Grey Snow

Chapter 14: Greed “I’m leaving,” Madan told his Sins simply, gesturing to both of his sides, to Lyala at his right, Forte at his left, “They are coming with me.” “What of us?” Envy hissed. “You shall remain until my return,” Madan told them, “We shan’t be gone for too long. When we return…the Toa shall be ended. That is a certainty at this point.” “How so?” Lust questioned, “Can you see the future now? How do you know that a victory can come so easily?” “Because I know,” Madan said vaguely, turning with a flourish of his cape, lifting up his staff and resting it on his shoulder. He glanced back over his shoulder, “Well, be nice, everyone. Just remain hidden here, instead of attacking.” “Very well,” Envy muttered. “We’ll see,” Greed said. Wrath had nothing to say. The Sin only clenched its fists. Lust nodded obediently this time. Sloth did nothing. “Good,” Madan said, departing. The day passed with the Sins having no issues, launching no attacks, being…obedient, in all honesty. However, as the next day came, Greed was nowhere to be seen. “Where’s that fool?” Envy demanded, looking around the side-passages, “I’ll not lose my had over him!” it gripped its blade tighter. Envy was the headhunter; it wouldn’t be prey to one of its own like that. “Even if Madan wanted your head, you’d be safe,” Lust told Envy. “I could nullify his powers, yeah,” Envy said, looking at the blades again, “I’d rather not. I’d rather not oppose Madan in the least.” “You fear someone?” Lust asked, smiling a little, “That’s interesting. You could stop Madan, but…” “His sword is superior,” Envy said, in reference to Forte. “You make a good point,” Lust replied. Wrath rose, “I’m going to find that fool,” the Sin muttered, “Sloth!” Sloth made no movements, no sound. Like most of the time. But this time, something was wrong. “Sloth?” Wrath questioned, stalking over to that figure. The powerful Sin looked down at the emerald armored one, lying on the ground as it was…unmoving… “Dead,” Wrath muttered, “Which one of you did this?” it shouted out. “Not me,” Envy said, “Or the head would be gone.” “Nor me,” Lust stated simply, “It had to have been Greed…or you, Wrath.” Wrath lifted its blades, “No. I’m no kinslayer.” “Greed,” Envy muttered, lifting its blade, “I’ll take that head for my collection,” the Sin hissed, “I’ve always liked it…this is perfect!” “I’m going!” Wrath shouted, heading towards the entrance of the caves, “I’m no kinslayer…but I will kill Greed!” “You will be a kinslayer, though,” Lust commented. “Greed stopped being kin as soon as Sloth was killed by that traitor’s hand,” Wrath muttered, “I will slay that being myself…I will leave nothing left of the traitor, as my pride as a Sin.” “Pride? Honestly?” Envy said, amused. Wrath made no comment at the jest and walked off, planning on slaying anyone who opposed it; Toa or Greed. “What do you think will happen?” Lust asked Envy. Envy examined Sloth, resting the tip of the wicked blade at the deceased Sin’s neck, “Hm…I don’t know,” Envy stated, “But…it’ll be interesting, whatever it is. Of that I’m certain.” Wrath had encountered Matoran; plenty of them, but they only fled from sight. They were presumably going off to get the Toa, but Wrath didn’t care. Wrath’s only interest was in the traitor. Greed watched from beside a building, slowly approaching Wrath. Greed was sick of this; the Sin wanted power. Desired it. Greed was the greediest Sin, as Wrath was the most wrathful, and so on, in one way or another. Greed wanted power. Wrath’s power would suffice. With Sloth, Greed had obtained immense strength and defensive abilities. Wrath would give more strength, along with the ability to instill fear in another, and the Sin’s powers would only continue to grow with its domination of the ranks of its brethren. It was a kinslayer, but that bothered Greed not. No love for its fellows was a good thing; it allowed Greed to be free, to fight, to do as it saw fit. There was nothing to anchor it down, now that Madan was gone. Greed waited a day to be sure this was true. Madan gave no signs of returning during that day, so it would be trusted that Madan really was gone. Madan had no openings, and was not forgiving. Should Madan decide to become vengeful with the losses of the Sins thus far, Greed wouldn’t hold up very well as it was. It needed power. It needed to have the ability to slay Madan if need be. Madan could only be trusted so much. If his wrath came out, the Sins would be gone and replaced. Greed quite liked living. “Wrath!” Greed shouted, cocky enough to try something. Wrath span around, unleashing his powers of fear instantly, no hesitation. Greed froze, not counting on that. The Sin counted on a fairer fight with Wrath, even if Wrath wasn’t known for fair fights… Wrath stalked forward, “I’m going to cut your mismatched armor off slowly…by starting with the limbs you wear it on,” the larger Sin hissed, lifting the two heavy blades it carried high into the air, ready to crash them down. “You don’t…want to fight me fairly?” hissed Greed. “I’m not giving you the chance,” Wrath hissed, “I know you; you’re a schemer, a planner. Dangerous if I don’t silence you now. Especially with your powers, since you killed Sloth…” “It was Envy…I saw it,” muttered Greed. “Envy would have taken the head.” “It was a trick,” Greed said, “I saw, so I was threatened. I couldn’t beat Envy.” “I don’t believe you.” “It’s true!” shouted Greed. “No, it’s not,” muttered Wrath, slashing. Greed pulled out Sloth’s power, taking the slash, but no damage. Greed laughed at Wrath’s astonishment, “Sloth’s defense is perfect compared to you, I see,” Greed hissed, managing to move. Greed plunged its fist for Wrath’s chest, knocking the larger Sin back. Greed turned the fingers on its right hand straight, then plunged the hand for Wrath’s throat, piercing it, slaying the Sin. “I…I…,” Wrath tried to say, before collapsing, Greed going down beside the other Sin. Wrath shone for a brief moment, and then just lay there; powers now with Greed in the most effective way; killing the user of the powers. Greed rose, the powers now permanently in its possession. Greed smiled. At the cave, Lust and Envy walked around, waiting for anything to happen, whether that be Greed’s return, or Wrath’s. Madan’s even; he would settle everything instantly. “Lust…,” Envy stated, looking at the feminine-looking Sin, “Let me say something.” “What is it?” Lust asked. Envy smiled viciously, “Your head is interesting,” Envy said, drawing the hook and blade up, “And I’ve never liked you; your appearance unsettles me.” Lust lifted its arm, sword of solidified energy springing to life, “Try me, then, kinslayer.” “To be,” Envy stated, running forward and swinging the hook. Lust leapt back, slid, and plunged the sword, making contact with Envy square in the chest. Kill shot. Nothing happened. “No!” Lust shouted, remembering too late that Envy was a power nullifier in the heat of this moment, and Lust’s sword was made of energy… “Die,” Envy hissed, plunging the hook into Lust’s chest, causing the feminine figure to scream out as the hook came out its back. Envy lifted the wicked blade to Lust’s neck, “Time to lose that head of yours.” “Envy!” Envy glanced aside to see Greed. Envy was frozen; fearful. “You…you got Wrath…,” muttered Envy, shaking with fear, the hook still in the other Sin’s stomach. “I did,” Greed said, grabbing Envy’s skull in hand. Envy’s eyes widened in fear. “No…no!” Envy screamed, “You can’t!” “I can. I have the strength of Wrath and Sloth combined,” Greed boasted, squeezing harder and harder until Envy’s screams died, power flowing into Greed’s body. The hook remained in Lust’s stomach, the blade on the ground. Lust slashed for Greed, but the defense of Sloth saved the strongest Sin. Greed punched Lust in the chest once, with only a fraction of what would have been his normal strength. Being amplified so much, Lust was thrown into the wall, cracking it around the point of impact. “You can’t harm me, no more than the Toa can,” Greed said, picking the sword up, looking at it, “I wonder what Envy’s fascination with head hunting is…,” it looked to Lust, “Shall that be how you die?” “Tell me something,” Lust muttered. “What?” “You can absorb them…why just slay and take their powers?” Lust questioned. “It’s more fun that way,” Greed stated, “Because they were fools enough to come at me, they deserved a death. A proper one; a kill, not an absorption.” “I won’t fight.” “It comes down to this. Madan is nowhere to be seen, yet his minion is. His minion who is our greatest threat is all that stands in our way…we can’t lose! Next time: “Chapter 15: Final Form!” Come!”Review

Chapter 13: Tower of Nightmare It had seen the Toa on the Fingers. It had seen the Toa collecting the Inika Crystals. Now it watched the Toa as they patrolled, all of them coming together at the temple, walking up the path…walking, talking…paying no heed to it. Or him. It didn’t matter. A black hand was lifted. The Toa just kept walking…walking…walking… And then it happened. They were gone. The figure lowered his arm and vanish in turn in a swirl of his black cape over his black body. He had to see the Toa, after all. And they weren’t here anymore. “What is this place?” Chalice muttered, his voice bounding off of the curved walls, carrying it everywhere in echo format. He looked around, but didn’t understand. The walls were a blue/gray colored stone, circular; they were in a massive circular chamber. There were stairs on the other side; one setup, one down. “Is this Madan’s doing?” Larc asked, “Does his power work like this?” “I don’t think so,” Garren said, “We’ve never seen anything like this. It’s…it’s odd. It’s…unique; different entirely.” “He could have just not used it before,” Rei said, “But…whatever this is, it seems an effective way to remove us. I have to side with you…I don’t know Madan, but I don’t think this is him.” Chalice turned around, seeing something moving for a fleeting moment, but it was gone. He said nothing, slowly moving in that direction. Meanwhile, Larc saw something as well and headed that way. Garren and Rei were facing other directions, not noticing. Garren saw movement, and was drawn to it. Rei, meanwhile, saw something; red armor. A familiar form. She headed in that direction, splitting off from the others who were wandering as well, all of them pulled by something. The black figure appeared in the center of the chamber. A vicious grin was permanently set across his Kanohi, reflecting his current state of feeling. He was pleased that this was going so well…and soon it would all be over. If his master wished it. In a swirl of black cape, he was gone; gone to observe somewhere safer. Larc saw Psyga. The merman-like being. He floated away from her, despite her calls, her pleading, desperate calls to him. Why was she calling to him? Why? She ran after him, but could never catch him. He vanished suddenly. “Larc…” She span around, but he was gone. “Larc…” Again, but he was gone. “Where are you?” she wanted to scream, but couldn’t make words. Instead she opened her mouth and what came out shocked her. “Larc…” It was his word, his voice…coming from her mouth this time. She felt disgusted, sic, shocked, frightened even. She kept spinning around, but here was nothing there, nobody around. Only herself; no Psyga. “Larc…” She finally managed to scream. Her scream was because of his claw erupting through her chest, impaling her. She fell to her knees, her eyes slowly shutting, heartlight fading. She opened her mouth, screaming. The scream changed. “Larc…” She looked at the claw impaling her. It became arms; the arms of Matoran whom she had betrayed, whom had died due to the Raiders, due t her… She screamed. Her scream changed again. “Larc…Larc…Larc…!” It was the voices of all of the Matoran, mixing together, insistent, trying to get her attention, trying to make her feel. But she did. She felt every day for them…and now she screamed without anything stopping her. “Ankh, Giru, Hina!” Garren called out, but received no answer. The three Matoran kept walking away from him, until they reached the wall. As he ran after them, they passed through. He kept running, passing through it himself, finding himself floating in the sky outside of the massive tower, with storm clouds overhead, the storm ready to come crashing down. It didn’t. He fell, fell rapidly, seeing them all below him, already smashed to pieces on the hard, rocky ground. He cried out their names, but nothing happened. He too hit the ground, but passed through it, finding himself still falling, the ground rushing up faster this time… And impact again, but nothing. He was inside the tower again, wandering around, seeing them in his peripheral vision, but always turning to find them missing. He could hear them calling his name, calling for him to come back, but he couldn’t find them. Then he heard them screaming. Screaming for help. They needed him as a Toa, to save them from something. But he couldn’t find them. He could hear. He heard Hina in front of him, screaming. He reached out, feeling her; never seeing, but feeling. He felt her arm strike his leg was it was torn of off of her body. He felt her head smash into him. He fell to the ground from the sheer force of it. He heard Giru next, and then Ankh laughing. “Ankh, why?” Giru was screaming, but then it cut off as Ankh severed his head too. It also hit invisibly into Garren. Garren felt a pressure on his chest. It was Ankh. He felt a knife to his throat, and then he felt Ankh’s head fall off and hit his head. He felt the headless body of Ankh drawing the knife across, and then screamed as his old friend’s headless body killed him. A towering figure in blue armor stood before Chalice ,who stood panting. His power was swirling around him, lashing out, but the figure never moved, never reacted, never even glanced his way. His green eyes just looked on ahead, his massive clawed hands just hanging by his sides. “Fight me!” Chalice screamed, hammering him again to no avail. “Do you have a death wish?” It was Cesare’s voice. “I want to fight!” Chalice screamed out. “Fighting such a foe will only leave you dead,” Cesare’s voice said. “We won’t know until I try,” Chalice hissed. “I already know,” Cesare told him, “You’re overconfident.” Chalice looked to the figure, finding the claw in front of his face. It was moving so fast, yet he saw it so slow. He felt everything as the claw tore through his Kanohi and his face, ripping it to shreds. It would take a fraction of a second to happen at speed, but it took hours for him to feel it all at the speed it was perceived at. After all of the time passed, Chalice dropped his weapon and shot his hands up. His face was fine; he was alive. He looked at the figure which was still unmoving. He backed away, frightened now. And it moved. It walked towards him, lifting its arm up…and then Chalice screamed again and again as his face was torn apart by those claws in a fraction of a second; the pain taking hours to feel, and it happened endlessly on loop. Rei saw Hoji, but he was gone. He appeared again behind her. She span around, flipping dagger into hand and thrusting it, but he parried with his Blade Blaster, forcing the tip’s angle to her throat. “You disappoint me,” he said softly, his voice like the whisper of death. “But Hoji…I’ve done everything I could…” “You shouldn’t have come back to this island,” he told her, “You should have taken power, if you were determined, as you clearly are. Everything you’ve done thus far was wrong; a mistake.” “Hoji…I’ve done what I could! I’ve done what you would have!” “No, you haven’t,” he answered, “Now…feel this,” he said, running his blade through her throat. She tried to breathe, speak…but couldn’t. He showed no emotion. He said one thing. “Remember this pain. Remember our time. Remember who you are, or this is the pain all shall feel, if you don’t make the right choices.” The words rang within her mind. Somehow she lived, but she felt she may go crazy before her death, with how long it went, how loud, how many times over it played… It was over. The four were still walking back to the temple, as if nothing had happened. But then they all stopped, all of them feeling a sensation, as if something wrong had just occurred. None of them knew what it was they felt; none of them had any idea what it could have been. They just knew something was wrong. “Did…did something happen?” Larc asked hesitantly. “Madan?” Chalice asked, “Did he just use something on us?” “No…I just feel sick,” Garren said, “Why would he waste time making us feel this way?” “Good point,” Rei commented, “But…we all feel it…right?” “This sickness in the stomach,” Garren muttered, “It’s…it’s not right.” “But…what is it?” Larc asked, “Should I try to heal it?” “No.” Garren was surprised by how fast he had said it, with how much strength he had said it. He shook his head, “No…let’s just let it pass on its own.” The four continued to the temple, unaware of what had transpired in the tower that they had all been in, unaware of their watcher now standing behind them, keeping the same smile in his mind as was displayed on his Kanohi mask. That had been entertaining…and it would only continue to entertain him for the time to come. After all, it was almost time…“Left out in the cold once again, we will soon learn the terrible truth of what enemies we have left to face, and how far they will go. Next time: “Chapter 14: Greed” Let’s make this showy!”Review

Chapter 12: Mistress of the Mirrors! “You dare to come to me and propose that I need an alliance with you?” spat Madan as he stood facing Bandiaca, whom had taken it upon herself to see him and propose an alliance, finding that Madan was losing the battle against the Toa, having already lost his general and two of his seven Sins; including the strongest, Pride. “But don’t you?” she questioned, “You have great amounts of power, yes…but you’re limited, unlike me.” “The day I require a Saginui witch will be never,” he hissed, “Now leave my presence, or I’ll have your head!” “By whom? Your loyal sword? Keep in mind that not too long ago, he was my loyal sword…and after that, the loyal sword of the Phantasmal Raiders.” “Are you trying to imply that I can’t trust the man whom I’ve altered the mind of? Do you think so little of my abilities?” he questioned. “I’m just saying, he joined me of his free will. He was converted and decided to fight for the Raiders. You modified him and took over his mind to fight for you. What is keeping me from using my powers on him to make him mine once more?” she reached her hand up to stroke her Kanohi Zeyat, “Keep that in mind, Madan…” “Are you threatening me?” Madan questioned calmly, “You have the gall to threaten me? Seriously?” “I don’t fear you,” she told him. “I don’t fear you either,” he stated, “I’m more powerful than you will ever be.” “Guard your venomous tongue,” she told him. “You are in my presence; you guard yours,” he said, walking past her through the dimly lit cave, walking like a phantom, making no sounds whatsoever as he walked among his brood; Lust, Greed, Envy, Sloth and Wrath. It was oddly silent without Kaori around, because she and Madan were the planners, while the Sins knew their places as soldiers. Some knew that they could be more, but wisely guarded their tongues, lest Madan decide to replace them with newer models. “So, where is my former sword?” Bandiaca questioned. “Forte of the Emotion was never your sword,” Madan said, “He was mine from the day he took up his blade.” “What are you talking about?” questioned Bandiaca angrily, following him, getting cursory glances from the Sins, including a very vicious, challenging look from Wrath, and a gluttonous look from Greed, who no doubt wanted her power. “I gave Forte his moniker because of who he is, not because I needed a moniker for him,” Madan explained, taking a turn in the cave. She followed him a few steps behind, finding this section darker. She wondered how he could see anything, so she waved her hand around, lighting the passage a little. “A little dark without your black Light-bringer, isn’t it?” she questioned him. He didn’t answer, instead, he went on, “Forte is filled with emotion, did you know that? You always saw him as a loyal swordsman, guard, warrior, did you not? He was just brimming with emotion, with desires, passions…all stemming from the sword which became a part of his body, a permanent extension of his arm. As soon as he touched a blade, he knew.” “How do you know all of this?” Bandiaca demanded. “I could see it, when I gave him my power,” Madan answered, stopping at the end of the dark passage, slowly being lit by Bandiaca’s approach. She could see a locked chest sitting there, which Madan waved his hand in front of, dismissively. It opened silently. “So what is your point?” she questioned him. “Forte, as you had him, was nothing more than a swordsman who would do what you ordered him to do. He found some security with you, and worthy opponents, but was never able to fulfill his emotions, his desires…express anything. He was empty, despite being so full. Emotions are my forte…no pun intended. Do you know why I created the Sins? Because they are the uttermost representations of emotions…they are beautiful to look upon, wouldn’t you agree?” “No.” He didn’t seem to hear nor care about her answer. He was doing something in the chest as he continued to talk, “I released those emotions from Forte. Granted, I had to…override some of his emotions, some of his memories, and by extent desires…but he is more than he was, at least. It was a fair trade.” “What are you talking about?” she questioned. “I wiped his memory; he’s a loyal sword for me, now, as he was always meant to be. By erasing memories, I allowed him to forget his oppression by your hands, and the hands of the Raiders. His restraints were now never existent. He still has some of his passions, but those existed before you; the drive to find the ultimate opponent for himself. Under you he found his destined foe…I had to erase that part, however, for his own sake. He no longer knows his foe is Toa Hoji…but he knows there is a destined foe for him, somewhere. He must only find him.” “Is there anything stopping me from using my power?” she questioned as a veiled threat, “I could easily use my powers to rework his memories, bring them back, and make him serve me again with the Zeyat.” “There are no memories to bring back,” he informed her, “I wiped them. I didn’t overshadow them…bury them. They are gone.” “My power exceeds your expectations,” she warned. “Not enough,” a new, sultry voice said. “Ah, so you have finally arrived,” Madan said, not looking back. Bandiaca span around, lifting her hand, focusing power into it to be ready. She could see the white armor of the figure approaching, but little more. She saw no head. As the figure stepped into the glow of light, he saw that this new woman was clad in white and light blue armor, but wore a black mask over her face. She carried nothing with her, at least, not that Bandiaca could see. But Bandiaca had nothing anymore, not after she lost her staff, and she was still exceedingly dangerous. Then she realized who this figure was. “You’d best lower your hand, or you will feel it,” the woman threatened. “Lyala of the Mirror…,” Bandiaca hissed, cursing. “You still recognize me. I’m less than flattered,” she told Bandiaca, showing how little she thought of the powerful witch. Bandiaca allowed her to pass, moving to Madan. The witch turned around, “So, you refused my offers for an alliance, but I assume you’re here for the same from Madan…or are you here to reject him as well?” “I’m here to accept his offer,” she said, reaching into the chest and pulling out a long, ovular mirror with an ornate sandy green and gold trim. She smiled as she looked at herself in it, “Magnificent,” she said softly. “Are you joining with that as your price?” Bandiaca hissed. “Yes…this is my payment,” she said, turning to Bandiaca. “Had I had a mirror for you…we’d have been allies?” she questioned. “Most likely, yes. But at the time, I still had my Mirror of Souls, so it would have depended. You see, I’m desperate for a new weapon now.” She set the new mirror down and pulled out a very small mirror from behind her back, having affixed it to her waist, no doubt. It was barely the size of her palm. She looked at it, then threw it aside, smashing it against the wall. “You get a new toy and throw your old one out?” Bandiaca questioned. “The Mirror of Passion was worthless at this point,” she stated simply, “I’ve been in enough fights.” “What does that mean?” Bandiaca questioned. “It was like this mirror, at the start,” she said, caressing her prize, “Large…but as I fought with it, it grew smaller and smaller. My passion to keep it grew, so the process worked…it shrunk. That is the downside of the Mirror of Passion. It uses passion as a weapon, but becomes frail the more one needs it. I needed it to find a new Mirror…so it was worthless. One more use, I’d say, and it would have been gone.” She looked to Madan, “This is the correct Mirror, is it not?” “You’re the expert,” he stated, “But if you want my word…yes, yes this is the right Mirror.” “What is it?” Bandiaca questioned, “What is so impressive about it?” “This Mirror is the Mirror of Death.” “Death?” Bandiaca questioned, taking it as a threat, readying her power. “It creates the illusion of Death, so to speak,” Lyala stated. “Only an illusion of it?” Bandiaca questioned, “Doesn’t seem worth it to me.” “Anyone whose reflection I cast into this Mirror…and activate the power on…they are sucked within. They leave the world of life. They die.” “But are they truly dead?” “To this world,” she stated, “But they live within the Mirror after that. I can snuff out their lives…so they will eventually die. It is a slow and painful process.” “I’d rather just kill them,” Bandiaca said. “This process is much simpler,” Lyala said, “No matter how powerful…it’s all the same. Reflection, and capture. I couldn’t hope to kill you…or Madan…even with the Mirror of Passion. But with this, I could.” “Is this a threat?” Bandiaca questioned, glancing to Madan. “An explanation,” Lyala replied, putting the Mirror down, “To let you know just what it can do…just what I can do. Don’t underestimate me, Bandiaca.” “It is time for you to go,” Madan said, “You have overstayed your welcome.” Bandaica turned on her heel and started out, “I will take back my sword,” she told him, “I warn you.” And she left.“As we face fears and nightmares, we wonder what is really happening? What breed of enemy is this…what could make this happen? The dangers are in our minds…we need to keep saying that… Next time: “Chapter 13: Tower of Nightmare” Grace like the rain.”Review

Chapter 11: Prodigal Rei “Leadership is yours,” Garren told her as they stood in the temple, alone at the moment, “You deserve it more than I do.” “Don’t say that, Garren,” she said, shaking her head at him. “But it’s true!” “Don’t discount your abilities,” she explained to him, “You’re skilled…” “You’re better!” he told her, “You killed Kaori! You forced Envy to retreat! You’re better than any of us…and I’m the best of the three of us, the most qualified. You beat me out.” “You were chosen, I’m sure, for your strategic abilities,” she told him, “So you’re still the most qualified.” “You flatter me by saying my strategizing is superior, but no. You deserve leadership. You were second in command under Hoji, after all.” “That means nothing right now,” she said. “It does,” Garren said, “Can’t you see that?” She was silent for a moment, then spoke up, “You’re afraid to lead. That’s it, isn’t it?” “What?” he asked, exasperated at the mere suggestion. “You’re frightened of leading. You see me, the former second in command, returned, and think you can pawn it off on me. You’re discounting yourself and your two comrades, you know that? You may be the leader, but you three are a team, more than any of you are a team with me, or know me. Larc killed Pride, after all, and she told me that he was able to defeat all six of you! You three are different than I am; than my teammates were. You served with enough of them to know that. So stop acting like you don’t deserve this position that Cesare gave you – that you deserved – and just suck it up and lead!” “And if I refuse?” “You’re refusing? What are you; a spoiled Matoran?” she questioned, shaking her head, “I may not outrank you, but I’m your senior.” “So you want me to listen?” he questioned. “I’m taking leadership, so I order you to listen!” she shouted. Did she just do that to force his compliance? He had to admire and despise such a tactic at the same time, in this situation. It was truly something that he would expect of someone he held in such high regard as Rei, someone who had been second in command of the team, someone who had been involved in so many battles. “Fine, I’m listening,” he said. She walked over to him, gently resting a hand on his shoulder. He felt a sensation…not of her power, not of anything that he could easily explain away. It had to be her soul, her resolve, which was illogical…but it made sense, on some deep level to him. “You’re leader. I order this,” she told him, drawing her hand away. He had no choice but to nod his head in agreement after having felt that. “Good,” she said, “Now, I’m going out to patrol,” she informed him, walking out of the temple, leaving him behind, realizing he had been outmatched, outclassed, by Rei. He found a seat and sat down, shaking his head. As leader, he had just lost. This was no fight, but it was a challenge of sorts. And he had lost it. But at least it was to no enemy. But that made it sting a little more. He had lost to an ally… Chalice and Larc slid back as their enemy approached. They had tried to raise an alarm by firing into the sky to alert both Rei and Garren, but to no avail. Any time they tried, it failed. Their enemy had lashed its tentacles for them any time it realized what they attempted to do, at Forte’s insistence, who just stood back to watch the fighting. The tentacles absorbed their power, stopping their alerts. Gluttony was a dangerous enemy when paired with the intelligent Forte. “What can we do here?” Chalice muttered, getting ready to release everything he had into another Storm attack, but the tentacles were blindingly fast and long, striking him and absorbing his power, causing him to cry out and fall to his knees. Larc slashed at the tentacles with her trident, forcing them away. She flipped the weapon around into blaster mode and lifted her Blade Blaster as well, using the twin blasters to fire on Gluttony, but nothing happened that she could see; Gluttony was too strong. Forte rose and walked towards them, lifting his sword, “Perhaps you would relish a fight with me. I can see you don’t want to get too close to Gluttony,” he commented, patting the Sin on the shoulder as he passed, “Perhaps you’ll face me fairly.” “I’m not foolish enough to get anywhere near you for a duel,” Larc said. “You’re smart, then,” Forte said, “None should duel me, except my destined foe.” “He can’t oblige you,” Rei said, walking past the other two, holding her Blade Blaster up, “But I’m here. Will I suffice?” “Who are you?” he questioned, “You aren’t him; I know that.” “No memories?” Rei asked, “Fine by me.” “Are you sure you want to fight him?” Chalice questioned. “Did you bring Garren?” Larc asked more importantly; if they had all four of them there, they could stand a better chance. “No, because I was only patrolling,” Rei informed them, “Nothing more.” Forte watched her, then slashed up with his sword which he held point down. Rei dodged back, out of range of the swing, and lunged forward, plunging her blade. He dodged back and slashed his blade down onto hers, running his up her blade and slashing at her. She ducked and span around, catching him in the side with a light blow; not even enough to create a scratch, darken, or spark. He span around and slashed, coming in with the tip, since the dull edge wouldn’t do anything. She rolled away and came up with her rod, throwing her Blade Blaster up. She leapt forward, faster than he had expected, plunging her weapon into his chest, sending sparks flying as she focused her power. He cried out as Lightning ran rampant around him, cutting through him. He wanted to move, but couldn’t; he was stuck where he was, what he had for muscles were going into spasms, his mostly mechanical body wasn’t reacting very well either. He managed to speak. “You don’t fight with the honor of a swordsman.” “I’d be a fool to duel you with a blade,” she said, “I simply had to defeat you. Hoji was the one who could and would face you…but not me. I know I’d lose; I would likely die. I can’t, not when this island needs me!” She slashed her weapon aside, breaking contact. He stumbled away, falling to his knees, clutching the spot and falling to the ground, unable to move anymore, still alive, still active, but not much. She caught the weapon as it fell and span, flipping to blaster mode, opening fire on Gluttony, stunning the Sin. Gluttony stumbled back as she added Lightning to her attacks, then holstered her weapon on her side and ran for the Sin, ducking the wild swings and the tentacles lashing for her. She span around and drove her rod into Gluttony’s chest, sending the Sin flying back with a burst of Lightning at pointblank. Chalice and Larc were shocked that she had gotten past Gluttony’s defenses like that, had beaten it back, and defeated Forte. They took it as their chance to fire into the sky; Water and Lightning, along with Storm with increased Lightning, sending a call to Garren. They focused on the fight with Rei and Gluttony. Rei dodged the blows easily and slashed Gluttony across the face with her rod, sending sparks flying with each blow as she focused her Lightning powers. She performed a backflip to avoid a swing of the claw weapon the Sin carried, and then thrust her weapon forward to send a short burst of Lightning right into the Sin’s chest, throwing Gluttony back. Gluttony tried lashing tentacles out to ensnare Rei, but Rei was fast, and used her Blade Blaster in firearm mode to keep them back, twisting it around to use the folded blade like an axe to cut away the tentacles that approached. She rushed forward, slicing a tentacle apart with one swing, causing a wail to come from Gluttony as she slid forward, ramming the rod into Gluttony’s single eye. Garren slowed as he arrived and stood next to his two comrades. They watched as Rei unleashed a blast of Lightning at pointblank into Gluttony’s face, causing an unearthly wail to escape from the Sin as she executed it right then and there, leaving the body to drop to the ground. She walked back towards them. Garren stepped forward and shouted, “What did you do? You killed Kaori, ok, that’s fine…but that was brutal! You killed Kaori in combat…but this was an execution! You had won…we could have killed Gluttony properly, but you caused so much pain in that attack! What were you thinking?” She stopped in front of him, “When I was away…I saw things,” she said, “I saw islands that had fallen to various threats. I saw so much death, so many valiant Matoran trying to defend themselves, and failing. Do you know what it’s like to see these wars? These battles occurring, and the Matoran fighting against things they have no hope of defeating? It’s sickening! I won’t let that happen to these Matoran I’ve fought for for so long…I’ll see to it that the enemy falls, and that they remain safe.” “You can do that without this slaughter!” Garren told her. “At a cost. Maybe not a real cost, but a potential cost,” she told him, “You’re smart, a strategist, a thinker…you should know that. Had I spared Gluttony on this day, it may have returned another and killed Matoran until we could stop it. Now that’s not a question.” “What about Forte?” Garren questioned, “You left him alive!” She looked to him, “I…can’t bring myself to kill him.” “Expecting one of us to do your work now?” Garren demanded, “We’re not like you!” “Not killers? Just heroes who kill when they must?” she asked, finishing it for him. “No…” “That is what you mean,” she said, “I don’t mind. You haven’t been Toa for long enough to understand. You haven’t seen the things outside of this island like I have…you don’t have tragic pasts like I do…” They let her walk past, leaving her to her own thoughts. The three stood together, and left, leaving Forte on the ground, leaving the corpse of Gluttony behind. No words between them.“As enemies ally, we are left in the dark. Next time: “Chapter 12: Mistress of the Mirrors!” Come!”Review

Chapter 10: Homecoming Garren walked out into the day, looking up at the sky, like he had begun to do every morning. He was leader. He knew the sky never changed. He believed that if the sky would change one day, that it would all be a dream, since he still didn’t believe he was leader. That this was all one long dream that may not end. But this was no dream. It was all real, and he still couldn’t believe it. They were lucky enough to not have any fights yet…not since the others left one week past. Garren wasn’t sure how long this peace would hold out, but he knew it wouldn’t forever. Not with Madan around, seeking victory. Not with his powerful Sins as his soldiers… As he walked, he looked at the buildings, at the structures these Matoran called home. They weren’t that nice, he knew that. He was a Matoran once, after all, having lived on Cyril Nui for many, many years. But the Matoran put up with them. Perhaps Gorma would become Turaga of the island. Perhaps he would set things…right, with the Matoran. But that was doubtful. He was a good man, and the Matoran would no doubt want to shed themselves from these structures, but where would they get materials from? Other islands. What did they have to trade or buy with? Would the Matoran take change – for their own betterment – that easily? It would be hard, even if it was for the best for them. He heard a sharp sound and span to his side to get a look. He saw a figure in blue and red armor, standing, watching him with malice in the eyes…with some other emotion there. Envy. Both name and emotion. The Sin approached, lifting its hook and blade, giving a wicked smile from the Kanohi mask covering its face, “You’re the new leader, I heard. I don’t have enough heads of leaders,” Envy said, “I’m…envious of yours.” Garren span to him, lifting his weapon, “There’s only three of us. Right now, it’s just me. But no matter what, you’re losing.” Envy shook its head, “Can you stop me? I doubt it, boy.” They ran for each other, Envy swinging the blade out, but Garren ducked. He flicked his wrist to create a blade of Crystal from his left arm, ramming it up. But his fingers were all that connected. This earned him a knee to the face from Envy. “You’re a fool,” Envy stated, “I negate powers. Even a physical power like that is nullified in my presence by not appearing in the first place!” Garren swung his weapon out, but Envy blocked with the hook weapon it carried, wrenching it free of Garren’s hand, forcing Garren to draw his Blade Blaster and open fire, though the shots did little to Envy, who continued to approach. As Envy started to run for him, something took him in the side. Garren lowered his weapon, looking to his left to see what had happened. And there it was. There she was. A figure clad in white, blue and yellow armor, lowering her hand, still crackling with Lightning power. “…Toa Rei…,” Garren breathed. Rei walked forward, running now and drawing another dagger from her back. As Envy rose, she slashed the Sin across the chest, sending sparks flying out from the contact of steel on steel. She span around to deliver a roundhouse kick to his face, flipping him to the ground as she reached down to claim the dagger he had launched like a projectile into his side, rising with a blade in each hand, point down. “Who would you be?” Rei questioned him, turning to him as Envy slunk away, cursing as it prepared a plan of attack. “It’s me…Garren,” Garren answered, “I was left in charge.” “I see…,” Rei commented, firing a blast of Lightning from her dagger, but it was negated before it reached Envy. “That Sin negates the powers that come at it,” Garren explained. “I see,” Rei said, lifting her blades, “Good thing I have these,” she said, racing forward. As she fought Envy, Chalice and Larc arrived and watched, “Rei?” Larc questioned. Garren nodded, “She came back…” “Are the others here?” Chalice wondered. “I don’t know…,” Garren replied. Envy came up from a roll, shaking its head, cursing at Rei before trying to flee. “Not going to happen!” Rei shouted, putting a dagger between each finger and firing them all out with bursts of Lightning. Envy rose, screaming out as the blades pierced the Sin’s chest. Envy fell to the ground, the daggers keeping the body from lying on the ground. Envy was barely breathing. “Rei, what are you doing back?” Larc asked, rushing to the other woman’s side. “I thought you guys might need some help,” she answered as she drew her rod weapon from her time as a Nova, “I didn’t realize it was just the three of you, though.” “Yeah…the others just left a week ago, due to Destiny,” Larc answered. Envy was slowly coming up, but looked up to see the rod being jammed into its forehead, throwing the Sin down. Rei crouched, tearing the daggers from Envy’s body one at a time, causing the Sin to cry out. “Finish him,” Rei said, glancing to Larc. “…were you always like this…?” she asked Rei, looking at her trident. “It,” Envy hissed. Rei looked at Larc again, “I always had problems with taking lives…but against foes like those who have appeared here, it’s necessary. You’re a rookie…you have to learn that the rules can be bent. Do it.” “I already killed Pride…” “Then do it again,” she told Larc. Before Larc could do anything, Chalice and Garren were rushing for them, shouting. There was a blinding light that came, and then a burst of Light power, smashing Rei and Larc aside. Kaori of the Light. She approached, lowering her arm and shaking her head, “Come now, Envy. Surely you’re stronger than that.” “The Toa of Lightning surprised me,” Envy muttered, getting away. “Leave them to me,” Kaori said, lifting her large blade. “Be careful,” Larc said. “You’re not fighting alone,” Chalice muttered, lifting his twin dagger. Rei shook her head, stepping forward, “Allow me,” she said, lifting her rod, “Is this one of the elite enemies? Like “Forte” was to Bandiaca?” Kaori smiled at the mention of the cyborg warrior. Garren stepped forward, “You should know…”Forte” is still alive.” “I figured he’d find a way to live,” Rei said. “I am,” Kaori stated, answering the question, “Kaori of the Light! The second in command of the Twilight Meisters!” “Is that what you call yourselves?” Rei questioned, “Then come at me!” Kaori smiled and ran forward, lifting her sword high, but swinging down before she got into Rei’s reach, to protect herself. It didn’t matter; Rei was faster than expected, and ramming the tip of her rod weapon into Kaori’s chest, sending her stumbling back. “What?” Kaori muttered. Rei flipped a dagger into her left hand, point up, “I’m faster than you’d think,” she said, dashing forward again, but the blade kept her from getting a shot in. She leapt back, shaking her head. “You can’t touch me again,” Kaori hissed, firing a concentrated blast of Light to burn through Rei. Rei blocked with a flash of Lightning from her rod, negating the other attack and jumping forward again, slashing her foe in the shoulder. She span around as did Kaori, and slammed her rod across Kaori’s face, sending Kaori stumbling. “You’re fast, but speed is nothing to me!” Kaori screamed, “It can’t exploit me! It can’t stop me!” she threw her sword up, unleashing a large flash to blind everyone else but her. Then she gasped. She felt the steel of a dagger running through her right knee. Then her left. The tip of the rod was at her face. Lightning was gathering into it. “Nice trick,” Rei said, “Doite. You blind me, but I regain my sight by boosting my weakened vision.” The Lightning let loose an earsplitting crack as it burned Kaori down, though she survived this strike through some miracle. Then she let out screams as a dagger pierced each arm and twice on her chest, pinning her down. Rei stood above her, rod crackling with Lightning, and it came plunging down. She let out one final scream as it pierced through her heartlight, silencing her. Now there was only silence as Rei stood over the corpse she had made. She turned to the other Toa who were still blinded, regaining their sight slowly. When they could see, they saw what Rei had done. She showed no emotion and approached slowly, “There. One wounded…Sin, and one dead commander. Good work for my first day back to this island.” “You killed her so…easily…,” Garren muttered in disbelief. Rei smiled, “That is my skill. Speed and tactics work better than power and brute force,” she commented. “I’ve been using tactics for so long, with grace and speed…yet never to such success,” Garren muttered. Rei clasped him on the shoulder, “Leader of the Toa Cyril,” she told him, “You’re young…I’m an experienced Toa with little to lose. We’re going to be different, but I don’t discount your abilities.” “Really?” “I’d be a fool to,” she replied, walking to Kaori’s corpse to reclaim her weapons, “Now…we have work to do. Four Toa and how many enemies?” “Six Sins, Madan of the Eternal, and Forte of the Emotion,” Garren told her. She nodded, putting all of her weapons back onto herself, “Well then, we’d best get ready. The four of us…we can do it,” she assured the rookies, heading off ahead of them.“How can we expect to stand while she’s here? She surpasses us all…and we’re expected to keep up and fight harder. We even have more power than she does…yet we fall short. What are we to do? Next time: “Chapter 11: Prodigal Rei” Grace like the rain.”Review

Chapter 9: Ordered Garren “What’s this?” questioned Agri, holding up a tablet that Cesare had placed on the table between the three older Toa. Magis skimmed it over Agri’s shoulder, “Summons?” Cesare nodded absently, “Yeah…we’ve all been called by the others. Hoji, Rei and Eri need our help. We can’t ignore it. They left because Destiny told them to go, and now they fight on other islands for freedom. They fight the fights we cannot, stranded here. “Yet there are fights here that need to be fought. First Bandiaca, then the Phantasmal Raiders, and now Madan and his Twilight Meisters. We need to stay here and fight them as they come. But we can’t turn down a call for help from our comrades, our friends.” “So, what do we do?” asked Magis.“Isn’t it obvious?” questioned Cesare.“You’re our leader,” Agri said, “As much as we want to help the others with our experience, we need to think about this island as well.” “I know,” Cesare said, burying his face in his hands, “I really don’t know what we’re going to do. I’m open to suggestions.” “We can’t turn them down, not if they really need our help like they imply,” said Magis. Agri nodded, “Yet we can’t leave the rookies to handle Madan on their own. I know they’re good, but still, Madan has the Sins on his side. He has Forte, Kaori. They’re all too powerful. We need to do something.” “Find more destined Matoran?” questioned Cesare, shaking his head at his own idea, “No. That won’t work, even with Gorma’s help. What we have to do is find a new leader, train the rookies one last time, and then go and hurry back.” “Who are we going to make the leader?” questioned Agri. “Larc killed Pride,” Magis said, “Yet we have our opinions from the Raider’s attacks.” Cesare nodded, noting. “Chalice is powerful, but reckless.” That’s all Agri had to say. Magis nodded his agreement without dispute. “Noted,” Cesare said. “Garren,” Magis said, “He’s the only one left.” “I like Garren,” Agri said, “He’s refined, balanced, smart. He has all the makings of a good leader; what I’ve said and more.” “Yeah, I like him,” Magis said, “He has the calm, the intelligence and the fighting abilities that all make a good leader.” Cesare nodded, “And he’s been taking on more responsibility in battle. He really seems fit to be the leader.” Cesare rose from his chair. The three of them were in the temple while the three rookies were out on patrol, “When they return, we’ll inform Garren.” Cesare walked away from the table, looking at the two strange objects that were stored in one of the walls. The carvings still meant nothing, and he still had no idea how to combine or use them, if they could be combined or used together. “It’ll still be there when we get back,” Agri told him. “Unless they solve the mystery first,” Magis commented. “Hoji, Rei, Eri, you two and I are the ones who will solve it,” Cesare said, turning around, “You five may be the original Toa Cyril, but I’ve become one of you. The six of us are the ones who will do it, even if I wasn’t here for the first piece. “If the rookies somehow figure it out…I don’t know what I’d do, then.” “Is it that important?” questioned Magis. “Yeah…it is. I may not mention it, or think about it prior to Vanity attacking, but yeah. It really is important. It’s something Hoji showed me after I joined. It made me feel like part of the team. And together, as a team, we’ll figure it out.” “We’ll figure it out, as a team, then,” Agri assured Cesare. Soon, the rookies returned, walking into the temple, ready to change shifts. Cesare shook his head at the notion. “But if we don’t change shifts, then there’s no one patrolling,” Garren said, “And…” “And nothing will happen anyway,” Chalice said, “I mean, come on! So little happens as it is! Most of the time now Madan is making the move, so our patrols aren’t necessary. He’s making us know where he is, where to go. Sure, some attacks from the Raiders and from what I’ve heard, Bandiaca, patrols found them, but this is different. Besides, do you think our luck is so bad that he attacks while we have no patrols? Or that he would hit in a place we would patrol? Big island, not many of us.” “Enough, Chalice,” Larc muttered. “Larc is right,” Cesare said, “Enough, Chalice.” “So, what do you want to talk about?” asked Garren. The only one focused on the job at hand. First the patrol, when dismissed, the news that the others had. “We’re being summoned,” Cesare said. “All of us?” questioned Larc. “No,” Cesare said, “Myself, Agri and Magis. Only the three of us are being summoned. By the other three; Hoji, Eri and Rei. You know what happened to them; Destiny told them that they were not to be a part of the fight any longer on this island, so they left. They went to other islands to help and fight there. Now, they need our help. “They have requested the help of their three comrades, and so we will go to them, for it is our Duty. You three will remain as the only Toa on the island for the time being, until we return, or until the others return with us, deciding that Destiny’s threat is over. Whatever happens, you three will be alone fighting against Madan for a period of time. “In this period of time, you will need a way to fight him properly with your numbers halved. You’ll need a leader, one who knows what he’s doing. One who knows the proper tactics, the proper fighting styles, techniques, the times to withdraw, to fight. Everything. We’re going to teach the new leader what he needs to know, then be on our way.” “I guess I’m not the leader,” Larc said, “Unless you use ‘he’ for time.” “You are right, you are not leader,” Cesare said, “And on the second part, yeah, time constraints. Anyway…” “Am I the leader?” Chalice questioned, “I’ll lead us to victory!” “No,” Cesare said, cutting him off, “The leader is Garren.” The two rookies looked to Garren, “What?” Chalice shouted, “Why not me? I’m much more powerful! I can give a new perspective on the fight with my powers!” “What are you talking about?” questioned Garren. Chalice looked to him, “My powers are just destructive, so I’ll lead us the same way. We’ll just blow through the enemy with power, rather than finesse.” “No,” Cesare said, “You need finesse, which only Garren has among you.” “I’ll willingly follow Garren,” Larc said, “I trust in his abilities.” “Thank you,” Garren told her. He looked to Chalice, “And you?” “Fine,” Chalice said, “You’d do a better job, anyway.” Garren smiled to him and looked to Cesare, “What do you need to teach me?” “Come with us,” Magis said, “We’ll teach you everything. Larc, Chalice, patrol. Take the Anverius X3 vehicles out and patrol with those to save time and cover more ground. Sorry about making you patrol again, but we need it.” “Understood,” Larc said, leaving with Chalice behind. “I don’t understand,” he muttered to Larc. “Stop complaining. Patrol isn’t bad.” “Whatever.” When they were alone, Cesare spoke to Garren, “Fist, we’re going to run through some strategies.” “Understood,” Garren replied, planting his weapon in the ground and putting his hands behind his back, standing at attention to listen. “You have a series of enemies ahead of you. The Sins,” Magis said, “All of them arguing amongst each other, as Agri said they do. Led by Forte, who is calm and in charge. He will soon have control over his warriors and will attack you three, and the innocents you protect.” “How do you handle this situation?” asked Agri, finishing the question. Garren looked to Cesare, “You have ten seconds to give an answer. That’s all the time you get to think. Go.” Garren nodded, instantly speaking, “Simple. I imagine we’re fighting in the streets, as usual. I would have Larc lay down some cover fire with her Blade Blaster and her trident, just to draw the attention of the enemy. From what I know, Lust can fire energy attacks, and Greed has Ice attacks from you, Cesare, as well as Lightning. While those attacks no doubt fly to try to neutralize her, Chalice makes his way around the edge, firing to stop the attacks and cover Larc, while firing on them with his power of Storms. “However, Chalice is also drawing in clouds and fog at close range, blocking the vision of the enemy forces, causing confusion amongst the ranks. He and Larc continue to fire, with them combining Water and Lightning with Chalice’s Lightning to cause even more damage. Cause winds, rain and more to fall, creating environmental distractions for them, also drenching them for the Lightning to do more damage. “Meanwhile, I’ll have everyone evacuated a few blocks away – about three – and will return to the fight, using the alleys and side streets to get behind the group. I’ll open up on them with a flurry of my Crystal attacks, cutting them down, doing as much damage as possible. “Two attacks from the front, one smaller and just as damaging from behind. It traps the enemy – and I’ll create walls of Lighting and Crystal if they try to escape through alleys – and forces them to take the hits. It’s over shortly.” “Good,” Cesare said, “That’s a good way of doing it. I personally see no flaws.” “None,” Magis agreed. “Agreed,” said Agri. “Ok then, let’s continue. Weaknesses of your comrades and yourself; go,” Cesare said. “Weaknesses?” “A good leader knows the weaknesses of his team,” Cesare said. “Throw in strengths as well,” Agri told him. “I like that idea,” Cesare said. Garren nodded, thinking. “Five seconds, then you must speak,” Magis put in. Garren quickly spoke, “My strength is my calm, patient mind. My refinement and grace, allowing me to fight and evade, dodge, weave, and do damage with my Crystals in ways that won’t be expected. My weakness is that I’m not the strongest and can’t take as many hits. “Larc’s strength lies in her ability to calm herself, as we saw with Pride. If no other could do that damage, I have to call that a strength for her. She’s also a good ranged fighter, as we’ve seen multiple times, and has a very devastating combination of Water and Lightning at her command. Her weakness is how her team views her, after the incidents with the Raiders and how she worked for them, against her will or not. Other than that, her weakness lies in weaker physical attacks for the most part. “Chalice is physically strong, and has a very powerful element at his command. However, his weakness is that he’s far too reckless, and will rush into any situation without question, if it sounds dangerous, or, as he would say, ‘fun’. His other weakness is that, while he has a powerful element at his command, he’s physically weak in his defense, and can’t take many hits, but can deal them out.” “You did well,” Cesare said, “Now, let’s continue.” For the next few hours, they began to drill Garren with questions, began to teach him, review, teach, teach, review something from hours ago, teach, review that, review from hours ago, teach, and so on, making sure that he was up to the task, both physically and mentally, sparring with him to see his skill, his elemental control, and also asking him questions while he fought. Garren was the one they needed as leader. That was certain. “Are you sure the plan will work?” Forte asked Madan. “Did I not already assure you of the success?” Madan questioned his field commander. He rested his staff on a boulder and folded his arms behind his back, “The plan will work. There is no reason to doubt it. The Toa will believe it when they see it. It looks like the hand of their comrades, because it is. I recreated it thanks to my pawn on this island.” “You have a pawn here?” questioned Forte, “Who?” “Truth,” replied Madan, “He has seen the writing of those Toa, and could mimic it perfectly, since it was their true hand. He was able to reproduce it for me and write out a message in the hand, allowing the Toa to think their friends sent it.” “Where is this warrior?” asked Forte. “He is no warrior,” replied Madan, “He is a diplomat, a political man. He takes the form of a Turaga here. The people call him ‘Fides’. If I can’t have this island my way, then he will use his considerable political power to take control, and I will control him in turn. I win.” Forte nodded, “I understand, Sir.” Madan smiled grimly, “Soon, very soon, we will have three less Toa to worry about. Get the Sins ready; the day after they leave, we strike.” “Understood,” Forte bowed, walking away from Madan, leaving him to look outside the cave, through the mouth, and out at the future of the island he saw as his. When the three Toa returned from the docks, they sat alone in the temple, missing the sights of Cesare, of Agri, of Magis. The three Toa were sorely missed. It was almost a frightening experience to not have the experienced Toa there to guide them through what was coming. “Now what?” asked Chalice, “I’m bored.” “Patrol?” Garren asked. “Are you asking, or ordering?” questioned Chalice, “I’ve had enough of patrolling for today! I’m not doing it again!” “I’m your leader. You’ll do as I command,” Garren said, finding no need to raise his voice like Chalice had. “I don’t care,” Chalice said, “I respect you, as always, but I really don’t care right now.” “You will do as I say!” shouted Garren, but his shout didn’t work, as Chalice was unfazed. “Garren…how do you feel about your job?” asked Larc, hoping to change the subject of the conversation. “I feel like I can’t live up to what Cesare, and Hoji before him, have set up for me. I feel like I’m going to let them down. I know I’m a good warrior, a good commander; Cesare, Magis and Agri made me prove that to them, and to myself once again. I know I’m good enough to lead, but am I good enough to stop Madan?” “Of course you are,” Larc said, “I saw you fight and lose against Kaori, but I’ve seen you fight so well against the Raiders when they were here. You held off the three leaders!” “I know, but this is different,” Garren said, “I’d be dead if not for Agri and Cesare fighting Kaori for me. If we meet again, how am I supposed to see to her defeat? I know I’m good, but not good enough.” “Of course you are!” Chalice said, “We’re Toa! We’re the Great Spirit’s chosen champions. Nothing can stop us!” “I wish I was as naive as that statement, as you,” said Garren, not meaning any insult, “I really wish I were.”“As we stand in awe, changes come. Next time: “Chapter 10: Homecoming” Grace like the rain.”Review

A friend of mine is in need of "spriters", or people who can make sprites, I guess. Something about Fire Emblem, I'm not sure on a lot of details. If anyone would be able to help, I can get you in touch with him.Thank you.

Actually, I found something interesting.

Chapter 8: The Two Magis’s! “Rise!” Madan threw his arms out to his sides, then watched as the glowing thing before him crumpled in on itself, unable to sustain life for some reason. “Madan…,” Kaori said softly beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder. “It’s never been like this before,” hissed Madan. He turned to her, “I’ve been at it for three days, and yet I cannot create a new Pride!” he shouted, throwing his staff out. A booming crash of his thunder powers blew open a large boulder. He was never one to come to such anger that he would simply lash out for the sake of lashing out, but this was forcing him. He had never failed at creating a warrior, especially not a Sin. “Maybe you should ask for help,” Kaori suggested. “From who? That witch?” demanded Madan. Kaori had been saved three days ago by Bandiaca, right when the Toa Cyril Inika were going to kill the Twilight Meister. Bandiaca had given little reason for why she had saved Kaori, but she had given word to Madan that she was interested in an alliance, seeing someone similar to herself in Madan and his powers. Madan had declined her offer for an alliance, and warned her not to get in the way. If things fell into alignment, they would work together in the field, such as when Bandiaca had saved Kaori. If one had warriors out, the other would assist, if possible, if the other were paying attention enough to deploy warriors. Their deal was loose, but it was enough for Bandiaca. For Madan, it was mostly just an excuse to have the witch gone. “You still have the other six, at least,” Kaori told Madan. Madan nodded, “And you, and Forte. What I need is another powerful warrior, regardless.” He looked around, as if lost in thought. Then he nodded, “What I need is a Toa!” He threw his arms out, conjuring up a warrior for himself from emotion. “What are you going to do? Birth a Toa for yourself?” Kaori questioned, unsure of what his plans were. “Something like that,” he replied simply as a glowing figure lay on the ground before them. The light gradually faded, revealing the details of the warrior. There were none. That in itself was the only defining feature of this warrior. “It doesn’t look like a Toa to me,” Kaori said. “I know the Toa of this island well enough that I can use them,” Madan said, “This warrior will give me at least one of them, in some way.” “What’s this one?” Kaori questioned. “Vanity.” The being known as Vanity was clad in all gray, with gray feet, slightly muscled gray legs with gray armor above the knees, giving extra. The torso was empty, skeletal almost. The arms before the elbows had extra armor, but the arms themselves were rather lanky, ending in gray hands, holding nothing. The head had no eyes to speak of; just holes. It was like a skull, all gray, featureless. “Go,” hissed Madan, bidding his newest creation to be on its way. Vanity rose and walked out of the cave, somehow seeing with the eyes that had no visual receptors. Kaori watched it go, repulsed. “Do you want me to assist?” asked Kaori. “No.” Cesare saw it first. He ran, drawing his sword into his free left hand. He slid to a stop before the gray warrior, holding the tip of his blade out. “Halt!” he shouted. It paid him no heed, simply walking in his direction. By the look of the head, Cesare would have argued that it was blind, if it weren’t for the fact that it was now directly approaching Cesare, even as he soundlessly moved to a side to observe. He decided to strike. Focusing his powers around the edge of his sword, he lunged forward, white pure Ice power flowing around with the shocking blue surge of Lightning. He swung, slashing the creature, sending it flying down the street, on the ground. Sparks had flow, the armor was darkened – what there was of armor, anyway – but that was it, really. The thing got back up as if nothing had happened. Cesare had struck as hard as he could. How was it rising? It walked forward again. He slammed his shield into it this time, stunning it, then drove his sword up, ready to bifurcate it at the waist. Instead, it shot a hand out, gripping his face in the left hand. Cesare froze, feeling some sort of energy. Then…nothing. It dropped its arm and walked off, past him, having no more interest in the Toa of Ice. Cesare turned, ready to stop it, ready to kill it, but…he couldn’t. Whatever it had done, it had disarmed him. He could feel his ability to fight, his will to fight, returning. It would be back within minutes, so this thing wasn’t part of a plan to simply stop the Toa from resisting. No. It was searching for something, and when Cesare didn’t have it, it removed Cesare so it could keep looking. Then Cesare thought of something similar. He thought of the strange objects that Hoji had found on the island; the two objects that he had shown Cesare before that none of them had any answers for. Cesare realized at that moment he had forgotten about them, and that this thing could have been after them, for why else had those memories come to the surface of his mind? Was it searching for…whatever they were? Did Madan know what it was, and how to use it as a weapon, or something? No matter what, he had to stop that thing and check on the objects. As soon as he could be on his way again. Garren fell to his knees, unable to cut this thing down. It had left him without the ability to fight, to follow. He cursed softly as he collapsed on the ground, his mind a jumble, as if this thing were searching for something. But what? There was nothing specific on the top of his head that he could tell, so he didn’t think it found anything that it had copied, or something, if that was what it was doing. He had just seen Agri fall to the same being, in the doorway of the temple. They both had been powerless to stop it. This was no doubt a warrior of Madan’s, perhaps his way to get revenge for Pride’s death; by conjuring up something of great power that rose after every hit, that never stopped, never tired, never took damage. He had made the perfect being. If it could kill. It turned around when Magis stepped in the doorway. He lifted his Blade Blaster, “I don’t know what you are, but you hurt my friends, it looks like. I can’t allow my team to be wounded like this without my doing anything. Agri; Garren, are you ok?” “I…don’t know,” Agri said. Garren found that he couldn’t speak. He couldn’t form words. “I’ll stop this,” Magis said, firing. The being walked towards him, taking shots, stumbling, stopping, but never falling to the ground, never retreating. It always continued. “What are you?” shouted Magis, holstering his weapon and slashing his staff out. Air and Lightning tore through the air, slamming into the being, but the cutting winds never cut it, the Lightning never fried it. It wouldn’t die. It wouldn’t stay down. No matter how hard he slammed attacks into it, it was going down less and less, getting immune, or something. When it reached Magis, the Toa of Air was ready to simply ram his weapon through the chest – what was there for a chest – of the being and be done with it, sure that that would work. As it reached, Magis dashed back, “Leave all behind,” he said, slamming his armor into the being. It stumbled back, surprised by the attack. Magis dashed forward with all of his speed, ready to impale. A hand on his face. He froze, dropping his weapon and throwing back his head in a scream of pain as the thing put its hand around his face, doing something to him. It removed the hand, dropping down to his neck, stopping Magis’s screams without constricting. Magis’s head was still thrown back in pain. He couldn’t move. Then he saw something strange happening. He saw the undetailed creature begin to shimmer in green and silver. Details began to form around the thing, forming something that shocked Magis as he stumbled back. There was a face looking back at him, one very familiar. Green armor up to the knees, then silver, spiked armor. Green torso armor, with silver overlay, giving a sense of beauty, then silver armor down to the elbows, where emerald armor once more began. A sleek green Kanohi mask was worn on his face, and a scythe was carried in his right hand. It was Magis, in his normal Toa form. Every detail was perfect, and it frightened him to no end that this thing had taken his form, and no doubt his powers. “What are you?” demanded Magis, his feeling beginning to return to his body, though he was still racked with pain. “Vanity,” said the copy, lifting the Topgaler scythe, “You see, I was created to feed off of the emotions of a Toa. I was to become a copy for Madan. However, he didn’t know which one would be susceptible to such a plan, other than you. Magis. The vain Toa of Air. “He created me in order to track you down, desiring a Toa of his own for his own reasons. Maybe he’ll figure out what other attributes to create so he can create an entire team of Toa clones. Maybe I’ll be the only one. Regardless, it’s my job to kill you, now.” “I don’t think so,” Magis said to his clone. They were almost identical in armor, now that Magis wore silver under his black shield, which was gone. He lifted his staff weapon, the blades snapping open for him as he pointed it forward. “We’ll see,” Vanity said, dashing forward. He swung his scythe, but Magis was gone. He could feel Magis above him, having used his superior speed to dash away and over. Such was the speed of the Inika when casting away their heavier armor. Magis shouted, slamming his weapon down on Vanity’s back, sending Vanity into the ground. Had Magis been using the bladed tip, it would have been over. Rather, using the flat, open weapon meant no kill. Vanity unleashed his powers of Air, slamming a fist of it into Magis, sending him flying out of the temple. Vanity gave chase, kicked Agri aside. He swung his scythe up and then down, but Magis rolled to evade, then lashed a kick out, knocking Vanity to a knee. Magis slammed a fist of Air and Lightning into Vanity’s chest, but it didn’t do much. Vanity had blocked with a wall of Air. “Tell me something,” hissed Magis. “What?” questioned Vanity. “Why did you take on that form?” demanded the Toa of Air, “Tell me! Why didn’t you take my Nova form? My Inika form? Why that one?” “Is it bothering you that much?” “Clearly.” “You were your most vain in this form,” stated Vanity, as if it were as obvious as the sky being blue, “You lost it over your transformations.” “How can that be?” Magis began to think. He remembered protecting the leaves from Kaku, thinking about his friend from his homeland of Angelus Nui. He remembered that he was starting on a new path after that, during his remaining time as a normal Toa. As a Nova, he was still vain, but he had known he wasn’t as bad as he had been. Now, after becoming an Inika, and Saan’s death, things had changed much more. There was no way that he would ever go back to being that vain again. He was a changed man. Is that what Vanity meant? He was no longer the level at which he could be fed off of? That had to be it. This had to be before the leaves and Kaku. This level of vanity that the namesake creature was feeding off of. “I see memories that I had pushed deeper away,” Magis said. “A side-effect of my probing for the right emotions,” Vanity replied, “Some are left on the top on accident, but most of the time, it’s a jumble.” “I see,” Magis said, thinking, trying to figure out what he could do. Vanity was quickly adapting to the situation, to the powers. But Vanity was Magis, so that was to be expected that Vanity could use the Toa’s powers easily. Magis floated back, towards the temple’s door. He lifted his staff in one hand, directing the tip of it down, “Come on. Let’s do this in one move.” “No,” Vanity said, racing at Magis. He swung, but Magis parried. His hand went for his Blade Blaster, as did Magis’s. Both drew and extended the swords, clashing. Another deadlock. Magis focused his Air and Lightning into the blade of his Blade Blaster, causing Lightning to course into Vanity. He shouted and stumbled back, giving Magis his desired opening. Magis leapt forward, driving two kicks into Vanity. He leapt forward, slamming the tip of his staff into Vanity, marring the silver chestplate that Magis had loved so much as a Matoran and then as a Toa. Then Magis froze. “It’s not easy, is it?” hissed Vanity, “You’re still vain; don’t try to hide that fact. You can’t accept that you did this to your beautiful body. Remember your beauty! Look at your current beauty! Fall back into the same person you were in the past, Magis! Remember about a year ago, when you saw the beauty of the leaves? Ignore that! Forget about it! Return to who you were prior! Do it!” Magis was silent, as if contemplating. Vanity smiled, figuring he had won. “No.” “What?” “I will never be that man again,” Magis hissed, “I lost my best friend. I can never go back now. I can only move forward, like he would want me to. I have to be the man he thinks I had the potential to be! I will live up to what he hoped for me, or I’ll have failed his memory!” Magis slammed a small tornado of Air and Lightning into Vanity’s chest, sending the warrior flying down the path, into the streets of the city. Magis ran after him, dashing with his incredible speed, appearing right above Vanity, staff poised down for the kill. “Can you kill your own appearance?” questioned Vanity softly, as if he hoped to sway Magis into sparing him. He wanted to live. Magis stopped for nearly fifteen seconds, where they just looked at each other. Magis’s hand was swaying, as if he were contemplating killing, yet he wanted to drop his weapon. He was in a hard position, and couldn’t make a choice. “Let me live,” hissed Vanity, “Magis, remember how much you loved to look like this? I can always be there for you, for you to look at! Magis!” Magis closed his eyes and thrust his weapon down, hearing the coughing, gurgling sound of Vanity as he struggled to breathe. He opened his eyes, hoping to not see himself. He saw himself, impaled through the silver armor, choking on himself, trying to get a breath, but failing. Why hadn’t he changed back? Why hadn’t he become that featureless gray thing that he was before? This hurt. This hurt Magis, not quite as much as Saan’s death, but close, for Magis was looking at his own death. But not only that, something good. The death of the vanity that once consumed him. He was free, seeing this figurative death. Free.“I am a fairly skilled fighter, skilled in my powers, and tactical. I do well for myself, I do good for this team. But what do they want? Next time: “Chapter 9: Ordered Garen” Grace like the rain.”Review

Last season felt weak. I hate Dalek episodes.This was fantastic.

January was the British airdate for Series 2.

I know they were about two years behind when I started (Series 1 in 2007), but I think they caught up. My best guess? Next summer they'll air Series 7.

PBS aired Series 6, didn't it? Last I saw was Pandorica Opens (granted, I don't watch it on PBS anymore), but I think I remember seeing that Series 6 had been airing. Or am I wrong?

So, Clara Oswin. Confirmed or not? I gave up on trying to discern if a site was official or tabloid (Sun). Mirror.co.uk?

Enough sense, but I'm not getting into it. I'm sure there's something in the rules I might have broken by just stating you can illegally watch with good quality, unless they've become less strict and I haven't noticed.

And so that makes it less illegal?Silly.- TiliusOf course not, I'm just making a point.

Chapter 7: Serene Larc Kaori rushed forward, swinging her sword up, ready to kill Garren first, since he had been her opponent. The Toa of Crystal was unable to defend himself due to the pain she had inflicted upon him, so he would be a certain kill. “I won’t allow this!” screamed Cesare, raising a wall of Ice and Lightning. The intertwined wall blocked the sword, catching it on the downswing, keeping it trapped within the confines of Cesare’s powers. Kaori looked to Cesare, her eyes burning with hatred. Pride’s hand went up, blasting Cesare aside, causing the Toa of Ice to scream as explosions erupted around his chest. Pride looked with the ageless eyes at Cesare, as if challenging the leader of the Toa to rise and challenge the powerful Sin again. Magis shouted and raced forward, leaping for Pride, hoping to at least provide a distraction and allow Cesare to get back into the fight. Of course, he didn’t even come close to Pride and was thrown clear by Pride’s abilities. “There are none who can oppose me,” Pride said, throwing its arms out. Explosions tore up the ground around all of the Toa, causing them all to be thrown aside of the crater that now marred the ground. The explosions also allowed Kaori to tear her blade free. “You scattered them,” she muttered, “Now I have to go after them.” “They’re down.” “They’ll be up before I can get to them!” Kaori hissed, racing at Garren. But even with his wounds, he was far enough away to have gotten up by now, thanks to the explosions helping to make him maneuver his legs. He stumbled around, lifting his weapon, just managing to make the parry against Kaori’s blade. His staff was just able to hold her back, as his tired muscles held the weapon. “You’re too weak to hold me back!” Kaori hissed, focusing Light into her free hand. She rammed it into his chest, causing him to scream as he was burned by the intense, pointblank attack. Sparks flew from his armor all around the point of Light, causing a dark mark to mar his armor under the attack. He was in constant pain as the Light erupted into his chest. He could feel his organics burning; feel his lungs burning, even. He wasn’t going to survive for long at this rate. She wasn’t trying to kill him with a physical strike, but rather, was focusing on bringing him down, making it so that he really could not live, by removing his lungs from the equation. But why take this approach rather than just behead him, or run him through? Was she angry enough that she wanted to watch him suffer, despite knowing that a quick death would prevent him from possibly getting help, which could arrive to save him now? Was she too blinded to see that? Or did she not care? Agri barreled headlong into Kaori, throwing her to Garren’s side. Garren slumped to the ground, panting hard. He drew his Blade Blaster and fired alongside Agri, keeping Kaori pinned down. “Thank…you…,” he panted to Agri. “Don’t worry about it,” Agri replied, keeping up the assault on the downed Kaori, “She’s good, isn’t she?” “Yeah.” “Well then, two of us should suffice.” “What about…Pride…?” “None of us can defeat him,” Agri muttered, admitting defeat, “We need to regroup and formulate a new plan. Hopefully eliminating the second in command of the enemy force will give us the morale to continue and get out of this alive to form a new plan. We have to worry about the one we can kill, rather than the one we can’t.” “Got it,” Garren said, stumbling to his feet, planting his weapon into the ground to hold himself steady, “Go; I’ll cover you.” His lungs were feeling better, fortunately. Agri nodded, holstering his weapon on his hip. He hefted up his spear and dashed forward with his speed, slashing at Kaori rapidly; she was unable to protect herself from any side as he came. Garren’s attacks continued to pelt her, keeping her from focusing on Agri, and Agri’s attacks kept her from focusing on Garren. They had her, until she used her powers of Light, vanishing. “She made herself invisible by changing the spectrum around herself,” muttered Garren. Agri shouted out, hitting the ground. He came swaying to his feet, then went down. “No,” he muttered, taking Garren’s hand to rise, “She sped herself up with her powers. She’s moving on the frequency that light moves on. I don’t know if she’s moving at the speed of light, but she’s doing something.” She appeared in front of both of them, sword drawn across her chest. One swing could cleave both Toa in half. She swung. As Agri had gone to help Garren, the others were fighting against Pride. Pride threw its hand forward, causing kinetic bolts to fly, throwing the Toa around. Pride even floated around them, showing that it’s powers worked on itself. Pride’s kinetic attacks and explosions tore up the ground around the Toa, never hitting them directly anymore, just out of toying with them, perhaps. Cesare dashed forward along with Magis. They both plunged their weapons forward at Pride’s sides, but it didn’t work. Chalice leapt at Pride’s front, ramming his short weapon forward, but the attack came up short, unable to touch Pride. Larc was running around the back, but couldn’t get at Pride in time before the others were sent flying. She leapt at Pride’s back, plunging her trident at the Sin. Pride whipped around, throwing its hand forward, “You thought to escape my power?” Nothing happened. Larc, her eyes closed in focus, plunged her weapon forward, feeling the trident impact, and then heard Pride’s cry of pain. She opened her eyes. Pride’s ageless eyes looked into hers, seeing a sense of serenity, a sense of pure peace. That was all she focused on at this point; peace. Herself. Her own inner balance. That’s all she needed. She didn’t need to focus on her own pride at her Duty, her hope, her emotions. Only her own inner peace and balance. And it worked. Pride hit the ground, crying out in pain. Sparks had flown, leaving a dark mar on Pride’s chest, showing all that the strongest Sin – an untouchable warrior – had been struck. Larc span around, spinning her weapon around, forming the long blaster mode. As Pride floated up, she had the weapon aimed at it, opening fire. The energy bolts – fired from a woman with only inner peace – weren’t stopped by Pride’s abilities. The blasts struck, taking Pride down once again. Seeing the danger that Agri and Garren were in, and that Larc was handling things, Cesare dashed at Kaori as she swung her sword, slashing a Rouze Card for additional speed. “Mach” He tackled Kaori, sending her smashing along the ground, into a building. He stopped in front of his two comrades, glancing back over his shoulder, “You two ok?” “We’ll be fine,” Garren said. “What’s happening over there?” questioned Agri. “Larc got past Pride, it looks like,” Cesare said, “I don’t know how, but I’m not questioning it until we win.” He lifted his sword and shield, “Want me to take her?” “Go ahead for now,” Agri said. “Yeah,” Garren fell to his knees, giving into his pain, “I need a rest.” He nodded, “She took a lot out of you, I saw,” he told Garren. He saw Kaori racing forward at normal speed. He lifted his sword high, then slashed down and ran forward at normal speed. As they met, she slashed down at him, ready to take him down. His armor returned in that instant, taking the shot for him along the chest. The sudden impact stunned Kaori, making her arm freeze. He took advantage of that moment, ramming his knee into her chest, sending her stumbling back. He drew his sword back to his shoulder and swung it out, catching Kaori across her chest, throwing her to the ground, causing sparks to fly and her armor to darken slightly more than the black that was already there. Larc danced back, evading the explosion attacks used by Pride. She leapt forward, span her weapon around, and swung her trident into Pride’s chest, causing it to curse in pain, falling again. “You were never hurt much, were you?” Magis questioned it. “What?” Pride shouted. “You take a lot of pain by the look of it even from fairly minor strikes that she uses,” Magis stated, “You’re not used to pain, based on your reactions to it.” “Quiet!” snapped Pride. Chalice smiled grimly, “If only I could get through you; you’d know the true meaning of pain!” “Silence!” Pride shouted, throwing its hands up, ready to blow both Toa away. When Pride’s back was to Larc, she made her move, lunging forward and thrusting her trident at its back. The trident struck, causing Pride to scream out in pain and collapse. That attack, that reaction, was from the absolute pain. That wasn’t an overreaction; that was real. Larc drew her Blade Blaster, resting the tip of the sword at the back of Pride’s neck, “Serenity can overpower the powers of pride and of hope,” she said softly, lost in her own serenity, “You use pride and hope, you use emotions. Serenity can be an emotion, I guess, but I find it as the lack of emotions.” “Lack of emotions?” hissed Pride. “Yes. Serenity is balance, is, to some, nothing. It can be called ‘peace’, but I consider it something different entirely. So, in the way I consider serenity, it is something you Twilight Meisters can never have, if you work off of emotions and virtues.” Pride’s hand gripped the ground, digging fingers into the battle-loosened stones, “I’ll kill you and show you that your serenity is nothing.” “You are an emotion; of course you would want to destroy serenity, the lack of emotion, as I consider it.” Pride unleashed its power again, but nothing happened to Larc. Instead, Pride turned its attention on Chalice and Magis, throwing kinetic bolts at them, then grabbed them and held them in the air. “Attack me and they die,” hissed Pride. “You’re a coward,” said Larc, still lost in serenity, her eyes closed, in fact. “I do what I must to win, to survive,” Pride said. “You lost yourself.” “What?” “You are made of pride, as per your name. Are you not?” “I am the embodiment of pride.” “Then why fight like this?” demanded Larc, then quickly she returned to her calm questioning, “Yes, your powers are based off your name, and you carry yourself with pride, but you fight like a coward here. You cannot defeat me, so you attack those who you can easily defeat. Your pride is to live, is it not? Yes; it clearly is. You would rather live than be a proud warrior.” “I am not a warrior in the sense that you speak,” said Pride. “I can see.” “I can only fight with my powers. I can only keep those away from me, or draw them to me, or anything. I cannot fight with a blade, with my fists; I can only fight with my powers to manipulate the feelings of others.” “Do you take pride in that ability?” “I am the only one with it; yes.” “If you were to be replaced by another warrior called ‘Pride’, what would you do?” “I would need to be dead for that to happen,” Pride answered. “So, when a Sin dies, a new one is born from Madan, right?” He swore at her for tricking him into giving her information they hadn’t had prior. Pride pushed back, off the ground, getting physical. Larc fell off, stumbled, and fired with both weapons. Pride floated and span around in the air, moving fast enough to avoid the attacks. He shot his body towards her as fast as his powers could carry him, tackling her and throwing her to the ground. Meanwhile, Kaori was slashing, but Cesare was parrying with his shield, never returning the attack. He stepped back, drew his sword back, and plunged it forward. The tip struck her, knocking her a few steps back. He leapt forward, smashing his shield into her face, stunning her. He span around, driving a foot into her chest, throwing her to the ground. A blast of Light just missed taking his head off. He would have to be careful when fighting her if she was going to get wild with her powers like that. Garren threw his hand forward along with Agri. A fist of Earth and Lightning gripped Kaori around the chest, stunning her with the electrical element. A Crystal and Lightning box appeared around her as well, entrapping her and the fist inside. Cesare slashed three Rouze Cards through his sword in quick succession. “Float” “Lightning” “Blast” He shot into the air. The roof of the Crystal prison opened, allowing Cesare to swing his sword, sending the Lightning attack down. The box closed as soon as it entered. The Lightning bounced around, reflecting off of the Crystal, borrowing Lightning from the other elements inside, building power. Kaori’s screams penetrated the box, but none reacted. Larc rolled to avoid Pride’s floating attack. She span around, spinning her trident, waiting. As Pride flew at her again, she leapt to the side, pushed quickly off the ground, and rammed her trident forward, impaling Pride through the side. Pride’s eyes finally showed something; pain, anguish. Death. Pride’s corpse hit the ground, pulling Larc down as well. She slammed a foot on the body, using the leverage to pull her weapon free. Chalice and Magis ran to her side, “You killed Pride…,” muttered Magis, smiling, grabbing her on the shoulder, his shock-filled eyes now showing warmth, joy, “I may not have liked you before, but…you’ve really made me rethink my stance on you.” She was surprised by his words. Magis had never been like this before. Was this because of Saan’s death? She was sure it had to be the way he changed. She nodded, “Thank you.” “I wish I could have done that,” Chalice said, “Or that I could have at least helped. I’d have loved to hammer that Sin with my powers.” “There are more,” Larc told him. “None like Pride, though,” Chalice said. They ran for the box and the other three Toa. The box was going down, but Kaori was gone. The fist was torn apart. There were no signs of anything else. “What happened to her?” muttered Garren. “Did she use her powers of Light to make herself invisible?” questioned Larc, “Or to move at a high speed, or something? Maybe that’s how the hand was torn up, and she vibrated her molecules to escape.” When they looked at her, she shrugged, “I saw her speed earlier.” “I think that’s what she did,” Cesare said, “But how did she focus with all that pain inflicted on her?” “Because she had help.” They all span around, looking at Kaori’s unconscious, floating body. Standing there, beside the body, facing the Toa, was a black and silver armored figure, wielding a staff. Bandiaca. “I don’t know who she is, but as your enemy, I felt I should save her,” Bandiaca said. Before the Toa could react, she lifted her staff, unleashing power into the ground, throwing the six aside. By the time they rose again, both women were gone.“My vanity is something that I wore like a burden at times. It was hard to always act that way, and still is, but as much as I enjoy who I am, I wouldn’t want to go back to how I used to be. My current level is enough. Next time: “Chapter 8: The Two Magis’s!” Feel the Magnificent Gale!”Review

Chapter 6: The Strongest Sin! “I have come.” Madan and Kaori turned from the pulsating thing sitting on the ground before them, turning back to the entrance of the cave to see the final Sin arrive, finally, to Cyril Nui. “Pride; I’ve wondered when you would appear, my child,” Madan said, showing favoritism towards this warrior over the other Sins. Pride was clad in dark red, light red, orange and black armor. It had slightly clawed orange feet leading up into muscular light red legs with darker red overlay. From above the knees, Pride had orange armor overlaying black, leading up into a red torso covered in an orange piece of armor. Over its orange chest armor, it had a large blade coming down like a trident claw, one blade coming straight down, the other two were curved out then in, the two side blades went down to about halfway between the hip and knee, while the center one went to nearly Pride’s knees. Its arms, down to the elbows, were covered in black armor. It had dark red armor towards the top, coming up over the tops of the shoulders, leaving some black exposed underneath it. From the elbows down, it had thickly armored, muscular light red armor, with light red gauntlets as well. Pride had orange glowing eyes burning behind a dark red and black, sleek, Kanohi mask. Its eyes were ageless, vindictive, ready for combat, ready to do as bade by Madan. Pride was the oldest of the Sins, the most powerful, the leader of the seven Sins. Pride required no weaponry, for it was an unstoppable warrior in its own right. Even the six other Sins combining their powers to attack would fall flat; they wouldn’t be able to even strike Pride. “What is that…thing?” Pride asked in an ageless voice. Madan glanced to the glowing being kneeling on the floor – now behind him – and turned back to Pride, “This is Patience. I have plans for him.” “Patience?” questioned Pride, looking at the silver and gray armored, bulky being. Silver dual clawed feet into gray, short, muscular legs, silver armor running along the sides of his legs above his knees, into a gray torso with silver overlay. Each arm began with silver, but was covered until the elbow with gray armor, then into silver, muscular arms with gray gauntlets. A knife in the right hand, and a glowing, naked green head showed no idea of skill, only there to follow orders. “He will suffice for a very important job,” Madan told Pride. “What have I missed in my…lateness?” Pride questioned simply. “The Toa Cyril have been putting up a defense against the Sins, and even my own thunder powers,” Madan said, “I want you to go and crush them. I’ll give you the other six Sins, as usual.” “No.” “Your pride makes you want to fight alone, correct?” Madan questioned. Pride nodded, “They are beneath me. This is what I want to do. I always do as I please, if you recall.” “Oh, I recall very much so,” Madan said. “I’ll join you,” Kaori sighed. “No.” “I don’t care what you have to say, Pride,” Kaori said, baring her fangs with her acidic tone, “I’m coming with you, no matter what you say. You need help in the field, at least to give you information.” “I will use you for information, and nothing else,” Pride said, turning on his heel, “Come.” Kaori took one last glance towards Madan, then followed Pride out into the island’s gray overcast. Madan looked to his newest creation, then looked back at the two departing warriors, sitting on a piece of stone. “Sins!” he called. As the six warriors started to come into the room, he looked over all of them, “Your leader has returned. Pride is on the island. Soon, there will be no task left for any of you to complete, for soon, he will slay all of the Toa for us.” “Saan?” Magis looked around, his eyes absently searching for his friend. He looked to the ground in realization at what had actually happened. He had forgotten once again that his friend was gone – dead. “Magis, are you ok?” Cesare asked him. “I’m as ok as I can be,” he replied, “There’s nothing anybody can do for me,” Magis told Cesare. Ever since being named second in command, Magis had been plagued by seeing Saan, by thinking that his friend was still alive, out of pure grief. He knew it was only out of grief; not because Saan had somehow survived. “Maybe placing that responsibility of second in command on you has…stressed you out too much,” Cesare theorized. “No.” It was a simple word that Magis had used. No explanation, as he felt none was needed. He felt that Cesare should be able to understand something as simple. “Ok,” Cesare said, “Look, we have to go out soon.” “Right.” Magis remembered what Agri had told them. He had fought off four Sins as well as Forte – back again – and had managed to win the fight. They knew they had to try to figure out where Madan was located. If they didn’t hurry, more Sins and other warriors could pop up and be a surprise to all of them. They didn’t want to be surprised. They were best off taking the fight to Madan. He couldn’t affect them with his trumpcard, so they should at least try. “Are you ready?” Garren poked his head inside the temple, “The rest of us are ready to begin the search, the cycles are ready.” “Yeah, let’s go,” Cesare said. Magis nodded to him, so the two walked out, mounting on the Anverius X3 cycles that were present. The six shot off into the streets, searching out any signs of Madan and his warriors. There were only so many places that Madan could be hidden, along with his Sins and other warriors, if he had any other than Forte. He could be off the island, but that was doubtful, based on his initial appearance on the island. He was there, they knew it. As they went through the streets, they came to a quick halt. They all dismounted and stood facing a black armored woman wielding a large sword, as well as a red and orange armored warrior with no weapons to be seen. “Who are you?” Cesare demanded as leader, stepping forward, his hand going to the hilt of his sword. “Kaori of the Light of the Twilight Meisters,” the black armored woman stated. “Pride; the strongest of the Sins,” the red and orange figure stated. “Interesting. We have the strongest Sin – the only one we haven’t seen yet – and one of the actual Twilight Meisters as an opponent. Does Madan not like recycling warriors?” questioned Cesare, “We’ve never fought either of you.” “He doesn’t like having you fight those you have fought, that is correct,” Kaori stated, “It makes this…more interesting for all involved, since they have never fought each other before. The exception being Forte, but then again, he’s different.” Garren walked forward, lifting his large staff weapon, getting ready to extend Lightning and Crystal blades from the longer, already existing blades, “Let’s just deal with these two,” he said. “I like that you’re getting serious,” Kaori said, smiling cockily, lifting her large blade, “Come, little Toa. You’re a rookie; let’s see if you can deal with the likes of me.” “I’ll take you down,” Garren hissed, “I will win against you.” “Oh, the rookie is cocky,” Kaori said, shaking her head, “You can’t win against me, no matter how experienced you are.” “We’ll see!” “Garren,” Magis said calmly, “Don’t let her trap you like this in anger. You have to keep a clear head if you want to win.” “You mean I get to fight her?” questioned Garren. “Go ahead,” Cesare said, nodding, confirming what Magis had started to say. “Let’s do this,” Kaori muttered, “I’m sick of talking.” Cesare thrust his shield forward, gripping the hilt in his other hand. He drew the blade free, span around, and thrust the blade forward, twisting his wrist to turn the blade sideways, looking over the blade, looking down it at his foes, “The erupting tundra! Toa Cesare!”Agri span his spear around overhead, then slammed the blades into the ground. The ground rippled and cracked around him, with his legs as the center of the affected zone. The cracks withdrew, focusing on the two blades of his weapon. He tore it out and pointed the weapon forward, “The erupting strength! Toa Agri!”Magis span his weapon overhead, tossing it and letting it hang in the air on his powers, floating around his body, then landing with the tip in the ground. He tore it free with his left hand, slammed the end into the ground, and snapped it open, winds tearing around his body, slashing up the ground, “The erupting gale! Toa Magis!”Chalice swung his short weapon forward, span around, and thrust it out again, energy crackling around the tips, ready to be released, almost screaming for it. He flipped it into the air, letting it land the blades into the ground. He put one foot on the hilt, “The erupting force of nature! Toa Chalice!” He rammed his foot under the blades, throwing it back into his hand.Larc span her trident around, threw it up, and caught it, the end forward in blaster form, the trident tip touching the ground. She graced the long barrel/shaft along her other arm, looking down it at her foes, her extra armor trailing, blowing in the slight breeze that resulted from Magis’s powers. “The erupting surge of the ocean! Toa Larc!”Garren span his weapon around, planting the end tip into the ground. He rested both hands along the shaft, letting Crystal blades erupt out of the blades running around his weapon, “The erupting finite cut! Toa Garren!” He tore it free, pointing the tips forward. “Six Toa now one, determined to destroy the evils plaguing this island!” screamed Cesare. “We are the…,” said the other five. All together. “Toa Cyril Inika!” “Very nice,” Kaori said, lifting her large blade, “Garren is mine,” she said to Pride, referencing the fact that they named themselves. She raced forward, prompting Garren to race towards her, ready to clash with the second in command of the Twilight Meisters. “Let’s deal with Pride,” Cesare told the others. “I’ll go first,” Magis said, “I want to try something.” “Go ahead,” Cesare replied. Magis ran forward, hefting his weapon into his right hand. He slid forward, slashing his weapon in a wide arc at Pride. Pride never moved. The weapon stopped in the air, hanging there. “What?” hissed Magis, looking up into Pride’s eyes. Magis threw his hand forward, sending Air slashing forward, but it never touched Pride. “I’m too much for you, Toa,” Pride muttered, throwing its hand forward. Pride never touched Magis, yet the Toa of Air went flying back, slamming into the ground, screaming out. Explosions erupted along the length of his body, causing him to scream even louder now. “Magis!” Cesare shouted, racing forward. He crouched by Magis, but wasn’t foolish enough to rush Pride, not knowing what he could do. Larc ran forward, lifting her trident in the blaster mode, opening fire along with her Blade Blaster. Agri and Chalice joined her, but none of their blasts could strike Pride. “I’m the leader of the Sins for a reason. I’ve survived this many years for a reason,” Pride said, throwing its arm forward. Explosions tore up the ground around the three Toa, causing them to scream out as they too were struck. Garren slashed wildly, just trying to gauge Kaori. She was blocking with swift, yet careful movements. She knew what she was doing, and wouldn’t fall into any sort of trap. She knew not to overdo her movements, not to underestimate Garren. Garren span around, getting farther away from her, then threw his left hand forward, sending Crystal shards forward. Kaori lifted her large blade, unleashing a stunning, brilliant blast of Light through the air, evaporating the Crystal with her power. “You have the power of Light?” Garren shouted in shock, “How?” “Light is an element, that’s all I have to say,” Kaori said, “I may be clad in black. I may be, as you would say, morally evil. Why shouldn’t I have Light? Do you think the powers of Light go only to those who are of pure will? Those who are heroes? No; it is an element, like any other.” Garren ran forward, spinning his weapon around in front of her. He gripped the shaft in both hands and thrust the blade forward like a spear, driving it at Kaori. She blocked with her flat, open hand, creating a small wall of Light to stop his progression. “You’re done,” she said, whipping around, smashing the flat of her sword into the side of his head, dropping Garren in that one move. Cesare rolled back, slashing two of his Rouze Cards from his shield into his sword. He held his sword forward as names rang out. “Scope” “Blast” Cesare had an exact shot ready. He drew his weapon back and thrust it forward, sending a perfectly focused energy blast forward. It stopped, like all others. “Mach” Cesare was behind Pride, slashing, but his blade couldn’t touch the Sin. “Do you know what I can do?” Pride demanded. “Leave all behind,” muttered Cesare, his armor flying off, yet still the projectile armor was blocked. But he was gone. “Leave all behind,” Agri muttered. “Leave all behind,” said Magis, his black armor flying off, revealing a silver chest plate, like he used to wear. The three Toa dashed forward, striking from three sides with their speed and blades, but nothing worked. Chalice unleashed his Storms powers, unleashing everything he could, while Larc unleashed a large blast of Water, but nothing worked. “I am immortal, unstoppable,” Pride said, “The mere fact that you have hope for your island, pride in your jobs, for your island, means you can’t win. I turn pride and hope against others, making it into my weapon. That weapon takes the form of telekinesis more than anything. Psychic walls around myself, psychic projections, everything that I could want is at my fingertips to stop you foolish Toa, and any others who would think to oppose me.” “We will find a way to stop you,” Cesare hissed, “I swear it!” “Swear all you like, you can’t beat me,” Pride said. Garren’s body hit the ground, rolling towards his five comrades. Kaori walked towards them, hefting her large blade onto her shoulder, “You Toa are too weak. You fight with morals, with hope for the island, hope that you can drive away Madan and the Twilight Meisters, just as you drove away Bandiaca and the Phantasmal Raiders. “Let me tell you something, as the second in command of the Meisters. You cannot defeat us. We have limitless soldiers at our command, born of the emotions, born of the attributes and traits that everyone has. The Sins stand testament to that. We have other warriors who embody the aspects of all people. Can you truly hope to defeat the emotions of everyone? They only grow stronger the longer they exist in corporeal form.” “Which is why I am invincible,” Pride said, “I have existed for nearly seven hundred years.” “So, are you going to execute us?” demanded Chalice. Kaori lifted her weapon, “Yes.”“Serenity; the clearing of the mind, the relaxing of the body. Emotions are a volatile thing sometimes, but serenity can restore that. Restore ourselves; our peace, our balance. Next time: “Chapter 7: Serene Larc” Show me!”Review

I beg to differ. My methods for things like Game of Thrones is in very nice HD quality. You just have to find the right sites and you don't need the channel. Granted, youre stealing by not paying for the channel, etc., but then you just buy the DVDs or something, make up for it.

I recall reading something like Venom wasn't used because a steriod of that power would pretty much instantly kill you in the real world, since Nolan was setting up a more realistic world.As for reboots, Kamen Rider: The Next had a rebooted V3/Kazami Shiro. An IT company president with a sister, turned by the terrorist organization Shocker into a new model cyborg soldier. In the original V3 series he was mortally wounded and rebuilt by the first two Riders into a cyborg to keep him alive. What's the same? Driven by revenge; the movie for his sister whom Shocker basically caused to commit suicide, and in the show for (if I'm not mistaken) for the deaths of his family. Same character? Yes, even if only motivated by revenge and using the same fighting style.

A friend of mine found new in canister Toa Nuva sets today in (if I'm not mistaken) London. I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but he was curious. How much would they probably end up going for if he sold them?

Well, let me ammend the question then. Anyone here who played it and can give me their opinion? Not as a Pokemon game, of course, but as what it is. I trust you guys more than I'd trust online reviews from places like IGN, for whatever reason.Well...I really just don't like those reviews, I guess, not after some things I heard about how they're paid off sometimes to give good reviews, things like that.

Question; I saw Pokemon Conquest at Shopko yesterday. Sounds interesting based on the Wiki article. Worth buying? I mean, is it good? I see it was fairly well received.

Ok, a few notes, not sure if people have covered any of it:Bat: Bane: Ending: