Nuile the Paracosmic Tulpa

Congrats to all the winners! These were definitely my top picks, although, Mystery Theater was my number one. But City of Wretches was excellent as well and extremely well-done.My only regret is that I had not the chance to enter, because then we would have had one more piece of quality detective fiction even if the graphics would have been lousy. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Kraggh, I believe your situation is the same as mine, only in reverse. The problem with historical fiction is that most archaic words aren't widely known and your general audience won't appreciate them. The problem with future fiction--if that's the term--is that any words you invent will, obviously, be unknown to your reader and that would probably annoy them even more. But you're a chronicler. Of course you chronicle in your own language, and naturally you translate. As you said, some things don't translate, but really, they do. Part of a translator's job is to alter the context to clarify meaning--to paraphrase. No one could really remember everything everyone said verbatim, anyway; it's only logical to assume the translator's doing a little paraphrasing.But if that's not good enough for you, don't bypass the problem, plow through it. If your story involves magic, perhaps there's a translation spell--if, as in your case, it's a sci-fi, what could be easier than to create a translation device? You know your story infinitely better than I, but surely there's some way you could work out a logical solution that explains why we can understand the aliens or futurians or whomsoever rather than merely excusing or ignoring the fact. Point granted. Being right doesn't win over readers. The word's alliteration. One person told me alliterations scream mysteries; to me, they scream cheap mysteries. To be honest, I didn't like any of these titles--except the prefix, until nearly everyone I asked objected to it. But, what I said previously notwithstanding, that is the kind of feedback I was looking for. I wanted opinions on my titles and I got them. A writer has to take the criticisms with the compliments, and accept that there will be far more of the former. So I reconsider the prefix, and all of my titles. One new thought I had was Death is Easy . . . Life is Hard, or present-tense verbs as an alternative. Or perhaps keep death and only change life to living. Your thoughts?Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Voices. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I think it would add a lot of depth to the story if the minifigs talked. I would like that. But really, my opinion pivots on one thing: Whether Kevin Conroy voiced Batman or not. If he did, I'll be euphoric. If he didn't, I might give it a chance. If Diedrich Bader did Batsy's voice, I wouldn't touch this thrice-accursed piece of trash with a twenty-foot pole.It all depends on that, for me. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Aspersions on my vocabulary are not the kind of feedback I was requesting. I understand, however, that not everybody knows that clew is an archaic spelling of the word clue (which is, in fact, a mere alteration of clew), a spelling that was used during the period in which my novel takes place, and therefore aids to evince the time setting. Most dictionaries show that clew means the same as clue, but does not explain that it was a form popular in the days of Agatha Christie, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Arthur B. Reeve, et cetera. So, I thank you for trying to be helpful, and I'm happy that I could inform you of a fact which you had not known previously and that most dictionaries neglect.Now, you have brought up another matter. It might be a natural inclination to think, "If this fool can't even get the spelling right in his title, why should I read his book?" But there again, if you saw a novel on a shelf with what you thought was a misspelling, wouldn't you be willing to trust that all the people involved in the process of publishing the book knew what they were talking about, and perhaps look up the word to find out they were right? Mightn't you then feel guilty enough to read the novel more leniently? Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

I would appreciate some opinions on these titles: The Clew of the Suicide Note The Clew of the Poison-Pen Letter The Clew of the Second Suicide The Clew of the Silenced Sisters The Clew of the Absent Epistle The Clew of the Missing Missive I'd like to know what each told you about the story, what image it evoked, and which intrigued you the most.Thanks! Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

One? Just one? "Enim Sapientia"; "For wisdom."If that doesn't quite count, "Let yourself be light," from some versions of the song Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Winnie the Pooh. It was very cute. The pit scene was highly amusing, as was the post-credit sequence. I loved how they enhanced Owl's personality, and I thought Eeyore's new voice was well-casted, but they ruined Rabbit. I dread to associate his voice with a certain abominable sponge, and though his military signalling was hilarious, it was incongruous with Rabbit's personality.Yeah, I think I was the first person to review a children's film here. http://www.bzpower.com/board/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.png Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

I've always loved Disney, although I agree that their channel has degraded to Muaka fodder, barring Phineas and Ferb. But their films are as good as ever and are still on top in my opinion.Disney cartoons have a special place in my heart, especially the earliest color ones. Although I'm also very partial to the Mouse Works cartoons and others from House of Mouse. And, speaking of the house, Disney seriously needs to release that on DVD. Why haven't they already? Yes, yes I have! And there is only one adjective that can adequately describe it. And it's in the title.Epic Mickey had a great plot, spectacular gameplay, plenty of funny moments, and a wonderfully nostalgic ambience. My only regret was that you couldn't backtrack. And the final level was a disappointingly anticlimactic.Now what about Kingdom Hearts? That was an excellent series, written brilliantly, full of colorful, expansive worlds to explore. The freedom of exploration, from being able to revisit everywhere as often as one liked, to being able to replay the "ending" endlessly and keep any levels gained therein, was phenomenal. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Once upon a time . . .Narrator: . . . there were three Matoran--a great big Onu-Matoran, a middle-sized Ga-Matoran and a rather eccentric Le-Matoran. The--Le-Matoran: A rather what Le-Matoran!?Narrator: Eccentric.Le-Matoran: Um, storyteller dude...my element is Air, not Lightning....Narrator: No, not electric, ec--Ga-Matoran (babying voice): Yes, yes, what a silly mistake the narrator made.Le-Matoran: I'm glad you agree, Mommy!Narrator: Um...yes, right. Well, where was I? Right, big Onu-Matoran, middle Ga-Matoran, eccentric--Le-Matoran: Windy Le-Matoran.Narrator: Yes, a windy Le-Matoran. Let's just hope he doesn't...break! *sniggers**the Onu- and Ga-Matoran snigger*Le-Matoran: *rolls on ground laughing* HAHAHAHA, AHAHAHA, HAHAHAHAAA!...I don't get it. o_ONarrator: *clears throat* Ahem....Sorry, I shouldn't have raised such a...stink! *sniggers**the Onu- and Ga-Matoran exchange exasperated smiles*Le-Matoran: *rolls on ground laughing again* HAHAHAHA, AHAHAHA, HAHAHAHAAAA!...I still don't get it. o_ONarrator: *clears throat yet again* Ahem....Yes, er, well...I...I'll continue now, shall I? Ahem, so yes, the Onu-, Ga-, and...um, windy...*stifles a snigger*...Le-Matoran all lived in a log hut, deep in the Le-Wahi jungle. One morning, the Ga-Matoran cooked a kettle of Bula Soup for breakfast. She filled a great big bowl for the Onu-Matoran, a medium-sized bowl for herself and a little bowl for the Le-Matoran.Le-Matoran: What's that supposed to mean? Why do I get a little bowl? Is that an insult, are you calling me fat!? DO YOU THINK I NEED TO GO ON A DIET!?!Ga-Matoran: Yes, frankly.Le-Matoran: Oh, okay then. See, I just wasn't sure.Narrator: Um...right. Anyway, so all three Matoran went for a walk in the Le-Wahi jungle.Le-Matoran: Great, I love to walk! "Walk" is my middle name!Onu-Matoran: Now you mention it, what's your first name?Ga-Matoran: Hopefully while we're out walking I'll find my knitting needles, I haven't been able to find them lately.Le-Matoran: Speaking of lost things, I can't find George anywhere! Maybe he's in the jungle, too.Narrator: Enough interruptions! Where was I? Yes, yes, the three Matoran went for a walk in the woods.Meanwhile, not far off, a young Manas named Goldishell emerged from a hole in the ground.Goldishell (singing): From the day I arrive on the surface....And blinking, step into the sun....There's more to be seen, than can ever be seen! More to do, than can eeveeeerrr be doooooooone! It's the circle of liiiiiife! It's the--Narrator: Um, very nice. Yes, so she emerged--singing--from the hole. Seeing the hut in the distance, she made her way toward it--still singing all the while. She was an ugly little female Manas, with a somewhat prettier golden shell. She had wandered a long way through the tunnels beneath the surface of Mata-Nui, and she was very tired. Wanting to rest, she made her way to the hut, where she knocked upon the door.Onu-Matoran: A Manas in our hut? Toa, Toa, help, thief! Toa, Toa--Narrator: Quiet, you're not at the hut anymore! You're walking in the jungle, remember?Le-Matoran: Yeah, we're out in the jungle, so--wait, the Manas might take George! Help, help, Toa, T--Narrator (fiercely): Walking--in--the--jungle. Got it? You do not want to incur the wrath of the narrator.Onu- and Le-Matoran (fearfully): O-okay, right, jungle. Got it.Narrator: So many interruptions....Right, so...ah, yes. Goldishell approached the hut, and knocked on the door. Getting no answer, she pushed the door open.Goldishell: Hmm, nice hut. It could use some nice curtains, maybe some flowers here and there, but....Oh, look, chairs!Narrator: Seeing three wooden chairs and a long table set for breakfast, Goldishell went over and sat in the Onu-Matoran's chair. But it was much too hard.Goldishell: This chair is much too hard.Narrator: Er, yes, so then she went and sat down in the Ga-Matoran's chair. It was much too soft.Goldishell: This chair is much too soft!Narrator: I just said that, you know....Goldishell: Yeah, I was repeating it for emphasis!Narrator: Okay, sure....At last, Goldishell sat down in the Le-Matoran's chair. It was neither too soft, nor too hard. But it was too small, and it--Le-Matoran: Wait, if I'm so fat, how would the chair be too small? Shouldn't I have a big chair?Ga-Matoran: No...the diet has been working, so...we got you a smaller chair!...As a surprise!Le-Matoran: Oh, wow! Thanks!Narrator: *clears throat* If I may continue?Le-Matoran: Oh, yes, please do, kind sir, please do!Narrator: Thank you so very kindly. Now, the chair, neither too soft nor too hard, was too small. And it broke--all to pieces.Le-Matoran: My chair! My brand-new chair! ;_;Ga-Matoran: *sigh* Don't worry, Le-Matoran, we'll get you a new ch--Le-Matoran: *squeals excitedly and hugs the Ga-Matoran* Oh, thankyouthankyouthank--Narrator: Enough! I lost my place again....Okay, as I was saying, the chair--Goldishell: This chair is neither too hard, nor too soft! But--oops! It's too small, and it broke--all to pieces, like!Narrator: *sigh* Must you repeat everything I say?Goldishell: *sigh* I must repeat everything you say.Narrator: Despite how much it annoys me?Goldishell: Because of how much it annoys you.Narrator: *sigh* Very well....Goldishell: *sigh* Very good....Narrator: >_> Well, as I was saying, the chair broke. Then our protoplasmic protagonist percieved the Bula Soup.Goldishell: Our...proto...protuberant...p-protozoa...wha'?...it is fair and just! Narrator: ;D Haha, victory! Now, as I was saying, Goldishell was very hungry, so--Goldishell: I'm very hungry!Narrator: Don't push me, lady...Goldishell: Oh, you wanna play rough, slimeball? I can play rough!Narrator: Trust me, you're already on my list, don't push it. Now, as Goldishell was very hungry, she tried the Onu-Matoran's great big bowl of Bula Soup.Goldishell: That's Bula Soup, is it? Doesn't look too appetizing, but I'm open to new things....Ow! Bula Soup is too hot!Narrator: Then, Goldishell--Goldishell: Wait, it might be too hot for eating, but not for...and the bowl's nice and big....Hot tub! *climbs into the bowl* Oooh, that's niiiiice...Narrator: You're swimming in someone's breakfast. That's disgusting.Goldishell: Don't knock it 'til you try it! It's so warm in here, and cozy. I could just lie here all day... *happy sigh*Narrator: [sarcasm]Oh, don't worry, I'll just wait. No reason to hurry, you're not holding up anything important. It's not like I have better things to do...[/sarcasm]Goldishell: Great! Thanks.Narrator: >_> GET OUT OF THAT POOR ONU-MATORAN'S BOWL!Goldishell: Okay, okay, sheesh! I'm out, I'm out! Gosh....Okay, try the Ga-Matoran's Bula Soup, right? Trying...nope, too cold! Next!Narrator: Okay, so then Goldishell tried the Le-Matoran's bowl.Goldishell: Hmm...not too warm...not too cold....It could use a dash of nutmeg, maybe a bit of paprika...a little salt for taste, some pepper....Oh, if only I had some fried Gukko to go with it!...But asides from all that, I guess it's just right.Narrator: So our crustacean heroine (and self-acclaimed food critic) ate the Le-Matoran's Bula Soup all up. By this time, Goldishell was very, very tired, and wanted to take a nap, so she looked around the hut for a place to lie down. The hut, she found, was actually quite fancy (for a hut), as it featured a second floor.Goldishell: Oh, in case the first one gets broken? Wow, that's brilliant! I wish my home had one of those.Narrator: I would bash my head into my desk, if only I had one handy....Well, for that matter, I could use a head to bash, too, as I'm just an unembodied voice...Goldishell: *gets out a pen and notepad* And how does that make you feel?Narrator: Well, when I was young, it always made me feel different from the other kids...they could run around and play, but all I could do was watch....And when people talked to me, they usually faced the wrong way...not that I was ever really entirely sure, I suppose, as I couldn't quite tell myself where I was, as I wasn't physically there to begin with...but it hurt, just the same. And people sat on me, all the time. At least...I think they did....But, anyway--hold up, why am I telling you all this?Goldishell: Hey, beats me, but it's fascinating, do go on!Narrator: Hey, have you been writing this down? Give me that!Goldishell: If you insist. I'll just put it right in your...hand! *sniggers*Narrator: Oh, that's cold! I share my feelings with you, and you just make fun of me, you--you--Goldishell: Now, now, don't go shooting off your mouth...not that you have one! *sniggers*Narrator: You're asking for it, lady.Goldishell: Oh, you wouldn't hit a lady, would you? I guess you wouldn't hit anyone, for that matter, since you have nothing to hit with... *sniggers*Narrator: Suddenly, the ceiling collapsed, just above Goldishell's head! She tried to dodge it, but she was too slow! Within moments she found herself buried beneath a pile of debris.Goldishell: Okay, granted, I deserved that....Narrator: Darn right, carrot face.Goldishell: Carrot...face? o_ONarrator: Yeah, carrot face! It sounds like carapace, but it's...more insulting!Goldishell: O...kay...then....Would you kindly get this junk off me now?Narrator: Not until you apologize.Goldishell: *sigh* Fine...I am sorry if you stupidly misinterpreted my witty, funny jokes as being mildly offensive. Happy?Narrator: >_> You call that an apology?Goldishell: Well, the word "sorry" did escape my mouth--mandibles--whatever--didn't it?Narrator: I suppose.Goldishell: Great, now that's settled, I thought I was supposed to be tired? Shouldn't I be going upstairs to find a bed now?Narrator: Oh, yes, right. Ahem...so a slight shift in the debris caused it all to slide off her, and Goldishell, after dusting herself off, ventured upstairs, where she found three rooms. A great big room for the Onu-Matoran, a middle-sized room for the Ga-Matoran, and a tiny little closet for the Le-Matoran.Le-Matoran: How come everything I get is so small!?Narrator: YOU'RE--NOT--HERE!Le-Matoran: That doesn't explain why--Narrator: GET OUT!Le-Matoran: Okay, okay, sheesh!Goldishell: I think I'll follow the pattern and test out the Onu-Matoran's bed first. Though, you think I'd have learned by now that the Le-Matoran's stuff is best, but whatever...Le-Matoran: Hey, she has a point! All my stuff may be small, but it's the best! I...I'm the best! Yeah, I'm the best! I'm the best!Narrator: GET OUT OF HERE AND DON'T COME BACK, OR BELIEVE ME, YOU WILL REGRET IT!Le-Matoran: Gosh, fine...Narrator: Eccentric little....*grumbles*Le-Matoran: WINDY!Narrator: YOU HAVE THREE SECONDS--Le-Gatoran: Okay, gotcha', I'm gone like the wind, babe!Narrator: *deep sigh* Okay, so Blondishell found three beds, one in each room, and tried the Onu-Matoran's first.Goldishell: Much too hard. [sarcasm]There's a shock![/sarcasm]Narrator: And then she tried the Ga-Matoran's bed. I'm sure you know what's coming next, unless you have a brain the size of a Le-Matoran's--Le-Matoran: I resemble that remark!Narrator: I warned you! Meanwhile, out in the jungle, where the three Matoran were walking, a Muaka prowled through the undergrowth, searching for its favorite prey--Le-Matoran.Le-Matoran: N-no, no! I'll behave, I swear! JUST DON'T LET THE BEASTIE HURT ME! *cowers*Narrator: That's better. Ooh, bad luck for that other random, nameless Le-Matoran who happened to be nearby, wrong place at the wrong time, poor guy... That'll hurt in the morning. So the three Matoran continued their walk, and meanwhile, back on the ranch--yum, anybody got any salad?--Goldishell was trying the Ga-Matoran's bed.Goldishell: Too soft. Honestly, how much more predictable can this get?Narrator: Finding the first two beds to be uncomfortable, Goldishell tried the Le-Matoran's smaller one.Goldishell: And this bed is too mediocre!Narrator: Ha, ha. Stick to the script!Goldishell: Oh, pooh-pooh! Fine, this bed is just right....And I'm so tired of the predictability of it all that I'll just lie down and fall fast asleep....*snores*Narrator: Just then, as Goldishell drifted off into the land of dreams, of sugarplum fairies and ice cream clouds--Goldishell (talking in her sleep): CRUSH 'EM, TIGER!...*snore*....CHEW 'EM UP AND SPIT 'EM BACK OUT!...*snore*....THEN CHEW 'EM UP AGAIN!...*snore*....YEAH, THE BIG TRUCKS IS GONNA EAT THE LITTLE TRUCKS!...*snore*Narrator: Or of monster trucks and pizza clouds....So, um, yeah, the three Matoran were returning from their walk.Le-Matoran: Are we there yet?Onu-Matoran: No.Le-Matoran: Are we there yet?Onu-Matoran: NO.Le-Matoran: Are we there yet?Onu-Matoran: NO! NOW SHUT IT!Le-Matoran: ...Are we there yet?Onu-Matoran: *sigh* Yes, now we are there.Le-Matoran: Yay! Are we there yet?Onu-Matoran: Yes! I just said that!Le-Matoran: Oh, right....Are we th--Ga-Matoran: *gasp* Oh, dear me! Oh my goodness! Good gracious! Great gussy! Sakes alive! Slap me silly! Paint me red and shove a crowbar up my nose! Stomp on frogs and--Onu-Matoran: o_O What in the world are you going on about!?Ga-Matoran: The door to our hut is open! Someone must be inside!Onu-Matoran: Oh, naturally, we couldn't have just left it open, nor the wind blown it open, nor some Rahi entered. Because the door's open, naturally someone's in there, taking every one of our possessions, and preparing to strap the hut to a flock of Gukko to take that, too....Ga-Matoran: Don't jump to conclusions, I'm sure it's not nearly that bad, you worrywart!Le-Matoran: Finally! Someone agrees with me! I've always said he was a wart.Onu-Matoran: Well, are we going to stand out here all day, are shall we investigate inside?Ga-Matoran: Right...you go first! In case there is a thief, or a Rahi, or a Skakdi, or a Makuta, or a Sith, or--Le-Matoran: A Sith? Oh, come now, everybody knows they only live in the Southern Continent!Ga-Matoran: Well, maybe Voldemort's in there, or Tigerstar, or Basta, or even Edward!Le-Matoran: Edward? *shudders* Now that would be scary.Onu-Matoran: What's so bad about him?Le-Matoran: Nothing, really, it's the insane rush of fanatic teenaged girls that scares me....Narrator: All three Matoran shuddered heavily at this, and if not for the fact I am unembodied, I would, too. So instead I shudder in spirit. *nod*Le-Matoran: Spirit? GHOST! *screams*Ga-Matoran: *rolls eyes at Le-Matoran* Right, as I was saying, Onu-Matoran, you go first!Onu-Matoran: Me? Why not Le-Matoran, he's expendable!Le-Matoran: I thought we'd established this, I'm windy!Onu-Matoran: 'Kay fine, send him in first, he's windy.Ga-Matoran: Fair enough. Let's just hope there's a hungry Muaka waiting inside....Narrator: And then the Ga- and Onu-Matoran proceeded to shove the Le-Matoran inside.Le-Matoran: Hey, not so rough! Well, looks like nobody's here. Phew, I was scared they might have taken George....Narrator: Assured of the safety, the other two Matoran followed the Le-Matoran inside.Onu-Matoran: Hey, someone has been here! They've been sitting in my chair!Le-Matoran: And...how exactly can you tell this?Onu-Matoran: I...um...er....Ga-Matoran: He read the script, of course. So have I, and someone has been sitting in my chair, too!Le-Matoran: Well, it's obvious enough someone has been sitting in my chair, I don't need any script to figure that out. See, 'cause it's broken all to pieces! Poor chair, never had a chance....*sniff* Why must the good die young!? D: Oh, look, soup! 8DNarrator: Then the Matoran investigated the bowls on the table.Onu-Matoran: Someone has been tasting my Bula Soup! And...I think they were swimming in it, too. *grossed look*Ga-Matoran: Someone has been tasting my Bula Soup! And, on a different subject, where'd that pile of debris over there come from?Le-Matoran: Someone has been tasting my Bula Soup, and it's all gone! Maybe they're still upstairs--we can catch them before they take George!Narrator: Proceeding upstairs, the three Matoran searched each of their rooms.Onu-Matoran: Someone has been in my room--and they were sleeping in my bed!Ga-Matoran: Someone has been in my room--and they were sleeping in my bed! And...there's a big hole in the floor. o_OLe-Matoran: Someone has been in my room--and they were sleeping in my bed--and...and...*gasps* here's George! Oh, I'm so glad I've found you, I've missed you, George! I thought I'd lost you....Oh, and, there's someone in my bed, too. *shrugs* But what do I care? I've found George! I've found my favorite bucket!Narrator: And with one final hug, the eccentric--Le-Matoran: Windy....Narrator: Windy Le-Matoran donned the bucket as a hat. As he did, Goldishell opened her eyes, suddenly awakened by all the voices.Goldishell: *gasp* I've been suddenly awakened by all the voices!Narrator: If only I had a head and hand with which to headpalm in expression of my exasperation....Goldishell: *screams* Matoran!Onu-Matoran: *screams* A Manas!Ga-Matoran: *screams* A Manas!Le-Matoran: What's this about a banana?Goldishell: Please don't eat me! *cowers*Onu-Matoran: Us? Eat you? You should be eating us!Goldishell: Hey...that's right! I'm a Manas, and you're all Matoran! Sweet, this will kick the predictability! Okay, cue the dorky 60's music and begin the chase scene!Narrator: And so, to the tune of "I'm in Love with an Ostrich", the chase commenced. All through the house the Matoran fled, Goldishell crawling quickly after them. Even through a long hallway with many doors on either side, which did not previously exist and was to disappear once it had served its purpose for the chase scene, they ran, on and on.Onu-Matoran: *gasps* Wait! Everybody, stop!Narrator: The Onu-Matoran halted, causing the Ga-Matoran to crash into him from behind, followed by the Le-Matoran, and finally Goldishell. Painful.Ga-Matoran: Ouch! Why are we stopping, exactly?Onu-Matoran: Oh, I just found a widget here on the ground, that's all. Must be lucky....Okay, we can continue!Narrator: And so they continued their chase, running higgledy-piggledy about the house. Eventually the three Matoran fled out the front door, Goldishell following.Ga-Matoran: Quick! Into the pond, I bet Manas can't swim very well!Onu-Matoran: Oh, yes, and we Onu-Matoran are experts ourselves.Ga-Matoran: Well, it's worth a shot! Come on!Narrator: And so, as the Matoran trio entered the pond that sat before their house, quickly followed by Goldishell, our story comes to a close. For the pond that stood before their hut was not ordinary liquid protodermis--it was energized protodermis. Goldishell, the Onu-Matoran, Ga-Matoran, and Le-Matoran, bucket and all, dove into the pond. Moments later, something emerged--a humongous, horrendous, hideous mixture of Onu-Matoran, Ga-Matoran, Le-Matoran, and Manas--in the human world it would be known as a "BIONICLE Set Combiner". It had four huge legs; one green; one black; one blue; the last gold, and bearing a wheel where a foot would be. The four arms were of the same colors, the gold one ending in huge, crustacean claw. Yet the strangest, most horrible part of the beast could only be one thing--the huge, upside-down bucket that covered the beast's torso, on top of which sat four heads; three wearing masks; the third that of a Manas.Goldishell's Head: Well, I'm sure nobody saw that coming.Onu-Matoran's Head: Definitely a unique addition to the classic tale.Le-Matoran's Head: But we don't have a tail. o_OGa-Matoran's Head (exasperatedly): Just keep telling yourself that, darling.Narrator: And so ends the story of Goldishell and the three Matoran, otherwise known as The Legend of the Le-Wahi Beast.Le-Matoran's Head: And before you go, rest assured, no Matoran nor Rahi were harmed in the making of this comedy. Well, except for that Le-Matoran that got attacked by the Rahi...and I guess four creatures merging into a huge mutant could not really be called unharmed....Okay, rephrase that: Rest assured, four Matoran, one Manas, and one bucket were very much harmed in the making of this comedy.Ga-Matoran's Head: That's reassuring.Goldishell's Head: And, from our family to yours, have a very merry Christmas! Narrator: I won't even ask. I think it's time to end the--Le-Matoran's Head: DAYDREAMIN' HEAD IN THE SAND, DAYDREAMIN' GEE BUT IT'S GRAND! I'M IN LOVE WITH AN OSTRICH! *sigh* I'm gonna have that stuck in my head all day....The End Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Chapter Twelve "This is it?" asked Veverka, disappointment in her voice. "This is what the hideout of revolutionaries looks like, huh?"We had, as Veverka's statement makes clear, reached the headquarters of the Aliruug; a colossal warehouse, abandoned judging by the state of it. Glass, metal, and other debris were strewn about the ground. Creeping vines clutched the walls, which was, in fact, the first evidence of plant life I had seen first-hand on Slizer."Did you expect a palace?" asked Puxe.Veverka ignored the comment and stated, "I'm just not sure if I trust the stability of this place. The roof is liable to collapse any moment. Parts of the wall already have collapsed.""As has the roof," Puxe replied. "So there is no need to worry.""Thanks, that makes me feel much safer," the Fire Agori responded in a sarcastic tone.Nevertheless, she followed Puxe, as did we all. Our alternate options were highly limited.Puxe led us to a side door, upon which he rapped once. There was no reply, but Puxe just stood there."Well? What are we waiting for?" Klimaat inquired impatiently after a short pause."Patience, foreigner, wait for--ah!" Two taps returned from the interior side of the door. Puxe knocked ten-and-seven times more, stated his name, and the door swung open."Puxe! You return at last. We were beginning to worry you had been captured, or worse. In fact, you have been gone so long, the code has changed to fourty-two knocks, but nevermind. Was your mission successful? All else is in preparation. We would have moved headquarters before now, if not for the importance of your return." All this spilled forth hastily from the four-legged Granite standing in the doorway.Puxe had no difficulty keeping track of all these statements and questions, and replying to each in turn. "Greetings, Akullo. Yes I was, and it would have been assuredly worse if not for these foreigners. They too oppose Emperor Millennium. It was indeed successful. Spectacular, then we may launch the operation as soon as possible. Ah, I apologize for holding up the transfer, I hope it has not caused problems.""Ah, new allies are always welcome, even if their appearances are most strange. Many thanks to you five for bringing Puxe back with the information he has gained for us. Yes, we may even operate tonight. It has caused no trouble, and there is no time left that it could."My head was spinning. "Can we stick to one subject at a time--please?""Ah yes, of course. I apologize." To Akullo, Puxe said, "The foreigners' brains are incapable of operating at speeds as high as ours."After a pause, Klimaat cried, "Hey! We're standing right here, you know!""So what's all this about preparations, and operations?" asked Seren."Enter into the headquarters," Puxe invited. "I shall explain inside."The two Throwbots disappeared through the doorway. As we followed, I prepared myself for the grand spectacle I expected inside. Weapons, computers, starships, hundreds of Throwbots, and who knew what else!My imaginings did nothing to prepare me. After all the wonders I had seen, I thought nothing could surprise me. But I was wrong. Nothing could have prevented the great shock with which I met as I passed into the warehouse.It was empty! There was nothing! Nothing! An empty metal floor, stretching nearly as far and wide as the hangar in Millennium's palace. Moonlight poured through the gaping hole above, bouncing off the reflective, albeit filthy, metal surface, giving the headquarters its only dazzling aspect."This is not at all what I expected the headquarters of an organization of hi-tech revolutionists to look like," Klimaat stated."I suggest you withhold comment until you have a chance to see the headquarters and judge it fairly," said Akullo. With that, the Granite stepped forward and vanished. Vanished, I say! Into thin air!Noticing our surprise, Puxe instructed us to follow as he himself stepped forward and disappeared."It is merely, as you boors would so crudely put it, a 'mind trick,'" explained Nagaan scornfully.Haughtily, she strode forward until she, too, disappeared. Cautiously we followed: Glatorian of Bota Magna, Agori of Fire, Agori of Aqua Magna, and finally Glatorian of Sand.And then we saw what we had been expecting. Weapons, computers, starships, hundreds of throwbots, who knew what else, it was all there."They have machines to turn themselves invisible!" exclaimed Klimaat. "Brilliant! That could come in handy."Nagaan sneered. "Indeed. I have always wondered what being invisible would be like."Before Klimaat could reply, Puxe said, "Follow Akullo, foreigners, I have someone I must speak with prior to accompanying you."With that, we split up. Puxe disappeared into the throng of creatures and technologies, while Akullo directed us down a different path through the maze. We passed Throwbots of all kinds; computers and machines for which I could only imagine purposes; weaponry, ships, and various other objects of a discoid shape, which I noticed seemed to be a popular theme on Slizer.The room was so large, and so replete, that it was hard to concentrate on any one thing for longer than a moment, and much eludes my memory. Yet some specific details I am able to recollect with ease. For one, I noticed the summit of a large, transparent dome in a far corner of the humongous room, which seemingly contained some type of luminous gas. Another was the massive network of platforms that crisscrossed the area, which was primarily used as a dock for the Aliruug's many transports. However, as we were nearing what I approximated as the center of the chamber, I noticed above me a circular platform raised above the others, ringed by computers and various other devices. At its center was a table, around which stood eight beings: one Throwbot of every kind. The Jet I would not have recognized as Puxe if Akullo had not pointed him out to me.I lost track of time amidst this treasure trove of technological wonders, but before too long we reached a comparatively quiet area of the headquarters. There were fewer Throwbots bustling about, and the space was filled with circular tables and chairs. We seated ourselves around one of these metallic plateaus, and were presently approached by an Amazon."Would you desire an article of consumable matter?" she inquired.I stared at her blankly for a moment, for the question seemed so out of the blue. Food! So much had happened that day, I had scarcely had time to think about food! But now that the concern was brought to the table, as it were, hunger crashed down upon me. Factually I could not remember ever feeling more famished.And so we selected a variety of dishes between us and laid voracious waste to them. The Slizerian cuisine was unique, unlike anything I had ever experienced before, but far more savory than it appeared...and smelled.Soon after our appetites had been satisfied, Puxe joined us."Now then," said Puxe, getting straight to the point. "You wondered what it was Akullo and I were discussing upon our arrival here. 'About preparations and operations,' as foreigner Seren put it. Well, the explanation is simple. The very reason I was locked in the Emperor's dungeon is because I infiltrated the palace itself. I was on a mission for the Aliruug, that being to retrieve a map of the fortress, and this I have done. This is being examined by our leaders--excepting one, for I have removed myself to speak with you--as I speak. Plans are being formulated, and the troops are gathering and making all necessary preparations. As soon as possible, we attack."Klimaat slapped the table before him. "How I love that word!""Do we have your support?""I don't think there is any doubt about that," Seren rejoined."Then give me your solemn word," urged Puxe. "Swear your allegiance to the Aliruug; to fight for our purposes as well as your own; to follow orders without hesitation or fail; to lay down your life in this pursuit of freedom for Slizer, freedom for Spherus Magna, and for any other planet that may in future be threatened by this tyrant! Vow, foreigners, that you will do all in your power to your very last breath to rid the universe of the plague that is Millennium!""I swear it!" Klimaat cried."I undoubtedly affirm it!" I declared."I promise!" exclaimed Veverka."You have my word!" said Nagaan."For all of Slizer, for all of Spherus Magna, and for the Great Beings themselves, I vow my allegiance!" proclaimed Seren."So be it," Puxe confirmed. "Seren, Klimaat, Veverka, Reise, and Nagaan; Stellar Quest Team, welcome to the Aliruug!" Thanks for reading! Word Count: 1,458 Review Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

A full moon shone down upon a quiet village, reflecting off the calm waters of a pond which lay at its center. Around this, a large group of Matoran gathered in a circle, leaving a ten foot gap around the pool.A Turaga stepped out of the throng and stood before the pond, hands clasped behind his back. His voice, deep and clear, rang through the night: "Gathered friends, it is time, once more, for the Choosing of another Hero."Quiet voices hissed around him, some nervous, others excited. The Turaga lifted a hand and silence fell."As I am sure all of you know quite well, never has a Chosen Hero been successful with The Task."A chant of "Boo"s broke out, but the Turaga hushed them once more."Time and time again the the Heroes have left on The Task and never returned. Still our village is cursed by the evil Terahi."The Turaga allowed this chant of "Boo"s to go on for a few minutes before hushing the Matoran."This time, perhaps, a more worthy Hero will be Chosen." There was an edge of bitterness to the village leader's voice. He continued, "But that is neither here nor there. Tonight, we call upon the Great Beings to Choose a new Hero. May they make a wise selection."The Turaga cast a meaningful glance at a large, heavily muscled Ba-Matoran; the latter grinned confidently, and several nearby Matoran shoved him jovially as murmuring, mostly excited this time, broke out once more."Let the Choosing begin!" cried the Turaga, spreading his arms and tilting his head to stare at the moon.All heads turned to the orb glowing in the sky above them. It flashed brighter for a split second, then dimmed again. For several long moments, nothing happened; it was as if they had imagined the sudden glow.Then, quite suddenly, the pale moonlight faded away completely. Only one Matoran cried out in surprise: she had never before witnessed the event. In silence they stood, waiting, with the only light coming from the stars.A single beam of moonlight appeared at the center of the pond, only a few feet in diameter. Slowly, it moved across the still surface. The Ba-Matoran's smile faded as the light slid away from him.The beam moved into the crowd, and the Matoran parted; a single De-Matoran, small and frail, stood alone under the moon's light. He shuffled his feet nervously as all eyes turned upon him.The Turaga just stared. His mouth hung open but he did not speak.At last the beam faded and the full moonlight shone down upon the village once more.The Turaga glanced at the moon, then back at the De-Matoran, his mask wearing an expression of shock. Surely this is not so? he thought. How can he be our Hero?The silence wore on, and the De-Matoran looked at his feet, avoiding eye contact. At that moment, he wished he could just fade away, as the moonlight had minutes before, rather than face the devastating disappointment of his fellow villagers.The Turaga's shock turned to disdain. "So be it," he said crisply, and with that turned on the spot and stalked off. "The Great Beings have Chosen. They have doomed us to die."Half of the village followed their leader. Others hesitated, glancing sympathetically at the De-Matoran before leaving. This left two Matoran; the newly Chosen Hero, and a Ce-Matoran."Well, congratulations, Padin," the Ce-Matoran said, circling the pool to stand beside the De-Matoran."Congratulations? For what?" Padin hissed, rounding on his friend. "For being Chosen as the next to die? The next to disappoint my village? Flii, I wouldn't wish my place on my worst enemy.""Not even Tarka?"Padin chuckled faintly. He thought of the Ba-Matoran's expression before the Choosing, and his disappointment after. "Yes, perhaps Tarka."Flii hesitated before suggesting, "Couldn't...couldn't he go in your stead?"Padin frowned. Though the same thought had occurred to him, this was not what he wanted to hear."Yes, everyone would like that," he muttered miserably. "You would, too, wouldn't you? You don't even believe in me."Flii's eyes widened and she shook her head. "N-no, that's not what I--""Admit it," said Padin bitterly. "Nobody thinks I can do it. I don't even think I can do it."He turned to leave, but Flii grabbed him by the shoulder. Her eyes, Padin noticed, were brimming with tears. Feeling awkward, he avoided her gaze."No, let me go with you!""What?""Yes, I can help you! Please?"Padin smiled. The thought of having Flii's comfort on The Task warmed him, but he pushed it away. No, I can't let her risk her life."No, of course not," the De-Matoran said aloud. "I can't let you come with me.""Can't you? Can't you, please?" Flii pleaded.Padin did not reply: he simply shook his head."It won't be the same here." Flii stared at her feet. "Not...not without you.""I'll miss you, Flii.""I'll miss you very much, Padin," the Ce-Matoran replied tearfully.They stood together in silence, gazing into the depths of the still pond, a mirror image of the moon shining at its center."Maybe...maybe you will complete The Task.""We both know that's impossible. Not me." Padin sighed. "Oh, why did the Great Beings have to Choose me? There are many others so much more worthy...."Flii shifted her feet uncomfortably. "Perhaps they saw something in you. Something you don't even see yourself."Padin rubbed his hands together in desperation. "Or maybe there's just no chance left for the village. No Hero has ever succeeded...I doubt any Hero ever will. So now...now the Great Beings are just Choosing the most expendable.""Don't say that!" Flii gasped."But what other answer is there? Why else would they continue Choosing Heroes?"Flii hesitated thoughtfully. "Could it be out of mercy, not cruelty, that they continue to send Heroes to their deaths?""What's that supposed to mean?""Wouldn't it be easier to go to your doom, knowing it will come, rather than stay here, every day unsure if you will live to see another?""I think I'd take the second choice.""Maybe you're braver than you think, then."Padin did not reply. Flii fell silent.After several minutes, Padin noticed a faint glow on the horizon. "It will be morning soon. I better get going, the villagers will expect me to be dead when they awake."Flii opened her mouth, but could find no answer. She settled for a simple, warm, "Good luck. May the Great Beings light your path.""They have already shadowed it," Padin muttered darkly.The pair turned in opposite directions. Padin made his way through the Northern area of the village, which sloped upward toward the mountain whose peaks towered high above the little huts. The lowest of the peaks was his destination: home of Terahi, the beast that had tormented the village for centuries.But first there was one thing to do. He did not want to go unarmed, even if it would probably not be much help. Another thing he would rather have avoided was facing the Turaga again, which he had to do to get his arms.The door to his large hut was hanging wide open, but to be polite Padin knocked."Come in, I don't care!" came the answer. The Turaga's voice was hoarse, and there was a hint of madness to it. "Rob me blind, it matters not! I won't be poor long, anyway! In fact, murder me to eliminate witnesses, I'd thank you for it!"The words shocked Padin. "I won't hurt you," he promised, stepping inside.The Turaga squinted at him for a moment, and his gaze hardened as he realized who had entered his hut. "Not intentionally, perhaps," said he drily. "I would have preferred a thief or murderer."Padin winced at his tone, sharp as a blade. "I-I came to get my arms," he spluttered.Wordlessly, the Turaga waved an arm at a table near the center of the room, where a shield, spear, and helm were laid. They were all made of metal, the shield emblazoned with a warrior, thus armed, battling a vicious beast. The beast's appearance, of course, was fictional; for any who laid eyes on the real Terahi was never heard from again.Padin opened his mouth to speak, but seeing the village elder's mask, he closed it again. The De-Matoran walked to the table, feeling awkward. Muttering a word of thanks, he took his arms and hurried out of the hut.After donning the helm and slipping an arm through the shield's straps, Padin set off again, northward. The walk to the edge of the village was short, and he met no one. Tired and disappointed, all the Matoran of the village had retired to their beds. Few, however, slept that night.The night was eerily silent. The normal night noises were hushed, as if all the inhabitants of the small valley, Matoran and Rahi alike, were holding their breath as they watched yet another Hero march to his doom.Padin trudged out of the cluster of huts and ascended the first hill, pausing midway to turn his gaze once more on the village that had been his home. His friends, his house, his work...all was being left behind. And for what? To join the dead bodies of the past Heroes? To fruitlessly sacrifice himself?Run, he thought suddenly. Run away. There is nothing more you can do for your village, you cannot defeat Terahi.No, that is the coward's way out, said another voice, deep in his mind.At least I'd be alive, Padin told himself.Better to die in the line of duty than to live as a coward.He knew his conscience was right. Perhaps it would be in vain, but it was the honorable thing to do.The De-Matoran turned his back on his home for the final time and walked on. Presently a light drizzle fell from the sky, but he did not mind. In fact, he revelled in this wonder of nature, this last glimpse of beauty. How had he never come to appreciate how awesome rain was before? He had seen rain many times in his long life, and yet never had he truly recognized it for all it was.Rain was a means of life, for the Rahi that drank from the ponds and rivers, and ate from the trees and other plants which needed water to survive. Many creatures even lived in water, lakes and oceans which would be dry without rain. Matoran were equally helpless without water. Never had Padin realized how important it was.This epiphany led to many others as Padin climbed the mountain. The flowers that stretched their beautiful petals toward the sky, the bugs that crawled through the grass, the stone and earth from which the planet was made. Every aspect of nature was magnified and glorified during those quiet hours.At last Padin's climb was nearing an end, and the sun had begun its own ascent. How majestic, those golden rays that tinged everything it touched with light and color, filling the Matoran's body with warmth even through the rain that had become torrential during the night.Even those bleak cliffs and peaks of the mountain were filled with splendor that morning. Padin's heart soared with glee and laughter, in spite of the dark knowledge that this was the last time he would see any of it.And so what? He had seen all these things every day for thousands of years, and never had he seen the magic it held. It did not feel as if he was about to die, rather that he had been reborn. How could he have been worried, how could he have considered running away from all this, so few hours before?Finally, Padin reached the ledge near the tip of the lowest peak. There the entrance to Terahi's lair arched above his head. But at that moment, his gaze took in only the sun that blazed over the eastern horizon, its rays just pouring into the valley far below. He saw movement in the village, which looked like ants scurrying over their anthill from such a distance. Flii was down there; oh, if only she could know, could feel what he had felt in the past few hours. Perhaps she would be Chosen as the next Hero, and then she could.A cloud drifted around the peak, blocking Padin's view of the village. With that cue, he strode up to the mouth of the large cave.Warmth and happiness drained from the De-Matoran's mind. His heart was swallowed whole by the shadows that danced and jeered out of the sunlight's reach. And then he fully realized what he was walking into: death.What, he wondered, would death be like? Would it be swift? Would it be slow and painful? He did not know. No one knew, he realized. No one alive, anyway. His heart filled with dread, but he knew there was no turning back. He had made it this far, and it was his duty to see it through to the end. His end. He gulped.Bravely, he took a step forward. And then another. He thought of the rain, the sun, all the natural wonders he had seen in that morning. And he thought of Flii. All this lent strength to his limbs once more, and he marched onward into the darkness. It did not press and squeeze around him as he had expected. On the contrary, the shadows seemed to wilt and cower as he made his way past them.The terror that had overpowered him momentarily was gone, and he reflected on the wonder of his own life force as he followed the tunnel, which spiralled slowly downward. His mind, his heart, his body...that it worked, that it existed, was miraculous. How easily it could be taken away, too...and yet only at that time was it truly appreciated.The shadows grew darker and darker, and more confident, as he marched along. He felt as if hundreds of bodies rushed and swarmed around them, yet he did not suffer by it. Shadow...the opposite of light. It was just as vital as light, Padin realized. It gave a break from the heat of the day that would shrivel plants and animals alike if it wore on without pause. It calmed the light and allowed for the creatures with sensitive eyes to emerge from their dens, hidden from their prey by the darkness. It was a wonder, a marvel, not to be feared, but embraced.And yet...the shadow produced evil."Greetings, Hero."Padin jumped. The echo of the voice and his told him that he was in a large chamber. Was this Terahi's den? But who had spoken?"H-hello?" he called feebly.A high-pitched, scratchy laugh echoed around the cave. It seemed to come from the shadows themselves. "They're really scraping the bottom of the barrel now, aren't they?" said the voice, pausing again to laugh. "Well, at least you showed up. That's a change of pace.Padin gasped in surprise. "What's that supposed to mean?""Well, let's just say that this is the first time my prey has come to me.""You're lying! What about all the other Heroes?"There was no answer, save another cackle."Who are you, anyway?" Padin asked fiercely."My, what bad manners!" taunted the voice. "Very well. I am the being whom you Matoran call 'Terahi.'"A sharp intake of breath echoed around the cave. A similar gasp followed, tinged with mockery."Now, Hero: what is your name?" hissed Terahi.Padin gathered his courage, pushing away the pressing fear once more. This was why he had gone there, after all: to face Terahi."My name is Padin, Terahi. What an honor it is to meet you," he declared. His voice was heavy with sarcasm.Terahi laughed. "Well, well! You have spirit, Hero.""Show yourself, Terahi, so that I may shake your hand." Padin whispered.Another laugh. "Do you not see me, before you? Look carefully."Padin squinted, but to no avail: darkness blinded his vision. "I see nothing but shadow," he replied.Padin was quickly tiring of Terahi's laugh. "Precisely, Hero!""I am getting impatient, Terahi!""Oh, you are, are you?" the voice jeered, followed by another echoing laugh. "Very well, Hero, I will spell it out for you. You see me before you. I am the darkness; I am shadow. The endless abyss, the nothing from which everything is created, and to which everything must return.""Enough talk," Padin said. "Let us end this. Cease your hiding.""And why would I do that? Why should I not just kill you where you stand?"Padin grinned. He had an answer ready for this. "Are you afraid to face a Matoran?" And he laughed.The high-pitched laugh joined his own. "Very well, Hero, I will humor you."With a rush and whistle, the shadows disappeared, swishing away like a huge, black cloth and piling into a heap at the far end of the chamber. To Padin's amazement, an unnatural light filled the area, bright and dark at the same time. Yet it had no source: it seemed that light could by smothered by shadow, to be revealed once more when the darkness is removed.Padin took in his surroundings. The cavern was very large, though it seemed much smaller in the light. The dirt floor was uneven and rocky, but was barren of anything that might suggest it as a home. During all these observations he kept an eye on the shrinking mass of shadow that wriggled and writhed on the ground. Suddenly, it began to take form, twisting and folding. When at last it stopped, Padin took a step back in fear, tripping over a rock and falling on his backside.The shadow creature looked as if it had been made from nightmares, a solid incarnation of fear itself. Yet it was not solid: it was visible, but it was neither two- nor three-dimensional. It did not, it could not exist, yet it was still seemingly there. It was nothing, and yet everything. Words simply cannot describe with due justice the fearsomeneness of that being that inspired both awe and terror, wonder and horror.A lesser Matoran, even many Toa, would have fainted in Padin's position: he, however, was stronger than this, even if he did not realize it. Gathering every last bit of strength, courage and resolve he could muster, Padin rose to his feet."Now show me what you have got, Matoran."Padin took a deep breath. For my village, he told himself. For the Matoran he took during the night, for the Great Beings who stood by us, through one cowardly Hero after another, and for Flii.With a wordless battle cry, Padin charged, shield and spear gripped firmly. He slashed the spear at the shadow, expecting to hit flesh. He immediately realized what a fool he was being. The spear slashed, visibly disappearing behind the shadow as if it had penetrated something firm, yet it waved through thin air. Unbalanced, Padin fell to the ground, and laughter echoed throughout the cave."Is that really all you've got?"Angered, Padin rose to his feet and jabbed again with the spear. Once more it had no effect. He slashed, stabbed, swung and lunged, all to no avail. All the while Terahi's cackling filled his ears. At last, the De-Matoran collapsed, breathing heavily."A valiant effort, yet you have accomplished nothing. And so now it ends. I send you to the darkness from whence you came.""No!" Padin shouted, speaking firmly despite his panting. "You are--wrong! It is not--shadow, but light--light that dominates--all. Light creates amid the shadow, protecting and defending against the darkness's evil. Even in death, the light does not release the good. It is not into shadow I now go--but light."Terahi roared with laughter, but Padin just grinned up into the shadows."Well, prepare to find out!"Padin's cackling joined Terahi's, as the shadow creature pulled back an arm. Sharp, wicked claws extended from the form of a hand. And with great speed, they descended upon Padin.Padin just smiled. He understood what had to happen, but did not fear it. He just remembered his village, and Flii. This was his destiny.A sudden pain exploded throughout his body, but it did not last. It faded, along with Terahi's chortles and Padin's own gasping breaths. And then a light appeared, brighter than any he had ever seen. Terahi let out a terrible scream, deafeningly loud but distant. In the light, the shadows faded and disappeared.Padin stood up."Greetings, Padin.""Hello. I expected you'd come.""Are you ready?""I think so--I am dead?""Yes.""And Terahi?""He is returning to the darkness from whence he came. No longer will he terrorize your former village."Padin breathed a sigh of relief before the voice went on:"You have done well, Padin.""Thank you...I was right, then?""Yes. You were brave enough to make the sacrifice that all the Heroes Chosen in the past fled from. That is why you were Chosen, and that is how you defeated Terahi.""Thank you, sir.""Come now. It is time for us to go. But you need not fear.""Yes, I understand...you are taking me to the light." Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

That was . . . well, that was a lot of things. It was fascinating, exciting, unnerving, and a bit nauseating. But all of these are good in that it worked overall as you intended. It was an enthralling scene full of action and detailed description. It was vivid, although that was what put me off at first; the opening sentence, as well as the last paragraph or so, were gory to an unnecessary point. When biomechanical creatures are given flesh and blood it takes on a hollow feel. Cruor for cruor's sake is meaningless.Your writing style was smooth at times and choppy at others. It reminds me much of my style as it used to be; I've learned that unnecessary details in description bog down the story, especially action sequences. A great piece of advice I once heard is that verbs, not adjectives, carry the real descriptive power. Adverbs and adjectives describe words, and they're a necessity--but oftentimes words should be allowed to describe themselves.A pet peeve of mine is grammar. Call me crazy, but mistakes interrupt the story for me. And there were a fair few here, which slowed things down. "Hands width," "creatures back"--both of which should have been possessive, not plural--span in place of spun many times (to the point that the word, misused or not, was overused), and "over take" should have been overtake, were several. The modifications I suggest to this sentence are in emboldened green. You'll see span there, too, which is no longer the past tense of spin. The first comma is in a place where, as I saw many times throughout your prose, a comma could have been placed to give a pause to an otherwise long sentence. It doesn't sound right without that comma. Read it aloud and you'll hear what I mean. Now, I placed a period where your previously had a comma, because in my opinion it sounded like two sentences awkwardly combined. Alternatively, you could replace that period with a semicolon or a comma and an and, but these might be awkward as well. That doesn't seem very aimless, and I believe you meant romped. Merely a typographical error, obviously, but I thought I'd point it out.Overall I thought it was a great story; well-written, exciting. That's an interesting creature you've concocted there--the hunter--whatever it is. I thank you for entertaining me!Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Even for a short story, this was short; but that's not a bad thing. A story should be as short or as long as necessary to be told. In this case, however, I ratehr agree with Zarayna, that it was too short to tell the story you were trying to tell.Though I admire your writing style, which was both fluid and evocative, there wasn't enough writing here to truly appreciate it. Moreover, with such a poetic beginning, I was disappointed that it become so quickly prosaic. Toward the end it was a mere statement of fact with little emotion or personality.And again I agree with Zarayna, in that the ending was precipitate. "He woke up and found out his village was destroyed and his love was dead. The end." What actually happened to the village? Earthquake, Rahkshi? And why did he love the Toa? How long had they known one another? How did he really feel about her? The word love is as vapid and inane as sorry or congrats. Without any real emotion behind it, it sounds perfunctory. I can't feel moved by someone who has no reaction to his love's death. The only emotion he evinced was a light sadness, through his tears; but these were for his team and village, not his Toa of Water. If he had fallen to his knees, torn the Kanohi from his face, and expulsed his heart through his throat in a sonorous ululation, perhaps I would have felt something. But as it was, I didn't.I'm sorry to be so negative, but there was too little to the story for me to enjoy it. Your writing style, exemplified best in the first paragraph, is all I can commend. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

At a Ta-Metru forge, the workday was over. I watched as my co-workers poured through the exit in groups of twos and threes, engaging in causerie or joining friends of other Metru or other occupations.I just stood there, silently observing until the last of my associates had disappeared; with a sigh, I gathered my equipment, donned my backpack--much lighter than my heart--and departed into the gathering darkness.I trudged homeward through the streets of Ta-Metru, alone--as always I was. I passed only the occasional Matoran in the streets, but they ignored me, just like everyone else did. To them--to everyone in Metru-Nui--I was just one of those nameless, unidentified beings one meets every day."All by myself," I moaned quietly, "as always."As soon as I reached my hut, I tossed my pack in the general direction of somewhere and plopped down on my bed, where I lay in my typical state of grief, reflecting upon my lack of companionship and wishing I had someone to confide in.Then again, I weened miserably, if I had someone to confide in, my problems would be solved. But I had not. I had no friends, not even any good acquaintances."You are alone in this wide, empty world." I let out a deep sigh. "Just throw yourself in the furnace tomorrow"--my typical suggestion--"I doubt if anyone would notice. Your employer wouldn't care. Nobody would. Yes, just do that."I always decided to follow this course of action--yet I always backed down. Every time something, deep down, restrained me. I could never bring myself to do it. Something always told me it would be an injustice.To whom? I wondered silently. To yourself? It would be salvation. To Metru-Nui? Nobody would notice or care!The usual justification of my decision. Still, I never went through with it. Something always told me, That is not your destiny."Then what is?" I asked myself. "To live on, all by myself, toiling day by day, living a life of amphigory? Hardly a destiny!"But your destiny is so much more than that, said that voice from within. Everyone will know your name. You will be great. You will stand tall, strong, and proud. Someday, you will be a hero."Yeah, right." I turned over in my bed, resigning himself to sleep. But it would not come; my mind and heart were too heavy with self-pity. Words echoed in my mind: You will stand tall, strong and proud. . . . You are alone in this wide, empty world. . . . Someday, you will be a hero. . . ."You will never be a hero," I muttered to myself. "You will never be anything. You will always be all by yourself. Always worthless, lonesome Ta-Matoran Lhikan. . . ." Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Various ways. Sometimes I'll take a few words that relate to the character and mash 'em up until I find a combination I like (example: Tyoun, Robert Young), sometimes I pick a word that relates to the character and search for translations until I find one (possibly slightly tweaked) I like (examples: Reise, Seren, Nagaan), sometimes I modify words (example: Veverka, altered from vivacious), sometimes I bash my hand into the keyboard until it produces something I like. That last, I believe, was how I got "Nuile." Ironically it takes the Matoran words "Nui" and "Le," which may have actually been how I concocted it. In any case, it translates, roughly, into "air of greatness." Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Commercials? You mean, in these days of tivo, people still watch those? Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Yes, because I rarely post topics. In fact, I think I only ever posted two topics that were not personal creative works. One was closed right off the bat, the other became a hot topic. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

If I ever find the MOC who was, when I went to bed the other night, sitting smack dab in the center of my desk, I'll let you know. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

The six Mata and a titanic MU Robot. What a beautiful way to end the set line it would have been! Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Amen to that! I don't try to conform to a word count unless I have to. Otherwise I just write a piece as long or as short as it needs to be to tell the story I want to tell. The quality of your story is, as you say, more important than the length. I once wrote--for the BZP library summer olympics in, if I remember correctly, 2010--a 10,000 word story in the space of three days, and it is one of the worst things I've ever written. Although, at the time, it was probably the best. . . . Amazing how quickly one's writing (from grammar to wordsmithery) can improve (or one can delude oneself it has ). That's a very general question. To what "it" are you referring? A series of television shows or novels? An economical situation? An ant's journey across your lawn? The competition you share with your neighbor with regard to said lawn and his or her own? The heart-ache, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to? The world as we know it?Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Chapter Eleven Two Glatorian, two Agori, and one Skrall followed a hovering Jet Throwbot as he weaved his way through the streets of Millennium City, the capital of Slizer. Every now and then we had to retrace our steps or hide to avoid being spotted by Throwbots of military or civilian variety. Puxe revealed just how knowledgeable he was of the layout and habits of the city as he led us through quiet streets and alleys, avoiding densely populated or highly visited areas. How grateful I was that we had him to lead us; without him, I would have felt utterly and hopelessly lost."It is difficult to choose a place to begin," said Puxe. "Perhaps it would be best to describe Slizer itself first, and then its history. Yes, I shall commence there."Our planet is divided into seven segments; they are the Magma Continent, the Ocean Continent, the Arctic Continent, the Desert Continent, the Jungle Continent, the Energy Continent, and the Urban Continent. I am confident you can imagine each location by its name. The planet is evenly divided among these regions."Though Slizer was divided by a greater number, there was still another definite resemblance between it and Spherus Magna. How was it that we were so similar, and yet the Great Beings themselves knew nothing of Slizer?Knew nothing, I thought with a sudden chill, or told nothing."So much for the planet. However, before I continue with our past you should know about the Throwbots. We are a biomechanical species, of eight subspecies, each living primarily in one of the Continents. These are the Torches, the Scuba, the Skii, the Granites--lower yourselves, foreigners, there is a Spark!...You may rise now, he passed.""What's so dangerous about a spark?" asked Klimaat, when the trouble had passed.Puxe answered, "A Spark is a type of Throwbot, but I will get to that. As I was saying, there are the Torches, the Scuba, the Skii, the Granites, the Amazons, the Electroes, the Jets (such as myself), and the Turboes. There are three others with which you have probably met--such as the Sparks--but I will get to those later. There are also many species of animal life on Slizer, such as the ____ and the ____, but those are of such an incalculable variety that there is not the time nor the necessity to list them all."Puxe checked if we had any questions as of yet. Klimaat inquired if the Jet and Turbo species both shared the Urban Continent as their primary home. Returning an affirmative reply, Puxe went on:"Now then, the history of Slizer, beginning from as distant a past as any can remember. Of times before that there are only legends and myths, stories passed down among our people, which vary highly, depending usually upon the species of the teller. Each tries to make itself appear the most important or heroic, and so facts are distorted. But as far back as any reliable record goes, Slizer was a planet of war. Primitive tribes fought over territory and supplies, even among their own kind. There was ceaseless battle and death, which elapsed countless years. It was a terrible time."That is when Emperor Millennium came in. He arrived on the planet from some far distant world, bringing with him superior technology, and two great warriors far larger and stronger than our own. They were Dynamo, his companion, and Blaster, his personal bodyguard. He promised us peace and happiness, and that procured him many supporters. With this legion, headed by Dynamo, Emperor Millennium crushed any opposition, united the planet, and founded his empire. Our grassland region became a city, the Urban Continent; the northernmost point of the planet, where all seven regions met, was levelled, and Millennium City was created as the capital of Slizer. As promised, we had peace and happiness."But not for long. Soon Emperor Millennium became greedy, and issued his levies, taking currency, supplies, and whatever else he could from us. When the people began to resist, he created his miltary. Somehow, he stole the DNA of regular Throwbots and used it to create two new species: Sparks, his foot soldiers, and Flares, his air soldiers.""So that's why his soldiers support him," said Seren. "They're custom-made to do just that.""Indeed, foreigner. But that was not enough for him. In addition, he used his own DNA to create the Millennions, his elite troops."I cast my mind back to the soldiers who guarded Millennium's throne room, the ones that captured us, and how strongly they resembled the emperor."And that is when Emperor Millennium had military outposts built all over the planet, and his own palace constructed to float above the capital city, as he issued many new laws to keep the citizens in check, including a ban on public arms. And that was when the Aliruug was founded; we have been fighting to end this tyranny ever since," the Jet finished."But is tyranny really so much worse than constant battle?" said Veverka. "I mean, Millennium saved you from all that. Does that really make him a villain?""I sometimes ask myself the same, foreigner. Yet it was freedom, regardless of what we did with it.""The freedom for senseless violence, endless war, and needless death!" Veverka retorted."Is it not better to die honorably on the spear, than to be dropped from the sky and swept up by a street cleaner?" Puxe asked. "Is it not preferrable to die of wounds gained in battle, foreigner Veverka, rather than wounds gained by torture?"For this, our Engineer had no answer. But she still looked unconvinced."Millennium is our immediate problem. If he can be removed, the next worry will to be to maintain freedom and peace among Slizerians."As Puxe led onward, we fell into silence, contemplating all the Throwbot had just related. I felt again that sense of kinship to the people of Slizer, with their varying species, living united and yet apart in their individual biomes.How much they reminded me of home; a thought that led on to the return of the unwelcome consideration of whether or not I would ever see home again. It was painful to consider. But I knew that if indeed I never saw home again, it could only be because it was destroyed, the consequence of failure in our mission.But that is not entirely true, I realized. There is another possibility. I hated to think of it, but if I sacrificed my life for the mission, it could succeed and I would still never see Spherus Magna again. This brought up the question that, while asking it of my teammates, I had refused to ask myself: Would I forfeit my life for the sake of the mission?I knew I would do almost anything for the sake of the team, the mission, the Great Beings, and above all, my home and all the beings there...but would I die for all that? It was a hard question to answer, but when I considered all that was at stake...weighed against all that, what was one life worth? I would give up my life in a heartbeat if necessary, I declared silently...I think.As we plodded on in silence, I tried to take my mind off such profound and depressing thoughts and observe the weather. The sun's last rays shone across the sky, illuminating the palace above and leaving us in the shadows created by the many tall buildings of Millennium City. There was not a cloud in the sky; did Slizer even have clouds? I wondered.That was it for the sky, rather empty as it was from our vantage point. That is besides, of course, the castle, which was a point of curiosity and amazement, and yet of darkness and oppression."Are we there yet?" asked Klimaat impatiently.Puxe returned, "Hush, foreigner. Nearly."We crossed another street. "Are we there yet?""No.""Are we there yet?" after we passed another road.Seren sighed. "Really, Klimaat!""What? I'm bored of all this running and hiding!" the Jungle Glatorian complained. "Why can't I just take out the guards instead? I haven't even had a chance to try out this darling yet." He caressed the Tree Tomahawk, his elemental weapon from the Great Beings.Said Puxe, as drily as was possible for a Throwbot, "You are entirely free to do so, foreigner. In fact, as you do, most likely calling yourself to the attention of every soldier in the city, it will serve an adequate distraction which will aid the rest of us in reaching the headquarters safely.""Oh, ha, ha, ha."Silence reigned once more as we progressed through the city, which grew ever darker with each passing minute. Balls of light, held aloft by spindly metallic arms, illuminated our path.As we continued, Puxe occasionally pointed out different Throwbot species to us. As we hid from sight, he would note the four-legged Granites and Electroes, the latter of which were also winged; the legged Torches, Scuba and Amazons; the wheeled Turboes; or the Skii, with slats always attached to their feet and a pole to push themselves along."Though Throwbots normally remain in their own territories," Puxe explained, "we often come to the capital to trade, visit with friends, or spectate at sporting tournaments. Sometimes Millennium holds events to announce new laws. And of course, some Throwbots live here.""Yes, it is the same on Spherus Magna," said Seren. "We typically stick to our individual regions, but we often travel for similar reasons.""Spherus Magna?" Puxe repeated inquiringly."You have not heard of it?" I asked."Not I."The Emperor does not share much with his people, I thought."I suppose it's your turn for an explanation, then," said Seren."'Knowledge gained is never a waste of time,'" said Puxe in a tone suggestive of quotation, though of whom I had not the faintest idea. "Proceed, foreigner.""Well...where to start?" After a pause, the captain continued, "Spherus Magna is rather similar to Slizer. We have several different environments, in which lives a different species, or rather a different type of the same species, but I'll get back to that. The ranges include Bara Magna, Bota Magna, Aqua Magna, the Northern Frost, and the Northern Region. In these areas live Agori--such as Reise and Veverka--and Glatorian--such as Klimaat and myself--of the five different elements: Sand, Jungle, Water, Ice, and Fire. There is a sixth element as well, Rock, which belongs only to the Skrall, of which Nagaan is one. The males and females live in different tribes; and the latter, as you have seen, possess Psionic powers. And, well, I guess that covers the basics.""Fascinating," observed the Throwbot. "This Spherus Magna sounds like an interesting place, which provokes another question: why did you leave?""Millennium," Klimaat declared irefully. "He claims that while his troops were out scouting or something, they found some sort of energy source on our planet. So they decided to launch an attack on our planet, and then report back to Millennium what they found out while laying waste to our home!""And that is why we were sent here," Veverka put it. "To find out more about Slizer, and what incited the attack. And now--now Millennium prepares to invade Spherus Magna and take as much Protodermis as he can get his hands on!"Puxe said, "I see now why you oppose Emperor Millennium. It is possible he plans to do the same on Spherus Magna as he has done here; to dominate your people and declare himself despot of your planet. And believe me, foreigners...if he is not stopped before the attack begins, there will be little hope for your home. Emperor Millennium will liquidate anything or anyone who gets in his way.""And that is why he must be stopped," Seren proclaimed. "And so he will be stopped."Quiet prevailed once more as our path went on, on, and on through the confounding labyrinth of pathways that enmeshed itself between the tall metal structures. I observed these towering objects with a feeling of despair. If Emperor Millennium, with his astounding technologies, could level a small portion of seven unique regions, and build upon them such an uncountable number of these colossal architectures--I knew that left but one hope for Spherus Magna: we five.No pressure."We near our destruction, foreigners," Puxe announced.The ominous words triggered a shudder. "W-what do you mean?" I gasped."I mean what I say; we near our destination," Puxe repeated.I shook my head. Of course...I misheard him, that's all, I assured myself.As we marched on, I did my best to suppress the dark chill that had overcome me. Thanks for reading! Word Count: 2,132 Review Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

I loathe Tahu, always have, and 2006 was my favorite year. I loved the Inika body, thought Vastus was awesome, thought 2009 was a great year, never much liked Vakama, and adored the Baraki and Mahri.Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Am I going to be drawn and quartered if I don't say BIONICLE? I'm going to risk it and put Indiana Jones, Adventurers, and Pharaoh's Quest tied for first. BIONICLE second, Power Miners third.I've always enjoyed minifigures more for their playability. Constraction figures are fun to pose, but unless you have eight hands, or unless said extremities are the size of hams (in which case you're unlikely to be playing with BIONICLE figures), they're not nearly as manageable as minifigs. Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

I never actually counted the words of my entry until now--8,105, as it turns out. Does that qualify as a "monster" story? XD Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith

Mavrah wouldn't have been effected by the mind wipe because he was "dead" by then. But now that he's turned up again. . . . The only reason I doubt this possibility is because Greg couldn't very well say, "The Metru Nui Matoran are all discounted--oh, except this one, who is the GB."More realistically, perhaps Lariska. That seems plausible. Greg's stated her to be his favorite Dark Hunter, and in a storyline regard, she was in a position to see pretty much all of the Matoran Universe.Sincerely, Nuile: Lunatic Wordsmith