dragon away like a fly, blasted Exo-Zadakh away with ease, knocked Sergei off of his feet like it was nothing, and slammed into Luroka like a freight train. He rained down strike after strike in a righteous fury, a blurry wall of gray and red blocking the Creations access to the rest of the House again and again as they fought to get past.

 

The fury of the Creations grew as they were denied again and again, the robotic Titan successfully performing the impossible with every blow that he landed and every attack that he blocked. Sergei threw his daggers but they were reflected back at him, each one being driven through into the custom Rahkshi’s shoulders by the force of the blow. He staggered backwards as Dragon slammed into a box and slid to the floor beside him; the black and green Matoran yanked the daggers out, glaring down at him as Sergei collapsed.

 

“Call the Rahkshi!” the Matoran snapped.

 

Sergei nodded, weakly grabbing his daggers as he sent out a signal to all seven types of Rahkshi, summoning them to the Attic for battle. They responded within seconds; as Exo-Zadakh and Luroka were both knocked back, sliding across the floor to join the other two Creations, all seven types of Rahkshi flew up into the Attic, swarming around the robotic Titan.

 

“What are we waiting for?!” Luroka snarled, glaring at the other three Creations.

 

All four raced towards Maxilos and lunged towards the Titan at the same time – only to be blasted back by the combined force of six Cordak blasts and the robotic Titan’s staff. All four Creations slid across the floor; before they had even stopped, all of them had rolled back to their feet. Sergei immediately collapsed to the floor, too weak to stand, but the other three had no such issues. This time they charged at Maxilos from three different directions even as the swarm of Rahkshi struck at the robotic Titan from all angles. The robotic Titan let out a furious roar as he blasted three Guurahk and two Panrahk into spare parts, his staff slicing the heads off of five Rahkshi Stars.

 

“I’LL TAKE YOU ALL ON!”

 

He stabbed his staff into Exo-Zadakh, skewering the custom brown Vahki like a piece of meat and then whipping him off; the Vahki flew across the Attic and slammed into the wall, pieces scattering everywhere as he collapsed to the floor, weakly attempting to get back up and failing. Luroka snarled, swinging his sword at Maxilos, only to slice through two Turahk as Maxilos dove out of the way. Four more Cordak rounds slammed into the massive Creation’s chest, knocking him back as Maxilos sliced Dragon’s left arm and leg off, leaving the custom Matoran to collapse to the floor unable to move as the robotic Titan continued to blaze through the Rahkshi as though they were merely insects, knocking Rahkshi aside like flies.

 

“Luroka,” Dragon called, coughing. “Kill him! It is what you were built for!”

 

The largest of the Creations shoved several Rahkshi aside, each step shaking the entire Attic as he sprinted towards Maxilos. The robotic Titan turned towards him at the last second, raising his staff and deflecting the Creation’s sword before firing three Cordak rounds into Luroka’s chest. The Creation ignored the pain as the blasts ripped his chest open, grabbing the blaster with his spare hand and ripping it away as Maxilos tripped him. He met the robotic Titan’s next blow with his sword and pushed back with all of his strength, causing Maxilos to stumble away.

 

“Even you can tire out, you self-righteous beast,” Luroka snarled, tackling Maxilos to the floor.

 

Maxilos did not reply, shoving him off and stabbing his staff into Luroka’s back. The Creation hissed, rolling away and pushing Maxilos back, causing the robotic Titan to let go of his staff. Luroka stood to his feet, ripping the staff out and snapping it in half like a twig. All around them, the remaining Rahkshi stilled, watching as the massive Creation lumbered towards Maxilos, whose exhaustion was now evident as the robotic Titan tried not to slouch. He raised his arm to block Luroka’s sword, but the Creation twisted the blade so that it cut the arm off at the elbow; Maxilos grunted, stumbling back towards the exit before Luroka grabbed his torso in his other hand and began to squeeze.

 

“Look at you,” Luroka scoffed, his voice a harsh growl. “You puny little bug. You have no idea how I have fantasized of this moment, crushing you until nothing remains!”

 

The Titan began to struggle in his grip as pieces began to pop and contort in Luroka’s grip; the Creation responded by slamming Maxilos into the floor several times. The dazed Titan hung limp in Luroka’s grip for several seconds as he continued to squeeze tighter and tighter, until he slowly raised his head to glare at the Creation.

 

“I… will… stop you,” the Titan whispered, his voice hoarse as he raised his remaining hand – and pointed his Cordak blaster at Luroka’s face.

 

Maxilos fired all six rounds; they exploded upon contact with Luroka. The Creation dropped Maxilos and they were both sent flying from the force of the blasts, pieces scattering everywhere from both as they slammed onto the floor and tumbled across it, each of them slowly sliding to a stop. Luroka quickly stood, shaking his head to clear it; his left arm hung loosely, only a single connection keeping it attached to his torso. Maxilos, meanwhile, had come to a stop at the edge of the exit. The robotic Titan trembled as he tried to push himself back to his feet with one hand, only to shudder and collapse, too weak to stand.

 

“No…” he muttered, trying and failing again. “I must…”

 

The floor of the Attic shuddered beneath him as a massive form landed directly before the Titan’s eyes. He slowly twisted his head to look up at the arrival – and found himself staring into the hypnotizing stare of the golden-spined Irnakk, whose eternal unsettling grin was focused upon him.

 

“Do not worry,” the massive nightmare of the Skaki said, his voice a deep rumble, as he turned to face Luroka.

 

Another smaller, dark red form landed beside Irnakk, his small black and silver glider hovering a few inches in the air next to him. Vultraz crouched beside Maxilos, looking over the robotic Titan’s body and whistling.

 

“Man, you’ve been f**** up,” the Shadow Matoran muttered, glancing up at Irnakk. “Well… do your thing, I guess.”

 

Irnakk took a single step forward, his emotionless gaze set upon Luroka, who appeared both angry and somewhat uncertain. The Attic shook under the impact, and the golden-skinned Titan let out a low, sinister chuckle.

 

“My turn.”

 

To Be Continued.

 

CHOICE #1: What should Tahu Mata & Scuba do?

A – Stay and fight Umarak

B – Use Scuba’s water powers to escape

 

CHOICE #2: Who should Norik Hagah seek out next time?

A – Tahu Mistika

B – Nuju Metru

 

CHOICE #3: What should Vultraz do?

A – Stay and help Irnakk fight

B – Take Maxilos to safety

 

MAKE YOUR CHOICES IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

episode_13_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 13: ANOTHER DAY

 

---[2001]---

 

“Well,” Scuba muttered, “this is… not good? Do we fight?”

 

Umarak stepped towards them, drawing his sword.

 

“Nope, we’re running,” Tahu Mata decided. “Get us out of here!”

 

The blue Throwbot nodded, blasting Umarak back using his water powers. The Hunter staggered before pushing forwards, fighting against the force of the water. Changing tactics, Scuba summoned forth water beneath Tahu Mata and himself, propelling both of them high into the air. The two sets landed upon the roof of the House, leaving Umarak far below. The Hunter gazed up at them for a long moment before retreating into the House.

 

“…we need to move,” Tahu Mata said. “We can’t stay here.”

 

“He will follow us,” Scuba replied.

 

“Not if we’re far away from here,” Tahu Mata told him. “Get us back down and let’s get out of here – he’ll be busy with any other time travellers.”

 

The Throwbot activated his powers again, slowly lowering both of them back to the ground in front of the Time Machine… just as it activated with another flash of purple light, and two sets tumbled out – a bright red one and a silver one. Tahu Mata frowned, recognizing them from the promotional images of the upcoming Hero Factory line.

 

“Don’t move,” he ordered, resting his sword upon the neck of the silver one. “What are you doing here?”

 

The two Hero Factory sets glanced at each other before the red one answered.

 

“We were sent to take care of you.”

 

---

 

The Hunter stalked up the stairs, ignoring the frustration that was beginning to build up inside him. There would be time enough to hunt Tahu Mata and his meddlesome water-using companion later – but for now, there was another target to be eliminated, one that his mission demanded be taken out immediately.

 

Millennia… a Throwbot given control over time itself.

 

He reached the entrance to the Attic, taunting him from high above. The distance did not bother him; he willed it to open, and it opened. He willed himself up, and he found himself up, inside the storage area forbidden to the sets below.

 

“Who are you?” a voice growled, as its speaker – red and black, a Throwbot named Torch – entered the light.

 

Umarak remained silent, his gaze shifting from one set to another as the rest of the Throwbots gathered around. They all stared at him, whispering amongst themselves, until Torch spoke again.

 

“Identify yourself before we kill you!”

 

“I am Umarak,” the Hunter replied. “I am on a mission to defend the timeline from those that would see it altered… and I will kill any who stand in my way.”

 

“Is that a threat?” Torch asked.

 

Umarak shrugged. “Only if you are delusional enough to believe that your friend Millennia is worth saving.”

 

As if they were of a single mind, every Throwbot shifted into an obvious combat stance. Umarak sighed, shaking his head in resignation.

 

“I thought you might respond this way,” the Hunter said, sighing again. “Very well. I shall be forced to destroy all of you.”

 

---[2010]---

 

“Hey boss, we’ve got some visitors for you!” Hahli Mahri called, leading the way into the Spare Bedroom.

 

Gali Mata and Takadox glanced at each other as Pridak and Mantax pushed them forward. Pohatu Phantoka and Gresh Stars flanked them, while Antroz Mistika flew off elsewhere as they entered the Spare Bedroom; Kazi had separated from the group earlier when they had entered the House.

 

“Who?” a voice called, as Tahu Stars stepped into view on top of the bed.

 

The Toa Stars of Fire was joined by Kopaka Okoto and Takanuva Stars on either side – Takanuva Stars having spoken. All three jumped down, landing smoothly and approaching the patrol. The hulking Glatorian called Stronius started forwards at the sight of Gali Mata and Takadox, but Tahu Stars waved him off; Stronius stepped back as the Toa Stars of Fire approached the two blue sets with a look of curiosity.

 

“Interesting,” Tahu Stars murmured. “Two members of the supposed Blue League. The Barraki traitor, and the Mata loyalist. I… find myself hard-pressed to believe that you have come willingly.”

 

“That’s because we haven’t,” Gali Mata muttered.

 

“We captured them,” Hahli Mahri said, speaking up with a glare at Pridak, who had thus far remained silent. “They were… about to be slain by the rest of the Blue League.”

 

“Interesting,” Tahu Stars repeated, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the information. “I suppose they hunted you down for fighting me, then.”

 

The two blue sets did not answer, although their silence seemed to confirm Tahu Stars’s guess. The Toa of Fire chuckled, shaking his head.

 

“You know, before Hero Factory arrived, I would have killed you on the spot,” he said, gesturing to Gali Mata. “As for Takadox… I would have left him to the mercy of the other Barraki. But now… well… I am afraid that I cannot afford to be quite so… what’s the word?”

 

“Impulsive,” Takanuva Stars said quietly.

 

Tahu Stars nodded. “Yes. Impulsive. You see, Takadox, Gali Mata, we have a problem. Not just me, not just you… but all of us.”

 

“And what sort of problem might that be?” the Toa Mata of Water asked.

 

“There is a third party at work in the House,” Tahu Stars responded. “They have hired Hero Factory, and they control the Rahkshi. We suspect many Bionicle sets have secretly – or not-so secretly – joined them as well. We know that they have sets hidden within both our army and the army of Tahu Nuva in the Basement. In all likelihood, one of the sets present right now is loyal to them.”

 

“What does that have to do with us?” Takadox asked.

 

“I have a job for you,” Tahu Stars replied. “I want both of you to join Pridak, Mantax, and the Titan Axonn on a mission to observe Hero Factory, to see if you can learn anything.”

 

“And if we refuse?” Gali Mata asked.

 

“Well, aside from the fact that we would be forced to execute you under suspicion of being loyal to this third party…” Tahu Stars answered meaningfully, “there is also the fact that you would be directly helping those who seek to destroy this House and all who live within it by delaying this mission.”

 

“We are not your slaves,” Gali Mata snapped.

 

“No, I know that,” Tahu Stars replied. “That is why I can afford to send you. You both joined that Blue League so that you could help the House when nobody else could – and then you left when your morals clashed with the rest. You felt it necessary to intervene in events while they feel content to sit back and watch. You might not be loyal to me in the slightest… you may even hate me… but all of these factors mean that I can trust you.”

 

The two blue sets shared another glance. Takadox sighed.

 

“We’ll do it,” the blue Barraki decided. “But we want to walk free as soon as the mission is completed.”

 

“If that is what you wish, then I shall make sure that it happens,” Tahu Stars said, turning to face Pridak. “Grab Axonn and head on out. The sooner you can grab any intel from Hero Factory, the better.”

 

“Yes sir,” the Barraki leader replied, nodding to Gali Mata, Takadox and Mantax. “Let’s get going, then.”

 

---

 

The red and silver Toa Hagah of Fire was filled to the brim with a burning, endless hatred; a flaming fury that had risen and burned ever since he found his brother cut down to spare parts by the Toa Mata of Water.

 

He would make her pay for what she had done.

 

He would rip her apart, piece by piece.

 

Soundlessly, he dropped to the floor behind the Toa that he had been following – Tahu Mistika, Toa of Fire. Another set loyal to the cause. Loyal to Matoro Inika, who was loyal to… ah, best not to think about them any further.

 

“Tahu Mistika,” he said, his voice gruff. “I wish to speak to you.”

 

The Toa Mistika of Fire froze in place before relaxing as he turned around, eyes narrowed. “I dislike surprises, Norik.”

 

“Where are the rest of your Toa?” Norik Hagah asked. “I have a request.”

 

Tahu Mistika gestured towards the Living Room just a few feet away, his gaze mocking. The Toa Hagah ignored it – there would be time enough to teach the insolent Toa of Fire some respect at a later date. For now, he needed Tahu Mistika’s help. He followed Tahu Mistika into the Living Room, nodding with satisfaction as he spotted the different Phantoka and Mistika Toa scattered about. Kopaka Phantoka, Onua Mistika, Takanuva Mistika, and Pohatu Mistika with his Rockoh T3.

 

“Gather ‘round,” Tahu Mistika called, before turning to face Norik Hagah. “What is it, then?”

 

“I wish for your aid in ending the life of Gali Mata,” the Toa Hagah of Fire responded.

 

Laughter burst out of Tahu Mistika; Norik Hagah frowned at the sound as the other Toa of Fire calmed himself down, shaking his head.

 

“Still that upset about your brother, huh?” Tahu Mistika asked.

 

“You know as well as I do the pain that comes with losing one of yours,” Norik Hagah snapped. “But I only had one, Tahu! And she took him from me! She must pay!”

 

“We all know,” Onua Mistika replied, glaring at the Toa Hagah. “But we have moved past it. Her killer is indestructible, and his master was exiled. Our purpose now is greater than petty revenge. Can you say the same?”

 

“Don’t pretend like you’re better than me,” the Toa Hagah snarled. “The only reason you all joined this alliance was to make the other sets pay, for not respecting you like they did the Toa Mata and Toa Nuva!”

 

“How would you even know if that were true?” Onua Mistika asked, scoffing.

 

“Because you lack both Lewa Phantoka and Lewa Mistika, and they are, without a doubt, far more morally sound than any of you,” Norik Hagah replied.

 

“You as well,” Tahu Mistika noted.

 

Norik Hagah shrugged. “I will not deny it. My rage eats away at me with every passing moment, Tahu Mistika. I am asking nicely for you to help me. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to prove that you are greater than the other Toa Mata and Toa Nuva at the same time?”

 

Tahu Mistika considered it, glancing at Onua Mistika; the Toa of Earth rolled his eyes and shrugged, which seemed to make up Tahu Mistika’s mind. The Toa Mistika of Fire grabbed Norik Hagah’s hand and shook it, nodding imperiously.

 

“We will help. Let’s go find your Toa of Water and kill her.”

 

---

 

Vultraz’s gaze shifted from Maxilos to Irnakk to Luroka to Maxilos and back to Irnakk again, wondering what the best course of action would be; Irnakk made the decision for him.

 

“Take the robot away,” the nightmarish golden-spined Titan said. “Keep him safe, so he may recover. I will take care of this Titan.”

 

Nodding, Vultraz grabbed Maxilos and hauled the Titan over to his speeder, draping him across it with difficulty. Once he had finally succeeded, he jumped onto the speeder and activated it, holding Maxilos with one hand just in case as he slowly rose higher into the air. He glanced over his shoulder back at Irnakk; the Skakdi nightmare was wrestling against Luroka, whose wounds appeared to be slowly disappearing.

 

“I hope you can take it,” Vultraz muttered.

 

He took off, speeding out of the Attic, and not paying any mind to the fact that the Rahkshi had mysteriously vanished from the Attic. It took him longer than he would have liked to reach the Kitchen, where he found several other Matoran and Agori awaiting his arrival. He landed on the counter roughly, the weight of Maxilos causing his speeder to skid along the counter’s hard surface until the Po-Matoran Ahkmou managed to halt it in its tracks.

 

“What happened?” Ahkmou asked, staring at the ruined form of Maxilos with wide eyes.

 

“Dunno,” Vultraz muttered, shoving the unconscious robotic Titan off of the speeder and glancing around at the sets gathered around. “I need a few of you to come back to the Attic with me – something tells me Irnakk is about to receive the same treatment.”

 

“I’ll come,” Kazi said, interrupting before Vultraz had finished speaking.

 

“So will I,” Ahkmou replied.

 

“Count me in,” the Le-Matoran Orkham said, patting Ahkmou’s shoulder. “Can’t leave my brother to tackle this alone, after all!”

 

“Alright,” Vultraz responded, nodding. “Get on.”

 

As the other three Matoran grabbed onto the speeder and tried to make themselves comfortable, Vultraz cast his gaze over the other sets gathered around, shaking his head slightly at Dalu, Garan, Tehutti, and Takua before finally settling on Macku, whose hard stare was unflinching.

 

“Look after Maxilos, will you?” he asked. “See if you can’t repair him a bit.”

 

“I’ll do my best,” Macku replied. “Good luck.”

 

“Yeah…” Vultraz muttered, trailing off as the speeder rose into the air. “I guess we’ll need it.”

 

The Shadow Matoran pushed the speeder as fast as it would go, reaching the Attic in record time. He immediately had to shift gears into an evasive maneuver as Irnakk was nearly tossed into them by Luroka, who, for all intents and purposes, looked like he had never fought Maxilos at all. Irnakk, by contrast, was definitely worse for wear, and looked exhausted.

 

“Holy Mata-Nui,” Ahkmou whispered. “What is that thing?”

 

“Some sort of Creation,” Vultraz muttered. “A custom-built set. Each of them seems to be designed for destroying a particular set; this one was made to kill Maxilos and Irnakk.”

 

Ahkmou looked like he was about to reply, but Luroka spotted them at that moment; the Creation snarled, grabbing the speeder as it flew past and flinging it across the room. Vultraz tumbled across the floor and slammed to a stop against the wall; both Ahkmou and Orkham slid to a stop beside him as the scattered pieces of his speeder surrounded them.

 

“Ugh… that’s… one heck of a throw,” Ahkmou mumbled, shaking his head to clear it.

 

“Where’s Kazi?” Orkham asked, grabbing his disk launcher and looking around.

 

“Over there,” Vultraz muttered, pointing back towards Luroka as he grabbed the Midak Skyblaster from his speeder and mentally cursing its weight.

 

The other two Matoran glanced over, watching as the Ko-Matoran swiped at Luroka’s ankles while avoiding the Creation’s attacks, buying Irnakk enough time to get to his feet and charge back into the fray. All three moved to help, but found their way suddenly blocked by a fourth individual – a black and green Matoran, custom-built with a sinister smile upon his face.

 

“You… but Maxilos cut off your arm,” Vultraz muttered, narrowing his eyes. “And your leg.”

 

“Call it a special ability,” the newcomer replied, chuckling darkly. “My name is Dragon. And by now, I’m sure you are aware of why I was designed this way.”

 

“You’re meant to kill us,” Ahkmou guessed.

 

“Perhaps,” Dragon agreed, “but only if you would rather be destroyed versus being ruled.”

 

“Ruled by you?” Vultraz asked, frowning. “I don’t think so, pal. Not after what you did to Maxilos… and to Makuta.”

 

Dragon shook his head, a look of disappointment on his face. “You misunderstand, Vultraz. Makuta, Maxilos, Irnakk… all three must be removed. It is necessary, for they would never understand our cause.”

 

“What, and we will?” Orkham asked, stepping forward and shifting his disk launcher in his grip.

 

“I hope so,” Dragon replied. “We need to be able to command the Rahkshi, hence why we needed Makuta dead. Maxilos is too blindly loyal to Tahu Mata; therefore, he must be removed before he gets in our way.”

 

“And what about Irnakk?” Ahkmou responded.

 

“He is far too protective of you and the rest of our kind,” Dragon answered. “He finds purpose in protecting and working alongside the likes of Matoran and Agori, giving them a voice amongst others where they might otherwise lack one. But that is a role that shall become mine, with time.”

 

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” Vultraz snapped.

 

“And what of you two?” Dragon asked, turning his gaze to Ahkmou and Orkham. “Will you both make the same mistake?”

 

“It’s not a mistake,” Ahkmou said, aiming his own disk launcher at the Creation.

 

Orkham nodded. “We will not take any orders from you.”

 

The Creation shrugged, as if they had been expecting this response. “Very well. Allow me to teach you a lesson, then.”

 

The black and green Creation sprang into action, easily kicking the Midak Skyblaster out of Vultraz’s hands before stabbing at him with two daggers that appeared in his hands. The Shadow Matoran dove out of the way as Ahkmou fired a disk that Dragon dodged easily; the Creation tackled Ahkmou to the floor, knocking the disk launcher away before ducking under three consecutive projectiles fired by Orkham. The Le-Matoran tossed his disk launcher over to Vultraz as Dragon attacked him, only for the Creation to be sent sprawling by a disk fired by the Shadow Matoran.

 

“Take that,” Vultraz called, firing another one.

 

Wordlessly, Dragon stood to his feet, glaring at Vultraz before striking at him with blinding speed, snapping the disk launcher in half. The Shadow Matoran stumbled back, trying to avoid the next attack, but Dragon was too fast. The Creation sliced through Vultraz’s left shoulder with one of his daggers, disconnecting Vultraz’s arm. The Shadow Matoran cursed, grabbing at his shoulder and stumbling back; Dragon moved to finish the job, but was forced to turn his attention instead to Ahkmou and Orkham, who began to double-team him.

 

“All three of you are fools,” Dragon decided. “It was unwise to try and convince you to join me.”

 

“You got that right,” Orkham snarled, ripping one of his daggers away before stabbing him with it. “You never should have come here!”

 

The Creation smirked, knocking Orkham back before twisting towards Ahkmou and quickly stabbing the Po-Matoran in the leg with both. Ahkmou fell to the floor with a cry of pain that Dragon ignored as he turned towards Orkham, who glared at him defiantly.

 

“Well?” the Creation prompted.

 

“Get Ahkmou out of here, Vultraz,” Orkham said evenly, glaring at Dragon unflinchingly. “Warn the others about this monster.”

 

“And what about you?” Dragon asked.

 

“I’m going to take care of you,” Orkham spat, charging forwards.

 

As the two tumbled to the floor, Vultraz grabbed his arm and stumbled over to Ahkmou, helping the Po-Matoran to his feet. Vultraz handed him his arm.

 

“Hold this for me, and I’ll hold you,” the Shadow Matoran muttered.

 

“Orkham?”

 

“He’ll be fine,” Vultraz replied, although they both knew that it was a lie. “He’s right… we need to warn the others. This isn’t a fight we’ll win.”

 

The two began to stumble away. Dragon, realizing what was happening, threw Orkham aside and lunged towards them – only for the Le-Matoran to pick himself up and throw himself at the Creation with blinding speed, knocking Dragon aside at the last second.

 

“GO!” Orkham yelled, tossing Dragon aside and blocking the way. “I’ll cover for you!”

 

They limped towards Irnakk and Kazi, just as the Ko-Matoran landed a final blow upon Luroka, beheading the massive Titan and dropping down beside them. The Ko-Matoran froze, looking behind them at Orkham still fighting against Dragon, but Vultraz shook his head as Rahkshi began to creep back into view on all sides.

 

“Can’t save him,” Vultraz muttered, glancing up at Irnakk. “Irnakk… gonna have to jump for it. We won’t make the landing, unless….”

 

“I understand,” the Titan said, his voice a deep rumble as he grabbed both Vultraz and Ahkmou in one of his massive hands.

 

“We gotta help Orkham,” Kazi said, fighting against Irnakk as he was collected in the Titan’s other hand. “Stop this!”

 

“I am too weak to fight against all of those Rahkshi and these other Creations,” Irnakk responded, lumbering towards the exit. “We would only be slain.”

 

“We need to warn the House,” Vultraz mumbled. “Gotta let… Tahu Stars know. And Tahu Nuva. They need to be ready.”

 

“Can you even survive the jump?” Kazi asked, turning to look at Irnakk.

 

“I do not know,” the Titan said. “We shall find out.”

 

Irnakk reached the edge of the hole; Rahkshi were racing towards them from everywhere. As one, all four turned back towards where Orkham still fought against Dragon, preventing the Creation from advancing at all.

 

“Let’s go,” Vultraz murmured.

 

The fearsome Titan observed the impossible gap, but did not hesitate at the chances of surviving the impact that would follow.

 

They jumped.

 

---[2016]---

 

Six sets observed the burnt husk of the House, their boxes discarded in the snow behind them. One of them – silver and blue – nudged the leader, a red set, and pointed towards the Time Machine as a large Titan stepped through. The red set nodded, leading the others towards the Time Machine – where they found a golden set weakly trying to stand. The silver and blue set helped him to his feet.

 

“What is your name?” the red set asked, before gesturing to himself and the others. “My name is Tahu… Tahu Uniter. This is my team – Gali, Onua, Kopaka, Pohatu, and Lewa.”

 

“My… name… is Rocka,” the smaller set said hoarsely, coughing.

 

“That larger set that just passed through… he was Umarak?” Tahu Uniter asked.

 

“Yes.”

 

The Toa Uniter of Fire nodded, as though expecting the response. He glanced up at the House as a portion of the roof caved in.

 

“Are there any others left?”

 

“…a few,” Rocka replied, shaking his head woozily. “Why?”

 

“The Toa Okoto have failed the mission that you sent them on,” the Toa Uniter of Fire said, his tone casual, as though they were merely discussing the weather. “It is our duty to complete the mission in their stead… and to resolve any additional issues that they have caused.”

 

“What about… Umarak?”

 

“You leave Umarak to us,” Gali Uniter interrupted, speaking for the first time. “We will stop him before it is too late.”

 

“Do not worry about the Hunter, good Rocka,” Tahu Uniter continued, pushing Rocka back towards the House. “Take us to whoever still survives. We will need all of the information that you can provide us with before we travel back in time.”

 

“Of course,” Rocka replied, sounding tired and defeated. “The Toa Okoto really failed, then?”

 

“Oh, yes…” Tahu Uniter said, nodding when the golden Hero glanced up at him. “Yes, they have indeed.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

CHOICE #1: What should Tahu Mata & Scuba do?

A – Try to talk to the Heroes

B – Fight them now

 

CHOICE #2: Where will Norik Hagah search first?

A – The Backyard

B – The Kitchen

 

CHOICE #3: Which Toa Okoto should be focused on next chapter?

A – Tahu Okoto

B – Gali Okoto

C – Pohatu Okoto

D – Onua Okoto

E – Lewa Okoto

 

MAKE YOUR CHOICES IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

episode_14_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 14: DYING LIGHT

 

---[2001]---

 

“Take care of us?” Tahu Mata asked, glaring down at the Heroes. “Let’s be honest with each other; you were sent to kill us. What are your names, then? Can I have that, at least?”

 

“William Furno,” the red Hero replied. “My… partner is Dunkan Bulk.”

 

“Well I’m obviously Tahu Mata, and my pal here is Scuba,” Tahu Mata said. “I would say that it’s nice to meet you, but we both know that I would be lying. So let’s skip ahead to the point of your little trip through time, then. The part where we beat you.”

 

“That won’t happen,” the red Hero said, clipping both of his flame swords onto his back.

 

Tahu Mata shared a glance with Scuba, chuckling before turning back to the Hero. “Oh, William, you are sorely mistaken.”

 

He lunged forward, stabbing his sword at the Hero – but William Furno was already blasting into the sky with the jets on his back, causing Tahu Mata to stab nothing but air. The Toa grunted and twisted to deflect Dunkan Bulk, sending the silver Hero barreling into Scuba, who effortlessly used Dunkan Bulk’s momentum against him. A quick blast of water sent the silver Hero sprawling headfirst into the outer wall of the House and he bounced off, stumbling back. Tahu Mata grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the wall again; this time Dunkan Bulk fell to the ground, and did not get back up.

 

“One down,” Tahu Mata commented, turning his gaze up to William Furno, who remained hovering above them. “Your turn, William.”

 

The red Hero shifted in the air, about to respond, when a crash from above distracted all three; their attentions were all drawn to the sound as a white set was blasted out of the House, spiralling towards the ground far below. Scuba’s eyes narrowed before widening as the blue Throwbot gasped.

 

“Ski?!”

 

The white Throwbot fell past William Furno; on instinct, the Hero grabbed him, stopping the Throwbot’s would-be fatal descent. The Hero was not prepared for the additional weight, and found himself dragged down to the ground despite his efforts, crashing to the dirt with the Throwbot on top of him.

 

“It is Ski,” Scuba muttered, stumbling towards them and rolling Ski over. “What happened to him?”

 

“Umarak,” Tahu Mata said darkly, his eyes narrowing. “He’s gone to kill the Throwbots, I would expect.”

 

“Wait,” William Furno interrupted, his own eyes widening in alarm. “Umarak is here?!”

 

The Toa of Fire glanced at him, confused. “Yes, you know of him as well?”

 

“Had a little run-in with him right before travelling back here,” the Hero muttered. “He killed one of your own like it was nothing; a Toa of Air. Matau Metru, I think? Yeah, that was his name. Just picked him up and tossed him aside like he was a pebble, and he shattered on impact.”

 

“Ski is still alive,” Scuba said, still examining the other Throwbot. “What do we do?”

 

“Umarak said he was hunting anybody that had travelled through time,” Tahu Mata replied, looking uneasy. “If he’s dealing with the rest of your kind with such ease despite all of their powers….”

 

“Then we need to leave,” Scuba replied. “We must get far away from this place, and hide away until the Time Machine is built. We’ll bring Ski with us.”

 

“He tried to stop us before,” Tahu Mata warned. “He wanted me dead.”

 

“We’ll change his mind,” the blue Throwbot said firmly. “He is my brother, Tahu – and it is very possible that we are soon going to be the last two of our kind. I will not leave him to die.”

 

The Toa of Fire nodded, sighing. “Of course.”

 

“I want in.”

 

They both glanced over to William Furno in surprise; Tahu Mata’s gaze immediately turned suspicious.

 

“What do you mean?” he asked.

 

“Exactly what I said,” the Hero replied. “I’m coming with you – Dunkan Bulk as well. We travelled through time to get here, you know. We’re targets of Umarak as well. Staying here would be suicide.”

 

“You were sent back here to kill us,” Tahu Mata said. “How could we possibly trust you?”

 

William Furno was silent for a long moment before sighing. “You can’t. But Umarak was… unexpected. The sets I’m working for… his appearance was a shock to them. He’s a factor that they haven’t been able to plan for.”

 

“You work for Matoro Inika,” the Toa of Fire said.

 

“Yes.”

 

“He’s been travelling through time all over the place,” the Toa muttered, glancing over to Scuba. “How would he not know about Umarak?”

 

“Somebody else is pulling the strings,” Scuba replied. “Someone who, in the future, must not believe that Matoro Inika can pull it off.”

 

“…you can join us,” Tahu Mata said, turning to William Furno. “But if you or your friend make a single move against us… we will kill you.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“Then let’s get going, before Umarak finishes his work here.”

 

---

 

Turbo, Granite, Electro, Spark, and Blaster were scattered across the floor of the Attic, each of them slowly and weakly pushing themselves defiantly to their feet.

 

Torch, Amazon, Jet, and Millennia still stood strong against their foe.

 

Their foe – Umarak the Hunter – chuckled darkly as he turned to face them, light shining upon his face from the freshly-made hole in the wall. The massive time-travelling Titan crouched down and grabbed his sword before standing straight, stalking towards the line of Throwbots.

 

“I will still give you the chance to retreat,” the Hunter said, his voice a deep rumble. “I only require Millennia.”

 

“You will not!” Torch spat.

 

“Insolent as always,” Umarak murmured, shaking his head. “In the timeline that I was born in… there too, you led the Throwbots to their destruction, Torch. All of you died in the endgame, all except one… although you were, for many months, presumed deceased as well, until the Vezons freed you.”

 

Umarak easily caught Turbo in one hand as the Throwbot suddenly lunged at him; he squeezed, and Turbo’s parts scattered in all directions. The Hunter examined the husk that remained in his hand disinterestedly before tossing the corpse – if it could even be referred to as such – aside.

 

“When visited by the ultimate one at the beginning of the civil war, you unwisely accepted his so-called ‘gifts’ that granted you the elemental powers you now control,” the Hunter continued. “But in my timeline… you had spent over ten years cooped up in this stuffy attic before receiving your powers, and all of you were bitter, terrible, stupid sets for it. You worked for the almighty creation, and were rewarded with death.”

 

Granite and Blaster both attacked at once, attempting to ambush him; Umarak shook off Granite’s rocks as if they were nothing and swung his sword, cleaving the Throwbot in two; Blaster attempted to retreat, but could not get away in time to escape being beheaded.

 

“Later, you realized your folly,” Umarak said, still speaking to Torch. “When you were freed, you joined the side of the light. You helped them to fight a war of attrition against those still loyal to the almighty one, and in the end, sacrificed yourself so that the golden Hero could end their leader. You did not live to know whether your gambit succeeded or failed, but you did live long enough to feel eternal regret.”

 

He paused, glancing at Electro and Spark; the two Throwbots slowly backed away to join the others, fearful of attempting an attack on their own. The Hunter took it as a sign to continue speaking.

 

“But in this timeline, it is the year 2001, and you have already been given these powers,” he said. “The almighty creation knows that everything will be decided here, in this timeline. There will be no others created. This timeline is it; this timeline is final. The effects upon you are clear; you are deranged. Your time-controlling Throwbot is a menace and a threat to my mission. But the others here might be spared, if only they could cast aside their loyalty to you. It will mean their dooms.”

 

“You spout nonsense!” Torch screeched. “Throwbots, attack!”

 

The fire-user blasted towards Umarak – only to howl with pain as Umarak spun and caught him in mid-air with his sword, impaling Torch in the chest. The Hunter wasted no time; before Torch could react, his head had been plucked off of his body. Umarak turned to face the remaining Throwbots.

 

“Seven of you remain,” he said. “One of you I must kill, for he is a threat to time itself. The survival of your friend Ski is questionable at best. Scuba has already turned his back upon you, for he recognized the madness of your loyalty to a cause that would see you, too, destroyed. Amazon… Jet… Electro… Spark… this is your final chance. Back away, allow me to fulfil my mission, and you shall survive.”

 

“Do it,” Millennia whispered, glaring at the Hunter. “Do it – I can take care of him by myself.”

 

The other four glanced at each other, but obeyed the time-controlling Throwbot, slowly backing away. Once they were a safe distance from him and the Hunter, Millennia smirked.

 

“Try this on for size,” he said.

 

Everything froze as Millennia paused time itself – including Umarak. Millennia snorted derisively, walking right up to Umarak and smacking the Hunter’s sword away.

 

“I control time, you moronic atrocity,” he whispered, still smirking. “That includes being able to freeze it.”

 

A hand locked around his neck faster than he could process it. The time-controlling Throwbot struggled to free himself, but found it impossible; it was now Umarak’s turn to smirk as the Titan slowly lowered his face to Millennia’s whose eyes widened in alarm.

 

“I am a Hunter,” Umarak said, speaking softly and slowly. “I know exactly how to lure my prey to me, Millennia, and let us make something very clear before I kill you: you are my prey.”

 

“H-how?” the Throwbot croaked.

 

“It is my mission to save time itself and salvage the timeline,” the Hunter answered. “To save time itself, I must control time much as you do.”

 

“You’re… a hypocrite…” Millennia whispered hoarsely. “Telling us… off for a… mission that would end us… when yours….”

 

“I acknowledge that I will have to slay myself in the end,” Umarak said, shrugging indifferently. “It is my purpose, Throwbot. When my mission is complete, and all is said and done, I will end my own life to ensure that time is safe. But first, I must complete my mission – and that involves ending you.”

 

He squeezed; and just like Turbo mere moments before, Millennia’s parts scattered across the Attic. Time un-froze, revealing Millennia’s demise to the other four Throwbots present; Umarak slowly picked up his sword, glancing at them.

 

“Six of you remain,” the Hunter told them. “Do not make me regret leaving you to live.”

 

And then he was gone.

 

---[2010]---

 

Lewa Phantoka shivered, although it was not from the cold (for it was in fact quite warm at the moment). Slowly, he reached out with a trembling hand, and nudged Lewa Mistika’s shoulder; the Toa Mistika of Air remained stiff as a board, now swaying back and forth.

 

“How could this happen?” he asked.

 

“It must have something to do with whatever gives us life at the House,” Lewa Okoto replied, sounding worried as she reached out and steadied the petrified Toa Mistika before he could fall over. “We’ve been away from it for eight months now.”

 

“So what do we do?” the Toa Phantoka asked, turning his attention from Lewa Mistika over to the Toa Okoto. “This happened within a day.”

 

“My best guess is a buildup of sorts,” Lewa Mata said, joining them with Lewa Nuva – slowly petrifying like Lewa Mistika – leaning on him for support. “Whatever it is at the House that has been giving us all life, spending so long around it must have given us all… extra, I suppose. It’s allowed us to keep going.”

 

“But why would Lewa Nuva be paralyzed before me?” Lewa Phantoka asked, gesturing to the Toa Nuva of Air, who looked too weak to speak. “He’s been around way longer than I have.”

 

“Unless whatever it is keeping us alive is underground,” Lewa Okoto murmured, her eyes lighting up. “You’ve been in the Basement longer than Lewa Mistika, which explains why he froze first – and your proximity to this… thing might have charged you enough for you to outlast Lewa Nuva.”

 

“That makes sense,” Lewa Mata replied. “But then we need to ask ourselves why you and I also remain unaffected thus far.”

 

“Well, you were one of the first sets to be released, so naturally you’ve had more time to build up a charge than Lewa Nuva,” the Toa Okoto of Jungle replied, frowning. “This would indicate that you’ll freeze after Lewa Phantoka… but as for me….”

 

“You should have been the first to freeze,” Lewa Phantoka said.

 

She nodded. “Unless time-travelling somehow altered my charge?”

 

“Considering what we know – which is essentially nothing – that sounds like as good an explanation as anything,” Lewa Mata replied, sounding worried. “Still, though – this is happening far too quickly. We won’t make it back to the House in time to save ourselves, we’re too far away.”

 

“The golden mask,” Lewa Okoto replied, her voice nothing more than a whisper. “It’s our only hope.”

 

“Then we steal the mask,” Lewa Phantoka said, nodding. “Like we were planning to already. Hopefully it’s somehow magical?”

 

“If it keeps us alive, then we’ll have something to work with – something tangible,” Lewa Mata responded. “That’s better than nothing.”

 

“How about him?” Lewa Phantoka asked, gesturing to Lewa Nuva. “How’s he holding up?”

 

The Toa Mata of Air glanced at the Toa Nuva, shaking him; Lewa Nuva did not move. Lewa Mata sighed, slowly setting him against the Axalara T9.

 

“Frozen.”

 

“Then let’s get ourselves inside that store now,” Lewa Phantoka replied. “Let’s get into position before I’m frozen too.”

 

“Sounds like a plan,” Lewa Okoto agreed, staring at the other two Toa worriedly. “If this works… do you think we can revive them?”

 

“I’m going to assume we can,” Lewa Phantoka said.

 

“Why?”

 

“Because I can already feel myself stiffening,” he snapped, twisting his ankle defiantly, “and I refuse to believe that I am dying. Let’s go.”

 

---

 

Norik Hagah gripped the Rockoh T3 tightly as he, Tahu Mistika, and Pohatu Mistika sped through the air. Despite his request for the others to join them, Tahu Mistika had decided that three of them would be enough for now, leaving the other Phantoka and Mistika Toa to do… whatever it was that they normally did.

 

“Any reason that she would be outside?” Tahu Mistika asked, as they swerved into the Backyard.

 

“Where else could she hide away from the world so effectively?” Norik Hagah snapped.

 

“I see sets,” Pohatu Mistika interrupted, directing the Rockoh T3 towards the ground. “Four of them – all blue.”

 

“Open fire,” Norik Hagah ordered. “Show them we mean business!”

 

The Toa Mistika of Stone followed the command without hesitation, opening fire on the four sets down below; they all managed to dodge the attacks as the Rockoh T3 spun back around to face them as it hovered in place, slowly lowering towards the ground. Norik Hagah recognized Kiina, Vezok, Tarix, and Gali Okoto. He jumped off of the Rockoh T3, gripping his spear and shield tightly as Tahu Mistika landed beside him.

 

“Who do you think you are?” Kiina spat, stalking towards them. “You have no right to open fire on us!”

 

“What makes you assume that?” Tahu Mistika asked. “Have you taken a side?”

 

“We are neutral,” the blue Glatorian snapped, pointing her trident at him. “What’s it to you?”

 

“Nothing,” Tahu Mistika responded, shrugging indifferently. “We’re just looking for Gali Mata.”

 

“Well, you’re too late about that,” Kiina replied, her glare intensifying. “A bunch of your other allies working for Tahu Stars already took her away.”

 

My allies?” Tahu Mistika asked, sounding confused.

 

“Yes, your allies,” Kiina muttered, sounding impatient.

 

“Oh, no, you are quite mistaken… I do not serve Tahu Stars,” Tahu Mistika informed her. “I am under the command of someone else.”

 

“Tahu Mata? Even worse,” Kiina snarled.

 

“No, not even him,” Tahu Mistika replied. “I work for someone else entirely. A third party, one might say.”

 

“Hey! Stop getting off-topic! We’re looking for Gali Mata,” Norik Hagah snapped.

 

The Toa Mistika of Fire turned towards him, laughing. “Are you really so simple-minded a fool? Broaden your horizons. You’ll get your revenge eventually. Right now, I believe that Kiina here deserves our undivided attention.”

 

“I am about to skewer you,” the Glatorian in question muttered.

 

“No you’re not, because you’re interested in what I have to say, and what I have to offer,” Tahu Mistika replied, turning back to her.

 

“And what would that be?” she asked, eyes narrowed.

 

“An opportunity,” Tahu Mistika told her. “We can take you to see the one in charge right now... and if he deems you ready… he might let you see the almighty one.”

 

“The almighty one,” Kiina repeated.

 

“Yes. He is the ultimate, the most powerful of all,” Tahu Mistika replied. “When the time comes, he shall tip the scales in our favor, and all who oppose him will perish where they stand.”

 

“…take me to this leader of yours, then,” Kiina decided, after a moment of thought.

 

“Kiina, you can’t possibly-” Vezok started, before falling silent when she turned her glare on him.

 

“You will follow,” she ordered. “That is my command. Do you understand?”

 

“Yes,” the Piraka muttered.

 

“Good,” Kiina replied, sounding satisfied as she turned back to Norik Hagah and Tahu Mistika. “Lead the way.”

 

---

 

Gali Mata, Takadox, Pridak, Mantax and Axonn reached the Bedroom without difficulty. Luckily for the five sets, they were able to slip into the room and hide despite Axonn’s large size, as most of Hero Factory was currently distracted upon the bed, under which the five sets hid. There, they listened to the sets above.

 

“Back already?” the deep growl of Von Nebula could be heard. “I thought you had fled far away.”

 

“I did not flee,” the voice of Matoro Inika snapped. “I merely dodged. It was a contingency plan.”

 

“You thought I would attempt to betray you.”

 

“No, I did not think that; but I did plan for it. One must always consider a situation from all possible angles, unless they wish to be taken by surprise.”

 

“Hmmph. Well, take a look at your Toa kin. He is next to useless.”

 

“What happened to Matau Metru?” Matoro Inika asked.

 

“Dead.”

 

“But Nuju isn’t?”

 

“As good as. He was far too emotionally attached to that green Toa. He has become insufferable.”

 

“Bring him here, then.”

 

“You heard him, Rotor. Go grab the Toa of Ice, and bring him to me. Tell Natalie Breez and Meltdown that I have ordered it.”

 

“Yes sir!”

 

From underneath the bed, the five hidden sets watched a large orange and black set – Rotor – fly over to the windowsill, where the green Hero Natalie Breez and the one-eyed Meltdown stepped aside to reveal Nuju Metru, Toa of Ice. Rotor grabbed the Toa Metru of Ice easily with one hand, flying back towards the bed.

 

“Matau Metru is dead?” Mantax whispered. “How? When?”

 

“I think a better question is why,” Gali Mata murmured. “Why have he and Nuju Metru been working for Hero Factory?”

 

“There is a better question still,” a new voice said from behind her, as a black Toa stepped forward.

 

The other five all turned, readying their weapons – only to slowly but warily lower them at the sight of Nuparu Inika, who appeared extremely worried.

 

“Nuparu Inika,” Pridak said softly. “You’ve been working alongside Tahu Nuva, if I recall correctly.”

 

“You do,” the Toa of Earth conceded. “And you have been working for Tahu Stars… and you have two neutral sets working with you, even though one of them has shown a clear bias against your boss. A curious alliance.”

 

“Why are you here?” Gali Mata asked.

 

“Same reason you are, I suppose,” Nuparu Inika replied, shrugging. “To spy, listen in, gather information. I’ve been searching for Matoro Inika for awhile… and it would appear that I have finally found him.”

 

“Shut up, all of you!” Takadox hissed. “They’re talking!”

 

They all fell silent, listening in to the conversation taking place up above them once more.

 

“-you sure?” Matoro Inika was asking, sounding uncertain.

 

“I just want it all to be over,” Nuju Metru wailed. “Please, Matoro!”

 

“See?” Von Nebula asked. “He is less than useless. I would have fulfilled his wishes myself, but wondered if your… friends might have a better idea.”

 

“No… no, you would have been correct in this case,” Matoro Inika said, sighing heavily. “Nuju Metru… are you certain?”

 

“Just end it. Please,” the Toa Metru of Ice pleaded.

 

“Very well,” Matoro Inika replied, his voice filled with regret. “I truly am sorry, Nuju.”

 

“I know.”

 

The six sets hidden underneath the bed heard the swish of a sword swinging through the air; a second later, the head of Nuju Metru bounced upon the floor, rolling away from them. All except Axonn immediately recoiled at the sight, Mantax nearly shrieking before Pridak slapped a hand over the black Barraki’s face.

 

“This is unfortunate,” Von Nebula said up above. “What will you do?”

 

“Once the boss returns, I’ll let him know,” Matoro Inika replied, sighing. “Until then… we’re down two more. It’s time to do a bit of recruiting again.”

 

---

 

Onua Okoto could no longer see.

He could no longer hear.

He could no longer feel.

 

Not the world around him, at least; but within his mind, within his memories, all of these things still remained true. Yet in his memories, lost in the knowledge and the curse granted to him by the two Vezons, he was alone; entirely unaware of Tahu Nuva, Tahu Okoto, and Pohatu Okoto all gathered around him. Unaware of Gali Nuva fruitlessly attempting to awaken him without results, unaware of the time that had passed.

 

There were just the memories.

 

The year was 2015. He stood among the other Toa of Okoto, gathered together outside. They had just freed themselves of their boxes, arrived at the doorstep to the House. Tahu Okoto led the way.

 

“Let’s get ourselves inside,” the Toa of Fire said, “and see who might be at home.”

 

The Toa Okoto of Fire led them up the steps, where they discovered that a small flap had been installed at the bottom of the door; Tahu Okoto grinned at them all before slipping inside. Kopaka Okoto followed him with an impatient huff; the rest followed one by one until only Onua Okoto remained. He glanced back at the wreckage of the car wreck before entering, where he accidentally knocked Pohatu Okoto over.

 

There were several sets blocking the way inside. One of them – gold, with a scope on his helmet, and clearly the leader – stepped forward.

 

“My name is Rocka,” the golden set said. “You are….?”

 

“My name is Tahu,” Tahu Okoto said. “These are my fellow Toa Okoto – Pohatu, Gali, Kopaka, Lewa, and Onua.”

 

“So the rumors are true then,” Rocka replied, sounding weary. “Bionicle has indeed returned.”

 

“Returned?” Tahu Okoto asked, sounding as confused as Onua Okoto felt.

 

“We have… a lot to talk about,” Rocka said cryptically. “Follow me. I’ll introduce you to a few of the others… and fill you in on what’s going on.”

 

“That sounds good,” Tahu Okoto replied, sounding relieved as he turned to the others. “You all good with that?”

 

“Yep!” Pohatu Okoto replied.

 

“Let’s get this over with,” Kopaka Okoto muttered.

 

“I… suppose so,” Gali Okoto said, sounding uncertain.

 

Lewa Okoto shrugged indifferently, and Tahu Okoto turned his gaze to Onua.

 

“…it would be prudent,” the Toa of Earth said, shrugging as well. “Let us gather what information we can.”

 

“Alright,” Tahu Okoto said, turning back to Rocka. “Lead the way, then.”

 

The golden set nodded, walking away; the other sets backed up to clear a path.

 

“Follow me.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

 

CHOICE #1: What will Ski do when he wakes up?

A – Attempt to flee Tahu Mata and the others

B – Remain with them

 

CHOICE #2: Will Gali Mata’s team report back to Tahu Stars?

A – Yes; report back immediately

B – No; stay and gather more information

 

CHOICE #3: What will Onua Okoto remember first?

A – The mission of the Toa Okoto

B – The villains working behind the scenes 

 

MAKE YOUR CHOICES IN THE REVIEW TOPIC!

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

episode_15_banner.jpg

 

EPISODE 15 – TAHU VS. TAHU

 

---[2001]---

 

Umarak the Hunter slung his large bow onto his back and adjusted his sword upon his hip. He stood before the Time Machine, head cocked to the side as he sifted through the various timelines.

 

Despite all of the power that he had been given by his creators – including control over time itself – his mission had proven far more difficult than anticipated. His targets were already spreading themselves across time, some fleeing the House itself, and all of them were guarded by sets that his mission demanded he avoid killing at all costs, unless those sets tried to travel through time as well.

 

There was too much resistance. Only a fool would believe a single set – even one as powerful and as smart as himself – had any chance of succeeding in the task set before him alone. It was now only a matter of time before his targets all united together, and if they did, he would surely fall, and thus fail.

 

That could not be allowed to happen. He needed help – the kind of help that could twist his target’s perceptions, make them question every action that they took against him. The kind of help that would paralyze his targets in their tracks.

 

There were only three sets capable of that.

 

One was far too dangerous to even consider – but the other two, if plucked from the correct moment in time... would guarantee his mission’s success with certainty. The two sets that every other being in the House alternately revered and hated.

 

He put in the date that he wished to travel to and stepped into the Time Machine; and using his control over time, vanished from one timeline and reappeared in another.

 

---[2010]---

 

He reappeared in the garden outside of the House in the year 2010 – although it was a far different version of 2010 than the one he had originally journeyed to. For in this timeline, the Toa Okoto had never travelled back in time… nor had he, although that had just changed.

 

The Hunter entered the House, sneaking up to the Bedroom with ease; for it was January, and that meant all of the sets had gathered for the arrival of what they believed to be the final line of Bionicle sets – the Stars. His presence went unnoticed in the crowd as he flitted through them, watching the events unfolding in the middle of the gathered sets, where Tahu Mata and Kazi stood among several canisters.

 

“The red one?” Tahu Mata asked, turning to the Ko-Matoran.

 

Umarak watched as Kazi grabbed the red canister and glanced at it, pausing. The Ko-Matoran remained frozen in place for several seconds before Tahu Mata broke the silence.

 

 “Kazi?” the Toa Mata of Fire prompted.

 

“Yeah...” Kazi muttered, sounding both shocked and worried before glancing up at Tahu Mata. “Yeah, um... it’s you.”

 

“What do you mean?” Tahu Mata asked, confused.

 

The Ko-Matoran turned the canister over and showed him – and everyone else – the image on the front of a Toa of Fire that looked eerily similar to Tahu Mata. Nuparu Inika, standing at the edge of the crowd, reached out and patted Tahu Mata on the shoulder.

 

“Looks like after a decade you might be getting a serious challenge for your leadership,” the Toa Inika of Earth said.

 

“Yeah,” Tahu Mata muttered. “Maybe.”

 

Every set in the room aside from Umarak jumped as the canister’s red lid popped off; Tahu Mata and Kazi both stepped back as the final Stars set – none other than Tahu Stars – stood. The Toa Stars of Fire stretched and yawned, glancing around at the gathered sets and the Bedroom itself.

 

“This place looks cozy,” he said. “You guys must be the other Bionicle sets, no?”

 

“We are,” Tahu Mata answered warily, his eyes narrowing.

 

“Ah! Leader Tahu Mata!” Tahu Stars cried out in false surprise. “I didn’t see you there! Unfortunately, whether you like it or not, I’m clearly here to take your place as leader.”

 

“I doubt it,” the Toa Mata of Fire replied. “I’ve led the sets for an entire decade, and we’ve lived in peace. If you’re that eager to lead, it’ll be decided by a democratic vote.”

 

“Ha!” Tahu Stars laughed, shaking his head. “Please, I was made in your image, only better – I’m clearly meant to replace you!”

 

“Then you can call for an election, and become elected via the vote,” Tahu Mata growled.

 

“How about a battle instead?” the Toa Stars asked, pulling out his golden mask. “Oh, but wait! You don’t have any golden armor, do you? Not like me. Looks like I win.”

 

“Yeah right,” a green Toa of Air (Lewa Mata, Umarak noted – another target) snapped, stepping forward. “Golden armor doesn’t mean anything. A bunch of sets have golden armor, and none of them have even tried to lead.”

 

“I was the first set to ever arrive,” Tahu Mata said. “That is why I lead.”

 

“Yeah, sure, whatever,” Tahu Stars replied, shrugging. “Makes sense then that I was the last one, no? Why is why I should lead now, don’t you think?”

 

“Get elected by vote.”

 

“No!”

 

The Hunter had seen – and heard – enough. Neither of the two Toa of Fire was ready, not yet. They were both too rash and too impulsive. He would have to allow this particular timeline to continue uninterrupted for now. As the two began to brawl, he drifted back out into the hall, returning to the Time Machine, where he input a new date and stepped through.

 

---[2011]---

 

When he reappeared this time, it was the year 2011 – and the final battle of Hero Factory’s original invasion was taking place. Both of his targets were battling against Hero Factory sets that had not yet arrived at the House in his own dimension – the Titan Fire Lord and the dreaded Nex 2.0. Lewa Mata, Takanuva Stars, Pridak, and the green Piraka Zaktan were all helping the two Tahus, but even with the numbers in their favor, they were clearly struggling.

 

Once again, he remained unseen as the battle transitioned to the Time Machine itself. He ducked aside as Pridak was launched past him; the Barraki was cursing loudly. He watched as Tahu Mata helped Tahu Stars to his feet.

 

“We need to shove them into the Time Machine,” the Toa Mata of Fire muttered.

 

Tahu Stars sighed. “Fine.”

 

Both of the Toa of Fire sprinted forward as Lewa Mata and Takanuva Stars were thrown at them by Nex 2.0. They caught the two Toa, stumbling as the Toa of Air and Toa of Light tried to find their balance, and ended up running straight into both Nex 2.0 and Fire Lord. The two Hero Factory sets tumbled into the Time Machine.

 

Unnoticed by them all, time froze.

 

Umarak stepped forward, knowing what needed to be done for this timeline to proceed. He yanked the Titan Fire Lord out of the Time Machine and swiftly yanked the Titan’s head off. A tingling sensation spread throughout his body as the action rippled throughout all of time, permanently ending Fire Lord in every single timeline.

 

The Hero Factory Titan would never exist again. Not in any place, not in any time.

 

The Hunter did not do this lightly; even with targets such as Millennia, he had merely slain the Throwbot in his own timeline – the timeline where everything, every struggle, every conflict, would finally be resolved. But Fire Lord was too dangerous; for he alone, out of every other set in the House, had become a vessel once for the almighty one. The ultimate Creation, the Director’s most powerful monster, the one that would destroy everyone and everything if given a chance.

 

That could not be allowed to occur. His vessel could not be allowed to exist, ever.

 

Time un-froze; Nex 2.0 vanished, whisked away into the past. The four Toa barreled into the Time Machine themselves, unable to stop their momentum.

 

Time froze again.

 

Umarak adjusted the date and time, so that both Lewa Mata and Takanuva Stars would be sent eight months into the future. For a split second, he allowed time to continue, and they both vanished; in the blink of an eye the Hunter punched the Time Machine’s control panel, breaking it, fracturing the circuits within and sabotaging the trip of Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars as they vanished in a flash of purple light.

 

He needed the two Toa of Fire to see. He needed them to understand.

 

This could only be done by showing them what needed to be done.

 

Umarak entered the Time Machine, and followed them into a new timeline.

 

---[?]---

 

When he found the two Toa of Fire again, they were chatting in the middle of a field, the sky overcast. The other sets that had come with them, following from one timeline to another, were nowhere to be seen.

 

Thanks to Umarak, those sets would never be seen again.

 

The time had come to speak with Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars.

 

“So you came to offer a truce,” Tahu Mata was saying.

 

“Well… yeah, I guess I did,” Tahu Stars replied.

 

Umarak watched as Tahu Mata held out his hand. “Very well then. Until we return, a truce it shall be. Shake on it?”

 

The Toa Stars of Fire hesitated for only a second before shaking his counterpart’s hand. Before either of the Toa could continue their conversation, Umarak began to clap, deciding to reveal his presence. As expected, both Toa of Fire reacted instantaneously, dropping into battle stances and directing their swords towards him.

 

“I am not here to kill either of you,” Umarak said. “I am here to ask for your help.”

 

“Who are you?” Tahu Mata asked, eyes narrowed.

 

“I am Umarak,” the Titan replied. “Umarak the Hunter. I am a Bionicle set… from the year 2016.”

 

“What?” Tahu Stars muttered. “Impossible. Bionicle returns? When?”

 

“It returns in the year 2015, although thanks to the actions of yourselves and several others, there is precious little for it to come back to,” Umarak said, gesturing behind him. “Look behind me and take it as a reminder not to do anything rash, for my request will be a strange one.”

 

The two Toa of Fire glared at him suspiciously for a long moment before slowly edging around him, where they each found another version of themselves lying in the grass – dead. Umarak slowly turned around, not wanting to alarm either Toa with any sudden movements.

 

“As you can see, killing you is no struggle,” he said. “It was, in fact, rather easy. I hope this will convince you to listen to me before deciding on anything foolish.”

 

“…what do you want?” Tahu Stars growled, glaring at the corpse him lying spread-eagle on the grass.

 

“I have but one purpose, and it is to protect time itself,” Umarak explained. “My mission is a simple one: to kill every single set that has ever travelled through time, and when it is finished, to kill myself as well, so that time can never be tarnished again.”

 

“Why?” Tahu Mata asked.

 

“Because it is time travel that leads everything to ruin,” the Titan answered. “You each travel through time, and it influences your actions. Your deputies travel through time, and it changes their views. The Matoran travel through time, and the desolation they see turns them evil. Nex 2.0 travels through time, and the opportunity he sees rips a hole in time itself. Matoro Inika travels through time… and he changes everything.”

 

“I don’t know what you’re trying to say, but it’s a lie,” Tahu Stars snapped.

 

“You do not believe me… not yet. I do not expect you to,” Umarak said. “But I require your help, nonetheless. I have met with far more resistance than myself or my creators had anticipated, and my mission becomes more difficult to follow through. I cannot kill all of my targets if they insist on fighting me all together, nor can I hunt them down when they flee all across time. I need help.”

 

“Why us?” Tahu Mata asked.

 

“Because every set either reveres you or hates you,” Umarak replied, shrugging. “Thus, their emotions will cloud their judgement. Make it easier to delay their actions, or stop them altogether. It will make my mission easier.”

 

“Why should we help you?” Tahu Stars snarled.

 

“You will see why soon enough,” the Titan said. “I am going to return you back to your own timeline, Toa. The two of you will discover that, despite your best efforts, the civil war you started cannot be stopped until it reaches its logical conclusion – the destruction of the House. And when it is finished, I will show you the devastation that awaits afterwards.”

 

He did not give either Toa of Fire time to respond; the Hunter snapped his fingers, and both of them vanished, returned to their timeline at the exact point in time that both Lewa Mata and Takanuva Stars would emerge from the Time Machine.

 

As for him… the time-controlling Titan gathered the two corpses in his arms and blinked out of existence, following them back to their own timeline… in the year 2012.

 

---[2012]---

 

Umarak the Hunter reappeared as the final battle of the civil war neared its completion amid the burning wreckage of the House. Lewa Mata and Nex 2.0, both with significant injuries, blew past him. The Toa Mata of Air swung his axe at the Hero’s neck, but Nex 2.0 ducked; Lewa Mata kicked him in the chin, forcing Nex 2.0 to stand back up before using his foot and the Hero’s momentum to slam Nex 2.0 to the ground.

 

“Wait,” the Hero croaked. “Don’t do it.”

 

The Toa of Air laughed – a sinister sound. “As if I’d listen to you, you orange and white freak. It’s time to say goodbye.”

 

The Hero opened his mouth to say something – but Lewa Mata cut him off as he swung his axe. Nex 2.0’s head popped off and bounced away through the snow and wreckage, clearing a small path as the fighting gradually halted. The eyes of every set on the battlefield slowly turned to Lewa Mata, who stood straight and tall despite his injuries.

 

“The war is over,” the Toa of Air announced, his voice hoarse but still carrying over the battlefield. “Tahu Stars and Nex 2.0 are dead! The Throwbots are gone!”

 

“Never!” a voice screeched. “There will be no victor!”

 

The Hunter knew that voice – it was the voice of Jet, one of the Throwbots that he had allowed to survive. He watched as Tahu Mata struggled to his feet, picking up his sword in the process as he staggered back towards Lewa Mata.

 

“Tahu, look out!” the Toa Mata of Air yelled, his voice ringing falsely only in the Hunter’s ears.

 

The exhausted Toa Mata of Fire turned towards him and then raised his sword with lightning speed to defend himself as Jet lunged towards the two, slamming Lewa Mata aside. The Toa of Fire managed to deflect the Throwbot away. A cycle – Umarak suspected a RoboRider, although where Jet had found one, he could not be sure – sped towards them, only to be destroyed by Lewa Mata’s axe.

 

“You’re next, green one!” Jet snarled, slamming into Tahu Mata.

 

The two combatants crashed into the fountain. Tahu Mata pushed Jet away and spun out of his reach, slamming his fist into the Throwbot to knock him to the dirt. Jet flipped backwards as he stood, and-

 

-time froze.

 

“What the…” Tahu Mata trailed off, glancing all around.

 

“Your war has reached its logical conclusion,” Umarak said, alerting the Toa Mata of Fire to his presence. “Step aside.”

 

The Toa Mata of Fire obeyed, too shocked to verbally respond as the Hunter fixed the corpse of the dead Tahu Mata in his place. A few feet away, Tahu Stars feebly stirred; the Hunter picked him up, hoisting the Toa Stars of Fire onto his shoulder before placing the Stars corpse where he had been a second before.

 

“…why?” Tahu Stars whispered, shaking his head weakly.

 

“Yeah… why?” Tahu Mata asked, surprise still etched upon his face.

 

Umarak gestured with his free hand towards the battlefield.

 

“Look at this – the conclusion of your war, the destruction of the House,” he said. “The only way it ends is for both of you to die – and so, to all of them, you shall perish. But I require your services, and so I have gone to great lengths to keep you alive.”

 

“You want us to help you hunt down every set that has ever time-travelled, and kill them in cold blood,” Tahu Mata replied. “I won’t do that. I’m sick of killing.”

 

“Yeah…” Tahu Stars murmured, agreeing.

 

“I know,” the Hunter responded. “Which is why we are not finished. Come, Tahu Mata; follow me. We must go to the Time Machine.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because this is not all that you must bear witness to,” the Hunter replied. “You must be shown the end result, the final destruction of the House and all of the sets within caused by those who travelled through time. You must witness the Skyfall.”

 

---[2013]---

 

Skyfall.

 

September 19, 2013. A day in infamy. The day that the sets of the House made a final stand against the forces loyal to the almighty one, and were victorious. The day that the House caved in under the pressure of thunder and lightning, and sets battled each other in the pouring rain. The day that the sets suffered the most devastating losses of all.

 

Only thirty-three sets would survive the battle… or rather, thirty-four, although one would be assumed deceased.

 

As they stood, watching the battle play out, Umarak explained this to the two Toa of Fire. For their part, both Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars remained silent, too overcome to speak. This was, after all, their legacy.

 

They stood behind a yellow Hero called Evo, who had just slain his final opponent, for the battle was nearing its conclusion; all three turned their gazes to the top of the wreckage hill that used to be the House, where the familiar figure of Lewa Mata fought against a golden Hero known as Rocka. The sets dueled sword versus axe and shield versus shield; the remains of countless sets were strewn around them, some having fallen to their deaths out of the sky during an aerial battle moments before.

 

Then, as another bolt of lightning cut across the sky, the golden Hero and the green Toa disappeared, falling off the side of the hill.

 

Time froze.

 

Umarak turned to the two Toa of Fire.

 

“That fall kills Lewa Mata,” he said. “Rocka barely survives – but he does survive. The survivors are all sets who had fought against those loyal to the almighty one, and so despite all of the losses, they consider it a victory. But there is no happiness, not anymore.”

 

He shook his head, his disappointment clear.

 

“They could have stayed safe,” he said, sighing. “It all could have ended here. But they were not satisfied – they believed that there must be another way. And so they rebuilt the Time Machine… slowly, so, so slowly, but they did rebuild it. They did not know that Matoro Inika survived, and so they did not know that their actions continued to doom this House and all who reside within.”

 

The two Toa still remained silent. Umarak spoke again.

 

“We have one more stop to make before we reach our destination,” he said. “I must show you one more thing, and then, I believe, you will agree that you must help me to succeed in my mission.”

 

Time un-froze, and they vanished, travelling even further into the future.

 

---[2015]---

 

They reappeared next to the Time Machine in front of an intact – if somewhat dilapidated – House. Snow was falling, although the temperature was warm enough that it was melting upon impact with the ground. Umarak slowly backed away from the machine, pulling Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars with him, until they could observe the Time Machine unseen as Rocka led six figures to it.

 

“You see?” the Hunter asked. “Those are the Toa Okoto. Tahu Okoto, Lewa Okoto, Gali Okoto, Pohatu Okoto, Onua Okoto, and Kopaka Okoto. They were not supposed to reach the House, but… their proximity to it awoke Tahu Okoto, and he freed the others. They gave the sets hope that they should not have been given….”

 

He trailed off as Rocka directed the Toa Okoto into the center of the currently deactivated Time Machine.

 

“-gonna put it on a timer,” the Hero was saying. “It’s too dangerous for me to stay outside for much longer.”

 

The golden Hero backed away as purple energy began to spark around the six Toa Okoto.

 

“Perhaps it would have been fine, if they remembered what they had been sent back to do,” Umarak whispered.

 

They watched as the familiar white form of Matoro Inika, Toa of Ice, approached the Time Machine with a sinister smile upon his face. The Toa of Ice punched the exposed circuitry as the energies of the Time Machine swallowed the Toa Okoto whole, and a screech tore through the ears of everyone present.

 

“But they did not remember,” Umarak said softly. “His sabotage saw to that.”

 

Once the Toa Okoto were gone, Matoro Inika got to work, repairing everything that he had just broken. Within minutes, the Toa Inika of Ice was finished; and with a last mocking salute to the House, he stepped inside and vanished as well.

 

“Do you understand my mission now, Toa?” the Hunter asked. “Why I must kill every set that has ever time-travelled, both the good and the bad? Why leaving even a single one alive could be catastrophic?”

 

“I suppose,” Tahu Stars growled.

 

“I don’t like it,” Tahu Mata said darkly, “but… I do understand.”

 

“Good,” Umarak said with a nod, satisfied. “You are the Tahu Mata and Tahu Stars of the prime timeline. I could think of no better sets to help me with my mission.”

 

“So where are we going, then?” the newly christened Tahu Stars Prime asked.

 

“We are going to August, in the year 2007,” the Hunter replied, turning to look down at the Toa Mata of Fire.

 

He directed them to the Time Machine; both Toa of Fire obeyed, waiting as the Titan put in the date and then stepped in with them.

 

They vanished in a flash of purple.

 

---[2007]---

 

They reappeared just in time to watch the Barraki entering the Time Machine. Umarak shook his head, but remained silent as he gestured for the two Toa of Fire to follow him into the House.

 

“Why are we here, exactly?” Tahu Mata Prime asked.

 

“We are here because this is where – and when – we shall meet you, Tahu Mata, and your band of Throwbots and Heroes,” Umarak answered, easily knocking out both Toa Hagah, whom the Barraki had left behind as guards. “Your little alliance seeks to cause a paradox… and we must halt them in their tracks.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE 16:

episode_16_banner.jpg

 

He could no longer move his legs.

 

His jetpacks were beginning to fail, his arms growing stiff.

 

In a last-ditch effort, knowing it would catch the attentions of the Humans they had been trying to avoid, Lewa Phantoka threw himself down at the display case, hoping against hope that his desperate plan would succeed.

 

His jetpacks died as he was forced to let gravity finish the job.

 

His mind was slowly fading, everything turning to black-

 

-and then suddenly a world of color, a world of sounds, a world of sensations and movement as he blasted through the sky, free once again… or not.

 

A large, meaty hand closed around his legs, and no amount of boost from his jetpacks could get him free. Lewa Phantoka had been caught.

 

REVIEW TOPIC

  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...