The Quest for the Ultimate Toa: Unity

Unity is the first chapter in The Quest for the Ultimate Toa.

Prologue
Gathered friends, listen again to our legend of the BIONICLE.

The Great Spirit used the last of his energy to reform Spherus Magna, purifying and bringing life back to the world, as we were to abandon our old homes and adapt to our new one. With his dying words, as he returned to his mask, he made one last request: "Find the Great Beings. Use my mask as a guide, and all shall be revealed. Then you shall have your peace."

This was not a simple task, but it had to be done. So we all went on our long quest to find the Great Beings and we were led to the Valley of the Maze. As we entered the Valley, the six Great Beings revealed themselves to us.

"My fellow beings."

"We have been watching over you."

"We have witnessed the Great Spirit fulfilling his destiny."

"As well as yours."

"You all have finally fulfilled your destinies, but..."

"An ancient evil will reawaken soon."

We wondered whether this ancient evil would return soon. We weren't clear on when or where.

"For now, rejoice in your defeat of the Makuta."

"But in order to defeat this great evil..."

"You must find and unite new six heroes."

"They are destined to be united."

"And one is destined to be the ultimate Toa."

"Heed our warning!"

After we left the Valley of the Maze, the Turaga, Matoran, Toa, Agori, and Glatorian were united because of our three virtues. We built large cities and transportation, and made better protection. But we were still concerned about the evil that would return.

What was this evil they spoke of? It seemed that we had acquired a new major quest: to find the six heroes and the ultimate Toa.

Chapter 1: Darkness Rising, Part I
It was a calm afternoon in the Black Spike Mountains. The waterfall crashed hard; the air smelled fresh like the Great Jungle; the soil was pure. Creatures lived in peace and harmony.

Deep in the mountains, something rather unusual was discovered by two Po-Matoran brother archaeologists along with a Ga-Matoran translator and a Water Tribe Agori...

"Hey Tan, the Bohrok found something!" Tau called out to Tan, his twin brother.

"Tau, what is it?" Tan asked.

"Well, the Bohrok found this giant door, and it's locked too."

"It looks pretty old. A door this size... it must be some kind of fortress buried in the mountain."

"Let's see if we can get the door opened." Tau rubbed the wall firmly, wiping the dust off, then unexpectedly pushed a panel that opened the doors slightly.

As they walked in, Tan spotted ancient writings on the walls down the hall but couldn't make it out. It was beyond dark, so they turn on their flashlights.

"Wow, I've never seen language like this before. I wonder, is it Agori or something else?" Tan analyzed the symbols in wonder. "Must be some kind of encryption. I'm going to go get Gala and Muai."

Tau went to retrieve Gala and Muai outside. Gala was a water tribe Agori, the big sister. Muai was a Ga-Matoran, the little sister.

They examined the symbols on the wall. "Gala, I've had something on my mind for a long time. Something... I hoped... someone might care for me." Muai told Gala.

"And who would that would be, little sister?" Gala asked.

"Tau."

"Tau?!"

"Tau."

"What makes him so interesting?" Gala asked Muai curiously.

"I don't know. He's interesting to me. His work, hobbies and his mask."

"I think you're cross-wired, sister."

Tau arrived. "Gala. Muai. You're not going to believe what we've discovered!"

"Let me guess. You found more Rahi to put in your stasis tubes?" Gala asked sarcastically.

"Oh no, something far better than Rahi. Come on, I'll show you." Tau grabbed Muai's hand and dragged her into the fortress as she gazed at him. Gala looked very disgusted and followed into the fortress.

They returned to Tan as he finished his examination on the symbols on wall. "Hey, you're back. Muai. Gala. I want to know if one of you can translate this."

"Well, what do you know about it so far?" Muai asked.

"Well, my results from examining tell me that it's a combination language of Matoran and Agori. An early language from before the Matoran. And these are experiment notes too. With all of this old technology, this has to be some kind of laboratory. Must be at least a thousand years old, maybe even older."

Muai noticed something else on the wall. "Hey, look."

They all followed. They saw blueprints of the Makuta Teridax. They were very shocked, noticing multiple body parts scattered.

Gala also noticed something on the wall: it showed "WARNING" written on the top. "Hey, look. I think it's a message."

"Well what does it say?" Tau asked.

"It's made from both languages."

"Gala and Muai will have to read it together."

"It says..."

''Whoever enters this fortress shall fall into the shadow of the abyss for eternity, if they disturb the Lord of Shadows. Beware of this warning... or suffer the consequences.''

"What does that mean?" Gala asked. "Tau, stop breathing on me."

"It wasn't me. It's probably the wind."

"The Shadows... shall rise again."

"Who said that?" Muai asked in fright.

"It came from over there."

They ran over to a large metallic body in a throne. A creepy, demonic voice echoed weakly. "It... is I."

Red, evil eyes glowed as he spoke, staring down at them and chilling their spines.

"Who… who are you?" Tan asked in fright.

"And what do you want from us?" Gala asked, standing tall.

"Nothing... but to give a message."

"Message?" Tau wondered, slowly.

"Yes."

"What message do want us to bring?" Muai asked.

"Your Master will rise again and I... will wreak havoc on this..." A deep breath. "... petty world."

"This must be the warning it was talking about."

"I don't want to be in here anymore. Let's get out of here!" said Muai in fright.

"Yeah, let's get out of here!" Tau agreed.

The four ran for their lives as they overheard the shadow's voice in their heads. "You may run, but you will not survive."

They made it back outside. They retrieved the Bohrok and jumped into the Gala's heavy truck and steamed off as quickly as they could.

"But only time... will tell..."

Chapter 2: Darkness Rising, Part II
Ever since the Agori inhabited the Valley of the Maze, a new fortress for the Great Beings lay in the center of Spherus Magna. It was known as the Great Fortress, from which the Great Beings watched over all regions.

The female Great Being Zoranna sensed a disturbance and gasped. Angonce noticed Zoranna in pain. "Zoranna, what's the matter?" Angonce asked in worry.

"I... I sense a disturbance."

"A disturbance?"

"Yes, and its very powerful."

Heremus joined them. "I feared this day would come, but it's arrived sooner than I thought."

"But how can we defeat it this time?" Porolan asked. "If this evil rises once more, we may face enslavement and havoc upon our world."

"But there is one Glatorian that may save us all from havoc and destruction..."

"And who would that be, Artemis?"

A Great Being known as Artemis revealed himself from the shadow. On the telescreen, he projected a mysterious Ice Glatorian watching over the Northern Region along with his friend.

"Who is this warrior you speak of?" Zoranna asked.

"This particular Glatorian is known as Zuro."

"Zuro? He is no hero! He is just a mere gunslinger vigilante! What makes you believe that he destined to be our savior?!" yelled Angonce.

"Calm yourself, my friend. I am certain he has his reasons."

"Yes, I do. Mata Nui has been sending messages, foretelling that he is the ultimate Toa. Which is why I will seek Mata Nui's destined warrior."

"If you believe that he is to be an ultimate Toa, then then we will follow."

"I thank you. I am off."

"I wish you my luck, friend. Let Mata Nui guide you through the light."

Artemis set off on his journey to find Zuro, the destined Ice Glatorian, to fight the rising darkness. He fought his way through the snowstorms and over the mountains of the Northern Region until he finally arrived to the main city of this region: Veim City.

"He must be here. I can sense him."

While Artemis searched for Zuro, Zuro and Rarkata, along with his Iron Wolfe companion Ontar, were standing tall, watching over the city.

Zuro saw a Matoran being chased by a large creature. "Rarkata, I see something in the alleyway."

"What is it?"

"I don't know, but we have go after it. Come on. Ontar, stay here."

As they jumped from the building they separated. A strategy came to Rarkata's mind. "We'll ambush it. You take left and I'll take right."

Zuro nodded in agreement. Zuro lurked in the shadow, scanning for the unknown creature cornering the Matoran. Zuro pulled his ice saber &mdash; similar to Lewa's air saber &mdash; and Rarkata's eye turned red. They were ready to attack.

Rarkata whispered, "On my signal. Now."

They both jumped at the same time. The next moment, a tail with a stinger came out, and it deflected both of them at the same.

Rarkata was shocked. The large creature revealed itself: it was an evolved Vorox.

"A Vorox?" said Zuro in shock.

"No, impossible! It should have worked," said Rarkata in shock.

The evolved Vorox screeched.

"This Vorox looks very different. What is a Vorox doing in the Northern Frost?" Rarkata questioned.

"I wonder as well, but right now we must deal with it."

Rarkata took his first swing at the Vorox. It deflected it, and they pushed each other back and forward. Then Zuro joined and the Vorox used its stinger to hold them both. The Vorox pushed them back to the wall.

Rarkata charged at it again, taking the front as Zuro took back. It was intense as their swords clashed against each other, blades flying in all directions so quickly it looked like there was many more. The only sound was the metallic clanging of swords. Both knew that one wrong move could bring them close to death &mdash; and such complicated moves, with precise angles and cuts! It was terrifying and exciting at the same time. Then the Vorox kicked Rarkata into the wall.

"Rarkata!" yelled Zuro.

Zuro continued to tango with the Vorox one-on-one. They continued to clash each other until he found its weak spot. He pulled out his Thornax launcher, shooting its stinger off, defeating the Vorox. It gave a terrified screech as it retreated.

"Rarkata, are you okay?" said Zuso, panting.

Rarkata groaned. "Yes, I will be. What happened to the Vorox?"

"It retreated. But who knows if it will come back, or if there are more."

The Ko-Matoran approached to thank them for helping him. "Thank you very much. Please, let me do something for both of you as a token of my appreciation."

"Thank you. Come along, Ontar."

They walked with the Ko-Matoran back to his shop. Many inventions hung around them.

"Welcome to my shop. Oh, how rude of me. I am Tugel. I am an inventor."

"I am Zuro."

"I am Rarkata."

"Very well then." Tugel noticed a damage thornax launcher on Zuro's belt. "Your Thornax launcher and your saber. They look much damaged. May I see them?" Tugel asked.

"Um... sure. But I don't know if you can repair them. The saber is very old."

"It's not a challenge. Should be very easy. Be right back. In the meantime, look around and see what you like. Rartaka, would like me to fix your armor?" Tugel asked kindly.

"Oh no. I prefer to be this way."

"Are you sure? Your armor looks more damaged than I thought it would be. I'm surprised it's lasted this long."

"I said, it's fine," said Rarkata in anger.

"Easy, Rarkata. He was only being nice."

"I'm sorry."

"It is alright. I will get started on the Thornax launcher and your saber."

As Tugel left to fix Zuro's weapons, they roamed the shop. Rartaka had a thought. "Zuro, may I ask you something?"

"You may."

"Your mask? You never told me where you got it."

"This mask is very special to me. Gelu gave it to me after the Shattering, when I was just an Agori. I used to watch Gelu fight in the arena, and when he was practicing I looked up to him. I wanted to become a good warrior like he was, so he gave me his mask."

"But how are you good as I am?" Rartaka asked in wonder.

"I traveled from region to region with some of the greatest legends: Tahu, Gali, Lewa, Onua, Pohatu, and most importantly, Kopaka. He said that there was someone similar to me, and that was 'Rarkata'. So I went searching for you so that we could work together... and here we are today."

"Fascinating story, my good chap. And I have finished your weapons." Tugel returned with Zuro's weapons, looking as if they were brand new. "Here you are. I had to rebuild your launcher, and I added new parts to it. It has a long-range targeting system and an unlimited use of Thornax. I built you a second one in case your first one gets destroyed. Your sword should be brand new again."

"Thank you, Tugel. How can we repay you?" Zuro asked thoughtfully.

"No need. It's on me."

"We'll be on our way then."

"Come back soon."

As they left the shop, Zuro began to have strange visions in his head, blinding his vision. He sees a mysterious light mask and an evil shadow mask as they collided... then fuzzy images of Toa and Glatorian... and he began to hear echoing voices.

"Save Spherus Magna. An ancient evil is waiting to be reawoken. The Great Spirit depends on you. Time is short. Only you and others can save our way of life."

"Others? What do you mean?"

"Time is short. Head to the Turaga Tower. Hurry, Zuro. You and your team are our only hope."

Zuro groaned. Rartaka saw Zuro in pain and tried to help him. "Zuro? What's wrong?"

"I saw... visions... in my head."

"Visions? What did you see?" Rartaka questioned.

"I saw a light and shadow mask in battle... and other Toa along with me."

"What does it mean?" Rartaka asked.

"I don't know, but I was told to head for the Turaga Tower, where Turaga Nuju is."

"Then we should head for the Tower."

"Yes. Come on, Ontar." Zuro jumped on his hover bike. Ontar got on the back. Rartaka used his shield as a hover board, and they took off to the Turaga Tower.

In the Turaga Tower, the Great Being Artemis approached Turaga Nuju. Nuju was shocked to see a Great Being arrive unnoticed.

"Ah, Great Being Artemis. What brings you here on a short notice?"

"I am searching for a certain warrior. He is known as Zuro."

"Then I'll summon him for you, Great Being."

"That will not be necessary. I can sense him coming towards this way."

Meanwhile, in the research lab with Tan, Tau, and Muai in the underground of Turaga Tower, Tau examined the symbols again. Muai gazed at him again but tried not to show it.

"This is fascinating. We have to warn the Turaga."

Gala returned with Nuju. "I've already brought word to the Regions and to the Turaga."

"Turaga Nuju! We have something to tell you. It's..."

"I already know."

"You do?" Tau wondered.

"Yes. Great Being Artemis explained everything to me."

"Tell me when he arrives."

"Of course."

The night had fallen when Zuro and his friends arrived at the Turaga Tower. Zuro saw a Mata Nui Cow &mdash; his adopted daughter Salamis &mdash; standing in front of the door.

Zuro was confused. "Salamis, what are you doing here?"

"Hello, father. I was requested to come here into your presence."

"Who is she, Zuro?"

"This is my adopted daughter, Salamis."

"Your daughter?" Rarkata asked.

"Yes. I'll explain in the elevator."

They all went into the elevator. As it went to the top floor, he explained.

"It was after the reformation of Spherus Magna, when all of the Rahi were released into the wild. During my training to become a great warrior, I saw a cocoon wrapped in a web. When the cocoon hatched, it was revealed to me as a mutated Mata Nui Cow that was bitten by a Visorak.

"I brought her to the nearest town for help, but she was ranked as a freak, monster, and outsider. She was kicked out of every town, but I accepted her for the way she was and I promised to take care of her as if she were my own."

"That's very touching."

"Thank you."

They finally reached the top floor and saw Turaga Nuju with the Matoran, Agori, and a Great Being.

"Why have I been summoned?" Zuro asked.

"The Great Being must speak to you, Zuro. I shall fetch him."

"Wait for me outside, everyone. I will return shortly."

Everybody left the room and went back down to the first floor except Turaga Nuju.

Time passed. The full moon and the stars shone across the dark blue night sky. Zuro looked at the full bright moon over the gazing lights of the city, waiting for a certain being... until he arrived unexpectedly.

"There was a time... when we were much more powerful... but that was long ago."

They walked over to the balcony together and looked at the full, bright moon in the sky.

"You must have no end of questions, Glatorian."

"I had visions before I arrived to the Tower. What do these visions mean? Should I believe in these visions or am I cross-wired?"

"These visions you have are a gift. The visions you have will help you on your journey to fight great evil and protect this world from chaos and destruction."

"But why me? What do I know about fighting great evil?" Zuro questioned.

"Visions help lead Matoran or Agori to their destinies as Toa and Glatorian, who protect us and do what we can no longer do."

"What happened?" Zuro asked.

"Millions of years ago, before the Shattering, we, the Great Beings, were great kings, creating for the love of creation. During that early era, one of our own discovered this mysterious and powerful liquid and left it for the Agori to discover themselves. When the Agori discovered the liquid, it only led to greed, chaos and war between the Tribes led by the Element Lords.

"The only who discovered it was our own Nazar. He has created many creatures to bring life to our world, which led to the creation of the Makuta species while we created the Great Spirit's giant robotic body. But Nazar had other plans. I had to halt his actions before he continued, and banished him.

"With his corruption, he turned the Brotherhood of Makuta against the Great Spirit and made himself their leader. He forged his own mask, called the Kraahkan, Great Mask of Shadows, and gained dark powers from it. He no longer called himself Great Being Nazar, but Makuta Lord Nazar.

"We held Nazar responsible for his actions. He planned to attack us, but I attacked first and removed his power. We rested his body in the Black Spike Mountains in his own Makuta fortress. We removed his mask and sent it to an uncharted island where no one will find it again. He has been nearly reawaken, but not completely... but he will return someday. His darkness spreads like an incurable disease.

"There were many tales of the Makuta that have frightened many Matoran across the Regions. Lately those tales have stopped. Now... the Matoran are frightened anyway. The shadows are coming back. We will not survive them this time."

"Mata Nui," said Zuro in total shock.

"The evolved Vorox surround us. They're just the beginning."

"What can I do?" Zuro asked.

"You must push back the shadows. Your visions are from the Great Spirit, and I will guide you on your journey as we move forward. You are destined to become the ultimate Toa, and I know that he chose wisely.

"Our journey will start at sunrise. Rest now, warrior."

Zuro took the elevator back down to the first floor. He saw his friends resting and he rested along with them.

Sunrise finally rose over the city. Zuro collected the items he needed for his journey.

Rarkata was worried. "How come I can't come with you?" Rarkata asked Zuro.

"Because I want someone to watch over the city while I'm away."

"But Kopaka can watch over it."

"Yes, but he is more of a protector of the outer skirts of the Northern Region, and I trust you to watch over the rest. And may I ask you a favor?" Zuro asked Rarkata.

"Yes, Zuro?"

"I want you to watch over my daughter while I'm away."

"I will protect her with my life."

"Thank you."

Zuro walked outside with Rarkata as he prepared himself to set off on his journey. Ontar joined him.

"You're bringing Ontar?" Rarkata asked.

"Of course I am. I couldn't leave him behind if I wanted to."

"Father, I wish you luck on your journey. I asked a Matoran to make this necklace for luck."

"Thank you, Salamis. Before I leave: Rarkata, please be nice to the younger Toa. You need to work on your social skills."

"I'll try, but it won't be easy."

Nuju approached them to give them his warnings and blessings. "The shadows of Makuta are very powerful. Do not take your journey lightly; it will not tolerate of none of your foolery."

"But how will I know where to start, Artemis?"

"As I said before, your visions and instincts will guide you. Trust your visions."

Zuro felt energy flowing through him, as his instincts told him which direction to go. It was straight ahead. As they walked forward, his friends waved in goodbye.

"Your journey will begin in this Region."

"But I don't have powers to begin with. How will I fight great evil?" Zuro questioned.

"Do not worry, my friend. Your instincts will help you find your power, and I will be there to help you along the way."

"Thank you, Artemis. Off we go."

They all walked into the Ice Mountains of the Northern Frost with their hooded robes as they set off on their journey.

"Let Mata Nui guide you safely. Safely in the light..."

Trivia

 * Rarkata was created by SANZOKU-RASSHU of fanfiction.net.