Azibo

Just use a mask of Illusion

IC: Amaru, Northern Wastes Theme Music "Shut up, we're almost there." It had been a strange month for the Skakdi. Tired of taking orders, Amaru had stolen a speeder and booked it out of town. He spent the rest of the week drifting from town to town until he won a night of gambling at some run-down bar. The loser offered to pay up at the moment, or he could show Amaru the way to some forgotten treasure down on the Kumu Islets. Amaru must've been some drunk, because he actually agreed. The next week was spent with the two of them riding hover their bikes down the east coat of Zakaz (with one night spent at the Rig with some bad, bad Skakdi ladies) and then slowly through the thick of the Fau Swamp. Most of the time was spent navigating the Fau Swamp, actually. But sure enough, once they reached the Kumu Islets, they uncovered some ancient temple. Inside, they didn't find any treasure though. No, instead there was this creepy spirit that demanded a servant. Now, Amaru had just risked it all to become an outlaw with no master, but in the past, his masters never really gave him anything in return for his service. This... Makuta thing, though... wow, he offered something in return. One dead guide and an excruciating and disgusting ritual involving a horrid leech on his back later, Amaru felt powerful. Amaru listened as this... spirit.. thing.. told him he could stay in his favor and even grow more powerful, and all Amaru had to do was bring him more bodies and kill someone else who knew how to get here. Simple enough. And with this last week's events, dead bodies would be in no short supply. Last week, nothing less than the single largest head that probably ever existed ever crashed onto the island, absolutely smothering the west coast. Which sucked. Amaru always like the west coast best. Outside of this decapitated alien robot head, countless multitudes of Matoran and Toa and Rahi and who knows what else kept finding their way through the rugged Zakaz landscape. Many had even started setting up camp. In fact, Amaru was on his way to one now. "I said shut up." Amaru left his stolen bike outside the temple and used the dead guide's to leave the Fau Swamp. No one would be looking for a dead guy's ride, after all. Soon enough, Amaru started encountering roving groups of these new Matoran. Usually they didn't have much to offer, but it was fun riding them over or lining them up and offing them one by one. One group had a Toa in it though, and after a brief scuffle, Amaru decided he would steer clear of those guys. For now. he was fine harassing any lonely Matoran he could find. And boy did he find some. There were two Matoran wondering alone in the wilderness. Easy targets. Amaru straight rammed the blue one, and the white one froze in terror. Amaru asked if he was headed anywhere, to which the icy Matoran nervously answered that they were heading somewhere called "Po-Koro." Dumb name for a dumb people. So Amaru decided to help the little guy get home. And the little guy would help Amaru send a message to these newcomers. "That's it." Amaru stopped the bike. The Ko-Matoran wouldn't stop begging to be let go. These little villagers were so annoying. "I thought you little ice guys were supposed to be the quiet ones," Amaru joked as he dismounted The Mule and walked to the side of the hover bike, towards the white Matoran strapped across the hood. "This oughtta shut you up!" Amaru snatched the white Kaukau from his victims face, tossed it onto the ground, then smashed it with his heel. He was right, the Matoran did shut up. The rest of the ride to Po-Koro was quiet, just like Amaru liked. After some time, he finally rode up to the... well... not really gates... but there were two Matoran with spears or staffs or something standing there. Amaru dismounted, unstrapped the Ko-Matoran, then threw him towards the two guard Matoran. The Ko-Matoran didn't quite make it, instead landing maskless-face first onto the arid soil in front of the guards. "Let everyone here know, Amaru runs these parts." The Skakdi-Xa spit, then started his bike again. "If I catch any of you walking about in my land, you'll get it worse than this guy." Then Amaru sped away, confident word would spread around this pitiful refugee camp that they were living here by Amaru's grace alone- If they were smart, they'd be happy he hadn't done anything more serious to their shantytown and would keep to themselves. In time, Amaru would probably be able to extract some goods from them. For now, it was enough to let them know who's boss in this land. The sun was rising on a new day. A day where Amaru was the biggest, baddest man alive. OOC: Amaru went to Po-Koro but he's long gone now, in the larger area I guess but he's got a speeder bike, so tracking him down would take a bit. Po-Koro PC's are welcome to, but it'd be a bit, and he's not necessarily staying in one place.

IC: Sans, Turaga's Hut "By far the biggest worry I have is defense. We've erected good defenses, all things considering, and many of the Toa have lent use of their elements to reinforce our wooden walls. But..." Sans took a drag from the pipe and held it in for a moment, before blowing back out rings of smoke with tiny water bubbles passing through each rings center. "Well, it would take a day for you to completely brace our walls with stone, and you'd need an earthen Toa to work the ground to reveal the stone anyways. Plus, then the Onu-Toa could make a trench or ditch... I don't know. The defenses are what I worry about most. If we were attacked, I'm confident the surplus of heroes here could defend us, but it seems all too easy for the village to be burned or buried regardless." Sans sipped from his newly replenished mug. "Besides the defense of Metru-Koro, there are some other concerns I have. The first being these natives. So far, they seem even more unruly than the Skakdi we had back home." A pause; mentioning "home" invoked a sadness in Sans he preferred to hide. "I don't want to be on the defensive forever. It might be some time yet while we gather more and more survivors into our midst, but sooner than later, I wish to send some sort of envoy to the leaders of these Skakdi. One of the marauding groups we fended off early in the settling of this village mentioned someone named 'Nektann.' If he is their leader, or at least the biggest and baddest of them, then I'd like some experienced Toa to make contact with him and see if we can't both coexist. It's not like all of us asked to crash here. Whatever we can do to make life peaceful for us all, we'll try. I fear it's futile, given the violent nature of Skakdi, yet it's a hope I have anyways." Stannis passed the pipe to Sans again, who took another long drag before quickly exhaling this time, no tricks involved. He handed it back to the Wanderer and began again. "At night, I look out at that crashed head and swear I can see shapes moving between the lights. I know the League Remnant is still in there. I fear what may happen if Ehlek launches some invasion. You can see the Colosseum jutting from that robot's face, you know. I bet that green monster lurks inside there even now, plotting against us. And Stannis, let me confide in you, there is an unknown threat I fear. Everything we've learned involves beings to the North or on the other side of that volcano. No one speaks of the South. Why is that? What lurks in that jungle? I want to know, and wish some adventurers would explore and report back. There must be a reason no Skakdi claim to hail from there." Sans finished his mug of water and let silence hang in the air for a minute before talking again. "I don't know, Toa. Maybe this is all too rushed. Maybe for now the best thing is to keep uniting the people of Metru-Nui. It's quite the City of Legends now, isn't it, huhuhuhuhu. Maybe you're best fit for now is just being seen by the Matoran here, and helping the newer Toa find their place in this new society. Spread the word about these missions I wish to engage someday, if you find heroes among Metru-Koro you deem fit for such tasks. I've gotten to know most around here, but truthfully, I lack the experience with everyone that you have. My time as a Toa was in a more exotic land. The foes I faced were never so complicated. My biggest victories were over Rahi! Tremendous Rahi, mind you, but never did I have to operate in times like these. I suppose I am now, but I don't envy these new Toa and their tasks, now. I told you we almost met once, back when the Toa Maru were still a team. I'm glad we've met now, even under these circumstances. We're all better for your presence, and believe me, I don't presume to truly tell you what to do. All I ask is that you remain a symbol for hope and heroism. The Matoran-well, everyone, really- need anything that gives them hope and makes them happy right now. Whatever you do, please don't go off and die. We've buried enough in the aftermath of the Great Migration; I refuse to make a memorial for you down in the new Archives." OOC: @EmperorWhenua

IC: Gaius, Mar-Koro Step by pink step, the acidic Toa squished through the mud of the bog. Each step felt harder than the last, mainly due to the weight he carried. He had with him his full gear, including a sack of supplies for his overnight excursion, his spears, shield and sword. Tiny flies buzzed around his face and Gaius had long abandoned swatting them away. Step. Squish. Step. Squish. Dangling off a stick that he also carried over his shoulder was his prize: a smaller sack filled with roots. Chewing these roots provided general pain and headache relief, so they were valuable to have around. Step. Squish. Step. Squish. Passing through some large shrubs who practically begged the towering canopy to show mercy and allow more light to reach the jungle’s surface, Gaius emerged on the other side to a scene of many huts. He was home. Mar-Koro, the hidden swamp village. Here, Matoran of every elemental eked out a quiet, humble existence. The last Skakdi raid had been centuries ago, and before that several decades more. It seemed to Gaius that Mar-Koro was finally forgotten, though every day he still patrolled the surroundings, every day he still sharpened his sword, and every day he still expected the worst. The Matoran kept their own guard as well, though in truth this was more of a watch where they would call or wake up Gaius at the first sign of real trouble. Gaius didn’t mind though; protecting Mar-Koro was his duty. He entered the village and plopped his sack of roots down on the doorstep of one wicker hut. He knocked on the thatched door, and a blue-and-green Matoran exited. “Guy! Glad you’re back! I see you’ve found plenty of those roots I asked of you! This will replenish my stores for a very long time, thank you so much!” “My pleasure, Verus. Take it easy.” Gaius took his leave and walked further into the village while Verus of The Green took the supplies inside. He passed through the main village area, which included a small amphitheater for plays or announcements, a large foundation of stone in the center surrounded by benches for bonfires, a board where villagers could leave mail or notices to one another, a few wicker huts with various occupations and services inside, and the village bar. Gaius would head over there tonight for some mushroom brew, but for now he just wanted to get home and clean off. He had mud up to his knees and dirt caked his Kanohi. As he approached his home- the largest hut in the village, next to the second largest hut, the Matoran barracks- a Po-Matoran stopped him. “Hello, Nerva. Anything new with you?” “Not with me, no, but you should know that Lucius claims to have spotted a Muaka while out gathering firewood last night. I told him that if he saw a Muaka he wouldn’t have been back to tell us about it, but he’s adamant all the same; you know how he is.” Gaius smiled. “Well, increase the guard by two or three of you for the next few nights, and make a little more noise than usual, hopefully we can scare off whatever it was. I’ve gotta freshen up a bit, I’ll check in with your guards later.” Nerva nodded then marched off into the barracks, and Gaius was finally free to enter his home. The inside was fairly ornate. He had a comfortable cot to sleep on, and a place on the walls to hang his tools. He kept his camping supplies in a chest, and carefully took inventory as he placed everything away. He ran some water from his sink into a bowl, then moved to sit in one of the wooden chairs at his table, bringing a match for the candle with him. Under the dim light, he carefully scraped away the mud that had accumulated on his feet using a dull wooden stick. After some time, he placed his improvised tool on the table and looked at one of the five masks hanging on his wall. “I wish you were here to help, Marcus. Cleaning was so much easier with you around.” Gaius hung his head in silence for a few minutes after speaking that old name, then rose and walked over to the wall of Kanohi. “That’s right, I haven’t forgotten you, Marcus.” He touched the tan Kanohi Kiril softly on its cheek. “I haven’t forgotten any of my brothers, nor will I ever.” The tan Kiril was the next to last Kanohi on the wall. Gaius walked to the starting mask on the left, then walked back down the row, touching each mask as he passed them, naming their old wearers as he did so. “Vespasian,” the black Shelek, “Tiberius,” the orange Akaku, “Pontifax,” the green Rau, “Marcus,” the tan Kirl, “Majorian,” the dark grey Huna. His fingers lingered on Majorian’s mask, before he walked back to his bed and laid down. “I miss you all. Every day. I wonder why I’m the last one left. I would gladly see my Kanohi on that wall in place of any of yours.” Gaius rolled to his side. “There’s no reason to mourn any one aspect of life,” he quietly reassured himself, “not when all of living is cause to mourn.” Gaius laid on the bed for a few hours, until some frantic pounded disturbed his door, and the cry, “Gaius! Quick! Gaius! Quick!” Gaius sprang to his feet and grabbed a spear and shield from the wall- no time to fully gear up now. He flung the door open, where Verus looked panicked. “Gaius, the sky!” The Matoran stepped back a few paces and pointed towards what everyone was looking at. A giant head was crashing towards the world. Gaius, too, stood and stared, completely dumbfounded as its sheer mass grew in the atmosphere. After a few minutes, the head crashed, and the shock waves passed through the village, knocking over several loose items from their table-tops and even collapsing an older hut. Gaius geared up fully and stood on edge all night. Some Muaka was no longer any concern for the Mar-Toa; he was worried this crashed head would mean death for them all- the apocalypse come at last. The night turned to day, and the day to night again, yet nothing new emerged from the jungle-marsh. Gaius wouldn’t allow any lights at night, so only the moon and stars piercing the dense canopy offered any illumination of the wild. As the first few tendrils of daylight broke, though, something finally broke the peace. RAWR! A fierce blur lunged towards Gaius that he only narrowly rolled away from. He sprang back to his feet and saw a Muaka after all. It was huge, even for a Muaka, and lunged again straight towards him. Gaius activated his Kanohi Hau, and the beast’s jaws met only a force field. It struck again, and again, and again, yet could not penetrate the shield. It opened wide, determined to strike again, and that’s when Gaius deactivated his mask and shot a wave of sludge directly into the beast’s mouth from the tip of his spear. The Rahi screamed in agony, and after a few moments, the lower jaw fell to the ground, severed from its head. Its screams scared off the birds above, and Gaius realized anything living with a few kio could probably hear this dying Rahi. He slowly approached as is violently shook its head and body, wondering how to stop the screaming. Then, it solved itself. A Kanoka smacked it in the hide, and the Rahi froze over. “Who’s there?” Gaius turned defensively towards the direction the disk came, yet saw no one immediately. “We have no freeze discs here; you betray yourself! Who is there? I won’t ask again!” Gaius stood poised to drench the shrubs in acidic ooze, when finally, a large warrior tumbled out from the bushes. She half crawled towards the Toa, her pearl armor stained with mud and muck and moss as her knees took turns plunging into the jungle-marsh's earth. When close to Gaius, she spoke at last, “Greetings... I’m not from... this place. No doubt you saw that head crashing... that’s my home... please.. I need to speak with you.. With someone who can help me... I have information that must be preserved before I die...” Gaius noticed now the scars all along this warriors body. Blood had had scabbed over then broke open again throughout the pearl armor. Gaius, against his better judgement, helped her inside the village walls, where the two spoke in private. “...so that’s how we all got here. My colleagues know how to get us back home... my colleagues can fix this all.. If you can bring my body back to them, they’ll trust you. They can even help your village..” “We don’t need anyone’s help.” “Maybe so... but all the same, you must bring my body back to them. This armor is special tech, and can’t.. be... allowed to fall... into the hands of those who would do harm to the innocents of the world... plus.. Tattooed on my body... there’s information... they will.. Understand... Please... help them... only they can fix this all...” and then the pearl warrior’s heartlight went out. Gaius sat with the body for a moment, before summoning some of the Mar-Koro Matoran. “Bury this body.” That was his only command, then he went into his hut and shut the door. He would not be seen the rest of the day. The Matoran did their part, and dug a deep hole in the same area set aside for five other graves, which each were marked by a unique staff protruding from the ground at one end of the shifting earth. They carried the pearl armored Titan (with great difficulty) to the hole, then slowly filled it back in. It was close to evening by the time they finished. Some had tried to talk with Gaius intermittently throughout the day, yet he would not answer. He slept, truthfully, for a large part of the day, but for the rest, he sat on the edge of his bed, and stared at the Kanohi on the wall. “What would you do?” Gaius asked the ghosts inside the masks how they might handle this all; would they embark on some alien mission? Would they forget this ever happened? Would they have asked more questions? The ghosts didn’t answer. They never did. Gaius emerged form his hut at nightfall to try and ease the tension running through Mar-Koro. He assured the Matoran everything was fine and they were all still safe, though truthfully he shared their same fears. After making the rounds, Gaius returned to his bed, and stared at his ceiling until finally his eyes allowed him sleep. His last thoughts in the night were one sentence repeated over and over, “What am I going to do?” OOC: Mar-Koro is off-limits to others at this time; please do not drop a PC in here or having them accidentally find out hidden little village, thanks.

IC: Sans, Turaga Hut "So speak, we are confidants here. If it's something secretive then you have my word that I won't repeat what you say." Before either could continue this conversation, Waveahk entered through the unlocked door, then awkwardly left as soon as he came. Responding to Stannis, Sans spoke, "I have a soft spot in my heartlight for big blue guys, huhuhuhuhu. That one normally i would have banished, but he seems to have abandoned his old Dark Hunter ways. He even helped haul a big sled of gears and other machine parts out from Metru-Nui. As long as he helps the village and doesn't start any trouble, he's welcome to stay, I suppose." Sans slurped down the last of his mug of water. "Would you like some water? You gotta stay hydrated, especially in this hotter climate, and no, I don't mean the climate of being near me, huhuhuhu. Now, what was it you wanted to discuss?" OOC: @EmperorWhenua

The game is super fun, everyone who is interested in a fun Bionicle RPG experience should join!!

IC: Sans, Metru-Koro Turaga Hut "Come in!" Sans was a little too achy to get up and answer the knock on the door. He hoped whoever it was wouldn't mind. He sipped his mug of water and prepared himself to officiate whatever business needed. OOC: @EmperorWhenua

OOC: Sans Intro Music IC: Sans, Metru-Koro "Very good, Onepu, thank you." Onepu was formerly an Archivist, though now he had assumed the role of chief Ussal Crab Wrangler. Sans scuttled away on the back of his new personal steed, a brown-and-tan Ussal crab which he named Papy. The crab seemed to make happy little chirps, "nyeh nyeh heh," while Sans rode him. For the past day, several members of this impromptu village had realized the usefulness of riding these willing Rahi to and fro, and this one in particular seemed to enjoy giving Sans rides. Maybe it just liked the feeling of Turaga Sans' new robes. Whatever the reason, Sans was happy to find joy in this Rahi's existence, and the duo caused many smiling faces as they rode about Metru-Koro, seeing to whatever tasks needed extra attention or organizing. Sans was pleased to see the Matoran smiling again, after all they had been through. Some time after blacking out, Sans awoke with Skyra, Rose, and his new impromptu Toa Team companions standing over him, with a Vahki administering some form of medical aid inside the Colosseum's hospital. They told him of the situation- the world itself was crumbling, and many of the Matoran amassed at the Colosseum needed leadership. Sans had slept through some Great Cataclysm, but the City of Legends was now a City of Rubble. Escaped Archives exhibits ran rampant, the oceans themselves began washing over the land; chaos was everywhere, and Sans would help as many escape as they could. His cape was so torn he just threw it into a nearby bin, donning instead some spare robes of the deceased Turaga Dume that lay in waiting in the hospital wing. Sans and the Toa all worked to safely get the Matoran out. They found themselves on a new land... some strange island. Sans couldn't stop laughing when he learned they had just walked out of a massive skull. Apparently, they were all living inside some ginormous robot, which tickled Sans to no end. The first few days were spent exploring the immediate surroundings. The survivors originally hoped to set up a camp just outside the robot's head, but after fending off several attacks by more of the same undead monsters, they elected to move inland a bit. So it was, Sans saw the Matoran work together to build a new, large Koro for everyone to live in for the time being. Streets were beginning to naturally form and a few different districts were developing. A set of walls composed of sharped wood and the rare massive rock had been erected around the entire village, which Sans dubbed "Metru-Koro." They had an area outside of the walls where they began to organize and herd several domestic and beneficial Rahi species, a new Archives being dug out of a shallow cave within the village where, instead of exotic exhibits, Matoran were displaying personal monuments to remember their former lives and the loved ones they lost. Some Onu-Matoran were beginning to call this places the "Archaves," or "Arcaves," though Sans was unsure how well this title would stick, let alone how to spell it. Down a ways, the Ta-Matoran led an initiative to set up a few makeshift forgeries, again, aided by the powers of the Toa. In time, these forges would become more efficient, and new tools and Kanoka and Kanohi might be crafted there, but for the time being, the forges acted as a universal repair center, where scraps of random materials and Kanoka and Kanohi salvaged from Metru-Nui could be reshaped to serve new purposes. This was going to be an invaluable skill, since there was a surplus of scavenged Kanohi and Kanoka for now, but only time would tell how long those stores would last. Many new materials were still being brought back in shipments thanks to the work of some of the Toa and warriors who aided Metru-Nui during its final hour, though Sans was reluctant to continue allowing these expeditions. Not that Sans could really tell anyone what to do. He had been a leader in the Great Migration out of Metru-Nui due to necessity. Maybe it was Dume's robes he wore, or just the fact of him being a Turaga, but the Matoran seemed glad to follow his commands. He had led a village once before, and wondered what became of those old friends of his. Now, though, he needed to fulfill a more traditional role in this new society. He was still sore enough from his previous adventure to keep him from running off anytime soon! There had been several scouting parties out into the greater island as well- which most of all, revealed this was indeed an island, though a very large one. Much larger than Metru-Nui, maybe even rivaling the Southern Continent in size. Sans wasn't a surveyor nor a cartographer, so he wouldn't try and accurately figure this issue out. San was satisfied enough to know this island was big and had room for everyone. Everyone, though, included some natives. One scouting party was completely wiped out, save for one cigar-smoking Le-Matoran who returned. This Matoran, Orkham, claimed that he had to trade his cigars (which apparently he had worked so hard to save during the Great Migration) to this traveling band of marauders just to save his own life, with a promise of more (which he obviously lied about). One of these marauders came to Metru-Koro to collect that payment, but was fought off by the resident Toa. It appeared that some unknown Skakdi-variant live don this island, and they might be even nastier than the normal kind, if that was even possible. Sans was just happy that the walls had been constructed by then, else more harm may have come to the already harmed Matoran. Sans ended the exploratory expeditions after this, though the Toa were free to move as they pleased. So now, a week later, Sans was scuttling about on the back of an Ussal, checking in on the Matoran and helping where he could, even if it was just a joking splash of water to an unsuspecting Matoran or Toa's face. Sans knew that he had to keep the people laughing, else all hope be lost. As long as they not only survived, but thrived, then the Heart of Mata-Nui was never truly dead. He had seen many of the now-familiar faces of the Toa throughout the emerging village. Some, like his friends Korruhn and Leklo, kept disappearing off outside the city walls to go train together. Others, like Skyra and Rose, had helped construct new buildings. Those two first helped build a sort of modest temple, spending all day collecting pretty flowers and plants to adorn the walls and windows with. It was there that they asked Sans to marry them, and hey, why not, Sans figured. So they had a cute little ceremony, and the two joked about going off on some honey moon, though where they had in mind, Sans had no clue. Sans stopped along the main, busy road to check out... a booth? A Ta-Matoran he recognized as Kapura had set up some kind of shop! Money was probably useless at this point, but this abnormal Ta-Matoran had set up a small booth selling... seashells? "Kapura's Conches," the sign read. Kapura explained to Sans that he spent all morning collecting interesting shells by the beach and was selling them here as a meme. Sans approved of the motivation, but warned Kapura to not stray from the village for long, and certainly not during any time within a few hours of nightfall. They still didn't know what was out there, and the happiness Kapura was bringing would be exponentially overshadowed by the sorrow of his loss. "I don't want to have to make an Archives exhibit out of one of these shells," Sans warned him, and Kapura slowly nodded, understanding the meaning behind the words. Sans eventually made it back to his hut at the center of Metru-Koro, parking his pet Papy outside in a cozy little fenced-in area he had constructed for the loyal companion. The hut itself was large enough that Toa wouldn't have to crane their necks once inside, but not so large as to be considered grand. Sans personally didn't care for an elaborate set up, but he figured that some sort of decoration was needed so as to give a sense of authority to the building. The Matoran needed structure, and Sans would play the part he needed to help them. Once inside, he grabbed an empty mug and conjured some water inside it to drink. He checked a locked chest he had by his bedside to see if its hidden contents remained- which, yes, the Mask of Creation was still there, along with an over-the-shoulder bag for which he could carry it in if needed. He was thankful Skyra hadn't taken it from him, back in Ko-Metru. Sans sat in the quiet of his hut, and reflected again on the dangers Metru-Koro faced. They were always improving their defenses, and in time might have a fairly secure settlement here on what the marauder called Zakaz. Ehlek was still alive, and some even whispered that Pridak, too survived his fight with Sans. A troubling thought, but until he had some proof, one Barraki warlord was all the threat Sans needed to know they should all be wary of venturing back into the giant robot head. Not to mention the undead, plaguing the area around and within the ruins of Metru-Nui. And then there were these natives themselves. A lot of enemies, and the good guys seemed to be struggling just to survive. "It'll get easier, in time... hopefully, huhuhuhuhu," Sans spoke to himself. There was a long road ahead, maybe even an endless one, or a road leading off a cliff. Wherever the road may take them, though, Sans was ready to safely lead the Matoran of Metru-Koro on it. "Unity, Duty, Destiny," Sans reminded himself. "If that's all we've got, we've got all we need." OOC: Sans is open for interaction!

Name: Sans Species: Turaga of Water Faction: Metru-Nui Brief Description: Sans is a wholesome, optimistic Turaga. His old age hasn't stopped him from exercising daily, and his wits have only grown sharper. Quick with a joke and slow to anger, Sans is a wise old veteran of a thousand battles, though most of those were when he was a Toa. Understanding the need for peaceful leaders rather than combative heroes in these confusing and dangerous times, Sans has retired his war-torn cape and donned ceremonial robes similar to those Turaga Dume used to wear. While still active for a Turaga, his recent adventures and battles have left him feeling even less nimble and strong. Background/Occupation: In the aftermath of the crashing of the GSR as well as his duel with Pridak, Sans was rescued by Skyra and Rose, who took him to receive medical attention for his wounds. Once healed, Sans was naturally looked to for leadership by many of the Metru-Nui Matoran. he led efforts to evacuate not just people but as many objects of value and scrap infrastructure as possible. Now, outside the severed head of the GSR, Sans unofficially leads a large contingent of Metru-Nui Matoran in a robust shanty-town settlement he has taken to calling "Metru-Koro." Flaws: Old man, Mask of Growth can only make him so big and so strong, would sooner talk than fight if you can count that a weakness, huhuhuhu. Powers/Equipment: Grow up to maybe 40 feet or so? Weaker water powers. Carries a simple Protosteel walking staff that doubles as a weapon. Has the Mask of Creation hidden away, keeping it safe. Name: Gaius, "Guy" Breed: Toa of Swamp Faction: Unaligned good guys Brief Description: Pink Toa with yellow highlights. A considerable armored form though still would be classified as "light infantry," Gaius makes use of a spear, shield, and sword as his weapons. Additionally, he is an expert survivalist, and on the rare occasion he must venture from his home, he packs essential camping gear in a sack that he then carries in a large sack on his back, though he has been known to make use of a large, forked stick to tie this sack to and carry it that way. Orange eyes see through his yellow Kanohi Hau, which has a red crest shaped to it, facing transversely (like a Roman Centurion's galea helmet). Otherwise, he is of average height and weight for a Toa. Background/Occupation: For untold millennia, Gaius and his Toa team (Vespasian, Toa of Fire; Thrax, Toa of Iron; Marcus, Toa of Stone; Valens, Toa of The Green; Majorian, Toa of Earth) withstood the onslaught of the new Skakdi invaders, becoming one of the few remaining independent villages on the island of Zakaz. They defended their Koro fiercely, and one-by-one would lose their lives to the Skakdi or even the island itself until only Gaius remained. Largely forgotten due to the village's lack of desirable loot or valuables or services that could be provided and gained from being overrun, the village of Mar-Koro has settled into quiet obscurity within the southern bogs and jungles of Zakaz that would leave it unmarked on most maps of the island and unknown to the general populace. One strange day, some huge head could be observed falling onto the world's surface, the impact of which sent shock waves throughout the island, causing some minimal damage to Mar-Koro. Several days later, a strange, large being in shining pearl armor stumbled into the village, badly injured. After a day of care, this being could not be saved, and was laid to rest on the edge of the village, though not before imparting Gaius with some secret mission... Flaws: Gaius strongly believes in the Virtue of Duty. Thousands of years spent fighting off the Skakdi and the environment itself has led to an abandonment of the Toa Code. Gaius has no qualms about restraint of force, nor does he feel the need to help outsiders. Gaius first and foremost- if not only- cares about protecting his Matoran (who are comprised of essentially every element, including Swamp, and share Mar-Koro equally). He believes this is his only Duty, and is unwavering in his devotion to it. He also believes that the Unity of Mar-Koro is to be preserved at all cost, and assumes his Destiny is to die defending his village, so while not suicidal, he isn't afraid to confront potentially lethal situations if need be. He can be cold at times, though this is perhaps a misinterpreted stoicism. Having adjusted to a somewhat lonely existence since the deaths of his Toa Team, Gaius has never even had the opportunity to trust another Toa or hero, and is most likely harboring deep trust issues and potentially a refusal to work with others. Powers/Equipment: Has two Pilum (spears) that can be thrown or used in hand-to-hand combat, a large scutum (shield) that, if crouched behind, can protect his entire body, and a gladius sword. His Kanohi is the Mask of Shielding (custom shaped). His camping equipment includes a tent sizable for several Toa to sleep in, a pan to cook with, flint and steel, a hammer, some rope, a small net to catch fish or small Rahi, a blanket for a cot, and a small pillow. His element is Swamp: Swamp powers entail the ability to produce acid, and conversely, base chemicals. These chemicals take the form of ooze, sludge, slime, or muck, depending on the desired viscosity. If sprayed into the air as a fine mist, has a similar effect to poison if inhaled, though the damage is primarily corrosive in nature, even if internally more than externally. He has a natural resistance to rust, corrosion, and other weathering effects. Name: Amaru Species: Skakdi-Xa Faction: Aspect of Makuta, Lrrthxx Brief Description: He's entirely dark grey save for his orange head and black frills extending from his neck. On the back of his neck is an attached Kraata, metallic light grey at its head and metallic sand blue at its tail. Background/Occupation: Amaru spent most of his former life as someone else's lackey. Sure, he learned how to be a thug, but he never learned much more. Tired of a working under someone else and being treated as inferior, Amaru stole a hover bike from his employer's armory and rode out under the cover of night. Ever since, he's been surviving on his own, strong-arming the vulnerable into doing or giving up whatever he wants. After hearing about the mysterious Makuta who would grant him unimaginable power, Amaru forced a local guide to help him navigate the Kumu Islets. They entered a long-forgotten temple and inside, encountered Lrrthxx. After the slaughter of the guide and a painful transformation, Amaru emerged with a Kraata on his back, and a new desire to make his name feared throughout Zakaz. In return, Amaru only had to promise one thing in exchange for the Makuta's aid: Amaru has to murder another person who knows how to navigate through the Kumu Islets, so as to preserve the secrets hidden within... Flaws: Never backs down from a fight, and is all too ready to resolve things violently as opposed to talking things out. He won't jump into something he won't win, but he's especially prideful, and values his "street cred" enough to take on any challenger who would threaten his image. Due to the time he spent being bossed around, he feels he has something to prove, and hates not feeling like the most important guy in the room. Powers/Equipment: His Skakdi-vision is Emotional Sight, which enhances the emotional state of the target. The longer the target is blasted from the vision rays, the more extreme the emotional state becomes. The Kraata on his back imbues Amaru with the most basic of slow powers, meaning Amaru can choose to become frustratingly hard to physically budge as well as resistant to a higher threshold of pain and surface-level damage. He carrier on his back a long-range blaster rifle and on his hip a Lightstone Needler, which can shoot up to a hundred miniature lightstones at a target. After several of these lightstones prick into their target, they explode. When not on his hip as well, Amaru holds a Flail of Mimicry, which is a spiked ball at the end of an arm's length chain (and handle on the user's side) that, upon striking a foe capable of using elemental energy, consumes the spiked ball in the element of the being. This effect shuts off when not in use, and remains as the current power for the flail only until striking some new elemental being. It begins as Iron-powered, meaning it's hard enough to pierce even protosteel. He rides into the Zakaz sunset on the Mule, a heavily armored and fast speeder that fits one person (maybe two if the other is tied to the dash...). It's just a speeder bike... no secret weapons or anything. Name: Lrrthxx Species: Aspect of Makuta Faction: Aspect of Makuta Brief Description: Lrrthxx keeps his armored form mostly submerged in a dark pool inside his temple. Thus, his armor has rusted and weathered a bit and tiny marine ecosystems have developed affixed to his body as well as on and in the pool itself. To communicate with Lrrthxx, there's a few stairs leading to a raised platform in the center of the room, and the temple visitor would look down into the pool and see the face of Lrrthxx emerging from the pool, along with some fingers of one hand and a knee of the the opposite leg, both features also having some poss and tiny amphibious life accumulating on them. Background/Occupation: The Aspect of Makuta are generally divided into two camps: those who go out into the world to manifest their ambitions, and those who stay back in the temples on the ominous Kumu Islets and allow their pawns to spin the wheels of Destiny for them. Lrrthxx is in the latter camp. He hasn't left his temple for over a thousand years. His previous pawns have all met their fate one way or another until none remained and Lrrthxx was regarded as a lesser Aspect by his peers. Recently, though, two events have happened that thrust Lrrthxx back into the web of island politics and destiny. First, a Skakdi found him, and pledged himself in service to Lrrthxx, and Lrrthxx granted this Skakdi a Kraata of Slowness, in exchange for his promise to kill someone who knew the way to the Aspect of Makuta's temples, so as to deny his rivals possible opportunities for growing their own cults. Secondly, a giant robot head crashed into the island, and Lrrthxx has learned from his peers that countless masses of new beings emerged from within, both good and bad. Lrrthxx sees these new migrants as a resource to be extracted and a people to be dominated. Through his initial pawn, Amaru, Lrrthxx hopes to grow his own cult, and soon rival even Miserix himself as the most powerful Aspect of Makuta. Flaws: He's a schemer to a fault. He isn't the best fighter, and hasn't even left his pool for over a thousand years, so his combat skills are below average for an Aspect of Makuta. He also considers none of the Aspect of Makuta truly his friends, though this is most likely shared between all of them with all of them. He will back-stab, cheat, and lie his way through any relationship to advance his own goals. He's narcissistic and trusts no one, though he isn't arrogant, for he realistically understands his current place in the Aspect of Makuta political world. His single-minded focus on the growth of his cult can leave him blind to the outside political world. Powers/Equipment: Resting on the wall above his pool is a katana, though he hasn't so much as held it in over a thousand years. Shadow powers, and Slow powers (currently at Kraata Stage 2 level). Technically is Antidermis possessing a suit of armor, so could posses certain things if need be. Limited telepathic communication with a single cultist at a time no matter where they are unless inside a powerful shield or in another dimension, though the cultist would lose the powers gained from Lrrthxx if they entered another dimension.. Name: Kokaliga Species: Keetongu's Species Faction: League of Six Two Kingdoms Brief Description: Blue with red highlights, a Titan in height and strength, a hidden chest Rhotuka, a blade on her left arm that she channels her healing powers through, a large center "eye" that detects perceived morality of sentient beings Background/Occupation: Kokaliga was one of the more adventurous members of her species. She made it as far north as Xia, where she got into a brawl with the natives who tried restraining her so they could study her natural abilities in hopes of making weapons replicating them. Eventually, she was stopped, and placed in stasis to prevent further damaging the island’s industries or workers. After some time, Turaga Dume purchased her as part of an extended trade deal and had her placed in the archives. There, she rested for an unknown but very long time until her stasis prison was broken during the Archives Massacre. She headed for the surface, fending off fellow exhibits and a few Untethered, where she was noticed by some League troops. They brought her to Ehlek, who recruited Kokaliga into his ranks as a scout and medic due to her natural abilities. Kokaliga joined the League out of a desire to get revenge on the Matoran more than out of a desire to help Ehlek, but she is loyal nonetheless. Flaws: Out of touch and thus unaware of many modern advancements, her ignorance may lead to precarious situations down the line. She is intelligent but still a Rahi, so while she is a scout and healer who shies away from the front lines, if confronted with a perceived foe, her instincts dictate she attack and defeat her enemy. She is capable of speech but isn’t the greatest orator out there. Her desire for revenge may cloud her judgement. Physically, she fights more like an animal than a tactician, so she may be defeated by an opponent using their superior intellect. Powers/Equipment: A large poleaxe that would be two-handed for a Toa, but she uses it as a one-handed weapon. Her chest hides a Rhotuka with "Instinctual Impulse" powers, which cause a target to lose their higher-functioning mental processes and give in to a more primal, instinctual, animal mode of thinking for a duration dependent on the target's intelligence at a minimum of three minutes and for as long as possibly over an hour. This causes the target to become more like Korkaliga in their thinking and behaviour. Her left arm's attached blade channels healing powers. She's strong and durable, as one would expect a Titan Rahi warrior to be. Her third eye sees a being's morality as perceived by Korkaliga. Entirely black is an evil being who does bad things for bad purposes, entirely white is a being who does good things for good purposes, and a middle grey represents a neutral being who does both good and bad for good and bad reasons. Any being may fall into a certain shade leaning one way or the other, and this morality is not universal, but is how Korkaliga interprets others with her level of intelligence.

Sans will return in SKE2 huhuhuhu

IC: Sans, Bridge of Ko-Metru Sans could feel his form receding, and locked eyes with the Barraki leader- who evaded the attack. "How? No..." Sans felt weak, then the currents of the wind rushing past his face as the bridge gave way and both Takean and Turaga descended into the dark depths of the cold unknown. Sans couldn't leave it up to fate to end the threat of Pridak once and for all, nor could he allow this apparently stolen legendary Kanohi be scavenged by some future evil-doers. Now almost back to normal size, Sans swung his staff up, smashing into Pridak's panicked jaw. A few pointed teeth flew out as the Mask of Creation was caught on the end of his staff. Sans brought it to his chest and clutched it as tight as he could. "Whoever wants this mask will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands..." Sans used the last of his elemental reserves to coat his hands and the mask in a thin, watery gloss. In time, Ko-Metru would freeze the two together, and in an even longer time, someone would have to pry the Kanohi from those cold, dead hands. "I'm sorry Korruhn, and Leklo, and Taja, and Aradra... You'll all make worthy Toa... Remember me, and remember to laugh, huhu..hu..hu.." Sans' mind started to fade, and maybe so was the world. The skies were changing, and the quaking sounds of shifting earth and ice rose from the dark depths to greet him. Maybe the world was crashing, too? Or maybe it was the kind of tricks one's mind plays when death is near. But, Suddenly, Sans was... rising? A Le-Toa had snatched him up. He rested for the moment while they soared through the chilly air. Below, the League forces were scrambling, and his Toa friends were chasing them back. Sans landed on a rooftop, now with a Le-Toa and a Ta-Toa. "Heyheyhey...you alright there old timer?" "I am now... thanks to you, brave... Toa.. of.. Gas.. huhuhuhuhuhu..." Saved from death, and having witnessed the end of Pridak and the scattering of his armies, Sans allowed himself to slip into sleep. He dreamed of spicy wings, lizards in a pool, and a land that never knew war.... OOC: @Snelly @Tarn Sleepy Sans is in your care now, though don't feel like he has to start with you next Season. Do whatever I guess. Credits Music

IC: Sans, Battle with Pridak The Barraki King rose from the attack as Sans fought within his own mind to retain his giant form. Exhausted from the use of his element, exhausted from the fighting, exhausted from the fall from the sky to the ground, Sans could feel he was at his limits. He didn't have anything clever left in him. If Pridak got back up, his counterattack would surely be fueled by his mighty wrath. Sans couldn't afford to fail now. Pridak would kill him without a second thought, and more than his own life, Sans worried about the new Toa's fates if he were to perish before them. Sans jumped in the air with all strength he had left, raised a fist towards the sky, then brought his arm down into a pointed elbow. Sans would drive his giant, blue elbow all the way down to Karzahni so long as he crushed Pridak in doing so. And crushing the Takean warlord was all Sans could hope to do. He wouldn't be able to keep his enlarged form after feeling the pain of slamming himself into the cold and kind of wet ground. OOC: This happens before the Dead God living then dying stuff

See you in Season 2, Kanohi! o7 @Harvali Top 3 Character for sure

IC: Sans, Ko-Metru Sans surveyed the battlefield and saw Pridak motioning to the surroundings. "He's wearing... some mask..." Sans surmized, yet he couldn't identify its shape, let alone its power. But when the metal strewn about the battlefield began to shift and contort into massive chains, Sans felt fear. "No... it can't be..." yet it was. Pridak had the Mask of Creation. "Was Artakha dead? How did this warlord King get his filthy hands on that mask?" From his high-up perspective, Sans saw the chains slithering throughout the League's troops, on their way for him and his party, no doubt. Sand looked down to his companions. They were fighting, maybe not losing, but it was too slow to think they were winning. Sans looked back at the chains that were almost upon them. He knew he was quite the target, so he could imagine at least some of them were coming for him. If he became wrapped up, it could mean death for him, surrounded by so many capable foes. He knew what he had to do. "I'm sorry for this," he spoke quietly. It pained Sans to leave his party; if something happened to them, he would never forgive himself. Maybe he should have came alone, but it would do no good to ponder such things now. He only had moments to spare, and each was a precious as the last. Sans picked himself up, and ran forward as fats as possible. The chains rose up to entangle him, and he slammed his staff down into the ground, then leaped off it. This massive Turaga pole vaulted over the chains, some of which changed their trajectory to try and follow him as he soared through the air. This maneuver seemed to catch everyone off guard, for the blasts aimed at Sans couldn't keep up with his flying figure. He landed in front of the platform where Pridak stood in his elegant armor, apparently fighting off some other foe? The moment his footing was sure, Sans whirled around and swept away any foes within his staff's radius, then faced back towards the Barraki leader, and shouted as he approached, "Pridak! Your reign ends here, this day! I, Sans, shall be the one to hold your head high above this devastated land!" Sans used his free hand to begin amassing a sphere of water above his head, and with his staff hand, made a simple swipe down towards Pridak. With any luck, the Barraki King would be too slow in dodging, and thus be squashed like the vile bug he truly was. OOC: @Unreliable Narrator Sans is now fighting Pridak

IC: Mata-Nui "What the..." Mata-Nui was surprised His foe sank into the walls of the room, aided by His own attack. Ingenious, but Mata-Nui would never admit it. The silver bohrok quickly worked to fill the gap in the all while Mata-Nui ended His manipulation of the elements and tried his best to ignore the mild pain accumulating behind his eyes. His chest, too, began to ache. He could feel the flesh around hHs spear wound rotting, though its spread seemed stalled if not outright ended. A mild price to pay, and Mata-Nui gladly accepted the cost of enduring the attack since it meant he now had what He wanted. So the Great Spirit Avatar turned towards Mazor. "Thank you... you..." What was his name again? He would just avoid using proper nouns. Mata-Nui walked back to the mighty chair, Krom Sphere in hand. He sheathed His weapon and waved His now-free hand towards that patch in the wall, crumpling the metal Bohrok carcasses once more to allow an exit from the room. "I'll close the way once you're free from this room. You have done Me a great service. I will not forget you; you have My eternal blessing. Go now, and enjoy My restored world." Mata-Nui held up the Krom Sphere and eyed it over, observing its shifting form. The metal reflected the gloomy hues of Mata-Nui's grotesque form. His three eyes looked to the artifact, then back at the table and to the chair. His time had finally come. Once this last intruder vacated the room, Mata-Nui was free to reclaim His rightful rule. OOC: @Smudge8 IC: Sans, Ko-Metru The Toa were starting to get a handle on their elemental powers. Korruhn was warping combatants into his void, Taja was using both her Kanoka Launcher and her element to snipe foes from a distance, Leklo was... well, he wasn't dead, and in time he'd manifest plasma. Sans understood; it was a rare element, and Sans had only ever met one Toa of plasma back in his prime, so it wasn't like there was a wealth of common knowledge to understand the intricacies of its application. Sans wasn't worried, at least not about that. He was worried about the orange Steltian brute who had taken a whack from Sans' staff and didn't immediately go down like all others had previously. Instead, the brute grunted from the hit, then fired a blast from his own staff directly for the Turaga. Quickly, Sans deployed a wall of water in front of himself, like a shield, and once the energy struck it, it dissipated throughout the floating pool. Good thing, too, because sparks danced throughout the conjured water. "That would've hurt," the Turaga thought. Before the brute could blast again, Sans waved the pool as quickly as possible towards him. Instead of forming some attack of force, Sans enveloped the Brute in the water. This much focus was hard on the Turaga- he wasn't anywhere near as powerful as he once was as a Toa- and while he concentrated, he took more blasts from other warriors. General blasts of energy, a rocket even, a spear plunged deep into his calf- Sans felt the pain with every hit he took, but after half a minute, the Steltian stopped struggling. Dead, or just unconscious, Sans didn't care. It was one down, a thousand more to go. "We have to move faster! Try and keep up!" Sans hoped the Toa weren't so focused on their own survival that they stopped paying attention to him. Sans stood up fully, and began to run forward! His old legs still weren't the fastest, but given his size, the Toa would be able to match his speed if they sprinted for all their worth. There was maybe half a kio left until Pridak met his match now. As Sans ran, less attacks struck him, but the warriors he failed to squash were free to slash and strike his feet and legs. While Sans skipped a step to shake some Takean off his heel, a Toa of Air dove straight into his chest. Sans wasn't as graceful as he used to be, so he fell. His forward momentum carried him forward still, but that also meant he fell on his face. Sans couldn't afford to linger on the pain. As soon as he hit the ground, a dozen warriors rushed towards him, aiming to stab and slice his exposed hands and legs and sides and head. Sans grit his teeth before rolling on his side, crushing a few more warriors in the process, not to mention revealing the warriors he crushed from his initial fall. He chose to roll towards the middle of the battlefield because that's where the Toa of Air landed. Before that fallen Toa could fly away again, Sans reached out and grabbed him with his free hand. The Turaga tried to fend off League forces with his staff, challenging them to come closer and risk being battered, all while bringing the now-doomed Toa closer to his crouched body. "Kids like you..." the old timer's eyes stared directly into the soul of the Le-Toa, who had abandoned all bravery and was now screaming from the pain of Sans' increasingly tight grasp, "should be burning in Karzahni!" Through the foggy chaos of the battle in Ko-Metru, the screams of this once-brave Le-Toa pierced the icy air. Then the screams stopped, and Sans could be seen tossing a limp body in the air. The Turaga's face betrayed no emotion, save pain. He turned back towards his comrades, declaring, "We're about halfway there, come on, keep pushing!" He saw the fear and exhaustion and shock on their faces, yet he also saw their determination. They would not lose this battle, and Pridak would not escape with his life. Sans rose again, enduring more blasts, dodging a few Kanoka, and ripping out a spear freshly embedded in his shoulder. "If that's all you have, then I'll live forever, huhuhuhuhu!" Sans shouted and hardened his heart and ran once more straight for Pridak, kicking and swatting any foes in his path. OOC: @EmperorWhenua @Eyru @That Matoran with a Vahi

IC: Mata-Nui, Cortex As Mata-Nui held the Krom Sphere, the Zyglak attacked. A spear stabbed Him in the chest, and out of pain, Mata-Nui flinched back, ripping the Krom Sphere from Mazor's hand. The fused Untethered clenched the artifact in His hand and stared at the beast that dared attempt to thwart Him. "Fool." Mata-Nui flexed his pecs, and the spear broke off inside Him, with the spearhead being pushed out through His powers over iron and magnetism. Then it was His turn to strike- and He wasn't feeling merciful. Mata-Nui stared down the Zyglak and approached as He used his powers over iron and magnetism to fly the being back into the fleshy wall. Irna was pinned, and Mata-Nui began applying crushing pressure. The Dead God's Avatar stepped close to the doomed creature, and raised His Repulsion Mace, ready to smash this insignificant mite in one fell swoop. OOC: @Conway @Smudge8 IC: Sans, Ko-Metru The fresh De-Toa seemed to be finding her voice, in more ways than one. She blasted some warrior back after unleashing a shrill cry that echoed off the knowledge towers. As Sans whirled his staff around, he knew his next step. Sans wound his staff arm back before swinging the enlarged protosteel as hard as he could into the now-weakened knowledge tower. It had the intended effect, and it came crashing down. It slammed across the battlefield, smothering countless Barraki soldiers and injuring countless more. Snow and dust kicked up, and the battlefield now seemed cloaked in an icy fog. Some of Pridak's forces broke at the gruesome scene and took flight away from the battle. "They must've forgotten to bring their inhalers, huhuhuhuhu," boomed Sans in his giant-form voice. His laughter echoed off the knowledge towers, mingling with the sounds of war. Some Vo-Toa had joined Sans and the others by now. That was just fine by him; he made a mental note about watching his step for one more Toa he didn't want to squish. He began marching towards Pridak, though not so fast that he would leave his new Toa friends behind to die. Sans kicked and swatted a few warriors before he took a nasty blast to his thigh. He turned to see a Vortixx reloading another shot. She would not get the chance. Sans pointed his staff and shot a powerful blast of water at her, knocking her back several feet. Before attempting more damage to this one soldier in particular, a few more blasts started pelting the huge Turaga from all sides. It seemed that League army was starting to prioritize taking out the big guy. Sans crouched down, making himself as small as possible while simultaneously making himself big as possible. He swept his staff in front of him, clearing a path immediately in front of the Hero's Party. "We have to keep moving!" Sans hoped his comrades could hear him. Pridak was less than a kio away. If he kept moving, Sans would be there in a minute or two, but given the increasingly heavy fire directed at him through the snowy fog, it may take a minute or two more. OOC: @Eyru @Crimson Jester @EmperorWhenua @That Matoran with a Vahi

IC: Mata-Nui, Cortex "I can do that... Someday, you'll freely come back to Me... just as I have come back to you." Mata-Nui closed His eyes, and the bubbling power inside of Him subsided. The room rumbled and shook and the walls seemed to move. Low vibrations could be felt softly throughout the floor, yet the monstrous fusion before the two League warriors seemed at peace. For nearly half a minute, the dark abomination stood resolute yet calm. Outside the Cortex... beyond the Colosseum... above the City of Legends, while many forces waged war, no one noticed the crimson skyline subtly shifting. One star extinguished, and another burned brighter in its place... Then Mata-Nui opened His eyes. "It is done. Your Destiny's path has been shattered, and a new one, unbeknownst to all- even Me- has taken its place. I have freed you from My woven timeline, and from the Duty you once swore to uphold. You have no Unity with any being in this world from this moment on. You are free. Now give Me the Krom Sphere. Let this stand-off end. Enjoy your new life in My new world." Mata-Nui began pulling the Krom Sphere towards Him. Unless Mazor reaffirmed his own grasp on the artifact, Mata-Nui would finally hold it in his own demented grasp. OOC: @Smudge8 @Conway

IC: Sans, Ko-Metru "That's alright, Leklo. It's harder to use smaller amounts of power than larger ones. You'll get the hang of it once we land, I know you will." A red alarm light began to flash and the back entrance doors slowly opened. "Speaking of landing, looks like our time has come. I'll watch your back- all of you, I'll protect you down there. It's okay to be afraid. I'm afraid. Yet this is when bravery matters most." Sans walked to the edge of the wide open doors, looking at the chaos unfolding below. "Today, we're all heroes." Sans' cape blew with the wind, and icy flakes of snow melted on contact with his aged blue Ruru-shaped Kanohi. Staff in hand, Sans turned back to his companions. "Come to me, then jump a second after I do. Be filled with determination! I'll catch you all, and when we get to the ground, well, don't stop fighting until the Takean King lies dead beneath our heels, huhuhuhu." Then, the old man jumped out of the airship, followed by his Toa brothers and sister. As he fell, Sans looked across the battlefield. Fallen towers of ice, burned down buildings, Matoran corpses strewn about- in a word, chaos. Sans had seen only a few true battles such as this before. But in all his years, he had always won. He would win again today. he was ready, and would make sure the new Toa wouldn't die on his watch. In the distance, maybe one kio, was the prime target Pridak, who seemed to be fighting some warrior. He was surrounded, of course, but Sans knew none of this would be easy. Internally, he mourned the fact he might die in Ko-Metru; those of water never truly enjoyed the ice. It felt like death, at least to him. Now was the time to put thoughts of death away from his mind, though. He was a hero and it was time to save the day, if not the universe. The wind stuck him like a thousand icy needles, yet Sans focused on his mask, and began to grow, and grow, and grow, until he was around 40 bio tall, with his staff matching his growth. The ground didn't seem so far away when he was like this. He turned, and reached out to grab the three toa, then cradled them close to his chest. In a deeper, louder, booming voice, he spoke to them again, maybe for the last time. "The impact won't be fun, but I'll feel most of it. Just make sure you don't fall away from me like an icicle off a cliff side, huhuhuhuhu!" Sans may not have the strength behind the use of his element like he did when he was a Toa, yet he conjured a significant stream under his feet, which blasted the ground and swept away a few of the weaker fighters beneath him. These jets of water indeed softened the blow, and with his staff hand, he stabbed the frozen ground the moment he came close to Metru-Nui's surface. Between the staff and the water, Sans didn't break his legs, though he did still crouch down from the force of landing. It wasn't as bad as he thought it'd be though. With foes all around him, he quickly lowered the Toa to the ground by his feet, noticing for a second Korruhn's not-so-spooky arm extended towards the Turaga's feet. "Already, that one is showing ingenuity in using his newfound gravity powers. I'm just lucky he didn't get cold feet and repulse us all back to the airship, huhuhuhuhu," Sans thought. Since the sight of a huge Turaga falling on them was fairly scary, the League brutes beneath them naturally cleared the landing zone, yet the moment the three Toa were on the ground, they rushed forward. Surrounded on all sides, and quite a fight between them and Pridak, Sans whipped his staff from the ground and did a flashy spin before swiping several lesser members of Pridak's species to the side; one of them was even swatted onto the side of knowledge tower like a fly on a windshield. Sans turned around again to face where Pridak stood malicious and defiant. It wouldn't be easy, but for a hero, it never was. Sans was ready for the fight of his life, and Mata-Nui willing, Pridak would fall this day. OOC: @Crimson Jester @EmperorWhenua @Eyru IC: Mata-Nui, Cortex Mata-Nui smiled through His twisted maw as Mazor extended the artifact towards Him. When Mata-Nui grabbed it, though, Irna shouted out, and Mazor didn't let go. Mata-Nui tried to pull the Krom Sphere back, but it seems that Mazor hadn't completely made up his mind yet. "Mazor... please... everyone has blood on their hands, even you. Would you prefer your God not punish those who would oppose My will? Should I not end the lives of evil beings who twist and mangle My harmonious universe? Let go, Mazor, you're making the right choice. Let go, don't make Me do what you know I can. You have the power to decide how this ends. Will you walk out of here and enjoy My restored, harmonious, peaceful world? Or will you begin My new era with more bloodshed, starting with your own?" Mata-Nui's arm began to crackle as wisps of iron and flame twisted like fine hairs from His oscillating metal flesh. The walls around the room seemed to pulse as well, and the tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Mata-Nui's three eyes looked directly into Mazor's eyes if not his soul. He was ready to obliterate both Mazor and Irna if needed, yet Mata-Nui offered this one last chance to these lowly beings. OOC: @Smudge8 @Conway

Season 2 is gonna start like next week @Mr. House you could make a simple throwaway character for the remaining couple days if you'd like and fight on either side in this battle of metru nui, or just wait until new game starts! PM me if you want help jumping into this game as this first season comes to an end so that you don't throw off any plots unfolding rn

IC: Sans, Airship above Ko-Metru "Huhuhuhuhu. Focus, Leklo, we don't have much time."

IC: Sans, Airship Tutelage "Impressive, Korruhn! You'll fare well, no doubt! You other two, don't fret. I had the opposite problem when I first became a Toa- I couldn't stop leaking, huhuhuhu!" Sans approached Taja, and held her arm out straight as an arrow. "It's a bit difficult to put into words, yet I still try, for love of chatter if for no other reason, huhuhuhu. Imagine your entire body is composed of sound. Which, in a way, it is. Your whole body, vibrating, pulsing; the crate over there can be touched by you standing over here. Using your powers is just extending your body. In this case, you're extending your arm. You want to reach out and vibrate the air between you and the crate, then feel the crate itself. Your entire body is sound, now reach out and shift your body to extend beyond your physical form." Sans let go of Taja's arm, and saw Leklo extending his own arm before Sans could touch him. "Basically the same thing... but with plasma, it's more precise. You aren't vibrating, you're rippling, if that makes sense. Like if you shake your feet on a shag carpet before poking your buddy, huhuhuhu. Imagine your body is almost like a pool of water. As you reach out, your rippling arm should not merely extend, but pierce the air and world itself as you directly approach your target. Your element has a flow to it, and also precision. Pierce the crate, Leklo. You can do this. And both you you, don't worry, you won't do any damage to the ship that isn't insured, huhuhuhu!" OOC: @Eyru @EmperorWhenua it may not be the best post, but this was very fun to write

IC: Mata-Nui, Cortex "Can you trust me? Well, let Me ask you this: who do you trust now? Who sent you here, with the Krom Sphere? Do you trust them? Do you trust them more than Me? Do they trust you? I trust you. I know you believe in Me. I know you don't want Our world to suffer anymore. I know you want to stop the endless wars. I trust you. Do you trust me? Trust Me with the Krom Sphere. You've brought it here, to Me, and you didn't even know why. Your purpose was to bring it to Me. Now is the time: hand it over." OOC: @Smudge8

IC: Mata-Nui, Cortex The conversation inside His own head was halted for a moment. Mata-Nui's mind raced, and His identity shifted again. This time, a flood of memories bled into His others. He remembered the beach... and the skies... and the sands... and the sights of the city on fire.. of the city before the fire... the city before the war... the city form the view inside His office... He was there now, holding on to a mighty blue Titan, and the Titan stared back... and dared to hold Him down.. the others were there too, reading Him... they would not know... few were left who truly knew, now one less without Dume... many of the ancient beings worked so hard... to thwart Him... they left Him... yet We were not gone.. We were always returning... ...images of an island....when it was lush and peaceful... the new memories named it Z A K A Z... there they all worked... they toiled night and day even before there was night and day... building the ark... building their escape... yet We would not be left... memories of a thousand conversations flashed through Our heads and mind... talks with the Dark Ones... who were they? Why did they exist to thwart My will? Their faces ever-changing... their beings ever changing... without them, I would not be away... yet I am returning... they have failed to stop Us... their island in the Silver Sea will be the first to fall once We return... and that island with the forges... memories of the Ancient Ones working there... We must destroy their ancient forges... We must avenge every moment My world abandoned me... ...memories of the long life in the central citadel... watching the Matoran... sleeping above My mind... hoarding my heart... memories of- And the memories ended. The consciousness returned to what it was... a thousand flickers flashing all at once, then silence again... a voice was heard, "Immolate him," then the blue Titan disappeared from vision... from knowing... Mata-Nui focused again. Before Him, the two warriors were still eyeing Him with caution. They still possessed that artifact... the old one's memories gave it a name... "I require the Krom Sphere. Please, let me love you again. Give me what's Mine, and be proud in joining Me."

IC: Sans, Airship Sans took his time getting back to his team. Was it an official Toa team? Could it even be one if a Turaga was part of it? No, this seemed more of a convenient team-up, and though Sans was doing his best to keep such thoughts at the back of his mind, there was an all-too-real possibility that all of them wouldn't even be making it back from this mission. When he did get back to the others, though, he was pleased to see them getting acquainted. "I'm sure you three are nervous. My first assignment as a Toa was unclogging a dam in a creek so that this village on the Southern Continent could have their homes' water pressure go back up, huhuhuhuhu. If it helps, we have a minute before we arrive at the battle." Sans pointed to some of the miscellaneous crates in this back area of the ship. "I want each of you to practice using your element. You'll find it easier to make large blasts, which is fine when we're surrounded by Pridak's forces, but control must be maintained all the same. Each of you, pick a crate, and try your best to blast it with a controlled force. Please don't blow through the hull; while crashing this airship into a knowledge tower would certainly work wonders for stalling Pridak's advance, the clean-up afterwords- and since we will be winning this fight, there will be a clean-up- would be super tedious, and I enjoy making messes more than cleaning them, huhuhuhu. So each of you, focus, take a moment to feel the well of elemental energy building inside you, extend your arms, imagine how it feels to extend your essence towards the target, and unleash a small, controlled blast at the crate of your choosing. Any practice is good practice, huhuhuhu." Sans was confident his companions could pull this off, yet he stepped aside all the same. OOC: @Eyru @Crimson Jester @EmperorWhenua

Username change to Vezok and UN's Friend?