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And so, it is done. I had a blast returning to the universe that started me off on creative writing back in '07. However, I'm always looking to improve (and trust me, I know I have A LOT to improve upon), so if you have any comments, they are very much appreciated. This Epic was fun to work on, and if nothing else, as I was nearing the end, I realized I wanted to work on some other project, similar, but different. Which brings me to tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll unveil a video that's meant as a teaser of sorts for this next project. I won't lie, it's super ambitious and bizarre (the project, probably not the video). I'm deathly terrified of sharing it, because while it could go well, it could also go terribly. I guess I'll only know when I post it. So tomorrow I'll post the video/teaser, and starting on Monday, I'll upload a chapter a day. I feel it's the best way to give an idea of the project; I feel like posting a chapter a week will make it seem very discombobulated and it might lose its steam. So yeah. A Mystery Explored is done (for now), teaser tomorrow, and the new project begins on Monday. I hope y'all liked A Mystery Explored, and will enjoy this new little something.

A Mystery Explored Chapter 10 Just one last look, to make sure I’ve got it right. Ajura kew she was stalling, but didn’t really want to admit it. And so, she looked down at the letter for the fifteenth time in the last hour: Matoran, Meet your rescuer in the Field of Flames a week from now, at midnight. Go alone. - VM Ajura was slightly pleased with the plan she and Vultraz had come up with. The two of them had fabricated the identity of a fake Matoran who wanted out. Very soon, the message reached Valmai Mangaia, and the summons had arrived shortly after. Now it was up to Ajura to face Valmai Mangaia and take him down. Or so I hope. Finally, Ajura knew she could stall no longer. Yes, it was midnight. Yes, this was the Field of Flames. Yes, it was time to go out into the open and face Valmai Mangaia. Putting the letter on the ground, Ajura stood up from behind the rocks and walked towards the open field. Eyes open, she began scanning the area. She was obviously disadvantaged by the darkness above her, making her wish she had a Ruru or a flashlight. Heck, even a Toa of Fire would be welcome. Nonetheless, Ajura kept looking for any and all slight deviations. She knew that everyone was prone to making mistake, whether this meant a slightly elevated heartbeat, a breath at the wrong time, running from one area of cover to the next slightly too slowly, etc. Much like water’s peacefulness could be disturbed by the slightest of commotions, Ajura was watching for any of these ripples. If she found one, it would be easy to locate the source. Thus, it came as an utter shock as a scaly forearm swatted her on the back, sending her hurtling into some boulders. She’d been caught so unprepared, she tasted blood as she stood up, having bitten her tongue quite hard. If the blow had been just a bit stronger, she might have severed it more than she already had. Her wrist screamed in pain after she’d instinctively brought up her left hand to block her face from the rocks. And as she turned to look at where the blow had come from, she saw a huge, looming figure, barreling towards her. For a second, she worried the blow had been so powerful it had disrupted some of her senses, because she couldn’t hear the creature’s footsteps, nor did she hear the second blow that thrust her back at the rocks. She only had a second to swerve her head before a large fist came down, its power so strong it shattered a head-sized boulder into millions of little pebbles. Ajura panicked, and tried as best as she could to get up. Before she could fully get up, however, the creature’s other hand grabbed her leg, as the creature swung her up and then back down, as if she were nothing more than a lifeless carcass. Ajura attempted to take ahold of her weapon, but she was so disoriented she wasn’t sure whether she was grabbing the weapon or some piece of the landscape. This was going downhill too quickly, and unless Ajura could figure something out soon, she might not come out of this alive. She could feel her breath wheezing out of her, but still heard nothing; not from her, not from her opponent. Her limbs were in searing pain, as if her joints and bones had all been lit on a fire that didn’t seem to want to die out. Her eyesight was becoming blurry and foggy, and she had to struggle to stay awake. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to clear her head. When she opened them, she saw two bloodthirsty crimson eyes, looking down at her, as a scowl slowly turned into a diabolical smile on the face of her attacker. Orde heard the familiar footsteps approaching. And yet he allowed himself to block them out a few more seconds. He had to make sure that the illusion was so strong it’d hold if he allowed himself to multitask. Finally, he saw as Valmai Mangaia grabbed Ajura’s leg and brought her crashing down onto the outcropping of rocks. Orde almost wanted to feel sorry for Ajura. Almost. He saw as she opened her eyes, wheezing and coughing up blood. She looked drained. And finally, Valmai Mangaia looked upon her, a ravenous animal ready to dismember its prey. And as those eyes gained that primal and single focus, Orde knew he was in the clear. He allowed the illusion to take hold of itself, and finally looked to his side. Ajura whistled in amazement. “Have I ever told you how good you are at making these illusions?” “Depends,” he replied. “In real life, or in an illusion? Because in the latter you usually tell me how great and awesome I am in every regard, so I suppose that counts as praise for the illusions.” “I’d punch you if it weren’t for the fact that you’d lose ahold of the illusion.” Ajura turned back to look at Valmai Mangaia punching what he thought was Ajura, but was no more than a figment of his imagination. Yes, Orde’s Psionics powers came in handy too often. “Anywho, when is a higher-up gonna get here to take this one away?” “Oh, they’ll be here any moment now,” Ajura said. While Orde had positioned himself to spring the ambush, she’d been gone getting someone to capture the criminal. Afetr Orde had been feeling better, Ajura had regrouped with him, and she discussed everything she’d learned so far. She talked about Vultraz. About how he explained what Matoran were dealing with, and how they looked to this fictitious savior to get them out of their troubles. And about what Valmai Mangaia was really doing to those Matoran. Orde hadn’t liked a bit of it. He told Ajura, they had to work with other Toa and other beings to improve conditions under the League, but Ajura had convinced him that their focus should be on Valmai Mangaia and on Kadira. They could think about the other issues later. And so Orde had focused all his energy and power on this illusion, and Ajura had gotten those who could help bring Valmai Mangaia to justice. And finally, they were here. Two large-looking creatures jumped beside Valmai Mangaia, who was too busy caught up in the illusion to notice as they grabbed ahold of him and placed some sort of damper-handcuffs on him. Suddenly, he slouched over, his energies and powers curbed to almost nothing. And his head rose up, to see the two Toa. He scowled. And then he looked behind the two of them, and… he became afraid? Orde turned and saw Mantax walking alongside seven other beings with him. “Thank you, Toa,” he said. “We’ll take it from here.” Valmai Mangaia turned to look back at the Toa. “You think you can stop me from saving these Matoran?” “Matoran you were selling off to other bidders? That’s a very strange definition of saving,” Ajura replied. “Anything is better than the these ones create!” he yelled as he pointed to Mantax. “Ask him about the Farms of the Disappeared! About the construction of the Fields of Sport and the Statues of Greatness! How many have died working there? How many more killed, or quartered, or disintegrated for speaking up?!” One of the large beings next to Valmai Mangaia slapped him so hard, his face went limp. “Dastardly vermin,” Mantax hissed. Orde had been staring throughout all the exchange. And finally, with this final straw, he knew they were targeting the wrong enemy. Mantax didn’t even expect the kick to his back, but he was brought down with a thud and a surprised scream. When he got up, his eyes glowed red and stared at Orde with a rage unimaginable. “Don’t you EVER do that again, Toa. Your badge may have protected you this time, but if you touch me one more time, I will inflict on you endless pain that will make you wish for death." Before Orde could reply, Ajura grabbed him, restraining his arms and pushing him back. Mantax looked at one of his aides and nodded, and a portal opened up. Mantax, his aides, the prisoner and his jailers all passed through. Only when the portal closed did Ajura let go. Orde ran and stood in the spot where only a second ago the purplish-azure gateway had stood. His fists were clenched, his head bowed, his entire body trembling. “When you suffer from an ailment, you don’t focus on curing the individual symptoms,” he pushed out. “You focus on eradicating the root of the problem.” “What, and cause an international incident because a Toa took out one of the six rulers of the universe?!” Ajura screamed. “Just listen to yourself, please. How absurd do you think you sound right now?! Orde, you know they are ordained to rule by the Great Spirit himself.” “Yes, but just because Mata Nui ordained someone doesn’t make it right! Who do you think is the one that makes the laws in the first place?! If we’re Toa, if we’re here to stop injustice and bring peace and uphold good, aren’t we supposed to do that?! We can’t let our actions be dictated by a regime, Ajura!” “So what are you going to do? Take out every member of the League? Help instill the ruler YOU think is the correct one? What’s your solution.” Orde turned to finally face her. She looked so much more calm, as if she was focusing all of her rage and discontent on her words, bringing the full impact of her anger only through her rhetoric. Meanwhile, Orde was shaking all over, his thoughts and ideas discombobulated. “I don’t know,” he finally said. “It won’t be easy, but change has to come from somewhere, even if only from one individual who starts the first step.” “So what, you are willing to kill or remove all of the League? Then what’s to stop you from killing another Toa, another Matoran, to save others, to do what you see as ‘right’? See, that’s your problem, Orde. You have no boundaries, no concept of when to stop. I have laws, I have designated boundaries. You tout about knowing the Toa Code so well, but I think it’s just your way of rationalizing your irrational actions and ideas." “Every second that pass, every lowlife enmy we focus on, costs the lives of every living being, Ajura! Having boundaries means nothing if those we are meant to protect are dead, or don’t believe in us anymore!” Without controlling his rage, he felt as thousands of rocks shattered, his Psionics powered linked to his rage. Ajura stared at him, and finally her eyes shoed a very slight bit of rage. And yet, almost in a whisper, she said: “Orde, your focus on emotions is so strong, I’m not shocked about your destroying of the village and killing the Toa Cordak. Do not justify the means.” Orde stopped shaking. His hands opened up. He changed from anger to a look of utter surprise and… shame? And then Ajura realized he didn’t remember his confession on the boat. He’d never told anyone. And she’d just used that against him. In that moment, Orde looked more vulnerable, more honest, than she’d ever seen him. His eyes were trained somewhere else. And as his eyes got watery and she heard painful and labored sobs coming from his chest, she realized just what she’d done. He brought up his hands to his face, covering himself for a few seconds. Finally, she heard him stifle the sobs, wiping his cheeks. And as he looked at her, she saw him look at her as if she were a stranger. “Ajura, I respect you as a Toa. I admire you as a friend. But I don’t think I can keep working with a person like you. And maybe it’s for the best. I loved Metru Nui, I loved our team. But from your analysis I gather that maybe… I was always meant to work alone." He extended his arm, stiff and formal. And then he added, “Perhaps if I have no one around I’ll learn from my mistakes and learn how to become more calm and rational. You’ve always been my conscience, and maybe I need to develop my own?” Ajura tried to say something. Anything. But the moment had passed. What had been said, between the two of them… it couldn’t be unsaid. They couldn’t work together as a team anymore. They were too opposite, and if a mission like this brought out such radical thinking in them… no, she wouldn’t imagine it. She extended her hand and shook his. It was a melancholic handshake, as she knew this would most likely be the last time she saw her friend. From now on he’d be just another Toa. “Just make sure you rescue the Matoran that Valmai Mangaia took.” She was looking down at the floor as she said this. Orde nodded, and began walking away. Ajura saw her friend leave forever, and she noticed herself having doubts about the League. On this, she at least agreed. Solving this one mystery had opened up many more. For once, Ajura was terrified to explore these ones to the end. Review Topic

IT BERFDAY?! HAPP BERFDAY, KIT!!!

Just one of those weird days where I've got a lot of emotions. I cried from sadness today. I got angry. I got deflated. I wrote. I edited a silly video. I remembered my friends and colleagues (at least the people I call my friends, who knows how they see me). I filmed a serious video. I laughed at some stuff. I balled my fist at others. I felt powerful and important. I got taken down a notch. I got some good news. I read sad news. I planned out parts of my schedule for the next six months. I was reminded how fleeting life is and how quick it can be taken away. I dunno, a lot of stuff in the last 24 hours. So I'm gonna re-post a blog post from a while back, and amend it a tad. Smile back at someone today Give someone a compliment Help someone out in some way Hug your loved ones, tell them how glad you are for them to be here Give yourself a few minutes of the day just to yourself Wake up happy for what you have. Strive for more, even if it's a little or a large goal, but go at it Thank your friends, your family Take 30 seconds or more to ponder on your current existence. Look at what you're thankful for. Think about what you want. Decide to learn something new, or change something about yourself today. Cry, laugh, do whatever you need to. This too shall pass. Our time here is limited, so spread the love, y'all.

No need to worry, we'll make sure that a Skype tour happens on Sunday. Also, feel free to mail me the Kek Powerizer leg. We will bring the pieces of the worstbest purchase e'er made at BrickFair.

Hey all! Over on the BZP YouTube channel (which you should subscribe to if you haven't yet), we're starting off a new series: Meet The Staff! In every episode, I will be interviewing a member of the staff while they build a LEGO set. Questions! LEGO! Tales! We have it all! This topic will serve as the main sort of hub for the show; you can post comments, responses to the videos, ideas on questions, who you'd like to see interviewed next, etc. Episodes will come out mid-month! Our first episode features Bfahome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyRP-0it2yY And as an added reason for you to watch the episode, we're giving out a prize! Watch the video to find out how to enter, and stay to see the wonderful conversation Bfahome and I have on LEGO, BZP, and life!

This is either a drill tweet with more coherence and no character limit Or a post-post modern slam poem. Either way, I approve.

1) Is there any particular event at BrickFair VA that we should check out while we are there (Outside well, the MOCs and the people)? Seminars and games are always fun. Since there's a good amount of each, you should be able to choose from a wide variety. BZP-specific is the fancy dinner and lasertag, which are two events that are always super fun. 2) Is there anything outside of the con that we should check out (Museums, ect)? Museums: Closest to BFVA is the Udvar Hazy Center, which is the Virginia wing (pun intended) of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. On the other hand, you could also spend an entire day at the National Mall; it's surrounded by, like, seven Smithsonian museums (all free), as well as the monuments, the Capitol, the Library of Congress, etc.

IT BERFDAY?! HAPP BERFDAY, PAT!

Yay, Wind is back! And thanks for everything, Emzee AND NOW, BY THE POWERS VESTED UPON ME BY THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE ME, I CAN NOW PASS THIS ON TO EYRU. BUT REMEMBER: WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT SOMETHINGSOMETHINGiforgetbutcongratsnonetheless!!!!!!!!

Huzzah for questions answered! Topic closed.

So I just got back from watching Tomorrowland, and I'm feeling kind of giddy and... I dunno, but I wanted to write a little something. Let me say, first off, as just a movie Tomorrowland isn't anything spectacular or game-changing. It's a movie, yeah, but that's about it. However, as info on the movie was leaking out slowly a few months ago, it caught my eye that it was planned as a sort of "origin story" for the Tomorrowland theme park at Disney; the thinking was that other parks (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, etc) already had origin stories of sorts through previous movies, so why not do the same for Tomorrowland? I remember going to Disneyworld as a 9 year old (I remember because that's when I saw the Metro at the LEGO store) and falling in love with the Tomorrowland park. I truly thought, more than at the other parks, that what was around me was functional, that this park was the future, and that this was all waiting to come to be. Granted, I've always been a bit of an unhinged dreamer, but this park, I think, had a strong impact on me that pushed me to sci-fi. Years later I found myself seeking out many of these stories and authors, reading Verne, Douglas Adams, a lot of Isaac Asimov, and I was interested and all, but I didn't get it. I think, looking back, I had no one to explain or talk me through these stories and their context, and so I never really got them. Seeing the "future" was one thing; reading (Especially for someone for whom English was a second language) was a bit tougher. Around the time I was 12 I began reading dystopian novels for fun (my thinking was, "Hey, we're gonna probably read 1984, Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World in school so why not get a leg up?) As people saw me reading these, they engaged in discussions with me, which made these realities more palpable and real than anything else. No wonder, then, that I've never questioned the state of the future in the minds of our generation. What I mean by that, is a phenomenon we all know well: it appears that our conceptions of the "future" are based around dystopia, technological ruin or acceleration, starvation, desolation, disease, self-destruction, etc. I read a great article a few days ago that compared previous generations, that saw a man land on the moon, that got to discover how planets looked for the first time, that actually strove to go out there, while we got stuck with a world that saw the destruction of two shuttles, the canceling of funding, and the idea that "inventing", of any kind, wasn't really a lifestyle. And so, in a way, we've become a generation that sees the "future" through bleaker lenses. Just as sci-fi is used to examine the world through another sense (and, in a way, reflects the real world of the time), the stories of Asimov were bright and futuristic, while the stories of our time are much sadder. And then a movie like Interstellar comes around. I loved reading what Christopher Nolan had to say about it, and how it strove to use science to inspire viewers to not give up, to continue with the idea that there was still something out there to explore. It's true that Interstellar was grounded in science as much as it could, but the marriage between scientific reality and artistic lenses made it a hodgepot of all types of interests coming together to say "Hey. The world and the future looks bleak. But there's still hope." And then Tomorrowland comes along. And throughout the movie it became clear that it was similar to Interstellar, but more accessible as it is aimed mainly for kids. And yet, if you approach the movie the same way you do Interstellar, you're still left feeling elated, feeling hopeful. The final scene of the movie features suggesting that no field is superior to the other, that it's the task of math, science, the arts, all together, to create the future. I know that, at a time when it seems like the future isn't gonna get better, it's hard to dream. But I am so happy for Interstellar and Tomorrowland; they produced in me a similar effect that 9-year old Pablo got at that park of the future, the difference being that now, as an adult, I have agency to go out there and make my dreams a reality. I am glad for these movies, because they offer hope for a population that is comfortable, or grew up with, sadness and dystopia as the norm. And I am so happy that there's a little bit more hope in the horizon

Ok, new chapter is (finally) up (again)! I'm hoping the lash chapter will indeed be out just by next week! And again, apologies for the lateness, I just got into another creative writing project and ended up devoting the entirety of the past month to it. As before, any and all comments are appreciated!

A Mystery Explored Chapter 9 Ajura swatted a piece of cloth that flew into her face. It seemed like, since they’d last been here, the weather had gotten worse, since she saw other Matoran and denizens of the Tren Krom Peninsula guarding themselves from the powerful winds. For her part, Ajura didn’t mind the weather. In fact, as she thought about it now, having everyone run faster and cover their eyes made it less likely that anyone would pay too much attention on the hooded figure walking across the main plaza. It was also a good thing that Orde wasn’t with her, because it would be easier to be on the lookout for two Toa, but much harder to notice that only one of them had come back. Orde… she’d left him in the boat. He wasn’t getting worse, which was a definite plus. But he didn’t seem to be getting better. Ajura had done all she could, but Orde didn’t seem to be doing his bit to fight back. Whether that was because he’d genuinely given up, or because he was so deep in his state of terror that he wasn’t aware of what was going on, Ajura couldn’t tell. She could only hope that he’d snap out of it, get better, and together they could finish this. Ajura also had her own thoughts on how much to believe Roodaka. Not because she might have been lying, since Ajura’s Rode didn’t pick up any signs of malicious intent. It just seemed like this Roodaka figure dealt in less… lawful pursuits, and Ajura wasn’t sure how much she could abide by such practices. She was a Toa first, and that meant lawfulness over whatever seemed ‘right’. Especially because truth was such a fickle topic, something so subjective, it was easier and more beneficial to abide by the set laws that Toa were respected and renowned for. That was another point on which she and Orde disagreed on, which made patrolling sessions anything but uninteresting. Ajura chuckled at some memorable patrolling sessions, making sure that her face stayed hidden enough in her hood and the rest of her hidden inside the long, brown cloak. She could still see marks of their previous encounter here, and as far as she knew, anyone here could be an informant or an unfortunate loose running mouth, and if anyone got word that the two Toa had returned for any reason… well, they might survive this, but they’d be left without their only lead. Ajura looked up at the tall imposing cliffside. She sighed. It was time to climb again. After twenty minutes of huffing, grabbing and pushing herself up, and using her water powers once or twice to give herself an extra boost, Ajura reached the same area she and Orde had surveyed during what seemed like a lifetime ago. Only now was Ajura truly becoming aware of how long it had been since they’d been able to gaze out at the Metru Nui skyline. Ajura missed home. Nonetheless, they had a job to do. Ajura adjusted her Water Sabre, making sure that it was well hidden under the cloak but still reachable in case of an emergency. She began looking that the different huts, noticing while she did so that marks from their previous encounter here were still visible. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to deal with a reprise this time. She brought the hood down a bit more and began the walk towards the hut to the right that looked slightly larger than the rest of them. Out of the right side of her eye she noticed two Matoran looking out of their window; one appeared in shock, the other in disgust. Ignoring the odd looks, she approached the door of the largest hut, knocking at the door. Some slight rustling from the other side. Ajura waited, wondering what was going on. Finally, the door creaked open ever so slightly, as a Ta-Matoran looked up at her. He seemed angry, but quickly changed his demeanor, giving Ajura a smile that gave her the goosebumps. “Are you Vultraz?” “Yes,” he smiled, though his welcoming attitude seemed better suited for one springing a trap than anything else. Ajura gripped her Water Sabre ever so slightly. “How can I help you, Toa?” “I was hoping we could speak inside.” Vultraz made a pouty face. “Now, Toa, do you really think I am so foolish as to invite a paragon of the law into my home?” “Listen, Vultraz. I’m not here for you. I don’t know what you’ve done, but I’m here for information. That’s it.” And then, for good measure, she added “I swear it on my honor as a Toa.” Vultraz dropped the snarky attitude. “Be aware that, unlike other Matoran, I am much better armed, so any attempt to subdue me will end badly for me, but terribly for you.” With that, he opened the door further and let her in. Inside were a variety of weapons and Kanohi mounted to the walls. To the left Ajura could see a desk filled with various maps and sketches of places and people. To the right, what appeared like parts of a vehicle. “Now, I don’t normally do business with Toa,” Vultraz said as he grabbed a blade that was lying on the floor and propped it up on the wall. “That is, unless you’ve come to leave behind your life as a Toa?” “Toa don’t do that.” Vultraz chortled. “Really? It appears to me you’ve been very insulated, then, from the doings of your fellow Toa. Let me guess, Metru Nui?” Ajura simply nodded, slightly stunned. Had it been that easy to know where she was stationed? And if so, how much had she and the other Toa missed out on in the rest of the universe? “Yes, you Metru Nui Toa seem content enough to be wrapped up in your own little world,” Vultraz mused. “Which does raise another question. Why, then, is a Toa from Metru Nui in the home of one like myself?” He turned to face her, clutching what appeared like a shoulder-mounted cannon. Ajura put her hands up. “Vultraz, I told you before. I’m only here looking for information.” She did her best to sound as under control as possible. And yet he still wasn’t putting down the weapon. She slowly brought her hand to the sabre, and put it down next to her. “I can’t do much about my Elemental Powers, but there’s my weapon. Honestly, I don’t mean to attack you or take you in. I just need one question answered.” “I know,” he replied. He laughed as he threw the cannon on to the floor. “I just wanted to have a little bit of fun. Alright, then, what’s the question?” He’d changed entirely to being completely relaxed, with his back turned as he focused on the half-built vehicle. And yet Ajura didn’t feel any safer. “It involves a Disk Launcher and a missing Matoran.” `Sounds like my average workday,” Vultraz joked. “I’m gonna need you to be more specific, Toa.” “Po-Matoran named Kadira from here. Went missing a short while ago, taken by someone who owned a modified Disk Launcher. Ring any bells?’ “Kadira. I was wondering where he’d gone off to,” Vultraz began. “But from what you’re describing, I think I do have an idea of who we’re talking about. And it’s about time that he was brought down, since the last thing I need to worry about now is competition.” He turned around with his arms folded. “Now you said you were here just for information, but I will assume that you’re here to find this being?” “I care more about finding Kadira. It would be nice to bring down a criminal, but it’s not the most necessary part of this job,” Ajura replied. Vultraz smiled. “I like your pragmatism, Toa.” He walked over to his desk, and began jotting down something. Finally, he brought it to Ajura, but she didn’t need to read it to recognize where she’d previously seen it. VALMAI MANGAIA “I’ve seen this before… this was in the letter Kadira sent his friend-“ “Kadira got to send a letter?!” Unaware of his outburst, Vultraz instantly forced himself to calm down. “Well then… no wonder this has reached levels where a Toa is asking someone like me for help. Unfortunately for you, Toa, there is little chance that you will be able to find Kadira now, not unless you want to take out Valmai Mangaia.” “Valmai Mangaia? You mean it’s referring to being?” “Well, of course,” Vultraz replied. “You didn’t think Protector of Cursed Lair actually referred to a place, now did you?” “Yeah, well, we’ve been kind of busy to figure out the specifics of this all. “And yet you’ve come to the likes of me for help,” Vultraz said. Ajura could feel how smug he was feeling right now. She really wanted to blast him with a jet of water. “Matoran are suffering all throughout the universe,” he continued in a more authoritative tone of voice. “For some, like myself, we have to turn to crime and less savory methods of surviving. But for others, the grip of the League is too much. They wish an end and an escape from their turmoil. And that’s where our friend comes in.” Ajura was starting to piece things together. “So Valmai Mangaia offers to whisk away the Matoran to a better place,” “Just to sell them to the highest bidder in need of cheap labor,” Vultraz finished. Ajura shuddered. A Matoran smuggler? How had they not heard of this? How had other Toa not noticed anything before? “How do we defeat Valmai Mangaia?” Review Topic

Huzzah for questions being answered! Topic closed.

I already had a few LEGO sets since 1997, but in early 2002 I had to go in for a horrible medical treatment (I had to swallow this gigantic tub of a lemon-flavored liquid), and my mom promised to take me to the toy store if I drank it all. We swung by, I saw Lewa, Lehvak, and Lehvak Va, and the rest, as they say, is history. (Fun fact: I had to repeat the treatment in February, and I jokingly told my mom I'd need her to buy me another BIONICLE as a reward. So I was surprised and happy when she arrived at my hospital room two days later with 2015 Lewa and I got to building)

If you have followed Team Farm Animals and the various exploits of our ragtag group, you will no doubt be well acquainted with our general silliness from BrickFair VA. Well, here is some extra content for you all to enjoy! (Courtesy of Sumiki!) And in case you're wondering, yes. If you attend BFVA, there is a great possibility, if you so wish, to partake in our silly and not at all funny exploits. We'll see what joke we can come up with and then repeat so often that the phrase 'beating a dead horse' doesn't begin to describe it. #Galidor2015 #confirmed

Closing topic as per requested. Also, huzzah for answering questions! Topic closed.

^I second Guillotine's motion.

Huzzah for questions answered! Topic closed.

I'm also gonna add Whiplash to that list. A movie that came out a few years ago, but blew me away (although I feel like you'll either love it or hate it) is This Must Be The Place.

Looks like question has been answered (though this topic might have just been a duplicate of this one) Either way, topic closed.

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So as luck would have it, I live right by D.C. (explains the BrickFair VA connection), and so when I first heard of An Evening with Neil Gaiman, I (literally) jumped at the chance to see one of my favourite authors. I just came back from the event, and wow. Granted, the guy was very humorous. If you've read Good Omens, fear not, the man is a witty in real time as he is funny in his prose. I'm just floored by his answers, his philosophy, his ideas and explanations. It's great to meet those you're a fan of, but he really blew me away. He also made me want to work even more on my writing, so this is a sort of apology to my parents/extended relatives/anyone else who hoped someday Pablo would grow up and get a real job (granted, my major is in Language Arts for Education, but I'm just using it as a way to do both); I ain't quitting' on this yet.