Jump to content

BZP'S GAME OF THRONES: SEASON 2


Voltex

Recommended Posts

 

EPISODE FIVE

“Faith”

 

-EARTH REGION-

-IRTEZA SHAH GALUM-

IC: Pulse (All), Irteza (All), Kulta (All), Quin (All), Vinheim (All), Toru (All)

 

Irteza couldn’t help but flinch when the doors to the Great Hall burst open, and he winced as the Skull Warrior’s sword at his neck nicked him due to his movement. As he felt blood drip down his neck, he glanced at the doors, where two Skull Warriors escorted three figures inside. His heart dropped as he recognized them.

 

The arrival of Vinheim Maran and General Quin Galum was bad enough, but with them present, only one person could be sending a messenger to Kulta.

 

The King of Stone moves quickly.

 

"More visitors," Kulta said, their red eyes gleaming and the sadness vanishing from their tone. "Excellent. Won't you join us?"

 

The Stone Messenger hurried forward, bowing low as they approached the Skull Leader. A sense of calm washed over Irteza as the messenger lifted their head to speak.

 

"I bring you a message from his grace ShadowVezon, Commander."

 

“Well... this is awkward,” Pulse said, shifting in his seat. “Should I leave? I understand that I should not encroach upon the matters of Kamuk, and I am certain they won’t want me of all people to be here.”

 

“You’re fine, your grace,” said General Quin, grinning smugly at Irteza. “I see our Guardian is already here.”

 

“I can assure you I'm not here on behalf of Kamuk. I tend to do my own thing," Vinheim said, smirking at Pulse before retreating to stand beside a Skull Warrior on the edge of Irteza’s line of sight.

 

"There is no need for you to leave so soon, your grace," Kulta said.

 

The threat in the Skull Leader’s tone was obvious to all present.  

 

Kulta tilted her head towards the Stone Messenger. "Yes?"

 

"His grace has granted you permission, Commander," the Messenger said, and Irteza sighed as their next words sealed his fate. "To execute Irteza Shah for his crimes against the nation of Kamuk."

 

Kulta was silent for a long moment before they waved their hand to dismiss the Messenger, who scurried out of the hall. Once they were gone, Kulta turned towards him, their red eyes drilling into him.

 

"Do you have any final words, Guardian?"

 

Irteza glanced around the room, knowing he had to make at least one final effort to see if anyone present would step in to save him. Vinheim was smirking, a smug look on his face, while Quin’s expression was unreadable. A look of delight was spreading across Toru’s face, and Pulse was sagging in his chair, helpless against Kulta and Kamuk. He took a deep breath, directing his gaze back to Kulta.

 

“The Faith has been threatened,” Kulta said, and Irteza idly noted that the chill of their rasping voice no longer affected him. “The Knights are mobilizing, seeking divide us and strike us down. They have called for war, and the call must be answered.”

 

The Skull Warrior holding him sliced its sword, and released him. As Irteza collapsed to the floor, he felt the blood pumping out of him as the world started to fade, his eyes still on Kulta as the Skull Leader turned to Quin.

 

“You are here for the soldiers I promised you. I will lend you five hundred of our Skull Warriors... that will be more than enough to help you crush the Fire Region forces.”

 

I fought to live, he thought, and I lost. Now I rest.

 

His world went black, silence fell, and Irteza Shah knew no more.

 

-WATER REGION-

-NATO GREAVESY-

IC: Nato (All), Onaku (All), Voltex (All), Vatten (All)

 

He felt energy surge through him as it flooded out of both Voltex and Vatten in waves. With the immense powers of the Mask Makers now under his command, Nato activated his half of the Mask of Time; across from him, Onaku did the same. Besides him, Voltex began to chant in a language that Nato did not understand. The words sounded older than Voltex himself, and as the seconds ticked by, the sarcophagus began to glow with a golden light.

 

Nato shifted in place, concentrating on keeping the mask activated. All he could do was wait.

 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity (and, if Nato was honest with himself, it very well might have been with the Mask of Time involved), the light flashed brightly, temporarily blinding him. At the same second, the power surging through him from the two Mask Makers cut off abruptly.

 

Without the strength of Vatten and Voltex to power the mask, he immediately deactivated it, stumbling back a step before catching his balance as he waited for his sight to return.

 

When it did, a satisfied smile slowly spread across his face at the sight that greeted him – for sitting atop the golden slap was a figure clad in gold and bright blue armor. Even without their signature Mask of Creation on their face (a gold and blue Protector Mask in its place), for Nato, the Mask Maker Ekimu was instantly recognizeable.

 

He stepped forward, offering the Mask Maker his hand. “Welcome to my time, old friend.”

 

-FIRE REGION-

-RG II COAL-

IC: RG (All), Tahu (All)

 

After the latest report from his little birds, RG II Coal had hurried for the Fire Region – specifically, Vakama City – as quickly as possible.

 

Tahu gathering the Fire Army, TL II gathering the Jungle Army, Unit meeting with Smoke Monster and now en route to Burnmad, Burnmad himself unaccounted for along with Smoke Monster and Dragonstar, Sil still missing outside the region… this is a disaster.

 

Just outside Vakama City, he found a massive military camp, where the Fire Region forces were currently gathered. After getting directions from one of the sentries, he found the tent belonging to Toa Tahu, and entered. The Toa of Fire spun around at the sound of his footsteps, whipping his sword out, only to freeze in place.

 

“Guardian,” he murmured, relaxing and returning his sword to its sheathe. “What is your purpose with this visit? Perhaps I can assist you."

 

“I received reports of a conversation between TL II Hinterland and several envoys from the Earth Region,” he said, inclining his head respectfully to the Toa. “An alliance between them was proposed, and from other reports I have received, I gather that he will soon move to achieve independence for the Jungle Region. I have come in the hopes of learning if there was a… plan in place, yet, to resolve this.”

 

The grin that spread across Tahu’s face could only be described as savage. “We're already preparing to burn them to the ground. Their little rebellion won't last a day once we strike."

 

RG remained quiet for a second as he thought it over before smiling. “Well, it’s good that you’re prepared for them, at least. I assume that Lord Burnmad has already learned of TL’s… planning?”

 

“He has,” Tahu said, turning to glance down at the map that was spread across a small wooden table beside him. “It is on his orders that I have gathered our forces.”

 

-FIRE REGION-

-TIMELORD II HINTERLAND-

IC: TL (All), Lewa (All)

 

He was distracted from his preparations by the arrival of an unexpected visitor – Lewa, the Toa of Jungle. Gesturing for the Toa to wait, TL turned back to the soldiers lined in front of him.

 

“I want the chariots at the ready,” he said. “Two to a chariot - one archer, one swordsman. Archers are to have a secondary weapon at the ready for when their supply of arrows is depleted.”

 

“Yes sir!”

 

“I want the ladders ready as soon as possible as well,” he ordered, before waving his hand at them. “Dismissed. Finish the preparations.”

 

As the soldiers dispersed, he turned towards the Toa of Jungle. Forcing back the familiar feeling of frustration at the sight of the Toa that Pulse Vatten had stolen from them, he inclined his head just enough to be respectful. “Welcome, Toa Lewa. Why are you here?”

 

“His grace sent me to provide you with aid,” Lewa said, the distaste in the Toa’s tone suggesting that he had tried to argue against the order. “I am to… offer you my powers to re-grow the Jungle, as well as any other assistance you deem necessary.”

 

“That’s good to hear, Lewa,” TL replied, unable to keep the edge out of his voice. “As it so happens, I do have a task for you. I wish for a giant wall of thorns along the Jungle-Water border. They should stand at least twenty feet high.”

 

“I can do so,” Lewa said, sounding as though he would rather do anything but. “It will take me quite some time, however – even if I am uninterrupted.”

 

“Block major roads and trade routes first,” TL ordered, ignoring the Toa’s reluctance. “Once they are done, do the rest. Do you need anyone to show you the roads?”

 

“No, my lord,” Lewa muttered. “I shall be able to perform the task on my own.”

 

“You may go then,” TL said. “Report back to me if there is any sign of trouble.”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

-LABYRINTH OF CONTROL-

-CHLOE SARYIAN-

IC: Chloe (All), Terrorsaur (All), Umarak (All)

 

As they made their way through the Labyrinth of Control, guided by a Titan who Chloe suspected was older than Okoto itself, it was Terrorsaur who finally broke the silence.

 

“Would you mind telling us anything about yourself?”

 

“What is it you wish to know, Okotoan?”

 

“Well, you seem strongly anti-Faith,” Terrorsaur said. “Not that I can blame you… but why, exactly, are you against them? How did they wrong you?”

 

“The Faith are merely mistaken... or worse, they simply do not care,” Umarak rumbled. “It is their leader that I truly despise - the Skull Grinder.”

 

“And why is that, if I may ask? Is it just because she's evil in general…?”

 

“Millennia ago, she fell under the influence of a Dark Energy, and it corrupted her,” Umarak explained. “She turned on the island, seeking to bring its destruction before its proper time... the Long Night was the closest she has ever come to succeeding in that task.”

 

Proper time? Chloe thought, frowning.

 

It seemed that Terrorsaur had the same thought. “What do you mean, ‘before its proper time’?”

 

Umarak glanced back at the two of them, his eyes solemn.

 

“Everything ends eventually, Okotoans. Whether by the hand of Kulta now, or by some other calamity in the distant future – eventually, Okoto will become no more than a ruin. It is the nature of the world.” The Titan sighed, sounding tired beyond reckoning as he continued, "Kulta... she has witnessed Okoto's end. She... represented it, in a way. It began to drive her mad, and after she contacted the Dark Energy... she was lost to us forever."

 

Dark Energy? ‘Representing’ Okoto’s end? What does that even mean?

 

“Forgive me if I'm bringing up painful memories,” Terrorsaur said, sounding hesitant. “There were… others like you?”

 

"There are still others like me," Umarak sayid, shaking their head. "There is nothing to forgive, Okotoan. Knowledge is sacred. There were six of us, each representing a different virtue. Kulta and I are two; the Lord of Skull Spiders was another, before Kulta permanently transformed her into what she is now. The others… they are all gone.”

 

“What were the six virtues?”

 

“Power, Courage, Wisdom, Unity, Duty, and Destiny," Umarak said, before quietly adding, "Kulta represented Destiny."

 

“Which do you represent, if you don’t mind me wondering?” Chloe asked, unable to hold back her curiosity.

 

"I was the Crafter," Umarak said, sounding wistful. "I represented Wisdom."

 

Chloe could not help but notice the past tense that Umarak used. The Titan fell silent, and with no more questions, silence reigned for the next several minutes until they arrived at their destination.

 

They stepped into a massive, wide open space – Chloe could barely make out the opposite side, where another entrance back into the Labyrinth was visible. In the space, she could see a large grove of trees, a large pond, and numerous buildings, built with both stone and wood. The buildings were all in various states of disrepair.

 

The last remnants of a long forgotten civilization, she thought.

 

“Wow..." she murmured, taking a few automatic steps forward, awed at the sight that laid before them. Sadness tinted her tone.

 

Umarak led them towards the center-most structure, which appeared to be mostly intact. As they crossed the threshold, the air shimmers around them, and Chloe frowned.

 

Some sort of defense system, she thought, thankful that it had not activated.

 

“Here they are,” Umarak said, gesturing toward the far wall.

 

She glanced across the chamber, where twelve masks were hanging on hooks. She recognized many – the Mask of Light, Mask of Control, and Mask of Creation were the three most obvious, as well as a Mask of Strength, a Mask of Stealth, and a Mask of Speed. The other six, however, she did not know. A quick glance at Terrorsaur told her that the Ruler of Water did not recognize them either.

 

This is where all the Masks of Power have vanished to recently, then, she thought, glancing over at Umarak as she waited for further instructions.

 

“Wow,” Terrorsaur said, whistling. “I'm glad these are here and not in the Earth Region. You certainly are the Titan of Wisdom."

 

Umarak shook his head, before gathering all the Masks in a sack. A second later, the Titan’s own mask began to glow as he activated it; the shadows in the room grew and expanded, until if Chloe had not known better, she would have assumed that they had taken on physical forms.  

 

"Step into the shadows, and you will be transported to the shore," Umarak said. "It is an exhausting method for me to travel, but it will save us the time of traveling back through the Labyrinth."

 

Terrorsaur shot the Titan a hesitant glance before doing as Umarak had said; Chloe merely nodded her understanding before doing the same. As she had expected, Umarak followed them through.

 

She stepped out onto the shoreline of the island, Terrorsaur glancing around with an astonished look on his face. A second alter, Umarak was standing next to her, and several of their crew members were approaching.

 

“Gather your crew,” the Titan ordered, “and let us set sail.”

 

-FIRE REGION-

-SMOKE MONSTER BOSCAGE-

IC: Smoke Monster (All), Burnmad (All), Sil (After Entrance), Unit (After Entrance)

 

Smoke Monster staggered, clutching at the wall for support as he fought to stay upright, blood running down his left leg from the cut in his thigh. Across the study, Burnmad had finally collapsed to the floor, the torch that the Fire Ruler had tried (and failed) to use to cauterize his wrist wound rolling away, smoke still drifting from its tip.

 

“Give it up, Burnmad,” he hissed, gripping his sword tightly with his free hand. “It’s over!”

 

“Over? Nah… no,” Burnmad muttered, swaying on his knees, his eyes wide and delirious. “As long as I’m still breathing it will… never… be over. I will hunt you… burn you. As long as I’m alive…  you’re as good as dead!”

 

“So be it.”

 

He had just taken his first step towards the downed Fire Ruler when the door to the study slammed open, revealing three figures.

 

Unit Ember stepped into the study followed by two guards. His eyes flicked around the room, taking in the four dead guards, the fallen Burnmad, and Smoke Monster, before he drew a knife and both of his guards drew their swords.

 

“Help Burnmad,” Unit ordered to one of the guards, before glancing at the other. “You, with me – we take Smoke Monster alive.”

 

Frustration welled up inside him, but Smoke Monster managed to easily parry Unit’s knife and knock him to the side, before his blade clashed with the guard’s. Drawing on his last reserves of strength, Smoke Monster pushed them back and swung his sword, catching them in the neck. The guard collapsed to the floor, blood pouring out of the wound, and Smoke Monster turned back to Unit – only to find the tip of a blade digging into the underside of his chin.

 

“Not so fast,” Sil Aodh murmured, hate burning in his eyes. “Your petty attempt at murder is finished, and now, you are under arrest for treason. Drop your weapon, or die.”

 

He glared at the Diplomat for a total of ten seconds before the tip of Sil’s sword began to dig into him, and he dropped his sword.

 

-ICE REGION-

-EHKSIDIAN GLACIES-

IC: Ehks (All), Sisyphus (All), Kopaka (All)

 

Upon her arrival in the Ice Region, she had been directed towards Rollor’s Reach. There, word had it that Kopaka was tearing the harbor city apart, searching for something – or someone.

 

Therefore, she was not surprised to find the Toa of Ice outside the Temple of Luck with ten guards – but she was surprised to find out it was Sisyphus whom they had surrounded.

 

“What’s going on here?” she asked, directing the question toward Kopaka.

 

"He has intruded in the Temple of Luck," Kopaka said, scowling at Sisyphus. "He disguised himself as General Nato to do so.”

 

Sisyphus appeared unbothered by the accusation. “If we could speak in private, Toa Kopaka, I would be happy to reveal my findings to you.”

 

Some of the guards shifted at the Turaga’s words, but a glare from Kopaka had them staying in place. Shaking her head and sighing, Ehksidian pushed on.

 

“Why, pray tell, were you in the Temple of Luck?” she asked. “How did you manage to disguise yourself as Nato? You don't look much like him, and I really would wonder where you got a Mask of Illusion from…”

 

“I stole Nato’s Mask of Illusion so that I could infiltrate the Temple of Luck,” Sisyphus replied, shrugging. “Turns out that it’s the headquarters for the Knights of Ekimu – who knew? That’s all, no funky business.”

 

The temperature began to drop even further than the Ice Region’s norm, prompting the Turaga to turn his attention to Kopaka, who looked as though he was trying to vaporize Sisyphus through his glare alone.

 

“I discovered that the purpose of the Knights is apparently to destroy the Skull Warriors and stop Kulta from destroying Okoto,” he said quickly. “Nato's journey back in time is also detailed; he met Ekimu and fought against Kulta in the distant past before returning. There were also records of a ‘Voltex’ and ‘Tevant’ scattered throughout, though they were more sightings than anything else.”

 

Kopaka grunted, sounding unimpressed. "That isn't much. I think we should turn him in. There's no need to get involved in this war."

 

Ehksidian sighed again. It was going to be a long day.

 

-ANCIENT CITY-

-PURPLE RAYNE-

IC: Purple (All), Kelotu (All)

 

Back in the Ancient City, Ehksidian was still on Purple’s mind, as he finished penning a request for the two of them to meet as soon as possible before sending it off with a messenger.

 

It’s a shame she and ToaD took off so quickly, the Water Protector mused, sitting back in his chair. We could have quite the time together… alas, circumstances might prevent future opportunities. Time grows short and tensions continue to rise.

 

He glanced across the room, where Kelotu was still scribbling away. “Almost done?”

 

“Nearly,” the Earth Guardian replied. “I must always be careful with these messages to Lord Toru. He can be… quick to anger, and I must take care to avoid any misunderstandings.”

 

Purple nodded, standing to his feet and making his way over to the other Protector, only to frown at the sealed scroll to the side of the desk. He picked it up, eyes narrowing at Kelotu’s intake of breath.

 

“This seal,” Purple said quietly, his eyes fixed upon it. “It is not the seal of House Zemlja. Explain.”

 

The Earth Protector twisted in their seat, looking nervous. “I suppose it isn’t.”

 

“It is also not the seal of the Earth Region.”

 

His eyes met Kelotu’s. The Guardian took a moment to reply, clearly thinking carefully about what they were going to say.

 

“Sometimes, a bit of… subterfuge can go a long way,” Kelotu said, speaking slowly. “I would ask that you speak of this with no one else.”

 

“That would be a foolish promise for me to make,” Purple said. “You know that already, however. But I shall keep it if it makes sense for me to do so.”

 

A short nod was his only response, as Kelotu re-focused on their letter to Toru. With his new knowledge in mind, Purple smirked. A quick test, perhaps, to see how far Kelotu would be willing to go.

 

“I believe we should ride for the Fire Region,” he said. “I feel there may be… adventure there.”

 

Kelotu stiffened. “Adventure sounds… promising.”

 

Purple smiled, patting Kelotu on the shoulder. “Excellent. I knew you would agree.”

 

-WATER REGION-

-ONAKU GREAVESY-

IC: Onaku (All), Nato (All), Jed (All), Vatten (All), Voltex (All), Ekimu (All)

 

Vatten stumbled back, collapsing against the nearest wall of the tomb while Voltex slumped down, leaning heavily on the slab. Ekimu did not respond to Nato’s question, instead eyeing both the tired Mask Makers with a slight frown on his face, before casting his gaze around the rest of the room.

 

To Onaku, the golden Mask Maker appeared somewhat dazed.

 

“Ekimu?” Nato asked, sounding uncertain. “It's me, Nato the Traveler.”

 

Ekimu's gaze met Nato's, and his eyes lit up with familiarity and confusion.

 

"...Nato? But..." his voice was hoarse, and barely more than a whisper.

 

“You’ve been asleep for a long time,” Nato said. “We helped wake you up – and now I need your help.”

 

Onaku remained silent as he stood there. He forced himself to look impassive despite his awe at the sight of Ekimu, though it was difficult to contain. Despite having known who it was they would be awakening; it had not truly prepared him.

 

Ekimu the Mask Maker, as I live and breathe, he thought. I’d best remain silent, for now. Nato’s familiarity will be enough.

 

"The Mask of Time," Ekimu murmured, nodding. "Of course... Voltex and Vatten, I suppose you lent your power...."

 

"We did," Voltex said, sounding exhausted. "It took much more than I had expected... if Jed had remained in here... Vatten, get Jed, will you?"

 

The blue Mask Maker vanished, reappearing seconds later with the Kingslayer in tow. Ekimu, meanwhile, turned to face the Ice Region General. "What is Okoto's situation, Nato?"

 

“In a word: bad. Kulta controls the Earth Region, the Stone Region has declared itself an independent nation, the Fire Region has been on the verge of civil war for ages now, and to top it all off, someone..." here, Nato glared pointedly at Vatten, "...stole all of the masks of power on the island, which has divided everyone against each other even more."

 

Vatten ignored Nato, instead turning to Onaku. “I’d like my mask back.”

 

Onaku returned the Mask of Time to Vatten as Nato did the same with Voltex, who responded to the General’s accusation instead: “We had our reasons for that plan.”

 

"Perhaps not reasons that were clearly communicated," Ekimu said. "If you felt the need to remove them from Okoto, then I imagine Kulta would have soon obtained them otherwise - especially if they now control a region... but at the same time, you have undoubtedly caused tensions to rise across Okoto. Theft is never a crime taken lightly."

 

"Whatever the reasons, it's made a bad situation even worse," Nato said. "So now we need to fix it. The Knights are based out of the Ice Region, so I need to get myself and those masks back there as soon as possible."

 

"We need at least one of us here to meet Umarak when he returns with the masks," said Voltex, frowning. "Ignika City would also serve us best as a home base - the forge and the city itself remain saturated with our magic, which will make it easier for all of us to craft Masks of Power."

 

"Could we not use the Ancient City?" Ekimu asked.

 

“You could try, but it's like I told you when I traveled back to your time - there have been Skull Warriors there for as long as we can remember,” Nato said.

 

"Could you mobilize the Knights and bring them here?" Voltex asked.

 

“I could, but I won't,” Nato said, eyes narrowing. “The Ice Region has more troops, and better fortifications, and I have a duty to protect my people, first and foremost. That, and, sorry to say, I simply don't trust you guys.”

 

Onaku frowned, beginning to grow worried at the direction that the conversation was taking. A quick glance at the look on Jed’s face told him that this trust issue had already become more annoying than it was worth.

 

“If we cannot trust each other, then we have already lost," Ekimu said, looking worried as he glanced between Vatten and Nato.

 

"He has been like this the entire time," Vatten muttered. "He is ungrateful and pretentious."

 

"If you will not bring the Knights here, then we must abandon the city," Ekimu continued, ignoring Vatten. "The Skull Spiders will not be enough to defend it."

 

“Hold on,” Onaku said, an idea growing in his mind. “Perhaps it would be of assistance if I brought in soldiers from the Ancient City loyal to me? They're a hundred strong, so it might not be much, but at least it would be something."

 

He turned to Nato, pausing to think over what he was going to say before continuing, “and it might be prudent to consider this more thoroughly. The Ancient City has an operable forge; almost certainly more powerful than any forge you may have at your base. That's an invaluable resource. We need to consider our options here. I'm not asking you to stay, but it's clear your help is needed here. Don't abandon them so quickly based on first impressions."

 

“I understand the stakes, and I'll do as much as I can to help save Okoto, but there's something you people need to realise,” Nato said, shaking his head. “I am not a selfless person. My loyalty is to my family, my friends, my home, above all else. I'll do my best to help, but I won't abandon the Ice Region, or leave her people undefended.”

 

Our people are already in the best position to make it out of this nightmare alive, Onaku thought. It’s not them we need to be worrying about at all.

 

“Your region is currently the furthest from where Kulta is operating from," Voltex pointed out. "If we can mobilize the Knights and strike first, then both Ice and Water can be used as fallback locations."

 

"Are all of your soldiers loyal to the Knights?" Ekimu asked, sounding curious. "I am very impressed if that is the case, but if it is not... perhaps there is an excuse we could come up with, for why some soldiers are mobilizing and others are remaining behind."

 

"As for your guards, Onaku," Voltex added, glancing at him, "It might be best for them to remain in the Ancient City for now. Pulse is neutral, which means we might still be able to gain a foothold in the city - and if so, the forge could become invaluable.”

 

"Most are loyal. To me, and to Okoto,” Nato answered. “But I'm in something of a precarious political situation right now, and I will not enter a war until I've done everything I can to ensure that we will win, and the Ice Region will survive."

 

The Ice General turned to Vatten, and Onaku fought the urge to cringe at Nato tempting fate as the General continued, “you stole every Mask on Okoto, which I assume includes those we Protectors never actually found. How many masks do you have with the power to destroy Skull Warriors? Do you know of any mask that could destroy, wound, or banish, Kulta herself?"

 

“Any of the Toa's elemental masks would be enough, with enough force behind them," Voltex said, clearly hoping to avoid another argument from starting. "The Toa would certainly have enough strength to do so."

 

"The Mask of Light isn't an effective weapon, but it does serve as a useful deterrent," Ekimu added. "The Masks of Control and Creation might help us to forge new weapons and Masks... but as far as a weapon effective against the Dark Energy that powers the Skulls itself? We have tried and failed on countless occasions."

 

Masks... Masks of elemental power. Of light, Onak thought, frowning in concentration. Of various abilities... light... no, not light... the word is there. An antithesis to something. A deterrent? No. Something more.

 

Like many times before when in deep thought, Onaku idly fidgeted with his medallion.

 

There was something there, in the back of his mind. Almost as if he'd known it all along, but not thought of until now.

 

What antithesis was needed now? An antithesis to shadow? No, we have a Mask of Light, but still… not light, something related. Li... lie... no... life?

 

The realization dawned on him, and deep down, Onaku knew, somehow, that he had found the answer.

 

"What about a Mask of Life?"

 

-EARTH REGION-

-HIS GRACE, PULSE VATTEN-

IC: Pulse (All), Kulta (All), Toru (All), Vinheim (All)

 

“Now you are going to war with the Fire Region?” Pulse asked, trying to ignore the steadily growing pool of blood spreading from under Irteza’s corpse. “If you have issues with the Fire Region or its Ruler, you should bring them up with me. I am supposed to lead Okoto – I cannot do that if you’re going to openly declare a war. If anything, you are committing treason!”

 

Lord Toru sighed, stepping forward. “Here I was thinking this meeting would go so well. You see, your grace, we recently received word that the Fire Region is mobilizing. This can only mean one thing.”

 

“What do you believe them to be doing?” Pulse asked, turning his attention to the Earth Ruler. “Why are they mobilizing, and why was I not notified?”

 

“Because they plan to burn the Jungle,” Toru said shortly. “If our intel is correct, they intend on finishing the job this time. This, we cannot allow.”

 

WHAT?!

 

“I never approved of anything like this,” Pulse said, frowning. “I just sent Lewa to help re-grow the jungle. Are you certain that these are movements by Burnmad, or is it someone else committing insubordination?”

 

"We have not received any word since the initial message, I'm afraid,” Toru replied, looking grim. “Lewa may be dueling Tahu as we speak. But we are certain it is Burnmad. Who else could it be?"

 

“Tahu has always been aggressive towards Jungle,” Pulse said. “He has never given the impression that he actually wants peace. But if it is Burnmad… then an appropriate punishment will be given, and Dragonstar shall ascend.”

 

“Assuming Dragonstar isn’t also in on it,” Toru muttered, eyes flashing with anger. “Regardless, what we do know is that whoever is behind it has 'formally' removed TL II and Smoke Monster Boscage from power.”

 

“Both of those do sound rather sinister when considered together,” Pulse murmured. “Nonetheless, give them a chance to surrender first. The Faith is already eyed with suspicion by many, and the Knights call you bloodthirsty murderers. No need to give them additional ammunition.”

 

His attention – as well as Toru’s – was drawn to Kulta, as they spoke to Vinheim (who had apparently struck up a conversation with the Skull Leader while Pulse was distracted.

 

“Ah, that would be most useful," Kulta was saying. "Unfortunately, I believe that Gali will soon be... indisposed.”

 

That… is… not great.

 

“Kulta is right,” Pulse admitted. “I’ve seen her, in my visions, stabbed in the back. I don’t know if it’s possible to change the future, but… with how some of my visions have unfolded, I believe it might be impossible.”

 

"Of all the Toa, Gali alone has made it clear that she stands beside the Knights," Kulta said, their gleaming red eyes turning to him. "As I said before... the Faith will not tolerate any threats."

 

"Hmm... What a pity then,” Vinheim murmured. “I had hoped to bring her to the nation of Kamuk, as a foil to Tahu.”

 

Kulta chuckled – a low, dark, sinister sound. If they could, Pulse had the feeling that the Skull Leader would be smirking. “Do not worry yourselves about Tahu. I have many plans for him.”

 

“If Gali has announced her loyalty to the Knights, has any Toa allied themselves to the Faith?” Pulse asked.

 

"None have made such a loyalty clear," Kulta said, sounding amused. "But once Gali is dead, I am confident that I will sway Tahu to our side... much like I shall sway you, your grace."

 

The Skull Warrior holding the ornate mask stepped forward, and Pulse felt his stomach drop as the temperature in the room plummeted.

 

Kulta’s tone left no room for argument when they spoke again: “It is time for you to accept our gift.”

 

This is my fate, he thought to himself. If I do not accept, I die. Nowhere to run.

 

“Vinheim is not of the Faith either,” he said, hoping to buy himself time. “While he’s here… why not convert him as well? Consolidate the weapons deal between the Faith and House Maran?”

 

Vinheim smirked. “I may not be of the Faith, your grace, yet I believe I am doing a fine job. Such views would only… hinder me. It is far easier to pass off as not being a member of the Faith when one isn’t actually a member – though I mean no offence, of course.”

 

“Then why are you still here?!” Toru spat, suddenly enraged. “Get out!”

 

"Now, now, Toru, relax," Kulta said, holding up a hand. "Vinheim means no offense. He is of House Maran, remember, and he exemplifies the traits they value most admirably. Vinheim will do whatever it takes to keep himself alive... and as it so happens, that means siding with us. There is no need to coerce him."

 

“You are… very determined about giving me this gift, I will give you that,” Pulse said.

 

As if his body were no longer under his control, he stood and took a step forward.

 

Don’t do it.

 

“I suppose it was… rude of me to try and reject it.”

 

If I do not, I will die the same way Irteza did… Kulta has no use for me otherwise.

 

But that mask….

 

He took another step forward.

 

The burning of Jungle, the poisoning of Stone, and now a civil war in the Fire Region, all in my name or under my reign, he thought. Is it better to die?

 

“Perhaps if I join the Faith, it shall be the path to redeeming myself in the eyes of Okoto,” he murmured, taking another step toward the Skull Warrior holding the ornate, golden mask, ignoring the dark aura surrounding it. “We have to have Faith.”

 

There is no choice here. Ekimu forgive me.

 

“I… am… honored to accept… your gift, Lord Commander.”

 

I never should have come here.

 

Kulta’s eyes gleamed brighter than ever, swirling in their empty sockets, as Pulse reached out a shaking hand. No longer sure if he was following his own will, or if he was being forced to by the presence of the Skull Grinder.

 

It is very good that I came here. Not his thought.

 

Something else, speaking for him. With his voice, in his mind.

 

“Witness history,” Kulta whispered, directing the words to Vinheim and Toru.

 

Pulse felt his Mask of Foresight crack, and then shatter.

 

The ornate golden mask flew out of the Skull Warrior's hands, twisting in mid-air and fixing itself onto his face. His eyes burned, and to everyone else in the room, they shifted to the same gleaming shade of red as Kulta’s. He could feel waves of what Pulse could again only describe as wrong radiating from himself.

 

And then –

 

A new presence, more powerful and ancient than even Kulta, wrapping itself around his mind, mentally suffocating him. Pain lanced through his mind, through his body, and it began to squeeze, harder and harder, crushing him, his sanity beginning to fracture at the seams-

 

“You have been granted a great honor, your grace,” Kulta said, their tone now mocking, though Pulse could barely register the words. “You now wear the Mask of Ultimate Power – forged by Makuta himself.”

 

He opened his mouth to reply, only to instead cough up blood… and then the presence, older than time itself, darker than Pulse could even comprehend, spoke a single word.

 

Mine.

 

END OF EPISODE FIVE.

 

NOTES:

-Objectives for certain players or factions might be altered this round. I will update you if this is the case.

-Portal, Underscore, Dragonstar, and Iaredios will suffer inactivity deaths this round if they are not active. This will be the final inactivity warning – unless a player informs me that they will be absent, any players who are inactive two rounds in a row will now perish, starting with Episode 6. (A player is still safe if they are active but do not appear in the scene.)

-DAILY REMINDER to remind me of any moves you were in the process of making, if I do not contact you about them first!

-I think that’s all for now.

 

EPISODE 06 BEGINS NOW!

Edited by Voltex
  • Upvote 8
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My to-kill list is steadily expanding... 

Embers - a new Bionicle Epic - Coming 2024 

Class Is Out - A Farewell To Corpus Rahkshi - Chapters/Review

BZPRPG Characters - Minnorak, Kain, T'harrak, Savis, Vazaria, Lash

BZPRPG Mercenary Group - The Outsiders - Description - History - Base

Ghosts Of Bara Magna - Ash Tribe - Precipere - Kehla, Somok, Skrall, Gayle, Avinus, Zha'ar

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That was one eventful episode. :3

(Now back to plotting and wondering how some things are going to turn out... )

-Rahkshi Guurahk
GENERATION 3: The first time you see this, copy it into your sig on any forum and add 1 to the generation. Social experiment.
If I actually tried putting all the stuff I like on here, the sig would burst.

d1O9dXQ.png

 

(This banner is created by http://www.bzpower.com/board/user/59020-onaku/ )

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Creeping in my soul, it's getting out of control
I got to find my escape and get out of this black hole
'Cause justice in the world is hard to find
Time has come, made to make up my mind
No matter how deep or remote I hide
All my thoughts seem caught up inside
Creeps from the deep's gonna be freaking up my mind
Creeps from the deep's gonna be feeding off your spine

 

(help me)

 

DESTROY THE KNIGHTS

  • Upvote 6

On Bota Magna, everything is about to fall apart.


 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I must admire the Jungle's penchant for self-destruction. 

 

Not only did they instigate a war they have no hope of winning against a vastly superior foe, but after being given a Toa (which could help them during the battle), they instead use said Toa to cut off trade access to the region that supplies them with all of their food and water. 

 

Now it won't matter who wins the war, because you're all going to die of dehydration and/or starvation within 2-3 episodes. 

 

Well done.

  • Upvote 8

Embers - a new Bionicle Epic - Coming 2024 

Class Is Out - A Farewell To Corpus Rahkshi - Chapters/Review

BZPRPG Characters - Minnorak, Kain, T'harrak, Savis, Vazaria, Lash

BZPRPG Mercenary Group - The Outsiders - Description - History - Base

Ghosts Of Bara Magna - Ash Tribe - Precipere - Kehla, Somok, Skrall, Gayle, Avinus, Zha'ar

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Everyone else: futile attempts to stop me

 

Me and my allies: preparing to re-enact the War of the Worlds, but less of tripods and heat rays, and more of Skull Warriors and Dark Energy

 

AND NO BACTERIA TO SAVE YOU

"bacteria"

 

What about Life Energy?

 

 

~Unit#phntk#1

Edited by Unit#phntk#1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pretty sure Unit isn't even part of the Faith, Toru.

 

Toru would know who is a part of the Faith better than you =P

 

Everyone is a part of the Faith. It unites us, penetrates us, binds us or something like that. All living things, super good for your health and if you order now we include a free roll of plastic wrap.

Not yet, but soon. :evilgrin:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At last, I'm on the verge of actually being able to make some progress. 

Embers - a new Bionicle Epic - Coming 2024 

Class Is Out - A Farewell To Corpus Rahkshi - Chapters/Review

BZPRPG Characters - Minnorak, Kain, T'harrak, Savis, Vazaria, Lash

BZPRPG Mercenary Group - The Outsiders - Description - History - Base

Ghosts Of Bara Magna - Ash Tribe - Precipere - Kehla, Somok, Skrall, Gayle, Avinus, Zha'ar

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I must admire the Jungle's penchant for self-destruction.

 

Not only did they instigate a war they have no hope of winning against a vastly superior foe, but after being given a Toa (which could help them during the battle), they instead use said Toa to cut off trade access to the region that supplies them with all of their food and water.

 

Now it won't matter who wins the war, because you're all going to die of dehydration and/or starvation within 2-3 episodes.

 

Well done.

The Jungle controls the food industry and we have rivers for our water supply where pretty hydrated and well fed.

Also our population was mostly burned to death by a certain someone 10 years ago.

 

I also can't believe my plan is actually working.

Edited by ToaTimeLord II

Hey I got a Flickr because I like making LEGO stuff.

https://www.flickr.com/people/toatimelord/
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"As it so happens, I do have a task for you. I wish for a giant wall of thorns along the Jungle-Water border. They should stand at least twenty feet high.”

 

That... kinda implies that you're gonna cut off the river too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Jungle controls the food industry

 

Um, no it doesn't. You're the ruler of the Jungle... how can you not know that? 

 

From the first post: 

 

[The Fire Region] Supplies coal to the rest of the island, as well as forging iron tools with the metals mined in Earth and Stone. 

Since taking over the Jungle Region eight years ago, also supplies soil, plants, wood, and animals to the rest of the island.

 

The Fire Region controls all of the Jungle's exports now. So, as I pointed out earlier, any supplies left in the region are most likely possessed by Burnmad's forces. 

 

In addition:

 

[The Water Region] Supplies water, fish, and animals to the rest of the island.

 

And if you consult the map, you'd notice that those rivers you're talking about don't even exist anymore. 

  • Upvote 4

Embers - a new Bionicle Epic - Coming 2024 

Class Is Out - A Farewell To Corpus Rahkshi - Chapters/Review

BZPRPG Characters - Minnorak, Kain, T'harrak, Savis, Vazaria, Lash

BZPRPG Mercenary Group - The Outsiders - Description - History - Base

Ghosts Of Bara Magna - Ash Tribe - Precipere - Kehla, Somok, Skrall, Gayle, Avinus, Zha'ar

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's fun having like 90% of my plans work exactly as expected. 

 

Seems plans don't tend work out as expected when you try and let others in on those plans *Points to Irteza as the prime example*

u9et1dt.gif

Banner made by Onaku

BZPRPG CHARACTERS

Syvra-Tivanu

If you interact with one of my characters and I don't respond or acknowledge the interaction within a day, send me a PM. Odds are I missed or did not see the post.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't be surprised if TL had been withholding some of Jungle's exports from being transported to Fire for disbursement, stockpiling them for this purpose. However, if he didn't outright say to do so before starting all this business, in light of everything else which was decided not to have happened due to not having been explicitly requested, then I would imagine he should have very little in the way of supplies.

 

Edit: Also, that's assuming Jungle ever had its hands on the stuff to begin with. It's quite possible that the infrastructure consisted of Junglers laboring, but the industries were controlled by citizens of Fire-- in this case, Jungle would probably have almost nothing.

 

- :burnmad:

Edited by Lord Burnmad Aodh
  • Upvote 1

Avatar by Brickeens

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Everyone is a part of the Faith. It unites us, penetrates us, binds us or something like that. All living things, super good for your health and if you order now we include a free roll of plastic wrap.

 

I'm not the only one this will happen to? Oh good, I feel slightly less bad abouDESTROYTHEKNIGHTS

On Bota Magna, everything is about to fall apart.


 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...