Grey Snow

Chapter 14: Actions and Consequences Standing in the temple, amongst her peers and Turaga Gorma, Larc looked nervous. Her wounds weren’t tended to. She had told them not to do anything for her. For one, she didn’t know how to use her own healing abilities yet. She also didn’t feel like she deserved healing. Not with what she had done. Not with the truth about to be laid out before everyone. “There is much to tell, and not much time, as far as I’m concerned,” Larc said, “Because the sooner I tell it all, the easier it’ll be. The more I hesitate, the more I buy myself time, the harder it’ll be to say it all.” “You’re buying time right now,” Magis muttered, pointing out. “I’m sorry,” Larc said. “Again,” Magis commented. “Just start talking,” Cesare pressed, “Just tell us everything.” Stripped of her weaponry, Larc felt naked standing before them. Ever since becoming a Toa, she had had at least one weapon’s worth of protection. Now she had nothing. She didn’t like it, but she understood that it was for the best that she had nothing. She wasn’t going to use any of it to fight, to attack, but she would have just liked it for the sake of having it. “When I was a Matoran…three months ago, this story starts. When the Raiders first began to attack the island. Their first attack was Raia, their first second in command, remember? You were unable to defeat him, and had to fight him a second time. That first time…he had his Bashaa remnants and himself start to kill anyone in his way. They dragged the corpses into the ocean, for the sake of studying. I think one of the Raiders may have had interest in physiology. That, or just to make a point. “I was among the ranks of the Matoran who were there at the beginning. I was there when Raia was slaughtering innocents. I was about to be killed. I…I remember looking into his crimson eyes, begging for my life. I didn’t want to die. I still don’t want to die. I just wanted to go on with my life and live on for many years into the future. “So Raia, seeing that in my eyes, seeing the desire to live within me, made me an offer. One I couldn’t refuse. He told me that if I spied on the island, on you Toa Cyril, that I would be allowed to live. I was to bring information once a week to a specific area to meet with a member of the Phantasmal Raiders. It was always Psyga. He always took my information – never much – and took it back to his commanders, always letting me live. “On one occasion, he took me with him, showed me where the base was. There are large underwater air bubbles down there, which houses the main base of the Phantasmal Raiders. There are three of them. Bashaa are all around, along with other warriors for the Raiders. I was taken to them, and they told me that I was doing them a great kindness, betraying my own people as I was. “I despised that, but I couldn’t do anything about it. It was my chance that you guys found me and found the potential to be a Toa in me. I was elated at that fact, but also hated it, realizing that as a Toa, I would have to continue to betray my people, the people I was now sworn to protect. I still wanted to live, so I gave out information, including the exact location of the temple.” “That’s how Kiva knew!” Agri exclaimed. Larc nodded, continuing, “I continued to give out that information, just wanting to save my own life. I attempted to find a way out, but couldn’t. If I killed Psyga, that would solve most problems…until they sent someone else to take his place, or expose me as a traitor, and let you be my executioners, if you believed them. I didn’t want that to happen, so I gave out as little as possible.” “What was in that last message?” questioned Cesare. “Your Rouze combinations, and the weaknesses and strengths of Garren and Chalice,” she told them. “The tablet burned with Psyga, correct?” Cesare questioned. “Correct,” Larc said, “Well…that’s all there is to it. But…when I couldn’t kill the Ga-Matoran who saw us together, Psyga was going to do it, and he attacked me. I realized that I couldn’t bring myself to kill someone I was meant to protect! So…Psyga attempted to kill me instead. I managed to hold on, and even if I was going to die, I needed to kill him. I knew that. I knew I couldn’t die without at least destroying the tablet. “I tried to make amends by telling all of you this. I made peace with myself and my decision when trying to stop Psyga, and I realized that I was wrong. That I took the cowardly approach. I’m attempting to make amends, and I will do it.” “How?” demanded Magis, “We put our trust in you, and you broke it! You betrayed the trust of all of the Matoran of this island!” “I’m sorry.” “Is that going to bring back the lives of all of the Matoran who are dead, no doubt partially from your doing?” demanded Magis. “Magis,” Agri said, trying to calm his friend. “No! She deserves to hear this!” he shouted, “She put the lives of so many in danger! To save her own life, she handed the lives of many others right to the Raiders! Can’t all of you see that? She not only betrayed their trust, but betrayed our own! If Turaga Gorma hadn’t figured out the God Strike combination, then Kiva would have killed us all! And she led him straight here!” “Please! I didn’t know what was going to happen!” she shouted. “Is your ignorance any reason to forgive you?” Magis hissed, his beautiful voice thick with acid, “No! You knew something would happen. If not the lives of the Matoran, you would have had our lives taken! No matter what, someone was dying! You claim no responsibility? You don’t deserve the mantle of Toa!” he slammed a small table sitting beside him to the floor, sending her weapons scattering on the stone floor of the temple, “Bring Eri back! At least we could completely trust her!” For Magis, this was a fairly sore spot. He liked Eri, she liked him. They were a powerful combination, especially with the power of Storms at their combined disposal. Magis was no doubt hoping for someone just as good in Larc, someone he could form a combination with. But now, with these revelations, he would never team up with her. His combination wouldn’t work with her, because he would never trust her again. He would never willingly combine his powers with her. He valued beauty above all else. That included internal beauty. Her sick mental ways made it so that her mind was impure, filthy, to him. He wouldn’t want anything to do with her, her soul in disgrace and dirtied. Magis walked out. No one was going to stop him from leaving the temple and going on patrol. For all he knew, she was a distraction while an attack was going to go on. He wanted to be nowhere near Larc. He wanted to be out, searching the streets. “What about the rest of you?” she asked softly, “What are you going to do with me?” “We’re going to take everything you’ve said, and we’re going to hold a discussion on the matter at hand. We know Magis’s opinion already. He wants nothing to do with you. We’re going to hold his vote. That’s one vote to have you removed,” Cesare said coldly. “Removed? What does that mean?” she asked piteously. “Removed from this island. Perhaps sent away to a prison somewhere. We don’t know yet,” Cesare admitted. “How are you going to figure this out?” she asked, “Just say your opinions on me?” “Pretty much,” Cesare said, “Who wants to go first?” “I will,” Agri said, walking towards her, “Eri, your predecessor, was kind of like you in some ways,” he said, “She was a former Dark Hunter. She had abandoned them, because she was less of a Toa being one of them. She wanted, with the urging of her friend in the ranks, to become a proper Toa. “She made amends for everything. She made things right by joining us here, finding penance here. We accepted her for her sins, and allowed her to stay here. She never did anything questionable like this. She was always a pleasure, bringing with her her abilities from the Dark Hunters, hiding the truth. But she, as Magis would put it, was always beautiful in her own ways. They were a powerful combination. You replaced her, and he doesn’t choose you as a teammate, as a partner, as he chose her. “You betrayed us. Eri may have had her problems in her past, but she was fully dedicated. She didn’t tell us about being a Dark Hunter right away, but at least it didn’t come back to hurt us at some point. You should have realized your sins and told us! We could have helped, and we wouldn’t have completely held it against you. You would have had no choice, and your information as a Matoran was limited, minimal. We could have forgiven you! But you chose another way. A way of silence and cowardice. “My vote is for your removal.” Silence after Agri’s long words. He shook his head and stood back. “I’ll go,” Chalice said, “We’ve only known each other since we became partners in this team, and never as Matoran. You’ve been a good woman. I’ll give you that much. But that’s all I can really give you. I like you, Larc. You made some mistakes. I make mistakes by rushing headfirst into things. I do foolish things like that. You did a foolish thing as well. I have to forgive you, even though how severe this is.” “I’ll go,” Garren said, “I have to agree with the things said by Agri…and by said and not said by Magis. You should have said something. You shouldn’t have kept this hidden. I like you, just like Chalice. Like Chalice, I never knew you prior to this, and you seem like a very good person. “You’ve found redemption by fighting Psyga. You didn’t kill that Matoran. You were ready to die to protect her. That says something. I…I don’t want to forgive you, but I feel I have to. I feel there’s no other way around it. I forgive you, Larc.” That left only Cesare to speak. His word would decide it. Magis and Agri were for her removal, while Garren and Chalice wanted her to remain on the island, and believed that she had found redemption. Now was the moment of truth. Larc didn’t know what she wanted him to decide. If he decided she was to be removed, and she went to a prison or into exile, she would easily accept it. But if she were to remain, she would enjoy her time. She would be happy, but how could she fight alongside her companions when two of them didn’t accept her? It was a hard position to be in, but she would take whatever was given unto her. Cesare regarded her for a long few moments with cold, uncaring eyes, characteristic of him. He was a man of simple words, who was mostly silent, speaking in a smooth tone. His voice retained that quality as he decreed judgment upon Larc. “Larc. We need soldiers. We need people who are willing to fight against the Phantasmal Raiders. We would still have Hoji, Rei and Eri, but Destiny says they cannot be here to fight anymore. That is a problem. A serious problem. “As such, we must take you three. We will need you to fight. Eri and the others entrusted their powers to you. You must not let them down. You must fight alongside us. We cannot turn you away, no matter your sins, as great as they may be. And, you told us something very important in your story.” “What was that?” Larc questioned him, feeling as if he would undoubtedly decide that she was to remain. “You told us that you have been at the Phantasmal Raider base. That is very important,” Cesare told her, “We can attack them, if you would lead us to the location.” “Of course I will,” Larc said, “If you will have me as your guide, and a companion for one final mission.” “One final mission?” Cesare questioned, “You think we are to die attacking?” “Cesare?” Agri growled. “What?” “Are you seriously saying that we will keep her, no matter what, as long as we survive this battle that is approaching?” “Yes, I am saying that,” Cesare said, “If we live, you are to remain with us, for giving us this information. Larc, you are to remain our ally, for you hold the powers of our old comrades within you. That’s very important to us. You are to remain, as far as I am concerned.” Larc showed some signs of relief, then Cesare told Agri to retrieve Magis, no doubt to let the two of them have their moments of grief over his decision. Cesare was meanwhile coming to Turaga Gorma, who had been silent the entire time, asking for his help in treating Larc’s wounds. “If we are to attack their base, filled with Bashaa and their warriors, we need you healed,” he informed her. “I don’t want to be healed,” she said. “Your penance can begin later,” growled Cesare, “Right now; we need you in fighting condition!” “Ok,” she said, nodding in forfeit to his decree. About an hour later, the team was standing, looking down at the ocean before them. Larc was in the lead, working with Magis, who hated it the entire time. They were forming a water bubble filled with air for the journey, since not all of them were strong swimmers. They would need this for the sake of speed, and having air on their journey. As they walked off of the docks, into the bubble, Larc sealed it, silent the entire time, especially around Agri and Magis. She and Magis kept up their control over the internal workings of the bubble, and sent it along, towards where Larc said the base of the Raiders was located. The journey would take only a few minutes, but they would be a tense few minutes, dodging the attacks of Bashaa and any warriors who attempted to stop them. But soon they had broken through and smashed into the larger air bubble, stumbling out, onto dry land under the waters. They looked around, all of them with weapons drawn and at the ready, for at any moment a foe could strike. “Where are the Raiders?” hissed Agri in demand to Larc. “I…I don’t know. They should be here!” she said. “Or you’re still working for them!” growled Magis. “No! They…” “They probably saw the bubble coming and fled for their own safety,” Cesare said logically. “Very good,” growled a figure, walking out. It was Jaki, his claw weapons ready. ‘Forte’ was beside him, sword in hand, “Where is Hoji?” he growled. “Gone,” Cesare said, drawing Hoji’s old sword, “You’ll have to settle for me instead.” “What do we do? These guys are field leaders, right?” Garren questioned. “They are,” Cesare replied. “We fight them! That’s what!” Chalice said, fairly pleased, “I’ll show them what Storms can do!” “Don’t underestimate us, brat,” growled Jaki. “We’re Toa. We’ll win,” Garren said, no matter how illogical that statement was. “Don’t count on that,” growled Jaki, as their battle began full force.“In the aftermath of the battle, what can we do but plot what we will do the next time the enemy appears? But it turns out we don’t have any time, and we’re thrust into what could be the final battle. Next time: “Chapter 15: Full Fledged Assault by the Phantasmal Raiders” Here I go.”Review

Chapter 13: Moral Larc In the early morning hours, despite it not being her patrol, Larc left the temple, heading out into the streets. She ran, just to move quickly, but moved with caution, so as not to be caught out of place by some early waking Matoran. She dodged through the streets, knowing them all instantly, even though unmarked, only using the towers around the island as landmarks. After a few minutes, she arrived at a fairly secluded area near the ocean, looking around. “I’m here,” She turned to see a figure walking out of the shadow of a building. This figure was slithering across the ground towards her. “Psyga,” she greeted simply, without a flash of fear or panic in her eyes. She knew this man, and she expected him. They were having an arranged meeting here. It wasn’t a run-in between enemies, as it may appear to any others. This was an arranged meeting, in order to trade information. Psyga was a merman-like being, with a long thin blue body. Blue and black legs were merged into one which ended in two fins; one on each side. A silver piece covered the area around where the body and legs joined. Silver armor was also around the shoulders, along with silver claws tipping off the blue arms. Silver fins were on the back, acting like razor-sharp weapons. Psyga’s head had two projecting fangs, and inset crimson eyes. “I hardly recognize you as a Toa,” Psyga admitted to Larc. “I hardly recognize myself,” Larc said, looking around cautiously, afraid that a Matoran may come out of one of the streets. “We’re fine,” Psyga said with his smooth voice, “I’ve been watching for many mornings. None come here.” “I hope you’re right,” Larc told him, “I can’t afford to have a Matoran see me talking with you.” “You can’t let them find out that you’re a traitor, is that it?” questioned Psyga, grinning, “It’s a miracle you were to become a Toa.” “Yes. Destiny seems to want the Phantasmal Raiders to gain an edge in this fight,” Larc remarked. “I hate Destiny,” scoffed Psyga, shaking his head with sickening dismay, “I hate the Three Virtues that you people hold so highly. I have my own three.” “Oh?” “Claws, Blades and my own Mind,” Psyga said, “That’s all I need. No Unity, Duty, Destiny.” “I imagine that your three have gotten you far in life, Psyga,” Larc said, holding out a tablet to him. “What’s this, exactly?” he questioned. “Information on Cesare’s Rouze Cards, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the new members, as far as I’ve been able to evaluate thus far. With this information, none will be able to defeat you, or whoever the Raiders send out to fight.” “They defeated Kiva,” he growled. “I had nothing to do with that,” Larc said, “All he knew was that I was a spy, and that was it. He didn’t pull his punches with me. He hurt me just like he hurt the other Toa,” she told him, “I’m still in some pain, and that was a week ago.” “The temple was undamaged, though?” questioned Psyga. “Unfortunately,” Larc replied, in the mindset of a spy now, rather than a Toa working and living out of the temple. She had no friends in there, only marks. Marks to gather data on for the Phantasmal Raiders, who hired her when she was a Matoran. When the first attack had come in, she was offered a position, and she took it, rather than die. She had attempted to get close to the Toa, but had failed. Until now. “I’ll see to it that the next does damage,” Psyga said, “Mezool or Ohja, I’m considering. Their cannons will be enough to do some serious damage.” “If they can get close enough,” Larc reminded. “Yes, yes,” Psyga said, “They will.” He slithered towards the edge, about to plunge back into the Silver Sea, “Larc. I give you a warning. Don’t get too involved with these other Toa.” “I don’t plan on,” Larc told him, “I know my mission, and I won’t take it so far as to become their friends, or something like that. I will always have it in mind that they are simply marks that must be gotten close to, then eliminated.” Psyga nodded. She felt no remorse for doing this. She had sold her life already, nearly three months ago. No remorse, no feelings of regret. Had she expected them, she would have just killed herself by Bashaa, during that attack. But Raia had offered her a job, which she had taken. She didn’t want to die, and would have willingly died if she cared enough about this island. She didn’t care about this island, however. She would gladly spy and gather information for those who would be called the ‘enemy’. Before Psyga went, he turned back once more, “Larc, kill that Matoran,” he hissed. Larc span around, watching a Ga-Matoran in the street, as if she was just getting to work on the docks. She watched their meeting, shocked, trembling in absolute shock and surprise. “Well?” Psyga questioned, “Kill her! She’s seen us! She knows you’re a traitor!” In a flash, Larc had her arm up, arrows of Water resting on her bow, ready to fly, ready to cut down the helpless Ga-Matoran standing there. The sky was gray, with minimal light shining through, casting the usual gray light on everything. A soft breeze drifted through the streets, between Larc and this Matoran. It wasn’t warm, it wasn’t cold. It was just there. “Do it!” Psyga hissed, floating towards Larc, “Or do you want me to?” he lifted his claws, looking at them with relish. “N-No! I can do this!” Larc snapped at Psyga. “Then do it!” Psyga shouted. The Matoran wasn’t fleeing. She wanted to, she desperately wanted to, but her legs wouldn’t work properly. Larc was about to release the attack, but then lowered her arm, letting the water fall to the ground at her feet. “No,” she muttered softly. “What was that?” Psyga hissed. “I said no!” Larc shouted, turning to him. The water at her feet, as minimal as it was, slammed up into Psyga, sending him reeling back. He growled and floated forward, slashing his claws down, but Larc parried with one of the blades of her bow. “Do this! Kill her and I’ll forget what you’ve done here today, Larc,” Psyga hissed, “Final chance!” “I don’t like ultimatums,” Larc told him. “You made one before! Join the Phantasmal Raiders or die! Remember?” “That was different,” she said. “Different? How so?” he demanded. “I like life. I like living. I may be a traitor, a spy, but I’m no murderer!” “Tell that to all of the Bashaa you’ve slain with your comrades,” hissed Psyga, “To your small part in the death of Kiva. You’ve killed!” “But I won’t kill an innocent Matoran. There’s a difference, Psyga,” she hissed, pushing harder on her weapon, but he wouldn’t move. She looked to the Matoran, “Run! Run if you want to live!” The Matoran stumbled and started to run. Psyga growled in annoyance, breaking through her grip and slashing her across the chest with his claws. Sparks flew from her chest; three dark streaks were left along her chest, running down at an angle from her left shoulder to right hip. She stumbled back, panting in pain. She watched Psyga shoot off after the Matoran, ready to silence her himself, then no doubt return to finish this job that he had just started. “I won’t allow you!” screamed Larc, racing after him, despite the burning pain of her wounds. As she pursued Psyga through the streets, she realized this Matoran was like her. She knew where she was going instantly, and was able to avoid Psyga for the most part. But soon, she made a wrong turn in panic, running into a lost Psyga. “Found you!” Psyga screamed, slashing his claws down. A wall of Water shot up between the two of them when Larc threw her hand out. It receded back into a spiral around Larc’s left arm. She ran forward, shouting, throwing a punch, spiraling her Water into it, slamming both her fist and the element into Psyga, sending him into a wall. He hissed and cursed, lunging at her, slashing her across her left shoulder with a bladed fin along his back. Larc cried out, falling to her knees. “Are you ok?” the Ga-Matoran was asking frantically, now at Larc’s side, looking at the wound. Larc looked up as Psyga span around, coming in for another strike. “Move!” Larc shouted to the Matoran, slashing her double blades out, meeting the fin with one of them. They slashed off of each other with a small rain of sparks as Psyga continued forward, missing the Matoran. Larc pulled the Matoran back with her good arm, “Come on. Run! Get to the other Toa and bring them here!” Before the Matoran could run off to do as she was told, Larc grabbed her again, “Why are you doing this? You saw everything!” Before she could say ‘You know I’m a traitor!’, the Matoran answered her. “You have to be spying against them, right? Gaining information for the Toa, just pretending? I know a Toa would never betray their island, even an island like this. Right? That has to be it!” Larc didn’t have the heart to say that the Matoran was wrong. That she was a spy. That she had betrayed her island like this, so she kept silent, nodding, almost heartbroken by doing so. The Ga-Matoran ran off, leaving Larc alone to defend against Psyga, who was skidding over the ground for her again. Larc started to fire off arrows of Water again, but they were doing nothing to impede Psyga’s progress. He was fast and strong, probably too much so on both accounts to be able to even slow him down. Rei released her bladed bow weapon, drawing her Blade Blaster into her right hand, focusing energy blasts on his head, but once Psyga was rushing someone, there was no point in trying to stop them head on. Someone would have to strike from the side, or release a much stronger attack from the front than Larc could do on her own. Psyga smashed into Larc, sending her flying into a wall. She cracked it on impact, sliding down to the ground, her vision flashing with spots of light. She shook her head, attempting to clear them away. Psyga was before her, claws at her throat, while her Blade Blaster was lying too far out of reach. She was dead, and she knew that Psyga would execute her. He had the information she had given him. She could see it affixed into a spot on his armor. She couldn’t do anything to stop him. She only hoped and prayed that the others would stop Psyga before he could give the information to his employers. She may not have been against the idea of joining the enemy, but now she was regretting it. She was regretting not being able to properly defend her island. It was one thing, as a Matoran, to give out small bits of information. It was another entirely to be giving out much more detailed information while also being a guardian of the island. She couldn’t bare this anymore. She almost wanted Psyga to kill her, just as a form of repentance. But she wanted so desperately to live! Just like when they had made their offer, she had wanted to live so badly that she betrayed her people. It was the same here again. She wanted to live. But she wouldn’t betray them any longer. A flying weapon slammed into Psyga’s side. He was knocked away from Larc, leaving a cut in her armor with one of his claws. She stumbled up to her feet, going for her Blade Blaster. She lifted it, opening fire. Garren ran past, picking up his weapon into his right hand. He extended a blade of Crystal, utilizing the weapons as a hilt. He looked to her, “I was on patrol,” he explained, “A Ga-Matoran sent me your way.” “Thanks,” she said. “She also told me that you were spying for us against the Phantasmal Raiders. I don’t know anything about that. I’ll leave that to Cesare to figure out,” Garren said. “I…I need to tell you all about that,” she said, pointing to Psyga, “That tablet in his armor. If we can’t kill him, we need to at least destroy it.” “What’s on it?” questioned Garren suspiciously. “That’s not important right now,” Larc said. “Fine,” Garren muttered, running for Psyga. As Psyga attempted to use his claws, Garren ducked and span around, slashing him with the side of his left weapon, the one without the blade. Psyga stumbled forward in his glide. He twisted his body, plunging the Crystal blade through Psyga’s back, mortally wounding him. “I won’t let this stand!” Psyga screamed out, gasping for air. He twisted around, beating Garren in the chest with his fin tail. Garren fell back, pulling his weapon free of his foe’s back. Psyga stumbled to the ground, struggling to get back up. He shot forward, aiming his charge at Larc, in one last attempt to kill her and avenge himself, and the Phantasmal Raiders. Before he could reach his mark, a blast of raging energies smashed into his front, causing him to scream as his arms and fins were being torn and slashed at by buffeting, raging winds and Lightning. He screamed out a few more times as the attacks continued to vary in ferocity, until he was no more. “Chalice!” exclaimed Garren. “The others sent me out. Thought it would be best for me to go in first, test myself. I of course didn’t object to that.” In moments, Cesare, Agri and Magis were following him, weapons at the ready, but they saw that they hardly needed them. The threat was taken care of. “Just what happened here?” questioned Cesare. “I don’t know, but I killed him!” Chalice was pleased with himself. “A Ga-Matoran sent me this way. Said something about Larc spying on the Phantasmal Raiders for us, and her cover was blown.” “Is that so?” questioned Cesare, eyeing her suspiciously, “I don’t recall giving any such orders.” “Well…then what happened?” questioned Garren. “You’re a smart boy, Garren. You tell me,” Cesare said. All eyes fell on Larc, who was trying to figure out what to say. She clearly had something to tell them, but was keeping it in. “What is it?” Cesare questioned her. “I…,” she shook her head. “Come to the temple,” Cesare said, “We’ll discuss matters there. I imagine there are many things we must discuss.” “There are,” Larc admitted, “Many things. Things I’m not proud of, and things that must be told, no matter how hard.”“Larc may have told us everything, but can we truly trust who she is? It is up to all of us to decide, and then we’ll see where we all stand, and if Larc has a place with us. Next time: “Chapter 14: Actions and Consequences” Here I go.”Review

You shouldn't be disappointed by Ryuki. It stands as my third favorite currently, but only since I'm biased towards W's detective theme, making it second.It's much better; it's a darker setting with a fight to the death, unlike anything Kabuto-current.

OOO is a series I can never watch again. I'm not sure if I'll watch Wonderful; I just got the torrent yesterday since it got subbed, but I despise OOO for the most part, due to Kobayashi's habit of filler, and my general hate of a chunk of the main cast (Eiji included). Gotou, Ankh, Ishiguro/R5 are the only redeeming characters to me.As for Fourze, as soon as Garren dies/is sent to the Nebula/whatever, I'm done. I've grown from hating to liking to hating again.

Yeah, that's about how I feel about it. Until later on, when it makes no sense whatsoever plot-wise.I almost gave up Kabuto, though for the sake of episode 46 (I think), I'm glad I didn't. It didn't make up for the series, but it was an amazing episode.

Chapter 12: The Strongest Power, Part 2 Garren ran at Kiva after punching through a Bashaa. He leapt forward, shouting, spawning Crystal blades from each fist, utilizing his shield-like weapons as ‘hilts’ for his newly spawned blades. He thrust them forward, but Kiva blocked each with one of his weapons. He plunged his arms aside, smashing the Crystals with brute strength. He kneed Garren once in the chest, then backhanded him with the guard of his sword, knocking Garren to the ground, unconscious. “Rookies shouldn’t try me,” Kiva growled to Garren. “How does he know that Garren was a rookie?” questioned Magis as he and Agri fought back-to-back against a troop of Bashaa, both of them using their Blade Blasters in sword mode. “Maybe the Raiders told him who the team was, and since he doesn’t see three of our number, he just guessed,” Agri suggested, “I do agree, it is odd.” “I don’t know if that’s how he figured it out,” muttered Magis, cutting a Bashaa down. Three more took its place, rushing in, “There’s no end to these guys!” complained Magis with a shout of grief. Next it was Larc’s turn to attack. She was the only Toa still standing who could actually reach Kiva. She lifted her bow weapon, dropping to a single knee and firing, focusing her Water powers, creating arrows of her element, sending them flying at Kiva. As he approached, no attack did any damage. She cursed and drew her Blade Blaster into her left hand, opening fire, but the energy blasts did nothing. She flipped it into sword mode and ran forward, slashing with both her bladed bow weapon and her Blade Blaster, but Kiva blocked both on his shield. He shoved her back and then slashed her down the chest, taking her down with a shout, creating a shower of sparks on the moment of impact, leaving a long burn line down her chest as she fell to the ground. Kiva pushed onward, towards the only two remaining Toa. Agri and Magis ended their fights quickly, creating bursts of their powers to cut down the attackers. They both rushed towards Kiva, keeping distance. Agri opened fire with his blaster, sending the repeating blasts at him, while Magis unleashed blasts of Air, sending pressurized bursts forward. The attacks continued to strike. Nothing happened. Agri even threw in blasts of Earth, but nothing happened. Kiva was too resilient to their attacks, somehow. Nothing even scratched him. How could that be? What sort of power did this warrior have? Kiva was like an avenging spirit, come to haunt the Toa for slaying so many of his comrades in the past. How could they fight that, if that was what he truly was? As absurd as it sounded, Magis and Agri were starting to wonder if that could be the truth as they continued to back away and open fire constantly. Kiva never increased his pace. He continued to take blows, but nothing ever happened to him. Was he even a mortal being? The Bashaa weren’t doing anything anymore. Most were dead. Because of Kiva’s pace, the two could pick off Bashaa as they went, making sure that the undersea grunts wouldn’t continue to murder the Matoran. It was the least they could do, if they couldn’t do anything to Kiva himself. Soon, Chalice was back up and rushing at Kiva from behind, shouting a battle cry, actually giving himself away with his shouts. Kiva never turned. “Do you know who I am?” Chalice screamed, throwing the tips of his weapons together, unleashing a massive Storms blast at Kiva’s back, interlacing all of his powers into one burst. “The surging force of nature! Toa Chalice!” The blast didn’t do anything to Kiva. He was far too resilient, even against such a powerful attack. Larc was beside him now, shouting her cry, “The crashing surge of the ocean! Toa Larc!” The combined power of Water didn’t do anything. It didn’t even make him less resistant to the electrical powers of the Storms attack. Garren was now at their side, “The refined finite cut! Toa Garren!” he screamed, sending shards of Crystal forward to impale and cut through Kiva, but nothing. “Stand back,” Cesare hissed to them, getting beside them, drawing a series of Rouze Cards as Kiva continued on, not even turning to look at the three Toa who struck from behind. He slashed his cards in turn, hoping that this combination would work. “Lightning” “Fire” “Ice” “Air” “Slash” The first four together triggered a technique that Cesare referred to as the Elemental Barrage, his strongest technique. As it was, it would be a massive outburst of the four powers to be released as it was; a pointblank slash. With the Slash card, he would extend the powers as a massive blade of energy, allowing for a more powerful and ranged attack. Cesare ran forward, lifting his sword high as it glowed with yellow, red, white and pale green energies. He slammed the blade down at Kiva’s head, hoping to do some damage. Nothing happened. “My strongest power…it didn’t work…,” cursed Cesare, dropping his weapon as the power returned to his Rouze Cards, “What…what can we do?” “Nova Blast?” questioned Chalice. “No. That would kill too many innocents,” replied Cesare simply, shaking his head, “We need a new plan. Fast.” Magis shouted, throwing his hand forward, attempting to cut off Kiva’s air supply, but it didn’t work. As soon as he tried, Kiva raced at him, beating him with his shield and the hilt of his sword, making him drop his concentration to allow Kiva to breathe again. In this time, Agri would dodge back and fire, not that it would actually do anything. “This guy is just too strong!” shouted Agri, “We need to fall back! Now!” Cesare nodded, “Yeah! Everyone, retreat! To base!” “But…that’s not what Toa do!” Chalice complained, “We have to keep fighting!” “We die if we fight this guy!” shouted Cesare, “Not right now. Right now, we retreat and plan. Got that, rookie?” he growled, grabbing Chalice by his shoulder, drawing him in close, looking with outrage into his subordinate’s eyes. Cesare wasn’t one to anger that easily, but these rookies, especially Chalice, were getting on his nerves as of late. “Got it,” muttered Chalice as Cesare released him. They raced back to their vehicles, driving off. Magis and Agri were the last to escape with their vehicles, but they got away while Kiva continued to walk. He simply walked. He didn’t even pay attention to which way the Toa were going. He knew where he was going. “Turaga, do you have any advice?” questioned Larc quickly as Gorma paced around. “Silent, child! I cannot think with you constantly asking me!” Gorma snapped, shaking his head to her in dismay at her impatience. She was a Toa of Water. She should be calmer, shouldn’t she? And she was a rookie, so he should have been able to forgive her quick questioning, her almost demanding tone, with how dire the situation was. But he wasn’t in the mood. “Do you know where he is?” Cesare asked Magis again as the Toa rushed back into the temple to give his report before he would go out and keep watch again, all the while thinking of plans while out alone. “He knows where we are. That’s certain,” Magis said, shaking his head, “He’s on his way here. He’ll be here in maybe five minutes. We have to stop him! But…” “What?” questioned Cesare. “How vulnerable is he to all of our weapons?” questioned Magis, “I’d rather not touch him; his armor looks a bit slimy. But, he took all of our ranged attacks, yet he blocked Chalice’s melee attack. Do you think that means he’s vulnerable to melee attacks?” “It’s a good theory,” replied Cesare, “We’ll have to try simple melee attacks on him. But we still need another plan, in the chance that that doesn’t work. Anything, anyone? Give me some good news!” “No joy,” Agri muttered. “I’ve got nothing,” Garren agreed. Larc and Chalice shook their heads to Cesare. “What about a new combination?” Gorma asked Cesare, finally looking up from the ground, where he looked where he had been thinking. “New combination?” questioned Cesare, “What do you mean, Turaga?” “Your Rouze Cards,” he clarified. “I used my strongest attack, and nothing,” Cesare told him. “I’ve never heard you comment on your strongest attack before,” Gorma told him. “I’ve never actually used it, except for once to test it, but that was before Cyril Nui. It was after I got them, but before Bandiaca. The first practical use was against Kiva. Nothing happened.” “Why did you never use it before?” questioned Gorma. He shrugged, “Hoji had some of the required cards, for one. And while I was with Bandiaca, and before we defeated her? I don’t know.” “But what if you and I looked at your cards? There has to be something he’s vulnerable to!” shouted Gorma, “Everyone has a weakness!” “That doesn’t befit you, Turaga,” muttered Agri, “Such a naive belief. Sure, it seems like everyone should have a weakness, but that’s just wishful thinking. I’m sure you wished that we six had no weaknesses, so that we could better protect the island. But the sad truth of the matter is that we do have weaknesses. I’m certain that Kiva has some, but there’s no point in hoping. After all, what can hope do for us? Matters are already decided; hope can’t do anything.” “Hope can shape Destiny,” hissed Gorma, “You’d do well to remember that, Agri!” “Just shut up!” Cesare shouted at them, “Turaga, take my Rouze Cards and do your own looking!” he threw the pile at the Turaga’s feet, “Everyone, keep working on plans. All we have so far to go off of is that he could be vulnerable to physical attacks. The key word being ‘could’. We don’t know anything with any certainty. Remember that! Magis?” Magis nodded, rushing out. He stopped before getting far, “He’s…he’s here,” he muttered, lifting his claw and large blade. “How did he know to come here?” muttered Cesare, drawing his sword, “I don’t think the Raiders know where this place is!” “He obviously knows,” muttered Agri, Blade Blaster extended in sword mode. The other three stood behind the three more experienced Toa. They had weapons at the ready, all of them ready to make a stand to defend their base. “We became Toa Nova to defeat stronger enemies,” commented Cesare, “If we can’t defeat this man, we’re a disgrace to the powers that we have been given.” The others nodded simply. They all raced forward, ready to rush Kiva and hope for a strike to connect, for damage to be done. Kiva continued to walk towards them. As Cesare, Magis and Agri slid towards him, all of them slashing, he parried. The shield parried Magis’s double slash, while his sword parried first Cesare’s slash, sending his sword aside, where it parried the Blade Blaster. Larc, Garren and Chalice leapt off of the backs of the other three Toa, each of them ramming a blade into Kiva. The blows connected, but did nothing. “If…if he’s immune to our physical attacks…then what?” muttered Larc in absolute shock as her blade touched him, but did nothing, even as she pushed all of her strength into it, even backed by momentum. “None of you can do anything to defeat me,” Kiva told them, “I was chosen to kill you for a reason. I can do it! Easily!” He pushed them back, rapidly slashing to keep their blades and selves away from him. The Toa must have realized by this point that he had simply blocked physical attacks to either give them false hope, or just because he felt like it. It didn’t actually mean anything. There was no hope for them. But as Gorma said, hope could shape Destiny, and Destiny governed everything. Destiny decided who would win this conflict. Perhaps hope was what they needed, for without hope, what could they do against someone as powerful as this warrior, Kiva? Gorma ran out, “Cesare! Take these!” he threw a handful of Rouze Cards forward, but by no means were they all of the cards. Cesare glanced back as Gorma threw them. He realized that they were only a specific number of cards, and could see Gorma gripping the rest. Why? Then it hit him. Gorma had figured something out. Cesare ran at Kiva, leapt forward and kicked off of his shield as it went up defensively. His wings projected off of the back of his armor. He shot back, plunging his sword’s tip through each Rouze Card. “Light” “Rapid” “Mach” “Slash” “Air” The combination seemed very strange to Cesare, but Gorma was no fool. He must have chosen it for a reason. His body erupted into brilliant Light, and his body increased in speed. He flew up on his wings of energy, realizing that anyone could use this combination if they used the Float card as well. He shot forward with immense speed through the air, Light and Air erupting around his body, around his blade, which was enhanced and strengthened by his Slash card. With Rapid aiding his weapon, and Mach his body, he came down, unleashing a rapid series of slashes into Kiva, utilizing the burning, immense power of Light, as well as the cutting abilities of Air to his advantage. Perhaps this strike would have worked better substituting Rapid and Slash for Kick? But Cesare drove that idea out of his mind. He would attempt that version of the attack another time, or again, if this failed. But the power was working. Light and Air were a deadly combination, especially with his skill with the blade. The shining weapon cut Kiva down in one move. However, it burned out Cesare’s wing generators. He knelt on the ground behind Kiva, who was falling slowly apart. Cesare raised his head as he heard the chunks of his foe’s body hitting the ground. “God Strike,” he said, naming his new strongest technique. He rose, turned towards the others and drove his weapon to its home on his waist, “Ok, first order of business. Why did the enemy know where our base was?” The Toa and Gorma watched Cesare, however, awestruck by his appearance when he had used the God Strike. The shining warrior that he was…it was impressive to have watched. By the awe on their faces, Cesare would have never guessed one was a traitor.“I must face demons of my past and determine my own future, and be ready for anything when an unfortunate Ga-Matoran gets in the way. Next time: “Chapter 13: Moral Larc” Show me!”Review

Not an original. Couldn't even find an original just to see it online. It's a copy, but still a good coat, very well made.

I must say that, for about three weeks, I've owned the Sherlock coat. $180 on Ebay, $40 shipping. And it is amazing.

I only know what I read when I did my research.

Chapter 11: The Strongest Power, Part 1 Chalice, Toa of Storms, appeared with orange armored feet, gray legs with orange armor above the knees. On top of this was light brown armor, with a gray body above. Overlaying his chest was orange armor, where the center of the chest had yellow armor over the top. His arms were covered in primarily brown armor, with some yellow just below the shoulders, and yellow armored hands. He had brown neck armor along with a sleek, brown Kanohi mask. In his right hand he carried a large mace-like weapon. The thick end span around as he would generate his powers, and below the hand there was a curved part of the shaft, with a blade on it. The longer blade continued down at a bit of an angle, while the shorter came out just a bit farther past the hand. In a moment, he transformed into his Nova form, utilizing the remaining powers of the Nova energies to transform him from a normal Toa into much more. Now his orange armored feet were more defined and larger, with yellow ankles and gray legs, with the same orange and brown armor as well. His chest was still gray, with a thick piece of bladed orange armor just off of the legs over his lower chest, while he had a rounded piece above that, ending around his breast area. He had a brown neck, leading up to a sleek orange Kanohi mask. His arms started with brown armor as before, but were now more muscular looking below. He had yellow armor just above the elbows, and yellow gauntlets. His weapons were two curved and serrated shortswords, curved out with the serrated blades facing out, the actual blades of the weapons on the inside. Garren became a blue and white armored Toa of Crystal. His feet were white, and then his legs blue, with white armor overlaying just before his knees. He had light gray armor after his knees, with blue overlaying. He had white armor low and blue high on his chest, with a larger white sheet of armor overlaying it all. His arms were blue with larger white overlay, and then white with gray gauntlets. His neck was white, with a blue and silver streamlined Kanohi with a fanged mouth. In each hand he wielded the same weapon; a hooked blade curling down, with the actual blade on the inside, for more of a blunt punch. In a moment, however, he began to change into a Toa Nova. He had wide and strong blue feet, with white armor going up to his knees. Just above his feet he had bladed blue armor curving over the sides, hanging down. His armor above his knees was light gray, with blue armor on the sides, sleek in design. He had white armor, then blue on his upper chest. He had a large white and slightly clawed piece of armor overlaying his entire chest, with blue armor on his upper arms, blue lower arms, and gray hands. He had white claw armor curling back off his upper arms, and white armor overlaying his inner arms after the elbows. He had the same sleek silver and blue Kanohi, but it was larger, more ‘mature’, with larger fangs and more detail. In each hand he held a shield-like weapon of two curled blades, creating what could be called a square, utilizing them as a cutting, punching and defensive weapon in each hand. Then there was Larc, Toa of Water. Light blue, wide feet with small claws with dark blue, thin legs rose up to the light blue armor above the knees, with triple bladed fins running down. She had dark blue chest armor, with a wider piece of dark blue armor over the top. Her arms were light blue armor with wider, flat dark blue armor on the sides, and muscular dark blue armored arms below the elbows. She had light blue gauntlets, a dark blue neck, and a dark blue sleek Kanohi mask. In her right hand she wielded a transparent sword with a large, almost wedge-like blade, with a sloped guard coming over her hand. But in a moment, the Nova energies were taking over, transforming her once more. As a Toa Nova, she carried more armor and a more commanding presence. She had the same feet, but her legs had become more powerfully built. She had the wide, flat armor on the sides above her knees, rather than the fins coming down. She had a wide blue piece of armor giving her more protection over her chest, with breast armor coming and sloping in. Her arms began as light blue, with thick, pointed armor above the elbows, and dark blue armor below the elbow, with light blue gauntlets yet again. She carried a double sided blade that curled out, almost like a bladed bow. She had a strong looking Kanohi mask on her face in dark blue. Not as sleek as before, but sturdier, like her armor. And with that, the new guard had arrived, and the old guard of Hoji, Rei and Eri were departing the island. “I need someone strong to go out,” Uva hissed. “So you came to me,” commented a gruff voice, “You made the best choice you could have, Uva.” “I believe Sagarc is attempting something. What, I don’t know,” commented Uva, “But whatever it is, I don’t fully trust him.” “And you think I hold no pre-standing arrangements with Sagarc or Gamel?” questioned the shadowed warrior, standing beside a large piece of coral which was currently providing him his darkness in which he thrived. Uva looked at him, his eyes studying the familiar outline of this warrior. He nodded to him, knowing that to lie to this man would mean his death. He had to admit everything, or he was doomed. Lie and be discovered, and not even his powers could save him from the wrath of Kiva. “I do fear that Sagarc could have done something, yes, I admit that,” said Uva with some reluctance, not wishing to overplay his hand should Kiva be working for Sagarc, and should Sagarc be planning some sort of coup d’état. But he had to say something, that much was a certainty. He had to say more, in order to attempt to gain the trust of this warrior, in order to attempt to sway him. “I also believe that you are our strongest warrior, Kiva,” Uva stated, “There was Agito, and someone released him. I believe it was Sagarc. He won’t admit to it, however. We’re at each other’s throats. If one Raider does something, then the others are going to jump on him as a traitor for acting without consent.” “A very bad position for all of you to be in. Teetering on the edge of life and death itself. One wrong move ends a life, either the life of the supposed traitor, or the life of the attacker, in self defense. Regardless, it comes down to speed, ability, and sharpness of one’s blade. Like all things in life. But tell me, Uva, is your blade sharper? Is your ability greater? Is your speed the highest?” “Should Sagarc attack, I could kill him,” Uva hissed in annoyance. He was the one in command here! How dare Kiva think he could talk like this to him! He was nothing but an underling! A soldier! He knew nothing of the politics, of the balance of power that the three Phantasmal Raiders held with each other! “Are you absolutely certain that you could do that?” questioned Kiva, “You may think yourself a warrior, but you are not one,” Kiva shook his head in the darkness. The outline of him against the dark shadow of the coral stood out to Uva, “You are a leader. But again, not a good one.” “Whose side are you on?” shouted Uva, lifting his weapon in threat, though he knew it would be no good. His powers also weren’t going to be enough. Kiva was faster and stronger; he would strike before Uva could do anything. “I am on my own side!” growled Kiva in anger, the tip of his blade emerging from the darkness, the silver tip showing a small shine. “Fine, fine,” Uva said, taking a few steps back, “Will you help me, however?” “I shall help you,” Kiva growled, walking out of the shadows, “What is the first move I am to make?” he questioned, ready to take orders. He was his own man, his own warrior, but he was unfamiliar with the current situation. He didn’t follow the conversations of the Phantasmal Raiders or the others. He didn’t really care. But now was his time to fight, so he would take the information and fight. “We have some knowledge to give you,” Uva told him, “Knowledge that none before you will have had.” “How is that so?” questioned Kiva with interest glazing over his crimson eyes. “That is our secret. A secret shared by the three of us Phantasmal Raiders,” stated Uva, smiling grimly, like a smug snake, “But I can give you the information that we now have. I know it will be of use.” “Then tell me,” Kiva stated. “Two days and nothing!” complained Chalice, Toa of Storms, as he returned from his patrol, shaking his head in dismay and disappointment. “You want a fight?” questioned Larc calmly, shaking her head. “How were you chosen as a Toa?” questioned Garren, Toa of Crystal, “You only want to fight! You only want danger! That’s not what being a Toa is about!” “We’re supposed to protect the Matoran. I want to do that. I can’t protect them if there’s nothing to protect them from!” Chalice shouted. “You want a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, then?” questioned Larc, “You want a fight just so you can do your job? You can’t take relief in the fact that there are no threats, and the Matoran are genuinely safe? What’s wrong with you?” “I’m a man of action! I always have been!” Chalice said proudly, “That’s why I want something to happen!” “Something will happen soon enough,” stated Cesare as he walked towards them, Hoji’s sword on his waist. He kept his hand resting on the weapon’s hilt, as if to remember his former leader. He was the leader now. He had to keep these new Toa in line as best as he could. But he felt that Hoji could do it better. Hoji had done it before, but Cesare was just as scarred as he was, in some ways. Hoji had lost a friend; Cesare had fallen to the enemy for the sake of doing it. They both had their own scars. They both had their own setbacks in life. If Hoji could take his and turn them into fuel for leading a team, then so could Cesare. “If you really want a fight,” Cesare said, drawing his sword free and facing the curved tip out at the three new Toa, “Then fight me.” “I’m not going to fight you, Cesare,” said Chalice, backing away a bit. “What? You want a fight, so why not me? Am I not good enough? Am I too good? Do you doubt your skills that much?” “I don’t want to fight my leader!” Chalice shouted at him. “You need to keep your skills sharp,” Cesare told him, “So fight me.” “I hate to interrupt, but we have a situation,” Agri said, rushing in with Magis at his side. Agri was second in command now, having moved up in rank when Hoji, Eri and Rei left the team. He was drawing his blaster weapon, “Big trouble,” he stated. “What sort of trouble?” questioned Cesare. “Bashaa, a lot of them. And a large soldier,” Magis told him, “The usual. Except the soldier is bigger, as I stated, and there are more Bashaa than usual.” “Right,” Cesare said, looking back at the three Toa, “Chalice, you wanted a fight, here it comes for you!” The three Toa ran after their three teachers, into the structure next to the temple. They each mounted on their cycle vehicles, shooting off into the city. “That’s right,” hissed Kiva, “Destroy everything!” The Bashaa were all around, slashing at buildings, attempting to cut away at the structures, but they weren’t doing much. They were breaking into the buildings, pulling Matoran out and executing them in the streets. Any strugglers were killed inside their homes or businesses. As the six Toa arrived and dismounted, they ran forward, getting a look at the enemy known as Kiva. He was a large black and silver armored whale-like warrior, the most powerful looking enemy that any of them had seen yet. He had large, thickly armored legs in black and light gray, with large two pronged clawed feet. He had thicker black armor overlaying his legs, strengthening them. He had silver armor on the sides, mixed in with the extra black. From his lower body, he had a large sheet of black and gray armor curling down, protecting the tops of his legs, as well as the weaker part of his chest. He had another piece of the same armor overlaying it, covering his thickly built black chest. His arms were thickly built and muscled, with each one having a large silver blade like a claw curling back, along with armor on the sides to give extra protection. In his right hand, he held a sword with a thick guard. The blade itself was fairly small, like a dagger to this warrior. The left hand clutched a large curved shield, that looked like it could double as a fist weapon. His head was elongated, with silvery tentacles coming off of the back, but only two of them. He had a few razor-sharp fangs coming out of his wide mouth, with horns coming off of the top of his head, and two crimson eyes inset partially on the sides of his head, burning with rage, anger, and the desire to kill, as ordered. “I’ve got this guy!” Cesare shouted, slashing a Rouze Card, and then a second. “Lightning” “Drill” A drill of Lightning erupted around his sword. He slid forward, thrusting the weapon in at Kiva’s chest, ready to end it in one move. Kiva didn’t show anything on his face. He didn’t move to block the attack or do anything. He took the powerful Lightning attack to his chest, but didn’t flinch, didn’t show pain. No sparks flew as contact was made. No burn marks from the damage. Kiva simply looked down at his foe, his burning eyes showing no rage, just the desire to fight. He threw his shield forward, smashing it into Cesare, knocking him back. He thrust his weapon forward, but Kiva lifted his sword, blocking. He punched again, knocking Cesare back, and then lunged forward, slashing his weapon down, cutting Cesare down his chest. Sparks flew from the first moment the blade touched Cesare’s armor, to the last moment when it left his armor. He fell to a knee, a dark burn mark running down his chest. He was panting, glaring up at Kiva and lifting his sword, thrusting it forward with a shout. Kiva kicked Cesare, taking him down before contact could be made. “Cesare!” screamed Chalice, running forward. He leapt up, coming down with both of his curved blades facing at Kiva, ready to drive the serrated blades into the sides of Kiva’s neck. He was powering his weapons with some of his powers; Lightning flickering around his weapons, winds erupting around both of them, buffeting Kiva. Kiva whipped his left arm out at the last moment, smashing his shield into Chalice’s chest, throwing the Toa Cyril Nova of Storms aside, smashing him into a building. Shards of brick flew out on impact, landing as rubble all around Chalice, some of it landing atop him, starting to bury him from the pure impact and damage caused. Kiva ignored the two downed Toa, moving towards the other four, ready to continue his mission.“Kiva has defeated us. There is nothing we can do to stop him. We’ve tried all we know, but he appears to have no weakness. How can that be? But we must persist. We must…use the strongest powers of our arsenal. Next time: “Chapter 12: The Strongest Power, Part 2” Here I go.”Review

Chapter 10: Changing the Guard “Who released Agito?” hissed Uva, looking at Sagarc and Gamel. His gaze lingered on Sagarc for a few moments before continuing onto Gamel, where it lingered for moments, then returned to Sagarc. “You think I did it?” questioned Sagarc in irritation, “Why would I upset the status quo by releasing that monster?” “He was your old partner,” Uva reminded, “There’s a reason.” “He’s a manipulator who plays mind games too powerful for his own good,” Sagarc told Uva, “I would be a fool to release him. When our partnership ended, I took that away from it. I would never release him.” “Then was it Gamel?” questioned Uva. “Who is this Agito guy?” Gamel questioned. “See?” Uva replied. “He’s playing an act!” Sagarc snapped. “You wish to formally accuse Gamel?” questioned Uva. “What are you saying about me?” growled Gamel. “He could be playing an act,” Sagarc corrected, “Look, maybe it wasn’t one of us. Maybe it was another of our warriors.” “How many know where Agito was imprisoned?” Uva challenged, “Jaki and Raia. Raia is dead.” “Someone could have found him,” Gamel commented, despite not really knowing much of the conversation. “That is true,” Sagarc nodded, “Then it becomes a matter of finding whoever did that.” “Why would he go after the Toa?” questioned Uva smugly, smiling as he realized it, “Why wouldn’t he come after us for revenge? I sealed him, after all. You betrayed him, Sagarc, and I used my powers to seal him. You helped. We’re both targets. What did the Toa ever do to him?” “Maybe whoever freed him convinced him to try to get on our good side again,” Sagarc offered, shrugging, “I don’t know!” “Would we let him back on our good sides? No,” Uva shook his head, “Why would he want to be on our good sides anyway? What could he gain from being a soldier, when he could have been a leader?” “Fine, I see your point,” Sagarc said, “Are you accusing me yet?” “I do think it was you…but I trust you,” Uva said, shaking his head, “For now, I’m watching you, but no harm was done to our ranks. But you did show that you could be plotting against us,” he referenced himself and Gamel, “If it was you, that is. I’m watching you.” “I would do the same,” Sagarc said, “In fact, I’m watching you now! You may have released him!” “Me?” Uva hissed. “Yes, you. You’re trying to throw suspicion away from yourself by accusing us! So I’m watching you as you watch me.” “Very well, then,” Uva stated, walking away. “Where are you going?” Sagarc questioned. “I’m going to check in on our armies,” he replied, “Maybe get ‘Forte’ ready to attack. I don’t know. We need to do something, though.” Uva walked away, leaving Gamel and Sagarc alone. Sagarc walked out another way, “I’ll prep Bashaa for the attack,” he said. Gamel didn’t know what to do, but he left anyway to find a warrior, perhaps, or to ask someone about Agito, since he was curious. “I don’t know what it is,” Turaga Gorma replied, looking at the strange object in hand, “Just like last time, I haven’t an idea.” “I figured as much,” Hoji admitted, sitting down, fingering both objects, but not seeing any relation to any carvings or anything about the objects. “Hoji, could you join me for a moment?” Gorma asked, walking to the sand circle that they used for ancient traditions. It was in this circle that they found that Destiny desired Cesare to serve with them on the same team. Now, Gorma wanted to do something with it once more, and needed a Toa to help him. “What are you trying to do?” questioned Hoji. “Something’s been annoying me in the back of my mind,” Gorma admitted, “I want to see what it is.” “You think this will tell you?” Hoji asked. “Don’t question the powers of the circle,” Gorma told Hoji. “Sorry,” Hoji apologized, “I won’t.” He had seen it do things that defied physics and gravity when they were trying to see Cesare’s destiny. Or at least, it came close to defying physics and gravity if it never did. The two sat on opposite sides of the circle. Six stones in the center, each representing one of the Toa Cyril. But what possible purpose could they being playing now in this pit of sand where Destiny revealed Itself? “Destiny can be personified,” Gorma stated, looking across the sand into Hoji’s eyes. “Personified?” questioned the Toa of Fire. “Yes. I believe Destiny can reveal everything It wants, if only people would listen. Destiny is always speaking.” “Is that what that feeling you got was?” questioned Hoji. Gorma shrugged, “We’re going to find out if that was Destiny talking to me,” he said, looking at the sand pit. He held his hand out, “Each stone is marked with the symbol of your Elemental Power,” he told Hoji, “If you Toa are involved, we find out here.” “Why would we be involved?” questioned Hoji, “Something good or bad? So things aren’t going to continue?” “Things aren’t going to continue as they have been,” Gorma said, “If this is Destiny, no. Now, let’s find out exactly what is happening.” They watched the stones for a few moments, and then three of them simply fell. Hoji sprang to his feet in shock at this event, for they all fell at once, and three new stones rose from the sands. “Those weren’t there before!” hissed Gorma. Hoji crouched back down, reaching for the three fallen stones. He looked at them all in turn, then looked up to Gorma, “Eri, Rei, and myself,” he commented, “What does it mean?” “I think it means…Destiny doesn’t want you here anymore. Stay…stay and die…” Gorma muttered. “Why did you call us here?” questioned Magis. The six Toa stood near the circle of sand, but none paid attention to it. They didn’t really like the mysticism of it, or the idea that Destiny spoke through it. For the most part, it just disturbed them by thinking about it. “Look, something happened,” Hoji commented, holding up the three stones. “Were you guys playing in the sand?” questioned Magis irritably. The sand and stones were what caused Cesare to join the team while he was against it. Sure, things were different now, and he appreciated Cesare, but he still had a sore spot for that pit. "We must remove ourselves from play," Hoji said, "Destiny has nothing pertaining to us in this fight anymore. If we hope to win, the three of us most go." “Three?” questioned Rei. “Yes,” replied Hoji, “You, Eri, and myself.” “Me too?” questioned Eri in shock, “Why? This island…this island is my penance! I can’t go!” “I think Destiny is stronger in will,” replied Hoji, “I don’t think Destiny or whatever you’re giving penance for will mind too much…if it’s Destiny, after all.” “What makes you decide we’re going?” questioned Rei, “Some stones? This is our home! Our place to prove ourselves and protect the people!” “I’d love to stay,” commented Hoji, “But we can’t. If we do, I fear Destiny will correct itself and see to our deaths. At least this way we can live and do good on other islands, and hopefully return someday.” “Fine,” said Eri, “But what about our replacements?” “I believe this is where I come in,” said Gorma, pointing to his Kanohi, “The Noble Fexuba will allow me to find those who have the destiny to become Toa. I can find them.” “Three replacements…,” muttered Cesare, crouching by the pit, looking at the three new stones, “Unmarked.” “Then the first three we find are our new teammates?” questioned Agri. Hoji shrugged, “I would assume so,” he walked towards Cesare, “I guess you’re leader now.” “That makes me second,” Agri said. “I’m going to go and begin the search,” Gorma said, “Please, come with me, everyone. It may be the last time we’re all together.” The seven figures walked out of the temple for the last time together as they were now. Maybe they would do it again to see their three friends off, but things would be different then, if that’s how it went. “Tell me something,” Hoji said to Gorma, “How goes the political system?” “I’m losing,” Gorma said, “Fides is still winning.” “You’ll win,” Hoji said, “You will become Turaga of the island. I’m certain of it. We’ll help you, if it’s the last thing we do on this island.” “Thank you, my friend,” Gorma told Hoji. There was silence among the seven figures as they walked through the streets, a truly unusual procession. Some Matoran were going off to work, some returning, some going to buy supplies and the like. As they walked through the slightly crowded streets, Gorma continued to shake his head. There was a lot of island to cover, but after the first twenty minutes, it became disheartening as there was nothing. Finally, a signal. Gorma ran ahead, forcing the others to run after him. They all stopped in front of a Ki-Matoran, a Matoran of Crystal. This Matoran looked up, rather confused by the group gathered around him. “May I help you?” he asked as he was walking towards a residency, an apartment in the large buildings where many Matoran lived. “You have the ability to become a Toa,” Gorma said. “I do?” he questioned, his dull eyes brightening. Then he shook his head, “How do you know that? You’re one of the Turaga vying for power, aren’t you?” “He’s telling the truth,” Hoji said, “Turaga Gorma here is the best choice for the island, because he’s honest! His Kanohi is telling him that you’re to become a Toa! And…and we need more Toa.” “A mission of danger…and of respect from the other Matoran?” questioned the Matoran, looking down for a few moments, “How…how do I know you’re all telling the truth, and haven’t just sold out to a Turaga?” “Because we’ve protected all of you for so long, please, trust us,” Eri said. “Ok,” he said, nodding, “I’ll come with you. I’m Garren, by the way.” They continued to search, Garren now in tow. They hoped to find the other two quickly, and were pleased to find their next new Toa within about five minutes. He was a He-Matoran, a Matoran of Storms. “Chalice,” he introduced himself, “Toa? It sounds dangerous…so it sounds fun. I’ll come with you guys,” he said, smiling the entire time, while the Toa wondered about his comment, and if he was Toa material, but they couldn’t judge the Kanohi Fexuba. Finally, they found a Ga-Matoran by the opposite side of the island, looking out to the ocean. She turned to them, surprised by the group standing there. “You want me to become a Toa?” she questioned, her eyes brightening. She leapt to her feet, “Yes! I’ll do it! Yes! Oh, I’m Larc. Thank you! I don’t know how this works…but thank you!” As they walked back towards the temple, Gorma went on ahead with Garren, Chalice and Larc, leaving the six Toa to the back, to speak alone for perhaps the last time. “What do you think of them?” questioned Cesare. As Hoji returned his borrowed Rouze Cards to the Toa of Ice, he shrugged, “I don’t know.” “I like them…except for Chalice,” commented Rei. Eri nodded, “Yeah…and Larc, she seems too excited for this job. Doesn’t she know what it entails?” “Well…everything is up to them now,” Hoji said solemnly. Hoji, Eri and Rei held out their hands, focusing their powers into three stones before them. These Toa Stones would be where the three Matoran gained their powers and forms from, but it would cost Hoji, Eri and Rei more than any of them wanted it to. But surprisingly, as their powers drained, they returned to normal. Not Turaga, but rather the Toa Cyril, only losing their Nova powers. They looked in shock at their bodies, which still had their new weaponry, but otherwise, they were normal again. “Do you want to stay and watch?” Gorma asked as the three Matoran prepared to transform. “Yeah, we’ll stay,” Hoji said, gripping his curved sword. He turned to Cesare, holding it out, “A parting gift, from one leader to another.” “Then have my Rouze Axe,” Cesare said, removing all of his Rouze Cards and gripping the sword that Hoji offered. Hoji took the axe from Cesare, nodding and smiling as a last gesture between friends. As he slung the Rouze Axe onto his back, and the Dragon Missile flew over to him to depart with him, the three Toa watched as the three Matoran gripped the Toa Stones. Power flowed into each of them. As the power transferred, each of the three Toa reflected back on moments of their pasts on the island. Rei remembered finding the island, finding Hoji, after losing her friends. After failing her duty. She remembered finding comrades here, and how she was accepted, only to now have to leave. Eri remembered finding this place as penance, and growing to love it and have to defend it, not as a penance, but as a duty, as something she cared about. She would grow to truly miss the sins that this place had. Then Hoji. He recalled his first finding of this island, and how it meant a chance to repay his losing of his friend, Hyak. But now Hyak was dead, and he was leaving this place. Maybe it was time to move on.“An enemy who threatens to utterly destroy our new team appears! His name is Kiva, and he may just do as he was sent to do. But we’re Toa…we can stop him. I know my words are naïve, but with these rookies, sometimes they must be. Next time: “Chapter 11: The Strongest Power, Part 1” Here I go.”Review

Chapter 9: Magnificent Magis Agri lashed out with his powers, attempting to trap Rei inside an Earth prison, but she blasted her way out in a moment, as he figured she would. The next bolt exploded into his chest, sending him flying back with a shout of pain, causing sparks to fly in all directions from the point of impact, causing a dark burn mark to appear on his chest. He stayed down, but reached for his Blade Blaster. He gripped it, but lost the strength in his fingers, losing his grip of the weapon as he lost the ability to fight. "My turn!" Rei span around, watching Hoji drop down with his Blade Blaster sword extended. He slashed rapidly, but Rei parried each blow with her rod weapon, spinning around to gain distance on him before unleashing a bolt of Lightning from her hand. Hoji parried and slashed, sending the captured attack out to his side, watching it explode into the street. He raced forward, shouting, slashing rapidly, holding the hilt in his right hand while using his left to grip the flat of the blade itself, attempting to use that grip for the sake of close combat. She managed to avoid each short blow that he gave out, only parrying twice, while simply dodging every other blow. Hoji leapt up and threw his left leg out, striking her in the chest with an unexpected and admittedly rather clumsy strike. It worked, though, and she stumbled away from him. He span around, gathering flames around his hand as he span. He threw his left hand forward at her, unleashing a torrent of fire, surrounding her body rather than burn her directly. He raced at her, shouting, leaping through the flames, holding his blade in both hands. He slashed as hard as he could, ignoring the fact for a moment that she was a comrade, a friend. He saw her in this moment as simply a foe. The slash threw her through the flames, knocking her onto her back. He walked towards her, sword down at her throat. As Agito watched, he considered using his powers on Hoji. He seemed very interesting, after all. He would lash out at his own subordinate, his own comrade and friend without a moment's notice, it would seem. He was the leader, yet he didn't really care for their wellbeing, except when they were normal? Was he just against traitors, even if it wasn't their fault? Well, Agito knew what he would do while inside that man's head. He wouldn't just unlock a powerful emotion to manipulate, he would dig a bit. Hoji glared at the downed Rei, then shouted quickly, "Magis!" Magis nodded, throwing his hands forward, crossing the open hands over each other. A wall of wind tore out of his hands, slamming out at Agito's position, despite his still being concealed. How was that happening? How did they know where he was? Agito leapt free of his concealed position, throwing his weapon up to defend himself. He parried with the shield, sliding back, struggling to hold his ground as Magis unleashed so much power at him. Agito slid again, then stopped. Then slid again. Was Magis using varying amounts of power against him, or something? Why was he suddenly gaining, and then losing? "What's with this power of yours?" Agito hissed in question. Magis smiled and threw his hands to his sides, letting his fingers splay open as he raced down towards Agito, ignoring Rei and leaving her to the others. Apparently he was tasked with bringing down the true enemy. "One Toa against me?" hissed Agito, shaking his head, almost laughing, "You're weak!" Magis leapt up, slamming his hands together. Wind blades erupted from between each of his fingers, slamming down and crossing over each other, cutting Agito's body in thousands of places, each one being a small wound. Agito stumbled back in shock at the attack, then looked behind him, expecting to see something there. "Wrong!" Magis screamed as he fell towards his foe, throwing a punch. A massive blast of wind erupted from his fist, slamming into Agito, throwing him back, knocking him onto the ground. Magis walked towards Agito, shaking his head, "You are a fool, whoever you are," he said simply. "How am I a fool?" hissed Agito in question. "You see, when you make one of us turn against the others, then you've really done it. You've really angered the team, caused the entire hatred to focus on you and you alone. Not the normal hatred of an enemy who will slaughter the innocents, but rather, a new, unfathomable hatred. You're done, you have no chance to escape alive," Magis threatened. "Oh, don't I?" hissed Agito, laughing, "Do you know who I am?" "No," Magis said. "The great Agito!" Agito screamed, throwing his right arm forward, dropping his weapon. His arm pulsed and unleashed a quick burst into Magis, who had no chance to protect himself. But this wasn't an attack; it was a chance into Magis's mind. Agri and Cesare pinned Rei down with Earth and Ice on her limbs, while Eri used her powers on the trapped Toa of Lightning. Eri shook her head, "No; I can't break through whatever this is on her. It's not something my healing abilities can overcome. Maybe it's mental?" "Mind control?" questioned Hoji. "Perhaps," she replied, "I don't know." Hoji drew his sword up, drawing a Rouze Card, "I'm going to take a shot at that enemy of ours. If we can defeat him, we can save her with ease, don't you think?" "I believe so," replied Eri. Hoji nodded, slashing two cards quickly. "Scope" "Ice" Hoji lifted his sword, looking down the blade as a scope displayed before his eyes. A powerful burst of Ice focused on the tip of his weapon, and then was released, flying down the alley towards Agito. "Do it!" hissed Agito. Magis stood in front of the attack, throwing his arms to his sides to completely shield Agito. He was ready to die for this attack. But why? Agito grinned, "You can't kill me! I have subordinates! Your own comrades!" "You're the fool," hissed Hoji. Magis took the dart to his chest, stumbling back, but making no moves. The blow wasn't lethal, fortunately, but the force may have ripped too much of his body apart, unfortunately. "You see, my control is complete when I get into someone's mind," hissed Agito, throwing his arms out to his sides to show his grand scale, "This man is mine!" "No, he's not," hissed Hoji. Magis span around, ramming his palm into Agito's throat. Agito glared down at him in shock and anger. Then he questioned, "What are you doing, slave?" "You caused my body to become marred?" hissed Magis, "I may hate this body, but I won't allow it to take such a grievous wound! For such disgust to be displayed upon my armor! My body!" A massive blast of Air tore out of his palm, slashing through Agito's throat. He stumbled back, gripping his throat in his hands, gasping out, crying out in pain. He fell to his knees, "How…how was my control bested by such a foolish mindset?" "You're the one who plays mind games," muttered Rei, rising to her feet as the prisons were withdrawn. She lowered her rod at him, "You may play mind games, you may manipulate emotions and the mental states of people…but you fail to understand the personal drives and convictions of each of us, don't you?" "What?" hissed Agito. "What caused that violent streak in me?" questioned Rei. "What?" demanded Agito. "What did you do to me?" "I found violence inside of your mind, and released it, multiplied it. That's what," Agito told her. "What violence?" Hoji questioned Rei. "I got sick of all of you asking if I was ok with losing the second in command position. All of you questioning me if I was lying when I said I wasok with it, that I was even pleased to be relieved of that position. It was small anger, but he caused greater violence to come out of it. Magis, what did he do to you?" "Different ability, I think," Magis stated, holding his wound as Eri ran over to heal him. He nodded to her and then looked up to Rei, "He simply seemed to control my mind. Completely different." "So, he's a manipulative one, is he?" questioned Hoji, drawing his sword up and ignoring the Rouze Cards that he had stored. He walked forward, aiming his tip at Agito, "Look, you play mind games, but I don't believe you truly know who we are, do you?" "I know you are my enemies, but that's all," Agito admitted, "I was recently released to fight you. I don't know much." "Then shall we?" asked Rei. Magis nodded his thanks to Eri and threw his hands out, drawing his weapons to himself with his Air powers. They all stood in a line, facing the mortally wounded Agito. If he was a mind game player, someone who thought of himself as a higher being who didn't understand who the Toa were, or what they were about, or indeed, who his enemies were, then they would show him. They would make sure he knew before he died. Hoji swung his sword out to his side, twisted his wrist so the blade was up, and then slashed it down at an angle across the front of his body; the sword covered in flames. He looked up above the flaming sword, "The exploding heated passion! Toa Hoji!" Agri stood with his feet together, his right side facing the group of enemies. He lowered his weapon, looking out over the top barrel. He span around, dropping to a knee, lifting the weapon and bracing his left arm against the guard of the blaster weapon, looking up at them, "The exploding strength! Toa Agri!" Magis crossed his arms, sighting, showing no enthusiasm, yet he mustered up the strength in his voice as he brought his head up, "The exploding gale! Toa Magis!" Eri lifted her left arm up and drew her sword across the fin weapon; running the flats together. As her blade went above the fin weapon, she drew her left arm down and slashed the blade down, looking over the edge and the tip, "The exploding waves! Toa Eri!" Rei lifted her rod weapon, summoning a bolt of Lightning to come down and strike it. She drew it down and up across the bottom of her raised left arm; perpendicular with her body. She swung her left foot back, twisted her body, and lowered the rod weapon, "The exploding sensation! Toa Rei!" Cesare swung his axe out to his side, his arm behind his body. His left hand came up, clenching into a fist in front of his face. He threw that arm out to the side, span around, and as he lifted his axe, slashed it down, looking up as he slashed down, "The exploding tundra! Toa Cesare!""Six Toa now one, determined to destroy the evils plaguing this island! We are the Toa Cyril Nova!" "Am I to be impressed?" hissed Agito, taking up his weapon and racing forward, despite the pain telling him to stop. Cesare rushed forward first, slashing two Rouze Cards. They rang out as he reached Agito. "Lightning" "Slash" A massive slash of Lightning crashed through Agito as Cesare stepped through. Agito cried out, gripping his chest in his free hand. He looked up at Agri, who was next, leveling both of his blasters into his foe's chest. Agito took it all from the four barrels firing simultaneously into his chest. He was thrown back as Agri rolled aside. Eri rushed up next, slashing her large blade into his chest, followed up by a jab from her arm mounted blade. Agito stumbled forward, and then came Hoji, shooting forward on his jets, using his power to propel himself. He held his blade in both hands and slashed through the wound, cutting past Agito, causing more sparks to fly from his chest. As he stumbled around, he lost his grip of his weapon. He looked up to see Rei in front of him, ramming the tip of her weapon into his chest, unleashing Lightning pointblank. "This is for what you did to me!" she screamed, blasting him back, towards Magis, who was standing back behind him, near Cesare. "This is for controlling me!" he shouted, leaping forward, slashing with both his claw and his large blade, using some of his Air powers to spin and slice at Agito, dropping him to the ground. He span around, leveling his blade down in Agito's general direction, "No one controls me! No one impedes my duty in life!" "Duty in life?" hissed Agito, "I didn't see that in your mind…" "My duty is to be magnificent. To do what I do with a certain level of flair and greatness," Magis said, "You wouldn't find that, because it's simply habit now, not a thought." "I've seen many minds, but yours is the first like that," Agito muttered, managing to rise again, "I'll find it this time!" he threw his arm forward to reach out for Magis's mind, to get himself a new puppet. Cesare leapt up, his energy wings flying out. He came flying down at Agito, sending a powerless kick into the enemy, who stumbled towards Hoji, who had his hand up. The Dragon Missile flew down into his grip. He rammed the curved, claw-like end into Agito's chest, shaking his head. "Goodbye," he said coldly, pulling the trigger. The massive eruption of Fire remained just a bright, shining light as it struggled to overpower Agito. He held his ground, keeping the flames confined very closely to himself and to Hoji. But soon, they overcame him, washing over his body, burning him to nothing. Only his weapon remained where he had dropped it. Already Rei was crouching to examine it, when something fell out of the center. "Hoji!" she called. He threw the Dragon Missile into the air, where it flew away from him. He rushed over, crouching, "What is it?" It was a square object filled with strange carvings, much like the cylindrical object that Hoji had found. There were no signs on this object that it would fit with the cylinder, except for a small groove on each of the ends, but that told them nothing. "Another one of those objects?" questioned Agri, "But why would this guy have it?" "I don't know," Hoji replied, standing up, "But we'll find the rest of these things, and we'll do our best to find out." Magis grabbed Rei's shoulder, nodding to her, "Come on, let's go." She nodded to him and followed. She had shown her true feelings to her team that she was indeed fine with her replacement, while Magis had revealed that he had transcended thought in more ways than the team thought he could have, showing each of them a bit of his hidden depths."All things must come to an end. Bandiaca's attacks met their end, someday the Phantasmal Raiders will realize they are at their end. Or is that time approaching, with their quiet? But for now…let us let the Three Virtues guide us. Next time: "Chapter 10: Changing the Guard" My turn!"Review

Chapter 8: Violent Rei “I have a proposal for you,” Sagarc hissed. “For me?” he hissed from the sea prison in which he sat. A grin emerged, “Do the others know you’re here?” “Of course not!” Sagarc said, “They wouldn’t appreciate it if I was.” “Both, or just Uva?” he hissed. Uva was their leader, their tactical commander, as well. Gamel wasn’t as smart, and was more of the muscle. He had some great combat abilities, and his powers were beyond theirs. It was jokingly theorized between Uva and Sagarc that the powers the three of them had were linked to intelligence, hence theirs being weaker. “So, why come to me?” he questioned. “It’s an emergency,” Sagarc said. “Emergency? Really?” “The Toa we fight are too strong,” Sagarc told him. “Too strong? Did you use…” “We’re using Jaki!” he snapped, “Jaki can only do so much against them! Even he isn’t enough to actually crush the six of them,” he muttered in disgust. “So you call me out instead of using Kiva?” the being questioned. “We’re waiting on using Kiva,” Sagarc admitted. “Waiting for what? If you’re calling me out, I figure it’s time for Kiva,” the figure stated. “I could agree, but the others don’t want to send Kiva out yet,” Sagarc replied, “And you…you can do this so much better!” “Then why lock me up?” the figure demanded. “Because they fear you!” Sagarc said, “But not me! I don’t fear your powers, Agito! I want to use them for the better of the Phantasmal Raiders!” The figure known as Agito smiled within his dark cell, “Then why did you allow them to imprison me?” he asked softly. “Because it was either that, or my head,” Sagarc stated, “Partner…” “It’s been a while since I’ve heard that,” Agito told Sagarc, “You calling me your partner…us even talking to each other! Ah, Sagarc! What happens when I win? Will they imprison me again? Kill us both?” “We’ll kill them,” Sagarc said softly, “We’ll use our powers and we will slay the others! We will take command of the Phantasmal Raiders. Agito…you and I shall lead them all to victory!” Agito nodded, “I like that plan, Sagarc. Yes…let’s do that,” he looked around his cell, “I shall need my weapon and Bashaa.” “I know,” Sagarc said, nodding. He slashed the lock off with his silver, hooked sword. He watched as the door swung open, and for the first time in hundreds of years, his former partner emerged; ready to lay waste to the Toa Cyril Nova. Rei was going for a morning walk. The overcast gray skies were hideous at times, but in the morning, they felt glorious, for some reason. Maybe because they were supposed to look like that, and it felt natural? Maybe because the rising, orange light of the “sun” of the Dome of Cyril Nui caused a new color to come to the clouds? Whatever it was, it was glorious, and a time that Rei truly enjoyed. She was truly happy right now Sure, she was no longer the second in command, but that freed her up to enjoy times like these. She enjoyed her time as field leader, as second in command of the entire team, but she knew that Cesare deserved that rank that he now held. He really did deserve to be second in command of the entire team. He had really proven himself, and as field leader, they would be unstoppable. They had Hoji as the pro who led the entire team. They had Cesare, who was nearly unstoppable with his Rouze weapons as the field leader. They had Agri, arguably the smartest member and most reserved, as their tactical leader. Everything was fine. The team would get through anything now. Besides, even without a formal rank, she could be very happy. She never got to do anything like these walks when she was second in command, as she had to be in meetings a lot, with Hoji or Gorma usually, discussing matters. Now it would be Cesare’s time to discuss things like that, while she got to enjoy herself. She stopped when her Doite began to make her hear something approaching. She looked around, hearing many footsteps. They had to be Bashaa, based on the weight of the steps. Not heavy enough to be Anaroids, which had yet to appear since their first appearance after the Phantasmal Raiders attacked, and too heavy to be the light footsteps of Matoran. Bashaa, no doubt. And she was right. They soon surrounded her, but why her? Were they going after Toa one-by-one? Whatever the reason, she drew her Blade Blaster and switched to sword mode, waiting for the amphibious warriors to come at her. “One of the Toa, I presume,” muttered a figure. She looked around, “Where are you?” she hissed, “I know you have to be the leader; where are you?” “My name is Agito, and I’m not telling you where I am,” he told her, “Who are you?” “Rei,” she said. “Second in command, I believe,” he stated. “Your intelligence is out of date,” she said, “I’m not second in command anymore.” She continued to look around, while using her Doite as well, but couldn’t get any fix on his location. “Bashaa, attack!” They ran forward on all sides. Rei cursed, lashing out with her blade, dodging around in all directions to attempt to avoid their strikes. She unleashed random bursts of Lightning, contemplating sending one straight up, but not yet. She could handle this without getting the others involved. She rolled away from the Bashaa, forming her blaster mode. She opened fire, watching sparks fly with each successful blast. She span around, kicking one away before returning to firing into the bulk while firing a small blast of Lightning into that one that came at her from behind once more. She rolled into an alley, ready to attack them as they came in one at a time. She cut them down with Lightning bursts as they came; lifting her blaster to take down ones that survived her weaker attacks. She span around, firing as they came around. They were fast to get around the buildings that quickly to enter from the other side. Fast, or devoted to killing her? She cursed, firing in both directions, not paying attention as she fired behind her with her Blade Blaster. She knew they were still coming; she could hear them with her Doite. “Are there no end to you?” she hissed. “I have plenty of soldiers,” again, Agito’s voice didn’t seem to register a location. “Where are you?” she screamed. She felt her right hand – her Blade Blaster hand – being lifted, useless as it could no longer fire behind her anymore. She cursed and glanced back, seeing the figure that must have been Agito thrusting her forward. Agito had a white armored body with some pale blue and gray on his limbs. His right arm was white, while his left was the pale light blue, along with his fists and feet. He had clawed white armor coming off of his legs, along with darker blue armor over his chest, with fins extending off of it. He had a shark-like fin down his back, along with similar fins and blades on his arms. His head was blue and curved back, with no visible mouth, and a horn of some sort. Two green eyes stared out, partially enclosed by blue armored casing as a part of his head. The head sloped up, ending in a claw. His weapon was a massive shield with a blade at each end, with the bottom having two large blades that looked like wings going out and down at an angle, while he had serrated blades curling partially up to partner with the top blade. “So, you’re my foe,” Rei hissed, firing a blast of Lightning at him. He parried with his shield weapon, shaking his head, “Won’t work!” he laughed, throwing the attack aside. He ran forward, his left, pulsating blue arm being thrust forward, grabbing at Rei’s face. She cried out as some sort of power overcame her body, forcing her to her knees. “You’ll see my power,” he hissed, walking away after a few moments, calling the Bashaa to stay there, waiting. As Agito seemed to simply vanish with his powers, the Bashaa waited as Rei rose to her feet. She smiled grimly, lifting her rod weapon up. She screamed out and ran forward, smashing it into the faces of various Bashaa, unleashing Lightning at pointblank into them on some occasions. As they rushed her, she cut them down without mercy. Agito had awakened an inner violence. His powers were great; able to manipulate the inner feelings and workings of the mind. By finding her innate, locked away violent side, he was able to have fun. Just by finding it, it was at his mercy. No mind could protect itself from him. He liked to think that even a shielded mind would fall to his powers. His left arm, capable of unlocking emotions, or sealing them. It was truly a wonderful power in the right situation. The Phantasmal Raiders feared it, so they locked him away. And that wasn’t even mentioning his right arm… As he watched, he saw a bolt of Lightning go high, skimming off of the head of a Bashaa. He cursed; that would bring the other Toa. He wasn’t ready for her to fight them, not yet. He always liked to watch how his victims performed for a few minutes before sending them after their comrades. But by the time they arrived, no doubt those few minutes would have passed. That was the upside that Agito saw. And in the time of a few minutes, the other five Toa were arriving, weapons drawn. They dismounted from their cycle vehicles and ran towards the burning Bashaa corpses, looking at Rei in shock at the carnage that she had caused. “What did you do?” questioned Hoji, grabbing her shoulders. Rei looked into his eyes, unleashed hatred in her eyes, violence burning at the cores. She kneed Hoji in the chest to knock him back, and then lowered her rod, unleashing a bolt of Lightning straight into his chest, causing sparks to scatter in all directions and for a starburst pattern to burn into his chest. He fell to his knees, screaming out in pain, while his comrades shouted his name and raced towards him. Rei glanced at them, unleashing a rapid Lightning strike down to impede their progress. She drew her Blade Blaster and opened fire on them, forcing Agri to raise a barrier of Earth. “Ok, we need a plan,” he whispered, taking up his duty as the tactical leader. “You got anything?” questioned Eri. “Not yet,” he admitted. “I’ll get Hoji behind this barrier,” whispered Cesare, “Can someone cover me?” “I’ll do it,” Agri said, nodding in approval of this basic bit of plan. He liked to have multiple small plans, instead of one large one. If this “objective” could be completed, he’d create a new “objective” to be solved, and so on. Cesare ran out of the cover as a small entrance was made. He dove for Hoji, firing one warning shot with his Blade Blaster. He managed to pick Hoji up into his arms, his axe strapped to his back and Blade Blaster hanging loosely in hand. He fired one more shot before rushing back for the small Earth hut. Agri closed it and began to raise more Earth to soften the impact of Lightning against it. As Hoji was set down, Eri kneeled before him, healing him with her powers as quickly as she could. “Next?” questioned Cesare. “Our next move is, at the least, to stop her hands,” Agri stated, “Then she can’t use her Lightning. Don’t incapacitate her yet.” “I’ve got it,” Cesare said. “I’ll cover you,” Magis replied, rushing out of the two new entrances. Cesare raised his hands, attempting to freeze over Rei’s hands, but she ran forward, punching him to break his concentration, then slashed him across the chest with a blunt strike from her rod. She span around, smashing it into Magis’s face, sending him stumbling aside. He cursed and threw his hands up, unleashing a small hurricane with his Air powers. It slammed into the ground around her feet, slashing up the ground, causing her to back away towards Cesare, who was still getting an Ice attack ready. She span around, firing off bolt after bolt of Lightning, all of them aimed at Cesare’s head. He cursed and continued to dodge, rolling aside. He came to his knees and leapt up, energy wings deploying. He shot down at her, ready to use his attack. A bolt of Lightning lashed out for his throat. He braced himself with his arms, but the shock of the attack, threw him away, taking him down for the time being. “Just me,” Magis muttered, running forward, discarding both of his weapons. He grabbed Rei’s shoulders, “Rei!” he shouted. She rammed a knee into his chest, causing him to stumble back, but he held tight to her. She rammed her rod up into his jaw, causing his head to go back. He ignored it and rammed his head into hers, just to buy some time. He didn’t think an attack like that would hurt so much, though. He shook his head as he started to see spots of light in his eyes. She drew her arms away and slammed two punches into his chest. As he stumbled back, she leapt forward, sending a kick into the side of his face, causing him to stumble. She span around, giving a mule kick to his chest, throwing him onto his back. She generated Lightning into her hands again, firing at his face while he was on the ground. He shouted, but felt a moment of relief as a blast of Water intercepted, bending the electrical attack away and into the ground. “Rei!” Eri shouted, throwing another blast of Water as she got rid of the Lightning infused Water. Rei ducked and ran forward, slamming the long side of her rod into Eri’s chest to knock her back. She span around, slashing at Eri’s head multiple times, making contact about five to seven times, making her stagger around, gripping her head in pain. Agri rushed out, tackling Rei. Rei responded with a knee to his chest and a punch to his face, causing him to roll off due to the unforeseen strength behind her attacks. He drew his Blade Blaster on instinct, but let it go. He had no plans. What could they do? She was an ally. They had risked things to save him the other day, they had given speeches about allies, about comrades, precious comrades. What could he do? “Cesare!” he shouted, attempting to trap her in an Earth prison for at least a few moments before she would blast her way out. Cesare wasn’t on his feet yet. Rei’s violent side had beaten him down too much. Agri felt like he couldn’t stand much longer either. Why was her violence so strong? What was driving her this hard? That’s what Agri wanted to know, and that’s what Agito found amusing.“This enemy dares to think he can take one of our own and not receive retribution? Well, he doesn’t know about how we operate. He certainly doesn’t know about my talents. Next time: “Chapter 9: Magnificent Magis” Feel the Magnificent Gale!”Review

Chapter 7: Petrified Agri “You have betrayed us, Zolda,” hissed Sagarc. “Yet you may be of use to our overall plans,” Uva commented. “I did what I felt was right,” Zolda hissed to them, “I struck out when my chance came! It’s survival of the fittest, is it not? I wanted to survive.” “And by staying with us, you wouldn’t survive?” questioned Uva, shaking his head in disapproval, “You are a fool, Zolda. Yet you are a useful fool.” “What?” hissed the defeated, enchained warrior. The three Phantasmal Raiders stood around Zolda in a triangle, lifting their hands. Power flowed around their outspread hands, surging into Zolda, causing him to scream in pain. “You were fighting Cesare, who holds the Rouze powers,” Uva stated, “He used the power of Light against you. To dry you out that much, to do that much damage to you is quite something. That power has to have seeped into your body, Zolda. Do you know what we’re going to do with those remains inside of you?” Zolda was screaming too much to provide any sort of answer. Sagarc picked up as a result, not that they figured Zolda would be able to speak from the start. “We’re going to copy the Rouze powers inside of your cracked and battered body and give them to another. We’ll modify them a bit, but it’ll all work out in the end.” “Ibuki!” growled Sagarc. Ibuki had a white and gray body. Primarily white with some gray parts along the limbs, including the arms, and some armor over the lower legs. Curved blades were along the sides of the feet, which were larger and gray. Claw-like gray armor covered his chest, while he had an elongated gray head with two burning crimson eyes inset. In place of hands, he had a large pincer instead; two pincer blades on each hand, long white and crimson, with serrated spikes emerging. “Ibuki, take these powers,” hissed Uva, throwing his hand towards Ibuki along with the others. All three powers swirled into the pincer warrior, causing him to throw his head back and hiss in pleasure as the power radiated into his body. He looked down at them, smiling grimly, his burning crimson eyes narrowed as he felt the power filling him. “Now, Ibuki, wait for a bit to see if those powers kill you, or something,” Uva said, “Don’t go out immediately.” “Not planning on,” Ibuki muttered, snapping his pincers a few times, feeling this new, raw power surging through him as he tried to focus them, “Do I have a target?” “Not the Toa of Ice,” Uva stated. “Take out the Toa of Lightning,” Sagarc stated, “She’s second in command. Eliminate her first to show a precision strike against them.” “Precision strike,” Ibuki grinned, looking at his pincers, smiling. “Looks like Eri and Cesare are good again,” Rei told Hoji as the two walked out of the temple. “It’s my patrol,” Hoji commented, “Why are you coming?” “To talk about the situation,” she said. “You already told me that they’re on good terms again, what else is there?” questioned Hoji. “You don’t like talking, do you?” she asked, “That’s not like you, Hoji.” “I do like talking, but what is there to talk about right now?” Hoji questioned her. “Well, according to Cesare, there are some strong opponents out there,” Rei stated. “That Zolda guy is dead, though,” Hoji told her. “Well, he never got the kill blow,” Rei said, “He may have mortally wounded that Zolda guy, but he didn’t kill him for sure.” Hoji shrugged, “Well, we know he can be defeated,” Hoji told her, “That’s what matters.” “What about the big picture?” questioned Rei. “Big picture?” “The enemy is clearly strong. They have ‘Forte’, Jaki, guys like Zolda…” “We always knew that the enemy was strong,” Hoji told her. “But now we have a better idea of just how strong,” said Rei. “What can we do about it?” Hoji asked. They turned a corner. Agri was approaching, the end of his shift approaching. He stood before them, desiring to talk to them. “Agri, we’ll talk later,” Hoji said, “I’m in the middle of something right now, sorry.” Agri wanted to say something, but he nodded, “Fine,” he said, allowing them to walk past and continue their discussion. It was Hoji’s turn to go on patrol, so why not invite Agri to be a part of the situation? From what he could hear of it, it wasn’t secret, it was just a general discussion about the enemy. And then he could raise his points after they were done. So why ignore him? Agri wasn’t the type of person who let this sort of thing get to him, but it annoyed him. He shook his head and walked towards the temple, ignoring it. He had other things to attend to, and he would deal with Hoji later. It still just annoyed him for some reason. The next day, Ibuki slunk out of the water, watching it run off of his body, out of the crevices in his armor and actual body, watching it run down as he scaled the wall that rose up from the sea to the island itself. He crouched down, watching the Bashaa rise up through the piers, rather than climb like he would. He ignored them and raced forward, keeping low, keeping hidden away while his Bashaa continued off in another direction. They were the diversion. But that was obvious. If the Bashaa without a commander were sighted by the Toa, they would no doubt realize it was a diversion. They would go out looking. But that’s what Ibuki desired; he wanted them to find him. He wanted to fight, to test out his new powers. As he walked around, he ducked, watching the black armored Toa of Earth walking with a multi-barreled blaster weapon hanging from one waist, and another handgun weapon from his other. He was paying attention as he walked, and would soon see Ibuki. Ibuki didn’t want that, not yet. He hid back, watching as Agri passed by. He remained in the shadows as best as he could, focusing energy between his claws. When Agri walked past, he stepped out, throwing the energy bolt. Agri was ready. A wall of Earth rose up, taking the shot. As it dropped, Agri was on his knee, both weapons aimed at Ibuki, who had his claws open, one of them ready to go for Agri’s neck. “Looks like we’re in a stalemate to me,” Agri hissed. “I’d have to agree,” Ibuki replied, “I could try to take out your throat, but your blasters would kill me as I did it.” “Now what?” Agri questioned him, ready to smash a fist of Earth into him at a moment’s notice to throw him aside, and then open fire. Ibuki showed a grim smile, “Do you know why I was sent?” Agri wanted to hit him, but decided to wait and see what his foe had to say. “I was sent because I have the Rouze powers, to an extent,” he hissed, his eyes glowing with power. Before Agri could realize it, he took a burst of energy to the chest and was thrown into the wall behind him, sparks constantly flying from his armor as it was burned. He lifted his weapons to fire, but Ibuki was faster. He threw his energy bolt from between his claws, striking Agri, who didn’t have time to scream out. His body was covered quickly in stone as he was petrified. Ibuki smiled as he approached, opening and closing his claws every so often. He was ready to kill Agri, but heard something. He turned, watching as Rei and Cesare were running towards him. He cursed softly; he didn’t want to fight. Should he kill Agri and flee? No. He decided it was better, more fun, to watch them react to their stone companion. He turned and fled, but slowed when he saw Eri and Hoji in his path, leveling Blade Blasters at him in their firearm modes. “Where do you think you’re going?” questioned Hoji. Ibuki shook his head, hissing, “I’m not in the mood for a fight,” “Yet you’ll turn one of our companions – friends – to stone?” shouted Eri. Rei was generating Lightning into her rod weapon, “One bolt should be enough to paralyze him and leave him at our mercy,” “Oh!” Ibuki grinned, “Interesting situation. You can’t kill me, because you won’t know how to free your friend here!” He saw that the alley where he entered was his best escape. He was slowly moving as he would turn to speak to the Toa. Soon he would have his escape. “We’ll free him,” Cesare stated, “I don’t know what you did, but my powers should save him!” “I used a copy of your powers,” Ibuki said to buy himself some time, “I don’t think you can save him with yours.” “You copied them?” Cesare shouted n outrage. “Zolda’s body had some,” Ibuki shrugged. Almost there… “Hoji?” Eri questioned. “Disable him!” Hoji ordered. “There’s my cue,” Ibuki stated, turning to flee. Magis slammed a hurricane down into the alley, impeding the escape. Magis dropped down, lifting his claw and blade and slowly approaching Ibuki, “You want to flee that way?” he shook his head, “Bad move.” Ibuki hissed, “Why do you want to trap me like this? Don’t you trust your own abilities when it comes to your friend?” “That’s not going to work out for us,” Hoji said. “What?” Ibuki questioned. “You see, if we would eliminate you, we wouldn’t have a sure way to save our precious comrade,” Hoji said. “Precious comrade?” questioned Ibuki. “You don’t understand loyalty to your comrades?” Cesare questioned, shaking his head, “Right, I doubt you people have comrades.” “We don’t,” Ibuki said, “We have our own allies, but we don’t have true comrades.” “Allies, but no comrades?” questioned Eri, “Even as Dark Hunters, we had comrades in arms amongst ourselves. You people don’t?” “We have one goal,” Ibuki said, “It doesn’t really apply to us.” “If it applied to the Dark Hunters, it should apply to you,” Eri told her. “It doesn’t,” he replied. “So, this is what we’re saying,” Cesare said, “We refuse to kill you, because we care about our comrades, our allies.” “We want to be certain that we can save him,” Rei commented. “If we killed you, we would have no sure way to save our precious comrade,” Hoji told Ibuki. “We can’t leave a man down,” Magis told him. “Toa, at least, have a sense of caring over our own, unlike you people,” Eri said. They all aimed their Blade Blasters at him, charging their Elemental bullets. “You would kill me? Even after all that talk of precious allies?” hissed Ibuki. “We need to save Agri,” Hoji stated, “He never said what he was going to say yesterday. That’s one reason to save him.” “We may have ignored him at the moment,” Rei agreed, “So he can’t die knowing that we don’t care. It was just a matter of business at the moment; nothing personal. We can’t let him die without knowing that.” “What are you talking about?” hissed Ibuki. “You see, that’s what allies are,” Cesare said, “Allies are precious people who can’t allowed to be hurt by their other allies for even a moment. No matter what, they must know that we care. Agri must know that we all care.” “I’m going to tell him something when he comes out,” Hoji said, “You see, Ibuki, we’ve been having discussions. The order of command is changing.” “Hm?” questioned Ibuki. “I’m standing down,” Rei said. “I’m becoming second in command,” Cesare said. “So why does he need to know, or would care?” questioned Ibuki, getting into this conversation a bit, to his surprise. “Because he’s now third in command,” Hoji said, “He should know that. He should know that we all trust him enough to lift his rank, to make him our tactical leader.” “I’m field leader,” Cesare commented. “I’m overall leader,” Hoji said, “That’s what I’ve always been. Agri will be our tactical planner.” “You people sicken me,” Ibuki muttered, lifting his claws, “Ok, I’d rather fight than listen to you guys go on.” He raced forward, slashing at the Toa in front of him. He span around, slashing to keep Magis at bay. He span around, parrying Cesare’s axe and Rei’s rod. They both leapt back to allow Hoji to leap in, discharging his Elemental bullet. The attack exploded into the ground in front of Ibuki, sending him reeling back. He span around, slashing rapidly at pointblank range, managing to manipulate his blade even that close to his foe, for he was a pro. Ibuki managed to lift his claws, grabbing the Blade Blaster sword to keep it at bay. Hoji kicked him, span around, and drew his other sword from his back. He held it in his left hand with his sidearm sword in his right. He ran forward, slashing rapidly, sending sparks flying with each blow. Ibuki fell back, stumbling around for footing. He looked up as a blast of Fire overcame him, throwing him to the ground again. “Release him,” hissed Hoji, lowering both blades and crossing them over Ibuki’s neck in warning. “I refuse,” Ibuki hissed, “Kill me!” The other Toa gathered around, keeping their weapons down to keep Ibuki from moving anything. He looked at all of them, hissing, smiling grimly, “I won’t free him!” “Then we’ll cut limbs off until you do,” Hoji said grimly. They heard a shattering sound behind them. They span around to see Bashaa striking the statue, shattering it. They cried out, but to their surprise, they saw Agri standing there, unharmed. “Guess your Rouze powers were flawed,” Agri said, swiftly lifting both weapons and firing rapidly on the downed Ibuki, cutting him down. He span around, cutting down the scores of Bashaa with both of his weapons, showing his abilities without taking another hit. “Thanks, everyone,” he told his friends, hooking both weapons to his waist, “I could hear it all. Thank you, sincerely.” Hoji smiled and walked towards him, grabbing his shoulder, nodding, “Agri, any time. Any time we will always be there for our allies. As the Toa Cyril, that is who we are.”“The mind is a powerful thing. I’m not an angry or violent person, but with the proper sway, could I be? With the proper mental conditioning, could anyone change into their opposite? Next time: “Chapter 8: Violent Rei” Come!”Review

Chapter 6: Shining Cesare “Eri!” shouted Cesare, running after her. Eri had come to her feet after falling to her knees for a few moments. She was simply leaving them without a word. Only Cesare was concerned enough to chase after her. The others knew her well, but Cesare probably had the best chance of fixing things. After all, Cesare and Eri had a stronger bond than the others. She had helped him join the Toa Cyril. They had similar pasts. They were probably best off working together. At this moment, Cesare was best off seeing Eri. “Leave me alone!” snapped Eri. “I’m sorry!” Cesare shouted after her, getting in front of her and grabbing her shoulders, looking into her eyes, “I’m sorry that we had to kill Hibiki. He may have been good; an ally for a time…but they changed him. Don’t you see? It wasn’t our faults! It was the fault of the Phantasmal Raiders!” “No, it wasn’t,” hissed Eri. “We could have saved him from their influence! Look at ‘Forte’! Hoji saved him!” “How were we going to pull Hibiki out of it?” questioned Cesare, shaking his head, “Look; Hoji was able to break ‘Forte’ free because of their past. You and Hibiki hardly had enough of a past together, enough in common, anything, for him to be broken free in the same manner. Death was the only option.” “Cesare, move,” hissed Eri, pushing him, but Cesare stood his ground, keeping her there. She managed to push his arms aside and push him aside. She walked past, but he ran after her again, “Eri…” “Cesare, stop trying to be my shining knight,” Eri muttered, “You can’t fix this.” Cesare stopped as she kept going, presumably going back to the temple. He walked away, away from her and the other Toa, down another street so that he could think. “We need a new plan,” commented Sagarc. “Should we just smash them with power?” questioned Gamel. “I like that,” Uva admitted, nodding thoughtfully, “Yes…we should smash them with power…” “Why would you go with Gamel’s plan?” demanded Sagarc, “You know he’s bloodthirsty like that! This isn’t the best plan.” “I know,” replied Uva, “You see, the best way to do this is to overwhelm them with cannon fodder. We throw as many at them as we can, and when they get sacrificed, we send in our stronger men. Jaki and ‘Forte’.” “Fine,” agreed Sagarc. Gamel nodded, grinning since his plan was chosen. “Good,” Uva said, walking down the pathway, “I’m off to seek our troops.” Cesare walked alone, looking down into the ocean below. The Silver Sea beat at the coast of Cyril Nui. Somewhere beneath those waves, beneath the chaos of the waters, were the Phantasmal Raiders, plotting, planning the downfall of the island. Cesare needed to do something, but what could he do? He was no Toa of Water. He couldn’t breathe underwater. He was no powerful swimmer who could make it around fast enough. He couldn’t fight underwater… Things continued to add up against him. “What do we have here?” questioned a sly, somewhat androgynous voice. Cesare looked to his side, rising and drawing his axe up. He was ready to fight, and this was obviously an enemy from the Phantasmal Raiders. “My name is Zolda,” the figure said. Zolda had a sleek blue armored body, with fin-like blades coming down his legs and off of his shoulders. He had a sleek blue and gray fin coming from the back of his unadorned, gray head. Clawed feet and dagger-like weapons in his hands, along with spiked armor on his legs gave him a fiercer look. His shoulders were a translucent green color. He stood as an elegant and dangerous looking figure. “I’m not in the mood,” hissed Cesare, “We’ll have to make this swift.” “Swift?” smiled Zolda, dashing forward, too fast for Cesare to see. Cesare cried out multiple times as sparks flew as the daggers bit into his body with every move Zolda made. Zolda came out of his faster movements and span around, delivering a kick to Cesare’s chest, throwing him aside. “You’re weak,” Zolda said. “I’ll show you weak,” hissed Cesare, hitting his axe, summoning a Rouze Card. He threw it up and slashed it with his axe. “Mach” Cesare drew his axe back and was gone, dashing forward with incredible speeds that would exceed the ability to be seen. He slashed multiple times, but Zolda was always able to block with his daggers. “Like I said…weak,” Zolda said. “What?” hissed Cesare, dashing back, “You could keep up with me?” “It’s not hard for someone of my caliber,” Zolda commented, shrugging as he walked forward, “Now, come on and die.” He lifted a dagger, pointing the tip menacingly at Cesare. “I’ll still take you down,” Cesare said, summoning and slashing two more. “Rapid” “Fire” His axe lit ablaze with flames. He ran forward, slashing rapidly, creating physical afterimages it seemed, due to each image being him moving at a rapid rate of slashing. But the dagger parried every move. Zolda kicked him back just to rub his speed in. “You’re hardly an opponent who would suit me,” Zolda said, rather bored. “I’ll show you worthy,” hissed Cesare, running forward. “Gouki!” snapped Zolda. Gouki was like a sea beast, a giant shrimp. All dark blue with minimal light; he had a large flat head with fangs jutting out and crimson eyes. His back legs were morphed into one that ended in a tail, while the front had a double limbed arm on each end, one of the two double limbs ending in three claws, while the other in a simple razor-fin. Blades lined various parts of his body, and he had various joints all along his body. Gouki slammed a claw down, taking Cesare down. Cesare struggled, unleashing as much Ice as he could in an attempt to freeze the massive creature over, but he was unable to. Somehow Gouki’s shell casing must have been protecting him from such a strike, or from pressure and temperature. That seemed more likely to Cesare. Zolda walked towards Cesare, shaking his head, “I was given command of a troop of soldiers who can be sacrificed for the greater need,” he said, but was interrupted. “Are you sure you’re not one of the sacrificial soldiers?” hissed Cesare. Zolda smiled down at him, “Yes. I am sure.” “Ok, so you have a troop of disposable soldiers. No different from Bashaa, right?” questioned Cesare. “More competent than Bashaa,” Zolda said, “But I have them too.” Sure enough, Bashaa were emerging from side roads, keeping their eyes on Cesare, ready to rush in and attack at a moment’s notice. Zolda did seem to be worthy, and not a sacrifice. He really seemed on top of things, and his speed really made him seem like the type who wouldn’t be a worthless sacrifice of a soldier. “Ok,” said Cesare, “You told me about who you are; leader of a troop condemned for death, essentially. Why tell me? So I don’t feel bad about killing your men?” “Because I want you to see how weak you are,” hissed Zolda, “You are arguably the strongest Toa Cyril Nova, due to those Rouze Cards of yours,” he must have known the name from ‘Forte’, “so I want you to see how much of a difference exists between our factions. The weakest of the Raiders eliminating arguably the strongest Toa!” “That won’t happen,” Cesare hissed, “I will win! I will kill all of you!” “I think not,” said Zolda, walking over and crouching down, looking into Cesare’s eyes. Dagger was quickly at Cesare’s throat, ready to eliminate the Toa of Ice. Cesare acted quickly, activating the energy wings of his armor. They smashed Gouki aside, allowing Cesare to shoot forward, avoiding the edge of the dagger. He tackled Zolda into the ground and punched him quickly to the face before running and throwing Ice darts into the Bashaa around them. “Kuuga! Tohki!” shouted Zolda. Kuuga was a shell-like beast, small and compacted. Blades emerged from all points of the front of its body. When opened, a crimson eye was present. The various horns and blades along with the ability to move quickly made it dangerous, while the thick armor provided ample defense. He appeared from seemingly nowhere; a side street, perhaps, nearby Cesare. Tohki was like a large crimson spider, but with four legs. All of them ended in crimson and white spiked blade-like limbs. The limbs themselves were long and crimson, lanky, with multiple joints. The head was inset with a crimson spiked piece of armor over the top, and a crimson inset eye. No doubt he also appeared from a nearby street or alley. Tohki leapt forward, slashing legs at Cesare. Tohki didn’t seem intelligent, but like Gouki, seemed a one-of-a-kind beast. Not a Rahi, but not something intelligent either. Perhaps a mutation? It didn’t matter. Cesare threw an Ice dart into Tohki’s chest and slashed quickly, then span around as Kuuga floated after him, diving in to impale him. He parried each blow as fast as he could. Gouki raced forward, leaping up and coming down with claws. Cesare span around, spinning his axe in an arc, slicing through Gouki’s underbody, causing it to cry out in a primal hiss of rage and pain. But it didn’t move again. He saw Tohki and Kuuga get together. Tohki went onto his back legs, grabbing Kuuga in the front two. Kuuga was launched forward like a missile, flying through the air at Cesare, ready to rip through him. Cesare threw his left arm aside, causing a wall of Ice to rise up to stop the attack. The thickness prevented penetration, keeping Cesare safe. Tohki leapt over the wall, coming down behind Cesare. As he span around to face the threat, Zolda appeared at his side with Bashaa, while more Bashaa appeared on his other side. Cesare leapt forward, ramming the end of his axe into Tohki, knocking that beast aside before spinning around, knocking out Bashaa on both sides of himself. He leapt at Zolda, but the leader was gone too quickly. Tohki made one final attempt and lunged forward, the front two legs ready to rip through Cesare. Cesare span around and slashed once, cutting a vital part of his foe’s chest, ending Tohki’s life. He span again, parrying the blades as Kuuga came through the wall. He kicked Kuuga aside and froze the shell creature over in a casing of Ice for good measure. As various Bashaa approached, Cesare slashed in all directions, cutting them down as fast as they appeared. They were weak, but there were many. Occasionally a stronger one would appear, providing a problem for him when he expected a one blow win. He took various minor wounds from the entire process of this fight, but was able to put them all down without too many injuries. At this point he turned his attention back to Zolda, who was the only one left standing on the enemy side. “You got them,” Zolda commented, shrugging, “But you are good.” “Come on,” hissed Cesare. “Let’s put this to an end.” Eri walked through the streets alone. Matoran were out and about at this moment, due to work being done for most of them. None commented on a Toa being in their presence, or their being in presence of a Toa. Though they did notice her, and it was rare to see the Toa, they didn’t comment. This dystopia broke them. Why should they be excited? Maybe Cesare was right, Eri thought to herself, thinking about all she did to help Cesare in the past. All he was trying to do was help her now. She knew deep down that what was done had to be done. Maybe she should go to him? See him? Apologize for things she had said, her general anger, and everything else. She decided yes, she would. It was the least she could do to make things right between them. But where would he be? Eri continued the way she was going, certain she would soon find him. Zolda approached Cesare, smiling grimly at the Toa of Ice. He was confident that he could win, that one Toa would fall on this day. “What are you, anyway?” questioned Zolda. “What?” Cesare asked back. “I mean, are you leader? Second in command? You fight so well, I figure you have to be something,” explained Zolda. “I’m neither rank,” Cesare stated, “I’m just a Toa Cyril.” “Is that so?” shaking his head, Zolda lifted his blades, “Well then, a pity that one such as you will die without rank to accompany him to the afterlife.” “You can’t take things with you,” Cesare stated simply. Zolda nodded, “Well said,” he commented. “Tell me something, are you of rank?” questioned Cesare, “Or were you simply chosen for your speed, or something, to lead this attack?” “I am not of rank, but I will be,” Zolda hissed. “What?” “When this is over, I will go back, victorious, with your heads. I will utilize your Rouze abilities, and I will use my own latent abilities. Together, I shall crush the Phantasmal Raiders and claim leadership!” “You’re trying to usurp your leaders?” questioned Cesare. Zolda nodded, “I will lead the Raiders onto even greater things than those three ever could,” he hissed. Cesare span his weapon around, drawing a card from it. He slashed it, “First time using this one,” he hissed, “It’s going to put an end to you, despite your speed.” “Light” “What? Light?” hissed Zolda, dashing forward with his immense speed, ready to end this battle in one move. Cesare swung his axe back, then swung forward, the weapon covered in brilliant, shining light. A light blade erupted from it, smashing into Zolda, blinding him at the same time, making his speedy body out of control as he lost sight of where he was going. Cesare raised his weapon into the air, unleashing a pulse of Light, slamming it into everything around him, taking down the few surviving Bashaa that had joined the fight, and striking at Zolda, also signaling to Eri where he was. Zolda collapsed, his body cracking. The sea based warrior couldn’t handle the intense heat and shine. His body was drying out, and he was coming to an end. “That will show you never to underestimate the power of the Cyril,” Cesare said.“I know that the team respects me. They hold me to be a dear comrade and friend. We all are. We all look to our allies and friends for support…so why won’t they listen to me? Why do they ignore me and exclude me from the conversations about the enemy? Next time: “Chapter 7: Petrified Agri” Stand tall or fall!”Review

Well, here's what happened in the last chapters:(Just my notes to myself, not as proper as the other ones will be)The Toa was named Lyn, by the way. Danish for "Lightning". She was created by Artakha, but he couldn't finish her, so sent her to another dimension and made Tahu instead. She was since finished and living, and sent to this world, her home. She saved Kopaka's group in one chapter with a lightning attack (Kopaka's Gamble?), and now is claiming her leadership from Tahu.Legacy 23: Leader of Lightning—The Seventh Mata!-Lyn joins the fight properly with Tahu questioning everything, and Artakha appearing and informing him of what’s happening. Lyn destroys Nektann’s weapons and nearly burns him to death with lightning. He encourages her to try, due to his power. She hammers him and hammers him, then uses the golden power for good measure, making sure he can’t absorb and reverse fast enough.Legacy 24: Light and Dark—Universes Collide!-Shadow Taka fight Light Teridax. Real Teridax kills Light.On his way to Metru Nui to take a shot at Teridax. Ends up on a Northern Continent village, butchers a squad of Shadows, and then hides when he realizes a squad approaches. Instantly kills most with his telekinetic/kinetic powers from his world, and fights a Skakdi of Lightning. Has the power to cover his body with any substance he touches, so Teridax hits him with protosteel, so he can’t wound him anymore. He figures it out, covers him completely, and buries him. Neck snaps from weight. As he continues, real Teridax comes after him, saying he’s too good to live, and kills him.Legacy 25: An Old Grudge—Tahu vs. Kopaka!-Tahu departs for a bit and meets Kopaka. They battle while the Mahri watch and the gold creature watches, enjoying it.Tahu and Lyn feel something off and head off to the gold creature’s castle. They confront Tren Krom and gold. The Mahri are about to attack, but Kopaka is sent instead. Tahu fights and lets himself be defeated, hoping that if he dies then Kopaka will break free. Lyn realizes this and tries to stop Tahu.Legacy 26: The Golden Zealot—The Monstrous Fusion Battles!-The creature battles Lyn, unaffected because she wears the armor, after it takes Tahu, but he’s too battered to do anything.Kopaka wins, but Lyn saves Tahu. She defeats Kopaka and the other Mahri come down. Fights and beats them all. Gold takes control of Tahu, but can’t get Lyn because of the armor. It fights her with monstrous strength and speed, but she kills it. Fights Tren Krom, but uses the armor to banish him back to the MU.Legacy 27: Final Fight Part 1—Ultimatums and Unity!-The Taka’s fight in Bara Magna (below). Only with help can Takanuva overcome them. Ultimatum is MN joins Teridax or he corrupts every Matoran in the MU instantly with his powers, making sure the universe can never be “saved”.In Arena Magna with large supplies of explosives. Taka kills them all before they can use explosives for whatever the plan is. Teridax threatens MN, but he says Teridax would have already. He’s about to, but MN keeps hitting him, stopping him from enough concentration.Legacy 28: Final Fight Part 2—Destruction and Duty!-Mountains are destroyed as the two robots fight. Mata Nui and Teridax fight in their fake bodies then and the fight starts to end at the chapter’s end.Brutaka and Axonn arrive at Metru Nui, mention the Bahrag were captured, and meet with Lesovikk before entering the city. Hydraxon joins them, as does Trinuma inside already. They fight their way through, killing anything in their path, and killing the special Rahkshi commanding the ground forces, causing problems in the ranks outside. Get to Core Room to find Helryx.Legacy 29: Final Fight Part 3—Danger and Destiny!-Teridax is killed. Mata Nui returns to his body and begins to repair his universe. His residents return, and he departs. Bara Magna looks on as he goes, and the world is drawn back together with the help of the Ignika’s powers. Finale.Click is thrown by Ackar to MN. Duel. Life vs. Shadows, MN uses his attacks as a distraction for the prototype drop. Inside, Helryx says she sees everything and will kill Teridax if MN fails to by destroying the body’s machinery. The others wait outside the barrier. When it ends, they return to the MU as MN flies off, giving his warning that if the Skrall don't leave everyone in peace, he will be back and slay them all. He wants a democracy. Of course, he is only bluffing.I was also attempting to lead up to another epic that I decided not to write, where the Great Beings go to war with Bara Magna many years later. I was trying to lead up in this epic (I think I was) about the Great Beings not being benevolent, but actually malevolent and hiding their true intentions. It would have been interesting, and I have the notes I wrote out for anyone interested. Just say so in the review topic.Review

So, here is the last chapter. I gave warning that it only went so far, and then my flashdrive was lost/stolen. Next update will include the plans and what happened in the other chapters, as far as I remembered when I wrote that information down.Legacy 22: Blade of the Flickering Element—The Leader of the Toa Mata! Gresh walked back towards Tahu, holding his head high. He was victorious. “Nektann is down for good, I’m sure.” Gresh said, looking back, “I once used that on someone much more powerful, and I killed him as an…indirect result.” “Indirect?” Tahu questioned. “Well, after that, I cut him down with his blade.” Gresh shrugged, “Close enough.” “I guess it is close enough.” Tahu agreed, walking over with the Golden Armor in a single pack, ready and waiting in his arms. He looked back, at the battle between Teridax and Mata Nui, “We should head closer before I put it on.” Gresh nodded his agreement, “You’re right. We don’t know what it’ll do, other than it should help turn the tide in Mata Nui’s favor.” “We can only hope.” Tahu replied, looking back, watching as Mata Nui fought valiantly, but was slowly being forced back, being defeated,overcome by the larger machine, the more powerful Makuta Teridax. “How is Mata Nui?” Tahu asked, finding a single moment of peace in the time after Nektann’s defeat, but before they would set out to continue this war for the survival of two worlds. “He’s good.” Gresh said, “But I don’t really know how he was for you guys…” “Asleep.” Tahu said. “What?” “Did he tell you stories?” “Yeah, but I don’t recall everything.” Gresh admitted. Tahu nodded, “Well, he was cast into a deep sleep for one thousand years by Makuta. We were active as the Toa Mata, but that was prior to his original awakening. After he awakened, we were put to sleep with our duty then becoming to be his destined guardians. By the time we awoke once more…he was asleep, then gone.” “So you don’t have any ideas how he was?” “Only from the stories.” “And those are?” “From what we’ve heard from many, from our village elders, from the organization created to serve Mata Nui’s will, whom we’ve joined in these past few years of rebellion…is that Mata Nui never bothered with us. He was always focused on his mission, rather than checking into his internal affairs. After all, do we pay attention to every cell, every antibody within our organics…or rather, your bodies?” Tahu tried to keep things straight, between his body being mostly mechanical with organics, to Gresh’s body that was mostly organic with a few imbedded mechanical parts. “You’re right.” Gresh replied, “We don’t pay attention to our internal affairs, unless it becomes serious, like a heart attack.” Tahu nodded, “For two differently built beings, we can at least speak fairly well.” Gresh nodded, “Yeah. Well, if that’s how he was when he ruled his own universe, things are much different now. He helped us all out, many times over, in many different ways. He would have laid down his life for any of us, really. He seems to have learned his lesson, from the things I do recall him saying to us in the past.” Tahu nodded, “Well, at least that’s good. At least he has a bond with you people, as well as the bond he has with us, as our former ruler.” “We can be assured that he’ll do everything he can to survive this fight.” Gresh agreed, “To save all of our lives.” “Now, shall we push on?” Tahu asked. Gresh nodded, “Yeah, I think it’s time we returned the favor to Mata Nui, for this fight, and went on to help him.” “I think he’ll have a hard time leaving you guys.” Tahu told Gresh. “Are you sure he’ll return to his former life?” “What has he told you?” “Like I said, I don’t recall much. We’re in such a hard battle, after all.” Gresh said, “But I have a feeling he’s going back to you guys, no doubt about it. But, like I said, I’ve been in battle mode for the past few hours, I really can’t think of anything but battle right now.” Tahu nodded, “For the past two years, that’s how I’ve felt at all hours of the day, knowing I could die at any moment, since the universe was literally against me and my rebellion.” Gresh smiled grimly, “Yeah, I know the feeling. Being thrust into a war that seems to be absurdly against you…then again, I never fought in that war, but I observed enough death to know.” “Well, let’s go.” Tahu said, turning to depart. Gresh nodded, “Yeah.” As the two began to walk away, they heard cackling behind them. They both span, watching as Nektann pushed himself up, as one leg shot out, sliding in the loose grains of sand. He was panting hard, but laughing with insanity. His melted armor seemed very appropriate for his current perceived state of mind. “Did you honestly think that would be enough?” He shouted at Gresh, “Did you really think a fool like you could keep me down?” He threw his head back in laughter, “No! This fight ends when I say it does! It ends me walking over your corpses!” The two partners stepped back, away from Nektann as the Skakdi approached them, holding his scythe tightly in his grip. After so much punishment from the both of them, he was still standing, still eager and able to fight. And to think the Skrall were able to nearly kill him. If warriors who lived only to fight couldn’t finish him off, then how could Gresh and Tahu do it? “I’ll use the Golden Armor.” Tahu told Gresh. Gresh shook his head, “I still have a few tricks left.” He assured Tahu. “Wasn’t that last attack your finishing attack?” Tahu questioned. “It was.” Gresh confirmed, “The greatest warrior this planet has ever known…I read his book of techniques, I learned everything he had to offer. I even learned his finishing move, the attack I just used on him. It should never have failed to utterly defeat a foe, if not kill them.” “So…you have nothing better, then?” Tahu questioned, reading into the description as a finishing move too seriously. “I do have a plan or two…three, left.” Gresh said, correcting himself to give an exact number, “Only if all of them fail can you try.” Tahu nodded, “Understood.” He said in a very militaristic manner. Gresh glanced back at him, “The leader of the rebellion, taking orders from me, a young soldier.” “Older than me.” Tahu said. “Our lifespans are both very long, but you’d still be my elder.” Gresh said. Tahu nodded, “Yeah, I guess I would be.” He said, “Ok, let’s see what you can do.” Gresh nodded, walking towards Nektann. He put his twin tonfa together into a shield, holding it in his right hand. He waited for Nektann to make the first move. Nektann let out a cry and rushed forward, holding his scythe high. As it came down, Gresh threw his shield up, as if he were in an arena battle, as he had been a few years ago. He started to miss those simpler days of fighting for resources. He pushed back and pressed forward, slamming the flat into Nektann’s chest and face. He then span around, delivering a side kick into Nektann’s chest, making him stumble back another few steps. Gresh leapt forward, throwing the shielded punch into Nektann’s face. Nektann retaliated, as Gresh planned, and the scythe came slicing down. Gresh parried up and to the side, using the impact to rattle it in Nektann’s hand. He pressed forward, using his left arm to knock Nektann’s right arm aside so the scythe was clear. Gresh slammed a heel kick into Nektann’s gut, knocking him onto his back in the sand. Gresh pounced, slamming a rapid series of punches into Nektann’s face. The Skakdi’s eyes began to burn with power. Gresh quickly performed a backflip to avoid the iron ball attack. He slid in the sand and threw his shield in front of his body as the balls slammed at him, hammering his shield, almost making him lose his grip. Tahu stood back, ready at any moment to get the Golden Armor onto his body, to use all of his power to assist Gresh in this battle. He was sure of the young Glatorian’s will to battle, the will to live. The will to succeed, to win. To destroy Nektann. Gresh threw his arms to his sides and raced forward. He rolled under another attack, and came up, shooting his leg up into Nektann’s gut, knocking him back a handful of steps. Gresh pushed himself up and span around, backhanding Nektann in the side of the face. As he stumbled, off balance, Gresh came forward with a high knee, smashing it into Nektann’s jaw. “Right, you guys don’t have bones.” Gresh muttered, waiting to hear the satisfying snap. Even though he and Tahu had just spoken partially on anatomy minutes ago, he couldn’t recall it anymore. He was a real warrior now, he believed. All he could think of was battle. He couldn’t even think of a minute’s old conversation. All he could recall was anything involving battle, anything that would help him to win. “You really think you hold a candle to me?” Nektann shouted, racing forward. He threw a left jab as hard and fast as he could, smashing it into Gresh’s gut, sending the Glatorian into the sand. Gresh, however, had bones. He was sure some ribs might have been broken in that attack. Gresh coughed hard, resting on his left elbow, trying to prop himself up. He had to change tactics, and fast. He threw himself to his feet and threw his shield to Tahu. He glanced back, “I’ll alert you if I require it.” Tahu nodded in reply, and Gresh rushed off. He needed to quickly change styles if he wanted to win. He was going back to Muay Thai, as he had used when he had been defeated around one year ago by Saga of the Holy Spherus Magna Empire. Such a brutal, unexpected style should help him. Gresh leapt forward, driving a knee into Nektann’s gut. He span around, elbowing him in the head. He completed the rotation, driving his other elbow into the center of Nektann’s face, and then the other one again into the side, back and forth a few times. He changed, driving the knee into his foe’s gut, and then he leapt, changing knees, smashing his other one into the bottom of his foe’s jaw. He changed, spinning behind Nektann, and slamming him with a double fisted slam to the back of the head. Nektann stumbled forward, allowing Gresh to face Tahu as he turned to face Nektann. He nodded to Tahu, “Here’s number one!” He shouted, “Truly one of my last-ditch techniques. One I haven’t used in years. One that I’ve only ever used so that I know how to use it. A technique made forbidden in the arena, even with the Skrall threat. A technique that I can only use now, since this is truly a battle of life and death, unlike the Holy Spherus Magna Empire.” As much as he had wanted to against the likes of Saga and Lokaju, he couldn’t use this technique. It could easily end up leaving him dead; shattering his leg to such an extent that he could never fight again. In this situation, with so much on the line, Gresh was willing to risk it, using it before he would use it before the Heaven’s Disaster, even. After all, he didn’t need legs for the Disaster, only for his foe to be within striking range. And with all of the fighting he had done so far over the course of the day, he wasn’t sure he would stand a Disaster. He wasn’t sure he could survive using one, if it would drain him so much. This was the safest option for him, despite the dangerous implications. Gresh reached down to his right leg, peeling back a piece of armor. He drew the dagger from the small of his back and plunged it into his flesh, letting the armor plate fall back, now that the dagger was there to keep it open. He dug around until he found something hard that wasn’t bone. Rather, it was an implant. An important implant that he had obtained shortly after the Core War. It wasn’t made for physical combat. It was made for vehicles. This made it exceedingly dangerous for him to use. “Exceed Charge…” He muttered as he withdrew the dagger and sheathed it. He drew his body back, kept his right leg out, and drew his arms to his sides, extending them out, but bending them at the elbow. He faced his side partially at Nektann, getting ready to spring forward, as his left leg was behind him, his right leg charging with power, starting to burn with energy. The armor along his leg became yellowish in color, rather than green. Nektann looked up, and Gresh was upon him. Gresh pushed off with his leg and threw his right leg out. The power-filled kick came crashing through the air, smashing into Nektann’s chest, making the Skakdi warlord scream in absolute pain as his body was being punctured by a pure energy kick, powered by a device made to make vehicles perform at a higher peak. Nektann slammed into the ground, staying down. Smoke rose from the impact point, and they were sure that Nektann was finally defeated, even as Gresh landed on his knees, screaming in pain, feeling his right leg, only to find that it was broken, shattered. “I guess that ends my involvement…” Gresh muttered. Tahu was rushing over to him, crouching by him, “You ok?” “Yeah, I’m…” Nektann cried out as he rose again, swaying as he came to his feet. He stalked forward, holding his scythe in hand, laughing as he was ready to finally end it. “That should have…” Gresh muttered, shaking his head, holding his hand out for the shield. Tahu handed it to him without question. Nektann raced forward, holding his scythe high. He gave a wild battle cry as he closed the distance. Gresh punched forward with the shield. Power slammed into Nektann, but didn’t stop him, just as it hadn’t stopped Vastus. As Nektann plowed into him, they both rolled. Tahu rolled aside; ready to use the armor, but Gresh had one move left. Nektann pounced again, only to meet the tip of a tonfa into his chest, and an explosion of power that actually threw him back. A true Heaven’s Disaster, the one that had defeated Vastus in what seemed like a lifetime ago. “Three…” Gresh muttered, collapsing, panting, just hoping and praying that it had been enough. His Exceed Charge kick hadn’t done it, his original Disaster hadn’t, his true Disaster had to have done it. Tahu rushed to Gresh’s side, and looked up, “You did it.” He said, patting his ally on the back. He looked up again at the sound of Nektann’s laughter. It wasn’t over. “Is he…a demon?” Gresh muttered, pounding his fist into the sand in rage. As Nektann approached, Tahu rose, drawing the six pieces of armor out. He attached the two pieces of arm armor, the piece of chest armor, the pommel, gave himself the shield, and then, he placed the Golden Hau onto his face. Power erupted around Tahu’s body. The armor extended, giving him leg armor, thigh armor, and expanding his existing gold armor. He charged forward, energy erupting around his body. “This is finally the end!” He screamed at Nektann, sliding forward, getting ready to attack. Tahu threw his head back, his back arched. He screamed in pain as energy erupted around his body. Not from an external source, but from the Golden Armor itself. It was repelling Tahu. Nektann slammed a fist into Tahu, throwing him down. He laughed, pouncing on him, discarding his scythe. He continued to punch and pound on Tahu, laughing the entire time. It was about to end. Nektann stepped back, getting ready to use his scythe this time. He lifted it, but the Golden Armor exploded from Tahu, flying past Nektann. The Skakdi turned around, looking at a blue and white armored Toa of Lightning, wearing a Kanohi Faxon, carrying the Power Lance on her back. In her right hand was a flickering, lightning sword, similar to Tahu’s sword. The flickering sword of elemental power acted as herald as the Golden Armor floated around her, as she stepped forward, shaking her head, showing off her familiar looking body, “Now, do you really think you could wear this armor?” She questioned of Tahu, “The armor meant for the leader of the Toa Mata?”Review

Chapter 5: Passionate Eri “You have a desire to work for us,” questioned Uva. ‘Forte’ nodded, looking at himself, “You did this to me,” he hissed, shaking his head in revulsion, “My old comrades don’t want me anymore; they can’t trust me, they say. I have no place other to go than you.” “Very well,” Uva nodded, smiling, “Welcome to the Phantasmal Raiders, ‘Forte’. We shall show you the respect that you once had as one of Bandiaca’s warriors. You and Jaki shall share the position, as Jaki once shared it with Raia.” “Very well,” ‘Forte’ said, nodding his head, “I shall serve with pride and honor. But only if you allow me to fight the Toa of Fire.” “Very well,” Sagarc put in, “He shall be yours.” Jaki grunted, “He should be killed by whoever gets at him.” “You want him?” questioned ‘Forte’. “No,” Jaki said, explaining, “If he gets in my way, I don’t want to have to avoid him just so that you can kill him. I want to remove anyone in my way!” “He’s mine,” ‘Forte’ hissed, “I will not take it well if you would kill him. If any of your warriors kills him,” he directed at the Phantasmal Raiders themselves, “He is mine!” The three Raiders nodded. ‘Forte’ turned and walked out of the area, out into the sea. They looked amongst themselves, with Sagarc bringing up a complaint. “Why,” questioned Gamel. “The Toa of Fire broke him free,” Uva stated, “We can’t control him if he faces the Toa of Fire. He can…break down our mental conditioning on that man.” “Then we should have him killed,” Gamel said simply. “Yes,” Sagarc nodded, “I shall send someone to deal with him.” “Who do you have in mind,” questioned Uva. “Hibiki,” stated Sagarc. The warrior in question, Hibiki, was clad in primarily red armor with some gray and black. He had two long legs which he usually kept out so he would walk lower; bending at the knees. He had two claws on each foot. He had a crimson chest with spiked armor – like the armor on his upper legs – and had his two, small crimson eyes on his chest as well. He had four arms coming out; the bottom two being longer than the top two. All but his lower right hand ended in claws. His lower right ended in three tentacle-like whips. From the back of his body down to under him were two sharp protruding tusk-like spiked blades, acting as a beak of sorts for this squid-like warrior. Hibiki walked through the streets of Cyril Nui with a guard of Bashaa with him. His mission was to destroy as much as he could in order to simply divert some of the Toa’s attention. Meanwhile, ‘Forte’ would hit another part of the island, while Jaki would hit a third. Hibiki was chosen for his ability to hold off multiple attacks at once with his four arms, as well as his natural resilience. It seemed to be working thus far. He could hear a vehicle approaching. He didn’t want to fight; he never wanted to fight. He hated working for the Phantasmal Raiders, but who else would take him in? Help him to survive? Only them. He saw a blue armored Toa of Water dismount from her cycle vehicle and approach him and his Bashaa. She lifted a sword up, drawing the blade along the edge of the razor fin weapon on her left arm. She swung it forward at that point, at them, before entering her single rollcall. The Toa of Water lifted her left arm up and drew her sword across the fin weapon; running the flats together. As her blade went above the fin weapon, she drew her left arm down and slashed the blade down, looking over the edge and the tip, “The exploding waves! Toa Eri!” “Go,” hissed Hibiki. The Bashaa flooded forward at Eri. She moved swiftly, using her sword to cut down those in front of her while parrying at her left with her fin weapon. When she kicked one away she reached to her hip and took her Blade Blaster, opening fire on both sides while clearing a path at Hibiki with her blade. Hibiki was getting worried. He was counting on the Bashaa to deal with the Toa. He didn’t want to fight her, but as she got closer and closer, he knew he would likely have to. He lifted his tentacled arm and ran at her, shouting and swinging his arm around, sending the tentacles writhing out at her. She rolled under all of them, getting right into him and blasting him pointblank with her Blade Blaster, causing multitudes of sparks to fly from the damage, causing him to stumble back. Eri realized that he hadn’t tried using all of his claws on her. She saw that as odd, but didn’t question it. Not right now. She would think about it more later. For now, she snapped her Blade Blaster to sword mode and crossed her blades, racing at him. Hibiki shouted and ran at her, trying to overpower her. He slashed all of his clawed arms down, but she parried two with each blade, and blocked the third with a knee. She pushed with her knee, knocking him off center, and then span around, slashing him twice across the chest. As he stumbled back, he started to pant in pain. The Bashaa continued to attack Eri, but she continued to counter them with her superior swordsmanship techniques, cutting them all down, leaving only Hibiki. She lifted her sword as she approached him, “This is all for you, Phantasmal Raider!” “Wait!” pleaded Hibiki, holding all four arms up, “I mean no harm!” “You’re a Raider,” she hissed, “It seems to me that you mean harm, coming here with a troop of Bashaa, and all.” “I’m not here of my own will!” “Oh? Then of whose will are you here for?” questioned Eri. “My superiors!” he shouted, “They forced me to come and serve as a distraction o split the ranks! I have no desire to fight you! I have no desire to fight at all!” “Let me guess, you’re a victim of circumstance,” guessed Eri, “Someone who no other would take in. So you joined the only people who would take you in; the Raiders. Am I right?” “You are!” he said, “Please, believe me! I don’t want to fight!” Eri span her Blade Blaster around, switching modes and holstering it on her side. She sheathed her large blade on her right hip as she walked towards him, nodding, “I do believe you, believe it or not.” “Really?” he asked with joy. She nodded, “I was once a Dark Hunter, but not against my will. I made bad choices in my life, and sort of gained a sense for when others are in bad situations, or when they’re doing things that they know they shouldn’t be, or don’t want to be doing. I can feel that with you…” “Hibiki,” he introduced. “Eri,” she told him. “Well, Eri…what do we do now?” questioned Hibiki. “The others may not believe me about you,” she said, “Ok…you were sent as a distraction. For what?” “Jaki and ‘Forte’ are attacking elsewhere,” Hibiki said, “I was supposed to draw fire away from them.” “Ok, so we have to go and help the others,” said Eri, “Where are they striking?” “Two other points of the island. The areas near shore. I don’t know exactly, but not this side.” “Right, we have a lot of ground to cover, then,” Eri said, walking to her vehicle, “Get on. We’re going.” As Hibiki got on, gripping with all four arms whatever he could, Eri asked him, “Why were you sent? Did they just want to get rid of you?” “No. I’m actually a good warrior…I just don’t like fighting,” Hibiki said, “I was chosen for my natural resilience and my combat skills…especially my four arms.” “I see,” Eri replied, “Now, they’re each hitting a different area?” “Yeah.” “Then let’s go,” Eri said, speeding off to circle the island. ‘Forte’ bashed aside the large blade that Magis was using as well as Hoji’s sword. The two Toa shouted and ran at him again, putting more power behind their next slashes, but ‘Forte’ managed to stop them again, reflecting once more. “You’re both weak,” ‘Forte’ hissed, holding his sword in both hands and swinging hard, smashing the ground open when Hoji rolled to evade. “What’s wrong with you?” shouted the Toa of Fire, “I saved your mind, yet you would go back to them? What’s the point in that?” “It’s the place I find acceptance,” ‘Forte’ hissed, “Mistress won’t have me any longer, so I will go where I know I have comrades!” “Then join us!” Hoji pleaded, “We’ll have you!” “As if,” Magis muttered, “No one but you will agree to that. Not even Eri!” “She’s the acceptance of your group,” muttered ‘Forte’, “The passionate one. She helped you guys accept Cesare, didn’t she?” “You know that?” questioned Hoji. “I know a lot,” replied ‘Forte’, lifting his sword and racing at the Toa of Fire. Magis put his weapons together, crossing them. He unleashed a tornado with his Air powers, sending them rippling out into ‘Forte’’s side, blowing him away. He skidded across the ground, trying to dig his blade in to slow himself. “Hoji!” shouted Magis. Hoji nodded, spinning his sword around and running his hand along the side where it curved by the hilt. It opened, shooting Rouze Cards out. Hoji grabbed two of them while the rest were sucked back inside, folded up once more. It snapped closed as Hoji slashed both of his powers with his blade. “Air” “Blast” As Air focused around the length of his blade, he drew it back. Magis drew his weapons back at the same time, plunging them forward just as Hoji pushed his blade forward, unleashing the blast of Air alongside Magis’s Air release. The two attacks slammed into ‘Forte’, bringing him to his knees. He gripped his sparking chest in his left hand, hissing, “Next time!” “You won’t win next time either,” Hoji said. “No,” he hissed in reply, “Next time…don’t use such a cheap trick. Fight properly!” As ‘Forte’ fled, Magis glanced to Hoji, “What do you think?” “I think that next time, I owe him a proper duel,” Hoji answered. Rei, Agri and Cesare all attacked Jaki at once, but the long-armed creature was too strong and fast, parrying every slash, every swipe of their weapons, with his daggers. As Agri leapt back to use his blaster, Jaki would move much faster to evade. They couldn’t do much damage due to his monstrous strength. “Cesare?” questioned Rei. He shook his head, “I’m not sure what to use,” he replied, wishing he had his Air Rouze Card at this moment. Regardless, he slashed two. “Ice” “Drill” Ice began to encase the axe, and then started to spin out like a drill. He thrust his weapon forward with a shout, sending it flying off of his weapon. Jaki evaded, but Cesare threw his arm out, manipulating the Ice, sending it out to wrap around and freeze Jaki. “Now!” shouted Rei. She put her rod into one of the barrels of Agri’s weapon while it was lined atop of the axe that Cesare used. They all focused their powers and released them, sending the projectile rod forward, focused with Earth, Ice and Lightning powers. The attack crashed into Jaki, breaking him free of the ice. He stumbled aside, hissing and fleeing from his wound. “You guys got him?” shouted Hoji as he and Magis ran towards them. “We got him,” commented Cesare, nodding. They could hear Eri’s vehicle approaching. When they saw her Anverius X3 approach with Hibiki, they were all on guard, despite the fact that they trusted Eri, and whatever she was doing they should trust. But what if she was captured and forced to take him around, or something? “What’s happening?” hissed Hoji. “This is Hibiki,” Eri said, “He’s an ally. He doesn’t want to be a part of the Raiders. He wants to help us! Fight by us!” “Is he manipulating you?” Rei questioned in her cool, accented voice. “No!” Eri snapped, “He genuinely wants to fight by us!” “You guys trusted Eri about me, after a while,” Cesare put in, walking towards her, “I say I return that favor and trust her. I think we should all trust her.” “Thank you,” Eri told Cesare. “I owe you, after all,” Cesare said. “If Cesare is trusting, then so am I,” Hoji said. When Hoji agreed, Rei and Agri fell into line, and then even Magis, who held out, fell into line with them. They accepted Hibiki. Hibiki shouted out, his crimson eyes flashing. He stumbled back, gripping his head in his three clawed hands. “What is it?” Eri shouted in alarm. “The Raiders!” he screamed, lashing his tentacles out and smashing Eri aside. He roared like a beast as they took their control over his mind, just as they had done to ‘Forte’. But unlike programming, this was more of mind control. “Everyone!” shouted Hoji, “Neutralize!” They all drew their Blade Blasters and aimed them at Hibiki. Eri rose and shouted that they could free him another way, but as Hibiki ran at them like a beast, they had no choice. They couldn’t afford a fight against a mind controlled warrior, especially one who had gotten this close to them. Who was to say that they could permanently break the control? This was for the best. Hoji held his weapon out in one hand in front of his body. Cesare did the same, but braced his arm just before the elbow with his other arm, bent. Agri held his weapon in his right hand as he faced his side at Hibiki. Rei held hers in both hands in front of her body. Magis turned to his side, facing his right at Hibiki and holding his weapon in that hand. Eri shouted once more, “No! Spare him! We can save him!” But for all of her passion in the soul of a man like this, who was like herself in some regards, she couldn’t save him. All five Elemental bullets flew forward, crushing Hibiki’s body. No mind controlled screams emerged either. Just death as Eri fell to her knees in shock and pain.“I know I didn’t help Eri out much, even after all she’s done for me. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be on this team. I must do what I can to help her! Who are you people who stand in my way? Next time: “Chapter 6: Shining Cesare” Here I go.”Review

He reverted to Mata, to it is skin tight. I believe that's how it was in canon.

Legacy 21: Gresh’s Intrusion—Join the Fight! Tahu backed away, parrying every blow of Nektann’s scythe. The Skakdi was swinging without too much aim, simply hoping to catch Tahu and slice him open, or something like that. Tahu only knew he was going to die if Nektann got his way, he didn’t suppose that Nektann had a desired way of cutting him down. Tahu rolled to Nektann’s side as the next shot came down. He leapt forward, kicking his foe in the side. As the Skakdi stumbled, he unleashed a barrage of iron balls from his eyes, smashing them into Tahu’s chest. The Toa of Fire screamed in pain as he hit the ground. His chest armor was dented, putting pressure on his internal organs. He was writhing in constant pain, unable to continue to fight. He wanted to cry out. He wanted to scream that he could no longer fight against Nektann. He wanted to admit defeat. But he couldn’t. He was a Toa. Gresh ran through the desert, his two pieces of the Golden Armor in his pack on his back. He slid to a stop, looking out over a small rocky outcrop. He could see Takanuva struggling down below, trying to continue on, but he was too wounded to do much. “Takanuva!” Gresh called, sliding down the rocks to his side. “Gresh, what is it?” Takanuva asked. “Are you ok?” Gresh questioned, gripping the Toa’s shoulder in his hand, “You look…” “Don’t mind me.” Takanuva breathed, “Look, I lost one of the pieces I had. I’m in no condition to go after it, though, as you can see.” He panted. Gresh looked out ahead. He closed his eyes, “I can feel it.” Takanuva nodded, “I’ve already felt out for it. It’s with two other pieces.” “Tahu?” “Who else?” “Unless something happened.” Gresh replied. “We have to hope nothing has.” Takanuva told him, “If something bad has happened, then we can kiss our lives goodbye.” Gresh nodded, “Yeah, you’re right.” “Look, go and find the pieces.” Takanuva said, “I’ll just lay low for now, heal as best as I can. You have to try to get the pieces to Tahu.” Takanuva slipped his pack off of his back, handing it over to Gresh, “Go, and make haste.” Gresh opened his pack, slipping Takanuva’s remaining piece of armor into his own pack. He hefted it back onto his back. He slipped his tonfa back into his hands and nodded to Takanuva as he rushed off towards the feeling of the Golden Armor in the distance. Tahu rolled aside as Nektann punched the ground. Tahu rose to his knees, throwing his right arm forward, leveling his sword at Nektann. He supported his arm with his left arm, bending it, putting it on his knee, and bracing his right arm. A massive eruption of fire erupted through the air, slamming like a fist into Nektann, slamming him back, sliding him through the sand. As the flames died down, only a few fires were sparsely spread around the two combatants. Nektann came forward, holding his scythe to his shoulder, getting ready to attack with it. The fire did nothing. Tahu was panting. He was used to expending a lot of his power as of late, ever since leading the rebellion within the Matoran Universe, but he was always a Toa Nuva. Now he was a Toa Mata once more. He didn’t have the power he once had. Nektann lunged forward, slamming a kick into Tahu’s chest. Tahu cried out, considering his organs had already been hammered by the iron ball attack from Nektann. This was all of Nektann’s muscle thrown into it, though, rather than just an optical attack that had only momentum behind it. This was in pain on a whole new level. “Do you really think you can still stand a chance against me?” Nektann questioned, “Or are you finally ready to just die?” “I’m not going to die.” Tahu hissed. His body began to glow with power as he focused everything he had into one final attack. He was ready to unleash a Nova Blast and kill Nektann. But what if he died? What if the attack killed him as well? Then the Golden Armor would be useless. There would be no wearer, no one who could tip the scales in Mata Nui’s favor. All would be lost. “What will it be?” Nektann questioned, “I’ve fought enough to be given enough information on what you’re doing.” He pointed with his left hand, “You’re going to unleash all of your power in one final attack, one last ditch effort to kill me. I don’t recall what it’s called.” “A Nova Blast.” Tahu hissed. “Yes, that’s it.” Nektann said, “Are you going to try it?” “I have no other choice.” Tahu hissed. “I can probably survive. If you don’t kill me with that attack, however, I’ll get into your defenses and kill you. Or, you could also die in the process.” “But chances are you will die in this attack.” Tahu said, “Are you really willing to bet that my attack will be stopped by your abilities?” “Are you willing to bet you can survive using the attack?” Nektann questioned. The two remained in their standoff. They began to circle each other, with Tahu still ready to unleash an attack at any moment. He was still considering if he should use his Nova Blast, or if he shouldn’t. Life or death could await at either gate. If he used it, he could die. If he used it, he could survive and win the battle. If he didn’t use it, he would most likely die. Now what? Tahu leapt forward, rolling under Nektann’s slash. He slammed both feet into Nektann’s gut, knocking him back. He rolled around, span and slashed his foe across the chest with his physical flame sword, sending Nektann rolling. Nektann came up, unleashing a blast of his iron balls. Tahu threw a shield up and threw his arms in front of his chest as he slid back. As soon as the barrage ended, he threw his arms out to his sides, unleashing a torrent of fire into Nektann’s chest, sliding him back as well. “How much more can you take?” Nektann questioned, moving in on him, “Have you realized the fate that awaits you?” “My fate won’t be as bad as yours.” Tahu hissed, finally making a decision. He would go Nova. As his body began to flicker with power, he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Ahead of him he could see Nektann rushing him. Nektann never saw the green figure dashing into the battle. He turned, shouting in surprise as a tonfa slammed into his chest, digging the blade into his chest. The second blade came into his spine, slashing into his main organic section. Nektann screamed in pain, absolute pain, falling to the ground. Gresh span around, slamming a kick into Nektann’s face, knocking him to the ground. Gresh leveled the tip of one of his tonfa into Nektann’s face. He glared down at the powerful Skakdi warlord. “You’re used to battling Toa, battling those who use powers.” Gresh hissed, “Are you ready to fight someone like you? A true combatant?” Nektann began to laugh, “Of course I’m ready! I’ll finally have a real challenge!” “Then let’s begin.” Gresh hissed, leaping back. Nektann, instead of heading back, rushed headlong into battle, holding his scythe low, ready to sweep up with it. Gresh watched him with his single eye, watching the blue armored bundle of anger rushing at him. Gresh smiled to himself. This was almost going to be too easy. As the scythe swung up, Gresh slammed one tonfa down, parrying it. He shot his other tonfa forward, slamming the flat into Nektann’s face. As Nektann stumbled, Gresh kicked him in the chest, knocking him onto his back. Gresh stepped onto his wrist, holding the scythe down, putting one of his tonfa to the Skakdi’s throat. “You see, you aren’t so hard.” Gresh said, “You’re mediocre compared to we Glatorian!” “What?” Nektann hissed in rage. “You see, we Glatorian lived on this desert planet for over one hundred thousand years. We know hard living, we fight for resources, fight for the right to live every day.” “That is what the Skakdi are!” Nektann shouted, “We fight for our lives every day! We even fight against most of the universe for our Master in order to survive now!” “Yes, but you see…” Gresh almost laughed in his face, “There is one big difference. You have powers. You don’t rely on your bodies alone, but rather, your powers and strength. You fight beings with powers, mostly. In wars, ranged attacks are your best bet. “In our Core War, we fought with firearms and energy weapons as often as we could. Any war has physical combat. Yours, ours, any other wars as well.” Gresh shrugged, “But I think we can all agree that most war comes down to ranged combat.” “Get onto your point.” Nektann hissed. “Do you know how we survived? How we lived?” “How?” Nektann hissed, trying to get to the end of his discussion with Gresh. “We fought, every day, for the right to live. We would fight in serious, pitched combat until one fighter could no longer continue, and then we would fight again, and again, and again…we had no rest, we had no powers. We fought with our bodies day in and day out in an unforgiving desert.” Nektann laughed in his face, “Do you really think that you foolish fighters can possibly defeat the likes of a warlord like me? You make a point, but you forget that I do have power. You can’t handle the powers I can unleash!” “Yes, but it’s limited.” Gresh replied, taking a guess. Nektann growled. “Have you met the Skrall?” “Fought them.” Nektann hissed. “How did that go?” “Many losses.” Nektann replied. “I’ll assume you lost many forces.” Gresh replied smugly, “You see, I defeated them in the past. They are the best of the best, but I have the skills of the man who was superior to them. If you could barely defeat them, then how could you even think of defeating me?” He leaned in close. “I also have…powers.” “Powers? You’re a hypocrite.” Nektann hissed, his eyes burning with power, ready to release his iron ball attack. “No. I’m no hypocrite.” Gresh replied, pulling off a backflip to avoid the iron balls as they flew. As Nektann rose and lunged forward, Gresh dashed forward in a blinding flash of green, pushing all of his power into his muscles for a dash, thanks to the powers of Certavus.It was similar to a principle of Vastus’s. It would seem that Nektann didn’t realize what was happening, as evidenced by Gresh easily landing what would have been a bone-shattering blow into Nektann’s face, should Nektann have had bones. Nektann hit the ground hard, rolling away from the impact. He swayed to his feet, growling as he faced Gresh, holding his scythe tightly in hand. “You can’t win.” Gresh said, dropping into a low stance, with both tonfa before him at the ready. “You dare to get cocky?” Nektann growled. “I don’t need to get cocky. That would mean I could infer that I’m superior. I know I am. There’s a difference in that I am cocky already.” Gresh told him. Nektann let out a roar of anger and charged forward. He slid through the sand, taking wild slashes with his scythe. Gresh ducked and weaved through each one, parrying occasionally, but not too often. He was in control of both the fight, and of Nektann’s rage. It was all a game to the rookie-turned-champion Glatorian. He was making sport of how angry he could make Nektann, how much he could make Nektann lose focus of his true goal, of his true focal point. Gresh performed a backflip to avoid one slash. He leapt forward, slamming a knee into Nektann’s gut. As Nektann’s head went down, he followed up with a high knee to the face, driving Nektann back. Using his free left hand, he clutched his head wound. Gresh stood back, spinning his tonfa around his fingers instead of actually getting ready to attack. He simply waited for Nektann to make the next move, deciding to fight a defensive fight, rather than continue on the offensive. Nektann rushed forward and threw a punch. Gresh ducked his head back to avoid the blow, carefully watching out of the corner of his eye for the scythe which never came. Gresh snapped his head back and span around, driving a mule kick into Nektann’s gut. Nektann stumbled back, and then looked up as Gresh performed a roundhouse kick into his chest. “You know what?” Gresh questioned. “What?” Nektann shouted, obviously having lost all composure he might have had. It even appeared to Gresh that he had lost control of his armor’s partially melted state. It could have been the heat of the desert combined with the fact that Tahu had to have done some serious damage already with his powers of Fire. The sight of the armor made Gresh smile a condescending smile. “I’m going to end it all, right now, in one move.” Gresh said, glancing back to Tahu as the Toa of Fire started to use the distraction that Nektann now had in order to get all six pieces of the Golden Armor together into a single location behind a small rock outcropping. Tahu kept switching between watching the battle, and getting the armor ready to wear. “You really are cocky!” Nektann shouted, racing forward. Gresh shook his head, “No. I’m not cocky. I’m right. The finisher!” Gresh pushed all of his power into his muscles. He was about to push them to their limits, as he had done in the past, but this time for a much bigger threat than a single Skrall. He was going to strike out at one of the main foes that Bara Magna currently had. Pushing all of his power into his muscles, Gresh dashed forward as a blur of green once more. As he reached the blue armored figure of Nektann, he moved with such speed that Nektann would only feel the pain, not the individual blows as they came. He struck Nektann in the chest with a punch. He span around, using his momentum and speed to knee Nektann in the back. He span around to get back in front of Nektann, and sent an uppercut crashing into his jaw. As Nektann’s head went up, Gresh put his hands together and sent a double fisted slam into the back of his foe’s head, sending Nektann a step behind Gresh. Gresh span around, watching Nektann collapse into the sand. He strolled over to the downed Skakdi and drew the tonfa from his back, shaking his head. “And you were supposed to be a challenge.” He muttered. Nektann said nothing. He was defeated.Review

Chapter 4: Raging Hoji A dank cave was the current setting for Bandiaca and her warriors. They had abandoned the spires that she had created in favor of another spire that had a cave facing away from the island, allowing them to remain hidden as she spread out the room itself under the sea for her warriors. Such minimal changes would go unnoticed by the island inhabitants. “Any luck yet,” Bandiaca questioned M’hou. “None, I am sorry…I’m a failure,” M’hou said, expecting to be struck or reprimanded for his inability to locate ‘Forte’, even this long after his disappearance. “Mirai!” She barked. The crimson and green armored swordsman approached the two of them, “What do you require,” he questioned, “A trip to the island?” “The Toa have grown in power,” Bandiaca stated, “I’ve felt it. What I want you to do is go and engage them. Do what you can, and find ‘Forte’!” “I shall do my best,” Mirai bowed, rising and walking away from her, towards the entrance. Bandiaca waved her staff out. Energy enveloped Mirai as well as the standing troop of Anaroids that M’hou was tempted not to let go of. He was tempted to keep them around, since they had such a short supply. Without proper equipment or parts, what could he do? Nothing. No more Anaroids or Batsuroids, let alone his mechanical warriors that were currently being designed to fill Bandiaca’s ranks. Her power overtook them and sent them along with Mirai towards the island. Cesare swung his axe around with great speed and skill, but ‘Forte’ was faster at every move. He managed to continually parry with his shield and get a blow with his sword in, sending sparks to fly from Cesare’s armor on impact. He stumbled back and ducked, allowing Agri to jump over his back, opening fire with his new blaster weapon. The three barrels span around, each of them firing on the single point of ‘Forte’. Rei leapt over his back in turn, unleashing a stunning bolt of Lightning from the end of her rod weapon, blasting him aside. The three Toa were going to wait, but they didn’t have to for long. In moments ‘Forte’ was back on his feet, seemingly unfazed. “Let’s try something,” Cesare said, crouching down, holding his axe out. Agri crouched behind it, resting the barrels atop the long shaft of the axe. Rei put her rod in the barrel that was currently lined up with the shaft. The three of them focused their powers into the attack and had Agri pull the trigger. The rod, powered by all three of their powers, flew down the shaft like a projectile, slamming into ‘Forte’, but it only managed to puncture him slightly. He tore the weapon out and rushed them, lifting his weapon. Meanwhile, Magis and Eri were cutting down Bashaa resistance. Eri was swift, using her fin weapon to parry blows while using her sword to cut them down. She would spin around, with her blade out and using her fin to cut down warriors that her blade missed. Magis slashed a few times with his large blade, and then parried a close strike with his claw grip weapon. He pushed back, hesitated, and didn’t kick. He span around, slashing it with the sword instead, taking it down. “A hideous body…,” he muttered, shaking his head in revulsion of both the Bashaa and his own, new form. “I have a hideous body just like them, and I still can’t strike them!” He shouted in disgust. “You’ll be dead soon,” hissed Jaki, throwing Hoji’s battered body aside. He approached the two Toa, lifting his long arms up, getting his daggers ready. Magis and Eri drew up their weapons in preparation for this battle. Hoji coughed and struggled up to his arms, holding his sword tightly in hand. He shouted and swung up, clipping Jaki in the side. The superior enemy glanced down at him, hardly feeling the wound. He lashed his long arm out, throwing him aside. “Hoji!” Eri and Magis screamed out. Hoji struggled up to his feet, shaking his head, “I won’t go down that easily!” He began to scream as his jets activated. Fire enveloped his entire body. He shot forward with greater speed than before, lifting his flaming sword out of the mass of Fire. “Oh? Interesting,” Jaki grinned, throwing a fist forward to meet him. The momentum of the punch tore through the fire, connecting with Hoji. Hoji cried out as he was thrown back, his flames gone. He rolled around on the ground, unable to get back up. He tried, but his body wouldn’t respond. “Weak,” Jaki muttered. Eri and Magis put the tips of their swords together. The power of a Storm began to form, lashing out as a concentrated burst from the tips at Jaki from behind. Jaki span around, taking the full brunt of the attack to his chest. Even for his strength, he couldn’t stand such a direct blast of power, of Lightning, of the power of nature itself driving at him. Hoji managed to rise and stumble over to Eri and Magis. Magis got in front of them, hooking his gripper weapon on his side and drawing his Blade Blaster as a sword in his right hand. He drew both blades up, “I’ll watch him,” he said. Eri was on the ground where Hoji had sat down. She began to use her Water powers to heal him, running the healing waters over him. “You’ll be fine soon,” she said. “Faster,” he muttered, “Please.” “I’ll try,” she murmured, “I’ve had problems speeding the process before.” “We’re stronger now,” he said, “You should be able to do it.” “Let’s hope,” she said. As the power washed over Hoji, he could feel himself getting stronger again. He managed to stand along with her as she continued to heal him. Jaki had rushed towards Magis, swinging his daggers around, but Magis was throwing Air around as buffers, blocking his strikes for the most part. “You can’t stop me forever!” Jaki screamed. “I know that,” Magis commented, spinning around to avoid him. He flipped his Blade Blaster into firearm mode and opened fire on Jaki’s chest, peppering him with energy blasts. None of them seemed to do much damage. Eri leapt up, coming down and slashing Jaki across his chest. As he stumbled back, she nodded back to Hoji, “You’re free to do what you want. You know what you want; do it.” He nodded in understanding and ran, cutting down Bashaa as he passed them. He leapt up, coming down on ‘Forte’ from behind, slashing his mechanical rival down the back. ‘Forte’ span around after slashing Rei aside. He threw a punch with his shield, but Hoji blocked with his sword, feeling the true strength of his foe’s shield. “You’re just as strong as ever,” muttered Hoji. No answer. ‘Forte’ wasn’t speaking. “You’re not like this,” hissed Hoji, “You’re a proud swordsman! Using a shield is against your beliefs, is it not?” No answer once more. “Answer me! ‘Forte’!” Cesare, Agri and Rei ran around his side towards Hoji. Cesare spoke quickly, “You can have him; we’ll deal with Jaki.” “Got it,” Hoji muttered, “Let me break ‘Forte’ free of this!” He slashed hard, knocking ‘Forte’ a few steps back. He shouted and took three steps forward, following up with a slash up ‘Forte’’s body. ‘Forte’ stumbled back and followed up with a slash, but Hoji parried. He took a shielded punch to the face, being thrown to the ground. He came to his knees, shaking his head, “You…fight like you used to! Don’t let yourself be controlled!” ‘Forte’ continued to approach him, lifting the sword in his left hand. The blade almost seemed thirsty to slay Hoji. Hoji came to his feet, shaking his head. He drew his sword to his side, screaming. Fire erupted around the blade, but then was gone. The blade was now shimmering with intense heat. He ran forward, slashing once across ‘Forte’s chest before his foe could block. The heated slash cut a deep wound into ‘Forte’. The mechanical warrior stood frozen for a few moments, and then stumbled away, dropping the shield and nearly the sword. He held tight after that. He threw his right hand to the wound and looked to Hoji with his single optical eye. “You…my rival!” “You’re back,” Hoji muttered with some relief. He hated to see a swordsman as great as ‘Forte’ be reduced to a mindless mechanical slave. “What…what happened to me…,” muttered ‘Forte’, looking at his body, getting a feel for what he now was. He looked up to Hoji, “What happened to me?” “We blasted you into the ocean when you and Bandiaca attacked,” Hoji said, lifting his sword, which was now normal again, “I guess the Phantasmal Raiders changed you.” “Changed me,” screamed ‘Forte’ in questioned, shaking his head, “As long as I can fight with a sword, like a proud warrior…I don’t care!” He didn’t reclaim his shield. He switched his sword to his right hand as he approached Hoji. “It looks like my rage at what you were brought you back,” Hoji commented. He had chosen his title in rollcall as ‘heart of passion’. There was a reason for it. He believed that he could change people, as he had in the past. His passion, his fiery, burning passion – and by extent, his lack of passion; hate – sometimes allowed him to achieve things he normally wouldn’t achieve. He guessed changing ‘Forte’ back was one of those things. “I don’t know what happened, but I will not stand for it,” ‘Forte’ hissed as he approached, ready for a duel. “Let’s make this one to remember,” Hoji said, fully intent on defeating ‘Forte’ for good now that he was back to normal. If he survived and got away, the Raiders may change him again. Hoji hated to think of ‘Forte’’s strong will being stifled by their control. He wanted to help. Help would be killing him while he was still as he wanted to be; a warrior. As the two ran to meet each other in combat, a blast of energy stopped them. They glanced to Hoji’s left and ‘Forte’’s right, watching as a squad of Anaroids led by Mirai approached. Mirai was shaking his head as they entered the scene, drawing his right hand to his left arm, gripping the hilt of the sword he kept sheathed on the shield he wore. “Anaroids, attack,” he said, sending them in the direction of the remaining Bashaa and Ryuki, who was being handled by Agri. His absorption powers were being overcome by such rapid fire of both of Agri’s firearms. The Anaroids rushed to do as ordered and deal with their counterparts. Mirai approached Hoji and ‘Forte’, “Who is this, now?” “It’s ‘Forte’,” ‘Forte’ said, “I’ve been changed against my will.” “Very well,” Mirai said, lowering his blade, “Then I should eliminate you, lest whoever changed you comes back for you.” “They won’t come back,” ‘Forte’ hissed, “I will never rejoin them!” “Forgive me if I don’t believe you,” Mirai said, glancing between Hoji and ‘Forte’. He lifted his sword, “Now, let’s do this.” “I’m not going to betray Bandiaca! I only fought for them because they changed my mind! It was only this Toa that could break my mind free!” ‘Forte’ shouted. Hoji nodded, “You may both be my enemies, but ‘Forte’ is an honorable warrior and rival,” he told Mirai, “He may be my enemy, but he does deserve to be understood.” Mirai didn’t listen. He lifted his sword and ran into battle, slashing at ‘Forte’, who lifted his blade to parry. They continued to meet their blades, parrying and slashing at each other. Hoji decided to jump in, rushing forward and slashing at Mirai’s side, but Mirai span around, managing to parry the blow and still move his blade fast enough to stop ‘Forte’’s strike without resorting to using his shield. “Be pleased with this, ‘Forte’,” Mirai said, “I’ll only use my sword to defeat you. My shield will never touch your blade.” “Mirai…I know you’re good. I know you’re probably Bandiaca’s best warrior, even when I was there, now that Geki is gone. I know you can probably defeat me. But I will not allow it!” ‘Forte’ leapt back and ran forward, gaining momentum. He slid forward, rolled despite his fins on his back, and went under Mirai’s slash. He came up behind and span around, sending a side slash out. Hoji leapt in, shouting. He slashed down at Mirai’s right side, hoping to defeat this warrior and fast. Hoji was angry. ‘Forte’, even as an enemy, deserved better. His rage, his passionate rage had broken ‘Forte’ free of the control of the Phantasmal Raiders, but now he deserved to be at least understood by his former comrade. He didn’t deserve a death like this. Hoji was certain that Mirai could kill ‘Forte’. Mirai was swift. He span around, parrying ‘Forte’’s sword and pushing his left arm behind his back to remove the temptation to use it. He span around, sidestepped to push ‘Forte’’s sword in front of himself, and then parried Hoji. He pushed Hoji’s sword back and span around, slashing both of them across the chest, causing sparks to fly out from both of them. Both Hoji and ‘Forte’ slashed rapidly at Mirai’s chest, but Mirai was swift, making swift arm movements in order to parry both blades to the ground time and again. He span around, slashing them once, and then twisted his wrist and slashed the other way, taking them both down. He stood over them, ready to eliminate ‘Forte’; his sword to the mechanical warrior’s eye. “For Mistress Bandiaca,” Mirai said. Cesare shouted out, coming in with his energy wings spread out. He kicked Mirai in the side, tossing him aside. Cesare rolled and span around, lifting his Blade Blaster into hand and leveling the blade towards Mirai. “I’ll pull out, if you’re going to protect him,” Mirai muttered, “I will be back.” As ‘Forte’ rose to pursue, to go after and defeat Mirai, Hoji grabbed his arm. ‘Forte’ looked to him; he was shaking his head. “No,” said Hoji, “Don’t, or you’re going to die.” “You brought me back to myself,” ‘Forte’ said, spinning around and slashing Hoji three times across the chest rapidly, taking him down. Cesare ran forward, slashing, but ‘Forte’ parried easily and kicked Cesare aside. “The problem is that Bandiaca isn’t going to support me anymore. The only thing I can do is side with these people. You!” Jaki walked away from the downed Toa, towards ‘Forte’. He grinned viciously, “What do you need?” “I want to know who did this to me. Who you work for,” ‘Forte’ glanced to Ryuki, who was on the ground, dead from a Storm, no doubt, due to the burn wound. “The Phantasmal Raiders will welcome you with open arms,” Jaki hissed, “You and I…we shall lead them to a new age of victory over this island!” Jaki laughed, walking away from the battle with ‘Forte’ in tow. No Bashaa or Anaroids remained. Hoji crawled to his knees, watching ‘Forte’ depart, knowing he failed.“An enemy who wants to repent? An enemy who has become ashamed of his faction? His story strikes close to home, and no matter what, I will do what I must in order to help him. No matter what the others say. Next time: “Chapter 5: Passionate Eri” The waves crash!”Review

Legacy 20: Tahu and Nektann—For the Armor! Tahu ran through the heat of the desert world of Bara Magna. Being a Toa of Fire, he was used to the heat. He had his two pieces of the Golden Armor, and was making his way back to the rendezvous point. He could see the constant battle between Makuta Teridax and Mata Nui raging not far away, but at the same time, a very far distance away. Their massive sizes made it disorienting to figure out the distance. Tahu slowed to a walk when he saw something up ahead. It was a golden gleam. He could feel the Golden Armor lying ahead of him. Another piece was waiting. He raced towards it, keeping his two pieces in his pack on his back. As soon as he reached the spot, he noticed that the piece that was sitting there, waiting for him, was a Golden Hau. It reminded Tahu of the old days. Of around three years ago, when he and his team first awakened on the island of Mata Nui. They fought Rahi and Makuta himself, and then obtained golden versions of their Kanohi masks. This Golden Hau of the Golden Armor was like a window into the past for him. He wasn’t the nostalgic sort, but this took him back. He wondered what it would do for him. He wondered what sorts of power it held in comparison to the Golden Hau of old that he had had. As he reached out for the rocks that the mask was jammed inside of, he realized something. This location wasn’t one of the originals. He hadn’t felt a piece of the armor in this area. Something was wrong. “Ambush.” He muttered even as steel balls slammed into his side, smashing him into the sand, sending him rolling and tumbling around, shouting in pain. He rose to his knees and pushed his hand out, bracing himself against the ground, feeling the grains of sand sift beneath him. He panted as he looked up, seeing another nostalgic figure, but a slightly different one. “You look like that Piraka…” Tahu muttered. “Piraka?” The blue armored Skakdi laughed, “I am no Piraka! I am Teridax’s servant!” ‘Piraka’ was a Matoran term meaning ‘murderer, thief’, and a whole slew of other similar words. It wasn’t a term of endearment, but one to brand people with. Nobody took this title willingly, other than a group of six Skakdi that the Toa Nuva had met on the island of Voya Nui. The Nuva had lost that battle. This Skakdi was slightly larger than any of the six that Tahu had seen on Voya Nui. This one was like the blue one they had fought, but more vicious looking. That blue Skakdi was nearly impossible to defeat, along with the black one. Tahu didn’t recall their names. “Who are you?” Tahu demanded, rising up and pushing his right hand out, igniting his flame sword for the battle. “My name is Nektann.” He hissed, taking a step forward. His grip on his scythe tightened, “Now, I was kind enough to give you my name. How about you return the kindness?” Kindness. What sort of fool did this Nektann take Tahu for? But, Tahu decided he had might as well tell his foe. Perhaps his name would mean something. After all, this Skakdi claimed to be working for Teridax, probably someone who had willingly sold his life to the Makuta. If this was true, then Tahu, as leader of the rebellion, would have meaning to him. “My name is Toa Tahu!” Tahu announced loudly, hoping that the name would have a desired effect on the situation. He could see that by the look in Nektann’s eyes that he didn’t realize that this was the rebellion leader, knowing that he was a Toa Nuva. This normal Toa stood before him now, claiming to be one of his main foes. “Toa Tahu, eh?” Nektann questioned, laughing, “You aren’t him! You’re just a normal Toa claiming to be one of our main prey! You are nothing!” “Oh, I’m nothing?” Tahu questioned, focusing his powers. He was going to set a ‘time bomb’ of his Fire powers, but then realized that it was a Nuva exclusive power, so he reconsidered wasting his time. Instead, he simply focused on Nektann’s feet, sinking into the sand. Nektann cried out as his feet were impaled by glass. The sudden shock of the pain, and of being immobile, made him lose his focus for only a moment, long enough for Tahu to dash to him, covering the distance, and slam his fist into the Skakdi’s face, throwing him free of the glass, landing him on his back in the sand. “Nice move.” Nektann hissed, rolling over onto his stomach, pushing his fists into the sand to push himself up. “No.” Tahu hissed, activating his powers again. Nektann couldn’t move. He was encased in his wrists, legs, and part of his chest, in glass. He couldn’t move. He cried out, trying to shatter the glass to get himself free before Tahu would deal with him. Tahu dashed at him again, slamming a foot into his foe’s face, snapping his head back in a brutal fashion. Nektann snapped his head back, snapping his teeth into Tahu’s ankle. Tahu cried out, using his powers to superheat his own armor, forcing Nektann to let go. Tahu dashed back, throwing up a shield with his Hau as Nektann unleashed his vision powers, sending iron balls flying from his eyes. Tahu could feel the impacts on his shield, but he was safe, at least. Nektann gave a shout, ripping himself free of the glass encasement that Tahu had trapped him inside of. He pushed himself up and raced forward, sliding through the sand, throwing a fist into Tahu’s shield. The impact reverberated through the shield. Tahu could feel it resonating, nearly breaking through. Nektann was truly powerful if he was able to do this much to Tahu’s shield. Nektann whipped around, giving a powerful backhand to the shield, stumbling Tahu to the side. The shield, being skintight, made Tahu react to blows, despite being protected. “Come on!” Nektann screamed, “Fight me!” Tahu dropped his shield and lunged forward, slamming his partially physical sword of fire into his foe, stumbling Nektann back. Nektann lunged forward, taking a sweep with his scythe, but Tahu dodged back to avoid the attack that may have bifurcated him. Tahu jumped forward, slamming a quick uppercut into Nektann’s jaw, making him stumble back. Nektann returned the favor with a slash from his scythe, catching Tahu from his right shoulder to his left hip, leaving a cut in the armor. As Tahu fell back, he threw his left hand forward. A fireball tore through the air, slamming into Nektann’s gut like a fist. Nektann’s feet left the ground, and he was thrown back, slamming into a few boulders behind him. The rocks cracked on impact and he cried out in pain. “Looks like you’re the real deal.” Nektann hissed, pushing himself away from the rocks, “Though you’re supposed to be stronger. What happened?” “I’m not going to get into a conversation with you.” Tahu said, lowering his sword, “I’d rather just fight you.” “You know we Skakdi live to fight.” Nektann hissed, “A conversation might do you some good. It might let you survive a little longer.” Tahu knew that Nektann was partially right. Skakdi lived to fight. Tahu stood no chance in a fair, one-on-one fight with this powerful Skakdi. “What are you exactly?” Tahu questioned, “You’re powerful, but so were those other Skakdi I fought before. All Skakdi are powerful…but you’re even stronger.” A grim smile came to Nektann’s face, “I’m…rather, I was a Skakdi warlord on Zakaz.” He said, “I am one of the strongest Skakdi alive. That is why my Master chose me to be one of his men on this planet, as one of his top warriors in this little rebellion.” “So, you’re a warlord.” Tahu said, “You command many more Skakdi, they all obey you because they fear you. That explains why you’re so powerful, because if you can keep that many Skakdi in line, you can surely defeat me.” “Of course I can!” “As a Toa, I’m not a pure combatant.” Tahu admitted, “I use a combination of combat and elemental powers in my fights. You, though, can only use elemental attacks in combination with another Skakdi. Being a warlord, I doubt you use an ally too often.” “That is correct.” Nektann said, “What are you getting at?” “The fact that you have to fight on your own, combined with that iron ball vision attack, means that you outclass me. You fight more with your physical powers than that vision attack, I’m sure. You outmatch me. I’ll be the first to admit it.” “Well, good then.” Nektann laughed, “Then just come at me and meet your death!” “You don’t want me to surrender?” Tahu questioned. “No.” “Why?” “Executions aren’t fun.” Nektann said, “I want you to attack me so I can kill you. The fight you put up won’t be enough, but it will be fun, I’m sure.” Tahu lowered his sword. He had a plan. “Fine then.” Tahu said, running forward. He slid forward, ducking a swing of Nektann’s scythe. He punched Nektann with his free hand, using the punch to the chest to take his Skakdi foe back. He then leapt up, slamming a kick into Nektann’s gut, knocking him even farther away. Nektann did just as Tahu had planned. He lunged forward, slashing down. Tahu rolled to avoid it, moving in at the piece of the Golden Armor. He reached out, but the iron ball attack shattered the boulders it was stuck in, sending rubble into Tahu, knocking him away, and casting the Kanohi aside. “I won’t allow that.” Nektann hissed. That wasn’t Tahu’s real plan, anyway. He dashed forward, throwing a flaming punch forward by snapping his left arm out. The flames smashed into Nektann, but the Skakdi was resilient, pushing through it, the flames whirling around him as he moved forward. He drove his scythe down, but Tahu rolled to the side, coming up behind him and plunging his sword forward. Nektann span around, pushing his scythe down to parry the attack, turning the blade sideways to catch Tahu’s attack. However, he didn’t expect Tahu to be able to change the density of his blade from a partially physical attack to an elemental attack. The flames span around the scythe on impact, plunging into Nektann, simply covering him with burns, rather than stabbing him. He cried out as the fire seeped into his organics, burning him through his armor. He stumbled back, allowing Tahu to press his advantage. He withdrew the power from his sword back into himself and threw both hands out, putting his palms together. A massive eruption of fire slammed into Nektann, encasing him within the raging heat of Tahu’s attack, keeping him trapped. The flaming cage held up enough that Nektann wasn’t able to escape. If he tried, he would be in too much pain, and would retreat back inside. Tahu rushed for the Hau, picking the golden object up out of the sand. He admired his reflection in the golden surface, and lowered his pack into the sand. He opened it, lowering the nostalgic looking golden Kanohi inside, placing it with the other two pieces he possessed. “Ahhh!” He span around, watching as the blue form of Nektann emerged from the fire. His armor seemed to be melting at spots. Tahu could smell the burning of the steel of his armor, and the burning of his organics. Nektann’s spine, being organic, was in terrible condition, and actually on fire. His molten blue armor shimmered in the heat of the day as he walked forward. Some of the sand became glass when he stepped. “I’m still here.” Nektann hissed, lifting his scythe, “That plan won’t work, Toa of Fire…” Tahu left the pack in the sand and took a step forward. With Nektann in such a condition, he figured he could use his powers to attack by actually attacking the melting armor and the flaming spine. That should work. Tahu reached out to do as such, to hopefully bring down his foe with that move, but didn’t consider Nektann’s other power. The flames began to recede back into Nektann’s body. He was absorbing it, returning himself to homeostasis. “That won’t work.” Nektann grinned, despite the fact that his armor was still melted, that his organics were still burnt and in constant pain. He put the pain away, laughing and rushing in at Tahu, lifting his scythe high. Now what could Tahu do? As a Toa, he wasn’t able to hold up in a fight like this, unlike Nektann was. He had no chances left to win if he couldn’t even use his prison to stop Nektann. His only hope was to completely overwhelm him with his Fire, but even that wasn’t a likely option… Kopaka pushed himself against some boulders, looking out over the desert landscape, watching as five familiar Toa moved away from him, searching anywhere. The battle of the two mechanical titans raged behind Kopaka. He was still in his normal armor that he had been using for the past two years. The armor that allowed him to use his powers of Ice to their maximum ability. He moved towards another boulder, keeping an eye on the Toa Mahri as they searched through the sands. His Kanohi Akaku zoomed in, allowing him to keep a better eye on the Mahri. He had no idea what had happened to them. He was involved in a massive battle, had escaped with the others after being saved by some unknown attack that had to have come from one of their comrades, and then, they had retreated. Then he had heard that the Mahri had moved through their island along with a Shadow Takanuva and other beings, fighting as they went to escape. The Mahri seemed to have gone rogue. Now, Kopaka was tracking them down. He rushed forward and slid behind another boulder, managing to stay at their sides. He could almost see into their eyes from where he was, even without the use of his Kanohi. He was close enough to hear them if he needed to. Then he saw it. He saw a golden skinned being approaching them, tall, powerfully built, almost looking like a Skakdi. This being was flanked by one of the Shadow Takanuva, but the Takanuva looked different, felt different. Kopaka zoomed in on him, realizing his core was different than anything else he had seen. It almost vibrated with power, radiated with some malicious intent. “We’ve finally found you!” Jaller exclaimed, “Master!” The golden being looked to the Shadow Takanuva. He simply nodded, and the golden being looked back, “Rise. We have work to do.” It hissed. “We must make our base.” The Takanuva said. “Yes, Tren Krom.” The golden being said, turning around and throwing his arms out. Tren Krom! This Takanuva was Tren Krom! Kopaka had to do something. If Tren Krom was free, controlling this being who had taken command of the Toa Mahri, then they both had to be eliminated. Kopaka was about to act, but then saw the golden being’s powers working. He saw a massive castle begin to form out of rock and sand, rising up, becoming solidified, rising high into the sky, but yet, hidden within the mountains around it, remaining discreet. The golden being and Tren Krom both looked to Kopaka’s location. Kopaka froze, not willing to move. He wasn’t planning…he just didn’t want to move. “Rise.” The golden being hissed. Kopaka rose, seeking only to obey.Review

Ravrahn:

Chapter 3: ‘Forte’’s Return! Uva, Sagarc and Gamel walked around the battered and broken body of the mechanical warrior that had fallen into the ocean not too long ago. Based on what they knew, this was the second in command of the warrior who had attempted to conquer Cyril Nui before them; Bandiaca, the witch. This man was ‘Forte’, her greatest warrior and second in command. Now he had been abandoned to the ocean. After being blasted by the Cyril Buster, he had been abandoned, so the Bashaa had taken him on behalf of Raia and the leaders of the Phantasmal Raiders, all of whom desired a strong fighting force to help them conquer the island. This man would be a powerful asset. “What do we need him for? You have me,” a gruff voice barked out. The three Phantasmal Raiders turned to watch the approach of a blue and gray armored individual. He had long arms that dragged out longer than his body was tall; even if it wasn’t hunched. He had an elongated, ribbed head with two crimson eyes keeping focused on his goal of the Phantasmal Raiders, rather than darting around, watching for Bashaa or warriors who would try to stop him for whatever reason. He was the new second in command. He and Raia had been of equal position, but whenever possible, Raia had been used instead. They preferred Raia by far, due to the unstable nature of this man, the unstable aspects that he brought to battle. As a second in command, he didn’t do much; he was more concerned with fighting, with proving his skill. That was why his only weapons were small dagger-like blades. “Jaki, what do you want,” questioned Uva. “I want to know why you need this foolish little mechanical man,” he barked, “I am so much superior! Why not just use me in battle?” “This warrior has fought the Toa before,” Gamel commented, “We can use him.” Jaki scoffed at the idea, “Use a mechanical man, rather than a real, living warrior? Ha! What pathetic notion is that?” “Raia is dead, if you’ve forgotten,” hissed Sagarc, “Evidently he wasn’t skilled enough to defeat the Toa.” “He beat them once,” Uva picked up, “They came back with more determination. That has to have been it; how else did they get stronger? They knew what to expect and overcame him.” “People do grow stronger,” Jaki hissed, “Hence my strength. But that they could get strong enough to shatter Raia’s shell? Something had to have happened there.” “As we said, we believe it to have been the result of their growing urgency to eliminate him,” Uva said, “Determination.” “Possibly,” shrugged Jaki, “I will find out as soon as you allow me to go and fight them.” “We have this man,” Sagarc said, shaking his head, “You aren’t needed, Jaki.” “Too bad,” Jaki turned around, spreading out the large fins on his back, “I’m going, and that’s all there is to it!” “Jaki, doing this is a sign of treason,” warned Uva. “It is no treason,” Jaki commented, “You have none who can even reprimand me! What a great idea it was for you three to pick someone stronger than you to be your second in command!” He laughed as he departed. The three turned their attention to the broken and battered ‘Forte’. They stood around him, ignoring Jaki, and lifted their weapons up. They pressed the tips together over his battered body, allowing pure power from their bodies to flow down and bathe ‘Forte’ in the healing and watery light that they created. “Ryuki, go on ahead,” Jaki barked. The black, humanoid clam warrior nodded, opening the shell chest it had, revealing a single white eye. It ran off ahead with the Bashaa following it, causing damage as they went. Jaki believed he made the right choice in bringing Ryuki with him; Ryuki may have seemed weak, but he had great power when it came down to it. A vehicle slammed into Ryuki, tossing him aside with ease. Jaki watched as a Toa of Fire dismounted, his orange and dark red armor standing out against the gray sky and buildings. His body was covered in extra layers of armor, but not enough to make him look bulky, and he wore a red and orange Kanohi mask. Jets were on his arms, and fins were on different parts of his body for the sake of aerodynamics, or something. Jaki didn’t care. As he lifted his curved sword, Jaki lifted his daggers, ready for a fight, then let them drop and drag behind him again; his arms too long to constantly support. As Jaki was preparing for a duel, he saw others arriving. A gray and black armored Toa of Earth in fairly basic armor; light and made for swift combat, but durable. He wore an elongated black Kanohi mask and wielded a blaster weapon with three rotating barrels. Then there was the blue, white and yellow Toa of Lightning, with basic, thick armor, and a Kanohi that had some sort of scanner eye that looked ridiculous. Her weapon was pathetic in his eyes; a small weapon that didn’t even deserve to be called a staff; more like a stick. Then a Toa of Air in lime and dark green armor. He looked hideous with that color combination, and the Toa didn’t seem thrilled about it either. His armor was a bit bulky along the chest, and his sword in his left hand was pretty big; something that he didn’t look like he cared for carrying around. He carried a small claw weapon underhand in his right hand. It looked like he had claws on the backs of his legs, but they wouldn’t serve any purpose. Then the Toa of Water in bulkier armor. She had basic light and dark blue armor on, but it was added on in a way that showed bulkiness, rather than sleekness, like the Toa of Fire’s. She carried a large blade in her right – smaller than the Toa of Air’s, however – and a fin weapon was rested on the underside of her left arm. Finally, a Toa of Ice appeared, with a Kanohi with a left scope-eye. He wore a silver shield over his chest and arms, and carried a large axe. His armor was more like the Toa of Fire’s; thick, but not too thick to make him bulky. “You’re the Toa,” hissed Jaki, “You’re not the ones we saw when we collected our information.” “We changed,” the Toa of Fire commented, slashing a few Bashaa down with ease. He lifted his left arm, pointing to Jaki, “This is how we beat your second in command! With this raw power!” Jaki smiled grimly, “Guess my rank,” “What,” questioned the Toa of Fire. “Guess my rank,” Jaki said once more. “I don’t get it,” the Toa of Air commented, lifting his large blade up to his shoulder as he walked near the Toa of Fire. “I’ll tell you,” Jaki said, “Raia was second in command. I am his equal; I am also second in command.” He shrugged, “They don’t like deploying me… I’m… I’m too wily, I guess you could say. Too…out of control for them to use. I am superior to Raia in every way!” “I bet your defense is lacking.” The Toa of Ice said, striking the side of the head of his axe. It opened, revealing various cards. He grabbed one and slashed it across one of the two blades of the axe. “Lightning” He span the axe around, swinging his right arm behind his back, staying in a partial crouch. Lightning crackled around the end of the weapon. He shouted and ran forward, swinging it up and spinning it around overhead before swinging it down on Jaki. Jaki parried with his dagger, but Lightning erupted through it, into his body. He didn’t falter, and followed up with a punch from his left hand, throwing the Toa of Ice back. “Weak,” Jaki commented. The six Toa regrouped as Ryuki stumbled towards Jaki. The remaining Bashaa also went to his sides, ready for an attack. The Toa of Fire swung his sword out to his side, twisted his wrist so the blade was up, and then slashed it down at an angle across the front of his body; the sword covered in flames. He looked up above the flaming sword, “The exploding heated passion! Toa Hoji!” The Toa of Earth stood with his feet together, his right side facing the group of enemies. He lowered his weapon, looking out over the top barrel. He span around, dropping to a knee, lifting the weapon and bracing his left arm against the guard of the blaster weapon, looking up at them, “The exploding strength! Toa Agri!” The Toa of Air crossed his arms, sighting, showing no enthusiasm, yet he mustered up the strength in his voice as he brought his head up, “The exploding gale! Toa Magis!” The Toa of Water lifted her left arm up and drew her sword across the fin weapon; running the flats together. As her blade went above the fin weapon, she drew her left arm down and slashed the blade down, looking over the edge and the tip, “The exploding waves! Toa Eri!” The Toa of Lightning lifted her rod weapon, summoning a bolt of Lightning to come down and strike it. She drew it down and up across the bottom of her raised left arm; perpendicular with her body. She swung her left foot back, twisted her body, and lowered the rod weapon, “The exploding sensation! Toa Rei!” The Toa of Ice swung his axe out to his side, his arm behind his body. His left hand came up, clenching into a fist in front of his face. He threw that arm out to the side, span around, and as he lifted his axe, slashed it down, looking up as he slashed down, “The exploding tundra! Toa Cesare!”“Six Toa now one, determined to destroy the evils plaguing this island! We are the Toa Cyril Nova!” Jaki muttered and then laughed, throwing his head back in uproarious laughter. He looked to Ryuki, “Do it!” Ryuki ran forward, throwing his arms to his sides. His chest opened, revealing the eye. A void began to form on the inside of his shell, drawing the Toa closer. They fought for footing, but his powers were too great for them to stop, even by having Magis counter them, or digging their weapons into the ground. As they got closer and closer, they still had no moves to try. Then Cesare and Hoji looked to each other and both nodded. Cesare let go, flying forward. Two small pieces on the back of his shield span; the openings now up. Energy wings spread out from them, throwing him forward with his momentum; not Ryuki’s. He slammed a series of kicks into the eye, avoiding the dangerous parts. Ryuki was thrown back, not opening the shell anymore after the wounds. “You weak worthless little…,” Jaki didn’t finish. He span around, watching a figure approach; clad in blue and silver armor, looking very dangerous. Much like him, this being seemed to be one who craved only combat and danger. He had blue feet with silver legs, with blue blades coming down. Blue armor was after that as Jaki looked up his body; overlaying silver. He had a blue torso with silver claws hooking around the front, partially obscuring his body. His arms started with light blue, but were overlaid by silver blades. He had dark blue arms after that, each of them tipped with thrusters and silver armor on top of that. His gray hands each held a different weapon; the right a large shell-like shield, and the left a large blade with another claw – like on his legs – on the bottom. His back had silver claw-like armor down the back, with two large silver fins emerging; one of them going straight up, one down. Jaki figured he must have been good at swimming if they didn’t serve any purpose to help him. Perhaps to propel him faster, along with the arm-jets? They weren’t helping with traditional swimming, that was certain, so he must have been good, being a sea-being. His head was a large maw of razor teeth; silver to offset the blue of the rest of his head. He had a single crimson eye within, staring out through the maw. “Who are you,” hissed Jaki, lifting his arms, “You dare to interrupt? I see the…” He didn’t see anything. He assumed he would see malice, desire to fight, anything in the single eye of this strange warrior. But as this being walked towards him and the Toa, Jaki realized that he saw nothing, as if this eye was not a window into the man’s soul. “Just what are you,” he hissed. The being glanced to Jaki. The Toa were all ready for a fight; all of them expecting this warrior to be a hard opponent. But Ryuki was nearly dead, thanks to Cesare’s swift attack. They had killed Raia. They had the power of Nova on their side. They knew they could win. Hoji lifted his sword, “Let’s make quick work of them. Cyril Nova Buster!” The Dragon Missile flew down from the sky, hovering in front of Hoji. They were swift, adding their weapons to the Dragon Missile as Hoji gripped both ends, holding up the monstrous weapon. He aimed it at Jaki and the newcomer, firing, unleashing the combined Elemental Powers of all six Toa in one destructive burst. The being pushed Jaki aside and walked into the blast, shaking his head as he approached, unfazed by the strike. The crimson eye set itself on Hoji, and the sword arm went up. “What is this guy,” Hoji shouted, firing another round, but again, no effect. “You are my worthy opponent,” the being hissed. He continued to walk forward. Why was his voice so familiar? “Hoji! That’s…,” Cesare began. “I know…,” Hoji answered, “That…that thing is ‘Forte’!” “Are you sure,” questioned Rei. “Can that really be ‘Forte’,” questioned Eri. “But he doesn’t look like that,” Agri put in, “How did he change?” “Looks like he’s like me,” muttered Magis, “A change for the worse…if that is him.” “Stay on guard,” ordered Hoji, sending the weapons back to his teammates. He nodded to Cesare, who opened the side of his axe, taking some Rouze Cards. Hoji held his hand out, taking four of them for the moment. He slashed them all through his sword and drew it back. “Fire” “Water” “Ice” “Slash” As red, blue and white energy filled his sword, Hoji ran forward, shouting. He leapt up, coming down on ‘Forte’, expecting the sword to parry. The shield did. It stopped the attack. “What,” hissed Hoji, realizing something was wrong. He kicked off of the shield and slid away from his foe, “You’re not ‘Forte’! ‘Forte’ would never resort to a shield in a swordsman’s duel!” “I will crush you,” said the new ‘Forte’, lifting the sword, walking forward with his monotone voice tearing through Hoji’s soul, for it had no soul. The voice of the once proud swordsman, the soul that had filled his words and actions, was gone. Replacing it was the monotone, emotionless shell of a voice that now suited the owner of the same values. “If he’s not the true ‘Forte’ anymore, then you don’t have to fight him,” Cesare said, lifting his axe and taking his Blade Blaster in his left hand, keeping the blaster mode, “Allow me. You can focus on Jaki.” Hoji nodded, “But if he reclaims who he once was…he’s mine,” Hoji looked at Cesare with dead seriousness in his eyes, “Got that?” “Understood,” Cesare nodded.“Who dares to strip away the honor of ‘Forte’? He may be an enemy, I realize, but he is also a man, and a warrior. A warrior shouldn’t have their rights stripped from them. I know he’s our foe! But he’s more than that to me… Next time: “Chapter 4: Raging Hoji” My turn!”Review