Legends Poll: Lhikan

[Velox]

Vote here for your favorite Legends of Lhii story; entries have been randomized. Please MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL ENTRIES BEFORE VOTING.Voting begins now and will end on June 2nd at 11:59 PM EST. Entries that do well will move on to the Legends of Lhii Final Poll, which will be posted at the conclusion of the 12th round preliminary poll.

• [*]Instinct Thwick, thwick, thwick, plink. The rock skipped across the water, sending ripples across the peaceful surface of the bay. Lhii glanced down and selected another rock, flat, about the size of his hand. In a well-practiced motion, he drew back his arm, sending the stone flying with a flick of his wrist. Lhii liked it here, alone, in this peaceful bay, hidden from the outside by the cliffs rising up on all sides, impassable save for a single trail of which Lhii alone knew. Out here he could think, something he never had the time or space for back in Ta-Koro. He chose another rock. Threw it. Thwick, thwick, thwick, plink. Crunch. Crunch? Lhii turned casually at the sound, worried mostly that he would have to find another hideout. But no one was there. Shrugging, he chose another rock. Threw it. Thwick, thwick, thwick, plink. CRUNCH. Now that he hadn’t imagined. Lhii stood, truning, grabbing his lavaboard as he did so. Someone – or something – was there, and he didn’t want to meet it unprepared. Cautiously, Lhii made his way for the narrow trail up the rock face. He began to climb. About halfway up he heard it again – CRUNCH! But it was followed by another sound, a muffled sort of cry. Lhii quickened his pace. By the time he reached the top, the muffled cry was no longer muffled, nor was it a cry – it was a full-on scream. The crunches, too, were no longer crunches, but powerful reverberations Lhii could feel through the rock at his feet. A large formation of rock sat atop the ridge, and he dashed around it without second thought – he was moving on instinct now. The scene would have struck fear into any Matoran’s heart, even Lhii. A Muaka in mottled grey-and-brown armor stood before him. Its massive form crouched menacingly, a snarl upon its maw, ready to pounce – but not on him. The Rahi took no notice of Lhii, intent as it was on the Ga-Matoran backed against the wall of rock, cowering in fear. Her screams had died; fear lodging all sound back in her throat. Lhii was afraid, yes. But this did not stop him. His pace never slowed as he dashed for the Rahi. Diving forward, he planted his lavaboard on the ground, and pushing off it into a perfect aerial roll landed on the beast’s back. The Muaka’s attention was on him now as it lunged back and forth, attempting to shake him off. But Lhii hung on. Lhii was positioned atop the Muaka’s neck at this point. In a swift motion, he split the two blades that made up his lavaboard and slammed the butt of one into the Rahi’s temple several times. The blow should have crumpled the Rahi, but the beast seemed scarcely affected. Lhii looked down into its eyes and saw an expression he had hoped never to see again – the look of a creature driven to madness by the Makuta. There was but one way to end this... Lhii dropped the blade in his left hand and grabbed the edge of an armor plate. As the Muaka skidded to a halt, Lhii slipped sideways off the Rahi’s neck, still holding tightly to its armor. An upward thrust, the flash of the blade in the sunlight- Stillness. With a long, wistful glance at the body of the slain Rahi, Lhii retrieved his blades. Cleaned them. Formed them again into his lavaboard. He offered his hand to the Ga-Matoran as she rose unsteadily to her feet. Wordlessly, the two began the long trek back to Ga-Koro. -----[*]And Nothing Happened “Lhii was surfing, like he did any time he wasn't guarding the village or sleeping. After all, his board and his spear were both the only things that felt natural to him... Well, his duty and love for his Koro were natural, too. Yet, you are smart enough to know what I mean, young Matoran. “Where was I? Ah yes! Lhii was surfing. The lava was especially fierce that day, and he was enjoying the thrilling ride between life and death. Now, I will not pardon lava surfing, and still discourage anyone from participating in it. Still, I will readily admit that that I got enjoyment from watching Lhii long ago... “Surfing, right. My mind seems to be wandering today. Anyways, Lhii caught an especially furious wave and went into a wild flip. I was scared, but only for a moment. He came magnificently back to the swiftly flowing magma below him. The bystanders cheered and clapped, and another Matoran that was surfing tried to outdo him. He tried to do a flashy move. Ended up flying off his board. “Time seemed to go in slow motion. The audience gasped. I gasped with them. Then, from seemingly nowhere, Lhii caught his foolish friend and safely transported the scared Matoran to shore. Needless to say, he gave up surfing for quite a while. “Back to Lhii, though. He decided to wrap up that day of lava surfing, and quickly the activity at the river dwindled. Most of the Matoran there were there to watch him anyways. And so the majority of them trickled back to Ta-Koro. Lhii, of course, immediately went to go on duty, even though he was told to take the day off. No one could keep the captain from his guard. “So he patrolled. Lhii went with two of the other guard members to perform the hourly rounds. They were about to check the cable leading to Ko-Wahi when Lhii noticed the cliff upon which they were standing was crumbling. He quickly dove to the side with one of the other Matoran. The other was able to jump out of harm’s way, or so he thought. “It was after the fact that the Matoran realized his dilemma. He jumped off the cliff directly onto the cable... and he was now swinging from the snapped cord, over the massive chasm below him! Needless to say, he was scared out of his wits! He was so shocked that he let go of his lifeline! “That would’ve been the end of him under normal circumstances. However, he was with the brilliant Lhii, a faithful friend in any situation! The brilliant little Matoran had seen the situation coming, and after getting up from his dive, he immediately leaned out, his left hand grasping a sure protrusion and his right reaching for his friend. His deft hand caught his friend’s ankle, and the third Matoran was able to pull them both back onto the ledge safely. “Hmm... what happened next? Oh yes! Lhii and his two friends quickly were able to retrieve the cable with long poles and hooks, and they tied it off so that nobody would accidentally use the broken cable. They went to get supplies, fixed it, and the rest of the day was uneventful. “Now, what is the point of this story? Nothing happened, you say? That’s exactly the point! Lhii was vigilant, and thus nothing happened that day! His acute observation, whether in a fun competition or a routine check, saved multiple lives! Learn from the example of Lhii and be ever vigilant, good Matoran.” -----[*]Hot Air It was only three days after the arrival of the Toa on Mata Nui. After the initial furor, the Matoran had gone back to work. But they were still keyed up, and Turaga Vakama had been forced to relate all the prophecies concerning the Toa yet again. Having run out of those, he had begun relating some of the Matoran's favorite tales, including several about Lhii, the mythical Matoran lava surfer extraordinaire. Vakama kept speaking, even after an awed silence told him Tahu must have entered the room behind him. The story ended, and the Matoran filed silently from the room. Vakama turned to face Tahu, who, as usual, did not waste any time with niceties. “That story about the Matoran; that was true?” Vakama inclined his head in assent. Tahu pointed to the lava fall about a mile away. “That was the one he went down, and survived?” The fall in question a gigantic thing, spewing many dozen tons of lava every second out of a tunnel in the mountainside. From there the molten rock fell almost a thousand feet to pool up into a lave lake more than a mile across. The radiant heat from it was so strong even Ta-Matoran avoided it when possible. “He did more than survive,” The Turaga said, “He placed a small replica of the Mata Nui stone on an outcropping about halfway down the fall.” (This stone had actually been placed there many years ago by Turaga Nuju's Mask of Telekinesis, at Turaga Vakama's request. It helped make Lhii more real to the Matoran, and furthered the myths meant to honor Toa Lhikan's memory.) The Turaga spoke reverently, thinking of Toa Lhikan, “He was the greatest lava surfer of all time.” Tahu stood, apparently digesting this. He appeared intrigued, but abruptly turned on his heel and started to leave the room. Even Vakama, who had grown used to brusqueness from Tahu, was somewhat startled by this abrupt departure. “Where are you going to so quickly, Toa?” Tahu looked back over his shoulder slightly without slowing down. “If I can't beat a Matoran at surfing, I have no business or chance in a fight against the Makuta. I will be back in an hour, Turaga.” Vakama was shocked. The urge to save Tahu from almost certain death warred with habits he had built over one thousand years of elaborate lying. He struggled with himself to speak the truth, tell Tahu it was merely a falsehood to commemorate Toa Lhikan. But the repercussions of such an admittance choked him. The truth, Vakama told himself, would out. Everything about Metru Nui and how the Matoran truly arrived here on Mata Nui would be revealed. As Tahu's steps faded down the corridor, Vakama finally convinced himself that honesty was the best policy. But by then it was far too late. Horrified, Vakama saw a tiny dot go down the fall. He knew he had doomed the Matoran to an existence beneath Makuta just to continue the perpetration of some relatively unimportant lies. He buried his face in in hands. despairing, cursing the lies the Turaga spoke so glibly. It was a sudden crash that brought the Turaga out of the nightmare he had created for himself. He looked up slowly to see a smoking Mata Nui stone in front of him. He stared wonderingly at Tahu's smoldering back as he walked away. The next day Tahu, passing by the chamber, heard Vakama begin another tale. But this story started differently. “Now listen to the story of Lhii,” Vakama said, “The second-greatest lava surfer of all time...” -----[*]The Virtues of Lhii You all know the tales, tales of Lhii: The Matoran lava surfer who felt nothing but a great glee when gliding over deadly heat trusting only his lava board his reflexes, and his quick feet. Despite all his skill, it was Lhii who always remembered the needs of the whole. Lhii knew unity was the key to survival here and always helped his home Koro where he’d learnt to surf without fear. Lhii was always modest: Duty it seemed, was what he fell back to. “I surf because it is truly a great way to bring glory home to Ta-Koro each day,” he’d say. “I would never leave here and roam.” Lhii never once questioned his fate Not even when the smoldering lava claimed him, on that sad date. He was at peace with destiny, content with his exciting life He was happy to be “just Lhii.” Lhii had held the three virtues dear and that is why he’s legend now Always remember and keep near: Unity, duty, destiny. Trust in those three virtues today and one day your name may just be as renowned as the name of Lhii. Turaga Vakama glanced around the amaja circle as the verses drew to a close. Even as the effervescent Matoran dispersed, they whispered to one another, excitedly drawing wild conjectures about the adventures of Lhii. Turaga Vakama fed them nothing but tale after tale of Lhii’s skill and heroism. The Ta-Matoran would all look around themselves in wonderment, pondering and going And to think, he was one of us! It was amusing to Vakama, the sole being in Ta-Koro who knew the truth. He liked it this way. Unable to recall Lhii, the Matoran were forced to accept everything their Turaga said about him as the irrefutable truth. They revered Lhii and showed the utmost respect for the allegedly deceased Ta-Matoran. It’s the least I can do for you, Lhikan, Vakama thought. What better way to teach the virtues of unity, duty, and destiny than with the tales of a fictitious character based on the being who, in Vakama’s eyes, best exemplified those three concepts? Well, he realized, the best way would be to tell them the actual stories of the formerly mentioned being… but this method would have to suffice. The one with the visions will tell tales of phantasms to guide the decisions of those living by chasms of lava and great heat. The teller? Vakama The phantasm? Lhikan An wise, old Turaga Remembering Lhikan – – the hero of days past. -----[*]Courage The Ta-Matoran Lhii ducked under a protruding stalactite. His yellow armor was scorched in places from the bubbling lava around him, but Lhii didn’t mind. This was what he lived for—the thrill of lava surfing. The hot air billowed around him in smoky clouds, lowering visibility. As his board raced across the pool, Lhii noticed something below him. On an overhang next to the lava was a smoky shape; Lhii couldn’t make out exactly what it was. But being as adventurous as he was, Lhii decided to find out. As Lhii drew closer to the shape, still obscured by haze, he perceived that it was crying for help. Lhii recognized the voice as that of one of his guardsmen, Keahi. Briefly he wondered why Jala, his co-captain of the Ta-Koro guard, had let anyone patrol down here. It was dangerous, a place only for the most skilled lava surfers on the island. Fragile arches hung suspended over a dangerous molten river that eventually ended in a steep drop-off. But there was no time to wonder—Lhii had to act. With deft movements the Ta-Matoran steered his board closer to the overhang. At the speed he was going, it would take a lot of effort to stop. But Lhii was confident he could do it. As the moment came closer, Lhii realized with a sudden shock that even he would not be able to stop the board at Keahi’s ledge. Keahi would have to jump. Lhii shouted instructions through the fog. Keahi responded with bravery to the commands of his superior, and prepared to leap. At the last moment, Lhii swerved towards the overhang. As he rushed by, Keahi took a flying leap from his rock to Lhii’s lava board. Now Keahi was safe—for the moment. The two Matoran were on a straight course for the lava falls! Lhii knew he had only one option—to abandon his lava board. With Keahi holding on tightly behind him, Lhii pushed off from the board. For a moment they were suspended over the lava, oblivious to anything but the bank they were headed towards. With a crash, the Ta-Matoran came to rest in safety on the hill of the flow. “And that is our story for tonight,” Turaga Vakama intoned. “Lhii showed courage by saving Keahi. That is our lesson—to emulate his behavior towards our friends and even those we do not like. You are dismissed.” As Matoran began to filter away, Vakama remembered a time shortly before he had become a Toa—when Toa Lhikan had risked his life to rescue him from falling into molten lava. This was Vakama’s way of remembering his hero’s brave actions. For you, Lhikan, he thought. -----[*]Never Forgotten The Turaga of fire looked wearily up at those around him. The group was smaller than it had been when last he offered to tell a story of the brave Ta-Matoran. Less had shown up, each time the group was smaller. Now only a few remained eager to hear the tales. Those were the ones for whom he did this, so that his hero was never left forgotten. But it seemed that the dark times held sway over the people now, more than the legends of the past. History was losing importance, and that saddened the wise Vakama far greater than anyone could measure. But there was still a small hope for the legends of heroes, those who still listened to the tales of old. They were the reason he continued, and he hoped that they continued to arrive each time the stories were told. There in the front sat the one Matoran who had come to hear every legend, not missing a single meeting. He was always putting aside what he was doing to hear the story of Lhii, even returning from his travels across the island only to hear a small glimpse into the past. Vakama smiled wearily as he watched Matoran adjust his Pakari. Then, the Turaga closed his eyes, inhaling the smoky air to prepare himself. The fire flickered as the story began anew. Vakama's staff swung through the fire, changing the shape of the flames. To those watching in awe, they could see the rolling waves of lava in the coiling blaze. "And so we began another tale of the great Matoran Lhii." --- The blazing waves of molten stone lashed and churned as a single Lavaboard dared to brave the burning river. There was Lhii, eyes staring with determination at the task looming ahead of him. The strongest surge of lava pushed him forward as he readied himself for what he had to do. "Three." The tunnel grew closer and closer, he could see where the mining tools had broken through, and it was coming up quickly. Not far up the tunnel was where the cave had collapsed, sealing this end off. "Two." Lhii could make out the Matoran pushing himself back on the ledge, looking down at the lava only inches below. Fear, that was what crossed the Onu-Matoran's face as he watching the liquid fire. Lhii could see a small part of the mining cart as it slowly melted away. "One." Lhii leaned to the side, balancing his board as best he could, readying himself. He only had a single chance at this, the waves behind him would overcome the small ledge and take the Matoran with them. "Now." His arm shot out, grabbing the shoulder of the Onu-Matoran and pulling him onto his board. It took all of his skill to keep both from plunging beneath molten waves. Now it was just a trip down the waves, and getting the Matoran home safely. He grinned as he swooped down the tunnel of fire. He was enjoying the ride. --- Vakama closed his eyes, sitting back as the story reached its end. The few Matoran that were there began to disperse, speaking among themselves. Only one stayed behind, walking over to the wise Turaga. Adjusting his Pakari once again, the grinning Matoran spoke. "Turaga? I want to thank you for the story." The elder smiled, patting his hand on the Matoran's shoulder. "I am glad that the story of Lhii will not go forgotten. Thank you, Takua." With a nodding grin, the Matoran walked away, acting as though he was balancing on a Lava Board as he went. Seeing the sight, even Vakama couldn't help but chuckle. -----[*]Remembrance A cold air brushed through Ta-Koro that night. Perhaps to any other village, such a breeze would be considered a heat wave, but to the fire loving residents of this settlement, the change was clear. Turaga Vakama sat alone in his hut, staring deep into the fire that crackled and spat sparks every which way. He closed his eyes and exhaled mournfully. The village elder twisted his head as he heard the footsteps echo against the stone floor. “Jaller,” he breathed. “How might I assist you on this cold night?” “It’s just…I need to know, Turaga,” the newcomer said, looking down at his armoured feet. “I had a dream. And in it, I believe I saw the one you tell tales of. Lhii.” Vakama nodded and turned to face the captain of the guard. “I have no doubt you have many questions, but I am afraid I cannot offer many answers. What did you see in your dream?” Jaller straightened himself out and looked deep into Vakama’s burning crimson eyes. The Turaga was silhouetted against the blazing fire behind him, adding a mystical aura to the secretive elder. “I saw him, Lhii I mean. Except I don’t believe he was as you described him. He went by another name. Lhikan. And he was no Matoran, he was a Toa, just like those you prophesised would save us some day.” Silence settled like dust over the two. Vakama shook his head mournfully. “I believe this has unsettled you. You are wondering what I hide from you in my stories of the adventurous Matoran?” Jaller paused, but eventually responded by nodding uncomfortably. Vakama took a step forward and rested his quivering hand on the Matoran’s shoulder. “Let me assure you that all I keep from you and your brothers is for your own good. And when the time calls for it, when Mata Nui asks it of me, then I will answer all of your questions.” The Ta-Matoran glanced at the hand on his shoulder, then frowned back at the Turaga. “With all due respect, I understand that some secrets are better kept wrapped in mystery, but I must know. Lhii…Or Lhikan…Who was he? What happened to him?” Vakama paused. He looked helplessly into the eyes of the Matoran. His years of experience burdened him and weighed greatly upon his shoulders. Though the two must be roughly the same age, Vakama felt so much older with all he had been through. His body was weak, though his mind remained sharp. As did his memories. He brushed the tips of his fingers against Jaller’s Kanohi mask. The mask of his old mentor. The mask whose origins nobody may know, just yet. “Lhii…He lives on,” he said slowly, keeping his eyes locked on the Ta-Matoran’s before us. “But in our hearts. He is closer than you could imagine. He may have perished, but his spirit is here. I can feel his presence, watching us…” Jaller opened his mouth to say more but shook his head and cast a wary glance at the elder before him. He then decided it would be better to ask no more and merely pardoned his intrusion and bowed. The Matoran turned and left, leaving Vakama to stare mournfully back into the flames. The conversation had left him weary. He sighed heavily, then prepared himself for the trek to locate a messenger. He would send a request to Onewa in Po-Koro, to summon the Turaga across and then…Then Jaller might be convinced to forget all he had learnt. He could not truly know…not yet.

[Toa of Dancing]

Number 2, because I vote for myself. XD

[Excelsior]

I voted for 3. Tahu is the greatest lava surfer of all.-Excelsior

[Ballom Nom Nom]

Once again, tough poll. Went with number one, though.~B~

[Iver]

Number 4. Because everyone knows that the only way to tell an ancient story is through song!

[Maganar]

There was no way I could vote for my own with a clear conscience in this one. I had to go with #3. Strangely, though, I discovered upon casting my vote that if I had voted for mine it would have tied for first in this poll since 2 votes is the maximum anyone has been able to accrue. Funny. But #3 was just awesome. Totally the 2001 feel and totally Tahu's behavior, mannerisms, and all-out style.

[fishers64]

the mythical Matoran lava surfer extraordinaire.

That creative turn of phrase was brilliant. And Vakama and Tahu were true to form in this one (#3) so I'm going to give you a vote and a round of applause. That said, 1 was very good, showing Lhli's concern for all Matoran, 2 had a good lesson, although it could have used a better title, and 7 was very foreboding. The others didn't stand out as much, but they nonetheless were good.

[Toa of Dancing]

...2 had a good lesson, although it could have used a better title...

How so? If you mean the grammatical faux pas of starting with "and," then that's just part of how the title is. =P If you mean the somewhat comedic sound of it, then that's also on purpose. Otherwise...?

[fishers64]

...2 had a good lesson, although it could have used a better title...

How so? If you mean the grammatical faux pas of starting with "and," then that's just part of how the title is. =P If you mean the somewhat comedic sound of it, then that's also on purpose. Otherwise...?

Well, it gave away the core of the story up front. Better to leave it as a surprise. Leave us (your readers) with the same expectation as the Ta-Matoran listens - the expectation that something great is going to happen, and surprise us with the fact that it doesn't. The title takes away from that, because now we know nothing is going to happen. Why read it, then, if nothing happens?

[Toa of Dancing]

...2 had a good lesson, although it could have used a better title...

How so? If you mean the grammatical faux pas of starting with "and," then that's just part of how the title is. =P If you mean the somewhat comedic sound of it, then that's also on purpose. Otherwise...?

Well, it gave away the core of the story up front. Better to leave it as a surprise. Leave us (your readers) with the same expectation as the Ta-Matoran listens - the expectation that something great is going to happen, and surprise us with the fact that it doesn't.The title takes away from that, because now we know nothing is going to happen. Why read it, then, if nothing happens?

True, true. Then again, it was meant more so to be comical than suspenseful, so... eh. I'll definitely keep that in mind.

[Nick Silverpen]

Tough choice between 1 and 3- it was good to see those two, as well as others, where Lhii survives. But I chose 3, because it had a more of a storytale-vibe about it, and I keep thinking about how Lhikan challenged Makuta in his last moments. It's good to see those two face off once again.But 3, it had a great line- “If I can't beat a Matoran at surfing, I have no business or chance in a fight against the Makuta. I will be back in an hour, Turaga.”That really was a unique view on Tahu's part, and was really 2001-Tahu

[Velox]

Polling period over; poll closed.