Excelsior

I voted for 2.-Excelsior

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: PreparationWord Count: 468Story: Foreknowledge"Getting ready?" Matthew asked, leaning in his friend's doorway.Daniel stopped polishing his sword and looked up. "Obviously."He was preparing to ride against a rebellious lord, along with a party of other knights from court. The king was to command them personally - he had to be prepared for this important fight in every detail.Matthew, of course, wasn't coming. His talents inclined more towards the arts of magery than those of knightly battle.Matthew now came farther into the room. "Is there anything I can do to help?"Daniel grinned. "Well, you could tell me what you're so worried about, Matt." He had noticed earlier that day - all day, in fact - that there was something Matthew seemed to be uneasy about."Sorry," Matt apologized. "I wasn't aware I seemed worried about anything.""Well, you did. So stop worrying. We've been through worse fights than this together in th old days," Daniel said firmly. He held his sword up to the light. "Good enough to beat Sir Francis with, you think?"Matt started to say something, then stopped. "I suppose. The guard could still use a little work, though. Here, let me.""So you think you're prepared for this battle?" he continued, skillfully shining the golden hilt."I do," Daniel said without hesitation. "I'm one of the best warriors in His Majesty's service." This was the simple and widely acknowledged truth, and the reason he was accompanying the force in the first place. I can take down a delusional petty lord."He looked more closely at his friend. "What's bothering you? You're really worried about this."Matthew looked at his friend. He was still a young man. "Are you...are you prepared to die?"Daniel paused. When he spoke, it was in a graver tone. "You really think there's a chance of that?"Matthew hesitated. More than a chance. Butt he couldn't tell his oldest friend that. He couldn't give him that doom. "Yes. There is."In spite of himself, Daniel was frightened. Matthew had more than a touch of the Seer in him, and he knew it.But he fought the fear down. The code of a knight precluded fear for oneself. It was cowardly and dishonorable."I'll be ready for it, if it comes," he told his friend. "And...if you think it's necessary...I'll put my affairs in order." He paused. "Would you look after things for me, Matt?"Matthew nodded reluctantly. "I think it would be a good idea. And yes, of course I will."As he watched Daniel stride off, he hoped he'd done the right thing. His dream of last night rose up before him - Daniel, wounded, falling in the field, overcome by an injury he somehow knew instinctively was fatal.How, he wondered, do you prepare someone for their death?

I voted for 5.It was hard, because I liked 1, but it didn't really seem to express the theme. It was very good, though, and - despite my own entry for this theme - I'm not generally a fan of Lesovikk stories.But then, this really a Nikila story. You can see she's really in pain from what he's doing to himself.3 was also good. "I will, strange disembodied voice." That was my favorite part.But it was too depressing to think of Lhikan's legacy that way. Hey, Jala! I'm here to invade your privacy and relentlessly tell you to be a hero! "You are so annoying I'm going to pretend to appreciate my legacy, but secretly throw it out, just to shut you up."5 was really the best for this theme, I think.Anyway, may the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 4. I didn't really see as much of a "Legacy" element in the other entries.And thanks, Aderia. Yeah, until I wrote that, I'd never thought of comparing them, but there are some interesting parallels.May the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 5. It was certainly different, but I liked it. Pohatu is my favorite of the Toa, but I can see Tahu's appeal, especially in his heroic looks.May the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 5.-Excelsior

I voted for 4.-Excelsior

Hard choice between 2 and 4, but I had to go with 4.May the best story win!-Excelsior

I went with 3. It seemed to best embody the theme, despite the fact it was more of a superhero parody than anything else.I haven't read my own entry (4) since I posted it, but I don't think I'm that happy with it. It was rushed.Anyway, may the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 4.-Excelsior

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: MusicWord Count: 586Story: Song of LightIn perfect silence, Krakua slipped through the tunnels of the Archives. He needed to leave Metru Nui, and he had heard there was an old chute system nearby.He edged cautiously around a corner. It seemed probable that Makuta wouldn't be noticing these obscure tunnels. Still, it was as well to be cautious. Even without the threat of a hostile "Great Spirit," this was dangerous. After all, it was the Archives.Still, he wasn't sensing any sonic vibrations around him, so there shouldn't be anything nearby. He rounded another corner.Standing in front of him was a black-and-yellow Rahkshi.He stared at it. But I still can't hear it...Then he remembered what power black-and-yellow Rahkshi had.He had no time to think it over, though. The Rahkshi moved toward him and...Spoke? "Welcome, Toa," it hissed. "My Master, Makuta,will be pleased by your death."Krakua stared. "You can't talk," he told it blankly."I am a Shadow Kraata, fool," it said contemptuously. "My Master's highest servant. I am at least as intelligent as you are."Then it attacked, with a sonic scream.He blocked it out with his own powers over sound. Wonderful, he thought, screaming back at it. A Rahkshi with Toa-level intelligence and my own power. I've heard of Shadow Toa, but this...As the fight progressed, it became clear the Rahkshi knew sonics as well as he did. It parried his attacks without difficulty, and its own discordant screams were devastating.I'm a Toa of Sonics, he thought angrily, struggling to withstand the cacophony of sound. This thing is fighting me my way - and winning.I hate it.He opened his mouth to let loose another ugly scream - and stopped. Was it fighting his way...or was he using its tactics?He ran over their respective attacks in his mind. They had both been using ugliness and discord..Makuta's territory. He had been giving in to despair and hatred.No wonder it had been winning.But perhaps he could still win this...like a Toa. He silenced the tunnel...and began his attack.The tunnel was filled with sound, but not the screeches and howls of a moment ago. This was harmony, beauty. It was a music.It began softly, but quickly grew. It held the notes of all instruments, and some notes which had never been made by any instrument. It held voices, among them Krakua's own, as he sang.He straightened, pouring the melody out of himself. Never before had he realized the extent of his power. He was creating beauty greater than he had ever imagined, save in dreams. The Rahkshi cowered away from him, striving...but failing...to fight against this melody.His music sang on, of hope in the darkness, of love for one's comrades, of honor and loyalty and selfless sacrifice. It sang of all that was best and purest in living beings.It was a Song of Light, and the creature of the darkness could not withstand it.The Song ceased. "I am sorry," Krakua said quietly to the fallen Rahkshi. "Sorry that the Music brought you pain. Surely if there had been any good in you, it would have been strengthened, not destroyed."He walked on down the tunnel. His heart was still filled with the Song, and he felt more hope than he had since the Kraahkan had appeared in the sky.Somehow, he knew that the Song would always exist, in true heroes' hearts...and while it did, the Shadow could never be said to have truly won.___Okay...At the beginning I felt like I was borrowing from Star Wars, but it was really more like The Dark Is Rising by the end. Also reminiscent of part of Clifford D. Simak's Way Station.And yes, Shadow Kraata can talk. I discovered that fact on BS01. Creepy, right?So, this is the last Bionicle theme. I'm pretty happy with my entry for it.-Excelsior

Seriously? Both nonsensical Vezon stories landed in the same poll?Huh. I think there's an opening for a joke about alternate world-hopping Vezons here, if I looked hard enough.Anyway, it was a tough choice between "Frosting," "Vezon's Utopia," and the actually serious "Fallen Brother".I went with "Vezon's Utopia" in the end, but I'd like to offer random comments on them all."Frosting" is, of course, a Bio-MeCandycal Chronicle, which I think pretty much sums it up.Sorry. "Vezon's Utopia" is just madness. "Yeah, but he's got that thing in his head...I wonder if it's a lemon." Perhaps it's a COMBUSTIBLE lemon!Completely random, except that I think Cave Johnson and Vezon would get along really well."Fallen Brother" is based off of a cool "what if" moment, which is good AU material. Onua didn't save Lewa that time...Anyway, I liked them all. May the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 6. I'd give a more extensive review of the entries, but unfortunately I don't have time right now.At least I voted, which I didn't do in time for most the Flight polls or the Amor Omnia Vincit ones. But I think those are the first polls I've missed this contest.May the best story win.-Excelsior

I voted for number three.-Excelsior

I voted for 3. Yes, the other story where Takua went missing. :PI liked the idea of, but I'm afraid I didn't think it treated the various factors quite accurately. 2 and 6 I frankly found a little too...random. 5, actually, was one of my favorites, but I just felt 3 fit the theme better.4, of course was mine. I'm (very) happily surprised by its popularity. It's an idea I've had since the similarly themed S&T contest a long time ago, but which I never got around to using. Just as well - now I'm probably a much better writer, and I was able to incorporate Spherus Magna.@Nick Silverpen: Exactly. Such a small thing was so important to the storyline - and the funny thing is, a Copper Komau actually seems like a more logical mark of appreciation than a random tool. (My explanation - in canon, Vakama actually had a vision about the importance of giving a future wanderer a chisel, and told the other Turaga about it. Why not?)@Panty Anarchy: So it would seem. Funny that I ended up voting for yours.@Ballom: Thank you. I'm glad it was chilling - actually, I think this is the darkest thing I've ever written. Dark can be...fun. @fishers64: Well, thanks! As I said, I liked the idea of yours. It was definitely in the "what if" spirit of Alternate Universes - that one small thing that could have been different. It was just - the Mata turned evil because they weren't challenged? I didn't really like that. (And yes, they were infected in mine. What's your point?)I wanted to make the island was lost... part a lot longer, but...word restrictions. Sigh.Thanks again to everyone who liked my story!-Excelsior

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: Character StoryWord Count: 600Story: The Wolf CrownedAlan sat by the inn's fire, his hat over his eyes. Three men approached him."Your pardon, sir," the leader said to him. "Are you Doctor Alan?""I am," he said, standing quickly. "Have you need of me?"The other paused. "Yes," he said finally. "But not in the way you think."Alan looked curiously at him."Would you show us your right shoulder, Doctor?""Of course," Alan replied.He rolled up his sleeve. Tattooed on his shoulder was the image of a great gray wolf."As you probably know," he said, "I am Alan of the Wolf, eldest son of Peter of that name. Distant relative of the Wolf Crowned of Arkanor. Are you from my home, by chance?""We are," the other man responded. He, in his turn, rolled up his sleeve. He bore an image of a falcon, with a golden ring around it.Alan's eyes widened. He bowed."Nay, Doctor!" the man said hastily. "Do not bow to me."I should, perhaps, have announced myself earlier. My name is Henry, knight of the King's Court. I am also, as you see, head of the House of the Falcon, Hereditary Stewards to the Wolf Crowned."But your age, Doctor. Are you over thirty-five?"Alan frowned, nonplussed. "I am," he answered slowly. "Following my coming of age, at twenty-one, I practiced my chosen trade for seven years at home, and seven abroad, as is the custom. I am now thirty-seven - but surely the Crown's Steward has not come to me because I am two years late in coming home!"Henry the Steward shook his head with a sad smile. "We have come for something far more important, Sire."Before Alan's astonished gaze, he dropped on one knee before him, grasping his hand. "I hereby pledge my loyalty to thee, Alan, rightful King of Arkanor. My life and my sword are thine."Alan withdrew his hand in horror. "Are you mad, man?" he cried. "I am a doctor, not a king! What of the Wolf Crowned, Ralph? What of his sons?"Henry looked up. His face was twisted with grief. "King Ralph and all his house, save you, Sire, are dead."Alan's heart seemed to stop. "What? How came this? When?""Three months ago," Henry told him, "the Snakes -curse them! - rose up against the Crown. Ralph had grown old, and the Crown was weakened. By treachery they murdered him and every Wolf in Arkanor - including, I sorrow to tell you, your father."I, with these two knights - Robert, of the Boar, and Lawrence, of the Leopard - escaped, and discovered that you are the nearest kin to the Wolf Crowned. As such, and having reached the age of succession two years ago...you are the Wolf Crowned, now."I beg you, Sire, take up the Crown. The Snakes have murdered thy family, and now oppress thy land. Thou art the only one who can bring back hope to thy people." He looked pleadingly up at Alan.Alan was silent, bewildered and frightened by this sudden news.He was a doctor, as he had said. He came of an insignificant family. He had never expected or wanted to rule.But then other emotions came, stronger than fear - grief at the death of his father, and of his overlord; anger at the murderers; and, unexpectedly, compassion for his suffering people.His people...He bowed his head."I shall, my Steward, and my most loyal knights."That night his shoulder throbbed, as he lay in bed. There had been added to Alan's Wolf a large, golden Crown.

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: LegacyWord Count: 600Story: Survivors' GuiltLesovikk walked wearily along. For three days, he had been fighting with a wounded rock lion.And he had lost.I am a failure, he thought, as he had so many times before. I am worthless. My team was lost, my village was lost, because of me.He was so focused on his own hopelessness, he didn't notice the battle till he was nearly in it. Then a clash of weapons penetrated his haze of self-guilt, and he looked up.A group of six Skakdi was hassling a Matoran wagon. They would rob them, and perhaps worse.Lesovikk's hand tightened on his sword grip. How dare those Skakdi scum...But then long habit reasserted itself. What do I think I'm doing? I'm no Toa. This isn't any business of mine. Besides, I'd just make things worse.And he shrugged and began moving on down the road, ignoring the conflict.But then a new figure appeared. A tall Toa of Fire ran up from the opposite direction. He carried two swords."Get away from the wagon, robbers!" he called defiantly. Then he saw Lesovikk. "Hey, brother! Give us a hand!"Lesovikk looked at him grimly. He was very young, he thought. Young and naive. He would bet he'd never seen anything worse than a roadside scuffle like this one.Oh well. Less trouble to help him.Lesovikk advanced on the highway robbers. The other's combat skills were raw, but he had potential. They soon drove off the thieves."They might return," the Toa of Fire suggested. "Should we ride guard?"Lesovikk shrugged again. "I guess I'll tag along."The Toa hesitated, then spoke. "Why didn't you help them earlier? You're a Toa, aren't you?""No.""I'm a failure. My whole Toa team died by my fault. I have no right to call myself a Toa."The other stared at him."How did they die?" he asked finally."What?" Lesovikk said, startled. That was not the normal reaction."Did they die...like heroes?""Yes," Lesovikk said angrily. "Of course.""I didn't mean to offend," the Toa said placatingly. "Would you tell me about their deaths?"Lesovikk stared at the road. "A band of Zyglak came to our island. I was their leader, and in the middle of the battle, I hesitated for a second too long. They all died."Their deaths are on my head. I defeated those Zyglak, but I couldn't bring them back. I am a failure. I cannot pretend to be a Toa." He stopped.."You make me sick," the other said."You say you're responsible for their deaths. So what?"You failed once, so now you're exempt from even trying? You can drift along irresponsibly, without any rules applying to you? That's not right."Your friends were heroes. You have to make up for their deaths. You have to live like them - better, because you have all of them to live for. You have to fulfill their legacy."Now Lesovikk was angry too. "What do you know about guilt, rookie? What do you know about 'legacies'?"The Toa still glared at him."You're not the only one who's lost their team.""My leader ordered me to escape. I did. But I never saw them alive again."I've often wondered if I could have saved them. I don't know. But I'm living the way they would have, not crippling myself with guilt. I want to leave behind as good a legacy as I've been given.""Someday, Mata Nui willing, you will hear of me as a Toa who redeemed his past. Remember me then. My name is Toa Lhikan."___So I decided to write about two of the most popular fanfic Toa...meeting! I've always considered Lesovikk way too emo, so I enjoyed writing a story where he got yelled at, even if I did stay up way too late. And Lhikan - heroic, could have met him, lost a team himself - was the perfect contrast.Anyway, I had fun. Which is really the point of this contest. Unless it's an evil scheme to deprive me of sleep, in which case it's still working, and if I need to go to bed so much, why I am still writing this never mind-Excelsior

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: UltimatumWord Count: 600Story: ThreatBill stared at the strange figure in the street. It had been trying to get into his house for over half an hour.Bill wished he wasn't alone in the house. But his father was at work, and his mother and little sister had gone clothes shopping. She had worried at the time about leaving him alone, but he had assured her he would be fine. He'd changed his mind now. Sure, his family members would be back by night, but night seemed far away. Right now he was besieged by an unnatural figure.Its ordinary suburban surroundings seemed faded and insignificant beside it. It was perhaps seven feet tall, and glowed with a dazzling radiance. But perhaps most impressive fact was that Bill was evidently the only person around who saw it.Women gardening, children playing or riding their bikes, people walking dogs, obliviously continued their daily lives, some passing within inches of the figure.His blazing eyes locked on to Bill's, as the boy stared from his bedroom window into the street."I know you hear me, Bill," his voice said clearly. "I speak with the mind, not the tongue. Answer."Bill answered, also in his mind. "What are you?""That's not important," the voice assured him. "The important thing is, you refuse to let me in the house. I've called you, tried to get in-""I noticed that," Bill said, trying to sound cool and unafraid. Just a glowing invisible telepath dude, that's all. Nothing to worry about. "The giant lightning bolts shot at the door were something of a giveaway. Not that they did any damage, oddly.""Let me in, Bill," the voice coaxed. "I need to come in. Your mother asked me to come and find something of hers."Bill snorted. "The only thing my mom told me about strangers coming to the door today was Don't let them in. Which she says every time she goes somewhere. Why should I believe you? Tell me what you want.""Let me in, child," the voice said, beginning to grow impatient. "The matter which brought me here is not one to be discussed in public. I must enter your house. I will enter your house.""Let me in."Bill stood, backing a pace from the window. He was remembering things his parents had told him before, when they had both had to leave at once."Never let anyone - anyone - into the house when one of us isn't here. You'll be safe as long as you stay inside." "We have some valuable things in this house. Very valuable."And that very morning: "Promise you won't let anyone in while I'm gone, Bill, even if you know them. Promise."He'd always thought his parents were a little paranoid. But obviously they'd known more than he did.And apparently "valuable" meant more than he'd assumed."No.""It wasn't a choice." The voice had grown angrier. "Let me in. Now.""Or?" Bill prompted."I may not be able to enter the house, Bill, but I can destroy it." The figure was plainly enraged now. "And you with it."Bill took a deep breath. "Don't know if you're telling the truth or not, but I refuse."Not letting you in. Sorry."The figure gave a scream of fury and - DisappearedBill collapsed on his bed, trembling with relieved strain. He was going have a strange story - and a lot of questions - for his parents that night. But for now, only one thing mattered.The figure's ultimatum had just been a bluff, and he had successfully called it.

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: Alternate UniverseWord Count: 515Story: For Lack of a ChiselFor lack of a chisel... "Take this Copper Mask of Victory," Turaga Onewa said, "crafted in the shape of my own. It is the greatest honor Po-Koro can give. May it bring you good fortune in your travels." Takua accepted it with pleasure. Takua was lost... Takua frantically dug through his bag, searching for something, anything, that could save him. The insectoid things were coming closer... The flute? The heatstone? One by one, every item he owned was discarded, while the strange creatures grew nearer, and nearer... He held the Copper Komau in his hand for a moment, gazing at it. Then he flung it away. Mask of Victory, indeed...he thought, leaning despairingly against the pedestal. Absolutely useless. His mind traveled back longingly to the gnomon he had once carried. Something pointy might have fitted into that space in the pedestal... Then the swarm was upon him, and he knew no more. For lack of Takua... The Great Kolhii Tournament began, with Hewkii and Hafu representing Po-Koro, Hahli and Maku from Ga-Koro, and Matoro and Kopeke from Ko-Koro - the three best teams on Mata Nui. In the stands Jaller watched glumly, a spectator. Yet again, he wished Takua had lived. Maybe if he had been Jaller's teammate... And then the Shadow fell across the Stadium... the island was lost... Pohatu was surrounded. He didn't think he would make it this time. He had been on the move, running, fighting, since the night of the Tournament. The night the Rahkshi came. There had seemed to be hundreds of them as they swept down over the field, blotting out the stars. Kraata, jumping on masks and bodies. Corrupting, enslaving... One by one, they had all fallen, until Pohatu alone fought the darkness But how, he thought, could one fight darkness without light? Now, even as he fought, a kraata leapt upon him. for lack of the island... Makuta surveyed his realm, and was well pleased. He called the Toa Nuva to him, and they came. He smiled upon them "Go, my heroes," he commanded them. "It is time to fulfill your destiny." Mata Nui was lost... Mindlessly, the Toa Nuva fed their energies into the lightstones of the Codrex. They did not know of the Av-Matoran outside their enclosure. Nor did they know that they were bringing into being massive energy storms, which would be the destruction of those Matoran - and of them. But if they had known, they would not have cared. The great robot rose from the depths of the endless ocean. And its eyes were red. for lack of Mata Nui... Makuta laughed as he felt his power. This was even greater than he had dreamed. Within his body and without, his power was limitless. He looked at the stars, with the eye of a conquerer. Spherus Magna was lost... Raanu groaned to himself. Only a week ago, the Skrall had conquered Vulcanus. Now its former leader was rebuilding their defenses, for the benefit of their conquerers. I would welcome an invasion, he thought bitterly, if anyone could conquer the Skrall. Our lot can hardly get worse. But it could, as he was shortly to discover. The rule of the Great Makuta, when he found his way to Bara Magna, would be worse than even the Skrall could imagine. And all for lack of a Po-Koro chisel.

I voted for 3.-Excelsior

I voted for 5.2 was cool, but I didn't really get what was happening.May the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 5. Whatever that "game" he's been pulled into is, they certainly have a strange way of getting players...May the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 4.1 was a cool idea, but I didn't like the ambiguous ending. Also, Gonan is, in effect, his side's military commander. If he wasn't prepared for these decisions, why did he become a player?2 seemed a little complex. I'm still not entirely clear on it - what's Burke's view of what just happened? Why does he think there was be a threatening recording in the bathroom?3 - well, 3 was mine.I haven't read it since I posted it, but I'm pretty sure it could use some polishing. Also, I'm really regretting that name choice. At least three other stories for this theme had some form of the name Alex. *facepalm* Feeling uncreative right now.4 was cool. It had a feeling of scope and complexity which I liked. It seemed the best to me.5 just seemed kinda choppy to me. Military paragraph. Fantasy paragraph. Sci-fi paragraph. Death and respawn. Paragraph about the total immersion gaming that we now know the last three took place in. I felt like it needed more of a unifying element between scenes.6 was my second favorite - it came down to that or 4. But it was a bit too depressing. Chess would appear to be a very bad influence on people.Anyway, may the best story win!-Excelsior

I voted for 2.-Excelsior

Member Name: ExcelsiorTheme: Amor Omnia VincitWord Count: 427Story: RefusalThe Healer had been sitting by the man's bed for some time. At first, he had been working over him, trying to halt or at least slow what was coming to him. Now he just sat by him, silent and still.The man on the bed looked at him inquiringly."Is there something wrong, Healer?"The Healer sighed. He had found himself in this situation many times before in his life, but he had rarely regretted it as much as he did now. This man was in the prime of his life, one of the most renowned knights of His Majesty's Court. He had had much to look forward to in life.On the other hand, in the battle that had injured him, his father's castle had been taken and sacked. Surely this would ease the struggle."I'm sorry," he began, "but...""Go on, Healer," the knight said reassuringly.The Healer drew a breath."You are dying.""I refuse.""What!"The Healer stared at the man in disbelief. This situation was definitely new to him."A man cannot refuse to die, when his time has come! And I tell you, sir, your time has run out. I have been a healer for many years, and I know the look of death."The man on the bed shook his head calmly. "I am sure of that, sir Healer. But I repeat, I refuse to die. Although it would not be hard to consent..."For it is a struggle to live now, Healer. My natural strength is gone. Besides that, my home is in ruins and much of my family dead."But I cannot join them. I have a friend, a comrade, the noblest knight of all this land. He was in the battle by my side, although the quarrel was none of his. They told me he was struck down at the same time I was."I had a dream last night, Healer. I saw him in it. He is alive, in my enemy's dungeon. He needs me."The Healer shook his head. He knew little of dreams, but he knew his work. This man could not live over three days.Three Weeks Later...The knight helped his friend up the dungeon stairs. Weakened by his captivity, the man had almost to be carried.His friend looked around the devastated hall. "You did this alone?"The knight smiled. "I had to see you safe..."He sank to the floor. Without the strength of his adamantine will he could live no longer."Farewell for now, beloved friend."Amor Omnia Vincit