Shadowed

Chapter 1
Lightning flashed, illuminating the shape of a twisted, black figure in the sky. Solek breathed deeply, trying to calm himself. He hoped desperately that Chirox couldn't see him in his hiding place; a small cave formerly inhabited by a Klakk. He could hear Raidak screaming. Bitil had caught him almost immediatly after the chase had begun, and was now torturing the Matoran in order to goad his friends out of hiding. Trying to ignore his friend's cries of agony, Solek focused on the task at hand: staying hidden. He sheathed his blades- they wouldn't do him much good against Makuta- and ignited his jetpack, taking to the skies.

"Come out, little Matoran!" Bitil called.

Cautiosly, Solek flew low in an attempt to avoid Chirox's keen eyes. He knew that, if he didn't find a good hiding spot, he was dead or worse. Another of Raidak's wails filled the air.

"I'll kill him if you don't surrender," Bitil said, glee obvious in his voice.

Solek opened his mouth to reply, but stopped himself. He didn't want to give away his position. Unfortunately, one of his friends didn't share his restraint.

"You expect us to believe you'll spare him?" Photok shouted.

Solek winced as Photok's screams joined Raidak's.

No!

Solek accelerated, heading towards the direction of Photok's cry.

"Solek!"

Solek flipped onto his back just in time to see Gavla plumeting out of the sky towards him. She landed on his chest, forcing him to the ground. Another flash of lightning iluminated her face, deeply worried beneath her Kanohi Rau.

"Do you want to get yourself killed?" she demanded, her voice breaking.

"They have Photok. We can't just-"

"Shut up!" Gavla ordered in a hushed tone.

Solek immediatly quieted. Gavla was known for her sharp hearing, so it was possible that she heard something that he didn't.

Or maybe she just has more common sense, Solek thought.

The two of them screamed as Chirox appeared in front of him, blocking their line of flight.

"Hello, little Matoran," he said ominously. "Time to join your friends."

Then he attacked.