Legend of Fatum

Legends of Fatum

AN

''Hello all, this is my first ‘official’ FanFic. I’d like to thank user Saya Moonshadow for doing the Beta work.

''This story started years ago when my younger brother and I started playing Bionicle together. I never thought to put it on paper till now.''

Disclaimer: Nope, don’t own Bionicle, but 99% of the characters and places are mine!

There is a time, a time where Biomechanics walked the worlds. A time filled with times. This is the time of the Legends of Fatum...

Prologue: The Beginning…

It was over.

Jaller stood alone amongst his fallen comrades, his fellow Toa, and stared death straight in the face.

Many things had changed since the Makuta began their reign of terror. The land had once been a peaceful one inhabited by Matoran and Rahaga alike. Side by side these villagers had worked and the Toa had overseen it all. But they had not foreseen the kind of destruction that had come. The Makuta had come as if from the very shadows itself, hundreds of them and their Rahkshi spawn had crept out from deep crevices and mountains. Wherever a shadow lay, there was no safety.

Most Toa turned ignored the firsthand reports. After all, there was no evil in this land, there hadn’t been evil for thousands of years. In their ignorance the Toa let the Matoran die. Only a few went out to protect them. The war was long, and many Toa and Matoran died. The Rahaga tried to help fight, but many were captured by the Makuta and twisted into dark, unspeakable things.

Soon the very forces of the Makuta were at the Temple of the Toa. At last the Toa had come to see their mistakes. But it was too late. The Makuta ransacked the Temple and killed all Toa that had not run away.

Now Jaller faced his own consequence, the price of ignoring one’s Duty.

Death.

The land itself seemed to have died, becoming barren and wasted. Too few places held the green that supported life. Villages, cities, and even the Great Temple lay now in ruins. Jaller looked up at the Makuta that stood before him. The Makuta raised his great sword to finish it all. Jaller closed his eyes and hoped his death would come quick.

But as the great Makuta swung down his sword a blur slammed into him, a force too quick to be seen at first. The Makuta flailed for a moment but regained himself and attempted to cleave his attacker in two. In a move to fast for Jaller to see the being flipped the Makuta’s sword out of his hands. The Makuta attempted to retrieve his weapon and was shocked to see it sticking out his own belly. The Makuta roared and sank to the earth; green fluid leaking out his wound.

As the dust cleared, Jaller’s savior came into view. A tall Toa furnished in grey and black colors. In one hand he held a large claw that looked more like three blades; the other held a powerful-looking Midak blaster. Atop his head he wore a mask familiar to Jaller, one that had once shown gold instead of grey.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Takua?” Jaller said feebly.

<p style="text-align:justify">The tall Toa shook his head. “No, I am afraid not. I come from a land far away, a land where Makuta like this had it ruined, its inhabitants turned into creatures of the darkest kind, and the Matoran, the ones I was supposed to protect, killed.” The Toa’s voice was filled with sorrow.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Then why,” Jaller asked, “Why come here?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa looked down at the dead Makuta. “I - I wanted to try and help, try and stop the Makuta from doing to others lands what they did to mine.” The Toa’s face turned sorrowful. “But I was too late.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Jaller walked over to the Toa and tried to comfort him. “No, it’s not your fault. It is our fault, my fellow Toa and I. We…we ignored the warnings that came to us, we let this happen.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa looked on Jaller. “If only I had arrived here sooner. Perhaps - no, we must let bygones be bygones. This land has fallen, but I know of other places we can go where we can make a difference. Perhaps there we can make up for the wrongs we have done.” The Toa turned to face the fading sun. “Let us go.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Together two Toa, the last of their kind, left Fatum to fate…

<p style="text-align:justify">Chapter one: Dark Tides

<p style="text-align:justify">Green fluid echoed around him; bubbling as he floated. On one side a hatch opened and he came spilling out, landing on the ground with all fours. He stood and shuddered; green fluid dripping down.

<p style="text-align:justify">The place was dark, but he liked that. It gave him power, soothed him, and brought him to an awareness of his strength. It flowed through him, echoed silently in him, and made him think. Soon a voice, a cold dark voice, flowed through his mind that sent cold chills down his spine.

<p style="text-align:justify">''Rahkshi of mine, alone you serve no purpose, with me you will do my will. I have made you unlike the rest, you feel it now, a dark shadow flows through you, powering you, giving you strength and thought. You shall now go forth and do my will.''

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi felt the presence leave, but an echo of it remained in him, directing him what to do. The Rahkshi began to tread his way across the stone floor, numerous tubes hung above him filled with green fluid. Ahead he spotted two beings; the echo said that they were like him but weaker and inferior. The Rahkshi strode on without another glance. He left the cavern filled with tubes and entered into a hallway filled with caverns like the one he just left.

<p style="text-align:justify">The echo had him go past all of these and stride down to the very end where it opened up to a large cavern currently empty. It told him this was where the Rahkshi would meet when the time came. Till then he was to leave through a smaller hallway to the side. The hallway was lighter than the others, but where the Rahkshi walked the light never seemed to shine. Soon the hallway ended and he stood outside of the caverns and the underground. Above him the sky was dark, dark shapes floated in the horizon. Eventually, the echo revealed that a great light had once shown up there, but it had been blotted out for all time. His destination lay elsewhere, far from this cavern.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi strode down the mountainside, spotting other Rahkshi but paying them no attention: his mind was on the echo. Questions came through him, such as ''who is this being to command me? Why do I have to bother with his ‘will’''? Such thoughts nearly made him stop and ponder them but the echo urged him forward.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi came to a stop. The echo urged him onward but he turned to the side and strode on. Soon the echo stopped, and he was free to his own actions. No sooner had this happened when three other Rahkshi appeared, surrounding him with the terrain. Two of them were green and held staffs of some sort; the other was red with no apparent weapon. The two greens quickly charged him bringing their staffs to bear.

<p style="text-align:justify">He ducked under the first swing and jumped back from the second’s. Surprise shown on their faces for a brief moment, but twisted to a snarl as they charged again; staffs raised high. This time the first brought his forward and thrust it in a quick jab. The Rahkshi sidestepped and grabbed the staff, tearing it out of the other’s hands. He quickly swung it around and stopped the second from smacking him in the head.

<p style="text-align:justify">Now he was on the attack. The Rahkshi twirled the staff in front of him then jabbed it forward striking the first on the torso, and it squealed in pain as a dark aura came over dropping it to its knees. The second jumped back and pointed its staff straight at the Rahkshi. He could feel power growing in it and leaped over the beam of energy that shot forth. He landed right next to the startled Rahkshi and swung his staff heavily at his back. It landed with a sickening crunch that sent the Rahkshi straight down; staff clattering to the ground as he screeched out in pain. The third had stood back the whole time, now the Rahkshi faced her. She was speaking under her breath. Too late the Rahkshi realized she had been not been speaking, but chanting.

<p style="text-align:justify">In the back of his head the echo returned, laughing at him. After a great show of strength he would now be killed. The echo was angry with him for having gotten himself killed, but was not sorrowful. Soon, it left his mind and the Rahkshi watched as tons of rock flew down the mountain, boulders of the largest size. There were too many for him to dodge or destroy so he did the only rational thing. He flew.

<p style="text-align:justify">It is an interesting sensation to see boulders wiz below you while floating suspended in the air. But the Rahkshi had other things to think of, such as the Rahkshi who had started the avalanche. He landed next to her and pointed his staff directly at her, ignoring the basic instinct to finish her.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Tell me,” he asked, “Why do you work for your master?”

<p style="text-align:justify">She lowered her head as if afraid to answer him, “Because he wills it.” she whispered. She looked up at him. “Do you not feel his will pressing down on you?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I feel it. But I have learned to shut it out. I will not work for a being that has not shown me any favor; all he has done was to try to destroy me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“But it is impossible to be free from his influence!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi bored his eyes into hers. “Is that you speaking or your master?”

<p style="text-align:justify">She shuddered, “I have failed to do as he asked. He will surly destroy me for it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Then leave your master. Come to a sense of your own.”

<p style="text-align:justify">She looked at him scornfully. “You are but a hatchling; you have no idea of the powers he holds.”

<p style="text-align:justify">This took the Rahkshi aback. It was true; he was only a hatchling, barely out on his first walk. Just what could he do? The Rahkshi quickly quenched those thoughts, blacking out the echo that had returned to him. Yet something the echo had said before struck in his mind. I have made you unlike the rest, you feel it now, a dark shadow flows through you, powering you, giving you strength and thought.

<p style="text-align:justify">“No, it is you who have no idea what powers I hold.” The Rahkshi said as much to her as to the echo. “I am more than Rahkshi, I will carve a place for myself in this world and no master shall hold sway over me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He turned and left; still holding the staff he had taken. But a dark shadow had passed over the sky. A hulking figure had appeared and was growing closer. The Rahkshi held his staff up in defense as the being landed on the earth. The very ground around him crackled with energy. The powerful voice that had first spoken to him now vibrated through his skull.

<p style="text-align:justify">''Rahkshi of mine, you have done poorly, you were to obey MY will and you have failed. But you proved yourself well in battle against skilled opponents so all is not wasted. As for you…'' The great being faced the other Rahkshi who was trembling. ''You shall teach him. Show him the ways of the Rahkshi.''

<p style="text-align:justify">She continued trembling. “Ye-yes my lord.”

<p style="text-align:justify">''Good. I must go now; my brothers grow suspicious.''

<p style="text-align:justify">The being flapped his wings showering dust on the two as he lifted off into the sky. The red Rahkshi seemed to gain her composure and gestured for the Rahkshi to follow her. He obliged, but deep in the back of his mind he vowed to return one day and slay his master. His will be done.

<p style="text-align:justify">Dark Tides chapter two:

<p style="text-align:justify">Red led him down the mountain; her head now held high. The Rahkshi wondered why, but who could fathom the minds of females? Besides, she was simply to be a tool to be used to reach his objective - the death of his Master.

<p style="text-align:justify">The pair shortly reached their destination; a cliff on the side of the mountain with several buildings in a ring, smoke poured out the top of the buildings through a funnel. Several Rahkshi of varying colors sparred in the center; each wielding a different weapon varying from simple staffs to powerful looking weapons that shot out pure energy. The echo whispered to him that these powerful weapons were taken from Toa, beings that once ruled the land. The Rahkshi accepted this information and blocked out further comments. Red led him passed the fighting and into one of the buildings. Inside a group of short beings worked around some furnaces while a few Rahkshi watched over them. Red strode up to one and began speaking.

<p style="text-align:justify">“My companion and I are in need of some weapons, simple ones. He’s in training.” she added at the other Rahkshi’s curios glance.

<p style="text-align:justify">The worker nodded and turned to find some plain staves and swords. He handed them to one of the short beings and ordered him to follow Red. They left the building and went to a vacant side of the center. The short being carefully put down the weapons and scuttled back to his station.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red picked up one of the staffs and tossed it up. The Rahkshi skillfully caught it in one hand; he thought for a moment then set down the staff he had taken from one of the greens earlier.

<p style="text-align:justify">The female quickly began to attack him in a flurry of blows that he had some trouble deflecting; there was something about her presence that made him flinch when she attacked. By the end of the first dozen blows he was sore, but Red took no heed and began attacking in such a way that it seemed to rain all around him. He had no choice but to let her gain ground. Soon he found himself being pushed back into the shadow of a tall cliff, but as he entered the shadow, he felt his power grow. He allowed her to continue to push him deeper into the shadows but allowed no more attacks to land.

<p style="text-align:justify">At last, when he felt like he would burst with power, he attacked. He began in a flurry so fast he could barely see. One moment the staff would be striking to the left the next it was above then to the right the left; it happened so quickly that Red had hardly a moment to register anything other than the staff swinging in frenzy.

<p style="text-align:justify">Then, before he even noticed it, they had left the shadows and were back in the sun. All at once, his power waned away and he found himself down on one knee with Red’s staff pointed straight at him.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Never, never have I ever seen such strength from a hatchling, even from one of the more skilled,” Red panted as she lowered her staff. “You…there’s…something about you, I don’t understand yet.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yeah, I told you that already,” the Rahkshi was able to breathe out.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red nodded, now leaning on her staff. “Indeed. Next off I think I’ll teach you how to channel and control your power. Each Rahkshi has a basic power depending on their color. Mine is Fear.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Fear, eh? You sure need to learn to control that.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red gave him a glare that sent a chill up his back. “What I’m going to show you is how to unlock your true potential.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Wincing from his bruises the Rahkshi stood and followed her. She led them away from the arena and strode up the mountain. They soon arrived at a large cave from which an odd aura seemed to be emanating from within. Red walked right inside, and he followed. The cave was illuminated by glowing crystals growing in the walls, in the center sat a large lagoon. Red stopped at the edge of the lagoon and pointed at it.

<p style="text-align:justify">“This is where you will unlock your true power. Many Rahkshi have entered, most returned. If you make it through you will be ready for the next step.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He didn’t bother asking about the ones that didn’t make it, and dived straight in. The water was dark, as if the crystal light had no power over it. He swam deeper and began seeing things. He saw Rahkshi running across a barren land; on the other side, more Rahkshi ran. The two sides collided in a flurry of weapons. The image changed, and he saw a staff deep inside a cave on a pedestal. Odd writings, glowing, were etched into the stone. The image shifted again, and he saw a building, mighty and tall with many towers.

<p style="text-align:justify">Then he saw a Rahkshi. It stood alone; green, with a powerful presence. It turned and looked straight at him, its eyes burning deep into his mind. All at once, the image melted into the water.

<p style="text-align:justify">Confused, he drifted. What did it all mean? What was his power? The water swirled around him, blacker than anything he had ever seen. It comforted him and he was filled with a sense of belonging. Suddenly he was rising to the surface; he broke it and clambered onto the ground breathing heavily.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red stood above him, “Did you find your power?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi sat catching his breath before he answered. “Yes. My power lies in the shadows. Wherever a shadow may lie, so does my power.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Odd, Shadow is a basic power…”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi stood up; energy from the shadows giving him strength. “Teach me, teach me how to control it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“That is the next step,” she said. “Unless you can learn to control your power properly it can be turned against and destroy you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“What can I do to harness my power?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“You will learn. In the past Rahkshi had no time to learn how to properly control their power, but we have much more time available to us now. Come, we will continue your training.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red left and he followed. He could feel a significant change in his strength as he left the shadows and came into the light. Looks like these powers come at a price, he thought.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red led him back to the training grounds. During the time they were gone, the majority of Rahkshi there had left, only a few, a white and a blue, still fought.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red walked up to the staffs they had been using and picked one up.

<p style="text-align:justify">“The basic most from of controlling your power comes from a Rahkshi’s staff. For millennia Rahkshi have used them to amplify and control their power.”

<p style="text-align:justify">She twirled around. Holding her staff in both hands, she pointed at a pillar of rocks. The staff began to glow and the rocks lifted off the ground. The staff rippled, and the rocks shattered.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Think of the rocks as yourself, the staff is your power. With it you can become powerful. Slip and it will destroy you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red pointed at the two Rahkshi sparring. The white was using twin blades while the blue used a sword and shield.

<p style="text-align:justify">“A staff is not the only weapon Rahkshi can use to channel their power. Any weapon has the potential to be used.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The blue fired a beam of energy from its sword, which the white dodged. The stray beam hit the ground, leaving a crater.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Swords and other weapons have a tendency to be more complicated to use at first. For now you will learn to use the staff.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“What about when you caused an avalanche on me? You held no weapon then.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“That is for another time. Now is the time to learn the beginnings. Focus on your staff, feel the energy that resides inside you. This is the basic step.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi picked up the staff he had taken from the green Rahkshi and concentrated on it. Various scratch marks lay up and down it. He then turned inward and felt his energy, a maelstrom in miniature.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Good. Now think of that energy flowing into the staff. It is different for many Rahkshi. Some think of it as water filling a tube, others as a pathway guiding the energy along.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi thought of both methods, water running down a stream into an empty lake. All at once the staff started to glow with a red and black aura that seemed very familiar to him. As he tried to remember the air shook as the staff unleashed a blast of power. The shot flew past the buildings and landed in the distance.

<p style="text-align:justify">The staff was torn away as Red screeched at him, “You idiot! Do not ever lose your concentration like that again!”

<p style="text-align:justify">He hissed back, “You didn’t tell me what to do!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red glared at him sending shivers up him again. “I told you not to lose concentration. In the old days, Rahkshi were destroyed for doing such a thing!”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Well, it isn’t the old days, is it now?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“No, but you still need to focus! During battle, Rahkshi have a natural command of their powers. It is outside of battle we need to focus on. If you can achieve mastery outside of battle, your battle skills can increase tenfold. Now do it again.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The rest of the training went without any problems. After they worked on control they went on to swords. To get a feel for them they dueled with blunted blades. Although they were blunted they could leave some heavy bruises.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Swords are harder to control than staffs. Staffs are naturally made to align one’s power in the direction they wish. Swords can do the same, but have a higher chance of backfire. The blade is so wide and the tip so small that the energy might try and escape from all angles at once. This is what makes swords so markedly different from staffs.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red picked up a non-blunted sword and sent energy through it. The silver metal glowed a deep crimson red as she did. She stabbed it into a boulder, which began glowing the same color. Fragments began to fly from it until it no more remained of the boulder. She turned back to face him.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Imagine this going into an enemy. This is one of many uses the blade has. But it takes a great deal more of concentration to use. One slip--”

<p style="text-align:justify">“And you die, I get it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Well then, let’s see you try it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He picked up a sword and began sending his power into it, concentrating on focusing the energy at the tip of the blade. Suddenly, the energy slipped and went careening out from the sides. His vision slipped, and he could feel power coursing through him and out through the blade. It was about to overwhelm him when it suddenly stopped.

<p style="text-align:justify">He opened his eyes and saw the white Rahkshi from earlier looking down on him with a scowl on her face. Her two swords rested in the ground on both of his sides.

<p style="text-align:justify">“This is the one you were asked to train? I can see where your favor with the Makuta has gotten you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He heard Red hiss somewhere to the side, “He’s just a hatchling.”

<p style="text-align:justify">White turned to look at Red. “If I recall, Rahkshi were killing Toa when they were just hatchlings.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Things are different now, you know that. When you were a hatchling you faced the same problems as he.”

<p style="text-align:justify">White winced. “The master does not wish for us to bicker anymore.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red hissed again. “Just remember to stay in your place next time.”

<p style="text-align:justify">White glared. “Next time I won’t save you and your trainee from his mistakes.” She picked up her swords and left.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi stood. Red stood to the side, fuming.

<p style="text-align:justify">“What just happened?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red turned to look at him, “You did not properly contain your power. It escaped and nearly killed you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi winced as he felt his wounds. “I understand that part, but what was that with the white?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Nothing,”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Really, that clears so much up.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red glared at him. “Now’s not the time to dwell on the past, the Rahkshi have been called together. We will go there now.”

<p style="text-align:justify">''No time to dwell on the past? Hypocrite''… But he let it go and followed her up the mountain.

<p style="text-align:justify">They entered the cave and went down the long hallway that led to the large cavern he had seen before, the one he had been told by the echo that the Rahkshi would meet at. Before it had been empty, now it was full of Rahkshi. At least fifty Rahkshi stood anxiously awaiting their Master. The two joined the crowd and waited with the rest. It wasn’t long before he came; he seemed to appear out of the very shadows. The aura around him looked disturbed. The Rahkshi silently waited for the Master to make his will known to them.

<p style="text-align:justify">''My sons. ''The Master’s cold powerful voice swept over all with its might. ''My brothers have grown angry; some have sided with me but many against. We have not much time before their forces arrive. But I have made you different from the others. I know you can succeed. My will is for you to defend this mountain. Other Rahkshi shall join us, but they may come late. Till then you are the only chance of keeping the fortress. Go now and prepare for war.''

<p style="text-align:justify">Rahkshi swarmed through the tunnels as they raced for various stations of work. Red caught up with him as the crowd surged outward.

<p style="text-align:justify">“The Master has made his will for us known to me. He has been impressed with how for you’ve gotten and wishes for you to be on the frontlines as a test.”

<p style="text-align:justify">A test to see whether or not I will fight for him as much as it is to test my strength, the Rahkshi mused. We’ll see who comes out the top in this…

Chapter Three: Dark Tides'''

<p style="text-align:justify">Red stood to his side. No more time for words, only action. Yet action had not come. Time seemed to stand still, five other Rahkshi stood beside them at the training grounds, each holding a different weapon. The unnamed Rahkshi had decided to use his staff since he still was having trouble with the sword. Red had opted for a sword but seeing what she could do without one made him wonder how much she would actually use it.

<p style="text-align:justify">Below the cliff, Rahkshi battled Rahkshi. Though the defenders fought well, they were losing, slowly falling back. Soon they would be upon them.

<p style="text-align:justify">Their “Master”, the one they were protecting, was inside the mountain, probably trying to gather up all his precious experiments before they were ransacked. If it came to that, which it most likely would. Fifty Rahkshi versus a force three to five times that? Even though he was fresh to existence, he knew it was utter folly to hope they would win.

<p style="text-align:justify">He was supposed to be on the front lines, but apparently that meant guarding the cliff above all the fighting. The “Master” was probably trying to keep as many of his “specials” alive as he could. He probably didn’t deserve it though; he had only been a few moments alive when he had attempted to run away after all.

<p style="text-align:justify">“He has been impressed with how for you’ve gotten and wishes for you to be on the frontlines as a test.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Sure, if that was true then what was the test now? To see whether or not he decided to get himself killed by running away? If he ran now, he would be attacked by both sides. Better one than two. Although he had never faced combat against such a large multitude of enemies, the very thought of being able to test his strength made his mind race.

<p style="text-align:justify">So far the battle was slowly making its way up the mountain. Rahkshi armor littered the ground below. Then the attack came.

<p style="text-align:justify">A dozen Rahkshi of various colors flew over the battlefield, the defenders attempting to shoot them down, but they were able to avoid all. One of the five other Rahkshi, a Blue-White, pulled back on his crossbow, aiming at the closest one. He fired and his bolt struck dead center on the lead. As it hit, electricity of the bluest kind began flinging all around its target. Unable to control its flight, the Rahkshi fell to the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify">Two of the other flyers charged up their spears and fired a blast of molten energy that careened over their heads and landed with a plop on one of the buildings, melting it and all inside away.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red began chanting while two others fired attacks of their own at the fast flying enemies. The attackers landed and charged forward.

<p style="text-align:justify">One of the plasma users ran right up and swung his staff in an arc. The Rahkshi tapped it with his own, sending it off course. To his side the Rahkshi with the crossbow had it changed into a shield; he pulled out his sword and charged at the plasma wielder, catching him off guard. The Plasma Rahkshi avoided the swing, but found himself at the edge of the cliff.

<p style="text-align:justify">Bringing its staff forward like a spear, it plunged forward. The younger Rahkshi waited until the last moment, and then sidestepped. He brought his staff up and around onto the back of the Plasma’s long spine. The Rahkshi sank to the floor with a clunk; purple fluid sizzled out its mouth.

<p style="text-align:justify">To the right, Red was taking on three opponents at once. A cascade of rocks swung around her, stopping any attempts to reach her. The Rahkshi ran up from behind and jabbed his staff like a spear at the first one, shadow energy fueling its power. His target, a blue, wailed and fell to the ground withering while dark energy coursed up and down its body. The other two spun around to attack, but were crushed from behind by Red under a load of rocks.

<p style="text-align:justify">Two others from both sides had also fallen, leaving it at five versus five.

<p style="text-align:justify">The two groups glared at each other on both sides, each serving their master, all willing to die for him. Well, almost all. He, after all, still planned on killing his Master as soon as he was powerful enough.

<p style="text-align:justify">The two sides charged, each taking on one from the other side.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi found himself up against a brown-green opponent wielding a long sword. He was swinging his sword around over his head and brought it down into the ground. Hoping to stop him from whatever he was doing, the Rahkshi quickly ran up preparing to smash its skull. His opponent, however, grabbed onto the sword and used it to swing around and strike with his feet. The Rahkshi brought his staff to bear, but the force still knocked him back.

<p style="text-align:justify">The other Rahkshi’s sword was now glowing and pulsing; the younger one could feel the ground vibrating and jumped back as a long green tentacle-like thing reached up for his leg. But all he found was five more waiting behind him; they latched onto him and held him in place. He struggled, but to no avail.

<p style="text-align:justify">His opponent smirked as he pulled his sword out of the ground, then stood straight up and put his sword at the young Rahkshi’s neck, ready to finish it.

<p style="text-align:justify">The young Rahkshi felt a burst of power and let it free. Shadows flew out from him, killing the plants in an instant. More shadows sprung up the others sword strangling him. The Rahkshi picked up his opponent’s fallen sword to finish it himself. The dying Rahkshi gasped and sputtered. Red-gold liquid flung from his lips as the sword sank in between his spine-spikes.

<p style="text-align:justify">The young Rahkshi turned and rushed off to help with the next fight. The blue-white Rahkshi was facing two at once; the other defender lay in half to the side. Blue lightning sparked around his sword as he sparred against his enemies. One held a ball on chains while the other a huge sword.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi with the chain flung his sword around the blue-white’s sword hoping to rip it out of his hand, but the plan backfired as electricity flowed from sword to mace to Rahkshi, frying him. His companion, a blue-silver Rahkshi, swung his enormous sword hoping to cleave the blue-white in half as he did the other. The blue-white ducked but lost his shield in the process of avoiding the large weapon.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi quickly rushed to his aid, jumping into the planning on smashing the blue-silver’s head. The blue-silver, however, noticed his attempt and raised his hand at him in a downward motion. Gravity suddenly decided to get ten times stronger, and the young Rahkshi found himself smashed into the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-Silver turned back to his opponent and found a sword in his face. He stepped back and received only a scratch instead of decapitation. Bringing his sword around he made a downward slash which Blue-White jumped back from. The ground cracked as the sword hit the ground. Blue-Silver swung his sword in a heavy arc, this time Blue-White jumped above it swinging his own sword. Blue-Silver stepped back again and the sword missed him by a milli-bio.

<p style="text-align:justify">Trapped under gravity, the young Rahkshi instead focused on bringing as much power as he could to bear. He focused it all on the Blue-Silver’s feet. Red-black tendrils snaked along the ground stealthily making their way. Blue-Silver was so engrossed in trying to hit his opponent that he didn’t notice the black and red tendrils poised at his legs.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White did and took advantage. He waited for the next attack and dodged it. He repeated his previous attempt of decapitation and was granted success as Blue-Silver found he was trapped by the shadows and unable to dodge.

<p style="text-align:justify">The head rolled off the cliff and the body sank to the ground as a metallic grey substance leaked from the stump.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi stood up and looked around. Red had slain her opponent was now facing the last of the group who had fallen yet another defender. Blue-White raced up to Red’s side. The young Rahkshi followed, and the trio prepared to face the last enemy, another Rahkshi of Plasma.

<p style="text-align:justify">Wasting no time, all three attacked at once. Soon, another Rahkshi lay dead at their feet.

<p style="text-align:justify">The trio looked at each other; a bond of sorts seemed to have fallen between them, a bond forged by battle. The moment passed and they surveyed the mountainside. The attackers were still pushing heavily toward their place of surveillance. That was when they looked up. Flying toward the scene were three large shapes, each huge with enormous wings. A powerful wave came across, a showing of power and dominance. The Rahkshi stopped their fighting and looked up at these monstrous beings.

<p style="text-align:justify">A booming voice rang out, the power of it shattering rocks. “Gistone, you traitor! It was YOU who killed Pohjack! All for you’re so called ‘experiments’. Now you hide behind your Rahkshi instead of facing the consequences of your actions. For your crime and attempt to hide it you shall be executed.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Another voice boomed out from the mountain. “Fools! Pohjack gave himself to me! Any of you dare come forward and the council will have your heads!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Silence filled the air. Rahkshi stood still on their Master’s orders wondering what was to happen. Only one did not feel the obligation to wait.

<p style="text-align:justify">“It appears as if our ‘Master’ has put himself in a tight spot. Smart to try and turn the tables, but that’s all I give him.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red glared at him, “Shut up! If the Master dies we will become wild and lose our wills with his death!”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Wills? We have none remember, ‘Our will is his’?” He snorted. “How do you explain me then? And how do you know we will become wild? Probably all lies to keep us tied to him.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red’s eyes widened, “You dare--”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes I dare speak against the ‘Master’, which he doesn’t seem to mind because I’m a naturally good fighter, but you know what? That’s what will be his downfall, his own creations will turn against him; I’m surprised nothing like it has happened yet.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red stepped back in shock, too stunned for words. But Blue-White nodded.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I too have found myself wondering why we serve the Master, though I’ve never thought about it quite like you have.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red turned her shocked face to him. “You - you - traitor!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White looked at her, “Traitor to what? To a Master that is a traitor himself?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red started to shake, “You – I – how could you two! The Master created us to serve his will and only that! Rahkshi do not start thinking for their own--”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Well your thinking is wrong. I am living proof of that. So what if Rahkshi were once beasts tied to their Master’s will? No longer are we chained to him. We’ve evolved in ways they cannot imagine, become more powerful than they’ve meant for us. I say it’s time we rid ourselves of our chains.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red grabbed a sword and pointed it straight at him. “I should kill you for such talk.” she hissed.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Go ahead and try, I know you can’t. Although your power is Fear, you feel it yourself deeply.” He took a step forward, “I can feel it,” He took another, “I can feel it running down your back,” two more steps, “I can see it in your eyes,” he was nearly at her, “hear it in your breathing.” He stopped right in front of her. “And you know it.” he said in a whisper

<p style="text-align:justify">Red trembled and dropped the sword. She sank to her knees trembling.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Finish it. Finish me; I can no longer properly serve my Master.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He shook his head. “No. I’ll leave that to fate. You’ve taught me and I will not kill someone who has done me a service. The Master has done none to me; he only brought me here for his own selfish purposes.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He turned to look at Blue-White. “You have valuable fighting skills. Will you accompany and teach me?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White looked down at Red who kept her face toward the ground then looked up. “Yes. I will teach you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red sank lower to the ground and almost seemed to be crying.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Good. It’s time we left this place.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Together the Black and the Blue-White left. Leaving behind slavery, with freedom on the horizon…

<p style="text-align:justify">Failure.

<p style="text-align:justify">Failure to one’s sole purpose was a harsh blow. Red felt that now.

<p style="text-align:justify">Traitor.

<p style="text-align:justify">She had betrayed her Master and her own conscience. Rahkshi were not supposed to feel emotions, but inside she felt a gut-wrenching pain that made her gasp.

<p style="text-align:justify">Freedom.

<p style="text-align:justify">In the end it was a curse. She could no longer feel her Master’s will and she felt alone, forgotten.

<p style="text-align:justify">No purpose, no need for, she was the cast away project that lay unfinished on the floor.

<p style="text-align:justify">“No more tears.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red looked up at the voice. In front of her stood a green Rahkshi and he seemed to be smiling.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I know Rahkshi can’t shed tears, but the feel I get from you seems to certainly portray that.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red could hardly speak. Was someone here to help her?

<p style="text-align:justify">“I am the last legacy of Gistone, your Master. He has been killed and I am here to take you with me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He reached down and offered her his hand, his face still appeared to be smiling. Red took his hand and he pulled her up to her feet. Again he seemed to hold a smile.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Good, your emotions are calming. Let’s go and find a better place for you to rest.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Taking her hand Green led Red away. Before leaving Red looked over her shoulder to see what had happened to the Rahkshi battling.

<p style="text-align:justify">All that was left was piles of corpses. Not a single Rahkshi stirred out there. Red turned back to look at Green. The smile had faded, replaced with a thoughtful look.

The look of a maniac after a slaughter.

Chapter Four: Dark Tides

<p style="text-align:justify">“Is this the right one?” a Black Rahkshi asked his companion.

<p style="text-align:justify">His companion, a Blue-White, nodded. “Yes, the records from the Temple ruins confirm it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The two stood in front of a cave, having taken days to finally find it. The two Rahkshi had been traveling together for a week now, determined to make a place for themselves, and in a chaotic world such as this, one needed weapons, powerful ones to fight off the many beasts that roamed free and unchecked. This cave held what they needed.

<p style="text-align:justify">They were searching for a spear like weapon, tall and decorative but its power was unparallel. The only remaining Staff of Shadows. The wielder of it gained enormous strength and power over any form of Darkness. Toa had sought out and destroyed all but one, which they had found but were unable to destroy. So they had it hidden away. They left a single Toa behind to guard it; one of their older and wiser members deemed fit to watch over it without being corrupted. Whether or not the guardian still lived was a mystery.

<p style="text-align:justify">They had learned of a map possessed by a certain Skakdi that led to the cave. They found him and bargained for the map - the Skakdi agreed to their terms but later returned with some friends. The battle had been quick thanks to the training the Black had received from the Blue-White, along with his own natural fighting powers. He hoped that skill would not be wasted on a rusted down Toa barely be able to move.

<p style="text-align:justify">The two entered the cave on their guard; unsure of what traps protected the cave from intruders such as themselves. They had gone in about ten feet when a ray of light beamed across, sealing off the way with a barrier of light.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Clever, a Light barrier, followers of the dark cannot pass through it without burning up.” Blue-White noted.

<p style="text-align:justify">Black snorted, “Without Dark there can be no Light.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He raised his hand and began to absorb the shadows around them. Soon they were all contained and the Light vanished. He quickly let out the Dark before the world could warp.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White nodded. “But without either, little can exist.”

<p style="text-align:justify">They continued unharmed.

<p style="text-align:justify">He had used the technique once before, and been nearly killed because he had not unleashed it on time. The land they had left behind was still missing a little bit of everything.

<p style="text-align:justify">The passageway was long. Many different tunnels branched off in different directions. But as they drove forward the Black could feel the power of the staff. Using it as a guide he led them pass the remaining traps in the adjutant passages. Murals covered the walls with extravagant tales and legends long since forgotten.

<p style="text-align:justify">Whoever created these tunnels must have been an incredible digger, the Black mused as they passed by yet another mural carved into stone.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White looked uncomfortable underground, After all, his power was Electricity, and Lightning-type elements dominantly preferred to live above ground, avoiding going underground when they could. But the Black liked it: underground was where the most shadows lay.

<p style="text-align:justify">Having avoided the traps, they reached their destination fairly quickly. It was a large chamber with crystals glowing in the ceiling and walls. In the center of the chamber, chained on a pedestal, sat their prize.

<p style="text-align:justify">The last Staff of Shadows.

<p style="text-align:justify">Amazed at how easy it had been, the Black stepped into the chamber. Bad move.

<p style="text-align:justify">All at once, the ground started to shake and rumble. The Black at first feared an avalanche was occurring, but he traced the powers to something less natural. Someone was using the power of Earth. It made sense now, the elaborate tunnels, the traps, the murals. The Guardian still lived and was doing his Duty. They faced a Toa of Earth.

<p style="text-align:justify">The ground before them shook as the Guardian arose. He stepped out of the ground with one foot forward. His weapon was incredibly unique looking; it was shaped like a club and held three long saw blades. One swing of that thing looked like it could cut an opponent to ribbons.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian shook to rid himself of dirt, staring right at the two Rahkshi from behind his mask. He spoke in a language unknown to the two. When he finished speaking, he glared and charged.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black ducked under his mighty swing. Blue-White jumped back, dodging the blow at the minimum need. The Guardian put forth his hand in an upward motion causing a cascade of rocks to fly from off the wall. The Black barely avoided being crushed. He looked up and saw the Guardian’s mighty weapon about to fall upon him but the weapon missed; slamming into the ground next to him with a crossbow bolt in the shaft. The Guardian quickly pulled back his fist and slammed it into the Black. He crashed into the wall and blearily stood up to defend himself.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White charged; firing from his crossbow as he ran. The Guardian blocked them all; bolts that lodged between the drills were shredded. Blue-White raised his own hand and closed his eyes, concentrating. An aura of blue surrounded him and a link between himself and the bolts in the shaft were established. A powerful surge of lightning flung across the empty gap and blasted the Guardian. He fell to the earth and was still.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black strode forward, amazed that a Toa of Earth could be taken down by the force of Lightning. He turned to congratulate his companion, but found himself being lifted into the air.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian still lived.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black struggled, but the Guardian kept a firm grip. Blue-White raced forward, but a wall of Earth arose and cut him off.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black was so close to the staff he could feel it; Shadows swirled around the staff as if it too could sense how close it was to being free. He reached for it and it responded; a dark tendril of Shadow slipped from it, coiled around the chains that held it and shattered them.

<p style="text-align:justify">The noise distracted the Guardian and he turned his head back to look. That quick slip of concentration was all the Black needed. He let loose a terrible screech and watched as dark Shadows began to rise from the ground and clamber up the Guardian.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian dropped the Black and struggled against the Shadows. The Black stepped past him and went for the staff. He reached for it, and a tendril of Shadow slipped between himself and the staff, connecting the two. As this bond was made the Black found he could suddenly feel all the Shadows in the room, each iota of darkness was familiar and belonged to him. Which was why he could feel that the Guardian had slipped free of his momentary bond.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian raced forward with his mighty drill, aimed to crush the Rahkshi that had dared to pick up the staff.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black swung the staff around in a protective circle; a wall of Shadow began to seal him off from the Guardian.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian tried to pass through but found it impossible. Staring across the darkness, he spoke in the tongue of the Rahkshi, surprising the Black.

<p style="text-align:justify">“You foolish creature, this staff was left here for a purpose! You think something like yourself could handle the power? Let me tell you, the staff has a will of its own and it will corrupt and destroy you along with many others! You must return the staff at once!”

<p style="text-align:justify">“A weapon with a will if its own? Hah! Toa taboo to keep others from taking it I say. I shall not return the weapon. But let me ask you something, Toa, if your job was of such high accord, then why haven’t you heard from anyone in years?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian stepped back, startled. How had the Rahkshi known?

<p style="text-align:justify">“Let me tell you why. Ten years ago the Toa as a collective were destroyed. Those that survived either turned rogue or fled. You and your task were abandoned.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“No – you lie! The Toa could not, are not defeated!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black smirked. “Your feelings betray you. The Toa have fallen and you know it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Guardian stood in silence. After a few moments he spoke in a quiet voice. “Even if what you say is true, I shall still uphold my oath to the end.” The ground began to quake. “I shall protect the staff with my dying breath, and no mere Rahkshi can begin to hope to stand against that!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black ran. Blue-White followed hot on his trail, finally having burst through the wall of earth that separated them. Behind them they could hear rocks and dirt being flung about, the Toa planned to stop them from leaving, probably at the cost of his own life.

<p style="text-align:justify">A cascade of rubble flew from the mouth of the cave while the two barely made it out in time.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black shuddered in delight; at last he had a weapon truly proper for him! They had made obtained it at virtually no cost at all; the power he had gained from it was truly magnificent. Limits seemed to leave with the staff; many things became open to him.

<p style="text-align:justify">Only Toa would keep such a thing unused, they had kept too much stock in their taboo things. Oh yes, this staff would be very useful.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White looked at the staff and shuddered. For reasons he couldn’t explain, the staff frightened him, which was rare for Rahkshi. The feeling was missed by the Black, who was too busy thinking of the new possibilities that lay before him to notice his companion’s look. For once Blue-White wondered what he had gotten himself into.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black began to stride off. Blue-White could sense that a powerful dark aura hung about him.

<p style="text-align:justify">It came from the staff.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Tell me. How did the Master die?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red and Green had been traveling together for a good while now, but Green seemed to be following signs that Red couldn’t see. He followed a path that only he saw. She wondered where it led.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green looked up at the stars. “He was slain by his own weapon.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“So you saw the finishing blow?” Red wondered who could have possibly slain their Master.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green continued his star gaze, his eyes darting from star to star. “Yes. I was there.” He closed his eyes and dropped his head.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Who did it?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green stayed silent and kept his eyes shut.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I must know!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green looked straight at her, thoughtful, “Do you really need to?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He looked straight at her. “I did.”

<p style="text-align:justify">These words shook Red’s world. She had first thought that it had only been the Black who had such desires of rebellion, he being what she thought to be a defect in the system. But Green? True, she had only known him for a week but...the Rahkshi who had pulled her out of her breakdown, the Rahkshi who had helped her avoid madness?

<p style="text-align:justify">“Why?! Why did you do it?!” she asked, feeling betrayed all over again.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Such was I created.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red stepped back in shock. “What are you talking about?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“The Makuta created me as the ultimate Rahkshi, the one who would ensure his research to completion, and the one to rid his failures - you are one, as is the Black. But his greatest failure was himself.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red sat, barely able to comprehend.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green continued. “It started years ago when he discovered that not just Makuta essence could be used to create Rahkshi, but Toa essence as well. He started simply; he selected three Rahkshi as a test and infused Toa essence along with Makuta. You were one of the first.”

<p style="text-align:justify">A memory came into Red’s mind; one of her very first, when she had first came into being. Alongside her had been two other Rahkshi, a White and a Green. The Green had died when the Black was hatched and went on a quick rampage. But the White still lived.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green looked at her hard, his eyes probing. “There were two others, and you know who they are.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red stood and hissed, “Yes, but I will not tell you where they are just so you can—”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green held up his hand. “My plan is not based on killing them. My plan is to recruit.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Recruit?” She asked, startled by the word.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes. As you know, Rahkshi stop following a Makuta’s will after its death and become wild. We have become wild, but are still tamed by the Toa essence inside us. The other Makuta will find us and attempt to destroy us because of it. We’ll need numbers in order to survive. Those like us will flock at a better chance of survival.”

<p style="text-align:justify">She hated him. Yet she trusted him. She decided she would follow him, for now at least.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green looked at her, his almost-smile appeared. “I take it you’ll help me?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red looked straight at him, causing his almost-smile to momentarily slip. “Yes, I will help you.”But I will not forgive you for killing the Master, she thought.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green beamed. “Good. Now that we have some trust between us, I say we start looking.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red followed him as they brought their walk to a flight.

<p style="text-align:justify">Just you wait…

“To be a Toa is to defeat all those who oppose you? Is this what you believe a Toa to be? A mighty arm to strike down your enemies? Your power is nothing. A Toa’s true strength lies here, and here. Your Toa Power can move the dirt … Your mind and heart can move mountains.”

'Chapter five: Oaths and Honor

<p style="text-align:justify">Sand was felt against his skin while the roar of the wind was heard by his ears and the sun bore down upon his back; the furies of a desert.

<p style="text-align:justify">A mighty figure stood, sand rolling down his sides and blowing off into the wind. He looked about in shock. What had once been lush, cool forest was now blistering desert. The mighty mountains that before had proudly stood now bowed before the blowing gales.

<p style="text-align:justify">The figure wept for his land. Why, he asked. Why had the Toa let this happen? Only the howling wind gave him reply, it blustered about in a flurry of sand. What had happened this past decade?

<p style="text-align:justify">He shuddered as dark words flowed into his mind. ''“Ten years ago, the Toa as a collective were destroyed. Those that survived either turned rogue or fled. You and your task were abandoned.”''

<p style="text-align:justify">He clenched his hand in anger. Why had the Rahkshi come? Why had it taken the staff - his only charge? Why had it been allowed to happen? Perhaps, he thought, perhaps so I could see this.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Great Beings worked in mysterious ways; one could not help but wonder why. If those Rahkshi had not taken the staff, he would have stayed in the cave. Perhaps forever if the Toa were gone, as he had said. But he couldn’t believe that, the Toa would never let the land fall.

<p style="text-align:justify">Would they?

<p style="text-align:justify">He strode into the wind-torn desert. Grains of sand beat upon him and slowed him down, but he trudged onward. Before him he saw an eternal desert; he saw no green and little else but the far distant mountains.

<p style="text-align:justify">There was no path; his feet left prints only to be blown away much like his current state of mind. Thoughts of forest and fields gave way to the reality before him. His strong mind began to bend to the words of the Rahkshi. The complete ruin of the Toa way, his way.

<p style="text-align:justify">Each step was another step into the darkness of his mind. Words spoken in oath had been forgotten, deeds done with valor were ruined. Oaths. He had taken one to keep the staff hidden, and failed. The bitter sorrow of this struck him to the core and challenged all he lived for. Could the Toa really be gone?

<p style="text-align:justify">''“Your feelings betray you. The Toa have fallen and you know it''.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He could not, would not, believe the words of a mere Rahkshi; the Toa were not gone. Even if he was the only one left, he still carried the oaths and responsibilities that came with being one. It was not the physical state that mattered to him, but the mental. If Toa forsook their oaths, they lost the very reason for which they existed.

<p style="text-align:justify">The wind began to die down and he took that as a sign that things would change. Once more he would commit himself fully to the sacred charge of Toa as the protector of Matoran and others.

<p style="text-align:justify">The sun had risen and its harsh light struck the land, beams of light came down in fiery arrays of heat. The once cool sand turned hot against him and the wind left allowing the heat to sink straight into him.

<p style="text-align:justify">Despite the harsh glare of the sun before his eyes, he spotted a figure. It too struggled against the blistering heat. As he walked forward, he judged it to be Matoran-sized, but as he got closer he found it to be taller than he had first judged.

<p style="text-align:justify">Then right before his eyes it fell, seemingly gasping. The Toa ran forward and shortly closed the distance between them. As he got closer he made out more details, he saw that it was a Rahaga; a young one, but a Rahaga all the same. His armor was brown and tan, his eyes shut closed, and his chest heaving as he struggled to pull in more air.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa reached the Rahaga and dropped to his knees. He did a quick survey and found the smaller being to be sick from heat exposure, meaning he would need some shelter to cool off. Using his elemental powers, the Toa created a hole in the side of a dune. Under the top layer of blistering sand lay the cooler, but still warm, parts.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa watched over the Rahaga as he lay in the shaded cool sand and waited for him to come around. Rahaga were an interesting race, an adult at full height stood as tall as a Skadaki, while the children could be as short as Matoran. Their exact origins were unknown; the original Rahaga had been nomads and that had only changed around ten thousand years ago. They dominantly worked side by side with the Matoran, but while the Matoran were more prone to building and such, the Rahaga were prone to the art of war. Rahaga were trained at a young age to become fighters, many had found jobs watching over caravans while they made dangerous treks when Toa could not. In times of peace, they could be found tilling fields - they had taken strongly to agriculture after having wandered for millennia.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga’s eyes fluttered open, then widened when he saw where he was. He quickly sat up and hit his head on the sand directly above him, which rained down in a small trickle. He scooted over and then noticed the Toa. The Toa expected surprise and then relief to come forth but was surprised when the Rahaga’s eyes opened in fear.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga got down on his hands and knees. “Oh please mighty warrior, spare me! My family could not bear to lose another!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Cold shock spread up the Toa; the Rahaga thought he was going to kill him! Just what had happened here?

<p style="text-align:justify">“Tell me, what is your name?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga quivered, still fearing that death was fast upon him. “Ph-Phirok, mighty warrior sir.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Please sit up; I have no wish to harm you, Phirok.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok slowly sat up, wonder and caution showed in every move.

<p style="text-align:justify">“There, that wasn’t so bad was it?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok gulped, “N-no mighty war—”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa waved his hand, “Please, call me Coroth.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok nodded several times. “Yes might— uh, Coroth.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth grinned. “Good, now tell me, what brought you out into the desert?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok blinked at him. “Many live in the desert now, only the privileged may live in the forests and fields. My father is an important figure among the Rahaga and was asked to help out with some trouble between two clans.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth nodded but the words had him deeply troubled. Privileged? Clans? “What did you mean by ‘my family could not bear to lose another’?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I was getting to that. Anyways we set off at once, the traveling was quick but then he came, a Toa.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth felt like the air had dropped ten degrees.

<p style="text-align:justify">“He took my younger brother for ransom, he told my father to pay him an unbelievable price. My father despairs because we have not enough to pay him; I set off in hopes that I might find help. Then you found me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth had sat in silence while Phirok told his tale, now he was disturbed. A Toa taking children for ransom? Unheard of!

<p style="text-align:justify">“Those that survived either turned rogue or fled…”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth knew then what he must do. Oaths told him his duty, honor kept him to it. Phirok and his family were in need of help and it was a Toa’s, it was Coroth’s, solemn duty to help them.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Phirok, how far away is your family?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok looked up at him hopefully. “You will help?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, it is my sacred duty to do so.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok stood up and hit his head again. “Great! Let’s go!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Before he could be stopped, Phirok dashed out. Coroth quickly arose and followed.

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok led the way across the desert skillfully, just as if he knew exactly where he had been.

<p style="text-align:justify">Memory like that would serve him well if he ever became a soldier, Coroth mused.

<p style="text-align:justify">Indeed many Rahaga had chosen the life of a soldier, taking up arms to defend ones home and family. During times of peace, they were simple farmers, but the call to war need only come once and they’d be at the front lines. What had become of the simple culture he had once known?

<p style="text-align:justify">They traveled in silence for hours with nothing but each other for company. After a lit while they saw a camp. Judging by the number of tents, Coroth guessed the population to be around nine at the most.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth watched as two young Rahaga detached themselves from their mother and ran to Phirok. Phirok grabbed one and put her on his back while the other hung at his leg.

<p style="text-align:justify">The mother looked on warily, carefully regarding the mysterious stranger her son had brought with him.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth kept back while Phirok talked to his mother. She looked from him to Coroth and dropped her shoulders from there tense position. Phirok turned around and waved for Coroth to come forward.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Mother, this is Toa Coroth. Toa Coroth, this is my mother, Juhai.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“A pleasure to meet you madam.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“The pleasure is mine, Toa; you saved my son’s life.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“It was a little thing, madam, just doing my duty to all.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“If only all Toa did as such.” Dark shadows grew under Juhai’s eyes.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Please, could you tell me what happened? I’ve been away, out of sorts, for a long time.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Juhai looked up at Coroth sadly, “Ten years ago, the Toa forgot their duties. They left us to die and in turn were killed. The few that escaped became rogue and harsh. Now they’ve taken one of my children for ransom.” Juhai looked pleadingly at Coroth. “Please Toa, save my son.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth knelt down, “Madam, I will do all I can to fix this wrong. On my honor, I vow to you that things will be set right.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Honor means little now, but I feel that you mean what you say. Thank you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth stood. “Now tell me, where was this oath breaker last seen?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“My husband has been tracking him but please, wait here until he returns.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth nodded. “I will. Thank you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Now then, regarding our paymentsss, you said we would get it aftersss we helped you kidnap the Rahaga.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa glared over at the lead Vorox and his two cronies; the mentioned Rahaga was currently tied up and asleep. “Yeah, I did, but complications have arisen and the ransom hasn’t come in yet.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“We do not care about the ransssom; we want what we are owed. Mark my wordsss, Toa, we will haves our pay, the only quessstion standing is whether we’ll get it through force or not.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Look, I don’t have the funds to pay you off now, but when I get the ransom you’ll get your pay. Until then, you better stick to your end of the deal and keep away any probing eyes.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Vorox chattered amongst themselves before making a reply. “We will wait, but only till dawn. After that you can count usss out.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa waved them off and turned back toward the Rahaga. The Vorox stalked off into the desert night.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Crayden, do you really think the Toa can be trusted?” One of the Vorox asked the leader speaking in their native tongue.

<p style="text-align:justify">Crayden looked down at the sand. “No, I do not.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The other Vorox looked up sharply. “Then why don’t we just slit his throat?”

<p style="text-align:justify">''“Because, Finor, he is a Toa of Stone. Even though we are nearly one with the sand, a Toa of Stone could easily turn that advantage against us. That is why we wait.”''

<p style="text-align:justify">“Then how do we get our pay?” Finor asked.

<p style="text-align:justify">Crayden stopped and looked at the other two. ''“Have you not felt the ground? It aches; it aches with the curse of betrayals. But I felt a change; the ground has changed; only the return of honor, the true honor of a Toa, could bring this about.”'' He looked up at the open sky. “That is truly why I wait, a clash of momentous occasion is about to unfold that may change the fate if this land.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“It is true, then, what they say,” Finor said in undertone to the other. “Crayden truly does know of the stars and the signs.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Crayden snapped around. ''“Signs in stars? No brothers, I am no seer, if you would simply look at the ground you would know what I know.”'' Crayden turned back to the path. “I fear for our race, ten long years have passed since the Toa way was ruined, and we helped bring it around.”

<p style="text-align:justify">''“We had no choice! The Toa had forgotten their way and had abandoned all!”'' Finor retorted.

<p style="text-align:justify">''“True, but we did not help them return when we should have, we know what it is like to lose ones core, and we know the tales of our desert wanderings. Yet we didn’t show them the signs and help them.”''

<p style="text-align:justify">“This mind banter tires me, let us be on our way.” Finor said, trying to end the conversation.

<p style="text-align:justify">Crayden began walking. ''“Very well, but remember my words. The Makuta reign must end before the land does.”''

Chapter six: Oaths and Honor

<p style="text-align:justify">Dawn had come, nothing.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth had waited with Phirok and his family at their camp, and dawn had come but no Rahaga father had appeared. Fearing the worst, Coroth had set off in the last known direction of the missing Rahaga.

<p style="text-align:justify">He had traveled all morning, following the signs in the sand. Sand was different from his own element of Earth, but there were several similarities that allowed him to keep track of the near-invisible signs. Several times he had to turn around and go back a few paces before he found the trail again. He hoped he would reach the Rahaga before something else did.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth’s thoughts were constantly plagued by the words of the Rahkshi and Juhai, Toa going against all they had stood for. Oath breaker, rogue, traitor, destroyer, feared, Toa. Coroth desperately hoped things were not as lost as he feared.

<p style="text-align:justify">His eyes caught a glint in the far off distance - something metallic, armor or a sword. He quickly made his way over the dune and found what he was looking for. The Rahaga lay on his side; he wore slightly rusted armor and had a sword in his hand. Dried blood was scattered around him. The Rahaga looked up at Coroth and tried to speak.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Careful now,” Coroth said. “You’re hurt; I’m here to take you back to camp.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga nodded and let Coroth carry him. Coroth carried him back to the camp. Juhai saw them coming and rushed forward, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the wounds. Wordlessly, she waved Coroth over to a tent where she began to treat the male Rahaga.

<p style="text-align:justify">Hours passed before the Rahaga’s condition began to improve. Once able, he told Coroth what had happened.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Vorox, three of them, they attacked me. I tried to fight back but got stabbed from behind. I fear I may never see my son again.” Tears came to the Rahaga’s eyes while Juhai fed him more soup.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Don’t worry about your son. I will take care of that. You need to get better so you can help support your family.” Coroth told him.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga looked up at him. “Thank you, Toa, too few follow the old codes of honor. I thank you for keeping it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Juhai stroked his head soothingly. “Your brother is on his way. He just got the news of our plight and is coming to help. Now sleep.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga closed his eyes and Juhai looked on worriedly. She turned to the Toa. “Thank you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth nodded and left. He began to leave camp but stumbled into Phirok, he was carrying a heavy-looking backpack.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth understood right away. “Oh, no you don’t; your family needs you now with your father unwell.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“But I want to help!” Phirok said, looking at the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify">“You can help,” Coroth said kneeling and putting his hand on Phirok’s shoulder. “Protecting the weak is the best thing anyone can do.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok shuffled the sand with his feet. “I guess…”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth smiled. Oh to be young and innocent again! “Phirok, the right choice may not always seem to be the right one at first, remember that.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Phirok looked up at him curiously then nodded.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth stood and left camp. He retraced his trail and found himself back where he was earlier, tracking across the desert. He traveled for another hour or so uneventfully, than he noticed a change in the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify">A tremor directly below him.

<p style="text-align:justify">He jumped back and readied himself. The ground burst open, a shadow leaped out, and it stood before him: a Vorox.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth sprang forward with his saws, and the Vorox jumped back out of the way.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Ssstop,” it hissed in the language of the Matoran.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth lowered his weapon but kept his distance.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Good, I hear that you ssseek the misssing Rahaga.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“What does it matter to you?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I can tell you where he may be found.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Sounds like a trap.” The Toa frowned.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Vorox chuckled unpleasantly. “My race is known for deceptionsss; you’ll just have to trussst me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth didn’t want to, but he also didn’t want to wander the desert for days. “Very well, but you first must swear to me that you will not lead me astray.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Vorox chuckled again. “I swearsss on the tailsss of my ancestorsss.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth nodded, still wary. “Very well. I accept your offer to guide me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Vorox turned around and waved back to the Toa. “Thisss way.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth followed. Uncertainty stretched out before him.

<p style="text-align:justify">Where are those blasted Vorox?!

<p style="text-align:justify">Wherever they were, it was better than them asking him over and over again for their pay. But that didn’t mean he didn’t need them - he could use their desert sensitivities right now. He had the unshakable feeling that he was being tracked. If it was another Rahaga, he would take it down in a heartbeat, but things much worse than Rahaga traversed the desert.

<p style="text-align:justify">He wondered when the Rahaga would give up and pay the ransom already. He certainly didn’t want to spend a whole week out here! The sand had sunk deep into his armor and he had no idea how much damage it had done yet.

<p style="text-align:justify">A sharp hissing noise like laughter came behind him, “You look frightened, Toa.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He turned around sharply to face the Vorox. I was being followed! “Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

<p style="text-align:justify">More laughter, “As you sssay.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Why are you here anyways? Have the Rahaga at last decided to pay the ransom?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“No, I jussst wanted to tell you that there hasss been a change of plansss.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa’s anger flared. “What now? A higher payment?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Vorox laughed in their horrible hissing. “No, but that would be nice. I would simply like to direct your attention to behind you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“What is this some kind of—”

<p style="text-align:justify">Wham! Coroth’s strike was true; a fist to the face sent the rogue Toa to the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa sprang up, spitting sand. “Who in the blazes are you?!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth started him straight in the eye. “The question is, who are you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa spat on the ground. “Bah, it doesn’t matter who you are; you attacked me and that’s good enough for me!”

<p style="text-align:justify">He charged, swinging his fist forward. Coroth grabbed his arm and swung him away. The Rogue skidded on the sand then lunged again. This time, Coroth met him head on with an uppercut. The Stone Toa landed with a thud. He leaped back and pulled out his sword, grinning wickedly. Coroth sighed and pulled out his saw.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rogue came at him swinging his sword like a maelstrom, forcing Coroth to use his saw to deflect them, and swing wide. The Rogue ducked under the blow and rose to find a foot planted firmly in his middle. He landed hard on the sand and arose.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I curse you, blasted Makuta spawn!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rogue raised his hand and channeled his Kanohi - a Great Ruru. The mask began to glow and Coroth averted his gaze to avoid being blinded. He suddenly felt himself slashed from behind. He stumbled forward and got slammed in the stomach. He lurched forward and looked up into the blazing white of the Ruru.

<p style="text-align:justify">A white glaze froze upon his eyes. He stumbled to the ground.

<p style="text-align:justify">A mindless laugh came before him. “Come on! Use your mask power! You can’t win without it and it’s been so long since I fought a skilled opponent!”

<p style="text-align:justify">More laughter shortly followed. Coroth leaped forward swinging his staff. He didn’t see it, but he felt the Rogue dodge it, his vibrations carried across the ground to him. He felt the change and adjusted accordingly. He swung forth his foot knocking the Rogue across the face. The power of his Pakari had come at last.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rogue snarled and Coroth felt him dash around behind him. Swinging wide behind him, he felt the other Toa jump back. Instead of letting the saw continue its arc, he let go. The saw slammed into the Rogue, and he grunted in pain.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth took advantage of the other Toa’s lost attention and brought his power of Earth to bear. He raised his hands into the air and then down to the ground. A cascade of energy flew through the sand, sending a burst of energy up at the Rogue. The Rogue waved it aside and recovered enough to keep going. He charged forward intending to end it. Coroth’s strength had sapped, and he could do little but look up at the sword coming down at him. He lowered his head and hoped for a quick end.

<p style="text-align:justify">But it was not to be.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rogue let out a load grunt as he looked down to see a sword blocking his own. A Rahaga. The Rahaga spun his sword around nearly making the Rogue lose his grip; he then lunged forward and got it stuck in the Stone Toa’s armor, making him bellow and stagger back. He pulled out the sword and gasped, looking at himself. Fortunately for him, the wound was not too serious.

<p style="text-align:justify">He staggered forward; hand on his wound, and raised the Rahaga’s sword. The Rahaga resolutely stood his ground in front of the wrath that faced him. The Rogue paused for a second, wondering why this Rahaga refused to move, but after a split second, decided to ponder that later and charged forward again - only to find himself stepping back with an arrow in his shoulder.

<p style="text-align:justify">He turned his gaze to the side and found another arrow sinking into his leg. Soon a flurry of arrows whistled around him, and he stumbled backward and found himself at the side of a sharp cliff that hadn’t been there earlier.

<p style="text-align:justify">Too late, he realized that it had been created by the power of Earth.

<p style="text-align:justify">Another arrow found its mark and he began to fall over. Time froze and he reached forward for something, anything, to stop his fall. A hand reached forward and grabbed his own, pulling him up to safety.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rogue shuddered at the close call and looked up at his savior. It was Coroth. A look of recognition came over the Rogue, he remembered a Toa being sent off, a Toa of Earth. This Toa.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rogue fell to his knees quaking in fear. “End it. Please end it.” he begged.

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth shook his head. “It is not the Toa way, nor it is not my way.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Blast the way, just end it! There are some fates worse than death!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Coroth sadly looked down at the figure before him. “You have brought that upon yourself. I bid you farewell, may the Light return to you in your darkness.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Toa of Earth turned and left. Alone, the solitary figure wailed, no one would come to his aid for he was an oath breaker. Silently, another figure looked on. He came forward before the lone one.

<p style="text-align:justify">“What do you want of me? I am ruined.”

<p style="text-align:justify">A hiss came over the raising sand. “Yesss, you are ruined. My brothersss do not care for pay; they believe the Toa did that for them by coming back. But I, I require something else.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The rogue Stone Toa shuddered. “You wish for your pay? Well, I don’t have it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I thoughtsss as much.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The figure saw a flash and then felt a sharp pain. He sank to the ground, and knew at last it was done. The other looked on and turned away.

<p style="text-align:justify">Alone he came, alone he left.

<p style="text-align:justify">The pain was incredible.

<p style="text-align:justify">It burned and shouted with the fury of a thousand flames, it roared and whirled with the power of a Muaka, it dripped and spread like the deadliest poison. It never stopped. Pain was something Rahkshi did not feel after having mastered the art of suppressing it. But he felt it now, the pain that numbed his senses and fogged his mind.

<p style="text-align:justify">He remembered. He remembered who had done this to him; his fellow Rahkshi had betrayed him. His mind tensed as two images came before him, a Red Rahkshi and a Black. They had done this, they had betrayed him, they were why he no longer heard the Master’s voice.

<p style="text-align:justify">He tried to rise, but found himself restrained.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Careful now, don’t want you to open up those wounds. It has been very difficult keeping you alive.” A cold voice like steel had risen beside him. “It has been awhile since I worked on a Rahkshi but I expect there to be no difficulties.” The voice spoke as if to another.

<p style="text-align:justify">Expect no difficulties? Who did this voice think he was? Rahkshi suffered no difficulties, only disturbances that were quickly taken care of. He tried opening his eyes but found them too groggy. The pain had settled but was still a persistent throb.

<p style="text-align:justify">“The right leg from the knee down is lost; we’ll have to replace it completely. His right hand has also suffered severely. His neck was shattered but we’ve kept him alive thus far.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Very well,” said a dark cold voice, “we’ll make the replacements. What do you plan to do with this here?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“A scanner, my lord; we’ll hook it up to him through implants.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Implants? Replacements? What did these fiends plan to do? There was no way he’d let them do this…

<p style="text-align:justify">“Sir, I’m detecting some high cranial activity in the Rahkshi.” came a soft voice.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Well take care of it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Right awa-- agh!”

<p style="text-align:justify">He had managed to slip his hand out of the restraints, squeezing tightly on the being in front of him. But then there was a sharp prickling sensation on his neck, and his strength ebbed and his hand fell.

<p style="text-align:justify">The pain left and the darkness came.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Is he alive? Your life depends on it, you know.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, my lord, I used a simple sedative to keep him down. If you wish, then we can began to prepare the implants immediately.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Very well, you may begin. Inform me when it is finished.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, my lord.”

<p style="text-align:justify">"But I know the Makuta is here now, in these burnt trees, and in the dead soil. All of these things were destroyed by the Makuta, but he never left them. That is how he becomes strong. That is what the Makuta does. He destroys things."

<p style="text-align:justify">Chapter seven: Plague of Fear

<p style="text-align:justify">It was quiet in the village, a simple place on the border of the desert home to both Matoran and Rahaga. A group of Rahaga guarded its borders atop the tall city walls giving the aura of protection. Most of the residents were resting, preparing for another day of survival against the odds.

<p style="text-align:justify">A gasp broke the silence but was quickly quieted. Several warriors rushed to their fellow guard too late; he was dead. The rest kept down their panic and began searching for the intruders. They set off in groups of two and began to move throughout the village.

<p style="text-align:justify">Was that something moving in the shadows? One group peeled off their pattern and looked into a corridor.

<p style="text-align:justify">Their corpses were grieved over in the morning.

<p style="text-align:justify">Another group searched the roofs; their broken bodies were found strewn among some crates. Two by two, they were picked off until the last guard found himself facing a face not unlike his own, the face of a Rahkshi. He stumbled back, but felt cold metal slide up behind him. He gurgled twice and fell.

<p style="text-align:justify">In the course of half an hour, the village had been cleared of its defense. The Rahkshi stalked forward like ghosts, demons of the night.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Blue-White thought back on what had led them to this place; Black had learned of an interesting ability his staff could employ during some studying in a hidden Toa library. And he wanted to test it out.

<p style="text-align:justify">The two came upon one of the many houses; the Black crept in and took one of its sleeping residents, putting them in a deep sleep. Silently the two left the village as quietly as they had come.

<p style="text-align:justify">Dawn later rose and awoke their captured Rahaga, who was startled to find he was not at his home and struggled against the restraints.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black came up to it from the shadows. “There is no use resisting; you can only accept your fate.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahaga’s eyes filled with fear. The Black ignored it and held up his staff. A tendril of darkness linked its self from the staff to the Rahaga, who slumped and was lifted into the air as more tendrils attached themselves. The Rahaga’s mouth opened in a soundless scream then collapsed to the ground. The tendrils completely engulfed it now and a dark pulse began, beating within the enclosure.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Shadows dropped and revealed the change that had come over the Rahaga through the dark energy. What had once been a humble Rahaga now sat a trembling pure black Rahkshi.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black stepped forward. “Can you understand me?” he asked.

<p style="text-align:justify">The newborn Rahkshi looked up, its face hollow and eyes empty.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black again asked. “Do you understand me?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi stood, the aura that hung about it making Blue-White shudder. What in the world had the staff just created?

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi looked at the staff and all at once its eyes brightened into a deep red. It lunged at the staff but the Black twirled away. He fired a ray of Shadows but the Rahkshi just absorbed it and continued scrambling after him. The Rahkshi leaped upon the Black and grappled with him for the staff.

<p style="text-align:justify">The newborn Rahkshi then screeched as a white blade protruded from its stomach. Blue-White shoved his sword further in and flung it off of the Black. The newborn lay withering on the ground, leaking an odd black substance while Blue-White finished it with a quick jab from his dagger.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Don’t ever try that again.” Blue-White said, glaring at the Black.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black slowly stood up. “He didn’t have enough willpower; that is why he attacked.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Do you really think that just because they’re smarter they’ll withstand it?” Blue-White pointed at the staff. “That thing is behind it all!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black glared at him. “What’s gotten into you? We fought a Toa to get this, I’m not just going to leave and forget about it.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Just be careful, I don’t like it!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The two took off to the road alongside the forest, unaware of the presence watching them from the trees.

<p style="text-align:justify">Several days had passed since he had reawakened. Most of the pain had left, replaced by cold unfeeling. He twitched his replacement for a hand; a large gripper sat there where his palm had once been, its sliver surface sleek and polished, strong enough to tear through a tree trunk if he wanted. His leg was also replaced, now slightly shorter, but being metallic it was more powerful. Beside his head stuck out an odd tube-like attachment: a scanner that took in and stored information to then relay it back to him. Through it he had been able to track down one of those who had ruined him, the Black Rahkshi.

<p style="text-align:justify">A hunter must be unfeeling, he reminded himself, much like his own body. He held up his gripper and gave it a spin by quickly rotating it; he couldn’t wait to see it slowly squeeze those who betrayed him, just like those who had thought they could control him by reviving him. He had quickly shown them what happens when you try to cage a Rahkshi.

<p style="text-align:justify">He closed his eyes and checked his scanner. The targets were close now, very close. The other, a Rahkshi of Electricity, would have to be taken care of first. All of his muscles tensed as he ordered them to steady.

<p style="text-align:justify">The moment right before the hunt, he mused, a chilling moment...

<p style="text-align:justify">He held his breath for a few precious seconds then leapt down atop the Blue-White Rahkshi. He raised his gripper and slammed it across his face, stunning him.

<p style="text-align:justify">One down, one to go...

<p style="text-align:justify">He turned his attention to the wide-eyed Black and quickly leapt across the short space between them while swinging his gripper in front of him. Several inches away, he was stopped by a mass of Shadows. He leaped back and barely avoided being smothered.

<p style="text-align:justify">His scanner did a quick check for him. ''One down for at least several more minutes, one with Shadow powers. Estimation of success...87%''

<p style="text-align:justify">He grinned; this would be easy. He ran forward then flipped over the wall of Shadows sent at him, swinging his gripper, but finding it blocked by another mass of Shadows. He pulled back his gripper, rolled to the side, and back-flipped to safety. He ran forward again, and this time sliced through the wall of Shadows, feeling success as his gripper smashed the other Rahkshi into a tree. Dark tendrils extended themselves from tree, having cushioned the slam.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black blinked as he found the other Rahkshi directly in front of him again, and he tried to pull up another wall of Shadows but found the gripper smashing down on him again. He fell to the ground and felt a heavy foot press down on his head. Trembling and focusing heavily, he sent out a powerful surge of Shadows at his attacker. The other Rahkshi squirmed in the grasp and struggled to get free. Standing now, the Black raised his hand and slowly began to enclose the Shadows around him, constricting the space.

<p style="text-align:justify">The other Rahkshi tried not to panic, the scanner quickly calculated out another set of odds. ''One down, nearly revived, one with immense Shadow abilities, being trapped and constricted. Estimation of success...13%. Suggestion: flee if possible.''

<p style="text-align:justify">He snarled. The gripper wasn’t the only weapon at his disposal; his natural abilities would serve well here. He concentrated and seeped poison deep into the ground, he spread it through the dirt, and through the Shadows.

<p style="text-align:justify">The constricting mass of Shadows fell away as his poison leached their strength. He raised his hand over his gripper; charging it with his deadly poison, deciding it would be best to end it quickly.

<p style="text-align:justify">He charged forward but the Black blocked it with his staff, they fell into a pattern of battle where neither side could seem to get the advantage. Then the Green back-flipped and raised his other arm. As he did so, the ground around the Black turned green with poison. The Black looked on in astonishment, then scowled and pointed his staff straight at his deadly opponent. Eagerly, a dark tendril of power flung itself at the Green and latched on. The Green fell trembling to the ground, his hand on his head.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Wha-what are you doing to me?!”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black loomed up above him. “Changing you, if your will is strong enough, you’ll live. If not...”

<p style="text-align:justify">The other Rahkshi screamed out in pain. “Blast you! Curse you! I’ll see you in-”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Shadows completely engulfed him cutting off any further screams. The Blue-White awoke at last and ran forward.

<p style="text-align:justify">“You fool! What do you think you’re doing!?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Black looked calmly at his companion. “Making an ally.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Don’t you remember what happened last time you used it?!”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, but that was on a weak Rahaga. This is a Rahkshi. I have a feeling he’s not meant to lose.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Pain was not new to him. He had already felt the physical pain of near-death and the torturous pain of losing the Master.

<p style="text-align:justify">This pain made the rest seem like pin pricks.

<p style="text-align:justify">It gushed over him physically draining him; it flooded his mind and insides scorching him - pain was the new meaning of his life. A voice like the Master’s came into his head, promising infinite power, Shadows and Darkness would be his to command, and all the pain would leave. All he had to do was take the staff.

<p style="text-align:justify">But another ray of hope shown through; a focus so strong that it burst past the pain, the shadows, and reached his aching mind. Floundering in his pain, he grasped it. Its power strengthened him, gave him courage. He felt what no Rahkshi had ever felt before, a glimpse of love. Other sensations came over him; pride, duty, and a sense of unity with himself. The darkness left him along with the pain, but as it left so did the rest, pride, duty, unity, it all disappeared. Yet he knew they remained, somewhere deep inside, waiting...

<p style="text-align:justify">He arose. The Black stood before him, gloatingly.

<p style="text-align:justify">“There, I told you he would survive.” he said to Blue-White, he then turned looked straight at the Green. “Tell me, who do you serve?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I serve but myself.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black looked at him startled. Blue-White raised his sword. “Do you still wish to battle us?”

<p style="text-align:justify">The other Rahkshi looked at him. “No, not any more. All those feelings are gone now.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Tell me,” Black said. “Would you be willing to travel with us?”

<p style="text-align:justify">He considered it thoughtfully. “Yes. That would suit my purposes for now.”Until I find a better one, that is...

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White lowered his sword, but just enough to show he was still on guard.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Well then,” said Black, “Let us not tarry any longer. The world calls.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black turned and continued down the path, Blue-White glanced back at the Green then followed. The Rahkshi looked at the trees for a few moments then turned away and also left.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red looked around at the fallen mountain base. Rahkshi bodies still littered the mountainside accompanied by the occasional Matoran worker.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Never thought I’d have to come here again.” she had muttered under her breath.

<p style="text-align:justify">Under instinct she had led her fellow Rahkshi, a Green, to where they hoped to find other survivors. Now she wondered if she had been right to follow those instincts. While Green volunteered to search the caves, Red checked the mountainside for any signs of survivors and escapees. Red circled the mountain from the air, having spotted a few tracks that led only to more corpses. This time, though, she found what she had been looking for.

<p style="text-align:justify">Two dead Rahkshi each with two deep sword marks lying across the spine lay still and crumpled before her. If she was correct, those sword marks belonged to a White Rahkshi. A Rahkshi quite like herself, she had learned, created using both Makuta and Toa essence. She wondered what possibilities lay hidden by her dual creation and what other powers she possessed.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red knelt close to the ground and closed her eyes, concentrating on bringing out her second vision. When she opened them, she discovered tracks leading away from the scene and into a deep forest below the mountain, then turned around to go seek out Green. She found him waiting outside one of the cave entrances.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I take it you found something?” he asked.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red was surprised. “How did you know?”

<p style="text-align:justify">He grinned. “I had a hunch.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“You mean you didn’t find anything in the caves.”

<p style="text-align:justify">He shrugged. “The thought may have come across my mind.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Exasperated, Red turned around and waved him forward. Green followed her down to the corpses.

<p style="text-align:justify">“So your friend enjoys the blade, I see. Two very clean cuts.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“She is a master of the twin blade form. I can think of only two who have bested her in combat with the sword.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“And are you sure those are her tracks?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Her aura hangs about it, just barely, but enough for me to tell she was once here.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“So you had a hunch.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“The thought may have come across my mind.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green grinned. “Ah! So you can jest!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red ignored him and began following the tracks, they were faded, but with help from the lingering aura she could follow it. Green suddenly leaped into the air and zoomed down the mountainside to the edge of the forest. Curious, Red followed. He stopped right at the forests’ edge and began examining a nearby tree.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I guessed our friend came down this way, the way you were headed. Here, look at the tree limbs. Some have been broken as if someone was moving rather quickly.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red concentrated on the nearby auras; there were several, but one was unmistakably from White

<p style="text-align:justify">“She was followed, though whether by friend or foe I am not sure.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Well, the friends of our friend are our friends, right?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red just stared. “What?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Maybe I got the timing wrong...”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red shook her head. “In any case, I suggest we go in.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Right behind you!”

<p style="text-align:justify">They set off into the forest following the path of disturbed nature. It was oddly quiet for a forest. Granted, they were both Rahkshi, but there should be some kind of creature moving, at least. Suddenly there was rustling to the side; Red looked over and watched as a tight cluster of trees wavered into a Muaka. Red uttered a curse. ''Illusion and Rahi Control, it seems. A fitting match...''

<p style="text-align:justify">Green was fast to respond to the new threat with speed only a Rahkshi knew; he pulled his staff out and quickly leapt the short distance between himself and the Rahi. Without pause he jabbed his staff into the Muaka three times before he was smashed into a tree. Still clinging on, he pulled himself up onto the top and stabbed right into the back. Furious, the Muaka rolled over, however, Green had anticipated this and jumped off to face the great cat.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Muaka roared and clawed at him, but he skillfully dodged the attacks. Frustrated, it snapped its head forward, forcing him to move to the side but suddenly he found the Muaka behind him, head still flinging forward. He prepared to leap away but found it frozen in place, the head mere inches away.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red smirked; she still had it. Her aura of Fear had momentarily stopped it.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green quickly took advantage and stabbed his poisonous staff deep into the Muaka’s throat. The Muaka roared, raised its head, and collapsed.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green dislodged his staff and glanced around. A Magenta Rahkshi stood just a little outside the clearing. It raised its arms to point at Green, and a swarm of Nui-Rama appeared from deeper in the forest and swooped down at him. He prepared to fire a volley of poison but hesitated as one of the Nui-Rama suddenly collapsed to the ground, twitching. Soon another fell, and was shortly followed by another, soon only three remained out of the fifteen, and he merely watched as they were quickly defeated. A Rahkshi, White, stood amongst the twitching Nui-Rama, her twin blades slick with their blood.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Looked like you and your friend needed some help, Red.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“We could have handled it. Are those Rahkshi the ones you’ve been fleeing from?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, their illusionist has been fairly troublesome.”

<p style="text-align:justify">As she spoke, roughly two-thirds of the Nui-Rama disappeared.

<p style="text-align:justify">“They tire us with fake battles, and we only defeat ourselves in the end.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green stepped up. “You speak as if there are others, how long have you been evading them?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Ever since the end of the battle, it has been a tireless hunt between us. There were two others with me, but they are no more now, while we’ve only been able to kill one of them.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“So, then we are all that’s left of the clan, I suppose. Tell me, how did you fare after the Master was killed?” Green asked.

<p style="text-align:justify">“It was...confusing. The battle was still raging around us when we lost his connection. We were in an orderly defense on the west side of the mountain, but when he died, everything fell into chaos. Next thing I knew, I was leading the survivors down the mountainside to this forest. Only two others were able to escape with me into the forest.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green nodded in sympathy. “What say you to joining with us? There is strength in numbers, together we can take care of the hunters after you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I...” She hesitated for a moment. “...yes, I will join with you.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Green grinned. “Good, well then, I’d say we’ve got quite a hunt ahead of us eh?”

<p style="text-align:justify">White wiped her blades off on the nearby dead Muaka. “Yes, let us hunt.”

<p style="text-align:justify">'Chapter eight: Plague of Fear

<p style="text-align:justify">Red, Green and White traveled for two days with only a few signs of their quarry. On the third night they found a dead Kirikori Nui; a large locust-like Rahi that traveled in swarms.

<p style="text-align:justify">White muttered under her breath. “These things are partly responsible for the great loss of vegetation around here. Seeing this bodes ill news.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The forest was silent wherever they went. Not just because of us, Red realized, but also from our prey. Soon they found the trail occasionally skirting along the side of the forest where streaks of harsh light shone forebodingly from the land beyond. After the fifth day they left the forest completely; the trail leading to the road and disappearing.

<p style="text-align:justify">“They must have flown.” Green said, “I’m not sure how to go on at this point.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Red looked up and saw a dark cloud swiftly moving in the sky. Her eyes widened at the sight. It was a giant swarm of Kirikori Nui. Normally Red and a dozen other Rahkshi would easily take care of the threat. But they were only three and this swarm was larger than any she had ever seen. So they did the only natural thing. They fled. Green took the lead; running away from the dark cloud and leaping into flight, White and Red quickly followed suit. The swarm flew over them heading straight for the forest; they swooped down and began attacking the forest. A loud ringing noise trilled painfully across the air and mixed with the cries of forest denizens. The trio of Rahkshi watched on a cliff from afar, amazed at the amount of destruction caused.

<p style="text-align:justify">“If we had stayed there a little bit longer we would have been destroyed.” Green said soberly.

<p style="text-align:justify">“Pity you escaped, now your deaths will only have to be more painful.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The trio of Rahkshi spun around to face two other Rahkshi gleaming down on them, one Tan-Blue and the other Magenta.

<p style="text-align:justify">“You’ve kept us on the run for quite awhile, now we end it.” Magenta said with a gleam in her eye.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Magenta Rahkshi leaped forward twirling a staff in the air; Green leapt forward and halted the advance. The two began in a flurry of blows nearly too fast for the normal eye to see. White leapt past the two of them to take on the Tan-Blue but was stopped by Kirikori Nui flying to the side of her, slamming its powerful legs into her side. White grunted then began slicing at the Rahi, which avoided the first few strikes then blocked the next one, but was unable to stop the next blow which tore through its exoskeleton and into its softer, fleshier, parts. Magenta twitched when this happened, and Green took the opportunity to disarm her while Red came up from behind, her own sword pointed straight at the spine. Then everything went wrong.

<p style="text-align:justify">Red twirled around on the spot to catch Tan-Blue’s eyes wide open and glowing. Magenta gave a laugh and faded, Green and White also faded away looking at Red with shock. Soon all that was left was utter darkness and glowing eyes. Trying not to despair, Red raced forward in an endless passage of black; those eyes watching her while she sought a way out…

<p style="text-align:justify">Shiron paced the halls tensely. This was her first time in the great halls of the almighty Lord of Makuta Bendak and when the doors opened she would be let in to meet him in person. One of her dozen Rahkshi; a Rahkshi of Adaptation, watched her as she paced. It had been her very first Rahkshi, and he knew when she was troubled, and he knew why. Shiron was after all, a low rank Makuta with only a dozen Rahkshi under her command and two small villages to rule over. To most other Makuta she would hardly even be worth recognizing. But Shiron had tried her best, sending her Rahkshi out hoping they could make the change that would show her true worth. And it had finally paid off. After a few more moments of nervous waiting the great double doors opened. Shiron straightened her Tryna Great Mask of Reanimation and strode inside alone; her loyal Rahkshi awaiting her return.

<p style="text-align:justify">Her first impression was sheer awe at the room before her. What had once been the home of hundreds of Toa had been converted to a dark dwelling for the Makuta. The work had only been recently finished. A band of Skadaki had been using it previously as a base of operations until the Makuta set their eyes on it. The grime and muck had been cleansed and the structure rebuilt to suit the Makuta needs. The room before her was epic in size and décor.

<p style="text-align:justify">Her second impression was of Bendak himself. An incredible being; Bendak was taller and stronger than any other Makuta and wore the Kraahkan; symbol of his leadership. His armor was blood red crimson; almost a stark contrast to her dark blue. Bendak sat atop a large throne at the far end of the giant room. It was just Shiron and him alone. Shiron pushed back her fear and brought her mind to the subject before her. She strode forward and bowed before her lord.

<p style="text-align:justify">When he spoke it was like a nobleman, cool and airy. “Shiron, ruler over the far north colonies, I bid you welcome to my fair hall.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“The pleasure is mine my lord.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“I’m sure it is, but now onto business. You have reported that you caught one of Gristone’s Rahkshi, a Turahk to be precise, where did you find it?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Searching a forest with a Lerahk, my Rahkshi had been tracking a Kurahk when the other two appeared.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Shiron had no idea why Bendak wanted to find Gristone’s Rahkshi; they seemed to be of little consequence. But she would use this opportunity however she could.

<p style="text-align:justify">Bendak studied his tall ornate staff thoughtfully. “Have you told anyone else about this?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Keeping stoic Shiron replied honestly “No, my lord”

<p style="text-align:justify">Bendak almost looked relieved. “Then I want you and your Rahkshi to try and find them again. I would do this myself but I have more taxing duties to perform.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Shiron bowed. “As you will my lord it shall be done.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Good, I knew I could count on you. I want you to report back to me when you find the other Rahkshi.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Shiron bowed one last time, turned and left the room. She considered the task given to her. All she had to do was find some Rahkshi, but just what made these Rahkshi so important? Shiron planned on finding out. She turned to her own Rahkshi, loyally awaiting her he bowed.

<p style="text-align:justify">“What is they bidding mistress?” He asked.

<p style="text-align:justify">Shiron waved him forward. “Lord Bendak wishes us to find the rest of those Rahkshi we were trailing.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi looked into his mistresses’ face. “But you plan otherwise?” He asked.

<p style="text-align:justify">Shiron smiled. “As always you predict me to a point. I want to know why Bendak has taken such an interest in keeping all this so hushed up.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Then we best get working.”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, we shall regroup at the village and plan what to do from there. Perhaps Gristone’s Turahk could give us some answers.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Rahkshi bowed his head. “As you wish.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White couldn’t shake his feeling of dread. Ever since he had started traveling with the Black it had been there, and had grown when they found the Staff of Shadows. He still wondered why he still followed; perhaps it was a sense of duty to keep Black safe? Or was it simply because he had nowhere else to go? In either case he still followed. And still his dread increased.

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White looked on at the pathway ahead of them. “I have a bad feeling about this.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black looked onward “I sense nothing, are you sure you felt what you thought?”

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White shook his head. “It’s not that, something just feels, wrong.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black cocked his head to the side. “Explain.”

<p style="text-align:justify">The Green Rahkshi, who had been keeping close to the back and keeping low, now looked up to listen.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I don’t know, ever since we found that staff the feeling has increased.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black rolled his eyes. “Come on, we’ve been over this.”

<p style="text-align:justify">This time the Green answered. “He may be right, when you attacked me with the staff I felt a powerful presence coming from it, telling me it could give great power. I refused.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black looked surprised. “You mean to say the staff has talked to you?”

<p style="text-align:justify">“Yes, even now a small part of it still calls out to me.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black looked at the staff, as if he might either thrust it away or cling to it. “I… You’re right, there is something there.”

<p style="text-align:justify">Blue-White jumped in. “Then let us be rid of it!”

<p style="text-align:justify">Black slowly lowered the staff then leapt back as a powerful blast of energy soared at him. Blue-White and the Green sprung into action with weapons at the ready.

<p style="text-align:justify">Green’s scanner beeped and he relayed the info. “Five Rahkshi, they’ve surrounded us and…” He gasped. “Oh no…”

<p style="text-align:justify">A large crack split the air as the three looked up to see a Makuta bear down on them. Its wings extended as black and craggily as the armor it bore. The sky had darkened and blue flashes of lightning streaked the air. It was a very dark mood when the Makuta silently gave the order to attack over the howls of the wind and the drench of the pouring rain. The three Rahkshi fought as if in a maelstrom. Swords flashed whenever lightning flared or powerful energy beams flashed, and the harsh gasp of life’s last breath continued to drive the battle to a fever pitch. Cold rain engulfed the fallen. And the battle wore on.

<p style="text-align:justify">Black considered using the staff but decided against it until he could better affirm what it was doing to him, if it was doing anything period. Instead he opted for the staff he had stolen what seemed a long time ago, parrying and dealing attacks as he searched for a proper opening. Blue-White attempted to make use of the storm about him but was too busy defending to make the attempt.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Green had always felt himself apart from the rest. Even now, he felt something inside him stirring, the feeling of revenge before his rebirth and how it consumed and almost destroyed him. But he had been saved him. Now these feelings from his rebirth came upon him again, hope, courage, a sense of duty and purpose. As these feelings bubbled up he felt a power from within rise with it. His body attempted to contain it at first with little success, and in one stunning moment it burst out in an array of powerful light; breaking the clouds in its splendor. The Rahkshi that fought him withered under his gaze and collapsed.

<p style="text-align:justify">The Makuta that had been standing so regally stepped back as his Rahkshi died and watched in horror as the Rahkshi displayed power only a Toa had. The Rahkshi turned to the Makuta and fixed his eyes upon him, powerful and courageous and knowing. He strode forward; small sparks of energy flitting about while the air around him vibrated with power. The Makuta trembled for a moment in indecision then leapt forward with a mighty war cry, swinging a mighty chain and ball. The Rahkshi met his challenge and raced forward. The two met in combat, great heavy ball being wacked aside by a large metallic claw. The Makuta stepped back and swung downward; his opponent nimbly dodged and sliced the chain to pieces. The Makuta took yet another step back then using his dark power unleashed his Shadow Arm. He missed and lurched as a large metallic claw slid through the back of his armor breaching into the precious substance that made him. The Makuta coughed a few times; eyes wide in shock and green gauze dripping from under his mask. He tried to turn around but then sank to the ground unmoving.

<p style="text-align:justify">The mysterious aura around the Rahkshi fell away; his companions looked on in uneasiness, unsure of what had just happened. The Green turned toward them, a new light in his eyes.

<p style="text-align:justify">“I have a name.” He said.