ZOMBI3S

Haha I realize that its probably not possible to get a list here on the forums, but I was thinking maybe an email or something? Would that break bzp privacy/security rules or anything?

I am currently writing an epic, and while the content of my story can be considered 'mature' at times, I by no means use any foul language in it. However, as I have posted, I've found that some words I had not expected are filtered, even though I do not mean them in any offensive way. For example: "The rock responded with a ***sudden movement*** that almost ripped his weapon from his hand." Only ***sudden movement*** was replaced with a word that is common in name calling (starts with a J....ends with a K.....)Anyways, I was wondering if it would be possible to receive a list of filtered words so I can avoid them while writing, just so my readers don't have to come across a '####' every once and a while due a filtered word I am not aware of. If this isn't possible, I understand (bzpower security and whatnot), but i was just wondering. Feel free PM me if you need contact information outside of this website.

Chapter 5 - Into the Abyss The beast roared, echoing into the great chasm that lay beside them. Kokani raised his ice pick in defense, yelling to the other three. "Run!" Takua and the others did as they were told, scrambling through the snow as the great beast struck. With one swipe of its paw, Kokani was sent hurtling through the air, landing with a soft thud into a nearby snowdrift. Relentless, the Rahi lunged at him again, jaws gaping open. Its head shot forward before Kokani had a chance to move, and Takua gasped in horror as the beast's teeth clamped around the Ko-Matoran. Its jaws squeezed tighter and tighter, but it only took a second for Kokani to react, slamming his ice pick into roof of the monster’s mouth. It dropped him in an instant, howling in pain. Takua spun around, hesitating as Kokani took the opportunity to sprint toward him. His nerves on edge, he looked past the howling Rahi, searching the scene for something else. He'd seen another shape through the whirling snow earlier. What had happened to it? Kokani caught up with them just as Jaka and Raipu had started to push their way through another snowdrift. “Hurry!” he yelled. “We won't be able to outrun it for long!” But Another roar sounded as the snow in front of them exploded, releasing a giant plume of white. Another one of the beasts charged headfirst into the Matoran, knocking them all to the ground. "Two!?" Takua yelled, his face still covered in snow. "That must have been the one that was following us!" Kokani concluded. Trapped between the two giant Rahi, the four stood with their backs to each other, flinching as the beasts clawed at the air. The Muaka prowled around them, slowly, intelligently, pushing them toward the edge of the chasm. The beasts snarled and roared and bared their teeth, sure that the prey would soon be theirs. "What do we do?" Takua hissed as he took a step backwards. The wind picked up, catching a chunk of snow behind him, carrying it over the edge of the edge of the chasm and into the abyss. The sound of it crashing against the ground never came. "Mata Nui that’s deep!" he cursed, craning his head to see behind him. “Takua, run to the left and distract that one,” Kokani said, pointing to the smaller of the Muaka. “If you can hold its attention for long enough, the three of us should be able to take down the other.” Takua looked at Kokani in shock. “Are you serious? I have a dagger. What am I supposed to do against that thing? It’s huge!” “Are you going to do it or not!?” Kokani yelled. "Look out!" One of the Muaka lunged forward, missing the Matoran but launching up a plume of snow in front of Jaka. The blast knocked him off balance, and he stumble backward until he teetered on the cliff edge. Kokani’s arm whipped out just in time, grabbing him by his chest armor before he could fall. Takua let out a deep breath, psyching himself up. It’s now or never… “Hey!” He yelled, tearing off along the chasm's edge, grabbing a handful of snow as he went. He packed into an icy snowball and threw it at the Muaka. “Come and get me, you stupid cat!” The Muaka turned its head and roared, just as the snowball hit it in the nose. It scratched itself with its paw, sneezed, and roared again. Another snowball hit it, this time under the eye. "Yeah! Take that!" Takua yelled as he slowly gained ground on the Rahi. "And that!" His snowball hit the Muaka square in the eye, and its fierce growl stopped for a moment. Takua detected a hint of a whimper from the beast. "That's what I thought! Taste a little Le-Koro in that? Well, savor it!" The beast whipped its head around and bellowed in Takua's face. Hot, smelly air enveloped him as drops of spittle hit his mask. "Mata Nui." It swiped at Takua with its giant forearm, clipping his side and sending him flying through the air until he thudded to a stop in powdery snow. Wincing, he turned himself over to see the beast poised and ready to claw at him again. Takua rolled at the last second as the giant paw thudded into the ground next to him. He rolled over and grabbed onto its arm with all his strength, hoping it might help him survive. The beast raised its claw, carrying Takua with it. He kept his hold as the Muaka tried to shake him off. Faster and faster it shook, jarring Takua's brain from all the sudden movement. Up and down, up and down, all in a matter of seconds. Finally it tired, and Takua took his chance. He scrambled up the arm and crawled onto the beasts back, grabbing its ears to steady himself. It ran in circles and jumped around, trying yet again to throw Takua off, but the Le-Matoran’s grip held. He yanked on the left ear to help steady himself, and the giant Rahi yelped and turned to the left. A thought came into his head. It was crazy, but what else could he do? It was worth a shot. Takua yanked on the beast’s other ear, forcing it to turn and run in his desired direction. He aimed the Muaka’s head at the other Muaka, still a number of yards away. The beast tried to turn around, but Takua yanked on its ears again, causing it to yelp and continue forward. They got closer and closer to the chasm and the other beast, which was now surrounded by the members of Takua’s party. Takua saw Kokani turn around, and an expression of pure astonishment crossed the Ko-Matoran’s mask. “Get out of the way!” he yelled. The three Matoran jumped out of Takua’s path just before his Muaka crashed into the other. The beasts scrambled for a footing as their momentum pushed them through the snow and they tumbled over the edge. Takua jumped off his steed and slid to a stop in the powdery snow, just a couple feet from the drop-off. He heard a far away bellow as the Muaka fell into the mist. Takua sat in the snow, breathing heavily as he gazed out into the open air, in shock that his stupid idea had actually worked. After a moment, he looked over his shoulder. His companions stood behind him, still stunned. “That was insane!” Jaka spoke up, a big smile forming on his face. “You really are crazy!” Even Raipu couldn’t stay quiet. “Takua, you…” he let out, at a loss for words. He stumbled for the right words “...that’s a new one.” Takua let out a sigh, still trying to settle his nerves. He pushed himself to his feet, and his side split with pain from where the Rahi had swiped him. Looking down, he saw three deep gashes running across his lower torso. Gingerly, he pressed his fingers against the wound. They came back dripping with blood. “Oh, that’s not good," he winced. But then, the roar of a Muaka sounded. It echoed around them, entirely too close to have come from the bottom of the chasm. Everyone froze, looking around to see where the sound had come from, but they seemed to be alone. Takua swallowed, and still holding his side, walked hesitantly to the chasm's edge, and looked down. The second Muaka had dug its claws into the side of the cliff, suspending it in the air. But the rock was giving way to its weight, and it wouldn’t last long. “Get away from the edge,” Takua said between breaths. “What’s going on?” Jaka asked. Takua started running. “Get away from the edge! Now!” But it was too late. The rock gave way, destroying the support for the land they now walked on. The earth cracked beneath their feet and fell apart. Suddenly, they were falling, falling into the abyss below. Chunks of rock and dirt whizzed past Takua’s face as he fell. The wind whipped at him as he desperately looked for something to hold on to, but there was nothing. He saw his companions falling with him, and he heard Kokani yell something. “…ice picks!” was all he could make out. It clicked in his head and he whipped out his pick and slammed it into the side of the cliff. He let out a yell as the rock repelled his pick, jarring his arm. Pain split through his side. He was falling too fast! He tried again, only to be repelled once more. Looking down, he thought he could make out the bottom below him. He was running out of time. He tried again, and this time he hit a patch of earth. It cut into the cliff side, almost ripping the handle from his grasp as it did so. The pick tore up roots and soil as Takua's momentum forced it down. His fall was slowing. Ching! Again the ice pick hit solid rock, and Takua cried out as it was ripped from his hands. The pick fell with him as he continued his unimaginably long fall, and as he spun around in the air he caught a glimpse of the earth rapidly rising to meet him. Fear gripped him and desperately he groped for the pick falling beside him. Finally, he laid his hands on it and once again slammed it into the side of the wall. It was dirt. Please, Mata Nui... His fall began to slow, but now it was a race against time. The earth below him was close now, too close. The pine trees were all too detailed to Takua's eyes, and the frozen lake below him wouldn't do much to cushion his fall. Chunks of soil were thrown at Takua's face as his pick cut a trench in the cliff side. The wind calmed in his ears as he began to fall at a reasonable rate, only one hundred feet from the ground.Takua began to panic. It was too close. Fifty feet from the ground, and his pick was starting to slip out of the chasm wall. Ever so slowly it was pushed out by the underlying rock, all too soon. "No. Come on..." He quietly told the pick. It hit a rock, and the pick slipped out into open air. "No!" Takua fell the remaining twenty feet into the frozen lake, crashed through a thin layer of ice, and plunged into the subzero temperatures of the water below.

In eleven years I'll have a family.......that's weird. I'm old.In eleven years I believe BZP will still be around, but it will be a very quiet place. Depressing if you think about it, but it can't last forever.

I spend most of my time in epics, but that's mostly because i'm writing one, and I scour the forum to see if anyone posted in my review topic. That rarely happens though haha

Chapter 4 - The Wastes As they traveled up and over the countless peaks, Takua soon found he was exhausted. Kokani had them up at the crack of dawn, and they climbed the snow-swept rocks for the majority of the day. It seemed like they were always going up, higher and higher into the mountains, but whenever they would reach the top of a ridge, there was always a larger one waiting ahead. When the Ko-Matoran decided to make camp for the night, no one ever argued. Takua, Jaka and Raipu would collapse into the snow, their legs sore and their shoulders rubbed raw from carrying their heavy packs. But even then they weren’t allowed to rest. After a quick meal Kokani had them up again, sparring with sticks and wooden poles. They took turns attacking each other, and Takua always dreaded when he went up against Kokani. No one could ever land a hit on their guide, and he always had a fresh supply of welts and bruises for the three young Matoran. Such was their routine, day in and day out, and eventually it wasn't so bad. As time passed the traveling got easier. Their legs strengthened, and Takua learned how to adjust his armor so his pack wouldn’t rub him. His lungs grew accustomed to the thin mountain air, and he found himself blocking more of Kokani’s blows when they sparred. He and Jaka found a dry humor in the fact that there was always a taller mountain, and they figured that one day they would come to a summit and find that they stood on top of the world. It was a stretch, but it helped to have something to think about as they trudged through the snow. Raipu, however, never joined in when they joked. The Po-Matoran kept to himself for the most part, only doing what he had to to keep moving on. Takua tried to include him as best he could, but Raipu seemed stuck in a melancholy mood, for whatever reason. The Rahi of the area shied away from them, and they saw nothing of the beasts that had attacked Le-Koro. The knowledge that they were being hunted was like an itch in the back of their minds, ignorable at times, but never going away. Always, they were on the watch for Kryll, especially the bronze one with emerald eyes, who would no doubt want to avenge its companion.They were in the heart of Ko-Wahi now, and they sat on the frozen cliffs that were close to Ko-Koro. The fire that cooked their breakfast burned small, as fuel was hard to come by. To their right was a sheer drop-off into a swirling abyss of mist, and to their left lay the wastes. The steps that would eventually lead them to the city were just visible in the distance, etched into the cliff side by Ko-Matoran carvers ages ago. Takua awoke to the shivering cold. He had heard something. A thump. He looked around their igloo and found only Kokani and Jaka awake, cooking their morning meal. Raipu still slept against the far wall. Their light and heat stones helped to make the room homier, but it didn’t help the fact that it was made of snow, and, while comfortable to Kokani, was freezing to them. “Did you hear something?” he asked drowsily. Kokani and Jaka looked over at him. Kokani lifted a hand and the two were quiet. He looked at the small opening at the top of their dome and listened. The only sound was Raipu’s steady breathing, and the wind outside. “It’s probably the wind,” Kokani concluded. “But be on your guard, large Rahi roam freely out here in the wastes.” Jaka began to hand out their morning meal, which consisted of a lump of fish and some type of mountain herb. Takua touched Raipu on the shoulder to wake him up. They began their meal in silence. With a small ice pick, Kokani began to cut his way out of the igloo, carrying under his arm a small telescope he had produced from his pack. Every once and a while he would go out before dawn and watch the morning stars, as if he was looking for something. Takua watched him slowly disappear through the hole he had made, and decided to follow. Taking his breakfast with him, he threw on his coat and crawled outside. By the time he made it through the thick snow walls, Kokani was already gazing at the sky. Takua waited a few moments before speaking. “What do you look for up there anyway?” His reply was short. “All Ko-Matoran seek to understand the ancient Prophecies,” he said, as if that answered the question. “Do the stars change so fast that you have to look at them as often as you do?” Kokani glanced at him, apparently annoyed by his ignorance. He turned his gaze back to the telescope before speaking again. “There seems to be a new prophesy, one I have not heard of before. It foretells the coming of…others, though whom I do not know.” Takua pondered this for a moment. He knew he could only ask so many things until all he got was ‘You ask too many questions,’ from Kokani. “Do they really tell the future?" he asked. Kokani pointed up at the Red Star, which shone a bit brighter than the others. "The Red Star is the key. It takes many hours of interpretation and contemplation to understand its teachings, but yes. Nuju has always followed its wisdom, and, as far as I know, he has not been disappointed.” Takua thought about this, remembering the strange old Matoran who had stopped him on the way back from Talim's house. He could hear his treespeak now: the stars will guide you.... "Kokani, who wrote the Prophecies?" Kokani studied the stars for a moment before answering. "Beings greater than us." Takua looked up at the early morning sky as he thought about it. The minutes passed, an slowly, the stars began to dim as clouds rolled over them. Kokani packed his telescope away and went back inside their igloo. “Its time to go,” he said. “Many Rahi find now as the best time to hunt.” They gathered up their packs and put away everything they had gotten out for the night. A short while later, they left the small igloo and were on their way, heading for the rocky stairs in the distance. The wind began to pick up and more snow fell, quickly reducing their visibility to a few yards. Takua heard a thump, just like the one that had woken him up. “I heard that noise again,” he announced to the group. Kokani looked back and surveyed the land around them. Something caught his eye in the distance behind them, but all he could make out was a dark blur. “We have to hurry,” he said. “Something’s following us, and it looks like Rahi. We should be safe once we reach the stairs, any beast large enough to be a threat wouldn't be able to follow us there.” He turned back around to a horrible site. A gigantic Muaka towered over them, poised and ready to strike.

Chapter 3 - Brutality and Guilt It was their third day of traveling, and the narrow, snow-covered trail led them deep into the valley of pines, just north Kokani’s burrow. Takua's eyes wandered as they made their way through the tall trees, snow gently falling all around. Kokani set the pace at a slow and deliberate trudge, and Takua couldn't help but to stare at everything around him. Ko-Wahi's snows were a marvel to him after all, having grown up in the warm and wet jungle. Once, he caught something move out of the corner of his eye, and turning to look, he saw the tail end of a wild Hapaka darting through the branches. Even in this frozen, snow-covered land, there was life. He marveled at the scenery. Ice encased the pine's branches, and they glistened and sparkled whenever the sunlight hit them. He’d heard about these snowy mountains, but he’d never seen them up close before. It was a far thing from the jungle, that was for sure, but the thing that amazed him most was how silent it was. The only sound was their feet crunching through the snow, and as he walked the feeling of being alone in the wilderness crept up upon him. The party stopped for a quick lunch at a stream, which somehow managed to poke its way through the sheets of ice and snow. Hopping atop a large boulder that sat in the middle of the water, Takua pulled his pack off his back and opened it, only to realize that he was out of berries. He opened his mouth to ask if anyone had some to spare, but Kokani jerked his hand up, open-palmed, silencing everyone. It was a a wordless symbol, one that by now they all knew meant, be quiet, there's something here. Everyone froze. Takua strained his ears, but to no avail. The four Matoran waited for a few silent minutes, no one moving a muscle. "Hide!" Kokani hissed. Thunk! Takua watched as two weighted snares flew through the air, one wrapping itself around Raipu's ankles, the other thudding into a snowbank as Kokani deflected it with his staff. The Po-Matoran fell to the ground, his ankles suddenly bound, as Kokani looked up to the branches above them. A shrill cry pierced the air, and two beings dropped down from the trees, bearing scimitars. "Kryll!" The monsters were easily two heads taller than Kokani, the tallest of the Matoran, and their muscles rippled underneath their armor: one wore silver, and the other wore bronze. They both had emerald green eyes, which shone out brightly underneath their helmets. Takua whipped out his blade, ready to defend himself. The monsters attacked, the bronze one tackling Kokani, and the silver running toward Takua. With a swift move, Kokani ducked and kicked the Kryll's legs out from under it. It fell to the ground and Kokani slashed with his blade, managing to cut into the Kryll’s shoulder as it rolled to the side.The smaller, silver one whipped his blade at Takua, who managed to parry a few attacks, but would have succumbed to it if Jaka hadn't jumped on it from behind. With a sharp elbow, the Kryll threw him off in an instant, and once again went on the offensive. Knowing he couldn’t outfight the Kryll, Takua turned and ran. It growled and chased after him. Takua didn’t get very far. He had just made it to the other side of the stream when he slipped on a patch of ice and fell, face first into the snow. As he tried to get back up, he felt the Kryll grab him around the ankle. Struggling to free himself, Takua kicked the warrior in the face, bloodying its right eye, but only managing to anger it. It grabbed his other leg and pulled him back as he scratched at the snow for something to grab onto. Suddenly, the other Kryll yelled out. “Nilum!” The Kryll let go of Takua at the sound of its name, and looked up only a second too late. Kokani’s armored foot slammed down on the it’s outstretched arms, and Takua shuddered at the bone crunching snap it made. It howled in pain as Takua got back up to his feet. He clutched the Atouri and winced as Kokani lifted his blade and shoved it into the Kryll’s stomach. Blood splattered the snow. Takua looked at the scene. The bronze Kryll stood on the other side of the stream, breathing heavily as blood seeped from wounds on its shoulder and leg. It looked stunned at what had just happened, and its mandibles clicked twice before it hissed, and ran off into the trees. The silver Kryll looked up at them, coughing up blood as it struggled to breathe. Its arms lay outstretched above its head, mangled and broken where Kokani had caught them with his boot. Calmly, the Ko-Matoran knelt down. "Who sent you?" he demanded. The Kryll wheezed and coughed up more blood, but didn’t say anything. "I know you understand me,” he said, no emotion in his voice. “Did Saku send you? How did you find us?" It clicked its mandibles as it opened its mouth. In a scratchy voice it spoke up. “You may have beaten me, Kokani, but you cannot escape him.” “Who?” Kokani asked. “His beast is searching for you.” It wheezed and sputtered for a second. “It’s here, in the mountains.” “What beast? Tell me.” The Kryll’s toothed jaw cracked into a smile as it closed its eyes. “You really have no idea…” It exhaled, turning its held to rest against the snow beneath it. It struggled, lightly coughing for a moment, until finally, it stopped breathing. Takua looked at Kokani, still stunned from what had just happened. Only now was the fire fading from the Ko-Matoran’s eyes. He fought with a ferocity and brutality that Takua had only heard of in stories. It should’ve set him at ease, knowing they had such a powerful friend, but if he were being honest with himself, it scared him a little. There was more to Kokani than met the eye, but his stoic Akaku gave away nothing. Takua stared at the Kryll’s mangled body. "You killed him..." Kokani went over to his pack and pulled out a rag. Calmly, he wiped his blade clean. “You expected something else?” Takua wasn’t sure what troubled him about the situation. He wasn’t used to this. He was from the city, a place where one’s biggest worry was figuring out what to do on a weekend. But now he stood here, on the banks of a bloodstained creek, just after having his life saved once again by this ruthless, quiet, Ko-Matoran. “I don’t know what I expected,” he said. They walked back to the other side of the creek, where Jaka was bent over Raipu, helping him with the snare. The forest was, once again, silent. Even the bubbling stream seemed to try and hush itself. Raipu groaned and sat up as Jaka cut through the rope with his dagger. His head had hit the ground hard from his fall, and he looked around, still a bit dazed, but Kokani looked him over and concluded that he would be alright. He would probably have a headache for a few days though. Everyone had cuts and bruises, but overall they were still in good shape. Kokani spoke up again. “You three need to learn to fight,” he said, staring at his companions. “But for now we have to move. The one that escaped might be back.” They gathered up their things and followed Kokani once more along the trail. They crossed the stream and Takua’s eyes were automatically drawn to the Kryll’s body, lying on a mound of bloody snow. He stopped and thought as the other three walked passed him, and he called out to Kokani. “Are we going to bury him?” He wasn’t sure whether to call the Kryll a ‘him’ or an ‘it.’ Kokani looked back for a moment. “We still have a lot of ground to cover today, Takua.” Takua knew what that meant. Feeling strange, and maybe a little guilty, he averted his eyes from the scene and followed Kokani, up into the mountains.

Yeah I mean Its definitely not anything special, but I think its a fun picture!

This is another picture I just found from my old computer, something I drew a long time ago with MS paint. I touched it up with photoshop a short while later because I could, and because I was probably bored. I believe I based it off of the picture from the 2nd comic book of Lewa saving Gali from the river, but I'm still not sure why I colored him yellow....http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu321/ZOMBI4S/MyToa.jpgLet me know what you think!

Yeah I also had that feeling for the foot. And I'm still not sure how I feel about the right claw...

This is something I drew years ago and recently found while going through my old computer's files. I think its alright, considering how old I was and that I used MS paint to do it.http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu321/ZOMBI4S/MyOnua.jpgI hope you like it!

Chapter 2 - A New Beginning With nothing to do, Takua and Jaka waited. They passed the time within the mountainside burrow, talking, tending to the fire, and occasionally sitting on the slope outside as they watched the snow gently fall. Soon night fell, and the winds began to pick up. The temperature dropped and the snow whirled around the mountaintop, forcing Jaka to rebuild the wall of snow that covered the burrow’s entrance. Safe inside, the two ate a few strips of jerky and soon fell asleep. Takua’s dreams plagued him. Countless times during the night his mind forced him to relive the loss of his home, and every time it seemed to get worse. First he would watch as the Twisted Nail was destroyed by Rahi, and then there was Matau with Saku’s blade in his chest. Lastly, Talim stared listlessly at him as she twitched, her lips repeating his name. Takua…help me. Thump-thp. He awoke in a sweat as he gasped for breath and looked around the room. The dying embers of the fire lit it dimly. Jaka lay against the far wall, still asleep. He told himself as he lay back down. It’s just a dream... By the time they awoke the storm had receded, once again giving way to the bright blue skies and crisp air of Ko-Wahi. Takua followed Jaka as he once again kicked down the snow barrier, poking his head outside. Then, the Matoran froze. “What’s the deal?” Takua asked. “I’d like some fresh air too.” Jaka pulled his head back into the tunnel. “We can’t go out there. There’s Kryll.” Takua remembered the insect-like being that had held him down in Le-Koro, and felt a twinge of anger. “Let me see,” he asked. “You can look, just don’t make any noise,” Jaka said, but Takua had already shuffled passed him and poked his head out the entrance. Down in the trough where their peak met the one closest to them, two figures walked, silhouetted against the white snow. Takua could tell from their long, angular heads and tall bodies that they were Kryll, even though they were a couple hundred yards away. They walked at a steady pace, surveying the land around them as they worked their way into a valley dotted with pine trees. “They’ve been searching for us since they lost our trail outside of Le-Koro,” Jaka said from behind Takua. “Kokani thinks they’re Saku’s minions.” Takua noted the curved blades they carried at their waists. Their armor was the same shape as the one that had been in Le-Koro, albeit it wasn’t gold. “Do you think they still want the Atouri?” The thought of the stone made him inadvertently brush his fingers against it, just to see if it was still around his neck. It was. “I don’t see why else they would care about us.” Takua stared at the Kryll, watching them as they trudged through the snow. His mind began to wander, and eventually he turned around to ask his friend another question. “Can you see the jungle from here?” Jaka looked at him curiously at the sudden change of subject. “Yeah, if you climb to the summit. Why?" “I was just wondering.” Jaka shrugged and walked back into the den. Takua followed him, carefully patching up the wall of snow beforehand. He sat down and the two stared at the fire as it cast its orange glow around the room. It was dreary, to say the least, knowing that they were being hunted. Takua couldn’t help but feel claustrophobic. He was trapped underground, unable to leave until the Kryll were well out of sight. The thought depressed him. “What do we do now, Jaka?” he asked, his black Pakari reflecting the light of the fire. Jaka sighed. “I wish I knew.” ~~~ It was another two days until Kokani and Raipu appeared out of the trees in the valley, much to Takua and Jaka’s happiness. They had grown tired of the burrow, and were running low on food. Straining his eyes in the late afternoon sun, Takua could tell that the two were carrying a large bundle of mountain fish, as well as a few roots and leaves that looked edible. It was a far thing from what he was used to in Le-Koro, but hunt had been successful. Kokani was very experienced when it came to hunting and tracking, and it was only because of him that they had made it this far. Slowly, the two figures trudged their way up the frozen plain, until finally they met where he and Jaka sat upon the snow, just outside the burrow's entrance. Kokani threw the net of fish on the ground. "You’re awake," he said to Takua. “Apparently,” Takua said, not quite sure how to respond. Raipu smiled. "It’s about time we had some good news." Takua nodded to the Po-Matoran, happy to see someone else from home. Kokani untangled his net, and recruited their help with wrapping the fish in leather strips he had produced from his pack. In the freezing climate, it would keep for a decent while. When they were finished, he walked into the den and motioned for the three younger Matoran to follow. Takua soon found himself sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at Kokani as the mysterious Ko-Matoran leaned up against the far wall, his right hand resting on the edge of the bladed staff that was slung across his back. He waited for Kokani to speak up, to provide answers, but the moment the Ko-Matoran opened his mouth Takua cut him off, surprising even himself. “You knew the whole time they were coming; why didn’t you do anything?” Kokani closed his mouth and his icy blue eyes locked onto Takua’s. He looked like a dangerous Rahi for a second, about to lash out at the young Le-Matoran, but in another second it was gone, and he calmly replied. “We took a risk, and it didn’t work out. I’m sorry, Takua. I know you’ve lost a lot.” Suddenly Takua couldn’t control himself. He’d thought he’d gotten over it in the past few days. He’d thought he would’ve been able to handle this. “You took a risk? Everything I have is gone! Matau and Talim are dead because of you!” Kokani spoke up, and the hint of the Rahi was back. Jaka and Raipu winced. “Do not blame me for your losses, tree-swinger. Matau was my friend as well, and if it were not for me you would all be dead.” The strength and deepness of his voice lingered in the air, enforcing Kokani’s dominion over the room. After a few moments, he continued. “I expected better manners from one Matau had held so dear.” Takua was taken aback, but Kokani's words had managed to snap him to his senses. He had been rude. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s been a little rough I guess.” Kokani nodded in understanding. “Now, shall I tell you why I have brought you here?” The three nodded. “Turaga Nuju has called for your council. The Atouri must be kept safe, and it is my understanding that he has plans once it arrives in Ko-Koro. I would take it to him myself, but I would rather honor Matau’s decision to make you its keeper,” he said, nodding to Takua. “I will always honor the wishes of the dead.” Takua swallowed and took the black stone off his neck. “You want us to come with you to Ko-Koro?” “I want you to come with me,” Kokani said simply. “But your friends are welcome as well, as long as they abide by my rules.” “Good,” Jaka stood up. “Because Takua’s not going anywhere without me.” Takua rolled the Atouri back and forth in his hands, a little surprised that he was actually considering Kokani’s offer. Could he really leave everything behind, just like that? Yes, Le-Koro was mostly gone, but they could still rebuild. He had dreamed of traveling the island, but wasn’t that what it was always going to be? A dream? He looked up at Kokani, and then Jaka. Jaka would stand by him no matter what decision he made, but it didn’t seem like he was sad to leave. His friend’s Kakama was full of life and energy. It brought him back to a time when things weren’t so desperate. It was a time when the two would mess around and cause trouble in the streets of Le-Koro, just to see what would happen. Just for the sake of adventure. Finally, he back at looked at Kokani. With a half-smile and a shrug, “What have I got to lose?” Kokani was pleased, and he showed it through a slight turn of the corners of his mouth. Raipu, on the other hand, took some convincing. The Po-Matoran had gotten used to the trees, and he wasn’t quite ready to leave them at the words of a stranger. But, after a good while he started to come around, as he wouldn’t last long in the frozen wastes by himself anyway. With nothing left to argue with, he closed his mouth and agreed to follow along with the others. Kokani opened the storage door and emptied all of its contents, strewing them all over the floor. Various strips of canvas and wood poles came out, along with many other seemingly random items, such as heatstones, lightstones, knives, even a frying pan. Kokani showed the others how to make their own packs out of the canvas and poles, and they filled them to the brim with all the other items they would need on their journey. Lastly, they packed the food Kokani and Raipu had brought in earlier. As Takua struggled with his pack, Kokani passed a long object wrapped in cloth to him. “Here. You might want this.” Takua unfolded the cloth to reveal the dagger he had bought in Le-Koro. He smiled. At least I have one thing from home. Burdened by their heavy packs and fur coats, they finally set foot outside on the icy slopes. Mixed emotions filled them: sadness, regret for those they had lost, but there was also a hint of excitement, and longing to see what the future would bring. It was near the end of the day, and the sun was beginning to set. They had only made it a few feet outside the burrow when Takua had a thought. "Wait," Takua said, stopping them before they went any further. They all turned to look at him. Takua dropped his pack and began to run up the slope of the mountain, heading for the summit. "Takua!" "What's he doing?" The snow crunched beneath his feet as he ran up the steep incline. He passed the burrow's entrance, pushing himself farther and farther up the snow-covered rock, and its peak came into view just a few dozen feet ahead. The cold air churned through his lungs as he traversed the last few yards to the summit, and as he pulled himself to the mountain's highest point, a wondrous view greeted him. The entire valley of Le-Wahi sprawled out beneath Takua, his feet straddling the crest of the rock. No trace of the earlier destruction was visible; only the peaceful green expanse of trees existed until they were swallowed up by mist on the horizon. He stood there, taking it all in, gazing out at the land in which he had lived his entire life. The wind rustled the edges of his coat, and he closed his eyes for a second, silencing his thoughts. Footsteps crunched through the snow behind him, steadily approaching until they were just a few feet behind Takua. Jaka's voice reached his ears, quiet and calm, yet with a hint of longing. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Takua sighed, filling his lungs with the mountain air, savoring the pure taste of it. He opened his eyes. "Yeah.” The two friends looked out, savoring the view as best they could. It was everything they had ever known, right in front of them. Everything behind was unknown, and while it held the promise of new adventures, they both knew that adventure could be a scary thing sometimes. “We're really leaving, aren't we?" "Hey," Jaka put his hand on Takua's shoulder. "We'll come back." Takua pulled the edges of his coat closer around him, starting to feel the bite of the cold. "A lot of things will have changed by then." “Yeah,” Jaka gazed out at the horizon. "But we’ll probably change a lot too." It was quiet for a few minutes more, with only the wind rustling their ears, but eventually Kokani's voice echoed from the mountain behind them. "We'll want to be off the slope before the night winds arise!" After a brief pause, Jaka left to follow the Ko-Matoran, leaving Takua alone on the summit. He took his last look at the jungle, and thought of what was to come. What adventures and stories waited? What would the horizon bring them, and what would they make of it? Maybe, he thought, when he was old and everything was over, he’d settle down and write about what would begin on this day. It would be an entertaining tale, one worthy of telling around fires, and maybe even in taverns like the Twisted Nail. Who knew? Maybe, just maybe, it would be worthy to be placed next to the chronicles of old, and Matoran would etch his name into the Wall of History as the one who wrote the latest chapter in the Biological Chronicle of Mata Nui. He smiled to himself. Keep dreaming, Takua. Keep dreaming.

Chapter 1 - The Cold, Hard World Takua opened his eyes. At first everything was blurry. He stared at the grayish-brown mass in front of him. Slowly, his vision grew sharper and he could tell that he was staring at a wall. It was dirt. His eyes shifted upwards a little bit, and the wall changed texture and color. Now it was more reddish-brown, and much smoother. He realized that there was an animal skin stretched over the dirt, probably for insulation. He was warm, which confused him. If insulation was needed, why was he warm? He turned his attention to other things. The surface he was lying on was rather soft, and something was draped over him that was quite fuzzy. It confused him why it was so hard to figure anything out, and thinking about thinking confused him even more, so he decided to return to the matter of what he was lying on. He lay there, staring at the skin-covered dirt wall, pondering his situation for a few minutes. He was in a bed. With fur blankets. Feeling a bit ambitious, he turned over so he faced the ceiling. It was also dirt, which led him to conclude that he was in some kind of burrow-dwelling. Propping himself up on his arms, he took his first real look at the place.The burrow was circular, and made entirely of dirt. Various parts of the walls were covered in animal skins, giving the room a rustic feel. A small fire crackled in a stone fireplace on the opposite end of the room, and a narrow doorway covered with fur was cut out just before Takua's bed. He liked the place. It had a nice, homey feel to it. In fact, Takua felt really good. After a great night's sleep, he felt energized and ready to go out and explore the world. It called his name, and he was ready to meet the challenge. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he threw back the covers and stretched his arms out wide, cracking his back a little. Ah, that feels better. Wait, no it didn't. It was cold. It was really cold. It was freezing! This wasn't the jungle at all! With all his speed he swiveled his legs back onto the bed and curled into a ball. He reached for the blanket that was now lying at his feet. "No, come back," he told the covers as they slipped out of his freezing hands. After what seemed like forever, but was really only seconds, he pulled the fuzzy blanket over him. It warmed him steadily until he was back at a comfortable temperature, and he stared at the fire for a while. “Mata Nui,” he said out loud to himself. He wasn't too fond of the temperature here. Wherever ‘here’ was. The fur concealing the doorway flapped open as someone walked into the room. Takua saw a Le-matoran about his age, who wore a Kakama. Hints of amber spoke out against the deep green of his armor. He wore a fur coat. "Takua!" Jaka cried out as he ran to the bed and hugged him. "What's going on? Why are you hugging me?" "Mata Nui! I was afraid you wouldn't ever wake up!" "Huh? Why? How long was I out?" Jaka’s smile faded and he shook his head. "To be honest, I’m not sure. At least a fortnight." Takua was taken aback. A fortnight? "No, that can’t be right. Just last night we were in Le-Koro and…" he trailed off. It was only then that Takua recalled the events of the past. The whirling storm, the Rahi, the Kryll, Saku, and the Infected Matoran: all of it seemed like a bad dream. In his head he saw Turaga Matau's broken body falling off that platform, and Talim's crumpled shape twitching on the ground. Suddenly the dream became all too real. He didn't want to think about it. If he did, he would surely break down, and he didn't want Jaka to see him like that. "Why is it so cold?" he asked, trying to direct his thoughts to other matters. The corners of Jaka's mouth slid up as he pulled a fur coat off the wall and handed it to Takua. "Come see for yourself." Putting the coat on, Takua got out of the bed and followed Jaka as he pushed aside the fur that hung in the doorway. He led them through a small tunnel that eventually dead-ended into a wall of snow. With a firm kick, the snow gave way to Jaka's foot, and light poured in. Stepping out into the daylight, Takua was met with a beautiful sight. They stood on a huge mountain slope, covered with fresh, virgin snow. Ahead a vast mountain range stretched as far as the eye could see, the horizon composed of rock that reached even higher than they were now. The sunlight of midday shone off the snow and the occasional black rock, making it seem as if the mountains glowed. The air smelled clean and sweet, and as Takua inhaled his first breath of fresh air, he could almost taste the watery texture of the cold snow that covered his feet. "Wow," he said, at a loss for words. "Right there," Jaka said, pointing at the tallest mountain on the horizon. "That's Mount Ihu, the highest point on the entire island." Takua marveled at the sight for a few minutes, before his mind yet again turned to the past. No amount of beauty could make him forget that. "Jaka?" he asked. "Yeah?" "What happened back there?" Continuing to gaze at the mountains, Jaka let out a sigh. "Come back inside. You must be hungry. And there are a lot of things to be said." Upon returning to the earthen room, Jaka opened a small storage door Takua hadn't noticed before. He took out a bundle of cloth and unwrapped it, revealing a few strips of jerky. Takua took one and bit into it. It was tough and stale, but at least it was food. Now that he thought about it, he was extremely hungry. "It was Kokani who saved us." Takua continued to stare at his jerky and grunted. He wasn’t sure how he felt about the Ko-Matoran. Even after everything that had happened, Matau and Kokani had used him, and he wasn’t sure if he could forget that just yet. "If it wasn’t for him, I’m sure none of us would be here now," Jaka paused. “What do you remember?” "I remember..." Takua searched his thoughts. "I remember darkness. But I could feel someone holding me. Where is he now?" "Out hunting with Raipu. We're low on food." "Raipu's here?" "Yeah," Jaka relaxed and sat with his back to the fire, warming himself. He paused again, as if he didn’t have anything else to say. The fire crackled and popped for a few moments, and it seemed as if the two Matoran were lost in thought, but then Jaka opened his mouth, rapidly spilling out words as his voice cracked. "I’m really sorry I couldn’t help you. I know you were trying to fight them and I was going to help, but…” he trailed off as he looked at the ground. “But I just froze up. I’m really sorry.” "Don't be sorry, it's not your fault. It’s fine." Talim crumpled to the ground in his head. She’s really gone… Jaka waited a few moments before he went on, his voice slowly returning to normal. "Luckily Kokani showed up. He fought Saku and took you out of that Matoran's spell just in time. When I got back to being myself we picked up you and Raipu, and ran." Takua concentrated on his jerky. There was a pause in Jaka’s monologue, and he had nothing to say. "I'm really sorry about Talim." Talim… Takua let out a sigh. "It's fine." They sat there for a few moments in silence, Takua eating his jerky and Jaka sitting with his back to the fire, rubbing his arms to keep warm. Eventually Jaka got up, patted Takua on the shoulder, and went outside. Takua took another bite out of his jerky and stared at the stick of meat as he slowly chewed on its texture. The cold, hard feeling of the meat stuck to the inside of his mouth, and he couldn't help but think how perfect it was for this cold, hard world that he lived in. Swallowing, he looked at it again. Why!? He threw the piece of meat against the far wall. After staring at it for a few seconds, he lowered his head into his hands, and cried.

Hey thanks for the second review! I'm still working on my prose, thats always something I've struggled with, even after I read over a chapter three or four times. Story wise, I hope part one accurately portrays the rest of the epic. Theres much more to come!

This is sweet! Can't wait to explore the island once the map is released!

I always felt the giant robots were strange, almost too big. I know they have to be huge to house universes, but I always felt it they tried to go a little too big and a little too epic for the final battle. Personally I would've liked a normal sized, one on one fight between Mata Nui and Makuta atop a giant fortress such as the colesium, but that would require a LOT of changes in the story.

Chapter 11 - Tears Takua watched as his lifelong friend and mentor disappeared from sight, and he knew that Matau was no more. Tears formed in his eyes as he clenched his fists, trying to handle his emotions. This can't be happening. This has to be a dream... And then the world seemed to stop. The entire platform darkened as shadow surrounded it, and a voice sounded from all around them. It was an old, deep, rumbling voice, one that was ancient, powerful, and brimming with madness. "And so the final chapter of Turaga Matau is written, as his part in our tale has ended." Then, like a ghost, a Matoran materialized in the middle of the platform. Although its voice was powerful, the Matoran itself seemed old and weak. It shimmered with every movement, as if the being was not actually there. A Hau rested upon its face, rusted and pitted so much that it was impossible to determine its original color. Takua shuddered as he looked at it. The very sight of the Matoran made him think of infection, death, and destruction. Fear coursed through Takua. He watched the shimmering image of the Matoran, suddenly feeling sick to his stomach. He held his breath, staring, mesmerized by the sight of this infected, rusted, twisted being. He couldn't move. He wanted to vomit, to run away, to hide underneath his bed, but all he could do was stare at this horrifying creature before him. A thought began to well up inside him, growing like a parasite, and slowly, he began to piece together what he looked at. Slowly, he realized the true horror of the being that stood before him. Makuta. Instantly Saku sank to one knee and bowed his head for the infected Matoran, who paid him little notice in return. The Kryll, however, did not even turn around, and kept its gaze fixed Takua on and his friends. The ghostly Matoran walked closer to the edge of the platform, gazing out at the burning city as the sounds of chaos still wafted up to them. “Look out at your home, Takua,” he addressed the Le-Matoran without even turning to look at him. “Look at what I’ve done.” The stone around Takua’s neck glinted in the rain, and as the Matoran talked to him as if he had known Takua for his entire life, he suddenly couldn't take it. "Stop!" Takua yelled as he drew his dagger and pointed it shakily in front of him, even though he was well out of range. “Who are you!?" he pleaded, even though deep down, he already knew the answer. "Why are you doing this!?” The Matoran turned around and his eyes glinted as he watched the stone dangle from Takua's neck. "We’re here for you, Takua. And the Atouri." "How do you know my name!?" Takua felt a sudden pain in his side as he was hit. He fell to the ground and slid a few feet before coming to a stop underneath the Kryll's blade. It spoke to him in a clear, deep voice, sprinkled with hatred. "Matoran have no place to speak among gods.” Jaka stood up. “Let him go!” With a twitch of his hand Saku released a bolt of shadow that slammed into Jaka, knocking him back into Raipu. Takua watched from where he lay as his friends fell, without any effort from the Toa. Whatever was going to happen, there was nothing that could save them. Talim now stood alone, and she turned to face the rusted Matoran. Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke. “Please, just leave us alone. We’ve done nothing to you.” The Matoran with the rusted Hau stared at her intensely. “You have much light inside of you.” There was a whirl of shadow, and suddenly he was beside her, circling, like a wolf around its prey. “What is your name, little one?” “...Talim,” she stuttered. The Hau twisted into a smile as the being flickered. “You’re the one who found him,” he said, motioning to Takua. “All those years ago?” She hesitated, but eventually swallowed, and nodded. Takua fidgeted and tried to get up, but he was stopped by the tip of the Kryll’s blade. “Don’t touch her!” he yelled. His side split with pain as the Kryll kicked him, and once again he was wordless, writhing on the ground. The Matoran paid Takua no attention, as his eyes were fixed on Talim. Her bottom lip quivered as she stared straight ahead, not making eye contact with the figure circling her. “You’re the one who’s always been there. You’re the one he holds so dear....” The Matoran circled around to stand in front of her, his rusty mask just inches from hers. “It would be a shame to lose something so…” He placed his hands on her cheeks and she winced as they passed straight through her. The shimmering Matoran was not actually present. “…delicate.” “Don’t touch her!” Takua yelled again. The ghost-Matoran smiled at Takua’s anger, but he turned around and left Talim as she was. “What do you fear, Takua?” Still at the mercy of the Kryll’s blade, Takua looked around with his eyes for an escape. He had to get free, but if he even twitched the blade got closer to his throat. He didn’t reply to the Matoran. “Is it pain? Death?” Takua watched as the Matoran walked over to him, even as Saku now moved towards Talim. Still he refused to answer the question. His mind was solely focused on a way to escape the Kryll's blade. He had to get up. Even if he didn’t stand a chance, he had to fight. He refused to go down like this. “Or is it something more personal? The loss of your friends? The knowledge that you are alone in this world?” Saku now stood over Talim as she backed into the wall of the Turaga’s house. She looked past the Toa, and her eyes met Takua’s briefly. “Do you fear the darkness, Takua?” Takua looked up at the infected Hau, and the world seemed to stand still. The howling winds and rain were gone for a moment as Takua looked from the infected being that stood above him to Talim’s fearful blue eyes. He felt the cold steel at his throat, the water dripping from his armor, the splintering wood of the platform beneath him. The Atouri pressed against his chest as he looked at Talim, completely helpless. Thump-thp. “No,” he replied. And the Hau smiled. “Oh, so unwise.” Saku grasped Talim directly over her heartlight and she screamed. Energy poured out of her as the Toa’s face lit up with a look of sheer joy. Random bolts of shadow flew from the Toa, blasting into the platform and the surrounding trees. The attack increased in intensity, until Talim’s scream died out and all that was left was the look of death on her face. More and more energy the Toa stole from her, until finally he released his grip and Talim crumpled to the floor. Her mask was losing its color, and her mouth moved constantly as she repeated one word, over and over: Takua. “No!” Takua screamed. With the strength and speed that only his rage and reflexes could provide, he forced the Kryll's blade off him and ran at Saku with nothing but his fists. “I’ll kill you!" he screamed. "I’ll kill you!” The Toa turned his head and met Takua’s enraged gaze, and with a flick of his wrist a blast of shadow slammed into Takua. He was knocked off his feet and sent sliding to the edge of the platform. He lay there, stunned, his sudden strength and anger gone, replaced with the cold hard fact that he was helpless. He gazed up at the lightning-streaked sky, the rain washing over him. It washed away his strength, his will to fight, his home, his friends, and it left him with nothing. Tears began to fall freely from his eyes as he couldn’t help but wonder, why? “You are the product of the Prophecies, the one who would travel many miles and accomplish great deeds.” He heard the Infected Matoran say. “You were born out of nothing, and so it is into nothing that you will go. You hold my heart in your grasp, and I would have it back, Takua.” His body aching, Takua struggled to his knees. He looked down at the Atouri. It shimmered with random flecks of light. Thump-thp. Letting out a sigh, Takua's muscles loosened as he let the stone roll out of his fingers. With a clatter it hit the platform and rolled to a stop. His home was gone, Matau was gone, Talim was gone, all for nothing. “What’s going to happen now?” Rain dripping off his mask, he looked up at the Matoran. “Nothing else really matters anymore.” The Matoran bent over to look Takua in the eyes. It was strange; the yellow eyes of this being who had brought him so much pain weren’t so different from his. Takua gazed into them, and somewhere deep inside, instead of hatred and anger, he found acceptance, and he felt at home. The Matoran spoke, and the voice wasn’t brimming with madness anymore. It was calming, and he spoke to Takua as if he were an equal. “Come with us, Takua. There is nothing for you here.” Slowly, Takua nodded. He didn’t move as shadow welled up around him. He didn't resist as the tendrils of darkness pulled at his limbs. They wrapped around him and embraced him, pulling, pulling him down. He fell to the ground. The shadow spread all over his body as the very wood beneath him opened up to the void. He slowly sank into it and he felt his mind slipping away. Little by little, the sounds of wind and rain faded, until he could hear nothing at all. But then, somewhere, he heard a whisper. A tiny whisper, just barely discernable. You reside with light, but you must be careful. Takua’s vision flickered and went hazy. He wasn’t aware of much anything going on, but he thought he heard the clash of steel as his mind began to slow. The closer you are to the light, the greater your shadow is cast. A blurry white figure came into his vision, just before he went blind. But don't be afraid. There was movement around him, a blink of chaos in the calm of darkness. The stars will guide you on your journey. Someone held him and he felt strong arms carry him away. For you hold the greatest power of all. His mind shut down, and finally, he rested. You are the one who will bring back the balance. ~End of Part I~

Chapter 10 - Air and Shadow Matau threw his arms in front of Takua, putting himself between the Matoran and Saku. The rain tapped against his armor as the wind howled around them. Jaka, Raipu, and Talim backed away to the other side of the platform, unsure of what to do. “You will not take him!” Matau called out over the sound of the storm. Saku did not reply. He turned and leisurely walked along the length of the platform, revealing a figure that stood behind him. It was a tall and humanoid, but with certain...almost insect-like properties. It carried itself on muscular, powerful legs, and long arms supported large, clawed hands. Two beady eyes stared out from its angular head, and a pair of intimidating mandibles twitched at its mouth. It carried itself proudly, with broad shoulders and a full chest, and it wore gold armor laced with red war paint. As tall as Saku, it looked down at the Matoran before it. Paying no attention to the storm as he examined the blade on his staff, Saku nodded his head toward the being. “A war is coming, Matau. But if you just step out of the way this doesn’t have to get any worse.” “Take your monsters elsewhere,” Matau spat out the word, as if it disgusted him. “Kryll have no place here.” Takua looked back and forth from the being to Saku. So this is a Kyll… He’d heard stories about the creatures, but never actually seen one. Saku chuckled, almost mocking the Turaga. “Don’t be a fool. We can still talk this out." "You and I both know that’s not going to happen, Toa." Takua’s mind flickered. A Toa? Matau released a pulse of air from his body so strong that it could have blown the roof off a house, but as it crashed into Saku, the Toa didn't move. Strain showed on his face, but as the blast passed, he was unharmed. Standing back up to his full height, he eyed the Turaga. He rushed forward, hurling shadow bolts at Matau, who suddenly stood on the balls of his feet and —as if he had been faking his old and frail demeanor— dodged them with amazing speed. He whirled around and in a few quick strides caught Saku in the stomach with a punch reinforced with air. Saku gagged and stumbled back before launching his assault again. They fought with speed impossible to any Matoran, exchanging numerous blows and dodging others in barely any time at all. Takua watched from where he stood on the platform with fear and awe, all the while the Kryll eyed him and the other Matoran, as if making sure they didn’t interfere. Pulses of shadow and air flew this way and that as the opponents struck and jumped and dodged and struck again. Takua had no idea Matau possessed this kind of speed and power. The flurry of attacks soon became unreadable. With a sudden blast of shadow the two flew apart, and Matau stumbled dangerously close the edge of the platform. His posture was slumped and he breathed heavy. "Give up old one," Saku called out, taunting the Turaga. He raised his arms non-nonchalantly. "You can't beat me." The rain pelted him and the tiny pings of water hitting armor interfered with his voice. He took a step forward, only to stop and shield himself against a wall of incoming air. Matau’s attack slammed into him, threatening to knock the Toa off his feet, but he gritted his teeth and gripped the platform, not allowing it to move him. Matau panted, wordless against Saku’s jeer. He released another pulse of air, this time catching Saku off guard, and the Toa stumbled back. Seizing the foothold, Matau attacked again, sending a narrow stream of air flying through the rain, puncturing Saku’s shoulder armor as the Toa cried out. Three more times Matau attacked, and Saku staggered back and fell to his knees as the armor on his thigh and chest cracked. Matau managed to smirk, but the effort was taking its toll on him. He wasn't a Toa, and controlling his element took great strength. Sweat coated his brow as the rain washed over him, and he found his muscles straining just to keep himself upright. Saku took the moment to get up and advanced a step before being pummeled with another air blast. Planting his feet down, he fought through it and stayed his position. He took another step towards the Turaga. Whoosh! Matau blasted him once again, but his attacks didn’t seem to have the same amount of power. Saku could feel it. Matau was weakening, fast. Saku gained a few more steps on the Turaga as Matau tried to repel him. Takua watched as the tide of the fight quickly turned. He had to do something. Turaga Matau was losing, he had to do something! Letting loose another barrage, Matau winced. His arms ached, his mind was tired. He needed rest. Sweat mixed with rain covered his body, dripping off the corners of his armor. Thud! Saku's armored foot hit the ground again. Lightning streaked across the sky and lit up the platform for a second. The sounds of dying soldiers drifted up from the ground below. Do something Takua! Takua screamed at himself inside his head. But no, his limbs wouldn't move. The Kryll had drawn a curved sword and was eyeing him closely, keeping him and the others separated from the battle. But it didn't matter. Takua was possessed by fear, and all he could do was stand and watch. Saku clenched his staff as he channeled shadow into it. The blade turned a blackish-purple and started to crackle, as if it was charged with electricity. Only ten feet separated the beings, and the distance was closing. Matau's entire being cried out in pain. Give up, his body whispered in his ears, just give up. He saw the crackling shadow on Saku’s blade, and he knew it was now or never. Channeling his strength, he let out one final blast of air. The great force slammed into Saku, who braced himself against the ground. Harder and harder Matau pushed, willing the air to do his bidding, to rid his city of this evil. He cried out, finally letting his pain take over his voice. His arms ached and stung, and it felt as if the very drops of rain hitting him were weights of lead, but he kept on pushing. He pushed and pushed, pounding his enemy with the force of the air, until finally his strength failed him and his power let out. Barely able to stand, Matau wheezed as he swayed back and forth, unsteady on his feet. He looked up, and Saku still stood before him. Holding his crackling staff, Saku walked forward until he stood face to face with Matau. The Kraahkan upon his face seemed to laugh. "Sorry it had to be this way." Takua watched in horror as he plunged the blade into the Turaga's chest, ripping apart armor and flesh. Matau threw his head back and screamed silently, as no sound came out of his mouth. Saku finished his attack and unceremoniously ripped the blade from Matau’s body. The Turaga seemed to hang in the air as he swayed with the rain, arms outstretched. The expression on his face slowly calmed as he looked at the young Matoran holding the Atouri from across the platform. "Takua...I'm so sorry." And he tumbled off the edge of the platform.

Chapter 9 - The Burning Tree Takua sprinted as fast as he could, Talim and Jaka trailing just a few steps behind him. The guard riding a kahu had flown down from the trees just in time to give them a few precious seconds to flee, and they took full advantage of it. But as the leaves whipped passed Takua’s mask, he heard the cries of both the bird and the Matoran, and he knew they had only that: a few precious seconds. Questions raced through his head faster than he could run, but he willed all his energy into moving his legs. He didn’t know where to go; only that it was away from Saku and the slaughtered guards. As his muscles burned he found he was making his way back into the city, and he prayed the narrow alleyways would help conceal them. He ran until he couldn't anymore, at which point he rounded a corner and slid to a stop with his back against a brick wall. Panting heavily, he watched as Jaka came into view a second later, followed by Talim. Takua sneaked a look around the corner of the building and looked down the street. A few late going Matoran walked about, but nothing else. "I think we lost him," he gasped between breaths. Jaka got up, grabbed Takua by the shoulders and slammed him into the brick. "Ow! What are you doing!?" "What are you doing, man!?" Jaka spat out. "You didn't tell me about this! A mask that looks like a serpent?! Do you know what that was!?" "Does it look like it!?" "That...that..." Jaka stammered. "...that was the Mask of Shadows! The Kraahkan! The face of death! Don't you know anything!?" "What!?" Talim got up and looked at Takua, panic in her eyes. "He's going to kill us Takua! What are we going to do?" "Alright alright, calm down!" Takua answered. "The only pictures I've ever seen of it are rough sketches in Matau's house, so I'm sorry if I didn't recognize it." "Man, we could've just died right there!" Jaka cursed, still trying to catch his breath. "How did he find you? What does he want from you? We're just Matoran, we can't fight that! He's got the Mask of Shadows!" "I know!" "What are we going to do?!" "Chill out!" Takua commanded everyone, including himself. As panicked as he was, they had to do something except yell at each other. "Alright," he said, closing his eyes and breathing deeply for a second. "We can't stay here," he motioned to the damp alleyway, "if he's looking for us, he'll find us eventually. I say we go find the Turaga." Jaka and Talim nodded in agreement, although it was obvious they were still shaken. A few drops of rain came down from the clouds, not at all improving their morale. "Okay. I know how to get to his house from here, so—" A figure rounded the corner, and Takua let out a scream. "Mata Nui, Takua you almost scared my mask off!" Raipu said, rather irritated. It had been a long day at the site, and he needed some rest. "Raipu! Praise Mata Nui you're here! We need all the help we can get!" Raipu cocked an eyebrow. "You fall off a building in some sort of trance this morning, and the next time I see you you're running around the city at night in the rain. What is wrong with you, Takua?" Quickly, Takua told the story of what had happened. Normally, Raipu wouldn't have given Takua the time of day, but he had Jaka and Talim to back him up. The rain began to pick up, and a thunderclap sounded in the distance as Takua spoke. "That's impossible," Raipu shook his head after hearing the story. "The Kraahkan was lost long before our time." They had wasted enough time already, and Takua's already stressed mind caused him to snap. "Are you coming with us or not?" "Alright! If it means that much to you. No need to snap." Takua ignored his comment and took a quick look around the corner of the alley. The street beyond was empty. "Alright, it's clear. Follow me." Gathering up his strength he bolted out into the open road, and ran in the direction of the town center. Nothing stopped them, which unnerved Takua. If Saku could kill a half-dozen members of the Gukko force seemingly without effort, he should have no problem finding a handful of Matoran running through the streets. But he shouldn’t think like that. Maybe the mysterious being wasn’t as powerful as he seemed. They could still get out of this. Matau would protect them, Takua thought. They would be safe once they were with him. Within minutes they entered the square, and with one last dash they arrived at the base of Le-Koro’s largest tree. Climbing the ladder up to the platform that Matau’s home was situated on, Takua didn’t pause to knock. He burst through the door and stumbled in, only to freeze at the feel of a blade at his throat. "Oh," Kokani said calmly, "it's you." The blade withdrew and the Ko-Matoran walked away through the other rooms of the house. Takua eyed the back of his head, wondering how he could be so calm after almost beheading someone. "Come," Kokani called. "Matau is out here." The four followed him out the back door, where the Turaga stood in the rain, desperately peering through a telescope pointed at a patch of sky not covered with clouds. Upon seeing Takua, his face lightened up, and he ran to embrace the young Matoran. The Turaga’s frail arms wrapped around Takua as he returned them, still disheveled from what he had seen. It must have been an odd sight, but Takua didn’t care. He was scared, and something deep down was comforted by his mentor’s warm embrace. “Praise Mata Nui you’re alright,” Matau said, placing his hands on Takua’s shoulders. “Where are the others?” Takua looked up. “Others?” “The guards I sent to protect you!” Takua’s answer was short. “They’re dead.” Kokani slammed his fist against the wall in frustration. “He must have known. We have to move, Matau.” “No!” Takua yelled. Everyone stopped and looked at him. The rain patted against the platform as all was quiet for a moment. “Tell me what’s going on!” he demanded. But his question would go unanswered. There was a sudden rush of wind, and almost out of nowhere, a giant shape flew over their heads. Takua's instinctively looked upward, catching the tail end of a gigantic, insectoid Rahi as it narrowly missed the roof of Matau’s house. Its four wings buzzed with a high-pitched hum, and it swirled around, revealing giant mandibles and clawed arms. The Rahi flew at them once again. “Nui-Kopen!” Kokani yelled as he cast aside his cloak, revealing a long bladed staff. “Everyone stay down!” Takua watched as the giant bug rushed forward, narrowly missing Kokani as he rolled out of the way. Jabbing his staff into the air, he managed to lop off one of the bugs arms as it passed overhead, spraying purple blood all over. The Nui-Kopen screeched, blood still seeping from its arm, and made a direct line for Kokani. The Matoran turned a second too late. He caught the full force of the Rahi, sending both of them tumbling out into open air. The wind and rain partially obscured the airborne battle, but soon the insect fell from the sky, crashing through many branches of until it was out of sight. “No…” Matau mumbled to himself, as more Rahi appeared. “How did this happen…?” Before his eyes a swarm of Nui-Rama descended from the low clouds onto the city, and he caught sight of a Kane-Ra trampling through the streets, destroying everything in its path. Takua looked out at the chaos as he heard the deep bass note of the great warning shells being blown all across the city. He knew everywhere that guards and Gukko Force members would be suiting up, ready to defend the city at all costs, but it didn’t seem to matter. He watched as the Kane-Ra rampaged through the square, crushing the fountain with one step as it destroyed the front end of theTwisted Nail. He watched as Matoran ran through the streets as they tried to save their homes, tried to find their friends and family. He watched as the guards tried to repel the beasts, only to be trampled into the ground and skewered by horns, teeth, and claws. He watched it all from his platform, safe high in the trees, an island of calm in a sea of chaos, and he couldn’t help but think of how helpless he was. “Takua, we have to go!” Suddenly Jaka was shaking him, but he didn’t want to move. The images of his home burning still played in his mind. “Takua, come on!” “Saku is coming, Takua.” The name of the mysterious being forced him from his daze. He turned around to look at Matau. “We have to leave before he finds you.” Takua didn’t move. Instead, he stared at Matau, confusion written on his mask. “…you knew he was coming?” “Of course I knew. Ever since we found the Storyteller,” Matau sighed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier.” Takua didn’t know what to think. He was angry that Matau hadn’t told him, but he had to know the truth. “Then why didn’t you do anything? Why did you stand by and wait until I almost got killed?” “It was a trap!” Matau had to raise his voice over the howling wind. “That’s why I had you surrounded with guards who were always out of sight, so they could protect you and catch Saku off guard when he decided to make his move.” Takua stared in disbelief. “You used me?” He stammered. “As bait?” “I know how this looks Takua, but I had no choice. This was the only lead we’ve ever had on Saku, and I couldn’t go against the words of the other Turaga. I’m sorry.” Matau looked deep into Takua’s eyes as the rain and wind swirled about. Thunder cracked as smoke rose from the trees in the distance. “But we have to leave, there’s no time!” The Le-Matoran couldn’t take it. “Why didn’t you tell me!?” he yelled. “Did you know about this!?” He motioned to the burning city behind him as he ripped the Atouri from his neck. “It’s not me, Saku wants, it’s this! Why did you give this to me!? You could’ve just thrown it away and none of this would've happened!” “I understand you’re upset, Takua. But please, we have to move before—“ “Oh, it’s already too late for that, Matau.” Takua spun around at the sound of the voice, and instantly his anger was replaced with fear. Saku stood at the other end of the platform, grinning as lightning flashed in the sky behind him.

This is freakin awesome. I like how you manage to tell the story with as little dialogue as possible, saving that to flesh out other characters, making them seem like real people. The way you weave the dictionary definitions into it is nice too, it makes this story very unique. I also really like the main character. He just doesn't care about anything. Keep it up the good work.

Wow thanks, that means a lot! I prefer to think that people are intimidated by my beautiful storytelling and are too shy to post...but you know how it is. I've just revamped the epic and the this topic to make it look more professional.....hopefully that'll get the kids to come!

Chapter 8 - Blood on the Leaves "What did you see?" "Nothing." "Look at me," Talim grabbed Takua's hand underneath the table, her soft fingers brushing against his. The touch managed to sooth Takua, and slowly he obeyed, looking into her eyes for a moment before she repeated her question. "What did you see?" Takua sighed, and began to tell her, and Jaka, everything. He told them every strange thing that had happened in the past few days, from his mysterious encounters with Saku, to the voice in his head, to his dreams, to the heartbeat, and so on. He continued, constantly worrying that he was sounding insane, waiting for them to get up from the table and leave, dismissing everything as an elaborate tale he'd made up for attention, but they didn't. His friends sat by him, listening intently, soaking in every single crazy word. "I'm not sure what's real or not anymore," he concluded as he clenched the stone in his palm. “And it all started when Matau gave me this.” Talim and Jaka looked at him, obviously concerned, although neither of them really knew what to say. It was Jaka who thought of something first. “Why don’t you just throw that thing away?” “It’s not that easy.” “Why not?” Takua tried to think of the right words to say. “I don’t know, I feel I have this responsibility now, like someone has to take care of it. Matau gave it to me, so I’m the only one who can do it.” “Tell you what,” Talim chimed in. “This whole thing is stressing you out, so I’ll hold onto it for the day.” She took hold of the chain, expecting Takua to let go, but he didn’t. “...you can have it back tonight, okay?” she asked, hopefully waiting for his permission. Takua looked at her, then back to the stone resting in his hand. Now that he was given the choice, he wasn’t sure he wanted to let it go. He and the necklace had established a bond, and whatever that meant, he wasn’t sure if he was ready to give that up. He tried releasing his grip on it, but his fingers wouldn’t obey. They wanted to keep the stone. The stone wanted to keep him. “Takua? Well, what do you say?” Talim said, bringing him back to the real world. “...yeah. Sure,” he said slowly, releasing his grip on the stone. He watched her pull the glimmering chain out of his hand. She brought the chain over her head until the stone rested against her chest, and suddenly, it was just a trinket again. “Now come on,” she said, smiling. “Let’s enjoy the rest of our day.” Takua quickly finished the rest of his fruitcake and they left the pastry shop. He was finally able to put his thoughts to rest, and it seemed like a brand new day. Talim wore the stone as if it were a beautiful piece of jewelry, and Takua couldn’t help but notice how she seemed to radiate whenever the sun reflected off her armor. She would smile, and the entire area would light up with joy. She would laugh, and Takua had no choice but to smile himself. The end of the day came quickly. Before long the glow of twilight engulfed the city in the trees, and the setting sun found the three friends by the fountain in the middle of the square. Matoran all around slowly packed up their stalls and shops, readying them for the night. Talim had ran into one of her friends who owned such a stall, and they had stopped to chat while Takua and Jaka waited, sitting on the edge of the fountain. Takua had met Talim's friend a few times, as he recognized her full green Ruru, but he couldn't quite place her name. Was it...Alani? That sounded right. He shifted his gaze to the water, watching the water bubble up from the fountain's center. After a few long minutes, Jaka threw a pebble into the water and let out a sigh. “You ever wonder how girls can talk for so long?” Takua smiled briefly. “One of the many mysteries of this land, I suppose.” “Wait, why am I still here?” Jaka pronounced, as if a lightstone had suddenly gone off in his head. “She’s your girl; I don’t have to walk her home.” “Okay, she is not my girl,” Takua responded rather quickly. “Mahi dung! I see the way you look at her. Don’t even try to hide it.” “Just because I hang out with her a lot doesn’t mean that there’s anything between us.” “Now that’s funny!” Jaka retorted. “Just listen to her talk over there.” They both craned their heads and cupped their ears so they could hear Talim’s conversation. “…you should! I think he’s cute.” Talim smiled. “Have you been eyeing him?” Alani laughed. “Don’t worry he’s not my type. I like my Matoran a bit bigger than Takua.” “But you know what they say about small Matoran,” Talim lowered her gaze and smirked. Alani smiled and was quick to respond. “They’re big where it matters...!" Takua coughed as blood rushed to his cheeks. Jaka scratched his head and looked up at the sky. “But anyway…” Jaka cleared his throat. "Prove me wrong now." “Look,” Takua allowed his vanity to come through. “I’m funny and I have good time, I get it. But That doesn't mean we’re anything more than friends." "Why are you in denial? You just heard her talk about you!" "What are you guys talking about?" The two Matoran looked up to see Talim standing in front of them, obviously finished with her own conversation. "...politics." "Well that's boring. Ready to go?" The three left for the outskirts as darkness began to set in on the jungle city. They made their way through the buildings and trees with little conversation. The air smelled as it does before a storm, and the three quickened their pace as the wind pushed the clouds back over the city. "Hey, Talim?" Takua asked. "Can I have my necklace back now?" "Oh yeah, sure," she smiled as she slid the chain over her neck and handed it to him. The cold stone passed into his fingers, and suddenly, everything went black. It was as if the very light around them was being sucked away, and they were plunged into night. The trees and bushes slipped from their view, and they had to struggle to see more than a dozen feet in front of them. Before they had time to react, a voice sounded from all around. It was a cold voice, one that Takua recognized from his dreams. “You know, it’s kind of funny.” “What’s going on?” Jaka asked, instantly on edge. No one was able to answer his question. “Who’s there?” he yelled out. The voice went on. “In times of peace, Matoran think they are so powerful, so strong.” There was the sound of steel cutting through flesh, a scream, and the cracking of branches behind them. Takua whirled around, drawing his dagger and pointing it towards where the noise had come from. Talim gripped his hand. Her fingers were cold and trembling. “What’s going on, Takua?” “They think that not only can they live without fear, but that they can actually fight the darkness!” The voice spoke from everywhere. There was another flash of steel cutting flesh, and something else fell from the branches above them. “I know that voice,” Takua managed to choke out. His fingers were twitching around his weapon as he slowly walked towards the first fallen object. “It’s Saku.” He gripped Talim’s hand tighter. “He’s here.” “You think,” another cry, another unseen being falling from the trees. “That you stand a chance against me!” Takua could hear moaning now. Whoever it was that Saku had attacked was dying. Slowly, he pushed apart the leaves of the underbrush and saw a Matoran he recognized. Talim gasped. Jaka cursed. Two more attacks, two more bodies falling from the trees above them. “You think you stand a chance against the power of Makuta!” Takua gazed upon the captain of the Gukko Force, the head military power in Le-Koro. A deep gash in his torso had ripped apart his armor and flesh, and it was all the dying Matoran could do to look back at Takua’s horrified eyes without coughing up blood. He opened his mouth and managed to choke out one word: “Run....” The snap of a twig caused Takua to look up. Just behind the dying captain stood Saku, grinning to himself. His orange eyes glowing in the darkness, revealing his mask: shaped like a serpent's head. “Hello, Takua.”

Chapter 7 - Just In Case "Good morning you three!" Turaga Matau said cheerfully, nodding to Takua, Jaka, and Talim one at a time. "What can I do for you?" Takua decided to not waste time. He held up the stone in front of him. It dangled by its chain, swaying back and forth. "What is this?" he asked. The Turaga's smile faded. The lines in his mask became more pronounced, the bags under his eyes more noticeable. Suddenly the Turaga looked tired and sick. "Come inside," he held the door wide open. They walked through the door into the warm firelight. Takua noticed Kokani in the corner, sitting on a chair and watching them intently. The blue eyes behind his Akakau followed their every move, like a hunter eyeing prey. Takua shuddered. The Matoran’s gaze unnerved him. "Sit down," Matau said, motioning to the large chairs in his study. He took his own seat by the fireplace, next to Kokani. "Now, what can I do for you?" "Why did you give this to me?" Takua asked. “Ever since I got it, I’ve been seeing things and hearing voices in my head, and there’s always this...” he paused, trying to explain it. “...this heartbeat.” Matau closed his eyes, obviously deep in thought. After a few moments, he opened them and looked at Kokani. "The boy deserves to know Turaga,” Kokani said, answering Matau’s unasked question. Sighing, Matau turned back to Takua. “I gave it to you because I trust you. You must keep it safe, no matter what happens.” Holding it up, Takua raised his voice. “This thing almost killed me today!” He remembered the intense pain, the voice, and his long plummet to the ground. Luckily, the Matoran he had been talking to made a scene of it, allowing Raipu and a few other workers to catch him with a tarp. Talim and Jaka came running as soon as they heard what had happened, and offered to come with him to see the Turaga. “Whatever it is, I don’t want it. Please, take it back.” Everyone else in the room sat in silence as he spoke, unsure of what to do or say. The Turaga didn’t bother to look up from the floor. “I can’t,” he said sadly. “Why not?” Takua spouted out. “You don’t understand, Takua,” he sighed. “To hold the Atouri, or your necklace, is both a blessing and a curse. I fear age is finally catching up with me, and I am becoming too weak to wield it. You are to carry on in my footsteps, Takua.” “What?” Takua shook his head. He remembered the story he had heard from the late Storyteller. “The Atouri?” The door burst open behind them, causing Talim and Jaka to jump. A member of the Gukko Force stepped in, clad in full armor. He stood at attention. “Turaga!” “What is it?” Matau answered. “You are needed. We have a situation.” Sighing, Matau got up from his chair. “I’m afraid it’s time for you three to leave. There are things I must attend to,” he said, quickly ushering the three young Matoran toward the door. “I will answer your questions at another time.” “No, I want to know now!” Takua protested as he was pushed outside. “Later, my friend.” “When!?” “When the time is right,” Matau said as he shut the door, leaving the three outside in the late morning. Takua stood there, staring at the oak door. Every time he tried to get answers, something happened. He wanted to pound his fists in rage until the Turaga opened back up, but that would be out of line. Matau had a city to run, and that was much more important than his petty questions. He stood in silence with Talim and Jaka behind him, as if maybe, by some means, if he stared at the door long enough it would give in and splinter apart. But nothing happened. “Well, now what?” Jaka asked. Takua continued to stare at the door, grumbling to himself. “Come on,” Talim said, grabbing Takua’s hand and pulling him away from the square of wood. “Let’s go spend your paycheck.” As they climbed down to the square to go about their business, Matau watched them through his circular window. He shook his head just before waving his hand at the guard and thanking him. The guard bowed and walked out the back exit of the house. The Turaga heard footsteps behind him as Kokani’s face came into the reflection of the window. “That was nicely placed,” The Ko-Matoran said. “But you can’t avoid his questions forever.” “I know. But you know why we can’t tell him.” “What if we’re going about this all wrong? Should we be hiding him, or taking him to Nuju, where he’ll be safe? This is an awful risk, Turaga.” “He is safe. We’ve seen to that. And besides, the other Turaga have spoken, I don't have a choice.” “Makuta always has schemes of his own. He rules darkness for a reason: you can’t see where he hides.” Kokani turned around, drumming his nervous fingers on the wall. “He’ll be here soon.” Turaga Matau paused. “I know.” ~~~ "Hey!" The shopkeeper snapped. "If it's broken or scratched, you buy it." Jaka swallowed hard and examined sword quickly. Putting it back on the shelf, he proudly said, "Its fine." The shopkeeper gave him one last glare before turning back to Takua. He traced the back edge of the dagger with his finger. "Crafted out of protosteel, and inlaid with reinforced gold. You'll never have to worry about it breaking, unless you decide to try and cut apart something else made of protosteel.” He flipped it over in his hands, drawing attention to the shape of the blade. “Slightly curved, perfect for cutting, and partially serrated back here to rip apart anything that's left when it's pulled out.” Takua noted the serrated section of the back edge. “That’s something you might need with all the Rahi attacks these days." He turned the dagger upside down and pointed to a symbol on the very bottom of the handle. "This here says it was made in Onu-Koro: the highest quality you can find on Mata Nui." He placed it back down on the counter and looked up at Takua. "So, what do you think?" he asked. Takua held the weapon in his hand. He felt the soft, dark red leather of the handle as he turned it over. He didn’t have a real reason for buying the weapon, except that it was a handy tool to have around, and the thought of having a blade on him at all times eased his nerves. Saku briefly flashed through his head. One can never be too cautious. "I'll take it." "Brilliant," the shopkeeper said. "That will be fifty widgets." Takua's eyes widened at the price. "Never mind. I can't afford that." The shopkeeper's smile faded as Takua turned away. Determined to make the sale, he grabbed Takua by the arm. "Tell you what, for you, I'll make it forty." "I don't know," Takua scratched his head. "That's still most of my pay." "Thirty-five." "Deal," Takua offered his hand and the two shook on it. He walked out of the store with his new purchase closely followed by Jaka and Talim. He showed the dagger to them upon their request, and they admired the craftsmanship before deciding it was time for some food. Heading off to a pastry shop that Talim liked, Takua told himself that it was time to put the knife to the test: if it could cut fruitcake, it could cut anything. It was mid-afternoon now, and Takua watched the people walk along the streets as the three sat in the pastry parlor and ate their dessert. The questions he wanted to ask Matau burned in the back of his head like the smoldering embers of a long dead fire: they refused to die, even though there was no more fuel and they were covered with dirt. He listened to Jaka and Talim's conversation without taking in any of their words. Every once and a while he caught something about the leak in Jaka's roof or a crazy customer at the Twisted Nail, but nothing seemed to matter to him. It seemed that everything he knew was being threatened by a simple trinket. Matau's mention of the Atouri worried him. He didn't really believe that his necklace was a great and powerful artifact, but what if it was? What if the voices, the mysterious appearances by Saku, the heartbeat he kept hearing, what if it was all real? What if the darkness of Makuta was infecting him, and he was turning into a monster? What if he woke up one morning with an infected mask on his face with the desire to spread the darkness of Makuta, to destroy anything in his path, to kill the ones he loved? Catching himself feeling the stone as it dangled from his neck, he quickly took it off and laid it on the table next to his unfinished fruitcake. Content to watch the salesmen and travelers walk about, he tried to calm his mind. He watched as wagons passed, pulled by various creatures and Rahi. A train of them went by, and through the cracks between them he thought he saw someone looking at him. Leaning closer to the window, he was able to verify that, yes, someone was staring at him from across the market. A figure, a all figure, one that wore dark robes, and a mask shaped like a serpent. Saku! In a second he stood up, sending his chair toppling over as he grabbed his dagger from where it rested at his belt. Eyeing the spaces between the wagon train closely, he waited for the last cart to pass. It did, only to reveal busy Matoran walking about the streets. Takua searched for the being, until he felt someone pulling on his arm. "Takua?" Talim asked. Takua turned around to see everyone in the small shop staring at him, frightened expressions on their faces. Realizing how threatening he must look, he quickly put his dagger away. Grabbing his chair from where it lay, he sat down and looked at his fruitcake. "Takua, are you okay?" Talim asked again. Hesitating, he managed to pull words out of his mouth. "Yeah. I'm fine."

I am currently writing an epic, and I wanted to create a table of contents in my epic's review topic. I have seem members do this before, posing links in their review topic that lead to a specific chapter in their epic. Could someone help me out?For clarification: I know how to post a link to my epic's topic, but how would I post a link to a specific post (chapter) in that topic?Thanks in advance.

I have to admit, I usually don't read other people's epics. I take one look at them and find they are too hastily written, or are way too lengthy and in depth for the casual Bionicle fan that I am. However, you've managed to grab my attention with this. You have a very nice balance of action, description, and plot, and I can picture the environments and characters very well. I loved the dark atmosphere you presented the prologue in, as well as the characters of Dusk, his team, and the Makuta. You gave them believable emotions, such as jealousy, suspicion, even attraction, and this is something I don't often find here in the Epics forum. Even though I've only seen a few chapters, I have to say I'm sucked in, and would like to read more.Keep up the good work!