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Preliminary Poll B-3 The Legend Continues - Building Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Building Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. >>> Bionicle G2 Master Builder Set 2. >>> Tesseract Turbo 3. >>> Poison Beast (G2 Lerahk) 4. >>> Kurahk the engulfer 5. >>> Uxar, Creature of Jungle Concept 6. >>> Kulta Kal and the Skeleton Army 7. >>> Concept Tahu and Sword Ikir
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Preliminary Poll B-2 The Legend Continues - Building Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Building Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. >>> Vetr-jotunn, Elemental Spirit of Ice 2. >>> Ultimate Dume: Corrupted Protector 3. >>> Cyborg Rilos 4. >>> Karzahni: Master of Madness 5. >>> Nuurakh - Forge Overseer 6. >>> Guardian of Shadows 7. >>> Protectors and Givers of Comfort
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Preliminary Poll B-1 The Legend Continues - Building Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Building Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. >>> Ekimu: Master of Creation 2. >>> Makuta - Mask Maker's Return 3. >>> Ultimate Being 4. >>> Ahkmou - Toa of Shadow 5. >>> Warlord Makuta - Corrupted Mask Maker 6. >>> Mildara, The Ocean Plesiosaur 7. >>> Anrak, Servant of Makuta
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Preliminary Poll W-4 The Legend Continues - Writing Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Writing Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. Journey's End 2. The First and the Last 3. Gresh - Gladiator of Jungle 4. A Treatise on Protodermis Preview 5. The Legend Continues- Assimilate 6. Makuta's jealousy. 7. Makutas Bargain
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Preliminary Poll W-3 The Legend Continues - Writing Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Writing Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. Mythology in the G2 Universe 2. The Conspiracy 3. The Legend Continues: Umarak of the Shadow 4. Realm of Shadow 5. The End of Time 6. Pohatu 7. Clinging to the Bones
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Preliminary Poll W-2 The Legend Continues - Writing Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Writing Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. The Dreaming Dead 2. The Great Hunt 3. The Legend Continues: Shadows of Past and Future 4. A Simpler Time 5. Boxer502 - Bionicle:Turn of Fate 6. Second Star 7. Heroes of Legend
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Preliminary Poll W-1 The Legend Continues - Writing Division Here we are... it's the preliminary round of voting for The Legend Continues - Writing Division! Two entries will advance from each poll, as well as two overall wildcards. Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. --------------------------------------------------------- BZP Rules and Guidelines --------------------------------------------------------- 1. Bionicle: Mask of Imitation 2. The Legend Continues - Of Druids and Shadow 3. No More Shadows 4. The Tragedy of Makuta 5. Return to the Underworld: The Protectors' Mission 6. Vezon's Visit 7. Bionicle: Journey to Zero
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Fernus is my submission to the building section of The Legend Continues. He's inspired by many of the villains from the art book and is my idea for the fire "canister-sized" villain for year three. Story-wise, he's supposed to be an elite warrior that dwells in the Shadow Realm, eagerly waiting for the Toa to arrive so that he can play his part in destroying them once and for all.
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- legend continues
- contest
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Kulta the Skull Grinder inhaled the musky air of the boneyard and exhaled hungrily. There were souls to harvest here, make no mistake. With each step he took, grey dust swirled up from millennia of abandonment. What had once been the island's centre of culture and glory was now only home to plant-covered ruins and bones. How proud the Okotans had been, driving away Kulta and his people, and now their homes were nothing more than ashes. The old shaman inhaled again. The soul he was seeking was nearby. His dark master Makuta had been quite clear on the power of the Toa. He would need an army unlike anything the island had seen before to stop them. He had his pawns the Skull Warriors, his knights the Skull Scorpios, and his fortress the Skull Basher; but Kulta required one more piece. To be sure, the Skull Basher was a mighty warrior, his closest ally and bodyguard, but Kulta was no fool. A combination of brains and brawn would be needed to win the day. He needed a lieutenant who could rely on cunning and surprise to outwit the Toa. As his staff began to glow, Kulta smiled. He could sense a great intellect, athletic skill, and an unbreakable tie to this world. This spirit was clinging to its bones like a castaway clinging to a log. Just the sort of being worth reviving. Drawing wide a circle in the ashy ground with his staff, Kulta began the dark incantation. Mel kay tor nu sorga Makuta no mel kun. Mel kay tor nu sorga Makuta no mel kun. MEL KAY TOR NU SORGA MAKUTA NO MEL KUN! The circle in the dirt began to glow green and the spirits of the dead swirled around him. Wailing such terrible things, dead Okotans reliving their final painful hours, cries that contained a lifetime of sorrow. Kulta ignored them and continued his chant. The wind billowed and the ground shook until bones and armour slowly emerged from the grey soil. Kulta's voice began to grow hoarse, but he focused with all his might as the bones began to form a body: a figure with four arms. Kulta stopped his chanting and the wind died down and the ground settled back to stillness. He surveyed the revenant as the creature stood completely still. Slowly, it began to move its limbs and flex its fingers. With green bones and silver armour adorning its four arms, the creature cut an imposing figure. After a few moments surveying its body, the revenant spoke. "What... what happened? Where are they?" "My dear friend," said Kulta unctuously. "Welcome back to the world of the living." "I... was I dead?" asked the creature. "For thousands of years, I'd say. I am the Skull Grinder, your new master. You will be a lieutenant in my Skull Army." "Master? Skull Army? I don't have time for this. I have to find them!" "I was afraid of this," sighed Kulta, Reaching into his pack, Kulta pulled out a writhing silver Skull Spider. "I don't know who you were in your former life, Revenant, and quite frankly I don't care. I didn't bring you back to put your soul to rest, I need you to serve me." As he spoke, he idly plucked the legs off the now screeching Skull Spider. The revenant began to slowly back away, but Kulta was too quick for him. He jammed the legless Skull Spider on the creature's bony face and held it there firmly as it tried to fight him off. Soon the Skull Spider's will won out and the creature sank to the ground, kneeling before its new master. "Rise, Skull Slicer, lieutenant of the Skull Army." *** Darkness. Screaming. Who was I? Who am I looking for? How did I die? With the Skull Spider on his face, the world appeared dark and fractured to him. Visions of the ruined city flashed before returning to the darkness. He felt like a prisoner in his own body. Fleetingly, he would regain control before being pushed aside by the will of the arachnid affixed to his face. So there was nothing to do but to collect his thoughts. Another flash of vision, and he could see a hexagonal pattern of stone tiles. The arena... Of course, the Hammer Flush arena. He had loved the arena. It had once been all he had lived for. The excitement, the thrill; his heart was already racing thinking about it. Yes, it was all coming back to him. He had not lived here -- he had thrived! As the Skull Spider led his bones through the ruined stadium, he could see a plaque honouring past champions. "Yes, this was once me," he muttered, running a bony hand along the inscription. Clearing away the moss that had grown over, he could see a single word: Brelnar. "My... my name. I am Brelnar." It was as if a dam broke and he was hit by a deluge of memory. He could see himself nimbly leaping through the arena, hammer aloft, opponents on every side, and loving every moment of it. Flames shot past him and he used his hammer to vault up to the next level, only to come face to face with a steely-looking Earth Okotan. The Earth Okotan swung his hammer at Brelnar, but Brelnar was too quick for him. Leaping in the air at the right moment, he landed on his foe's hammer, grabbed onto his shoulder armour, and flipped him onto his back. "Shoulder armour is just going to slow you down, my friend," Brelnar laughed, resuming his climb to the top. It was not long before his hammer hit the lever at the top, signalling the end of the game. The crowd cheered, confetti rained through the stadium, and medals were handed out. It was then, with all eyes on him, that he had proposed to Yanua. "Yanua... my... my wife..." said the Skull Slicer, as a feeling of intense heartbreak tore him out of his reverie. Thousands of years had passed. Surely she was long gone by now. As the sorrow spread through his heart, so too did the Skull Spider's will spread through his mind once more, returning him to the darkness. More ruins. More cracked stones. More collapsed buildings. Suddenly something in the air. Something green. Toa... hissed the Skull Spider in his mind. The Skull Slicer's body leaped nimbly through the ruined city until it reached the entrance to the arena. He slipped into the shadows and waited. Soon enough, the green Toa flew in and proceeded to study the ruins. Get me that mask... growled an even darker voice within his mind. With all the skill of a well-trained athlete, the Skull Slicer shot out his chain and grabbed the mask right off the green Toa's face. The Toa fell to the ground, unconscious, while the Skull Slicer examined his prize. Even in the dark city, the golden mask seemed to shine. Clutching it in his lower hands, the Skull Slicer could feel its power radiating through him. His hands felt like fertile soil, the energy of the mask stimulating growth and life in them. His heart felt like a kite caught in the breeze. Brelnar's memories began to surface once more... Many years had passed since that championship, and as he gazed at his hearth he could see that he had won many more medals since then. Exotic jungle birds called from outside, as the smells of a berry pie baking in the oven filled the small cottage. A clatter at the door told him someone had arrived. He turned to see his wife, Yanua, and their... daughter. Yes, a daughter. "Father!" she cried, rushing to hug him. "Well if it isn't the birthday girl," laughed Brelnar, straightening out her mask. "Happy birthday, Tellena, my little rose." "Mother tells me you were at the blacksmith today. Any particular reason why?" she asked, with a heavy tone of feigned ignorance. "I'm sorry, dear," sighed Yanua. "I know you wanted it to be a surprise, but she's just so persistent!" "Well, now that the spider is off its net, you might as well open it," said Brelnar, gesturing to a large wrapped present in the sitting room. "I hope you like it. It's not everyday a young woman turns fourteen." Tellena tore open her gift and stared at it for a moment before laughing in disbelief. "Shoulder armour? What ever happened to mister 'shoulder armour slows you down'? How am I supposed to play Hammer Flush in this?" Brelnar laughed wryly. "Yes, yes. We all remember my first championship, but this is something a bit more serious, little rose. There are whispers that our two mask makers no longer see eye to eye. If things should turn sour, if it should come to war, I want this family to be protected. For you, little rose, a set of armour with spikes -- thorns to keep you safe. For Yanua, I had them restore your grandfather's armour from the Region of Fire. It's a bit big, but it should keep you safe." "Honestly, dear! Is all this really necessary?" said Yanua in exasperation. "I have no idea," said Brelnar grimly. "I just want this family to be safe. I want us to be together." With a painful jolt, the Skull Spider brought the Skull Slicer back to the present. While he had been holding the mask, the green Toa's allies had arrived. The Skull Spider cackled and directed his body into the arena. Use the mask... growled the darker voice again. The Skull Spider screamed in his mind, but the Skull Slicer suddenly felt the darker voice give him the strength to tear the creature off his face and put on the green Toa's golden mask. Energy surged through his body, and his mind was once again transported to the past. It was the tournament of champions. One Okotan from each region was competing for the glory of their homeland. An Earth Okotan ran right for him, before being trapped in the arena's shifting pillars. Suddenly the Skull Slicer found two of his arms pinned by a Stone Okotan's weapons while Okotans of Fire and Ice charged towards him. Knocking the Ice Okotan aside, he grabbed the Fire Okotan with his two remaining arms and... No, this isn't right... I only had two arms... A swift punch from the Ice Okotan knocked off his mask and he was jolted back to reality. These weren't Okotans at all, they were the Toa. Before he could react or call out to them, the big Toa with a hammer hit the lever, the floor vanished beneath him, and he fell. When the arena had been maintained, there was a pool of water at the bottom to catch any losing athletes, but that pool had long since dried up. The Skull Slicer fell through the darkness for some time before clattering to the ground, instantly shattering his leg bones. It was not long until the rest of the arena collapsed on top of him, years of disrepair and neglect had taken their toll. He found himself covered in rubble, unable to move, and yet still alive. He did not hunger, he did not breathe. He could not tell how long it had been since the Skull Grinder had resurrected him, but he did not recall having a meal. Perhaps he was unable to die. Perhaps he was condemned to this existence until the end of time. But what of his wife and daughter? What had become of them? He thought back to his last memory, of Tellena's birthday. Why had he thought of that day when he had put the mask on? Had the mask been trying to show him something? It just ended with his daughter opening the shoulder armour he had gotten her. What ever happened to mister 'shoulder armour slows you down'? The words echoed through his mind. I've never worn shoulder armour, he realized. Then the rest of the memory poured into his mind. It was that same day. For her birthday, Tellena had requested that they go watch the rookie league play at the arena, hoping that she might get to meet one of the coaches to improve her chances in the tryouts next year. It was as they were watching the game that the cataclysm struck. A huge shockwave of energy from the north swept through the city, knocking down trees and buildings and causing all sorts of environmental disasters. Rivers flooded, fires raged, and blizzards whipped across the land despite the summer weather. An earthquake rocked the foundations of the arena and large pieces of the ceiling began falling. "What's happening, father?" cried Tellena. "It's the mask makers! It has to be!" Brelnar shouted back, ushering his family through the bleachers as chaos rained down upon them. With a loud snap, the floor gave way beneath Tellena and Yanua, sending them falling two storeys to the ground. Seeing the roof above them about to collapse, Brelnar dove after them, but it was no use. The large slab of stone landed on the family, sealing all three in their grave. So these arms.... it's them. Yanua, Tellena... If the Skull Slicer had been able to cry, he surely would have. This was where his memories came from. This was what he was searching for. This was why he was clinging to his bones. And now that he had found them, he could finally let go.
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Chapter 1 A howling roar tore through the ruins of the underground city for the dozenth time, it's echoing sound one of fury and desperation. The source, a being by the name of Kulta, took a moment before releasing another roar deep into the winding tunnels and dark caverns. Silence and more echoes were his only response, as it ever was. If he’d still possessed lungs, Kulta would’ve sighed as he laid his head back against the stone floor. The Skull Grinder rested on his stomach beneath a few tons of stone and debris, his entire lower half and most of his left torso buried and crushed beyond repair. Thankful once again that his dead-yet-not state left him immune to feelings such as pain and fatigue, Kulta closed his crimson eyes and remembered how he’d ended up trapped in the ruins of his former home. Following his defeat at the hands of the self-righteous Toa and their decrepit Mask Maker, Ekimu, Kulta had found himself in a empowered cell built to drain away his power and rage, rendering escape nearly impossible. Worse yet, the Toa had confiscated his Skull mask, taking an incredible amount of his necrotic power with it. Calling out to the shadows, his master had granted him mercy after his defeat. An arachnid creation of the master had returned his mask and with its power, he had freed himself and returned to the city beneath the earth as vengeance burned in the ribcage where his heart-light used to reside. Much to his shock and infuriated discovery, the Toa and Mask Maker had already arrived and were battling his Skull Raiders, an army of the pirates he’d once lead to the island of Okoto years ago, turned undead like himself by their master, the Dark Lord Makuta. Another defeat had driven them underground, and now here they stood, locked in battle with the revered “heroes” of Okoto. After the chaos of bone and elemental power reached its apex, Ekimu challenged Kulta to a duel, one on one, and the Grinder had gladly accepted. Kulta grit his teeth behind his mask at the treachery Ekimu had wielded against him, not just wielding the Earth beings weapon to bring his own city down upon him, but had broke his word at a fair fight. Even as a former scoundrel, honor was not completely lost, and the Mask Maker had broken it without hesitation. “And they call us the filth, Master… How comical,” Kulta said to the darkness surrounding him, voice dry and rough. Silence was his answer, as it had been for the weeks following his defeat. The Skull Grinder did not understand why his master did answer his howls for assistance, but a quickly sinking feeling told him this was to be his fate, to simply rot into oblivion in this make-shift tomb. He’d half-considered simply tearing himself free from the crushed components of his body and trying to crawl to freedom, but the city was nearly caved in. Even if he’d freed himself, he’d lack the strength to go very far, and his ruined body lacked the strength of will to create a skeletal minion to work on digging him free. No, Kulta was trapped with only his icy-cold rage and stinging defeat to keep him company. With a growl, the undead lord twisted around as much as he could and used his free arm to start clawing away at the smaller chunks of debris and rocks that held him in place. He was the Skull Grinder, the Lord of the undead armies upon Okoto, and he refused to accept this… He’d claw his way free, even if it took an eternity, smash Ekimu’s mask to scrap, and then melt the Mask Maker in his own forge… Yes, that thought would’ve spread a smile across the Grinder’s lips if he’d still had any. As his silver fingers pulled each stone aside, a wispy smoke bled from beneath a set of larger stones, moving like a cloud and finally settling next to Kulta’s iron-colored pauldron. The Grinder let out a breath of relief and rested back against his chest. Perhaps all he needed was to show a little initiative, life...or, rather, unlife was funny like that. “I don’t mean to be impatient, my Master, but you could’ve answered my calls a little sooner. A lot of our time has been wasted with my imprisonment here… Not that I’m arguing with your will, of course,” the Grinder corrected, quickly. Makuta did not take disobedience well, and he did not wish his lust for revenge to blind him into earning the Shadow Titan’s wrath. The smoke-like cloud settled and began to slowly take shape, earning a tilt of the head from Kulta. Makuta’s form never became any more corporeal than a cloud of malice and red eyes, yet this shape looked to be almost...recognizable? The shadow finally solidified and the short being tilted its head at Kulta, as if studying his trapped state. Its form was that of one of the Okotan villagers, but instead of the vibrant colors of the various elements, the beings armor was a solid black, and the muscles beneath that were a rippling yellow-green. Eyes of a poisonous, almost sickening, shade of green sizzled from beneath its usual Okotan mask, with a forehead that swept back in two arches over the brow and smooth cheeks. Kulta always considered the islanders to appear weak and innocent due to the cultural shape of their masks, but with those eyes… the little one almost appeared as sinister as some of his skull raiders. “When Makuta sent me to find you, I expected something...more.” The being said, voice smooth, though plenty unamused with Kulta’s pitiful state. . “Yes… and you are clearly not the Master. Who are you, tiny one?” The shadow tilted its head as he looked Kulta over, not responding immediately. The great Skull Grinder, reduced to half a pile of broken bones, armor, and rubble. At this moment, he was half the being’s size, and even then, was his superior in this situation. The thought was delightfully amusing. “My name is Ahkmou. Makuta has sent me to correct this mess, both figuratively and literally.” The being had a sense of humor. Kulta rolled his eyes for a moment, and pointed down at his pinned bones and shattered crimson-black armor. As he spoke, his voice did nothing to hide the irritation with the new servant’s arrival. “I believe the master may misunderstand the severity of the situation then. Even with my full army, it would take days to dig the city out… and most of them are shattered by the Mask Maker’s treachery,” Kulta finally turned and matched the shadow-beings burning gaze with his own, pointing a finger at the little form, voice as sharp,”so unless you brought the Master himself, you are of no-!” Ahkmou’s small hand suddenly snapped out and caught the Skull Grinder’s wrist, grip nearly breaking the bones from the force. Without warning, a black and emerald energy laced down the Grinder’s arm and tore into his being, forcing a cry from him that echoed through the caverns as his strength was sapped away by the shadow being. As Kulta’s roars of fury slowly began to whither and his attempts at freeing himself ceased, the shadow Okotan simply watched as the Grinder’s life was burned away. When the cries fell silent, and the Grinder ceased to move, Ahkmou simply released the now-dead arm and knelt down in front of the still-smoking former lord of the Skull Army. Makuta had been very clear about how he would become as powerful as the Toa, but first, a sacrifice had been needed. Who better than this failure? Now, only one step remained. Ahkmou ran his fingers across the Grinder’s skeletal mask, the sharp ridges still warm from the power he’d used to destroy its owner’s existence, and gripped the mask by it’s eyes, tearing the mask free with a solid pop. Well, that had been far easier than he’d expected. Kulta’s corpse had almost instantly drained of color, though Ahkmou’s eyes were on the mask. It was a grim visage, truly, but if it granted the power Makuta promised, he had no issues with that. Okoto had abandoned him and the others who’d been trapped in the Shadow Realm, it was only right that they knew the terror he had. No… they deserved so much more. Shadow, darkness, fear, everything his people had suffered until Makuta turned the city into a servant of his will. Even now, Ahkmou still remembered fear being replaced with tyranny. He closed his eyes and saw it as easily as he had the day darkness truly engulfed the Shadow Realm. Chapter 2 From the very first day of his rule, Makuta had treated the Okotan’s as simple slaves, living embodiments of his will, and nothing more. The Shadow Lord had commanded them to build statues, dig up bones of untold monsters for him to reanimate as servants, and other heinous acts that he’d blocked from his memory. Just exhaustion and resentment towards the Okotans who were still safe in their beautiful homes, living happy lives with friends and family. As some tried to rebel against Makuta and lost their free will as punishment, Ahkmou began accusing his neighbors and acquaintances as traitors, quickly gaining the Dark Lord’s favor for finding either those with rebellious thoughts or those with promising strengths to become favorable tools and drones. It was his latest achievement at bringing Makuta a particularly skilled Okotan painter accused of creating propaganda to fuel rebellion among the dark streets that Ahkmou had earned the Titan’s true favor. “Where did you find her, Ahkmou? She’s been eluding even the Skull Spiders for weeks…” Makuta had asked, sitting forward on his throne to peer down at the blue-armored, trembling villager of Water, her eyes wide with terror. He’d been different then, his armor still its original rust-brown and silver, though his mask had always been a deep midnight black, and he’d stood directly behind the painter, wielding the staff of Makuta’s authority he’d been gifted as a boon for his loyalty. The design was simple, yet ornate, featuring a golden carving of the Mask of Control resting upon a head of swirling Okoton runes and a pair of gold-forged horns curling back from the staff’s tip. “Center of the city, my lord, beneath the old library. There was a hidden passage behind a painting of your old self that lead into the structure’s foundation. I found multiple items of propaganda inciting rebellion against your glory, Lord Makuta. She is, without a doubt, guilty of these crimes.” Before Makuta could respond, the painter’s terror must’ve been boiled over into madness, Ahkmou remembered, and she’d turned, launching herself at him, fists risen and golden eyes blazing to an almost white fury. He’d been unprepared for such an outburst and he remembered simply standing there, watching her fist soar towards his mask. It never landed. A flash of crimson light ripped through the air from the throne and tore through the little Okotan’s form, her form going limp before it finished its step towards Ahkmou. She slumped forward and he caught her out of reflex, her head limp against his chest and body still smoking from the bolt of darkness. He remembered looking up, seeing the Makuta’s claws still glowing from the attack that’d destroyed the painter with such efficiency. As if he’d just swatted a Nui-rama from his face, Makuta sat back onto his throne, resting his chin on his palm. His tone was not excited or angry, simply casual, like taking a life was as simple as kicking a Kholi ball into the goal. “Well done. Hand her over to the Skull warriors, they’ll make use of her parts. Since you know the way, you personally will destroy the artwork and seal off the passage. We can’t have anyone else becoming a martyr from her, now can we?” He hadn’t answered, simply looking down at the mangled corpse of the once-beautifully skilled painter, her eyes dark and colors faded. He’d gone cold in that moment, right down to his organic bones and he was glad her body was mostly concealing his hands as they shook. He didn’t care about her life, wouldn’t grieve for even a moment, but it was the raw display of power that shook Ahkmou to his core. His Lord had snuffed out a life like he was simply crushing an insect in his palm, and had done so without a moment's hesitation. His own expendability was what had chilled him that day, how insignificant he was in comparison the tyrant lording over him and his people. He’d finally realized he was simply a tool, and one had falsified his latest success as well. The painter had not been promoting a rebellion, while she had been hiding her works, the beautiful landscapes she’d created were simply that; gorgeous recreations of Okoto’s landscapes, places he’d honestly forgotten after the years of imprisonment in the shadow realm. Raging storms over an ocean of vibrant blue, the lush and thriving jungles and his home in the deserts, sands blowing in the dry winds. All forms of expression and creativity that didn’t grace Makuta’s glory had been banned early into the city’s banishment, and this was a crime unto-itself, but accusing her of rebellion would’ve only made him look even greater in their Lord’s eyes. He expected her mind to be shackled or sentenced to physical labor… he didn’t believe Makuta would ever destroy one of his people, surely his ego wouldn't’ allow the loss of a worshipper. Apparently, Ahkmou had been wrong that day. Shortly after disposing of both the painter and her work, he’d been summoned back to the Throne room. Makuta explained how he was planning his escape from the Shadow realm soon, with the help of another servant by the name of Umarak. Ahkmou recognized the name, Umarak was a hunter from the rumors he’d heard drifting the streets and hunted the Elemental Creatures of Okoto, the beastial incarnations of the elements themselves. For what purpose, Makuta had not shared, as usual. He’d wondered how a hunter could assist in freeing them from eternal banishment, but of course he didn’t voice such questions. The Shadow Titan then explained how the Toa, the master’s of Okoto’s elements and living legends, would most likely stop his escape, as the prophecy foretold. He hadn’t had much faith in the Toa, even if Makuta seemed wary of them. If they were so powerful, why hadn’t they come and simply saved Ahkmou and the rest of the city from his monster? Just like the other Okotan’s, apparently, the Toa had better things to do then save a villager playing the role of a servant to avoid ending up food for the Skull Warriors. “My Lord, if you expect to be defeated by their combined power, why go through with this plan at all and waste the time? Surely your wisdom can create a scheme they don’t expect?” He’d said, leaning on his staff as he watched Makuta pace, claws folded behind his massive back. “Of course, and that is where you come in, my loyal servant.” “Pardon?” “My defeat will take everything from the Toa. They can not defeat me alone, and will sacrifice everything they are to make sure I remain banished. As foretold, they will most likely succeed despite my best efforts, and I will be returned to this wretched place...but you, Ahkmou, will escape while I hold the way open for you.” His staff had clattered to the floor in shock, earning a bemused smirk from Makuta over the Titan’s massive shoulder. Free? He’d...be free of this place? He could see his home again, lay in the warm sands and breathe without his Master’s presence looming over him. He smirked to himself there in the darkness of the ruins as he remembered how quickly he’d accepted the offer. He thought about it for a moment, temporarily ceasing the memory’s playback in his mind, and realized he probably didn’t have any choice to begin with. Makuta had not simply sent him into Okoto unprepared, for Ahkmou was now an extension of the Shadow Titan’s will, and thus had to be equipped as such. His gift was far more extreme and far less pleasant than he’d expected as Makuta had gripped the little Okotan by the throat and with a simple force of will, expelled a portion of his shadow essence into Ahkmou’s form. He’d shivered, cried out and shook as the power latched onto his being and soaked deep into his organic components, staining his armor black and tainting his warm-gold eyes to a toxic green.. Even now, he still felt a chill he couldn’t truly shake off. Instead, he’d simply adapted to the coldness at his core. On top of the shadow power now coursing through his veins and armor, Makuta had left him with a warning, voice low and grating like stone upon stone. “Now, little servant, remember… This power I have gifted you binds to you to my will. There is nowhere on Okoto, or the Shadow realm, where I can not find you and if you should try to simply escape with your freedom while I am trapped here…” He’d emphasized his point by squeezing Ahkmou’s throat tighter for a moment before releasing him and sending him crashing to the floor. He’d been unable to respond, simply coughing with a nod as his vision cleared slightly, though he still shook from the new power coursing through him. He’d been given little time to recover, as Umarak had prepared to open the portal a few simple hours later. The Shadow Titan had gone through first, as Ahkmou had been informed he would, and was only half-formed on Okoto before he heard a growl of confirmation to proceed through without delay. The portal was a rippling mass of violet and black in the center of the throne room, and he’d not entirely trusted such a violent look collection of energy, but another growl from Makuta said he had little time to argue. With a deep breath, he’d broke into a sprint and launched himself with his empowered legs into the swirling mass of power. He instantly felt his head spinning as his form was transported from one dimension to another, muscles tingling for a moment as he was turned from solid to incorporeal and back again. Then, with a thud, he felt stone beneath his fingers and felt the rush of wind from a storm overhead, the scent of fire, water, ice and lush jungle assaulting his senses after going so long without any form of weather. As he’d gathered himself, he saw the half-corporeal Makuta looming above him, silhouetting the little Okotan in his shadow as he directed a torrent of raw shadow at a team of figures at the other end of what appeared to be some large sinkhole rimmed with violet crystals. The tall figures fought back against his Master with a respective element, and their colors had led him to only one conclusion on their identity. So these were the Toa. As much as he’d wished to join his Master and crush them, that was not part of the prophecy. He remembered growling under his breath, and using his Master’s distraction, taking off into the shadows to spend the next few weeks hunting for the ruins of the Grinder’s city.. He’d spent so long lost in the memories leading him to this dark and ruined place, he realized the Grinder’s mask had gone cold in his hands, and his logical side told him he was simply delaying the next part of the plan. Makuta had told him to seek out the Skull Grinder and claim his mask, whether the failure was dead or alive. Fortunately, he’d been alive, and provided an impressive test for Ahkmou’s new power, so that was a surprise he was still thanking his lucky stars for. The shadow Okotan turned the mask over in his hands for another moment, before he reached up and plucked his own from his face, tossing it aside with a soft clank of metal against the carved-out floor. With a sigh, he reached up and snapped the mask into place over his dark face, eyes closed as he prepared himself. Ahkmou knew, masks were everything. They could assist a farmer with growing his crops that season, or grant Makuta the power to nearly end the island. Everything was relative to the power of the mask, and since Ahkmou had been told Kulta’s was a rare design from somewhere not native to Okoto, he really had no idea what to expect from its power. As soon as the skull-like mask rested into place, the Okotan’s body erupted into power and spasms that sent him to the ground, voice tearing out through the caverns in pained cries. He felt his muscles tear as the mask’s power flowed through his small body and extended his limbs to better suit the new energy. He’d hear tales of how the Toa had once been Okotan’s like himself and their original masks had helped them ascend to their almost legendary state of power, but this… this wasn’t power, it was torture. He felt his torso crack and tear as the toxic-green light burst from within and tore his rib-structure at the sides, earning another scream. As the pain began to subside and Ahkmou took the risk of raising his new limbs to look at his new form, another sudden eruption of power from his left shoulder forced him to roll onto his stomach as bone-spikes tore from his shoulder armor and protruded like a grotesque mantle. Ahkmou’s vision began to darken from the pain, the trauma having pushed his body beyond what his mind was willing to endure. With the soft clank of metal against stone, sweet darkness took him and he collapsed against the floor, eyes dark. Chapter 3 The soft feeling of a stone rat’s nose against his fingers brought Ahkmou from the blissful void of unconsciousness and returned him to the painful existence that was reality. He slowly opened his eyes, and flicked his hand out at the little creature, lips curling in both frustration from his still aching form, and disgust for the little rodent. As soon as his hand neared it, a bolt of emerald energy lept from his fingers and struck the little Rahi animal. It twitched and instantly dropped dead on the spot as Ahkmou felt the aching in his forearm slowly subside for a moment before returning. He tilted his head at that, forgetting his pain for a moment. He hadn’t even put any amount of will behind the movement, and his power simply leapt out and seemed to steal the life from the stone rat. Then, that life seemed to be converted back into an energy that dulled his pain, if only for a moment. Clearly, he had some things to explore with this new power. Pulling himself up to rest his back against the cave wall, Ahkmou looked himself over in the dim light. Thankfully, so long in the shadow realm had helped his eyesight be more sensitive in low-light scenarios and he saw his new, grotesque state in full clarity. He was significantly taller now, easily the height of the Toa he’d seen, though it was like the mask had not twisted him proportionately. His armor had not grown with him in all places, exposing his skeletal structure on his ribs and lower limbs. His feet had grown long claws, glowing a soft, sickening green in the cave and gently scratched against the floor as he drew his knees up to his chest, shaking from shock and the pain still aching deep into his body. Makuta had not mentioned how the power would twist him, how agonizing it would be to simply wield it, and what happened if he lost it somehow, the mask or power itself? Would he simply return to his old self, or would he… Ahkmou shook his head away from the other possibility and stood, growling at the ache in every joint and bone as he did so. This new height was going to take getting used to as he nearly stumbled and lost his balance, reaching out to brace himself against the rocks still burying the deceased Skull Grinder. Then, a thought crossed his mind, looking down at the pile of dead bones and armor. More specifically, the armor. Clearly Kulta would not be using it any longer, he thought, as he bent down and began tearing bits of armor from the former skull lord’s body. A few pieces of crimson armor from the beings arms that should work on his new limbs, and the ribcage-like torso armor would most likely work as a sufficient pauldron for his right shoulder. For a moment, he understood he was wearing a few body parts of another being, but considering he was going to most likely be fighting the entire island on his own, he needed this more than Kulta. With a few solid pops, the armor worked itself into place, and Ahkmou rolled his shoulders and stretched his still-aching form. The crimson armor wasn’t perfect, but his entire left arm and legs were now armored, so he considered that sufficient. Now, onto the next task at hand. Ahkmou focused and closed his eyes, hoping that when the mask had twisted him, it hadn’t robbed him of the shadow empowerment Makuta had bestowed upon him. His body ached even further from the exertion of effort, but after a moment, his power obeyed and his form dissipated into mist, sliding through the rocks blocking the tunnels and back into the winding caverns of Okoto’s underbelly. It didn’t take him long to find his way free of the caves and back out into the Region of Earth, his darkness form sweeping past a large open cave filled with jagged violet spikes and a handful of floating platforms leading towards a stone pedestal of some kind. As he passed through, Ahkmou wondered why there would be a such a display for nothing at all… Probably some random legend the Okotan’s had dreamt up in his time away. They had a habit of that, listening to Narmoto and his stories. He never understood the obsession the fire-spitters had with telling stories, but they surely never missed the chance. He wondered as he exited the caves and floated across Okoto’s surface, heading towards the coastal region of Ga-Koto, if they’d tell stories of him once he and Makuta conquered the island… That would be nice, let someone worship and chant his name for once. As he neared the sands of the water region, he let his power fade and became solid again, limbs still protesting with every movement as he did so. His claws sank into the shifting grains beneath him and a sudden crack of thunder overhead was the only warning he was given before water began to fall against his armor and mask. The rain was light at first, but quickly becoming a heavy downpour that matted the sands together beneath his feet. Ahkmou tilted his head back and closed his eyes, droplets occasionally slipping through the slits in his mask and pattering against his dark face. It had been so long since he’d smelled the scent of rain or felt the coolness against him, far too long. The former Po-Okotan nearly fell forward and sobbed, digging his fingers into the wet sands and try to let Okoto’s glorious, refreshing rain wash away everything Makuta had tainted him with. All the filth, the darkness… the evil. Instead, he simply stood there for a few minutes, letting the rain grow to a raging storm, the lightning occasionally illuminating the raging seas and dark grey clouds of the late evening. “Po-Okotan’s are supposed to hate water, yet here you are, soaking it up… and talking to yourself. Great, now you’re going crazy,” he said to himself after a soft chuckle and continued on his way towards the now furious waters. The storm had come on rather suddenly, and despite his welcome of the refreshing rain, it was a tad curious. It was almost as if the elements themselves were voicing their distaste for such a twisted being planning to enter their waters. Ahkmou understood, as he’d essentially become a monster thanks to Kulta’s mask, but he had no choice. Makuta still held the leash of his shadow infusion, and would most likely tug-or choke-him with with it should he try and escape. Besides, Gali wasn’t here to stop him, so the elements themselves would have to continue to rage on. As the winds began to throw the rain in sheets, Ahkmou arrived at the water’s edge and blew out a breath. As a Po-Okotan, he’d never been a great swimmer, and now, as his body was still recovering from its mutation, he wasn’t any more confident in his odds, but Makuta had been very clear. Arrive at the water’s edge, and wait for further commands. So he waited. He listened to the storm, felt the water lap at his feet and for the moment, enjoyed the silence as he waited for some sign. Instead, he was nearly scared out of his new armor when Makuta’s voice suddenly echoed through his mind, sounding no more pleasant than usual. “Good, Ahkmou, I see you’ve claimed Kulta’s power over the dead. You will need it. There are defeated Skull Spider’s littered about within these waters from Gali’s defense of her home. You must raise each of them from the dead until you find the one that knows where her original Mask of Water resides... “ “Dare I ask for what purpose, my Lord? Gali is dead, along with the other toa, as the prophecy you explained predicted.” Makuta’s response grated against his mind, and nearly drowned out even the booming thunder overhead with its intensity. “I only answer your narrow-minded question because it is required for your task…. I plan for you to corrupt that mask,” he explained, slowly, as if Ahkmou was having issues understanding, much to the servant’s annoyance,“Then, you will use your new power over resurrecting the dead and create a Shadow Toa through her corrupted mask and Skull Warrior remains. A simple shadow of the real thing, but ultimately loyal to me. You will do this for each Toa, and through them, I will use their combined elemental powers to free myself from this realm.” Ahkmou frowned in thought, and for a moment, he had to compliment his master on the plan. In theory, it could work. While shadows of their true selves, a darkness-born being wearing the Toa’s original, yet weaker, masks could combine the six elements and open the portal to the shadow realm again. Whether the creations survived the process was obviously irrelevant, and if they were as mindless as the Skull Warrior’s he was commanded to make them from, they wouldn’t miss their lives any way. As much as he hated to admit it, Ahkmou was impressed. Unfortunately he didn’t have long to mull over the more fine details before Makuta’s growling voice echoed through his mind. “I did not release you from this prison realm to stand around, Ahkmou. Go!” The necrotic servant sighed and threw himself into the surf, wincing as his body protested the movement, and began swimming towards the lower areas of Ga-Koto. The underwater village lay carved into the stone of the seabed, soft lights glittering within the huts and homes. Makuta had not said what he should do if the villagers or Protector tried to stop him, but he had a guess. Not that it truly mattered to him, what had they ever done for him? They’d never tried to come save him and his people, or even make contact… No, he had no love for these Okotan’s. If they tried to get in his way, he’d do what was needed. A school of Takea sharks swam by, and for a moment, he felt a stab of fear. The aquatic hunters were known for their ferocity, even to someone who spent a lot of his time in the desert regions. Villagers he understood, but Takea… they swarmed, chewed, tore at their victim. If the full school turned to attack him, he’d be Takea bones in seconds. Not willing to take the chance, he brought himself to a stop, rose a hand towards the large rahi and forced his will out through his hands, as he had with Kulta. Emerald bolts lept through the waters and struck the school, chaining to each of their silver bodies and causing them to spasm and twist in agony. The energy lept through the school for only a few moments before they finally went limp and began to gently float towards the surface. Just like with the stone rat in the ruins, Ahkmou felt the ache of his body subside, and this time, it did not return. So, it appeared if he took the life of others, it fueled his own. Well that was convenient. It also explained why the Grinder and his people had a constant need for prisoners, they most likely used them as fuel for their power. Sick, but also clever. Ahkmou was noticing a trend with Makuta and his minions. You’re one of his minions, y’know. Just a tool to be used and thrown away. He shook that thought away and continued his swim past the village and towards the ruins he could see off in the distance. The Skull Spiders’ work, most likely, so that was a good as any place to start. He was no Ga-Okotan, so he wasn’t going to be able to hold his breath for too long, so on top of Makuta’s impatience, time was not his ally. He spent roughly an hour in those waters, going up for air every so often and feeding upon the local wildlife when his limbs began to ache or his body grew weak. The Okotan’s must’ve done an efficient job of clearing out the skull spiders after their defeat, as he was having a very difficult time finding even a scrap of the little creatures. Ahkmou brushed his hand against a bit of coral as he came to a stop, toxic eyes searching for the accursed corpse, and as it died in his fingers, he noticed a deep blue among the now-cracked remains. There it was. The remains of a skull spider, deep blue shell nearly blending in with the coral until he’d broken it away. He gripped the little creature’s remains and shot towards the surface, gasping in air as he broke the surface. The storm was still raging, and he almost believed it had gotten worse in his time below the raging waves, as returning to shore took far more effort. He turned and leaned against a large rock outcropping on the coast, looking down at the little creature. Makuta had not told him how he was supposed to go about bringing the little terror back to life, or unlife, and so far he had only experience in draining the energy from a victim, not revitalizing one. However, Ahkmou did remember Makuta using the creatures in the shadow realm to...subdue the more destructive or rebellious matoran, using them as sentient masks. If they had a mind of their own, he may be able to simply let his power work for itself and read its own memories from beyond its watery grave. He figured it was as good a shot as any, and reached up to remove Kulta’s mask from his face. He enjoyed the soft whisper of the now-calm winds against his face before reaching down to gently press the salt-riddled spider to his face, nestling its mask-like underbelly onto his face. Its mechanical components had mostly rusted away from the caustic salts and he felt organic fluids dripping across his cheeks and forehead as he did so, forcing a silent gag. Then, he waited, yet again. He was starting to get tired of that. With a sudden dizzying rush, his eyes gave way to a memory not his own. Well, nice to see he could still improvise and get results. The skull spidr was underwater not far from where he himself had been searching, swimming towards the original Mask of Water that Gali had either abandoned or somehow lost during her short adventures on Okoto, its ocean-blue surface buried eye-deep in the sands. Ahkmou assumed it was being commanded forth by Makuta for the same reason he was now, but ignored the theory as he watched the memory. The creature’s long forelegs finally settled upon the mask and curled around it. With a satisfied hiss, it kicked its back legs and began towards where Makuta must’ve instructed it to take the mask. Ahkmou smirked behind the creature’s mask-esque remains. Perhaps things were going to go smoothly for once. Obviously this one had found her mask, now he simply needed to see what had ended it, and then find that. Most likely, the mask would be near by. The spider swam on a ways before a flash of movement sped across it vision, bringing it to a stop with another sharp hiss. The shape had been large, long, and easily identified as aquatic… but far too large to be a Takea shark. Besides, he thought, the sharks and other rahi feared any creation of Makuta’s by natural instinct. As he watched the shape whip by again, this time closer, Ahkmou made out colors now. Blue, orange, streaks of silver across its head… No, that was no Takea. The skull spider waited for the creature to swim by before it darted forward and tried to simply escape through speed alone. It made only a few feet before it seemed to be hit by a sudden current of water moving at such a rapid speed that it sent the arachnid swirling end over end, making Ahkmou feel nauseous for a moment from the view. The spider corrected itself just and he finally got a good look at its attacker as it raced forward, head bowed forward and tail moving rapidly to keep up speed and force. A body of bright blue and silver, fins lean and powerful, and a head of the purest silver, featuring a deadly fire-orange horn upon its tip. Along its back, a pair of weapons that looked familiar to the ones wielded by the Protectors were strapped and loaded. Ahkmou prepared for the memory to come to an abrupt end as this...creature of the ocean charged forward to impale the spider and reclaim the mask. Instead, Ahkmou himself was launched off his feet by a sudden force he didn’t register until he was a flying through the air, coughing water from his mouth as the spider came loose from his face. It felt as if the ocean itself had created a tendril of water and simply struck him with all its force. He landed with a sharp crash on the flat top of the rocks he’d been near, crying out as the impact nearly broke one of the bone spikes from his left shoulder. A moment later, Kulta’s mask, which he’d been holding at his side the whole time, landed next to him with a metallic clang. He sat up, coughing and sputtering, and more than a little furious. So now he had both a giant fish to find, and on top of that, the very ocean itself wished to get in his way. “Is that it now, huh?! First the Okotan’s don’t come to save me, then me trying to save my own mask turns me into Makuta’s lap dog, and now I have to fight the very waters themselves?!” he roared at the churning waves, rains pelting his face and armor in a torrential downpour,”Fine, I’ll face the ocean's fury!” As if the sea heard his request, he heard the waters suddenly roar an answer and with a brief flash of lightning, saw a new column of water rise from the currents and lash towards him before darkness fell again. His normally excellent night vision was ruined by the sudden flash and he had no idea where the strike was coming from. A moment later, he was struck dead-center, breath knocked from his lungs and he forced off his feet yet again. The continuous stream of water engulfed him, threatening to drown him in its fury as he unleashed bolt after bolt of darkness against the waves to try and fight back, their violet and black arcs simply cutting through the waters without effect. Just as his lungs began to burn and scream for oxygen, the waters suddenly cut off and Ahkmou gasped, lurching forward as he spit water from his mouth and his body expelled the salty invader. In the back of his mind, he noted to note mock the ocean anymore. As he slowly regained his breath, he looked up, expecting the last assault to come and finish him. Instead, a flash of lightning illuminated his true assailant, silver and blue armor reflecting the light brilliantly. The fish creature… There it was, floating a few yards off the raging waters, tail lazily swaying back and forth, though the sense of fury was present even from here. It’s movement was an idle one, instead, Ahkmou had seen enough rahi to sense their tension before the pounce. Ignoring its obvious distress for his presence, Ahkmou was more baffled by how the aquatic rahi was flying above its natural habitat, as well as how it was controlling the elements. As far as he was aware, only a Toa had that kind of power. Well, the Toa and… No, that was impossible. Surely he hadn’t attracted the power of the creature of Water, that was far too powerful for him to defeat alone. The Toa controlled the elements he know, but the Creatures? Makuta had mentioned them as the living elements themselves, fury and all, and he’d very much made this one angry. That explains the storm getting worse, he thought. He reached over to collect Kulta’s mask and snapped it back over his face, feeling a dark presence return to the back of his mind that he hadn’t noticed was missing. So that’s how Makuta communicated with him, the same way he had the Grinder apparently. Masks were everything, once again, it seemed. “Come on then, creature! If you’re here to try and stop me, I must say, I’m more afraid of Makuta then I am of you! What’s stopping you?” “Because her I asked her to stop.” Chapter 4 Ahkmou whirled at the feminine voice, nearly jumping off the rock’s surface from the shock of what he saw. She was tall, a good mask over himself, and her mask was beautiful. A shining golden hue that marbled into a deep-sea blue, eyes a brighter blue like the warm sky over Po-Koto and carved runes of the Okotan language arced across her forehead. Her armor of blues, silvers and sea-star orange was smooth and curved slightly across her body, most likely aiding with her swimming, though her identity was immediately known thanks to the carved symbol in her breastplate. “T-Toa… Gali…?” He whispered, sound barely audible over the storms and waves. There she stood, shape shimmering like a desert mirage, but unmistakably present. He couldn’t see her face, the Toa’s masks were far more protective of the wearer then the usual Okotans, but he could’ve sworn he saw a smile in her eyes. She rose a hand, and suddenly, silence struck him like a physical blow. Everything stopped. The storm, the waves, rain, everything came to a sudden halt at this Toa’s command. Such a simple display of power finally broke Ahkmou’s composure and he sunk to his knees before her, simply staring in stunned silence. “Yes, little one… Well, I guess not so little now. I am here, as my brothers and I should’ve been for all of you, so long ago.” “H..how?” “As a Toa, I am the element of water upon Okoto. From the dew that drips in Le-Koto, to the raging storms of my home, as long as the waters exist, so do I. Even if that means not physically, my spirit remains wherever my element does. Don’t worry, I didn’t get it at first either,” She giggled softly for a moment, the sound almost sounding a bit childish as she knelt down in front of him. Those eyes were so cool, like a drink after he’d spent all afternoon climbing the carvings of his home, and Ahkmou realized that she was both the ocean's beauty and wrath at once. “But… you were sent to the stars when you re-imprisoned Makuta? How are you still on Okoto?” he asked, starting to regain his voice again as he processed how he was speaking to the spirit of Water. He was grateful he hadn’t simply died at some point and not realized it. That would’ve been a terrible end to his legend. Drowned by a flying fish. “Our bodies were sent to the stars, yes, once our power was released and we once again united with the elements. Our spirits, however, remained here on Okoto to work with the Creatures and protect our homes.” Ahkmou nodded as he slowly grasped the situation. The Toa weren’t gone, could never truly be gone, but one thing still stuck out in his mind. Looking up at that gleaming golden mask, he asked a simple question, head tilted slightly as he frowned. “How did you find me…?” Toa Gali’s expression darkened and she shifted her gaze to the now-still oceans. She didn’t respond immediately and instead simply walked around him to look out across the endless waters. When she spoke, her voice was distant, as if she was lost in a painful memory she couldn’t ever truly forget. “During the battle with one of Makuta’s minions, Umarak, my soul was taken into the shadow realm. I did not linger long and it was through my visit I figured out the destiny my brothers and I had to fulfill,” she said, folding her arms as if catching a sudden chill. “When a spirit enters that place, it leaves a stain that… can’t ever truly be removed.” “That still doesn’t explain how-!” She held up a hand and Ahkmou instantly fell silent, afraid another torrent of water would flatten him against the stone again if he continued. Gali was silent for another moment, before continuing. “Because of that stain, I’m able to follow anything that also has that darkness within it. It’s both a blessing and a curse, really. I am able assist Akida in finding any threat to our home, but having that darkness within oneself is…” Ahkmou finished the sentence for her, a grim chuckle on his lips as he did so, “Fatiguing? Always feeling like another presence is hovering over your shoulder, like a looming shadow?” “Yes… You are wise, littl one.” She replied, eyes softening again a few degrees and turning back to look at him. “The name’s Ahkmou, and I’ve been around the shadow realm for about a thousand years, you tend to get used to the lack of privacy,” he shot at her, bitterness dripping from his voice. “Yes, I’m sorry we couldn’t save you all… Even if we were physically on the island, doing so would also release Makuta, and you know what kind of evils he would unleash.” “So the lives of the Capital city are worth the lives of the rest of Okoto…?” She frowned and looked away, as if the thought of leaving any Okotan in peril was too much for her to bear. Ahkmou didn’t care, he pushed harder as he stood and walked over to her, pointing up at Akida, as she’d called her. “You still have a connection with your elemental creatures, you could do something, anything, to try and help us, instead you’ve accepted that we’re lost… and you still haven’t told me why you found me here. You could’ve just ended me and stopped whatever Makuta is planning for me, but you haven’t,” he tilted his skull-like visage so he caught her gaze and she looked at him fully, pain obvious in her eyes. “The prophecy is done, Ahkmou, our destiny fulfilled.”
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After a long break from MOCing, I swung back into things for The Legend Continues contest currently running, and this is my entry into the Building Division. Since the premise of the contest is to build something we would have loved to see in G2, but didn't end up getting, I thought of how much character was given to G1 by the iconic Rahi, and how G2 was lacking in official depictions of wildlife. What better way to remedy this than to create an updated version of the set which gave us some of the most iconic of all G1's Rahi: the Master Builder Set? There are a handful of changes between my version and the official set from G1. Firstly, I didn't rework all of the Rahi (due to a lack of parts), however all of my versions were built simultaneously as opposed to the original set only having the parts to build one or maybe two at a time. The creatures themselves have seen some changes, but I believe it's easy enough to identify which is meant to be which, though it's easier in some cases than in others. Of course, since the contest demands a single photo as the entry, I made a group shot of the creatures to be the actual entry picture, but I'll show them off individually to greater detail in this thread. I imposed a few rules upon myself for this build: keep the color scheme true to the original Master Builder Set, and only use parts that were actively produced and used by Lego during the run of G2. Actually, all but two sets used in building these were Bionicle G2 sets. First of all, the entry pic: You can see all of my G2 animals in this shot out in the sun, but it's true that many of the details are lost. Sun-Belly Roo (Fusa) Sun-Belly Roos inhabit the Region of Stone, and are found in the rolling deserts that cover much of it. As pack animals, the Roos live in large families, and are extremely territorial. They ferociously fight off even far larger predators with their strong punches. The Villagers of Stone have grown close to the Roos, and many of the nomadic tribes still practice a rite of adulthood where a young villager must venture out into the desert, track down a Roo, provoke it into a fight and tame it. When tamed, the Roos will become extremely attached and loyal to their masters, and the two will share the bond for life. Builder's note: I fiddled with the function of this one for quite a while. I first tried whipping up something using those pinhole gear-with-technic-axle parts from the Creature sets, but ended up going with a gearbox instead. Blood-Tooth Cobra (Kuna) The Blood-Tooth Cobra is most frequently found in the humid thicket of the Region of Jungle, but also appear in the Region of Fire. Though small, these snakes are incredibly nimble and quick to attack. They can be stealthy if they wish, however when threatened, they can feign combusting and bursting into flames to scare off predators. If this doesn't work, or if they are startled, they lunge forward to strike with the fangs they got their name for. Blood-tooth venom causes the sensation of burning, and is extremely painful. Builder's note: This started with me looking at Skull Scorpio's function and thinking how cool it would be for a snake. In the end I almost rebuild Scorpio's mechanism entirely, but the principle remains. Red lightsaber for authenticity. Ashen Drake (Hikaki) The Ashen Drakes are extremely rare dragons found around the mountains of the Region of Fire. These noble beasts struggle with an ill reputation among the villagers of other regions, however the Villagers of Fire know that the Drakes are not aggressive or feral. An ancient legend tells the tale of an apprentice who betrayed and struck down the Protector of Fire at the time in order to take his place. This usurper then took his warriors to tame the Drakes. Only the other apprentice knew what truly happened, and instead of coming with chains, he turned to the Drakes with humble plea. The dragons helped him defeat the evil Protector, and this was the only time a Villager ever rode a Drake into battle. Builder's note: While the Hikaki was supposed to be a dragon/lizard, I decided to go all dragon here with bigger wings. This is is lighter on function and more for show, but the gearbox is there and functional. Burnsting (Hoto) While most beasts on Okoto are given elegant and descriptive names, these pests are merely known for the nuisance they cause. Present across the island in massive numbers, the Burnstings swarm during the warm season. While not particularly dangerous, their sting does give a slight sensation of burning, followed by itchiness. They are drawn to heat, light, bright colors and sweet smells. Builder's note: I just knew I had to use Skull Grinder's staff spike as a stinger. Fire-Glass Spider (Fikou) The Fire-Glass Spider is just one of many variants of Glass Spider found across the island. Each breed of glass spider only differs in color and what climate they are adapted to. The Fire-Glass resides in the Region of Fire, along with the Ash-Glass (Transparent Grey) and the Magma-Glass (Transparent Red). Glass Spiders are easily identifiable due to being entirely translucent. They are harmless and peaceful, though relatively large for insects. Though they usually steer clear of urban areas, a recent fad saw an increase in demand for them as pets, though most elders are certain the craze will pass. Builder's note: This guy resembles the original the most out of the lot! Shore Turtle (Hoi) The tiny shore turtle is one of the most unfortunate animals on Okoto. They are found across the coastline of the entire island, but are most numerous in the Region of Water. The Shore Turtles are slow, meek, defenseless creatures who for some baffling reason have soft shells, making them extremely easy prey to catch. The Shore Turtle population, however, is maintained by a curious mechanism. Not only do they have the quickest breeding rate of all Okotoan animals, but the predators have learned that an adult Shore Turtle is as easy to catch as a young one, but provides more food. Therefore, the even more vulnerable younglings are rarely killed, meaning the vast majority of Shore Turtles live to reach breeding age, leaving behind potentially hundreds of offspring before being inevitably eaten. Okoto Fishing Bird (Taku) Incorrectly named for reasons lost to time, the Okoto Fishing Bird doesn't actually fish - it is the primary predator of the Shore Turtles, and can be found in abundant numbers wherever the turtles are. The brightly colored feathers of this avian are highly sought after by Okotoan tailors. Fishing Birds come in a vast array of colors, ranging from red-orange-yellow-gold specimens through greenish-yellowish ones all the way to blue and purple ones. Rock-Crusher Crab (Ussal) The most obvious feature of the Rock-Crushers, found along the coast of the Region of Stone, are their fearsome looking pincers which can grind up any boulder, given the time. That said, you'll likely be aware of one of these crabs before you see it, since they are constantly clapping the pincers together, even when not working rock. In spite of this, they are entirely harmless and avoid Villagers when possible. An odd trait of the Rock-Crushers is that they instinctively carve the same motif out of any rock they find - a large humanoid statue, legs set in a slight split with both arms stretched out in either direction. This tendency has puzzled Okotoan scholars for centuries, though they agree that the symbol has been associated with Life in ancient literature. Builder's note: I knew that the Ussal had to be among the few Rahi I remake, and the shadow traps lend themselves as pincers even if the original Ussal didn't have them (built, at least). Bone-Horn Rhino (Vako) Bone-Horns are rarely encountered by Villagers, since these beasts prefer solitude, but whenever a fateful meeting takes place, the villager is often left worse for wear. Highly aggressive, these Rhinos possess a massive horn protruding from their heads, out of a small skull with two tiny, deep-set yellow eyes. Their horn is often used to fashion weaponry for the most elite hunters, who carry said weapon as a token of achievement as much as for practical purposes. Builder's note: I was really running out of parts at this point... More images: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2irmy1 As always, feedback and criticism are always welcome!- 8 replies
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This is the entry list for the art division of The Legend Continues. Placement on this list does not guarantee entry into the contest, however; entries may be disqualified at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ironat >>> Legendary Toa Tahu 2. Disty says hi >>> Tahnok, Scarab of Fire 3. Haecceity >>> Master Of Light >>> Topic 4. ToaSmily >>> The Mask Collectors 5. Matau228 >>> Rightful Place 6. Infrared >>> Makuta, Master of Nothing >>> Topic 7. prpldragon >>> Sons of Makuta- Bionicle G2 Rahkshi 8. TuragaNuva >>> United Through Time 9. Boxer502 >>> Art Cover - Turn of Fate 10. ZippyWharrgarbl >>> All I Wanted Was For Makuta To Be Free Of The Mask Of Ultimate Power's Influence And Reunite With His Brother, Why Did They Shove Him In A Hole Instead 11. Demitsorou >>> Wairuha, Uniter of Storms 12. Toa Imrukii >>> Dark Skies, Bright Stars >>> Topic 13. Dex88 >>> Old secret Laboratory on Okoto 14. Crunchyn >>> The Brothers Corrupted 15. Wazdakka >>> Exo-Toa 16. TL01 NUVA >>> Tahu Nuva- Spirit of Flame 17. The Venom >>> Tahu and Ikir: Year Three 18. ar9914 >>> Shadow Toa 19. Pomegranate >>> Tapestry of Time >>> Topic 20. Uncle K. >>> An Axe to Grind 21. Illustrious Var >>> The Great Battle 22. Nukaya >>> Hahli's back! >>> Topic 23. harroonthegoyo >>> the four dimensional framework analyzer featured in A Treatise on Protodermis 1st Edition
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This is the entry list for the building division of The Legend Continues. Placement on this list does not guarantee entry into the contest, however; entries may be disqualified at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Krisha >>> Uxar, Creature of Jungle Concept 2. Sergei Rahkmaninoff >>> Ultimate Being >>> Topic 3. Disty says hi >>> Poison Beast (G2 Lerahk) 4. Toa Imrukii >>> Mildara, The Ocean Plesiosaur >>> Topic 5. IvanisIvan >>> Kurahk the engulfer 6. Haecceity >>> Ultimate Dume: Corrupted Protector >>> Topic 7. Pohaturon >>> Bionicle G2 Master Builder Set 8. Genericon >>> Anrak, Servant of Makuta 9. djmona >>> Alternative Creature of Jungle (Weapon) 10. Eharm27 >>> Fernus the Incinerator 11. Eljay: Toa of Mangosteen >>> Makuta - Mask Maker's Return 12. TimelyManner >>> Cyborg Rilos 13. Boxer502 >>> Ahkmou - Toa of Shadow 14. DeeVee >>> Ekimu: Master of Creation 15. TuragaNuva >>> Bingzak, Toa of Time 16. Cocoa >>> Karzahni: Master of Madness >>> Topic 17. exxtrooper >>> Guardian of Shadows 18. Sparkytron >>> Kulta Kal and the Skeleton Army >>> Topic 19. CeziuM >>> Nuurakh - Forge Overseer >>> Topic 20. Mesonak >>> Makuta: The Mask Hoarder 21. Rockmonster2000 >>> Vetr-jotunn, Elemental Spirit of Ice 22. Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) >>> Takua of the Tribe of Light 23. Spiffy247 >>> Warlord Makuta - Corrupted Mask Maker >>> Topic 24. CCC >>> Concept Tahu and Sword Ikir >>> Topic 25. 55555 >>> Tesseract Turbo 26. The Venom >>> G2 Mata-Nui: Titan of Life 27. Ziontyro Metalhead >>> Protectors and Givers of Comfort >>> Topic 28. harroonthegoyo >>> Four Dimensional Framework Analyzer (Used to observe future of small objects) >>> Topic
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This is the entry list for the writing division of The Legend Continues. Placement on this list does not guarantee entry into the contest, however; entries may be disqualified at any time. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Pohaturon >>> The Legend Continues - Of Druids and Shadow 2. Bionic Kasai >>> Bionicle: Mask of Imitation 3. RWallace >>> The First and the Last 4. Genericon >>> Makutas Bargain 5. Lab Member 0579 >>> Second Star 6. Gzstg >>> Pohatu 7. Matau228 >>> Mythology in the G2 Universe 8. capMARVELOUS >>> The Legend Continues- Assimilate 9. Disty says hi >>> The Conspiracy 10. Pereki >>> No More Shadows 11. Wiriamu >>> The Legend Continues: Shadows of Past and Future 12. Oonie >>> The Legend Continues: Umarak of the Shadow 13. Constraction_Deva >>> Realm of Shadow 14. Boxer502 >>> Boxer502 - Bionicle:Turn of Fate 15. JTH_Studios >>> Journey's End 16. Alexander123 >>> The Tragedy of Makuta 17. SPIRIT >>> Clinging to the Bones 18. Master Inika >>> Return to the Underworld: The Protectors' Mission 19. markyman20 >>> Vezon's Visit 20. TuragaNuva >>> Heroes of Legend 21. Kookie >>> A Simpler Time 22. PeabodySam >>> Gresh - Gladiator of Jungle 23. harroonthegoyo >>> A Treatise on Protodermis Preview 24. Ptah >>> The Great Hunt 25. Ziontyro Metalhead >>> Makuta's jealousy. 26. SkullKid >>> The End of Time 27. Jonathan Juan >>> The Dreaming Dead 28. Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva) >>> Bionicle: Journey to Zero
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Makuta’s line, “Today I take my rightful place among the gods," from JTO hints at a bigger mythology in the G2 universe, such as multiple deities and possibly a different creation story. Here's my take on what that could be... The Great Beings It is said that long ago, before history, in “the time before time,” there was the void. And though it was a void, inside of it was life. Not life as you or I know it, mind you, bound to the material plane, where things are born and die. This was pure life. Unending, unyielding. Those with this life were the first gods, the Great Beings. They were great in their knowledge, knowing all that could be and all that would come, and were mighty in their power. They could create whatever their hearts desired, and lived happily for an eternity. But they grew tired of their existence. “What is the point of life,” the Great beings said, “If we always know what will happen? By merely knowing, we have experienced everything imaginable.” So the Great Beings cast away their knowledge of the future into a box. They crafted armor out of pure light and put it on one of their own, giving him the box to guard so that no one could open it. They called him "Great Spirit," and named the warrior “Mata’nui,” meaning “The warrior that holds destiny, the champion among us” in their tongue. This is how the Great Spirit Mata’Nui, came to be. Tren Krom, the Corrupt The Great Beings, now relieved of their burden, returned to their old ways, creating great worlds for them to enjoy. But one Great Being, finding that his worlds were no longer as as beautiful as the others, went out to take the knowledge of the future back from Mata'Nui, so as to have something that made himself special compared to the rest. So he befriended the Great Spirit Mata’Nui, and they became so close that many began to call them brothers. Mata'Nui, while gladdened to have such a friend, still would not let the Great Being open the box. Driven by his envy, the Great Being began to plot the death of Mata’Nui. The Great Being fashioned a sword for himself of pure shadow, so as to be able to pierce Mata'Nui’s armor. He came to Mata'Nui with the blade, saying “Brother, I have finally been able to something beautiful. We must celebrate!” The celebration lasted a thousand years, for all had come know of this Great Being’s struggles, and rejoiced for him. When the celebration ended, all but the one Great Being slept. He crept to where Mata’Nui was sleeping, whispering, “It is good that you are sleeping, brother, for awake this would have been agony.” And so the Great Being ran Mata’nui through with the sword, sending him into an eternal slumber. The Great took the box from Mata’nui’s lifeless arms and opened it, staring into the bottomless pit of knowledge. But the sheer amount knowledge was not meant for one person alone, and so he was driven mad by it. When the other Great Beings awoke, they were distraught at what one of their own had done, and mourned Mata’nui. Finding the evil Great Being, they cursed him, naming him “Tren Krom,” meaning “the corrupt, the one who brings suffering and misery,” and transformed him into a hideous creature, so that anyone searching for his knowledge would be driven mad themselves. They fashioned a prison for him out of a rock, melding his flesh with it, and created a deep ocean to sink it in. This is how the Great Ocean and Tren Krom came to be. Artakha, the Uniter (”Commentary” by Takua, a chronicler-in-training) The Great Beings closed the box again, forging a great chain to hold it shut. (You’d think for a people called “Great Beings,” they’d have done that in the first place, wouldn’t you?) This was when everything was new, young one. They didn’t think that anyone- (But you just said that they knew everything before they put their knowledge in a box! Wouldn’t they have known to put a chain on it before they made it? And how do you put knowledge in a box?) It’s a story, young one, one that has been passed down for eons. Some of the story has probably been changed, or mistranslated… Anyway, they called upon one of the greatest creators among them to forge the chains. Now, he had seen how easily the Shadow Blade had cut through Mata’Nui’s armor, and decided that light alone was not strong enough to hold the box closed. So he began to forge the links of the chain from the elements. “Forge-worker,” The other Great Beings said, “Why do you forge the chain from the elements, and not from pure light as we did the armor? Surely they cannot be strong enough!” And they took some of the elements and crushed them, casting them into the Great Ocean, forming the land. “Ah, my siblings, but try to break the chain I have formed.” He challenged them. And try as they might, none of them could break the chain he had forged. For separate, the elements were weak. Together, nothing could have broken them. (But how did he make a chain out of fire or water, and how did the Great Beings break them? They aren’t solid!) It’s… symbolic. Hush, now, and listen. To finish his creation, he took some of Mata’Nui’s armor and spun it into thread, weaving light through each of the links. He wrapped the chain around the box, sealing it. And so they called him “Artakha,” meaning “The uniter, the one who builds,” and gave him the box to guard, until such a time as Mata’Nui returned. This is how the Great Spirit Artakha and the Land came to be. Karzahni, the Dutiful Now, as death was not permanent for the Great Beings, someone was needed to stay with Mata’Nui until he awoke. This duty fell upon a mask-maker, one who had considered Tren Krom a friend, and so felt obligated to right his wrongdoing. He was given the Shadowed Blade to use against all that might harm Mata’Nui as he slept. For a thousand years, this Great Being sat beside the sleeping Mata’Nui, neither sleeping nor eating so as to be with Mata’nui when he woke. At the end of the thousand years, the Great Being felt his strength waning. Tired of waiting, he asked for another Great Being to take his place, only for a year while he rested. “Brother,” they said, “We are busy with our creations. Surely he will wake up soon.” So the Great Being, angry at the other’s refusal to help, waited another thousand years for Mata’Nui to wake up. Again, he called for another to take his place, this time for only a month. “It is your duty, what if Mata’Nui wakes while you sleep?” And so the Great Being sat for another thousand years, angry at his people. Finally, he called for Artakha, asking him to take his place for one single day. “I understand your pain, Mask-maker,” said Artakha, “But I, too, must protect my charge; I cannot help you, but I will sit with you.” The Great Being, though unhappy he could not get rest, rejoiced in Artakha’s company, and the two sat together for another thousand years, neither of them sleeping nor eating. At the end of the thousand years, Mata’Nui finally woke up. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself alone, save for the Great Being and Artahka. Mata’Nui praised the Great Being for his dutiful nature. But the Great Being looked away bitterly, saying “I am honored by your praise, Great Spirit, but I do not deserve it. I was tired of my duty, and hated it.” Mata’Nui laughed. “You could have left at any time, abandoning your duty, but you did not! Is that not worthy of praise?” And so they called the Great Being “Karza,” or “He who does what is difficult, the one who perseveres.” And so Karza finally rested, watched over by his friends. This is how The Great Spirit Karza, and thus the Three Great Spirits of Virtue came to be. Artahka the Uniter, Karza the Dutiful, and Mata’Nui, the one who holds Destiny. The War of Creation Now there came a time when each Great Being strove to create their own world, one which they could rule as they saw fit. Most beautiful among the worlds was the one made from Tren Krom’s Prison and the discarded elements, located in the center of all creation. Naturally, as all of the Great Beings had taken part in this world’s creation, and each one claimed that it was theirs. Artahka saw the divide beginning to form among the Great Beings, and said, “Siblings, why do you quarrel over this world? Do you not remember that one of our own, though disgraced and mad, sleeps beneath it’s waves? Would it not be better to make another world to enjoy?” But the Great Beings ignored the Uniter, and did not stop their fighting. Their petty arguments soon grew into a great war, spanning all of creation. Worlds began being fashioned and used as weapons, or as battlegrounds for the Great Beings, and many more were destroyed, save for the center world. Mata’Nui became greatly troubled by this, and swore to end the fighting by whatever means he could. So he joined the battle himself, not with swords or spears, but wielding two gleaming shields in each hand. He would step out onto the battlefield, blocking both side’s blows until they were too exhausted to continue the fight. Mata’Nui, still standing strong, would say to them, “Siblings, do not quarrel over the center world. It is a prison to our brother, who is disgraced, and it has only brought misfortune to our people.” But the Great Beings ignored the One Who Holds Destiny, and did not stop their fighting. The war became so great and wide-spread that there was no Great Being left who did not wield a sword and use it against their siblings. Only the Great Spirits of Virtue refused to fight. Now Karza was still angry at his people for their unwillingness to help, and became enraged at their petty war, and so decided to end the fighting himself. So Karza yelled out to his people, warning “Siblings, stop your quarrel over the center world! It is a prison to our brother, Tren Krom, and like him, it brings suffering and misery! If you do not, the center world will be destroyed.” But the Great Beings ignored the Dutiful, and did not stop their fighting. So Karza took his brother Artahka’s forge tools and his own sword and used their destructive power against the center world. The land shattered, and parted the sea, letting Tren Krom, the Corrupt, see the war for a brief moment. The Mad Great Being laughed, yelling out “This is what I saw! A war to destroy all of creation! You are the cause of my madness!” With the center world’s beauty destroyed and Tren Krom’s prison weakened, the Great Beings no longer wished for control of the center world. Karza, still angry with his people, said to them “See now what your actions have done? To stop your war, I had to destroy what you sought, weakened our brother’s prison, so that none would want it!” And so the Great Beings stopped their war, and more was added to Karza’s name, becoming Karzahni, which now meant ”He who does what is difficult, the one who brings destruction, the jailer of the disgraced.” Karzahni, knowing that while it did stop the war, his actions also threatened to release Tren Krom from his prison, and so he banished himself to the remains of the center world to ensure that Tren Krom never escaped. He built a jail under the ocean around Tren Krom’s prison, with the intent to house the most dangerous outcasts in creation. His brothers, the other two Great Spirits, noticed his determination to fix his mistakes and began living on the land above, caring for what little of nature remained and rebuilding the world. This is how the Three Great Spirits became the Guardian Deities of our world; Karzahni, the Dutiful, guarding The Pit; Artahka, the Uniter, guiding the Island city of Tekoa; Mata’Nui, He who holds Destiny, watching over the Island of Okoto.
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Pohatu Hewkii walked. He thought again to the Task Turaga Polks had given him. The trials of Stronia were meant to test the new protector of the city. His destination was located deep in the forbidden part of the Po-Wahi desert. He continued to walk through the desert passing by a skeleton of a great stone dragon. He finally reached his destination after a week of travel. The temple was large perhaps the largest on the planet of stone. Walking towards it he passed by long abandoned buildings. As he climbed the steps he was greeted with several skeletons guarding the entrance. He quickly hid behind one of the stone pillars and looked again. They were defiantly skeletons as there was only bone visible outside their armor. Skeletons why are they here? He thought. He stared just a moment to long and one spotted him. It yelled to its companions in a unearthly voice then the rest turned in unison towards him with their ancient swords drawn. As a group they lunged at him their bones clanking together as they moved. He drew his Kolhii hammer and dodged a series of sword strikes. He swung his hammer and managed to destroy one but the other four advanced on him. He had barley jumped away from one strike when another connected with his back but was repealed by his armor. He looked and saw more skeletons heading his way being lead by a stone demon. This is bad. He thought. I am going to be overrun at this rate. As he was backed into a corner there was a gust of sand and standing before him was a tall brown and tan warrior. Pohatu looked around wondering where he was. Where am I? He asked. He then saw skeleton warriors being lead by a strange horned being advancing on a Matoran. Without thought he jumped in front of the Matoran. With his staff he lifted pieces of the temple and hurled them at the enemies. Hewkii watched as the skeletons broke apart and the demon was sent flying. The demon got back up and charged at them. Pohatu stomped his foot on the ground and summoned more stones and threw them at the demon. It went flying backwards and retreated into the temple. Hewkii stared in awe at the warrior. Who are you he asked. My name is Pohatu toa of stone. He replied in a gruff voice. And what is your name? He asked. Hewkii. He responded. Hewkii where am I? Pohatu asked. You are at the temple of Stronia goddess of stone. Hewkii replied. Who is this Stronia? He asked. He was about to respond when the ground started to shake. What’s going on? The toa asked. What I was afraid of. Hewkii replied. The demon has awakened its dark master the dreaded Arc-Demon Azazel. The sky grew dark as the rumbling increased bringing the massive pillars crashing down. Watch out! Pohatu yelled. He ran to the Matoran and summoned a stone shield to protect them. He looked down and saw Hewkii visibly shaking and looking at the rising smoke. Pohatu turned and saw a massive skeletal body rise out of the rubble. It skin was missing in places it held two strange weapons. When the demon turned around Pohatu saw it was wearing a mask similar to the skull warriors of Okoto. It locked its eyes on the pair and spoke in a raspy loud voice. Azeroth will rise again. It said. The demon then ran at them swinging its massive boulder weapons at them. Pohatu raised his staff to block but was thrown back but landed on his feet. There was a loud cry and Ketar swooped down from black sky his wings stirring up the sand. Azazel recoiled in shock when he saw the creature. You are to late wretched creature. Azazel said. He summoned a portal swirling with shadow and stepped into it disappearing. The temple resumed shaking when he left. Hewkii hang on! Pohatu yelled as he united with Ketar and flew to him. He picked up and carried Hewkii off to a safe distance. Hewkii looked back and was shocked to see the temple in rubble even its grand pillars gone. Turaga Polks is not going to like this. He thought. Where is the nearest village? Pohatu asked. The village of Ambore but I would not be welcomed there. Hewkii responded. Why? The toa asked. It is a Easterling village. What is wrong with them? Pohatu asked. Hewkii looked at Pohatu like he had lost his mind. After several seconds he responded. They are the descendants of the tribes that sided with Azazel during the Shadow war three thousand years ago. He said. After his defeat they broke free from his grip but grew a hatred for their fellow Matoran. We had several wars with them over the years. He continued. Take me to the city of Po-Metru. Hewkii said. Where is that? The toa asked. Straight ahead but it will take about two days. Hewkii responded. They traveled in silence after that. Eventually night had fallen and Pohatu found a cliff they could rest at. He descended and dropped Hewkii then landed. Ketar disengaged from Pohatu and sat down in the sand. Pohatu sat down and closed his eyes. Hewkii found a place to lay down and closed his eyes. Pohatu woke with a start. He was surrounded by a strange energy. He looked around and saw neither Ketar nor Hewkii. When he turned around he saw the form of Ketar coming towards him. Before he could move Ketar spoke in a soft melodious voice. Do not be scared Pohatu. The voiced said. I am Stronia the goddess of stone. She said. I have chosen the form of the guardian so we could speak. She continued. Why am I here? He asked. You are here because you have completed the first part of your destiny. She replied. What are the others then? He asked. To defeat Abandon a being that exists outside of time itself. Who is this being? Pohatu asked. We know not its origin only that it seeks to unmake reality. She responded. How can we defeat something outside of time? He asked worryingly. Like the first toa it will take the power of all 13 toa to defeat it. 13 I thought there were only six! He exclaimed. For every god there is a toa to guard them. She said. We made the first toa to protect our creations from chaos. She continued. We also made guardians to aid the toa. You know the as the elemental creatures. She said. Our time grows short I fear. Stronia said. As she said that she started to fade. Wait! Pohatu yelled. Seek your comrades first your unity is the key to defeating the coming threat. She faded completely and Pohatu found himself beside a sleeping Hewkii. He looked over at Ketar and thought to himself. I need her help. He looked at the horizon and saw that it was morning. He roused Hewkii and told him of his encounter. As he talked the Matoran listened intently nodding at cretin parts. When he was finished Hewkii talked. Turaga Polks will know more. Luckily for us he is at our destination. As Pohatu stood up he united with Ketar he walked over to Hewkii and despite the matoran's protest picked him up and flew towards Po-Metru.
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A few nights ago, someone mentioned "Krana-Kal", which I immediately misheard as Kraata-Kal. Pretty soon, I was examining the list of Dark Hunters, most of which were, of course, canonized via TLG-sponsored building contests. Frankly, even though Kraata-Kal isn't particuarly great, I'd really love to build some of these. The fact, however, is that very few of these models have corresponding instructions. Most of them are seriously blurry, or created by folks who are no longer involved in the fandom - or both. However, I suspect that bringing the entire BZP community together to try to find some of the original creators may be fruitful, within the bounds of our ability to contact people. Perhaps there are even some long-lost instructions out there. Obviously, there are a few that we pretty much have no chance of finding, such as the instructions to Miserix; that said, while combing through the BS01 records, oru chances of finding or making the manuals for some look pretty good. I've thrown together a google spreadsheet outlining some of the basic information that might help with tracking some of these down; all the info is from BS01 or a little research on the BZP names of some creators. Here it is. As far as I know, none of the models listed on the spreadsheet have public instructions; if they do, please correct me. Good luck! -Azani
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The Legend Continues - Art Division Once again, Bionicle has taken a bow and disappeared behind the curtain. It was awesome to see it return, definitely, but it's no secret there was meant to be just a little bit more. In fact, you can get a glimpse of what could have been thanks to The Art of LEGO BIONICLE. It's full of gorgeous artwork of the people, places, and things that made up the second generation, as well as what could have been. We're very grateful to LEGO for putting this book together for the fans. But it doesn't exist solely as a PDF. Oh no. BZPower has several very beautiful and 100% tangible books we want to put in your hands. You won't find this in any bookstore; only 100 copies have been printed. It's a rare piece of Bionicle memorabilia, and it can be yours. How? One of the ways you can win a book is by whipping up some art of something you would have liked to see in G2 Bionicle. Put your own spin on one of the concepts showcased in the book. Show us a showdown between the forces of good and their next adversaries. Breathe life into an Okotan landscape, or somewhere new. A picture could be worth a brand-new book! ------------------------- You have from now until Tuesday, June 13 at 11:59 PM EDT to submit your entries. To submit your entries, just use this handy form. Only one entry per person per category, please. ------------------------- Voting: Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. ------------------------- Rules: 1) Entries may not have been posted on BZPower prior to the start of the contest. It can be posted anywhere else before the contest, but it must never have been seen before on BZPower. Once entered, entries cannot be modified: you're committed to what you've entered. If you withdraw your entry, you cannot enter again that contest. If your entry is disqualified, you cannot enter again that contest. 2) A variety of media are permitted, such as drawing, painting, and modelling. Other media are allowed at the discretion of the contest hosts. 3) Keep it clean, keep it civil. No flaming, no whining. Unsporting conduct will just get you disqualified. 4) Campaigning for votes (mass-PMing, etc), using multiple accounts to skew voting, and sundry other methods of cheating are only going to end in tears for you. Trust us: we'll know when you're doing it. --------------------------------------- Prizes: First place will receive a physical copy of The Art of LEGO Bionicle and their choice of 71316 Umarak the Destroyer or 71311 Kopaka and Melum - Unity Set. Second place will receive their choice of an Uniter Toa and their matching Creature. Third place will receive their choice of 71313 Lava Beast, 71314 Storm Beast, or 71315 Quake Beast. Thanks to LEGO for providing the prizes! --------------------------------------- Contest Hosts: Tufi Piyufi Black Six Well, what are you waiting for? Keep Bionicle going!
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The Legend Continues - Building Division Once again, Bionicle has taken a bow and disappeared behind the curtain. It was awesome to see it return, definitely, but it's no secret there was meant to be just a little bit more. In fact, you can get a glimpse of what could have been thanks to The Art of LEGO BIONICLE. It's full of gorgeous artwork of the people, places, and things that made up the second generation, as well as what could have been. We're very grateful to LEGO for putting this book together for the fans. But it doesn't exist solely as a PDF. Oh no. BZPower has several very beautiful and 100% tangible books we want to put in your hands. You won't find this in any bookstore; only 100 copies have been printed. It's a rare piece of Bionicle memorabilia, and it can be yours. How? One of the ways you can win a book is by building something you would have liked to see in G2 Bionicle. Do you like a concept you see in the book? Go ahead and build it. Got your own ideas for how the third year should have gone? Put those pieces together. You're a set designer for a day, and we can't wait to see what you've got for Bionicle! ------------------------- You have from now until Tuesday, June 13 at 11:59 PM EDT to submit your entries. To submit your entries, just use this handy form. Only one entry per person per category, please. ------------------------- Voting: Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. ------------------------- Rules: 1) Entries may not have been posted on BZPower prior to the start of the contest. It can be posted anywhere else before the contest, but it must never have been seen before on BZPower. Once entered, entries cannot be modified: you're committed to what you've entered. If you withdraw your entry, you cannot enter again that contest. If your entry is disqualified, you cannot enter again that contest. 2) Painted parts, non-LEGO parts, and parts edited in Photoshop are not permitted and will disqualify you. All other LEGO pieces are permitted, but the entry must be at least 75% Bionicle/Hero Factory/Technic. You may use a modified or third-party mask for your entry in this contest, but all other pieces must be official LEGO pieces. 3) Keep it clean, keep it civil. No flaming, no whining. Unsporting conduct will just get you disqualified. 4) Campaigning for votes (mass-PMing, etc), using multiple accounts to skew voting, and sundry other methods of cheating are only going to end in tears for you. Trust us: we'll know when you're doing it. --------------------------------------- Prizes: First place will receive a physical copy of The Art of LEGO Bionicle and their choice of 71316 Umarak the Destroyer or 71311 Kopaka and Melum - Unity Set. Second place will receive their choice of an Uniter Toa and their matching Creature. Third place will receive their choice of 71313 Lava Beast, 71314 Storm Beast, or 71315 Quake Beast. Thanks to LEGO for providing the prizes! --------------------------------------- Contest Hosts: Tufi Piyufi Black Six Well, what are you waiting for? Keep Bionicle going!
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The Legend Continues - Writing Division Once again, Bionicle has taken a bow and disappeared behind the curtain. It was awesome to see it return, definitely, but it's no secret there was meant to be just a little bit more. In fact, you can get a glimpse of what could have been thanks to The Art of LEGO BIONICLE. It's full of gorgeous artwork of the people, places, and things that made up the second generation, as well as what could have been. We're very grateful to LEGO for putting this book together for the fans. But it doesn't exist solely as a PDF. Oh no. BZPower has several very beautiful and 100% tangible books we want to put in your hands. You won't find this in any bookstore; only 100 copies have been printed. It's a rare piece of Bionicle memorabilia, and it can be yours. How? One of the ways you can win a book is by writing something you would have liked to see in G2 Bionicle. Fill in a gap in the story that's been bugging you for ages. Fill in the gap at the end and tell us what comes next. We're looking for backstories, continuations, comedies, dramas, and all things in between. Write the right story, and you could have a book at the end of this contest! ------------------------- You have from now until Tuesday, June 13 at 11:59 PM EDT to submit your entries. To submit your entries, just use this handy form. Only one entry per person per category, please. ------------------------- Voting: Preliminary Voting begins June 14th and ends June 17th at 11:59 P.M. EST. Final Voting begins June 18th and ends June 20th at 11:59 P.M. EST. The contest winner and final voting results will be posted in a separate thread on June 21st. ------------------------- Rules: 1) Entries may not have been posted on BZPower prior to the start of the contest. It can be posted anywhere else before the contest, but it must never have been seen before on BZPower. Once entered, entries cannot be modified: you're committed to what you've entered. If you withdraw your entry, you cannot enter again that contest. If your entry is disqualified, you cannot enter again that contest. 2) There is no minimum or maximum word count to your entry, but remember: you'll want the voters to read your entry before they vote! 3) Keep it clean, keep it civil. No flaming, no whining. Unsporting conduct will just get you disqualified. 4) Campaigning for votes (mass-PMing, etc), using multiple accounts to skew voting, and sundry other methods of cheating are only going to end in tears for you. Trust us: we'll know when you're doing it. --------------------------------------- Prizes: First place will receive a physical copy of The Art of LEGO Bionicle and their choice of 71316 Umarak the Destroyer or 71311 Kopaka and Melum - Unity Set. Second place will receive their choice of an Uniter Toa and their matching Creature. Third place will receive their choice of 71313 Lava Beast, 71314 Storm Beast, or 71315 Quake Beast. Thanks to LEGO for providing the prizes! --------------------------------------- Contest Hosts: Tufi Piyufi Black Six Well, what are you waiting for? Keep Bionicle going!
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This is my first post on BZPower, glad to finally get round to coming over here. This is easily the most fragile build of mine, this is not exactly a model for a great range of poses. The embodiment of the element hydrogen. The color scheme came from the range of colors of stars, Red to Yellow to Blue, which is represented by the color transition on the model. Since stars are made up of mostly hydrogen, where the vast majority of hydrogen in the universe is found and the reason stars can actually sustain themselves, it seemed like a pretty good fit. The two orbs can be either two stars or two hydrogen atoms or two protons. The fire/flame design for this came from not only the star motif but also the Hydrogen molecule being very flamable. The model uses technic/bionicle pieces to make up most of it with a handful of system parts for extra detailing and add texture to the lower part. This was made as an entry in a competition on the Bionicle subreddit. My Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98795587@N02/
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Makuta: Consumed By Light The Toa shattered at his feet, Makuta plucks the Mask from Ekimu's feeble grasp. Victory all but achieved, a soft laugh escapes as he dons his long-sought prize. And yet, gloating turns to fear. A cry escapes as the Mask's light surges down. Makuta's final moment is consumed by the realization that the Mask is far greater than he. Toa Gali's words echo from the distant past: "You wanted our power, monster. Now let us see if you can handle it." → Rebrick Entry ← Don't forget to give it a like! Click to zoom My concept is a take on a classic Bionicle theme--the destiny of good to triumph over evil, captured in the pivotal moment when Makuta's arrogance is overcome, and the Mask's light begins to wash down over him. The total build + photoshoot took about 2 weeks. All feedback and critique is welcome! It's been about 5 years since I last MOC'd; good to be back.
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Here’s my entry to the Rebrick “Show Us Your Makuta” contest - Makuta: Brute of Shadow! This model features a swivelling waist and swinging arms, both controlled via the knobs on his back. Entry page (give it a like!) -
"You were expecting something else? Something like... THIS!?" When Makuta is on the brink of defeat, the Mask of Ultimate Power transforms him into a disembodied vortex of shadows and elemental energy. With nothing left but his Mask of Control and the desire for revenge, Makuta uses this form to lash out at the Toa and Ekimu in his final moments. This depiction of Makuta is inspired by Makuta's final form in the Mata Nui Online Game. It was created for the Makuta Challenge on Lego Rebrick. My brother Aanchir assisted me with this MOC. Additional Photos on Flickr- 6 replies
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