Edited by Hahli Husky, Jul 26 2012 - 12:55 PM.
L S O 2012 - Team Four
Posted Jul 08 2012 - 05:14 PM
Posted Jul 09 2012 - 03:53 PM
Edited by What?, Jul 09 2012 - 03:54 PM.
Posted Jul 11 2012 - 12:45 AM
Edited by Grant-Sud Rises, Jul 17 2012 - 10:06 AM.
Posted Jul 11 2012 - 08:43 PM
Edited by Ballom, Jul 18 2012 - 01:07 AM.
Posted Jul 12 2012 - 03:05 PM
Chapter 4Kodan took a step back, trying to take in everything the Fe-Matoran had just told him without fainting from shock. He took deep breaths, trying to keep from getting light headed. Minutes ago, he had been thinking about events that couldn't happen to him in a cave, simply because they would be impossible for them to happen. As he thought about it now, his current predicament probably wouldn't fit on that list of events. But it still left him surprised and a little horrified.His friend, whom he hadn't talked to in years but still considered to be close to, was said to be dead. That alone should've caused him to brake down in sadness. But that wasn't all. Both the Brotherhood of Makuta and the Dark Hunters were not only looking for this Fe-Matoran, they also intended to harm the residents of Metru Nui as well.Normally, he would've ran to the nearest Toa or Vahki and told them all he had just learned. But there were no Toa or Vahki here (none that he knew of, anyway), so it would be up to him to warn Metru Nui of the possible coming danger."And this will be the last cave I ever enter for as long as I live. Hopefully." Kodan thought to himself.The shaken Matoran turned and started heading back the way he came. He had only made it a few paces when a curious thought entered his head. He stopped in his tracks as a question made its way through his mind."Wait." Kodan said quietly, more to himself than to the Fe-Matoran. He turned around to face the one in hiding. "Why didn't you send your message to one of Metru Nui's Toa? My friend knew Toa Lhikan and Toa Nidhiki. So why didn't you just send your message to either of them?Kodan's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "And when you sent out your message to me, why didn't you include everything you just told me in that? Why did you make me spend two months of my life getting here when you could've just sent me the message in the first place?""You don't think I've thought of either of those ideas!" The Fe-Matoran suddenly snapped. "You don't think I wanted a Toa to come save me from this pit of a cave! Or to save me from the Brotherhood and Hunters!"The Fe-Matoran slammed his fist into one of destroyed airship's metal plates that happen to be next to him . A blind Archives Hole could've seen the anger and frustration in his burning green eyes. The sight made the Chronicle wonder why he had opened his big mouth."I wanted to be saved from this fate." The Fe-Matoran continued, forcing himself to calm down. "I wanted...to know what freedom was again."Kodan then understood why the Matoran was so upset. His entire group, many of them possibly his friends, had been murdered. Then he had to abandon his home, with the threat of death covering him like a shadow the entire time. It had to have been a huge burden for the fugitive, one Kodan couldn't begin to picture."I guess I would be angry too if I were in this dilemma and the one being I asked for help started questioning me instead." The Po-Matoran thought sadly."Then why didn't you just send your warning to me in your message?" Kodan asked cautiously again, hoping he wouldn't cause the Nynrah Ghost to throw another fit."Because a Toa would've attracted the attention of those who seek me." The Matoran explained. "And both of the organizations that hunt for me have agents everywhere. Any of them could've intercepted my message before it got to you."The Fe-Matoran then looked hopefully into Kodan eyes. "But a one simple Matoran just passing through the area would not look too suspicious. One simple Matoran may be enough to warn the universe's greatest city that it is in danger."The Nynrah Ghost then gave him a weak smile. "And besides, you made it here in one piece. I truly believe that you can make it back to Metru Nui with no trouble..."No sooner had the words left his mouth when a bolt of pure energy flew past Kodan and struck the Fe-Matoran. He screamed in agony as the blast incinerated his injured body into atoms. Kodan turned to see who had fired the bolt of energy, and then wished he hadn't looked at all.There, at least twenty feet ahead of him, were three monstrous creatures. All of them had spikes erupting out of their back and each wielded a staff. The staff of the one in the middle had fumes coming off it, clearly showing that the bolt came from it. The brown creature holding the staff hissed at Kodan, aiming its staff at him as it did so.Though Kodan had never personally seen the hideous creatures before him, he knew exactly what they were thanks to some of the stories he had recorded as the Chronicle.Rahkshi.
Everyone is one choice away from being the bad guy in another person's story.
Also check out my comedy series Adventures of the Bara Magna Sets!
Posted Jul 12 2012 - 04:16 PM
Chapter V: EscapeThe next Rahkshi, its gray and black armor identifying it as one of Silence, struck, its staff a whirlwind of despair. The short time the blade had to spin, gave Kodan more than enough time to realize, he was going to die. The scared Chronicler braced himself for the impact for he was just a lowly Matoran, there was nothing else he could do.However Destiny had a different faith in store for him, evidently part of the brown Rahkshi’s bolt had struck the roof of the cave, causing it to collapse in front of Kodan. It would block the Rahkshi, but only for a short time. Seizing that minuscule amount of time, the Chronicler ran, he ran with fervor he didn’t even know he possessed.However soon Kodan’s resolve began to weaken, fear began to grip him, what point was there in running. There was no way a lone Matoran such as him could possibly escape three Rahkshi. He was going to die here, and the Rahkshi would make sure that no one would even be able to hear his screams. There was no point in running, for where could he even run too, wouldn’t the Fe-Matoran have escaped down the cave if it was possible.No, a small voice in his mind whispered, NO! This time it was a shout. He could not give up, not now, not here. He was a Chronicler, destined to Chronicle the adventures of the Toa Mangai, giving up now would mean giving up on them. As long as the Mangai remained United, it was his Duty to Chronicle them, following them towards their Destiny.Unity, Duty, Destiny. These were the three virtues, giving up now meant giving up on them, and as a Matoran he knew he could never afford to do such a thing. He would find a way, after all wasn’t that how all the great heroes won, no matter how bad the odds they always found a way. Kodan would do so as well.With a new found determination, Kodan continued down the Cave, eventually coming across a pile of Kanoka Disks. There were numerous Disks scattered all over the place, of all different powers and makes. Walking over to one, a Le-Metru Disk, he picked it up as his mind began to formulate an idea.
*****With one final blast, the Rahkshi of Shattering finally broke through the rocks that had caved-in. However just as the Rahkshi was about to step through, in order to continue their search for its prey, a disk collided with its head, in seconds it was frozen solid, unable to continue the fight.In a split second the other Rahkshi whirled out their staffs, eyes focusing on an unfamiliar sight, the Po-Matoran was riding on a Disk, while reaching for another Disk on his back. By instinct the red Rahkshi, the one that had filled Kodan with so much fear, began to fire off a bolt of fear only to be hit by a ricocheting Disk of Weakening. The Rahkshi fell to the ground and dropped his staff.To his credit the Third Rahkshi did manage to get off a shot, just missing Kodan, but was unable to dodge the Disk of Reconstitution heading straight for him. The Rahkshi collapsed rapidly shifting into a scared Ice Bat who flew off.
*****Kodan grinned, he had done the impossible, he had defeated three Rahkshi. Akilini, the Matoran word for impossible, that’s what he was going to call what he had just done. Smiling he stole the Staff of the Rahkshi of Fear, ever the craftsmen he realized that it might just make a nice Staff for a Chronicler. Smiling to himself, Kodan flew off on his Disk, aiming to put as much distance between himself and the cave as possible.
Edited by Toa Onarax, Jul 18 2012 - 11:00 AM.
Posted Jul 14 2012 - 12:21 PM
Edited by What?, Jul 18 2012 - 08:42 PM.
Posted Jul 17 2012 - 10:04 AM
Chapter VII: RevealedWhen he tumbled onto his back from the impact of the disk, Kodan's body was in another place. It hadn't been a powerful disk, just a number three. He was still in the cave, fortunately and unfortunately.It was dark and damp in both directions, but he noticed the sand below him. Wide eyed, a plan began to form in his mind. Written words were being documented.I, searching for my friend in this underground labyrinth, am being chased by a multiform timetraveling Makuta, with powers that far exceed any Toa. Meant to deliver a message to Metru Nui, though this message may just be a way of luring me here for some reason. Why? What's my significance in all this?He tried reasoning it all out, as to what the Makuta wanted with him. Sure, he was a pretty important Chronicler, just not very famed by the community is all; whatever information or abilities he had, why not choose someone else?That was selfish thinking though, he wouldn't want anyone else to be scrambling for life in this cave and experiencing this sort of fear. Besides, they wouldn't have been able to Chronicle is correctly.Realizing he had been here before, Kodan decided to move back down the path into the flight chamber once more. If the Makuta were searching for him, they'd expect him to leave, or be on the outside. They had many means of tracking him, hearing, x-ray vision and Karzahni they could even read his mind.Pounding against the sand he hit the enclosing cave once again, and squirmed through it. Finding himself in the chamber where the Fe-Matoran had appeared, Kodan swiftly moved past the ceiling debris and began searching for anything he had missed. Someplace where Ihu may have been hidden away. To his left, he noticed the Fe-Matoran's body lying on the ground. He didn't need to go and check to know he was dead.Shaking off the sick feeling in his stomach, Kodan took in notice of the ship, damaged and scared, but left in fairly decent shape despite what it had gone through.Curious as to the good quality of something that had ignited ablaze, Kodan moved to the side of the airship and clicked the hatch. The door opened.And Ihu sat down on the inside, strapped to one of the chairs.He felt shock, and rushed forward.Always in the last place you expect, right? Kodan thought with a grin. He ripped off the cloth from his friends mouth, had a terrified expression on his face."A-are you for real?""What? Ihu it's me!""How can ..." he took in deep breaths, blinking. "How do I know they didn't kill you, and they are using your body as a disguise?"Kodan faulted. Makuta did have that power."It is me Ihu, you're my friend, the one who gave me my first story to Chronicle, remember? An old Knowledge tower, you had told me, was old and worn, about to shatter and collapse any day?" He moved and untied the rope, thinking that, if Ihu himself was a Makuta, then they had serious skill in tying themselves up. "So you called me up, to record everything on the tower, and when it broke a week later, all the information was able to be stored and transferred on a new one?"Ihu brought a hand to his wrists, and moved away from the chair. He looked up, and watched Kodan's eyes for a long moment."Kodan... thanks for coming," he reached out and hugged his friend. "I'm sorry you did though.""How are you still here? Why did that Matoran tell me you were dead?"The Ko-Matoran shook his head. "It's been the Makuta's doing from the start, he's been used for months now, wandering around like a puppet to do assigned things. They needed him around until you showed up... they were going to kill him after that, and they were easy about saying it."Kodan shook his head. "But why? Why risk bringing me into all this?""You must have something, something they need...""But what? I know nothing, I only know that I should have called in all the Toa Mangai from the start... Ihu, we have to get out of here. The Makuta are on my tail, and they are probably at all the exits now. Is there a secret passage out of this place?"Ihu looked surprised for a moment, and shook his head."My friend didn't even tell you... no of course not.""What?""Kodan, this ship flies. That's what the Makuta wanted him around for. After they retrieved information from me and the Ghost, they used him to repair the ship so they could have a quick escape if needed. In case you brought help that you shouldn't have."The Chronicler stood there, dumbfounded."It flies Kodan. Let's start her up and get out of here!"
Edited by Grant-Sud Rises, Jul 18 2012 - 04:03 PM.
Posted Jul 18 2012 - 01:38 AM
------Crackling noises throughout the airship brought Kodan out of his doze. Confused by the odd clamor, he looked around in an attempt to determine the source, as well as the current location of the ship.Ihu answered his unspoken questions for him. “We made it past the Southern Continent, and are now passing over the land of Karzahni. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid the volcanoes of ice in our path. They scorched the underside, and must have damaged components. We’ve been losing altitude slowly since then.”Kodan gulped at the thought. “Karzahni? It may not be full of beings intent on killing us, but I’ve heard no being who arrives there leaves.”A flicker of worry crossed Ihu’s face. Coming from the stoic Ko-Matoran, this was a terrifying sign. “We’ll have to try to cross as much of it as we can before we crash,” Ihu said, sounding strained.Absolutely wonderful, Kodan thought. Makuta, Rahkshi, and now an imminent crash in the land of a madbeing. What new horrors could destiny have waiting?
Edited by Ballom, Jul 18 2012 - 09:00 PM.
Posted Jul 18 2012 - 07:22 PM
Chapter 9Kodan couldn't believe his luck. He had been fortunate enough to find his friend, Ihu, whom he had thought to be dead. Together, they had managed to escape from the dark, damp cave they were trapped in, the Rahkshi, and Makuta Bitil. They had even managed to vacate the Southern Continent, a feat that was very hard to accomplish for two lone Matoran.
But apparently their luck had just run out, for now their damaged airship was slowly plummeting into the realm of Karzahni. A realm where no one was said to ever escape.
"We need to prepare ourselves." Ihu said, trying desperately to keep the falling airship from crashing into the volcanoes around them. "I won't be able to keep us up in the air much longer. Is there anything we can use to defend ourselves with when I somehow land this thing?"
"I don't know." Kodan said frantically. "I do have some Kanoka Disks, but..."
Kodan eye's suddenly widened. "The disks."
Ihu looked over at his friend. He could see an excitement in his eyes that puzzled him, since they both were minutes from crashing into a realm of death. "What disks?"
"The Kanoka Disks!" Kodan said rather joyfully, reaching into his pack as he said it. He began pulling out disk after disk, searching quickly for the right one. Ihu couldn't help but give the Po-Matoran a skeptical look.
"I found these back in the cave." Kodan quickly explained. "I used them to down three Rahkshi, and....yes! This is it!"
The Chronicle had a Le-Metru Regeneration Disk with a power level of seven in his hands. It was at that moment that Ihu realized what his friend had in mind.
"What are you waiting for? USE IT!" Ihu cried. He pulled on the control lever to keep the left side of the airship from strapping across a volcano, which he narrowly succeeded with. In less than a minute, both Matoran and the airship would be nothing but smashed parts in the rocky ground something wasn't done to fix the damage to the vessel.
Kodan jumped out of his seat and ran as fast as he could to the middle of the ship. Staying as balanced as he could, he slammed the disk into the floor of the airship. Outside, the scorched underside of the vessel healed in seconds, leaving no trace that it had even been burned at all.
"That helped, but we're still descending!" Ihu yelled to Kodan. "The engines must have taken some damage too!"
"Then I'll fix them as well!" Kodan yelled back. He started to make his to the back of the airship. He wasn't sure how exactly he close he would be able to get to the engines from the inside, but he knew he had to try. There wasn't a choice. It was this or death, and Kodan wanted to live. He was the Chronicle after all, and his story wasn't ending like this.
But fate, as it does for all beings at some point in their lives, had other plans.
One of the volcanoes of ice erupted just as the airship flew past it. The largest piece of ice that was sent flying out of the eruption slammed into the side of the vessel, destroying most of the engines in the process. Kodan, caught completely off-guard by the impact, was sent flying across the vessel. He slammed back-first into the hard metal wall.
The Po-Matoran struggled to stay awake even as he felt his weakened body slide across the floor as the airship began to free fall. His vision became blurrier as he succumbed to the darkness. Within a few seconds, the Chronicle's eyes softly closed as he fell into unconsciousness.
Ihu, who had seen the impact his friend had taken, fought to keep himself from rushing to his friend's aid. If Kodan was still alive after taking that hard of an impact, he certainly wouldn't be if the airship crashed and exploded. He had to try to land the vessel as best as he could. But even as the airship nose dived straight down, with Ihu pulling on the control lever with all his might to pull the ship up just a little, he knew, deep down, that it was hopeless.
"But I will not give up." Ihu thought bravely. "Kodan didn't give up on finding me when I was in danger, so now it is my turn not to give up now."
So Ihu kept pulling on the lever, hoping, praying, that it would pull the ship up just enough so that it didn't crash head first into the incoming rocky terrain below. With only seconds left, he looked like nothing would happen. But then at the last possible second, the airship pulled slightly up, allowing the bottom of the front of the airship to slam first into the ground, followed by the rest of the vessel. The energy behind the impact scattered all the windows, nearly flatted the hull of the vessel, send Ihu flying straight into the ceiling. The seer force of the blow knocked the Ko-Matoran unconscious upon contact. His body fell back into his chair before bouncing off it and onto the metal floor.
Dust, rocks, and pieces of metal and glass went flying in all directions due to the landing of the airship into Karzahni. Both Kodan and Ihu had survived the landing, but neither of them had were awaken by it. Neither of them were awake to think that they were now in the realm of broken Matoran, where the concept of freedom most likely didn't exist. Neither of them were awake to think about the fact that they were most likely going to spend the remainder of their days here, unable to warn Metru Nui of the coming threat of the Makuta.
And neither of them were awake to notice that a fuel line had broken, allowing fuel to flow out of its holding container and straight for the flaming engines. The airship was about to be engulfed in flames, with both Matoran still in it.
Edited by The Smoke Monster, Jul 18 2012 - 07:23 PM.
Everyone is one choice away from being the bad guy in another person's story.
Also check out my comedy series Adventures of the Bara Magna Sets!
Posted Jul 20 2012 - 06:28 PM
Chapter X: DarknessThe room was filled with shadows, and that suited its occupant’s just fine. The beings, who would often come here, were schemers and liars. In light, subtle details of their face could give away valuable secrets. Secrets they wished to keep a secret with all their ability. In the darkness, no one could see these features, schemers could scheme, and not be caught.Schemers like Bitil, and his Master. However Darkness also had a nasty habit of bringing out fear in beings, and Bitil was feeling it firsthand. For the Makuta it was an odd sensation, he was the one that caused fear. The other Makuta feared him, so why did this Master of his cause him so much fear. It was downright unnerving, but at the same time Bitil knew deep down that his fear was justified. That thought frightened him more than anything else.On his knees the Makuta spoke, “Master, I apologize the Matoran, they escaped from my grasp…”Before he could finish, the other being interrupted him, “Tell me Bitil, why are you telling me this, instead of finding them. I’d say that your current actions are a waste of my time, and my time is very valuable.”“But sir, there is no hope of their survival, they fell into Karzhani, retrieving them would be nigh impossible.” Bitil protested.“Karzhani is just another realm, I care not of the dangers, if you cannot accomplish the task then I shall find someone else. Is that what you would prefer?”“No sir, I’ll go.”“Good, now leave me.” With a wave his hand, a sign almost imperceptible in the darkness, the being gestured for the Makuta to take his leave, there was much to be done and little time to do it. In the darkness, a new plot was being born, one that could change everything. There is so much to be done, and so little time.
Posted Jul 22 2012 - 06:49 PM
Edited by What?, Jul 22 2012 - 06:54 PM.
Posted Jul 24 2012 - 11:23 AM
Posted Jul 26 2012 - 12:07 AM
------Opportunely, the remainder of the kingdom of Karzahni did not present such an obstacle as the first portion had. There were no volcanoes spewing burning ice, merely dark, level planes that stretched for the rest of the landmass. Then, once more open sea, for a long stretch until the massive Sea Gates of Metru Nui became visible, the only opening in the immense Great Barrier. Beyond these, the sea acquired the pearly silver cast Kodan knew so well, and eventually the winding coast of Le-Metru curled over the horizon. He must have sighed in relief upon seeing this sight, for Ihu turned toward him and gave a small smile. “Yes, my feelings exactly, Kodan.”They soared onward, Le-Metru unfolding beneath the small craft, its myriad chutes and transport centers a complicated green maze full of busy Matoran being whisked by. The land beneath them broadened, and the Metru filled the entirety of their view.“Where do you think we should stop?” asked Ihu.“The Coliseum,” Kodan answered promptly. “I need to see Dume as soon as possible.”“Yes, that would be most prudent,” Ihu admitted, adjusting their course minutely. “As for myself, I will also disembark near the Coliseum, and then take a chute to Ko-Metru. While you warn Dume, I can confer with the other Scholars and Seers. I find it disturbing that the prophecies in the stars held nothing of this imminent attack by the Makuta.”“Good, “said Kodan. “And as we go, we should both pray to Mata Nui that we can stop this.”
------The plaza in front of the Coliseum was surprisingly empty for this time of day, its protodermis flagstones void of the usual Matoran passersby. However, this provided an ideal place for their ship to touch down. Due to the urgency of their arrival, Ihu seemed to have little interest in a gentle landing, bringing the craft down in a jarring collision. As the Ko-Matoran winced, Kodan already was pulling open the nearby hatch, to sprint over the flagstones toward the lobby floor of the Coliseum. This too was empty, save for a severe-looking Ga-Matoran behind the desk.“I’m here to see Turaga Dume. You must allow me to do so as soon as possible!” Kodan gasped.The Ga-Matoran clucked about his lack of decorum, but consulted a pad nearby. “Turaga Dume is expecting you, surprisingly,” she said.Kodan was mildly bewildered by this, but accepted it is another good turn of fate. Destiny, perhaps, was helping him in its own minor way after all. His recent round of escapes has certainly been astoundingly convenient.“You may go to your nearest left, where a lift waits,” the Ga-Matoran continued. Kodan muttered a thanks before briskly heading there, entering the lift tube for Dume’s office. Once there, as the protodermis tube whisked upward through the skyscraper, the Chronicler attempted to compose himself for the esteemed elder. After all, if he appeared too disheveled, the Turaga might dismiss his claims as those of the mad. A few seconds after Kodan had deemed his appearance sufficiently improved, the lift slid open smoothly. Before him, an immaculately polished balcony stretched across the entire floor, transparent windows around its entire breadth. On the far side of the room stood Dume. The red frame of the elder seemed much frailer than Kodan had remembered, but otherwise he was clearly himself.“Kodan, my lad! I hear you have some news for me,” Dume enthused, hobbling toward the Matoran.“How did you know I was returning?” Kodan wondered.Dume waved a hand. “I have telescreens all over the city. Picking up your odd craft on them was no trouble.” He smiled, and threw a thin arm over Kodan’s shoulder. “So, what interesting events came of the exploding cave on the Southern Continent?”Kodan took a deep breath, and then narrated the entirety of what had happened, from this discovery of the wounded Nynrah Ghost, to his pursuit by the multiple Bitils, to his flight with Ihu through Karzahni, to the horrible plot of the Makuta that the Matoran had revealed. Throughout his narration, Dume’s expression remained impassive. When Kodan finished, looking at the Turaga hopefully, the elder's response was unusually calm.“Well, that is one of the more interesting narrations I’ve heard in a long time. To tell you the truth, I actually have known of some of this myself. I have access to many sources of information in the city, and it turns out that our guardian Teridax was a bit lax in allowing intelligence such as this to slip free. I initially did not want to believe what I heard, but now it seems time to act, given your compelling story.”Dume pulled forth a small device with several buttons from his robes, and manipulated it using his weathered hands.“I'm going to contact two of our nearest Toa — both Toa of Ice. With you to chronicle the event, they will close the nearest Sea Gate, the only one open. Then, not only will we be safe from any attempts on us by the Makuta, but Karzahni will be unable to reach us as well, when he learns how you tricked him. And, Kodan my lad, we’re safe.”“Thank you, Turaga,” Kodan said sincerely. “You've no idea how glad I am to hear it.”Dume smiled kindly. “Of course. And, speaking of our safety, no one has seen Teridax recently either. So, as you can see, we will be completely safe.” The smile spread further. “I shall take care of my city, as I always have.”Kodan's nerves must have been frayed by the recent events, because he was almost certain that there was something dark lurking beneath the Turaga’s smile. However, this fleeting notion vanished when it the elder’s expression changed again.“Now, back to the lobby. The Toa are on their way, and you don't want to keep them waiting. After all, each passing moment leaves us more vulnerable, wouldn’t you say? You can even take that fantastic ship of yours. Oh, and Kodan?” Dume’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Make sure you don’t mention any of this to the other Matoran. Naturally, it’s important, and they will know at the right time, but for now we should not worry them unnecessarily. It’s for the best.”Still uttering prolific thanks, the Chronicler took his leave of Dume’s chamber, as Dume waved him along. The Turaga's wisdom and generosity were astounding; soon the ordeal that had begun in the cave would be finished, and Kodan could rest easily.
------The Southern Sea Gate of Metru Nui was even more immense than it had appeared when Kodan originally passed it. Its two sections spread wide to allow passage until Metru Nui, the mighty protodermis slabs of the gate appeared almost immeasurably wide, with upper reaches vanishing into the mists of the sky. Various forms of plant life had also taken root along its breadth, including lichens gripping various extended outcroppings, which gave visitors purchase from which to admire the structure. It was to one of these large open ledges that the battered and scarred rocket airship landed, cramped with its passengers of two Toa and a Matoran.After it alighted upon a worn stone section, Kodan and the two Toa he was accompanying exited, stretching their bodies after the flight. The Po-Matoran had attempted to explain the situation again en route, but both of the quiet Toa of Ice did appear to lend much credence to what he said. However, Kodan still managed to remain calm, as the imminent closing of the Sea Gate would still lay his fears to rest. Thus, as the Toa fanned out over the outcropping to examine the gates they were to draw shut, Kodan examined the surrounding area, where afternoon shadows lengthened against the immense walls.And then, the Toa began their task. The first, a male Matatu-wearer, activated his Kanohi to push the silvery waters against the gate several bio away from its edges, where they both employed their elemental powers to freeze the liquid protodermis solid. With this accomplished, the skilled Matatu-wearer brought his Kanohi to bear on the giant gates themselves, slowly wrenching them from the position they had lain in for centuries. Bit by bit, the great bulk of the Gates ground along, until they locked against each other, completely closing with a crash.Kodan smiled in relief, and scribbled a few notes on the happening into a tablet of his, as the Toa further locked the gate by freezing layers of ice along its edges. The whole task had taken only a few minutes.As the small group moved to return to the airship, a swath of shadows in a higher alcove churned, and a Kanoka disk sailed out toward the group. The second Toa seemed to spot it first, screaming “Down!” as he dodged swiftly with the use of a Kakama. As the disk missed its intended target and looped around toward Kodan, the Chronicler felt the invisible hand of telekinesis hurl him to the ground, out of harm’s way. However, the Kanoka then finally redirected itself into the airship, striking it. Beneath the powerful disk, the vessel’s surface convulsed horribly, as smooth aerodynamic surfaces were reconstituted into a horrible warped, clearly grounded wreck. Yet this was barely noticed by the group — for the patch of shadows jumped from the alcove toward the outcropping, shedding its inky cloak as it did. A hideous bipedal being was revealed, leaping toward the Toa with razor talons outstretched. Both Toa handily sidestepped the initial attack, but the attacker merely caught itself in a neat roll, and then hurled a second Kanoka from an extra arm on its back. The Matatu-wearer’s glance flickered to the disk for just a moment as he telekinetically stopped it from striking his companion.It was a moment too much, for as the Toa of Ice halted the disk, the aggressor raced toward him with uncanny speed, tearing into the Toa’s torso and face with its claws. As this Toa screamed from the mortal wounds, collapsing, the other hurled sharp daggers formed of ice at his brother’s soon-to-be-killer.All this took place in the span of mere seconds. Kodan knew the remaining Toa would last even less long than the first had. In a desperate attempt to help, he picked up the nearest stones and hurled them at the attacker’s face.These projectiles, although thrown with great accuracy, nevertheless did almost nothing to the creature, whose purple carpet of a face roiled in what appeared to be amusement. Ignoring the Chronicler’s ineffective attack, the beast concentrated on the other Toa, entering into a brief spar with the lightning-fast Kakama-wearer. Both combatants swept back and forth swiftly, swinging claws and Toa Tools. In short order, the experienced Toa maneuvered his opponent into a corner, and then made a powerful strike at its neck with his staff, coated in icicles.This blow connected brutally, sinking deep into flesh. Yet the creature showed little pain in its expression, mostly anger, as it snarled at the Toa and grabbed the staff. Before the Toa could withdraw his grasp, a massive lightning-like rush emanated from the being’s claws, surging into the body of the hapless Toa. He spasmed for a moment, before collapsing on the ground to join his brother in death.Kodan gaped in horror. Time seemed to grind to a standstill as the victorious attacker snapped the staff from its neck, and stroke toward him. The Chonicler stumbled backward, unaware of where he was going, until he felt the cold, unfeeling stone of the Gate against his back. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing escaped.“Why?” managed Kodan at last.Seeming to enjoy the moment, the creature bared its fangs at the trapped Matoran.“Regards of The Shadowed One. And of Teridax,” it snarled.Kodan’s mind was just able to piece the facts together in the second before the razor claws descended, and darkness came.
------The chute transport raced along in Ko-Metru, as Ihu patiently gripped the sled that transported him through the shimmering energy field, toward the central Knowledge Tower. There had been massive delays in accessing the chute system, unfortunately, but now at least the Scholar was able to glide along toward his destination.White brilliance flashed by outside the thin confines of the chute, as the Ko-Matoran scanned the blurred horizon. The other Scholars might not believe his tale at first when they hear it, but he would find a way to convince them. Surely, he would find proof in the stars, and their strange prophecies. Surely . . .A noise outside the chute startled him out of his reflection, as a bright Nui-Rama buzzed along. Intrigued, Ihu watched the Rahi as it flew closer to the chute, eventually ending up directly parallel to his transport sled. He chuckled slightly at the coincidence, examining the iridescent, multifaceted eyes of the insect. Remarkably, it appeared to be looking back at him! Yet, there was something odd in its eyes, something odd indeed. As a being accustomed to finding meaning, Ihu was able to see that something clouded the Rahi’s gaze, almost like mania.He was continuing to marvel at this strange turn of events when the Nui-Rama swerved into the chute’s edge. Its sharp wing disrupting the careful equilibrium of the electromagnetic sheath, the chute bent precipitously under the stress. But the insect did not stop with only stabbing a wing inward, leaning its whole carapace into the chute.This stress, of such a large Rahi crashing into the chute snapped the fragile structure entirely. The sheath of magnetized protodermis gave way, splintering into countless volatile shards which scorched Ihu with their energetic contents. Then, as the chute completely fell apart, the transport sled began the long descent from the elevated chute toward the distant glaciers of Ko-Metru.As he fell, Ihu’s last thought was a fervent hope that Kodan had succeeded.
------Eliminator’s shadow vanished from a high floor of the Coliseum, as the Dark Hunter departed, leaving the frail figure of Dume alone in the windowed chamber.Yes, everything had proceeded well after all. The last Nynrah Ghost was finished, and although the elusive Matoran had fled the Southern Continent, they were no longer any concern at all. Eliminator was very good at his job, and an exercise of the Insect Control Kraata power was child’s play.Other plans had also advanced. The last gates had closed, sealing Metru Nui apart from the universe. Tendrils of loathsome Morbuzakh were slowly winding their way from the Great Furnace, and Toa were slowly vanishing. Even the new ones to come would fail, as fools destined by the stars above for oblivion. And, last and most importantly of all, a virus simmered deep in its hiding place, virulent poison waiting for its grand use.Yes, the plan was continuing, to its certain fruition.Behind the Kiril he wore as a disguise, Teridax softly began to laugh.
Posted Jul 26 2012 - 02:51 AM
Edited by Hahli Husky, Aug 06 2012 - 02:57 AM.
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