Haunting in Shadows

Haunting in Shadows is an in-the-works-novel set in the Matoran Universe.

Prologue
Evening sunlight glistened against the ocean water surrounding the island of Daxia. The sun itself slowly set on the horizon. Most would take a moment to enjoy the beautiful lights that danced all over the ocean, but for Toa Helryx, the evening was not one of peaceful indulgence, but of anxious anticipation.

Seven days prior, a mysterious warrior by the name of Geliax had left on a mission with a few companions to investigate rumors of an army of Rahkshi rising in the underground of Metru-Nui, city of legends. A large contribution to her nervous state was that Geliax was her secret lover.

Helryx's eyes danced in several directions, searching for any sign of the watercraft that the group had taken. For a period of time she did not know, she scanned the seas for any sign of the ship. The sun set after what felt like hours and gradually, the sky began to darken. Stars began to appear as the sky grew black. Panic began to set in. What if the group had been killed? She could not fathom how she would possibly continue without Geliax.

Her heart stone nearly shattered as she saw a torchlight in the distance. Orange on the black water, it shone brightly as it moved closer at a painfully slow pace. Once it was close enough, Helryx decided to speed it up a little.

Using her powers over water, she caused the current to carry the boat towards the shore faster. Just as the vessel landed on the sand. Helryx saw the amount of sailors on board was a total of one. It was not Geliax. Helryx inched her way towards the boat and saw the exhausted member of the Order of Mata Nui, Johmak, aboard. Johmak looked up at her leader.

She said nothing as she reached into a bag and pulled something out. Helryx held out both her hands to take it. Accidentally knocking over her shield, which was covered with grime, scratches, and blood, Johmak pulled out a helmet and placed it in Helryx's hands.

Emotion overcame Helryx, though she did what she could to not show it. Johmak picked up her shield and limped away, the torch revealing a gash in her left thigh. Helryx did not notice. Once Johmak was out of sight she collapsed. Overcome. Their was nothing left. She could only feel one thing as she looked off into nothingness.

Pain.

Time passed. She took no notice. Memories continued to flood her mind. Memories about him, them, their son......She snapped back to reality. Geliax's son still lay in Her chambers. She stood up and ran back to the base. She ignored any who glanced at her as she sprinted towards her chamber. She got there in under a minute, such was her panic.

Only once she met her son's quizzical gaze that she realized he was safe. She fell onto her bed. She now had a new duty to fulfill. What would she do with him? Raise him with it being common knowledge that she had a son? Everyone would ask who his father was. She could not let that happen. She pondered for hours, the same question running across the far corners of her mind. ''What will I do with him? ''

A knock on the door broke her away from her thoughts. She made sure they boy was out of sight before answering. Tobduk stood in the door. The large Order member that lead assassinations for the order. "Ma'am, I was told of what happened to Geliax. I'm sorry, I knew he was your friend."

"Thank you Tobduk." She answered wearily. "I also have a report on exactly what happened, I thought you should hear it." She paused a moment, then allowed him to enter. "Please, begin." Helryx said, terrified of what she might hear. "Geliax and his group of twenty were far below the archives when they discovered that the rumors were indeed true." He paused, and she indicated for him to continue.

"A small army of Rahkshi were indeed raising underground. Instead of falling back, Geliax sent Johmak back to a safe distance and then took his other nineteen warriors and engaged them. They were at a one hundred to one scale." He stopped to breathe. "As Johmak puts it, each of the nineteen warriors fell one by one, but not before taking at least twenty with them. Each.

"Geliax himself was the last one fighting, and he crippled the army of creatures beyond repair. He took on over a hundred by himself. Three survived, and they were incapable of crawling away. The Rahkshi retreated back down into the tunnels, and Johamk went down to Geliax.

"She was with him until he died from his wounds. She says it was impossible to tell which was the fatal blow, if indeed there was one. He gave her his helmet, which I believe you now possess." He finished, and Helryx nodded. An urge to go to Metru-Nui to avenge Geliax came to her, but she knew she couldn't. Not when the order needed leading.

An idea sprung into her mind. ''I cannot. He can.'' She thought. It was risky, but the boy would have to serve the order anyway, this way would just prolong his life. "Tobduk, before you go, I must ask something of you."

"What would that be, ma'am?" Helryx moved over to where the boy was hidden, and lifted him up, showing Tobduk. "I found him on the shores a few nights ago. I couldn't just leave him."

"What should I do?"

She took a mental deep breath. "Raise him until he's old enough to fight. Then, train him. When you think he is capable, send him to me." Tobduk nodded, and she handed the child to Tobduk, who was unusually gentle. "After about fourteen years, I'll begin training him. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes. Go." Before he left, Tobduk asked: "What is his name?" She pondered it for a moment. They had yet to think up a suitable name for him. She thought about what he would probably become after his training. From that, she knew what name to pick.

"His name is Zaeron." She answered. The name meant "Bird of Prey" in the Matoran language. Tobduk left and she closed the door. She fell onto her bed and cried. Her lover was dead, and her son would never know who she was. Was it truly necessary? It is necessary. She realized.

Either way, he'd go down to find the Rahkshi once he was able, this way, he'd have a better chance at surviving it. She looked out her window. Rain had begun to pour down onto Daxia. The weather is reflecting my mood. She thought dully as the dreary weather continued. She would be in a bad mood for the next seven years. She would not see Zaeron for the next fourteen years.

Lifestyle of a Machine.
In the fourteen years that passed, Tobduk watched in amazement at how Zaeron grew. He was unlike anything the old order member knew of. He seemed bio-mechanical, and at the same time, natural. The mechanics grew along with the soft insides, creating a species unlike anything Tobduk, or any member who knew of him, was familiar with. He had to keep his wonderment for another time, as Zaeron almost seemed to live off the training he provided him with.

The boy's personality gritted against Tobduk as he grew. Constant sarcastic humor and occasional pessimism were the boy's most dominant aspects of personality. He could be compassionate to someone undergoing a time of pain. Namely, the friends of members who died on mission.

Above all, he was smart. He had intelligence that matched Tobduk's and Johmak's put together. The thing that gritted at Tobduk was the mood swings that happened every now and then. He would be a sensitive, compassionate being at one point, and then a harsh, merciless being who would not hesitate to offend or threaten to get what he needed.

As Tobduk mulled over these thoughts, he gazed out into the starry night through the window of his chamber. The night looked eerily similar to the one in which Helryx had given him the job of raising and teaching the boy. Seven years since that day had passed, and Tobduk had told Helryx that he would begin the next day. He pushed those thoughts aside and lay down on his bed, making an attempt to sleep.

Moments before achieving that goal, he noticed a flickering white light from the window. He knew that it was coming from the private training training ring Helryx had given him.

"Blast, what now?" He muttered and stood up. He looked out the window, and was surprised to see Zaeron standing a few meters away from the ring, slowly going through the armory. A lone lightstone was hanging above the ring.

Tobduk considered going down and chewing Zaeron out, then he paused, curious as to what the boy would do. Zaeron was inspecting the swords the armory had stocked. Every third blade or so, he would take it out and swing it around, then put it back, apparently dissatisfied. At last, the boy settled on a long handled, short bladed sword. Once he moved into the light, Tobduk could see the blade more easily.

It was a two sided weapon, designed specifically for battles against single and multiple opponents. Tobduk remembered it was a creation of Hydraxon. Zaeron began to swing it around. He was lucky he was so tall. In only fourteen years, he was nearly as tall as Toa Lhikan. The blade seemed to move along with him, not so much a tool, but a body part. A lethal prosthesis.

For a few minutes, Tobduk watched him from the window. The boy seemed to already know how to wield the weapon. Although, it was more basic attacks and blocks Zaeron practiced. Tobduk decided to go down to see him. Once he made it down, the boy was gone. Tobduk cursed softly. He had hoped to find out how Zaeron knew so much. As he turned to leave, he heard a low voice. "I saw you coming."

He looked around, not knowing where it was. "Look up." He did so. Zaeron was standing balanced on the sill of the very window Tobduk had been watching him from. Tobduk struggled not to smile. "Come down please." He said simply. Zaeron shrugged and clambered down. "How did you get up?"

"Makeshift staircase." Zaeron said, and gestured to a set of stacked boxes that led up to the window, completely unabashed. "Well, more interestingly, how did you learn to handle the blade?" Tobduk wanted to know. Things like that could be dangerous in unlearned hands. "I've been breaking into the armory to practice for almost a year now." Tobduk's eyebrows shot up. "You know the possible punishments of that, do you not?"

"Of course I do. That's why I make a point of using your savings to pay off sentries." Tobduk couldn't say he was surprised at that. His particular widgets seemed to vanish a few hours after he was given them. He just sighed and went on to his next question. "How did you learn what moves to go on?"

"A year before the year I just mentioned, Helryx lended me a few tablets on combat. I think she thought I'd just break into the library and read it there, to be honest." Tobduk subdued all other questions. "Let me see the sword." Zaeron threw it to him instantly. Though the look in the young warriors eyes told him he was not pleased with giving up a weapon. A fact that pleased Tobduk immensely.

A warrior should never give up a weapon willingly. He examined the black bladed sword. It was very well balanced, and the blade was as sharp as a razor, though nowhere near as thin. He held the blade out for Zaeron to take, which he did. "Your pivot block relies solely on your arm, correct?"

"Yes, master." Zaeron answered, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Tobduk ignored it. "Move your body so that it goes along behind the blade, giving more strength to your block." Zaeron did so. Tobduk found a long wooden stick to use as a practice weapon. If he was using a real sword, he would cut his student to pieces. He lightly attacked, intending it so that Zaeron would be able to block it. Zaeron did so.

As Tobduk soon learned, the boy was a natural with the blade. Most warriors were great because it took years of practice. Others, rarities, could learn simple things and master them within a matter of weeks and move on to more complex things. Zaeron was one of those rarities. Zaeron surprised him by switching to offence. Tobduk got the large stick up in time, though it was cleaved in two by Zaeron's blade. "Next time, you should use a metal pole." Zaeron said, almost tauntingly.

"I suppose we'll start you're training now." Tobduk said resignedly. Zaeron broke into an open grin now. Normally, such an expression would indicate happiness, though with Zaeron, it appeared a slightly animalistic side of him was showing. "For now, start by practicing these five movements." He used a spare sword to give an example. He showed Zaeron a left overhand attack, a right overhand attack, which Zaeron copied.

Then, a left and right underhand attacks. Zaeron strung those together with the overhand attacks. He then showed him a simple thrust. Zaeron began to use the five basic attacks in different combos each time. Tobduk sat on a bench to the side, observing the young warrior's progress. After a few hours, Zaeron began to feel the effects of fatigue. I have to keep this up. He thought.

The sooner he could learn this, the sooner he would be able to really serve the order. Tobduk watched his every movement. Observing what flaws his student could improve on, and what he excelled. He noticed that Zaeron's thrust slowed down midway. The over hand attacks were a little overpowered. His underhands were almost perfect. He stood up.

"Stop." Zaeron did so immediately. "Your thrust is a little weak. Do that for a little. Then return to the combos." Zaeron improved mere minutes after the conversation. His thrusts were stronger, and were faster then before.

After about a half hour, Zaeron began to feel hungry. He swore hin is head and ignored it. "Try to use less strength in your overhand attacks. You'll just tire yourself and give your opponent an opportunity to send you to an early grave." Tobduk called out. As Zaeron continued to practice into the day, without stopping, Tobduk began to feel concerned. Concern turned to worry. Worry turned to fear. He walked up to Zaeron. "Stop." Zaeron did so. "I think that's enough for today. You need food and rest."

"I want to continue."

"You'll kill yourself." Zaeron was old enough to know what death was, and Tobduk wanted him to not die at such an early stage of life. "If that's what it takes to learn this, so be it." Zaeron snapped. Tobduk walked up to him and wrenched the blade from his hand. "Never speak like that. Ever. We have years to do this, Zaeron." The Hau covered face looked up at him.

Tobduk saw something in his eyes, something that could be dangerous to everyone around the boy. A slight berserker instinct. Zaeron had a berserker waiting inside him. Something that Tobduk would have to teach him to suppress. "We will continue. Tomorrow. For now. Go find some food and go to bed." Refusal was on the tip of Zaeron's tongue, but then he saw he reason behind Tobduk's words. He would be of no use to the order dead. He calmed himself down and walked off to the mess hall of the base.

As much as he desired to go back and continue, his body simply was incapable of continuing. At least until the next day. He stopped at the mess hall and ate a brief meal of Rahi poultry. Afterwards, he went for a walk through the base. He watched a couple members of the order leaving on a mission. He sighed. He wanted to be that. ''How many years of training did they go through? Hundreds? Thousands?'' He shuddered. "I just can't wait that long." Zaeron murmured.

"Impatient?" A female voice said behind him. Zaeron turned slowly. The Toa that he beheld was none other then Helryx herself. "Yes." He said, slightly bitterly. He expected that Tobduk would chew him out for not respecting authority very much, but he really didn't care. "Don't worry. From what I hear, you won't have to wait to long before I send you away." Zaeron looked up at her.

She was taller then him by a half a head. "Zaeron, I have something for you." She said. His attention span lengthened greatly. Helryx pulled out a small package. Zaeron took it, nodded his thanks, and opened it.

Inside was a kanohi mask, though it was unlike any mask he had ever seen. It was a dark ebony color, had narrow eye slits, and angled upwards in a slight arc. Deciding it would be smart not to cause an unintended insult by asking what it was, Zaeron slowly removed his Hau and replaced it with the new mask. A feeling of calm swept over him. Followed by a smaller surge of power. "Thank you." He said, but Helryx was gone.

Later that night, Tobduk reported his sighting of a Berserker instinct in Zaeron's eyes to Helryx. "I need him to know how to suppress it before I can teach him anything else." Tobduk told her. Helryx nodded, trying to keep the volcano of worry inside her from showing. "To be perfectly honest, it is strangely reminiscent of Geliax's habit of going insane in a fight." Tobduk reflected aloud. "In which case, start early tomorrow morning. I don't want another death because of that trait."

Helryx ordered. Knowing he was dismissed, Tobduk left the room. Helryx buried her face in her hands. She lost Geliax, she would not lose Zaeron. Life for her son gained a mechanical style. Each day, he would awake, eat a short breakfast, and then spend seven hours of training with Tobduk.

Then he would eat again, and go to sleep. Then the cycle would repeat. With each day, Zaeron's prowess in combat grew. Yet still, Helryx did not think it was enough. It took three years for her to decide what to do. She then remembered a warrior Geliax had introduced her to. His skill with the blade was nearly unmatched, and he even taught Helryx a few things. She got up to tell Tobduk of her plan.

Warrior to Housekeeper
Zaeron awoke. Moving near mechanically, he stood up and walked for the mess hall where he would eat a quick breakfast. He ignored a group of other early risers that glanced at him more then once. How annoying. He reflected. Once he had finished his meal, he stood up to leave. He slowly walked towards the training area he and Tobduk used. Something was off today.

The few order members who were awake at this hour were nervous, as though they were afraid that they could be kicked out of the order at any moment. As Zaeron soon discovered, that was the exact case. When he entered the training area, he saw Tobduk speaking to Helryx. Zaeron gulped quietly and kept his position. Helryx noticed him and waved him forward. He cautiously moved forward. "Well, Zaeron, it seems I will not be training you any longer." Tobduk said in an almost regretful tone. Something like a mixture of joy and apprehension rose within Zaeron.

"Will I be going into active service?" He asked. He had expected at least another four years of training. "No." Helryx answered. A pang of disappointment shot through him. "Instead, you will be passing into the care of another teacher." Helryx continued. Zaeron cocked his head to one side. "Tobduk has taught you all he knows about combat. Now, you will need to learn stealth skills and things like tracking and hunting." Zaeron's confused look asked a silent question. Why?

"I'm not going to have you become a soldier. Instead, I'm making you an assassin." Helryx concluded. Zaeron seemed a little saddened. "But, I had hoped I would be a soldier in times of war."

"This way, you will be more of a help than any soldier ever could be. You will undoubtedly have to fight in a war someday, though that is why I'm giving you this duty."

"And what would that duty be?"

"You will use the skills your new teacher will teach you to stop wars from happening. An assassin who kills for a cause." Zaeron seemed to ponder the appointment. After a few moments, he nodded slowly. "Where is this new teacher?"

"On an island west of here. When you get there. I'm having a couple of our members escort you to the island upon which your new master works." Zaeron nodded and walked over to the armory for his sword. He had used the same sword for the course of his three year training. Tobduk pulled out a strap of Tahtorahk hide and gave it to his former apprentice. Zaeron wrapped around his waist and put his sword through it. Tobduk sighed and gestured Zaeron to follow him. The pair walked towards the harbor of Daxia. A lone small boat was docked there. "Well, I suppose I won't be seeing you for a long time."

Tobduk said. "Yes. When I get back, I hope I'll be able to say that I'm able to hold my own against my old teacher." Tobduk looked disgruntled. "Who're you calling old?" He said. It took Zaeron a moment to realize he was joking. Zaeron smiled and held out his fist. Tobduk knocked it with his own and left. Zaeron turned. Two members of the Order of Mata Nui could be seen manning it. He took a deep breath and walked towards it. One of them, a toa, looked up. "Aator, our guest is here."

Zaeron looked past him to see a Bohrok walking towards them. His hand jumped to his sword briefly, but the Toa held up his hands and jumped in the way. "Don't do that. He's one of us." As the Bohrok came closer, Zaeron could see the Krana inside. He jumped when it spoke. "Indeed I am, you don't need to try to stab me." Zaeron examined the Bohrok shell. It had been outfitted with blades and some sort of ranged weapon he cared not to know what it was called. The Toa looked at me. "I'm Atraks."

"Zaeron." He quickly examined his escort. The Toa was adorned in silver and black armor, not unlike his own. Zaeron was slightly taller than him. The Krana was a Krana, and the shell had a large amount of weaponry. "Come on, I'll show you the ropes." Atraks said. "Ropes?"

"It's an expression for showing you what to do." Aator said. Zaeron wondered what he was being shown. It turned out he would have to learn how to man a gun on the front of the boat. It wasn't to hard to use, though turning it was hard, as it was heavy.

Shortly after he had learned how to use it, they set sail. The trip was brief, as the ship was fast. Zaeron was forced to wipe his eyes on several times for waves continually splashed the deck. After about seven hours, their destination came into view. A small, mountainous island lay before Zaeron's eyes. The ship stopped. Zaeron turned to Aator. "Why are we stopping? The beach is right there."

"Our instructions are that you have to swim from here." Zaeron's face fell. "It's true!" Atraks called from the wheelhouse. Zaeron groaned and walked up to the prow. "When you get their, climb the smallest mountain. When you get to the top, you'll see a small fort. Go there." Zaeron cursed and leapt from the prow. The water was frigid, and his armor made it difficult to swim. It took some time, but he was able to make it to the shore.

When he stood up and looked behind him, the ship was already turning around. He looked for the smallest mountain. It did not take long to find, though it was rather far away. He sighed explosively ad began to walk. The beach soon became forestry. Zaeron used his sword to cut through any vines or large leaves that got in his way.

As he walked, the forest grew evermore dense and he found it difficult to see very far ahead of him. He hacked at a vine a few meters away from him, and it snapped back and hit him across the throat. He swore repeatedly as he fell from the shock. For a few minutes, he lay there and massaged his neck.

Then he stood and continued on. The forest didn't go on for much longer, and Zaeron soon found himself at the base of the small mountain. Luckily, it didn't go up at to steep of an angle, and he was able to begin a slow upward walk. On a few different occasions, he would trip over a rock and roll down a short distance. When at last he reached the top, he looked around for a short while, in search of the fort Aator had mentioned.

When he could not see it at first glance, worry set in for a moment. Please tell me I didn't climb up the wrong mountain. He thought. Slightly irked, he kicked a small rock down the mountain. Instead of hearing the sound of rock clattering on rock, he heard a loud Clang!

"What in the...?" He looked down and saw the very fort he had been searching for. He sighed and began a decline down the mountain. Going down proved to be easier then going up, though he had to avoid any rocks that he might trip over and cause him to fall. Once he made it down, he began to walk towards the gate. He paused and looked around. He could see a very tall keep over the gate, so that could mean he would meet more then just his new teacher. He attempted to open the gate, but it was locked. "Well, I doubted it would have been easy." He examined the gate more closely.

There weren't any obvious handholds for climbing. Deciding he would take a more aggressive approach, he slammed himself into the door. Once the world stopped spinning, he found himself on the ground. He tried a vast array of methods for getting past the door, including using a dead tree to pole vault, use a vine for a zip line, and even trying to dig under it. I wonder if the door is sentient. He thought. He walked up to it.

"Um, door. Please open." Nothing. Frustrated, he knocked his fist against it. It opened at once. He hung his head, shook it, and walked in. Before he made it four steps, a knife slammed into the ground near his left foot. Reacting instinctively, Zaeron flung himself over to the side hand drawing his sword in the same movement.

"Who's there?" He called, pointing his sword out and slowly motioning it around, trying to gain a sighting of whoever had flung the knife. Seeing no one, he took a few tentative steps forward. He glanced around, not wanting to take a dagger in the head. Or any part of my body, for that matter. He thought grimly. He walked forward cautiously, glancing this way and that as he went. He was able to make a quick mental map of the fort.

There was a building in the center, presumably for living, and a smaller one to the right of it. He guessed the smaller one was a forge, as he noticed black smoke coming out of the top when he moved closer. Walls surrounded the too buildings. As he walked toward the smaller building, a light buzz filled his ears. Realizing what it was, he jumped into a backwards summersault.

He looked up and saw two daggers embedded in the earth. Zaeron looked at the angle of the daggers, hoping to be able to determine where they may have been thrown from. Following the angle of the handles, he saw that they appeared to have been thrown from the roof of the main house. He noticed a slight shimmer in the air.

Normally, he would have taken this to be a simple mist, but under the circumstances, it would not surprise him if he were against an invisible enemy. His eyes traced the shimmer, hoping for there to be some movement. None came. Slowly, without taking his eyes from it, he moved towards one of the thrown knives. Ever more slowly, he leaned down to pick it up.

The shimmer moved slightly. Zaeron's fingers clasped around the handle of the blade. In a single, fluid motion, he brought his arm back and flung it forward, releasing the knife as he did so. The shimmer, to his surprise, vanished and was replaced by a tall, lightly armored Vortixx male. The Vortixx easily caught the knife and leapt down. He was taller then Zaeron, and was armed with a wicked looking silver sword. "Lesson one. Always look up. It's the direction most forget to check."

"Are you at least going to introduce yourself before lecturing me?" Zaerron asked, a little annoyed. "Clearly not, as I have yet to tell you my name and I have already given you a lesson that may save your life. Come." His voice was so commanding that Zaeron submitted and followed him. The warrior took him inside the larger building. The Vortixx turned.

"As your new teacher, I have full rights to do anything I believe will increase your chances of survival. You will do so without question. Understood?" Zaeron nodded numbly. "Now then, the room on the far right of that hallway is yours. You will keep it clean at all times. Go there, and place your weapons inside. Then return to me." Zaeron began to slowly walk down the hall. "Mind the noise level of your footsteps!" The Vortixx barked.

It took Zaeron a great deal of effort to do so, as whenever a noise more then a creak in the floor sounded, his new teacher would repeat the order. Once he made to his chamber and placed his sword inside, he slowly and quietly returned. "Now. Start cleaning this place up." Zaeron's jaw dropped. He had expected to learn new combat types and techniques of killing. He had not expected to become a housekeeper.

"Hop to it!" The Vortixx snapped. Dumbly, Zaeron began picking up any stray bit of trash on the floor and putting it inside a waste bin. ''He had better be satisfied for what I do here. When I'm done, he'll be slipping over flat surfaces. This shouldn't take long.''

As it turned out, it took him a lot longer to clean the building then he thought. Some of the chores were downright dangerous. One of which involved feeding the Vortixx's pet, a Kahgarak. He was even required to cook his mentor's meals. All the while, the vortixx forced him to stay silent through each of the tasks. After days that felt like weeks, the steady stream of chores came to an end.

The Vortixx relented in his apparent desire to turn Zaeron into a housekeeper. "I have to admit, this place has never been cleaner." The Vortixx said, though somewhat reluctantly. Zaeron kept his silence. The Vortixx smiled suddenly. "You have passed your first test."

"Test?" Zaeron said confusedly. "Yes. You needed to be able to keep your silence through frustrating and dangerous situations. It is a skill that will undoubtedly save your life if you should be ready to go off on your own. Zaeron did not miss the if. It did nothing to improve his foul mood over the chores being a test. Though the logic did make sense. "You will have to feed the Kahgarak each day in the morning however." Zaeron wanted die.

"Tomorrow we will move on to combat skills. I would like to evaluate whether or not I should teach you more. Go now and rest. You shall need it." Zaeron inclined his head slightly and walked off to his room. What sort of torture will he have planned for tomorrow?

The Wings of Death Learn to Fly
Zaeron slept a dream filled sleep. His dreams began as nightmares. ''He saw himself running from his mentor, who held two leashes. One of which was wrapped around the neck of a Tahtorak. The other was around the tail of the Zivon. The two monsters bore down on him, fangs and claws inches from his eyes.''

The dream changed. ''A lone, tall warrior climbed up a large set of stairs. The area appeared to be a desert. Sand blew in all directions as the orange sun set in the distance. A few torches were set along the ascending staircase. The warrior was clad in black and silver armor. Zaeron could see a dagger on each side of his waist. Strapped across his back has a wicked silver sword. A sword that look disturbingly familiar.

That is my mentor's blade. Zaeron realized with a jolt. He had no doubt that the Vortixx was a legendary swordsman, else he would have stayed with Tobduk. The warrior's head turned ever so slightly to the right. A split second later he dropped to one knee as an orb of green light passed over his head. Three large brutes stepped out of shadows cast by the torches.''

''One was holding a sphere of emerald energy in his hands. The other two wielded a strange hybrid of a spear and an axe. The warrior did not move for his sword, instead, he took a single step towards the group. The three tensed, expecting a fight. The warrior did nothing. The moments that followed were long and excruciating.

The three other warriors seemed to decide to act first. One of them began to make his way toward the warrior, holding his staff out as he went. The lone warrior moved with such speed none of his three opponents had time to move.

The one who had moved towards the quick one was slain by a knee in the face. The warrior snatched the staff from him mid jump and flung it at the other staff-wielder. The weapon met its target as it flew into and through the unfortunate soul's chest. The second dead one fell back, the handle of the staff protruding from his heart stone. The warrior landed and rolled, so to avoid being struck by a sphere of green light.

The warrior jumped again, this time at the one he had impaled. He used the tip of the staff's handle as a stepping stone, allowing him to jump higher into the air. He raised his left hand and a blade popped out of the bracer he wore. He bore down on his final opponent, who died quickly as the wrist blade pierced through his right eye.''

Zaeron awoke with a start. He shook his head, as though trying to shake off disorientation. He pulled himself from his bed, minding to make as little noise as possible. He slowly and quietly made his way out of the house. He sighed as he saw that the Kahgarak was awake. He made his way towards the large basket filled with strips of roasted rahi. He grabbed three of them and tossed them towards the giant spider.

The creature messily devoured each in a second per. Zaeron made his way back to his room so he could find his sword. He could find no trace of his teacher, so he remained as quiet as he could. He made his way out to the training ring. Still seeing no one, he decided to practice the skills Tobduk had taught him.

He did so for nearly an hour before he noticed a familiar shimmer in the corner of his eye. Focusing all of his attention on that, he pointed his blade to it. "Not exactly trying are you?" He said to it. Almost in response, he felt something cold and sharp on the back of his neck. "That would depend on whether or not I was using the camouflage." He recognized the voice to belong to his mentor. Zaeron lowered his sword and turned. Behind him stood the tall, imposing Vortixx. Zaeron backed away a few steps.

"Lesson two. Use the environment to your advantage."

"How did you do so?"

"A simple steam, created by using hot rocks and a bowl of water." The Vortixx said. Zaeron looked at it, and noticed a sliver bowl a few feet beneath the shimmering steam. "Let us begin." The Vortixx said behind him. Zaeron's body reacted instinctively, and he ducked. The Vortixx's silver blade passed through air above him. Zaeron swung with his own, expecting his opponent to try and dodge. Instead, his teacher stepped forward and grabbed his sword arm and flung him off to the side. Zaeron landed against the edge of the training ring with a resounding ''crash! ''

Zaeron pulled himself up, shaking his head to rid himself of the disorientation. "I am Miolhin." The Vortixx said, walking over. "I assume you already know my name." Zaeron said, struggling to keep his voice at a monotone. "Never assume anything, though you are right." Once the Vortixx was next to him, Zaeron lashed out with his sword, aiming for Miolhin's thigh. The Vortixx stepped back and kicked at his student, his foot connecting with Zaeron's gut. Zaeron collapsed. "Here, let me help you." Miolhin said, holding out his hand. Zaeron took it.

Miolhin pulled him halfway up, then slammed his fist down on Zaeron's face. "Remember, your opponent will never fight fair." Miolhin said, bending over his collapsed apprentice. Zaeron lashed out with one hand and punched Miolhin in the side of the head. "Good advice." Zaeron said with a slight snarl, throwing calmness to the winds. Zaeron picked up his sword and charged.

Miolhin let his own blade clatter to the floor, and took two steps forward. He grabbed Zaeron's shoulder with one hand and slammed his other down on Zaeron's wrist. The black blade Zaeron wielded fell from his hands. Miolhin released his student. "You will go to the study next to your room and find the book on swordplay. Spend the rest of today studying the Combat forms and deciding which you must master. Go." Numbly, Zaeron left the ring, picking up his weapon as he went.

When he made it to the study, he realized it was more then just a study. It was an enormous library. It took him about ten minutes to find the particular book he was looking for, as the section on combat took up almost half the library. He found it quite interesting to read, learning about types of sword fighting and warriors who used them. He spent almost four hours reading it. Eventually, he settled on the forms he wished to learn, and flipped the book over to the table of contents. Most of the book was about combat styles, but one particular chapter title drew his eye. It read; The Blood Summoner.

He was about to flip over to that page, when a voice stopped him. "Don't." He looked up and saw Miolhin. "You do not want to know what that chapter contains."

"What is it?"

"Not what. Who. Trust me and do not read it." Zaeron suppressed a snort. After the days events, he was not inclined to trust anything the Vortixx said. "I was misfortunate enough to do battle with him once. I barely escaped with my life, though the effects he left upon me still carry their effect today." At that point, Zaeron saw a long, white streak that ran up one of the Vortixx's legs, up his torso, along his neck, and up and over his head.

"He must have believed me dead, else I would not be standing here." Miolhin shuddered slightly (Which spoke volumes to Zaeron) and walked out. Zaeron glanced at the chapter's name, tempted to read it anyway. Wouldn't he be more prepared knowing what it was? Wouldn't he be more ready to combat the being if he knew about it?

Then he put the book back. He wasn't going anywhere for the time being, so we would not need to know. For now.

The next day, he got up and practiced the movements of the Combat forms he had chosen to master. He was so eager to begin, he nearly forgot to feed the Kahgarak. He practiced for almost an hour when Miolhin snuck up behind him. "Be done for now. I have a new skill you need to learn." Zaeron followed the Vortixx back to the house and then into the basement. There sat a large, strange looking article of machinery.

"Dare I ask what this does?" Zaeron said carefully. "No. Step in." Zaeron bit back a sigh and stepped inside it. In a second, his vision went black, and he saw nothing. Then, he saw a group of seven Skakdi, each armed to the teeth with weapons. "Fight." Miolhin's voice said in his ear. The Skakdi charged at him, shouting savage war cries.

Zaeron's hand flew to his sword. He drew it in a single swift motion and cut through his first attacker. He then ducked under the blade of another and stabbed him through the chest. As he did that, a third skakdi came up behind him an smashed a mace into the back of his head. His vision returned to darkness and he found himself in the basement again. "You were too slow I'm afraid."

"What in Mata Nui's name was that?!"

"A combat simulator. I myself developed it. Now, here is a weapon that will make it easier to fight large groups of enemies." He held out a dagger. Zaeron took it. "Hold with an underhand grip. Remember, strike first, strike fast." Zaeron stepped back in. When he stood facing the Skakdi, their numbers had doubled. He drew his dagger and lunged into them. He quickly stabbed the first in the heart stone, felling him instantly. Then he sidestepped to another and slashed him across the throat, drenching him in scarlet blood. The remaining twelve backed away slightly. He gave them, no respite.

He lunged into their midst again, killing two and removing the left foot of a third. He then used a combination of his sword in one hand and his dagger in the other to finish off the rest. He was sucked out of the machine. "Good. You seem to excel with a knife. Spend the rest of today with this machine, fighting increasingly large waves. Once you have made it to and defeated forty nine, report to me." Zaeron jumped back into the machine, this time confronted by twenty one foes. The fight that ensued was long and tiring, though eventually, he was able to defeat the last. At thirty six foes, he was defeated quite quickly.

He continued to try to defeat thirty six, and was constantly thrown back down. It then came to him that the machine was a learning machine. It was prepared to defend against his tactics. Realizing this, he jumped in, ready to try something else. When he was confronted by the thirty six, he waited. The Skakdi foes seemed confused for a moment, then attacked him. He began to use lethal counterattacks to turn the tide of the battle. After what felt like ages, he defeated them. From that time, he used different strategies each time he entered the machine. It was late in the evening when he was able to report to Miolhin. "Ah, Zaeron, I see you have discovered how to fight large masses at a time."

"Indeed, what have you for me now?"

"You must learn how to survive against a single opponent, one with equal or more training. Climb the second highest mountain tomorrow morning. Then your next lesson will begin."

When the morning came, and Zaeron had made it to the top of the mountain, he saw a somewhat appalling sight. A large lake lay before him. It was frozen, and his master stood in the middle. "Come." Miolhin's voice rang out. Zaeron cautiously made his way out to his master. When he was a few steps away, Miolhin swung his wicked looking silver blade at Zaeron's arm. Zaeron flung himself to the ice just in time. Zaeron instantly had his hand on his sword. "I lied when I told you about your next lesson. This is the new one; be ready for anything." Zaeron drew his sword.

"Keep your footing. A fall can mean one of two things." Miolhin said. Even has he said it, The ice Zaeron stood upon began to feel slippery under his feet. He would have to be careful about where he stood, and defend himself from his now attacking master. He raised his sword and was barely able to block an overhand strike. ''His strength is incredible. How long has he been doing this?'' Zaeron thought.

Miolhin continued to attack him. Zaeron was forced to resort to dodging instead of blocking. He would often slip on the ice, and would nearly be struck by Miolhin's blade. Then he thought of what would happen if he used a fall to his advantage. He waited for Miolhin to strike, then flung himself at the ice. He slid into his master's shins and caused him trip. Zaeron rolled to his feet and pointed his sword at Miolhin. "I win."

"No you haven't." Miolhin rolled in a circle, smashing Zaeron's legs out from under him. Miohin placed one foot on Zaeron's chest. "A fall can be either your saving grace, or your death." He backed away. "It was death today. You will come up here once a week until you know you can balance yourself properly." Zaeron spent the rest of the day practicing on the ice. He's building me a schedule. He realized.

Once he was finished. He practiced with the combat simulator for a time. Then he found some food and went to sleep. The next day, he was summoned to the bottom edge of the highest mountain. "What am I to do here?" He asked. "Look closely. What do you see?" Zaeron scanned the mountain. It did not take him long to see what he was supposed to look for. "Handholds."

"Very good. Meet me at the top." Miolhin ran at the mountain and began to climb. "You've got to be kidding me." Zaeron muttered and followed. Climbing, he discovered, came to him as naturally as using a sword. Every now and then he would almost slip, though he learned and recovered quickly. It took him a great deal of time to get to the top, though he made it before the day was out. When at the top, he realized how exhausted he was. "Good. Now, you must learn how to...." He paused, as though unsure of how to describe it. "Run-climb." He settled on.

He took Zaeron to the other side of the peak, where there was a set of wooden boards that circled down the side of the mountain. "Do this once a day as well." Miolhin began to leap from plank to plank, much faster then climbing. "Glorious." Zaeron muttered sarcastically. He began to imitate Miolhin's movements, and found it easier then climbing, as his arms would not grow tired. He made it down in under a half hour, though he went straight to bed afterwards.

For another seven days, Miolhin instructed new skills to be learned. Blending in with surroundings was first. Zaeron found this skill easier, as he had often hidden while spying on members of the order leaving on missions. Then came mastery of his elemental power over Shadow. Shadow proved to be a difficult element to master, as he often released to much at once and exhausted him.

He then learned disarms in combat, as well as throwing knife skills. On the third say, he was given a strange bracer for his left arm. "What is this device?" Zaeron asked. "Flick your wrist slightly. Watch your fingers. As Zaeron did so and watched, a blade slid out. He felt it with his right hand. The metal was not any metal he knew of. It was harder, and likely stronger, then protosteel. "This is the tool of the assassin. This weapon will never leave you. It is the device that shall keep you alive when now other weapon is in reach." Miolhin told him and flicked his own left wrist. A blade sprung out.

"You must blend in with the crowd to use it properly. Though there are different techniques as to using it." He took Zaeron to the practice ring. There were five dummies, each standing next o something. One was next to a curtained window, one on the roof of the house, two near a door, and one in the middle of the ring. "The blade can also be used in combat. It is strong enough to block a sword strike."

"What about an axe?"

"Use your sword."

"What if I'm cornered on the edge of a cliff, I have no weapon but this, and there's a deranged axe-man running at me?"

"Jump off the cliff. It'll be quicker." Zaeron hid a slight grin. He spent that day practicing with his new blade. He found it was the easiest weapon to learn to use. He could string it together with either his sword or knife in combat, or use it as a stand alone weapon, provided he was quick enough. As he practiced with it, his endurance to falls improved, as he was required to leap from the roof of the house onto one of the dummies to "kill" it. After he had learned how to use it, life took on a machine style again. Each day, he would get up, eat, feed the Kahgarak, then spend an hour training each of his skills. He did this each day for almost forty two years.

Revelation
Forty two years later, one would not have recognized Zaeron from the beginning of his training. He was more muscular, was taller still, and wore entirely different armor. His lime green eyes had mysteriously turned black, so nothing set out in his silver and black armor. Each day he practiced each of the skills Miolhin taught to him, and he had perfected each. He was still a young being, but he had the skill of a far older and wiser warrior.

One day, he got up and practiced each of the skills. Then reported to his master. "You are nearing the end of your training, Zaeron." Miolhin said. "What would have taken another centuries has taken you only forty-two years. I am impressed." Zaeron inclined his head slightly. Acting normally, though inside, he felt something was off. "Do as you wish for the rest of today. I have a matter I must attend to."

"May I ask what the matter pertains?"

"No. You may not." Miolhin said, not taking time to explain any further, as he normally would have done. Zaeron bowed slightly and left the room. He waited for a few minutes around a corner in the hall until Miolhin left the room. The Vortixx left the house, unaware of the fact his apprentice was following him. My skills of silence must have improved. Zaeron reflected as he followed the Vortixx. Miolhin walked across the island and stopped on the beach. Zaeron wondered if he was simply depressed and wanted to be alone, then he saw the tall, hulking figure Miolhin walked up to.

He wore Red and Black armor, and was carrying a spear. Zaeron instantly knew something was wrong. No other being was allowed on the island while he trained. He hid inside a small bush and listened in. His hearing, having been honed greatly through his training, picked up the Conversation. "When will you transport him to Destral?" The being sounded impatient. "In three days time his escorts will come to pick him up. Then I will kill them and bring him to your island." Atraks and Aator. Zaeron realized. "We need him soon. He can be of great use to us."

"Why? You already have Serrakaan. You do not need him."

"When the plan comes into action, his role will be clear."

"Alright. He will be ready for brainwashing when I drop him off. Be patient, Veartax." The hulking figure nodded and was suddenly gone. ''Miolhin's a traitor. He's been training me for another group!'' Zaeron thought angrily. For a moment, he considered confronting Miolhin, then thought; ''I'm tired now, I'll rest through the night. Then, I will kill him tomorrow.'' He watched Miolhin return to the house, then went up to some light forestry and wrapped his light cloak around his chest. He curled into a slight ball and rested his head against a tree. He sighed, contemplating Miolhin's motives.

''Perhaps they paid him off. Maybe it's blackmail. or maybe he believes whatever cause he truly serves is righteous.''

These thoughts troubled Zaeron. Could he really kill someone for what they believed in? More importantly, Could he kill at all? ''I must. The Order must remain a secret. Even if he has not divulged the existence of the Order, he may still.'' He mused. That, and he intends to kill Aator and Atraks. He pushed the thoughts out of his head, closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

The next morning, Zaeron awoke, for a moment, he wondered what he was doing in the forest. Then, he remembered the events of the previous night and was consumed with a determination to put an end to his master's treachery. He strapped his sword to his back, his dagger to his hip, and his hidden knife to is wrist. He shook off all drowsiness and stood up. He walked down to the house, where he saw his master standing in the training ring. "You are late." Miohin said curtly.

"I had to...contemplate something."

"You could have quite easily contemplated something in this building."

"Perhaps it was a matter of trust."

"You do not trust me with your troubles?" Zaeron took a deep breath.

"After the events of last night, I can trust you with nothing." Miolhin looked at him. He stared at him for a few seconds, then sighed. It was a long, worn out sigh. "You followed me then." It was not a question. Zaeron did not answer. "Then you know of my plans to tun you over to Veartax for a new mission."

"Did you tell him about the order?" Zaeron cut in. Miolhin sighed. "No. I had hoped that Helryx would believe you died in an accident, and send me another apprentice to assist you in your mission for the...." He stopped himself. "As you know of this plan, I suppose I will have to make you really die."

"I won't let that happen." Zaeron's hand moved to his sword. Miolhin lunged forward with such speed the duel may have ended then and there, were it not for Zaeron's left bracer, which he used to deflect the blade aside, and then draw his own blade. Miolhin continued the attack, forcing Zaeron to go on the defensive. Miolhin's attacks were so swift, Zaeron had no opportunity to counter them. All he could do then was block and dodge. Miolhin forced him to the edge of the forest. Zaeron took advantage of the trees and flung himself behind one.

Miolhin's sword cut right through it, but it gave Zaeron the opportunity to attack himself. He swung his sword in an overhead arc, trying to cleave Miolhin from shoulder to hip. Miolhin stepped to the side and flicked his sword at Zaeron's side. Zaeron jumped back and attacked. He flicked his wrist downward in an attempt to cut out the Vortixx's legs. Miolhin leapt over the blade and sliced at Zaeron's throat.

The latter allowed himself to fall back. When he landed, he rolled backwards onto his feet. He raised his sword to block an attack from Miolhin. The force of the attack jarred through Zaeron's arm. He winced, though was still able to kick out at Miolhin. That proved to be a mistake, as kicking through the Vortixx's armor was like trying to kick through a protosteel wall.

Miolhin grabbed his foot and flung him into a tree. He heard a loud snap and at first thought it was his back, the realized that the tree had snapped with the force of the throw. He flipped himself backwards and landed on his feet, ignoring his back screaming at him in protest. Miolhin pressed the assault. Zaeron blocked a few more sword strikes and then, to his terror, his sword snapped under the weight of one of the strikes.

He backed away, dodging attacks from Miolhin as he went. Zaeron then realized he was backing into the climb-run course on the mountain. Thinking rapidly, he ducked under another attack and drew his dagger. When he backed into the cliff, he grabbed one of the planks, lifted himself up, and kicked Miolhin full in the face. Miolhin stumbled back, cursing. Zaeron pulled himself up onto it and began climbing up and around the cliff, fully conscious that Miolhin was following him. I'm no match for him up close, so what should- His thoughts were cut short as Miolhin's hand wrapped around his ankle.

Miolhin pulled him down off of the plank he stood on, and sent him plummeting towards the earth. Spotting a handhold, he grabbed out at it. His eyes widened with agony as his shoulder dislocated. Despite the pain, he was able to one-handedly pull himself up. He used the handhold to jump onto one of the planks. He grabbed his left shoulder and popped it back in. Barely restraining a howl of pain, he continued to clamber up the side of the mountain.

Praying that Miolhin believed him dead, Zaeron leaped from plank to plank. When he made it to the peak, he found no one atop the mountain. He kept a firm grip on his dagger and glanced around. For nearly five minutes, nothing happened. He turned to see if his master may have descended down the mountain. As he looked over the edge, his keen hearing heard a devilish buzz in the air.

He flung himself to the ground as a knife flew over his head. The blade fell to earth as Zaeron raised his dagger in a defensive position. Miolhin jumped from a shadow, holding his sword aloft in his right hand, a dagger in the left. Zaeron flung himself forward. Miolhin raised his sword to stab his former pupil. Zaeron rolled at the last second, which was a second to late. The razor sword cut through the armor on his shoulder and drew blood.

Miolhin did not escape the encounter unscathed. The Vortixx glanced down and saw Zaeron holding his dagger, which was plunged hilt deep into Miolhin's right thigh. Using his left leg, he kicked his apprentice away. Zaeron landed heavily on his wounded shoulder, causing him to release a cry of pain. Miolhin pulled the dagger out and flung it at Zaeron. The latter caught it in midair by the tip of the blade and threw it back.

Miolhin didn't see the move coming, and and tried to dodge a nanosecond too late. The blade pierced his elbow joint and exited out the other side, rendering his sword arm useless. Miolhin drew his hidden blade and ran forward, despite the agony he felt in his leg. Zaeron grabbed his left arm with both hands, stopping the blade a very short distance from his right eye. Miolhin's strength was overwhelming, and it was merely with a single hand!

It was all Zaeron could do to keep from becoming food for the Kahgarak. Almost by accident, he noticed Miolhin's sword lying only a few feet away! In his mind's eye, he saw the ground behind them was not rock, it was a bush. Mata Nui, thank you for my memory. He thought. He slowly lowered his head, just so that the blade would go over him, the pulled. Miolhin was caught off balance and stumbled forward.

Zaeron dived between his legs and grabbed his opponent's sword. It was surprisingly light, for a blade of it's appearance. He jumped at Miolhin, who had pulled his arm from the shrubbery, and struck. Miolhin's hidden blade cracked in half under the weight and strength of the blow.

Miolhin glanced at his shattered weapon for less then a second. Then, he grabbed Zaeron and flung him off the edge of the mountain. The Vortixx let out a small sigh of relief and sadness. Zaeron, however, was not finished. He had grabbed ahold of a couple handholds that he had practiced climbing with. He released his own hidden blade and stabbed upward. The blade entered the small of Miolhin's back, piercing through the Vortixx's armor and exiting, ever so slightly, out Miolhin's stomach. Blood seeped from the wound and dripped onto Zaeron's hand.

The young assassin hauled himself up and ducked under a punch from Miolhin, swung around him, and kicked him with all of his strength. The blow jarred up his legs and caused him to fall to his knees. But, it was sufficient to cause the Vortixx to fall from the mountain. Zaeron withdrew his hidden blade and picked up Miolhin's silver sword. It felt right in his hand, more so then the blade his former master had broken. He strapped it to his back and picked up his dagger, which Miolhin had pulled from his arm, and sheathed it at his waist. He wiped his left hand off on the bush, staining the plant scarlet.

Then, he began the slow descent down the mountain. He felt as though a weight was suddenly lifted off his shoulders. ''I can go back to the order now. Now I can fight.'' He thought with some pleasure. When he made it down the mountain, he saw Miolhin's mangled body. He sighed sadly. He crouched down next the corpse. "Oh, you poor soul. For whatever reason you sided wrongly, I am truly sorry for what I had to do." He leaned forward to shut the Vortixx's eyes, when he realized, to his shock, that the eyes were watching him.

Miolhin silently pleaded for his old apprentice to end his suffering. It then came to Zaeron what unimaginable pain Miolhin must have been in. For a moment, he was tempted to stand up and leave. That would make me no better then his traitorous self. He thought and drew the hidden blade and gently, but firmly, pressed it into the dying being's heart. Now I have killed one. He thought.

Worst Reunion Ever
"Hmm.....Well, I'm rather stunned that Miolhin was a traitor. You did good work killing him." The Hologram of Helryx said. Zaeron stood in Miolhin's office, where a hologram projector lay. He was rather surprised to find it, as Miolhin had elected to meet Veartax in person. He nodded. "How shall I get off the island?"

"I'm sending Atraks and Aator two days early. They should be there within a few hours." Zaeron nodded and the transmission ended. He departed the building. He walked over to the training ring, where he grabbed one of the torches that normally lit the ring. He flung it at the house, which slowly began to burn. He turned to look at the Kahgarak, which watched the flaming building with slight interest. He moved over to the large spider, which turned to look at him. "You're free. Go. Do as you will." The creature understood, and turned tail and stalked off. Zaeron never saw it again.

Zaeron began a slow walk to the beach, taking in what was his last few hours on the island that was his home for nearly half a century. He sighed, a light wave of regret washing over him. Soon it was replaced by anticipation. ''No more training. From now on, it's real. If I make the wrong mistake I die.'' he told himself as he made it to the beach.

Instantly he saw the same boat that had dropped him off forty two years ago. It was the same distance away, so he knew he would have to swim out again. He slowly waded out to neck level and bean to swim. As his strength had improved greatly since the last time he had seen the ship, he was there far quicker than the last time. Atraks leaned down and pulled him back up.

"Mata Nui you're heavy." He said with a grunt of effort. Zaeron shook himself off once he'd made it to his feet. "Perhaps it's the armor." He said as he wrung out his cloak. Looking back, it was probably due to his increase in strength that he did not notice how much the armor must have weighed. He looked up to see Aator in the wheelhouse.

"So what's I miss?" He called up. "The same thing that happened when you were around." Zaeron assumed he meant a rare new member of the order and a few secret operations. "How soon until we make it back?"

"Maybe four hours, there hasn't been much weather issues recently, so I think we can afford to relax for now." Aator answered and began to pilot the boat away. Zaeron took a wistful last look at the island, then headed into the cabin, where he settled himself into a chair and fell asleep.

Torment. Torment was what his dreams brought him. He continually relived his duel with Miolhin, and killing him. He saw the Vortixx's dying expression again and again. His mentor's blood covering his hand. Then a loud bang brought him from his nightmares. He woke to the sound of explosions and yelling. Instantly awake, Zaeron drew his sword and ran out to the deck.

A group of Skakdi stood engaged in combat with Atraks. "Zaeron! Keep them away from the wheelhouse!" Aator's voice sounded. He looked up and saw the Kohrak-Kal armor fling a Skakdi out the wheelhouse window and into the sea. A few of the Skakdi noticed him, and charged in his direction. He ducked under the first one's blade and slashed at his stomach. His sword was instantly covered in blood as the Skakdi fell, clutching at his stomach in a vain attempt to stanch the flow of blood.

The others began to form a circle around him. His mind quickly focused on them. One charged at him, brandishing a large battle axe. He jumped around the warrior and stabbed backward. His blade struck something, so he reflexively pulled forward and cut through a second as it charged him. He turned to see that six of the warriors remained. He quickly sheathed the weapon and picked up the axe. Using both hands, he threw it between two of them and struck one of the Skakdi attacking Atraks. Not giving his own opponents and opening, he grabbed his dagger and jumped towards one.

He leaned backward to avoid his sword strike and stabbed him through the back of the neck, killing him instantly. Using the body as a shield, he blocked another's mace strike and stabbed forward, the dagger piercing through it's right eye and into it's brain. It writhed in the agony of death for a few seconds and began twitching. Zaeron yanked out the dagger and flipped in his hand. Catching it by the tip, he threw it at another and drew his sword. All this happened in the span of ten seconds.

The remaining three Skakdi eyed him cautiously. An unusual trait for a Skakdi. Zaeron thought and lunged forward. Before the first could react, Zaeron slashed him across the neck, spun, and stabbed him through the chest. The next, who wielded two blades, tried to go for an overhand attack. Zaeron blocked it, blocked another, then used his hidden blade to stab up through the Skakdi's chin and out through the top of his head.

Withdrawing the blade, he kicked the corpse into the final Skakdi, and sent them both tumbling off the edge. He turned and saw Atraks use one of of his blades to finish off his final attacker. Zaeron moved over to the Skakdi whom he had killed with his thrown dagger. He picked it out and flipped the blood off the blade.

"Who are they?" He asked, inspecting the body. "I'm guessing Skakdi pirates." Aator called down, and Zaeron noticed him pointing. He followed Aator's gaze and saw a group of three boats, each of which boasted a large group of Skakdi, all of which were bellowing war cries.

"Can this thing handle being run into?" Zaeron asked Atraks, who shrugged. "well, we're about to find out." Zaeron said and sprinted up to the wheelhouse. Atraks turned to see each of the three boats was advancing on them. He then jumped when he heard Aator's voice beside him. "Do you think he can drive this?"

"What?" Atraks responded, then felt his gut churn as the boat accelerated greatly. The two Order members soon realized that Zaeron was trying to ram one of the pirate vessels. "Is he insane!?" Aator bellowed. They soon settled on yes, as when the boat collided with the head pirate ship, the momentum flung Zaeron out of the wheelhouse, and into a throng of pirates on their foes' boat. The assassin rolled as he landed and cut down two before getting up.

Atraks quickly jumped onto the pirate's vessel, where he used his MAC cannon to blow one away while using his blade to slash open the throat of another. Aator was about to follow when the second and third pirate ships fell in to the sides of the Order members' boat. He elected to stay, and quickly began to fight boarders.

The Captain of the group of ships watched, a little stunned, as the three warriors continually cut his men to pieces. The two aboard his ship completely outmatched his men. Their training must have been of an entirely different caliber. He drew his massive axe and jumped down to join the fight. He charged at the one with the silver mask shouting a savage war cry. He caught the warrior, who turned out to be a Toa, off guard, and was able to strike a glancing blow to his side. The Toa's armor deflected the blow, but he was still winded by the attack.

He struck again, but this time the warrior was able to parry the strike. The Toa attempted to shoot him with the cannon on his arm, but the Captain stepped aside, and the blast killed one of his men. He struck once more, and the Toa collapsed under the weight of the attack. The axe blade slashed open his right arm. The Skakdi cried out triumphantly, and raised is axe for the killing blow.

Just as he was about to let the blade fall, a demonic buzz filled his ears, and a dagger blade cut open the tendons in his wrist. He whirled around to see that the remainder of his men lay dead or dying, and the other warrior was charging him, covered in their blood. Luckily for him, his dominant hand was still of use to him, and he flung his axe at the warrior. Instead of dying, his new opponent caught it by the shaft and threw it back.

The Skakdi captain ducked under it and picked up one of his men's swords and raised it to block the warriors sword strike. His enemy didn't bother with another attack, and flicked his left wrist while moving to hit the captain in the stomach. A stabbing pain went through the captain and he realized that his foe had some sort of dagger attached to his arm. He looked down to see the red that blossomed through his armor. Then, another wound was inflicted across his back, as the Toa stabbed him in the back. Both warriors then swung their blades at his neck, and he knew no more.

Zaeron looked at Atraks, who was nursing his wounded arm. "Worst reunion ever, eh? Zaeron joked. To him, everyone could use some positivity when their arm had been slashed open. A few screams coming from their own boat indicated that Aator was busy with the other ships. "See if there's anything in their hull to treat that." Zaeron ordered Atraks.

Technically, Atraks outranked him, but as Zaeron was uninjured in the fighting, he was superior. Zaeron quickly jumped over to the other boat, sword in hand. He landed on one's back and stabbed downward, the blade entering the Skakdi's neck and destroying his spine. He looked onward to see that in the battle on the boat, Aator seemed to be fighting two groups, both of which were fighting each other.

"Any day now, Zaeron!" Aator yelled while cutting one of the new group, which was an extremely hideous creature, in half. A few of the new creatures spotted Zaeron, and charged him. Zaeron quickly cut them down and flung himself into the throng of warriors killing one another. It was a short skirmish, and ended with a large pile of dead bodies being dumped into the sea by Zaeron and Aator, while Atraks, who had found a medical kit, began treating his arm.

"What were those creatures?" Zaeron asked. "Zyglak. The Great Being's worst mistake." Atraks said simply. That was all Zaeron needed to know, so he kept his silence for the remainder of the trip. When they were a single kio away from Daxia, they stopped the boat. "You have to swim from here." Atraks said. Zaeron rolled his eyes and dived into the ocean. Being underwater, he didn't hear Atraks' cry of "I was kidding!"

As he swam through the water, he felt something was very off. It almost felt as though the water was alive. Alive and observing him. The thought of the ocean being sentient made Zaeron's gut churn, and he increased his speed. It was not long before he made it to the shore. He clambered up onto one of the docks. "Hello there." A voice said loudly. Zaeron turned and saw his first teacher Tobduk standing on the dock. "Tobduk." Zaeron greeted and inclined his head slightly. "I see Helryx has yet to send you into field duties. Again."

His old mentor grinned. "Well, I suppose I just enjoy teaching to much. Come, Helryx wants to speak with you."

"Alright. Maybe she can dry me off." Zaeron said, actually hoping he wasn't getting a mission right off the bat, he could have used some rest. As the two walked, he was greeted by a few members he had met briefly in his earlier ears. it wasn't long before he met Hydraxon, who said. "I see you've lost my sword. I guess you'll have to make me a new one." Zaeron eventually realized he was being serious, but let it slide for the time being. When he was near Helryx's office-quarters, a Toa he had never met before greeted him. "Are you Zaeron?" He asked. "Yes." Zaeron responded, wondering who this was. "I am Relyt. I joined about a year after you left."

"Relyt here is making quite a name for himself. Helryx has already made him an advisor to her." Tobduk said. Zaeron looked at the young Toa, surprised. "would you like me to dry you off?" The Toa said, and raised his hand. Zaeron's first thought was a rather terrifying image he'd have to get a Toa of Psionics to erase, but Relyt simpy raised his hand, and for a brief second, Zaeron was bathed in a very bright light. He was dry instantly. "Thank you." he said. "Well, I've kept you here enough, you should go speak to yo-Helryx." Zaeron wondered what the stutter meant, though pushed it out of his mind for then.

Time of Rest, Time of Learning, Time of Guns
Zaeron entered Helryx's quarters, where he found Helryx sitting at a desk. The ancient Toa of water looked up and saw the young assassin. Her eyes seemed softer then normal. "Ah, Zaeron. I trust you are well." He shrugged. "I killed my mentor, and then slaughtered a total of twenty-six Skakdi and fifteen Zyglak. I then had a rather disturbing image accidentally imprinted on my mind. Aside from that, life's fabulous." Helryx let through a small smile.

"For now, you should spend some time resting from your ordeals. Take two weeks to re-familiarize yourself with the base then I have a mission for you." Zaeron nodded and left the room. He headed to his old quarters, which had been saved for him. He hung his sword on a hook attached to the wall then placed his dagger on his bed. He left his hidden blade bracer on, which had practically become a part of him during his training. He removed his left shoulder armor and inspected the wound inflicted by Miolhin, which he had managed to ignore until he'd returned to Daxia.

The wound wasn't as bad as he'd first thought, but it still needed treating. He reattached the armor and headed out to the armory, which also had several assorted disguises. He rooted in the old, unused ones and tore out a long strip of fabric from a tattered cloak. He returned to his quarters and cleaned it with the provided water tap. he then used the strap to dress it. It'll heal in two week's time. He thought.

Zaeron left his quarters and began a slow walk through the base. A heavy wave of nostalgia washed over him as he saw the training ring that Tobduk had instructed him in. The base had been incredibly upgraded since he had left. The weaponry was more advanced, and he was stopped by a voice recognition device on two occasions. When he had completely his self-guided tour, he headed to the mess, where he was greeted by the food distributor, who hadn't changed at all since Zaeron last saw him. He gave Zaeron a meal and the latter sat down at a table and ate in silence.

He didn't recognize a few people who ate, though he noticed a Toa of Psionics on her own in a corner. ''What's her name again? Famiiya, wasn't it?" Looking around an seeing, to his slight dismay, that nearly everyone other then her was with someone else. Finishing his meal, he got up and walked over to her. I'm not interested. A female voice rang through his mind. Remembering she was a Toa of Psionics, he thought; Neither am I. She looked up at him, then spoke aloud. "Rather surprising." She said simply. "Why are you alone?" Zaeron asked.

"Why do you care?" She responded coldly. He sighed. "I won't be around very often, so I'll be alone most of my life. I don't want to see anyone who has an opportunity at having a friend sit on their own in a corner." He said simply. She gave him a look that was a mixture of confused and irked. Then it was her turn to sigh. "A new member chased me. he's still in the medical bay." She said in a tired voice.

"Ah." Mata Nui, how do I respond to that? "Well, if you wanted to be alone, he should have seen that, and no one can blame you for it." She kept a straight face, though she blinked more frequently. "I'm impressed, with you, Zaeron."

"I don't remember telling you my name."

"You don't have to." She said and tapped the side of her head. "Well, it's good to know some of you are not all womanizers." She said and walked away. Will of the great spirit, what was that guy thinking? Any who made a Toa of Psionics angry could expect mind damage for at least a year. He then elected to return to his quarters, and found Relyt waiting outside.

"I see you've met Famiiya."

"Yes, what happened to the being who chased after her?" Relyt shuddered. "We're still trying to put his mind back together."

"I do hope you don't mean that literally." Relyt grinned. "Oh, I don't." Relyt paused, then looked over his shoulder. "If you want to learn any medical skills, meet me tomorrow at the beach on the northern side of the island. You'll probably need them on your missions eventually." Zaeron nodded. As Relyt turned to walk away, Zaeron stopped him. "Why the secrecy?"

"I have orders to let you rest for your short stay here. Although, it wouldn't surprise me if she wanted me to disobey." Zaeron knew "She" was Helryx. He nodded again and walked into his quarters.

The next day, Zaeron awoke and almost thought he was dreaming. Then, he remembered that he had returned to Daxia. He stood up and left is quarters, recalling the conversation between him and Relyt the previous day. It didn't take him long to sprint to the beach Relyt had specified. Relyt stood knee deep in the sea water. "Good, you came."

"You thought I wouldn't?"

"Actually, I thought you'd try to sleep again." Zaeron rolled his eyes. "So, what do I learn first?"

Zaeron spent that day learning how to treat everything from a sword slice to a shotgun blast. He also learned how to revive a drowning being among other things. He returned to his quarters and reflected on what he would have done with these new skills while he trained under Miolhin. He certainly would have tried to heal one nasty sword strike inflicted by Miolhin in a training accident that he still had the scar from. Maybe he would have even tried to heal the Vortixx after their dreadful duel. ''No. That's your guilty conscience speaking. You can't have that interfere with the work you do.'' He told himself.

He spent the next day sparring with Tobduk (Who had had to ask for special permission from Helryx, who had reluctantly agreed). Tobduk's skills had grown extensively, but so had Zaeron. After a long mock duel, Zaeron was eventually able to disarm his first (and favorite) teacher. "You've gotten stronger, Zaeron, m'boy."

"That I have. So have you, old man."

"Hey, I'm not that old." Zaeron grinned. They were interrupted by the appearance of Helryx. "Well, Zaeron, as you've spectacularly failed at relaxing, I have something you can do for us." Zaeron felt an involuntary wave of relief wash over him. "What can I do?"

"One of our scientists, Mersery, has invented a new type of firearm, I'd like it if you could test it with him." Zaeron nodded. "Where can I find him?"

"He'll be waiting for you at the firing range." Zaeron nodded and departed. Having never been to the firing range, he had to ask a member he'd never met before where to find it. It took a few minutes afterwards to get there. When he reached it, a lone, tall, silver warrior stood waiting. "You must be Mersery." Zaeron said as he approached. "And you must be Zaeron." He responded. The Mersion was about a half foot taller then Zaeron, so the latter had to look up into his eyes. "Something tells me you'll enjoy testing this. He said and pulled out a small tube with a trigger mechanism at the end. "This is a gun?" Zaeron asked incredulously. How could a gun be so small?

"Indeed. Please, hold out your left arm." A little hesitantly, Zaeron did as instructed. Mersery pressed the small weapon against Zaeron's bracer, just beneath the hidden blade. "You know, that blade is an ingenious invention, maybe I'll replicate it someday." Mersery mused, to which Zaeron merely shrugged. He then pressed one of the two buttons on it, and the weapon was sealed to the bracer. "It's magnetically attached. Be sure your hand is clear of where it goes, or you'll lose it." Mersery said seriously. Zaeron nodded. "and the other button is to shoot it, yes?"

"Correct. Aim at one of the targets and fire. There's six shots inside." Zaeron aimed and fired. The recoil shuddered up his arm like he'd just parried a sword strike. However, he smiled at the effect it had on the target. A large hole was opened in the center. The next four shots went similarly, but when he fired the sixth, he wished he'd hadn't. The gun shattered, and he found himself flying through the air with the force of the blast that ensued.

Mersery rushed over, terrified the blast may have killed him. But when he found the young assassin, flat on his back, he was laughing. Once Zaeron's hearing cleared he said, still laughing; "You're right, I did enjoy testing it!" A tidal wave of relief crushed Mersery, who helped him up. "You going to rebuild it?" Zaeron asked while picking a piece of shrapnel out of his thigh.

"Yes, I'll have to use a stronger metal, though. I don't want you being blown to bits by your own weapon."

"I can see that would be humiliating." Zaeron joked. Mersery smiled. "If you like, you can come and help me build it. As you're the one who fired it first, I'll need your input." Zaeron tilted his head to one side. "Who's going to get it?"

"What do you mean?"

"What will we do with it? Will it go into mass production?" Mersery shrugged. "I believe it's up to Helryx. Well, I'll need you early tomorrow if you're going to help me build a new one. Meet me in the labs."

"So, will it blow up this time?" Zaeron asked. He'd done as instructed, but had made it before Mersery had. "Well, so long as you don't mix up the magnetic metal and the metal used as the barrel, you won''t be trying to reattach your arm." He said simply. About ten minutes later, Zaeron was holding the barrel for the new gun. "What's it made of?"

"A mixture of protosteel and Iron donated by one of our Toa of that." Having no idea what he meant, Zaeron opted to keep his mouth shut. "Now, hold it out, both hands." Mersery told him. Zaeron did so. Mersery took the trigger mechanism and slowly moved it towards the barrel. Zaeron instantly understood why he'd need both hands, as the magnetic pull was beginning to take place. For about five seconds Mersery continued to move forward, then said loudly; "Drop it!" Zaeron reflexively let it go, and the barrel snapped forward and stuck itself to the trigger mechanism.

"Good! Now, I'll have to do the finishing touches myself, I'll be sure to let you know how it goes." Zaeron looked at the gun for a few moments, wondering how it could help him specifically, then stopped his musing, nodded, and left.

For the next ten days, Zaeron, though he was shamed to admit it, was bored. He found that when he wasn't doing something helpful, he was totally useless. Their was something about going through life-threatening situations daily that made him feel alive. At the end of the tenth day, he heard Famiiya's voice say loudly in his head; ''Zaeron! Get down to the port, now!'' He didn't know what was going on, though something in her voice put him at instant alert. He grabbed his sword and dagger from his quarters, wishing Mersery could hurry with the gun, as he needed the blade bracer to attach the firearm.

When he made it to the port, he saw, to his terror, a heavily wounded Tobduk being helped across the pier by two members. "What happened?" He asked one of them. "No idea!" The member responded. A curse behind him told him Helryx had made it to the pier. "I sent him on a mission to assassinate a Skakdi warlord on Destral."

"That should have been easy for him, what went wrong?" Zaeron asked. She looked a little thoughtful, then said. "This particular warlord has been more trouble of Zakaz then others. He must have swayed many to his side." She continued to ponder for a few minutes. Minutes that during which, Zaeron wanted to steal one of the order's boats and go take the mission himself. Helryx sighed.

"I can see it in your eyes. Prepare yourself, Zaeron. You've got your first mission."

First of Uncountable
Two days later, Zaeron lay inside an elongated tube. It was a submarine designed to take him to Zakaz. He shifted uncomfortably inside the machine. He was loath to have left his hidden blade behind, but Mersery had still needed it to finish off the gun. How long is this going to take? He thought impatiently. He was obliged, unfortunately, to wait three hours. At the end of which, the tube floated to the surface.

The tube opened up, and Zaeron sprang out. He found himself waist deep in water, the beach shores a short distance away. He quickly made his way to the shore, and then into the ruined forest. It was only a short time before a yelp of pain nearly made him jump into a tree. He turned and saw the silhouettes of three Skakdi warriors stabbing something on the ground. Zaeron quietly crept closer. Despite Miolhin's betrayal, the skills he taught him were true enough, so he still used them. With a jolt, he realized that what they were stabbing their pikes into was another Skakdi.

"That's what this one gets for betraying the boss. Let's hope no others follow him, this is the third one this week." Zaeron looked at the end of one of the pikes, and saw that there was a flag on the end. As the Skakdi stood to walk away, Zaeron realized that the flag held the crest of his target. These soldiers work for him. Zaeron thought. He glanced at the dead one's horribly mangled body, and moved over to it. He shut the dead being's eyes and turned to follow the warriors who had killed their former counterpart.

He followed them across the island. The trip, on foot, took two days. Zaeron didn't sleep for either, as the Skakdi didn't as well. On the way, they passed a destroyed city a herd of Tahtorak, and an extremely large pile of corpses. Zaeron steeled himself against the terrible sights and continued to follow the Skakdi. At last, they made it to what looked like it had been a fortress. Now, it was simply a bunch of bricks with spears poking out.

Zaeron waited for the squad to pass through what was left of what he guessed was gate. He observed that their were two guards standing outside the gate, and he could see another four inside. ''There's more for certain. I'll have to improvise.'' He thought and crouched into a small ball, then, he vaulted himself towards one of the guards outside. Before the guard had time to yell out, Zaeron's knee struck him in the face, breaking his neck. Zaeron kept moving and tackled the second guard. The Skakdi's strength and brute force was no match for Zaeron's speed. Zaeron was soon able to wrench the Skakdi's spear from him and stab him through the mouth, nailing him to the wall.

Zaeron scaled the wall on one side of the gate, after a brief encounter with a guard he hadn't noticed, slowly crouch-walked the length of the wall. When he made it to the end, he glanced over the top of the wall. At the bottom, was a tall pole with a Skakdi tied to it. One particularly tall Skakdi stood with a large hammer in his right hand. "So, you believe you could do a better job leading my army, hmm?" The tall one said.

The Skakdi tied to the pole, admirably defiant, spat in the tall one's face. Zaeron realized with a jolt that the tall one was his target. Enraged, the Skakdi leader raised his hammer and smashed it against his prisoner's head. A sickening crack sounded and the Skakdi was still. His target turned to see a few guards watching. Zaeron recognized them as the group he had followed in.

"I want two of you to wait outside my quarters. Keep an eye out for this wretched assassin." The tall one and two of the group left, leaving another three to look at the ruined head. They know I'm here. Zaeron thought. Drawing his dagger, he leapt from the wall and landed feet first on the shoulders of one of the guards. He stabbed into the skull of the one in front of him as the first collapsed beneath him.

Wrenching the dagger from the Skakdi's head, he aimed and threw it into the kneecap of the last. He pounced on the wounded one. "How does he know I'm here? Speak!" He said in a quiet but menacing tone. The Skakdi, stubborn to the end, grabbed Zaeron's hand and bit into it. Suppressing a shout of pain, Zaeron used his other hand to smash the skull of his stubborn prisoner.

Zaeron tore the dagger out of the Skakdi's leg and moved in the direction his target had went. His keen eyesight noticed a tripwire in front of the lone Skakdi guard outside. Recognizing him as one of the guards that had been assigned to protect their leader, Zaeron knew that his target was inside the building. Dagger in hand, Zaeron sprang out into the open and vaulted over the tripwire.

The Skakdi raised his pike, but Zaeron was able to dodge it by pulling his legs up into his chest. He landed behind the Skakdi and kicked him into the tripwire. The Skakdi writhed in pain for a few seconds and was still. As he died, Zaeron saw a slight electrical run through the tripwire. How did he Skakdi get suck advanced technology, and more importantly, who's giving it to them? He thought grimly.

He opened the door and slipped in. In front of him were a pair of extremely sleepy Skakdi. He hid in a shadow. Normally, this wouldn't have done much to hide someone, but Zaeron used his powers over the shadow to keep himself hidden.

"Why are we stuck guarding his quarters? It's only one assassin." One of them complained.

"I know, odds are if he was here, he's probably being used to feed one of the Tahtorak herds." The two guards laughed. How do they know I'm here? Zaeron thought uncomfortably. If they knew about him, he would have to kill every Skakdi in the fortress. Residing himself to that fact, he reached out with his powers of darkness.

A tendril of black mass shot out of one of the shadows. It wrapped itself around one of the Skakdi and pulled him back. A second wrapped itself around the other's head and pulled. The first disappeared forever in one of the shadows, and the other's headless body crumpled to the ground.

Zaeron opened the second door, where he found the Skakdi warlord, his target, lying sound asleep on a small bed. Zaeron quietly drew his sword off his back, and slinked over to the sleeping warrior. Wordlessly, Zaeron raised the blade and brought it down on his target's throat.

Prytak was having a bad day. He had been assigned to feeding his master's pet Tahtorak, the last Skakdi of which fed the beast in a more bloody way then expected, and now, he was required to run a four hour shift guarding the small courtyard. His grumpy reflecting was halted as a few of the other guards were rushing towards the Master's quarters.

He followed, hand on his sword. He met up with another large group of guards that were waiting outside their master's quarters. Each of which had a weapon drawn. Following their example, he drew his own weapon.

Before he died, he knew it was the dumbest thing he'd ever done.

Zaeron one handedly threw his dagger out one of the windows. The blade connected with one of the Skakdi's eyes. Zaeron burst out the window, drawing his sword as he jumped. He landed in the middle of the large group and slashed one from face to gut. He didn't give the other's time to react. He was upon another two, and they soon dropped, one headless, the other screaming and clutching the stump that used to be his leg. One of the Skakdi attacked him, and the others were soon pounding him with everything they had.

The odds of six against one were nothing to Zaeron, however. Five of them were dead in seconds. The last of which performed a very un-Skakdi act and ran. Knowing he couldn't afford to let him escape, Zaeron chased after the Skakdi, who was performing another strange thing and screaming for mercy.

Zaeron steeled himself against the pitiful being's pleas and soon drove his sword in the back of the Skakdi's head, where it protruded from the bridge of his nose. He pulled it out and began examining the base, searching for survivors that he would be forced to eliminate.

Upon finding none, Zaeron then began a slow return to the submarine. He had to sneak past a few fights between rival gangs, and was even forced to let a Tahtorak go loose to distract a few that had discovered his tracks.

When he finally returned to the sub, he found a curious Skakdi looking into it. If he gets in, it'll take him to Daxia. Zaeron thought with a jolt. He drew his dagger and flung it. The blade went through the back of the Skakdi's neck and out the front.

Zaeron numbly pushed the body into the water, remembering to retrieve his knife. Before getting into the sub, he jumped into the water momentarily to wash the blood from those he had killed off of him. Why is it I always end up covered in blood? He thought grumpily before clambering in.

He remained awake for most of the trip back to Daxia, reflecting on the lives he had taken. He could easily remember each killing blow he'd dealt in his entire span of life, from Miolhin to the Skakdi he'd slain next to the sub. Why did they do what they did? He thought. The Zyglak kill Matoran, Toa, and every other being in this universe solely because of the fact that they feel outcasted. He snorted. Not exactly a good reason.

When he at last managed to fall asleep, he wished he hadn't. He could see the faces of each being he'd taken the life of, their blood spilling from their bodies the moment they died. When the dream shifted, they each returned to life and attacked him at once.....

He awoke with a gasp and jolted upward. His head slammed against the top of the small canopy. Swearing a blue streak, he realized he was almost to Daxia. He lay back down and folded his hands on his chest, slowly calming himself down from the dream that had racked his mind.

When the sub surfaced, he opened the canopy and winced as his eyes adjusted to the light. He climbed up onto the dock, which he was starting to become tired of seeing, and walked to Helryx's quarters, where he hoped she could explain something to him.

He opened the door without pausing to knock. Helryx's eyes shot up, and a slightly relieved look covered her face for a short moment. "I see you have returned. Was your mission successful?"

"Yes. But before I leave again, I would ask you something first." He said, not caring to mask the coldness in his voice. She looked up at him, studying his expression. Then, she sighed and said, "Ask it then."

"When I was on Zakaz, my target knew of my presence before I struck. It did not pose any complications until I killed him. His men were ready for me." Helryx's composure slipped for a second, replaced by an expression of shock.

"That," She paused and swallowed. "is beyond unacceptable. Your most deadly weapon is your secrecy."

"I know, You are going to have to tighten the loop down to just the two of us when it comes o my missions. I killed far more then was necessary yesterday. I would not have that happen again." She nodded, looking as though she now had a complex dilemma to ponder. "Mersery finished the firearm last night, he requested that you visit him when you returned. Zaeron nodded and swept from the room.

When he made it to the labs, he was tackled to the ground, something he was not accustomed to. "Sorry!" A light voice said in his ear. He looked up and saw a young toa of ice pulling herself off of him. He stood and looked at the door he'd opened, and saw that a large hole was melting in it. "Will this become a regular thing here?" He muttered.

"Again, I'm sorry. I've only been working he for a few weeks." She said. He recognized her as Pellana, the one who'd nearly killed him on his last visit. "Well, could you perhaps move you weapons of mass destruction away from the door?" He asked, slightly sarcastic.

She nodded and moved to do just that. It didn't take Zaeron long to find Mersery, who greeted him warmly. "Would you like to give it a try?" He asked.

"Only if I won't lose an arm." Mersery smiled and took Zaeron back to the target range. Zaeron quickly mastered the use of the tool. After the sixth shot rang out, Mersery stopped him from firng. "It still only fires six rounds before you have to reload, here." He handed Zaeron a small pouch.

"These are bullets. It's a pain to reload, but it still fires with more accuracy and power then a Cordak blaster. That and it's a sight more concealable." Zaeron nodded, then moved to take it off. Mersery put a hand on his arm.

"Keep it. Helryx told me you might have use for it on your next mission." Zaeron's expression darkened slightly. "Do you know what that mission is?"

"No, she decided that more secrecy would be required from now on." Zaeron suppressed an eye-roll and nodded his thanks, then left the target range. He returned to his quarters where he found Relyt. "Ah, Zaeron. I heard it didn't go too well." Zaeron shrugged.

"It won't be a problem now. But still, why hasn't Botar caught the leak yet?" It was Relyt's turn to shrug. "Anyway, Helryx wants to see you tomorrow morning. Bright and early, because you'll probably leave tomorrow as well." Zaeron sighed and nodded. Relyt took his leave and Zaeron entered his quarters. He took off his sword and placed it next to his bed, along with his dagger. The hidden blade he kept, as he did not like the idea of removing it so soon after getting it back.

He lay down on his bed and was asleep in moments. No dreams ravaged his mind that night. When he awoke, it felt as though he'd had a fifteen minute nap, though he'd slept for nearly eleven hours. He pulled himself up and picked up his weapons, ready to leave.

Babysitter
Helryx was not in her quarters, he instead found her speaking with a team of six Toa. He moved up and kept his silence. When Helryx noticed him, she waved him forward. "Zaeron will be your escort, trust him with everything. Please," She began speaking to Zaeron. "watch over them, they know where they are going, but it is undoubtable that you are more skilled. These Toa are some of the most important beings we will ever know, make sure they make it safely."

Instantly understanding, Zaeron nodded. Helryx cast a final glance at the team and left. Zaeron looked at the Toa. He was taller then each by a full foot, the leader didn't like having to look up into his eyes.

"I am Tahu, Toa of Fire." He said. "Zaeron. I am no Toa, though I can control an element." Tahu made a motion with his head, that Zaeron took as a well?He sighed.

"I control the power of Darkness, though no evil runs through me." Tahu's expression changed to one of surprise for just under a second, then to one of wariness. One adorned in white armor came up behind him. "Tahu, I think he is fine. If things go south we can handle it." Reluctantly, Tahu nodded and gestured at the white-armored one.

"This is Kopaka, Toa of Ice, my second in command." Kopaka nodded at him, which Zaeron returned. After being introduced to each of the members of the team, Tahu led him to a field just outside the base's walls. There lay an airship. "This is how we'll get to out destination." Kopaka said.

Zaeron quickly examined the ship. It was large, large enough to fill an eighth of the base. An order member could be seen yawning near the rear entrance. "That's Coifun. He'll be our pilot." Gali, the Toa of water said. Zaeron frowned.

"I thought I was the escort." Pohatu shifted uncomfortably. "Well, let's just say he's not exactly a great fighter." Understanding, Zaeron and the six Toa walked over. Coifun looked up.

"Well, then. I was unaware that we'd be havin' Helryx's prize assassin with us today." He said in a heavy southern accent. Zaeron kept his silence as Tahu and the team entered the ship. Before Coifun entered, Zaeron stopped him.

"So you know, should we be attacked, get them to their destination and leave me. I'll keep them at bay for as long as I can." Coifun rolled his eyes. "It's been forever since we've been attacked on a mission, with the secrecy, an' all." Coifun pushed past him and went over to the pilots cabin.

Zaeron hit the switch to close the rear door as he went in. He found each of the Toa in one of six seats. Lewa, the Toa of air, was itching to get up and move. Zaeron could tell by constant fidgeting. Seeing no seat for himself, he sat at the edge of the wall. Onua, the Toa of earth, cast a concerned look at him. Seeing this, Zaeron gave him an I don't mind. look.

About an hour into the flight, Kopaka took out his sword and began inspecting it, making sue it was in peak condition. Zaeron approved of his inspection. One could not expect his weapon to last forever.

Eventually, Tahu got out of his seat and moved over to him. He glanced at Zaeron's sword. "May I?" He asked. Zaeron took it off his back and flipped it around in his hands so that Tahu could grasp the handle.

Tahu took and lifted it with some difficulty. For him, the blade seemed alien to his being. It was perfectly balanced, and was sharp as a razor, yet he did not feel right holding it. He handed it back to Zaeron. He remained there for a few seconds, then spoke. "Would you like to spar? There's enough room here."

A little surprised, Zaeron looked up. "Are you sure?" He did not give any other reason, which irked Tahu. "Of course I'm sure." He responded bluntly. Zaeon then stood and held his sword aloft. Tahu drew his own blade and backed up a few paces. The other Toa backed away, giving them room.

Zaeron struck first. The strength behind his blow nearly knocked the blade away from Tahu's hand, though he was able to attempt a counterattack, which Zaeron parried. Zaeron slashed at Tahu's arm, aiming to disarm him.

Tahu ducked away from the attack and slashed and Zaeron's leg. Zaeron jumped over the blade and bashed the hilt of his sword against Tahu's wrist, causing him to drop the blade.

"Hydraxon trained you well, just not enough to defeat me." Zaeron said to the defeated Toa. A swish noise sounded behind him. He instinctively ducked, and saw Kopaka's blade cut through the air above him. Tahu picked up his blade and Zaeron found himself sparring against two opponents.

Kopaka was more skilled then Tahu, but the two Toa were still outmatched. It wasn't long before Tahu was forced to retreat and Kopaka's blade was knocked away from him. Kopaka swung his shield at Zaeron's torso, catching him by surprise.

The round piece of metal connected with Zaeron's gut, winding him. Sensing advantage, Kopaka swung again, nearly hitting him in the head. Zaeron ducked under the third strike and punched him in the chest. Kopaka toppled, the air knocked out of his lungs.

Zaeron looked at the other Toa, who eyed him with a mix of envy and fear. He shrugged and returned to his spot on the floor. Coifun's voice sounded from the cabin. "I hope you aren't killing each other back there, because I'll get blamed for it." Zaeron rolled his eyes and began inspecting his hidden weaponry.

Aware that Lewa and Onua were watching him, he flicked the hidden blade out a couple of times. Then began to inspect the hidden gun. I wonder what effect this would have on a target. He thought. Undoubtedly, this would help him in the future.

The future came far too quick.

Just as they were reaching their destination, which Zaeron realized was an entrance to the core of the universe. Just as they moved to land on an island that Gali had told him was called Voya Nui, an explosion racked their world.

The blast sent all six Toa and Zaeron flying. Lewa managed to right himself using his mask, though the others rolled down the floor of the airship. Zaeron's hearing picked up Coifun swearing loudly from the cabin, trying to steady the airship. Zaeron was the first to his feet.

He cautiously made his way up to the cabin where he looked up into the sky. His heart stone skipped a few beats. A large, dark red shape was bearing down upon them. The shape was one he recognized. Veartax. He thought.

He grabbed Coifun and pulled him out of his chair. Time seemed to slow down as the two order members slid down the to the other end of the airship as Veartax crashed into the cockpit and down following them.

The airship began to spin in circles as in fell down to the island. Seeing Veartax coming down upon them, Zaeron hit the switch to open the rear door. The six Toa and Two order members tumbled out and into the air.

Lewa flew around catching his teammates and dropping them, slowing their descent. Tahu the used his own powers to severely warm the air around them, also slowing their fall. They landed just short of the island's beach and into the shallows of the water.

Zaeron bounded to his feet and drew his sword. The Toa and Coifun were on their feet a moment later. "Who was that?!" Tahu exclaimed.

"Veartax. I'm not sure just what he is, but I know he's after me." Zaeron said simply. He turned to look at the Toa Team. "Get yourselves to the core. I'll hold him off, go, now!" Tahu shook his head vigorously. "We won't just leave you!"

"I'll be fine! You get going or I'll knock you out and the others will drag you!" Zaeron yelled in a voice that surprised him. It was filled with authority. Tahu was on the point of protesting again, but Onua put a hand on his shoulder. "We have to go, don't let his sacrifice be in vain." He said wisely.

Tahu's expression darkened, then nodded. He led his team into the jungle and out of sight. Coifun remained behind. He drew a dagger and went to stand next to Zaeron. "You go too." Zaeron snapped at him. He shook his head simply and Zaeron knew he could do nothing to change his mind.

The two stood back to back, watching out for the large, red shape. For a few moments, Zaeron was terrified that he'd gone after Tahu and his team. Then, Coifun let out a yell of pain and swung one arm back, shoving Zaeron away.

Zaeron whirled around to see Veartax standing in front of Coifun, a large blade coming out of the latter's back. Veartax flung Coifun away, where a large pool of blood exited from the wound. Zaeron took a deep breath and took a defensive stance. Veartax laughed, a deep, menacing sound. "You believe you can defeat me, Zaeron?" Zaeron did not answer. Veatax lunged, his spear aimed at Zaeron's head. Zaeron pushed off the ground with both feet. He vaulted over Veartax's spear and kicked at his head.

Veartax was quicker, though, and grabbed Zaeron's legs. He began to spin the young assassin around in circles. Remembering he had a gun, Zaeron used his right hand, still holding his sword, and shot three times into his opponent's armor.

The three bullets tore through Veartax's armor and entered his chest. Instead of blood, a strange green gas seeped from the wounds. He's a makuta! Zaeron realized with a jolt. He shot a fourth bullet into Veartax's clawed hand, causing him to be flung away at a great distance.

He landed on his feet and charged the Makuta. Veartax attempted to impale him with his spear, but Zaeron able to sidestep it and, holding his sword with both hands, slashed at the Makuta's side. Veartax's armor deflected the attack, and he proceeded to attack Zaeron with his dagger, which he quickly drew with his wounded hand.

Zaeron ducked under and around to avoid being caught by the knife's blade. Resorting to the unexpected, Zaeron stuck out his head and yelled "Bah!", as If to frighten someone in a dark hall. A slightly confused look crossed over Veartax's face, causing him to pause for a moment.

The lull in the fight was all Zaeron needed to tackle the Makuta. Veartax fell under his weight, but was able to knock his sword away. Zaeron flicked out the hidden blade and stabbed at Veartax's left eye. Veartax caught his wrist and stabbed upward with his dagger, but Zaeron was able to grab his wrist and keep himself from dying.

For a few moments, it was an impasse, them Veartax caught Zaeron by surprise, and let the hidden blade come down. He rolled away to avoid being stabbed through the eye, and Zaeron got his arm stuck in the beach sand. He wrenched it out in time to see Veartax fire an orb of Darkness at him.

Calling upon his own powers, Zaeron caught the orb and charged it with his control over darkness. He turned the orb into a beam of shadow and shot it from his hands and at Veartax. The Makuta imitated him and the two beams connected, causing a large explosion.

Both combatants were thrown off of their feet. Zaeron landed and rolled backwards, his head spinning. He hauled himself to his feet and saw that Veartax was pulling himself up as well. I have to get more time for the others! He thought desperately. He looked into the jungle and saw a slight path. He ran towards it, praying Veartax would follow.

The Makuta did, and Zaeron drew him further into the jungle, away from the Toa. As he ran, Zaeron heard Veartax's low, chilling laugh. "You think I came for them, Zaeron? You are a fool. I came to get you." Zaeron almost came to a halt with the shock of the realization, then snapped out of it and continued running, now occupied with finding a place he could fight from more easily.

As he ran through the jungle, he noticed a large shadow looming over him. He chanced a glance upward and saw a massive volcano. I need to get to the hight ground. He thought and ran in the volcano's direction.

Veartax followed him with increasing speed. It was all Zaeron could do to avoid being caught. He wove between trees in an attempt to throw the Makuta off his trail. The effort was in vain, as Veartax was upon him the moment he made it to the base of the mountain.

A blast of chain lightning caught Zaeron in the back and launched him into the air. He landed with a sickening crunch on his right arm. He let out a yell of pain as it broke. Veartax loomed over him, triumphant. A demonic smile touched his features as he leaned down to pick Zaeron up.

Suddenly, a blast of lightning struck the Makuta, sending him reeling. Zaeron's eyes began to fog over. Through his hazy sight, he saw an enormous being with a massive axe begin to attack the Makuta. An urgent voice began to speak to him. "Stay awake, Zaeron! Stay awake! You may not wake up again if you fall asleep!" Hearing this, Zaeron shook his head slightly to keep himself conscious.

A gold and blue being stood over him. "Stay down. Let me heal your arm." He said in a voice of great authority. The being held his hand over Zaeron's arm and it slowly, painfully, fixed itself. Zaeron yelled through gritted teeth as it healed. When it was over, he grabbed his sword and moved to attack Veartax, who was still fighting the other being.

"Don't. I will help him." Said the one who had healed him. The Gold One let out a savage war cry and charged Veartax. Upon seeing the second warrior coming at him, Veartax turned and fled, though not before casting Zaeron a withering look.

The two beings turned to Zaeron, who held his sword out at them both. "Who are you, and how do you know me?" He asked in a razor sharp voice. The two beings exchanged a glance, then the one in red and silver armor spoke. "Please, this is a matter that is better discussed in private."

"I don't see anyone." Zaeron snapped. The gold one sighed. "I am Brutaka, this is Axonn. We are fellow Order members." Zaeron could not suppress a noise of shock. He lowered his blade. "I'm sorry, I had to be sure."

"Don't be sorry, you were right to exercise caution." Axonn said approvingly. Brutaka gestured for him to follow. They took Zaeron to a small cave. "Why are you posted here?" Zaeron asked. Axonn hesitated, so Brutaka answered. "We guard the most kept secret in the universe. The only more kept secret is the existence of our Order." Zaeron could not help but feel curious.

"Being a fellow member, and knowing just what will happen should I betray you, what is it that is down there?" The two Order Members looked at each other a little warily, then Axonn relented.

"Come with me. I will show you." Zaeron's sense of danger picked up, but he followed Axonn anyway. They soon found themselves in a chamber deep in the cave. A lone, tall warrior with a massive spear stood in the center, guarding what appeared to be the entrance to another chamber.

"Axonn. Who is this?" The warrior said in a low, menacing voice. "He is Zaeron, a member of the order who well deserves to know what we guard." A look of recognition flashed across the warrior's mask. "I am Umbra." He said simply. He gestured Zaeron forward. Nervous in the presence of the elder members, Zaeron went up to him. Umbra pointed down into the next cavern.

A massive spider stood guarding a pedestal, where a golden light pulsed from. The light was mesmerizing to look at, so Umbra had to adjust Zaeron's gaze to the spider. On it's back stood what looked like a Skakdi. As Zaeron registered this, Umbra pulled him away. "That is Vezon and Fenrakk. They are not order members, so be certain you never see them again, for they are likely some of the most volatile beings you will ever meet."

"Then why do they guard something so important?"

"That is something even I am unsure of." Umbra answered. Zaeron noticed Axonn beckoning him back up the cave. Zaeron nodded his goodbye to Umbra and joined Axonn. "You must never tell anyone of what you have seen. Doing so will result in banishment to the pit." Zaeron nodded, fully understanding. His commitment to the order had just increased greatly.

He returned to the top of the cave with Axonn. "I must return to Daxia now." He told the two Order members. "How will you get off the island?"

"I'll do what I can to repair the ship. That, and I need to bury Coifun." The order member who had died fighting Veartax was stuck in Zaeron's mind. he would not be able to get that thought out of his head unless he could do something for him.

Without a lengthly goodbye, Zaeron left the cave and descended down the slopes of the mountain. He was forced to evade a few groups of Matoran that were walking in the jungle, but was soon at the beach. He used a large, scoop shaped rock to dig the hole. He then looked at his companion, who, as Zaeron determined, had died from blood loss.

He unceremoniously dumped Coifun's corpse into the hole. He filled in the hole on top of the now dead pilot's body. As a sign of it being a grave, he stuck Coifun's knife into the ground at the head of the grave. Not knowing what to say, Zaeron returned to the ship.

It was a wreck. He had trouble understanding the wires and mechanisms the made the airship run, let alone how to repair it. As he was about to give up, his sense of hearing picked up a creak in the metal floor, then, he was unconscious.

Destral
Zaeron's first thought when he woke up was; I've died. He was being dragged by the arms between two creatures he identified as Rahkshi. A few distant voices sounded from ahead of him. He strained to listen.

"But he was meant to be mine! You know what I wanted him for!"

"And that's why I've been ordered," He said ordered like a curse. "to take him off your hands. If you want to kill those Toa, you won't have this assassin do it for you." A being adorned in red armor swept past him, a being he soon realized was Veartax.

He looked ahead, wondering who might have caused Veartax such anger. A tall, regal looking Makuta wearing black, silver, and green armor stood in front of him. When the Rahkshi were a few feet away from the Makuta, they flung Zaeron to the ground.

The Makuta crouched next to him. He held out a small cup. "Drink it." He ordered. Zaeron looked at him skeptically. The Makuta sighed. "You've been unconscious for nine days. We want you alive, remember?" Zaeron hesitantly took the cup from him and sipped. It was simply water. He drained it soon after.

"Where am I?" He asked the tall Makuta. "You will know soon enough."

"Well I want to know now. But you could make me guess." The Makuta rolled his eyes. He certainly has a large head. Zaeron observed, but kept it to himself. "Come with me, you have a new occupation, Zaeron." He commanded. Deciding to play along, Zaeron followed the large Makuta.

The Makuta took him out to what appeared to be a lab. Zaeron scanned the room to see what he would be up against should he ever have to fight his way out. There was a lone Rahkshi by one of the doors. "Please, lie down, so we can do this in a civilized manner." The Makuta said, now clearly acting. Zaeron looked around for weapons he could use. There was a scalpel on one of trays.

He noticed a few strange mechanisms in the back of the lab. I'll deal with that if it becomes a problem. He thought and turned to look at the Makuta. "Who are you?" The Makuta looked slightly irked at the question, but answered.

"I am Makuta Benjarmin, your new master." With difficulty, Zaeron restrained himself from rolling his eyes. "And why would I work for you?"

"Well, we can either wipe your memory and make you blindly loyal to me, or you can submit and keep your mind." Benjarmin responded, dropping all sense of formality. "Who's we?" Zaeron asked.

Benjarmin nodded slightly and a group of Rahkshi entered the room. The pointed their staffs at him and hissed violently. "Now, submit, or say goodbye to your brain." Benjarmin snarled and drew a large sword. Zaeron smiled slightly, just so that Benjarmin would notice.

He lunged at the tray where the scalpel lay, he snatched it up and ducked behind a few of the mechanisms before Benjarmin had ordered the Rahkshi to attack. A blast of chain lightning soared past Zaeron and exploded near a machine, which fell apart. Benjarmin swore vehemently and the Rahkshi screamed. The scream was soon cut off and Zaeron noticed the head roll past him.

He darted out from behind his cover. He was upon the Rahkshi before any of them could react. He leaped over them and stabbed one in the back, cutting through it's armor and stabbing into its Kraata. He wrenched the knife out and flung it at a second Rahkshi, who dropped. He grabbed the first Rahkshi's staff and swung it in a circle, smashing it into the head of one of the others.

Benjarmin snarled and ordered the final one to attack. The Rahkshi stabbed it's staff into the ground and a livid green substance began moving across the floor towards Zaeron. Zaeron flipped the staff in his hands and threw it like a Javelin, catching the Rahkshi in the face. He picked up another two staffs and fell into a defensive position, ready to defend against the charging Makuta.

Benjarmin slashed down with his sword. Zaeron crossed the two Rahkshi staffs and blocked it. The weight behind the strike was overwhelming, but he was able to avoid being sliced in half. He lashed out with one of the staffs at Benjarmin's knee. The Makuta jumped over it with surprising agility for one so large. Benjarmin attacked again, this time aiming to cut off Zaeron's leg.

Zaeron dropped and rolled behind the makuta. He stabbed backwards with one of the staffs, catching Benjarmin in his left thigh. The Makuta grunted and turned, the staff still stuck in his leg. Zaeron grabbed his remaining weapon with both hands, ready to defend against the Makuta's onslaught once more.

The Makuta feigned a strike at Zaeron's leg and instead went for his arm. Zaeron moved at the last second. He could almost feel the blade as it passed him. He struck at the Makuta's sword arm, but Benjarmin dodged it and grabbed Zaeron by the throat.

"As amusing as this has been, I'm going to need to dissect your brain now, so please, refrain from struggling, lest my tools enter other places of your head." Zaeron kicked out at the Makuta, trying to get him to release him. It was a vain attempt, as the Makuta's grip was unbreakable. Benjarmin slammed him down on the ground and reached behind him, pulling out a menacing looking saw.

The Makuta inched the blade down towards Zaeron's left eye. Zaeron vainly tried to wriggle free. He grabbed Benjarmin's wrist, slowing the saw's progress toward his head, but not stopping it. Zaeron's eyes darted around, trying to see an avenue of escape. He noticed the scalpel he'd used before, and grabbed it. He stabbed upward. Benjarmin roared in pain and reared back, the saw flying across the room.

The scalpel had entered the Makuta's left eye, but it had not killed Benjarmin. Zaeron noticed a putrid green gas seeping out of Benjarmin's face and leg. Enraged, the Makuta ripped the blade from his face and lung it at Zaeron who ducked under it and fled. He encountered two Rahkshi outside the lab. Armed or not, Zaeron was more then a match for them. He snapped one's neck and used it's staff to kill the Kraata inside the other, rendering the robotic frame useless.

He grabbed one of their staffs and moved around, ducking into a shadow whenever an Exo-Toa or a Rahkshi would approach. I need to find my weapons. He thought. Almost on cue, a group of Exo-Toa walked by, carrying a large, heavy looking box. Luckily, it was lidless, and Zaeron could see it was filled with weapons. He could see his sword, dagger, and even his hidden weapon bracer.

Twirling the staff, Zaeron jumped down. He'd never fought Exo-Toa before, but the robots were still no match for him. Soon each lay on the ground, damaged far beyond repair. Zaeron cast the staff aside, and retrieved his weapons. He began to move away, but stopped when a low chuckle filled his ears. A blow came crashing down on the back of his head and his vision blurred. Moments before the second blow landed, he recognized Veartax's fist strike him in the face.

When Zaeron awoke, he was suspended in midair, curiously floating. He tried to move, but found he was frozen in place. He shook off the disorientation and saw he was in a dimly lit room, with only two beings other then him were Veartax, and another, unrecognizable being. Veartax moved forward, holding a strange set of wires in one hand.

"As you've caused us a fair bit of trouble, and Benjarmin would probably tear your head off, I'll have to ask, where would you go, if you had escaped?" Veartax said coldly. Zaeron said nothing, knowing he could never betray the order. Veartax hid an evil smile. He held up the wires and repeated his question. Zaeron again, held his silence. Veartax made a movement with his free hand, and a few sparks of electricity could be seen on the wires.

"This is your last chance before the pain starts." He said, though clearly wanted to do it anyway. When Zaeron said nothing, he shoved the tips of the wires into Zaeron's right arm. Zaeron soon found his mouth could move, as a grunt of pain sounded.

"Each time you keep yourself from telling me, the higher the voltage gets." The Makuta said sadistically. Zaeron rolled his eyes, which could also move. Veartax slammed the wires into his other arm with greater force. Zaeron gritted his teeth as the pain seared through him. He didn't want to give the Makuta the satisfaction of a scream.

He could see Veartax grin through the dim lighting. He continued to torture Zaeron, each time the voltage-and pain-got worse. After fourteen touches of the electricity, Veartax moved onto a new method. He left the room briefly and returned with a knife in one hand, a can of liquid in the other. Zaeron recognized the liquid as the poison Rahkshi Lerahk used in their staffs. A pang of fear went through him.

The Makuta cut a small slit in his lower leg. "You won't be able to hold your tongue, save yourself the pain." The Makuta ordered. Zaeron responded with a curse that surprised even him. Angered, Veartax let some of the green poison enter the cut.

Pain coursed through Zaeron's bloodstream. His entire body felt as though it was on fire. He threw the Makuta's satisfaction to the winds and let out a long scream of agony that only got worse. Yet he still did not speak. Veartax simply stood and watched, wearing an emotionless mask. He stood and let Zaeron experience the pain of the poison for five minutes, then Zaeron could tell that he was getting frustrated.

Deciding to use this, Zaeron looked the Makuta full in the eye and smiled tauntingly. "Is that...is that all you got?" He said. Now angered, Veartax pulled out his spear with a snarl on his mask. Good, Veartax, kill me and you don't get what you want. Zaeron thought. ''And I'll have protected the Order in the process. Well done.'' Moments before Veartax plunged the blade into him, an angry voice rang out.

"What part of alive do you not understand you fool?" The voice was grating and gravelly. "We'll try again tomorrow. Take him to the cell block." Veartax looked as though he was about to refuse and kill him, but then saw the reason behind the command and lowered his weapon. He press something that looked like a needle into Zaeron's cut and sucked the poison out.

The Makuta pulled out a few cuff like things a placed them around Zaeron's wrists. He grabbed the assassin and pulled him out of the room. He caught glimpse of a huge, hulking figure just beyond the door. A pair of intimidating, orange eyes could be seen through the shadow. Zaeron attempted to clear the shadows with his powers, but nothing happened.

Veartax chuckled. "No point in that." He muttered. Had Zaeron not been weakened by the poison, he would have tried to kill the Makuta then and there, but he found his limbs useless. Instead, he hung limply as Veartax dragged him into another, equally shadowy building. Zaeron guessed it was a prison, as he saw a few large cages with beings of several races curled in small balls in their corners.

Veartax flung Zaeron into a cage and locked it. He smiled malevolently at the new prisoner and left. With difficulty, Zaeron hauled himself into a sitting position against the wall. He noticed a few scratches on the walls, which he guessed were put by another prisoner, keeping track of how long they'd been there.

He was pondering whether it was weeks, months, or years the previous prisoner had scratched in when yells sounded from the far side of the cell block. Two Makuta were struggling to bring in a Toa with clearly some fight in them. As they drew closer, Zaeron guessed the toa was a female, as her voice was screaming profanities of every kind at the Makuta.

After a while, the two makuta were finally able to throw her into her cell. She continued yelling at them until they'd left the building. Zaeron had to admire such spirit in a being. She slumped to the floor and leaned against the wall, unlike the other prisoners, who were curled in balls muttering to themselves incoherently. He could only see her emerald eyes in the darkness and the silver glint of some of her armor. She noticed Zaeron.

"New face, eh? We'll see how long you last." She said.

"What do you mean?"

"The last one in your cell counted the hours he was here. As you can see, it wasn't very long." Zaeron glanced back up at the scratches, and realized he'd only made it twenty-two hours. "What method did they use on you?" She asked bluntly.

Zaeron shrugged. "Wires and Lerahk poison."

"Hmmm. They normally use that method on people who've been here for a month or more. Like her." Through the darkness Zaeron could see she was pointing. He looked in the direction she indicated and saw a female Vortixx who, to his mingled shock and fear, had hung herself on what appeared to be torture wires.

"She wasn't like that when I came in....." He muttered. The girl in the other cage shrugged. "Suicide is common here. it happens at least once a week." Zaeron couldn't tell which was worse, what she said or the matter-of-fact way she said it.

"Will the Makuta clean up the body?" She laughed harshly. "No. They use the smell as a method of interrogation. Even when we're in here they work on us. The idea is that when you can't stand the smell any longer, you talk." Zaeron shuddered at the cruelty displayed. Weren't the Makuta supposed to be guardians and overseers of the matoran? he thought. I'll have to tell Helryx when-no, if- I get back.

His neighbor tapped on his cell. "Food." She whispered to him. A lone Exo-Toa walked through, throwing an assortment of wild berries and vegetation onto the floor of their cells. Still weakened by the poison, it took some effort on Zaeron's part to move over to it. As he ate, a thought sprang to his mind.

"What do they do to those who break and talk?" He asked his neighbor. She shrugged. "From the anguished screaming that ensued from one of those who broke from the smell, I'm guessing they betray and brutally murder you." She said offhandedly.

Realizing escape was his only option, Zaeron finished his meal and focused on listening to what was going on outside. It was quiet, except for the sounds of Rahkshi and Exo-Toa patrolling by. He counted the seconds between the patrols who walked by the building he was in. If he was to get out, he'd have about two minutes to escape without alerting patrols.

"I'd advise sleep. You'll probably need all the strength you can get tomorrow." The prisoner next to him said. Her green eyes closed and she withdrew completely into a shadow. Deciding to take her advice, Zaeron stretched out and closed his eyes. It wasn't long before he was asleep.

He awoke to a loud clang and a low hiss. Instantly awake, Zaeron was on his feet in seconds. A Rahkshi stood outside his cell. Another could be seen jabbing another prisoner with it's staff until the prisoner stopped moving. The Rahkshi hissed in what sounded like exasperation. The Rahkshi outside Zaeron's cell opened it and grabbed him.

The robot dragged Zaeron out of the building and flung him into a type of courtyard. A few other prisoners could be seen wandering aimlessly in circles, their hands pressed over their eyes. Several others were sitting alone, muttering to themselves. One was leaned up against a rock, actually appearing sane.

The prisoner beckoned at him. He moved across the courtyard and sat next to them. "Welcome to Destral, your living death." The prisoner said, And Zaeron instantly knew it was the one he'd spoken to the night before.

She was slim, and wore light armor. Zaeron could tell she had once been beautiful, but it was marred by several slashes, scars, and other marks of torture the Makuta had inflicted on her. Her mask and a long scar that went through one eye.

"If your done staring, I'd like to talk to you." She said grumpily. Zaeron shifted his gaze toward a few Exo-Toa, who, were they not robots, would have looked bored. She began talking again.

"I don't know why they're using such advanced torture methods on you, but, whatever you've done must have angered them severely."

"Your point?"

"I'm guessing you're a somewhat decent fighter, from your build and armor. I'll need that to get away." Zaeron nodded, though to him, it sounded like she would be using him. he gestured for him to continue.

"Once they decide they either can't break you, or you're just useless, they take you specifically to the execution area."

"And we break out on the way, or when we're there?"

"When we're there. The escort is seven Exo-Toa and six Rahkshi. Once there, a lone Makuta oversees your death, then you are killed in a way I'm unaware of." Zaeron pondered this for a few moments.

"How do you know this? The only way someone could would be if they were there." Her eyes hardened. "I didn't get caught alone. My..." Her expression became one of slight grief. "my team was with me. One of them had a Kanohi Suletu. They told me everything I needed to escape. I just, I just need help doing it."

Having never been a part of a team before, Zaeron was unsure of what to say. He was rescued when she murmured impatiently; "Now all we have to do is hope they decide to kill us. The irony is doing that already." He silently agreed. The two sat in silence for the better part of an hour, when she then began to bonk her head against the rock.

"Er, what are you doing?"

"Making it not so obvious we're trying to escape. Do something that would make you look insane."

He already believed he was, but began mouthing random words to himself. After a few minutes of this, a robotic voice sounded out. "Sakila." She groaned and stood up. "If we both live through today, we'll talk again in the cell block." She stumbled over to the Exo-Toa group and one each took her arms and dragged her.

Zaeron sat alone in the courtyard where he observed the other prisoners, each of which showed signs of true insanity. A yelp broke him from his quiet observation and he saw a prisoner charge one of the Rahkshi guarding them.

Giving off the appearance of someone bored, the Rahkshi held out his staff and a wave of a gaseous, black substance hit the prisoner. He dropped, looking as though the life was being drained from him.

The life was being drained from him. Zaeron realized. The Rahkshi was a Vorahk. It sucked the life out of the prisoner until he was dead. Before the prisoner died, Zaeron noticed a beatific smile on his face.

He shuddered. Suicide was indeed common. The same voice rang out. "Zaeron." Realizing he was about to be tortured, he groaned inwardly, but walked over to where the voice originated. He was grabbed by two Exo-Toa and forcibly dragged across the island. It was going to be a long day.

Breakout
Makuta Veartax was displeased.

Zaeron, the prisoner he had been tasked with interrogating, simply refused to break. Every method of torture Veartax had tried had no effect. He screamed, but as enjoyable as that was, it wasn't what he needed.

He brought his fist down on Zaeron's knee, nearly snapping the bone within in two. Zaeron grunted, which frustrated him. "Tell me, and hopefully your end will be quick." Veartax snarled. Zaeron's response surprised and slightly offended him.

Angry, he punched Zaeron full in the mask, snapping his head back. Zaeron made no noise of pain and simply gave the Makuta a look so withering it could have been a weapon. He continued beating on Zaeron, and Zaeron continued to refrain from speaking.

After several hours of increasing the pain and increasingly colorful language on Zaeron's part, Veartax stopped. Frustrated, he flung the stubborn being into his cell personally, half-hoping that he would die from the impact. He didn't.

Veartax returned his chambers. He punched a wall angrily. The stone cracked and broke under the strength of the blow.

"I'm half amused and half annoyed at your particular method of venting." A low voice said. Veartax turned to see the tall, heavily armored form of Makuta Malok standing in his door.

"What do you want?" Veartax snarled.

"To tell you that Teridax is tired of your failures to break your prisoner. He's handing him over to Serrakaan tomorrow." Without another word, Malok left the room. Furious, Veartax punched another hole in the wall.

Across the island, Zaeron glanced around, hoping that Sakila migh be there. She wasn't. He leaned up against the wall and, not for the first time, wished the Makuta didn't know about his hidden blade. It was a part of him. Without, he wasn't whole.

A dull thud sounded behind him. He frowned and looked at the wall. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary. He forgot about it. It sounded again. For a few minutes, it continued. Eventually, he pressed his ear up against the wall, and he heard an urgent voice that was unmistakably Sakila's say; "MOVE!"

He quickly shifted over and a resounding bang! deafened him. Once the ringing in his ears stopped, he saw Sakila standing over him. She held out her hand and pulled him up.

"Come on."

"How'd you get out?"

She hesitated before answering. "I told them an untrue story that my interrogator swallowed whole. We've got seven minutes before they come ask me to help them." Understanding, Zaeron followed her through the now enormous hole in the wall.

It didn't take them long to find the armory where their weapons were being kept. Zaeron joyfully fit on his hidden blade bracer. He snatched up his dagger and sword and fit them on his waist and back. Sakila was stringing a bow.

"A little old fashioned, don't you think?" He asked. "It's quieter then a gun, not to mention that you can't put your powers in a bullet." She answered and put a sword to her waist. An alarm sounded, and Zaeron could hear the angry hissing of Rahkshi.

"We now have about zero minutes before they come looking for us." Zaeron quipped as Sakila led the way out. A few Rahkshi barred their path when they were nearly at the outskirts of the base. Zaeron pounced on one and killed it with his hidden blade. He stood, ready to face the others, but saw three had been killed by arrows, and one was in pieces.

Sakila retrieved her ammunition and the two continued. "How will we get off the island?" Zaeron said as they ran.

"I remember there being an airship on one of the beaches. Give me some time and I may be able to learn to fly it."

"And if you can't?"

"We both die a slow, painful death." Zaeron rolled his eyes but kept running. As it turned out, there was indeed a small airship on one of the shores. Zaeron groaned as he saw that several Rahkshi and spider like creatures he couldn't identify stood guarding it.

Zaeron accelerated. He overtook Sakila and was upon the group of guards in seconds. The day of torture did nothing to diminish his skill in combat. He stabbed his sword through he first Rahkshi's head and flung it back, sending the useless frame crashing into one of the spiders.

As Sakila slipped past him and into the airship, Zaeron fought off the squad of spiders and Rahkshi. The odds were nothing to him, and soon they were all either dead or broken. A lone Kraata slipped out of it's ruined armor and vainly tried to slither away. Zaeron cut down with his sword and lopped the creature in half.

"You almost done?" He called.

"Almost, stay on guard." She yelled back. Zaeron turned and saw no other soldier of the Makuta come to challenge him. He knew better then to be lulled into a false sense of security, and stayed wary, keeping an eye out for anything that might come.

Suddenly, a horrible, high, and terrified scream filled the air. Zaeron felt a shiver run up his spine. Either someone was dying, or a much, much bigger Rahkshi had been let loose.

A lone being came stumbling out, a huge, gaping gash on his left side. A trail of blood followed behind him as he moved toward Zaeron. Suddenly, a huge, menacing shadow came into view. It was upon the being, who Zaeron had recognized as one of the other prisoners, and, with a clawed hand, picked up the screeching being. It drew a long, heavy looking sword and plunged it into the beings chest, who convulsed once and was still.

Zaeron involuntarily checked his weapons. He had them all, and, luckily, his hidden gun was loaded. He fell into a defensive stance, ready to hold off the hulking being. He could see the hooded head tilt slightly to one side, with what looked like recognition.

This confused Zaeron, as he had never face such and adversary before. Then, he realized the shadow was looking at his sword, not him. The shadow pointed at the corpse and it exploded into a bloody mess, some of which hit Zaeron.

''It's like he....oh. I'm going to die. Great.'' The shadow lunged at him with blinding speed, sword extended. Zaeron was hardly able to dodge the attack. In fact, he felt a gust of breeze next to his head as he ducked to the side.

He slashed at the being's leg, expecting to lop it off. He was shocked when the being blocked with an almost lazy motion. He attacked again, this time aiming at the being's chest. The Hulking figure moved with surprising speed and deflected the strike. Zaeron's sword was almost knocked from his hand.

Serrakaan lashed forward with one hand and pinned his challenger to the ground. He was impressed by the being's courage in his presence. He was also slightly curious as of how the being had come to possess Miolhin's sword.

He looked into the eyes of the being, wanting to know more. He saw that the being was not a Toa, as his appearance would have led some to believe. He saw that he was stronger and more skilled then any being of his age. He saw that the being had killed Miolhin and took his sword from him.

Serrakaan was slightly irked at the fact that the old Vortixx had survived, but he was now dead, so no matter. He was about to look into the being's future but was interrupted by a yell and a heavy blow that struck his shoulder.

He was unharmed by the attack but none the less annoyed by it. He looked up and saw a female Toa reloading a bow. The being in his clutches snapped out of the state Serrakaan's stare had left him in and aimed one fist at his face. Six loud bangs in rapid succession sounded and six bullets hit Serrakaan full in the face.

Serrakaan reared back, surprised by the attack. He dropped the being in his hand, who turned, grabbed his sword and ran. Serrakaan readied a blast of shadow to destroy their airship, when the female threw her weapons back into the ship, opened her mouth and loosed a head splitting shriek.

He was staggered by the sound, and the young assassin stumbled, hardly able to refrain from falling. It only slowed Serrakaan for a few moments, but that was all the two escapees needed to get in the air. He let them. He knew he'd meet one of them again.

Onboard the airship, Zaeron felt weakened at the hands of the monster he'd just fought. Sakila sat at the pilot's seat, flying the ship away. He noticed a corpse next to the seat, who looked like the original pilot.

"You alright?" Sakila asked, sounding concerned. "I'll live." He groaned. Sakila set the ship to auto-pilot and cam back to where he was standing.

"Did he look in your eyes?" She asked urgently.

"Well, yes, but what difference does that make?" She looked panicky.

"Zaeron, it's important that you stay awake. Fall asleep and believe me, you'll regret it."

"Why?"

"Just trust me, I'll tell you the story sometime. Anyway, I'm taking you to my island base. You can get treatment there."

"Where is it?" She sighed. Then she turned to him. "Odds are you won't remember it, after the healers have seen you."

"Why?"

"Because the order me and my team were a part of is one of the most closely guarded secrets in out universe."

That sounds familiar. He thought. She returned to the pilot's seat and typed in a set of coordinates, then she returned to Zaeron. "The shadow you just fought is a being known as the Blood Summoner, or Serrakaan." Zaeron's eyes widened in recognition. He remembered it was the entry of the book in Miolhin's library he was forbidden to read.

"I know that name." He said hesitantly. "Where?" She asked. When he refused to answer, she pressed him to do so. After a few moments, he relented and spoke. "My master, a Vortixx named Miolhin, had a book with a chapter on The Blood Summoner. Sakila's eyes widened in shock.

"Your master is Miolhin!?" She half shouted. Surprised by her reaction, he nodded. "How could he have let you be captured!?" She said angrily.

"He's dead." he said bluntly. "What?" She said looking saddened. "He was going to try and hand me over to a Makuta named Veartax. He risked exposing the secrecy of my order. I struck him down myself." Sakila looked shocked.

"Only one order I know of requires such secrecy as that." She said. "The Order of Mata Nui." Zaeron finished. Her eyes widened slightly. "Yes, you are a member?"

"Yes I am. I believe we can speak openly now?"

After that, she opened up to him more, and it wasn't long before the two were friends. After a while, it occurred to Zaeron that he didn't know how she'd known Miolhin. When he asked, she answered a little grimly.

"My team and I were trained by him for a few weeks before you arrived to be trained. I'm guessing we left to go to work a few days before you arrived." Zaeron nodded, a part of him wishing they could have trained together.

Once they made it to Daxia, they landed just outside the base and were met with hostility originally. When they were recognized, they were taken to Helryx immediately. "I am beyond relieved the two of you are safe. Sakila, I believe Famiiya would like to see you, it's been years since you two spoke. After that, head to the infirmary to get medical attention, I dare say you'll need it."

Sakila nodded and left the room without a word. Helryx turned her gaze to Zaeron. She sighed sadly. "Zaeron, you really have no idea what's happened to you right now. I'm going to have to send you to our infirmary as well. Our...mental healers should be able to get your affliction out of your head." Zaeron nodded and swept from the room, leaving Helryx to succumb to her infinite relief.

Monster of the Mind
"Wouldn't it just be easier to kill me?" Zaeron grumbled. "I'm afraid not." One of the healers said. Zaeron sighed explosively.

"So, it's go with electrocution, or die over and over again over the span of my lifetime, and quite possibly kill myself?"

"Pretty much." The healer said sheepishly. Zaeron groaned and followed the healer into the more "urgent" medical area, as he'd put it. He had been told that it was quite likely that Serrakaan would appear in his dream, and kill him. According to them, he would have this dream many times in his lifetime.

A few surgeons were already ready for him. It was five minutes to nightfall, so they had to set him up quickly. "Try and avoid him until we can find the lobe." one of the surgeons said to him before anesthetizing him. Zaeron rolled his eyes before he was injected.

Sakila glared at Relyt.

"Look, I know what's happened to him, but he's the only one I know who could carry this out and live." Relyt explained.

"He's been tortured by Makuta already, his doesn't need the Dark Hunters to top it off!" Sakila said angrily. Relyt looked ashamed of himself.

"We both know I'd prefer it if he stayed here as well, but this could get us ahead of whatever it is they're planning! This is what he was trained for, and something tells me he'll want to do it." Sakila snorted and went back to listening to the surgery. She had known someone who Serrakaan had looked into his eyes. The poor soul had flung himself into a fire the next morning.

Relyt stalked off. There wasn't anything too horrifying coming from Zaeron, perhaps she'd been wrong, and he didn't need the surgery. Suddenly, she could hear him scream. It wasn't an entirely agonized, so maybe he had been able to avoid being impaled by the Blood Summoner.

For a few minutes, no other sound came from him, but Sakila could hear the frantic shuffling of the surgeons moving, ready or anything, so she knew he was still dreaming. The silence lasted a few more minutes before a second scream came from Zaeron, this time longer and louder, and clearly in pain. The screaming continued for a few moments, then it was cut off abruptly.

A slight whoop came from one of the younger surgeons. They must have been successful, then Zaeron screamed again, and they frantically went back into professional mode.

Inside the dream, Zaeron clambered up a tree, holding his intestines in. He moved from branch to branch, trying to avoid Serrakaan's sword. Once he made it to the top, and he knew Serrakaan was close behind him, he jumped from the tree and landed in a bush with a loud crunch.

He flung himself to his feet and sprinted away, knowing all to well that the Blood Summoner was not far behind him. It was not long before Serrakaan was upon him, and was inches away ripping him in half with his bare hands, when suddenly, there was nothing but darkness. He knew that he was still dreaming, as he could still move. Serrakaan was still clearly in front of him, however. Zaeron inched away from the clawed hand of the Makuta.

"Your welcome." Said a voice behind him. He turned and saw, to his general shock, Famiiya. "Er, what are you doing in my dream? If you didn't know, that's just a little awkward." She rolled her eyes and began speaking in a business-like tone.

"Zaeron, the moment you are out of this dream and are well rested, Helryx has an assignment."

"Mata Nui, already?"

"Yes. She doesn't have time to spare to explain it to you, so I have to now." He gestured for her to continue, which was rather difficult, as his guts were falling out. "The Dark Hunters have a certain book. This book contains knowledge that is far too important to fall into their hands, or worse, the Makuta. You will go and retrieve it, linking up with one of our spies on Odina."

Zaeron nodded. "Now, can you leave me to get my organs torn out in....peace?" She rolled her eyes and vanished. He did not return to the nightmare Serrakaan had in store for him, but instead saw black, and knew the surgeons were successful.

He awoke a few hours later, and the brushed the surgeons away. "Where are my weapons?" He said, getting straight to the point. "In the armory, except for your hidden blade, that we have here." One of the surgeons said and handed it to him.

Zaeron nodded his thanks and left the surgical room. He made it to the armory in a few minutes. he picked out his sword and knife and strapped them on. "So I see you took the mission." A slightly frosty voice said behind him. he turned and saw Sakila, looking slightly angry with him.

"Yes, why would I not?"

"Well you've just been tortured, attacked, and, not to mention, went through one of The Blood Summoner's nightmares." She said, as though it would change his mind. He shrugged.

"I still have my duty to perform. Whatever it is the Dark Hunters possess, they would probably use it to wreak havoc throughout the universe." Sakila grimaced. He noticed many of the marks the Makutas' torture had inflicted had already begun to fade, giving her a slightly less menacing look.

She sighed and left without a word. He felt as though he'd said something offensive, and had to explain himself. He shrugged off the feeling and left the armory. The only thing I really dislike about this duty is that I spend more time on bloody boats then landmass. He reflected as he walked down to the harbor.

He looked around, wondering who would transport him or who might have left him a boat. He saw no one, and was about to turn around to ask how he'd get to the island when he saw a familiar being walking up to him.

"Ah, hello Mersery. What can I do for you?" The Mersion had given him the weapon that he'd used to escape the clutches of Serrakaan, so he'd gladly do anything for the elder member.

"You can take this and use it. I heard you were leaving, so I hurried to find you. This will undoubtedly prove useful someday." Mersery handed him a small, thin knife. In fact, it was too small to wield.

"Forgive me, but was this designed for a smaller then average Matoran?" Zaeron asked. He could wield it easily with his thumb and his finger. Mersery chuckled.

"May I see your bracer?" Though Zaeron hated parting with it, he knew he could trust Mersery with it any time. He took it off and handed it to him. Mersery fit the small blade onto the original blade, just underneath it.

He handed it back to Zaeron. "It will extend with the original blade and, if you have it activated, will deliver a lethal injection of poison." Zaeron nodded appreciatively. "How do I activate it?" He asked.

"Stab someone. You will have to take it off when you don't want to use it." The Mersion said simply. "Oh! I almost forgot, you won't be going by boat. Take this." He reached back and pulled out a small, trigger like piece of machinery. "Press it and you'll be taken to your mission area and then evacuated when you're done. Or, it will take you to the next island you need to visit."

Zaeron nodded, knowing it would be useful. "Thank you, Mersery." He said. The Mersion smiled and the two knocked fists, as though they were Toa. Mersery left, and Zaeron pulled the trigger. A flash of bright, yellow light filled his vision, and then everything was gone.

Land of Pain
Zaeron found himself in on top of a mountain. Strong gusts of wind nearly flung him off and to his death, but he kept his footing and began to make his way down the mountain. When he'd made it down, he put the poison blade onto the hidden blade, in case he needed to avoid conflict.

Luckily for him, he'd teleported to right side of the island, so the base wasn't far. Unfortunately, several sentries could be seen, and Zaeron didn't fancy getting into a fight with any of them. He looked for a way in and saw that the sentries moved in a continuous pattern, and that he'd have about fifteen seconds to slip behind them before they turned around.

It was quite easy to do. The sentries were either incompetent or run ragged. Either way, he doubted that their leader would let them live if he was discovered. Several buildings dotted the island, and he could see a pair of Dark Hunters sparring outside one of them. He paused to watch. One of them was wielding a mace and a large shield, the other had a set of claw like weapons strapped to their arms. The one with the mace appeared to be getting the worse of the duel. He began swinging desperately, trying to strike his opponent down. It was a vain effort, as the other was simply too quick.

They ducked under one of the strikes and stabbed forward, their claws, to Zaeron surprise, stabbed into their target's chest. The mace-wielder collapsed, still alive. The clawed one lunged down and plunged their blades into his throat and then, into the ground. At that moment, Zaeron realized it was a she. She pulled the blades out and wiped them off on the corpse's armor.

"Enjoying yourself?" A rather cold voice said behind him. Before Zaeron could react, a hand clamped over his mouth and a sword at his throat. "If you want to live, stay quiet and follow me." The voice said and the hand released him. Zaeron turned and saw a toa, clad in red and black armor and wearing an annoyed expression, gesturing at him to follow. He did so and they soon found themselves inside a cave.

"I had hoped you would be just a little more discreet in getting here." The Toa said.

"I'm going to guess you're the spy."

"Indeed. Helryx said you were the best at what you do. Clearly, it's not sneaking in and out of places." Zaeron put on a look of false innocence.

"Oh please, teach me oh high and mighty one." He said in a high, pompous voice. Instead of responding, the being held out a sheet of paper. "The tome you are here for, Zaeron," He bridled at the being knowing his name "is located inside the Shadowed One's throne room. His fortress is full of traps and false ends. this map will get you there safely." Zaeron nodded, warming up to the being despite himself. Whatever the Dark Hunter's way was, he was certain they were not merciful. The being was risking death or worse to aid him.

He nodded and took the map. "What's your name?" He asked. "Shadowplayer." He answered gruffly. Zaeron knew it was a Dark hunter code name, but wasn't about to break the habit by asking for his real name. He considered, then asked a second question. "Why did she kill him?"

"There is no mock combat on Odina. It's life as a useful, strong, hunter, or death." Shadowplayer said. "Speaking of which, that brings me to the second part of your mission. The Hunter you saw victorious earlier, she was caught by the Order on a mission. Instead of killing her, as they should have, they allowed her to do what she could to undermine the Dark Hunters." He paused, as though Zaeron wouldn't have followed that.

"Problem is, The Shadowed one found out. Now he sends hunters daily to kill her. She was victorious today, but he's been getting angry at the loss of his soldiers. He'll probably end up dealing with her himself, or worse, send Sentrakh." Zaeron didn't know who that was, but guessed it would have been bad.

"You need to evac her off the island and get her to Daxia." Shadowplayer finished. Zaeron nodded and left the cave. He moved towards the main fortress, trying to avoid being seen by anyone. he knew Shadowplayer was a spy for the order, but it still annoyed him that he had picked Zaeron out so easily. It took him a fair bit longer to get to the fortress then normal, but he was physically trying to be more discreet, so it took longer.

After an hour or two, he made it to the gates of the main fortress. Two guards stood outside, one looking tense and holding a spear, the other looked rather relaxed, and was clutching a knife. Zaeron could see no way in without alerting them, so he readied the poison blade. He rushed forward, moving too fast for they to call an alarm. In an instant, he'd slashed the poison blade across the arm of the spear wielder, and had slashed the other through the throat. The first turned gray, his eyes widening, and he dropped dead in seconds.

Zaeron glanced approvingly at the poison blade. He looked at the walls of the fortress. His eyes began to plot a route up and he soon saw a way up to an open window he could slip through. He scaled the wall in a few minutes. At one point, his fingers slipped and he dropped a few feet before grabbing onto another handhold. Once he'd made it through the window, He glanced at the map, and learned that there was a pressure pad-like trap a few feet to the right of the door out of the room. Unfortunately, that was the way to the throne room.

He poked his head out the door, checking to be sure there were no hunters patrolling the corridor. When he saw none, he stepped out and looked on to try and find the trap. After a few moments of observation, he could see a faintly darker floor color that went a few feet. That must be the trap. He thought. He took a few steps back and flung himself into a running leap. He landed clear of the trap, so he checked his map again. He began a continuous cycle of avoiding traps and then continuing on. It took several hours to find his way to the throne room, which, to his surprise, was deserted.

''Trap. Definitely a trap.'' He thought. Nonetheless, what he was seeking was supposedly in this room, so he was obliged to search it thoroughly. He walked a few feet in and looked around, searching for any sign of the book in the room.

"Well, assassin, I'm surprised you have made it this far." Zaeron whirled around, checking behind him. No one was there. He glanced around, then remembered one of Miolhin's first teachings. ''Always look up. It's the direction most people forget to look.'' He grabbed his sword and looked upwards. Indeed, there was a being up there. Two orange orbs, glittering like water in the moonlight, looked down on him. Not far away from it, a pair of similar, red orbs shone. These were more menacing and watchful.

The first pair were revealed to be eyes, as a titan of a being jumped down from the ceiling. He wielded a staff that was pointed at Zaeron, so it was obvious he intended to use it. Zaeron fell into a crouch, ready to dodge a blow or blast. The being laughed, a sadistic, menacing sound. "It's a shame you've come here to kill me, else I would have use of your talents of stealth." Zaeron looked upward briefly, looking to see if the other set of eyes were still there. They were, but they were not watching him. They were watching his adversary.

He returned his gaze to the titan of a being, and decided to play along. "Why don't you just be done with it, then? As I've clearly failed, why not kill me?"

The being laughed again. "I believe you would be a considerable waste of my considerable talents, assassin. He flicked his wrist and Zaeron heard footsteps behind him. He circled over so that he could confront both beings. To his immense dismay, the second being who'd entered the room was the Dark Hunter he'd witnessed as the victor earlier. She was also the one he was supposed to liberate from Dark Hunter service.

She was either a good actress or really wanted to kill him, as she lunged forward without hesitation. He brought his sword up and blocked both of the oncoming claws. Wordlessly, she struck again and again, aiming to kill, but Zaeron could easily block her attacks. Eventually, he found himself in a grapple with her. "Catch." She whispered. She dropped a pair of small metal balls into his hand. He guessed they were bombs. She jumped back and Zaeron flung one of them up into the ceiling, at the pair of scarlet eyes, and the other at the Shadowed One.

Both bombs erupted into smoke, blinding both beings. "Come on." His former opponent said and they slipped out of the room. As the two moved out she took him along a path that was not the way he came.

"They'll be on high alert now, there's a secret passage down in the dungeons that we can use to escape. It comes out atop one of the mountains." She said seriously. Zaeron nodded, and the two crept down into the dungeons, avoiding the eyes of many guards on alert for them. Zaeron felt as though his heart stone would explode each time he saw a Dark Hunter. Yet each time, they successfully remained unseen.

After what were hours that felt like days, the two were in the dungeons. "Where's the main passage?" Zaeron hissed to his companion. "On the other end of the dungeons, very deep down. There will be plenty of opposition if we are seen, so keep quiet." She whispered back. He nodded, and the two continued. The dungeons proved to be a dark, dismal place. Were it not for his own powers over darkness, he wouldn't be able to see a thing. In fact, it was miraculous his companion was able to see anything at all as well.

She must have memorized the path beforehand. He thought. Suddenly, a piercing scream of horror sounded throughout the dungeons, magnified by the underground ceiling and walls. Through the darkness, Zaeron could see a lone Matoran, sprinting for the exit. He was bleeding badly from his side, and was being chased by a lone warrior Zaeron couldn't identify. The Dark Hunter soon overtook the Matoran, and lifted him up with a single hand.

"Release me!" The Matoran begged. The Hunter's cold, bright blue eyes betrayed no emotion. "As you wish." He said simply and flung the Matoran across the room and headlong into a wall. A resounding crack as well as a crash shattered the now semi-silence, awakening many prisoners, who were now screaming profanities at the Hunter. The Hunter turned at them and spoke in a low, loud, and commanding voice that oozed authority.

"Any who does as he will meet the same fate. Anyone else wish to join him?" When no one spoke he turned around and began patrolling the dungeons. Zaeron began to move off course, when his companion grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Don't even think about it. We can't afford delay."

Zaeron pulled away from her. "I won't just let this being display such evil. Without paying for it." To him, any being who could slaughter an innocent being of any kind with such malice was evil, incurably, and beyond redemption evil. He slipped away from his frustrated partner, and began slinking from shadow to shadow, avoiding sight. Just as he was about to plunge his hidden blade into his target's skull, a voice rang out, stopping him.

"Warden! I must speak with you!" A female voice said. Zaeron turned to where it was coming from and saw a tall, frightening Dark Hunter holding a pair of daggers. "What is it, Lariska?" Warden said gruffly.

"Two beings loose in the fortress, one is an assassin, who recently failed to kill The Shadowed One. The other is Seductress, who has turned traitor and allied herself with him." Warden's expression did not falter and he said in the same, cold voice; "I will alert at once should they be sighted." Lariska nodded and swept from the dungeons. Warden turned around, his eyes now alert and wary.

Zaeron waited for him to pass, the reached out with one hand and stabbed into his heart stone with his hidden blade. Warden's eyes glazed over and rolled back into his head. Zaeron closed his eyes and returned to his companion, who looked impressed.

"Well done. May we leave now?"

"Yes." Thought it pained him to admit it, releasing the prisoners would either sentence them to a painful death, or get him and his partner killed. Quite probably both. The two resumed their slinking through the darkness, aimed for finding he way out. As the went along, Zaeron witnessed several different atrocities it killed him to not stop.

A Dark Hunter could be seen using whips on uncooperative prisoners. With a jolt, Zaeron realized the whip had a thin, razor sharp blade on the end, so it cut deeply into the prisoners, who let out screams of agony each time the whip cracked. At one point, the Dark Hunter misjudged where he was aiming, and the blade sunk itself into the temple of a Ga-Matoran. A few other prisoners looked horrified at her demise, while a few others simply ignored it, as though they were used to such sights.

Zaeron steeled himself against the horrifying sights, and continued to press onward. They soon reached the tunnel's entrance. "We're here. It'll be a two day walk through the tunnel, so we'll set up camp midway through." His companion said. He nodded. Seconds before he entered, a piercing, saddening scream sounded out. He turned, despite himself knowing what' he'd see.

A being he recognized as a female Vortixx kneeled on the ground tears streaming down her face. A male Skakdi sat next to her, looking equally emotional. In front of them stood a rahkshi. In it's left hand it held a small, tiny in fact, skeleton.

"There can be no mixing of the species. It is abomination." the Rahkshi said in it's mechanical voice. It swung it's staff in a deadly arc and beheaded the Vortixx. The Skakdi gave a roar of rage and flung itself at the Rahkshi. It was a vain effort, and he too met an untimely death.

Zaeron couldn't stop himself. he started forward, fury rising quickly inside him. Moments before he stepped out of the shadow, his companion wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him back. "I know. I know." She whispered, her voice filled with emotion. He pulled back, the red haze of his fury hardly fading. He'd seen well enough of the pain that the Brotherhood of Makuta had caused, now he saw that the Dark Hunters were equally evil.

He forced himself to go back and into the tunnel. Once his rage had cleared, but not subsided, he saw that his companion was trying to hide her own feelings of the event. He decided not to mention it, in case he changed his mind and gone back. They walked through the tunnel for an amount of time he cared not to reflect upon.

Once they'd made it what he'd guessed to be midway through, they stopped and sat down. His companion didn't make an attempt to start any conversation, so he didn't either. Eventually, she said to him in that tired, over controlled voice that said she she was about to freak out; "I'm Maraina."

"Zaeron." He responded carefully, unsure of what to say, not knowing whether or not it would put him on her bad side. Luckily, however, she continued. "Zaeron, do you know what'll happen to me once we get to Daxia?" he considered for a moment.

"I'm unsure of that. I guess that you'll either be taken prisoner or have your memory erased, that is if you don't accept membership." She blinked. "I guess that means we'll be seeing each other often, because I do not wish to be a prisoner all my life." She said simply, and leaned up against the wall of the tunnel. It was a few moments before Zaeron realized she was asleep. He lay down, folded his hands on his chest and went to sleep as well.

What felt like a seven minute nap was actually six hours. When he awoke, he found Maraina awake, watching the tunnel the way they'd come. He noticed that her claws were put on, and then he noticed the dried blood on them. Then, he noticed the mangled dark hunter corpse next to her. "You should have told me about him." He said. "Then we could have left earlier."

She shrugged. "You looked like you needed about nine hours of sleep. Something told me this wasn't your first mission in a while." He was surprised at how close that was. He stood up and gestured for her to follow. He slipped on the pool of blood that blended in with the darkness. Eventually, he cursed himself and came to a stop.

"What is it?" Maraina asked. He remembered the teleporter Mersery had given him and pulled it out. He cursed himself again and held his hand out to Maraina. She took it and he pressed the button. Nothing happened. He swore again and released her hand. "It must need open sky to work." He said. When he saw Maraina's confused look, he explained what it was.

"Well, that gives us just one more reason to get out of this tunnel then." She said and the two continued. Silence reigned for quite a while, then Zaeron heard something that almost scared the life out of him. A couple voices sounded behind them.

Maraina swore. "They must have found the tunnel, hurry, we're almost there!" She whispered and accelerated, Zaeron following. a part of him wanted to turn around and make the Dark Hunters pay for the atrocities he'd seen the day previous, but he knew that he would end up dead or worse, captured again. The voices grew louder, then one of them yelled. Zaeron knew they must've found the body, and they broke out into an all out run.

An overwhelming sense of relief passed over him when he finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The feeling was followed by fear, as he could here the Dark Hunters behind them. Zaeron continued to go faster, but kept behind Maraina, who was slower. If the Dark Hunters caught up, he'd be the one to hold them off while she escaped.

Sooner then he'd expected, they burst out into the daylight. Not accustomed to the light after so much time in the dungeons and tunnel, the light blinded him temporarily. Once the feeling wore off, he grabbed Maraina's arm and pressed the button on the teleporter. They were suddenly surrounded by a bright yellowy light, but went nowhere.

Soon, Zaeron felt as though he'd lost weight. Then, he realized he was slowly dissipating into nothingness. It must be working. He thought, now feeling panicky. To his horror, two Dark Hunters burst out of the tunnel. One he did not know, the other, he recognized as Shadowplayer.

He looked down and saw himself disappearing. He looked up and into Shadowplayer's eyes, which gave him a hidden message of understanding. There was something else there, something that made him question the being's sanity. He looked at the other hunter, who looked confused. Maraina held up one hand and made an obscene hand gesture just before they teleported.

The Great Temple
Zaeron's legs jarred from the impact of reforming on Daxia. He released Maraina's hand and looked around. He could only see Sakila waiting to greet him. She walked up. Of all things, she certainly seemed healthier then usual. Nearly all the marks her torture had left upon her had faded, aside from her scar. "Well, I can see you were successful." Sakila said. her voice had changed as well, it seemed a little brighter then before. He nodded.

"And no torture involved." he said. To myself, anyway. He wouldn't soon forget the atrocities he'd witnessed in the dungeons of Odina. He pushed the memories away and tilted his head towards Maraina. "I've got to take her to Helryx for, well, her life's decision." Sakila nodded.

"If you're lucky, maybe you won't need to be gone again. It's incredibly dull for me. Just combat testing and mental stability examinations. You'd think they thought torture would leave me weakened!" She said indignantly. He nodded. he'd fought alongside her in combat, and knew such tests were pointless. He left the scene and walked Maraina to Helryx's chamber.

It was a very short meeting. Well, for him. The second he was in, Helryx asked him to leave. He took the opportunity to return to his quarters. He removed his sword from his back and placed it on the floor, along with his dagger. Customarily, he kept his hidden arsenal with him. He lay down on his bed and let out a long, tired sigh. Fifteen seconds later, he was asleep.

He slept well, not dreaming, pleasant or otherwise. When he awoke, he heard a light rapping on the door. Instantly alert, he stood up and readied his hidden blade for anything. It turned out to be Sakila, who looked extraordinarily disgruntled. "What is it?' he asked. She simply gave him an exasperated expression that told him everything. He'd been given yet another mission. He sighed.

"Where am I going now?" He asked. her expression softened slightly, though was still annoyed. "Metru-Nui. There is a mercenary financier who'll be visiting the Great Temple. Apparently, he wants to steal something inside to pay off one of his agents. We want him dead." She clearly meant that we meant Helryx. He nodded.

He turned to pick up his weapons when he noticed that it was still dark out. "Mata Nui, is there a reason I need to leave at the hour forsaken by any creator?" He asked. he wouldn't have minded a few extra hours of sleep.

Sakila grunted. He took that as an agreement. Another thought struck him. "Why am I not being told by Helryx? I thought my missions were to be of utmost secrecy."

"They are. As I know next to everything about you, that secret applies to me as well, bringing me in on things." He wasn't sure how that worked, but was rather pleased about a friendly being helping him. He grabbed his weapons and stepped out where sky could be seen. He was quite glad that he had the teleport Mersery had given him.

Not sure what to say, he simply nodded at Sakila and pressed the button. The familiar vanishing sensation took over, and soon, everything was gone.

He reformed on what appeared to be a shore. He glanced around, and saw that he was in Ga-Metru on Metru-Nui. A few loud gasps sounded behind him. He turned, careful to not instinctively draw a weapon. A group of six Ga-Matoran stood in front of him. Four turned and sprinted away, while the remaining two walked up to him. He swore in his head. ''What am I going to say? I can't expose my cover, clearly.''

"Toa?" One of them said timidly. Deciding to go with it, Zaeron nodded. Both Matoran burst out into broad grins. He crouched down, just so that he could get as far as he could to eye level. My name should be fine, it doesn't reveal a thing about the Order. "I'm Zaeron." he said. The Matoran hastily introduced themselves. "I'm Nokama, this is my student, Hahli."

He gave them a smile, trying to look reassuring. No turning back now. "Please, could you tell me where I might find the nearest Turaga. I daresay a Toa appearing would cause some fuss." both Matoran nodded and led him into the city. He'd never seen such a place. There were buildings everywhere. He didn't have much time to take in the many sights, as Nokama and Hahli led him through the district at a very fast pace.

It didn't take long for quite a large crowd to gather around and follow him. Soon after that, a Turaga of Fire, who he guessed led the city, approached him, accompanied by a squad of mechanical beings he'd never seen before.

"Greetings, Toa. I am Turaga Dume." Zaeron inclined his head slightly. "I'm Zaeron. With all due respect, wise one, I think it may be best if we could speak in private."

"Certainly. Come with me, I think may chambers will suffice." Zaeron followed Dume and his squad of bodyguards, across the district and then into an incredibly tall building. "Welcome to the Coliseum, Toa." Dume said in a pride-filled voice.

"It's quite impressive." Zaeron said. Of course, it was an understatement, as the building was at least seven hundred of him standing on top of one another. It wasn't long before Zaeron and Dume stood in his chambers, overlooking a sporting arena.

"Now then, Toa, why have you come to our city?" Zaeron thought fast, making up a convincing lie. "I'm looking over the islands of our universe, I wish to do what I can to help keep the peace."

"Would you not have a team to aid you?"

"No, I prefer to work alone. It prevents me from doing something incredibly stupid. Like not doing my job to save someone." He thought an immense deal less of himself for saying it, but a lie was a lie.

Dume paused for a moment. "Well, I suppose you could tour the island tomorrow. Undoubtedly the Toa Team here would like to meet you. The Matoran would have heard all about your arrival by now, so they'd wish to see you as well." Not seeing any way out of the situation, Zaeron inclined his head again.

"Where can I find lodgings, wise one?"

"There's an empty house in Ta-Metru, would that be acceptable?"

"Yes, thank you Turaga. I'll find my own way, if that's alright." Dume nodded and Zaeron walked out. He soon found himself surrounded by Matoran, all of which eager to greet him. They pestered him with questions about his adventures. The adoring tone of voice many of them asked in rather disturbed him, he wasn't used to such attention. After telling many false tales of heroics and grandiose stories, they finally left, at the urging of a pair of the robotic beings.

Deciding to avoid another crowd, he clambered up onto a roof and ran into the Ta-Metru district. The red buildings and streets made it difficult to see any inhabitants. Fortunately, many were moving, which decreased the difficulty. On one occasion, he overheard a conversation in an alley.

"So, he thinks he can top us?"

"As if, he's such a cross-wired idiot that every mask he makes would shatter from a poke."

"Guys, leave me alone, if the Vahki see this we'll all be in trouble."

"That's why we won't let them see this." A loud thwack filled the air and made Zaeron stop. He looked down and saw two Ta Matoran harassing a third, hidden by a large garbage bin. One of the two punched his victim in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Deciding he'd seen enough, Zaeron stood so that he cast a shadow over the Matoran. The two harassers noticed and looked up, confused, their expression turned to one of shock, and Zaeron jumped down from the roof, landing between them and their victim.

"If I were you, I'd turn around and re-think your lives. Toa can be much more....punishing then Vahki when they want to be." he guessed the Vahki were the robotic beings he'd seen earlier. Both Matoran stammered apologies and ran off. Zaeron turned to the third, who was pulling himself up. Zaeron crouched down.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes. Many thanks, Toa."

"Please, call me Zaeron."

"Thank you Zaeron, I am Vakama."

"Why were they harassing you?"

Vakama snorted. "Someone seems to have told them that I boast of being the best mask-maker on the island. I guess they take things personally." Zaeron nodded slowly. "Did you brag about it?'

"Of course not!"

"Then tell them you'll go to the Toa if they don't leave you alone."

Vakama smiled. "Well, after the show you just gave them I don't think they will be back." Zaeron smiled back, said goodbye, and left. It felt good to have done something right aside from kill beings. He decided. He soon found the abandoned house and fit himself in inside. It was a ruse, of course, he would have to head over to the great temple after dark. He was glad no more Matoran came to see him, because that would give him trouble leaving.

The second it was dark enough to blend in, he stepped out of the house and slowly began making his way to Ga-Metru. The trip was a few hours longer then he'd have liked, for he continually had to avoid Vahki patrols. Once he could see the temple, he climbed up a roof and moved towards it by roof.

The Majesty of the building was awing. He instantly knew why it was called The Great Temple. It wasn't anywhere near as large as The Coliseum, but in a way, it was greater. He tore his eyes from the building and looked at the platform it stood upon. A large group of Vahki stood guarding it. He'd have a job getting in. Suddenly, he noticed something in the corner of his eye. He glanced to the side and saw two beings. One was small, frail, and looked somewhat nervous. His companion was larger, winged, and was armed to the teeth.

Zaeron carefully watched the two beings. He was almost certain one of them was his target, but needed to make sure. Moments before the pair turned a corner that would bring within eyeshot of the Vahki, when the larger one slammed the smaller into the wall of a building.

"You'd better hope that what you're promising me is in there is there, otherwise, I'm going to tear out your organs and feed them to some random, unsuspecting group of Matoran that thinks it's fruit." He snarled. So the small one is the financier, the big guy is the one he needs to pay, hopefully I can take both out. Zaeron considered jumping down on them, but the noise of armor crashing against armor would undoubtedly draw attention. Instead, he watched as the two beings walked out into plain view of the Vahki.

A lone walked forward, looking as though he was telling them off for being someplace they shouldn't. Before Zaeron could blink, the large one drew a long, threatening looking sword and cut the Vahki's head off. The other mechanical beings charged the two beings, only to each be cut down. Soon, the squad guarding The Great Temple lay in a mess of wire and strewn body parts. Zaeron, despite himself, was impressed at the being's swordplay, though wondered why he'd bothered, given the plasma launcher at his side.

Perhaps he doesn't wish to draw attention, and a plasma blast would create a noise like no other. Zaeron hopped down from the roof and slowly walked towards the Temple, watching the two beings. Once he was inside, he noticed rafters in the ceiling, and was standing among them in seconds. He carefully eyed his two targets. The small one began rummaging around in a drawer. Feeling the small one was defiling the temple, Zaeron slowly clambered down, ready for a fight.

"Skorr, I'm sorry, it's just not here."

"Unfortunate, I suppose. Pity, you'd payed so well until now." There was a flash of silver and scarlet and the small being collapsed, clutching his chest. Skorr stabbed his sword downward into the beings gut and drew it up to his throat. Blood fountained out, covering the floors with a pool of blood. Zaeron paused before stepping out. He could just let Skorr leave, and dispose of his target's body. No, that wouldn't do, Skorr was a loose end if he knew of Zaeron's presence. He'd have to kill him. He sucked in a deep breath, calming himself. Then, he stepped out face Skorr.

Skorr looked up from the body and saw him approaching. "You're either very brave or extraordinarily foolish, interrupting me, Toa." Zaeron hid a smile. He must have really passed for a Toa.

"Perhaps I'm simply unaware of what would make you so dangerous." He said. Skorr snorted. "Just the most dangerous being you'll ever face." Once again, Zaeron his a smile. His opponent could not have been more wrong. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but is your name not Skorr?" The Bounty Hunter's face betrayed no sign of shock. Zaeron slowly, deliberately, pulled his hand back and drew his sword. Skorr noticed this movement and began to circle Zaeron.

Zaeron let him, hoping he'd betray a movement that might reveal how he fought. Instead, Skorr simply walked in circles, as though he were watching his movements as well. "How much did he owe you?" Zaeron said, gesturing to the corpse. "Whatever I said I wanted."

"I'll assume that he missed pay-day." Skorr didn't respond. Zaeron raised his sword so that it pointed the bounty hunter. "I suppose you guessed I wouldn't let you walk out free." Skorr stopped, then he lunged, aiming to behead Zaeron.

Zaeron, who had been standing up straight, wasn't able to perform any fancy dodge. Instead, he simply leaned back, falling backwards. he curled into a ball upon impact and rolled. In seconds, he was standing and was facing Skorr. Skorr lunged again. This time, Zaeron was ready and blocked the strike and countered. Skorr blocked and hopped back, swinging his sword so to keep Zaeron at bay.

Zaeron jumped forward, striking as he went. Skorr blocked and they continued their fight. The two swords flurried through the air faster then a first glance could trace. Unsuccessful in the venture of attempting to decapitate or cut down his foe, Zaeron tried a different tactic. He stabbed forward during one of the intervals between the sword strikes. Skorr evaded the attack and struck again. Deciding he'd have to end it quickly, Zaeron withdrew his hidden blade and stabbed at Skorr's left right eye. Skorr grabbed Zaeron's arm at the last second, the blade stopping millimeters from his face.

Skorr swung his sword so that Zaeron's was pushed away, then pressed a button on his wrist. Zaeron lost all sense of where he was, and was suddenly dropping through space. He soon realized Skorr had used a teleporter, and that they were plummeting through the sky, falling towards the streets of Metru-Nui. Thinking quickly, Zaeron grabbed hold of Skorr's arm and stabbed with the hidden blade, using all his strength.

Skorr hissed with pain. Zaeron pulled himself up so that he'd be level with the bounty hunter's ear. "If I die, I'm bringing you with me!" He yelled over the wind. Skorr, realizing his predicament, flapped his wings twice, and they began aiming for a long, tube like object, one of many that ran through the city. Does he have a death wish!? Zaeron thought. Instead of death, they passed into the tube and began flying through the city. Skorr pushed Zaeron away and began to accelerate through the tube. Zaeron noticed a large crate, grabbed hold of it, and he too, began to accelerate with it.

Skorr turned around, he growled at the sight of the persistent Toa still pursuing him. He needed to get out of the chute, as the wound the Toa had inflicted was causing a steady yet thin stream of blood to fountain out. If he continued inside the chute, he would succumb to blood loss. He aimed himself down and flew out the bottom of the chute, causing a gaping hole to appear. Yet still, Zaeron followed and jumped through it, grabbing hold of Skorr's leg as he went.

Skorr cursed angrily. Toa were determined, but this one was on the verge of insanity. Deciding it was time to finish things, he flew down onto a green rooftop. Zaeron jumped away before the landing, and bounced off a few wires that filled the skyline. Both beings took a quick glance around to determine where they were. They had landed in Le-Metru. By now, the sun had risen slightly and a few early bird Matoran had awaken. Skorr drew his plasma launcher and shot it at Zaeron. Zaeron sidestepped it and the blast opened a gaping hole in the building next to them.

Skorr put the weapon away and they drew their swords, as though the plasma blast was a customary ritual that preceded their actual fight. Zaeron charged first, faking a stab motion then slashing at Skorr's leg. Anticipating the attack, Skorr jumped back at the last second, avoiding death just in time. Skorr then attacked and their blades met in a flurry of motion. Skorr kicked out at Zaeron and the latter stumbled back. Skorr continued to attack Zaeron furiously, fully intending on killing his opponent. Zaeron brought up his sword a fraction of a second too late. Skorr's sword slashed down his side, drawing blood. Zaeron cried out in pain as Skorr raised his weapon again, this time moving to remove his foe's head. Suddenly, a blast of fire struck the bounty hunter, sending him reeling. Zaeron looked up and saw a Toa of Fire standing on the far side of the roof, his swords flaming. Skorr wasn't finished, and attacked the new Toa.

The Toa was clearly skilled in combat, but not enough to defeat Skorr. Sensing Skorr was about to kill the Toa, Zaeron pulled himself up and, ignoring the searing pain in his side, lunged at the bounty hunter. He tackled Skorr with all of his strength, and both beings tumbled off the roof and to the ground below.

The Tour
Zaeron jolted awake. He glanced around and saw he was in an infirmary of sorts. A Ga-Matoran ran up to him. "Your awake! Goodness, we were so worried! Are you alright?" Zaeron answered her question by getting up and stretching. "Well, it is good you are alright, Toa Zaeron." A voice said from the door. He saw Dume, flanked by a pair of Vahki bodyguards, was entering the room.

"What happened to the bounty hunter?" Zaeron asked. Dume hesitated before answering. "He escaped after you were knocked unconscious by the fall. I'm sorry." Zaeron swore in his head. He wished he could have found a way to kill Skorr, and then make it look like a suicide. ''Can't do anything about it now. Oh well.''

"If you are feeling up to it, Toa, I'm prepared to give you a tour of Metru-Nui." Dume said hopefully. Can't back out of it. Zaeron thought. He nodded. "Excellent. I'll be ready in seven minutes." Dume left the room. Zaeron turned to the Matoran. "Thank you for treating me. Would you happen to know where my tools are?" The Matoran nodded and took him into another room where his weapons lay. He sheathed his sword and dagger. It was only then that he realized that they'd left his left gauntlet on. He was thankful for that, as his hidden blade, gun, and poison blade were attached.

He walked out to meet Turaga Dume, who was protected by his typical group of Vahki bodyguards. Dume welcomed him at they began a slow walk through the Ga-Metru district, Dume going out of his way to point out the finer landmarks in the district. Zaeron did his best to make a mental map of the district, but it was so large it was difficult to keep track of the street names, let alone the entire district. The next district they visited was Po-Metru.

Zaeron was surprised at how busy it was. Carvers could be seen working away at projects. Many of which Zaeron could never have dreamed of attempting.