55555

Vote here for your favorite Alternate Universe story; entries have been randomized. Please MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL ENTRIES BEFORE VOTING.Voting begins now and will end on June 7th at 11:59 PM EST. Entries that do well will move on to the Alternate Universe Final Poll, which will be posted at the conclusion of the 12th round preliminary poll.[*]The Tree The day had been long for Toa Macku. The city around her lay in rubble with shards of what were once magnificent statues scattered among the dirt, dust and spider webs. The horde of venomous spiders had proved to be formidable for her team. Hafu and Kapura had gone missing early in the morning. They were supposed to scout the area and meet back with the team two hours later on the dot. Tamaru was found in a cocoon; infected by the foul beasts. It was too late for him; it was well known that there was no cure for a victim once poisoned. The effects seemed harsh and grim. Once the poison entered a creature’s system, their appearance would change drastically. Who knew what would come from it all? A third arm, a loss of a head or perhaps a new strange power would appear. Tamaru had shifted into an arachnid-like rahi. He had six legs and he could no longer speak Agori, though his memories seemed to remain. Kopeke and Taipu were long gone. They had fled the island to seek help from other toa from all corners of the universe. The toa had not heard anything from them ever since they left weeks ago. Kopeke had traveled north to seek help from the sacred realm of Karzahni which was filled with towering cities that gleamed in the light of the three suns. Taipu had traveled south towards the rustic country side of towns such as Metru Nui. That left only Macku. Using her elemental powers, she created a tree that grew rapidly into a watch tower. The more the green toa focused, the higher and more grand the tree became. Red leaves and pink blossoms began to flourish. Eventually new smaller trees spread around the area. The growing bark twisted and turned into knots and spirals. Trees began to merge in fantastic shapes and sizes with branches spreading across the city like soft lightning. It had taken quite some time to gather enough energy to do all of this, but the results were worth the effort. Macku looked down at the red stone artifact she had sought after for years. Its glow radiated softly. It gave her strength to press forward and continue her dying battle. Yes, Macku was certain the dark chapter of the Fikou invasion would soon end in New Atero. Looking over her work, she was sure what she created would become a new home, a sanctuary and a beacon of hope to all who gazed upon its glory; for this was the only plant in existence that could repel the vicious horde. ------[*]His to Control “You don’t like being beaten.” Teridax grimaced, blood trickling down the side of his mouth and down to his chin. “I would think that is obvious.” He need not open his eyes; he couldfeel the Makuta standing before him through empty air. He didn’t even bother to stand. If he be killed, that was one fewer life about which to worry. The strange Makuta’s emotional signature shifted into a half-sardonic smile. With that smile came a sense of familiarity — a mystery, and Teridax did enjoy mysteries. “Even the most powerful may fail.” Teridax noted without hesitation a ring in the stranger’s tone. “Except you?” he hazarded. He could feel the other’s smile widen. “Indeed.” “What do you want?” The air turned cold. Teridax opened his eyes; the Makuta standing before him made no threatening moves, only stood before Teridax with an air of superiority and, surprisingly, neediness. His Kanohi was gold, its form — two prongs curving out and in, one on each side of the mouth; the forehead sloped in and back; the heavy brow — well engrained in Teridax’s mind. Small wonder the other Makuta’s presence radiated such energy. “I would think you had ascertained the reasons for my visit by now,” said the Makuta. Teridax shrugged, standing slowly. His muscles ached. More presences had entered his field of detection, distant but instantly recognizable. “You need me,” he said. The stranger must have also noticed the new presences, for his nod was curt. Teridax focused. “You want me to come with you.” Again the stranger nodded. “You have big plans.” Teridax took his turn to smile at the thoughts swirling about the outer shell of the stranger’s mind. The other Makuta didn’t bother to conceal them; if anything, he thrust them at Teridax in lieu of conversation. Thrust so hard, in fact, that the thoughts entered Teridax’s own mind... He saw a world where the Matoran Universe was run by the Brotherhood of Makuta. The image changed — now the Matoran Universe was dead, but a lone Makuta known as Icarax still survived somewhere... A flash, and a lush green vista blossomed before him, but underneath the flora rested a source of indefatigable corruption. With each image came a hint of information being impressed upon his mind. And then a grand panorama of images played out before him. A swirling vortex of energy represented space-time. Within this vortex, universes were born and universes died. All, thanks to his power, were open. They were his to control, to enter, to take from— —and then he was pulled from the vision. The invading identities were drawing near; the Makuta before Teridax canted his head in obvious question. “I will come,” said Teridax. “But first, to answer a suspicion of mine... your name?” “In due time,” said the Makuta, and Teridax noted how the stranger’s tones echoed his own. A portal opened between the two Makuta, like a drain plug had been pulled from the air. The Makuta gestured Teridax through and followed himself. The portal closed without theatrics. * * * The first one to enter the room, upon his own insistence, was Vakama. He leapt through the doorway with his Kanoka disk launcher hefted and Mask of Concealment activated; he swung his launcher from one corner of the room to the other and, upon finding the room empty, deactivated his Kanohi and called to the other Toa Metru, “It’s empty.” Disgust was evident in his voice. As the other Toa Metru entered, cursing their bad luck, Nokama placed a hand on Vakama’s shoulder. “We’ll find Makuta,” she assured him. Vakama shook her off. ------[*]Mirror I stared into his eyes and he stared back. Emerald eyes glowed behind his virescent Noble Kadin. He was me; but he wasn't; yet he was. It was as if I was peering at the surface of a still pond, into the depths of a world where everything is inverted. Here in my world, in my universe, I am a scholar, a chronicler, and a storyteller. I am but a simple Matoran living a simple life of simple joys. In his universe, where it is the Matoran who command the elements, he wielded his powers of The Green with a fist of hardwood. He was a ruthless tyrant who ruled over his world; suppressor of freedom, pitiless enslaver, hater and destroyer of all knowledge among the common people. He was devious and cunning, two things I was not; and he was most certainly evil, a trait to which I am proud to lay no claim. He admired his new surroundings with surprise, wonder . . . and rapacity. Though his eyes glowed with the same hue as my own, they gleamed with an eager malevolance and an iniquitous joy at the prospects before him. "A whole new world to conquer," he sibilated. "When that fool appeared with that Olmak, I thought it was but another mad scheme of deposition. Mad as it was, it took his madness to show me what has been right beneath my Kanohi all these many years. . . . I have grown weary of ruling a universe with nothing but senseless rebellions to quell beneath my heel. The life of an absolute is dull, at best. But I should have seen it sooner! Why limit my kingdom to one universe--when I could control them all?" "Are you insane?" He smiled at me. It was the tenuous smile of a crack in the earth, a deceptive crack that you know will any moment yawn into an abyss of endless shadow any engulf you; and in spite of this certainty, you do not flee, for their is an inexplicable beauty of a macabre tenor to the crack, an enthralled awe awaiting the opening of its sublime mouth. "You should know full well that--we--are quite insane." "You can't possibly rule two universes!" "That batty Turaga--for your sake I hope he exists not in this universe--was right about one thing: I--excuse me, we­--can do anything we put our minds to. I do not intend to rule two universes at all . . . but far more." He cocked his head at me. "You are me, are you not? I am you. We are . . . one. We should work together. You could join me . . . together we could be absolute across all the dimensions! You and I could become far more than mere Matoran. We could transcend the Great Beings themselves." I was not going to listen to another word of this. I screamed "Never!" and unsheathed my blade and lunged. The next thing I knew I was hanging upside down, entangled in vines. "So you are not me, after all. . . . A pity. This, then, is good-bye. I have a universe to conquer." And then he was gone. I did not think as I freed myself from my bonds. Perhaps I had already resigned myself to my unruly task. Like it or not . . . I knew that I was the only one who could stop myself. But one question did press at the corners of my mind: Which of us was the real Nuile? ------[*]The Darkness Has Won Balta stumbled backwards, alarmed. This was no Voya Nui, nor even the Southern Continent. It was…a city, like the legendary Metru Nui Turaga Jovan had spoken of. Skyscrapers cast towering shadows upon the ground, which was cold and hard. Yet at the same time it seemed almost…alive, like it had many, many years ago. Before the Great Cataclysm, when he had still been just a regular Matoran. While, not regular; no Matoran who had gone through Karzahni was regular. But his past was not what bothered the Ta-Matoran. It was where he was now, and what had happened to him just a few moments ago, that was more troubling. When the Toa Inika cut the stone cord, Voya Nui had gone rocketing back to its rightful place in the Southern Continent. Matoran had piled out of hiding, eager to see their old home. Everything had been fine for a few months, until today when Balta went out in the newly established lava fields. He was taking a break on the fringes when a strange being reminiscent of a Piraka materialized in front of him and grabbed hold of his arm. The next thing he remembered was darkness. As Balta sifted through these memories, he noticed something odd. There was no one on the streets of this magnificent metropolis. Not a rahi sang in the air, not a Toa walked the roads. A piece of paper drifted by on the light breeze, and Balta caught hold of it. A strange message was inscribed on the papyrus-like substance: Meet tonight at the base of the Coliseum. A band of rebels will be there; Turaga Ahkmou has sent orders to eradicate them. The Coliseum! Before his death, Jovan had spoken of such a place. It was supposedly a pillar of good, a veritable palace of heroism. From the Coliseum the Toa-Dark Hunter War had been fought. Balta knew he had to get there. Hours later, the wandering Matoran found a building that matched his old Turaga’s description. With eyes long used to assessing hiding places and caves, Balta spotted a dark figure disappearing into an alley. He ran after it, deflector blades at the ready. As he entered the shadows, Balta was roughly grabbed and pressed against the Coliseum wall. “What are you doing here?” hissed a voice. “You aren’t from this place, are you? Whose side are you on?” “From…other…universe…” he gasped. “Southern Continent, warrior. Where am I?” The strangling hand retracted. “Another universe, eh? What’s it like there? Who controls it?” “The Great Spirit, of course,” Balta responded, “except he’s asleep right now. Like he has been for the past, oh, thousand years?” “So,” the being mused quietly, “in your universe, the darkness has not already won.” [*]Counterparts Fear. That was probably an accurate description of what Darque Persona was feeling right now. He wasn't really accustomed to fear; to be fair, not much could scare him. But now, as he watched an alternate version of himself prepare to experiment on him, he felt scared. Under normal circumstances, Darque would have turned into sand and escaped by now, but he was dealing with someone who knew his powers intimately. Other than having opposed elements, their powers were the same, and so Lyght had placed a power restraining band around his head. This made Darque more worried. Not that he would let himself show it. No, he had to play it cool; not let his counterpart, known as Lyght Spiritus, believe he had the upper hand. "This has been a most fortunate day," Lyght said. "Already I have managed to find and capture and alternate version of myself whose powers oppose my own, and then I acquired the final piece of my device. He was pompous. Darque didn't like that. "Now, I can harness your power and meld it with my own to gain supreme power." Lyght leaned over Darque's tied down form. "And all because of your issues with Olmak Anomalies." "Look, they're not my issues," Darque corrected. "I just contributed. I didn't know that my powers and his would be able to make a portal to an alternate multiverse." Lyght paused. "His power?" he queried. "Who is-" The large windows exploded and heat instantly filled the room. Lyght formed a barrier of white snad to protect himself. When he dispersed it, a silhouette was standing in the frame, flames burning brightly behind him. "You left me behind," the silhouette said, stepping off the the window. The Toa had gold and red armour and a fused mask of invisibility and shielding. "Vanus," Darque said with a hint of relief. "Took your time." "Ah," Lyght said. "You must be your multiverse's counterpart of our Sunakav." "Sunakav?" Vanus asked, before he was hit square in the chest with a blast of ice. As it froze his torso, another Toa dropped down to confront him. He looked almost exactly the same as Vanus, but his armour consisted of deep and light blues. He carried twin scythes coated in a thin layer of frost and wore a manical grin across his mask. Vanus raised his heat and melted off the ice before drawing his twin fire greatswords. "This is going to be fun!" Sunakav cried before he charged. Lyght turned back to his subject. "That deals with your friend. I don't think that either of them can win that fight. They should be perfectly matched against each other." He picked up a remote. "Now, back to the matter of extracting your essence." "I really don't see how this is a good idea," Darque responed. "I need your essence to become more powerful. It's as simple as that." "Yeah, but what if I rebel inside you? I'm not very cooperative." "I'm going to destroy your consciousness in the process." "You really thought of everything." "I try." "I almost feel proud of myself." Suddenly, Lyght was knocked down by another explosion. Vanus ran to Darque and took the band off his head. Feeling empowered, Darque turned to sand and shifted out of his bindings. "How did you beat Sunakav?" Darque asked. "I didn't. I just threw him through a wall and slowed him down. Come on. We need to find an Olmak Anomaly and get back to our multiverse." "How?" "I have no idea." And they ran out of the lab. -------[*]The Dark Spirit An almost palpable sense of gloom hung over the city of Metru Nui. Ten years and a day had passed since the rising of Teridax to his status as the overlord of the universe, and now, with the dark Makuta’s antidermis coiled around the Core Processor with no intention of letting go, the universe itself hung under perpetual gloom. Teridax’s dark laughter seemed to echo through the universe, a thin breeze on the wind by the time it reached Metru Nui. Teridax was growing discontent with the world he ruled. Every single one of the other beings in the universe was so far below him and lacked all of his power. He could kill them as easily as he could a fly by simply cutting off their source of air, he could drag them into nothingness with a single touch of his massive power… and yet none of it mattered. None of these beings had anyone who could hope to destroy him, and he wanted the challenges, he craved them. And yet he’d made it so no being could ever challenge him again, thus rendering him immune to all dangers, every one of the threats that his master plan had so expertly maneuvered. His enemies could try to fight him, but he could simply destroy them. There was no challenge in that. Makuta sighed, and his sigh reverberated through the Matoran Universe. The more he learned to control Mata Nui’s massive robotic body, the more artificial this world within him seemed, the inhabitants nothing more than lifeless robots to him. There had to be other worlds out there teeming with life. But Teridax knew he would never leave this planet of endless sea. Going out into the unknown was far too risky. He’d thought about leaving this world by the Red Star years ago, but he did not- could not- know what went on beyond. Teridax was too shrewd to risk losing control of his domain like this. He needed to remain in control, and going out into the unknown was a sure way to lose what he already had. Another dreary day was beginning below, with the Matoran awaking to their hundreds of daily chores to maintain Teridax’s massive body. Teridax smiled slightly. He had to admire the Matoran of Metru Nui for their (compelled) diligence. Teridax sighed again. He would never leave the Matoran Universe. He was as much a prisoner within this massive robotic body as the Matoran below were.

Sweet, I was unaware of the concept of making shadows the compliment of your light source. That will come in handy. - 55555

THEME #8: Ultimatum Yes, in the intrepid Velox's absence I'm announcing your theme. As usual, you may use the theme however you'd like. Remember that this is a COT theme, and your story must comply with the word count regulation. Deadline: June 3rd, 1:59 AM EST. - 55555

A little too long and a little too late for this round. I'm happy with it though, and I'm glad I wrote it. Lhii Comes Back Three Ta-Matoran had set forth, patrolling their borders, spears in hand. A marching song they sang, as on their way they went.In the heat and in the smokeWhere lava flowed and bubbles brokeLhii crested the scarlet waveHe the maddest brink would braveAs they ended this verse and began the next, a yellow shape moved between the charred trees. Nothing walked in this forest, save the Rahi and their master. An order was given, the Matoran snapped into positon, forming a triangle in an attempt at defense.Then a figure stepped from the burnt trunks of the trees. His Pakari was scarred, and his hands were blackened with fire. A lava board was slung on his back, and in his eyes was a stalwart flame."Do you know who I am?" the lone figure said."We have heard the legends, but we also heard you were dead," Kapura returned."That tale was no finished one, for you see me before you," the strange Matoran said."It is also said, stranger, that the creatures of Makuta roam this forest, with their claws and with their teeth. How is it you walk here, with only a lava board and your black hands?""Take me to your leader, he will understand."They set off through the smoldering wood, their eyes wide and their spears unsteady. He walked before them, over the bridge and through the gates, into the Koro. As he entered the Matoran gasped and spoke among themselves. The legends had long been told of Lhii's prowess, heroism, and death. Their shock crystalized into joy and clamor."Lhii! Lhii! Alive and free!"The bright eyes smiled behind the Mask of Strength."Lhii! Lhii! Alive and free!"Arms were raised in the air, the guards clanged their spears on their shields, the yellow feet walked on."Lhii! Lhii! Alive and free!"A Matoran of ice in the crowd stood petrified, shocked to his core by the coming of this being. His name was Matoro, and he knew many things unknown to the people of Ta-Koro.He ran, with all the speed at his command, to the home of Vakama, Turaga of Fire and inventor of Lhii.Words were spoken, few and fell, Vakama brushed his hand over his Kanohi. He seized his staff, and handed Matoro a throwing disc. He strode into the central square, Matoro following a step behind."Lhii! Lhii! Alive and free!"Vakama's eyes narrowed as the cry met his ears, he knew whose work this was, he knew who lay behind the yellow Pakari."Lhii! Lhii! Alive and free!""Stop!" Vakama cried, striking the paving stones with his staff.A sudden silence descended, and fear wafted among the Matoran like a wisp of poisonous fumes."This one you see before you is not Lhii, I saw Lhii die with my own eyes, many years ago," the Turaga said, quietly but in a carrying voice.The yellow figure smiled. The rusted scars on his Kanohi seemed to grow and spread, covering his shoulders, his chest, and soon his entire body. The eyes changed from the pure flame to a smoldering brilliance. He seemed to rise off the ground slightly,"I never expected my mask would to fool the creator of the persona. No one would believe in the coming of a figment of their imagination; correct Turaga?"The Matoran fell back, muffled cries filled the walls."Nor one who saw him die."The corroded figure laughed, first a foreboding rumble, rising to a shattering crescendo."Do you not see who you have as a leader, slaves of Mata Nui? One who lies not only for his own ends, but for his own enjoyment. Inventing tales, legends, with which to fool his own followers. He lies yet, as he lies about the coming of Toa, and your future."The dark figure levitated into the air, then disappeared, and silence descended.The Matoran gazed at the Turaga in front of them, who had led them since before they could remember. He hung his head.Makuta had won that day. --- - 55555

2, 8 and 9 were my favorites of these.- 55555

It came down to a choice between 1, 3 and 7. I went with 7, Clairvoyance. I liked the concept of the visions with no context, and that they were so vivid she lost track of what was a vision and what wasn't.- 55555

Yes and yes.- 55555

That is permitted. Just be aware that come voting/judging time, each story will be judged by itself.- 55555

Member Name: 55555Theme: VisionsWordcount: 595Story: I am Ringatoi, a Ko-Matoran and an artist. I have spent hour after hour in the burning of the twin suns, painstakingly creating art in Mata Nui's honor. The sand burned under my feet, my tools shone with sweat and sunshine. I liked to think that the suns were his eyes looking down on me appraising and (I imagined) approving of my efforts.We of ice are not an artistic people as a rule. We are given to the contemplation and the evaluation that often accompanies the mindset of creative Matoran, but instead we turn our talents to a more introspective work, that of prophecy.And then, it hit me.I don't know if I fell to my knees, it felt more as though I fell from the world, or flew upward from it.It was a view from on high, Metru Nui lay in ruins, strange webs graced the half fallen towers. A haze lay over the land, concealing the streets, but one could still make out the slight movement of arachnid beings. I examined it in a strangely detached manner, noting each element, purposefully dedicating each tone and line to memory.Then the it disappeared, and was replaced by a vision of a new land. Here there was only one sun, and it shone more brightly than any sun of Metru Nui. Partially silhouetted by the rising sun was a fleet of airships, their prows pointing towards the virgin sands.Another image became apparent, a low view of a council at a great Kini, six Turaga and many Matoran. If this island had any dangers in store for these villagers, they must face it alone, unaided by the powers of Toa. I looked among the Matoran, and I saw familiar faces. Eyrhe, Tama, Punga, and the infamous Takua. But where was Nuju? Or for that matter, where was I? Perhaps we did not survive the coming of the Webs.The vision flashed once more. I saw a gathering of Matoran, Turaga and... six Toa? Written above them, in letters of fire, were the names Tahu, Kopaka, Lewa, Gali, Pohatu and Onua. I carefully memorized the names and the imagery, the scene backlit by the westering sun, the jungle trees and the high mountains on the horizon..Then suddenly the blackness rose up again, and feeling returned to my limbs. I became aware of my surroundings, I was still in Ko-Metru, and nearly home.I got to my feet quickly and sprinted into my abode, grabbing my brushes and containers of paint, then hurrying to the Tower of Prophecies.I walked with my eyes forward, trying to keep the images sharp in my mind, bumping into people as I made for the ground floor of the Tower.I reached my destination, the bluish white wall of the tower spread invitingly before me. I set down my paints, wet my brush, and made the first stroke.The curving lines of the great Webs, the destruction of the Knowledge Towers and the Sculpture fields...Matoran strode by, I was only dimly aware of their exclamations. First angry, then awed as the pictures took form.The airships black against the sun, the lush forests and bright waters of the new island... Each Matoran I had seen at the gathering, the six strange Turaga, the tall spires of the Kini... And finally the arrival of the Toa, the hopes of the Matoran realized...I took a white brush and with a flick of my wrist, made the symbol of Mata Nui at the top. My work was done.

Gentlemen, be advised that a five hundred word story can be written in fewer than 20 minutes. - 55555

I WILL BE THERE IN THE FORM OF TWO MONSTROUS MOCS. - 55555

Name: 55555 Description: This is white and black only, so it could work with many light-dark color combinations. With more time I could add Vakama Metru standing between the POV and Makuta, possibly depicting some event in Time Trap. - 55555

Entry title: Mirrors & MirrorsMember name: 55555Entry, a bit large to direct linkArt medium: Computer/Traditional ArtOther links: NoneArtist comments: Based on the scene from the Ninjago TV show where the Ninjas fight skeleton shadows with their shadows. In this each mirror is basically it's own battle, and the Ninjas must keep track of all of them to destroy the Skulkin.- 55555

This is a yes. - 55555

Hooray! Good work on the hand, it has fingers and even an opposable thumb.KUTGW!- 55555

Entry title: Keeper Of The KeyMember name: 55555ThumbnailArt medium: Computer ArtOther links: TopicArtist comments: The Atlantean Shark Guardian pursues one of the intrepid seekers of the lost realm. Maybe he just wants to play.- 55555

My first entry for GAC #18. - 55555

*INSERTCOMMENTHERE* - 55555

5x5, I am disappoint.Either way, yes, this is an awesome concept and I look forward to seeing (and purchasing) the winning design. :oMy bads.- 55555

Consider it done. - 55555

Woot! - 55555

Hope it helps. - 55555