The Iron Toa

So that means, assuming that Bionicle hours are the same length as real life hours, the timelines of Bionicle are fifty percent longer than they appear -- 1 Bionicle year would be about 1.5 Earth years. So those characters live even longer!

Well, we do have an example of an upper-class Steltian in Sidorak. In set form, he's actually taller than Krekka. Though, personally, I imagine him as being a little taller than others of his species. Still, I doubt any Steltians are Toa-height (except for ones whose legs have been cut off or something).

Thanks, BZP. I might get a premier membership. Depends on how much I like the new features.

Wow. Eleven years is a long time, and now that we seem to be past the point of official updates, it makes me think of how everything's really in the hands of the fans now, until Greg/LEGO bring it back if they do.

Did Vezon or the Mask of Life just come up with the name Kardas for a newly-created type of creature, or was the giant Fenrakk transformed into a member of an existing species called Kardas (possibly with extra powers granted to this specimen by the mask)?

Huh? Scratches are wounds -- very minor ones.

What's the context of that one?

End of YrentaChapter Forty==Northern Coast of the Southern Continent, Matoran Universe==~802 AGC~ Though the Toa Muktirhith did not accompany Brenkonin when the king and his protectors left, and instead remained on the Northern Continent for many more years, eventually the time came for them to sail to distant shores. It had taken far longer than expected, but the recruiting stage of Iskanemo's grand plan was finally complete. The audacious Toa of Air had spent years forging new alliances and finding fellow Toa. Not every Toa he had asked had joined him, and realizing there were too few Toa to form the bulk of his group, Iskanemo had reached out to other potential friends. Few beings were willing to openly oppose the Brotherhood of Makuta, and so it had taken centuries for him to amass a force of suitable size. Upon receiving the message that told them to meet Iskanemo and his allies at the northeastern corner of the Southern Continent, the Toa Muktirhith had left the Northern Continent immediately. The message requested that they not sail directly to the rendezvous ground, so as not to attract attention, and so the Toa came ashore many kio to the west. They had decided to take the opportunity to fulfill an old promise.“Sorry we've arrived at this hour,” Imlen told the Matoran that had come running when their boat docked. “Is there a place here where we can spend the night?”“Hmm... one of you can stay at my place. How about you, Toa of my element?” the Matoran indicated Vilam. “As for you two, there should be plenty of room in the workshops, but if you want somewhere more cozy, you'll need to ask around. Try Amistosa's home and Yasashi's home, there and there. They're always friendly to visitors.”“Thank you,” said Imlen. “We are also looking for a Ga-Matoran named Sisretan, is she here?”“Ah, yes. We all know each other here,” said the Matoran of Lightning. “My name's Daranau. I can find Sisretan for you, but not until morning. I don't want to surprise her in the middle of the night.”“Just as well, I'm in the mood for nothing but sleep now. Long cruise,” said Imlen, then he muttered under his breath to himself. “And these next days will be eventful ones.”Amistosa and Yasashi were willing to accommodate their tall guests, and so allowed Imlen and Mozmana, respectively, to lodge with them. Even with one Toa to a hut, they were cramped, and had to sleep on the floor, but they were used to such conditions. In fact, it was a welcome change to be able to sleep in a village at all. The Brotherhood, of course, had a presence on the Southern Continent, and the land was full of many wild dangers, but this place was refreshingly rural and isolated, despite being a port settlement that saw a fair amount of traffic. The more inland villages were blissfully cut off from the troubles of the more centralized and populous lands. Lulled by the quiet of the night, broken only by crashing waves down at the shore, the Toa slept late into the morning. When Vilam awoke, she found a note from Daranau telling the Toa to meet her and Sisretan at the boat workshops. Vilam gathered her companions and, following the message's instructions, they found themselves in one of the very same buildings the villagers had used long ago in their efforts to convert the wooden shell Paqyar had conjured into a vessel functional enough to take the Toa to Xia.The workshop was much like a smaller, less sophisticated version of the shipyard under which Brenkonin had been imprisoned. This structure was only large enough to accommodate small boats and components – larger vessels were finished outside. Upon entering the building, the Toa quickly recognized Daranau, but they did not recognize any of the Ga-Matoran that were busily working, polishing wooden and metal panels and assembling rigging, engines, and other equipment. Daranau saw them and came forth, gesturing to one of the Ga-Matoran. The one she summoned wore the same mask as Sisretan, and had similar coloration, but the similarities ended there.“I recognize you,” said the Ga-Matoran before anyone else could speak. “Toa... Mozmana, I think?”“Sisretan? Is that you?” said Mozmana, and the Matoran of Water nodded.“Yes, I am Sisretan. They said you'd come back someday,” she said. “I've been told I have you to thank for my place in this village, and for my very sanity.”“It seems you have recovered as well as I could have hoped,” said Mozmana, smiling. “Of course, your new friends deserve thanks for their kindness and hospitality. And I see they have rebuilt you in their image.”“I... I guess so. They told me I was small and weak when I was found, but I don't remember that,” said Sisretan. “I don't remember much, in fact. But I remember you... and you two, also... I think.”“Toa Imlen, and Toa Vilam,” Imlen introduced himself and his sister. “We found you – ”“Wait, Imlen,” interrupted Mozmana. “It may hurt her to remind her of her past. It may uncover painful memories, causing a relapse in her condition. But if you're curious, Sisretan...”“No,” said Sisretan, after considering for a moment. “I have a new home, and that's enough for me. Whatever drove me mad, I don't want to find out what it was.”“I understand. Well, we're glad to see you've recovered,” said Imlen. “So, you help build boats? You like that?”“I wouldn't have it any other way,” said Sisretan. “We make the best vessels for kio around – well, the only ones for kio around, but what I mean is, we're some of the best boat makers this side of the continent.”“So, how are things around here? Are there any troubles?” asked Vilam. “Do you have Toa protectors?”“I haven't seen anywhere else to compare it to, but this place is peaceful, I guess. Sometimes we have Rahi problems, but nothing we can't handle,” said the Ga-Matoran. “Travelers come in and tell stories about war and lawlessness in other lands, like Stelt and the other continent. Sometimes Brotherhood warriors use the port – they're scary – but they usually leave us alone. There are a few Toa that patrol the area, we only see them every few years though. Yet a couple days ago a Toa we didn't recognize – I didn't get his name – arrived by sea and then traveled east.”“I'm thankful you have found a new life here. Now, we really should be going,” said Mozmana. “We'll let you get back to your work. It was good to see you again, Sisretan.”“You, too. Thanks for visiting!” said Sisretan, and she resumed burnishing boat components.It still didn't seem right to Imlen that Sisretan had forgotten her past life. But, he supposed, her original persona had been lost long ago, destroyed by whatever horrors she had suffered. He recalled the nightmare land he had caught a glimpse of upon viewing the past of her teleporter tools. He wondered what had become of that pair of strange devices, but more so he wondered if Karzahni existed, and if he had seen it. He decided he would rather not dwell on the subject, and besides he had more substantial concerns. After stocking up on supplies, the Toa left the village. The meeting place was hidden in wooded hills far to the east, and it took many days of walking for the Toa to get there. Before they could find Iskanemo and his allies on their own, a pair of scouts – a Vortixx and another black-armored being of a different species – emerged from the trees and escorted them to a pleasant valley with a river running down the middle.Imlen and his companions knew that Iskanemo had recruited many others, but the size of the camp below still surprised them. They had told the sentries escorting them who they were, and so they immediately taken to see their old friend. Upon seeing him, they immediately noticed he had gotten a prosthesis for his maimed left arm, though the mechanical replacement was crude and was a poor match for his natural arm. Now that he had two hands – though they were quite different in shape – he had also obtained an identical second sickle. As they came near, the Toa Muktirhith could see he had many scars he had not had the last time they saw him. Most veteran Toa accumulated such marks over the years, but Iskanemo appeared to have almost as many as Imlen, Vilam, and Mozmana combined. He had clearly taken an active approach to recruiting and equipping his warriors.“Well, well, seems you've waited until nearly the last minute, after all,” said Iskanemo, but he was cheerful. “It's been a long time... have you really been traveling with these two almost as long as you'd been with me, Mozmana?”“Technically, but still not much more than half the time that we were a team for,” said the Toa of Psionics. “Speaking of which, I'm happy to say we were finally able to find Vayrag's body and put him to rest.”“Good. I'm not sure I believe in ghosts, but Vayrag is one individual I want to stay on the good side of, whether he's alive or dead,” said Iskanemo, then he was serious for a moment. “I... I wish I could have been there. I've been so very busy, but know that I've never forgotten about you two.”“Thanks, old friend,” said Mozmana. “And congratulations. Your dedication is finally paying off.”“Yes, I'm impressed,” said Imlen. “I was expecting something like a large Toa team and a few others, but it turns out you have... well, it's a whole army.”“Indeed. After all the time it took, I ended up with a proportionate amount to show for it,” said Iskanemo. “Now, a few of my allies already know you. I'm sure you'd like to see them, and I'd like to introduce you to the rest.”Iskanemo had recruited about fifty or sixty Toa. It was a far smaller group than Lhikan's legendary army had been, but it was unlikely there were three hundred Toa left in the entire universe. Considering how rare they had become, that number was impressive, especially as many of the Toa Iskanemo contacted had been unwilling or at least reluctant to join him. Some said it was foolish to attempt to match the Brotherhood's martial strength with another army. Others said the time would come, but not until some prophesied heroes were ready to awaken Mata Nui. The Toa Muktirhith weren't sure if they believed that or not, but they certainly would not refuse to help an old friend fulfill his great ambition. As he escorted them, he introduced them to Toa and other notable beings as they passed. After many meetings and much wandering through the camp, Iskanemo spotted someone he was looking for: a fellow Toa of Air, this one wielding an ornate battleaxe.“There he is,” said Iskanemo, and he called to the other Toa. “Stuhi!”“Stuhi?” Imlen echoed questioningly, and the Toa Muktirhith exchanged surprised glances.“Iskanemo? What – hey, I know you three,” said Stuhi as he excitedly approached. “But I forgot your names.”“I'm Imlen, this is Vilam, and Mozmana,” Imlen reintroduced his team. “So... looks like Baw was right: you were destined to become a Toa. Is Baw here, too, then?”“No. He died... almost a century ago,” said Stuhi. “Toa killers got him – Dark Hunters, Brotherhood, I'm not sure which.”“Sorry to hear that,” said Vilam. “It was an honor to fight alongside him, if only for one day.”“I was lucky enough to have a hundred years of his company,” said Stuhi. “He was a good mentor... and a devoted friend. But the violent ending of a Toa's career is nothing rare. Anyway, speaking of the day we met, King Brenkonin is here. He's brought all the warriors he can spare.”“Brenkonin? Interesting,” said Imlen.“Yes,” said Stuhi. “Apparently, things are going badly for him back home – he and his army might have even been forced off the island completely, I'm not sure.”“That's bad news. But it's kind of him to lend his aid,” said Mozmana. “It seems you were right to inform him about this venture, Imlen.”“Yes, I'm told I have you to thank for referring him,” said Iskanemo. “I'll bring you to him before we go off to battle. I'm sure he'd like to speak to you again.”“Oh, I'd be embarrassed to see him after losing my sword, after he had that Rhotuka launcher added to it,” said Mozmana.“So that's where you got those new launchers, huh?” said Stuhi, indicating Imlen's Nynrah Ghost Blaster and the Rhotuka launcher that had been integrated into Vilam's protosteel sword – still the very same sword that had been taken from the hollow remains of Anecrax. “My reward from him was this fine axe that grew along with me when I became a Toa.”“Come on, Mozmana, it's not your fault,” said Vilam. “It was Imlen that got us into that – ”“Hey!” protested Imlen. “The way I remember it, it was that blind Turaga's fault, when he led us to the cave... ah, never mind.”“Old memories, eh?” said Stuhi, joining the Toa Muktirhith in a hearty chuckle.“Oh yes. Well, it's actually no big deal, I suppose,” said Mozmana. “We'd be happy to see King Brenkonin again.”“Good to hear, but first, there's someone else I'd like to introduce to you,” said Iskanemo.Iskanemo led them into the midst of a circle of tents, where a Toa of Fire was busy giving orders and answering questions. There was a line of beings waiting to see him, but Iskanemo and his friends walked right past the line with no complaints from anyone. He called the Fire Toa's name – Velitel – and Velitel turned. The Toa Muktirhith could now see he was clad in stately silver armor as certain elite Toa in the past had been, but in his case the armor pieces were mismatched, and clearly not as shiny as they had once been. As he came to greet Iskanemo and the others, the Toa Muktirhith could see there was a spiked club stored on his back. Though it was caked with grime – no doubt the stains left by hundreds of wounded enemies – Vilam noticed that the club looked like it was in nearly pristine condition. She guessed that Velitel, too, had managed to get his hands on a protosteel weapon. At first, the Toa of Fire looked annoyed at having been interrupted, but upon noticing the Toa Muktirhith he displayed a smile through a gap in his unfamiliar Kanohi.“Ah, new recruits, Iskanemo?” he inquired.“Not just any recruits – these are Mozmana, Imlen, and Vilam,” said Iskanemo, and he addressed the Toa he had named. “I've told Velitel here all about you.”“Hm, you never told him about us. Nice to meet you, Toa Velitel,” said Imlen.“Seems you're directing a lot of people. Are you second in command here?” asked Mozmana.“Not exactly. I'm the tactical commander,” said Velitel. “In most other matters, Iskanemo and I have equal say.”“Tactical commander?” said Imlen. “So Iskanemo's not going to lead us?”“I don't have the leadership experience Velitel has, so he will actually be leading us in battle,” said Iskanemo. “I'm still the primary coordinator and recruiter. We plan overall strategy together – with advice from the other Toa and military leaders, of course.”“Right,” said Velitel.“Ah, I understand,” said Imlen.“Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to consult our clairvoyant,” said the Toa of Fire.“Hey, I want to know if Waskita has seen anything, too,” said Iskanemo. “And these guys should meet her.”“Alright, but I'm telling you again, Iskanemo, she should not be distracted from her task,” said Velitel. “Come on.”Velitel and Iskanemo led the Toa Muktirhith into one of the tents in the circle. There was only a single occupant: a Toa of Psionics kneeling in the center. She appeared to be wearing a specially-crafted Mask of Clairvoyance that featured an opaque visor. The visor was down, completely cutting off its wearer's vision, and yet the tent was well lit, and large and spacious despite only housing one being. She said nothing, and her body language indicated she did not notice the entry of the other Toa, but each of them could feel her gently scanning their minds. When they had all gathered, she communicated with them telepathically.Hello. Thank you for visiting again, Iskanemo and Velitel, and welcome, Imlen, Vilam, and Mozmana, she mentally broadcast through the tent. I am Waskita. Iskanemo has told me of you. It's good of you to have come, and nice to meet another Toa of Psionics. We haven't found enough of my kind.Likewise. So, you prefer to communicate telepathically, replied Mozmana. Alright, then.“So, what do you do here?” asked Imlen.Well, obviously, I work as a seer, but I'm also a planner, projected Waskita. I sit in this tent and ponder and meditate while I wait for my mask to activate. It's not something I can control, you see. If I think of anything, or have any visions, I inform Velitel or Iskanemo, and we alter our plans accordingly.“Seems like a strong advantage,” said Vilam. “An invaluable asset for any sort of military operation, in fact. What have you seen of the future?”Nothing clear. The visions never are. I've foreseen great challenges in the near future, but of course that is to be expected, projected Waskita. Though conferring with Iskanemo and Velitel helps me to make some sense of what I see.“Indeed,” said Iskanemo. “Now, I would like to show my friends around some more. I'll return later tonight.”Thank you for stopping by, projected Waskita.Iskanemo introduced his friends to many more Toa and leaders. They had a brief chat with King Brenkonin, who had indeed been forced off of his home island. He had pledged his remaining hundred soldiers to Iskanemo's cause, and in exchange the leaders of the operation had promised to oppose the Dark Hunters as strongly as they opposed the Makuta. Of course, the Brotherhood would be their first target. The first strike was to be against a small but important fortified island off the coast of the continent. It was explained to the Toa Muktirhith that taking that island from the Brotherhood would disrupt their activity in the area, leaving them uncoordinated and vulnerable to further onslaught against nearby strongholds.“I'm not sure this is true, but I've also heard rumors that the Brotherhood doesn't just use the island as a staging ground for their forces – that they actually have a small lab for creating Rahi,” Iskanemo continued to explain. “It does make some sense, considering the variety of strange beasts that have been found around here.”“A test lab – that makes sense,” said Vilam. “There would not be room for mass-production facilities for maintaining their horde. But a small, remote location like that, with convenient access to wilderness on the mainland to set experiments loose in...”“Exactly,” said Iskanemo.“Now, back on the topic of our assault – I'm concerned about our ability to get ashore,” said Imlen. “With a force of this size, they're sure to see us coming, and even if we had the fastest boats they would have time to prepare. Even if the defending force is small, an island that fortified would be hard to breach.”“Ah, but who said anything about boats?” said Iskanemo. “Come on, I want to show you something else. You need to see this for yourself.”Review

Well, if New York was a lot smaller in population and more organized. I believe that a lack of wheels was the original plan, but then we got the Destral Cycle.

I was about to say what Bonesiii just said. That's brilliant, I like that theory! But unfortunately it seems to get a definite answer that's not founded on fanon, we'd need to ask Greg. Oh well. As for myself, I usually only mention my characters needing to manually treat their injuries when they're injuries that would require medical attention in real life. I don't mention if they need to weld small cuts back together or if they go away on their own. I wonder if they use bolts to help serious wounds in their shells heal just as humans use stitches...

I was wondering when those Gorrelian Hounds would show up. (I saw them on your Brickshelf a long time ago.) So, we have upcoming Toa gladiator action. Sounds fun, I kind of wish I had featured the arenas of Stelt in my stories somehow. Though in this time it seems extra risky for a Toa to sign up, there's a good chance someone in the audience might want him dead.Your description of the sonic disruption of the Shadow's hold on Emeder's mind was interesting, if a little strange. But you're not the one to come up with the idea of sound somehow breaking through that. So good job explaining it, and coming up with a more controlled alternative to sicking a Klakk on him. One word choice I have a question about is 'amoral'. That means not having anything to do with morality. 'Immoral' means going against morality. I guess either would do -- a Shadow-minded being could be both amoral and immoral -- but I'm not sure if that was the word you were looking for. Emeder testing his shadow powers reminded me of the Matoran to Toa transformation scenes I've written: the new Toa always have trouble keeping their powers in check when they first access them. We know from the canon that fine control of a Toa's element takes practice and concentration, so that's really no surprise that we came up with similar scenes.Overall, keep up the good work, I'll keep reading. Sorry I have not reviewed lately, I haven't had much criticism to offer. I have only one real concern with the latest developments, and that is: isn't Imegna rather short to pass for a Steltian leader (or of any class)? Maybe she can be wearing stilts under that cloak or something.

But that was when Gali healed him, right? I'm talking about natural regeneration.

If their metal could heal on its own, it could leave scars, as with organic tissue. Or scars could be marks of repairs -- lines from where things have been welded or riveted back together.

If a Matoran Universe inhabitant's metal parts are damaged, will they heal, or will the injured being need to be repaired? I know some species, like Nocturn's, can regenerate (strangely, it was the metal part of his arm and not the organic tentacle that grew back), but if, say, a Vortixx or a Matoran breaks a bone, does he or she need to have it replaced or welded back together? Do lacerations in their outer shell go away over time, just as our skin can heal, or do they need to have that welded or bolted back together?

"Eiffsher lhaa eaims akntoatei, esektehhokhn foout, lssd tutrc kete!""Nyuu ntsao teIn dradc!""Aat aowamhtni coeoaeherfo - skmuwm ksoirnnip rostnhartih!""Tawh?"("Team, take out the Rahkshi of Stasis Field, then focus on the Keelerak!""I can't understand you!""That warrior has a Mask of Incomprehension - Take him out now!""What?")So you see how it can be useful.

I recall Greg saying Lesovikk would not make sense because a Great Being wouldn't feel guilt over Toa dying as Lesovikk did. As for Keetongu, an argument against him as a candidate is the fact that he hid himself all alone. Hiding under a lot of ice isn't a good way to observe the universe. Though one could justify that, for example if he foresaw he needed to be there to help the Toa Metru.

I like this idea. Too bad there isn't any Story Squad canonization anymore.

Noble Masks are usually crafted with a shape distinct from the Great Version. Powerless masks in the shape of Noble masks would become Great Masks in form and function when their Matoran bearers become Toa, and Great Masks take the shape of Noble masks when their power is lowered to Noble-level when Toa become Turaga. I guess mask-makers have a way of determining what a Great mask will look like when it becomes Noble. Unless the Noble shape is a natural effect of the transformation, which seems unlikely to me because the power didn't have any effect on the shape before.As to what you were wondering, SamH, judging by the movies Vakama and the others had powerless Great-shaped masks, but they were smaller and shaped a little different before they became Toa. I don't think that the difference in shape is canon, but it might be. We don't know why Lhikan's Hau was a different shape. Perhaps in his homeland masks are traditionally shaped a little differently, or maybe he wanted his to be unique.

Well, the Great Beings aren't necessary the most powerful beings (as in the sort of power that beings like Toa and Makuta have innately), just as the scientists that develop atomic bombs aren't as powerful as atomic bombs. As for the golden being, he seems pretty powerful... overpowered maybe. But we never got around to learning if anyone but Annona could defeat him.

I remember reading somewhere that when the Great Spirit Robot dies, its life support systems remain on for three days. That's still not very much time to evacuate, considering the size of the universe within it. With access to airships and the big hole in their sky, the Matoran of Metru Nui would have little trouble escaping, but I expect inhabitants of places like the Southern Continent would be in a tight spot.

Ah, yes, most of the robots we've seen in Bionicle have been rather single-minded. Bohrok: clear the island of Mata Nui. Vahki: apprehend any lawbreakers or disturbers of the peace. Baterra: kill anyone wielding a weapon. That sort of thing would not do for the more intricate tasks the Great Beings needed done and the adaptability required.

End of YrentaChapter Thirty-nine==Domain of Makuta Krika, Northern Continent, Matoran Universe==~609 AGC~ Mozmana moved stealthily through the streets, using her power to influence any enemies that caught a glimpse of her to overlook her. Conducting a wide-range, low detail mental scan of the area, she felt the familiar minds of her two teammates. Those mental signatures stood out among a crowd of fearful minds – the trapped civilians, no doubt – and many that were full of malice – the minds of Visorak and other enemies. She could sense that her friends, the Matoran, and the concentration of hostile minds she had felt were not far off, no more than a few blocks, but she feared the situation she was running into would be hopeless. Upon seeing the Brotherhood army circle around and cut off the evacuation route, she had infiltrated the city as soon as she could, and already her allies were surrounded. Mozmana looked around, and when the only Brotherhood patrol nearby marched out of sight of her, she abandoned stealth and ran towards where she had sensed the other Toa.The emptiness of the streets could only mean that all Brotherhood forces in the area had converged on the site of the confrontation. So worried by the thought of her friends surrounded by hundreds of Visorak and soldiers, Mozmana did not detect the group of Dark Hunters until they ambushed her. But her senses were sharp enough for her to hear the muffled sound of a Zamor launcher, and she dropped in time to let the four projectiles fly over her head. Each of them had come from different directions – which meant she was surrounded. As another salvo converged on where she lay, she got up halfway and jumped aside, narrowly avoiding the blast from an explosive rocket and the blue ooze that splattered from the Zamor spheres. Zigzagging down the street, she managed to evade the missiles launched after her, but three more Hunters emerged ahead to block her way before she reached the next intersection. One of these emitted a jet of flame from the device on his arm, and Mozmana nearly rushed right into the blaze.She stopped herself before she could suffer more than moderate discomfort from the heat, and released a psychic blast, hoping to clear a path quickly. One of the mercenaries was knocked out, but the other two resisted and struck back. Another jet of flame scorched her, and she narrowly dodged a projectile launched by the other Hunter from a weapon she didn't recognize. Jumping behind the Dark Hunter with the flame emitter, she managed to both force the black-armored being to engage her in melee combat and to shield herself from his partner's attacks. The second Dark Hunter circled around to surround Mozmana, but the Toa of Psionics anticipated this and wounded her with a backwards thrust. The red-armored female was not incapacitated, however, and Mozmana saw the other four Hunters running down the street after her. Perhaps she could have defeated them all, but this was not the time. While the red criminal was still off-balance, Mozmana lunged at her comrade with quick, intimidating swings of her sword. The incendiary Hunter took a few steps backward, only for Mozmana to draw back and flee.Flames licked her back as she escaped the Dark Hunter ambush, and soon the female Dark Hunter was firing her launcher after the running Toa. But Mozmana was quick and agile, avoiding each shot with little effort, and soon she was out of range. Not far ahead, the rows of buildings gave way to an open plaza where the rest of the Toa and Matoran were desperately fighting their way out. Mozmana circled around to the west to help clear a path from behind, only to find that the Brotherhood forces were far too concentrated on that side. Backtracking and realizing that there was no way for her to break through alone from any direction, she reached out to touch the minds of her allies on the other side of the thick ring of Visorak and soldiers. Their success depended on coordination. Contacting Imlen telepathically, she transmitted her location and told him to lead the group in that direction. A few seconds later there was a great flare of orange plasma that signaled it was time for Mozmana to attack. The Brotherhood minions had their backs turned to her, and she charged into close combat immediately, using the bodies of her nearest foes to shield herself from the Rhotuka of dozens of Visorak.She could now see that the battle was actually not taking place in a plaza. The rows of streets continued, but the buildings in this area had almost all been completely flattened, giving the appearance of an open square from a distance. She had no time to worry if Matoran had been crushed when those structures collapsed, however. As far as she knew, all surviving inhabitants that had not already evacuated were gathered on the other side of the merciless ranks of Visorak and Brotherhood soldiers. It would be a massacre, but with the intervention of the Toa, it could be prevented from becoming a complete massacre. Warriors fell before her, some vanquished by her blade, others by her elemental power, and a few by the Rhotuka of reckless Visorak. There were scores of the venomous Rahi around her, and though she had been able to get into their midst while they were focused on her allies in the center, more and more of them were bringing their dorsal Rhotuka launchers to bear on her. As she jumped to avoid a low-flying volley of spinners, fatigue overcame her for a tiny fraction of a second, and she landed awkwardly.The next shot would surely hit her – if she had not first been enveloped by a swirling mass of radiant orange. By instinct, her first reaction to this surprise was fear, but she almost immediately recognized it for what it was: Imlen's element was shielding her. The plasma was far enough away to not burn her, but the intense heat was still uncomfortable. Despite the heat, however, she took the opportunity to catch her breath, safe for the moment while the Rhotuka and other projectiles of her enemies dispersed harmlessly against the energized matter. When she was ready, she sent a telepathic signal to Imlen, and the plasma was sucked into Imlen's staff, converted into elemental energy that he released as a stream that cleared a path through more of the Brotherhood minions. Now Mozmana could see that in addition to Vilam, Baw was also with Imlen, as well as three fearsome and majestic-looking warriors she did not recognize. Behind this strange group followed the Matoran, though many of them had died along the way. Many of the locals had looted fallen enemies to arm themselves, but most of these weapons were too big for them.“Come on, keep pressing forward!” ordered Imlen, gesturing with a swing of his arm.“I know, I know,” said Mozmana, glancing over to the Matoran, then running to Imlen's side. “Who are your new friends?”“I am Rohi the Stalwart, Third Guardian, sworn protector of our King Brenkonin the Atoner,” said the black and orange warrior as he struck his partner with a healing Rhotuka. “This is my kinsman, Marchog the Strong, First Guardian: captain of his majesty's royal guard.“I didn't know you had such ranks and epithets,” Imlen found time to say as he blasted a few soldiers and knocked another unconscious with his staff.“Rohi always has time for the formalities,” said King Brenkonin, cleaving his way through a dozen Visorak as he spoke. “Now, let us please save further introductions for when we are safe.”“Vilam!” Imlen turned his head to yell. “Get up here! Mozmana, take her place by the Matoran.”“Got it, Imlen,” said Mozmana, falling back as Vilam came forward.There was not much Mozmana could do to shield all the Matoran, but at least she could help them mentally. While Baw did his best to keep the Makuta forces off-balance with tremors, she broadcast thoughts and feelings of courage and hope. She seemed to have underestimated either the strength of her own powers or the mettle of the Matoran, for her efforts had a greater and faster effect than she expected. Matoran that had been keeping their heads down stood tall and picked up the nearest weapons they could find. At first, she feared she had inspired the Matoran into foolhardiness that would lead to more deaths. Perhaps she had, but the Visorak and even callous-looking Brotherhood warriors were taken aback by their sudden ferocity. While his enemies suffered that moment of uncertainty, Baw triggered a stronger quake. Some Matoran were knocked down, but he managed to focus the force of the tremors against the Brotherhood army, and Mozmana complemented his physical attack with a psychic one. Just as the hopes of the Matoran were raised, the Makuta forces were dismayed.The Matoran surged forward, overtaking Imlen, Vilam, and King Brenkonin's guard. The Toa intensified their elemental powers, burning through the last of their energies in one final surge that cut through the enemy ranks. The Matoran emerged in the southwest of the devastated district and continued to flee while their protectors turned to slow the pursuit of the Brotherhood army. The Toa slowly retreated, giving the Matoran time to scatter to regroup at a safer location, and as the minions of the Makuta advanced, they became spread out and disorganized. Imlen and the others soon noticed there was another reason for the disarray: explosions and cannon blasts were tearing through the horde. They seemed to be coming from the west. Something struck the ground uncomfortably close to the Toa, leaving a crater in the pavement, and the Toa decided it was time to leave. More artillery rained down behind them as they ran after the Matoran.“What do you think – ” Baw began to say.“The Dark Hunters must have commandeered the Brotherhood's siege weapons,” said Vilam. “I'm surprised. I thought the Hunters were soundly defeated by now.”“Nope. I was delayed by a few Dark Hunters on the way here,” said Mozmana. “The Makuta won't have it easy – it would not surprise me if the Dark Hunters managed to maintain a small, undercover presence here for months or even years.”“The Mat – whoa!” Imlen was startled by a flaming boulder, thrown from a far-off catapult, that nearly crushed him. After catching his breath, he began again. “The... the Matoran might be heading right to them – to the Dark Hunters! Come on, we'd better catch up.”With their long strides, it did not take the Toa and their allies long to catch up with the Matoran. They found that the locals had noticed artillery fire from the west and southwest, and so had already altered their course to head more towards the southeast. Still, it was better for the Toa to be with them, for they would not be safe while they were still in the ravaged city, and they were in need of comfort.“So many dead... Matoran are workers, not warriors. They should not have had to fight for themselves,” lamented Mozmana as they marched to the southern gates of the city. “We should have been... I should have...”“Your kind is dying out, Toa,” said Brenkonin said sternly, though he put a claw on Mozmana's shoulder in consolation, and she did not recoil. “You cannot play the roles you once did. We, the people of this universe, have allowed villains to gain power, and we must all take responsibility for it. It is from personal experience that I – ”“Toa! Toa!” an eager voice interrupted the king. “I found you!”“Stuhi?” said Imlen uncertainly, looking at a battered but gutsy Le-Matoran that held an oversized axe proudly despite his limp. “How did you – are those acid wounds on you?”“Just a little splash damage,” said Stuhi, who now stood before the Toa and their foreign allies. “Those Keelerak aren't very good at aiming when you get them frustrated.”“I congratulate you on your prowess, villager, but you have interrupted my liege,” said Marchog. “For that, I demand an apology.”“Not so fast, Marchog,” said Brenkonin, smiling down at the awkward but still defiant Matoran. “Your name is Stuhi? Toa Vilam has told me that you are to thank for recruiting them to rescue me. Well done.”“Your... liege?” said Stuhi questioningly to Brenkonin's guardians, and the king nodded.“You may address me as King Brenkonin,” said the majestic brown and purple being, and the group fell into place along with the Matoran refugees and continued their trek. “These are my royal protectors, Marchog and Rohi.”“A King? Wow... so, does that mean...” Stuhi left his question unsaid.“You wish for a reward, do you not? Well... very well, though I am rather poor for a king, I can easily grant you something greater than anything a common Matoran would ever expect to have,” said Brenkonin. “Though of course I must come up with something suitable for the ones who actually carried out the rescue.”“Of course, King Brenkonin,” said Stuhi, and he bowed as much as his injuries and unsteady axe allowed without him falling over. “I was merely a messenger... well, more of a spy. And I was hoping that I had fought my way through Visorak to find something worthwhile... not that escaping alive isn't worthwhile, of course...”“A Matoran defeating Visorak alone? Such skill... and such spirit!” Baw whispered to his fellow Toa. “I admit, his pride and eagerness to accept rewards are not good Toa traits, but...”“It is not bad to accept rewards when they are deserved and needed,” said Imlen. “I mean, in this era, they really are needed. I hope Brenkonin gives us something useful.”“Wait a moment – do you suspect Stuhi is to become a Toa?” Mozmana whispered back. “Are you considering...”“I am not quite sure, not yet. But I do know I would like to get to know him before I leave... maybe even after we leave,” said the Toa of Earth.Baw said no more of the subject, and the walk out of the city was quiet. Upon reaching the smashed southern gateway, they found there were additional bodies left among the rubble, and craters marring the ground. Though the arch had been destroyed before the battle began, it seemed artillery had struck here too, killing off the warriors of whatever faction had been the last to hold the entrance. They continued in a straight line half a kio from the gate, then the Matoran stopped. Stuhi, whose exploit had rapidly boosted his reputation from 'reckless eccentric' to 'war hero', addressed the Toa as a sort of unofficial spokesman.“Here's where we part, Toa. Most of us are going to head west to meet with the others and then decide where to go. I'm leading the rest straight to Modos. It's another coastal settlement, more urbanized than what we're used to, but I'm up for a change.”“I'll come with you lot to Modos,” said Baw, and he nodded meaningfully at the other Toa.“We'd better stay with the others. With Kyhudh and most of his city guard dead, I don't want to leave until everything has been worked out,” said Imlen.“What about you, your majesty?” asked Vilam. “I do not wish to part from you until I have heard your story.”“Of course, and I owe both of you a reward... one which, naturally, I cannot grant at this time. I would have to return to my kingdom and work out some way to smuggle the bounty... Stuhi, if you take up residence in Modos, will my agents be able to locate you at a later date?”“I... suppose,” said the Le-Matoran, obviously disappointed.“Very well. Just as well, in fact, for I have not yet decided what your reward shall be,” said the king. “For now, I will accompany the Toa, and tell them what they wish to know.”The Matoran and Toa said farewell to each other as the population split and Baw left the company of the Toa Muktirhith. And so, as they rested and subsequently traveled to the west, Brenkonin and his protectors told their tale. Ages ago, Brenkonin had been an ambitious individual of minor authority in the regimented society of his homeland. The distant island from which he hailed was cold and bleak, but he reminisced that his people had had a happier life in those days than they had now, and that they should not have so greedily reached for more. For one day, a mighty specimen of his people had rebelled against the strict laws, becoming a mercenary that would do any job for whomever paid him the most. Would-be warlords – Brenkonin included – had competed for his services, leading to a war that shattered the ordered civilization, transforming it into a broken land of petty tyrants. The mercenary, now known only as Ancient, soon joined with a second native that took the name 'the Shadowed One' to spread his ideology with other individuals ruthless enough to follow it.The Toa could guess what that had led to. But a lesser-known story was that of the repentance of King Brenkonin. Though he gained a realm of his own through savagery and deceit, he eventually looked upon the devastation of his people and their island that he had taken part in, and the malevolent universe-spanning syndicate that had been the most profound result of the upheaval, and he did what too few absolute rulers did: he felt remorse and changed his ways. Some beings would have given up the throne then, Brenkonin admitted, but instead he chose to do his best to rule his realm benevolently and transform his home island into the place of peace it had been. Such a goal was not easily attained, however – as he regained his compassion, his warlord brothers built up their armies, and they saw his kindness as weakness. And so, Brenkonin's warriors were the fewest in number, but the most loyal, for they served their leader out of love, not fear, nor the desire of money or power. His subjects managed to defend the kingdom, but they were losing a long war, and the local despots were not the only ones to take notice of Brenkonin's behavior.Mere weeks ago, his small army had suffered a major defeat. He was now especially worried for the future of his kingdom, and his subjects were worried for him, and so he had left the island. Accompanied by his royal guardians, he had begun to travel the universe, intending to personally spread his story and recruit others to his side. He had not gotten far, however, for the Dark Hunters had set a trap for him off the coast of the Northern Continent. Sadly, a traitor or infiltrator in his court was the most likely explanation. All but two of his royal guards had been killed, and he and the remaining two had been captured. Abducting leaders was nothing new for the Dark Hunters – they often did so to hold them for ransom – but apparently, the co-founders of the organization knew who he was, and had something special in store for him. As for Marchog and Rohi, it was said that the Shadowed One had ways of forcing individuals into his service whether they were willing or not. Brenkonin's two protectors were grateful for having been spared the fate of being twisted into that evil being's minions.The story of Brenkonin's repentance was hard to believe, but as far as Mozmana could tell by reading his mind, he was telling the truth, though Marchog and Rohi occasionally interjected with exaggerated praise. Not long after the tale had been told, the Matoran and their escort came to the village that their brothers and sisters that had managed to evacuate earlier were taking refuge in. It was a simple little coastal village, consisting of wooden huts and a stone central hall. These few structures were engulfed by a great amount of tents and other temporary dwellings, yet there were not enough to account for all the Matoran that Mozmana had escorted to safety. While the newly-arriving Matoran scattered to find their friends and rest, the Toa approached one of the evacuees that had been waiting and asked her where the rest of the refugees were. She said that they had already left, most headed to various nearby settlements, and others setting sail for unknown destinations.“So, now what?” said Mozmana. “We cannot hope to retake your city. What will you do now?”“I, myself, will stay in this village with my fellow Water sisters that dwell here,” said the Ga-Matoran. “The rest of us... some will stay, some will go.”“But... well, I am sorry we cannot give you your homes back,” said Imlen with resignation.“As the people of a major port, we lived in prominence,” said the Matoran, and she shrugged. “In these times, we're better off with quiet lives in isolated homes.”The Toa understood. What was once desirable prosperity was now just an invitation to be invaded. After they had spoken to some other refugees, it seemed the Toa had done all they could here. By then it was well after dusk, and it had been a long, hard day, and so the Toa spent the night in the village. Brenkonin also slept, his protectors taking turns watching over him. In the morning, the three of them prepared to leave, though they had the courtesy to wait for the Toa to awaken.“You need help, and your cause sounds just,” said Imlen when the king had announced his intention to depart. “I would be honored to accompany you, your majesty, provided that my companions agree.”“Oh? That is a generous offer, Toa Imlen,” said Brenkonin.“More generous than you know, sir,” said Vilam. “Imlen has not wished to leave the continent for over sixty years, and now he's willing to follow you to an island we've never heard of.”“Really? How kind of you, Toa Imlen. But I need soldiers, and Toa are too rare and special to be wasted in such a role. I could, perhaps, use you as elite agents – special forces... but no, that sort of work would involve deeds that a Toa would be uncomfortable executing,” the king said, and he chuckled at the shocked reaction of the Toa. “I assure you that such unpleasant actions will only be carried out against those that are truly deserving. But that is no job for a Toa all the same.”“You mean you plan to have your rivals assassinated?” said Mozmana, still uncomfortable about the subject.“I may have the best interest of my people in mind, but I am not a being of such pure virtue as you Toa are,” said Brenkonin. “Be assured that I would choose a suitable alternative, if any existed, but my fellow rulers cannot be reasoned with, and they must be eliminated for the people of my homeland to be freed. And please do not refer to them as my 'rivals', for to do so is to say that their ambitions are similar to mine. That is certainly not the case. To be compared to them is an insult.”“What you have said has caused me to reconsider, though I still believe your cause is just. You are correct that we would never work for you as assassins, no matter how righteous. But...” Imlen paused to consider, then continued. "There is another Toa we know of, one who follows the Code less strictly. He has his own goals and priorities that he is very devoted to, and so I doubt he would serve under you, though I believe an alliance between the two of you would be highly beneficial...”Review

I couldn't think of any worthwhile response until Fisher's post. He reminded me that I read somewhere that the Great Beings chose biomechanical beings instead of pure machines because biomechanical beings are more adaptable.

You mean, if a villain cared if, for example, he killed a Matoran? Well, we could have used more in the way of anti-heroes/anti-villains. We had some sympathetic Dark Hunters, and Krika (probably still evil, but less than his brothers), and on the flip side the nastier of the Order of Mata Nui agents. But they got a tiny fraction of the story focus that the really evil villains and the good (though still flawed) heroes got.