Israeli Toa

Wow! Wasn't expecting to see you pop up, gladd to see you're still around! Right!? That's why I love these anniversary threads - see old faces show up. Hi Shioi - been a long time indeed!!!

I think the only time I'm around anymore is for these..."retrospective" posts, but I did want to raise a glass to BZP. Cheers, y'all!! I also agree with the sentiment that BZP has been around forever...and part of that is most likely due to the fact(as aforementioned) that so many of us grew up with BZP and so it is a part of our childhood, a part of our past. Its memories are entangled with those of our earliest youth and so it seems as if BZP has always been with us. And indeed, I think it is true to some extent that BZPower is a part of the earlier internet...which in rose-tinged memories seems brighter and purer than perhaps it was. So coming back to BZP for me is oft-times an experience of remembering the halcyon days when all was a bit easier and happier than perhaps the experience of adulthood is. Of course, joy still abounds even now - let it not be said otherwise! ANYWAYS. Lest my words run away with themselves, 17 years is a grand old age for a website. And I'm grateful still for BZP - teaching me how to behave online, what it is like to interact in an online community, how to properly craft a story...and yes, how to make friends. I still greatly treasure the memories of the friends I made here. I wish perhaps I had stayed in better touch with them...but I treasure them still. -IT

So. I could write hundreds(thousands! tens of thousands!) of words describing some of my memories here, but I shall be brief. As some on here have already stated, BZP was my first "forum" I was a part of, and my introduction to online fandom. And BZP has my heart in a way no other online site does. It's been about 12 years since I've been active in any significant way, and the fact that I still log on every now and again just to "see what's happening on BZP" speaks volumes as to the effect BZP has had on me! Anyway, some of my favourite memories? Writing a story that was actually well received by some of the foremost authors on the site at the time. Reading was always my great love growing up but when I started writing a Bionicle fan-fic, I assumed it wouldn't be that popular. To get such kind and constructive feedback from so many people...that was huge to me - encouraged me in a time in my life when I greatly needed that encouragement. I got hundreds of oh so kind reviews from people and I still don't really understand why!! This is a very personal memory, but the joy I received in writing and sharing a story is something I have never forgotten and drives my creative output to this day!!Being a part of a group of online friends who all shared the same interest - particularly in the creative arts. Back in 02-05 or so, there was an informal group of us who wrote stories and reviewed each others' stories....and it was sheer delight being a part of that group and reading so many great stories by people who loved what I loved!! Schizo Kaita, Nova Nuhvok, Matanuihero, xccj, GaliGee, Kirilin Toa of Trees, Janus, HahliHusky, MakutaMaster....I could name more(pardon if I'm forgetting you at the moment!!)...but to me, a teenager trying to figure out who he was....this was such a formative place for me. Every time one of my friends posted a new chapter, I'd get to read and enjoy and review...such fun, such joy!! I can still clearly remember reading some writing from these folks and being blown away. Particularly remember gorgeous descriptive passages from SK's epics and hilarious lines of dialogue from Kirilin's stories. Epics forum forever, am I right??!? The crazy speculation and debates and complaints/defense each time leaked pictures of the newest sets were released. Remember that? I remember vividly when I was sitting in my computer class in high school one day - did a cheeky BZP login and the Rahkshi pics had just been posted. I was blown away by how COOL and AWESOME they looked...everyone went crazy over them. They had articulation! They had sweet staffs! Of course I wanted the black one - Vorahk? Wow, it's sad I can't even remember if that's the proper name or not now!! What a time to be a fan. The Sets forum was always a great place to read debates over the flaws/shortcomings of the sets....why do we complain so much? I still love the original Toa the best, but I can understand that's probably mostly nostalgia talking! Still, my Tahu Olda(remember when they were called that? We didn't say Toa Mata back in the day!) with his gold Hau....my favourite set ever.I have some fond memories of being staff - from ST to mod to global mod - but I won't post all my favourite memories from that time frame. I do recall how fun it was to close topics. I got the last word, finally! This is less of a memory than just a feeling...I have never been a part of such a kind community. Yeah, we had all kinds of craziness here - the comedies forum oh my goodness o_O - but everyone was *generally* so kind to one another. This site was like another home to me, and I deeply treasure the friends I made here. As someone who wasn't always that popular in high school, having this forum was....special.The celebration when we hit 3000 members!! That was a huge milestone at the time - I think I still remember the member who was lucky 3k - "Toa of the Seas" I think? I remember the topic we had going, discussing how crazy it was that we had "THREE THOUSAND" members!! It was like a huge party. When Mask of Light came out! The build-up to the first ever Bionicle movie was huge, and we savored every second of speculation, every trailer and leaked image.Winning Comedy Contest #1. I still don't think I'm that good of a comedic author, but somehow I won that first comedy contest! I was super excited, let me tell you. The fact that my little sisters were so welcomed and loved on here. Myself and my two younger sisters simply loved Bionicle, but I was the only one on BZP for the first couple years. When they finally joined, the fact that they were welcomed and accepted here...that meant so much to me! Then the fact that they were able to write and share their stories and get such wonderful feedback..oh how that warmed my heart! My one sister even ran this new thing called the "Epic's Critic Club" for a while - I was so proud of her!!! Seeing their growth and maturation in what they wrote...as a big brother, I couldn't be more proud of them and I couldn't be more proud of BZP for being so loving. I think this is a good memory to end on. Family and friends and love and respect - that's what I associate with BZP.I feel like these are all very personal memories - ones that most of you didn't share - but I still wanted to post just to share my love for this site and all of you. We've all had great fun here, have we not? We are indeed blessed. -IT

Absolutely beautiful. The Hau Nuva is not my favourite(much prefer the original Hau!), but...wow, have you done this justice(and then some!). Stunning work. -IT

CHAPTER 4 SSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW-DUUDD Tahpuka winced. "Lhiti, I pity the Rahi that opposes you." "Liked that one, didn't you, 'puka? But I barely tossed that one, watch this." Tahpuka watched as Lhiti grabbed another disc, pulled it back over his shoulder and fired it at the target over 100 bio away. SSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW-DUUDD "OH, YEAH! That one RULED! It hit the target HEAD-ON! Wonder if Nika saw that? Maybe I should tell him..." Tahpuka shook his head. "C'mon, Lhiti, it's my turn now. Move over." "Aw, Tahpuka, just give me another minute. I've barely practice at all and this is my FAVORITE thing to do in Mata-Nui!" "CADETS! ATTENTION!" All heads turned to Nika as he continued, "I've watched every one of you and I know who has the best throwing style..." Lhiti grinned widely. "...and who is throwing discs just to get the practice over with. I've also seen how some of you haven't let your partnet practice, and I'll be speaking to each of you after the last drill today." Lhiti rolled his eyes. "Now, your strength, your endurance and your willpower will be tested in our next exercise. On my signal, you will all run through Ta-Koro, down to the beach, and upon reaching the water, you will immediately swim to Ga-Koro. If I see any of you stopping, I will send you back to have fellowship with cadet Ruha, while you perform 500 push-ups! NOW, CADETS! RUN!" Tahpuka started running. As he came to the barracks, he thought, I wonder if Ruha has done 500 push-ups yet? Probably not. I don't get why Nika is so mean! He should know how hard it is the first day, trying to get settled in and finding your way around and everything, and then he goes and makes it even harder! Dumb Nika! I sure hope I have enough strength to run all the way to Ta-Wahi. I probably can make it, but then I'll have to SWIM! I hate swimming. Dumb Nika! Well, I guess it's for our own good...heh, heh, that serves Lhiti right, now that Nika's going to talk to him. Maybe I'll actually get a turn next time! Tahpuka looked up to see everyone passing through the main gate of Ta-Koro. He saw Lhiti at the front, right behind Nika. Show-off! I almost hope he doesn't make it! The pack of cadets traveled down the gently sloping hill to see the water breaking on the shore below. They now ran on level ground, but the sand hampered their running. "KEEP RUNNING, CADETS!" Nika yelled. "AS SOON AS WE GET TO THE WATER, SWIM TO GA-KORO! NO STOPPING!" Tahpuka reached the water and dove in. COLD! Cold, cold, cold, ahhhh...cold, cold, cold...have...to...concentrate...keep my head above water...at least I'm not tired yet...COLD...cold, cold...aw, man...Lhiti must be 50 bios ahead of me by now...still so far away...have to breathe...at least I'm not last...must be at least three or four cadets behind me, at least I'm not last...COLD...cold...cold...have to swim faster...then I'll warm up...getting tired...must breathe...have to breathe...swim, Tahpuka, swim...one arm over, other arm, first arm, other arm...kick, Tahpuka, kick, swim faster! You'll never get to Ga-Koro at this rate...too tired...must swimmmmm...swim...swimmmmmm... Tahpuka's head dropped below the waves, and as it did, he revived. AHHHHHHH...cold...COLD, COLD, COLD! Ahhh, my eyes! My face....everything's cold...still too far...can't swim much further...can't let myself falter again...must be getting closer...closer...NO, TAHPUKA...have to swim...go, go go! I'm last now...I'm sure of it...I'm going to die...I'm going to die...AH! I bumped into someone! Is someone else dying, too? No, it's green and I can grab it...it's GA-KORO! Tahpuka grabbed onto the edge of the one part of the floating village and, with his last bit of strength, he pulled himself onto it and then collapsed. "Excellent, Cadet." Tahpuka looked up to see Nika hovering above his head. "I was watching you and I can tell that you have great promise. You can rest now." Tahpuka turned his head to see the other cadets lying around him in various positions. Only Lhiti was standing, right by one of his other friends. Still breathing hard, Tahpuka closed his eyes...and slept. ***** Tahpuka woke up, hearing raucous laughter and loud talking. He slowly sat up, seeing all the other cadets bunched around Lhiti, roaring with laughter. He walked unsteadily over to them, with the rocking motion of Ga-Koro under his feet. "...and then Guka said to the Ta-Koronan, 'Bye, I have to go now.' She got on her boat, sped to Po-Koro and met a Po-Koronan. But after she was bored of him, she told him, 'Bye, I have to go home and cook dinner.' She walked out of his hut and got on the road to Onu-Koro!" The cadets roared, as Tahpuka winced. "Aw man, Lhiti, that's great!" "Tell us another!" "Yeah, tell us!" Tahpuka frowned, "You guys aren't very funny. Cut it out, Lhiti." "What, 'puka? Didn't you just LOVE that joke?" "No, I didn't. You ought to be more respectful of Ga-Koronans; stop lying about them." "Me?" Lhiti put on his most innocent look. "Lying? I'm telling the absolute truth! Everyone knows that the Ga-Koronans are the most perverse, sneaky, sly, sche-ahhhhh!" The cadets watched in amazement as a blue fist came out of nowhere and connected with Lhiti's Kanohi. He sailed into the water, with the Miru dropping to the surface, as the blue Ga-Koronan smirked. She held up the red Miru and said, "Now listen to me, Ta-Koronans. We Ga-Koronans may be smarter than the Ta-Koronans, stronger than the Ta-Koronans, faster than the Ta-Koronans, but, we definitely aren't more nefarious than the Ta-Koronans!" "Huh?" "What's that word mean?" "Who are you?" The Ga-Koronan laughed. "Oh, yes, I forget that you're dumber than us. Nefarious means rotten, depraved, corrupt, perverse, degenerate, villainous and a few other words. Well, well, look who's back." Lhiti slowly climbed up onto the surface, with hate showing in his mask-less face. "Give me my Miru." "Oh, you want your Miru back? Go get it!" She tossed the Miru far out into the aqua waves. Lhiti watched in amazement as his Miru disappeared from sight. "Why, you..." He turned to face the Ga-Koronan. "Go get my Miru or I'll rip that Huna off your face and you'll NEVER see it again!" The Ga-Koronan laughed and gently pushed Lhiti into the water. "Have fun...swimming with the fishies!" She turned and started walking back to the huts in the distance. "Hey, girl!" a cadet yelled. "What's your name?" "The name's Maku. Nice to meet you all and don't forget what I said. But knowing Ta-Koronans, you probably will." She turned her head and smiled once more and then she was out of view. Review

Thanks! And...you would be correct! Read Chapter 3(now posted!) to see some of that in action. Also - sorry for posting updates so slowly. Because of the way this document saved, it's formatted extremely awkwardly on my computer. I am literally re-typing it into BZP, since copy-pasting-reformatting would take even longer. -IT

CHAPTER 3 Tahpuka awoke to a loud clanging noise, still half-asleep. Huh? What's that? "TahPUKa! Rise and shine!" Lhiti yelled, right in Tahpuka's ear. "Jala's going to be MAD! You'd better get up right now or you'll be in BIG trouble!" Tahpuka groaned. "Lhiti, be quiet will you? I'm getting up, ok?" "You'd better be. I'm making breakfast, and it'll be done soon!" "Why did you wake up so early, anyway? The wake-up call just sounded." "Oh," Lhiti said, "I just felt like it. I knew someone had to make breakfast and it might as well be me! And you obviously weren't getting up." Tahpuka slowly raised his head from the bed and looked around. Next to his bed was a small table and oven, and across the hut was Lhiti's bed. Tahpuka grabbed his Kanohi from the table and put it on. "So, Lhiti, what's for breakfast?" Lhiti looked up from the oven, "What?" he said in mock surprise, "You can't smell it? I'm so hurt!" "Lhiti, really. Just tell me." "Oh, ok, I'm making Husi eggs and Mukau sausage. I'm a REALLY good cook, too, just in case you don't know!" "Yeah? I never would have guessed," Tahpuka said sarcastically. He stepped over to the table, and Lhiti slapped a plate in front of him. "Thanks, Lhiti." "Oh, no problem; I do LOVE to cook," Lhiti said, winking at Tahpuka. He moved away from the stove and sat down across from Tahpuka. Tahpuka chewed slowly, thinking, Hey, he actually is a pretty good cook. Not that I'm going to tell him that! Heh, heh; his ego would probably explode if I gave him a compliment! But, I should try to make friends with him. Like Mother always says, "The more friends you have, the less enemies." Well, here goes nothing. "Hey, Lhiti, these eggs are good! What else can you make?" Lhiti gave Tahpuka a surprised smile, "Well, thanks, I can make lots of things, but my favorite is chili. I can make a REALLY awesome chili! I'll make it for you sometime!" "Yeah, that'd be cool; I love chili to-" He was cut off by the bell, "CLANG, CLING, CLANG, CLING, CLANG, CLING, CLANG!" Tahpuka shot Lhiti a questioning glance. "What does that mean? Are we supposed to do something?" "Probably. Maybe we're supposed to go to the Assembly Hut!" Tahpuka felt relieved. "Yeah, that must be it. C'mon, we don't want to be late!" They rushed out of the compound, got their bearings, and then made straight for the Guard Assembly Hut, in the middle of the compound. Lhiti walked in first, followed by Tahpuka. Tahpuka looked around and saw that it was already full, but he didn't see Ruha or any of his other friends in there. "Hey, Lhiti, I don't see anybody we know." "Aw, that doesn't matter. They're here somewhere." Lhiti grabbed Tahpuka by the arm and pulled him to a couple empty spaces. The Ta-Koronan standing next to them, wearing a yellow Kakama, stared at them. "Hey, kids, this is the third year class. Get out of here." Tahpuka glared at Lhiti, "I told you so." Lhiti, looking sheepish, got up, followed by Tahpuka, and walked out the door. "Whoops, my mistake! Sorry! C'mon, you don't have to get mad! It's not my fault!" Tahpuka shook his head. "Sure, sure..." "Whatever! Really, we need to find out where to go. Maybe...oh I don't know! Help me out here, Tahpuka!" "Well," said Tahpuka thoughtfully, "Probably, if we're not meeting in the Guard Assembly Hut, maybe we're in another assembly hut." "But we don't know where another one IS!" said Lhiti frantically. "Think logically, Lhiti, assembly huts would have to be big, so let's find the next biggest hut..." "Gotcha!" Together, they dashed across the square, looking all around them. "THERE!" shouted Lhiti, "I see a big one right there!" "Ok, let's check it out!," Tahpuka said calmly. "Well, hurry up, then, Tahpuka! We don't want to be late!" Lhiti broke into a run toward the hut. Tahpuka shook his head and followed him. By the time Tahpuka arrived at the hut entrance, Lhiti was gone. Man, why does he have to be that way? Why couldn't he have just waited for me? Tahpuka slowly walked into the hut and looked around. "Finally!" said a familiar voice. "Lhiti?" questioned Tahpuka, turning to his right. Standing there was Lhiti, a frown on his face. "C'mon, Tahpuka, I was waiting FOREVER for you! You are SO slow! You were right, this is where we're supposed to meet. Let's sit here, in the back. At least we're not late. Probably any minute the bell is going to sound, you know?" "Yeah, I guess s-" "CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!" "Yep," grinned Lhiti, "We just made it, thanks to you! Ooooo! Look! Someone's late! Hey, isn't that your stupid friend?" "What? Ruha? He wouldn't be late!" Tahpuka swiveled his head toward the door and saw Ruha walking sheepishly through the entrance. "ATTENTION, CADETS!" Immediately, all heads turned toward the front of the room where Nika, one of the pillars of the Guard, was standing. "Cadet Ruha! Come to the front of the hut! NOW!" Ruha hurried up the aisle, the other Tohunga making room for him. "Cadet, this is unacceptable! No one is allowed to arrive late...EVER!" "Um, well, how was I supposed to know where to go, Commander Nika?" "NEVER interrupt me, cadet! You had plenty of time to get here and you know it! You were just being a lazy, indolent, stupid, first year CADET! If you think you didn't have enough time, why didn't you get a Vahi?" Laughter rippled through the room. "SILENCE, cadets! I was SPEAKING! Now, get on your toes and do 500 push-ups!" "Sir?" "You heard me! NOW!" Tahpuka watched in sympathy as his friend started doing push-ups. "ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...FIVE..." Nika counted, with a stern expression on his face. Oh, great, Ruha, why did you have to come in late? I just hope you do 500, if not, that'll be SO embarrassing for you. "FIFTY-THREE...FIFTY-FOUR...FIFTY-FIVE..." Tahpuka watched painfully as sweat began to drop from Ruha's face and as he began to come up slower and slower. "SIXTY-TWO...SIXTY-THREE...SIXTY-FOUR...SIXTY-FIVE..." Lhiti whispered to Tahpuka, "Is he gonna make it?" Tahpuka shrugged and put a finger to his lips. "EIGHTY-ONE...EIGHTY-TWO...EIGH-" Ruha collapsed on the floor and lay there. "CADET RUHA! THAT IS PATHETIC! COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE! WHAT KIND OF A WEAK, PUNY, FEEBLE SOFTIE ARE YOU? You are going to stay right here in this room until you finish 500 push-ups! Do you understand?" Ruha tried to lift his head but couldn't. "CADET! ANSWER ME! DO...YOU...UNDERSTAND?" Ruha slowly lifted his head and said, "Yes...sir." Nika turned to the rest of the cadets and said, "Cadets, observe what you've seen here. Don't ever forget it. Now, follow me out to the disc range. Rahuha, stay here and make sure Cadet Ruha does his push-ups." Nika marched to the back of the room, with the cadets trailing behind him. Before he went out the door, Tahpuka turned to look at Ruha and gave him a sympathetic look. Ruha tried to smile, then slowly rose to do more push-ups. Review

CHAPTER 2 Marching back and forth, Tahpuka watched out of the corner of his eye as the golden fire of the sun descended on the faraway peak of Mount Ihu. Only a little longer, and I'll be done. At least Lhiti finally shut up... "Cadets Tahpuka and Lhiti! You are relieved! Go to the barracks and wait for further instructions!" Jala turned around and marched back down the stairs as another Tohunga, one wearing a red Miru, stepped up to them. "Hello, father," said Lhiti, walking past him to the stairs. Tahpuka followed him, and as soon as they were out of earshot of Lhiti's father, Lhiti said, "You know, I bet Jala thinks I'm the best prospect in the Guard, don't you?" "Maybe, Lhiti, because you sure did look impressive today, but physical condition isn't the only thing Jala looks for." They walked past the guard at the main gate and started over the bridge. "Yeah, yeah," muttered Lhiti, "You're probably going to tell me that all he cares about is the inside. Awww..." "Shut up." "Oh, yeah? Make me!" Lhiti said, leering at Tahpuka. "Make me!" Lhiti said again. "Oh, c'mon, you aren't going to give me the silent treatment again, are you? Forget you!" Lhiti stalked off towards the barracks. Why does Lhiti always have to be that way, Tahpuka thought, if he would just be nicer, I think we'd be great friends...Oh, there's my hut! Never mind...I forgot already...I wonder if I'll see Mother as I go by... As he turned left and walked by what had been his hut that morning, Tahpuka craned his neck to look inside. There's Mother, making dinner as always. Chili, I bet. Talu will probably get home from school soon...What's the matter with me? I can't be getting homesick already! Tahpuka sighed and then walked past the rest of the gray huts into the barrack compound - the heart of the Guard. Before he went inside, he stared up at the hut looming over him, the Guard Assembly Hut. He'd dreamed of being in that building since he...since his father had...a long time ago. And now, he was actually going to be in it; he would be included in the ranks of the heroes he'd emulated for as long as he could remember. Tahpuka squared his black shoulders and marched inside. "Tahpuka! Hey, over here!" That's Ruha!! Where is he? Oh, there. Tahpuka squeezed past some of his other friends, trying to get to Ruha. "Hey, Ruha! How are you?" "Oh, better than I should be," Ruha said, rolling his eyes. "Just yesterday, if I'd known what I was going to do today, I probably would have fainted just from thinking about it!" "Sure...Ruha, you are the fainting type, aren't you?" "Yep, that's me, all right!" Ruha said, trying to keep a straight face. "So," Tahpuka said, "You had the perimeter post, right?" "Yeah, it was SO boring," said Ruha, rolling his eyes. "I barely saw a soul! Just staring at all the huts over and over and over...Oh man, you're definitely lucky you didn't have my post." "Oh, yeah? I had to guard at the cable car to Ko-Koro...with Lhiti." At that, Ruha burst out laughing. "C'mon, Ruha, it isn't funny!" "Oh, I know, it's just the way you said it, you really crack me up! Boy, you're right though, I think I would have fainted if I was with Lhiti for TWO hours! Actually, I wouldn't have...I would've punched him right in the middle of his shining little Miru." "You know, I bet he would love it if I did that, Ruha. He was practically begging me to fight him. It was tempting, but..." "YOU? Shy little Tahpuka start a fight? You've got to be kidding me!" Ruha cracked up again. "Ok, that's enough, Ruha. Let's just not talk about Lhiti, ok?" "Sure, buddy. Hey, do you know what we're even waiting here for?" "No, but I bet Jala wants to talk to us or something." "Boring. Hey, Tahpuka, what about dinner? I am SO starved!" "Yeah, me too. I could really go for some chili right now. Since there aren't any tables here or anything, we're probably not eating here. Maybe we get to eat in our huts." "Grrr...I want to eat now! We better get to eat soon or I-" "ATTENTION, CADETS!" Jala stood at the back of the hut, looking over the rows of young faces. As he started walking forward, a path cleared in front of him, and he made his way to the front of the room. He turned around and began to speak, "Cadets, I know you're all hungry, so I'll be brief. I just want to say that I'm proud of your performance today. I saw that every one of you was putting his all into everything we did, whether marching at guard posts, doing push-ups, or throwing discs. I know you won't be used to the way we do things here, but you will learn, trust me, you'll learn. And if you don't, then I have failed. I've never had a Tohunga drop out in my whole career, so I don't expect you to either. So, now to business. I just posted up your hut assignments in the back of the hut. Now, don't start running over there to see. You will stay in your position until I dismiss you. After I do, check out your hut assignment, and then go immediately to that hut. Dinner will be served to you tonight, but after tonight, you will be making your own dinner. Sleep well, because you will need it. Dismissed!" Everybody immediately got up and rushed over to the back of the hut to see the rooming assignments. Ruha got ahead of Tahpuka and pushed to the front. "Hey, Tahpuka! I'm in Hut number 2! Let's see...you're in...Hut number 8...oooo...you're with Lhiti!" Tahpuka grimaced. "You're kidding...right?" "Sorry, buddy...but you're stuck with him," Ruha said mournfully. Tahpuka saw Lhiti making his way over to him. "HEY! TAHPUKA! We're together! Isn't that so COOL?" Lhiti stood next to Tahpuka and said, "Now we'll be best buddies. I can teach you all my cool surfing moves and everything! We'll have lots of fun!" As everybody started to drift out of the Guard Assembly Hut, Tahpuka saw Ruha walking with Tenihua, a Tohunga Tahpuka didn't know very well. Ruha met Tahpuka's gaze and rolled his eyes and mouthed, "Good luck!" Good luck all right. I'll need it. Then he followed Lhiti out into the blackness of the warm Ta-Koronan night. Review

Author's Note: Hello, dear friends! This is a bit of a throwback...indeed, this is an epic that was first written and posted 2002-2004. That's...quite some time ago. Well, as BZP has gone through many changes, one of them being the loss of all old topics and stories from back in the day, this story no longer exists on the current site. I thought it might be fun to re-post this, even though I do have some hesitations, namely that it was written oh so long ago! I cringe a bit at some of my writing from back then, but I do feel this is a good story and one I still enjoy reading back over. I do ask that if you decide to read this, be aware it takes some five to six chapters before my writing style smooths out a bit! I deliberately am not re-writing this, or even editing it from its original state. If I committed to that task, this would most likely never see the light of day. Hence - enjoy this for what it is - an epic written by a fifteen-year-old boy yearning to be a man. Be aware also that this epic is unfinished, although I hope the 20 or so chapters I post here make it worth your while! Any comments appreciated in the review topic as always. And...thanks for reading this. The only reason this epic progressed as far as it did is because of the readers and friends I had back in the day here on BZP. They are no longer here(most of them!), but I want to give a special thanks to Nova Nuhvok, Schizo Kaita, Hahli Husky, Kirilin Toa of Trees, xccj, Matanuihero and GaliGee. To all others that I've not named, my thanks are to you as well, although my memory is not what it once was!! And now to end this rather overlong introduction...without further ado... FROM BOYS TO MEN The Story of a Ta-Matoran Guard CHAPTER 1 Tahpuka was tired. After running a 10 bio dash, repeatedly throwing discs in the target range, and doing 200 push-ups, he was ready for a nap. But no, Jala had still MORE for them to do. "Ok, cadets, each of you are going to take a station at a guard post and stay there, alert, for 2 hours." Everybody groaned as they took that in. "WHAT!" said Tahpuka's best friend Ruha. "Two HOURS!" "Shh!" said Tahpuka, "You don't want Jala to hear you do, you?" "No, but sheesh, that's too much! Doesn't he know what we've already done?" "QUIET!" barked Jala, "Now, I will assign posts, when I say your name, go to your post and stay there until I come to you to relieve you. Here are your assignments: Post #1: Talihu, Post #2: Ruha..." "Man! I don't want Post #2! Dumb Jala!" mumbled Ruha as he walked to his post. "Post #5: Vaku, Post #6: Tenihua, Post #7: Tahpuka..." Well, at least I get a fun post; the Ko-Koro cable car posts are easy, and I'll get to be with someone else. Tahpuka went out the main gate, went up the steep stairs and stepped onto the plateau with the cable-car. He stepped right up to the cable car and started marching back and forth. I just hope I don't fall asleep. That would be bad. Wonder who else is assigned here...His thoughts trailed off as he saw a Matoran wearing a red Miru step up onto the cable car plateau. "Hey, TahPUKa," smirked Lhiti, the grandson of the famous Ta-Koronan lava surfer, Lhii. "Oh, hi, Lhiti." "Isn't this awesome? We get to be TOGETHER! We'll have lots of fun, won't we?" "C'mon, Lhiti, you know we can't talk, we have to remain in guarding position!" "Aw, don't be a goody-two-shoes. It doesn't matter." Tahpuka firmly shut his mouth and continued to walk back and forth. "You're just trying to kiss up to Jala, aren't you? We're just cadets. It doesn't matter if we break the rules. Aw be that way! I won't talk to you either." This is harder than I thought. I thought guarding was easy. Well, I'll show that snobby Lhiti that I can be just as good as he is. I just hope Ruha isn't getting into trouble with that big mouth of his. "So, Jala, what do you think? Does this new batch look promising?" "Well, Turaga, I think this may be the best I've ever trained. I have three in particular I'm keeping my eye on. One called Kapura, he may be the most trainable I've ever seen. I'm already getting a special program ready for him." "Just for him?" said Vakama, Turaga of Ta-Koro, "Are you sure that's wise? Some of the other Ta-Matoran may grudge him that." "He's VERY good. I don't think he can be bothered by anything. I would like if you can teach him a little of what you know. It's possible for him to be your successor." "I trust your judgment, Jala; I'll try to help him. What about the other two?" "There's one called Tahpuka, he doesn't look very good, physically, but he has a strong heart. He will go far." "Ah, yes, I know his mother. His father was under me when I was Captain; he was a brave man." Jala continued, "And the other is Lhiti-" "The grandson of Lhii?" "Yes, Turaga. He is very able in all he does, disc-throwing, running, etc., but he has a bit of an attitude problem. I will see if I can cure him of that, because he may be the best warrior I have." "Good, Jala. I know you, you will make men of these boys." "Yes, Turaga. When I am done with them, they will make Ta-Koro proud." Review here!

From Boys to Men I will re-post the note I prefaced the epic with here: Author's Note: Hello, dear friends! This is a bit of a throwback...indeed, this is an epic that was first written and posted 2002-2004. That's...quite some time ago. Well, as BZP has gone through many changes, one of them being the loss of all old topics and stories from back in the day, this story no longer exists on the current site. I thought it might be fun to re-post this, even though I do have some hesitations, namely that it was written oh so long ago! I cringe a bit at some of my writing from back then, but I do feel this is a good story and one I still enjoy reading back over. I do ask that if you decide to read this, be aware it takes some five to six chapters before my writing style smooths out a bit! I deliberately am not re-writing this, or even editing it from its original state. If I committed to that task, this would most likely never see the light of day. Hence - enjoy this for what it is - an epic written by a fifteen-year-old boy yearning to be a man. Be aware also that this epic is unfinished, although I hope the 20 or so chapters I post here make it worth your while! Any comments appreciated in the review topic as always. And...thanks for reading this. The only reason this epic progressed as far as it did is because of the readers and friends I had back in the day here on BZP. They are no longer here(most of them!), but I want to give a special thanks to Nova Nuhvok, Schizo Kaita, Hahli Husky, Kirilin Toa of Trees, xccj, Matanuihero and GaliGee. To all others that I've not named, my thanks are to you as well, although my memory is not what it once was!! All comments, thoughts and feedback are much appreciated - I thank you much for taking the time to read this! -IT

TDM - how can I not respond to this? I must confess, the reason I didn't reveal the name earlier is because it is a character near and dear to my heart and I didn't think anyone who read this would understand or remember the story of this Matoran. The epic I wrote so long ago(must have been almost 15 years ago now!) had several characters that lived and breathed truly. And even back then, I knew this one Matoran would die in battle against the beasts of the Makuta. I never did finish that epic(although I still do have hopes, faint as they may be), but this story here is placed shortly after his death. And so as I am unlikely ever to finish my epic(and in truth, who would read it now anyway...after so long), I shall name him here, because you are right. His name is Ruha, brave soul, lover of life, most loyal of friends, true Ta-Matoran and member of the Guard. Long may he be remembered. -IT

Oh boy - to still see new replies and views on this is really special to me. Thanks you all. FrozenPancake...I have to confess, I teared up *writing* it. So I'm glad that my feelings writing transferred though the medium of printed text to you...it is a high compliment you've paid me. Thank you. Toa Imrukii - I don't quite know what to say to your long and most eloquent review. Other than the fact that it resonated with you on a personal level(and indeed - reflected some deeply intimate and real emotions you've had)...that is something an author always craves. The connection with the reader. And a deeper truth being present in a story - always a question I like to ask myself, as much as we are writing about a fantastical world with created characters, "Is this story true?" Does it include elements that speak to the human soul? Your response tells me I at least partially succeeded here. Thank you. And indeed, all the comments received here have been very gratefully received. I have even considered re-posting my old epic here at some point soon(and if I really get my writing muse back - I may write more!). Thanks to all of you. -IT

Absolutely fantastic, Pereki!! I very much enjoyed watching that. What a throwback, indeed. Ta-Koro has always been one of my favorite environments and seeing it come to life again... And all the different members of the Guard, the lava flow, the Suva, the Sacred Fire...all the old memories come flooding back!!! The animation was brilliantly done(as everyone has already commented on!), but I also wanted to commend you for your dialogue-writing. The lines were pretty much pitch-perfect, exactly how these characters talk. You put good work into this. Thanks so much!! (Now I really want to play the MNOLG again...) -IT

LK - I like this very much!! (Of course, your art is always worthwhile...so no surprises there!) ...I tried to think of some constructive criticism, but I got nothing. Just know this was enjoyed and made me smile. -IT

I'm hesitant to post here, primarily because I'm someone who comes to this topic as a "G1" fan who never did get into this second generation. That is due to me being quite a bit older now than I was when Bionicle began back in the day and I recognise that I'm at an age now where I naturally wouldn't be drawn quite as much to a toy line like Bionicle! I also have been very infrequently active on BZPower these last ten or so years, so not sure if my voice deserves to be heard! Nevertheless, just wanted to make one statement regarding the popularity of the original Bionicle line...I've seen a couple comments along the lines of G1 Bionicle being more popular because it had so many more years(10 I think?) to build up its lore and story, giving it a weight and gravitas and granting it a longer period of time to build a fan base. That longer time period is granted, but please remember that Bionicle was much loved even from the very first days of its launch, even before the sets were released - those of us who were around back then remember the hardcore fascination and debate over all things Bionicle...from the very beginning. The story behind Bionicle was beautifully spun, being masterfully presented in the MNOLG and the comics(I can still remember the chills running down my arms as I read the very first comic out of the Lego magazine!!) Bionicle in its earliest incarnation had a weight and a wonderful epic quality about it that quickly conjured up a rather obsessed fan base! So G1 Bionicle had a great beginning that drew in people who remain fans to this day. Did G2 have this same quality to it? I'm unsure, as I honestly haven't followed it closely. But I just wanted to throw in my two cents here, to remind some of you exactly why G1 aficionados are as passionate as we are. It's not just because it's a toy line that lasted for ten years. It's because it was a story that was beautifully told. (Well. Most of the time. ) Pardon this long post - I really do feel a bit of an intruder, having posted so little in these past years!! Thanks for reading. -IT

Happy birthday, BZPower. Many happy hours were spent here back in the day - many fine friends were made. I'm forever grateful!!! It does indeed bring back such fond memories as I remember those days!! -IT

Erasmus - I just realized I never responded to your most kind review! Thanks much for your comments, I appreciated reading them. You noted exactly what I was trying to get at with this story, and that's always a very rewarding feeling for a writer!! Glad you enjoyed. -IT

This is very true! I visited Kanohi Power for some time before i ever dipped my toes in the forum waters(I think I joined a few weeks after the merge happened in mid 2002). Kanohi Power was a great resource, because for those of us who were hungry for all news Bionicle, KP was simply amazing! I remember when KP posted some great clearance sales that members had been reporting at Target...and I promptly went to Target and was able to buy Muaka/Kane-Ra for...$17 I think? It's been a while, but it was ridiculously low. Same for the original mask packs, when KB Toys sold them for clearance prices, KP reported that and I increased my mask collection tenfold! So the prompt and accurate news reporting of Kanohi Power led me to start visiting BZC in late 2001. The fusion of a great staff team, quality news articles, and a very warm community led to the rapid membership growth(at least in my opinion!). BZP was one of the greatest communities I've ever been a part of...even though I'm not active now, still remember those days fondly. -IT

Yep, it's a bit brutal, isn't it? Thanks for the comment. And...if I had ever finished my epic, this would have been a scene that would have been in it(perhaps from a different perspective, though) - since I never did finish that, figured I wanted to write this scene nonetheless...as it was in my head begging to be told. The reality of war...it's not all honor and glory, is it? -IT

Congrats BZP!!! (I remember the big celebration when we hit 3K members...back in the day!) And to speak to the current topic - I'd probably be counted as an "inactive" member, yet I do sign in from time to time! Not all of us have as much time as we once did, alas. I think this is most definitely my first post in quite a few months!! Just don't delete my account, thanks guys. -IT

ToaDraconix...the Matoran that died was unnamed intentionally. Tahu's reaction here isn't due to the fact that he was particularly close to the Matoran...but just because it was one of his people. And so he weeps. Waz - thanks much for kind words!! I agree that this is a very atypical reaction from Tahu. We *never* see him act this way. But I wanted to show a night of raw emotion and vulnerability from Tahu...and I hope I succeeded? I don't see how one could be responsible for a village such as Ta-Koro and not be grief-stricken when some of the villagers in his charge perish. Also...he would never have revealed this much of himself to anyone but Gali. And thankfully, Gali knows how to comfort him here. Anyway - thanks to you all for reading and responding. Much appreciated. -IT

Thanks much, TSM!! Appreciate reading your thoughts. I've had this story skeleton in my head for a while(the past few months probably?) and it was very satisfying to be able to sit down last Saturday with my tea and just get it from my head onto paper(...er, virtual paper, that is). I wanted to show the emotional trauma experienced by the Toa(specifically Tahu here). I also have always enjoyed writing about Ta-Koro. It was a bit odd dipping my toes into the Bionicle world again though. Probably been...five plus years since I've written any Bionicle fanfic? Wow. But I felt it was time. Again - thanks for the comments and kind words! -IT

Why wouldn't the rain stop? The cries of the gulls echoed from the far off cliffs and the waves slowly and methodically advanced up the beach in herald of the coming dawn. The wind sighed as the treetops tossed to and fro and the rain came down. It was the kind of night that was meant for snuggling up at home and enjoying the melody of raindrops atop rooftops. It was the kind of night that was meant for a nice hot cup of tea in front of the fire and talking quietly with those you loved. It was the kind of night that called for peace and quiet and a well earned sleep. But this night was different. This night there was no peace. This night, there was no sleep. This night, the rain came pouring down. Why wouldn't it stop? A lone figure sat in the sand, no care for the waves that crept slowly up his legs. A broken mask was held reverently in his hands and his shoulders were slumped in the posture of grief and regret. The sea lapped at his scarred body and the rain washed down his grimy visage. His normally bright and flashing eyes were dull. His hands shook. The rain came down. Slowly, ever so slowly, the night wore on. And the waves retreated and the gulls quieted and the sky began to slowly become less dark. And yet the rain came pouring down. The Toa sat in the sand still, and his hands did not loosen their grip on the cracked mask. And as the sky began to turn a lighter grey, another figure approached. Her peculiar shade of blue provided a beacon, a point of hope in that colorless dawn. Tahu raised his head. His eyes sparked momentarily before returning to a duller shade of garnet. "Tahu." The Toa of Water sat down next to him and pulled her legs to her chest and put her hand on the sand between them. This did not go unnoticed by the Toa of Fire. His eyes flickered to her. His mask was grimy and stained, either with dirt or blood, it was difficult to say - all the rain of the night had done little to clean him. Tahu turned his face away from the Toa of Water and his shoulders gave an involuntary shudder. "Tahu," the Toa of Water said again. "You must talk to me. I know why you sit out here far away from your people. I know why you grip that Kanohi in your hand. I know why you won't look at me." He gave no answer. "Talk to me, Tahu!" Her eyes flashed a brighter yellow and she put her hand upon his arm. Finally, he turned to her. His eyes glittered. "Gali. I can't talk to you. Not now." Gali stared into the crimson eyes of the Toa of Fire and said five simple words, "I am here for you." Tahu bowed his head and looked down. For many minutes, there was silence as the sun rose behind the grey curtain of the clouds. The sand began to come alive with little birds hunting for their morning meal. Between Tahu and Gali was that silence that can only exist between true friends - that kind of silence that understands that sometimes words are not possible and yet there is no discomfort because true friends know that no silence and no words can mar the bonds of unity. And so there was a communion of silence between the Toa of Water and the Toa of Fire. And the rain came down. "Can't you make it stop?" Gali jerked upright. She had not expected Tahu to speak. "Why can't I make what stop?" "The rain. It keeps raining. Always raining. At first I thought it would make me feel better and that I would be cleaner and that it might wash this night away. But it keeps raining." Tahu put a weary hand to his temple, leaning towards Gali in exhausted sorrow. Gali put her arm out and drew Tahu in, embracing him as she never thought he'd need. "Tahu, I...I'm sorry, I can't stop the rain. I can make it start raining if I wish, but making it stop is a bit more difficult." Tahu gave a bitter chuckle. "I know the feeling. When I start a lava flow and it swells and I find I can't control it anymore. It's an alarming feeling." As he rested against Gali, he kept talking. "Gali, I don't know anymore. This cursed island will make fools of us all. We came here and we felt so right. We were chosen. We were made to defend this island and bring justice to the land. We even made Kopaka see reason and join with us. We swore we would defeat the Makuta and bring this land to an age of peace. And what have we done? "We've done nothing, Gali. The Rahi of the Makuta pour out in greater and yet greater numbers and we fight and we can't stop them. We haven't seen Lewa in far too long. Onua isn't reporting. Pohatu is brooding in the deserts of Po-Wahi and Kopaka has abandoned us. Yet, we fight. "Why do we fight, Gali? We are Toa, I suppose, there is that. But before we came, the Matoran served the Makuta, and if they weren't happy, at least they were alive. They had families and they lived and they died and they sat around the fires of Ta-Koro and told stories about their ancestors. Their lives were not perfect. But what did that matter? "And then we came. We came and made grandiose promises and told them we would defeat the Makuta. We woke the Matoran out of their slumber and they became passionate. My people...the Ta-Koronans raised their spears and shields and fought against these Rahi as they never had before. But why? "It would have been better if we never came at all. Better for us not to come and better for us not to give them hope at all than for this...this monstrous war. I am tired of death, Gali. I am oh so tired." Gali pulled Tahu closer to herself. "And Gali, this night has been the worst night of all. You say you know of it?" Gali nodded slowly. "I came to Ta-Koro as soon as I heard the messenger. I spoke to the Turaga and he told me of the battle. He told me what happened." Tahu flinched. "You don't know what happened Gali. How can you? You weren't there. You didn't stand on the shores of the Tren Krom and watch as the horde of infected Rahi poured upon us. You didn't fight with the Guard against the onslaught. Pure evil, Gali. Pure evil. What being could send such monsters upon the Matoran to tear and bite and rip and kill? This Makuta is beyond any of us. I should have denied the Guard their request to join me in the battle. I could have made the river overflow its banks and wipe away the filth of Makuta like the dung they are. I could have done this. Yet I thought...why did I think? I acted as the Great Spirit and decided that it would be good for the Guard to fight with me, to maintain their honor as the protectors of Ta-Koro. I let them fight, Gali. Their spears, their discs. So small against the hulking Kane-Ra and the hideous Nui-Jaga. The Matoran - they are so little! Gali, why? "They fought as I have never seen before. Jala led them brilliantly and I was in every breach and I was in every gap. I was there to turn back the horns and teeth of the Rahi and provide a brilliant victory that all these brave Matoran could tell their children about. And the sun was setting. And victory was almost at hand. Even with the uncountable infected beasts descending upon us, we had victory in our grasp. Every single Nui-Rama had been sent flying home to their foul nest. Every Nui-Jaga had their Kanohi torn from them. There were a few raging Kane-Ra to contend with and we had them backed up against the Tren Krom. My sword was in my hand and a song was in my heart. And then I heard his cry. Gali bit her lip as she held Tahu close. "It was a small cry, little more than a whimper. Not one Matoran had been wounded all night, so bravely and brilliantly had they fought. And I heard his groan. I leaped over and sliced the last Kanohi from the Kane-Ra and turned to see him on the ground. His.." Tahu's voice cracked. "His body was savaged. He had engaged in hand-to-hand combat with a beast ten times his size. Why? We had won. We had won. One bite from the teeth of the beast and...I picked him up. His Kakama...you see it. It is broken. I saw him look at me. And he should have hated me for dooming him so. I had sentenced him to death the moment I allowed the Guard to fight. But the eyes of this Matoran. This brave and stalwart soul. He looked at me with pride and love. He opened his mouth...he said, 'my Toa'. He didn't say anything else. I put him down on the broken ground. "It should have been a victory, Gali. We marched back to Ta-Koro and his friends carried his body in high honor. Why though? Why did he have to die? "I raised my fire over his body as Jala spoke of his greatness on the field of battle. And Jala did not exaggerate - he never does. He simply spoke the truth. And I stood by. I lit the funeral pyre. They were all crying. I couldn't cry. My people, Gali. My village. I have failed them. We have failed them all. Why is this world so wrong, Gali? Why did he have to die?" Tahu's voice cracked again. His shoulders shook in silent sobs and the broken Kakama slid to the sand. And so Gali and Tahu sat in silent sorrow, the grim earth below and the grey sky above. Still, the rain came pouring down. And a lone tear fell from Tahu's eye.

Clearly indicating that victory is mine! Some awesome sets - I definitely wouldn't mind Nuju or Vakama(never did manage to pick up either of them back in the day!). And I can always use a second Jala and Matoro... -IT

Bink!! Welcome back!!! Just browsing the bloglist for the first time in quite a while and see your name. Think, "Hmm, I didn't know Bink was active on BZP..." Definitely, pictures would be awesome. And, good luck with...whatever it is you're up to now. Again, welcome back.