Eternal Darkness

Eternal Darkness is the final novel in the Xaterex Multiverse Storyline.

Teaser
''Vahrikaan has risen. Darkness has fallen over Xaterex.''

''The treachery of Saren Naghara has devastated the ranks of the Resistance, whose war has been long, deadly, and filled with pain. The rebellion has collapsed in on itself, even as the Ix are at their strongest, and the only beings that have a chance of stopping the ascending Dark Lord have been scattered across the universe...''

''Shardak and Valkryia’s only hope of victory against Vahrikaan lies in unraveling the cryptic Prophecy of Time, which states that at the end of worlds, the Spirit Toa shall make a choice that will save or annihilate the universe forever. Blast must confront the being who holds the key to his past, which holds a secret so great that it could change the tide of the war. Fairon and Luxa, captured by the mysterious Mindeaters, must journey beyond the known worlds to stop a plan that threatens to end all hope for survival.''

''All of these allies must come together to make a final stand against Lord Vahrikaan. And as darkness closes in on them, the fate of the Resistance— and the Xaterex Multiverse— rests on a single choice that will preserve or destroy existence itself.''

Prologue
''"What happened then?" asked the Toa. His voice trembled slightly as he faced the hooded being, whose face was shrouded in the darkness. Only the being's eyes could be seen.The Toa could not read the expression within, but could feel the force of the eyes upon him, staring intently into his own.''

''"I failed," The hooded being said simply. “I failed, and eternal darkness fell upon the universe.''"

''"You failed?" asked the Toa. His voice was incredulous. "But how?"''

"My friends had fought well. My allies were strong. But, in the end, the battle came down to a single choice, a choice foretold hundreds of years before. And because of this choice, I have journeyed across the strands of time for thousands of millennia."

''"So that's how everyone knows of you, and knows your title." said the Toa. ''

''"Yes," the being answered. "I have seen the uncountable pasts, the varied presents, the incalculable futures. But everything came down to the single choice at the end of time, a choice that had been foretold thousands of years before." ''

''"What happened?" the Toa demanded, real fear in his voice now "At the end of time? How did you fail? Who are you?”''

''For a moment, all was silent and still. The hooded being said nothing, merely continued to stare into the Toa's eyes. Almost unconsciously, the Toa dropped his gaze. For a few moments, neither being spoke.''

''"Who are you?" asked the Toa again, breaking the silence. But the hooded being could feel his aura, and he knew the Toa already knew. ''

''"I will tell you of the final battle, then." said the being at last. "I will tell you how it all ended..."''

And he lowered his hood.

Chapter 1
Var'kala hung above Xaterex like a grim premonition of doom, its presence creating a dread aura of fear within the hearts of all beings below. The jagged grey surface of the mobile planetoid hovered just below the nighttime skyline, revelling in the fear that it instilled in the hearts of the warring Toa, Glatorian, and Ix below. For the presence of Var'kala, the Citadel of the Darkness, meant that the Dark Lord, Vahrikaan, had returned to Xaterex.

Within the open chambers of the Resistance base, Shardak stared at the skies above him and, unconsciously, shivered as he felt the force of Var'kala's dark gaze upon him. While he couldn't feel any enemies nearby, the sense of shadow energy around him was palpable.

Beside him, Valkyria Rhai shivered slightly in the aura field as she, too, looked at Var'kala. Shardak knew without question that she felt the darkness here as well.

"It's odd we haven't encountered any of Saren's guards here yet." said Shardak, breaking the almost oppressive silence. He tore his gaze away from Var'kala, accessing the situation before him. "You'd think they'd be everywhere, especially after Var'kala appeared. Vahrikaan knows the Fells are the heart of the rebel's territory, and he's likely to mount an attack here."

"It is strange," Valkyria agreed. "And worrying. Maybe Saren's abandoned the base, and left us here for the Ix?"

But Shardak could tell she didn't believe it. Saren was too canny a strategist not to hold onto his territory, especially now, when his forces were engaged in a life-and-death struggle at the heart of the Ix Empire. The treacherous Resistance commander who had sent his warriors to capture him and Valkyria in the Void would not have abandoned his last, most easily defended base in the Fells so easily.

"We have to get out of here as soon as possible, though." said Shardak grimly, turning his gaze back to Var'kala, which still hovered above them like a massive, all-seeing eye. For the first time, Shardak wondered if Vahrikaan could actually see him with his highly advanced auric abilities, or if he could see any of his friends, all of them scattered across the worlds. Many could be dead, for all he knew, they all could be.

There was Blast, with the ancient being Moru Kul and the bounty hunter Nightwatcher on Noctxia Magna, fighting alongside Ixtil and his interim government, the Hand of Mata Nui, on the Resistance's side. Whether or not he was aware of Saren's betrayal was unknown. There was Jareroden, the Toa who'd likely been killed in the Void, but whose body had not been found. Two of his other friends, Fairon and Luxa, had joined the Akkadians and the Veythari in their attempt to defeat Saren at Calos. Shardak was unsure of the outcome of the battle, or if either of them were still alive.

Only Valkyria was left to stand alongside him as he attempted to complete his mentor Atarus' last plan, hunted from all sides by both Vahrikaan's armies and the Saren's Resistance.

The words of the Prophecy of Time, the unfinished final prophecy of the enigmatic race known as the Ancients, seemed to whisper the first lines to Shardak once again.

''The end of worlds has been declared, the Spirit’s allies are ensnared. The Spirit must choose now or never, or time shall fall, worlds’ death forever...''

His friends and allies were indeed ensnared, scattered across the worlds as they fought to help Shardak complete his destiny.

But how? Shardak wondered. It had been simple when he'd had Atarus to rely on, but now the Elemental was dead, his plans for Shardak unknown. His only instruction, the only thing Shardak was sure he knew would somehow lead him closer to defeating Vahrikaan, was simple: ''seek out the rest of the Prophecy. ''

But if the knowledge had eluded even Atarus, how—

"Shardak, look!"

Valkyria's voice, tinged with a slight note of fear, brought Shardak back to the present. He could see they were standing in one of the larger gathering chambers of the Resistance. Dim torchlight cast illumination across the room, and on the corpses which lay sprawled across the floor. Only then did Shardak first smell the reek of death.

There were dozens of the dead beings scattered across the chamber, all Resistance members, from commanders to simple warriors. Glatorian, Agori, Matoran, Vortixx, Steltians...all dead. There were no Ix or Veythari among the corpses.

"Were they attacked?" wondered Shardak aloud. It seemed impossible; he and Valkyria, bound deep within the heart of Saren's base, would have heard sounds of fighting. And as Shardak stared at the fallen corpse of a Steltian, he saw that the being hadn't even been wounded. The same was true for the rest of them.

"What could have done this?" asked Valkyria. She sounded shocked and fearful, and it surprised Shardak. Having lived for years as an Ix warrior, Valkyria was a master at concealing her emotions, something that had prevented Shardak from trusting her during their tentative first alliance in the Void against the bounty hunters known as the Sharidir. Shardak was even more afraid, though tried not to let it show. It was as though every being here had been lain low by some unseen enemy.

Then the truth slammed into Shardak, so hard and horrifying that it was almost a physical blow. "The Ancient's virus in the Void. There must be another Void portal, one that Atarus didn't know about, in the Fells."

For a moment, Valkyria was silent, then the implications of what Shardak was saying hit her like a lightning bolt.

"But even then, it was unlikely that the virus would survive long enough to escape onto the surface, considering how deep the Void is below the surface of Xaterex." said Valkyria. "Still, there's no other explanation."

"So all of Xaterex could be in danger," said Shardak. "And thousands could be dead if we can't somehow stop it. The virus wiped out almost every complex lifeform that existed in the Void."

"We have to find the Void portal, then," said Valkyria. "And seal it off. Is it possible it could be within the base itself?"

"Yes..." moaned a new voice, and Shardak and Valkyria whirled around to identify the speaker.

It was Skar, the brutal Glatorian who had captured Shardak and Valkyria in the Void. However, now his face was contorted in pain, and he was gasping for breath. "Yes, Saren has a portal in the fortress," he gasped.

Shardak saw Skar was staring at him with almost dead eyes, and the Toa realized the Glatorian didn't recognize them. "To the Void. It wasn't enough, though, not enough to protect us. The Void power that Saren gave us when we were sent to the Void...wasn't enough to defeat—"

The Glatorian fell to the ground, writhing in pain. Slowly, he grew still, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

Shocked at what they'd witnessed, Shardak and Valkyria, immediately knowing in the aura field what they had to do, turned away and ran toward Saren's personal headquarters, where, less than a month ago, Shardak, Valkyria, Fairon, and Luxa had confronted the treacherous Resistance commander. Still more corpses were scattered across the hallways, many of them civilians and lower-ranking warriors as well as Saren's own commanders. All of them victims of the virus which had been unleashed into the Void.

Shardak and Valkyria had not been present during the final stages of the battle, when Freztrak, fighting the Ix high commander Reyna, had ordered them both to flee before Atarus' massive explosives detonated. Atarus had sacrificed his life to kill Nightshade, an Ix apprentice, and to seal off the Void. Later, when Valkyria and Shardak had returned, they'd found the portal destroyed, and the corpses of both Freztrak and Reyna. Both Skakdi and Ix had sustained horrible injuries in the battle, and the vial had been broken.

The hundreds of Ix, and the massive army of Shadowdermis beings they'd created there, had been wiped out by the virus, as had almost every complex lifeform within the Void. Shardak had remembered walking through the deserted streets of the Nameless City, which was littered with corpses, and dreaded thinking about the same thing happening to Akkad, Iskar, Drakos, or Ecbatana.

Shardak knew from experience that the virus did not linger in the air for long. Assuming that these corpses were more than a day old, which he was sure they were, the virus would no longer be present in the Resistance base. However, if the virus had somehow escaped the airtight confines of the base and entered the atmosphere...

Hoping desperately that the plague had not spread beyond the Resistance base, Shardak opened the door to Saren's chambers. He could see several beings lay dead here as well, and one of them was lying against the wall, his hands reaching upward, as though, even in death, he was trying to somehow break it down.

"That must be the Void portal's entrance," said Shardak. "Skar must have told them how he knew of the Void energy and how Saren maintained his power. They must have been desperate enough to risk trying to somehow absorb some of the power for themselves."

Shardak was wondering inwardly how Saren had managed to do it, but put that out of his mind quickly. If they survived, he would figure it out.

Finding Saren's secret entrance to the Void wasn't difficult. The wall slid backward if pushed hard enough, and then, if pushed horizontally to the side once more, opened an entrance to the Void. It was a cord-like structure, which descended downward. Forcing his aura against the rocks, Shardak felt his power tear through his body for a single moment, then vanish into the earth. He could feel Valkyria adding her strength to his, and soon the steps which led into the Void were buried forever.

Sealing the secret door, Shardak and Valkyria considered other viable exits from the base, in case any of the beings had survived long enough to escape. There were none. They'd sealed themselves tightly within the base in case of an attack, not knowing it would instead become their tomb.

"There's no way out by land," said Shardak. "They'd have to—"

"Go by starcraft." finished Valkyria. "And there are starcraft here. Nearly thirty, in case of emergencies. Even Saren never used them when his base was under attack by the Ix! One or more of the carriers could have escaped in a starcraft vessel!"

Shardak nodded grimly. As he turned away from the Resistance command room, however, he stopped, standing silently in the dying torchlight for a moment. In this room he had met with the leaders of the Resistance many times— Arkhan, Atarus, Freztrak, Parikon, Ion— all beings who were now dead. It was unlikely that he and Valkyria would ever return to this place, but Shardak hesitated for a moment to leave it. There were memories here, memories of a better time.

He looked one final time at the ancient runes enscribed on the wall, depicting champions of ancient battles, then sealed the chamber behind him and followed Valkyria through the narrow corridors of the base. The small starcraft fleet seemed to all be in place, and Shardak could see the fallen form of a Glatorian, another victim to the ancient virus that had claimed the lives of so many. Shardak saw that every starcraft seemed to be in its place, until he saw— and felt a cold dagger of fear flash through him.

One of the starcraft was missing. While there was no sign of any bodies, Shardak already was certain of the truth.

Some of them escaped in a ship.

"Even now, probably not realizing the truth, they're heading to join Saren at Iskar, or at Ecbatana..." said Shardak.

Valkyria nodded. Although they both knew it, neither of them mentioned the worse possibility— that the starcraft had crashed on Xaterex already as its pilots fell victim to the fatal pathogen, discharging the lethal toxin into the air of Xaterex. It would strike and wipe out every being on the planet's surface within twelve hours, then fade away just as quickly.

"The pathogen is still out there," said Shardak, as the full, horrible truth became clear to them. "The ship is carrying the live virus."

Two months earlier...

A single axe lay abandoned within the Nameless City.

The axe had fallen from its wielder's hands, a Vortixx, during a battle there almost three years ago. As the city was long abandoned, the axe remained there, a lone, slightly damaged weapon, abandoned and unused.

The Ix warrior, a Limiter recently sent by his superiors to investigate this area of the Nameless City, even as more and more Ix arrived within the city by the day, did not know anything more than it was a slightly damaged weapon. He did not know that its wielder had been a Vortixx, that it had been used in battle against a Mindeater three years ago, and he did not know how truly powerful the axe was.

And he did not know that axe as so much more than a simple weapon, but the Axe of Eternity itself.

The Limiter had thought it was worth bringing back to his superiors. A weapon was always useful, no matter what type. He reached out, and his fingers closed around the axe.

He had made the biggest mistake of his life.

The moment he lifted the weapon, the Limiter ceased to be. Death closed in around him, even as a new consciousness began to flow from the axe into his body, taking control easily. With slow movements, as though not entirely used to having a physical body once more, the Limiter rose to his feet.

Though he was no longer a Limiter any longer.

The being controlling the Ix's body brought the Limiter to his feet, and felt his fingers tighten around the Axe of Eternity, the weapon that had held his consciousness within for nearly three years.

"Time to begin again, it seems," hissed the being, enjoying the sound of using the Limiter's voice. He knew several ways to leave the Void, and with slow, purposeful steps, began to walk toward a destination only he knew.

The being twisted the Limiter's face— his face— into a hideous smile.

Now, to at last complete my plans...

Chapter 2
Far away, far beyond the stars and planets of Xaterex, the massive, forgotten diskworld of Penumbra spun slowly around its massive, dying star. The citadel, once the great and mighty capitol of the ancient Mindeater Empire, had long since fallen into disrepair. The ancient city, made of ancient silver iron, was dilapidated and collapsing in many areas. However, it was still inhabitable, and as Toa Fairon had learned, still remained under the control of the Mindeaters themselves.

Following the battle of Calos, when the combined Illieran, Akkadian, and Veythari forces had defeated Saren Naghara and the Ix, Fairon, the rogue Limiter Kalix, and the Illieran female Luxa had gone to the Void portal in the Eternal Game arena. While they'd been successful in sealing off the Void, Kalix had then turned on them both, handing them over to the Mindeaters.

Now, as he and Luxa were led through the ruins of Penumbra, Fairon had no idea what to expect.

He knew nothing of the Mindeaters. Knew nothing of what they wanted, why they were in an alliance with Kalix in the first place. But they'd made it clear that they wanted the two prisoners alive, though for what reason Fairon could not begin to comprehend.

Until a few days ago, Fairon wouldn't have even considered Luxa an ally. During the years before the Fall of Arcaea, before the Fall and the Eternal Game which had changed him beyond recognition, Fairon had been a young, idealistic Toa. He'd enlisted in the militia of the Fire Kingdom of Arcaea, and during the war captured Luxa, who had been charged with aiding Arcturas, the Elemental Prince of Fire who was one of the ringleaders of the Ix revolt. Luxa had refused to tell Skarvosk, the Toa who was Fairon's superior, the location of Arcturas, and Fairon had watched Luxa almost bleed to death before she told Skarvosk what he'd wanted to know.

Fairon had later learned the truth about the Toa Order, and how corrupt it had been during the Ix revolt. And the Eternal Game had twisted him, subjected him to the horrifying visions of war he knew must have haunted Luxa in the days after the Fall. However, as Fairon had been the one ultimately responsible for what had happened to her, he'd been shocked and guilt-ridden to see her again, now one of the Illieran commanders and an ally of Atarus'.

Fairon looked at her now, unable to read the expression in her eyes. Despite the fact she'd been wounded by Kalix during the battle in the arena, she looked okay. Better than Fairon, who'd been scarred by the Mindeater's Amphistaffs during the battle. He and Luxa had formed an uneasy alliance during the battle in the Fells against Saren, and fought alongside each other again at the Battle of Calos. While Fairon still felt guilty around her, he trusted her not to betray the Resistance to the Mindeaters if they proved to be enemies.

The worst horror of their capture was not of fear of what would happen to them. Fairon had stared into the eyes of death before, he knew it was unlikely he'd survive even a day on the front lines of battle. But what was destroying him from within were the thought of his friends, Shardak, Valkyria, Atarus and the others. All of them were still fighting to seal off the Void and stop Vahrikaan's rising. He could only hope they'd suceeded, and the Dark Lord had been forever sealed within the Void.

Now the Mindeaters, all wearing solemn hoods and gray robes, gestured with their peculiar Amphistaffs for Fairon to keep moving. None of them spoke, though Fairon knew the Mindeaters understood their language. The one time one had spoken to them was as they approached Penumbra, when he announced they were nearing the ancient capitol of the Mindeater Empire itself.

Now, filled with questions and apprehension, Fairon, escorted by the elite Mindeaters through the citadel, suddenly halted outside a large domed building. Unlike many of the others, this was perfectly perserved, a massive, ancient remnant from the glory days of Mindeater power.

"Enter," ordered two of the guards to Fairon and Luxa. "Lord Thrazkul will speak with you now."

Fairon did not recognize the being's name, but knew he must be the leader of this Mindeater remnant. Whoever he was, all of the Mindeaters answered to him, and with any luck at all, Thrazkul would be able to answer his questions.

Stepping inside the gathering chamber, Fairon examined his surroundings. They were in a massive room, rising to its peak high above them. A massive, vacant throne was at the center of the room, carved of the same silver iron. At the foot of the throne, concealed within shadow, stood a solitary Mindeater.

This being wore no hood, and his cold eyes were a striking red, rather than the dead white of most Mindeater's eyes. In one hand, he carried a massive Amphistaff, in the other, a long bladed dagger. His eyes fixed on Fairon's, and the Toa involuntarily shivered at the aura of power contained within his stare. Fairon knew immediately this being had to be Lord Thrazkul. The other Mindeaters did not speak or even acknowlege the Lord, but Fairon knew they possessed potent psionic powers, and were probably using them to communicate with the Mindeater Lord.

''Welcome, outsiders, to Penumbra. ''A voice, hoarse and cold, spoke within Fairon's mind. Fairon recoiled, and he saw from the expression on Luxa's face that she, too could hear Thrazkul's voice speak. I can communicate through the physical plain, but I prefer to speak within your minds.

"I—" Fairon began, but Thrazkul cut him off.

''I know what you are thinking, Toa. I know what the Illieran is thinking as well. My psionic will is among the most powerful in this universe. However, I can also sense the energy, what you would know as the aura field. ''

Thrazkul's eyes fixed on Luxa's sword, Isidar. One of the Mindeaters was carrying it, along with Fairon's own, larger sword. ''And I can sense the presence of a legendary object here. Hand me the Sword of Air.''

Worldlessly the Mindeater guard complied. Fairon thought the Mindeater looked almost relieved to part with the weapon, he knew exactly how insidious, how almost vampiric the four elemental swords could be. They drank in emotion, strength, and energy to strengthen their weilder's skill in battle, and had a will beyond Fairon's understanding.

However, as Thrazkul's cold fingers wrapped around Isidar's jade green hilt, he smiled. ''It has been many years since I have last seen this weapon. ''he said, his voice cold and filled with barely supressed anger. The traitor's sword, Isidar itself.

Traitor? Fairon thought. Who—

You mean you do not know? The traitor is the reason you stand before us today. said Thrazkul. ''And why my people, the Tur'aenath, the do not still reign over these worlds. It was because of Isidar that the rebel forces were able to challenge our rule, because of Isidar that the greatest of the Tur'aenath rulers are dead. And because of Isidar that Glatorian, Agori, Ix, '' and the rest of them all dominate Xaterex.

"Isidar was used to bring down your Empire?" asked Fairon. At the mention of the green sword's name, every Mindeater stiffened, stepping away from the throne. Even Thrazkul seemed annoyed that he had spoken aloud.

''Do not speak the name of this accursed weapon in the presence of us. ''he ordered, impressing upon Fairon the strength of his psionic will. For the first time, Fairon felt truly helpless. Thrazkul was within his mind, there was nothing he or Luxa could do to stop him. If they displeased him, the Mindeater lord could easily kill him.

Thrazkul regarded Isidar's blade again in distaste. ''Where it not for our ally's wishes, and if it were indeed possible, I would have this sword destroyed. However, it seems there is yet a use for it.''

''Ally? ''Fairon thought. Who is your ally?

Thrazkul smiled coldly. "You know him by name already." he said, speaking aloud for the first time. Can you not feel his darkness here? It is everywhere, spread across Xaterex. It is on his orders that you are here, and is the reason why his servants delivered you to us. Giving him Isidar will be an excellent gift."

"Whom do you serve?" asked Fairon.

"What has he promised you?" said Luxa.

"Serve is a poor choice of word." said Thrazkul. "He is our willing ally. He is also your mortal enemy, Toa. Surely you know of Lord Vahrikaan."

Shardak scanned the bleak plain ahead of him, staring at the burned wreckage all around him. The remains of the destroyed settlements and villages were not unique, he and Valkyria had seen similar signs of destruction all across the Akkadian Mountains. The smaller cities had been burned and razed by the Ix's armies, and the survivors had abandoned those that remained, heading deeper into Akkadian territory, where they were safer.

Despite the fact they'd seen evidence of the burning and carnage that had torn through Akkadia during the past three weeks, Shardak was still in shock at the destruction. Even now, an Ix army could be moving further north, toward Akkad itself.

In siding with the Veythari and the Illierans at the Battle of Calos, the Akkadians had brought the entire collection of mountain city-states, so long ignored by the Ix, under attack. And while the Fells had been attacked twice during the war by the Ix, the devastation that the Sarkanian clones and the small Ix strike forces had created there was nothing to what had fought its way through Akkad. The Ix, emboldened by Vahrikaan's rising, were striking back.

"It's probably even worse in the flatlands that border both the Fells and Akkad," said Valkyria grimly, riding up alongside Shardak on one of the Rahi they'd purchased two days ago in Caleh, an Akkadian outpost which bordered the Fells. Caleh was not officially allied with Akkad, but was already making preparations for attack. "Saren's armies have passed through there, and they'll have to fight for every step of it, if they plan to lay seige to Iskar or Ecbatana."

Shardak nodded, thinking over the map within his mind. Iskar was south of the flatlands which lay ahead of them, and to reach it they'd have to pass through Resistance-controlled land, the shortest route being through New Metru Nui, the city which had recently fallen to Saren's former commander, Reid Vaethar. However, the flatlands were massive, and there were other routes, but they were all still under Ix control.

And Ecbatana...Shardak knew he'd never make it anywhere near the city. Ecbatana was built within the mountains directly south of Iskar, forming one point on the triangle it shared with Iskar and Drakos. While neither city was far from Iskar, they'd be forced to head into the very heart of Ix territory, where the fighting, even now, would be thickest.

And the Resistance, devided, with no commanders left alive save Saren and possibly his ally Tiral, would be defeated long before Vahrikaan interfered.

Time was running out.

Unless Shardak could find and unravel the Prophecy, all was lost.

Shardak turned over some of the information he knew about the Resistance. While the Fells were in turmoil, they'd be able to hold as long as Akkad and the Dargon guards at their border in the flatlands held, which, as the armies moved through the mountains, Shardak had to admit was an increasingly likely possibility.

There was also New Metru Nui, a city recently conquered by Saren's former commander, Reid Vaethar. Now, in the wake of the Battle of Calos, Shardak was unsure of the state of the current state of the city, and indeed the state of the Resistance army itself. The Akkadians in Caleh had assured him that, as far as they knew New Metru Nui remained free from the Ix. However, that news was days, maybe weeks old, and in order to get the latest information, they'd have to head further south into Akkad, which would be walking directly into a war zone.

''The army has to be rallied somehow. ''said Shardak. ''If only I could contact Ixtil somehow. Tell him and Nightwatcher and Blast about what's going on here. But we'll have to somehow gather them ourselves, before Saren beats us to it.''

He and Valkyria had discussed their possibilities on the journey through the Fells. They had to somehow join with the scattered Resistance army, which was fighting an increasingly risky, defensive war against the Ix in the flatlands and in the Drakos Mountains. Then they had to reunite it, hopefully with the help of Atarus' other allies, the Illierans and Dark Talon, a crime syndicate now working under the orders of Mersery, another Resistance leader. Shardak had heard nothing of their status, but hoped that the Illieran leader, Iskandar, would be there and be able to help them.

They'd left the Resistance base by starcraft, making sure the base remained sealed to prevent any remaining living virus from possibly escaping. While it was unlikely any was left, Shardak knew they couldn't take that chance. Before they'd left, they'd found Skar, who had also died. Having beaten the virus with his mysterious Void power at the dreadful cost of his own sanity, he'd run himself through with his own sword.

He and Valkyria had then traveled on foot to the edge of the Fells, stopping in the border town of Caleh. None of the beings there knew anything about a disease, so it seemed that the starcraft carrying the live virus had not been released into the atmosphere yet. Shardak had seen how quickly the plague acted— it had brought death within twelve hours to thousands in the Void. It had been at least four days since the infected starcraft had left the Fells, certainly long enough to have wiped out all of Xaterex by now.

No, the virus had not been unleashed. But Shardak still found it ominous that the vessel had seemed to vanish, and wished he had a way to track it down. However, he and Valkyria had no chance of finding the starcraft or the Prophecy of Time on their own. They needed to find the rebel army, and quickly.

"How far do you think we are from New Metru Nui?" Shardak asked Valkyria as they neared the edge of Akkadian territory. The next stage of their journey would be far worse then what they'd experienced in Akkad; they'd be walking into territory little better than a war zone. South of New Metru Nui would be nothing but chaos.

"Less than a week." answered Valkyria. "But it will probably be longer, especially if we run into enemies here."

Neither of them said the unspoken truth, however, though both of them were thinking it. That within a week, Vahrikaan might attack. Within a week, the pathogen might have been released. But what could they do? Surrender? No, he and Valkyria had vowed to Atarus to find the Prophecy of Time, and they would continue fighting, even if they were going to their deaths.

He could tell Valkyria felt the same. He'd become extremely skilled at reading her subtle shifts in the aura field during their quest to stop Vahrikaan's rising on Corona Magna. During the battle, before they knew the truth about the Ix's plan to free Vahrikaan, Shardak and Valkyria had formed an alliance to escape Var'kala, and suceeded with the help of a Caronex named Makour. Eventually, Valkyria had learned the truth about the Ix's plans, and been cut off from her entire culture and branded a traitor after the battle for choosing to save Shardak and stop the rising.

Since then, he and Valkyria had been fleeing from Saren's allies, and been part of Atarus' attempt to rally the Akkadians and the Illierans to his side to defeat Saren at Calos, and had been chosen to join Atarus in the attempt to seal off the Void. During the many battles they'd faced together, he'd trusted Valkyria with his life.

But Shardak still remembered the time before they'd known of Vahrikaan's plans, when they'd both been on the Resistance's side, or so he'd thought. His friendship with Valkyria had slowly evolved into something more over that time, but had been brought to an end when Valkyria had rejoined the Ix. But he'd known she'd felt the same way as he had then.

Now she'd been cut off from the Ix forever. But despite the fact they'd journeyed together with Fairon and Artonix in the aftermath of the battle at Corona Magna, and now were alone, Shardak had not the courage to speak with her now, beyond what was necessary. His feelings were already far too confused.

And yet... if they all died within a few days, would it matter? Their lives were in danger. Anything could go wrong. If he died before he could tell her—

Shardak saw they were no longer in Akkadia. They were in the middle of the flatlands now, with no sign of civilization in sight. However, as the minutes turned into hours they rode through several abandoned towns, which showed no signs of war. The inhabitants had obviously deserted the town, heading into more populated areas. Fleeing from the war.

"I didn't expect it would be so far north," said Shardak, shaken.

"They must have sent their armies through this area into Akkad as well." answered Valkyria.

They passed by several more abandoned villages, then larger towns, which had been completely burned. At times, they also found the charred corpses of beings who had not fled.

"There has been some heavy fighting here recently," said Valkyria. "We could be nearing a Resistance or Ix outpost."

Shardak nodded. He'd always felt exposed and vulnerable in the flatlands, and that was before he'd seen his Skakdi friend Torak killed by crossbows there and Valkyria badly wounded by a poisoned bolt. They'd both almost died that day.

Sure enough, they passed through more burned areas. At times, there were even living beings there as well, but they all ignored them. None were Ix or Resistance warriors.

Warriors like to burn things up. Thought Shardak, eyeing the ruins of one town. They'd avoided it, but they knew it was still occupied by remnants of the population who had returned after the battles there. The Ix army had not been subtle during it's attack on Akkad. These villages had probably been under the control of the Resistance, and had been burned and abandoned as a consequence.

Shardak suddenly felt Valkyria tense in the aura field, warning him. ''Ix. ''Shardak looked around him wildly, and saw them racing toward him. A patrol of sixteen Limiters, all of them armed to the teeth.

''Karzahni. ''Shardak thought. He and Valkyria were excellent fighters, but even they could not defeat sixteen of the brutal Ix elite warrior class alone. He could see Valkyria's fingers tighten around her longbow, but he warned her to stop in the aura field. He himself wanted to fight, but he knew that was merely an urge from the weapon he carried, the Sword of Fire. He was used to denying the urge to fight.

"We'll have to negotiate with them," he said. He knew they probably wouldn't recognize him as the Spirit Toa at first glance, he was wearing a Glatorian helmet and armor, made in Akkadia. Still, he carried the Ignika with him, and the Kanohi gave off a powerful aura. Most Ix were sensitive to the aura field, and it was likely that they would pick up on it. "With any luck, if you can convince them we're allies, they'll let us go."

"But the Ignika—" Valkyria began, but broke off. The Ix were already surrounding them, their leader an older Limiter with a scarred, pitted face and two curved daggers. The rest of his men wore the usual skull masks of the soldier elite, and carried long, curved scythes, rather than the usual scythelike knives.

Shardak felt the last of his hope begin to drain from him as he realized the Ix commander was an aura user, as were all but two of his men. The Ignika was such a powerful force in the aura field that it probably could be sensed a mile away.

''You must fight! ''Shardak thought suddenly. He felt his hand immediately go to the Blade of Arcturas' hilt.

''Fight! Fight them! They cannot stand against you, the Spirit Toa!''

He was already drawing the sword free, feeling the familiar throb of the flaming blade in his right hand which filled him with strength, but now it was different. The sword was urging him on.

Suddenly, before Shardak could pull the weapon out and confront the Ix, he felt Valkyria touch him in the aura field, warning him. Slowly, as her will added itself to his own, he lowered the sword.

Shardak was shocked at how quickly the Blade had asserted dominance. He'd felt this same thing two times before, once during a battle in the Resistance, and once during a fight with the former bounty hunter, Nightwatcher. He'd allowed the sword to gain full dominance over his aura, and he'd killed more than thirty Ix alongside Luxa and Fairon and defeated Nightwatcher and his Rahkshi in single combat. He'd ended up both times utterly exhausted and drained of strength.

Shardak remembered Saren's words to Atarus before he, Valkyria, Torak, Silver and Dust had left for Akkad nearly three years ago, on their first mission as Resistance warrios. Before they'd known of Saren's treachery.

''"He should not have it!" Saren said.''

"He needs it. He's powerful enough. He's a Toa, he needs a powerful weapon."

''"True." Saren conceded. "But there are other swords, less ancient, less...hungary than this one.''"

He'd never given any thought to the words. Saren was a traitor anyway. He'd probably been planning to seize the sword for himself. However, as he felt his hand ready to pull the Blade free, Shardak wondered if the Glatorian had been right. He—

Valkyria was talking to the Ix commander now in their hidous, scratching language. He couldn't read the Ix's expression, though he was clearly using the aura field to communicate with the other Ix, who were slowly closing in around them.

"We're journeying to Iskar," finished Valkyria.

The Ix commander seemed almost amused. "Well, then," he said. "Seperated from the Fellsian attack force during the battle," he said. "And this Glatorian one of our allies from Akkad."

The Sword of Fire throbbed with power, and Shardak had to resist, once again, immediately attacking the Ix.

"Yes," said Valkyria, but Shardak could sense she thought something was wrong. There was something almost tense in the air as they spoke. The Blade of Arcturas seemed to feel it too, and Shardak had to resist its will once again, which was far stronger than he'd imagined. He could almost see the past wielders of the weapon whispering to him, telling him he could win, promising him victory. Scenes of battle flickered in and out of his mind, each of them showing victories against overwhelming odds by the bearer of the sword.

"Then why," asked the Limiter, his voice still calm. "Are you carrying a legendary Kanohi with you?

Shardak wasted no time. In the blink of an eye he'd drawn the Blade of Arcturas and lunged forward, spearing a Limiter through the chest. Then, before any of the attackers could even react he switched his grip on the Blade and slashed another Ix soldier's throat open. The red, gemlike sword gleamed in the twilight as Shardak dismounted the Rahi.

"The Spirit Toa!" yelled one of the Ix. "Valkyria Rhai!"

Amazed at having run into them here, the Limiters charged, but Shardak was ready for them. The Blade of Arcturas was right, with it in his hands, he could not lose. Three Limiters charged toward him, all of them carrying scythes twice the length of the Sword of Fire. But instead of stepping out of reach, as the Limiters hoped, Shardak charged toward them.

Stunned by such a seemingly suicidal maneuver, the Limiters slowed for a fraction of a second. As three of their scythes descended, each of them aimed with deadly precision, Shardak dodged them all, spinning out of the way of the last easily. Not one even came near him, and before the Limiters could lift their scythes once again, Shardak lunged forward and hacked a Limiter to the ground in one easy, killing strike.

Two more Ix immediately took his place, but they were no threat to Shardak. He dodged every one of their scythes and felled another Limiter, then charged a third, dodging, hacking, stabbing and killing anything that came into his path. All the while the Blade of Arcturas seemed to glow brighter until it burned with red light that seemed to Shardak as bright as the dying rays of the sunlight itself.

The Limiter commander loomed before him, but Shardak had no fear of his scythe any more than he had a fear of the others. With two easy slashes he cut off the Limiter's hand, then, before the Ix commander could retaliate, slashed off his head. The decapitated Ix commander crumpled to the ground.

Then all was silent.

Shardak and Valkyria were standing alone, the corpses of sixteen dead Limiters lying in midst of the burned village.

Shardak surveyed the battlefield, and was shocked to see that only four Limiters had been hit by Valkyria's arrows, and two of the hits were not killing wounds. The rest had been killed with the Blade of Arcturas, slashed open over and over again until they'd fallen.

"I—" Shardak began. Then the fatigue hit him. He was suddenly so tired he fell to the ground, leaning against the ruins of a broken building. "That was tiring." he joked, but broke off when he saw Valkyria was staring at him with apprehension and— was it possible?— almost fear.

"You killed almost all of them," she said. "How—"

"I don't know." said Shardak. "The sword just kind of...took over."

Valkyria nodded, but Shardak could tell something was bothering her. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Should I have spared them? They were going to attack us!"

"No," said Valkyria. "You were justified in attacking. However, you seemed to almost...enjoy the fighting."

Of all the things that Valkyria could have said to him, that was the worst. "What?" he asked, almost angrily. "I barely remember any of it. I just remember the sword being drawn and then...all of the Limiters were dead. I don't ever enjoy fighting. That's something only the Ix do."

"I know you don't," said Valkyria at last. "But it seemed—"

"I didn't enjoy it." said Shardak flatly. "It had to be done, or they would have killed us, even if we'd tried to flee. The Blade of Arcturas saved our lives."

"Yes, I know. But...watch out for the Sword of Fire. I know the legends about the four Elemental swords, about how powerful they can be. It takes an extremely skilled aura user to control one."

Shardak thought back to the two other beings he knew who owned Elemental Swords, Nightwatcher and Luxa. Nightwatcher was an extremely skilled warrior, and Shardak had fought against him, defeating his own Elemental weapon with the uncontrolled power of the Blade of Arcturas. He'd also dueled Luxa once, and remembered hwo the Blade of Arcturas reacted to Isidar, memories of past battles flashing in his mind's eye as they fought.

"Hopefully I'll be able to speak with Nightwatcher or Luxa about it," he said at last, as he mounted his Rahi. "Maybe they have some tips on how to control the power."

Staring at the Ix's corpses in the baleful twilight, Shardak suddenly felt uncomfortable. Maybe Valkyria was right. He'd let the sword take control too easily, and now he was paying the price. Not only was his strength failing him after the fight, his aura was drained as well.

Night had begun to fall. Neither Shardak nor Valkyria said another word on that subject, but Shardak was rather unsettled, and not only because of the battle with the Limiters. In the darkness he could see Var'kala clearly above him, where the Hooded One, or Vahrikaan himself, might even be now.

And soon they would be heading into the heart of the war zone itself, where his enemies would be all around him.

Chapter 3
Atarus' first thought when he awoke deep within the Void was that he was supposed to be dead.

His arm burned with pain, the arm where he'd been hit a bullet fired by Nightshade, the Ix apprentice. He'd swept her into the Void with him, then set off the explosives in the attempt to kill them both.Confused, he looked around him, seeing nothing but blackness. No sign of Nightshade either. Or Freztrak. Or Reyna. Or Shardak and Valkyria.

The memories of the battle in the Void came back to him. How long had he lain here, wounded horribly, before he'd awakened? Where was he?

Deep within the Void, that was sure. Somehow, he hadn't been blown to peices by the massive explosion he'd set off, in an effort to seal off the Void. He was deep within the earth, maybe even farther below than the Nameless City itself. But they said there was nothing deeper than the Void...

Atarus was sure his arm was broken. He could never climb out of the Void without the use of his hand, so how could he escape this place?

Slowly, his vision had begun to return. He was deep within the earth, on a flat plateau similar to the one he'd left, the Great Plain. There was no sign of the cliffs anywhere in sight, or of the remnants of the Cord, the destroyed portal that had led out of the Void and into the Circle. He'd done his job well. Too well, in fact. All that was left for him now was to die.

''Shardak will have to find his destiny on his own. There was so much more I wanted to tell him...''

But there was no way he could now. His arm was still bleeding, and yet he hadn't died, which meant he must not have been here long. He'd been falling for hours, probably. Even days. And yet, the last thing he'd seen was the massive explosion of light after he'd detonated the explosives.

"No, it is not your time to die now," said a new voice.

"Who...." Atarus began, but his voice was hoarse and weak. He could not see the speaker, so hidden was he by the oppressive darkness. "I can't..."

"Atarus," said the being's voice. "Do you not remember me? It's been a long time since Arcaea, but how could you have forgotten?"

Then the being stepped out of the shadows. He was tall and thin, wearing black robes which blended perfectly with the darkness himself. His face was hidden by the dark hood he carried, but his green eyes could be seen peering out from beneath the hood. He raised one hand, his left, and Atarus saw that it was completely skeletal, with no trace of armor, skin, or muscle. Only bone.

But the most unsettling thing about him was his aura. He was not merely invisible in the field, like the Vorgaan, He had none at all, and didn't even feel like anything in aura field. He was simply a void, a void in which you could drown forever in endless shadows. Atarus had no idea how long he'd been standing there watching, but knew he would probably never know. But he did know that he recognized this being.

"You." Atarus said, surprised but unable to summon any note of urgency into his voice. "What do you want?"

"To help you survive. As I helped you survive before. I helped you against the Ix in Arcaea, remember?"

"You were there," Atarus remembered. "You were there when Arcaea fell."

"It was the final battle, Elemental," said the being wryly. "Everyone was there."

"But you—" Atarus began, then stopped. He couldn't continue speaking. He was far, far too weak.

The being with the skeletal hand seemed to sense this. He stepped forward, and raised his right hand, touching Atarus' injury. Slowly, the injury began to heal itself. Atarus had no idea how he could have done it without the use of his aura, but did not stop to ask. Slowly, strength began to fill his body once again, and unsteadily he rose to his feet, staring at the hooded being standing before him.

He'd seen the being with the skeletal hand three times before. He was a shadowy figure, but many beings who had survived the Fall knew of him. No one knew what he was, or whom, if anyone, he served. He was neither Ancient or Ix, Elemental or Great Being, of that Atarus was sure. But he'd been around long, long before Arcaea, he was sure of that.

The first time he'd met the being had been when he was younger. The being had spoken to him then, and his words Atarus had remembered for the rest of his life. How could he ever forget them? He'd been in the Fire Kingdom of Arcaea, a young Elemental standing alongside his brother Arcturas, staring at the hooded being with the skeletal hand, a being who had remained the same throughout the many years that had passed since then.

"One day you will meet one of the last Toa," the being had said. "A Toa, sensitive to the aura field, born after the end of everything you now know. You have yet to meet him, but his path will shape your destiny."

He had indeed been telling the truth. He'd met Shardak, trained him, and the Toa's path had shaped his choices and decisions. But, at the time, he'd payed no attention to the words, and within a few days he'd forgotten them entirely. That was, until the war had broken out on Arcaea between Arcturas and his allies, the Ix, against the Elementals and other beings in the Elemental Kingdoms. He'd—

"I am glad you have survived," said the being at last. "You still have a role to play."

"And what is that?" asked Atarus. "How am I still alive? I was at the very heart of the explosion, I shouldn't have survived—"

"I saved you," said the skeletal-handed being. "The Void is an easy place to open portals into and out of, and I saw you were in danger. As you fell, wounded horribly, I teleported you deeper into the Void before the explosions started."

"Then we're—" Atarus began, but again the being cut him off.

"Below the Cord, yes. This area is uninhabited, and now its only path to the rest of the void has been cut off completely. You are level with the Nameless City now, Atarus, You are at the bottom of the Void."

"What do you want, then?" asked Atarus. "How did you get here? Can you get us out?"

"Yes, I can get you out," said the being. "And I created a portal to get here. I can do the same to get us out of here."

''How? ''Atarus wondered. Such a feat was far beyond the abilities of any mortal being, even probably an Ancient, the only being he knew with even close to enough power to do that was Shardak, and he wasn't skilled enough for such a feat. Even then, it would probably kill him. And the skeletal-handed being had no aura. How could he accomplish something that had taken the Arcaeans millennia to create within a few moments?

"As for what I want," said the being. "My goal is to see you alive. That, and I need you to help me. If another being succeeds in this goal before I do, all is lost."

"How can I trust you?" asked Atarus. "I know you helped me before, but how do I know you're not working for Vahrikaan, or another of my enemies?"

"Because I freed some of your friends," said the being. "Silver? Leviathos? Dust?"

Three beings stepped out of the shadows. One was a massive, powerfully built Noctian Atarus didn't recognize at first. Then he recognized the being. It was the Noctian from the 174th Eternal Game, the one who had fallen into the Void. He hadn't been seen since, though the Resistance's discovery that the Void had been a prison all along meant he could have survived. Silver and Dust, on the other hand, had been sent on a mission two years ago with Torak, Valkyria, and Shardak. Torak had been killed, but Silver and Dust had never been seen since.

"How did they survive?" asked Atarus. "Where were they for almost three years?"

"It's complicated," said Silver. "We were transported to a world which appeared to be Arcaea, and captured by a group of Vorgaan led by this being, who took us to Var'kala. Later, though, he freed us, and fed Vahrikaan's servants lies about how we'd gone to Corona Magna. But most of our time was spent in the Arcaean dimension, which was out of sync with the rest of time."

"My creation," said the being dismissively, seeing Atarus' confusion. "I created a world which appeared to be Arcaea, with the intention of freeing all of the Eternal Game survivors who had fallen into the Void. These included, along with the beings you see before you, two allies known as Iruka and Ghost. However, the Order got to those two before I could."

"We'll explain everything as soon as we've left the Void," said Silver. "But it's vital that we suceed in this."

"What?" asked Atarus, feeling more and more confused. "Who are you?" he asked the being again.

"Throughout the ages I have had many names, many titles. But you may call be what I was first called on Arcaea: Varkanax."

Atarus gasped in shock and horror and Silver, Dust, and Leviathos all turned to him. "What? What does it mean?"

"In the langauge of the Ancients, the beings who wrote the Prophecies...it means Death."

Battlefields after the battle are depressing places, thought Blast.

The bird Rahi were already circling above the battlefield, just one of the many scattered across Noctxia Magna. Blast, who had been working with the Hand of Mata Nui on Noctxia Magna for nearly three months now, had seen many unexpectedly bloody skirmishes in the wake of the defeat of Mordrax's Shadowdermis army, but the moans of the fatally wounded as they lay dying on the battlefield was something Blast could never bear without wincing.

That was why he was searching the battlefield for any beings who might still be alive and could be rescued, whether their allegiance was to the Resistance or the Ix. Blast was one of the very few beings to do this, most of the beings on Noctxia Magna would let the beings allied with the Ix die. Most of the beings who could be saved who had fought for the Resistance and their allies, the Hand of Mata Nui, had already been saved.

Still, there were a few who were helping him. His friend Kyhrex, the Glatorian Elementalist from the Circle who had guided Shardak and Blast through the Labyrinth and helped them in the Void. A Glatorian whom Blast didn't recognize were also there, and Vale Iskara, the commander of the Veythari on Noctxia Magna, who believed valuable intelligence could be determined from interrogating the survivors of the enemy force. They weren't, after all, the usual opponents they'd faced, not Ix or Kranr, but Glatorian and Matoran who were all loyal to the Ix.

Only four Ix warriors had been found on the battlefield, but they had all been killed. The Veythari had taken no prisoners, nor had they suffered any casualties. The Veythari had always seemed rather haughty and aloof to Blast, but he didn't question their skills in battle, which were equal to those of the Ix themselves.

Blast suddenly felt a hand wrap itself around his armored leg. Confused, he turned around, and found himself staring into the eyes of a dying Steltian, bleeding horribly from a slash across his chest. Three Veythari arrows had buried themselves there as well, and Blast could tell immediately he was mortally injured. Nothing they could do would help him. Still, he was desperately clinging on to life, gasping for breath as he stared into Blast's eyes.

From a remote island on Xaterex, the Steltians had served as laborors for years for the Arcaeans, and more recently as slaves to the Ix or mercenaries for the Resistance. Still, he was obviously on the enemy side. Neither Ixtil, the Ko-Matoran who had become the interim ruler of Noctxia Magna, or Vale, who was the sole head of the Veythari and most of the army, would have hired any mercenaries to aid them.

"Yes...I knew someone would find me. Another follower of our lord," gasped Steltian. "Is that you, Mevon?"

"Yes," said Blast, playing along. "It's me, I'm here,"

The Steltian immediately seemed to relax. "I know one of us would find me. You get me back to the Shadow's camp as soon as possible, okay?"

"The Shadow?" asked Blast, interested now.

"The Shadow of Ages," said the Steltian, confused. "Our lord waits for us there. He expects us to return with news from Noctxia Magna, remember? We have the starcraft..."

Blast gasped in shock. It had been many years since he'd last heard the name of that organization, but he remembered them easily. They were an organization led by the dark mastermind Millennium, who had been killed in the Void.

Millennium, in order to survive, had possessed Blast's body and erased his previous memories, deluding everyone— including Blast himself— into believing he'd lived in the city of Intax all his life. It was only when Millennium had once again taken control of his body in the Void that Blast had recovered a few of his memories, but much of his past still felt like a half-remembered dream to him. He could remember a few fights in the Eternal Game, but that was all. Nothing more.

"The Shadow of Ages," Blast repeated. "Who's their leader now?"

"Millennium, of course," said the Steltian. "He gave you our orders personally, don't you remember?"

Blast felt his blood run cold.

''Impossible. Millennium can't possibly be alive.''

"But Millennium is dead," said Blast. "He died in the— in the Eternal Game."

He'd almost said, in the Void.

"No," said the Steltian, a faint note of triumph in his voice. "He survived, in another being's body. He still carries his axe, the axe which he held his spirit within while he was trapped within the Void. He gave you our orders personally."

"Where is he now?" asked Blast, slowly recovering from the shock.

"On Nagra, of course. In the middle of the Noctian Islands," said the Steltian. "Where the rest of the..." His expression changed to one of confusion. "But, Mevon, you know all this. Why do I have to tell you?"

"I'd forgotten, that's all." said Blast, trying to make his voice sound normal, when in reality he was still reeling in shock from the news. "I'd better take you the starcraft as soon as possible."

"Yes," said the Steltian. "Gotta give Millennium the successful report...he has to know we learned the strength of the Ix and the Resistance, and killed a lot of enemies...he'll promote us both, I hope..."

His voice trailed off slowly. "Gotta stop getting hit by these arrows. Hurts..." he gasped out. "I'm going to rest now, okay? Will you help me? Get me back to the ships? But it's so dark..."

The Steltian's ragged breathing stopped and he did not move again.

Blast stood above the fallen corpse of the Steltian, too shocked to even move. Millennium was alive. He was somewhere out there, still plotting to reach his unfathomable goals.

And he still held the key to Blast's memories, a hope that Blast had thought had been lost forever. If he could somehow force Millennium to give him his memories back—

"So, he's been working with the Shadow," said a voice from behind Blast. Startled, Blast whirled around, then relaxed as he saw Vale Iskara standing behind him. She was still wearing her silver Veythari battle armor, and carried her longbow over her shoulder. She held a dagger in one hand. "I'd heard rumors they were still active in that area, but if that Steltian's right, and Millennium's alive, then he needs to be eliminated."

Vale was the leader of the Iskara Clan, which was arguably only second in power to Reid's Vaethar Clan. Indeed, her father had fought and been killed in the Battle of Shadowfell in the aftermath of the Fall of Arcaea, a legendary display of bravery by some of the greatest of all Veythari warriors.

After the death of Zaxar Vaethar, who had been killed during the first battle with Mordrax's armies, Vale had taken over the command of all of the Veythari legions on Noctxia Magna. Later, after the defeat of the Limiters and the death of Mordrax and the Sarkanian clones she had been promoted by Ixtil to the commander of the entire Resistance and Hand army on Noctxia Magna. To see her alone, without her usual ensemble of Veythari guards, was rather disconcerting.

"Do you think he was telling the truth?" asked Blast. He could tell from her expression she knew exactly how dangerous Millennium's return could be. "That Millennium is alive?"

"Yes," answered Vale without hesitation. "He had no reason to lie, and we have another prisoner who was also working for the Shadow, a Glatorian. He's told us the location of their starcraft."

Blast nodded. If Vale believed him, then it was likely that they'd be able to wipe out the Shadow and hopefully also take Millennium alive. If he could find some way, any way to regain his memories, then he would, without hesitation.

"Soon we'll be leaving Noctxia Magna for Xaterex, to aid them in the war," said Vale. "Things are going badly for Saren, as the Akkadians have entered the war, and have convinced the Illierans to join them against us. If the Shadow is active here, however, we may have to delay our departure to stop them."

Blast knew she was right. Millennium was doubtlessly up to something, probably still trying to complete his mysterious master plan only he understood. But Blast hardly cared about that. He had to know whom he was before Millennium had interfered with his past. At first, after the battle in the Void in which Millennium had been seemingly killed, he'd given up that hope.

But if Millennium was alive...

"Come with me," ordered Vale. "We must inform the Council of this."

New Metru Nui was openly preparing for battle. Illierans and Veythari were the primary defenders, though there were a large number of loyal Resistance warriors there as well, who had formerly been under the command of Saren and were now loyal to Shardak's allies.

Shardak had been surprised at first. He'd expected to have to deal with Saren's loyalists, who were no longer loyal to the Resistance in the Fells. However, the vast majority of the rebel army hadn't known of Saren's treachery, and, in a few skirmishes in which the few beings still loyal to Saren had been killed, the garrison in New Metru Nui had joined the Veythari and the Illierans. No word had been received of Saren's current location, or that of Tiral, the only Resistance leader still loyal to him.

They'd been able to enter the city without much trouble. The Veythari guarding the gates had recognized him almost immediately, despite his careful disguise as a Glatorian. They'd had some reservations about allowing Valkyria into the city as well, given the long-running hostility between the Ix and the Veythari, but the guard's demeanor had changed, becoming almost friendly when Shardak had told them she was Valkyria Rhai, the Ix warrior who had fought the Hooded One on Corona Magna. Still, they all seemed wary of them both.

Now the Veythari were escorting them to meet with the leaders of the city. Shardak stepped within the heart of the citadel, where repairs were still being enacted, and saw several Veythari, one with the insignia of the leading Veythari Clan, the Vaethar, on his helmet and armor. Beside them stood a Mersion he didn't know by name but he guessed was Mersery, alongside Fultran, the nominal leader of Dark Talon. He recognized the next commander, the Dargon Areop, who was giving orders to a group of Matoran workers, but the main leader, whom even the Veythari seemed to obey, was Iskandar.

Shardak had only seen the Illieran Lord once before, during the Resistance's meeting in Akkad. He was thin but strong looking, and wore a war helmet instead of the crown he'd worn during the meeting. They'd never spoken, but, as the Veythari guards approached, Iskandar smiled. "Spirit Toa," he said. "It is good to see you still live. When Reid Vaethar left for the Fells, he said he'd send back word if he found you or Atarus, but could find neither."

"We were captured by Saren and held in the old Resistance base," said Shardak. "The one that was abandoned after Saren's defeat. He'd left some guards behind,"

Slowly, painfully, Shardak told Iskandar what had happened during their mission to seal off the Void, beginning with Atarus' account of the Ancient's virus and ending with their capture by Skar's men and their escape from the base.

Iskandar sighed. "These are grave times," he said at last. "Atarus and Freztrak are both dead as well, when we need as many allies as we can find. Saren may be silent for now, but he has not surrendered. And..." Iskandar's eyes fixed on Var'kala, which gleamed in the light of the rising sun, and the Shadow of Vahrikaan, which hovered on the horizon far in the distance.

"Yes," said Shardak, staring at the Order's base, which seemed even nearer to the surface of Xaterex than it had been before. A thought struck him. "Are Fairon and Luxa here?"

Silence descended upon them all. Iskandar's face turned grim. "No, Shardak, they're missing. They disappeared in the arena, after they sealed off the Void, along with Kalix. We found the bodies of the two Resistance guards we sent with them, however. It doesn't look good, though. We stopped searching about a week ago."

Shardak knew they were dead then. For them to stop searching for beings as useful as a former victor and one of the Illieran leaders meant they were sure both of them had been killed. He hadn't known Luxa or Kalix well, but knew both of them to be among the best of the Resistance's warriors. And Fairon had been one of his closest friends.

But he couldn't let that affect his judgement now. Soon he would need to fight once again. So he forced himself to push his feelings aside and said gruffly. "And what's the situation at the moment? Are we ready to attack Iskar?"

Areop answered this. "No," he said at last. "The Ix will make us fight for every inch of territory we take, and we're pulling more and more of our troops and sending them into Akkad. If the city falls, then the Ix have a clear route into the Fells themselves."

"Have any of the Order's troops shown up to reinforce the Ix?" asked Shardak, thinking of the elite Ix warriors and Kodax he'd seen on Var'kala, along with the Vorgaan, beings who had the ability to render themselves invisible in the aura field. They weren't a large force, but they could tip the scales decisively in favor of the Ix.

"No," said Areop. "But listen. We may yet win a victory in Akkad. We may even take Iskar and possibly also Ecbatana. But there's no way we can win this war without eliminating Vahrikaan. He's definitely on Var'kala, where we can't get him. So if you have any ideas on how we can stop him, we need them now. Did Atarus mention any possible weaknesses that Vahrikaan could have?"

The desperation in Areop's voice shook Shardak slightly. The Toa was not one to easily give up hope, but Shardak realized now that the war did seem hopeless now, without Atarus to lead them and Saren and Vahrikaan both against them. He tried to remember everything Atarus had told him about the Dark Lord, which was little to do with weaknesses.

Vahrikaan was cunning, creating plans which took decades, if not years, to complete. He'd enginnered the Fall of Arcaea, and through the Hooded One, his mysterious disciple, engineered the Fall itself. And now he had the Annulus, the amazingly powerful, destructive ring which had been powerful enough to contain Vahrikaan himself.

"No," said Shardak at last. "Atarus said little about Vahrikaan's weaknesses. Only his strengths. Perhaps he thought he'd be around longer, to tell me how I could defeat him. The only thing he told me was that I had to find the Final Prophecy."

Iskandar nodded. "If we ever needed you to know the truth about your destiny, Spirit Toa, we need it now. Atarus doubtless wished to tell you this personally, but I have a copy of the Final Prophecy here. Nightwatcher salvaged it from the ruins of the Prophecy Chamber beneath Noctxia Magna."

"But I thought Atarus said it was lost," asked Shardak, confused. "If he had it all along, why did he keep it from me?"

"Because, at the time, the events in the prophecy had not come to pass. In truth, Atarus and the Ix have both known the entire Final Prophecy for years. We thought— or hoped— that perhaps they never would. However, now that Var'kala is here, we have lost the last of our allies, and are worse than trapped, you need to know the Prophecy. And because—"

Because of the choice, said Shardak. The choice I must make, at the end of time, to save or destroy the universe. But he didn't say it aloud. He could sense in the aura field that Iskandar was hiding something. The Illieran was obviously skilled at concealing his emotions and was hard to read in the aura field, but years of instruction from Atarus had payed off, and Shardak could sense a tremor in Iskandar's aura. There was something the Illieran lord wasn't telling him.

"If Atarus knew of the Prophecy, why didn't he tell me the entirety of it at the gathering in Akkad?" asked Shardak.

"For the same reason he concealed the truth from you after the Battle of Gigas Nui, and the unsuccessful hunt for the Annulus on Xiost," said Areop, unconsciously looking at Valkyria, who had, like Shardak, unintentionally played her part in rising the Dark Lord, "To protect you. If he'd told you of the Prophecy's entirety then, or before the mission to Drakyr, or in Akkad, then the Ix would have definitely been more careful. They wouldn't be on the offensive again, and Vahrikaan wouldn't be readying for a final assault so soon. We've drawn him out into the open, now we can only hope that you can fulfill the Prophecy,"

This must be one Karzahni of a Prophecy, said Shardak. But he understood now. Atarus had planned this well, better than he could have. Still, if he was wrong, and the Prophecy went unfulfilled—

"I need to help you with the war," he said at last. "We have to capture Iskar, whatever it takes. And find out why Vahrikaan hasn't yet attacked with his own armies."

"I can answer the second," said Iskandar. "Rumor is out that Vahrikaan is searching for something. A weapon. A weapon so powerful that nothing could ever defeat him. In the meantime, he's leaving the Ix to wipe out the Resistance. But I don't see why he'd need it. The Resistance is not a real threat to him. Unless he's somehow learned we have the Prophecy."

''It's because of me. Because Vahrikaan knows the Prophecy too, and knows I'm a threat to his power somehow. ''Shardak was sure he was right. He had the Sword of Fire. Vahrikaan was searching for a weapon that was even more powerful than his own.

"Let me fight," he said. "If the Ix are attacking Akkad, we'll have to take Iskar before they're able to defeat the Akkadians and consolidate their forces. Once Iskar is ours, we can concentrate on Ecbatana."

"Neither city will fall easily," said Iskandar. "But it's the only thing we can do, now. Can you take on any of the Ix elite if they confront you?"

"Yes," said Shardak, sure that the Sword of Fire would give him victory. "We were confronted by Ix outside the flatlands." he said. "They're all dead."

"Ah, yes." Iskandar regarded the Blade of Arcturas with distaste. "The Sword of Fire. I heard Atarus let you keep it. I'm not sure if that's wise. There are other swords less dark, less...hungry then that one."

It was an eerie echo of Saren. "Luxa has— had Isidar," said Shardak, surprised at how defensive he was of the weapon. "And Nightwatcher has another of the Elemental swords. What is wrong with using the Sword of Fire?"

"The Sword of Fire has a long, dark history," said Iskandar. "Which I will not go into now. All of the Elemental Swords require great mastery, but I believe that of them all, the Fire Sword has the darkest past. Still, you may yet need it."

Shardak wanted to know what the Illieran lord meant, but he didn't dare ask now. Too much was at stake at the moment to delve into ancient tales of the Elemental Swords. But, unbidden, memories of the Blade of Arcturas flowed into Shardak's mind, even as New Metru Nui faded around him.

...A massive, powerfully built being, carrying the Blade of Arcturas in one hand and a sword of crackling silver-blue flame in the other slashed his way through the massed army before him, laughing as he fought...

''...A lone warrior in steel-gray armor facing off against another being, the silver-blue sword in his hand amidst a mound of corpses. His enemy fell, then, without warning, a massive horned being appeared out of the shadows and raised the Blade of Arcturas, slashing the warrior to the ground...''

''...A young Arcturas, or a being who looked very much like him, carrying the Blade of Arcturas as he faced a dark-eyed female carrying a scythelike scimitar. He laughed playfully as they sparred, each time the Sword granting him victory...''

Startled, Shardak's first thought was that he recognized the dark-eyed girl. She was the being he'd seen in an earlier vision from the Blade of Arcturas, the being who'd given his father the sword. Who—

"Then the Ix know you're here," said Iskandar, breaking through his thoughts. "Then we have to strike fast. If the Ix confronted you, even if they didn't recognize you at first, doubtless they'll know by now. They have soldiers scattered across the flatlands north of New Metru Nui, readying for a strike at Akkad."

"None of them confronted us," Shardak said. Valkyria nodded agreement. But inwardly he knew the Ix knew he was here. Even if they hadn't spotted them traveling to New Metru Nui, he was sure it was not beyond Vahrikaan's power to sense him from Var'kala. "We'll—"

Suddenly one of the Po-Matoran workers raced toward them. "Commander Areop," he said, "Lord Iskandar. Spirit Toa. Nightwatcher has arrived, and he wishes to speak with you."

Chapter 4
"We are almost ready to depart for Xaterex," said the Ossoona commander. "The fleet is in order. However, we cannot leave until we are certain the Ix are not ready to attack again, in full force, once our leadership is off planet."

"I calculate there is a 92.9% chance this is unlikely," Blast heard Ixtil's quiet, meticulous voice say steadily. "If the Ix wanted us wiped out, they could have done so long before, using Var'kala or their main fleet. Why would they attack now? Noctxia Magna is nothing to them."

"Still, we have to make sure all remaining threats have passed," said the Ossoona. He was the head of the Enforcers of the Noctian Reign, a subdivision of the hand of Mata Nui, and spoke for his own people, the Ossoona, as well as the Noctians.

All of the beings gathered here at the heart of Noctia, the capitol of Noctxia Magna, spoke for some group of beings, Ixtil for the Hand of Mata Nui, Vale for the Veythari, and Blast for the Resistance. Moru Kul was also there, though Nightwatcher was not present. Blast was wary of them both, though even Nightwatcher was less enigmatic than Moru Kul. The poweful, enigmatic entity had made it clear he was only helping them because he wanted to see Vahrikaan defeated. Other than that, his goals were a mystery.

"I have something to say about this," said Vale Iskara. "During the skirmish yesturday, we managed to gain information from a dying Steltian. He told us that not only he was working for the Shadow of Ages, but that their leader, Millennium, is alive."

"Impossible," said the Ossoona. "Millennium was killed during the 174th Eternal Game. We all watched it happen, I'm sure."

"No, he survived." said Blast. "As I told the Resistance on Xaterex, he survived and Shardak and I fought him and his order in the Void. We thought he'd been killed, but it's very likely he's still alive somehow. He has the ability to bind his soul to other beings, as well as inanimate objects."

"He's dead," said the Ossoona. "He has to be. The Steltian was probably lying."

"He wasn't lying. I have two prisoners who, while they were at first reluctant to give up the information, have confirmed the Steltian's report," answered Vale. "What's more, they confirmed that they have operational starcraft, and a base somewhere in the Noctian Islands."

"Then they have to be stopped, Millennium or no," said Ixtil. "However, the situation on Xaterex is worse than ever now. The Resistance there has fractured into splinter groups, with Saren, as the only surviving Resistance leader other than Reid Vaethar, his ally, trying to reign in the chaos. As you know already, the Illierans and the Akkadians both joined in the war against the Resistance, but apparently the Spirit Toa, Shardak, has gone missing as well."

Blast thought of Shardak, who he hadn't seen in months, and grew worried. He'd heard the reports from Xaterex, telling of massive battles south of New Metru Nui, the Shadow of Vahrikaan returning, and Var'kala appearing in the skies above. The rumors were even wilder, some saying that—

"What of Atarus?" asked Blast, thinking immediately of the leader of the overall Resistance. Surely he wouldn't permit such chaos on Xaterex.

"We received a report from Saren this morning, stating that Atarus is missing, presumed dead, along with the Skakdi leader, Freztrak" said Ixtil. "They was last seen in Akkad, where an Ix army is currently stationed. And with the Akkadians fighting against the Resistance..."

Blast knew what he meant. While Ixtil didn't state the odds, it was unlikely that Atarus was alive.

"Saren's a competent commander, but not all of the Resistance's allies will follow him. I can understand the Akkadians joining the Ix, but the Illierans...I expected more from Lord Iskandar and Luxa. Still, I suppose even the best allies will submit to a being as powerful as Vahrikaan," Ixtil sighed.

"What of my people, and Vaethar?" asked Vale. "Have you recieved any word from them?"

"Saren says they're still allied with him, along with Tiral and her fleet. No word on the Dargon, though Areop was a friend of Atarus', and is probably loyal to his sucessor. Still, the command structure is poor, and we need to join them soon, or risk the entire war effort collapsing in on itself."

"My warriors are ready to travel," said Vale. "And eager to join our allies on Xaterex. However, we cannot overlook the threat that the Shadow of Ages poses to Noctxia Magna."

"No," agreed the Ossoona commander. "But we cannot spare an army to attack them, especially not a naval force. It would take time to gather more than a few ships, and even then we have no guaruntee of success. The Noctian islands are swarming with Ix soldiers, and it could take years to clear them all out. We can't afford to send a large party of beings to take Millennium out."

Suddenly an idea lept unbidden into Blast's mind. "I'll go. Alone. With th Scythe of Creation. I'll find out what Millennium is up to, and try to stop him."

"Then you're going to your death," said the Ossoona flatly.

"I think I can defeat Millennium," said Blast. "In the 174th Eternal Game, I used this scythe to destroy him in the caves. Then, when Shardak, Valkyria and I faced him in the Void, I wounded the body of the Vortixx he was controlling with the scythe. I can hold my own against him, and I think that if I can find out what he's planning, then I may be able to stop him, or, at least inform the commanders left behind on Noctxia Magna, who can deal with the threat. Besides, I have my own score to settle with him."

"You're a valuable warrior," said Ixtil. "And this is a very dangerous plan you propose. Millennium is a very powerful being, and while he is not the equal of Vahrikaan or Moru Kul, he is perfectly capable of killing you. I'm sure I don't need to share your odds of sucess, even with the Scythe?"

"No, you don't," said Blast. "But I have to try. And if I fail, at least the leaders at Noctia will learn what Millennium is planning, and be able to stop him."

"You can't go alone," said Vale Iskara. "I would accompany you personally, but I need to be present on Xaterex for the war with Vahrikaan. I will send two of my Veythari with you, however."

Blast knew that with two Veythari on his side, the chances for his success were far greater. Veythari were almost as skilled as the best Ix warriors, and the only beings who had been able to successfully repel an Ix invasion in the wake of the Fall of Arcaea. The event, the Battle of Shadowfell, was one of the greatest tales of Veythari heroism and the Ix's only real crushing defeat.

"Thank you," said Blast. "With two other beings travelling with me it will be even easier for us to keep the leaders at Noctia informed of Millennium's plans. Then, if we cannot stop him and the remnants of his order by ourselves, we'll return to Noctia and the next course of action can be determined by the leaders there."

Blast looked around at the beings gathered there. The Ossoona still looked skeptical, Moru Kul's expression was unreadable, Ixtil's was calculating, and Vale Iskara was looking at him curiously and almost...respectfully. Blast was confused at first, then he remembered the Veythari warriors in the Fells throwing themselves against the enemy, allowing the Glatorian and Agori there time to escape with their own lives, as well as the Battle of Shadowfell, where almost every Veythari there had been killed by the Ix. If it furthered the Resistance's cause to die, then die the Veythari would. Vale respected his willingness to go to what she thought was certain death.

But Blast knew something that Vale didn't. A reason why Millennium wouldn't kill him outright, why he might yet survive. It was a wager that could cost him his life, but what had he been living? A false string of memories created by Millennium. He had to learn the truth, or he would die trying to find it.

''Millennium won't fall for me trying to join his Shadow of Ages as a spy for the Resistance. Nor will he be easily killed. '' But his greatest strength, his ability to control other beings physically with his spirit, is also his greatest weakness. It's given me a way to track, hunt, and corner him...and then he will return my memories.

That is, if I don't die first.

Shardak ran over the words of the Final Prophecy in his head, again reading the lines carved onto the ancient stone tablet. Who had carved them there, he could not say, but it was written in an archiac form of Matoran lettering that must have been only recently emerging at the time the Last of the Ancients carved the words onto the stone, the words that spelled out the fates of thousands in Vahrikaan's darkest rising.

Shardak was almost surprised at how calm he felt. Even as he stared at the words again, reading over the verses of the Prophecy that spelled out his fate and the fate of countless others, he could not summon up any fear, anger, or doubt. He felt something more akin to relief. Relief that the lies were finally over, that he knew the truth, and the reason why the Ix had hunted him so mercilessly, as well as what Atarus believed was their only hope to defeat Vahrikaan.

The end of time has been declared,

The Spirit’s allies are ensnared,

The choice must be made now or never,

Or every world shall die forever.

His path is long, his road is steep,

Through mountains high and valleys deep,

In dark he walks, though endless strife

Cutting bonds that bind dark to life.

The hidden Toa you must seek,

When the path to last grows bleak,

Four swords unite in power,

To aid the worlds in darkest hour.

But the Spirit cannot ignore fate's will,

Or the ticking, never still,

His hunt shall reveal the fire and those

Hidden in the Realm of Souls.

<p style="text-align: center;">The path is beyond life and death,

<p style="text-align: center;">Where dark robs bodies of their breath,

<p style="text-align: center;">And break a mind with endless hate,

<p style="text-align: center;">And reap your soul and seal your fate.

<p style="text-align: center;">To the Spirit comes the Blade,

<p style="text-align: center;">By his hand the choice is made.

<p style="text-align: center;">As he stands before the night,

<p style="text-align: center;">He must be sure his choice is right.

<p style="text-align: center;">Time is falling, falling, falling,

<p style="text-align: center;">Worlds are collapsing into night

<p style="text-align: center;">Face your allies, face the shadow,

<p style="text-align: center;">And know the choice must be made right

<p style="text-align: center;">If the darkness’ fate is sealed,

<p style="text-align: center;">And the flames above revealed,

<p style="text-align: center;">To the will of fate you must arrive,

<p style="text-align: center;">The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

Most of it seemed more than unclear. All of foretold a choice, a choice he must make at the end of time while he faced Vahrikaan, a choice that would mean the end of the universe or the continuation of existance. And the Ix and Vahrikaan were desperate to kill him before he could make the choice, because his choice would determine the fate of Vahrikaan as well.

But, despite the lack of clarity, there was one part of the prophecy Shardak easily understood. The reason why Atarus had withheld the knowledge of it until now.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

The choice would determine his fate as well. And if he "chose right", he would die. If he didn't, everyone would die, except maybe Vahrikaan.

Not for the first time, Shardak wondered what Vahrikaan wanted. Did he want the universe destroyed? No, he wasn't insane. But—

As Shardak gazed at the final stanza of the Prophecy, he was again surprised at how calm he was. It said he would die, but it didn't feel real. It didn't feel like it was him, that he was the Spirit Toa mentioned in the Final Prophecy. He couldn't connect his death with the lines written on the stone tablet lying before him.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

He, Shardak, could not survive.

Numbly he turned those words over within his mind again, feeling almost guilty that he didn't even feel shocked at what he'd seen. It was as though he'd known, on some level, what type of doom lay over him all along, and that the words that the Last of the Ancients had carved into stone were merely confirming the fact.

The door to the room opened. Shardak was almost blinded by the bright light from outside the fortress for a few moments, then he recognized the beings standing before him. Iskandar's green eyes were filled with sadness as he faced Shardak, and behind him he saw Nightwatcher. The bounty hunter's features were hidden behind his Kanohi Kraahkan, and the look in his dark green eyes was unreadable.

"Shardak. Are you okay?" asked Iskandar.

"Yes," the Toa responded. "I'm fine."

"I just wanted to tell you to remember that the Prophecies of the Ancients are all very open to interpretation," said Iskandar. "While this one has been lost for years and doesn't really have many interpretations, it doesn't mean it's impossible that—"

"It's not impossible to misinterpret this," said Shardak, staring at the stone tablet. "It's easy to understand what this means for me." there was a grim, almost resigned tone to his voice as he spoke.

"Believe me, Shardak, Atarus would have—"

"I'm all right," Shardak said, cutting him off. "I'll do whatever it takes to defeat Vahrikaan. Better I die than have Vahrikaan destroy the entire universe."

"Ah, yes," said Iskandar. "Vahrikaan's plan is highly complex, I do not believe even Atarus knows how the Dark Lord plans to manage to bring about what the Prophecy calls the 'end of time'."

"Most of the Final Prophecy seems very hard to understand," said Shardak, relieved to be off the subject of the implications of what the prophecy meant for him. "What does—"

"We'll discuss the Prophecy when we gather at the war meeting," said Iskandar. "But Atarus had several opinions on the Prophecy of Time,as well as the two other prophecies of the Last of the Ancients."

Stopping before the door to face the two Glatorian guards, Iskandar waited for their confirmation. One nodded as he recognized them, and they stepped inside the large room currently serving as the Resistance's command center. Shardak could see Valkyria, Mersery, a black-armored Glatorian he didn't recognize, and Fultran, the Dark Talon leader were there. Three Illieran soldiers were also there, probably Iskandar's elite generals.

All of the leaders stood facing a large map of Xaterex, which was dotted with pins colored black and red, representing the movements of troops and soldiers. The black far outnumbered the others, and Shardak guessed from their positions— scattered across the flatlands and Akkad, and grouped in large numbers around Iskar, Ecbatana, and Drakos— that they represented the Ix's armies.

"Our forces are currently engaged in battles in the Canyonlands, Anshan and the flatlands, and cities north of New Metru Nui." the Glatorian was saying. "Still no report from the situation in Akkad, or at Gordion—" he broke off when he saw Iskandar, Shardak, and Nightwatcher enter the room.

"Lord Iskandar," said the Glatorian. "We will continue this later. All excuse themselves save Valkyria and Mersery."

As soon as they'd left, the Glatorian walked over to Nightwatcher, Iskandar, and Shardak. "Has he read the Prophecy?"

"Yes," said Iskandar. 'We're ready to discuss and interpret it. But first, are there any new developments I need to know regarding the war?"

"There's very little news on any front," reported the Glatorian. "Still no sign of Saren or Tiral. Our forces we sent to Iskar have been stopped at Anshan, though the city won't hold out much longer. No reports from Gordion or Akkad, but there's no indication either have fallen."

Iskandar nodded. "You may go. You as well, Mersery." he said. The Glatorian bowed and left the room, leaving only Valkyria and Nightwatcher with them. Valkyria's expression, as well as her presence in the aura field, was heavily cloaked, as was Nightwatcher's. However, Shardak, adept at reading Valkyria in the aura field, knew from one look that she'd read the Final Prophecy. That she, too, knew the truth.

"We have recovered the Final Prophecy," Iskandar said. "You all know the truth about our last hope to defeat Lord Vahrikaan. However, it's highly cryptic, and as you know, we've had very little success in deciphering it."

''The only part of it that's clear is that I have to die. And that my death's the only way we'll stop Vahrikaan.''

"One part of the Prophecy we understand somewhat, however. Atarus believed that the lines Four swords unite in power, to aid the worlds in darkest hour. I believe, as Atarus did, that this refers to the four swords of Elemental power, which includes the Blade of Arcturas, Isidar, and Nightwatcher's sword, Aquaros.

"However," continued Iskandar. "Atarus shared with me still more about what he believes the Prophecy means. He told me that, if he died, that I was to share the Final Prophecy with Shardak, and tell whomever I chose among my warriors to know the Prophecy as well. Much of it is completely indecipherable, however, this much Atarus knew.

"In order for you to understand the truth, you must know what Atarus never told you. You know about who Arcturas was, and why he joined the Shadowed Ones?"

"Yes," said Shardak. Arcturas had joined them to do good, but had become disaffected with their deeds and scattered the Order by breaking the Shadow Orb, the power source of the Annulus. It would take the Order many years to regain the fragment of the Shadow Orb, the only fragment of the Annulus they were missing, and free Vahrikaan.

"It is time, then, that you learn the truth about the Shadowed Ones, and about the Fall of Arcaea. I do not know every detail, however, Atarus shared with me the tale of Arcturas, and what his brother had done during his time with the Shadowed Ones, the organization which became the Order years later."

Chapter 5
"The truth is painful," continued Iskandar. "And I wish Atarus himself was there to inform you. However, circumstances beyond our control have taken him from us before he could even tell you the full prophecy.

''Neither Atarus nor Arcturas told me anything. ''said Shardak. And they both died while I was watching, and there was nothing I could do for either...

"As you know Arcturas joined the organization that became the Shadowed Ones to do good in Arcaea. They were a powerful group of influential Elemental Princes and Lords from the next generation which would have led Arcaea, had the Twelve Kingdoms survived. Many are now dead, and later the Shadowed Ones became a much larger order composed of many other beings, but the core seven members who created the order where those who knew the greatest of their plans.

Iskandar sighed. "I was young then, and I remember them all well. So brilliant, so arrogant, so powerful, so flawed... Arcturas of the Fire Kingdom, Windeus of the Sky Kingdom, Skorpix of the Earth Kingdom, Nex of the Jungle Kingdom, Lyria, representing the Ix, and—" Here Iskandar's voice faltered— "And Eostra, of the Shadow Kingdom. There was a seventh, as well, but he was killed during the Fall."

"Eostra?" asked Shardak. Of the names, it was the only one he didn't recognize, the only one he'd never met. But he remembered the name, heard it once before, spoken by Atarus with fear and dread. "Who is she?"

But memories of his dream began to surface once more, the nightmare that had haunted him since Arcturas' death, that of the Fall. He knew suddenly, somehow, without reservation, that Eostra was somehow connected to that vision.

"Eostra is a being of many secrets," said Iskandar. He spoke her name as though it hurt him to say it. "Every survivor of the Fall knows of her and dreads her. There is no other, apart from Vahrikaan, whom beings fear more.

"During that time, Shardak— you must understand, beings were plagued by fear. The Hand of Mata Nui and the Toa Order had become decadent, corrupt, secure in their power over what seemed like an eternal paradise. But in the lower orders, particularly among Ix and Glatorian, there was dissent. The seven beings banded together to change that.

"But they had another motivation as well. While some of them may have been at first unaware of the Order's full goals, or if the Shadowed Ones, arrogant in their power, believed that by allying with Vahrikaan they could take Arcaea for themselves, I do not know. Slowly, as more and more followers and cultists of Vahrikaan led by the Kodax Velnax joined them, the leaders of the Shadowed Ones began to plan their offensives. They already wielded great power, and soon they began to become the only power.

"As tensions escalated and open war began to break out among the Kingdoms, the Ix, under the Shadowed Ones, began to unleash more and more atrocities against the Hand. They barred off entrance between kingdoms by destroying gateways between them, created their own portals and means of transportation for their loyal followers using dark power, and unleashed Elimination on the Toa, as well as other biological agents designed to eliminate species of Elementals that opposed them. The Water Elemental Banrax, a loyal supporter of the Ix, helped allowed the Ix to take his genetic sample and turn it into a pathogen which killed countless Water Elementals who opposed them, and the Psionic Kingdom was likewise devastated. And at the head of the armies, forming all of the plots and schemes, were Eostra and Arcturas."

"What?" asked Shardak. "Arcturas sanctioned this? The genocide of Toa and Elementals?" he couldn't believe it, and yet when he thought back to his conversation with Skorpix during a battle in the remains of the Earth Kingdom, he realized the truth of Iskandar's statement.

"He was our greatest ally." Skorpix had said. Until now, Shardak had not known the truth about what Arcturas had done. Now he knew.

"Yes," said Iskandar. "It was not until the Fall that he joined us. His motives, as his motives for working on the side of the Ix, are unclear."

"But—"

"Allow me to finish." interrupted Iskandar. "During the final years of the war, long after the Year of Darkness which precipitated the conflict, Arcturas, Skorpix, and the Shadowed Ones were fighting at the heart of Arcaea's capitol, a plain of existance in itself, distinct from the rest of Arcaea— Shadovar, the City of Mirrors. Ordinarily, no rebel force would have made it this far, but even now much of the general populace sided with Eostra and the Shadowed Ones, and many being saw them as their liberators. In addition, they'd discovered a way to cut off the dimensions that made up the Twelve Kingdoms and Shadovar from each other, and also create their own interdimensional portals that only they could access.

"But there was heavy fighting. By now, the Shadowed Ones had revealed their true colors, and the City of Mirrors was divided. But Vahrikaan's plan was as devious as it was complex. It called for travel through the plain of Mirrors— another dimension beyond our reality— into the heart of Shadovar. Within the confines of that city lay a device which held the Elemental forces across Arcaea together, allowing the elemental kingdoms, shaped by the Ancients thousands of years ago, to coexist side by side on an inter-plain level. This device, Ilsidar Shadovar, or 'Mirror of Shadovar', or, more literally, 'Shadovar Codrex'. The word Ilsidar, or Codrex, translates roughly as core, though it can also translate as double or mirror."

"So whoever controlled the Shadovar Codrex controlled all of Arcaea." said Shardak. "Because he could control the way the elements all across Arcaea worked, and alter them at will."

"Not just Arcaea," said Iskandar. "The Codrex could manipulate all Elements everywhere, even beyond Arcaea. The Ancients used this device to create the Elemental plains themselves, and the Great Beings to shape the Elemental plains into the Twelve Kingdoms. However, the Codrex had spawned as many wars as the Annulus and the four Elemental swords have, because it was too powerful. This was the artifact that Vahrikaan's strike force had been sent to seize control of at the heart of Shadovar, led by Arcturas himself, while Skorpix, the youngest of the seven, led the main attack force. By now, the Annulus had already been reassembled, and Vahrikaan himself had risen."

"But I thought the Annulus required a Spirit Toa to reassemble it. Isn't that why the Ix needed me? To free Vahrikaan?"

"Arcturas possessed many of the same abilities as you. He was a Spirit Elemental, in a way. One of the reasons why Vahrikaan recruited him into what eventually became his Order was because of this ability. He passed it on to you, as well."

"Then why did they kill him?" asked Shardak. "Wouldn't it have been easier to take him prisoner and force him to complete the Rising?"

"Because he'd already completed a Rising." said Iskandar. "And once he'd used his power to do that, he could not again, for reasons we never understood. Anyway, he never had the same power that you have, and the Rising probably robbed him of most of his abilities, whereas yours was barely diminished. Your aura strength is far greater.

"Anyway, the chronicle of the Fall is fragmentary and incomplete. Arcturas' strike team, composed of a small group of elite Elementals, succeeded in passing through the Plain of Mirrors, though it is such a hideous, distorted realm of madness that it drove several of the strike team completely insane and left the rest at least somewhat mentally damaged. By now, Arcturas had been having severe doubts about his role in the Order, and he'd become disillusioned with the sheer dark power of Vahrikaan, even as Eostra and Skorpix and the rest grew ever darker beneath Vahrikaan's shadow.

"All that happened beyond this point is open to interpretation, though this is how the chronicle is usually told. Skorpix and his generals, after slaughtering their way through Shadovar's defenses and crushing most of the opposition. By then, Arcturas was ready to betray the group, and he had several beings also on his side, including Eostra, who, as the co-leader of the group alongside Arcturas, had pretended to begin to have felt guilt at the blood on her hands."

Shardak began to feel still more uneasy now as Iskandar continued. Somehow, he knew what Iskandar would say next.

Then, once Vahrikaan, Eostra, Arcturas, and Skorpix had all gathered, for reasons that have never become entirely clear, Arcturas shattered the Shadow Orb, and the Annulus itself, into five fragments. Then he used his greatest power— the Fiendflames, dark fire twisted by shadow into something vicious, sentient, and hungry— and fled with you, the Spirit Toa."

"Me?" asked Shardak. "But I—"

"All of the seven knew of your existance," said Iskandar. "And of your destiny. We believe that Skorpix or Vahrikaan may have given the order to kill you to prevent the Prophecy from being fulfilled, and that was what turned him against his order in the final battle. When he'd escaped, you were still young, and I believe he probably wiped your memories of the Fall.

"The tide turned then, even as the Fiendflames burned across the City of Mirrors," said Iskandar. "However, Eostra, who had not known the full implications of Arcturas' plan, but still pretending to be his ally, had been assigned by Arcturas to defend you and his other allies from the attacking Ix and escape Shadovar while he fought the rest of the Order and the Ix. However, now that the Annulus had been broken, Eostra's only hope was that the Spirit Toa would survive to adulthood, so he could free Vahrikaan from the fragments of the Ring once more.

"Arcturas escaped the battlefield earlier than expected, scattering the remnants of the seven temporarily. Then he confronted Eostra, who he'd realized was leading into an ambush created by Skorpix, who, as the attacking armies' general, was outside the city with the rest of his elite Ix guard. He arrived in time, and by now the battle of Shadovar had grown so chaotic no one knew what happened next. But Arcturas escaped as well, with you beside him, so we can assume he succeeded in thwarting Eostra's plans.

"However, before the Fiendflames devoured Shadovar, one of the seven managed to gain temporary control of the Codrex, and, added with the destructive power of the fire, which burned through the portals that were being opened all across Arcaea by the Codrex. Everything on Arcaea was destroyed, many of the dimensions simply collapsing in on themselves, leaving nothing but darkness behind. The rest were burned by the Fiendflames and torn apart by the elemants. In the battle, the Codrex of Shadovar was lost, devoured by the fire, as was the Annulus itself, which was not recovered until years later, one fragment found on Xiost, one on Corona Magna, and the third taken by the Ix."

"But the Ancient's spirits inside the Annulus said that they'd placed this fragment on Xiost for thousands of years," said Shardak, confused.

"Yes," said Iskandar. "Atarus mentioned this to me, but it has puzzled us both. Perhaps Arcturas escaped with a fragment of the ring, then returned it to Xiost, following the orders of the Ancients."

All grew silent then. Shardak did not speak, nor did Iskandar or Valkyria. Shardak suddenly felt weak as he thought of the Prophecy, and Iskandar's horrible tale of the Fall...it was too much, to much to take in.

"Who was Eostra?" he asked, his voice weak but filled with anger. "Who was she? How did she convince Arcturas to go along with her plans?"

"You have met her yourself. Once on Corona Magna, and once in the Fells. She is the leader of the Ix— the Hooded One."

Shardak felt dread run through him as Iskandar spoke those last words. He wasn't shocked, or even very surprised. It was as though he'd always known, somehow, on some level, that Eostra was the Hooded One. The peices of his vision of the Fall where not all clear, however. Who was the cloaked female who'd tried to help him? And the blue-eyed being who'd cut her in half in revenge. Who were they? Did it still matter?

"During those days the Swords of Elemental Power were not as uncommon a sight as they are now," said Iskandar. "And many beings where aware of the legend. The Legend of the Sword of Time.

"It is said when the four Swords of Elemental Power are united, which we assume means gathered all in one location, they will be bound into one blade, known as the Sword of Time. This is the ultimate weapon that we believe Vahrikaan is seeking."

"The Sword of Time? Then why hasn't Vahrikaan sent his soldiers to hunt me down. He probed my mind during his attempted rising on Corona Magna." said Shardak. "He knows I have it. Why didn't he take it then?"

"I'm not sure," admitted Iskandar. "We're not even sure this theory is correct. However, it makes sense, and coincides with rest of the Prophecy of Time. 'Four swords unite in power.' It corresponds well with the rumor that Vahrikaan is seeking an ultimate weapon of some type, a weapon that he plans to use to crush all opposition to his rule."

"But he already has the Annulus," said Shardak. "What more would he need?"

"He already has the Shadow Orb and the Annulus, which he could use to rule over this era," answered Iskandar. "But if Atarus' guess is correct, if he had the Sword of Time, a weapon old before the Ancients were young, he could control all of the powers of the four Elemental Swords. Not only that, but he'd be able to gain great power over time. How much is unknown, but it would be enough to ensure that we could not topple him ever again."

"Where are the other swords?" asked Valkyria, speaking for the first time. She'd remained quiet, listening to Iskandar throughout his tale. "We have Aquaros and the Sword of Fire here, but Isidar is missing. And what of the Sword of Earth?"

Iskandar opened his mouth to answer, but then Areop opened the door. The Dargon cheiftain nodded briefly to Shardak and Valkyria, then turned back to Iskandar. "Lord Iskandar, the Anshan detachment is ready to reinforce the battle. They await your orders."

Iskandar nodded. "You have had a long journey, and this is enough information for you to absorb." he said. "I must prepare another division of troops to reinforce the battle at Anshan, while you both will be accessed for physical combat skill. You are both too valuable to waste in open combat."

For a moment, Shardak was confused at Iskandar's kindness. Given the long-running hatred between Ix and Illierans, he'd have expected Iskandar to have hated Valkyria. Then he remembered that Valkyria was half Illieran, and to the Illerians, a half-Ix who they'd doubtless heard had betrayed the Empire to work with the Resistance was valuable as well. As for the information, Shardak didn't mind how much Iskandar had told him. provided they were finally telling him with the truth.

Then he remembered the Prophecy, and the Sword of Time. The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

It was beginning now. The Final Prophecy was approaching. Shardak knew that when he next faced the Ix, he would have to be ready.

Chapter 6
Jekart stared at the massive rim of Var'kala, which hung above Xaterex like an omen of doom, and sighed. A fire burned at the center of the camp, the only light other than the stars, which were mostly obscured by clouds.

The information broker, once proud to have delivered nothing but the best information to his clients, was no longer sure what was going on. His network of informants still kept him up with all the latest developments with the war, but even they were unable to make sense of the rumors that were running rampant across Xaterex.

Jekart, however, understood one thing perfectly. He'd been the best informant of them all. He'd gained extravagant wealth from Ix and rebels alike, including a large payment of blue diamonds from the Spirit Toa Shardak himself. Akkad's neutrality had kept him above the unrefined brutality of the war, and he'd been able to snag thousands of widgets through careful double-dealing and through a massive network of loyal bounty hunters and spies.

That was, until the war came knocking on Jekart's door.

Akkadia had been invaded. By ''Ix. ''Ever since Varana, the ruler of Akkad, had declared war on the Ix and joined the...

''Who, exactly? ''Jekart wondered. From his most recent reports, it sounded as if the Resistance had been broken into hundreds of smaller splinter groups, with no one clearly on any side. The two most prominent names he kept hearing where Saren Nagahara and Atarus, who were apparently warring among themselves for control of the Resistance, but the confused, tangled web of allegiance was impossible for him to keep track of in the middle of the Akkadian Mountains.

Akkad had probably fallen by now. Jekart didn't know. For an information broker, it as akin to him feeling helpless.

When the Ixx had invaded Akkad after the Battle of Calos, and as it quickly became apparent they would win, and Akkad itself would fall, Jekart had sent word to an elite team of mercenaries and bounty hunters, holding them on standby to help him escape if Akkad came under seige. When it did, nearly a week ago, Jekart, along with the mercenaries, escaped Akkad and fled into the mountains.

Jekart had been forced to leave behind most of his wealth in Akkad, except what he could carry. And, of course, the extravagant amount of widgets he'd been forced to pay the bounty hunters who'd helped him escape.

"We're leaving."

The voice jerked the twisted information broker out of his thoughts. Arzok, his brutish Skakdi associate, stood above him, sword in hand. Jekart sighed inwardly. Ordinarily he'd never employ this Skakdi as his bodyguard. However, all of his best bounty hunter associates had been outside Akkad or, like in the case of the Zeverek Skorr, in the employ of the Ix.

''Skorr. ''From him, Jekart had learned much about the Ix's plans. Enough to have warranted a death sentence from any Ix overseer. However, either due to Skorr's long association with Jekart, or because he was among the most valuable informants, he'd been allowed to live, even when he'd faced the cold dark eyes of an Ix high commander.

"Leaving?" asked Jekart. "Why? It's far too late to leave now."

"Ix. Apparently the bounty hunters sighted some of them nearby. They say they'll leave you behind if you don't come now."

That caught Jekart's attention. If the bounty hunters were threatening to leave without the final installment of pay he'd promised them upon his arrival at Iskar, then they had to be telling the truth. "I'm coming now." he said to Arzok. The blue and gold Skakdi nodded curtly as Jekart drew the long dagger he was armed with. He was under no illusions about what would happen to them if the Ix caught up with them. Information broker nor no, his safety only existed within Akkad, and now that Akkad was no longer neutral, the Ix would probably kill him on sight and ask questions later.

''Either that or take me back to Ecbatana or Drakos for interrogation. ''Thought Jekart grimly, as he rose, quenching the fire, and followed Arzok and the other bounty hunters through the shadowy fells. The night was shrouded by mist, and in the fog Jekart could barely make out his surroundings, only that the bounty hunters, who knew they would not be paid if he was noty protected, surrounded him on all sides, Arzok directly ahead of him.

Snick.

Jekart barely had time to register the sound before a sharp steel projectile flew through the air, flashing before his eyes in the cold darkness. The bounty hunter standing next to him gave a grunt of surprise, then fell to the ground. Blood poured from a wound in his throat.

One of the bounty hunters, a Steltian, was quick to react to the danger. "Archers!" he yelled. ''Snick. ''Another bolt flew through the air and buried itself in the Steltian's chest. He fell as well. The other bounty hunters scattered as more of the arrows felled two other beings.

Jekart himself wasted no time. Without bothering to worry about the safety of Arzok or any of the others, he threw himself beneath a large grove of trees, hidden behind the foliage of a large bush. With one eye he peered through the undergrowth, watching the battle. It didn't last long. The bounty hunters who hadn't immediately fled where killed or badly injured. Jekart didn't see what became of Arzok, but guessed he wouldn't live much longer.

Nor would he, for that matter. Hoping desperately the attackers would not find him, but knowing that they would, Jekart cowered beneath the shadow of the trees and listened to the attackers' nasal tones, which he easily recognized as those of the Ix.

"They're all dead?" asked one of the archers. "Pity. I was hoping one of them survived. What of those who escaped?"

"There are Limiters surrounding the entire area," said another voice he didn't recognize, cold, female, and calculating. Jekart shivered slightly as he heard her speak. "They will not get far."

Jekart saw the shadowy form of one of the archers nod to the hooded female Ix. Then he saw another being, whose features he could not make out, but was obviously not an Ix, appeared. He carried a massive blaster in one hand. "Oh, there's a survivor." he said, and then Jekart recognized the voice.

''Skorr. ''

The information broker cursed inwardly. The only being who would recognize him on sight was here, along with several archers, Limiters, and at least one high ranking Ix. It was then Jekart realized how much of a mistake the bounty hunter team had made. For one of the Ix elite to be here, that would mean that they couldn't be far from the main Ix army which was attacking Akkad, or, at least, a large group of Ix soldiers. They'd walked into the midst of an army, and now he was about to pay the ultimate price.

"Come out, Jekart," Skorr said, almost lazily. "I know you're there."

Jekart felt the force of Skorr's gaze on him, and, knowing that if he wanted to have any chance of survival, he would have to hope that Skorr would intercede on his behalf in front of the Ix, stepped out of the shadows and in front of the Ix army, half expecting an archer to shoot him the moment he moved.

Jekart's eyes, adept at gauging a situation, studied each being in turn. Skorr and the Ix female where the most striking, Skorr in his usual silver-grey armor and the Ix female in silver chainmail, which bore an insignia that Jekart couldn't make out in the shadows. She wore an ornate helmet that hid her features, and her eyes were the same color as the night itself.

The Ix archers appeared, in the fog, like nothing more than shadowy phantoms, their longbows and crossbows raised to kill if he moved. As though that weren't enough, Skorr raised his blaster, the same blaster that Jekart had seen dispatch dozens of rivals, and pointed it at him.

"This is Jekart," said Skorr. "Apparently he decided to leave the mountains in the face of war. and join up with a group of bounty hunters. I thought you were long past those days, but it seems I'm wrong, eh?" Skorr idly lifted his blaster up a centimeter or so, toying with the fear he saw in Jekart's red eyes.

"The information broker from Akkad?" asked the Ix female, interested now.

"Yes, Chi'rin Faal." hissed one of the Ix archers.

Jekart felt his last hope plummet as he stared helplessly at Skorr and the Ix female. She was not just a commander, or even a high commander, like Reyna. No, he'd run into a Chi'rin, one of the Ix's elite warmasters, tasked with only the most important war missions. Her presence here could only mean one thing— the Ix planned to conquer the Fells the moment they'd finished Akkad. They meant to crush the Resistance once and for all.

It also meant Jekart's odds for survival had dropped to almost zero.

"Please," he whimpered. "I have worked closely with the Ix in the past. I have served your will. I fled Akkad, and was going to Iskar, to join your people and Vahrikaan! I am your loyal servant!"

The Chi'rin regarded him with contempt. "A loyal servant who has dealt with traitors such as the Resistance, and enemies such as Toa Shardak. You deserve death."

Jekart lowered his gaze, unable to meet the Ix's eyes, unwilling to die now but knowing there was nothing more he could do—

"You deserve death," continued the ''Chi'rin. ''"But you will have a chance to live. You have lived in Akkad for many years, and have sold information often to Fellsian rebels. You could be of great use to us, or you can choose to die. I am sure Skorr will show you no mercy."

Jekart's mind was working quickly as he looked into Skorr's eyes, seeing no mercy there. However, as Skorr looked him in the eye, Jekart caught the implied meaning in his eyes. ''Join us. You can live. ''

Jekart didn't want to join the Ix. The rumors he'd heard before he left Akkad had been beyond horrible. He didn't want to submit to the Ix Empire. For the first time, Jekart felt something like defiance. He was an information broker. He served beings for pay, not because an Ix and her servants were threatening him with blasters.

But what choice did he have? He was not ready to die. And Jekart was, above all else, concerned with preserving his own life. And if he had to submit to the Ix to survive, then that's what he'd do. He hadn't survived for years before his peaceful existance in Akkad without intelligence.

"Of course I will help you, Chi'rin Faal," said Jekart. "I shall obey your orders, and that of your Empire."

He'd considered adding that he was going to join them anyway at Iskar, but he didn't dare. The Ix might be inclined toward sparing his life now, but he knew not to underestimate the Ix female. The Ix's society was ruthless and competitive, with alliances formed and broken within a few days. While assassinations occured rarely, backstabbing was the norm. For this Ix to have risen to the rank she now held meant she was a paragon among the Ix: the epitome of their culture, their darkness. Jekart didn't dare make one mistake with anything he said.

"Very good," said the Ix. "With your cooperation, our work here will be brought to an end decisively and easily."

Skorr nodded, then lowered his blaster. His eyes met Jekart's, and the information broker knew that, for now, he'd survived.

But, with the Ix elite armies invading Akkad, it was anyone's guess how long he'd last before the Ix decided he was no longer useful.

No amount of training, not even any of the previous battles that Shardak had fought on Xiost, Drakyr, or Corona Magna could have prepared the Toa for the battle at Anshan.

Rank upon rank of Ix soldiers ringed the city, the Limiters holding off the large attack force composed of rebel soldiers. Reinforcing the Ix elite soldiers were mercenary bands of Skakdi, Glatorian, and Agori, fighting alongside lower ranking Ix and other bands of Imperial warriors. Nowhere did Shardak see any signs of the Order's troops, either the Kodax or Vorgaan he'd encountered on Corona Magna.

All around him was the chaos of war, of hacking, stabbing, and killing. It was flatland warfare, alien to Shardak's eyes, fought on Rahi mounts and long spears, rather than the hand to hand, hit-and-run combat that was favored in the Fells. The sheer scale of the battle at Anshan made the Battle of Corona Magna and the Ix ambush in the Fells look small in comparison.

"It's even worse, at Iskar," Nighwatcher had said, seeing Shardak's stunned reaction. "And an assault on Media will be even harder. Ecbatana's never been taken, not by assault, not by an invading army, not even by the Ix."

The battle for Anshan, initially designed to be a seige, had intensified into open battle. The Ix had struck without warning, decimating many of the large seige engines before the Resistance could mount an organized counterattack. However, the Resistance had gathered their forces and, rather than continue the siege, openly attacked the city.

While Shardak stood with Nightwatcher and several Illierans, rarely did any of of the Ix made it close enough to Shardak to be worried. It had been one of Iskandar's conditions that Shardak remained under heavy protection.

"We're fighting for our lives here." the Illieran lord had said. "And while I will not prevent you from going to Anshan, I must keep you under heavy guard. Nightwatcher and two elite Illieran commanders will serve as your protection."

Shardak had agreed, biting back resentment. He hadn't seen them do the same to Valkyria. She'd been immediately led away by two Illierans to be evaluated for combat, then sent to Anshan. The same with almost every soldier. But Shardak could not fight on the front lines where he knew his friend was now, where even now an Ix could kill her. He would have considered trying to escape from his bodyguards, but since Nightwatcher was among them, he didn't dare try.

"Are we winning?" asked Shardak, as Nightwatcher pulled back to stand alongside Shardak, leaving the Illierans to deal with a group of enemy Glatorian pikemen.

"Difficult to say, really." said Nightwatcher. "On one hand, we're probably going to take the city. On the other, that will give us a direct pathway into Media, and the Ix won't give us a chance to penetrate the heart of their territory so easily. So they'll probably bring in reinforcements."

Shardak knew that, tactically, it was the best thing to do, but tactics didn't seem to matter to Vahrikaan. He'd allowed the Resistance to challenge his rule for years simply to gather all of his enemies into one place. And, despite the fact that Shardak was sure he could, Vahrikaan had not, as of yet, taken over full rule of the Ix empire, nor had he ordered his massive army on Var'kala to attack New Metru Nui or the Fells.

''What does Vahrikaan want? If he wants me to be removed as a threat to his power, why hasn't he made any major effort to eliminate me?''

Shardak didn't know what Vahrikaan was planning, but knew Vahrikaan to be the consummate strategist: his every setback was a gain, every gamble merely presenting another way he could win. Confronting him would be a daunting task one that would cost him his life.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

Then there was all of that about the end of time, and what Iskandar had told him about Arcturas. While Shardak understood why Iskandar had wanted to share him how Vahrikaan had been defeated— the Annulus had been shattered. But that had been before the Ancient's safeguards on the Annulus had been destroyed. How Arcturas had managed to avoid them without destroying them, and simultaneously free—

Shardak barely had time to think about this before the reality of the battle returned. Nightwatcher was watching the battle, a satisfied expression on his face as he watched the Resistance slowly drive the Limiters back toward the city.

Suddenly there was a flash of steel, and Shardak saw a cheer rise up from the massed ranks of imperial defenders. The Limiters, who had remained silent, suddenly renewed their attack.

"What is it?" he asked Nightwatcher.

"Reinforcements. Several hundred Limiters." said Nightwatcher. "They've prolonged things, that's all. Anshan's going to fall, it's only a matter of time." he said, seeing Shardak's expression. "However, you might see some real combat."

"Can I go onto the front now?" he asked, anxious and worried. He'd seen no sign of Valkyria during the battle, nor any indication that she was still alive.

"No," said Nightwatcher. "You're staying with me. You're too valuable to risk in pointless combat, especially a battle that's already won."

Shardak, Nighwatcher, and the Illierans watched as the Limiters began to force the Resistance line back slowly. The ranks gave way slowly at first, then began to fall back at the ferocity of the Ix's assault. More Limiters attacked from both sides while the bulk of the Imperial army renewed the attack on the Resistance's front line, charging over the fallen forms of the dead.

At first, Shardak thought the Resistance would rally and continue to hold, but as the Ix began to force the Resistance closer to the second rank, Nightwatcher's expression began to grow slightly worried and steadily more grim.

"I'm going in," he said, as the Resistance began a panicked retreat. "The Limiters seem to number quite a few more than we originally thought. We have to stop them now. Watch him," he ordered the Illierans.

Iskandar's royal guards nodded, then they and Shardak turned their attention back to the battle. As he watched, Shardak noticed something strange. The Limiter front rank, while it was quite large, had very little backup. Indeed, the vast majority of the army was massed behind the Limiters, only creating the illusion of hundreds more Ix.

The only real reinforcements are the Limiters attacking at the sides, said Shardak. ''It's all psychological. We still outnumber them. Our entire front rank's going to be slaughtered for nothing.''

Nightwatcher was gone. Valkyria was still out there. He needed to strike now. As the Ix charged ever closer and the Illieran royal guard's attention was turned from him and onto the battle, it was easy for Shardak to slip away from them and into the battle.

The moment he charged toward the Limiters, the Blade of Arcturas raised, the world began to grow red around him. He slammed into the nearest Ix soldier, cutting him to the ground. A second Ix immediately rose to take his place, and Shardak ran him through before charging toward another. An Ix slashed him with a scythe across the thigh, but Shardak barely noticed, parrying another Limiter's thrust and, after knocking him back into another Ix by manipulating his aura, charged onto the front rank, fighting alongside several Glatorian who were being attacked by an even larger group of Limiters.

"The Spirit Toa!" yelled one of the Ix in surprise, even as Shardak was raising the Blade of Arcturas for a final blow. At his cry, the Ix mobilized, charging with new resolve toward them. Shardak felt terror race through him as the Ix bore down on them, terror that was suddenly quenched by the fires of the Blade of Arcturas.

''I will lead you to victory. ''The sword promised. You cannot fail.

Emboldened, Shardak charged toward the Ix to meet them, following the front rank of the rebel army. Shardak spotted Nightwatcher, and the bounty hunter's eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing here?" he yelled over the clash of steel on steel.

"I saw the Ix 'reinforcements' where mostly an illusion," said Shardak, feeling the Blade of Arcturas burn in his hands as it drew close to Nightwatcher's sword, Aquaros. "So I decided we should try a little psychological warfare of our own."

Suddenly Nightwatcher pointed Aquaros directly at him. Elemental water laced with shadow flashed from the tip of the weapon. Shocked, Shardak realized he had no time to dodge, that Nightwatcher had aimed to kill, that within seconds he would be dead—

—The enemy Limiter standing behind Shardak fell to the ground, dead. The massive scythe fell from his hands.

"You need to pay more attention to your surroundings," said Nightwatcher. He said nothing more, but turned calmly back to face a Limiter, dispatching him with ease. Nightwatcher was an extremely skilled fighter, flowing from one combat form to the other with complete ease. No Imperial soldier, Limiter or not, could stand before him and live. Every strike of Aquaros signaled the death of another enemy.

Shardak looked around the battlefield for Valkyria. It was impossible, however, to make out anything beyond his narrow range of vision before another group of Ix charged toward him. Shardak slashed one to the ground, then another fell as well to an Illieran's sword. Shardak felt the Blade of Arcturas begin to assert control, and Shardak, unable to rein it in and also focus on defending himself, allowed it free reign, allowing it to slash, stab, hack, slice, and kill every Ix that attacked him. However, it became apparent quickly to Shardak that he had to try to control the Blade, or he would be killed. The Limiters, while slower than the Blade, where still fast, and several of them dealt him wounds which would have normally slowed him down.

With an effort of will, Shardak brought the Blade back under control. He saw Valkyria was fighting a Limiter, directly ahead of him. She was wounded slightly, but was holding her own.

For a few moments, Shardak wondered where the rest of the Resistance army was. Then he heard them yelling warnings to him, telling him to retreat. Shardak looked around him, seeing only several Limiters. He could defeat them, and the Resistance would—

Then he saw the Vorgaan.

The beings had appeared without warning, their invisible auras allowing them to avoid detection by even Valkyria. However, Shardak wouldn't have sensed them even if they'd had a presence in the aura field, so distracted was he by the battle. In addition, several elite Ix warriors, Limiters in black armor, had melted out of the darkness to surround them.

He and Valkyria were surrounded.

Time seemed to slow as Shardak stared into the Vorgaan's dead, pitiless eyes. All of the wild, maniac energy that the Blade of Arcturas had poured into him seemed to drain from his limbs as quickly as it had come as the Vorgaan charged toward him, their spears stabbing out from behind their shields.

There were about sixteen total, all of them closing in around Shardak and Valkyria. Shardak raised the Blade of Arcturas, charging toward one of the Vorgaan, but their fighting style was completely alien to them. Unlike the Limiters, the Vorgaan did not use any style recognizable as a combat form, but used their shields for cover as they speared out with the long pikes. Their shields, large and made of iron, prevented his and Valkyria's shorter weapons from hitting the Vorgaan easily, and the Vorgaan's spears would skewer them before they even got close.

Shardak saw Nightwatcher was fighting his way through the massed ranks of Limiters, trying to reach him in time. Valkyria was still fighting the Vorgaan and had killed one with a throwing dagger, but the others were surrounding her. She was fast, faster than they, but the Vorgaan had the advantage of numbers. As for himself, Shardak could barely move without facing another Vorgaan with a spear.

"We have been hunting you far too long, Spirit Toa." hissed one of the Vorgaan, speaking for the first time. He was wearing ornate green and cold armor and a demonic, lacquered helmet. Two dark eyes were visible beneath slitted eye slots. "But it seems that this game is over, no? Lord Vahrikaan wishes to see you in person."

"I—" Shardak began, but words failed him as the Vorgaan spoke the last sentance. In his heart of hearts, he'd known when they hadn't encountered Vahrikaan in the Void, that the Dark Lord had risen. The appearance of Var'kala had confirmed it. But Shardak had yet to have heard the words spoken from an enemy's mouth. Until now.

"Ah, yes. When you know of his true plan, you will scream in terror as you realize the impotence of your Resistance. All you are doing is slowing the inevitable, fighting your own fate."

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

"We'll end your life, however. The Dark Lord is only too happy to let us finish you off once you have done his bidding. A true fulfillment to the Prophecy." said the Vorgaan, satisfaction audible in his voice. "But for now, you still have work to do."

"I will not serve Vahrikaan!" snarled Shardak. "Nor will any of us!"

"Yes, you will." said the Vorgaan. "When you realize the truth, you will know that there is nothing you can do other than serve. You, the Spirit Toa, are useful to us. However, your allies are not."

Shardak looked around wildly, and saw that Nightwatcher and Valkyria had been surrounded by Vorgaan. Both were still fighting, but the Limiters had surrounded them.

It was all a trap. Shardak remembered what Iskandar had said, about why he'd been protected by the Illieran guards, but then realized exactly what had happened.

"Valkyria!" he yelled, watching as the Limiters bore down on her. But there was nothing he could do to help them. They were too far away.

Nevertheless he charged. Toward the Limiters, toward the Vorgaan. But he was too slow, too weak. The Blade of Arcturas was no longer a burning brand of pure energy, but a dead weight in his hands. As he stood and faced the massed armies of Vorgaan, Shardak saw another being, cloaked like an Ix lord, standing in their midst. One hand was wrapped around a dagger-scythe, but it was the other hand that held his attention.

It was pale white, and completely skeletal.

The Vorgaan leader's eyes flashed with satisfaction as Shardak charged. Then, nothing more than a blur to Shardak's tired eyes, he struck. Shardak crumpled to the ground, and blackness closed in around him.

Chapter 7
It was dark when Shardak awoke. He was lying under an open sky, several stars burning above him. He could see the distant blue shape of Noctxia Magna and the craggy gray surface of Calos as well. But he barely stared at the skies for more than a second. He realized he was bound hightly in some type of metal he didn't recognize, and that the beings that had bound him were standing all around him. Shardak stared at a tall Vorgaan in green armor, who was talking in a language he'd heard once before, on Corona Magna.

The Order had been on Xaterex all along, and they'd succeeded in capturing him.

Shardak cursed inwardly as one of the Vorgaan, seeing he'd awoken, barked at him to stand up and continue walking. Surrounded by several elite Ix and fourteen or so Vorgaan spearmen, Shardak was powerless to escape.

"Where am I?" he asked. "Where are you taking me?"

"We're in Media," answered Valkyria. Shardak turned to face her, and saw she was slightly bloodied, and had a long gash on her shoulder where a Vorgaan spear had struck her. Nightwatcher was there was well, much more wounded. It seemed that the Vorgaan had literally had to batter him into submission in order for him to surrender. Shardak was surprised they'd even taken him alive. "They're—"

"Silence!" snarled a cloaked Ix. Seeing him, Shardak suddenly remembered the being he'd seen, the being with a single skeletal hand. He didn't seem to be here, however, or if he was, Shardak didn't see him. They were no longer in the flatlands, but obviously deep within Media. Unlike the Fells, which were mostly forested and with Veythari cities scattered few and far between, Media was a massive military complex. As they walked silently through the gray hills, Shardak passed many towns, all of them guarded heavily by Ix Limiters.

''The Resistance can't face all of this. And they're going to invade the Fells once they crush Akkad. ''Shardak thought. And they plan to assault Media after they're finished with Anshan.

Shardak cursed himself again. He should have listened to Nightwatcher, and not joined the battle. Because he'd chosen to join the attack, just as the Order's forces had known he would, he'd been captured by the Ix. And it was easy to guess what would happen next. They would bring him before Vahrikaan and he would die, as the Prophecy had foretold.

''But it says I have to 'cut the bonds that bind the dark to life' first. ''Thought Shardak. ''And I haven't completed that, or found the three other Elemental Swords. ''

"The Spirit Toa, Valkyria Rhai, and the traitor Toa Nightwatcher." the Vorgaan gloated to Nightwatcher. "Three known Resistance warriors, all captured easily. Just as Vahrikaan said they would be."

Shardak waited for Nightwatcher's reaction, but to his surprise the bounty hunter remained extraordinarily calm. "Oh, we were caught easily." he said. "But you've been caught even easier."

"What?" asked the Vorgaan, suddenly alert. "What do you mean?"

"I meant exactly what I said," said Nightwatcher. "If you'd had more Ix with you, I doubt they'd even have gotten away with it, but it seems that your Limiters have not been as entirely skilled as usual."

The Vorgaan commander turned and snapped at the Limiter standing next to him. "What does he mean? Are there Resistance troops in the area?"

"No," said the Limiter, confused. "The last outpost we've passed is one commanded by my own people. There are Ix following us, but they're—"

"No!" hissed the Vorgaan, the truth seeming to dawn on him. Shardak was still confused, but Nightwatcher was still smirking, and comprehension seemed to be dawning on Valkyria. Shardak felt her aura touch his. Search the aura field.

Shardak reached out for the first time, and sensed more Ix hidden in the shadows of the small forest they were passing through. Like all Ix, their auras were hidden. But, unlike the Ix from the Order and the Vorgaan, their presence in the aura field did not have the Mark of Vahrikaan branded on it. They were normal Ix soldiers. For a moment, Shardak was disappointed, but then he felt a familiar presence in the aura field touch his.

''Kalix? ''He thought, registering surprise in the aura field. He'd thought the Limiter, who a traitor to the Ix Empire and Vahrikaan's Order, to have died along with Fairon and Luxa.

All around him, the Limiters from the Order had begun to realize the truth. When Kalix's Limiters had been cloaked, they hadn't been able to tell the difference in the field between allies and enemies. But now they'd felt Kalix in the aura field. Skilled aura users, the Limiters had somehow detected his allegiance, because they yelled. "Enemies! Traitorous Ix!"

The Vorgaan whirled around. "How many?" he snarled. "When we come before Lord Vahrikaan, I shall personally have him punish you for incompetence!"

The Limiter was about to answer when Kalix and the hidden Ix soldiers charged into the battle. Shardak realized how cunning they'd been, disabling the sentries that the Ix had posted surrounding their traveling party and replacing them with their own men. It was then that Shardak realized that he still stood a chance of survival.

"Get to the Spirit Toa!" ordered the Vorgaan leader as he charged to meet the Limiters. "Threaten to kill him if they attempt to free any of the prisoners!"

Before his soldiers could react to his commands, arrows flew from the darkness, striking several Vorgaan dead-on with bloody, messy precision. They fell to the ground, even as Kalix's own soldiers charged into battle. Several Vorgaan obeyed their leader's orders and charged toward Shardak, but Kalix's archers felled them before they drew near.

Shardak tried to use his aura to break the chains that bound him, but found to his frustration they wouldn't snap. Nightwatcher was suffering from the same problem. "They're bound." he called to Shardak over the sounds of battle. "They're unresponsive to most Elements." he said, seeing Shardak's confusion. "We'll be fine. Kalix planned this perfectly."

The Vorgaan leader was fighting for his life now, surrounded by three Ix Limiters. At first, the enemy Ix seemed to have an edge, but the archers who supported Kalix's Limiters tipped the balance quickly in favor of the attackers. Alone, surrounded by Ix, the Vorgaan was slashed to the ground, mortally wounded.

Kalix was running toward Shardak, concern evident in his eyes. The Limiter touched the cuffs, trying to snap them with his aura, and then, when he realized they were bound, instead barked an order in Ix to a Limiter. A few moments later, the Limiter appeared out of the shadows and handed a single key to Kalix. Kalix unlocked Shardak's cuffs, then did the same to Valkyria and Nightwatcher.

Shardak opened his mouth to thank Kalix, but the Limiter cut him off.

"Come." hissed Kalix. "There are enemies everywhere. We've taken out all of the Limiter sentries, but there are Ix everywhere. I want a complete explanation the moment we're back at my camp."

Shardak did not hesitate. While he was usually loath to trust the word of an Ix, Kalix and these Limiters had just saved his life, and Atarus had trusted Kalix. Kalix hissed another order to his Limiters, and they turned and raced into the forest, their camouflaged armor allowing them to blend perfectly with the forest. Shardak, Nightwatcher, and Valkyria followed the Limiters into the forest.

In his heavy battle armor, designed for frontline combat, Shardak had a difficult time keeping pace with the Ix soldiers. Nightwatcher, who wore even heavier armor, was actually faster than he was, and Valkyria, though also dressed in full combat gear, could easily keep pace with the Ix warriors.

Kalix eventually stopped in the middle of a barren, empty clearing beneath the taller mountains of Media. Shardak stared at the larger cities in the distance and knew that, somewhere among the mountains lay the Ix heartland, Ecbatana and Drakos Capitol. The heartland that the Resistance was to subdue if they were to win the war.

"Here," said Kalix, gesturing the the small cavern that led slowly downward. The Limiter gave a thin smile. "One of my little hideouts in Media." he said. "It's perfectly safe."

Kalix gave several other orders to the Limiters that Shardak didn't understand, and most of them vanished into the forest, leaving only Kalix, Shardak, Valkyria, Nightwatcher, and two other Limiters.

"I see you do indeed have more followers," said Nightwatcher, eyeing the Ix.

"I told you there were other Ix who think like I do. Who believe that Vahrikaan— and the current war— must be stopped at all costs." said Kalix.

Nightwatcher nodded in acknowledgement. "So I see."

"So, what brings you to Media?" asked Kalix. "I confess, to see you captured by Vorgaan, Shardak, and you Nightwatcher, was rather shocking. But when my Limiter warriors reported your position to me, I had to follow. How were you captured?"

"Someone decided to rush into the middle of the battle at Anshan, and I had to go after him," said Nightwatcher, looking pointedly at Shardak. "But there were Vorgaan hidden among the Ix, and ambushed us when they recognized the Spirit Toa. Fortunately they weren't very well prepared, they'd obviously not expected to find Shardak there. It seems they were acting under Vahrikaan's orders, but they seemed rather disorganized for beings entrusted by the Dark Lord himself to capture Shardak."

"It confuses me as well," said Kalix. "Why didn't they take half the army away from Anshan to escort Shardak, instead of several Limiters and fourteen Vorgaan? Vahrikaan doesn't care about losing his cities, and if he'd captured Shardak, he'd have won the war."

"They were rather disorganized," said Shardak. "Maybe Vahrikaan made a mistake?" The thought didn't give him much hope or comfort. Vahrikaan had been trapped for thousands of years in the Annulus, and had manipulated countless beings in a millennia- long plan that had ended in his freedom. It was highly unlikely that Vahrikaan had made a simple oversight and Shardak had escaped because of it.

"No. But I'd like to know why, if Vahrikaan is desperate to capture you, why the Vorgaan were less prepared," said Kalix.

"As would I," concurred Nightwatcher. "Now, Kalix, how did you survive? We were told you'd been killed."

"There was an attack," said Kalix. "But not by Vahrikaan's agents, or by Ix. Otherwise I would be dead. We sealed off the Void entrance, as planned. However, as we were readying to leave the arena by starcraft when cloaked beings attacked us. They used some type of device to render us unconscious. When I awoke both of the Glatorian guards were dead, I was badly wounded, and Fairon and Luxa were gone."

"Do you think they could have escaped?" asked Shardak. He'd barely known Luxa, but she'd been one of the Resistance's greatest allies and supporters, and he hoped desperately that Fairon was still alive.

"It's possible," said Kalix, but Shardak could sense doubt in his voice. "If anything, they were captured by some unknown foe. It's probably better to hope that they died quickly."

Shardak nodded. He'd expected nothing more, though it was still hard to accept. He couldn't dwell on it now, however. ''Focus on your mission. Focus on the Prophecy. ''

"Then you went to Media after Vahrikaan's rising." Nightwatcher surmised. "Why? Why go into the heartland of your enemies?"

"Because of the Sword of Earth," said Kalix. "Because of the Prophecy of Time."

As Kalix said those words, Shardak felt a chill run down his spine. The words of the Prophecy, the words that spelled his death, still didn't feel real to him.

"The Sword of Earth?" asked Nightwatcher, raising Aquaros almost instinctively. Shardak felt the Blade of Arcturas burn in his hands as it sensed the presence of its twin weapon. "What does that have to do with the Prophecy?"

"The line about the 'four swords uniting'." said Kalix. "What other weapons could they refer to, other than the four Swords of Elemental Power? Two of them are here, something that hasn't happened in years. And two of them were present during the battle in the Fells, the Swords of Air and Fire."

"Isidar?" asked Nightwatcher. "Luxa had it, didn't she?"

"Yes," said Kalix. "It's disappeared, along with her. What happened to it is a mystery. As far as my spies within the Empire know, it's not in possesstion of the Ix. However, not many Ix know what's really going on in the Empire now. If Vahrikaan wins the war, I shudder to think what would become of this world."

"Atarus and Iskandar think that Vahrikaan is searching for the Sword of Time," said Shardak. "That Vahrikaan is trying to gather all four weapons and unite them into one blade so he could gain limited powers over time."

"Limited?" said Kalix. "Maybe for a being like you, or even Nightwatcher, but for Lord Vahrikaan? It would be catastrophic. It's highly likely, and it makes sense," he added grimly. "The four swords have not been gathered in one place for millennia, not since the very dawn of the ancient Forerunners themselves. Even the Elementals and Great Beings never united the swords, even at the height of their power.

"But in recent years, the swords have been drawing closer together," continued Kalix. "Luxa brought Isidar from Calos to Xaterex, you, Nightwatcher, brought the Sword of Water with you here. And, of course, Arcturas' son carries his father's blade."

Something about the scornful way he said it made Shardak ask, on impulse. "You where there? You knew him?"

"Only distantly," said Kalix. "He was a hero to the Ix, until he betrayed them and Vahrikaan. I have on good authority that he was never the same after he touched the Sword of Fire. It has a long, bloody history, and it is said that once the sword is drawn, it cannot be satiated until it has drawn the blood of something, even if the wielder must cut himself to satisfy it."

Shardak didn't believe all of what Kalix had said, but, staring at the peerless, blood-colored crimson blade of the longsword, he could feel its hunger. Shardak thought back to the battle in the flatlands against the Limiters, and remembered how powerful the sword had been.

"So it is with all of the Elemental weapons. They all are powerful, almost vampiric in nature. But it goes both ways. The swords take on attributes of their wielder. Thus Aquaros contains parts of Nightwatcher's personality, your sword some of Arcturas', and Isidar some of Luxa's. Great events in the sword's history also shape the weapons' alignment. Isidar brought down the Mindeater Empire in the hands of a resistance army, Aquaros and the Sword of Fire were wielded in the distant past by the Ancients, and during the time of Arcaea by Elementals."

"And what of the Sword of Earth?" asked Shardak. "What history does it have?"

"Very little," said Kalix. He looked surprised. "Have you never heard the Legend of the Lost Sword of Earth?"

"No," said Shardak. He remembered another time, a few months ago, when his friend, the late Glatorian Flardrek, asked him if he knew of the Legend of Vahrikaan. Arcturas had not told legends to Shardak and Nightshade, he'd been far more concerned with keeping them alive.

Or so he'd always said. The more Shardak heard of Arcturas' role in the creation of the Order alongside beings such as Skorpix and the Hooded One, the more he mistrusted everything Arcturas had told him. He wondered if the real reason Arcturas had never spoken about the ancient legends was because of the truths they contained; truths that he'd unleashed upon the world during the Fall.

"The Sword of Earth, unlike the other three Elemental weapons, has very little history to speak of after the Mindeater War," said Valkyria.

"It is said that during the war with the Mindeaters that the great lord of that Empire weilded it against Isidar." said Kalix. "But afterword it seems to have disappeared completely from history. As far as we know, it did not see action during the Fall. As far as we know, it has not been discovered since, leading some to believe it was destroyed when Arcaea collapsed."

Nightwatcher looked skeptical. "It'd take a lot more than that to destroy one of these. Like the Shadovar device, they're even older than the Ancients themselves."

"Exactly," Kalix agreed. "I don't believe it was destroyed during the Fall. But it was lost, thousands of years ago, and has not been seen since."

"But you know where it is. Or the Ix do," said Nightwatcher.

It was a statement, not a question. Shardak, Nightwatcher, and Valkyria could all feel Kalix's presence in the aura field; they knew that Kalix would not mention the Sword of Earth if he wasn't sure he'd found the location.

"Yes," said Kalix. "I know where it is, and what the Ix's plans are for the Resistance. There is a reason why they aren't overly concerned about Shardak escaping."

"Why?" asked Shardak. "Does Vahrikaan have Isidar? If his goal is to find the Sword of Time, why—"

"Perhaps his goal is to find the Sword of Time," said Kalix. "And what I've found confirms that it is, indeed, one of his goals. But Vahrikaan is preparing another scheme as well, and the Sword of Earth might be the only way we can stop him."

"I have to get back to the Resistance, then." said Shardak. "They have enough forces to attack Media and find the Sword."

"In a few days, there will be no Resistance left to save," said Kalix.

Kalix's words, spoken with such gravity, took a moment to sink in. "What?" Shardak asked. For a moment, he thought Kalix must have been joking. The Resistance had come to far, all the way to the edge of Media, to fail now. "I thought Vahrikaan was content to wait for us to come to him. He's planning an offensive?"

"Not an offensive. A trap. A trap planned by the Ix that will crush the Resistance completely and making it truly impossible to capture Ecbatana or Drakos Capitol."

Shardak remembered the diagram Iskandar had shown him, with the black Ix armies grouped heavily in Median territory. If they grouped their entire army at the edge of Media, they could probably fight the rebel armies to a draw. But to destroy them? They didn't have enough forces, not unless they brought more Order troops in from Var'kala or Calos, or decided to bring in more Ix elite from Drakos.

"I have on good authority that the Empire, reinforced by Order troops, is gathering at the edge of Media to fight the rebels to a draw. Once they've destroyed the Resistance's main offensive army, the Resistance will withdraw to New Metru Nui, only to find their communications with the Fells disrupted. Once the Ix are done in Akkad, they'll take back the northern flatlands, then move on the Fells."

Shardak's worst fears were confirmed. Not only was their Akkadian ally doomed, the Fells themselves were going to be invaded by Ix. It was horribly simple, but was also a perfect plan. It would force the Resistance to choose between pressing on with the invasion or falling back to help the Fells. And by the time the rebel army had been crushed in Media, it would be highly unlikely that either strategem would succeed.

"How can we stop them?" asked Shardak. "With the Ignika?" he asked.

"No," said Kalix, surprising them. "That Kanohi was once powerful, but due to what Arcturas did to it, it's worse than useless."

"What did Arcturas do to it?" asked Shardak. "Is that why I can't access the Kanohi's power?" He knew that the Ix had destroyed most Kanohi during the Fall, and as a result his Toa friends Fairon and Jareroden had to wear less powerful Noble masks as a result, but surely Arcturas could not have robbed the Mask of Life of its powers?

"If you ever tried to harness the Ignika's power, you'd probably kill yourself," said Nightwatcher. "And then you'd be useless as well. But yes, Arcturas, when he wore the Mask, would drain power from it to fuel his own abilities. However, the Mask would have eventually recovered, were it not for what Arcturas did by somehow stealing its powers."

"He stole the powers? Then they died with him?"

"No," it was Kalix who answered. "You can't take the full power of a Kanohi into your body. It is a skill beyond that of the most powerful aura users, even Vahrikaan could not absorb the full power of a legendary Kanohi such as the Mask of Life. If Arcturas could have done that without destroying himself completely by unleashing the Mask's power, he would have been able to bring back Vahrikaan and never lose a single bit of elemental power. He would be immortal and powerful beyond even the strength of beings such as the Dark Lord— if he was strong enough to contain the sheer power."

"He probably hid the power of the Mask of Life in another object," said Nightwatcher. "An object so small, so insignificant, that it would have been obscured by, perhaps, an even more powerful aura."

Shardak instincively looked down at the Blade of Arcturas, but Kalix shook his head. "It's not in the Sword of Fire, Shardak. I would be able to tell, and so would you and Valkyria and Nightwatcher. The Sword of Fire, while powerful, does not have the sheer auric energy to conceal a power as great as that as that of the Ignika."

Shardak thought about the time he'd used a damaged Olmak, a mask of Dimensional Gates, to escape Skorpix and the Kodax Mordrax, and remembered how draining it had been on both his aura and his physical body. He knew Kalix was right; he didn't have the power needed to harness the Ignika. Not yet.

''I need to learn the extent of my abilities as Spirit Toa. ''He thought. ''So that when I face Lord Vahrikaan, I'm ready. ''

"And you're sure this intelligence is correct?" asked Nightwatcher tersely.

"Yes," said Kalix without hesititaion. "My allies among the Ix have assured me that if we do not act soon, the Resistance army, once they're finished at Anshan, is doomed. Unless we do something. Something that will change the tide of the war."

"What do you need me to do?" asked Shardak.

"If the Resistance was destroyed, it would not help me fulfill my plans. I need them alive, and I need them to win the war," said Kalix. "I was planning to do this errand myself, but with the Spirit Toa, Valkyria Rhai, and Nightwatcher with me will increase the odds that I find it."

"What is it?" asked Shardak, but even as he asked he knew the answer. "What do you need us to find."

"Steal, actually," said Kalix, almost idly. "I need you to help me steal the Sword of Earth from the Ix. I assure you, this will turn the tide of the war completely."

"And where is it?" asked Valkyria.

"In a city under seige, south of Media" answered Kalix. "In Iskar itself."

''The Elemental swords are powerful and ancient beyond your understanding. ''

Thrazkul's hideous voice rasped in Fairon's ears. He turned to Luxa, who was standing beside him, and saw his terror reflected in her eyes. Thrazkul's psionic touch was no longer mere speach. Every word grated through their minds like a knife in the heart, every syllable felt to Fairon as though Thrazkul was stabbing him through the soul. Thrazkul's sheer might made Fairon and Luxa both look insignificant beyond belief, their minds completely superseded by this ancient, powerful being.

Their intent, their will'', has shaped the lives of hundreds of beings. They have provided much glory in combat, and much shame. For the Tur'aenath, my people, Isidar brought us low. But all of the Elemental weapons have caused all races equal glory and shame, Mindeaters, Toa, and Illierans alike.''

Fairon wanted to scream in pain, to fight, to somehow stop the horrific torment that Thrazkul forced on him. But he could not break free, any more than a small Rahi can escape a massive winged predator. Thrazkul had had years, probably centuries, to hone his intellect, and the aura field was useless against him. His sheer psionic power, pure controlled element, was stronger than any auric attack either he or Luxa could create.

''My people were not Vorgaan, not invaders from beyond this world. ''said Thrazkul. ''Our slaves were happy under our rule. Your distant ancestors owed everything they had to the Tur'aenath, the beings you call Mindeaters. We did not destroy your intellect. We helped you on the path to higher intelligence. But for one rebel and Isidar, we would have remained masters of Xaterex. No empire was greater then ours, save that of Vahrikaan's servants. Xaterex, Penumbra, the Void, and Calos, all held under our eternal dominion.''

They knew nothing other than your tyranny! Fairon could hear Luxa thinking. Somehow Thrazkul had made her thoughts audible to him.

''It is not tyranny if you know nothing more. If you do not know what freedom is, is it a prize to be won? ''asked Thrazkul.

''Yes! ''snarled Luxa.

No. Continued Thrazkul, calm as ever. ''We were your rightful masters. When Lord Vahrikaan reclaims Xaterex he has promised us much, so much more than your insignificant masters could ever give. He has offered us all of your races as our slaves once again, so that you can rebuild Penumbra as the great capitol it once was!''

No! Fairon thought immediately, instinctively.

''Yes. ''said Thrazkul. ''It is a shame you will never know Lord Vahrikaan's true plan...but you will help fulfill it, once your minds are broken. But, as Death has said, you must find the Lost Sword, to make sure his plan is successful.''

''Death? What do you''—

Fairon felt a shiver of apprehension run through him as Thrazkul's psionic might focused itself upon him with deadly intent. And, at that moment, Fairon realized what Thrazkul was about to do. He could feel Thrazkul's psionic power burning intohim and Luxa, readying to break their minds and reduce them to slaves, mere puppets to his will. Even if he saw any of his friends again, it would be on the field of battle, and they would be forced to kill him. Fairon could only hope it would be sooner rather than later.

Fairon could feel his mind was burning. he felt a wave of emotions wash over him, and for a moment he wonderd if this was what Shardak and Valkyria experienced as aura-users. He could feel himself touch Thrazkul's twisted mind, then Luxa's. But he was unable to comprehend anything other than the building pain that Thrazkul was creating.

It would soon be over.

Fairon felt his mind, his soul burn with pain. A scream was torn from him, a horrid, dreadful cry of primeval terror. He could see Luxa was suffering the same torment at Thrazkul's hands.

''Good-bye, my friends. ''said Thrazkul. Take comfort in the fact that your next actions will aid Lord Vahrikaan's plan.

Fairon opened his mouth with an effort of will. He had to speak. Had to make amends, somehow, for the one thing he regretted.

"Luxa," he gasped. She turned and looked at him, her dark eyes burning with pain and fear.

"I'm sorry. About— Arcaea,"

There was no way, no time to say anything more. But Fairon saw a brief flash of acknowledgement in her eyes through the haze of pain. She understood.

And then darkness engulfed him and he thought no more.

Chapter 8
Iskar, besieged by battle-weary Resistance warriors and defended by legions of Ix, was about to break into open battle. Shardak had never seen the endgame of a siege before, the only siege he'd ever witnessed was at Gigas Nui two years ago. He had not fought in the final stages of that battle; he and Valkyria had been sent to Xiost to find the Annulus fragment hidden there.

But now, at the city of Iskar, once one of the greatest Ix cities only surpassed by Ecbatana and Drakos Capitol, the storm was about to break. From his position, safely hidden some distance from the city with Kalix, Nightwatcher, Valkyria, and several Limiters, the massed Resistance forces, composed mainly of Glatorian and Agori warriors led by a small group if Veythari elite looked ready to strike. However, the Ix soldiers guarding the ramparts, while obviously much weakened, were still a lethal threat, and if the attack went poorly, Shardak could easily envision the battle turning in favor of the Ix.

"It's been a long siege," said Kalix. "But we couldn't have chosen better timing. The vast majority of the Ix will be distracted, and we'll be able to slip inside the city."

Shardak looked at Kalix's Limiters. Only three had joined them, but they were the most powerful and elite of Kalix's group of traitors, more skilled in stealth than the average Ix soldier. Their faces were grim but determined.

"If we don't get the Sword of Earth out of here, then the Resistance is certainly doomed," continued Kalix. "With three Elemental swords, it's not unrealistic to think we could turn the tide of the war and force the Ix once again on the defensive. Even if we can't, we can at least prevent the Resistance from being completely annihilated in a trap outside Media."

"If the Ix have the Sword of Earth hidden in there, it's unlikely we'll even get near it." said Nightwatcher.

"Not really," said Kalix. "It's not unlikely, especially under the current circumstances, that we can't infiltrate the very heart of the city. Most of the Ix will be busy responding to the Resistance's attacks on the city to notice us, and even then, they'll just assume we're allies."

Shardak was confused for a moment, then he looked at Valkyria, Kalix, and the Limiters and remembered that the vast majority of his companions were Ix. All of them, including Shardak and Nightwatcher, were wearing Limiter camouflage, standard issue for all Ix soldiers. To the Ix within the city, fighting against the Resistance's assault, they'd only appear suspicious if the Ix had time to look at them closely.

Kalix had explained his plan to Shardak and the others on the four day journey to Iskar. The Resistance was in position to attack Iskar, and had been making slow, tentative assaults at the main Ix force there. While the Ix were occupied fighting off the Resistance, whose attacks were likely to get far more daring within four days, he, Kalix, Valkyria, and Nightwatcher, along with the three Limiters, would slip inside Iskar's defense citadel, where the Ix likely had the Sword of Earth. If all went according to plan, the battle would be enough of a distraction for Shardak and his friends to slip away with the Sword of Earth and rejoin the Resistance.

''If we succeed, we'll have three of the four swords. Three will be enough to ensure that we keep the Sword of Time out of Vahrikaan's hands, and that we'll be able to turn the tide of the war.''

"I'm going to find out when the next attack is planned," said Kalix. "If the Resistance attacks before I return, however, do not wait for me. My Limiters know what to do."

The three other Ix nodded, and Kalix slipped away into the shadows, his camouflaged armor rendering him nearly invisible. Shardak grew impatient as he waited for the Limiter leader to return. However, Valkyria and the Limiters seemed to be in their element. In the Limiter camouflage Valkyria was wearing, Shardak could barely distinguish her from the small, forested grove they hid within.

Shardak forced his aura to remain as calm, small, and unnoticable as he could. Kalix had cautioned him beforehand that it was likely there were some powerful Ix leaders here, and they would be able to sense his distinctive aura over a much greater distance, in the same way Reyna and Nightshade had found them in the Void. Even despite Atarus' training, he hadn't had the time to perfect his skills to the level of Valkyria or the Limiters.

Silent as a wraith, Kalix appeared beside them. "Perfectly timed," the Limiter hissed. "The Resistance forces are ready to attack the city. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to get into the city at ground level. The Ix's walls, while damaged, are still intact, and we'd have to wait until the Resistance charges into the city to get in."

"So we're waiting?" asked Shardak.

To his surprise, Valkyria smiled teasingly. "No," she said. "We're just not going to get in through the walls."

Shardak looked up, following her gaze to the top of the ramparts. The Ix defenders were scattered and disorganized, and the ramparts themselves were horribly damaged in several areas. If they could somehow get to the top without being noticed or killed in the crossfire, they'd have a clear way into the city.

"Follow me," ordered Kalix, cutting Shardak off before the Toa had any time to do anything other than open his mouth. Shardak didn't understand how Kalix intended to get them over the ramparts, but even if they got to the top without being noticed, it was still a likely possibility that a boulder from a Rebel seige engine or an Imperial defender would take them out unintentionally.

"How will we mount those?" asked Shardak as they neared the base of the walls. Kalix had been correct; the vast majority of the Ix defenders were occupied fending off the Resistance attackers. Neither the Ix nor the Resistance had seen them approach the wall.

One Limiter stood back from the wall, keeping watch. Shardak guessed he was making sure there were no Ix defenders above the rampart who would notice them. He hissed a single word to Kalix in the Ix language.

"Now!" ordered Kalix. Before Shardak could ask what Kalix intended for him to do, Valkyria whispered, "Use your aura."

Then she jumped, using her aura to defy gravity and leap nearly ten feet into the air with seemingly effortless grace and speed. Like a blur, she reached out and grabbed the edge of one of the lower ramparts, pulling herself onto the ledge. Kalix followed, with the same lithe, easy grace typical of Ix.

Shardak had used his aura as an offensive weapon before, and used it to counter other being's elemental powers. But never before had he used it to counter such a force like gravity, and he hesitated at first. He knew his aura was powerful, but he wasn't nearly as well-trained as Valkyria, Nighwatcher, or the Limiters.

Never hesitate. Shardak could hear Atarus' voice whisper. Hesitate, and you will fail.

Shardak jumped. He could feel the strength of gravity, like a massive weight pressing down on his aura, try to bring him to the ground, but he forced his aura against the inexorable pull. He could see the rampart drawing nearer and near, even as his aura grew weaker and weaker. As he drew level with the rampart he reached out to grab it.

But as he did so, he lost concentration. The auric power he'd been using to thrust himself against the pull flickered and died. Fear exploded within Shardak's mind as he fell downward, as he reached out to grab the rampart. However, he'd misjudged his distance from the wall, and was too far away to get a good hold. His fingers brushed the edge of the wall. Shardak felt a strange pull as he began to fall, and another aura touching his. ''Nightwatcher. ''The Toa of Shadow reached out into the aura field, and pulled Shardak with seemingly effortless ease onto the rampart.

Shardak scrambled to his feet, breathing heavily. Fear still made his heartlight throb faster than it usually did, but one look at the situation at the front gates of the city told Shardak they had to keep moving. This low rampart was mostly abandoned, but the vast majority of the Ix soldiers were on the rampart above them. Kalix barely gave Shardak more than a moment to recover before he jumped into the air once more.

The second jump was much easier for Shardak. Not only was he now more used to the strange feeling and less afraid, there was much less distance to be covered. He pulled himself easily onto the rampart, the sounds of battle ringing in his ears as he stood. Kalix's aura touched Shardak's and the others'— a clear warning to be careful.

The Resistance was now bombarding the rampart, not caring where they aimed. The massive boulders hurled from the catapults slammed into a rampart, killing all of the Ix there. One boulder flew directly above Shardak's head and slammed into an Ix archer charging toward them. The Ix were retaliating now, trying to take out the siege engines, but Shardak could tell they were doomed. The front ramparts would fall, and then the rebels would pour into the city.

"Keep moving!" ordered Kalix. "Stay clear of the defenders, watch out for boulders, and avoid being noticed if possible."

There was no time to respond. Shardak saw the Resistance was charging toward the gates, and the Ix guards there were drawing their swords in preparation for a counterattack. Meanwhile, the Ix had managed to set one of the large seige engines on fire, and the Resistance forces were attempting to quench the blaze before the fire spread to any of the other catapults.

There were several shouts to their right, and the sound of harsh Ix voices, and Shradak saw a large group of Ix charging toward them. Kalix hissed an order to the Limiters. One of them charged toward the Ix soldiers, the others followed Kalix in the opposite direction, deeper into the fighting. Shardak hesitated for a moment, then followed Kalix and the Ix.

There, the Ix on the intact ramparts were sniping at the Resistance attackers, and the Resistance was responding in kind. Boulders and arrows whizzed past Shardak, one grazing his shoulder. Shardak had no time to ask why Kalix had sent the Limiter to attack the much larger group of Ix defenders. Had he sent him to his death, to buy time?

There was no time for him to ask. Several Ix grouped around a damaged ballista had seen them, and two charged toward them, only to meet their ends in two quick, fluid slashes of Kalix's dagger-scythe and Aquaros. Before any of the Ix could move a centimeter or register that their supposed allies had killed two of the defenders, Kalix killed one with a throw of another dagger, and Nightwatcher brought two more down before they could even draw a sword.

Shardak saw the Resistance was still being held off by the Ix defenders, who were fighting to the death to defend their city. Still, it was hopeless. "With any luck, the Ix will buy us a bit more time, and we'll be inside the citadel by the time the real fighting starts." said Kalix. Then he jumped off the rampart— and into the courtyard below, which was swarming with Ix defenders. He used the aura field to slow his descent, and landed on his feet easily.

Shardak saw more defenders were racing toward them. While it was impossible they'd recognized him— he and Nightwatcher were both wearing Limiter armor, and from that distance it was impossible to tell they were Toa— but they must have seen the battle with the four other Ix, because they were shouting and their scythes were drawn, ready to attack.

Shardak turned to left, and saw that the third Limiter had disappeared; Shardak guessed the Ix had killed him, then followed them across the wall. Their shouts were growing louder, but as they neared him, Shardak saw another seige engine ready to hurl another boulder at the ramparts. Valkyria leapt from the rampart, landing easily on her feet. The Ix on the ground barely payed her any attention.

"Jump, Shardak!" ordered Nightwatcher, a note of urgency in his voice that Shardak had rarely heard before. Shardak didn't even dare hesitate. He leapt from the rampart, following Nightwatcher and the other Limiters. Moments after he jumped, the boulder slammed into the rampart he'd been standing on moments before. Stricken Ix tumbled from the walls, landing on the stones below. Even the sound of battle outside the city could not hide the sounds of the sickening snap of the bones of the fallen Ix, or their presence in the aura field contracting sharply and then vanishing altogether.

Shardak examined the city around him. He could see more Ix were rushing toward the gates of the city to join the battle, while the ordinary citizens of the Empire were racing deeper into the city, to seek protection nearer to the heart of Iskar. Most of the taller buildings nearest to the north wall had been destroyed by Resistance seige engines, but the defense citadel still stood.

''Run to the citadel. ''Shardak could "hear" Kalix saying in the aura field. ''We have to move fast. The Ix are weakening faster than I expected. In a few minutes, the Resistance will be inside the city.''

Shardak raced through the streets of Iskar, following Valkyria and Kalix. He couldn't make out Nightwatcher or any of the other Limiters in the chaos, but was sure they, too, were following.

Reaching the citadel was fairly easy. No Ix dared halt their path, and most were too preoccupied to even notice them. The gates of the citadel were guarded by a patrol of six elite Ix warriors, carrying stabbing spears. Kalix spoke to them in Ix for a few moments, and the guards immediately stepped aside, clearing their path into the citadel.

The entrance room of the defense citadel was ominously empty. Shardak would have expected, given the situation outside in the city, that the Ix would have been pulling as many reinforcements into the citadel for a final stand if the Resistance overwhelmed the defenders. Shardak saw Nightwatcher and the two remaining Limiter defectors appear from the shadows. He guessed the third had been killed during the battle on the walls.

Suddenly shouts rang out from outside the citadel. Shardak heard screams of "They're inside the city!" and "Attack!" and knew immediately what must have happened.

"We don't have much time," said Kalix. Suddenly the citadel was alive with a multitude of Ix warriors, charging past them. No one payed the five "Limiters" any attention as they raced through the citadel, searching for any sign of the Sword of Earth.

"I'll ask the next Ix we run into," said Kalix. "They probably know that it's here, and even if they don't, they can direct us to their commanding officer, who will."

Shardak nodded, turning down another passageway. However, he felt slightly uneasy, for reasons he couldn't explain. The aura field—

Six Ix suddenly appeared before him. All wore hooded cloaks, and carried spears. One pointed a spear at his throat, another at Kalix. "They're here!" yelled one. "The Spirit Toa and his friends! We've found them!" To Shardak's surprise, they didn't even seem surprised. It was as though—

They'd known we'd be there all along.

Shardak had no time to think, only to act. He staggered backward, out of reach of the spear, and pulled the Blade of Arcturas from its sheath. He raised it to counter the spear, and the enemy Ix was forced back a step. Kalix threw a dagger at an enemy Ix, and the weapon buried itself in his chest. Valkyria had raised her scimitar, Silverblade, and stabbed one Ix in the shoulder, but one of the Limiters had not been so lucky and had been speared in the thigh.

The Ix were momentarily surprised, but the five remaining cloaked beings recovered quickly, slashing out at Kalix and causing him to stagger backward, blood seeping through his Limiter camouflage. Kalix raised his long scythe and hurled it at the attacking Ix head-on. The Ix, not expecting such a ploy, didn't move fast enough to block the weapon and it buried itself in his throat.

Almost immediately another took his place. Kalix drew two throwing daggers in preparation to hold him off, but Nightwatcher, who had already dispatched his opponent, brought Aquaros down on the Ix's back before he could attack Kalix.

Seeing the tide turn against his allies, the cloaked Ix fighting Shardak was momentarily distracted. Shardak wasted no time, but lunged forward and ran the Ix through. As he collapsed, Valkyria dispatched the remaining Ix warrior, and, hearing the footsteps of more attackers, all of them raced down the passageway.

An Ix Limiter leapt from the shadows, his dagger-scythe poised to strike Shardak. However, before Shardak could react, One of his allied Limiter's daggers brought down the attacker. More Ix seemed to appear from all sides, but Nightwatcher and Kalix formed an unstoppable barrier of force that cut down five Ix attackers systematically.

But Shardak knew that unless they could lose their pursuers, they were doomed. Too many Ix were closing in from all sides, and all of them were skilled warriors. Kalix's two Limiters were both wounded, and Kalix's own reflexes were growing slower with each enemy Ix he dispatched. As another Limiter charged toward them, he slashed downward with his dagger, slipping the blade beneath Kalix's guard.

Before Shardak had time to register what had happened, Kalix's sword had severed the Limiter's hand, and the Limiter's dagger had wounded Kalix's side. This was a far more serious wound then his previous injuries, but Kalix ignored it for a moment as he lunged toward the Limiter that had wounded him, his sword spearing the attacker through the heart. However, the Ix knew they'd wounded one of the two most powerful of the attackers badly, and more of them closed in. Shardak saw Valkyria and the two Limiters were being attacked by more Ix, which had seemingly appeared from the darkness behind them.

Shardak raised the Blade of Arcturas and prepared to fight to the death, knowing that if the Ix were allowed to capture him alive they would bring him to Lord Vahrikaan.

"You are surrounded," hissed a new voice. Shardak turned, horrified, as more beings stepped from the shadows.

But they were not Ix.

Two Vorgaan, invisible in the aura field save the distinguishing darkness of the Mark of Vahrikaan, seemed to appear in front of Shardak, their yellow-green eyes fixed on Shardak balefully. However, it was not they who held Shardak's attention, they who made Shardak's heart freeze with fear.

It was Skorpix, the Supreme Commander of the Ix and the Hooded One— Eostra's— deputy. His slitted red eyes burned with satisfaction as they locked on Shardak, the satisfaction of a Visorak as it closed in on its helpless kill.

"Hello again, Spirit Toa," said Skorpix. More beings appeared behind him, all of them elite Ix Limiters. "Looking for this?"

The Elemental raised a sword, pointing it at Shardak. Shardak gasped in shock. It was not the Sword of Earth. Skorpix was holding Isidar, Luxa's sword. It was impossible to read Skorpix's expression beneath his skull-like mask, but Shardak could tell the Ix Lord was smiling. In his other hand Skorpix carried his usual silver scythe. "And greetings to you as well, Kalix, Nightwatcher, and Valkyria Rhai." he said to them. He seemed in no hurry to finish them off, not while Ix were pouring in around them from all sides.

"Where did you find Isidar?" asked Shardak, his voice shaking. Seeing Skorpix holding Isidar had confirmed his worst fears. They'd been chasing the wrong Elemental sword, and Luxa and Fairon had been captured or killed by Ix. "Did—"

"Finding Isidar was an easy matter," said Skorpix. "However, finding what you were truly searching for, now that was much more difficult."

"You have the Sword of Earth, then?" asked Shardak Dread slithered down the Toa's spine. If they had two Elemental swords—

"Of course," said Skorpix. "Did you really believe we had it here, though? In a city under siege, rather than Ecbatana itself?" He laughed coldly. "Of course, this is the last city the Resistance will ever attack."

The way he said it, with such horrible finality, made Shardak hesitate for a moment. "What do you mean?"

"Remember when I met you in the Earth Kingdom of Arcaea?" asked Skorpix. "In one of the last remaining remnants of the ancient realm, I told you the truth about your father. And I told you how we, the Empire, would make things right. This city, Iskar, was defended well, and it cost the Resistance many lives to attack. However, compared to the army that is descending upon the city as we speak, the Resistance's force is nothing. Insignificant. Soon to be destroyed. And when we are finished there, we will move on to New Metru Nui. With our combined forces, it will be easy to devastate Akkad, then the Fells."

"No!" yelled Shardak. The Blade of Arcturas burned in the presence of Isidar, burning with the heat of anger and fear. It was whispering promises of victory, but Shardak knew that Isidar was doing the same to Skorpix. He dared not attack, for he knew the moment he charged forward he would be impaled on the Ix's scythes.

"Now the Shattering begins with the capture of the Spirit Toa— and the destruction of the rebellion!" said Skorpix. The Earth Elemental gave no orders to the Limiters, save for a single hissed command. Though Shardak could not decipher its meaning, the message was clear, and the Limiters lunged forward.

"Focus on taking out Skorpix," hissed Kalix, then hurled a throwing dagger at an approaching Limiter. The Blade caught the Limiter beneath his mask, and he fell to the ground. Shardak charged toward the Limiters, the Blade of Arcturas burning with red light as flames swept across the blade. At that moment, Shardak didn't care about what Iskandar and Atarus had said; about controlling the power of the Blade of Arcturas. If he did not kill, he would die, and his weapon knew how to find the quickest, most efficient ways to bring down his enemies.

The smaller confines of the tunnel meant that Shardak didn't have as much maneuverability with his longsword as the Limiters did with their dagger-scythes, but it also forced the Limiters to come at him one or two at a time, rather than allowing them all to attack him at once as they'd done at Anshan. This gave Shardak and his allies a small advantage, though it was soon lost as more Limiters, emerging from every side tunnel, joined the battle, soon forcing Shardak and his allies into a fight for their lives.

Shardak soon lost track of the battle as he often did when he surrendered to the Blade of Arcturas. The sword hacked, stabbed, and fought its way through the fray of battling Limiters, bringing two down easily. However, these Ix soldiers were more wary of the Elemental sword than many of the other Ix he'd fought had been, and approached him more warily, using a combination of the Lihtne and Vauhti combat forms to counter his Sila. When he fought with the Blade of Arcturas, Shardak was as fast as any Ix warrior, but they possessed far more skill. One Limiter managed to bring his scythe down on Shardak's side, another wounded him badly in the thigh. Shardak winced at the cold, burning pain of the Shredsteel.

The two Limiters closed in on Shardak, sensing the Toa was weakening. In the close confines of the narrow citadel passageway, Shardak was far slower and less agile than the Limiters, and one dagger scythe cut him on the shoulder, drawing blood. As one of the Limiters lunged forward, growing overconfident, Shardak switched his grip on the Blade of Arcturas and brought it under the Limiter's guard. The Ix soldier fell back, his blood spattering against Shardak's armor.

The other Limiter was more wary than the first had been, and matched Shardak each time. The two warriors traded a blindingly fast salvo of blows, each knowing that one mistake could mean their death. They were both evenly matched, Shardak possessing the longer blade, the Limiter possessing the advantage of speed. However, in the end the Blade of Arcturas could not be stopped. The Limiter staggered away from Shardak, the Blade of Arcturas' baleful red light illuminating the gaping wound in his chest.

Shardak surveyed the battlefield for a moment, and caught a glimpse of Valkyria, wounded but still fighting. As he watched, she brought down a Limiter, then was attacked by one of Skorpix's Vorgaan guards, who weilded a spear. Valkyria dodged easily, moving like a blur. Her incredible speed and agility, even for an Ix, had always amazed Shardak, and while the confines of the corridor obviously limited her movement, she didn't let it show, easily dodging every one of the Vorgaan's attacks.

Isidar's beautiful jade green blade blazed with elemental energy, bathing Skorpix's pale skull mask in ethereal green light. The Elemental had appeared from the shadows, the sword of Elemental Air burning in one hand. Like two colliding meteors, Isidar and the Blade of Arcturas slammed together, red and green vying for supremacy. However, Skorpix was stronger and more skilled than Shardak, even if his strikes were clumsier. Skorpix began to force Shardak back, each time fire giving way to air. Faster than Shardak would have believed possible, Skorpix swung Isidar toward his side, then raised the sword, aiming to disarm Shardak.

Once, the blow would have been too fast for Shardak to counter, as it had been so many times during his first two battles with Skorpix, once in the remnants of the Earth Kingdom, and once in the Fells. Once Shardak would have been defeated long ago by Skorpix's far superior aura skills. But now Shardak blocked it almost instincively, and Isidar glanced off the Blade of Arcturas.

For a moment, Skorpix hesitated, surprised. Then he hissed in laughter, "You've grown better, Spirit Toa," he said. "Better even than you were the last time we fought, on Corona Magna. However, can you really stand against me?"

"Yes," said Shardak. "Arcturas did."

Skorpix laughed again. "Arcturas!" he said. "Do you really believe that he betrayed us simply to save such beings like you? He betrayed us to further his own goals, which was the reason he'd joined us in the first place."

"You're wrong," said Shardak. "He—"

"He what?" asked Skorpix. "Cared about you? You, one small Toa, only one small pawn in the games of our order? No, he cared about what you could do, how he could use you to bring himself greater power. Why do you think he kept you in Intax, rather than take you to the Resistance?"

The question gave Shardak pause. For a moment, he failed to notice Skorpix's smile, our hear Valkyria's shouted warning. Isidar flashed, a jade blur in the shadows of the torchlit citadel, and sank its curved blade into Shardak's side. Pain, the pain of the elements themselves, burned within him, the full force of the chill power of wind seeping into his body.

Being wounded by Skorpix angered Shardak. But being wounded by Isidar, Luxa's sword, the sword that had brought down the Mindeater Empire itself, a sword that Shardak still considered his allies', made Shardak far angrier. Anger at the fate of Fairon and Luxa gave Shardak strength, and he lashed out again at Skorpix. The Elemental, surprised, raised Isidar to block it, but the Blade of Arcturas slipped beneath his guard and pierced his armor, drawing blood.

For another crucial moment, Skorpix hesitated. Then three Limiters charged at Shardak all at once. "Run, Shardak!" the Toa thought he heard Kalix say.

Shardak didn't hesitate. Turning away from Skorpix, he ran toward Kalix, who had one remaining Limiter standing beside him. Valkyria and Nightwatcher were still fighting the Ix, but were retreating as Skorpix bore down on Shardak.

"Kill the Toa's allies!" ordered Skorpix. "Do not let them escape the citadel!" Black lightning crackled at his fingertips, and he hurled it at Kalix and his Limiter. Both managed to dodge, and the lightning slammed into the wall of the citadel, causing a tremor to shake the building. At the same time, however, Skorpix had raised Isidar, and winds far faster than Shardak had ever felt intensified around them, blasting Shardak to the floor. Nightwatcher was picked up bodily and slammed into one wall, while Kalix's Limiter ally slammed into another, directly into a torch. His body hit the wall with a sickening crunch, and he fell to the ground.

"Use your aura!" yelled Valkyria over the roar of the wind. Shardak opened his mouth to respond, but the winds tore the breath from his body before he could answer. He saw Kalix slam into a wall, collapsing in a limp heap on the floor as the enemy Limiters charged toward Nightwatcher, who was staggering to his feet.

Shardak understood, and used his aura to deliberately increase the gravity around him, shielding himself from the roar of the winds. He struck out at Skorpix with the Blade of Arcturas, but the flames vanished as they met Skorpix's storm dispersing into sparks borne on the winds.

"Keep moving," ordered Nightwatcher, who was using the same strategy. Abruptly the winds abated, and the Limiters rushed at them. "Surround them! Cut them off!" ordered Skorpix, but it was too late. Shardak, Valkyria, and Nightwatcher raced down the tunnel, the sounds of persuit close behind.

Shardak burst out of the citadel, into the open air and into a scene of carnage. It was dusk, and Resistance warriors were giving way in the face of Ix defenders, pulling back from the courtyard and to the fallen city walls. Even more startling, the Ix seemed to far outnumber the Resistance forces now. Fires raged around the heart of the city's defense, but the for every Resistance soldier there seemed to be ten Ix. The vast majority of the rebel soldiers were being killed by the Ix before they even reached the walls.

"Another army," said Nightwatcher grimly. "They overextended us on too many fronts, forced us into too many battles, and now we're paying the price."

Shardak looked around and saw that none of the Ix other than Valkyria were with them. "Where's Kalix?" he asked. He guessed that the two other Limiters had perished.

"If he's alive, he'll follow us," said Nightwatcher laconically.

The battle was rapidly becoming a slaughter. The Resistance soldiers were fleeing in all directions, and the Ix were bringing in overwhelming forces to counter any rebel commanders who made desperate attacks against the vastly superior Ix army. Shardak was nearing the walls when he realized that many of the Resistance battalions had been pushed out of the city itself, and the orginal Ix defenders were now cutting them off, preparing to crush the rebels between the two forces.

"We have to help them!" he yelled desperately. Skorpix and his Limiters had emerged from the citadel, which was now surrounded with nearly a hundred Ix soldiers, and watched, satisfied, as the Resistance was being brought down. Oddly enough, he seemed not to care that Shardak was escaping. Apart from a few orders to capture the Spirit Toa alive if they could find him, he did nothing to aid the search.

Maybe he doesn't care because he thinks the Ix will capture me, thought Shardak. Or maybe he believes that the Resistance is doomed, and that soon I'll no longer have a cause to fight for.

The battle was over by nightfall. The Resistance's legions had fought bravely, but, outnumbered and outmaneuvered, one by one the commanders of the attack force surrendered, not willing to watch as their soldiers were slaughtered pointlessly. Still, more than half of the attackers had been killed, and the rest captured or forced to flee.

Shardak watched, safely outside Iskar in the forests beyond, as the thousands of massed Ix gathered their legions outside Iskar. The torches held by many of the Ix elite illuminated the frightening strength of the army; composed of both Order soldiers and Ix legions. Combined with the armies gathered at Ecbatana, was more than enough to obliterate the Resistance forces gathered in New Metru Nui.

And once they'd destroyed the forces gathered there, it would be more than easy to finish off the remnants of the Resistance in Media, the Fells, and the northern flatlands.

"I must gather my allies from Noctxia Magna," said Nightwatcher. "Perhaps, with the Hand, the Resistance, and even more Ix allies from Media, combined, and with knowledge such as the planned trap in Media, we can hold New Metru Nui on both fronts and possibly subdue some of the smaller Median cities as well."

"I will also go to Media," said Valkyria. "If we can gather enough Ix who oppose Lord Vahrikaan, we might be able to hold off the Ix armies when they attack, and possibly find the Sword of Earth as well if we invade Media."

"Of course," said Shardak, but immediately Kalix and Nightwatcher both shook their heads.

"No, Shardak," said Nightwatcher. "We're sending you back to New Metru Nui."

"What? Why?" asked Shardak. "I—"

"The city is about to fall under seige," said Kalix. "They need to be warned, and they need to know that you're safe. It's not fair to the Resistance to have you to worry about as well, not when their city's going to fall under seige, and the tide of the war is turning in Vahrikaan's favor. I will accompany you as well, though I will probably rejoin the armies as soon as I can, to gather more of my Ix allies."

Shardak understood Kalix's reasoning behind his plan, but he didn't want to allow Valkyria and his friends go back into danger while he wasn't there. Fairon and Luxa were both probably dead, and Blast was on Noctxia Magna. He didn't want to let Valkyria go back into the war, a war growing more deadly every day, without him there.

''I'm marked to die. But I don't want all of my friends to die as well.''

Deep in his heart, though, Shardak knew there was another reason. Because he knew that the Prophecy marked him to die, he didn't want to spend his last days confused about how he felt about Valkyria. He wanted to be able to go to his death—

Seeing Shardak's hesitation, Valkyria said, "We'll be fine, Shardak. Just...stay safe, and help the Resistance hold Metru Nui."

Shardak nodded. "I will." he said at last, reluctantly.

"Good," said Kalix. "In that case, rest. We all have far too much traveling to do tomorrow, and you have to give your auras time to heal your wounds."

Down in the valley below, in the battered, devastated city of Iskar, the Ix's torches began to go out.

But Shardak knew they had not disappeared. The Ix army was heading to New Metru Nui, led by Skorpix himself.

Chapter 9
Saren Naghara watched from the main deck of his starcraft, the Rebel Stand, as the Hand of Mata Nui starcraft hovered over Xaterex. Their fleet, once nearly as large as his own, had been crippled badly during the Battle of Noctxia Magna nearly five months ago, but they were still a formidable armada. During the days of Arcaea, their losses would have been replaced quickly. But the starcraft, a remnant from an earlier age, were an asset only the Ix knew how to create.

But what made Saren even more interested in the Hand fleet was the number of troops aboard. Not only would this fleet hopefully reinforce his own armada, it also contained a small army of Noctians, Veythari, and other Resistance warriors who had been left behind on Noctxia Magna after the battle there against the Sarkanian clones. Since the Battle of Calos and the withdrawal of the Veythari and Illierans from what Saren considered the "true" Resistance, and his subsequent loss of control in the Fells as the Veythari took full control of the rebel armies there, Saren had no land armies left to speak of. He only commanded the majority of the rebel fleet, several groups of mercenaries, and those from his own command and Tiral's who had stayed loyal to him.

A tall, thin being in emerald green armor and a wide-brimmed hat appeared at his side. "Lord Saren," he said, acknowledging his employer almost contemptuously.

''And the Rotaxians. ''Saren added, smiling politely at the mercenary before him, the one named Janneus. He knew the Rotaxians were valuable mercenaries, among the most elite that he could hire, but he disliked them intensely. They always behaved with an air of arrogance whenever he asked them to carry out a task. They treated it as though they were doing him a favor, rather than completing a mission for pay, as they both knew was the case.

Most recently, the Rotaxians, who were technically working for the Ix and, as Saren was still (at least ostensibly), an Ix spy, the Empire had placed the bounty hunters in their service. However, Saren had made his own arrangements with the Rotaxians, in preparation for his betrayal of the Ix. He'd initially planned to order them to retrieve an Annulus fragment from the Ix, but it had become impossible due to several complications, including the fact that Saren had counted on the Ix commander Reyna being killed by Parikon during the confrontation he'd arranged, only for the Rotaxians to kill the Great Being. The Ix had instead killed Parikon, and the Rotaxians had been forced to withdraw to the Fells.

Then, after that, two disasters had hit Saren, the first being the battle in the Fells, the next being the Battle of Calos. Both of those mistakes had been salvageable, but after the mysterious loss of contact with his allies in the Fells, whom he'd sent into the Void to find Shardak, and the subsequent reclaiming of the Fells by the Resistance, Saren wasn't sure what had happened.

He'd heard rumors about a Shadowdermis army being created by the Ix in the Void, and also that Reyna was involved. But he'd lost contact with her too, and Atarus and Shardak, two of his greatest enemies, had also mysteriously disappeared. Still worse was that Saren no longer had the Void energy which had given him the massive amounts of power during his reign as sole leader of the Resistance.

It was all perplexing, and worrying. And since the Rising of Vahrikaan and the appearance of Var'kala, Saren was desperate to score a victory, before the civilians he'd managed to take with him from the Fells began to protest at being kept with the fleet, or, more worryingly, that Tiral would defect from his armada and join the coalition of enemies that had risen to oppose them.

Saren refused to call them the Resistance. In his mind, his was the only true Resistance. Although all of his former allies were dead, or had banded together against him, and he was

"Janneus," Saren said, trying to keep his voice flat, unemotional. "What is it?"

"Your friends from the Hand are trying to contact you, your Lordship." said Janneus, a sardonic smile on his face.

"Give me the comlink," Saren ordered, ignoring Janneus' mocking use of his self-proclaimed title. He was careful not to betray the eagerness he felt.

Janneus handed it over wordlessly. "You may go," said Saren, wanting to be alone while he spoke with whoever the Hand was using as their representative. He guessed it was an Ossoona or a Veythari, not Ixtil. Or maybe it was NIghtwatcher or Moru Kul.

"Why thank you, my Lord," said Janneus. Then he slipped away, leaving nothing but shadows behind.

Saren lifted the comlink. "Hello?" he said.

"Hello, Commander Naghara," a Veythari's voice sounded over the comlink. Young, female. Saren didn't remember her by name, but knew enough about the Noctxia Magna situation to remember that this female had taken over the Veythari warriors on Noctxia Magna after Zaxar Vaethar's death fighting the Sarkanian clones. "I am Vale Iskara, leader of the Veythari warriors on Noctxia Magna. I speak for the Hand as well. We are at your service, of course, and require only an update on the status of the situation on Xaterex."

Saren had expected this. With all of the chaos going on at Xaterex with the Rising of Vahrikaan, his attempted coup within the Resistance, and the loss of communication with the Ix in the Void, the Hand had probably heard many rumors. However, how could he tell them the truth, without losing the support of the Hand— his last hope for a stunning victory over both the Ix and the Resistance.

''While I cannot destroy Vahrikaan, he and I will come to a mutual understanding once I defeat his Empire in combat and cripple their spacefleet. ''thought Saren confidently.

"I'm sure you've heard rumors of a battle in the Fells. While I regret to tell you that this was true, Reid Vaethar has defeated them in battle and reclaimed all of the territory lost during the destruction of Gigas Nui and the rampage of the Sarkanian clones."

"What of the south?" asked Vale Iskara. "How goes the war in the flatlands and in Media?"

Saren hesitated for a moment. His intelligence was out of date, due to Reyna's disappearance, and, as he'd not set foot on Xaterex for nearly a month, he knew nothing about the current situation there. However, if he told what he knew and the Veythari female became suspicious because she'd gained a newer piece of information, Saren didn't want to think about the consequences that might ensue.

At the same time, however, Vale obviously didn't know what had gone on at the Battle of Calos. Otherwise, she'd have attacked him by now. Perhaps she didn't know what was going on at Xaterex even now? He decided he had to tell her what he knew. "I've been with the fleet for several weeks, preparing it for the inevitable confrontation with the Ix over Calos," said Saren. "Thus, I don't have the most up to date intelligence. However, I can assure you that victory in Iskar is imminent, and that we are preparing to move in on Media as soon as the siege ends."

"And you also plan to retry capturing Calos?" asked Vale.

"Yes," said Saren. "As you know, the Ix defeated us in the previous battle. However, with your reinforcements, it should be easy enough to cripple their defense fleet and secure the moon for ourselves."

Once the spacefleet was crippled, Saren knew that the actual land battle would have little meaning. Calos was a far smaller moon than Noctxia Magna or even Xiost, it was not likely that, given the horrors of a prolonged rebel seige, the people of Calos would side with the Ix's ground forces.

No, victory depended on winning the space battle, Saren was sure of it.

"Of course," said Vale. "Should we regroup at New Metru Nui, or aboard your flagship?"

"You or any of your allies may meet with me aboard my flagship, the Rebel Stand." Saren answered. "Then, unless you have any objections, we will proceed to Calos."

"Excellent," answered the Veythari warrior. Then the comlink went silent.

Saren breathed a sigh of relief when he was sure no one could hear him. That had been close, but he'd gained an extra ally, one he needed until he conquered Calos. With one of Xaterex's satellites firmly under his control, he would no longer need to identify himself with the Resistance. With any luck, Tiral, Vale, and the others would be killed in the battle, and if not...

Saren had plans to make sure they would not outlive their usefulness.

Blast bit back a curse as he realized they'd been too late. While the Steltian's information had obviously been correct, he and his Veythari allies, Tarax and Haran, had found footprints of many beings in the location the Steltian had described. However, they'd been too late to halt the launching of the starcraft.

The Shadow of Ages has returned, and this time, Millennium has nothing to lose.

With all of the other threats, from Vahrikaan, from the Empire, and from the battles in Noctxia Magna, Blast could barely consider another complication in the already confused, deadly war. Blast knew that Shardak was the Spirit Toa, apparently the only being who could stop Lord Vahrikaan, but Blast didn't see how Shardak could get anywhere near Vahrikaan without being killed by his massive legions of Ix and Order soldiers.

''And Vahrikaan's far, far too dangerous to ever consider confronting Shardak unless he's sure of victory. He influenced everyone in Arcaea to bring about the Fall, and manipulated the Resistance, the Order, and the Ix into freeing him. ''

Blast turned his gaze to the night sky, where Var'kala hovered above Xaterex. It was no more than a pinprick of light in the darkness, however, its blood red gleam was distinct from the rest of the stars. It served as a constant reminder that Vahrikaan was always there, always watching. Blast thought back to the Eternal Game that he and Shardak had escaped, and remembered how horrible it had felt, to be trapped and at the mercy of your enemies, which controlled your every move. Now he felt as though Vahrikaan was doing the same thing the Ix had, except on a far grander scale. As if everything the Resistance, the Ix, and the Shadow of Ages did was simply a part in his massive game.

"They're not here," he said, staring at his own starcraft, a transport provided by the Veythari. It was not meant to be used in battle, but to make a quick getaway if a situation became untenable. However, if they were forced to chase Millennium through the stars, Blast didn't want to use a transport, especially not if it meant heading into Ix controlled territory. The entirety of the Ix Empire's spacefleet was hovering over Calos, and Order's massive armada was based in Var'kala.

"This is a dead end," said Blast, discouraged. How could they find Millennium, especially since it seemed the being had left hours ago? "We'll search with the transport for a few minutes, but if we don't find him, then we'll rejoin the Resistance."

The two Veythari nodded. Blast followed them into the transport, allowing Haran to pilot the starcraft.

"There," hissed the Veythari. Blast looked at the viewscreen, and saw to his surprise that a small group of transports were gathered in a small group, flying toward Xaterex. The starcraft were not Ix, nor were they Resistance ships. Blast had never seen their like before.

"Those are Arcaean transports," said Haran. "They're old, over two hundred years old by the look of them. It's a marvel they're still usable."

"Undoubtably that's Millennium," said Blast. "He's either aboard, or his followers are. We have to follow him."

"He's heading toward Xaterex," answered Haran. "If we go near Var'kala in this transport, we may be captured by Ix."

"That's a risk we'll have to take. Follow them at a distance," said Blast.

Blast stared intently at the viewscreen. His enemy, the being who had stolen his memories, had never seemed so close or so far. Before, his existance had hardly seemed real, even when the Steltian had confirmed it. Now, however, with Millennium in one of the starcraft directly ahead of him, Millennium no longer seemed surreal, but alive once again.

"Do you think they know we're following them?" asked Blast.

"No," It was Tarax who answered. "They haven't made any turns, and we're out of range of their sensors. However, as we grow closer, the probability increases that we'll be spotted."

"If we continue to follow them, we'll be drawing nearer to Calos," said Haran. "Where the Ix fleet is currently based. It's probably best to avoid the planet, but if they plan to join the Ix fleet, then we cannot continue to follow them."

"I don't think they'll join the Ix fleet," said Blast. "Millennium is an enemy of the Ix. They sentanced him to the Eternal Game, and I destroyed his original body there."

While Blast had seen the Eternal Game, back when he'd hoped that it would somehow prompt a recall, it still felt like he was watching someone else's actions. It didn't seem real that he'd survived an Eternal Game because of Millennium's posession. He knew it was the truth, but it didn't seem as though it had happened to him, to Blast.

"We are nearing Calos," said Haran as they continued to follow the starcraft. Blast thought he could make out other ships in the darkness. Ix ships. "We cannot continue much further without surely attracting the attention of the Ix Empire."

"We'll—" Blast began, but then stopped abruptly. The ships he'd seen were drawing nearer.

"Resistance ships!" Haran sounded surprised. "What—"

Then the Ix ships seemed to appear before them, directly to the side of their ship and facing Millennium. Haran hovered there uncertainly, as did Millennium, knowing that if they moved or made any hostile movement, the Ix starcraft would blast them apart.

Blast looked at the Resistance force, which numbered a little over a hundred ships, a massed group of Hand of Mata Nui fighters, Arcaean ships that had survived the fall, and stolen Ix starcraft. At the heart of the Resistance fleet Blast made out Tiral's distinctive starcraft, alongside Saren's flagship, the Rebel Stand.

However, as Blast stared at the Ix ships as they materialized, their cloaks vanishing, he saw that the massed Ix fleet numbered nearly two hundred starcraft. There were the strikers, broad and lightly armed, followed by Scimitars and Valkyries, light, agile Ix starcraft. Several larger frigates followed, alongside the Ix Fighters. At the heart of the fleet were the mighty Destroyers, surrounded by smaller groups of Spectre warships.

Blast and Millennium were trapped above Calos— in a location that would soon become a battlefield.

Dusk was falling over Xaterex as Kalix and Shardak drew nearer to the city of New Metru Nui. All around him, on the road from Iskar toward the city, Shardak saw signs of the war's devastation, far greater than he and Valkyria had seen on the way to New Metru Nui from the Fells. Torched, empty villages, burned farmland, and empty, desolate areas of devastation was all that he and Kalix had seen. They'd deliberately avoided cities, both Resistance and Ix.

Fear made Shardak eager to return to New Metru Nui. He'd seen the strength of the Ix's army; it was definitely strong enough, combined with reinforcements from Media, to wipe out the Resistance in New Metru Nui. And then, with still more reinforcements from Akkad, the Fells would fall easily before the Ix's might.

The Veythari would fight to their last breath to defend their homeland, that Shardak was sure of. But if the Resistance was defeated at New Metru Nui, then Shardak knew that the rest of the Resistance, save possibly the Illierans, would disband. Morale was already low among the Resistance because of the attacks on Akkad and the prolonged seige of Iskar, and it would be even worse when they learned two Ix armies were converging on New Metru Nui itself.

''If New Metru Nui falls, then it's all over. ''

Shardak heard a small footstep in the darkness, interrupting his thoughts. He and Kalix whirled around, but they saw and heard nothing save darkness and silence.

"There's definitely something following us," hissed Kalix, so quietly that Shardak had to strain to hear him. "But it's unusually sloppy for a Limiter. However, if it is an Ix operative, we can't let it live. Ignore the noise for a moment, but stay on alert."

Shardak dared not give any sign of acknowledgement, not even in the aura field, but Kalix sensed he understood. They continued down the path, but Shardak was alert for any sign of danger. As darkenss fell, and the sun vanished, tension seemed to hang suspended in the air.

Then it broke.

There was a flash of steel in the night, then Kalix's scream of warning. A dagger-scythe seemed to hang suspended in the air for a moment above Shardak's head, then Kalix's sword deflected it centimeters from Shardak's Kanohi. Shardak barely had time to register what had happened before a second flash of metal blinded him momentarily. He staggered backward, just out of reach of the attackers, but a staff snaked out of the darkness, slamming into Shardak's chest.

Shardak screamed in surprise and pain as crackling electricity surged through his body. He collapsed to his knees, looking upward as the attacker's staff prepared to ram the killing blow into his throat

"No!" yelled Shardak, surprise and pain tearing the sound from him. He was staring into the hideous, primeval face of a Mindeater.

Then the staff fall.

Shardak braced himself for the death blow which he knew would come—

Suddenly there was a flash of light, and a black-armored form leapt from the shadows. Kalix leapt toward the Mindeater, his scythe in hand. At the last second, the Mindeater's staff twisted around, and Shardak screamed a warning to the Limiter just as the crackling staff slammed full-on into Kalix's chest.

There was an explosion of light, and Shardak heard Kalix's scream of pain. When his vision cleared again, he saw Kalix slumped on the ground, unconscious or dead. The Mindeater lay on the ground as well, Kalix's scythe buried in his throat. The electric staff lay broken on the ground beside them.

Two other Mindeaters, one carrying a dagger, the other an axe, were walking toward him. Shardak knew they had come to kill him. They were not going to bring him to Lord Vahrikaan.

Then one of the Mindeaters spoke, which surprised Shardak. "Where is it?" he asked.

"Where is what?" asked Shardak, taken aback. He no longer had anything the Ix wanted. The Elimination vial was guarded heavily by the Resistance in New Metru Nui, the vial containing the deadly virus of the Ancients had been broken, and he no longer possessed any of the Annulus fragments. What, then, were the Mindeaters searching for?

"The last fragment," hissed the other Mindeater. "The last fragment of the Shadow Orb."

That took Shardak aback. He hadn't expected that answer. For a long time, he'd carried the Shadow Orb, but it had been taken from him by the Order during his capture on Var'kala nearly four months ago. Did these Mindeaters believe he still had it?

"I no longer have it," said Shardak, trying to keep his voice steady. "The Ix took it from me."

"Not the fragment that you held on Var'kala," hissed the Mindeater on the left scornfully. "Nor the fragment held by the Ix. The fragment that Arcturas held, the fragment of the power source he used to raise Lord Vahrikaan before the fall. Do not lie to us!"

"I do not have it," said Shardak. But even as the words left his mouth, he knew that the Mindeaters would not believe him.

"Very well," said the Mindeater, still unnervingly calm "I'm sure your tongue will be looser after a few hours of interrogation from Lord Thrazkul."

Both of the attackers closed in on him. Shardak deflected the dagger scythe easily, but the axe bit into his side. It was only through sheer luck that he avoided being impaled, as he leapt aside at the last minute, ignoring the burning pain in his stomach where the electric staff had struck him. As the axe glanced off his armor, the Mindeater with the dagger lunged forward, aiming to finish him off.

At the last second, Shardak stabbed upward with the Blade of Arcturas, and the sword buried itself in the Mindeater's neck. Mortally wounded, the Mindeater fell.

The other Mindeater snarled as he saw he was alone, then lunged for Shardak. But with the Blade of Arcturas, Shardak was fast, maybe even faster, than the Mindeater was, and deflected every one of the Mindeater's wild blows. Snarling in frustration, the Mindeater lunged forward— only for Shardak to charge toward him and ram the Blade of Arcturas into his side. Blood poured from the Mindeater's wound.

"You may have stopped us, Spirit Toa," he hissed. "But you will not—"

Suddenly, before Shardak could move, the Mindeater rose to his feet, aiming to ram the hilt of his axe into Shardak's throat in the same way that the Mindeater with the staff had incaptitated Kalix. Trapped, unable to move fast enough due to his injury, Shardak had no time to react, no time to even move out of the way—

The Mindeater fell backward, his eyes glazing over. One of Kalix's throwing daggers was buried in the back of his neck.

Kalix slowly, painfully rose to his feet. He winced, and Shardak realized how badly the Mindeater's staff had wounded him. "I can keep moving," he said seeing Shardak's concern. "But we have to get to New Metru Nui."

"Yes, I—" Shardak began, then stopped abruptly.

"Shardak?" asked Kalix.

But Shardak was no longer looking at Kalix. He was staring into the darkness, at a being concealed by the shadows. For a moment, the moonlight illuminated the being's features, disappearing just as quickly. Not for the first time tonight, shock made him freeze.

Then the being was gone. And Shardak, though he'd only seen her for an instant, could have sworn that the being watching them had been Luxa.

Chapter 10
"If this is a trap, it's very devious," hissed Kalix to Shardak, as, in complete darkness, the two beings followed the footprints the watchers had left behind. "I wish I understood why they didn't just attack, and withdrew and left the Mindeaters to die."

He and Shardak had found several footprints where the figure Shardak thought was Luxa had been standing. He still held on to the hope that she and Fairon were there, but it seemed unlikely that they'd lead Shardak and Kalix into a trap. Kalix had agreed to look, to make sure that the Mindeater's allies had all been killed, but Shardak saw that the Limiter was tiring. He wouldn't be able to hold his own against any more of the Mindeaters if it came to a fight.

''But if it is Fairon and Luxa, then we've found two more allies. ''Thought Shardak. Remembering what Kalix had said about flatland snipers, and drawing on his own personal experience, he tried to make his aura as inconspicuous as possible. Tracking was something Shardak excelled at; before Arcturas had brought him and Nightshade to Intax he'd helped his father track prey. He was still following the trail of the first being, and the flatland foliage provided ample cover for an ambush. Shardak could barely make out Kalix in the darkness, and hoped that he, too, was just as hidden.

"Mindeater," said Kalix under his breath, at once freezing in place. Shardak could make out a hooded figure carrying a staff. He was standing a few yards ahead, and didn't seem to notice them.

Shardak's heart sank. It seemed as though he'd been wrong, all he'd done was drag Kalix into a battle with more Mindeaters. he watched the Mindeater, who still didn't seem to notice them.

That was when Shardak began to expect a trap. They were standing far too close for the Mindeater not to pick them out. Danger emanated from this area, he was certain that something was very wrong. Despite Kalix's Limiter skills, somehow the Mindeaters had led them into a trap once again.

There was rustling noise in the foliage, and another being charged from the darkness. Shardak caught a glimpse of the being's dark eyes, and gasped in recognition.

"Luxa!" he yelled. To his surprise, she didn't even acknowledge him, but raised a staff. It was one of the same electric staffs the Mindeater leader had used, and it took Shardak a few moments to comprehend what he was seeing.

"You—" Shardak began, but before he could finish, the Mindeater staff slammed into his shoulder. Electricity surged through his arm, and he almost dropped the Blade of Arcturas. Scared and angry now, Shardak lunged toward her with the Blade of Arcturas, but Luxa easily deflected it. It was then that Shardak noticed that her movements, unlike the fluid combat forms she'd utilized during their duel nearly a month ago, were slower and almost stiff, as though she was a puppet being moved on a string. He stared into her dark eyes and gasped in horror. They were glazed and empty, like those of a corpse.

The sound of clashing weapons rang out once more, and out of the corner of his eye Shardak saw Fairon racing toward them, swinging a second staff at Kalix. Like Luxa, his normally bright green eyes were dull and lifeless.

Luxa's movements were far slower than they'd been during their duel and when he'd seen her fight in the Fells, with the Blade of Arcturas' raw elemental power he could defeat her. However, he was far too tired to control the raw power the blade offered, he knew he'd immolate himself if he allowed the Blade of Arcturas to devour any more of his auric strength. While he and Luxa were still on equal terms, fear made Shardak hesitate.

Luxa had no such hesitation. She aimed the staff below his guard this time, aiming to jab him in the chest with the staff's crackling, electric edge. Shardak managed to narrowly deflect the attack, but Luxa continued to force him back, step by step, so that he could remain out of reach of the electric staff.

Kalix seemed to be holding his own. However, Fairon was far more fit than the very wounded Limiter, and Shardak worried that he wouldn't be able to stand against the powerful Toa of Light much longer.

"Why are you attacking us?" he asked.

To his surprise, it was Fairon who opened his mouth to answer. However, when he spoke, it was not in Fairon's usual tones, but in a horribly harsh Mindeater voice.

"Give us the Shadow Orb fragment, Spirit Toa," snarled the voice which spoke using Fairon's throat. "Or I will kill you, and take all that you have from your corpse."

Shardak didn't dare respond. He could feel some dark, controlling aura manipulating Fairon's and Luxa's movements, an aura he didn't recognize. It wasn't Skorpix, or Eostra. Nor was it Vahrikaan. He could feel the being's aura battering his, but he easily deflected it. Luxa remained silent, but attacked again, her staff weaving in a confusing, blurred pattern. All the while, the Mindeater continued to batter at his aura using raw psionic might.

Shardak was sure that the Mindeater controlling them was very powerful. The ability to control two beings from a distance and still have enough power to use a psionic attack, even a weak one, against them was proof that they were facing a being with extremely powerful control over the element of psionics.

Shardak deflected Luxa's next attack with the staff easily, and the Mindeater- controlled Illieran whirled the staff around, aiming to slam the hilt into Shardak's throat. Surprised, Shardak attempted to stagger out of reach, but the hilt of the staff caught him on the arm. As he raised the Blade of Arcturas, wildly attempting to counter Luxa's staff, which had missed his throat narrowly for the second time, Luxa rammed the staff's tip into his stomach, where the other Mindeater had wounded him earlier.

Shardak screamed, the Blade of Arcturas falling from his hands. His vision blurred as the electricity surged through him, and he fell to his knees. He reached for the Blade of Arcturas, but its hilt was just out of reach. Luxa's face was twisted by the Mindeater into a gruesome approximation of a smile.

Then the staff fell.

Shardak barely managed to roll out of the way, and was momentarily blinded by the flash of blue lightning. Kalix had somehow disabled Fairon, and was racing toward Luxa. Shardak looked about wildly for a weapon, but saw none in easy reach, save one of Kalix's throwing daggers. Luxa charged toward him even as his fingers closed around the hilt.

Wildly, Shardak reached out in the aura field, battering at Luxa's mental guards with his own powerful aura. He'd never tried this type of mental attack before, but the Mindeater, whose strength was obviously formidable, began to crumble beneath his assault. Luxa's and Fairon's movements became more wild, they seemed confused. This gave Kalix time to slam the hilt of his scythe into Fairon's Kanohi. The Toa crumpled to the ground and did not get back up.

Luxa charged toward Kalix, and the wounded Ix, realizing he could not dodge in time, simply fell to the ground. For a moment, the Luxa, or rather, the Mindeater, was confused, and Shardak was able to slip past the last of the Mindeater's mental barriers. He reached out, felt where and how the Mindeater controlled Luxa, and severed the control in the aura field.

Immediately Luxa's eyes brightened. She looked around, wildly, and saw Fairon lying on the ground, Kalix standing over him. Her eyes fixed on Shardak, then she fell to the ground, unconscious.

Fairon was now rising to his feet. The Mindeater's control over him was weak, but he still controlled some of the Toa's movements and, wildly, he lashed out at Shardak. Shardak managed to block the other Toa's sword, but Fairon's weapon had a longer blade, allowing him, despite his clumsiness, to block every one of Shardak's blows. Kalix was still conscious, but Shardak saw that he was in no condition to fight.

Shardak felt so tired now. His body ached where Luxa and the Mindeater had hit him with their staffs, and he had several other cuts from his fight with Skorpix at Iskar. What was more, the power he'd used to sever the connection between Luxa and the Mindeater controlling her had taken the last of his auric strength. Shardak doubted he could repeat the process again for Fairon, and knew he didn't have the strength to hold out much longer.

Fairon's sword flashed past Shardak's line of vision again, and he narrowly escaped decapitation. Fairon spun around, momentarily confused, and Shardak lunged forward, aiming, as Kalix had done, to knock Fairon unconscious.

By then the Mindeater was ready. Shardak had no time to react before Fairon snatched his fallen staff from the ground. He picked it up, aiming to hurl it, like a spear, at Shardak.

Then Fairon's eyes brightened. The staff fell from his hands. Immediately Shardak felt the Mindeater's control over the Toa cease, and Fairon, startled, fell unconscious.

Shardak looked around. He saw Kalix and Luxa standing behind them, both Ix and Illieran reaching out to Fairon in the aura field. Like Shardak, they both seemed weak and utterly spent, but together they'd summoned enough auric strength to break the Mindeater's control over Fairon.

"Thrazkul," snarled Luxa, hatred audible in her voice. She sounded hoarse and tired. "That's the last thing I remember, him telling us how he'd use us as his pawns. How long has it been since we disappeared?"

"About a week," said Kalix. "What happened to you? What do you remember?"

"We were attacked, by Mindeater in the Void," said Luxa. Then recognition flashed in her eyes. "You! You were there as well!" she said. Then she broke off, confused. "But I don't—"

"I was knocked unconscious by the Mindeaters at the start of the fight," said Kalix. "You wouldn't remember anything noteworthy that I did."

"But—" Luxa began. Then she hesitated. "Anyway, the Mindeaters took us away from the Void, and to their old homeworld, Penumbra." Shardak heard Kalix give a gasp at this name. "They took Isidar, and brought us before their leader, Lord Thrazkul. He told us how we would help him recreate the Mindeater Empire, then told us of his alliance with Vahrikaan."

Kalix displayed no emotions, save a tightening around his eye, the only sign that the news worried him. "Go on," he said.

"Then he...took us over." said Luxa. "Fairon was saying something, but I can't—" she looked confused again. "I remember nothing after that. My next memory was waking up here, and seeing Fairon attacking Shardak."

"He was going to kill him," said Kalix. "I used what was left of your auric strength to defeat Fairon and break Thrazkul's hold on him."

"Thrazkul has a lot of starcraft," said Fairon tiredly, coming to stand beside Luxa. "At least a hundred. Enough to pose a threat to the Resistance."

He nodded a greeting to Fairon. "Shardak!" the Toa of Light said, walking over to him. Shardak smiled, relieved that both of his friends had survived. As for Thrazkul's starcraft, Shardak felt nothing at this news. He was so tired, that nothing Luxa had said seemed to register with him. It was as though he'd gone numb, in the same way he'd gone numb when he'd read the words of the Prophecy.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

He understood what the line meant, understood that it meant the end of his existence, but he couldn't summon up anything more than ambivalence toward the phrase.

"So, what has gone on with the Resistance since Calos?" asked Luxa. "Has Saren been killed?"

"He escaped the battle, and we haven't heard from him since. We have many worse dangers to worry about, anway." Kalix looked up at Var'kala. Luxa followed his gaze and gasped slightly. "So Vahrikaan has risen," she said. "He wasn't in the Void."

"No," said Shardak. He recounted the horrible battle that had ended in the deaths of Freztrak, Reyna, Nightshade, and Atarus. "Iskandar's leading the Resistance forces now." he finished. "But we were defeated at Iskar, and the Ix are planning to spring a similar trap at Media, possibly in Ecbatana. We're returning to New Metru Nui from Iskar."

"However," said Kalix. "Now that we have two more Resistance warriors at our disposal, this puts us at an advantage."

"How?" asked Shardak.

"Two of us can continue on to Media," said Kalix. "Preferably the Spirit Toa. I myself must return to New Metru Nui, but if we send the Spirit Toa on to Media as well, he may be able to reinvigorate the Resistance soldiers there, and perhaps regain the offensive. At the very least, you may be able to help hold back the Median army from attacking New Metru Nui."

Kalix's eyes met Shardak's, and Shardak recognized the gesture for what it truly was: a chance to return to his friends, who were currently fighting for their lives in Media.

"I agree with this plan as well," said Luxa. "I must return to New Metru Nui and help Iskandar prepare the defenses. And to let them all know that I still live."

"I will join Shardak, then," said Fairon.

"Excellent," said Kalix, not giving anyone a chance to say anything more. "We will leave tomorrow morning." he rose to his feet and the others followed him, back to the place which Shardak and Kalix had chosen as a camp."

Luxa stepped forward. "I'll—" she said, but Kalix, realizing what she was about to say, interrupted her. "No. You're not taking watches, nor is Fairon. Shardak and I will." Luxa opened her mouth to protest, but Kalix again cut her off. "I can't risk the chance that the Mindeater Thrazkul will find you again in the aura field. If he did, while the rest of us were sleeping, we'd all be killed or captured."

Luxa nodded grudgingly. She understood the Limiter's reasoning. "Very well." she said.

"Half the night is gone," said Kalix. "But try to rest. Tommorrow will bring still more fighting and travel."

Saren snarled in anger as he saw more ships approaching. While they were, indeed, Resistance reinforcements, they were Akkadian starcraft, from the Resistance on Xaterex. Those aboard were obviously beings aware of his treachery, but there was little he could do to stop them.

The first engagement had gone badly. The wrecked rubble of starcraft lay before them, and Saren saw that many of the lighter Valkyries and Scimitars had been destroyed, as well as two Frigates. The Ix still outnumbered them, for Tiral's fleet had been decimated by the Valkyries and other fast Ix ships. Two-thirds of her force remained intact, as well as most of Saren's, but many of their ships were badly damaged.

For a moment, Saren wondered idly what had happened to the unidentified starcraft that he been caught between the fleets at the start of the battle. More than likely, they'd all been destroyed.

With the Hand ships on his side, Saren could still smash the Ix fleet. But now, with Akkadian starcraft joining the battle, the second engagement could become far more chaotic then the first.

"Make sure that the fleet is kept between the Akkadian ships and those of the Ix," said Saren. "It puts us at risk, but it'll keep them from attacking us."

One of his mercenaries nodded, and relayed the order to Saren's crew. The Resistance traitor smiled. The Ix would do his work for him, and then, once he closed his trap around the Hand fleet and the fleet of Tiral, he could take his place as sole leader of the Resistance and emperor of Calos.

"Sir, Tiral wishes to speak with you." said another mercenary. "And Vale Iskara is awaiting your orders. The Ix have resumed their attack on the Hand fleet."

"Put Tiral on," said Saren tiredly.

"What do you want?" he said through the comlink. At least he would only need to continue his association with this Glatorian fleet leader for a few more hours. She'd been endlessly annoying of late, especially when she'd learned that they couldn't return to the Fells. However, Tiral, unlike all of those Veythari and Illieran traitors, was a disciplined subordinate, and knew her place.

Which was directly below Saren, the true leader of the rebellion. Something that Iskandar and those others had not grasped.

"What I would like," said Tiral. "Is for you to surrender, Saren."

It took Saren a few moments to realize what the Glatorian was saying. "What?" he asked. "Surrender? To whom? The Ix?"

"No," said Tiral calmly. "To the Hand of Mata Nui and Iskandar's fleet."

"What?" Saren asked. "To the traitors? To the—"

"No, Saren. It is you who are the traitor." said a new voice. It was Vale. How she'd managed to get onto his secure channel was beyond Saren, but he listened with barely concealed rage. "You who have betrayed the Resistance."

"Iskandar's forces, along with our Akkadian allies, have confirmed what we have suspected," said Tiral. "I would have continued to follow you, and not believed them, but really Saren? Letting Ix into the Fells? Arranging Parikon's death, and trying to kill Shardak over Corona Magna? And also sending assasins after him and Valkyria on Noctxia Magna?"

"No, no," Saren remonstrated. "It wasn't like that at all. You don't—"

"I understand perfectly," said Vale, her voice angry. "It was you who sealed Parikon and a group of my Veythari warriors in stasis, did you not? And you who attempted to kill Reid Vaethar aboard your starcraft?"

"They betrayed us!" yelled Saren in rage. "Just as you betrayed us!" Even now, he could see on the viewscreen how Tiral's fleet had turned on his, and how the Akkadian and Illieran ships were closing in on the other side. As he turned to face the new threats, he was left completely vulnerable to the Ix ships.

"You are the traitor, Saren," said Tiral. Then she was no longer speaking to him, but said into her comlink. "To Rebel fleet 2, and all loyal Resistance members. Saren has betrayed the Resistance and must be relieved of command. All loyal starcraft will turn on his ships and attack immediately. This includes anyone serving under Saren."

Saren could hear Vale giving similar orders to the Hand fleet, which, reinforced by the Illieran and Akkadian ships, now outnumbered his fleet.

"Sir, Varana's trying to contact you. Varana, the ruler of Akkad. He says that if you turn yourself over peacefully and give command over to the rest of the ships, there will be no more loss of life, and your ships will be allowed to rejoin the rebellion peacefully."

"Never!" snarled Saren. Snatching up his commlink, he ordered, "All loyal Resistance and Hand members from all fleets, stand by me. Tiral, commander of the second fleet, and Vale, leader of the Hand fleet, have betrayed the Resistance and are attempting to join the Illieran and Akkadian traitors. All ships that stand by me will be rewarded immensely when Calos falls!"

For a moment, the Resistance fleet hesitated. Saren knew that the majority of ships from his fleet would stand by him, just as the majority of Tiral's ships would remain loyal to her. But the Hand fleet and the Ix were firmly against Saren— and while he and Tiral allowed their alliance to fall apart, they would be crushed between the hammer of the Ix and the anvil of the Resistance.

Then the Ix starcraft attacked, and the battle began once more. Saren watched as the Resistance fleet simply fell apart, some fleeing, some turning on each other, some fighting most, confused and unsure of whose orders to follow, simply hesitated for a crucial moment.

And then the hammer fell as the Ix fleet charged into battle. Saren's heart sank as he realized how outnumbered he was, and for the first time it crossed his mind that he could lose.

But he could not fail. He had lost all of his dreams of ruling Xaterex, of bringing back Arcaea with the power he'd learned to use from the Void. Vahrikaan had risen, and now the Annulus was out of his grasp as well. But he would not be content to be a servant of the Ix lords. He wanted his own kingdom, and Calos would provide that.

"Do not give ground," ordered Saren. "Think of the civilians on board our capital ships, and remember, that despite our setbacks, we are the true Resistance. And we must triumph over both the Ix and these traitors. Attack!"

Chapter 11
The air rang with the clash of weapons and the screams of the dying as Shardak charged toward another Ix warrior. All around him was carnage, a full-scale battle between the Ix and the Resistance. Beside him, Fairon was fighting another Limiter. As the Ix soldier raced toward Shardak, the Toa could see the recognition in his eyes. Before he could say anything, the Blade of Arcturas ended his life.

They'd been journeying through Media, following the trails of devastation that the battles between the Resistance and the Ix had left behind them. For three days they'd traveled, and then they'd run head-on into a battle in Media. The main Resistance force was there, as was a large group of Ix from Ecbatana. Shardak guessed they were less than a week on foot away from Ecbatana itself, and that the Ix were attempting to prevent the Resistance from reaching the city.

Now they were locked in a brutal, front-line struggle against an army of Ix. Shardak had fought briefly on the front-line at Anshan, but this was far worse. The Resistance army was still larger than it had been before, and the Ix forces, while slightly smaller, had the advantage of fortifications and defense. Currently the tide seemed to be turning in favor of the rebellion.

Another of the Ix, blood spattered across his skull-like mask, charged toward Shardak, closely followed by a group of Ix pikemen. Shardak cut the Ix in the lead down, staggering out of reach of the pike as he did so. Fairon raised his sword, and a burst of elemental light struck two of the Ix, felling them both. The other three began to close in as still more took their place.

Shardak brought the Blade of Arcturas down across the pike-wielding Ix's throat, careful to avoid being skewered on the end of the Ix warrior's wildly flailing spear. He winced in pain as one of the pikes slammed against his armor, the impact almost knocking him off his feet. Before he could recover and lash out again in the aura field, Fairon had used his scimitar to decapitate the charging Ix.

The remainder of his enemies vanished back into the chaos of the battle, and suddenly Shardak was once again surrounded by a mass of dark-armored Ix. He couldn't keep track of the enemies he brought down, but each time the Blade of Arcturas found its mark another Ix warrior fell.

However, the Ix were fast and skilled, and despite Shardak's and Fairon's best efforts, occassionally one of the Limiters managed to break through their defenses. One managed to slash Fairon across the thigh before Shardak knocked him unconscious, manipulating is aura and shoving him against another Ix soldier. Another Ix warrior scored a hit across Shardak's side, and a third put a sizable dent in his breastplate with a mace. The wound bled badly, but Shardak ignored the pain and kept fighting the Ix that charged toward him.

"The Spirit Toa!" one of the Ix's eyes widened in recognition. He opened his mouth to yell again, but Fairon's scimitar brought him down. More Ix soldiers, recognizing Shardak, charged toward them. Shardak brought down one of the Ix soldiers with the Blade of Arcturas, and another fell to Fairon's scimitar. However, all around him Glatorian were falling before the Ix's assault, and Shardak knew he and Fairon could not hold off the tide of Ix soldiers forever.

Another Ix managed to drive a spear into Shardak's leg. As he staggered backward, a second Limiter slashed open Fairon's shoulder with a dagger-scythe. The Blade of Arcturas burned with bloody fire as it ran the Limiter attacker through, and Fairon brought down a second Ix soldier. The third, however, charged forward, aiming to gore Shardak on the end of his spear. Shardak narrowly managed to deflect the weapon, but the Ix dropped the spear and drew two more dagger-scythes.

All around them, more Ix soldiers closed in.

"Well, well, well," said a voice Shardak recognized. "Look who's arrived. I see you brought Fairon with you as well."

Nightwatcher seemed to appear beside them, Aquaros in hand. The Toa of Shadow had barely a stratch on his armor. Seeing him, more of the Ix soldiers bore down upon them, but Nightwatcher easily dispatched one, his sword slicing through one Limiter's throat, then swinging Aquaros around and, in the same fluid motion, decapitated the second Ix attacker. As three more Ix closed in around him, Nightwatcher remained composed, continuing his conversation as Shardak even as the Limiters continued their assault.

But Shardak was rapidly becoming aware of another problem. Aura users. More and more of the Limiters confronting him were using the aura field to attack him, even as more and more Ix soldiers threw themselves at Nightwatcher and Shardak. The aura users were, individually, unskilled, and Nightwatcher blocked them without any effort on his part, but together they formed a formidable enough force to distract Shardak from the other Ix warriors.

"This situation's even worse than I thought," Nightwatcher said, spinning around to deflect a fourth Limiter's scythe. "The main Ix army's still garissoned in Ecbatana. This is the first time they've sent out enough of their forces to pose a real threat to us, but it's obvious they're content to let us slaughter our way to their unassailable city."

"Where's Valkyria?" asked Shardak, parrying another strike from an Ix soldier's scythe, trying to half-listen to Nightwatcher even as Ix aura users battered his auric defenses. "Is she okay?"

"Actually," said Nightwatcher. "I was hoping you wouldn't ask." Nonchalantly, the bounty hunter parried an overconfident Ix warrior's scythe, then ran him through with Aquaros before he could recover.

"What happened?" asked Shardak, momentarily distracted. "Is she hurt?"

"Actually," said Nightwatcher, in the same calm voice. "I'm not sure she's even still alive."

Shardak let his concentration slip momentarily, and the Ix aura users immediately pressed their advantage, overwhelming his defenses and shoving him back, into a tangle of battling Ix soldiers. Shardak saw a blade flash by his Kanohi, slamming into it. Had he been wearing any lesser mask, it would have shattered on impact. As it was, the Ignika didn't even suffer a scratch.

Shardak managed to regain his balance, and thrust out at the nearest Ix soldier. However, before any of the combatants could react to what had happeend, Nightwatcher was among them, hacking, weaving, and stabbing his way through the Ix without any discernable effort on his part. The Toa of Shadow was a lithe, crackling whip of power, and he switched between combat forms so quickly that Shardak had no other words to describe his style beyond deadly.

"Concentrate," hissed Nightwatcher. He seemed slightly annoyed. "You cannot afford to be that distracted by news. Continue."

Shardak wanted desperately to press the Toa of Shadow for further information, but Ix were closing in around them, and Nightwatcher didn't seem to want to continue the discussion. However, before Shardak could decide whether he should press Nightwatcher for the information, a Limiter appeared before him, its features behind the skull mask cold and expressionless.

Shardak soon lost track of the battle. He, Fairon, and Nightwatcher were at the center of a contstantly changing mass of Ix soldiers and Resistance fighters, close to the center of the battle. He and Nightwatcher together formed an unstoppable wall of force that brought down anything that stood against them, but all around them Resistance fighters were falling, overwhelmed by Ix.

On the wings of the battlefield, nearer to the massive caverns delved deep into the mountain. the situation was far different. The Resistance controlled the field, and the Ix were being forced closer and closer together, restricting their maneuverability. The rebel armies, if they crushed the last Ix offensive, would force the remainder of the Limiters to retreat or face annihilation.

However, the Ix still had a substantial amount of forces left on the field. Slowly, as they redoubled their offensive on the Resistance, more Limiters were surrounding and attempting to cage the Resistance forces.

"Fall back!" ordered Nightwatcher. "We're taking too many losses!"

Shardak saw it was true. The Ix were charging over heaps of fallen rebel soldiers, and while the Resistsance could possibly still hold their current position and win the battle, they would take too many casualties. They needed to withdraw to a more defensible position, where more of their forces could help hold it.

Slowly, the rebel forces began to retreat. The Limiters continued charging toward them, and began to consolidate their forces even as the Resistance consolidated theirs. Shardak knew that if they could break the Ix's momentum here, the battle would be won by the Resistance. However, if they were forced back into the cavern, it would be much easier for the Ix to bar off their forces and crush them.

More higher-ranking Resistance leaders were appearing, and they were beginning to stabilize their retreat,holding their position. More of the Ix were attacking as well, but now the Resistance were on the defensive and the battle was turning in their favor.

Shardak saw a flash of steel, which brought down an Ix directly ahead of him. He looked, and saw Luxa standing beside him. She was bloodstained and slightly wounded, but seemed to be faring better than many of the other rebel soldiers.

''Shouldn't she still be at New Metru Nui? Or have they already arrived? ''

Shardak caught a glimpse of several of Kalix's Limiters fighting in the vanguard of the rebel army. Of Kalix himself there was no sign.

"Continue the retreat," ordered Luxa. "Fall back, toward the caves."

"What?" asked Shardak. "We'll lose the advantage!"

"No," said Luxa. "Do not ask me to explain, Toa." without another word, she vanished back into the battle.

"Fall back!" yelled Nightwatcher, and the order passed down the Resistance line. Turning to Shardak, Nightwatcher hissed, "When in battle, obey the commands of your superiors. Doubtlessly Luxa has something planned that we do not have knowledge of. She would not doom the Resistance to destruction."

Shardak had not time to acknowledge the bounty hunter physically, but managed to touch his aura, letting Nightwatcher know he understood. As the Resistance line fell back toward the caverns, seemingly disorganized, the Ix continued to charge over the forms of the slain warriors. Before Shardak knew it, he was fighting at the edge of the cavern entrance, and more Resistance fighters were appearing from all sides.

"Fall back further! Into the caves!" ordered Nightwatcher. This time, Shardak didn't dare question him. He followed Nightwatcher and Fairon deeper into the caverns. Shallow torchlight illuminated the floor of the cavern dimly, which were slick with a black substance.

"Shardak." said Nightwatcher. "Be careful. We have no way other than aura to protect against the invisible poison in the air, and the oil is dangerous as well."

''Oil. ''Shardak thought, then it began to dawn on him what the Resistance was planning. As he entered the caves, he saw the rebel army break in all directions. The Limiters at the lead paused for a moment, unsure of what to do.

Then Nightwatcher. yelled. "Shardak! Keep moving!" Shardak followed the Resistance soldiers deeper into the caverns. The oil deepened, and Shardak, seeing all of the ancient, disused equipment realized they'd landed on a mine. Once this substance had been used quite commonly on Arcaea, and was still utilized as a weapon. Shardak waded through the wet, slick blackness, which grew deeper and deeper.

"After him!" yelled a Limiter. "After the Spirit Toa!"

The Limiter army charged toward them, into the caverns.

"Run!" yelled Nightwatcher urgently, from somewhere behind Shardak. In the half-light The Toa of Shadow was a;most completely invisible, save his gleaming dark green eyes. Shardak ran through the oil-slicked passageways, trying to hold his footing. Slowly, he felt the deeps recede, and now the oil only surrounded his feet. He could see several shadowy forms illuminated by the shallow torchlight, and heard whispered voices mingled with the shouts of Limiters as they charged after the Resistance soldiers into the disused oil mine.

"Shall we launch them now?" asked a voice Shardak didn't recognize. He could make out his shadowy form in the blackess: a large Skakdi in grey armor.

"Not yet," said another voice. ''Valkyria. ''Shardak thought in surprise, as he saw the Ix girl rise to her feet. "Wait until they're deeper into the caverns. The Ix still on the battlefield will expect a trap by then, but by then our own forces will have cut them off from the caves."

Closer the Ix came. Many of them were almost waist-deep in the water when the Skakdi lifted a torch from the walls. "Now!" he hissed.

More light flickered to life, as the rest of the Skakdi and Illieran guards lifted the rest of the torches and threw them at the Ix soldiers. As the fire fell against the oil, the Ix began to panic, and Shardak could hear the shouts and clash of weapons outside. However, all of the other sounds were eclipsed by a massive explosion of flame, and for a moment the cavern was obscured completely in a flash of light.

The flames began to flicker as soon as they began, and they continued to burn across the oil-slicked cavern, only growing in strength. However, the initial explosion had killed all of the charging Limiters. It was difficult to make out at first, but Shardak could see the horribly charred, mangled corpses of the Ix warriors lying in the burning oil.

"Good plan," the Skakdi congratulated Valkyria. "For once, we've outsmarted the Ix at their own game."

"Yes indeed," said another voice. Kalix emerged from behind Valkyria, followed by two of his Limiters. He gave his congratulations to the Ix girl.

Kalix lifted his torch, illuminating the features of the beings around them. Valkyria's armor was drenched in oil, and her face was grimy and stained. Shardak saw she had a long cut on her thigh, blood still running down her leg. The Skakdi and Illierans were also wounded badly, and their breathing was labored and pained

Shardak remembered Nightwatcher's warnings about an invisible poison, and wondered for a moment if Valkyria had been using her aura to defend herself against the horrible conditions here.

"Are we going to have to return across the oil mine?" asked Shardak.

"No," answered Valkyria. "There's another route out of the caves as well, one that we mapped out before we decided to use the torches."

"And we have to move fast," said the Skakdi. "I don't know about you aura users, but we can't take much more of this place."

"We'll stay, then," said Kalix. "Fairon, Luxa, and I. The Spirit Toa should go with you. He's too valuable to risk in open combat again."

Valkyria nodded once. "Follow me." she said, vanishing into the darkness. Shardak followed her, as did the Skakdi and Illieran warriors. Nightwatcher followed close behind.

"So, how have you been?" asked Shardak in a whisper, as soon as he and Valkyria were out of earshot of the beings left at the oil mine.

Valkyria gave him a weak smile. "How do you think?" she asked. Then her smile evaporated. "Ever since we rejoined the Resistance forces, we've been fighting the Ix nonstop here. This larger Ix force arrived from Media two days ago, and Kalix's Limiters and Luxa joined us yesterday. Ever since then, we've been engaged in full battle, defending our position around these caverns ever since the Ix ambushed us here."

"That strategy that took out the Limiters probably ended the battle," said Shardak. "I'm surprised the Limiter fell for it so easily."

"They wouldn't have, had you not been there," answered Valkyria. "Nightwatcher understood this. It's why he and Luxa led you into the caverns- so the Ix would follow you without reservation. Nothing concerns them as much as capturing you, and it makes them take risks that they normally would not."

"I wish I understood it," said Shardak. "If Vahrikaan wants me dead, then he could send the Hooded One to neutralize me, or another of his powerful servants, like Velnax or a high-ranking Ix assassin. But he seems content to allow me to help the Resistance slaughter their way all the way to Ecbatana and possibly beyond before he crushes me."

"Vahrikaan is no fool," said Valkyria. "He will want you dead sooner rather than later, and will not wait until you come before him to challenge his power. However, we can use this delay, however short it may be, to our advantage, If we can conclude the Median war front with the capture of Ecbatana, then we have only Drakos Capitol and the Akkadian front left to deal with."

Shardak was sure they wouldn't be able to hold back the Ix from conquering Akkad. The city would fall, it was but a matter of time. However, if they could defeat the Ix before the fells were taken, and foil the Ix's trap in Media, the full force of the Resistance would be able to confront Vahrikaan at Drakos.

But Shardak knew that in war, anything was possible. Indeed, it was unlikely that everything would go according to their plans. As he and Valkyria emerged from the depths of the caverns below the battlefield, Shardak saw the rebellion regrouping on the battlefield, tending to the wounded. The Ix had withdrawn, the only Limiters left on the battlefield were the dead and dying. Despite the Resistance's victory, the casualties on the side of the rebellion outweighed the number of fallen Ix soldiers.

As he surveyed the battlefield, upon which hundreds of hacked and twisted corpses lay scattered, Shardak suddenly felt very small and insignificant. What was his death compared to the deaths of all of those who had died fighting here today? It seemed such a horrid waste of lives.

And that was when the truth hit him.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

He, Toa Shardak, was going to die in this war. He was going to die, likely in battle, and would suffer the same fate as all of those beings who lay dead on the battlefield before them. His entire purpose now was to be a weapon, a weapon that would destroy itself in the process.

For a moment Shardak panicked. ''No! No! I don't want to die! I should try to run. I may not get far. But how can I win against'' Lord Vahrikaan? I—

Shardak's heart throbbed with fear. He didn't want to face the prophecy. But his fate was etched in stone, and there was nothing he could do to avoid the inevitability, the inexorable truth, of the words.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

Slowly, Shardak began to calm. ''At least I know how I'll die. Many people have no warning. And who knows how many will be alive by the end of the war? ''

Shardak could see the same resigned expression on the faces of many of the other Resistance warriors, particularly those who fought on the front lines of the war. They knew that it was unlikely all of them would survive the war either.

''You can't suffer when you're dead. Nothing can hurt you. It's the only place you're really safe. ''Shardak thought. ''I am already dead. Nothing can make me suffer. If I accept that, I will be able to bring down Vahrikaan.''

Shardak began to grow calmer as he looked over the battlefield again. In the twilight, the site of so much carnage had a surreal, almost tranquil quality, now that the battle had ended. But Shardak knew that the only thing the bloodbath had proved was that there would be still more battles yet to come.

Saren seethed in rage as the Ix and enemy rebel ships continued tore through the massed ranks of his capital ships. His fleet was wrecked, crushed in battle, and more than half of his ships, when confronted by Tiral and her treacherous allies, had changed sides immediately. His final gambit had failed. This time, Saren knew, the rebellion and the Ix would not allow him to escape using the ploy he'd used during the last battle of Calos. They would surround and crush him, and when his last mercenary-crewed ships fell, unless he surrendered he too would die.

"Ix starcraft have taken out another capital ship!" yelled one of his mercenaries. Saren nodded tersely, watching as the Ix offensive drove through the last of his Resistance defenders. The vast majority of the ships carrying civilians had defected to Tiral's side, but the Rebel Stand still carried Resistance civilians. Saren knew it was unlikely that any of them would escape, and didn't even try to escape his ship as it entered the battle. He would die alongside his men.

Now the Rebel Stand itself was being attacked. Saren knew his ship had many layers of shields, and was one of the most powerful capital ships in the rebel fleet. However, against the Ix's fleet, and Tiral's and Iskandar's, the ship would not hold out long.

"Come with us."

Saren whirled around, and saw Janneus standing behind him, a broad smirk on his face. The two other Rotaxians stood behind him. All of their crossbows were raised and pointed directly at Saren.

"What—" Saren began, then broke off as he noticed the loaded crossbows pointed directly at his heart. "Put those crossbows down!"

"No," said Janneus. "Our employer wishes to speak with you, my lord," There was open mockery in the Rotaxian's voice as he said the last two words.

"Your employer?" asked Saren. "Who are you working for?"

"The same being you say you work for," said Janneus. "The Ix Empire and Lord Vahrikaan. He is paying us handsomely for keeping an eye on you. Why do you think that your scheme to take the Annulus from the Ix failed? Now, I think, it is time to return to the Empire with you."

"No!" yelled Saren. The Rotaxians knew many of his plans, including many of the plots where he planned to double-cross the Ix. He was sure that the Rotaxians would tell their employers everything. "We are not leaving this ship!"

"Yes we are, your lordship," said Janneus. "The Ix have already come alongside the Rebel Stand. They are sending a transport to bring us aboard one of their capital ships."

"You cannot do this! I can pay you more than—"

"That arguement would have more significance," said the tan Rotaxian, Markein. "Were you not standing on a starcraft awaiting its destruction."

Saren felt the icy claws of desperation snap shut around his heart. They'd trapped him. He almost made a motion for his sword, but before he could shift his weight more than an inch Janneus spoke. "Do not try to fight us. It is impossible to miss at this close range, and your corpse is far less valuable then you alive."

"Then I may as well kill myself now," said Saren. "Since the Ix will probably kill me anyway."

Janneus' mouth twisted itself into a smile. "Yes, you could allow us to kill you. But you won't."

Saren knew in his heart that Janneus was right. He was a coward at heart, willing to risk anything to preserve his own existence. Two of his options led to certain death. But one— provided he could convince the Ix to spare him—could lead to survival. As grim as his prospective fate at the hands of the Ix could be,he did not have the guts to take an action which he knew would kill him.

As long as I still live, there is a chance that I can still carry out my plans.

"Let's go," said Saren. The Rebel Stand would not hold out much longer. Perhaps, once he was gone, his mercenaries would surrender. Or, as was far more likely, the Ix would destroy the flagship once they knew he was no longer aboard.

As they left the starship, Saren saw Markein raise a comlink and say into it. "We have him."

Saren boarded the small transport, and the Rotaxians exchanged their crossbows for long, curved daggers. Janneus piloted the starcraft while the other two watched Saren, ready to kill if he made a single wrong move. But Saren could only stare at the battle in which he'd been defeated. His ship and the remainder of his fleet were isolated and surrounded, about to be crushed by around a quarter of the Ix's fleet. His treacherous allies were no longer even attacking them, focusing on defeating the rest of the Ix ships.

As the transport landed aboard the Ix capital ship, Saren saw the Rebel Stand, the Resistance's flagship, go up in flames, disappearing into a massive cloud of fire.

The same Ix capital ship, which was focused on the defeat of Saren's fleet and the rest of the battle, did not notice the small transport slipping aboard in the midst of the carnage. However, a patrol of Limiters did notice the transport's sole occupant, a Steltian, enter the ship's hull.

When the battle was over, no one was left there. The Steltian lay dead, as did all but one of the Limiters. This one Limiter, once he'd disposed of the corpses, returned to the command chamber of the Ix ship. However, he was no longer a loyal servant of the Ix.

His mind and body belonged to Millennium.

Chapter 12
Shardak, raised in the small mountain city states of Intax, had never seen such a powerful city as Ecbatana, the heart of Ix military power. In size, Ecbatana put even Iskar and New Metru Nui to shame, and, unlike New Metru Nui, Ecbatana was not built for comfort.

Built at the foot of the towering Mount Ankara, Ecbatana was partially shrouded in the shadow of the massive peak. A river flowed outside the outermost city walls, making attack much more difficult. The structure of the city, surrounded by high walls built around a massive, well-defended citadel at the heart of the complex, made it clear that Ecbatana was built for defensive war.

But what truly set Ecbatana apart from every other city were its walls, built around the city in seven concentric circles. The natural formation of the mountain favored the arrangement, allowing each later wall to rise above the earlier one. Each of the seven battlements upon each wall was colored differently, the first white, the next black, the third scarlet, the fourth blue, and the fifth orange. The last two, which rose at least two hundred feet above the ground, had their battlements coated respectively with silver and gold.

Shardak, before he had seen the city, had not believed everything he'd heard about it. He'd remembered what Nightwatcher and Atarus had said, about how it had never once, throughout its long history, been captured. But before he'd been confronted by the massively powerful Ix city, Shardak had never really believed the city was so powerful, or, indeed, that it was real. Ecbatana had hovered on the edge of his imagination: the powerful city that the Resistance could not defeat, yet it had not seemed truly real until he'd seen it for himself.

Staring up at the massive walls, Shardak could feel that Valkyria and Fairon were awed as well. "Holy Mata Nui." Fairon breathed silently. "How can we ever capture that?"

They'd spent nearly a week fighting their way through Media, during which they'd lost less than a quarter of their men. However, despite their battle-hardened, powerful force, Shardak guessed there were over two hundred thousand men garissoned in Ecbatana, with even more arriving from the surrounding areas in Media. Shradak stared up at the massive battlements, upon which soldiers were gathering even as the Resistance approached.

How can this attack bring anything but death?

Now, nearly a week later, the city of Ecbatana still stood, proud and unconquered, and the Resistance's forces were still no closer to capturing the city.

Shardak sat around the Resistance command tent, where the rebellion's elite generals had gathered well outside the city. For nearly a week, they'd tried nearly every stratagem they could think of, but none had come even close to breaching the massive walls of even the first gate, much less the other six. They'd attempted to use siege engines to batter the walls down, but the Ix, because of the carefully positioned arrangement of the walls, were able to take down one of their catapults within a few short minutes. After that, the rest of the catapults were taken out of range.

All of the Resistance's commanders were gathered here. Reid Vaethar, Caltax of Akkad, Valkyria, Fairon, Luxa, Kalix, Nightwatcher, and his old friend Kyhrex were all gathered there.

"We cannot take this city by siege," said Vale Iskara, the Veythari commander. It was a small bit of good news that she and her Veythari had arrived two days ago, along with several hundred Noctians. They'd brought news of Saren's defeat at the second battle of Calos, and how they'd temporarily stopped the Ix fleet. An invasion of Calos, led by the rest of the Noctians, was underway, but Vale estimated it would take less than several weeks.

The other peice of news that had been delivered to them was the fall of Iskar. After Skorpix's attack force had left, the Resistance had been able to mobilize, and capture the city within three days. Shardak was relieved at this news, however, he knew that their hold on Iskar was tentative at best, and that it was likely that once Skorpix conquered or withdrew from New Metru Nui he would turn back on Iskar and reconquer it.

"Ecbatana is far too well defended." growled Caltax. "Likewise, a normal assault will not work, due to the city's position, and the walls."

"The tunnel is, likewise, going poorly," reported Fultran, the Dark Talon commander. "Even with our best equipment, we can't change the obvious: Ecbatana is built upon very rocky ground, making moving large numbers of troops through a tunnel unreasonable. Add that to the multiple walls layout, along with the uphill trajectory...I don't see how it can be done."

"Can you not use Elemental power to blast your way through the rocks?" asked Luxa. "I know it would be difficult, but—"

"We've tried," interrupted Fultran. "Fairon, Kyhrex, even Shardak, have all worked on the tunnel. With their help consistently each day, our progress would be slightly quicker. However, there's simply not enough of them, and they cannot utilize enough power, to blast through every inch of rocky soil. I estimate it would still take at least three months."

"We don't have three months," said Reid. "By then, too many Ix will have reinforced Ecbatana to make taking the city realistic. We have to break their power now, before the rest of the Ix army arrives and closes the trap around us."

"I know," sighed Fultran. "I just don't think that tunneling under Ecbatana's walls is realistic. A siege of this place could take years, and it would take far more men then we can muster. Maybe the city truly is unconquerable."

"No, it isn't," said Nightwatcher, with an uncharacteristic force to his voice. "It isn't because we say it isn't. I have fought in many wars, watched the fall of many mighty cities, and I've never seen anything or anyone that I can't destroy, and by Karzahni, I won't let this blasted city be the exception."

"Brave words," said Caltax. "But—"

At that moment, an Agori messanger burst into the tent. He looked flustered, and all of the beings turned to look at him. "General Aran wishes to notify you that there has been a discovery at the site of the tunnel," he said. "He requests Luxa, Fultran, and the Spirit Toa, as well as anyone else who wishes to join them, present there immediately."

Shardak saw that every other commander mirrored his own confusion. What could be of such paramount importance at the tunnel site that Aran, the Resistance general in charge of the project, would need three Resistance leaders to witness it?

The tunnel was built well outside the city, far away from the eyes of the Ix sentries. Shardak saw a large patrol of Resistance warriors were gathered outside the tunnel, along with two Glatorian Elementalists he didn't recognize, the only other elemental users present in the rebel army aside from Kyhrex. The gathered rebel soldiers all seemed excited.

"What has happened? What has happened, Aran? " asked Fultran, shoving his way through the crowd.

"We've found another tunnel." said one of the Elementalists, who wore grey-green armor. "One that we found when we blasted through the earth deep enough. It's more than fifty feet long, so it definitely isn't a dead end. Nor was it constructed by accident."

Caltax gasped. "But that means—"

"This passageway could lead into the city of Ecbatana itself," Luxa finished.

It took a few moments for Shardak to understand what the Illieran was implying. Then it hit him. A tunnel into Ecbatana would mean an end to the Resistance's current problem. If they could move the army through—

"We must immediately bring this before the council," said Luxa tersely. "Have you or any of your men explored the tunnel, Aran?"

"Yes," said Aran. "Briefly, enough to confirm that it is, indeed, massive, and that it either leads underneath the city itself, or it did in the past. However, we thought it more prudent to wait for the council's decision on how best to utilize this, in case it proves to be an Ix trap."

"Indeed," said Fultran. "You have done well. Do not allow anyone to continue exploring the tunnel. You must attend the meeting with us."

Shardak followed the rest of the Resistance commanders back to the command tent, his mind spinning with the revelation of the tunnel. It seemed unlikely, no, one in a million that they'd find a tunnel into the city of Ecbatana itself. But they'd found an already hollowed tunnel. And if it led into Ecbatana itself, then that meant they'd found a way to break the stalemate, which would soon turn into a crushing Ix victory if the city was not subdued.

"We must use this tunnel," Reid Vaethar was saying, as Aran finished relating to him the news of what they'd discovered. "It is a virtual certainty that it leads into the city."

"Why?" asked Caltax. "Isn't it just as likely it could be a route to another disused mine or other remnant from Lost Arcaea?"

"No," said Vaethar, with complete conviction. "A tunnel built here, so near to the ancient city but so difficult to detect without the use of elemental power, can really only lead into the city."

"But who's to say that the Ix haven't sealed it off? Or that it still exists?" asked Caltax.

"That's a gamble we'll have to take," said Shardak. "Because if we can get a few of us inside— not enough to take on the Ix, but enough elemental and aura users— we could take down the walls from the inside of the city, something we'd never be able to hope for from the outside. Meanwhile, the rest of the Resistance will launch an assault on the outer gates, as a distraction. With the two largest gates destroyed, we should be able to take the city."

"Its risky," said Areop, the Dargon leader. "My Dargon have no elementalists among them, nor aura users. Are you sure that any of them among you would be strong enough to bring down two sets of walls, which are obviously strongly reinforced by auric or elemental means?"

Shardak thought about it for a few moments, He knew that Valkyria, Aran, and the other Elementalist would be valuable in combat, but of all of the Resistance's elemental users, only he could control the amount of sheer energy needed to bring down something as massive as the two main gates of Ecbatana.

And Ecbatana's walls needed to fall. They'd besieged the city for nearly a week, and simply couldn't afford to continue to hold it under siege, not while more Ix reinforcements arrived each day. The tunnel represented the only chance for the Resistance to break the city— before it broke them.

"I can do it," said Shardak. "I will go."

For a moment, there was silence. The Luxa nodded. "Very well," she said. Shardak seemed surprised at first, but when Areop nodded his approval, he realized Luxa must have gone through the same logic of the necessity of his involvement that he had.

However, several of the others seemed dissatisfied with the plan. "We cannot allow Shardak to be captured or killed," said Caltax. "He's the only being who can challenge Lord Vahrikaan, and it's too dangerous to send him on a possibly fatal errand like this."

Fultran was beginning to nod agreement. "There are other aura users in our army who are more expendable. We cannot risk you in open combat, so soon after the Iskar disaster and the battle you fought in Media."

"Listen!" snapped Nightwatcher. "If we don't take down Ecbatana, then it doesn't matter if Shardak doesn't go, because we'll all be killed! The Ix will close their trap around the city, cut us off from the flatlands, then crush us, in the same way they defeated the Toa Order during the Arcaean War. More reinforcements will only keep arriving, and Vahrikaan hasn't even sent in any of his own men to back the Ix up. Karzahni, the only reason we're all still alive is because Vahrikaan wishes it! We're bringing the Spirit Toa right to him!"

Silence settled around the table. All of the Resistance commanders stared at Nightwatcher, who seemed his usual composed self once again.

Luxa was the first to break the silence. "Well, then. That is decided. Shardak shall help bring down the walls of the city."

"I will go with him," said Nightwatcher. "He'll need more protection, and I have enough auric power to sustain his own life force if his aura runs out once he brings down the gate."

Luxa looked ready to agree, but Caltax seemed hesitant. "I do not wish to send all of our most powerful aura users with Shardak. In the event that this fails, we may still need backup."

"Shardak needs me with him," said Nightwatcher flatly. "He will not survive without my help."

"I will join you as well," Valkyria said. Shardak breathed a silent sigh of relief. She was the being he wanted most by his side, one of the few beings who still lived that he trusted irrevocably with his life. He'd wanted to ask her himself, but had been too worried she'd refuse. Valkyria hadn't seemed to change outwardly since the revelation about the Final Prophecy, but Shardak was skilled at seeing past the mask and could feel her change in the field.

"The rest of the strike team should also be composed of aura users," said Kalix. "I'd join you myself, but I must command my Limiters in battle. If so wish it, I can supply one of my Ix warriors to go with you."

Caltax nodded. "That seems reasonable. And I assume that Aran wishes to go to represent the Glatorian, then?"

Aran nodded. "With your permission, general."

"Excellent," said Luxa. "That settles the matter. At dusk we will strike, not by siege, but in a full frontal assault. As the Ix defenders are drawn toward us and away from the main gates, which they believe are beyond harm, Shardak and the strike team will bring down the gates from the inside."

The discussion began to turn away from the strike team and to the tactics that would be employed in assaulting the walls, but Shardak still felt a tremor of unease. He knew that this was their last hope to capture Ecbatana. If this failed, he could not think of a conceivable strategy that the Resistance could use to bring down the massive, unconquerable city.

''What if the tunnel is a dead-end, or has been caved in or is impassible? Or worse, is it a trap, cleverly designed by the Ix? We have no other choice then but to use the tunnel, but what if we are playing into the Ix's hands— and Vahrikaan's?''

When Jareroden regained consciousness, he was alone. Dim pale green light from a lantern hanging on the wall gave the room he lay bound in a ghoulish green light. The Toa of Iron was filled with fear and horror beyond anything he'd felt before, even in the arena.

Failure scared him. Death, of course, scared him, but not as much as that he feared the end of his existance as much as he feared leaving behind all that he still hoped to accomplish. But somehow, knowing that out there Vahrikaan was probably devastating Xaterex while he lay bound with only a single lantern for company, terrified him more than anything else. He'd seen the horrible masked beings, the Vorgaan, and Ix warriors who ranked far higher than any he he himself had seen, and had heard Shardak's tales of Var'kala. It carried a legion of elite Order soldiers, every one of them loyal only to Vahrikaan.

Slowly, Jareroden's eyes began to adjust to the darkness. At first, he could see nothing, nothing but pure darkness. However, slowly, the darkness, impossibly, seemed to brighten. It still remained black as the darkest night, but somehow the shadows had lifted significantly.

And at that moment, Jareroden made out a figure seated in shadow. Slowly, the being lifted his head, revealing ice-cold, bloodred eyes. Jareroden gasped in fear and shock as the being's eyes met his. Jareroden, though ordinarily he had no power to sense auras, could feel this being had an intense concentration of elemental power around him, so intense that he almost blacked out. The being was a brilliant vessal fueled by raw elemental energy, a supernova of raw power which burned through him. And, when Jareroden thought he could bear the being's contact no longer, the Presence withdrew, and the Toa's eyes once again focused on the throne.

The being gave a high, cold laugh, causing an involuntary shiver of terror to run down Jareroden's spine. He couldn't make out the being's features, shrouded as they were in darkness, but could see the spiked crown he wore, a cold white jewel at its center. Jareroden had never seen it in person, but he recognized it immediately as the crown of Lost Arcaea, worn by the Elemental rulers of ancient Shadovar.

"Hello, Toa Jareroden," the being's voice was a hideous rasping hiss, but carried an undeniable aura of power. His words seemed to hang in the air as he spoke, still echoing within Jareroden's mind. "I am pleased to see you are recovering nicely."

Jareroden did not speak. He had never seen Lord Vahrikaan in person, but now he had no doubt that the being he faced was the rebel Ancient lord himself. He wore the crown of Arcaea, and posessed power beyond anything Jareroden had ever felt. Who else could it be but Vahrikaan?

He was being ironic. Jareroden was covered in bruises, wounds, and other cuts, from the brutal aura torture he'd went through at the hands of one of the Ix. He kept his mouth shut.

"Not interested in talking?" Vahrikaan said, when he did not respond. "Perhaps you think your role in my plan is ended, and that I will simply kill you. If so, you are mistaken."

Silence. Jareroden refused to answer.

"Or perhaps you would like me to send High Lord Korlei back to continue her form of interrogation?"

"What do you want?" asked Jareroden, but his voice sounded painfully small and weak. The mention of his torturers' name sent a shudder up his spine. "Why have you come to speak with me in person? Why not send one of your servants?"

"I believe my servants have extracted all of the information I need from you," said Vahrikaan. "And much of it is painfully outdated. I know about your plan to seal off the Void, your plans to conquer Ecbatana and Drakos. But you know that as well. I merely have to wait on Var'kala for Shardak to slaughter his way here...though his chances of reaching me have grown far slimmer than they once were."

"Have you come here to gloat?" asked Jareroden. "What do you want from me?"

"I came because I wished to speak with you, the Toa who has been so vital to my plans. You have not caused me as much trouble as Shardak and Fairon, two other Toa in the Resistance, but until you did a great favor to me, I had not cared about what services you could perform for my empire."

"Why did you want to speak with me? Your Ix Lord was doing a fine enough job of interrogation. What did I do to help you?" asked Jareroden. "Did Reyna and her armies escape the Void? And what about the virus?"

Jareroden still could not make out Vahrikaan's feature sin the darkness, but he could feel Vahrikaan's detached amusement. "I don't think I'll say. But it has convinced me to allow you to live a little longer, under my control."

"Your control? What are you planning to do to me?" asked Jareroden. "I do not wish to serve you and the Ix! You will bring evil down on Xaterex!"

'"Evil?" 'Vahrikaan regarded him with a sort of detached amusement. "Little Toa, when you have lived as long as I, you will realize how thin that motivation is. Good and evil, what are they but words?"

"Your servants destroyed Arcaea! And if even half of the myths about you are true, you rebelled against your own people!" said Jareroden, fear making him reckless. Vahrikaan displayed not a sliver of emotion at his words.

"No, no," he said. "In my earlier days I was much like your Resistance— simply one being who desired change. Is change a bad thing? No, it brings advancement. But there are those who cannot see the brilliance of what I wish to do, to mould reality as I see fit. They must be changed, or removed. That is the entire philosophy of your Resistance, is it not?"

"We—" began Jareroden, but Vahrikaan cut him off.

"You seek to overthrow my empire, and you tried to stop my rising. Why? Because you wish for change. Because your Resistance believes that it can do a better job at ruling the Empire than I. Those are the same reasons I fought against the Ancients, and against the Arcaeans. During the rule of the Elementals, nothing changed. Do you not find that wrong? The corruption only grew stronger. That was why the Ix, and Shardak's father, and his allies aided my plan."

"No." said Jareroden. "We—"

"Destroying Arcaea was not part of my plan. That was the fault of Arcturas. He hoped that my plan would end there, and I would die. It failed. None can hinder me."

"If your plan is just," said Jareroden. "Then explain to me why you think it is right to use Elimination to eliminate the Toa, so they wouldn't interfere with your plan for Arcaea. And why your servants hunted Shardak without mercy, and why you threatened him with the Ancient's virus if he didn't free you from the ring."

"Soon you will understand," promised Vahrikaan. "When you think as I do, in terms of millions of years, everything that I have done that you consider wrong is insignificant in comparision to what it would mean if the plan suceeds.

"But I have not come to discuss my plans for these worlds with you. I have come to...send you back to your allies. I think that they have a need of you now."

So instead of turning Jareroden back over to his torturer, Vahrikaan raised a clawed, corpse-like hand, and pointed it at Jareroden. Then, before Jareroden could open his mouth to speak, the Toa vanished in a flash of light and knew no more.

Chapter 13
Slowly, as Shardak continued through the winding passages beneath Media, he noticed a gradual change in the architecture of the passage. Where before it had been winding and labyrinthine, the tunnel now grew straighter, and Shardak could see it was gradually growing steeper, more uphill. The passageway, once narrow, grew wider and wider. And where before the tunnel had been pitch-black, Shardak now saw light was gradually coming back into the tunnel once again.

Shardak also noticed the passages were slowly beginning to grow far less winding, and, strangely, he became aware of the presence of mist in the cavern, rather choking fog which seemed to wrap around them like a shroud. Gradually, as they continued deeper into the tunnel, Shardak became aware of a powerful and unfathomably strange presence in the aura field ahead of them.

"You feel it as well," he heard Valkyria say. She sounded equally confused, and Shardak could barely make out her outline in the mist-choked passageways.

"Lights ahead," said Nightwatcher from somewhere deep within the fog. To Shardak's surprise, he could see not only white light, but other colors as well, namely pale blue and green. At first, Shardak had thought that it was merely Cold Fire, or perhaps the green lanterns he'd seen in the Circle. But then Nighwatcher, Valkyria, and the rest of the strike team stepped into a wider tunnel and Shardak gasped at what he saw.

He was standing in a massively wide room, with illuminated by massive, gleaming crystals. All of them were of various colors, dark blue, pale green, and blood red. Despite the mist, he could see them clearly. The multicolored light revealed the thousands of glowing runes inscribed in a language that Shardak did not recognize, carved deep into the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cavern.

But what held Shardak's attention the longest was the massive lake visible through the mist, which rose from the dark, sinister waters. The lake was massive; Shardak could barely make out more than its general size due to the quantities of the fog. As he stared in awe at the dark, mist shrouded waters, Shardak became aware for the first time of the water which lapped at his feet.

"What is this place?" asked Shardak quietly, watching as each one of them stared at the pool. "Do the Ix know that this is here?"

"No," said Valkyria.

"The runes are in Arcaean," said Nightwatcher. "Though why they'd be written here is beyond me. And how this place has escaped the notice of the Ix."

"What is this? How could a lake be hidden beneath Ecbatana?"

"This, Toa Shardak, is the Lake of Apparitions," said Nightwatcher. Even the Toa of Shadow seemed stunned into a whisper as he stared deep into the ethereal, unknowable depths. "I understand now why the tunnel was built here."

"The Lake of Apparitions?" asked Shardak, still not understanding. All of the other members of the strike team looked at him incredulously, and again Shardak wished he'd had more time to learn about all of the ancient locations and tales that the others had. All of his mentors had been far more concerned about keeping him alive at the time.

"An ancient tale, one found in Illieran, Matoran, and Elemental tales, apparently seen by many but never proven to exist," said Nightwatcher. "I found it likely that the Lake existed, but to find it here, beneath Ecbatana—" the Toa of Shadow broke off.

"The lake gives visions if you attempt to cross it," said Aran. "Visions your past or your future. Whether or not these vision depict what will come to pass is a matter for debate. However, according to many tales they can be traumatic as well as enlightening. Knowing your future, even small parts of it, can be damaging. It is said that if you falter while crossing the lake, you will die."

Shardak thought back to the Sanctum of the Mind, when he'd seen a vision he believed to be from the future. There had been three beings in the vision, but he'd been unable to make out their features. A Matoran in the Sanctum had told him that the visions did not necessarily pertain to him, but simply that they would occur in the future. But the Lake, which showed visions from the being's personal future, was different then the Sanctum.

I already know my future, Shardak thought, But then another thought occurred to him. What if he saw himself die? Or he saw a friend of his die? Could he live through that and remain unscarred?

The Lake of Apparitions seemed to beckon, to taunt the five beings standing at its shores. Nightwatcher stared into the depths for a few more moments, then spoke as though resigned. "We'll have to cross it," he said. "Do not wander into the mist, and hold hands with the being ahead of you. If you fall into the mist, we cannot pull you back."

Shardak could see out to nearly ten feet in the darkness, and the lake seemed to go on well beyond that. Staring into the Lake's unfathomable depths, Shardak felt almost dazed, as though he was staring into a void of gray eternity. Apprehension slithered down his spine.

"Whatever you see in the Lake," said Nightwatcher, as he linked hands with Aran, who did the same to Valkyria, who did the same to Shardak. "Remember that the future is made of choices. Your choices are not determined by what you see here."

It was hard to tell in the oppressive mist, but Shardak thought Nightwatcher was looking at him as he spoke. Before Shardak could answer, Nightwatcher stepped into the Lake of Apparitions, Aran, Shardak, and the others following. Shardak gasped as he stepped into the water. It was cold, but burned him like shredsteel. As he waded deeper into the pool, he became aware of the visions. Half-formed spectres, formed from the mist which rose from the pool, seemed to reach out and touch him, and as the water rose to his knees, then to his waist, Shardak began to see the visions.

''He was standing in a dark chamber, a shadowy figure facing him. All around him was blackness, but still he could make out the shadowy figure seated on the throne, his features shrouded in darkness. He looked around wildly, but the vision melted away as quickly as it had come.''

A city, a city seemingly made of glass, flashed before Shardak's eyes. Fire was devouring the city in a beautiful, destructive orange-red inferno. The skies above were completely obscured by a massive cloud of fire and ash. Screams and sounds of battle rang throughout the city streets, but Shardak could see nothing and no one, for the flames obscured everything. The world itself seemed to be burning, and soon the city was gone, devoured by the roiling clouds of dark flame —

Suddenly Shardak was elsewhere. He was standing once again in darkness, but this time a cloaked being he didn't recognize was standing before him. The being was standing before a yawning black cavern, and Shardak could hear himself speaking to the being, but couldn't make out any sounds. The being raised a single bone-white hand and pointed at Shardak with the authority of one who commands fate itself —

''And darkness closed in around him, blank darkness only peirced by a single pair of red eyes which bore down on him. They continued to bear down on him, with the relentlessness of time itself.''

''Time. ''

And as light suddenly broke through the shadows, Shardak screamed as he saw what was standing before him—

"Shardak!"

Valkyria's voice, filled with urgency, brought Shardak back immediately to the present. Immediately the spectres vanished once more into the shadows, leaving only formless mist behind. Shardak could feel her hand wrapped tightly around his.

"Are you okay?" she asked. Her face looked slightly paler than usual, but otherwise she seemed unharmed.

"Yes," he managed to gasp, fear lancing into his heart as he realized he'd staggered away from the rest of the group, deeper into the water. The visions had been so real yet so close to surreal he could not wrap his mind around them. He hadn't recognized anyone he'd seen in the vision, nor did it make sense to him. All that was clear was the final moments of the vision, when the being he'd never fully seen had been bearing down on him inexorably. His fate was clear, as clear as the words of the Final Prophecy.

Shardak suddenly realized that the water in the lake was growing steadily shallower, and that the mist had parted, leaving a clear path to the shore. He staggered out from the Lake of Apparitions, his mind still fixed on the vision of the burning city he'd seen.

"You could have died," said Nightwatcher. "Your vision was extremely powerful, I think."

Shardak opened his mouth to reply, but Nightwatcher cut him off. "Whatever you saw in the Lake of Apparitions, all of you, is something from your own personal future or past. I do not wish to know."

He said it in a tone that brooked no arguement. Shardak looked around wildly, for a change of subject. "What do the runes say?"

"I couldn't get a clear glimpse of them, but they seem to be untranslatable nonsense." said Nightwatcher. "Evidently whoever carved these here is using some kind of code we don't understand. Whoever they were, they haven't been here for years."

"Nor have the Ix," added Valkyria. "There's no sign anyone's discovered this passageway for over one hundred years."

"Let's move on," said Aran impatiently. "Even now, the Resistance could be attacking Ecbatana. They're counting on us to open the gates."

Before Nightwatcher or any of the others could answer, Aran strode across the chamber, toward the crystals which lit the way deeper into the passageway, away from the Lake of Apparitions. Slowly, cautiously, the Limiter followed. Nightwatcher did was well, but he seemed wary. "There's something not right here," the Toa of Shadow said. "I can't sense any enemies in the aura field, but something's not right about this place."

Aran nodded grimly. "I don't like this either." he said. "I can't feel anything in the aura field, but I feel as though there is something dangerous here."

Shardak stared at the gleaming crystals, which burned with light brighter than that of the Blade of Arcturas. He too felt something was wrong about this place, something he didn't understand. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the tension in the air was palpable.

As the strike team gradually traveled down the passageways, Shardak realized that the amount of crystals was gradually decreasing. However, the runes on the walls did not disappear; they were still visible in the gradually dimming light. Shardak saw just ahead of Aran, two large, dark red crystals loomed, like two sinister eyes peering out from the blackness. As they drew near to the crystals, however, Shardak felt something different appear in the aura field.

"Aran! Watch out!" Nightwatcher yelled, sensing what Shardak did. Aran half turned around to face them moments after he stepped between the crystals.

Then the trap snapped shut. The two red crystals slammed together, crushing Aran between them. Before Shardak's shocked eyes, the dying Glatorian writhed and thrashed, blood pouring from his body, blood illuminated by the two crystals. Slowly, his thrashing stilled, and he went limp, his crazed eyes clouding over and rolling back in his head.

Shardak stared at Aran's corpse in shocked horror. Even Valkyria seemed stunned. Blood, the same color as the burning red light, poured from the dead Glatorian's body.

"Shardak," Valkyria was the first to recover. "Shardak, the—"

"Limiters!" barked Nightwatcher, cutting her off. Black-cloaked attackers suddenly appeared from the darkness, their white masks gleaming in the darkness.

Within less than a second, Aquaros had appeared in Nighwatcher's hand, and the Sword of Elemental water had decapitated one of the attackers. Shardak had less than a second's time to process Aran's death and the sudden ambush before a Limiter wielding a scythe charged toward him. Shardak, caught, immediately raised his torch, flinging it into the Limiter's face. With a shriek of pain, the Ix warrior disappeared from view.

Another immediately took his place, the darkness making his death-white mask appear still paler. His black armor and eyes blended perfectly with the shadows, Shardak could only make out the barest outline of the Ix attacker in the dim, bloodred light.

As the Limiter's scythe flashed in the darkness, Shardak ducked instinctively, the curved blade barely missing his shoulder. Shardak countered, blocking his assailant's next strike and swinging his own sword across the Limiter's gut. Before the wounded Ix warrior could recover, Shardak brought the Blade of Arcturas down on the Ix again. Wounded badly, the Ix soldier vanished into the darkness.

Out of the corner of his eye, Shardak could see Nightwatcher holding off four Limiters. Valkyria was fighting in hand to hand combat as well, holding off wraithlike Ix soldiers as they appeared from the darkness, their cold masks bathed in the ghoulish bloody light.

In the claustrophobic confines of the dark tunnel, fighting the Limietrs took on a horrible, nightmarish quality. They would appear before Shardak, their scythes raised, their grim white masks bathed in bloody light. The Blade of Arcturas would bring them down, the sword, the crystals, and their blood all the same shade of red.

Shardak could see that the Limiter attackers easily had the upper hand. The Limiter's smaller, more manueverable weapons and greater numbers, as well as their knowledge of the tunnels, gave them an easy advantage. The tunnels were far too restricting of movement for even Valkyria to fight easily, and Shardak knew the Limiters had blocked off the tunnel's exit in Ecbatana as well.

Shardak managed to break away from the throng of hacking, stabbing Ix warriors and raced away, deeper into the tunnels. A Limiter appeared in front of him, but the Blade of Arcturas dealt him a swift blow to the throat before he could attack. Shardak looked around him, and saw Nightwatcher fighting alone amidst the Ix warriors. Shardak couldn't see any of the other strike team members nearby. He saw Kalix's Limiter lying dead beside a fallen Ix soldier, a scythe embedded in his throat.

"Go! Run!" yelled Nightwatcher, Aquaros dealing death to any Limiter in range. Shardak didn't need Nightwatcher to tell him twice. He raced away, deeper into the caverns. Remembering Aran's horrible fate, Shardak avoided contact with any of the crystals. However, as he continued running, he could hear the Limiters behind him

The caverns grew more and more massive as he went on, and Shardak passed row upon row of the gleaming crystals. He expected every one of them to attack and kill him in the same way that they had killed Aran, but none of them seemed to be trapped. Every so often Shardak would pause to catch his breath, then he resumed running as he heard the shouts of Limiters and the thunder of pursuit.

Despite his head start, Shardak could hear the Limiters gaining on him. As he rounded the corner of a long tunnel, he saw two Ix soldiers appear from the darkness. Before either the Limiters or the Toa could move, another Ix soldier burst into the cavern, followed by another. All three of them formed a ring around Shardak, sheathing their daggers and drawing the longer scythes.

Now Shardak was trapped. The Blade of Arcturas, while faster than the Limiters, simply did not have the same reach that the Ix weapons had. And the Limiters were skilled. In numbers, they would overwhelm Shardak.

One of the Limiters charged Shardak, who leapt out of reach of the scythe. The gleam of the pale blue crystal flashed in the Ix soldier's eyes as he swung his scythe again, aiming for Shardak's chest. The Toa narrowly evaded the blade again— only to be slammed by the hilt of another scythe in the shoulder. Thrown off-guard, Shardak fumbled with the Blade of Arcturas, and the three Ix soldiers closed in for the kill.

Suddenly one of the attacking Ix soldiers' eyes bulged in shock. His scythe fell from his hands, and he crumpled to the ground. Shardak saw that a Limiter dagger was buried in his back. The second Limiter immediately whirled around, and the third hesitated to press his attack as Shardak stared at the being who had saved him, a being wearing the usual green-brown Limiter camouflage.

Shardak was confused. Kalix's Limiter had been wearing Glatorian armor, and the Limiter attack force wore black, to blend with the darkness. Who was this Ix? Where had he come from? His face was concealed by a Limiter mask, and in the gloom Shardak couldn't make out his eyes.

Both of the Limiters seemed shocked as well at the sudden appearance of another Ix. "Who—" one began.

He never finished. The Ix warrior charged forward, bringing his own scythe down on one of the Ix attackers. The final Ix warrior's eyes darted from Shardak to the mysterious Ix attacker, both who were closing in on him. He lunged forward, Shardak raising the Blade of Arcturas at the same time and running it through his heart.

"Thank y—" Shardak began, but before he could finish, the mysterious Ix had vanished.

Then chaos broke loose as Ix soldiers charged from another passageway toward him. Shardak saw Nightwatcher racing ahead of them, and realized he'd been trapped as more Ix pursuers appeared from all sides. In the wide cavern, Shardak could more easily hold them off, but more and more Ix soldiers were appearing, and to even hold them off— much less reach Ecbatana itself— before they were killed was something beyond even Nighwatcher's capabilities.

Shardak tensed, raising the Blade of Arcturas. He was ready to fight to death if necessary. He simply couldn't believe it had come to this. He, Valkyria, Nightwatcher, and Aran had been skilled, capable, and powerful. Now Aran lay dead, Valkyria was missing somewhere in the maze below Ecbatana, and he and Nightwatcher were both about to be finished off by Ix attackers.

Then saw another being emerge from the darkness.

It was a being he'd never thought he'd see again.

Atarus.

"Shardak?" gasped the Elemental, staring at him. Shardak looked around him, and saw two Matoran charging toward the Ix soldiers.

"Silver? Dust?" he asked, hardly daring to speak the names of the two Matoran who had disappeared nearly three years ago, beings he'd long since assumed dead. The two Matoran fought alongside the Elemental through the hordes of massed Ix warriors, who were closing in around Shardak and Nightwatcher. He couldn't be sure, but he thought he saw a Noctian racing through the shadows.

"There's the exit to the tunnel! Three right turns down!" yelled Atarus to Shardak. Nighwatcher nodded tersely and fought his way through the massed Ix, deeper into the cavern. Shardak followed, not daring to turn and look at Atarus, Silver, and Dust.

A Limiter appeared before him. Shardak slashed at his thigh with the Blade of Arcturas, but the Limiter deflected it easily. Before either of them could make the next move, however, a shadow leapt from the blackness, wearing silver armor and a noble Kanohi.

"Jareroden?" Shardak asked, naming the one member of the strike team to the Void whose status had never been confirmed as alive. The Toa nodded.

"Shardak! What are you doing here?" he asked, looking wildly around. "Where are we?"

"Under Ecbatana," Shardak said, confused. "We're searching for a way to get inside the city, but there are Ix here as well, hunting us. I'm not sure how many exits this labyrinth has, so we could be walking into an Ix trap."

"Atarus is holding them off," growled Nightwatcher. "Now keep moving. We have to find the tunnel exit and finish the job."

"But Valkyria—"

"—can take care of herself, and you won't be any help to her dead." Nightwatcher finished.

For a moment, Shardak realized, with a cynical bit of humor, that every single being in the Resistance was fighting to keep him alive— so that he could die later at the hands of Vahrikaan. Still, he knew Nightwatcher was right. Though he wanted to rejoin Atarus and Silver in the labyrinth and find Valkyria, he knew that it would likely mean their deaths. Shardak wondered for a moment exactly how Atarus and Silver had found them, and why they were in the tunnels underneath Ecbatana, but then pushed it aside. It was a mystery for a later time.

Rounding a corner, Shardak followed Atarus' directions. By the second turn, they were steadily climbing upward, and Shardak even thought he could hear muted footsteps of people above. There were no sign of any more of the mysterious crystal traps, and the only light came from Nightwatcher's torch. However, Shardak could see the tunnel was growing brighter, and the oppressive atmosphere of the labyrinth was fading.

"Aran was right," Nightwatcher breathed. "The tunnels really did lead directly under Ecbatana."

As they drew closer to the surface, Shardak could hear the sounds of battle. The Resistance was obviously still fighting. Whether or not they were winning the battle Shardak couldn't know, but he hoped that once he collapsed the walls, the rebellion would easily be able to break into Ecbatana and conquer the city.

Of course, it was unlikely the Ix would be that easily beaten.

Shardak rounded the final turn and burst onto the surface, looking wildly around. Ecbatana was obviously still held by the Ix, with soldiers poruing in from all sides to reinforce the inner wall defenders or the attacking rebel force. He could hear the sounds of battle drawing nearer and nearer, but the only thing he had eyes for were the group of Ix warriors, all of them carrying weapons, moving in to surround him.

"Greetings, Spirit Toa," one of the Ix hissed.

Fairon fought desperately against the Ix warriors, his battalion attempting to force their way into the city. All around him the clash of weapons mingled with the screams of the dying, and more Ix reinforcements poured in from the city, attempting to stem the tide of attacking Resistance soldiers. However, the reinforcements were simply not enough to halt the Resistance's advance.

The battle had begun well, with the Resistance using catapults to weaken the first wall enough for their armies to pour through. The Ix had, rather than continue the fight near the black battlements, withdrawn deeper into the city. This allowed the Resistance warriors to force their way past the scarlet walls. However, there the Ix reinforcements near the blue wall, the fourth, grew larger and larger, and the Ix held their ground.

Why they've withdrawn so far into their own walls is beyond me, Fairon thought, watching the Ix begin to give way. Despite their impassioned defense of the blue gate, it looked like the Resistance would force their way past this one as well. ''If they had more men, they could have crushed us. I just hope that Shardak is safe.''

Even with the Ix's hesitation to fight the Resistance, Fairon envisioned trouble taking down the two most powerful gates. The Ix soldiers guarding them were not shock troops, but Limiters and commanders, and Fairon knew that the Resistance had a long battle still ahead of them.

Still, the Resistance, despite their upper hand, was taking heavy casualties. The way the walls of the city were laid out allowed the defenders from the higher walls to get a clear shot at the Resistance soldiers, as well as those on the lower. Despite the distance, the Ix archers were skilled, and many Resistance soldiers had fallen to their arrows. This, combined with the way Ecbatana was situated at the foot of the mountain and forced the rebels to charge uphill for each wall they took, allowed the Ix to bring down many of the Resistance soldiers.

Fairon began to feel a twinge of unease as the Ix soldiers began to withdraw, almost all the way up to the blue wall's gates. Now all the Resistance would have to do was defeat them, and then pour through the blue walls. The Ix archers atop the rampart would still be able to shoot at them, but they would not be able to stop the rebellion from eventually securing the blue wall, as they currently were doing with the other three walls.

Fairon charged into the midst of the fighting alongside a group of Iskara Veythari, who were part of his battalion. His squadron also included Kharix, one of the victors who had escaped the 175th Eternal Game, and Galika, one of the few surviving Toa of the journey to the Void he'd been enlisted in.

The Resistance warriors, led by Fairon and the other squadron leaders, charged forward over the fallen Ix soldiers, forcing the battered defenders backward, toward the edge of the gates. The Ix couldn't retreat fast enough. The Resistance soldiers were already forcing their way through the gate, and Reid Vaethar, at the head of a division of Veythari warriors, was charging up the rampart and attacking the Ix archers head-on. Fairon himself hacked his way through the throng of Limiters alongside Kharix and Galika, forcing his way through the blue gate and charging toward the orange wall.

Then the Ix sprung their trap.

It happened so quickly that Fairon barely noticed until it was far too late. As the Resistance was at its weakest— with Vaethar's elite atop the blue rampart and the Resistance engaged head on at the foot of the blue gate, hundreds of Limiters appeared from all sides, many of them flooding in from directly behind Fairon. They'd overwhelmed anyone who stood in their path, and were bearing down on the Resistance soldiers, who were pinned between the blue and orange walls.

Caught, the Resistance's orderly ranks suddenly fell back in confusion as the Ix defenders, suddenly bolstered by hundreds of fresh reinforcements, renewed their assault. As the Resistance's main frontal attack force gave way in the face of overwhelming numbers, still more Ix poured in from all sides, trapping the Resistance between two gates— and two walls of Ix warriors.

Fairon fought desperately, his scimitars swinging wildly, blasting away with elemental power, taking as many ix down with him as he could, but there were simply too many to be stopped. Kharix's group was in full retreat, and was about to be crushed against the defenders of the orange wall; the rest of Fairon's squadron was, like the rest of the resistance army, being forced to react to far too many threats at once and crumbling in the face of the Ix attack.

With a horrible, sinking feeling, Fairon realized they'd fallen into an Ix trap which would likely cost them Ecbatana— and the war.

Shardak had better find a way to break down those walls, Fairon thought was he watched the Resistance soldiers, scattered and desperate, being slaughtered by Ix soldiers. Or we'll be pinned down between these walls and be slaughtered helplessly, every one of us.

Chapter 14
As the Limiters closed in around him, Shardak had no time to register any emotion other than shock and the immediate fear that the would kill him. Even Nightwatcher looked ready to prepare for a final stand as the Ix soldiers bore down on him. One slashed wildly at his shoulder, and Shardak barely managed to avoid being speared on the end of an Ix warrior's spear. Nightwatcher brought down one of the attackers, but five more took his place.

Shardak knew that the Blade of Arcturas and Aquaros were doing everything they could to protect their wielders. Nightwatcher's precise, controlled, and deadly slashes of Aquaros and Shardak's wild, uncontrolled, desperate fighting style brought down several more Ix warriors. However, as another group charged toward him, Shardak's guard faltered of the briefest second.

One Limiter was quick enough to take advantage, and Shardak staggered backward as the spear drove itself into his thigh. Pain worse than he had felt in a long time exploded through his body, for a moment blotting out all other thoughts and sensations. The Ix were quick to take advantage, and as Nighwatcher leapt in front of Shardak, deflecting the Limiter's thrust meant to kill him, two spears managed to pierce Nightwatcher's shoulder.

Now only five attackers remained. Nightwatcher quickly decapitated one, then slashed two more to the ground. the remaining Ix soldiers were more wary, but Nightwatcher and Shardak managed to bring them down with no further injury.

"Shardak!"

Valkyria's voice. Shardak turned to see her and Jareroden seemingly appear out of nowhere. The bodies of three other Ix soldiers lay behind them, shot down by Valkyria's arrows. "You okay?" he asked her.

"Fine," she said quickly. "But we won't be unless we get to the walls, now. The Resistance is trapped between the blue and orange gates by the main Ix army, and more are likely to be following us."

Nightwatcher flashed a signal of acknowledgement in the aura field and then turned and raced into the shadows. Shardak, Valkyria, and Jareroden followed them, concern for Fairon and his other friends making Shardak run all the faster. Several Limiters and Ix guards attempted to stop them as they raced through the alleyways and toward the heart of the city, but none put up any organized defense against them.

"Around this street corner is the citadel," said Nightwatcher. "The main defense point for the Ix soldiers. From here, we should be able to bring down the two walls."

Shardak nodded, following Nightwatcher around the street corner. Immediately he heard the shouts of the Ix defenders and the clashes of weapons as the Ix poured out of the city, reinforcing the main Ix army. Shardak couldn't get a clear glimpse of the Resistance attackers over the walls of the city, but he was sure they were being crushed by the Ix.

''I have to have enough power to do this. ''Shardak thought.

"Go!" ordered Nightwatcher.

"I'll cover you," promised Valkyria, raising her bow. Shardak took off after Nightwatcher in his grey armor inconspicuous and unnoticed for a few moments by the Resistance soldiers. It wasn't until he, Nightwatcher, and Jareroden had almost made it to the heart of the city that an Ix soldier noticed them.

"Resistance warriors! Toa! Inside the city!" he yelled. Several Limiter whirled around, facing Shardak. One Ix's eyes widened in recognition. "Nightwatcher!" he yelled. "Kill them!"

Ix warriors, hardly believing their luck, charged toward them. Immediately Valkyria's arrows claimed the lives of several attackers, and Shardak saw Nightwatcher and Jareroden immediately charge into battle. "Take them! Take the Spirit Toa!" Shardak heard another Limiter yell. Four Ix warriors appeared out of the shadows. One was killed immediately by the Blade of Arcturas, two more by Valkyria's arrows. Shardak slashed wildly at the remaining Limiter and thought he saw him go down.

The sound of a sword being drawn behind him alerted Shardak to his next attacker. Nightwatcher brought him down easily, but as more and more Ix soldiers surrounded the small group of Toa, Shardak could see that they were ultimately doomed. Nightwatcher had already suffered wounds, and Jareroden was covered in blood. Shardak cried out silently as an Ix scythe buried itself in his side, then again as a throwing dagger missed his neck by centimeters, glancing off his shoulder and drawing blood. Three more Limiters closed in around him, and one's scythe nearly slashed open Shardak's throat.

It was only through the quick intervention of the Blade of Arcturas, which reacted on its own, as quickly as a living being, that Shardak managed to avoid being impaled on the end of the Limiter's scythe. As it was, the weapon glanced off his neck, causing pain but not injuring him badly. The second Limiter's spear glanced off his armor, and the third, who carried a scythe as well, missed entirely as Shardak leaped out of reach.

"Kill the archer!" Shardak heard one of the Ix soldiers yell, and he saw a large group of beings racing toward Valkyria, who ran off, into the city. All of them carried blasters, and Shardak realized it was unlikely she'd escape alive as well. The only thing she could do was die along with them.

Turning his gaze up, to the massive walls, Shardak reached out and probed the structure with his aura. The two final gates were massive, the golden wall nearly two hundred feet above the ground. Both walls had ramparts patrolled by scores of Ix soldiers, all firing indiscriminately down into the battles below. However, as he reached into the aura field, he was surprised to realize that the walls had powerful shields around them, designed to nullify all types of auric and elemental attack.

He could feel that they did indeed have several weak points— structural flaws too subtle to notice— that could be used to topple them. Still, the walls were so well constructed and so well shielded against auric attack that it would take a massive amount of auric energy to bring them both down, far more than he possessed.

You do not need to collapse the whole of the walls Merely shift several centimeters of them so that they collapse. Shardak could hear Nightwatcher's voice saying. The Toa of Shadow had told him this just before they'd entered the tunnels. And I will aid your aura if it becomes too depleted to maintain the task.

Still, what he planned to do had horrible repurcussions. Everyone on the massive ramparts— and many Ix soldiers below— would be killed. Others would be horribly wounded. He'd killed in battle before, but could he take the lives of tens, possibly hundreds of beings with a single, devastating attack.

The screams of the Resistance soldiers echoed in Shardak's ears. Even now they were being slaughtered by the Ix, probably despairing of victory. They were counting on him to bring down the walls.

It would take far more auric strength than Shardak had ever used before, more than he believed he possessed. Drawing as much auric power as he could from the Blade of Arcturas, he reached out, deep into the aura field, deep into the energy field surrounding the walls.

''Mata Nui, forgive me. ''Shardak thought as he located the small flaws in the walls and committed the full strength of his auric power to the hope that it would destroy them.

The amount of energy it drained all at once was so startling that Shardak fell to his knees. He could feel every inch of strength fade from him, and he felt blackness reaching up from the depths of his mind to claim him. His aura had been reduced to less than a spark, now it was feeding on his life force to maintain the attack on the walls. Shardak closed his eyes as he felt the last of his strength begin to fade.

Then a rumble shook the massive wall with golden battlements. Moments later, the same sound shook the smaller silver wall's front section, as Shardak pulled the north section of the wall away from the rest. Shardak poured more and more of his power into overcoming the walls, and felt another powerful aura join his— Nightwatcher's. The Toa fed massive amounts of strength through Shardak's body and into the attack, and Shardak thought he felt Valkyria's aura touch his as well.

Then the walls shook. The gates began to shatter. The sound of crushing masonry rang through the air as the great walls of Ecbatana, the only city on Xaterex which had never been taken in battle, gave way. For a moment, the shadow of the massive walls hid everything from Shardak's view. And then, with a massive roar like a dying beast, the walls fell.

With a deafening, resounding sound of complete finality, the massive golden battlements hit the ground, crushing hundreds of Ix reinforcements who were charging toward the battle in an instant. The silver wall fell as well, slamming into the lower orange wall and damaging it badly. For a moment, Shardak's vision was completely obscured by the explosion of rocks and fragments of the walls, then it cleared and Shardak looked around him.

The battle had come to a complete halt. Despite their superior numbers, the Ix soldiers had immediately stopped attacking Nightwatcher and Jareroden, and indeed the Ix soldiers who could have killed Shardak moments before had likewise stopped. Even the battles near the outside gates had stopped as Ix and Toa like paused to stare at the massive ruins of Ecbatana's walls in awe and shock.

Then, on the other side of the damaged wall with orange battlements, a voice rang out above the rest. "Take the city!"

With a roar, the Resistance soldiers raced through the smashed, twisted remnants of the gate, charging across the ruins of the silver and gold battlements and into the city of Ecbatana. The Ix recovered quickly, and charged toward the Resistance armies, their weapons drawn.

The battle was over a few hours into the night. The Ix soldiers fought on, at first hoping to defeat the Resistance, than with increasing desperation, but they couild not stop the inevitable. The Resistance soldiers poured into the city, and the Ix, who really had no heart for battle after seeing how the walls had fallen, scattered and, though the battle grew bloody, there was never really any risk the Resistance would lose. In a final bit of savage, bloody fighting, they'd managed to fight their way into the Citadel itself and take control of it. After that, the vast majority of the remaining Ix defenders surrendered or fled.

Looking around with ruins of the massive palisades beneath which the Ix soldiers he'd killed lay crushed and broken, Shardak felt that, despite the destruction that had occured here, he could breathe more easily. The threat which Ecbatana had posed to the Resistance— a threat that could have meant their destruction— had been removed, and Shardak felt more relaxed now that the massive battle had ended.

"There's still fighting going on in some of the lower districts," reported Vale Iskara, whose armor was blood spattered like all of the rebel fighters Shardak had seen since the battle. She, Reid Vaethar, Fairon, and the rest of the Resistance leaders had regathered outside the citadel, where the Resistance army was currently based. "Some of the Ix have barricaded themselves within the smaller command citadels, but we are assured of victory."

"Truly, we have done well, conquering the unconquerable city," said Reid Vaethar. He seemed just as shocked by what had occurred as the Ix defenders had been. "I never thought I'd live to see the city fall, but this proves that we still have a fighting chance."

"Indeed we do," said a new voice, and Shardak whirled around to see Atarus, followed closely by Silver, Dust, and the Noctian, standing behind him, covered in blood. He seemed to have very few wounds; the blood that stained his armor was the blood of the Limiters he'd fought in the caves. "I managed to escape the caves. Silver, Dust, and Leviathos" — here he gestured to the Noctian— "have survived as well."

"Leviathos!" gasped Fairon. "How did you— how..." his voice trailed off into silence as he stared at the Noctian, and Fairon thought he looked like he'd seen a ghost.

Leviathos' bestial features gave way to a small smile. "It's a long story." he said, without elaboration.

"We did not expect to see you alive again, Atarus," said Reid Vaethar. "I didn't dare to hope we could even capture Ecbatana— but to find you alive as well gives me hope that we may be able to bring down Drakos Capitol as well."

"Well, I don't deserve any of the credit," said Atarus. "Indeed, after the Void, I would have been dead, and I did not expect to survive. Shardak saw me take the Ix who had pretended to be his sister over the edge of the cliff with me, and after the massive explosion assumed I had been killed. But another being saved my life. I do not know what happened to the Ix girl, but it's likely she was vaporized in the explosion."

"Who is this being?" asked Shardak.

"I am many things, Spirit Toa," said a new voice, cold, enigmatic, unknowable—and somehow familiar. "But my title is Varkanax."

The being who had spoken stepped out of the shadows. He wore a robe which shrouded his features in shadow, save his two dark green eyes. Only his hands could be seen, and his left had no muscle or armor, and was simply made of bone.

But what truly horrified Shardak was his aura— or his lack of one. Instead of a presence in the aura field, the being was a void of nothingness, a darkness in which light could pour forever into and still not penetrate. Unlike even the Vorgaan, who were simply invisible in the field, this being had no aura at all, and that simple fact scared Shardak more than anything else.

"Death," whispered Vaethar, taking a step back away from the figure. "I have seen you before...but never—"

"We have met before," said the being with the skeletal hand. "During the days after the fall. I helped your Veythari warriors survive when all hope seemed lost."

"Yes, we owe you much," said Vaethar, though his voice was edged with fear.

"I have done nothing other than my duty," said Varkanax. "As it was my duty to rescue Atarus. Your Resistance would have collapsed otherwise, despite the victory you've won here today."

"Why?" asked Shardak. "Have you heard news from Calos? Has Saren defeated our fleet?"

"Not as far as I know," said Varkanax. "But Saren Naghara is unimportant. You are spread too thin, over too many lands, and the Ix are planning to crush you between two armies.

"But this is not my concern," he continued. "My concern is with the Spirit Toa...and his destiny."

"Now, hold on," blustered Caltax. "We don't know you, nor do we know anything about you. All that we know is that your name is Death, and—"

"My title is Varkanax," interrupted the being, and again all of those present who had survived Lost Arcaea flinched at the sound of the word. "And it can mean many things."

"You don't seem trustworthy anyway!" continued Caltax, as though he had not even heard the being with the skeletal hand. "You show up with Atarus, Silver, and Dust, and claim to be our ally. How do we know you're not an Ix spy?"

"Good questions, all." Varkanax acknowledged him, still calm. "And I will answer them. It is indeed true that I took Silver and Dust prisoner and brought them to the Order. It is also true that I was able to free them, thus luring many of the Order's best operatives into a chase after escaped prisoners when they should have been focusing on their war effort. After your attempted mission to the Void, I was able to rescue Atarus as well."

"So you keep saying," said Caltax. "But I cannot believe that you, after having such close association with our enemies, are truly loyal to the Resistance."

"I support the goals of your rebellion wholeheartedly," said Varkanax. "However, what the Ix and the Resistance do is of no more consequence than what the Order and the Arcaeans did during the Fall— it was merely another stage in the war against Lord Vahrikaan. No, my goal is to help Toa Shardak fulfill his destiny, and to stop Lord Vahrikaan."

Shardak's head was spinning. So much had happened, from the journey beneath the city to the Lake of Apparitions to Aran's death and the Battle of Ecbatana, it was too much, too much all at once. At that moment, all he wanted to do was rest.

"You can trust him," said Silver, speaking for the first time. "He is telling the truth."

"So you say," said Caltax.

"Enough," said Atarus calmly. "I must go to oversee the occupation of the city, to make sure that the Ix have been completely subdued. Shardak, you must rest. You have had a trying, long day, and Nightwatcher had told me about the Lake of Apparitions. We have arranged quarters for you within the Citadel."

Shardak had never felt so awake and yet so exhausted. The events he'd seen, and what he'd done to capture the city, had taken its toll on him, and yet he still clung to consciousness desperately. There were so many questions he still needed to ask Atarus.

Sensing his emotions in the aura field, Atarus spoke. "I'm far too busy now anyway. We may have secured the city, but it may take more than one day before we have all of Ecbatana under our control. I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow about all that has happened since we parted in the Void."

Shouts and the clash of weapons startled Shardak into consciousness.

Yells rang out from the other side of the Citadel. Despite the fact it was late into the night, nearly dawn, the city's lights were still lit, and Shardak, through the window of his room within the Citadel, could see the Resistance's defenders racing toward the citadel itself, where the core of the Resistance army was currently based. He couldn't make out what the threat was, but raced through the hallways of the Citadel and into the open night.

As he ran through the courtyards, Shardak saw the Resistance commanders gathered, talking furiously. All wore grim expressions, and were ignoring the yells, which could still be heard from a distance.

"What's going on?" asked Shardak. "Are we under attack?"

"No," said Reid Vaethar. "Not really. Merely several Ix loyalists who cannot accept that the battle of Ecbatana is lost. My Veythari are dealing with this. However, that is not our concern."

Shardak looked around, and saw that Atarus and Varkanax were also there. Of them all, only Varkanax's expression was unreadable, shrouded in shadow as it was. The rest looked grimmer than Shardak had seen them since the capture of Iskar and Ecbatana.

"We have captured several Ix elite who confessed that the full strength of the Ix army is moving on New Metru Nui. As soon as this rumor became apparent, we sent out a number of scouts deeper into Media to confirm this. Of the ten scouts, only three returned. They all confirm the same thing: the Ix are pulling the full force of their army out of Drakos and hurling it at New Metru Nui."

"How many?" asked Shardak.

"We estimate nearly two million Ix warriors. When they join the Iskar strike force, they'll number five thousand more."

Shardak felt his heart sink. ''Over two million. ''The sheer enormity of the number overwhelmed him. He knew that the Resistance, at full strength, had less than a million soldiers in Ecbatana itself. At New Metru Nui there were fear fewer. The Ix would outnumber them three to one, and combined with the force of Iskar, they would crush New Metru Nui within hours.

''This was the trap that Kalix warned of. ''

"Two million Ix warriors." Shardak said as slowly as possible. "Nearly three."

"Yes," said Vaethar grimly. "It is an army with but one purpose. To destroy everything. To wipe the Resistance off the map forever."

"The Ix no longer care about what happens here. They're finished with the Resistance," said Varkanax. "Once the Ix are done with Akkad and New Metru Nui, it won't matter what happens at Drakos Capitol. They'll regroup at the Wastelands, or near the ruins of Gigas Nui and invade the Fells."

"Less than a thousand Veythari are there!" said Vaethar. "They have no defenses whatsoever and we have no way of reaching them, thanks to Saren."

"Is there any way we can stop them?" asked Shardak. "Any chance we could turn back their army?"

He saw from their expressions it was futile. Nothing, no show of bravery, no amount of courage, could turn back an army of three million Ix soldiers. Nothing waited for them at New Metru Nui but death.

"What should we do, then?" asked Shardak. "Move immediately on Drakos Capitol?"

Atarus shook his head. "The passes into Media are barred off by Vorgaan soldiers. We will indeed continue the fight into Media, but it will likely take months. By then, the Ix will have likely cut off Ecbatana and our other Median territories from any outside help, and we'll have no way to retreat."

"We have to try something!" said Shardak desperately. "We can't simply let the Ix crush us! We can't recover the other two swords of Elemental power. They're both in Ix hands."

"We will try something," said Atarus. "And we certainly will not give in to an Ix force, no matter how large. During the battle for Ecbatana, we have managed to capture a small number of Arcaean aircraft."

Shardak nodded. Aircraft were even rarer than starfighters, another lost remnant of Arcaean culture. Unlike the stracraft, which the Ix still were able to produce for their empire, aircraft were even rarer. The Ix had a large number stored in Drakos Capitol, a remnant left over from the Arcaean war, but very rarely were they manufactured.

"We're forming plans to send an elite team of beings back to New Metru Nui, a team that you and Valkyria will be included in. The Ix won't arrive at New Metru Nui for at least four days, long enough for defenses to be organized. We must hold the Ix force off at the city as long as possible, until we can organize an assault on Drakos from Ecbatana."

"I will go," said Reid. "I will not allow the Ix to storm into the Fells unless they kill me first."

"Nor I," said Vale Iskara.

"You shouldn't leave Media," said Atarus to Vaethar. "We need to you and the majority of your Veythari here, to spearhead the assault on Drakos. We can only hope to hold off the Ix from taking New Metru Nui, but we must surround and cut off the capitol. All is lost otherwise."

Vaethar nodded grudgingly. "Iskara can go, then, along with any others she chooses."

"I will go, to represent the Noctians," said one of the two Ossoona leaders. Shardak hadn't caught his name, but he carried a massive battleaxe in one hand, still stained with the blood from the Battle of Ecbatana. Atarus nodded in agreement. "I myself must stay, but Silver has elected to go with you."

Shardak was surprised, pleasantly so. He looked forward to speaking with his old friend, namely about the identity of the being with the skeletal hand, Varkanax, and whether or not Silver thought he could be trusted.

"I know that you cannot go with them," said Varkanax, speaking for the first time. His voice had a slight rasp, along with an accent that Shardak found hard to place. Still, it seemed strangely familiar, and again Shardak shivered with apprehension. For no discernible reason, something chilled him about the being far beyond his strange lack of an aura. "But, with your permission, may I join them, Atarus? I'd like to help train the Spirit Toa. The endgame has begun, and he will need all of the knowledge he can gain to stand against Vahrikaan."

Atarus hesitated for a moment, and Shardak could feel his distrust flash briefly in the aura field. Shardak was relieved, the mistrust showed that his mentor was not under this being's control, at least not fully. Shardak had been worried for his mentor's health, and if he was merely a puppet for the enigmatic Varkanax.

"Yes," said Atarus finally. "You may accompany him. He must he trained before he is able to confront Lord Vahrikaan, in both the aura field and in physical combat."

"Vahrikaan has had centuries to hone his skill," said Varkanax in acknowledgement.

"Then we have decided," said Atarus. "Do all that you can to stop the Ix. They must not, cannot, be allowed to take New Metru Nui without heavy losses. We have to hold off their army as long as possible, or all is lost. If defeat becomes inevitable, Shardak, the rest of the group have orders to send you back in the airship."

"Understood," answered Shardak evenly, fear seeping into him despite himself. The full legions of the Ix had been unleashed on Xaterex, and Atarus and the rest of the Resistance would be forced to battle their way through hundreds of massed Order members to reach the heart of the Ix Empire. And Vahrikaan, the Hooded One, and Skorpix were still out there as well.

Atarus gave him a grim yet determined smile. "When we next meet, Shardak, may it be before the gates of Drakos Capitol!"

Chapter 15
"In order to fight with two weapons, you must understand that no skill I can teach you will make you a master of war."

Shardak and Valkyria listened intently to Nightwatcher as he spoke, both of them breathing slightly more heavily after a viscious sword duel. They were standing upon the Khara-ir Plain- Arcaean for the Burning Plain. During the wars following the Fall, this was the site of a battle between Ix, Makuta rebels, and the Toa Order, a night of fire and terror that had wiped all of the foliage there out. The land was still a dry plain. Iskandar had been alive, and fought in that battle himself then. And soon, it would be a battleground once more, between the Ix and the Resistance.

The enigmatic Toa of Shadow had been training him in the use of two-weapon fighting— sword techniques far more advanced than anything Atarus had shown him. Shardak had been practicing alone with both Varkanax and Nightwatcher since he'd arrived in New Metru Nui two days before, and while the city prepared for war, Shardak and Valkyria were practicing both mental and physical combat in preparation for the battles ahead.

But Shardak hadn't mentioned all that he hoped he could learn from Nightwatcher. What Atarus had told him, when he'd first confronted the Toa of Shadow and managed to defeat him with help from Kyhrex, Valkyria, and Arkhan.

Nightwatcher is one of the few beings still alive today to have mastered all seven combat forms. He has trained in techniques created by Ix and advanced combat forms long forgotten. But his greatest skill is his own form: one that uses all seven, one skill that, when learned, is nearly unstoppable.

Shardak had never forgotten what Atarus had told him. And now, with the Ix closing in, he knew that he needed to become nearly unstoppable.

"Mastering these skills would take a lifetime," continued Nightwatcher. "And I have had many, many years to hone my combat skills to perfection."

Shardak knew that Nightwatcher was one of the very few living beings who had mastered all of the seven classical combat forms. He knew what Nightwatcher meant. But he needed to master them, or he was sure that he could never defeat beings of power such as the Hooded One, Skorpix, and Vahrikaan, beings who made even the Ix look weak and insignificant.

"But if there is one thing I can teach you, it is that, in order to face Vahrikaan, you must not confront him without being able to improvise. When you fight, you must be working almost unconsciously to attain victory by any means possible.

"These two-sword techniques are powerful and deadly combat forms well beyond the realms of what you've trained in as of now, Lihtne, Guokte, Sila, Vauhti and the rest. The six classical forms are enough challenge. But if these tactics can provide something new to your arsenal of techniques, something that you can use unpredictably to help stand against Vahrikaan, then you will have learned them well enough."

Nightwatcher gestured to Shardak. "You have practiced against me, Toa Shardak. And I have shown you several of the basic tactics of Soretsu, one of the most advanced techniques of two-weapon fighting style Guokte. Now test yourself against Valkyria. I wish to see how much skill you truly have. Only the Blade of Arcturas will be necessary for now."

Shardak lay down the shorter scimitar he'd been using to practice with Nightwatcher and turned to face his opponent. He knew from bitter experience how deadly Valkyria could be. Even now, her lithe body was tensed, ready, waiting for Shardak to make the first move. Still, it had been many months since they'd last sparred, and Shardak was eager to see if the skills he'd learned could compensate for the Ix warrior's advantage of speed.

Shardak raised the Blade of Arcturas, opening the duel with a simple slash aimed at Valkyria's left shoulder. The Ix warrior easily sidestepped, then deflected three of Shardak's rapid Lihtne strikes easily. Shardak raised the Blade of Arcturas, readying to attempt a powerful Sila technique. However, before he could move, Valkyria was on him, forcing him back, her scimitar a blinding flash of silver light in the shadowy illumination.

Shardak managed to halt her offensive before she managed to force him back more than four steps, but he knew it was unlikely to last long. Unless he chose to allow the Blade of Arcturas to take control of him, something he'd never allow during a competition like this, he simply could not compensate for the speed which Ix and Elementals possessed. His sword locked with Valkyria's, and they strove against one another.

Shardak managed to deflect Silverblade before it slipped beneath his guard, but Valkyria was fast enough to change tactics at the last second and missing Shardak's shoulder narrowly. Shardak countered with a slash which glanced off Valkyria's armor, and she managed to dent his own with the scimitar. Shardak felt the Sword of Fire begin to burn slightly, revitalizing him and giving him enough speed to counter Valkyria's blinding salvo of Vauhti attacks.

Shardak began to lose track of time as the red of the Blade of Arcturas clashed again and again against Valkyria's scimitar. It was as though they were locked in a viscous dance, at times nearly touching, at others forced apart. Neither of them could gain the upper hand. Valkyria was clearly faster and more adept with the scimitar than Shardak was with the sword, but his strength allowed him an edge in close combat.

Not that it did him much good. Valkyria fought like an acrobat, using backflips and kicks along with her best sword techniques.

Valkyria was currently forcing Shardak back across the field, toward Nightwatcher. The Toa of Shadow had displayed no emotion nor offered any praise to either of them, merely stared intently with his cold green eyes. Valkyria swung the scimitar at him, aiming for what she hoped would be the finishing strike, but Shardak managed to duck at the last second. For a split second, she hesitated, and Shardak lunged toward Valkyria, hoping to end the struggle.

However, Valkyria simply slipped out of the way, easily and effortlessly, in contrast to Shardak's quick scramble out of the way. As hard as Shardak fought, he rarely managed to even touch her with the blade. He forced his way forward, deflecting her blindingly fast sword techniques, but as he brought the sword down Valkyria flipped backward, landing on her feet and counterattacking before Shardak could even react. Slowly he was forced on the defensive once more, his most powerful sword strikes simply meeting thin air.

''Does she ever get tired? ''Shardak wondered. Valkyria seemed no weaker than she had at the beginning of the duel. Finally, however, she seemed to weaken, breathing slightly. Shardak lunged toward her, aiming to knock the sword from her grasp.

Only then did Shardak realize it was a ploy, but it was too late. Valkyria kicked him in the side, and as he stumbled backward she brought Silverblade down on the Sword of Fire and, in one fluid motion, knocked the sword from his grasp. It clattered to the ground.

Silence descended upon the battlefield as Shardak met Valkyria's gleaming emerald eyes. She seemed more tired than before, but Shardak felt as though most of his vitality had been drained from him.

Nightwatcher walked over to them. "You fought well," he said. "Clearly you are both no strangers to Lihtne or Napad. Valkyria, very good use of Vauhti and Sila, as well as the more uncommon Iskana . Shardak, likewise, your use of Sila is exemplary, combining auric attack with sword strokes requires uncommon skill. However, in a fight with an Ix warrior, be warned that very few of them practice common sword techniques, instead focusing on techniques such as Karisku and Iskana, which are far more complicated. Both of those tactics Valkyria used against you. You should not have to learn it, but you must be able to defend against it.

"Karisku is mainly used by Limiters. The form emphasizes speed and agile attacks over full force, as well as the cunning of Vauhti. Valkyria uses this skill often, to counter some of your Napad techniques. However, Iskana is what she demonstrated most skilfully. Clearly she's learned it well. Iskana emphasizes the use of your whole body as a weapon, favoring kicks, backflips, punches, and complex sword and scythe techniques. It is most easily countered by forms such as some complex Guokte tactics and Soretsu, which, as a two-weapon technique, emphasize both attack and defense. However, many of the most simple Guokte tactics are useless against it."

Shardak nodded. "Are there any of the seven main forms you think I could perfect?"

"Your best skills are in Napad, Sila, Guokte, and Lihtne. You are extremely skilled in all four of them, and even more so when using the Blade of Arcturas. You are indeed skilled enough to learn techniques of the seven such as Soretsu.

"Though in a few weeks I could turn you into a decent Kracht fighter, I think you should focus on perfecting the two-weapon techniques. As for Tera and Vauhti, both forms are too complex for you to yet mix with the others. You know some Vauhti, that's clear, but obviously Sila and Napad are your strong points."

Shardak knew he didn't have the time to become a master of all the forms. His instructors had trained him to the best of their ability, and the four forms he'd learned he knew well. There was too little time for him to learn all that he needed to know. Too little time before he would have to face Vahrikaan himself.

"I need to learn all that I can. I somehow have to master the others," he said. "There's too little time, I know, with Vahrikaan closing in. But I don't stand a chance otherwise."

"You wish to master the others? Why?" asked Nightwatcher.

Shardak had hoped to ask Nightwatcher about this more tactfully, when he was alone with the Toa of Shadow. But he saw no reason to withhold his ambitions from the Toa of Shadow.

"I need to learn your combat form. The form you created which uses all of the seven. Without it, I don't see how I can ever stop Vahrikaan."

Nightwatcher hesitated. "We have so little time...but if you could master it, you'd be nearly unstoppable. But only if you perfected the rest of the seven do I think you could learn it."

"All of the seven? Tera is designed for a completely different type of weapon," said Shardak. "Would it be enough to learn how to defend against it?"

"Perhaps," said Nightwatcher. "However, I cannot get your hopes up. This combat form is extremely difficult to master, and will not make you invulnerable. However, I will train you in the combat forms. If you can learn even some of the skill, enough to make you a true rival to the Elemental servants of Vahrikaan, then it will help you."

Atop the towers of the citadel at the heart of New Metru Nui, Shardak stood in the gathering dusk, looking out over the ramparts, awaiting the arrival of the Ix army.

Advance Veythari scouts had confirmed that the Ix were closing in on the city. They'd also confirmed they numbered far into the thousands, and they'd be nearly two million strong once they joined with Skorpix's army from Iskar.

The rest of the afternoon Shardak and Valkyria had spent with Varkanax. The enigmatic being with the skeletal hand had been teaching them a complex aura technique, which allowed a being to gain entry into another's mind. Varkanax had first demonstrated the attack on Shardak, then Valkyria. He then asked Valkyria and Shardak to try it against each other. Shardak had put up a strong defense against Valkyria, but the Ix female had eventually been able to force her way through his auric defenses and gain control of his mind.

While Valkyria stood at the edge of the rampart, watching intently as the Resistance prepared for the inevitable Ix attack, Shardak couldn't help but stare at her momentarily. Even by Ix standards he thought she was strikingly beautiful. The only hint of her Illieran heritage were her jade green eyes. Shardak thought back to the grim, cold girl she'd been when he'd first met her, and marveled at how different they'd both been before then. He'd been a young Toa traveling alone through the Void with no idea of his destiny, and Valkyria had been sent by the Ix to kill him.

"What do you think of the combat skills Nightwatcher showed us?" asked Shardak. Valkyria was standing at the edge of the wall, looking over into the black abyss below. Already the Resistance defenders were gathering in the courtyard, Shardak saw they numbered in thousands as well, but with the main Resistance force approaching Drakos, there was little hope that they could hold the city.

"We'll have to attack before Skorpix's army arrives," said Shardak, half to himself. 'Otherwise we'll be forced to fight on two fronts and be overwhelmed. How long do you think we can hold them off?"

"Maybe a week," said Valkyria, her voice grim. "Less, though, if we can't lessen the strength of the first attack force before Skorpix shows up."

Shardak had expected this, and knew that Valkyria was right. Even if the force wasn't composed of Ix, who were skilled enough to eliminate many of the rank-and-file Glatorian Resistance fighters, the sheer numbers would overwhelm them.

He watched as Valkyria's hand strayed to the hilt of her scimitar. Seized by sudden curiousity, he asked her. "What will you do when the war is over? If we win?"

Shardak saw that Valkyria seemed surprised slightly at the question, and hesitated for a moment. Then she answered. "I'm not sure. Right now, it seems to unlikely that we can stop Vahrikaan, and even if we did, it seems so far away. Still, I think that if we win the war I will help Kalix and the other Ix aligned with the Resistance help the rest of my people recover from the war. Many of them still truly believe the lies that the Order told them. If I could find a way to break the idea that we are somehow superior to the rest of the peoples of Xaterex forever, my people will not have to suffer after the war was over."

Shardak had often wondered about the fate of the Ix himself. If they somehow won the war, what would happen to them? But every one of them were dangerous, used to being in control of Xaterex. What could be done with the Ix? Was it possible to put an entire species on trial for war crimes? That's what it would amount to, in the end.

But, on the other hand, Shardak knew that the vast majority of the Ix were not bent on wiping out the races they ruled, not all of them had supported the Hooded One and Reyna's planned use of Elimination. Indeed, Valkyria was right, many of them merely believed what she once had: that the Resistance were merely stirring up trouble and had to be crushed so their benevolent rule could go on.

The Resistance knew that was not the case, and had rebelled to stop the Ix gaining the Annulus. Likewise, only the Order, the unseen masters of the Ix, had sanctioned the planned attack from the Void, and the use of Elimination. The vast majority of the Ix, civilians and soldiers alike, were innocent. It was their commanders who had to be stopped, though the Limiters were no less dangerous because of it.

"And what will you—" Valkyria began, then cut herself off immediately, looking guilty. An awkward silence descended as the unspoken truth hung between them.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

Staring into Valkyria's jade green eyes, which were slightly slanted like those of all Ix, Shardak again felt a pang of sadness. His mind strayed back to those days in the Resistance, when his friendship with Valkyria had begun to evolve into an entirely different kind of relationship. After she'd betrayed the Ix to save Shardak, Valkyria simply maintained an easy friendship, though Shardak's feelings for her had not faded. But now Shardak knew there was no hope for that now. Too much separated them. He would die as the prophecy foretold, and if she survived the war she'd live on.

He should tell her how he felt, thought Shardak. But words failed him. How could he go into battle again, and face Vahrikaan, but not have the courage to say something so simple and obvious?

"THE IX!" A voice rang out from beneath them, in the courtyard. Immediately Shardak and Valkyria raced to the edge of the rampart, staring over the walls. "The Ix army is here!"

Shardak raced to the edge of the rampart and stared in shock at the massed forces of Ix. Even in the dusky illumination, the sheer numbers of the Ix army took his breath away. Row upon row of soldiers were stationed on the Burning Plain, grouped in phalanxes, legions, and other divisions, were grouped from the gates of New Metru Nui into the distance as far as his eye could see. Every one of them was armed to the teeth with all types of weapons, from pikes to scimitars. Shardak could see a massed group of nearly eight hundred massed Limiters gathered at the head of the army, their white, shattered-bone masks gleaming in the twilight.

Shardak and Valkyria could think of nothing to say in the face of such a titanic, earth-shaking army. Even the Resistance commanders grouped below were stunned into silence.

Then the Ix's ranks parted. Shardak saw a single being, hooded and cloaked, step from the shadows. Even from this distance there was no mistaking the scythe the being carried. Curved and wickedly sharp, it gleamed in the darkness, a thin curved crescent honed to an infinitesimal point.

''Eostra the Hooded One. ''

The being who had turned his father into a monster. Hatred and fear threatened to overwhelm him.

"Armies of the Resistance," Eostra's cold, rasping voice carried clearly even over the long distance. "I have a proposition for you."

For a moment, all was silent. The massed soldiers of the Resistance murmured among themselves, wondering what the Hooded One's ultimatum would be.

"You have seen the strength of our armies," said Eostra. "You cannot hope to hold this city. Nor can you hope to win the war. Even now another Ix army is closing in around your forces in Media, and will cut them off and starve them out. You can no longer hope to defeat us, or stop the fulfillment of Lord Vahrikaan's plans. This war will soon be over.

"However," she continued. "I understand that none of you fight us of your own free will, and that you are compelled to fight by your masters, who have encouraged you to resist our rule. Surrender, and turn over to us the Spirit Toa, Shardak, and you will be spared. If you choose to fight for him, we will slaughter our way through this city and kill every one of you within."

Silence. The last words of the Hooded One seemed to hang in the air, echoing off the distant mountains of Media themselves.

Then Iskandar's voice was heard, proud and defiant. "We are an ancient order, and we do not answer to you, but to the traditions of Arcaea. We will not submit."

"Arcaea?" asked the Hooded One. "Then have no fear of throwing open your gates, for I am Eostra, the ruler of Shadovar before the fall. I have come to reclaim my kingdom."

Once again the Resistance was stunned into silence. But this time gasps of shock and exclamations of horror rang out from the massed forces of the Resistance as the Hooded One revealed her identity. For a moment, the courage of the Resistance seemed to waver in the face of the massive Ix army.

Then Iskandar spoke again. "We will never submit to you, betrayers of Arcaea, or surrender this city. If you want Toa Shardak, you will have to get through every one of us before you take him!"

For a moment, the massed legions of the Ix remained silent and still. The Resistance warriors murmured among each other in fear, not knowing what Eostra would say next.

The Hooded One raised one corpse-like hand to point at the city walls. "Do you really wish to face the might of the Ix Empire? Do you dare declare war upon Vahrikaan? Our lord is merciful. He only cares about taking the Spirit Toa. The rest of you will be spared. This long war will be brought to an end. Do you not want this?

"But I know that you are not fighting of your own free will. You are fighting because of your misguided leaders who believe us the enemy, and they need a long time to think on what I have said. You do not believe that we can work together to build a better world.

"You have until dawn to surrender the Spirit Toa. Then we will overrun your city and kill everyone within."

"The Hooded One's words are not to be believed," said Iskandar to the massed legions of the Resistance, all of them armed and outfitted for war.

Shardak stared up at the Illieran commander, who stood on a raised platform overlooking the armies of the Resistance. Beside him, arrayed in full battle armor, stood Valkyria, her eyes visible beneath her steel helmet. Kalix and Fairon flanked them on either side, both wearing armor with the commander insignia engraved onto the helmet and breastplate.

"Vahrikaan and his servants have no intentions of ever allowing us to remain in peace. If any here think that we could hand over the Spirit Toa and go free, than you are wrong. Nearly a million Ix soldiers are waiting at our gates to tear the walls of our city down and destroy us all.

"And even if they did withdraw, and leave us in peace here, would we survive under Lord Vahrikaan? Remember, this being sanctioned the destruction of the Toa Order! His Ix warriors attempted to obliterate us all with the Sarkanian clones."

Shardak noticed that Iskandar avoided mention of Reyna's and the Hooded One's Elimination virus. He could see why the Illieran would not want the plague to become common knowledge. Once again, Shardak thought of the starcraft that had escaped the Resistance base, and whether or not he and Valkyria were wrong to think it carried the live virus. He would have thought that everyone on Xaterex would have died by now if the starcraft had crashed.

"We will not surrender," said Iskandar, his rising voice breaking through Shardak's thoughts. "We must show Vahrikaan that we can stop the Ix. That our will to fight will never be broken, no matter what we must face. Even if the Ix attack us with three million, four million, or five million soldiers, we will not surrender!"

Cheers and shouts of defiance rang out from all sides as nearly five thousand Resistance soldiers raised their weapons. Shardak lifted the Blade of Arcturas, its red blade gleaming in the predawn light.

"We shall fight here, in the Fells, in the Wastelands, in Akkadia. We will fight the Ix each day until they have learned that while many of us may fall, they shall never break our fighting spirit!

"Last night, the Hooded One, Eostra, asked us to submit to Vahrikaan's dominion. She has given us until tomarrow to turn over the Spirit Toa, and surrender the city."

Iskandar raised his massive, wickedly curved scimitar just as dawn broke over Xaterex. "Tomorrow is upon us! Long live the Resistance!"

"Long live the Resistance! LONG LIVE THE RESISTANCE!" Five thousand voices roared in unision. Beside him, Kalix, Valkyria, and Fairon readied their weapons, knowing that in a few moments, they would once again be fighting for their lives.

Iskandar turned away, and walked toward the ramparts to face the massed legions of the Ix. All at once, every one of the Resistance soldiers began to mobilize, stepping out of the safety of the highest walls and onto the plain. Shardak could see now that only one wall seperated them from their enemies. Every one of them was armed to the teeth, all highly skilled and trained Ix warriors. Shardak could spot nearly three hundred Limiters in the vanguard, carrying massived scythes in phalanx that mirrored that of the Hooded One. The columns of Ix warriors stretched in all directions as far as the eye could see, and for a moment even Nightwatcher seemed to quail in the face of such a massive, earth-shattering army.

Their ranks parted, and Eostra stepped forth imperiously, raising her scythe so it reflected the rising sun into Shardak's eyes. In the momentary flash of blinding light, the scythe appeared to be a curved gash, a tear in the fabric of reality itself.

"So, rebel warriors. Have you decided to hand over the Spirit Toa?" Eostra asked, her voice amplified by her aura. Shardak could feel her dead, cold aura brush his, however, and knew that the Hooded One already knew the answer.

"This is our answer, slaves of Vahrikaan!" yelled Iskandar. "If you want Shardak, you'll have to get through every one of us first!"

For a moment, his shout of defiance seemed to hang in the air as the Ix soldiers faced those of the Resistance, and the Resistance faced the Ix soldiers. Then the Hooded One spoke, her voice quiet, cold, and with horrible finality. "Very well. You have sealed your fates. KILL THEM ALL!"

At her yell, the Limiters charged across the Burning Plain toward the gates. The first wave of Resistance soldiers tensed and waited for the assault. And, as dawn broke over Xaterex, Shardak shivered involuntarily.

Tomorrow is upon us, he thought. ''And this will be the last dawn many of us will ever see. ''

Chapter 16
Shouts and the screams of battle rang out across the Khara-ir Plain as the Ix Limiters hurled themselves at the walls. The front rank of Resistance soldiers continued to fight in phalanx, their spears halting the Ix as they drew near. However, the Ix soldiers were nothing if not intelligent, and were deploying their forces strategically across the battlefield, keeping the Resistance soldiers pinned in behind their own walls. The continuous assault, while it was costing the Ix the lives of their soldiers, was forcing the Resistance to continue fighting rather than regroup.

Shardak noticed all of this as he, from the first reserve rank of the rebel army, where he stood next to Fairon. The Toa of Light observed the battle with an air of grimness, despite the fact that the Resistance seemed to have repulsed the Ix, for the time being. A massed Ix division of nearly a thousand Ix soldiers was being forced away from the gates and were regrouping in the face of another blistering salvo from Veythari archers.

"Are we winning?" Shardak asked, anxiety causing his heart to race slightly faster. He'd seen many battles since the skirmish in Media, but nothing on this scale.

"Too early to tell," said Fairon. "We seem to be holding our own, yes, but the Ix can afford to take these losses. they have nearly seven times the number of soldiers currently fighting in reserve, and outnumber us nearly two to one."

Shardak nodded acknowledgement, then turned his attention to Nightwatcher and Reid Vaethar, who were directing the battle from directly behind the main gate. Despite Atarus' insistances, Reid had been determined to accompany them, taking with him several hundred of his Veythari warriors. Vale Iskara, rather than commanding the main force, was instead leading the Veythari archers, and the constant, accurate rain of deadly projectiles was forcing the Ix to be less reckless in their assaults. The main body of the assault force was regrouping, sacrificing warriors freely to cover their retreat.

"Don't follow them," ordered Iskandar. "Remain within the walls. Do not let them draw you out."

Shardak knew that Iskandar was right. Already the Ix warriors were regrouping, a large phalanx raising their shields to deflect any long-distance Veythari arrows. Before it seemed the Resistance even had time to draw a breath of air, once again the Ix were bearing down on them. This time, they approached the gate in lighter, more mobile formations, and charged head-on into the defenders massed at the foot of the ramparts. The surviving soldiers who'd been covering the Limiters' brief retreat immediately regrouped, once again hurling themselves at the massed forces of the Resistance.

"It's crucial we defeat them now," said Jareroden, from his position next to Toa Galika and the Eternal Game victor Kharix. "While Skorpix isn't here with his armies to turn the tide of the battle complely against us. Facing the two armies seperately, we may have a chance."

Fairon nodded. "Still, I find this unsettling. Looking at their army, I don't think they even have twice as many men as we do. The idea that they could have two million men, nearly three with Skorpix on their side, seems to have been proven false."

"Perhaps this is merely an advance force," suggested Shardak, but Valkyria shook her head.

"No, that's not the way the Ix operate," she said. "If they had that many soldiers, they'd simply remove the problem. Either Atarus' information was faulty, or the Ix have another hand to play."

"What?" asked Jareroden. "A reserve force of Elementals? Assassins?"

"I'm not sure," Valkyria admitted. "But as far as I know, most of the Ix's Elemental allies are dead. And if they sent assassins, they'd not be the ordinary kind, or even Limiters."

"Quiet," whispered Reid Vaethar from his position in front of them. The Veythari's hand was tightened around his battle spear.

Shardak thought back to the dreadful day he and Valkyria had spent in the hideous graveyard that the Nameless City in the Void had become, and seeing the corpses of Banrax and Flareus, two Elementals from the Circle lying dead, killed as every other being in the Void had been by the Ancient's virus. There were others, though. Shardak had come face to face with an Elemental known as Windeus on Var'kala, And, of course, Skorpix and the Hooded One were both of that race. Still, it was unlikely the Ix would use Elementals as their secret weapon.

Then he thought of the ship which Valkyria had learned had been missing, the ship that carried the live virus. Was it possible the Ix were planning to use it to wipe out Xaterex as they'd threatened?

Shardak quickly discarded the theory. The Hooded One and Skorpix were both still on Xaterex, as were hundreds of thousands of Ix and order operatives.

"At a guess, how many of them are there?" Shardak asked Fairon, staring at the battlefield once more. The Ix had advanced further, two large divisions of their horde now locked in combat at the base of the walls. Still the Resistance line held, but the Ix were gaining ground. More phalanxes of Resistance spear fighters, before confined to behind the gate, were fighting at the base of the walls now.

"At a guess...five hundred thousand all told. We have two hundred fifty thousand or so." said Fairon, but his attention was elsewhere, fixed on the fight that was unfolding. The Noctian high commander was discussing defense strategies with Iskandar, and Shardak knew from their grim tones that the battle was turning against the Resistance. While three Ix fell for every rebel soldier, each Ix was merely replaced by another. Each one of the rebels that fell was a being whom they couldn't replace.

The Noctian drew Reid Vaethar over for a brief, hurried conference. Then Vaethar returned to his division. "We're going in," he said. "Reserve one, wait for orders. If the Ix force their way through the gates, we'll need you for backup."

Fairon signaled his acknowledgement. As Reid Vaethar, along with his elite division of two hundred Veythari and three hundred Glatorian, charged into the battle, the Ix began to give way in the face of the rebel warriors' determined savagery. Shardak could barely follow the conflict despite the fact it was still only midday, it was centered around the base of the walls and had degenerated into a bloody brawl to the death.

At first, it seemed the Ix were winning. Then the Resistance had the upper hand. For a time, the two sides strove against each other, each one of them vying for supremacy, but the rebel soldiers would not give in. As the minutes turned into hours, the Resistance soldiers drove the Ix back toward several of their other legions, causing confusion to break out among the ranks. Of the Ix, only the vanguard of Limiters held their position, continually dealing death to any rebels who approached. Shardak noticed just then that while the rebel archers still fired arrow upon arrow down onto the Ix army, Vale Iskara was nowhere in sight.

"Now it comes," said Fairon, with a tinge of satisfaction to his voice. The moment the Ix line began to waver, Vaethar and his forces emerged from the gates, immediately pushing the Ix soldiers away from the walls. As the Ix fell back still further, Shardak saw another column of beings appear on the other side of the castle.

No! he thought for a moment, worried that the attackers were more Ix. But his horror quickly turned to surprise and relief. For they were not Ix, but a large force of allied Limiters and Veythari, commanded by Kalix and Vale. Both Veythari and Ix stood at the head of their legions, charging at the main body of the Ix attackers and causing confusion among the ranks. No longer sure who was friend or foe, chaos reigned.

"A pincer," said Jareroden, relief audible in his voice. "I knew Iskandar had something planned."

"It's not over yet," warned Fairon. "The Ix, I'm sure, have a few surprises of their own."

The three Ix reserve divisions were still mainly intact, but two of them soon joined the battle soon afterword. Shardak saw several Ix commanders, resplendent in cold silver armor, reorganizing the scattered divisions and halting their panicked retreat.

But they could not stop the rebel warriors. Vale, Kalix, and Vaethar's legions continued ot carve a path of devastation, and, bolstered by reinforcements, hundreds of Resistance warriors who'd been fighting on the inside of the walls poured onto the Burning Plain. Caught between the pincer movement and the new recruits, the ix army, while it still held together well, was beginning to lose ground, being forced toward the tents.

Another of the Ix's reserve divisions charged toward the pincer force, halting them at the heart of the plain, where once the Ix possessed unstoppable power. Now, however, Kalix was prepared for that, and the Ix quickly lost their advantage of surprise.

"Never try a trick that your enemy is sure to know," said Valkyria, watching as the Resistance army, which now had nearly two thirds of its entire force committed to a battle on the plain, crushed the Ix reserve division. "With Ix on our side, we know enough to foil that type of plan."

Shardak and Fairon didn't answer. Their attention was completely fixed upon the battlefield. Now that the Resistance warriors were fighting on the plain, they'd lost their advantage of defense. But the pincer movement, combined with Iskandar and Vaethar's cunning, was driving the Ix back. Now the Resistance soldiers were fighting the Ix at the dead center of the Burning Plain, even as the pincer force led by Kalix moved to close the trap around the Ix army. There seemed, for once, to be no way out for the enemy.

"We might just win!" said Fairon.

Chapter 17
From the west there came a terrifying sight.

As though the horizon itself was bleeding, as if the sun itself was dying, a massive cloud of bloodred darkness seemed to appear from thin air. Slowly but inexorably, it descended upon the battlefield.

As it drew nearer, Shardak felt fear seize his heart. The mass of blood was made up of tens of thousands of Ix warriors, every one of them clad in armor the color of blood and horned, demonic laquered helmets. Their eyes were as dead white as those of a corpse, and a palpable sense of dread darkness seemed to hang about them. Each one carried a curved sword, far larger than any scimitar Shardak had ever seen. All of the swords were cold gray slivers of steel in the mass of bloodred clad warriors.

The chance that the Ix might lose the battle had caused Eostra to call upon her reserve army.

"The Red Shadows of the Ix," gasped Fairon, the horrified shock present in his voice far greater than any that Shardak had heard from him. Exclamations of horror rippled through the Resistance army, and even Nightwatcher, Kalix, and Vale all froze as the massive horde of Ix warriors descended upon the battlefield. The army of the Resistance grew completely still, every one of the soldiers hesitating momentarily.

"No," Iskandar gasped from his position on the ramparts. "How could I not have foreseen this?"

"The most elite Ix soldiers of all," Jareroden whispered under his breath.

"The Red Shadows have not been seen in combat since the Fall," said Vaethar grimly. "We believed them ,long disbanded. Obviously the Order was merely hiding them until now."

And as the Red Shadows descended on the battlefield, the Ix soldiers counterattacked furiously. Unprepared for the sheer ferocity of the assault, the Resistance was forced into retreat, the Ix pouring in more of their reserve divisions as the Red Shadows struck. Shardak watched helplessly as the blood red Ix warriors slaughtered their way through the rebel army. The pincer movement was devastated within minutes as the Red Shadows forced the front rank of the rebel army back across the burning plains, leaving Kalix and Vale's men trapped between the Shadows and the main Ix army.

Shardak watched as the Resistance, recovering from the initial assault, attempted to rally. But it seemed that they were too late. Reinforced by Eostra's reserve army and elated by the panicked retreat of the Resistance force, the Ix were unstoppable as they charged over the fallen corpses of the rebels, the Red Shadows approaching from the side, aiming to cut off their retreat. As the Resistance army was forced further back across the plains and was facing an attack from two sides, it seemed even more hopeless that Kalix's trapped division could escape.

"Reserves one and two, attack!" ordered Iskandar. It took Shardak only a second to realize that the Illieran was referring to him. Then he, Fairon, Jareroden, and Valkyria charged alongside the rest of their squadron out through the gates and into the battle.

Shardak found it too hard to process all at once. The clash of weapons mingled with the screams of the dying and the shouts torn from the throats of the commanders. Everything was chaos all around him as the vanguard of their squadron slammed into the charging Red Shadows head on.

The Ix soldiers moved to counter them. A Limiter appeared before Shardak, his blood-spattered face twisted into a hideous sneer. His long, bloodstained sword almost drove through Shardak's shoulder, and Shardak reflexively lashed out with the Blade of Arcturas. Before the Limiter's sword could connect with his throat, the Ix soldier fell to the ground. Blood spurted along the edge of the blade.

No sooner had he fallen than another Ix soldier, weapons raised, took his place. Before Shardak could charge forward, however, a hail of arrows felled him, along with two other Limiters.

Shardak turned toward the direction of the archer and saw Valkyria, who'd knocked another arrow to her bow and fired. Faster than Shardak could move, two more Ix warriors collapsed, arrows embedded in their throats.

The Red Shadows were not so hesitant. Their armor shielded their vital areas, and even with the shredsteel-tipped arrows provided by the rebel leaders they could not penetrate the Red Shadows' armor. Valkyria managed to hit one in the leg, and another in the side, but neither hesitated as the Ix warriors, the blood which stained them the same color as their armor, fell upon the rebel reinforcements.

The vanguard of the attack force began to crumble all at once under the weight of the assault. Valkyria, covered by Fairon and Jareroden, continued to fire into the fray, but Shardak could see the fear in his eyes reflected in those of the soldiers all around them.

"Attack!" yelled Shardak, the Blade of Arcturas allowing him to dodge a hail of enemy arrows with supernatural speed. He charged into the battle, the Blade of Arcturas whispering to him, promising him victory. But in the face of the demonic Red Shadows even the Sword of Fire seemed weak and insignificant.

There was an explosion of fire directly in front of him, and Shardak leapt out of range of the blast. In the fire, two Red Shadows appeared before him, their ghoulish white eyes staring through their helmets with malign intelligence. Then, little more than a blur, they descended upon Shardak, their wickedly sharp scimitars flashing in a lethel arc at him.

Only the speed granted by the Blade of Arcturas enabled Shardak to dodge the blow. He rolled to one side to evade the first sword, rising to his feet in a single fluid motion. The second scimitar flashed above his head, missing narrowly.

The Red Shadows did not hesitate for more than a fraction of a second. Quickly they descended upon Shardak, their blinding salvo of blows forcing him to stagger out of reach of their massive scimitars. However, he was not quick enough to dodge one of them, which ricocheted off his armor, denting his shoulder plate.

As the Red Shadows closed in for the kill, Shardak counterattacked. The Blade of Arcturas buried itself in one of the Ix warriors' sides, and he staggered out of reach. The other, reinforced by several more, charged once more toward him. Shardak deflected the next few blows, but the Red Shadows were simply too fast for even the Blade of Arcturas to deflect in time. Shardak's cry of pain was lost admidst the terrible roar of battle as the Red Shadow's sword peirced his thigh.

Suddenly, as more Red Shadows charged toward him, Fairon appeared out of nowhere. The Toa of Light fired several bursts of elemental energy from his hands, one striking a Red Shadow in the throat. To Shardak's surprise, however, the Shadows did not scatter, but counterattacked furiously. The one that Fairon had wounded charged toward him, and as Shardak steeled himself to prepare for the charge, one of Valkyria's arrows ran through the Shadow's neck. He collapsed.

But they hadn't stopped the assault. The Red Shadows were everywhere, their blood armor causing them to stand out among the other combatants. What was more, they possessed some kind of fire elemental power, which they fired from their hands at the rebel soldiers. Despite the reinforcements, Shardak could see that the Red Shadows were closing in all around them, the other Ix soldiers reinforcing them. Wildly he looked around the battlefield, searching for any sign of Kalix.

There was none. He and Vale's strike team must have been wiped out with no survivors. Shardak had no time to mourn for more than a second before the Red Shadows were all around him once more. While he could make out Fairon's Kanohi in the shadows, and thought he saw Jareroden in the distance fighting a group of four Ix soldiers, for every one rebel soldier he saw there were six Red Shadows. Their squadron was being battered across the Burning Plain, along with the rest of the rebel army.

The battle was a blur to Shardak. He ducked beneath thrusting spears, dodged Limiter's scythes, and leapt away from the Red Shadows' scimitars. He was literally fighting for his life amidst the choatic clashes of arms. Shardak was surrounded by a group of other Resistance warriors, but they were still cut off from the main force. And as the Red Shadows closed in around them, Shardak realized that it could mean their death

"Fall back!" a commander yelled, and Shardak and the other rebel soldiers began an immediate retreat, following the rest of their legions back across the Plain. However, the Red Shadows were all around them, and they were taking still more losses as some of the rebel warriors, lacking Fairon's skill, fled from the Shadows, abandoning all precautions in a hastened frenzy to escape.

Six Red Shadows suddenly appeared all around Shardak. Wildly he slashed at one; it staggered backward. A second and third were brought down by arrows, but the fourth and fifth charged Shardak, one unleashing a blast of elemental fire from his armor that nearly knocked Shardak off his feet. Shardak could feel the heat of the flames on his face even from that distance.

Shardak began to stagger to his feet even as the Red Shadows descended upon him. But his mind already knew the truth: he simply wouldn't be fast enough to avoid them this time. He was too slow. There simply was not enough time to react.

As the scimitar appeared in his peripheral vision, Nightwatcher's words came back to him all at once.'' In order to face Vahrikaan, you must not confront him without being able to improvise. When you fight, you must be working almost unconsciously to attain victory by any means possible.''

As the Ix warrior's sword descended, Shardak lost all sense of time. He forced his body to ignore all natural instincts as the weapon flashed downward, ready to bury itself in his heart. Then, gripping the Blade of Arcturas in both hands, he threw it at the Red Shadow.

The Blade of Arcturas buried itself in the Ix soldier's chest just as the sword was about to run Shardak through. The other Red Shadows continued their charge, but by then Shardak was ready, having snatched a fallen spear from a dead Ix warrior.

Suddenly, as the Red Shadows closed in around him, there was a blur of silver as a Resistance warrior garbed in silver Veythari armor slammed head-on into one of the Ix. The Red Shadow staggered backward, a throwing dagger buried in his chest. The others whirled around to face the new threat, who nodded to Shardak.

"Reid Vaethar?" Shardak asked, seeing the Veythari leader's eyes beneath his helmet. Vaethar nodded once, then charged at the Red Shadows head-on.

Shardak snatched the Blade of Arcturas from the dead Red Shadow and looked around for Fairon and Valkyria. He spotted them both fighting a team of Red Shadows, Valkyria now using her Shredsteel scimitar rather than her bow against the horde of Red Shadows. They were surrounded by a small group of rebel warriors who were desperately trying to hold off the advancing Ix army. All of them had suffered minor injuries, but seemed otherwise unharmed. Of Vaethar, Jareroden, or Nightwatcher there was no sign.

"Shardak!" yelled Fairon, catching sight of him. He was fighting a massively built Red Shadow alongside Silver and Dust. Shardak raced toward his friend, the Blade of Arcturas flashing bloodred in the cold light. The battle still raged all around him, but Shardak had blocked out all of the noise. His only aim was to help his friends hold back the Red Shadows. Though Shardak was tiring, the burning of the Blade of Arcturas reinvigorated him, allowing him to continue the fight alongside the other rebel warriors.

Startled, Shardak looked around and saw they'd been forced back nearly to the gates. Not only that, but the gates were being swarmed by Ix warriors, who were trying to force their way into the city.

For the first time, Shardak realized that the entire city might be in danger.

"Back to the gates!" yelled a voice. Shardak saw Vaethar appear before them, wielding a bloodstained scythe. The Veythari was covered in grime and blood. Shardak saw that he, Fairon, and Valkyria were not faring much better against the Red Shadow horde, which was systematically slashing its way through the Resistance army, leaving dead Resistance warriors scattered like windblown leaves across the battlefield.

Suddenly, as Vaethar charged toward another group of battling rebel warriors and Red Shadows, an arrow struck him in the shoulder. Shocked at the sudden attack of the enemy archers, he staggered backward, allowing a Red Shadow to lunge forward and lay open his stomach with a single blow from a curved scimitar. Vaethar fell to the ground, blood seeping through his armor. The Red Shadows closed in for the kill.

"We must defend Vaethar!" said Fairon, charging forward to meet them. Shardak and Valkyria followed, and alongside Silver and Dust formed a protective ring around the wounded Resistance commander. The Red Shadows descended like a wave of blood upon them, and Shardak fought for what seemed like hours to defend Vaethar from the attacking Shadows. No matter how many of them they were able to bring down, more appeared to take their place. Resistance soldiers came and went, some helping Vaethar, others fleeing the shadows, still more trying to halt the tide of Ix warriors which were forcing their way through the gates.

Shardak had no time to pay attention to how the rest of the Resistance was faring. He and Valkyria were now literally fighting for their lives amidst the horde of Red Shadows. Fairon was falling further back, trying to protect Vaethar, but Silver and Dust had disappeared in the chaos. Meanwhile he and Valkyria were lost in the tide of attacking Red Shadows, all of them recognizing him as their archenemy and trying to subdue him.

One of the Red Shadows drove a spear through his leg, another missed his throat by inches. Whatever Eostra had ordered, it was obvious that the powerful Ix soldiers were trying to kill them. And despite the power of the Blade of Arcturas, Shardak was tiring, his reflexes slowing. Soon he would be completely helpless and the Red Shadows would kill or capture him.

The Resistance army seemed so far away, though only a few bio seperated them. However, the entire area was swarming with Ix warriors, who were slaughtering everything in their path as the rebels made a last-ditch effort to defend the gates. Shardak knew that soon they would fail, and the Ix would be inside the city.

Suddenly a silver-blue blade flashed before Shardak's eyes. Two of the Red Shadows who were attacking him fell back, decapitated. More immediately counterattacked, and Shardak's eyes met with those of Nightwatcher.

"Go! Run!" he yelled to them.

Shardak didn't wait to be told twice. Racing across the battlefield, Valkyria by his side, he dodged the arrows fired after them and the efforts of the Ix who stood in their way.

Few of the Red Shadows tried to stop him from rejoining the Resistance army. They were engaged in a wholesale slaughter of Resistance forces that they'd pinned against the walls of the city. A few of the rebel squadrons still had maneuverability, but they were small in number and they were scattered by the Shadows.

"Back to the city!" yelled another commander. "We cannot win!"

But it was unlikely many of them would escape unharmed. Shardak caught a glimpse of Fairon, fighting beside Silver and Dust, locked in combat with still more of the demonic Red Shadows. Like all of the Ix, they were extremely hard to kill, and their fire armor and its extreme durability made them almost unstoppable. The slaughter was a scene from a nightmare.

"We have to get away!" hissed Shardak to Valkyria. There was no time for Valkyria to reply before a massive catapault fired from the walls, crushing several rebels and Red Shadows beneath it. In the chaos, he cities' defenses were firing at random, and a Veythari arrow skewered an allied Glatorian before Shardak's eyes.

Fairon dispatched the Red Shadow he was fighting and raced over to them, Dust by his side. "Silver's with Jareroden and Vaethar, heading toward the city. We can't escape through the side gates, the Red Shadows have surrounded the city," the Toa of Light managed to gasp out. His Kanohi was cracked and his armor was stained with both his blood and that of the Ix. Looking down at himself, Shardak saw he hadn't fared any better.

Shardak nodded once. "This is too dangerous. If we don't get away now, the Red Shadows will kill every one of us."

The remainder of the rebel army seemed ot have the same idea. Most of them were racing toward the gates, toward safety, while the rest were holding off the Red Shadows in a suididal attempt to allow the others time to escape.

"Through the gate!" hissed Fairon. Shardak ran toward the open gate, where the Resistance soldiers were holding off the Red Shadows. Those who'd already gotten through were the most wounded, Shardak was relieved to see Reid Vaethar, wounded but alive, among them.

Shardak, Fairon, Valkyria, and Dust had nearly reached the gate when the Red Shadows seemingly appeared from thin air. At the same time, a hail of enemy arrows flew through the air, one hitting Fairon's shoulder. One of the Red Shadows took the time to raise his sword and thrust out at Fairon.

"No!" yelled Shardak as the Toa of Light fell to the ground. Immediately more Red Shadows appeared around them, three charging Valkyria. Before Shardak could even move, two charged toward him. Another ran at Dust.

"Dust! Look out!" yelled Shardak. The Matoran whirled around to meet his attacker, but to the Red Shadow he was insignificantly weak. Before Shardak's horrified eyes, the Red Shadow lifted his scimitar and brought it down on the Matoran with a hideous snap of bone.

Shardak had no time to see if Dust had been killed, for at that moment the Red Shadows were on him, swords raised. Shardak knew now that there was no way he could fight his way out. His eyes were fixed on the gate, so near and yet so far—

—At that moment the remnants of the Resistance army charged the Red Shadows. One of the Shadows fell, decapitated by a Glatorian, the other ran the Glatorian through. As more Resistance warriors made their final suicidal effort to hold back the Shadows, Shardak turned and ran. He could see Valkyria was alive as well, running toward the gate. As soon as they were once again within New Metru Nui, Shardak heard a voice.

He saw Fairon standing before him, wounded yet still alive. "We're lucky to have escaped," the Toa of Light gasped. "I've recieved word that Jareroden, Vaethar, and Silver have survived as well.

"But what about Dust?" asked Shardak, looking back at the Plain, which was swarming with Red Shadows. Inwardly he knew the truth, but didn't want to admit it.

"He's dead," said Fairon. "I saw him go down, and even if he survived, no one could have escaped the Red Shadows. The last of the rebels who sacrificed themselves to hold off the assault will soon be dead."

Shardak watched as the last of the survivors of the battle raced through the gate. The main defense force was still holding off the Red Shadows, and the battle was once again slowing down,

But while there were many dead Ix warriors lying on the battlefield, the Resistance had lost so many more. And now, reinforced by nearly ten thousand Red Shadows, the Ix army outnumbered the rebels more than three to one.

''And Skorpix still has not yet arrived. ''thought Shardak, beginning to despair.

"We were lucky to have survived," Fairon repeated hollowly, watching as the Ix and Red Shadows regrouped on the Burning Plain. "But now we face a siege, and an even more deadly enemy."

Chapter 18
At the heart of Citadel Var'kala, the most powerful lords of the Order were gathered before the ancient throne of Vahrikaan. For centuries, the throne had held no occupant; the Dark Lord had been sealed within his own ring for milennia. But now Lord Vahrikaan himself stood before the throne, his fierce, dark charisma pervading every corner of the citadel.

Standing before the throne, Skorpix lowered his head in deference to his master, even as he gave an unconscious shiver at the coldness of Vahrikaan's aura. The Dark Lord was a void of black, empty coldness, a bleak wasteland of madness and horror. Such power was held within the body that Lord Vahrikaan had created for himself that Skorpix almost flinched away under the force of his cold, burning gaze. Vahrikaan was cloaked in black Ix robes, and his face was shrouded beneath the spiked crown of Arcaea.

Next to the throne stood Velnax, the Kodax who had led the Order for many years and one of Eostra's minions. On the other stood High Lord Nihilus, a masked, hooded Elemental carrying a curved, double-bladed scythe-staff. Skorpix could feel his power as well, though all melted before the strength of Vahrikaan. Skorpix was one of the few who knew the truth about Nihilus— while the Elemental once had free will, now he was an avatar of Vahrikaan, a vessel for another fragment of Vahrikaan's animating spark.

Several others from the Order elite were there as well, including Chi'rin Meera Faal, who had masterminded the seige of Akkad. She flashed Skorpix a coquettish smile as he passed by, which he ignored. Meera had obviously met with some sucess in Akkad, which, after his failure in the Void, made Skorpix's position even weaker. Another Order commander there was the Elemental Windeus. Skorpix nodded in acknowledgement to the other Ix Lords and High Lords, who were also present.

"Rise, Skorpix." said Vahrikaan. His voice, though quiet, sounded like a dagger emerging from its sheath, carrying both a cold, sibalent menace and an unmistakable sound of authority. The Elemental silently complied, rising to his feet.

"The Resistance has captured both Ecbatana and Iskar, and are moving on Drakos Capitol. Defense preparations are being made in the city according to your plans."

"So I can see," Vahrikaan hissed. "Eostra has told me that New Metru Nui is under seige by Red Shadows, and also that the Spirit Toa is inside the city. She has orders to bring him to me. I am extending these orders to you as well when you join her."

"Yes, my lord," said Skorpix. "Everything is in place for our triumph. The Spirit Toa has proven remarkably useful in fulfilling our plans."

"Chi'rin Faal," Vahrikaan beckoned with one clawed, corpse-like hand. "How goes the siege of Akkad?"

The female Ix Chi'rin stepped forward hesitatingly, not daring to meet her lord's gaze. "Akkad has fallen, my lord," she said. "The information broker proved useful in securing the city, by showing us a secret network of tunnels beneath the city. He has knowledge of the Resistance even I lacked, and with a little...persuasion...he was more than too happy to volunteer it. Very few cities still hold out against us. We only wait for the main army to join us from New Metru Nui before we crush the Fells."

Skorpix felt a brief flash of annoyance at the news. Twice he'd failed to conquer the Fells, once with the Sarkanian clones, and again with a Shadowdermis army based in the Void. Both operations had ended in disaster.

"Very well," said Vahrikaan. "However, after the seige of New Metru Nui is concluded, you are to withdraw all Ix forces from Akkadia and from New Metru Nui and return them to Var'kala by starcraft."

For a moment, confusion flashed across Meera's face before she could supress it. Skorpix sensed the same confusion from the other Ix lords, and Skorpix smiled behind his mask. While he could feel the same confusion coming from several others, many of the Ix Lords and Nihilus seemed satisfied.

"Leave Akkad?" asked Meera. "To the Resistance? I don't—"

"This war has been a battle of manipulation and timing. The Resistance were allowed to live as long as they were useful, hunting peices of the Annulus and allowing us to locate the Spirit Toa easily. And they have fulfilled their goal. But this war is no longer significant. Whether or not the rebels take all of Xaterex is no longer significant."

Meera nodded. She knew of the final plan, of course. All of them did. Was that not what the Resistance had thought was the reason the Ix had hunted the Annulus? But still she didn't understand.

"No, I am not speaking of the final plan. When it is nearing completion, the last thing I need is for the Resistance to free Shardak. No, we will eliminate the rebellion before then. 

"I am sure that you are all aware of what happened in the Void," continued Vahrikaan. "Due to the failure of Reyna, the Void was sealed off forever and its inhabitants killed by one of the viruses we had created. Or so it was believed."

Here both Skorpix and Windeus, on whom Reyna's failure had rebounded on, lowered their heads in deference to Vahrikaan. However, Vahrikaan's voice remained as devoid of emotion as it always had as he countinued, without a trace of anger.

"There was a tunnel from the Resistance base into the Void. That was how the Spirit Toa escaped the Void. The Resistance base had already been sealed off completely by Saren Naghara when he'd abandoned it, but the virus traveled with them, and killed everyone within the rebel base.

"It then dispersed upon the air as it was designed to do, and dissipated. Not a trace remained...except on one starcraft, on which several rebel warriors escaped the base. All of them were carrying the live virus, and survived long enough to make it out of Xaterex. They intended to rejoin Saren, but instead were intercepted by an Ix fighter craft. Realizing the truth, that it contained the virus, they brought it just outside of Var'kala's atmosphere."

Skorpix knew what was coming next. One again, he smiled behind his mask.

"I have sent an Ix aura user, who can control and limit the disease, aboard, along with several Ix pilots. All of them will lay down their lives gladly, though they have nearly a month to live until the aura user dies and the virus claims them.

"We will lure the rebel starfleet into a battle over Var'kala," continued Vahrikaan. "And once the main Ix force has left Xaterex, the Ix aboard the infected starcraft will fly it into Xaterex's atmosphere and crash it into the planet. And the plague will disperse across Xaterex."

Silence fell upon all of the Ix Lords as Vahrikaan finished. Skorpix smiled at the barely perceptible shock in the aura field as they realized what Vahrikaan had said. The plague would cause the death of every complex lifeform on Xaterex. Meera Faal seemed momentarily shocked, then she smiled.

"But there are thousands of Ix on Xaterex! Many are civilians!" objected one of the Ix Lords. Meera gave a cold laugh as all of the other Lords and High Lords turned on him.

"Surely you aren't concerned with a few thousand Ix civilians, Ikeda," she said. "All of our military will escape unharmed."

All of the Ix Lords' eyes fixed on Ikeda. Trapped, he bowed to Vahrikaan and said. "No, my lord."

"Many of our civilians will escape the plague as well," promised Vahrikaan. "Those in Drakos Capitol, for one. And even if none of them did, what would it matter? For when the final plan begins, we will no longer be bound by the limitations of this world...or any of them.

"Lord Nihilus, you will lead the defense of Var'kala. The rebel fleet shall arrive in a few hours, and I must leave this place before then. When the battle at New Metru Nui has been ended or if the fleet seems in danger of failing, Meera Faal will aid you."

Behind his mask, Nihilus gave a cold, predatory grin at Vahrikaan's words. Skorpix knew that Vahrikaan rarely directed all of his power into an avatar— if he did, even a powerful aura user would not live long— but Skorpix knew that eventually Vahrikaan would take full control of Nihilus.

 "  Chi'rin Faal, I am sending you to Xaterex. You will command the legions we have sent from Iskar and aid Eostra in securing the Spirit Toa. We cannot risk him being present on Xaterex when we unleash the plague. Place one of your deputies in command of the Ix fleet."

"It shall be done," said Meera.

'"Do not fail me. Many of your predecessors have failed multiple times to capture the Spirit Toa." 'said Vahrikaan, and here Skorpix winced. He, Mordrax, Reyna— all of them had failed to hold the Spirit Toa imprisoned for long. "I trust that he will not escape you, or I will give you a fate far worse than death itself."

Meera shivered slightly at this. Skorpix could barely feel her fear, but it was there.

Vahrikaan beckoned to the Ix Lords, who had stood silently, hooded and cloaked, until this time. One of them, feeling him reach out to her in the aura field, stepped forward, lowering her hood to reveal a young, pretty face with the slightly slanted dark eyes common of Ix.

"High Lord Korlei," Vahrikaan whispered her name. "Do you serve me in all things?"

"Yes, my Lord," said Korlei.

"Good... "  rasped Vahrikaan. "Give me your hand."

Korelei looked puzzeled, but did as Vahrikaan asked. As his hand wrapped around hers, Skorpix understood what he was doing, though very few others in the room did. Vahrikaan was beginning the process of making her an avatar. There was a momentary flash of light, then when it cleared Korlei was standing before Vahrikaan, unharmed.

"You will command the defense of Drakos Capitol against the invaders," he ordered. Korlei nodded agreement, then as Vahrikaan waved a hand, she stepped back, raising her hood to hide her face once more.

But all of the beings in the room could feel the subtle yet distinct change in Korlei's aura. Currently Vahrikaan had not taken control of her— his raw power would burn her body to cinders within days— but he'd imparted a speck of his power to make her an avatar— another link that would bind him to life in the event his main, created body was killed. He'd also given himself another being he could take full control of if the battle demanded it.

"What plan do you have for me, my lord?" Skorpix asked. "If Warmaster Faal and High Lord Korlei are leading the final battles?"

'"As for you, Skorpix..." 'Vahrikaan whispered. "Come. I have my own plans for you as this war nears its end."

From outside the door, Jekart's eyes widened in horror at what he'd heard. The cold voice that he could only assume was Vahrikaan had been clear in his goals: the death of every being on Xaterex. He was even willing to sacrfice many of his own people to wipe out every complex life-form on Xaterex.

Jekart had barely tolerated being captured. After he'd been tortured by the Ix Chi'rin, he he'd been forced to help her end the siege of Akkad. He'd watched helplessly as Meera Faal allowed her soldiers to kill everyone in the city, as well as Lord Varana's capture and execution. Then, rather than being set free, or paid, he'd been dragged by Skorr and Faal to Var'kala on a starcraft.

And despite the fact he'd been imprisoned, Jekart was an expert at escaping bonds that held him. He'd been a bounty hunter for many years before he'd become an information broker, and he was proud that some of the old instinct was still with him. He'd then gone to gather information. Var'kala was a veritable fortress of unguarded secrets, so when he'd come to the door of the command center, he'd had to listen in.

He felt a dark, powerful aura probe him almost at once, an aura so powerful that he nearly screamed in fear. To his surprise, however, no one came out of the room to kill or imprison him. He'd been able to listen in on everything Meera Faal, Skorpix, and Vahrikaan had said.

And the implications were deadly for Xaterex.

Jekart had never taken sides in this war. It was bad for business, and besides, it was obvious that the Ix, in the end, would be the victors. With the coming of the Spirit Toa, he'd been intrigued, but it wasn't until he'd heard the wild rumors about a battle in the Void and a lethal pathogen that he'd begun to worry. And when Akkadia had revolted against the Ix Empire, Vahrikaan had risen, and the Resistance had splintered into two seperate groups, Jekart had become terrified. Terrified enough to contemplate entering the field once more by fleeing Akkad.

Then he'd watched as the Ix attacked Akkad. They'd slaughtered thousands, and enslaved the rest. All the while Meera Faal and her commanders simply stood, smug and content, on the sidelines of the battle with Jekart. He'd watched the slaughter of beings that, while Jekart would never have called friends, he'd known all his life.

Now the Ix discussed their plan in the Void as though it was no secret at all, and their so-called "final plan", which was something Jekart couldn't even fathom. But one thing was clear. This was no longer a war between the Ix and the Resistance, but between life and death. The death was represented by the Ix and their murderous masters bent on genocide. There was only one group of beings who would stand against it.

Jekart turned and walked away. The meeting was drawing to a close, and the risk he'd be discovered was too great. He would return to his cell, which was unguarded, and act as though he'd never been away when Skorr or another guard came to check on them.

But somehow he would have to get a message to the Resistance. So they could be rescued.

So that all of Xaterex could be rescued.

The rebel fleet drew near Var'kala, which was swarming with Ix starfighters.

Blast stood upon the deck of the Fire Tear, Iskandar and Luxa's flagship, and watched the Ix fleet mobilize around the heart of their base. Hundreds of Ix and Order starfighters, all of them heavily armed, powerful, and deadly, materialized before the battered, yet undaunted, Resistance army.

Blast stared at the vast expanses of the universe which had unfolded before him and wished he'd been able to find Millennium's ship. The battle had simply been too chaotic for that, and the being had evaded him once more. Blast could only guess at where he'd gone.

Still, Millennium was among the least of Blast's worries at the moment. In a few hours, he and the rest of the Resistance would be facing, in battle, the Ix fleet for the last time. Tiral and the rest of the Illieran and Veythari fleet commanders planned to then make a ground assault on Var'kala itself, and secure or destroy Lord Vahrikaan in the process.

Blast was skeptical that they'd be able to capture or kill Lord Vahrikaan, but he knew they had to defeat Var'kala. It was a menace, a portent of doom over Xaterex. Securing Var'kala would have the same effect the fall of Ecbatana had had on the war: it would revitalize the battered rebel armies fighting their way through Media, it would weaken the Ix, who would lose their main fleet as well as their base and be pinned down in Media and on Calos.

If Var'kala fell, then the Resistance, Blast thought, might just have a chance at winning the war.

Suddenly, a movement on the viewscreen caught Blast's eye. The Glatorian gave a small gasp of shock, echoed by Iskandar's commanders and Tiral. Something was emerging from the darkness.

But it was not an ordinary Ix ship.

The hull of the craft, seemingly unique among all others that Blast had seen, was massive, sleek, and powerful, armed to the teeth with the most powerful technology the Ix could equip it with. The vessel was entirely black, black as the voids of no stars that Blast often saw from a distance. The sheer size of the vessel put all of the other craft to shame, even the mighty Ix capital ships were dwarfed by this starfighter.

On the hull, Blast could make out the name: Thanatos.

"Holy Mata Nui," gasped Tiral as the Thanatos drew alongside one of the Ix capital ships, making what Blast had once thought was their greatest starfighter look small and insignificant.

As the Thanatos fixed the Resistance with a glare of death, Blast knew that it would take more than a few days to secure Var'kala as had been planned.

It was now unlikely they'd be able to secure Var'kala at all.

Aboard the deck of the Thanatos, Saren Naghara, flanked by two Limiters, watched the Resistance fleet cower in horror at the approach of the mighty starcraft, the pride of the Ix armada. Despite himself, Saren gave a cold smile at their fear. They had abandoned him, and now they were paying the price.

When Saren had first been brought aboard the Ix ships by the Rotaxians, the Ix command had wanted to execute him. "A spy who has been discovered is one that has lost all of its weapons," they'd said. "You have failed us."

"You are wrong," Saren had said. "My greatest weapon remains intact— my mind."

For a moment, all had been silent. Then the Ix lord had said, "Go on,"

"I have information that can help you defeat the Resistance," Saren had said. "I know how they think, act, and fight. I will help you finish them off once and for all."

After a few minutes of conference with his deputies, the Ix lord had decided to spare him, placed two Limiters as his bodyguard, and allowed him to roam freely around the vessel, provided his bodyguards were with him at all times. But glancing at them now, their dead white eyes fixed on him, Saren was under no illusions.

The guards were not there to keep enemies out, but to keep him in.

In preparation for the battle, Saren had been transferred onto the ''Thanatos. ''There he was seated on the foredeck of the vessel, to help the Ix's commanders in the defense of Var'kala.

Saren cursed inwardly, once again wishing that somehow he'd been able to defeat the traitors at the Second Battle of Calos. He could have created his own government, and neither the rebels nor Ix could have stopped him. But now he was little more than a throwaway pawn in the war games, to be sacrificed easily by the Ix in the future. He'd lost. Not one of his mercenaries still lived, and his fleet had either been destroyed or rejoined the rest of the traitors.

The Ix had informed him that New Metru Nui was under siege by Red Shadows, and that Akkad had fallen. Soon the Veythari would get their comeuppence when the Fells were invaded, and as for the rest of the Resistance...even if they'd captured Ecbatana, they'd have no way of getting past Drakos Capitol.

Now all Saren wanted was to watch the ruin of those who had destroyed him.

It's over, Saren grinned as the Thanatos, the might of the Ix fleet behind it, closed in on the Resistance. Soon, every one of the traitors will die.

With a roar, the massive army of Red Shadows descended upon the city once more.

The clash of weapons and the screams of warning alerted Shardak to the Red Shadow assault on the left gate. More rebel defenders rushed toward them, trying to hold off the horde with every last one of New Metru Nui's defenses. It was dusk, and the darkness which had fallen across the plains made it hard to make out the dark-armored Ix in the shadowy illumination. Only the Red Shadows remained clearly visible.

Ever since the terrible battle on the Burning Plain four days ago, the remainder of the Resistance defense force had been holding the Ix warriors off with increasing desperation. The Ix had choked off every one of their supply routes, and while no one had starved to death yet, it was only a matter of time. yesturday they'd begun to conserve rations, knowing that soon they would be facing a complete siege if the Ix did not chose to attack full force once more.

But now it seemed that the Red Shadows had decided to end the battle, despite that the reinforcements from Iskar had not yet reinforced them.

Their continued absence worried Shardak. Perhaps they'd decided to reverse direction and reinforce Drakos, since it seemed that the Red Shadows would be able to complete the assault. Or perhaps they'd gone to Iskar or Ecbatana to liberate them from rebel control.

"They're coming through the main gate!" the air rang with shouts of horror and the scrape of metal-shod feet against the stone pavement as the rebels fought to stem the tide of Ix warriors charging into the city.

But even now Shardak could see it was hopeless. The entire Red Shadow division numbered nearly twenty thousand; the full army nearly half a million. The Resistance had less than one hundred thousand defenders unwounded, and maybe two hundred thousand all told. The Ix outnumbered them almost three to one.

The main body of the Ix army slammed into the main gate, the massive Red Shadow horde in the vanguard. Shardak knew that any minute now Reid Vaethar and Iskandar would be calling them to reinforce the main gate against the coming assault.

"We don't have a chance," whispered Fairon, more to himself then Shardak. And Shardak knew he was right. He could see the truth written on the faces of all of the rebels, even Valkyria. As the Red Shadows scattered the corpses of rebel soldiers across the battlefield, the main gate was smashed from its hinges and clattered to the ground.

With a bloody shout of triumph, the Red Shadows poured into the city, the Limiters and other Ix soldiers close behind. The remaining Resistance forces rose up to meet them.

"Reserves, attack!" ordered Iskandar. Shardak's fingers wrapped around the Blade of Arcturas, and for a moment Shardak once again wondered about him. Had Arctruas truly been as vile a being as Iskandar had painted him?

Then he had no more time to think, for at that moment he slammed head-on into an attacking Red Shadow. The Ix soldier's eyes widened as he recognized the Spirit Toa beneath his helmet, but he had no time to cry out before Shardak drove the blade into the Red Shadow's chest. The Ix soldier's weapon fell from his hands, and with a low moan he collapsed.

Two spear-wielding Limiters appeared in his place. Shardak whipped to the left to evade one's spear, and the weapon skewered the Glatorian standing behind him. The second spear he deflected with the Sword of Fire, shattering it. As the other Limiter counterattacked, Shardak managed to dodge the spear again, running the Limiter through with the counterstroke.

Then the other Limiter was on him, weilding a scythe. Shardak narrowly managed to deflect the blow, though it sent a jolt up his arm and almost caused him to drop the Blade of Arcturas. As the Ix soldier bore down on him for the kill, Shardak slashed beneath his guard, blood spurting across his chest as the blade buried itself in his heart. As usual, Shardak felt the sickening sensation of the Ix's life draining away until his aura vanished.

More Ix warriors charged over the corpses of their allies and into New Metru Nui. Shardak looked around the courtyard wildly, and saw to his horror that the Red Shadows had already slaughtered their way through the courtyard. Hundreds of them were pouring into the city, slaughtering everyone in sight. Civilians ran in panic as the Red Shadows poured through the gates from all sides, converging on the citadel, where the main rebel army was making its final stand.

"Fall back!" yelled Fairon. "We must defend the citadel!"

Shardak saw more rebel warriors rising to meet the threat. The Red Shadows, who were attacking from three sides, suddenly halted outside the citadel as many of them were killed by the volleys of Veythari arrows and throwing spears. That did not deter them for more than a few minutes, and they continued to charge through the rebel ranks, regardless of the casualties.

Slowly the Resistance warriors began to force the Ix warriors away from the citadel. Shardak fought next to Valkyria and Fairon, holding off any Red Shadows or Ix that came in range. No one could stand before the three of them without certain death. Silverblade, Fairon's scimitars, and the Blade of Arcturas formed an unstoppable triangle of force that brought down any being who attacked them.

Shardak had never felt so alive in battle before as he, Fairon, and Valkyria slowly began to deflect the Red Shadows' assault. They were taking more and more casualties with each assault, and slowly the attack began to slacken off.

But then Shardak noticed that something was wrong. More and more Ix soldiers seemed to be appearing as the attack, while weaker now, continued. And these were not Red Shadows, but Limiters and other Ix soldiers. The Red Shadows were withdrawing, but more Ix soldiers than Shardak would have believed the army had held in the beginning.

Suddenly a shout rose up from the Resistance army, and a shout of triumph from the Ix. Shardak's heart sank as he saw the thousands of new soldiers marching inexorably toward the fallen city gates.

"Skorpix's armies are here."

From her position on the Burning Plain, Warmaster Meera Faal observed the battle for the citadel. She turned to her deputy, a minor Ix lord. "Allow the Red Shadows time to regroup, then regroup the first Ix army and throw them against the citadel. All of them."

For a moment, a blank look of shock flashed across the Ix lord's face. "All of them, Warmaster?" he asked incredulously. He knew as well as she did that it would be suicide. She was sending hundreds, possibly thousands, of Ix to their deaths.

Meera's face remained blank, emotionless. "We have reserves," she said.

For a few seconds the Ix lord held her gaze. A flicker of emotion Meera couldn't identify flashed across his face. Doubt? Sadness? Confusion? Then it was gone.

"Yes, Warmaster," he nodded. Then he turned to relay the order to Faal's generals.

The battle for the citadel was turning decisisively in favor of the Ix. The rebels were no longer fighting in defense of the city, but for their very lives.

Emboldened by the massive horde of reinforcements, the Red Shadows and their army were charging over the final barriers seperating them from the citadel. Hundreds of Ix were meeting their ends at the end of a Veythari arrow or rebel spear, but it did not deter them. More simply took their place, hundreds of soldiers charging though the courtyard and into the heart of New Metru Nui.

Shardak knew that though three Ix fell for every one rebel soldier, their defense was doomed to fail. Every one of them would be slaughtered by the merciless Ix horde.

Seperated from Fairon and Valkyria, who he could only hope were still alive, Shardak raced through the city, surrounded by a small group of Resistance warriors who were likewise trapped and fighting for their lives. But only five of them remained, and as two more met their ends on the point of a Red Shadow's spear, Shardak knew it was only a matter of time before all of them were dead.

Another fell, beheaded by a Limiter's scythe. Shardak saw the two remaining Glatorian also meet their ends soon after, one crushed to death by a massive spiked flail carried by a brutish Red Shadow, the other killed by enemy archers. Now Shardak was alone among the horde of Ix warriors.

Two Limiters fell to the Blade of Arcturas, allowing Shardak to break away from the struggle. However, as he continued to fight for his life against the massive Ix army, Shardak realized he was doomed to either die or be captured. Ix soldiers surrounded him on all sides, and the rebel soldiers were growing further and further away.

Shardak managed to dispatch the Ix soldier he was fighting, and raced toward the citadel gates. However, Ix barred him at every turn, and most of them were Limiters or worse, Red Shadows.

Then, among the group of Ix warriors bearing down on him, Shardak saw a singe tall figure standing in their midst. A Hooded figure carrying a long, curved scythe.

Eostra the Hooded One.

The Elemental who had led the Shadowed Ones, ruled the Empire through Skorpix, and masterminded the Rising of Vahrikaan with the help of the Order.

The being who had corrupted Arcturas, whose corrosive evil had created a dark empire that had brought about the deaths of millions.

Shardak could barely wrap his mind around the fact that the Hooded One was standing before them. In the baleful illumination, she looked to Shardak like an unreal, wraithlike apparition. The half-light reflected off the blade of her silvery scythe, making it appear wickedly cold and sharp. Her all-pervasive aura of dread reached out to strangle Shardak like a corpse's cold fingers wrapped around his throat.

"Stop," the Hooded One's rasp, though quiet, carried easily across the battlefield. Instantly the Ix surrounding Shardak lowered their weapons, stepping back to allow Eostra to step forward. "We meet again, Toa Shardak," she said.

"Get back!," yelled Shardak in a trembling voice, lifting the Blade of Arcturas. "Get back...or I'll kill you!"

But the words sounded hollow, even to him.

"Little Toa..." rasped the Hooded One. "I am already dead. And you certainly could do no harm to me with that insignificant weapon."

"Go to Karzahni," he said. "I won't surrender,"

"Who said anything about surrendering? We are going to help you understand your true destiny, Toa Shardak. Only once you have seen the power of Lord Vahrikaan will you be able to fulfill the Prophecy of Time."

"I don't care about the Prophecy," said Shardak, his voice filled with hate. "I care only about stopping you."

The Hooded One gave a cold cackle like the sound of splintering bone. "None can hinder us now. Vahrikaan rules fire and water, earth and wind. All will bow before us. Indeed, the Shadow of Vahrikaan is nearly upon New Metru Nui."

"I will not surrender."

"That is my choice, not yours," rasped Eostra. She paused for a moment, then spoke again. "I never was able to tell you the truth about your father."

"You told me enough," snarled Shardak. "You turned him into a monster! You killed him when he saw you for what you are."

"No," said Eostra. "He killed me."

For a moment all was silent as Shardak contemplated the revelation. Shock and horror made him feel weak. Was Eostra somehow immortal, then?

"That's impossible," he managed to choke out. "You're lying. You're still alive. Iskandar told me how you betrayed him to Skorpix during the battle in Arcaea."

"Yes, I gave him to Skorpix," said Eostra. "But could you blame me? I was the most powerful aura user in millennia, but I was cast aside as useless merely because I was willing to use my powers in ways that the other Arcaeans feared. And I was able to bring about a golden age on Xaterex."

"A golden age?" spat Shardak. "That's what you call the genocide of the Toa? The murder of thousands of innocents? A golden age?" his voice rose in anger as he spoke.

"It was all necessary," hissed Eostra. "The Toa had to be killed so that the Spirit Toa could be flushed out and discovered. Arcturas agreed with me in this regard."

"But he changed!" objected Shardak. "He turned on you when he realized the truth!"

"He turned on me because he wanted still greater power," countered Eostra. "Because I, and Vahrikaan, were no longer useful to him. I did the same.

"But it all went wrong. You would have been captured that very day in Shadovar had Arcturas not saved you, and we may have been able to prevent what happened then. But Arcturas discovered what I was doing, and the ambush went wrong. He cut me in half...with an abandoned scythe."

Shardak's eyes widened in horror as he stared at the curved edge of the Hooded One's scythe even as the vision that had plagued him since the death of Arcturas was finally understandable. Eostra was the female being leading him from the battlefield, while Arcturas was the being who'd killed her. The scythe was the same one in his dream...how had he not seen it?

"But I am too powerful to be destroyed merely by a material weapon," hissed the Hooded One. "So here Arcturas' misguided plan to use the Spirit Toa comes to an end. You will join Lord Vahrikaan."

"Never," grimaced Shardak.

"Your aura is strong," admitted the Hooded One. "But mine stronger. Do not make me fight you. Choose to surrender, and you will suffer less pain."

Shardak knew it was true. The Hooded One was not only an extremely powerful aura user, but as with Skorpix, there was something else augmenting her power as well, something that Shardak didn't recognize and couldn't understand.

"Even if you slaughtered your way to the gates of Drakos Capitol and then far, far beyond and confronted Lord Vahrikaan, you still wouldn't fare any better than you would if I bring you now. You will be joining me."

There was ominous finality in the Hooded One's voice that caused Shardak to shiver. He tried to speak, but the Hooded One's ice-cold aura wrapped around his throat, choking off sound.

Suddenly, as Shardak looked around, wildly looking for any hope of escape, a massive burst of fire materialized out of thin air above the city. It exploded above New Metru Nui and burned among the stars for a few moments, before falling to earth like a massive shooting star. It struck the citadel dead-on, and to Shardak's shock the stone building burst into flames.

"How? How is that possible?" asked Shardak fearfully. "What did you do?"

"I did nothing," said the Hooded One. "Our master has completed what he planned to do on the day of the Fall— gain control of perhaps the greatest artifact of all."

"What? What did he gain?" asked Shardak, as more firey explosions appeared directly above the citadel, incinerating hundreds of rebel warriors and Ix soldiers in an instant. "What has he done."

"Think back to Arcaea, and you'll know the truth," hissed the Hooded One, her cold scythe illuminated in the rising fires. "Now—"

Before she could finish, two arrows flew from the darkness. Shardak saw Valkyria and Silver standing in the vanguard as a rebel squadron slammed into the Hooded One's Red Shadow bodyguards, forcing them away.

"Run, Shardak!"

Shardak didn't think twice. He turned and ran from the Hooded One, away, into the choas of battle. The city was burning, every building being reduced to rubble within minutes after catching. The entire citadel was caving in, and the Red Shadows slaughtered everyone in sight. Valkyria and Silver seemed stunned and horrified at the sight.

It was a scene out of a nightmare.

"Shardak!" yelled Iskandar. "Shardak, the city's going to fall! You have to get out of here!"

"I can't leave the city to its fate!" yelled Shardak.

"Don't be a fool!" Iskandar hissed. "We cannot afford to lose you! Rejoin the Resistance armies in Media and warn them about what happened here!"

Shardak knew there was no way he could out-argue the Illieran.

"Reid Vaethar's got the airship ready. Fairon and Varkanax are with him." said Iskandar. "If I escape, I'll use the other craft to join you at Drakos Capitol."

Then, before Iskandar could say any more, he was swollowed up by the battle. Shardak didn't hesitate, but ran toward the citadel, where he saw Fairon and Varkanax waiting.

Then, one by one, the stars themselves began to go dark. Shardak saw them wink out, one by one, as though the eyes of the heavens had been shut. Shardak could hear the gasps of shock from the beings still fighting, and Eostra's laugh of triumph.

"The Shadow of Vahrikaan is come!"

The Shadow of Vahrikaan was the great darkness that had been gathering in the west and was sweeping over Xaterex. Now, Shardak realized, it had reached New Metru Nui. Once it reached Drakos, every star across Xaterex would be extinguished.

"Get in now!" yelled Fairon as another bolt of fire slammed into the ground before him, two Glatorian reduced to ashes in an instant. Shardak ran toward the open door of the small aircraft and lept inside, Valkyria and Silver close behind. Shardak saw Reid Vaethar and Nightwatcher were piloting it.

No sooner had he jumped in then Reid Vaethar took off, away from New Metru Nui, away from the raging fires, and away from the massive army of Red Shadows below.

But one thought still plagued him.

''What had Eostra meant when she'd said Vahrikaan had gained what he'd been seaching for since Arcaea? And what had she meant when she'd told him Vahrikaan ruled over all the elements?''

Unbidden, Iskandar's words about the tale of the Fall lept into his mind.

"The Shadovar Device could manipulate all Elements everywhere, even beyond Arcaea. The Ancients used this device to create the Elemental plains themselves, and the Great Beings to shape the Elemental plains into the Twelve Kingdoms. However, the Codrex had spawned as many wars as the Annulus and the four Elemental swords have, because it was too powerful. This was the artifact that Vahrikaan's strike force had been sent to seize control of at the heart of Shadovar, led by Arcturas himself."

Suddenly it all clicked.

The fireballs Vahrikaan had used to destroy the rebel defense force.

The Hooded One's and Skorpix's hints about how they'd gained such a great amount of elemental power.

The reason Vahrikaan had not immediately attacked with his entire army, and after his Rising had left the governance of the Ix Empire to beings such as Skorpix and Eostra.

"It's in Shadovar," he gasped aloud. "It's what he's using to control the Elements. How, how did we not see it?"

The path is beyond life and death, where dark robs bodies of their breath, and break a mind with endless hate, and reap your soul and seal your fate.

"He's in Shadovar," Shardak said again. "He's been after the Codrex all along."

Chapter 19
The Resistance army was gathered at the base of the massive mountain that led to the city of Drakos Capitol.

The city of Shardak's archenemies, where the heart of the massive Ix army was gathered. The Resistance army had fought their way through Media until they'd reached the base of the massive mountain upon which Drakos Capitol was built.

And here the rebel high command was gathered as well for a council of war.

Shardak, Valkyria, and Fairon listened as Atarus and the others reviewed their plan for the assault on Drakos. Every one of the Resistance commanders had a grim expression on their face, and Shardak knew thatg victory or defeat in this battle would be life or death for them all. If they could defeat the Ix here, then the entire tide of the war would turn. But if this battle, and the battle above them at Var'kala, was lost, then they'd be pinned down on Xaterex, with no hope of escape from Vahrikaan.

After he, Fairon, Nightwatcher, and Vaethar had arrived, they'd told Atarus and the others about what Vahrikaan had done to end the siege of New Metru Nui, and also about the Hooded One's presence there. Staring up at the sheer cliffs where he knew Drakos Capitol was constructed, Shardak remembered how he'd thought that he'd face Lord Vahrikaan here, at the heart of the Ix's domain. But now he knew that the battle would be far more complicated.

Two days ago, a group of survivors had arrived from New Metru Nui, led by Kalix and Vale Iskara. The rest of the army was holed up a few miles north of the city, trying to slow the Ix's arrival in the Fells as best they could. However, Shardak knew that the army would make it there. It was only a matter of time.

"We cannot risk using aircraft in this battle," Fultran was saying. "They have far too many antiaircraft weapons to make that a realistic option, and we have too few. Nor can we realistically lay seige to it, with our families and No, this will be a battle played out on the streets of the city itself."

"Yes," agreed Atarus. "But we have to make sure that our force is able to get into Shadovar. There is a portal built at the heart of the city to the Plain of Mirrors, from which Shadovar can be acessed. But as you know, travelling through the Plain is more dangerous than facing the entire Ix army. And besides that, the Order's there as well. Some of the reports Silver and Dust have given me about Var'kala I cannot share with any of you."

"What about Vahrikaan?" asked Shardak. "He'll do everything possible to hinder us. We know he won't give up until we've been defeated. Now that he has the Codrex, he could simply blast us to oblivion if he wanted."

"Then why hasn't he?" demanded Fultran.

"Because he's counting on me coming to him alone." said Shardak.

"And will you?" asked Fultran.

For a moment, Shardak hesitated. His destiny was almost upon him. Soon he would have to fulfill the Final Prophecy, the prophecy that stated clearly he could not survive. But he knew what his answer had to be. "Yes," he said. "I'm going to Shadovar. It's the only way we can win."

"Which is exactly what Vahrikaan wants you to do!" objected Kalix. "You're going to play right into his hands!"

"What else can we do?" countered Fairon. "If Vahrikaan senses I won't come to him, then he'll stop playing with us, wipe the rebel army out, and take Shardak."

"We don't have much choice," said Shardak. "I have to go to Shadovar to confront Vahrikaan, find what the Prophecy calls the Realm of Souls, and kill Vahrikaan. If I can't, we'll have to accept that he'll rule as long as he wants, because we could not stop him at our strongest."

Silence fell around the table. Then Atarus spoke. "Shardak, what you're proposing is extremely dangerous."

"I know," said the Toa. "But there's no other way. The Plain of Mirrors is too dangerous for an army to move across, and the Prophecy says that I have to stop Vahrikaan. I'll have the greatest chance of sucess if I go alone."

Shardak didn't want to put more lives at risk. Fairon, Blast, and Valkyria had been through so much at his side that he couldn't put their lives at risk by dragging them into a battle with Lord Vahrikaan. He didn't want Blast or Fairon or Valkyria to be there when he died, or made the choice the Prophecy foretold. It had to be just him and Lord Vahrikaan, ending their struggle forever.

"I can't send you into the Plain of Mirrors and Shadovar alone, nor can I let you walk into Drakos Capitol unguarded" said Atarus. "Were it up to me, I'd join you myself, but I must oversee the battle for Drakos. No action will be more important than winning this battle, other than the death of Vahrikaan himself."

"I'm coming with you," said Valkyria. "I won't let you face Vahrikaan alone."

"Nor will I," said Fairon. "Too much of the Prophecy is still unfilfilled."

"Thank you," said Shardak. "But I can't put your lives at risk again. This is too dangerous."

"Too dangerous?" said Valkyria almost contemptuously. "If it's too dangerous for me, then it's too dangerous for you. I'm not deserting you now."

Shardak knew that he could not refuse them. While he didn't want to continually put their lives at risk, he knew that they wouldn't give up. Honored by their friendship, he nodded once. "All right," he conceded.

"You need more," said Atarus. "Three beings don't make a strike team. You need an entire group of professionals, people who have trained for this and can guard you throughout Drakos Capitol and the Plain of Mirrors. Does anyone else here want to accompany them?"

"It would be wrong to leave you now," said Kalix. "I owe you a debt for coming to Iskar to follow the Sword of Earth. With your permission, I'd like to accompany you."

Leviathos, who was here along with the Noctian high commander, nodded agreement. "Where Fairon goes, I'll go." he said.

"I will avenge Dust's death by watching Vahrikaan's fall," said Silver.

Jareroden nodded his assent. "I'll join you as well, then." he agreed.

All eyes turned to Luxa, who nodded once. "This is your best chance of saving the universe, Spirit Toa," she said. "I'm not letting you mess it up."

Shardak wondered once again what history Luxa had with Toa that made her so despise them. She and Fairon had some history as well, though since their capture by the Mindeaters Luxa and Fairon seemed less argumentative with each other than before.

''Not all of them know the truth about the Prophecy. They don't all know what Fairon, Valkyria and I know: that I'm going to die along with Vahrikaan.''

All eyes turned to Varkanax, but the being with the skeletal hand shook his head. "I must help Atarus and the others oversee the battle." he said.

"I will select four more beings to accompany you, then, including the elementalist Kyhrex," said Atarus. "You'll need as much help as you can if you hope to enter the Plain of Mirrors."

Kyhrex. Another old friend. The Glatorian who'd helped escort him through the Labyrinth and saved his life in the battle against Flareus, the deceased Elemental ruler of the Circle. Another old friend.

Discussion turned to the siege of Drakos Capitol, as well as the tactics they planned to use once they attacked the city. Shardak, however, remained deeply in thought about what he'd do once he entered Drakos Capitol. It would be dangerous enough to lead a strike team into the heart of Drakos Capitol to assassinate Vahrikaan even as the city was being assaulted by the Resistance. But with the added danger of the Plain of Mirrors, and then Shadovar itself, Shardak knew it was unlikely any of them would make it back alive.

He might have to die. But he wouldn't let his friends die with him. Too much would had to be tied up after the end of the war if he suceeded, and if he couldn't be around to do it, then he had to make sure Fairon and Valkyria were.

After the meeting, Shardak stepped outside. Most of the rebel warriors were racing around to prepare for the assault on Drakos, but not Varkanax. The being with the skeletal hand simply stood, watching the proceedings unitl his spectral green eyes, only barely visible beneath his hood, fixed on Shardak.

"Shardak," Varkanax whispered in his detached, unreadable voice. "Atarus has told me you are leaving for Drakos soon."

"Yes," said Shardak. "They plan to send me to hunt down Vahrikaan." Even now his mission through the capital of the Empire, into the Plain of Mirrors, and to confront Vahrikaan at Shadovar seemed surreal. He was about to fullfill the Prophecy and would have to make the choice, and so much hinged upon it being made right— indeed, the fate of the universe— that he couldn't believe he wasn't more fearful or more shocked.

''Even if we win, I will die. ''Shardak thought. While once he was afraid of those words, now they were comforting, almost tender. To die could not be so bad. Whatever came after, he would no longer suffer, and if he died setting the universe right, then at least he would create a better world for Valkyria, Fairon, and Blast to live within.

"Shardak," said Varkanax. "There is so much I would like to tell you— so much that I know I will tell you— and I would like you to know that I have seen some of the end. While I do not know what will happen— your choices are not set in stone— remember that sometimes the answer is hidden in plain sight. And to follow your heart."

Shardak almost started in shock. Those were the exact words Arcturas had uttered to him as he lay dying, all those years ago. Suddenly fearful and shocked, he looked at Varkanax.

"Who are you?" he asked. "What are you?"

"I am a remnant," said Varkanax. "A remnant of what may have been, and what may still be. But every one of my actions have been designed to keep it from ever happening. But most of all, I am Varkanax."

Death.

"The Plain of Mirrors is far stranger than any other plain of existance," said Atarus grimly. "It is filled with things far beyond what we mortal beings can comprehend. Once any of you pass through there, nothing will ever be the same for any of you again."

Shardak thought back to the words of the Prophecy. It will reap your soul and seal your fate. Was that the death that it foretold?

He, Jareroden, Silver, Kalix, Valkyria, Fairon, Leviathos, Luxa, Kyhrex, Vale, Nightwatcher, two Glatorian named Naren and Kord, and the victor known as Kharix were gathered around the command table, alone. Atarus paced back and forth around them, his brow creased in worry.

"Things are...different there." he continued. "There are maddening truths and horrible lies. Endless hate and terrible love. There is darkness and light, time and no time. You can live a million years there, or your soul could be lost there forever."

This confirmed what Shardak had thought originally. The Plain of Mirrors was certainly not where he wanted Valkyria and Fairon to die, but he had little choice if they wanted to come. They certainly weren't going to step aside and let him go alone.

"More than that, the Plain of Mirrors is the home of the Hidden Ones," said Atarus, obviously expecting everyone to understand the term.

"Who are the Hidden Ones?" asked Shardak, feeling a few too many steps behind as usual.

"No one knows, except that they're beings who live in the Plain of Mirrors," said Atarus. "Some theorize they're Elementals who fled the Fall, or the initial creation of Arcaea. Others say they're a remnant of the Ancients, or some race that predated them. Whoever they are, they're definitely hostile to any who travel through the plain.

"There is little more that I can do to advise you about the Plain of Mirrors, which is the only way to gain entrance into Shadovar. However, there is much I can show you about Drakos. Our spies have managed to gain posession of several city maps, which, while probably inacurate, at least shows the positions of many, many traps within the city."

Atarus spread a map of Drakos Capitol across the table. On the faded parchment, hundreds of traps were marked, scattered across the cliffs and deep into the city. They could be activated and deactivated at will by the Ix, and hundreds, ranging from deadly Rahi to poisonous chemicals to hideous, primeval mutations were scattered across the map, growing in frequency until the center of the city circle itself.

"The Order's armies are scattered throughout the city as well. The main Ix force is regrouping as well, preparing for either an all-out assault on Ecbatana or worse, an assault on Drakos if we're able to capture it. The Vorgaan and Ix must be avoided or killed at all costs." Atarus said grimly.

Shardak nodded agreement. He stared closely at the map, and his eyes widened in surprise. How could he have not noticed it before? The details were unimportant. The map seemed to be transforming before his eyes. Drakos Capitol was no longer a city, but—

"It's an arena," gasped Fairon. Kharix, Valkyria, Leviathos, Nightwatcher, Jareroden seemed equally shocked. Only a survivor of the Eternal Game could have ever seen it, and all of these beings had. Vale, Silver and the two Glatorian seemed rather confused.

"This will do perfectly," said Shardak. "We will be able to navigate this arena."

Fairon and the other victors nodded their assent.

"I know you can," Atarus seemed pleased.

"That leaves us with only one thing more to cover," he said at length. "Shadovar, the City of Mirrors. Devastated during the Fall, its last links to Xaterex and the rest of the material world severed by Arcturas, it lies abandoned, save for the Shadovar device itself. As you know, the moment Vahrikaan realizes that you're onto him, he'll do everything in his power— and now that he has the Shadovar device, he's even more deadly— to bring you to Shadovar. It's crucial that you come to him of your own free will, and are not dragged before him in chains. With the members of your strike team beside you, I have confidence that you can face him."

Here Atarus grew somber. he gestured to the rest of the strike team. "This meeting is over. Shardak, stay here. The rest of you may go."

The rest of the strike team left the command chamber, Valkyria giving Shardak a small, unreadable smile as she passed him. Then, once Atarus and Shardak were all alone, the Elemental turned to face him.

"So," said Shardak, his voice quiet. "I suppose this is it then." His eyes fell upon the travel gear laid out on the table for Atarus. "Where are you going?"

"To find the one being who might— just might— be able to save us all," said Atarus.

"Who is this?" asked Shardak, curious at Atarus' inscrutable response.

"I cannot tell you," said Atarus.

"Why not?" asked Shardak. For a moment, he felt a flame of anger flare up inside him. He was going to his death, and Atarus could not share a final secret with him.

"Shardak, look at me," said Atarus. He did not respond. "Look at me. I swore an oath as the leader of the Resistance, on everything that I hold dear, that I would never tell."

Shardak nodded, disappointed.

"Shardak," Atarus said. "I want you to know that you are the bravest Toa I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. In the time I've had to train you, you have turned the tide of an entire war and made up for the misdeeds of the Toa of Arcaea. You have earned my respect. I want you to know that you have given me and the entire Resistance a chance at bringing peace to Xaterex."

His mentor smiled. Not sadly, but with pride and admiration. "Your father would be proud."

For a moment, Shardak felt small, vulnerable and weak. At that moment, he wanted to do nothing more than to sob, to be protected once more as he'd been while Arcturas had lived. But the truth was out; there was no turning back. The fate of the universe rested on his choice, and even then, he could not survive.

''Nothing can hurt in death. I'm already dead. Accept it. ''he thought once more.

"Fare you well, Toa Shardak," said Atarus. "May Mata Nui protect you and those you love."

Shardak gave Atarus a small smile. But there was nothing he could say that would make this farewell any easier. Silently he faced his mentor for a few final moments. Then he slipped into the shadows.

Chapter 20
The city of Drakos Capitol looked down from the massive cliff it was built upon, staring down imperiously into the valleys below. Like Ecbatana, Drakos was rather lost at first glance in the massive shadows of the imposing cliffs above it. But Drakos Capitol was hard to miss for long, situated as it was with a river running through the city itself and its massive city walls. While there was only one main set of walls, Drakos' were nearly three hundred feet tall.

Shardak felt very small and insignificant as he stared at the city walls, which were dusted with a thin layer of frost. Winter was rapidly approaching, and Shardak knew that by the time the siege of Drakos had ended, winter would likely have set in.

Beside him, the members of the strike team were tense and alert, Valkyria on his left, Fairon his right. Looking at his friends and allies, Shardak saw that they were probably the most elite team he could hope for in his mission to kill Lord Vahrikaan. They'd taken no casualties climbing the mountains and had evaded many of the deadly traps that had killed so many of the Resistance soldiers. And yet even that, he realized, might not be enough to make it through Drakos, the Plain of Mirrors, and then Shadovar.

Will break your mind with endless hate, and reap your soul and seal your fate. The words of the Prophecy seemed to whisper in Shardak's mind even as they drew nearer to the city. The battle was already in progress there, the Resistance forcing their way into the main gate. Shardak saw taht despite heavy casualties, soon they would be inside the city.

But the walls were only Drakos' first line of defense. Once they fell, the thousands of landmines scattered about the city, along with hundreds of other devious traps, would be activated.

"Now," whispered Fairon. "The moment the Resistance break through the city walls, we'll slip in. We can't risk being caught in the crossfire."

Shardak saw that many of the Resistance soldiers had broken through the walls, the Ix falling back in retreat. But Shardak wasn't fooled. The battle had barely begun. Once the rebels were inside the city, the real battle for Drakos Capitol would begin.

"Go!" hissed Fairon, and Shardak bolted from his position on the ledge, toward the raging battlefield below. The others followed him, Luxa, Jareroden, Silver, and Valkyria surrounding him.

The battlefield was wildly chaotic, with rebel warriors charging through the smashed gates of the city. More Resistance legions were assaulting Drakos from all sides, each one of them trying to break through into the city. The Ix warriors guarding the ramparts were all garbed in the traditional black armor, but Shardak knew it wouldn't be long before the Limiters and Red Shadows showed their faces.

Shardak felt a crossbow bolt whiz past, slamming into a Skakdi soldier standing behind him. An Ix soldier, seeing him, tried to block his way, but Luxa cut him down before he could even move. Shardak could only swing the Blade of Arcturas reflexively as all around him the battle grew in intensity.

Shradak was fighting at the gate now. Most of the rebel soldiers had broken through this gate already, and were fighting the Ix warriors who hadn't scattered deeper into the city. He and his strike team had a free get-away.

"Run!" the voice belonged to one of the Glatorian, Kord. Shardak whirled around to see the rest of the strike team clashing with a heavily armed group of Ix warriors. Shardak saw one of the Ix's snarl turn to a grimace as the Blade of Arcturas tore through him. He collapsed at Shardak's feet, three others taking his place. Naren finished one off easily, a second fell to Fairon's scimitar. Shardak countered the final attackers' assault with a blindingly fast series of Vauhti counterattacks, but before he could deal a finishing blow, Jareroden decapitated him with one stroke of his sword.

Now, free from the battle, the strike team proceeded down the massive, twisted streets in Drakos Capitol, following the map. They needed to find the quickest way to the heart of the city, while avoiding the vast majority of Ix and Resistance warriors. Shardak knew it would likely be an entire day or two before the full force of the Resistance army made it through the gates, and until then the Ix would be stationed at regular intervals all around the city.

"Are there any traps hidden along this street?" asked Shardak. Luxa was holding the map, pouring over it. Three small dashes were marked on the map, indicating that indeed there were traps scattered across this area of Drakos. As they passed by one of the traps indicated by the map, a well concealed iron wrecking ball held in place by a nearly invisible tripwire, Shardak winced.

He didn't see either of the other two traps, but easily avoided them using the map. Shardak breathed a sigh of relief once he noticed all of the strike team had survived unscathed.

"We're lucky Atarus' map was accurate," said Valkyria. "He warned us that it very likely would not be."

"The Ix can move many of their traps at will, such as the common landmines left here after the Fall," said Fairon. "They control this city, this arena. But luckily they seem to have neglected the possibility we have a map, or at least decided against moving around the traps on this street."

Shardak could hear the shouts and clashes of weapons grow closer. Several explosions echoed through the city, muted by distance. Shardak could hear the screams of terror that rang out. Some of the rebels had obviously set off another of the traps.

The next hour passed in a blur for Shardak. He and the rest of the strike team proceeded cautiously down every street and alleyway, taking out any Ix guards they saw and moving on. Once there was a close call when Naren nearly set off a trap that wasn't marked on the map, but managed to avoid it at the last second when Nightwatcher felt it in the aura field.

Shardak and the rest of the strike team were continuing down a long narrow corridor when Kord stepped on a perfectly innocent-looking road tile. Shardak, who held the map, saw that it wasn't listed as a trap. And yet, moments after his foot hit the ground, Kord gave a gasp of shock. Then, before Shardak's and Fairon's startled eyes, an explosion rocketed skyward. Kord was blasted backward, his blood scattering in all directions.

Through the haze of smoke and fire Shardak got one more look at Kord's fallen body before the fires swallowed him up. His legs had been blown off by the massive explosion, and blood poured from his wounds freely. Shardak got one look at his blank eyes before he disppeared into the flames.

Of all the strike team members, Valkyria was in the lead. At the sound of the explosion, she turned around, eyes widening as she saw Shardak stagger from the blaze, Kord lying dead on the ground.

That was her mistake.

Before Shardak could even shout a warning, the snare grabbed Valkyria. Her eyes widened in panic as it lifted her off her feet, leaving her dangling upside down helplessly. As she and Shardak became aware of the new danger, she kicked and struggled to free herself, but only suceeded in wrapping the snare more tightly around her.

The rest of the strike team, still standing shell-shocked from the explosion, had no time to avoid the massive flood of oil descending upon them.

Jekart paced in his cell, alone. The information broker was extremely annoyed. The Ix had no right to keep him in a cell. He'd done so much for them, even passed information about the detailed plans of the rebellion to them that had been invaluable during the attacks of the Sarkanian clones.

But now everything was upside down. The Ix were planning not only to take over the worlds, but wipe out every complex lifeform on Xaterex to end the threat of rebellion forever. Then there was the so-called "Final Plan", which Jekart knew certainly wouldn't involve self-serving information brokers.

No, he was a loose end the Ix still had to tie up. Why they hadn't simply killed him after the end of the siege of Akkad was a real mystery. Perhaps Meera Faal thought she could still get something from him, some information that she could use to crush the Resistance. Still, Jekart thought they'd crush the Resistance no matter what happened if he didn't warn them.

He'd seen enough now to be thourouly disillousioned with the Ix. Jekart had been tortured to the brink of death for his secrets by High Lord Korlei, the Ix Lord Vahrikaan had given command of Drakos Capitol. He'd then been escorted by Korlei two Limiters, one powerfully built, the other older, his features like a burnt-out shell.

Even though Jekart couldn't sense into the aura field, he could feel the second Limiter's power. He stared into the Ix's eyes, which were even deader than usual, and shuddered.

It was then that Jekart, though he did not know it, stood face to face with an avatar of Vahrikaan.

He'd been brought before another like him, Nihilus, on Korlei's orders, and the old Limiter avatar and Nihilus had tortured him, speaking in Vahrikaan's voice and Vahrikaan's inflections. Despite the mask, Jekart could see the eroding flesh beneath Nihilus' face.

"Who are you?" he asked, screaming in agony as Nihilus blasted him again and again with bolts of dark lightning.

"We are Ix," they both hissed simultaeneously. "But we are both Lord Vahrikaan."

And, as Korlei watched, they went on blasting him over and over with dark fire and lightning.

Jekart was horrified. Vahrikaan had two bodies, that of the Limiter aboard this starship and Nihilus. Somehow, Vahrikaan's essence was split in two.

"Enjoying your cell?"

A familiar, mocking voice broke through Jekart's thoughts. Startled, the information broker looked up to see Skorr reclining lazily against one wall. The Zeverek bounty hunter toyed with a blaster in one hand as he fixed Jekart with a cold stare.

"Skorr," said Jekart, meeting his former ally's gaze with his shrewd red eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"Just checking on you," said the Zeverek, a hint of mockery laced in his otherwise calm voice. "I understand that you've been confined to your cell after winning the battle of Akkad. When the Empire's won the war, I'll free you, though." he promised.

"So you're going to help them win?" asked Jekart, a tinge of anger seeping into his voice as he thought of Vahrikaan's cold voice casually sealing the fates of thousands on Xaterex— and Meera and Skorpix simply accepting it. "Why? Why do they deserve your loyalty?"

"For the same reason you've always given them information," said Skorr, surprised at Jekart's venom. "And turned the Spirit Toa over to me. I want to be on the winning side."

"In a few days, there will be no winning side," said Jekart.

Something in his voice made Skorr pause. For the first time he seemed interested. "What do you know, Jekart?"

The information broker felt a plan begin to form. If he could just convince Skorr of what he'd heard Vahrikaan say, then maybe, if the bounty hunter wasn't completely under the Ix's influence, he'd help Jekart escape and warn the rebels.

"I picked up this information after I fled Akkad," Jekart lied easily. "From the Ix themselves, who have made no secret of this plan. The Ix have a new virus, the same one that they used in the Void. They're going to unleash it on Xaterex and it will kill everyone on the surface."

"But..." Skorr began. "That would kill all of the Ix on Xaterex. As far as I know, they're not immune to the virus themselves."

"Most of the Ix army is going to be lifted off Xaterex by starcraft during the battle," said Jekart. "And as for the civilians, apparently something called the "Final Plan" will compensate for their deaths."

Skorr looked less shocked then Jekart might expect. "Why would I care to save anyone on Xaterex?" he asked. "The Ix have promised me sole ownership of all the land from Gigas Nui to the Fells. Those on Xaterex have promised me nothing. I know none of them. Well, actually, that's a lie. I know a lot of them, I just don't like them."

"Do you really think you'll get any of that?" Jekart couldn't keep the contemptous sneer out of his voice. "Do you think that Xaterex will even be habitable once the Ix are through with it?"

Skorr hesitated, and Jekart immediately seized on it. "The Ix believe themselves superior to all other beings," he said. "Do you really think that the Ix and the Order would ever, ever kill their own civilians if they didn't think they could gain something momumental from it? Their plan obviously doesn't involve them— and it won't involve you either."

Skorr's face, momentarily unreadable, quickly morphed into a sneer. "Is this Jekart I hear talking?" he feigned surprise. "Jekart, who assisted the Ix from the Fall onward? Are you instructing me in morality?" there was no anger in his voice, merely surprise and scorn.

"No, I—"

"How does one pitiful information broker, which, sorry Jekart, you are— dare to challenge the Ix? I don't care what they do to Xaterex. Or Calos. Or Noctxia Magna. As long as I get payed in the end."

"But you won't," said Jekart. "I care little about these beings as well. The reason why we need to escape, Skorr, and the reason why you should help me is obvious. Do you really think, that in a Xaterex depopulated of all life, that there will be any Resistance anymore? Do you think that once the Ix complete their final plan, there will be any life left that they don't approve of?

"I've seen what Lord Vahrikaan can do," Jekart said. His voice trembled with fear. "He's made other beings avatars of himself. Nihilus, for one. He's completely controlled by Vahrikaan, he has no will of his own unless Vahrikaan allows it. That Limiter who guards Korlei is another of them."

"And," continued Jekart. "In this universe, this universe ruled over by the Ix and Vahrikaan— more than one Vahrikaan—, do you really believe, Skorr— are you willing to stake your life on it— that the Ix will have a place for information brokers and bounty hunters in their new world? Because I don't think there's much to it."

For a moment, Skorr seemed to become entirely still, deep in thought. Jekart could only hope his argument had been enough to sway Skorr. Because if it was not, then it would likely be discovered that he'd evesdropped on Vahrikaan, and he would be executed.

Then Xaterex would die not long after.

"The Night Vulture's at the Var'kala docks," said Skorr, referring to his Hagah V-7 freighter that had been built by a long gone company at the forges now used by the Ix Empire. "So we'll be leaving immediately."

Skorr's blast was muffled by a silencer as he blew the door of Jekart's cell of its hinges with a single plasma burst. Jekart stepped out of the cell to join the bounty hunter. "I'm risking my life for you." he said. "We're going to fly into the middle of a massive battle. The Ix have unleashed the Thanatos."

Jekart nodded. Skorr lifted his blaster, and handed Jekart a pair of daggers.

"Just how much do you think the Resistance will pay me for this information?"

Chapter 21
Shardak was immediately plunged into a fight for his life as the oil washed over him, nearly dragging him beneath the black, tarry liquid. As he fought to hold his footing, he saw Kyhrex disappear beneath the surface. Vale Iskara was more quick on her feet and managed to leap aside, though the flood of oil slammed into her leg and caused her to fall sprawling against the hard pavement. The rest of the strike team fought to hold their footing against the tide of oil.

Naren was the most unlucky. As the Glatorian female hauled herself out of the oil, she was immediatly seized by the same snare trap that had cought Valkyria. Then the flood pushed Shardak back and into the broken corpse of Kord and Naren disappeared from view.

Shardak cought a glimpse of Valkyria, entangled upside down in the snare, just as the oil was about to pull him under. But before he disappeared beneath the waves of darkness threatening to drag him to his doom, he felt someone slam into him, dragging him to his feet.

"Look!" Fairon yelled, the moment he and Shardak were standing upright once more.

Six massive, hideous looking four-legged Rahi were leaping over the pool of oil. More were folllowing them. They looked like massive weapons of destruction, with long curved claws the size of daggers and teeth that could tear through armor.

Vale and her two Veythari guards were staggering from the pool. Before Shardak could call a warning, one of the hideous Rahi landed on the back of one of the Veythari. Vale and the other guard whirled around, but it was too late. The Veythari was dead before he fell beneath the oil, his neck snapped with one blow from the Rahi's teeth.

Vale and the remaining Veythari ran, but Shardak could tell that they were going to be run down if they weren't stopped. As Vale stumbled momentarily, Shardak yelled a warning.

The Rahi that had been about to finish Vale whirled around, and seeing Shardak, charged toward him. Noticing Valkyria and Naren, both helpless and trapped in the snares, the others followed. Vale leapt from the oil flood and landed on her feet next to Shardak and Fairon.

One of the beings landed on Fairon, another leapt at Shardak. He dodged, and a third snare grabbed the Rahi, dragging him into the air. Seeing Valkyria, a third Rahi charged toward the Ix girl, aiming to snap her neck between his teeth.

"No!" yelled Shardak, and a flash of energy from the Blade of Arcturas reinvigorated him and allowed him to run the Blade of Arcturas into the Rahi's throat. The wolflike beast did not stop flailing until Shardak pulled the weapon out of it's throat, then it tumbled into the now mostly still pool of oil.

Unfortunately, at that moment, another of the monsters set off that trap once more, and still more of the oil poured forth, the impact nearly knocking Shardak off his feet. Only his grip on the snare holding Valkyria kept him from vanishing into the darkness forever. Shardak managed to pull himself upright, and Valkyria winced in pain as the snare's dangerously sharp wires scraped across her thigh.

Shardak lifted the Blade of Arcturas, easily slashing through one of the wires holding Valkyria. A second fell to the ground, and Valkyria's eyes widened in undisguised fear. Shardak looked back and saw that the strike team was engaged in a losing battle against the mutated Rahi. The other Veythari guard was wounded, and Fairon was wrestling with two of them, trying to block them from immediately slitting his throat. Leviathos was holding his own, but Silver and Kalix were going to soon fall beneath the onslaught of Rahi fighters. All the while the flooding oil threatened to drag them under.

But that was not what Valkyria had noticed. One of the wolf-Rahi slammed into his back, almost dragging him to the ground. Once again he kept hold of the snare, and as his world spun around him, he sliced another wire. Now only one, wrapped around Valkyria's ankle, was keeping her bound to the snare trap.

Shardak felt the Rahi's scissorlike teeth sink into his shoulder, but ignored the pain. He swung the Blade of Arcturas at it once, and the Rahi howled in pain as the sword buried itself in his eyes. Half-blinded, the Rahi flailed helplessly, his claws barely maintaining a hold on Shardak's armor against the flow of the oil. As he was pulled backward, almost dragging Valkyria with him, Shardak swung the Blade and it cut through the final wire. The Rahi, Valkyria, and Shardak all tumbled into the fast moving oil river.

Only Valkyria's Ix training kept her from being killed instantly by the Rahi mutation. She managed to backflip midair, landing in one knee in the middle of the flow of oil. The Rahi's claws narrowly missed her throat, and Shardak rammed the Blade of Arcturas into its stomach. The Rahi fell away and disappeared beneath the oil flood.

Naren and the remaining Rahi were still struggling to free themselves. By chance one of the Rahi's claws slashed through the cords entangling Naren, and the Glatorian fell to the ground.

"Run!" Shardak yelled to Valkyria over the clash of weapons. He saw that many of the other strike team members were gathered at the edge of the oil flooded area. How many, he couldn't tell. The death toll would only come in later, after they'd escaped the Rahi.

The armed clashes of weapons were growing closer now. Shardak could hear, over the screams of the Rahi and the shouts of the strike team, the unmistakeable sounds of carnage. The Resistance was fighting their way into the capitol. They were quite a way behind the strike team, but drawing nearer.

Shardak did not wait to see if any of the other members of the strike team had escaped the acid. The moment he saw that Valkyria was safe and Fairon was alive, he ran. He had to, or the Rahi chasing him would have immediately torn his throat out.

Racing down the street, not bothering to avoid any of the traps, the strike team whirled around— and came face to face with a large patrol of Limiters. The Ix soldiers betrayed a moment of surprise, then charged toward them, attacking mercilessly. Before Shardak could catch his breath, he was once again embroiled in another battle. Two Limiters fell to Fairon's scimitar, Valkyria brought down another. Shardak was barely conscious of the Blade of Arcturas raining death down on his foes. Two Ix fell aside, bleeding badly from wounds dealt by the Sword of Fire.

Another charged toward Leviathos, but the powerful Noctian sidestepped and brought his massive spiked club down on the Ix's back. The Limiter collapsed, his spine snapped in two like a twig.

There was no time to evaluate how many of the strike team members had survived. Shardak raced down the narrow alleyways, the mutated hound Rahi close behind. Shardak felt pain sear his left foot, and he stumbled for a moment as one's claw raked across his heel. He would have been snapped in half by the Rahi's teeth moments later had not Valkyria pulled him to his feet.

Suddenly Shardak saw seven more Ix warriors charge toward them, accompanied by a rumbling sound. Before Shardak could move, he saw massived spiked knives, scimitars, and spears appear from the alley's walls. A wrecking ball, covered in spikes that were almost as long as Shardak's legs, rolled by him, slamming into four of the Ix warriors and killing them insantly. Shardak cought a glimpse of a battered corpse lying crushed as well by the wrecking ball, but couldn't make out who it was.

The mutated hounds did not even hesitate, but leapt over the spiked pit easily and charged toward Shardak and the rest of the strike team. Without hesitation, Shardak ran through the city, away from the hounds.

Suddenly a massive, yawning abyss appeared before Shardak, so massive it was unlikely even the mutated hounds could jump over it unscathed. What was worse, the pit led deep into a massive pit of serrated scythes, which would slice apart anyone who fell into it within seconds.

"We can't win in battle against them," Valkyria hissed urgently. "Jump! Use your aura!"

Three of the mutated hounds suddenly appeared behind them, their claws slashing at Valkyria. The Ix female didn't hesitate, but leapt across the gap, using her aura to propel himself across the massive chasm and landing on her feet at the other side. Shardak had no time to think before the Rahi were on him as well, he jumped, fighting gravity itself in an attempt to hold him aloft. He landed on the other side on his side, then rose to his feet, grabbing Leviathos' hand as the Noctian almost fell into the abyss below. Fairon had also managed to leap across the gap, and Valkyria pulled him across.

The Rahi were not so lucky. Unable to leap fully across the gap, six of them tumbled into the void and were sliced apart by the scything blades. Two others managed to halt in time, and the last managed to grab ahold of the cliff's edge. However, before the being could haul itself up, Valkyria shoved it into the void with her aura.

Shardak stared at the members of the strike team. He could see Valkyria, Fairon, Leviathos, Silver, Luxa, Vale, Jareroden, Kalix, Kharix, Nightwatcher, and Kyhrex were all there. However, Naren and the remaining Veythari were missing.

"They stayed at the first trap to hold back the hounds," said Luxa, seeing the question in Shardak's eyes. Shardak knew exactly what that meant. They'd died so the rest of the strike team could continue.

"We must find another way to continue," said Fairon. "Obviously, continuing our current path could become extremely dangerous. The Ix obviously know we're here, and they're no fools. Tens, perhaps hundreds of them, will be coverging on this area from all sides now."

Shardak could still hear, in the distance, the clash of weapons as the Ix fought the Resistance. This type of warfare was obviously unfamiliar to the rebels, but as Shardak could not see what was going on, he could only hope that the rebellion was winning the battle.

"Well, the rooftops will be impossible," said Fairon at last. "Too risky that we'll be spotted by some sniper. And unless we could somehow transport ourselves to another point in the city, we're trapped here as well. Ix are probably closing in on us at this very moment."

"There is another option," said Kalix grimly. "Underground."

"Underground?" asked Fairon. "Sewers?"

"No, not quite. These are ancient tunnels like the tunnel at Ecbatana— no longer in use, but a haven for ancient traps of the most dangerous kind. However, the tunnels will allow us to escape the Ix."

Vale was suspicious. "How do you know about this?"

"Before my defection, I was one of the most trusted Limiters," said Kalix.

"Then how do we know you're not leading us into a trap?" demanded Vale.

Kalix smiled coldly at the Veythari female. "Because the Limiters would never listen to me, Veythari. I betrayed them to help you, and nothing I could ever say would make it up to them. Much like Warrior Rhai, I am exiled forever."

"How do we know—" Vale began, but Nightwatcher interrupted her.

"Enough," the bounty hunter hissed, voice cold. "We are worrying about a crack in the floor while the entire ceiling is about to come down on us. This place is an arena, as we victors clearly can see. In an arena you do not hesitate. We have to use the tunnels, or we will be killed."

There was a finality in his voice that brooked no argument. Kalix and Vale nodded wordlessly. "Now, Kalix, show us the tunnels." he ordered. The Ix nodded, and as the shouts of Ix drew nearer, led them down two passages not marked on the map.

"There are no traps here," said Kalix. "The secret passageway begins here." he led them to a small, nondescript looking building. Outside on the door several posters were hanging, advertising large rewards for the capture of Atarus, Nightwatcher, and Shardak. Kalix opened the door, and entered the building. A massive, yawning tunnel stretched before them.

"This connects with another abandoned house," said Kalix. "But it also leads into the sewers, as well as into several ancient tunnels that lead into the heart of Drakos."

But Shardak was hardly paying attention. He was thinking back to Naren and the Veythari, two more beings that had died so the strike team could continue on.

Two more beings that had died to save him so he could die later.

Where will it end?

In the twisted, claustrophobic tunnels below Drakos, Shardak sat awake, deep in thought. In a few hours, he knew, they would once again be on the run, through the dark confines of the tunnels and eventually into the heart of Drakos.

He could see Vale Iskara was currently on watch, sitting over the embers of the small fire. Valkyria was also awake, sitting with her back against the wall of the tunnel, but they hadn't talked. Right now, Shardak found it too painful to speak with her, or with any of the Resistance strike team members.

So we watched the tunnel in silence, and so heard the voice first, a hissing, unintelligable rasp. A second rasp joined the first, but Shardak could tell they weren't Ix. Something else was following them beneath the tunnels of Drakos.

"Vale," Shardak whispered. "There's—"

Suddenly there was a flash at the corner of his eye, a flash of teeth and gleaming silver armor. Shardak screamed a warning as he regonized the beast— a Stalker, one of the mutated Rahi the Ix used as trackers. Immediately every one of the strike team members were on their feet, their weapons raised as they charged at the Limiters. Shardak saw Kalix stagger back, a Limiter dagger embedded in his side.

Shardak suddenly saw a flash in the darkness, and saw the cold white eyes of Ix warriors. Limiters were closing in from all sides even as the Stalkers wreaked havoc amidst the ranks of the Resistance. As they were almost invisible, the strike team found it almost impossible to fight them in the confines of the tunnels, and as several of the strike team members fell to the ground, Shardak followed Fairon, Luxa and the others.

"Follow me!" yelled Kalix, shoving his way through the rebels ahead of him. Blood was dripping from his wound, but he seemed otherwise unharmed. "I know the way out of the tunnels!"

But Shardak knew it wouldn't be that easily. He could feel a presence in the aura field so filled with raw, deadly power that he was forced to cringe away, and knew that this had been no accident.

His suspicions were confirmed the moment he saw another massive horde of Ix charge toward them, every one armed to the teeth. There were nearly twenty of them, and only eleven strike team members. Kalix and Nightwatcher charged into battle, Valkyria and Fairon following. But Shardak knew it was only intensifying as more Ix and Stalkers approached from the rear. Shardak saw Luxa wrestling desperately with a Stalker, watched helplessly as Kyhrex vanished beneath a mob of Ix scythes. Soon both of them would die. And, surrounded by Ix, he would die as well.

Suddenly Nightwatcher appeared in their midst, an unstoppable whirling dervish of raw, untamed power. Aquaros flashed before Shardak's eyes, decapitating a Limiter and two Stalkers with a single strike from the Sword of Water.

"Run!" he ordered. "Kalix has found a way out of this ambush!"

Shardak saw Kalix, Valkyria, and Vale all locked in battle with several Ix, and knew that despite the fact more than half their strike team was still locked in battle with the Limiters, they had to flee. Otherwise every one of them would be killed.

Shardak raced down the passageway after NIghtwatcher, hearing the shouts of the Ix soldiers and the cold hiss of the Stalkers as they gave chase through the tunnels beneath Drakos Capitol.

The battle over Var'kala was intensifying.

From his viewscreen aboard the Fire Tear, Blast could see that almost all of the Resistance ships were lockedin a battle for their lives against the Ix fleet. The Fire Tear itself was shielded by two capital ships, but soon, Blast knew, it too would be engaged in battle. All of the remaining reserves had been engaged in a desperate hope to stop the Thanatos, which was tearing through the Resistance fleet as though it was nothing more than a minor nusience.

"That ship's got to go," Blast muttered, as he watched the massive Thanatos blow apart a heavily damaged rebel capital ship. The rest of the Ix fleet was dangerous, but it was the Thanatos that was causing the most damage. Without the Ix flagship. they'd be demoralized, and the battle might yet turn in favor of the Resistance. But with no way known to disable the massive flagship, how could they ever stop the Ix?

"An unidentified ship is approaching from the right, commander," one of the Illierans said to their leader, a female known as Tern. "A Hagah V-7 freighter. Shall I shoot it down?"

"Hold on," said the Illieran commander. "A freighter? What's that doing in the middle of a battle like this?"

"They're asking permission to board, commander," said the Illieran. Blast looked at Tiral, but the Glatorian fleet commander seemed as lost for an explanation as he was.

Blast could see the Hagah V-7 in the viewscreen now. It was a traditional freighter, somewhat dated but looking extremely functional, with several additions that made it look far more threatening. "They say it's the Night Vulture, sir, and that someone named Jekart would like to speak with you."

"The Night Vulture?" asked Tiral in alarm. "That's Skorr's ship. Why would it be approaching us?"

"It must be a trap," said Tern. "Last I heard, Skorr was in the employ of the Ix. And Jekart's an untrustworthy information broker. Rumor's out that he assissted in destroying Akkad. We should shoot him down."

"NO!" yelled Blast, before the Illierans and Tiral could leap to obey her order. Tern looked shocked that the Resistance Glatorian had contradicted her. "Sorry, commander. But they may have information we need." he said.

To his surprise, the Illieran with the communicator nodded. "He says he has important information that will save the Resistance."

Tiral and Tern stared at the viewscreen, where the Thanatos was wreaking the Resistance fleet with impunity. Tern finally nodded grudgingly. "Very well. Send a large patrol of armed guards to escort Jekart and any other boarders to the command room. Be sure to inform them that any traps or ambushes on their part will end in their deaths."

The Illieran nodded, and relayed the order to Jekart. Then Blast and a squad of elite Illieran warriors followed Tern to the docks, where the Night Vulture was landing even now. As they reached the docks, Blast saw the Night Vulture land easily and two beings step out, a Zeverek clad in full armor and carrying an Arcaean blaster and his companion, a short, twisted red-eyed being carrying two daggers. Neither one he recognized, but Tern clearly did.

"Skorr," she said, meeting the Zeverek's eyes calmly. "Jekart. Why have you come here? To deliver the Ix's ultimatum?"

"No," said the information broker. His voice was raspy, yet surprisingly soft and earnest as he spoke. "We have come to save you. To save all life on Xaterex."

"Why? What have the Ix done?" asked Tern, still suspicious. "What, exactly, do you want? The Ix have probably paid you to get you to come here, to spread misinformation. Whatever you tell me, it had better be good."

"Oh, it is," said Skorr darkly. "Very bad, that is. For the Resistance."

And then, with utter sincerity, Jekart told the Resistance exactly what he'd heard Vahrikaan say, from the unleashing of the Thanatos to the appointing of Meera and Korelei as defense commanders of Var'kala and Drakos. He then told them about Vahrikaan's "Final Plan", and then, lastly, the horrible plan for Xaterex.

"They plan to unleash the ancient virus from the Void onto Xaterex," said Jekart. "They have a craft infected with it on Var'kala, sealed tightly. They're going to unleash it when the time is right and it wll strike Xaterex, wiping out all complex lifeforms there within a couple of hours."

"You're lying," Tern said immediately. "The Ix would never unleash something so devastating when so many of them are still present there."

"They're sending starcraft from the blockade above Xaterex to pick up the Red Shadows that attacked New Metru Nui," said Jekart. "As for the civilians in Drakos Capitol, apparently the Ix have another plan to save them. As for the rest, Vahrikaan only thinks of them as collateral damage, and says that his "Final Plan" will compensate for that."

"You're obviously lying, Nice try, Ix spies," said Tern. "Kill them both," she ordered her guards.

"No!" Jekart yelled, his voice filled with genuine anguish. "Please—"

"Why should I listen to an obvious liar?" asked Tern.

Before any of the Illierans could move, Skorr lifted his blaster. The bounty hunter calmly pointed it at Tern's heart. "Listen to me," the bounty hunter ordered, his voice quiet yet tinged with malice. "I have fled the Ix and defied the will of Lord Vahrikaan to come to you with Jekart and warn you that every being on Xaterex— including your precious Spirit Toa— is in mortal danger.

"If I have to, I will kill you all and save Xaterex myself by destroying the starcraft with the virus, not because I care to save lives, but because without Xaterex there will be no place left in the world for bounty hunters like me. So unless you care to have your head blown off, you're going to help us save Xaterex— and possibly the entire universe— from Vahrikaan's plan."

Tern stared at Skorr, Zeverek at Illieran, neither one of them willing to back down. Finally Tern nodded resignedly. "Very well," said the Illieran. "I believe that you're telling the truth, though obviously many of us are less sure. I will give you ample oppurtunity to prove yourself in our mission to Var'kala."

"Mission to Var'kala?" asked Blast.

"I will bring it before the rest of the council," said Tern, without elaboration. "But be warned, Skorr, if you and your associate are lying—"

"I would not lie about something like this," interrupted Jekart. Tern glared at him.

"If you are lying," she continued. "You will be executed as war criminals. However, if you suceed, you will be granted full pardon for serving the Ix."

A half hour later, well out of range of the Ix sniper craft, Tiral, Tern, Skorr, Jekart, Blast, and several Illieran admirals were gathered on the command deck of the ''Fire Tear. ''

"We have decided," said Tern. "To send the Night Vulture, along with several Resistance starcraft, to Var'kala. This team will invesigate the truth of Jekart and Skorr's claims, and if they find the starcraft with the virus contained in it hovering outside Var'kala's atmosphere, as Jekart said it was, they will destroy it. The rest of our team must be alert for signs of Ix or Resistance starcraft heading in the direction of the Xaterex blockade. Any craft heading in that direction that does not identify it must be shot. Am I clear?"

Blast, Skorr, and Jekart nodded agreement.

"Skorr, Jekart, you will command the Night Vulture." said Tern. "Blast, you'll take the second ship, Tiral, you the third. We cannot make the recon team any larger, or you risk being attacked by the Thanatos and being killed immediately."

Blast nodded grimly. He'd seen smaller ships like the Night Vulture be blown to shreds by the Thanatos' laser guns. He'd heard the discourse between Tiral and Tern, and apparently the Thanatos had once been the flagship of the Arcaean military, taken over by the Ix during Eostra the Hooded One's coup.

Thinking of Eostra made Blast think of Arcturas, which made him think of Shardak. He wondered once again exactly what his old friend was up to. Last he'd heard from Xaterex, Shardak was preparing to attack Drakos Capitol and face Vahrikaan.

''Mata Nui, keep him safe. ''thought Blast, though inwardly he was wondering if Shardak could face Vahrikaan without help and still win. At least he had Fairon and Valkyria with him. He'd been surprised and rather amazed when he'd heard about Luxa and Fairon's return to Xaterex. He'd been sure they'd been killed when he'd heard Fairon, Luxa, and Kalix had gone missing.

"Then it is decided," said Tern. "You—"

"Commander." an Illieran burst into the room. His face was grim. "You need to see this."

Tern, Blast, Skorr, and Jekart all raced to the viewscreen. The Thanatos was still there, the Resistance ships still battling in vain against the collosal starship. But that wasn't what the Illieran was pointing at. It wasn't what made Blast's heart freeze in shock and fear.

Hundreds of new ships had appeared to the right of Var'kala, ships made of what seemed to be molten, ornate silver. Blast had seen this same type of construct in the Nameless City, and with a sinking feeling of dread, he realized who these ships belonged to.

"They're allied with the Ix," he gasped.

"That's impossible!" Tern said. "They've been extinct for thousands of years."

"Not extict, it seems," said Skorr, fingers tightening around his blaster. "Merely gone into hiding."

Mindeaters.

On the main deck of the Thanatos, Meera Faal watched as the massive Ix flagship tore through another rebel defender. There was truly nothing they could do to stop the starcraft; its massive lasers simply cut through the Resistance starcraft, destroying everything that came into their path.

On a seperate viewscreen, Meera watched as the ships she'd dispatched from the Xaterex blockade load the troops left over from the attack on New Metru Nui aboard them. Soon they would be ready to launch the virus.

"Are they all clear?" Nihilus asked her, his voice rasping through her comlink.

"Give them two more minutes," said Meera. "There's nothing the Resistance could do to stop it, anyway. They don't know our plan, and even if they did, they could never get past the Thanatos."

"Be careful, Meera," cautioned Nihilus in his cold rasp. Faal was surprised, very few underlings had ever attempted to advise her on a course of action. Then again, Nihilus was just about her equal in the complex Ix hierarchy. "I've seen too many beings die because they assumed something was impossible."

Meera remembered Vahrikaan's threat and shivered slightly in spite of herself. Vahrikaan was perhaps the only being who had ever terrified her. "I will," she assured him.

Through a third viewscreen, Meera kept an eye on the defense of Drakos. No sign of the Spirit Toa yet, she thought. Then again, Vahrikaan had told her that in the end nothing could stop Shardak from reaching Shadovar, where even now Vahrikaan was causing tremors, quakes, and firestorms to shake Xaterex. It was happening slowly at first, but gradually becoming more and more uncontrolled as Vahrikaan smote Xaterex with the power of the Codrex.

Suddenly Meera saw, out of the corner of her eye, more ships approaching. Hundreds. At first she worried they were rebel starcraft, but then she almost laughed aloud as she saw who, exactly, the craft belonged to.

"Thrazkul's Mindeaters are here," Meera hissed to Nihilus. "We're going to crush the Resistance between us."

"Very good," said Nihilus. "Shall I launch the craft?"

Meera saw that the starcraft carrying the Ix troops was about to leave Xaterex's atmosphere. As though it were perfectly normal to give an order to kill millions of beings, including many of her own people, Meera relayed her order calmly. "Launch it."

Nihilus cut the comlink, but before he did Meera could hear him relay the order. Meera smiled coldly. Now all she had to do was watch as the Thanatos completed her victory.

"Chi'rin Faal."

The voice of one of the other Ix Lords who was currently aboard her vessel, her superior in times of peace, spoke. "There has been a development."

"What has happened?" Meera asked.

"The ships carrying Ix from New Metru Nui bring news of a prisoner they took during the battle. An Illieran known as Iskandar."

"You've captured Iskandar?" Meera allowed a small note of surprise to enter her voice. "Very well. Allow him aboard. He will be a useful prisoner to interrogate.

Meera saw Saren Naghara's eyes widen in surprise. Saren was standing with his two Limiter guards, no longer in control of the situation. Like the infomation broker she'd captured, Meera liked keeping Saren around as a reminder of his complete and utter lack of power. The once-leader of the Resistance's expression was unreadable, though Meera could feel his hatred of her and...was it possible? Fear.

Fear not of her or of his fate, but of the beings on Xaterex she'd just ordered to kill and fear for Iskandar.

"What's the matter, Saren?" asked Meera, using his first name to unsettle him. "Having second thoughts about your role as ally of the Empire?"

Saren was obviously fearful, yet met her gaze. "What have you done, Faal?" he asked her, his voice hoarse.

"Ended the war," said Meera. "The virus, combined with the power of the Thanatos, will force the Resistance— what's left of it— to surrender."

"You've just given a kill order on millions of people," said Saren. "Probably more than a third of them are your own people. More than another third are innocents. Less than a sixth of them are rebels!"

"True," Meera acknowledged. "But now there will never be another rebellion again." she was enjoying this.

Saren stared at her with undisguised contempt. "That's beyond evil," he said. "I know it was Vahrikaan's plan, but you gave the kill order. Every one of the Ix— your soldiers, who even now are fighting the Resistance, would hate you if they knew how many families, how many children, and how many innocent Ix that will die by your hand tonight."

"They are immaterial," said Meera coldly. "Every one of them are merely sacrifices for us to achieve our victory."

Saren didn't answer, simply stared at her coldly. "Some of those beings whose deaths you just ordered are my friends."

"Really, Saren?" Meera laughed. "Your friends? You have no friends. Every one of the Resistance soldiers hates you for what you did to them."

"I was trying to build a better world," spat Saren. "But I never supported this...this genocide!"

Meera smiled. Her gaze was ice.

"You have helped to build a better world, Saren," Meera promised. "Just one you won't be part of."

Chapter 22
Blast hovered over Var'kala in the ''Night Vulture. ''The world created by Vahrikaan as a mobile planetoid base a massive wasteland of black darkness, massive dark hills, and large towers.

Skorr tapped the viewscreen once, and Blast was able to make out the two Illieran starcarft that Tern had sent with them. Tiral had taken one, and according to Tern's orders, Blast had been supposed to take the third. However, he had extremely limited experience doing so, so Jekart had taken over instead.

Blast was rather uneasy, simply because he knew Skorr by reputation. Maybe Jekart really had it in him to save lives on Xaterex, but obviously Skorr wouldn't care. He'd made it perfectly clear the only reason he was helping the rebels was because he was saner than the Ix and knew he wouldn't last long in a world without Xaterex.

Still, I wonder what the Ix hope to gain, by  killing thousands of their own civilians. Unless they're planning to follow this strike on Xaterex up with some plan to end all life, I don't understand why they'd do something like this. Vahrikaan wants to rule the world, not destroy it.

Blast knew he had no time to worry about this now. He and Skorr were piloting the Hagah V-7 freighter over the Order's citadel, where the massed legions of Vorgaan and Ix stood guard. Maybe Vahrikaan himself was defending Var'kala, though Blast thought it was far more likely that he was at Drakos Capitol, where Shardak currently was. Blast could only hope that somehow Shardak could bring down the Dark Lord, because if he could not, then he knew that even if they stopped the virus, then Vahrikaan would still win the war.

"Order starcraft approaching from the left!" Jekart voice hissed through Skorr's comlink."Warships!"

Jekart's ship completed a forty-degree turn to avoid several attack pulses fired by one of the starcraft. Immediately the Night Vulture retaliated, and one of the ships exploded in a massive cloud of fire. The two other Order ships counterattacked, three pulses slamming into the Night Vulture's wing. Tiral concentrated on attacking the other ship, which was approaching the Night Vulture on the left, badly damaged, the Ix ship withdew.

The second warship flew at Jekart, giving the other, more damaged ship a chance to retreat out of range of Tiral's missles. A few moments of heated missile exchange followed, and both the Vulture and the Ix warcraft shook from the impact. But Skorr's masterful piloting of the Night Vulture, combined with Blast returning fire every few seconds, finally forced a badly damaged Ix fighter to withdraw.

As it withdrew, it came in range of Jekart's laser pulses. He fired five times, and the warship collapsed in on itself, falling to earth below in a tangled mess of rubble.

The third warship had attempted to flee, but was now engaged in combat with Tiral. Unlike the two others, this ship was far bulkier and slower, and, while it was more powerful— a single hit destroyed almost all of Tiral's shields— it was far slower than the other two warships. As Jekart and Tiral battered it with countless laser pulses, Blast fired on the warship again. One half of the starcraft nearly shattered, its entire right side cut in half by the firey pulses. Had they not been within Var'kala's atmosphere, the ship would have been destroyed at once. As it was, it simply spiraled earthward, crashing to the ground. While it was not on fire like the others— it's shields were too powerful— Blast knew everyone aboard the warship was dead.

"Another ship is being launched from the citadel!" Jekart called. "No sign that the Ix have spotted us yet, but they'll be after us. It's a Resistance freighter."

Blast could see it out of the viewscreen, and knew that this must be the ship that Jekart had said would end all life on Xaterex.

"Chase it," ordered Skorr to both Tiral and Jekart. "We can't let it escape."

Blast felt the Night Vulture accelerate, chasing the starcraft over Var'kala. However, he could see more warships approaching them.

"Night Vulture!" yelled Tiral through the comlink as Skorr banked to avoid oncoming missiles. "Jekart and I can handle these. Get that freighter!"

Skorr didn't answer, but the Night Vulture shot upward, following the Resistance freighter from Var'kala's atmosphere and once again into the midst of the battle among the stars. However, before Blast could fire on it, two massive pulses from the Thanatos flew toward them. Skorr jerked the Night Vulture to one side, but the Resistance frieghter was not so lucky and was hit-head on. Damaged horribly, it began to sink. However, in a desperate attempt to save himself, the freighter retreated in the direction of Var'kala.

Three Illieran ships fired on the damaged freighter all at once, and the frieghter blew apart, firey remants of it vanishing into darkness. He could see Jekart and Tiral's ships, both damaged yet still intact, approaching from the direction of Var'kala, and knew they'd done it.

Even had they not been in the middle of space, the explosion would have destroyed anything that remained of the virus. As it was, there was no chance even the smallest fragment of the virus still survived.

Blast felt as though he could breathe easily again.

However, what he did not know, what he could not know, was that the frieghter had been a decoy. The real Resistance ship was far smaller than a frieghter, and had been placed inside a larger warship for protection.

The warship that Blast had destroyed within the confines of Var'kala's atmosphere, unleashing the deadly virus on the surface of the planetoid.

Fairon raced through the tunnels, hacking apart any Ix who dared stand in his way. He was covered in blood, both his and that of Ix warriors, but his training, not the training of the Resistance warriors but the training he'd learned in the two arenas he'd already faced, took over as the hope of escape became more desperate. His scimitar dealt death to any who stood against him.

Leviathos fought beside him, a whirling dervish of power. Fairon had had little time to speak with his friend since his return, and he seemed changed in so many ways since he'd returned. His armor and features were scarred and black, and Shardak had commented offhandedly that his aura seemed weaker than he'd expected. Fairon hoped that one day he'd be able to ask the Noctian what he'd gone through after he pulled Ghost, one of the last remaining beings allied with the Fallen Six, into the Void with him. Only Atarus had heard Leviathos' report, and he hadn't told Fairon anything of it.

If we survive this, I'll ask him what he went through there. Fairon promised himself, parrying another blow from a Limiter and slashing off its head with a single Lihtne slash. Fighting alongside them both, Jareroden and Luxa were holding their own, despite the insurmountable odds. Kharix, however, was tiring. The Veythari victor was surrounded on all sides by Limiters, and blood ran down her leg freely.

"Hold them off," Fairon whispered to Leviathos. As Luxa dispatched her remaining attacker and Leviathos charged into a small group of Limiter attackers, Fairon brought down two of Kharix's attackers with a single sweep of his scimitar. As Kharix threw a dagger into an Ix's heart, killing it instantly, Fairon was immediately reminded of the 175th Eternal Game, when he'd been in this exact same situation, except defending Shardak against Kharix and her allies.

''War makes allies of enemies. ''Fairon thought, thinking of Kalix. He, Shardak, Valkyria, and Nightwatcher were no longer in sight. Fairon could only hope they were still alive.

Fairon found himself face-to-face with a female Ix half-Illieran. She leapt at him, using the aura field to allow herself to jump impossibly high and kick him with both feet in the chest. Fairon staggered backward, and immediately the Ix was on him, her dagger-scythe descending toward his throat.

Fairon managed to whirl to one side at the last moment, and the dagger slashed his Kanohi, denting the Noble mask. He wished he had the old mask of shielding he'd used in the 174th Eternal Game, but of course the Ix had confiscated it after he'd won the Games.

The half-Illieran was on him again in seconds. In her other hand she held a longer saber, and brought it down, aiming to cut his throat.

There was a flash of silver steel behind him, and Fairon watched as the Ix warrior froze in shock, Jareroden's sword thrust through her sternum. The blade was sinking lower, cutting down toward her thigh. Blood poured from the fatal wound. With a groan, she collapsed, and Jareroden pulled the sword free.

Fairon had no time to breath or thank Jareroden before another Limiter was on him. Fairon managed to block his first salvo of attacks, and Luxa dispatched him easily as he staggered back, disoriented.

"Run!" the Illieran hissed. Fairon staggered to his feet and raced after her, Kyhrex, Silver, Jareroden, and the others, seeing that more Ix would soon be on their trail. However, to his surprise, even after two turns down a narrow corridor, none of them found any sign that there were still Ix following them.

''Maybe they suspected we would all be killed by the Limiters. ''Thought Fairon. But he knew the truth. They're after Shardak.

"We're out of the tunnels!"

Fairon heard Kharix call from ahead of him, and he looked up to see crudely constructed steps that led upward, to a grate that led once more into the city. Otherwise, the passageway was a dead end.

"We need to get up there," said Leviathos from behind Fairon. "Then rendezvous with Kalix, Shardak, and the others."

"But every moment we delay is another moment that our enemies could get further ahead of us!" objected Fairon.

"I know," sighed Kharix. "But this place is a labyrinth. Without Kalix, we've got no chance of ever finding Shardak down here. There's definitely another patrol of Ix on our trail, anyway. At the very least, let's acess how close we are to the heart of Drakos before we plan our next move."

Fairon nodded reluctantly. He knew they spoke the truth, though he didn't want to accept it. Whatever happened to Shardak now was out of his hands.

At least he has Nightwatcher to protect him. Fairon thought. We're alone in a city controlled by enemies.

He followed Kharix up the steps and emerged onto the surface. They were standing along a nondescript allway leading upward, toward the heart of the city, which was constructed on the highest crag of the small cliff that loomed above them.

But what caused Fairon to gasp was the sky above Drakos. It was a cold yet flaming red, as though the heavens themselves were burning. He could see in the distance fires raging through Drakos, and heard several advance Resistance patrols skirmishing with Ix in the distance.

"We're not that far away," said Kharix, sheathing her dagger as she became more confident there were no Ix in the city. She peered at the map. "But there could be hundreds of traps between the Ix Citadel and us."

"There are," Jareroden agreed, looking at her with suspicion. "But what I'm curious about is how the Ix were able to find us in the maze so quickly. Kalix seemed sure no one knew of it."

Kharix stepped back as though Jareroden had slapped her. "Are you suggesting I had something to do with it?" she asked, a faint hint of menace in her voice. "I would never betray the Resistance!"

"You killed Sayna in the arena, and collaborated with the Ix as a victor rather than joining the rebellion right away in the Fells." said Jareroden.

Fairon understood how Jareroden felt. He would never be able to be friends with Kharix, never be able to look at her without thinking her hands had killed one of his friends. Still, she was a victor, and he'd killed mindlessly as well. Somewhere, he knew, one of the friends of a contestant he killed probably cursed his name as well. Jareroden was wrong to think that Kharix would sell them out to the Ix. While not his friend, she was a loyal ally, and deserved better than such a false accusation.

"I had no chance to join the Resistance. They weren't even powerful then! It wasn't until the 175th Game, when they stepped out of the shadows, that I was even aware they were a powerful force. As for the Toa I killed in the Games, you killed Krimsonarr, one of my allies. And Fairon killed Azzurok, and Flardrek killed my friend Shadowplayer. Just because I've killed your allies because I was forced to in the arena doesn't mean I'm your enemy now."

"She's right," Leviathos agreed, surprising Fairon. "Kharix didn't betray us to the Ix."

Leviathos raised his wickedly curved, massive sickle-sword, and Fairon noticed with growing horror exactly how cold and dark Leviathos' skin had become and how dead his eyes were. They were twin points of nothingness in his face, and staring into them was like looking into a void.

Without warning, Leviathos charged at Kharix, bringing his sword down on her back. With a cry, the victor collapsed, wounded badly. Leviathos ignored her and continued relentlessly toward Fairon, his body seeming weaker and yet his aura seeming more powerful all at once. And when he spoke again, it was not in his own voice.

"I did."

Shardak and his three companions were on the edge of death. The Ix had hunted them throughout the tunnels for what felt like hours, armed with a Shattering Gun, bows, and all manner of scythes. Limiters were everywhere, and every few moments of retreat only brought them brief moments of respite.

At their best, Shardak knew they may still have had a chance for all four of them to escape alive. But they were hardly at their best. They had been fighting and retreating for far too long, and all of them were suffering from serious wounds. Kalix had a dagger still buried in his side, and a long slash from an Ix scythe across his shoulder. Valkyria had been cut badly by an Ix scythe and probably had several broken ribs in addition to a still-bleeding wound, while Nightwatcher's arm hung limply at his side, broken by an Arcaean blaster. Vale had also been injured, her shoulder and side scorched badly by several of the fireballs one of the Ix elite had thrown at her.

Shardak was the least wounded, with only three Stalker wounds and a long slash down his leg that gave him a slight limp, but he knew it was only a matter of time before every one of the Ix closed in around them and they were killed, one by one.

All of them, all aura users, were drawing on the aura field heavily to keep them from bleeding to death or collapsing from pain, which Shardak was sure they'd have done by now otherwise.

Shardak couldn't remember drawing this heavily on his aura since the battle of Ecbatana, and knew that Kalix and the others were drawing on it simply to keep them moving. But their bodies could only take so much auric energy, and Shardak knew that once his own aura was depleted and he was completely exhausted the aura field would begin to draw on his own life force to maintain his usage of the field.

Of them all, Valkyria was the closest to death, Shardak knew that if she kept using the field to stop herself from bleeding to death, she would die once the aura field had drained every drop of vitality from her body.

"Ix," hissed Nightwatcher, immediately jerking Shardak from his thoughts. He looked in the direction Nightwatcher was pointing with his remaining good arm, and saw a few bio away a tall, slender Ix female rounding a corner, Limiters behind her. Shardak made out her dark, volcanic eyes and cold smile as she drew nearer and recognized her instantly.

He'd heard the Ix address her as Korlei, and Shardak knew that this Ix's mysterious powers were the only reason Kalix and Nightwatcher hadn't been able to slaughter their way through the massed hordes of Limiters and rejoin the remainder of their strike team. All of his fear and puzzlement was directed at her, and he knew that Nightwatcher felt the same way.

They'd first encountered her near the tunnel which Kalix said lead out of the maze, along with several Limiter guards. Nightwatcher, sure he could defeat them all, had charged into combat, but the Limiters had counterattacked furiously while Korlei unleashed raw auric and elemental attacks far greater than Shardak had ever seen demonstrated before. She'd immobilized Kalix easily, hurled three fireballs at Shardak from the tips of her fingers, all of which had slammed into him, broken several of Valkyria's ribs by hurling her against the wall with an elemental air attack, and came close to overpowering Nightwatcher in single combat.

One of the Limiters had held a Shattering Gun, which would have destroyed Nightwatcher's arm completely had he not been able to block most of the attack with an auric shield. Nightwatcher had killed the Limiter easily and ripped the Shattering Gun from his hand, then fired ten pulses in quick sucession at Korlei. The Ix female had somehow managed to deflect every one of them without suffering a single wound, whereas it had taken almost all of Nightwatcher's aura strength to deflect even a single pulse.

After that, more Ix soldiers had closed in all around them, pushing them to the edge of death. Korlei's soldiers had hunted them through the tunnels without respite, somehow knowing intuitively despite whatever aura tricks they tried where they were. Nothing Nightwatcher or Kalix could do could slow her down, and by all rights Korlei should have been killed by the sheer amount of Shattering bullets Nightwatcher had fired at her within the first few minutes of her attack.

They'd only barely managed to escape for more than ten minutes. He'd hoped that somehow she wouldn't persue them, but he knew he was wrong, this Ix wouldn't stop until they were dead.

Watching the Ix female approach, Shardak shuddered at her raw, uncontained auric power, which he thought was even greater than the Hooded One's or Skorpix's. How she could be so powerful and not be their superior was unthinkable, for Shardak knew that no mortal being could ever command both aura and elemental powers.

And yet somehow this Ix female had figured out how. Shardak felt it impossible to explain how her aura felt. It was so alien, powerful, and maddening, a void of darkness that he was surprised it hadn't consumed her utterly into nothingness by now. Not even the Hooded One had this type of power, and Shardak recoiled in fear at her reappearence.

"Karzahni," snarled Nightwatcher under his breath as Korlei and the massed army of Limiters approached. He fired another round of pulses from his Shatterer, and three Limiters fell dead to the ground. It had no effect on Korlei or any of the others, for somehow the Ix female had managed to deflect them before they killed the rest of her attack force. Again, such an act of power should have at least winded her if she was as powerful as the Hooded One, but Korlei seemed not even weakened.

Immediately Nightwatcher charged forward to meet them, knowing that running would be futile. His blade locked with that of the Ix Lord, and both Ix and Toa of Shadow strove for supremacy in the aura field. Within seconds, Nightwatcher staggered backward as the Ix female blasted him backward with several spheres of dark fire. Nightwatcher's flailing sword decapitated two Ix warriors, and both of them collapsed.

Four more Ix soldiers charged toward Nightwatcher, and the badly wounded Toa of Shadow began to stagger backward in the face of the ferocity of their onslaught. Kalix charged toward Korlei, and while she was momentarily distracted he buried the scimitar in her side.

Korlei didn't even scream in pain, but blasted Kalix backward with a bolt of pure auric energy. Kalix retaliated, but Korlei merely absorbed the energy and hurled it back at him, causing Kalix to stagger to his knees.

As Kalix began to fail and Korlei moved in for the kill, Vale Iskara charged toward him, her scimitar raised. Korlei didn't seem to notice at all, she seemed intent on finishing of Kalix, but Shardak could feel Korlei's aura crackle dangerously.

"Watch out!" Shardak yelled. Vale turned toward him just as Korlei was about to unleash her attack, her green eyes flashing uncomprehendingly beneath her hood.

Shardak was fast, fast enough to feel Vale's finger's brush his as he lunged to grab her. But Korlei was faster, adn the explosion blasted Vale Iskara backward, into the wall. Shardak heard a sickening crunch as Korlei snapped her spine and neck without even lifting a finger or pausing to glance at her. Blood exploded from Vale's back and her eyes glazed over.

Kalix was staggering backward, his eyes wide and fearful. There was no time for him to react before Korlei leaped at him like a spider, her sword slashing his neck open and spilling his blood across the floor of the cavern. Kalix's eyes dimmed and his body slumped over.

Shardak was only left alone for a few moments longer before two Limiters charged him, one run through quickly by the Blade of Arcturas. The other Limiter was closing in on him, but Nightwatcher, standing over several fallen Ix, grabbed a dagger-scythe from a dead Limiter and used the aura field to throw it and hurl it into his back. As the Limiter raised his sickle to finish off Shardak, he collapsed, wounded mortally.

Valkyria was still locked in combat with several Limiters, but Nightwatcher had dispatched his remaining attacker and was running toward him. "We have to take down that Ix," he grimaced in shock and pain. "She's too powerful, the first Ix we've yet run into who I think could kill me."

"How can we stop her?" asked Shardak.

"We have to try something," said Nightwatcher.

"I'm coming for you, Spirit Toa," snarled Korlei, and lept at him, her foot connecting with his thigh. He staggered backward, falling to one knee. Korlei's scimitar slashed down at him, aiming to sever his head from his shoulders. At the last second, Nightwatcher lunged forward, and deflected the blade, catching Korlei off guard and forcing her on the defensive. As Shardak rose to his feet, Korlei deflected a complex series of thrusts from Aquaros and raised her free hand, blasting Nightwatcher backward into a wall with a series of bolts of black lightning. The Toa of Shadow staggered to his knees, then collapsed once more as Korlei unleashed another round of shadow lightning.

Valkyria was now standing beside him, and Korlei's remaining Limiters were regrouping. Shardak saw Nightwatcher was rising once more to his feet, but Korlei's attention was focused on him. Without hesitation, she charged forward, leaping impossibly high and blasting them with a scorching ray of elemental power. Shardak screamed in pain as the force of the impact snapped several ribs.

''Only my aura will keep me going now. ''He thought. Valkyria, who was now almost completely using the aura field to fight unconsciousness, charged toward Korlei, but Korlei blasted her backward with a cone of pure auric force.

"Finish her," Korlei snarled to the Limiters, who closed in on Valkyria. Shardak had no time to even worry about his friend or run to her aid before Korlei was on him again, her Ix scimitar slamming into the Blade of Arcturas with monumental force and knocking it from his grasp.

Nightwatcher raised his Shatterer and fired six times at Korlei. The Ix female dodged twice, but the rest connected with her body. By all rights they should have been fatal wounds, but only one even seemed to hit Korlei, and it didn't cause her to bleed in the slightest.

''How can she be so powerful? ''Shardak wondered momentarily. Korlei was fighting Nightwatcher now, and the Ix female was holding him off despite his skill. Nightwatcher finally managed to slip past her guard and run Aquaros into her stomach. Surely Shardak thought she'd be finished now. But Korlei merely grimaced and her aura exploded into flames, causing Nightwatcher to stagger backward, crackling dark energy slamming into him head on. Korlei charged toward the Toa of Shadow, but Shardak raced forward to block her path, once again holding the blade of Arcturas.

"Do not fight me, Toa," hissed Korlei contemptuously. "It will only end in your undoing."

Another crackling ray of shadow energy burst from Korlei's fingertips, missing Shardak by inches. Korlei snarled, and telekinetically threw Shardak to the ground. As he tried to rise, Korlei wrapped him in a shadow hand. Shardak felt the darkness constrict all around him, slowly choking off his supply of air.

Now he knew that Korlei was no normal Ix. Not only did she seem to control multiple elements, she was in posession of other powers as well, powers that went far beyond mortal limits. Nightwatcher was fighting her again, and he watched ten pulses from the Shatterer almost lift Korlei off her feet and cause her to stagger momentarily as blood poured from her wounds— and yet still she did not surrender, simply causing the Shattering Gun to burst into flames, consuming itself.

Nightwatcher tossed the heap of burning metal aside, then cut down a Limiter who blocked his path and charged Korlei, who wasn't quick enough to block his sword and it pierced her side. Korlei didn't even flinch, simply charged toward Nightwatcher, slashing down at him with elemental and physical attacks again and again. Shardak only barely managed to deflect her scimitar as it flashed past him at an unthinkable speed.

Nightwatcher was reaching the end of his physical limit. His aura simply couldn't handle this kind of punishment any further, and Korlei's power seemed endless. Her aura still remained a black abyss of terror. As Shardak deflected a third strike from Korlei's scimitar, Nightwatcher charged forward, dragging Korlei to the ground with him. Shardak charged her at the same moment, knocking her scimitar from her grasp. Nightwatcher wrestled with Korlei, stabbing Aquaros into her again and again while she continued to pelt him with endless amounts of shadow lightning.

Shardak was dragged to the ground by one of Korlei's flailing arms, and as his eyes met hers, he realized with a shiver they were empty, like a dead being. He raised the Blade of Arcturas and ran it through her shoulder, even as Nightwatcher ran Aquaros into Korlei's body once again.

Korlei grew still for a moment, and Shardak began to let out a sigh of relief as Nightwatcher began to climb to his feet. But then he gasped in shock as a flame of life rekindled in Korlei's eye.

"Why won't you just die!?" Shardak screamed in pain and rage, but before he could continue Korlei telekinetically shoved him against the wall.

"If you think you can kill me that easily, you know nothing at all," the Ix female snarled. Her body was a mess of blood, gore, and seemingly fatal wounds, and as Shardak watched it appeared to him her eyes were growing dead and glassy again. As Shardak saw her blast another bolt of dark lightning at Nightwatcher, he realized she was no Ix. She was something else, something he didn't understand.

Valkyria had dispatched her last remaining Limiter attacker and she, Nightwatcher, and Shardak all charged at Korlei, Shardak ramming head-on into this thing that looked like an Ix but was far more powerful. He saw to his shock that Korlei's once-beautiful face was growing cracked, blackened, and mangled, her arms were dark messes of blood and shadow held together by shredded flesh, and her eyes stared emptily at him.

No, more than emptily, he realized. Korlei's eyes were like an abyss, an abyss of shadow he was drowning in.

"No," gasped Shardak, as he realized the truth. Now he knew exactly why Korlei was proving so impossible to kill. "No, you can't be."

As one of her arms snaked out at him, grabbing him with blackened, mangled fingers that appeared more energy than physical, Shardak brought the Blade of Arcturas down in a hopeless effort to finish of Korlei— no, he knew who it was now, he just didn't dare admit it— to finish it off before he was killed. But the powerful, dark aura animating Korlei's body simply telekinetically hurled it against the wall.

"I am," said the avatar of Vahrikaan simply, grabbing the scimitar from the ground and closing in on him.

"Who are you?" gasped Fairon. "What happened to you, Leviathos?"

"Be careful, Fairon," gasped Jareroden in shock and horror. "That's not Leviathos. That's Vahrikaan's voice."

"Yes," hissed Vahrikaan through Leviathos' mouth. Despite the fact he was obviously alive, Leviathos' eyes were dead, empty twin orbs in his skull. "Jareroden speaks the truth. How else do you think my Limiters knew exactly where you were in the tunnels and how to ambush you? How do you think I was able to recieve all of your battle plans so quickly?"

"Impossible," gasped Fairon, still in denial. "We would have cought you. How could any aura user miss you?"

"I am very skilled at cloaking myself in the aura field," snarled Vahrikaan. "Of all of the beings there, only Varkanax recognized me, but said nothing. He's working for the Order anyway."

"What are you?" Fairon asked, barely caring about what Vahrikaan had said about Leviathos. "What have you done to Leviathos?"

'"A host body for my aura and consciousness." 'said Leviathos/Vahrikaan. 'As for the Noctian, he is dead, his consciousness part of mine now. His body is also dying, though I have used illusions to make it appear much more healthy than it currently is. He has been my host body since Varkanax 'rescued' him, Silver, and Dust from Var'kala. Initially, I planned absorb them all, which is why I let them live."'

Though he was no aura user, Fairon could feel the strength of Vahrikaan's elemental power, and knew that he stood no chance against the full might of Vahrikaan. He could only hope that Vahrikaan had been unable to place the full amount of his energy within Leviathos to avoid burning the host to ashes.

Kharix was already back on her feet, and Silver, Jareroden, Kyhrex, Luxa, and Fairon all closed in around the avatar of Vahrikaan. Leviathos hissed. "But now, I have found a far better host," hissed Vahrikaan/Leviathos. "Fighting me is futile. Another of my avatars has already cornered Shardak and the others. Your last hope has failed, and soon the Resistance will die as well."

Fairon gave no answer, nor did any of the others. Facing Leviathos' mangled body, a shell animated by Vahrikaan's aura, Fairon felt pity and most of all, sadness. He'd never been reunited with his friend. His friend had already been dead, and the Noctian who had planned to sacrifice himself by leaping into the Void and taking an enemy with him had truly never returned.

Dark energy suddenly burst from the tip of Leviathos' fingers and slammed into Fairon, causing him to stumble momentarily.

"Run!" Fairon had time to yell, before Leviathos/Vahrikaan lept after them, chasing them down narrow alleyways. Fairon could already see his distination, directly ahead— the massive cliff face's edge which dropped nearly a hundred feet into Drakos. This close to the sky, Fairon could see it truly was on fire, dancing with flames. Above, the Citadel of Drakos gleamed, swarming with Ix soldiers and Red Shadows. Below, the elements battled amidst the confines of Drakos Capitol, air smashing buildings, fire burning Resistance legions to ashes, water flooding the streets.

Vahrikaan was using Shadovar to tip the battle in his favor. Fairon looked up, and was reminded horribly of the arena during the final battle there, when fire had turned the massive forests there to nothing more than ashes.

Fairon and the remainder of the strike team had gathered at the edge of the cliff. Every one of them drew their weapons, prepared to go down fighting against Leviathos/Vahrikaan. Kharix and Jareroden took up opposite positions around Fairon, one on the right, the other on the left. Kyhrex, Silver, and Luxa raised their weapons as Leviathos drew nearer.

Kyhrex fired a crossbow bolt at Leviathos/Vahrikaan, which buried itself in his shoulder. Snarling, Vahrikaan raised a hand, and Kyhrex's crossbow shattered into fragments, falling from her grasp.

As Kyhrex drew her sword, Luxa, Kharix, and Fairon all charged toward Leviathos, but Vahrikaan unleashed several bolts of black lightning, which slammed into Luxa and caused her to stumble momentarily. Vahrikaan immediately used his host body to close the distance between him and Luxa, and raised his massive sword to deal a killing blow.

"No!" yelled Fairon, and he slammed into Leviathos, knocking the massive sword from his grasp and causing it to vanish over the edge, into the abyss below. Vahrikaan snarled— or perhpas it was whatever was left of Leviathos— and raked his shorter sickle across Fairon's shoulder, aiming for his heart. Fairon twisted aside at the last moment, and Leviathos immediately lept at him, kicking him in the side with more dexterity than he knew Leviathos posessed. The host body lept through the air and landed beside him. Kyhrex charged toward him, but Leviathos merely waved a hand. Shards of darkness slammed into Kyhrex. One of them catching her in the shoulder and sending her flying backward and to the ground. She didn't get up.

Fairon was fighting Leviathos in hand-to-hand combat now, their skill equal. As they fought, however, Fairon became aware of just how close to death Leviathos' body was. It was as though the massive amount of energy contained within him was burning through him, and the more power he used, the quicker it seemed to consume him.

''Perhaps there's a chance I can defeat him after all. He's not really Vahrikaan. He doesn't have his full power. ''Fairon dared to hope. But in hand to hand combat, Leviathos was and extremely skilled swordsman, and Vahrikaan was augmenting his host's speed and strength with his aura. Fairon was being battered backward further and further, towards the cliff's edge.

Luxa and Kharix were battering at Leviathos as well, but even with their combined strength it was still hard for Fairon to halt the attack. Silver and Kyhrex both lay unconscious on the ground, Silver having been stunned by a concussion blast fired by Leviathos moments before. Finally, with the combined strength of the three experienced fighters, it seemed that perhaps Leviathos would be defeated after all.

But then Leviathos shot three fireballs at Kharix, causing the victor to stagger backward as the elemental flame splashed across her body. And as Luxa and Fairon closed in around him, Leviathos fired two bolts of auric energy at Luxa. One missed, the second hit her in the stomach, smashing several ribs. Luxa ignored the pain and kept coming, her scimitar and Fairon's blocking Leviathos' sword at every turn.

Vahrikaan lifted Leviathos' arm and fired another bolt of darkness at Luxa. Fairon heard a bone in her leg snap, and she fell to one knee. Leviathos blasted her full-on with a ray of dark lightning, and Luxa fell back, bleeding badly from several ragged wounds the shadows had torn in her.

Fairon wasn't sure if she was unconscious or dead, but he knew he didn't have the time to make sure she was okay. Leviathos was closing in on him now, and he was pelting Jareroden with fireballs and shadow lightning. Leviathos closed in on Fairon, his sickle flashing once in the light of the flames and the light of the stars.

Suddenly Leviathos threw the sickle to one side, and as Fairon watched it fall the Noctian lept at him, his massive body slamming into Fairon. Jareroden lept at him, but the Noctian raised his hand, grabbed Jareroden's leg in the aura field, and snapped it with a sickening crunch. Jareroden fell to the ground.

Then Vahrikaan turned his attention back to Fairon. His host body dragged Fairon to the ground with him, almost to the cliff's edge. "Do not struggle," hissed Vahrikaan through Leviathos' blackened mouth. "It will make this far easier on you."

Fairon felt Vahrikaan's dark aura touch his, and just the small sliver of power contained in Leviathos made him shiver. Then Vahrikaan brought all of the power that Leviathos' body contained within to bear on him, and Fairon screamed in pain as Leviathos' arms, which were almost completely composed of dark energy, wrapped around his shoulders. It felt as if shadow was being absorbed into his aura, as if—

No. Fairon thought, but inwardly he knew it to be true. Vahrikaan was going to transfer what power he still had in Leviathos into Fairon. Fairon would become his avatar, and then his consciousness would be absorbed into Vahrikaan's— a fate worse than death.

But there was nothing he could do. Nothing he could do as Leviathos' body became less and less substantial, and Fairon was filled with still more darkness. Once his aura had been completely subdued by Vahrikaan's, Fairon knew he'd become merely a vessel for Vahrikaan's power.

He only wished he hadn't died here, beneath the fires of Shadovar, watching the Resistance's last hope crumble into nothingness.

Suddenly there was a flash of light, and Fairon was flung backward, his head slamming into the stone ground. He saw a Veythari in silver armor slam into Leviathos, her scimitar driving itself through his throat even as his own weapon drove into her body and his teeth descended upon her. Dark lightning flashed for a moment, obliterating eveyrthing from view. When he looked again, Leviathos was standing at the edge of the cliff. Then he lost his balance and fell into the abyss below.

Nothing could have survived. Fairon could see the crumpled form of his former friend lying broken on the alleyway below, and hoped that he'd at last found peace, and no longer was enslaved to the will of Vahrikaan.

Fairon raced toward the crumpled form of his rescuer, even as Jareroden, Luxa, Kyhrex, and Silver limped over. The Toa of Light lowered her hood, recognizing who it was even before then. He was staring into Kharix's eyes.

Fairon didn't need to be an expert to know she was dying. Leviathos' teeth had torn into her back, probably breaking her spine. And his sickle was buried to the hilt in her side, blood flowing freely from the terrible wound.

Kharix opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again wordlessly, grimacing in pain. "Forgive me..." the dying victor whispered, looking at Fairon and Jareroden, one final hope gleaming desperately in her eyes.

Fairon knew she was talking about the arena. "Yes," he said. "I will. You saved my life."

"You have repaid your debt in full," said Jareroden, bowing his head.

The Veythari's eyes glazed over and her body went limp. Fairon stared at the body of his former enemy and the being who had saved him from a fate worse than death and wished he could feel more pain. But now all he felt was a desperate need to keep the rest of them alive.

Luxa was drawing on the aura field to repair the broken bones in her leg and allow her to ignore the pain in her leg. "Here," she said at last, finally breaking the silence. She reached out and touched Jareroden's aura, causing it to flare momentarily. "I can't heal you, but that should nullify the pain."

"We need to find Kalix, Vale, Shardak, and the others," said Fairon. "We have to find our way back to the tunnels. If Shardak is killed by another avatar of Vahrikaan, it's all over."

"You're going nowhere," snarled a new voice. Shocked, Fairon and the others whirled around to face the being who had spoken.

There were two beings standing in front of six Limiters. One was a being clad in grey and white armor, a being who seemed only somewhat solid. He seemed to float rather than walk, and his face was skull-like. Two dead eyes stared out from beneath the mask at them.

But Fairon's eyes were fixed on the other being, a massively built Kyojin with hundreds of burns and scars. One of his arms was almost completely mechanical, but his one remaining red eye burned with hatred. Fairon was rendered completely speechless as he stared at the being standing before him, the being that should not, could not still be alive.

"Hello, Fairon," hissed Iruka.

Chapter 23
The Resistance starcraft were surrounded on all sides by the Ix starcraft. From her position aboard the Thanatos, Meera Faal watched as another Resistance starcraft was blown to pieces by the massive Ix destroyer. Within a few hours, Meera knew it would be all over.

"Chi'rin, Windeus has a proposition for you. He wishes to speak with you immediately."

Meera turned to see the Air Elemental standing at the doorway. She gave a nod, and he stepped into the command room. "Yes?" she asked curtly. Faal didn't like being interrupted. Whatever he was going to share with her, it had better be good.

"Much of the Resistance's war effort on the starcraft front has collapsed due to the Thanatos, Warmaster," said Windeus. "But the rebel flagship, the Fire Tear, along with much of the Illieran fleet, has not yet surrendered. I have a plan to bring the war to a much quicker conclusion, one that Lord Vahrikaan has already approved."

Meera wondered exactly where Vahrikaaan's Limiter avatar currently was. He'd been leaving the battle to her, and she'd last seen him four days ago, when she and Korlei had brought Jekart aboard as a prisoner. Since then, he'd been missing.

Intruiged, Meera looked at Windeus a bit more seriously now. "What are you proposing?" she asked guardedly.

"You know how our Elimination virus works, correct?" Windeus asked. Meera nodded once. "I have several reduced strains aboard this ship, strains that can be molded and directed very easily provided I have samples from the type of being targeted.

"Recently we have secured Lord Iskandar, one of the highest-ranking rebels, as our prisoner. As Illieran nobility, I'd wager more than three-quarters of the crew of the Fire Tear is related to him, including Luxa, his daughter and the heir apparent to the Illieran allies of the rebellion. I can easily extract a sample to target all of those related to Iskandar."

Meera smiled now as she realized what Windeus was saying. "You want me to authorize an biological attack on the Fire Tear." she said.

"That is the idea, yes," Windeus affirmed. "Once the Fire Tear loses over half its crew, the demoralized rebels will surrender, and that, combined with the destruction planned for Xaterex, will allow our master on concentrate on the Final Plan."

"Once you're done preparing the virus, infect Iskandar and then allow him to escape or somehow return to the Fire Tear." ordered Meera. "If this works, Windeus, I will mention that it was your idea to Vahrikaan."

"I live to serve the Dark Lord," Windeus bowed, then raced off to prepare the virus. Faal turned her attention back to the battle. The Resistance was encircled, yet still it stubbornly would not surrender.

It's only a matter of time.

It was after the Elemental had told Meera of his plan to kill all of Iskandar's family aboard the Fire Tear that Saren knew that somehow he had to warn Iskandar and the rest of the Resistance of the plan.

After seeing Meera's order to kill every being on Xaterex with the Ancient's virus, Saren had been shocked and horrified, yet still unwilling to try anything that would risk his life. But now, when he'd learned exactly how much the Ix were bent on genocide, he knew it was his duty as the true leader of the Resistance to do something.

''Vahrikaan's insane. He can't be allowed to win this war. Saren thought, determined to warn Iskandar and help the Resistance defeat the Thanatos. ''But his shame far outweighed his determination. Not shame at his plan— it would have truly made the universe a far better place— but shame at the fact that he was foolish enough to use the Ix in his schemes. Had he learned nothing from what they'd done to the Toa? The Ix were beyond insane— they were bent on genocide and probably the destruction of the universe as well.

He had been blinded by vengeance. His rage at the Toa for the death of Ayalran, his closest friend, during the Dalkiran rebellion on Arcaea, had come close to handing the Ix a complete victory over the Resistance. Had he killed Atarus or Shardak before now as he'd planned, all would be lost now. With Vahrikaan on the loose, Shardak needed to live— the Final Prophecy demanded it.

It still seemed that all was lost. Saren knew that the Ix's plan would be nearly unstoppable to defeat, and if what Meera was saying was true, Vahrikaan now had control of the Codrex of Shadovar as well, and was using it in the battle at Drakos. But he and Atarus had once been able to defeat the Ix against insurmountable odds.

His plan to use the Void energy had failed. His plan to lead the Resistance had failed. His final gamble to take Calos had fallen to pieces, and he no longer had any allies. His plans had been just, yet they'd all been foiled due to the stupidity of those around him.

But he still lived. And while he lived, the Ix would not win.

Saren nodded to his two Limiter guards— the original two guards had both been called to a different duty, and these were a different set of guards— and together they left the command room where Meera and the rest of her high command watched the battle intently.

Saren smiled. These guards were strong, but he was Saren Naghara. He was fighting for the survival of the universe, while the were merely two Limiters.

He would not— could not— fail this time. Too many lives depended on it.

Korlei/Vahrikaan had Nightwatcher, Shardak, and Valkyria cornered. "Surrender the Spirit Toa," Vahrikaan hissed through the Ix's mouth. Shardak was paralyzed with fear. Vahrikaan could see them. He was somehow controlling the Ix female, giving her powers far beyond hi sunderstanding. Nightwatcher made no reply, other than to stab Aquaros once again into her side. Vahrikaan deflected the blow with Korlei's scimitar, then charged toward Shardak, blasting Nightwatcher with another round of shadow lightning.

'"Surrender, Spirit Toa. Surrender, and you will meet me in person at last." 'Vahrikaan hissed. Shardak was rooted to the spot, paralyzed in fear. Korlei/Vahrikaan raised a hand—

Suddenly Vahrikaan's aura grew dim. Nightwatcher lunged forward and slammed into Korlei, knocking her backward. Vahrikaan's aura was growing dimmer and dimmer, than all at once seemed to return, though weakened badly. Korlei looked around wildly, then her eyes fixed on Nightwatcher.

"Another time, Spirit Toa," she hissed in her own voice. Then, as Nightwatcher, Shardak, and Valkyria closed in on her, she unleashed another blast of auric energy that threw all of them off their feet. Then she vanished into the shadows.

Shardak knew they should persue her, but he was simply too exhausted and too injured. Shardak saw that Nightwatcher and Valkyria felt the same.

"I felt the aura that surrounded that Vahrikaan-controlled being to grow dim suddenly, and then she fled. What happened?" asked Nightwatcher

"I don't know," said Shardak. "Maybe Vahrikaan had duties elsewhere?"

"I doubt it," said Nightwatcher. "If Vahrikaan can put that much energy into one Ix, I shudder to think what it will be like to confront him. Still, it's puzzling why he just let us go. He could have killed both me and Valkyria and captured you easily."

"Now he knows where we are." said Shardak. Nightwatcher nodded, stunned into silence by the battle that had claimed the lives of both Vale and Kalix.

"I hate to leave them both here," he said, staring at the corpses of the Veythari and Ix. "But we can't stay any longer. Korlei and Vahrikaan will be back, with even more Limiters. If we stay here any longer, we'll be killed. We have to find Fairon."

Valkyria rose to her feet, wincing in pain. Shardak knew that he couldn't take another battle without rest. The duel with Vahrikaan's host had taken too much out of them. He felt as though he needed to rest for days and days, but knew he wouldn't have the luxury of doing so.

After what seemed like an eternity but was only really under a half hour, Shardak heard shouts and the sounds of combat from above. This quickly led Nightwatcher directly to a shaft located down what seemed like a dead end. Shardak could feel the auras of the beings above faintly and thought he felt Fairon, but couldn't be sure.

It was confirmed moments later when he climbed from the tunnel and saw Fairon, along with Luxa and Silver. They seemed battered, but alive.

But the situation they were in would soon kill them.

"No!" Fairon almost choked as he stared at the face of his seemingly resurrected archenemy.

"He's still alive?" gasped Jareroden, staring in horror at Iruka. Silver quailed away in fear at the being, Kyhrex look a step back. Even Luxa looked rattled at being confronted by the Kyojin. Fairon could only stare in shock and horror as he looked from Iruka to Ghost to the Limiter horde.

"Yes," hissed Iruka triumphantly. Fairon could easily see he was completely unhinged, his one red eye gleamed with the depths of insanity. He raised a wickedly curved sickle-sword. "I have waited years for this moment, Toa Fairon."

Then, before Fairon could continue, Iruka, Ghost, and the Ix all charged toward them.

Fairon knew this was their last stand. He would not surrender to Iruka or Ghost, who were both sure to kill him, nor would he ever be able to fight his way out. He, Jareroden, Luxa, Kyhrex, and Silver were backed up on the edge of a cliff beneath a firestorm. There was no way they'd get out of this alive.

Fairon hoped as Iruka bore down on him that Shardak had somehow escaped with Nightwatcher and the others, and even now was on his way to the heart of Drakos and onto the Plain of Mirrors.

Iruka's sword slammed against Fairon's, the impact almost immediately disarming the Toa. Fairon's flashbacks to the game had never been worse— once again he was on the edge of a cliff beneath a firestorm, battling his greatest enemy. In Fairon's mind, he had no idea whether he was back in the arena fighting against the Kyojin in the final battle or if he was in Drakos Capitol, dueling Iruka to the death. The occasional glimpses of the Limiters and his allies reassured him that he was indeed in Drakos and not in the arena.

But while Iruka still maintained remnants of his cold, appraising cunning, Fairon could see the sheer isanity in his eyes, insanity he'd seen before, during the final battle in the arena. Iruka deflected Fairon's series of Sila techniques and swatted his elemental light powers aside like a fly.

For a moment, Fairon staggered backward as Iruka's sickle-sword forced him back, and he saw Jareroden locked in combat with Ghost at the cliff's edge as Luxa and the others held off the Limiters. It didn't look good for the Toa. Fairon had seen Ghost do the same thing to Blast in a battle in the 174th Game. It had ended with his apparent death, the Toa only being saved by Millennium, who had been controlling his body. But Fairon, locked in combat with Iruka, was powerless to help his friends.

''I thought I was the last survivor. ''Fairon thought as Iruka slashed open an old cut on his shoulder. Iruka, Ghost, Blast, Millennium, Dredzek...all of them survived as well, thanks to the Void.

Fairon blocked Iruka's next barrage of attacks with the sickle-sword, but was unable to prevent one of Iruka's gloves from burying itself in his stomach. Fairon screamed in pain as he realized Iruka had iron-spikes on the knuckles of his gloves.

Fairon felt his rib crack, and he staggered backward, toward the precipice where Ghost had backed up Jareroden. Iruka laughed madly, seeing Fairon so helpless and close to death. He slashed once again with his sickle-sword, and Fairon's scimitar was torn from his grasp. Iruka swung the sword again, and it slid into Fairon's leg. He fell back, staring at the fire in the sky. The flames were spreading, he realized. The Resistance must have been drawing still closer to the heart of Drakos.

"I'm going to make you suffer as much as I did," snarled Iruka. "And then I'll kill you slowly and painfully, so that you know every moment of pain I felt when you pushed me off that cliff."

Fairon saw Jareroden standing at the edge of the cliff in Ghost's grasp, about to be cut in half by the specter's scythe. Suddenly Kyhrex whirled around, turning her back to the Limiter she was fighting, and hurled her spear at Ghost's back. Ghost's cackle broke off abruptly as the spear buried itself in his back and through his stomach. Jareroden, seeing Ghost wounded, grabbed his sword and brought it down, intending to finish Ghost off.

At the same moment, Ghost fired a ray of white lightning at Jareroden, knocking the Toa over the edge of the precipice. At the last moment, Jareroden grabbed Ghost's leg, and both beings tumbled into the abyss below.

At the same time, Fairon saw Kyhrex, defenseless, stagger away from one of her Limiter attackers, a dagger-scythe buried in her chest. A Limiter lunged forward, slicing at her throat. Kyhrex fell back, blood pouring from her wound as her eyes stared sightlessly at the sky.

Luxa and Silver were still fighting, but they were about to be overwhelmed. Iruka turned to Fairon once more. 'Watch, Toa Fairon," he laughed. "Watch as your friends die."

"Never!" snarled Fairon. He couldn't watch Luxa die. There was too much he wanted to tell her before the confrontation with Vahrikaan. Snarling in pain, he lept at Iruka, who deflected his attack with a single blow from his sickle-sword.

"Watch," ordered Iruka. Fairon watched the battle, horrified as the Limiters charged toward them, but he couldn't tear his eyes away—

Suddenly a dark shape appeared behind Iruka. Fairon saw a flash of light, and made out the Kanohi Ignika in the shadows. Iruka screamed as the Blade of Arcturas buried itself in his side, fire melting his armor.

"Spirit Toa," he snarled. "Good of you to come."

"No!" yelled Fairon as Iruka grabbed Shardak and threw him bodily over the edge of the cliff. Fairon charged toward Iruka, and saw that Nightwatcher and Valkyria were helping Luxa and Silver defeat the Limiters. He grabbed his sword, but knew that it wouldn't be enough to stop Iruka. He had to do what the Kyojin had done to him in the arena. He didn't care if this would cost him his life. Iruka had killed Shardak. He had to die.

Fairon grabbed Iruka's leg and pulled him into the abyss. To his surprise, Fairon saw a massive net trap had been set off by one of the beings who had fallen over the edge, and Ghost, Jareroden, and Shardak were all entangled in it. Fairon had no time to breathe a sigh of relief that Shardak had survived, for as Fairon and Iruka plummeted in ragged free-fall, One of Iruka's claws snagged the edge of the net, and he and Fairon hung suspended above certain death.

Iruka tried to kick him, tried to dislodge him and save himself, but Fairon wouldn't let go. He planned to drag Iruka to his death, whatever it took.

Just as in the game Iruka had tried to do the same to Fairon.

But this time Fairon would make sure that his enemy's demise was confirmed with his own eyes.

Iruka's other claw snagged the net. Fairon was almost knocked off Iruka's back, and was forced to grab the net to maintain his hold.

Just then Fairon noticed another trap, one directly below Iruka's leg that the Kyojin obviously hadn't seen. He could see that Jareroden, Ghost, and Shardak were probably out of range now, but he couldn't risk Iruka unleashing the trap before Shardak was completely out of range.

"Iruka! Trap! Watch out!"

Suddenly Ghost's claws wrapped around Jareroden's leg. Shardak reached out to grab Jareroden's hand, but Fairon could tell it was hopeless. One of Jareroden's armored fingers brushed Shardak's hands, then they fell downward, back into the net and onto Iruka. Now Fairon was simply fighting for his life as every single one of them tried to drag him down. He saw Iruka's face flash momentarily in his vision, he kicked at it, and Iruka lost his grip on the ledge. He fell downward, but Fairon had no time to see what had happened to him before he saw Jareroden's foot brush the trap.

"No!" yelled Fairon, hauling himself upward and toward Shardak. He hoped he was out of range, but knew it was unlikely. He looked down, saw Jareroden fighting for a grip on the net with Ghost. Fairon's last glimpse of his friend was his determined yet fearful face. Then the entire entanglement trap blew to shreds, sending small fragments of both Ghost and Jareroden spiraling downward until they vanished completely.

Fairon was high up enough to avoid most of the blast, though both of his legs were slightly singed. Shardak was unharmed, though he stared down into the abyss below, shocked.

''Jareroden's gone. ''Fairon could barely grasp it himself. Right now, as he stared at Shardak, all he could think of was that Iruka and Ghost were no more and that somehow, inexplicably, he and Shardak were both still alive.

Then he saw a being begin to haul himself up the cliff once more. He was far, far below, and bleeding slightly, but otherwise Iruka was unharmed.

"He's coming!" said Fairon, jerking Shardak out of his daze. "We have to get back to the rest of the strike team!"

Fairon and Shardak hauled themselves to the top of the cliff. Luxa, Silver, Valkyria and Nightwatcher were locked in combat with six remaining Limiters. Seeing the new reinforcemnts, the Limiters began to retreat, and Fairon and Shardak easily finished them off.

"Ghost and Jareroden are dead," said Fairon tonelessly to Luxa. "Iruka got away." he looked around, surprised. "Where are Kalix and Vale?"

"Vahrikaan killed them," said Nightwatcher. "We met an Ix female controlled by him in the tunnels." in halting tones, Shardak related the rest of the story, from their first confrontation with Korlei to the revelation that Vahrikaan was controlling her.

Fairon related to Nightwatcher, Shardak, and Valkyria how Kharix and the Vahrikaan-controlled Leviathos had died, as well as Kyhrex's death at the hands of the Limiters. Shardak simply looked shocked as he related the casualties, as the reality kicked in that they were the only members of the strike team left alive.

''Me, Shardak, Valkyria, Nightwatcher, Luxa, and Silver. More than half the strike team dead. ''Fairon could barely grasp it. To him, all of the dead were still around the corner, about to return. Except they wouldn't.

"I've heard of something like this before," said Nightwatcher once Fairon had finished explaining Leviathos' shocking betrayal. "Multiple avatar bodies, they're called. Vahrikaan's obviously trying to preserve his life as long as possible. In addition to his main body, he probably has multiple avatars scattered across Xaterex and possibly elsewhere. I've never encountered a being with this type of power before, though I know it's possible. I'm sure Vahrikaan's found a way. As for Varkanax, I'm not surprised he's a traitor. One of us will have to go warn Atarus."

"So even if we kill one avatar, or even his main body, he cannot die?" asked Shardak.

"Yes," said Nighwatcher. "As long as even one avatar survives, Vahrikaan will live on, though the death of an avatar will cause the other avatars pain, as we saw in the tunnels when the Ix Vahrikaan fled after the Noctian Vahrikaan was killed."

"The avatars seem to have a very finite lifespan, though," said Fairon. "Vahrikaan said Leviathos was one of the few non-aura sensitive beings who could withstand control for more than a few weeks."

"Yes," said Nightwatcher. "But the avatar will not die just because the host body does. As Fairon knows, an avatar can transfer its consciousness into another being's body."

"So we can't just go to Shadovar," said Shardak. "We have to hunt down the avatars."

"That would be the idea, yes," said Nighwatcher.

"But they could be anywhere. There could be hundreds," said Shardak, as the enormity of the task before him took hold.

"Not likely," said Nightwatcher. "A being can only create so many avatars at one time, as it's literally placing fragments of your soul in another being's body. As for the avatars, they're not as easy to hide as you'd imagine. I'm sure that Vahrikaan has one aboard his flagship above Xaterex, and maybe one on Var'kala as well. And, of course, there's Korlei, the Ix Vahrikaan at Drakos. But Vahrikaan's obviously had no time to make avatars so far away that we couldn't kill them if we tried."

"We'll have to split up," said Luxa. "The Citadel's not far, and I'm sure that's where you'll find the Plain of Mirrors portal. Someone needs to warn the Resistance of Varkanax's betrayal, and hunt down the Ix Vahrikaan, as well as warn the fleet of the possibility of a Vahrikaan avatar on Var'kala or aboard one of the starcraft."

"Agreed," said Nightwatcher. "I'm going with Shardak, though. I can't leave him unguarded now."

"Nor I," agreed Valkyria.

"I would stay," said Fairon, looking from Shardak to Luxa. "But Atarus needs me. I'm first and foremost a war commander, and I have to hunt down Korlei and any other Vahrikaan avatars that might be running around here."

"I'll go with you," said Luxa. "And Silver too, the Plain of Mirrors is no place for a Matoran."

Silver nodded agreement.

Shardak looked at his two remaining companions. He'd expected to enter the Plain of Mirrors alongside most of the strike team members. Instead, more than half of them were dead and three were forced to leave to find Atarus. Shardak couldn't quite imagine how Varkanax could be a traitor when Atarus clearly trusted him, but if the Vahrikaan avatar had said so, then Atarus needed to be warned.

Shardak looked at Valkyria and Nightwatcher, and nodded once as he came to a decision. He knew what he had to do now.

Chapter 24
Saren moved furtively through the depths of the Thanatos' prison cells, looking for Iskandar. The old Resistance training was returning as he remembered all of the lessons that the long-dead Veythari instructors had given him on moving silently. He'd dispatched his Limiter guards without either noticing, then hid both corpses in a storage closet. Now he was nearing his goal: the goal of freeing Iskandar before the samples could be taken.

He passed by a cell that had somehow had its hinges blown off by what looked like blaster fire, and saw three rows down an Illieran sitting, manacled heavily, in a cell.

"Hello, Iskandar," he whispered.

Iskandar turned to the sound of the voice, and when he saw Saren's face his eyes grew cold with hatred. "What do you want, Saren? Have the Ix sent you for interrogation?"

"No," said Saren. "I've come to set you free."

"Set me free?" snorted Iskandar. "Why would you want to do that? You're a traitor, Saren. Your final gamble failed, now you're working for the Ix again. Don't try to tell me anything different."

"I—" Saren began, but Iskandar cut him off.

"I don't care." said Iskandar coldly.

"Listen to me!" snarled Saren under his breath, losing patience. "The Ix are planning to send a team of scientists down here to take some samples of your blood, and using advanced Arcaean technology Windeus uses, they plan to create a virus targeting your family specifically, and loose it on the Fire Tear. They hope to force the Resistance to surrender by killing Luxa and the rest of your commanders who are related to you aboard that ship!"

For a moment, Iskandar was silent. Just when Saren thought that the Illieran would call him a liar, Iskandar said, "I believe you. They took my blood a fifteen minutes ago. They were talking about releasing some Illieran prisoners to the Fire Tear as well."

Saren barely heard him. All he cared about was the second sentence. They'd taken some of Iskandar's blood fifteen minutes ago. Even now, the craft could be on its way to the Fire Tear, carrying the deadly contagion with it. Everyone related to Iskandar by blood— which Saren knew included not only Luxa, but the majority of his commanders— would be killed.

"We have to get out of here," he whispered. "We—"

A crossbow bolt buried itself in Iskandar's throat and the Illieran's eyes glazed over in death.

Saren whirled around, and saw a single Rotaxian standing behind him, one of the three he'd hired. This was the Rotaxian clad all in black, from the wide-brimmed hat he wore to the boots on his feet. His eyes were different then Saren remembered— rather than deep black with a dark, almost shiny gleam, they were glazed and dead, like that of a corpse.

"Hello, Saren," rasped the Rotaxian. "Trying to warn the Illieran, eh? Had second thoughts about your role as a servant to the Ix?"

"No," said Saren, bluffing wildly. "Warmaster Faal sent me here, to make sure the prisoner hadn't escaped."

"Nice try," said the Rotaxian. "But I heard every word. You tried to help him escape."

The Rotaxian already had another arrow knocked to his bow. It was aimed for Saren's heart. "You shouldn't have done that, Naghara. You could have survived otherwise."

"You're going to kill me?" asked Saren.

"Yes," said the Rotaxian. "I have no need to let you live, and the Ix— the Ix who pay my salary— want you out of the picture. They time has come, Saren, for you to let the proverbial curtain descend, for your time on the stage is up."

"No," gasped Saren. He could hardly believe after all of his plots, all of his schemes, it was going to come to this. He was going to die, not on the battlefield, but at the hands of this Rotaxian assassin. And there was truly nothing he could do about it.

"I'm going to kill you," said the Rotaxian coldly. "If you stand still, I promise I will make it quick and painless. There is no need to prolong this any longer."

"I don't—" Saren began, then broke off. He'd almost said I don't want to die, but that was so ridiculous, he broke off before he finished. Of course he didn't want to die. And yet, when Saren reviewed how his path had taken him from Resistance commander of hundreds of legions to a single, helpless being standing in a cell before a Rotaxian assassin he'd originally hired, he felt as though he'd somehow known it could only end this way.

For some incomprehensible reason, Saren wished he'd died at the hands of one of his old Resistance friends, rather than at the hold of the Thanatos over Var'kala.

"Of course you don't want to die," said the Rotaxian, chuckling morbidly. "Almost no one does, Saren. But it will be quick, which is more than many of my victims get."

"I—I can—" Saren began, but he truly had nothing to say. He'd failed. The only thing he'd probably ever accomplished in his long life was hand the Ix the key to destroying the universe.

The Rotaxian fired the bolt. It buried itself in Saren's heart. The Glatorian stared at the arrow helplessly and knew at once the wound was fatal.

Ayalran.

He mouthed the name of his beloved once before he fell to the ground and his body grew still, his eyes glazed sightlessly over and he knew no more.

"And so the curtain falls," mused the Rotaxian, standing over the corpse of the dead Saren. Then he shut the door of the cell and stepped into the darkness.

The Resistance was attacking the heart of Drakos Capitol and chaos and darkness surrounded Shardak, Valkyria, and Nightwatcher as they fought their way into the heart of the city.

The Resistance had finally broken through the Ix's many traps and defenses in the lower part of the city. Now their army had regathered and was assaulting the very heart of the Empire, even as the firestorm above Drakos intensified.

Shardak, armed with the Blade of Arcturas in one hand and a dagger-scythe in the other, stared at the skies grimly. Vahrikaan was using Shadovar to make the skies themselves go up in flames, and the fire itself was only continuing to spread. Shardak knew that Vahrikaan was still holding back the vast majority of his power, however, instead opting to control his avatars.

"When he stops coming after us in his Ix body, he'll try something else with Shadovar," Shardak muttered.

"We have to keep moving," said Nightwatcher. He, like them, was drawing heavily on the aura field. All three of them, wounded badly from their fights with Iruka's Ix force and the Ix avatar, had several broken ribs, open wounds, and barely healed scars. Only the aura field kept them moving toward their goal.

"Atarus seemed sure that I'd be able to find the portal," said Shardak as they raced down the slope of the cliff and toward the open combat that was going on below as hundreds of Ix warriors skirmished with the massed rebel army.

"You'd better be able to be," snarled Nightwatcher, dispatching a Limiter in his path and racing deeper into the city.

Inside the heart of Drakos was no better. The entire city had dissolved into open war, with Ix civilians either fleeing or fighting alongside the Imperial army. Hundreds of rebel soldiers were racing toward the Citadel, and hundreds of Ix troops, scattered across the streets, were trying to prevent them from reaching it, their final line of defense.

Three Red Shadows charged at them with drawn swords, and without thinking, Shardak and Valkyria unleashed a bolt of pure auric energy at one. His neck snapped and he collapsed, head rolling back. Nightwatcher beheaded the second, and as the third charged Shardak, he ran it through with the Blade of Arcturas. The Red Shadow fell to the ground, blood pouring from the ragged wound.

Shardak and Valkyria raced after Nightwatcher, ducking and weaving between the hail of arrows and blasterfire. Hundreds of civilians were caught in the crossfire, as were they, and yet these archers kept firing into the knots of battling Ix warriors and rebels at random, not caring whom they killed. Shardak could only stare at the breathtakingly horrifying scene of carnage before him, played out in the cold darkness of night and the bright light of the storm.

Dodging a scattered group of skirmishing Ix and rebels, Shardak and Valkyria were caught by surprise as eight Ix soldiers seemed to appear before them, fighting twelve rebel Glatorian, seeing Valkyria, two of the rebels chased after her, but Shardak grabbed one's shoulder.

"She's on our side," he hissed.

"The Spirit Toa?" asked the Glatorian, his eyes widening in shock. "Val—"

Shardak didn't stick around to hear him finish. He followed Valkyria and Nightwatcher back into the heart of the battle, where three Ix immediately charged them. Two rebel soldiers moved to block their path.

"Shardak! Watch out!" Nightwatcher had time to yell. Shardak and Valkyria had enough time to lower themselves to the ground as ten Ix and two rebels charged toward them. Suddenly blood seemed to explode from every one of their pores, and they collapsed like empty husks on the ground. All around them, the bodies of soldiers seemed to rupture and tear themselves apart, and Shardak could see nothing for a moment save the burning sky. When it cleared, hundreds of corpses, both Ix and rebel, lay sprawled before them. Of Nightwatcher there was no sign.

"Night—" Shardak began, but Valkyria cut him off as more Ix charged toward the rebel soldiers.

"There's nothing we can do for him," whispered Valkyria. Shardak nodded once. There was just no time left. As the Ix charged toward the rebel soldiers, Shardak and Valkyria raced down a narrow alleyway. An Ix sentry saw them, but Shardak decapitated him before he could raise the alarm almost reflexively. Rounding a corner, Shardak saw that he and Valkyria had almost reached the Citadel, the heart of Drakos Capitol. Here the last line of Ix defense stood guard, and here a massive group of rebel soldiers stood, attacking the heart of the Citadel itself.

"We have to get to the citadel," hissed Shardak. "The portal's either there, or somewhere beyond there."

The entire area outside the citadel was complete chaos. Valkyria and Shardak fought reflexively against anyone who stood against them. Rebel, Ix, or civilian? He had no idea who he was killing in the chaos. Everyone was shooting and stabbing reflexively, and they couldn't afford to be an exception. Every single being here was an enemy, except Valkyria. She was the only being Shardak didn't attack, the only being he trusted to guard him. Together they fought their way through the heartlands of the Ix Empire, through the chaos and the massive explosions as rebels and Ix alike set off the final row of traps.

Shardak saw six rows of rebel soldiers go down, consumed by fire. He saw a group of Ix blown to shreds by a massive blast of elemental energy. He saw three Veythari's necks snap as some mysterious force snapped every bone in their body. At one moment his own foot almost hit a trap, but he pulled it away moments later.

Anything that stood against them died. Anything that attacked them fell. There were no laws of who was friend or foe here in this dark arena. Beneath the bloody skies, rebel killed rebel, Ix killed Ix, soldiers killed civilians. No one was safe, and Shardak, battered, bruised, wounded, and shocked, could only rely on the aura field to keep him moving as he and Valkyria fought their way through Drakos Capitol.

"Shardak! Over here!" Shardak turned and saw Valkyria standing at the edge of a small path leading around the citadel. Almost every single Ix there was locked in combat with a rebel soldier, so it was easy enough to slip past them and out of the carnage. Shardak saw the path led up a small rise, to a small hill overlooking the battlefield. He could hear shouts, and guessed another group of rebel warriors was attacking the Citadel from that direction.

Looking down at the scene of carnage below him, Shardak was apalled at the destruction being wrought there. Once his heart rate slowed enough, the battlefield seemed to him like such a costly waste of lives, something that should not have happened. So many beings died each second that Shardak felt as though each time a life faded in the aura field he himself was dying. Beside him, Valkyria's face was ashen as she watched the battlefield, unable to tear her eyes away.

Suddenly Shardak saw several Red Shadows lower themselves to their knees. Craning his head to see what they were bowing to, he was surprised to also see the Elemental Windeus and the Ix Lord Lyria bowing their heads to a hooded figure.

"Is that—" Valkyria began, but stopped the moment the figure lowered her hood. Even from this distance, Shardak recognized her in the aura field— Korlei.

Vahrikaan.

"Get down!" Shardak hissed to Valkyria, who obeyed him immediately. Shardak focused on making himself very small in the aura field, so small that he hoped even Vahrikaan couldn't notice them. If he did, they knew, all was lost. The last thing he needed was to battle the Ix avatar again. He knew that without Nightwatcher, there was no way he and Valkyria even had a chance of escaping again.

The Ix avatar lifted its hands, and the rest of the Ix commanders dispersed, leaving only the avatar and several Red Shadows standing on the southern side of the citadel. Soon they too had vanished from view.

But something else was happening as well. A rumble. A shaking that heralded something far, far worse to come. Shardak stared at the Citadel in horror, wondering what Vahrikaan was doing.

Suddenly there was a massive explosion of fire and lava which burst from the area around the citadel. Three more quickly followed from other areas around the Ix Citadel, while more and more shaking began to rock the area. Blasts of air and explosions of fire began to shake the buildings, and before Shardak's eyes the ground around the citadel was converted into fire and air, blasting horribly wounded Ix and rebels back and killing many instantly.

Meanwhile, as the firestorm above dispersed into nothingness, more widespread quakes began to shake the city, and Shardak saw, to his horror, that a massive fissure was running directly through the city, smaller fissures running with lava opening up in the ground throughout Drakos Capitol. Flames swept above the cityscape, destroying everything in their path, and Shardak knew that the fires extended far beyond Drakos, perhaps even as far as Akkad or the Fells.

It looked, to Shardak, like the end of the world.

Every world shall die forever. The words of the Final Prophecy seemed to echo in his mind. It looked as though a second Fall of Arcaea was occuring. Except this time it would be the Fall of Xaterex.

"So this is what Vahrikaan's been waiting for," said Shardak grimly. "He's going to destroy the entire city, and hundreds of others, just so he can finish off the Resistance once and for all."

"Shardak. We have to go," whispered Valkyria. "Before Korlei comes back. If she catches us—"

"I know," interrupted Shardak. He rose to his feet, and followed Valkyria into the night. Once again the stars shone, and as the shaking subsided and the shouts and screams grew louder as still more fissures opened, Shardak knew Vahrikaan had started a chain reaction on a massive scale, a reaction which could only end with the destruction of much, if not all, of the city. From his current position, he could only guess how the lands beyond Drakos would be affected by the cataclysm.

Shardak ran through the lower streets of the city, away from the explosions. This area was surprisingly tranquil. He and Valkyria began to leave the massive buildings behind and descend into the lower parts of the city, which were seemingly abandoned.

"Where is everyone?" he asked her, careful to keep his voice almost entirely silent.

"This is the undercity," whispered Valkyria. "Almost all of it is abandoned. Rarely do any beings venture here."

"Then this is a likely spot where the portal would be located." said Shardak. As though prompted by his words, Shardak could feel a strange pull, a strange presence in the aura field that seemed to call to him. This, Atarus had warned, was what the portal would do.

"I can feel it," he whispered to Valkyria. Shardak raced through the abandoned undercity, Valkyria close behind him. Not a single soul— Ix, rebel, or civilian— seemed to be stationed here.

"There," whispered Shardak.

They were standing before a small, opaque column made almost entirely of glass and a small amount of transparent protosteel, which was under a bio away. Shardak could feel the pull of the Plain of Mirrors on him and knew at once that this was the portal.

''Now or never. Shardak thought, remembering his decision and the final piece of advice Atarus had given him: You will feel it if the portal is still open. It only opens once a day.''

"What are we waiting for?" Valkyria asked. Shardak turned to her, his eyes filled with pain and sadness, and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"You know that I'm going to die when I confront Vahrikaan," said Shardak.

It was a statement, not a question. Valkyria stared at him, her eyes filled with sadness that mirrored his own. And yet she didn't cry. Shardak was comforted by that. She was an Ix warrior. He knew she wouldn't cry over him.

"I know," she whispered.

"I know I'm not going to survive," said Shardak, staring intently into her eyes. Despite the fact they were both bloodstained, clothing and armor torn and ragged, she had never seemed more beautiful to him. To stare into her jade green eyes was like a sword through his heart. "But I want you to live. I can't put you in danger, in front of Lord Vahrikaan himself, knowing that it's unlikely either of us will survive."

"I—" Valkyria began, but Shardak cut her off.

"I'm sorry to leave you now," he said. "But I need you to live, Val. For both of us now."

"Shardak, I'll—"

"I know you'd die for me," he continued. "I'd do the same for you. But your life is more important then mine.

"Goodbye, Val," he said, voice lowered to a whisper. "Whatever happens, you have to know— you must know how much I— how much I—"

He couldn't finish. Not when the words had no future in them.

He kissed her once. Then he turned and vanished into the shadows.

Chapter 25
Far away from the sounds of battle, Atarus strode through the shadowy backstreets of Drakos Capitol, his eyes alert for any signs of movement. Despite the fact this section of the city appeared to be abandoned, Atarus knew the one being he was searching for would be here. His quarry was elusive, but Atarus was a skilled tracker, picking up his trail easily and following it to this abandoned sector of the Ix capital.

There! Atarus saw a flash of orange armor in the twilight, and green eyes stare at him through the shadowy darkness. For a moment, Atarus thought he'd noticed him. But then, quickly as the eyes had appeared, they were gone, disappearing into the shadows. Atarus set off after him through the winding streets lit dimly by several green orbs that gave off low light. Atarus could see that the being he followed hadn't noticed him. However, he was definitely aware something was following him.

Ever so often, the being would pause, look over his shoulder, and then once again look away. But Atarus knew that his senses in the aura field were still sharp. He knew there was something waiting in the darkness, but obviously didn't know it was him.

Atarus could see the being hesitate momentarily as he neared the edge of an abandoned street, his eyes darting over the ground where Atarus stood. Slowly, he faced Atarus, eyes narrowed and his mouth twisted into a grimace. Atarus saw the being raise an axe, then hesitate as he recognized the being standing before him.

"Atarus?" the being in orange armor whispered, surprised. His voice was hoarse from lack of use.

Atarus stepped out of the shadows. "Time to make amends, old friend."

A roiling cloud of dark smoke exploded in front of Fairon, and for a moment the Toa of Light lost all sense of vision at the heart of the cloud. Coughing to rid his lungs of the smog, the Toa staggered free from the shadows and once more into the hellish world of fire and shadows that Drakos had become. Luxa stood next to him, blood still falling from a wound on her arm. Silver was also there, wide-eyed and shocked at the destruction that rained down on Xaterex.

All around the citadel was complete chaos. From what Fairon could make out, the Ix had withdrawn into the citadel, and the Resistance was making a full attack on the Ix Citadel itself. However, the massive stormclouds above obscured the stars, and their only light came from the massive firestorm which had descended on Xaterex and was wrecking Drakos Capitol. As far as Fairon's eye could see, well outside of the city gates, fissures of molten lava had opened in the ground, and buildings and pools of water were being converted into pools of lava.

''We'll be buried beneath hundreds of tons of molten ash if Vahrikaan continues with the Shadovar attack. ''Fairon thought as he, Silver, and Luxa ran toward the massed hordes of rebel soldiers. Fairon could make out a group of Dargon and Veythari leading another assault on the Citadel, each time driven back by the Ix gaurds.

In the haze of smoke and fire Fairon suddenly made out a being he recognized, despite the ash and grime that stained his armor and Kanohi. Fairon exhaled in relief to see he was still alive.

"Atarus!" Fairon called to the being. Immediately Atarus whirled around, and when he recognized Fairon, Luxa, and Silver he relaxed slightly.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. "Shouldn't you be with Shardak?"

"He, Nighwatcher, and Valkyria are on their way to the Plain of Mirrors," gasped out Fairon as the three of them finally halted before Atarus and the other Resistance leaders. "We came to warn you that Vahrikaan's here. In Drakos Capitol."

"Here? How?" asked Atarus, confusion and fear evident on his face.

"He's somehow created multiple avatar bodies for himself," said Fairon. "Leviathos was one of them, but he's dead now. There's an Ix Lord out there somewhere who's also under his control."

"And he's controlling Shadovar at the same time," finished Atarus. "He probably has more avatar bodies elsewhere as well, in the event that the Ix Lord is killed."

"I'm sure there are more," said Fairon. "But my other warning is this: the Leviathos avatar said that Varkanax is a traitor. That he's really working for the Ix."

"I know," said Atarus, surprising Fairon. "He disappeared in the chaos at the beginning of the battle. Obviously he's working for Vahrikaan, though why he'd have gone into all that trouble to rescue me from death in the Void and help you at Ecbatana is beyond me."

"Only he and Vahrikaan know," said Fairon.

"I must return to oversee the battlefield. Fairon, you may return to your original command. Galika's currently in command, but she has orders to allow you to take over if you return."

''Galika. ''Fairon thought. How could he tell her that Jareroden was dead? But he only nodded once in acknowlegement of Atarus.

"The enemy was has withdrawn into the Citadel with approximately seventy-five percent of its remaining forces," said Atarus. "But they're putting up far greater Resistance then expected. Still no sign of either Skorpix or the Hooded One."

"I don't think they're in command of the defense of Drakos," said Fairon. "The Ix Vahrikaan is. But it's likely that they're with one of his avatars, or perhaps at Shadovar itself."

Atarus nodded. "I only wish I gave Shardak more protection. Even Nightwatcher and Valkyria may not be enough to defeat a being who controls the full power of Shadovar."

Reid Vaethar and a group of his elite Veythari suddenly appeared from the smog-choked streets, drenched in their blood and the blood of the Ix. Areop and two Dargon were with them as well, their typical spiked flails badly mangled and bloodstained.

"I must go," said Atarus. "The tide turns against us."

He dropped into whispered conference with Reid and Areop, who ran off a few moments later into the chaos of the battlefield once more. Fairon saw Reid directing the Vaethar and Iskara Clans into battle, while the rest of the Veythari were scattered across the battlefield, some locked in mêlée with the Ix defenders, others firing arrows into the maelstrom.

Fairon decided against returning to Galika. She seemed to have his squadron well under control, and he didn't want to tell her about Jareroden's death now. It could lead to lack of morale, and Fairon knew exactly how dangerous that could be. Instead he joined a small group of Veythari warriors who were fighting their way into the citadel itself. Slowly, more Resistance soldiers, Dargon, Glatorian, and Veythari, all joined him, and soon Fairon found himself fighting among a horde of rebel soldiers. The Ix were falling further and further back, and under the bloodred skies of Drakos and with fire, grime, and death all around him, Fairon led the Resistance army into the citadel.

Inside the heart of the Ix's base was no better. All around Fairon, troops of Resistance warriors fought Limiters, Red Shadows, and Ix warriors. Chaos surrounded them, and in the baleful light of the Cold Fire torches Fairon could hardly make out the faces of his adversaries. Death simply surrounded him whereever he went, and he fought his way through the battlefield, killing any being who stood against him.

The battle soon took on a nightmarish quality for Fairon as the Resistance fought the Ix in the cramped, claustrophobic confines of the Citadel's many hallways. The Ix always seemed to have the advantage on them, and all around him Dargon, Glatorian, and Veythari fell, their blood spatterring across Fairon and mixing with the blood of the Ix which stained his armor.

Three Ix attackers were left in hallway, all Limiters. Fairon cut down one quickly, ducking to the right to avoid the other's dagger-scythe. As the two remaining Ix charged toward him, a Veythari felled one, and Fairon looked around in time to see Luxa's sword cut through the other's throat.

Areop and Reid Vaethar joined him in a larger chamber in the citadel that the Ix had left mostly unguarded. The corpses of two guards lay at their feet, and a group of three Veythari and two Dargon stood with them.

"The Ix have retreated deeper into the inner sanctum of their citadel," said Vaethar. "It will take more than just us to take them down."

"I should go aid them," said Fairon. "I-"

He broke off suddenly, seeing a group of Ix striding down the tunnel. There were seven of them, and six were Red Shadows. The seventh was obviously a high-ranking Ix Lord, though instead of the traditional black robes she wore light armor and carried a scythelike dagger in one hand, a scimitar in the other. She was tall, slender, and coldly beautiful, but Fairon's gaze was locked on her eyes. Rather than having the lustrous sheen he'd have expected them to,her eyes were dead, unknowable pools of shadow. Fairon shivered under her gaze.

Then he realized the truth. He was standing before another of Vahrikaan's avatars, the Ix High Lord that Shardak had told him of.

"Hello, Toa," hissed Korlei, then raised a hand and Fairon was blasted backward, slamming against the wall of the citadel was blackness descended upon him.

"Warmaster Faal," Nihilus whispered into Meera's comlink. "How goes the battle?"

Meera was tempted to voice her annoyance, but decided against it. It had been only an hour since they'd last spoken, and Nihilus knew as well as she did that the battle wouldn't be over that quickly. But her voice sounded cool and composed as she answered the Elemental. "All goes according to plan. The Thanatos continues to perform excellently, and our main fleet and Thrazkul's Mindeater ships are moving into position to complete our trap."

Nihilus smiled. "Yes. All goes perfectly. The avatar's auric abilities must be extremely helpful."

Meera knew that, while it was her battle tactics which directed the starcraft into battle, the real reason they were winning such a staggering victory was due to the avatar of Vahrikaan aboard the Thanatos. The avatar had never given her any orders, preferring to use his auric strength to subtlely direct, enhance, and inspire morale among the Ix starships. Every one of the beings in the Ix fleet was convinced that this would be the battle where they crushed the Resistance due to Vahrikaan manipulating their minds, and it was becoming reality before her eyes.

"Yes," she said, keeping her voice neutral. She liked to think that even without Vahrikaan's aid she could easily defeat the rebel fleet, but said nothing. "Has Vahrikaan taken posession of the defense of Var'kala?"

"No," hissed Nihilus. "Nor has he used his link with me to turn me into an avatar. His strength is completely directed into his other avatars, as well as the control of your fleet and that of the Shadovar device. If he has any extra auric energy, he hasn't used it to control me."

Meera Faal looked again at Xaterex in the distance, mostly obscured by the ships still keeping the planet under blockade, and could see the flashes of red flame beginning to spread across it. That Vahrikaan had enough power to create such a massive cataclysm on Xaterex even as he directed the starcraft battle and controlled his avatars was astounding. The Shadovar Codrex was indeed a key to ultimate power.

Ultimate power she would share, Vahrikaan had promised, when this battle has been won.

"I never recieved word of the virus-infected starcraft reaching Xaterex," said Meera Faal. "And the ships along the blockade tell me no ship came close to them. Have you yet launched it?"

"The craft was launched nearly an hour ago," rasped Nihilus. "Are you sure it hasn't reached Xaterex?"

"Yes," said Meera Faal. "Not that we'll need it. It looks as though Vahrikaan, and Shadovar, will be sufficient."

"Perhaps, perhaps not," said Nihilus. "If the Fall wasn't enough to stop the rebellion, then this will be no better. Hold on a moment," he said suddenly. "There's a new report coming in."

For a few moments, all was silent, and Meera was almost ready to cut the comlink and return to commanding the Thanatos when Nihilus' cold voice returned.

"There have been reports from a situation, outside the main citadel. Several beings have developed feverish symptoms, and three have died. All of them were ill previously, but these symptoms are markedly different. It seems in the aura field as though their cells are simply dissolving into nothingness."

For a moment, Meera was annoyed at such a trival report, then what Nihilus had told her struck her like a bolt of lightning. A cold shudder of fear ran up her spine. "It's the virus," she whispered, more to herself than Nihilus. "Somehow, the ancient's virus was released on Var'kala."

"It cannot be," said Nihilus.

"Those are the exact symptoms. The Resistance starcraft that penetrated our defenses earlier must have somehow destroyed the starcraft and released the poison into Var'kala's atmosphere." said Meera.

"And that means every single being on Var'kala will die within five to ten hours," said Nihilus, his voice little more than a whisper. There was an unmistakable tremor of fear in his voice.

"Do you have a cure?" asked Meera. "Atarus had several immunizations that he'd salvaged from Arcaea before the Fall."

"No," said Nihilus. "There is no cure. Whatever Atarus found that was able to neutralize the virus cannot cure the plague."

Meera could barely believe what had happpened. All at once, everything had turned on its head. So many of their elite were on Var'kala. At least four Ix Lords were there, as well as two High Lords and countless elite Vorgaan and Ix. So many being's fates had already been sealed. Ordinarily, Meera would have written them off as necessary casualties of war, but the Resistance ships had slipped past her fleet, and Nihilus was responsible for the defense of Var'kala.

And since Nihilus would be dead in less than a day, it would be she who would have to answer for killing so many of her own people, so many of the Ix elite. Meera knew what had happened was a worse catastrophe than the loss of their project in the Void and the death of the remaining Sarkanian clones and the entire Shadowdermis army, along with a good portion of the Ix elite. Most of the beings who'd been involved in that project were dead, and those that had survived, Windeus and Skorpix, were too valuable to be killed. And this was far, far worse than the disaster in the Void.

She had no doubt that simular thoughts were going through Nihilus' mind.

Once she won this battle she would be punished, probably executed, for simultaenously losing the virus and instead killing thousands of her own people. But not after she'd lost her mind at the hands of a skilled Ix torturer such as Korlei, and was reduced to a state of oblivion. Vahrikaan would make sure she suffered a thousand fates worse than death for killing everyone on his own planetoid before finally killing her.

Unless she could deal an even worse blow to the Resistance that could possibly make up for what was happening on Var'kala.

Do you have any remaining starcraft infected with the virus?" she asked, an idea suddenly hitting her. An idea coupled with a flash of hope.

For a being that had learned he had only hours to live, Nihilus was surprisingly lucid. Meera supposed a quick death would be preferable to the punishment Vahrikaan would deal him otherwise. "Yes. Of course. I have several backups, sealed tightly, in the Citadel Var'kala."

"Launch one immediately." said Meera. "If we can still bring down all of Xaterex, then our losses here will be less notable."

"I will launch it shortly, then," said Nihilus.

"And instruct your deputies to launch a third if you die before the second craft hits Xaterex," ordered Faal.

"That will redeem us in the eyes of Vahrikaan," said Nihilus. "But could you help us on Var'kala? Perhaps you could send some transport starcraft down to-"

"No," interrupted Meera. "I will not infect healthy Ix warriors with the virus, or risk it spreading elsewhere."

"Warmaster Faal, you must help us," pleaded Nihilus.

Meera kept her expression blank, her face neutral. "I go to oversee my victory," she said. "The virus on Var'kala is your problem."

"You cannot-"

"And don't think about sending any starcraft up from Var'kala. I will instruct the fleet to shoot them down unless we can confirm it's the craft with the virus."

With that, Meera severed the comlink's connection. She had nothing more to say to him.

"It's Millennium," said Blast, his voice filled with sudden hope as he stood on the main deck of the ''Fire Tear. ''"It has to be."

He, Tern, and Tiral were over Var'kala, watching their scout ship simply slow like it was suddenly moving underwater. It was at a critical moment in the fight, for at that moment two Ix starcraft charged toward the undefended craft, blowing it to shreds.

"Only Millennium could do something like that," Blast repeated as the battle raged on all around him. He was completely convinced, despite the doubt on the others' faces. Blast was sure this was Millennium's way of taunting him, saying that he was just out of sight. He wanted him to find him. Blast was sure of it.

Come to Var'kala, Millennium's voice seemed to whisper in his mind. We must talk.

Real? Imagined? Blast didn't know, but he didn't care. He was sure that Millennium was indeed on Var'kala. "I'm going in." he said to Tiral. "Millennium's down there, with all of my memories. He's the only being who can wipe away the false ones and show me who I was before the 174th Eternal Game."

"We're not sure it's Millennium," Tiral began, but before she could continue Blast interrupted him.

"I was controlled by him in the Void! I know exactly how his aura feels. This is his work. I have to stop him!"

"Could he be the one helping the Ix? I've never known these pilots to have so much skill!" said Tern. Her eyes were glued to the viewscreen, which showed the battle in the stars around them. The Fire Tear and the remnants of the rebel fleet, once scattered by the Thanatos, were now being herded into one larger group by the massive group of Mindeater reinforcements.

"It's likely," said Blast, seizing the hope immediately. "Remember, Millennium went missing during the second Calos battle. He's worked with the Ix in the past, he could be helping Vahrikaan again for a price."

"If it can stop this madness, then kill him and take your memories," hissed Tern through gritted teeth as two of her ships died a firey death, shot down by a large, powerful Arcaean starfighter alongside the Thanatos, the ''Death's Hand. ''"I've never seen such a coordinated attack by the Ix, and despite the fact we began the battle with nearly equal forces, the Ix coordinated this attack beyond perfectly."

"Also, it's possible that the Ix have another starcraft backup carrying the live virus. If so, it must be destroyed at all costs, even if you're forced to destroy it within the confines of Var'kala," said Tiral.

"On Var'kala? That would kill hundreds of beings!" objected Blast.

"They are our enemies," said Tiral. "We must do whatever it takes to win. Which reminds me that you must be immunized against the virus using Atarus' method. If you're going into Var'kala, you'll need as much help as you can get if you think you can survive."

Blast was surprised they seemed so nonchalant about his mission, they could be sending him to his death with little or no backup. He'd honestly expected to have to argue with them for several hours before they'd grant him permission. But they seemed to have conceded without much of a fight. Perhaps they believed the battle was lost, and they were sending him to Var'kala as a throwaway gamble.

But if Millennium really was there, and was helping the Ix win the battle, then Blast needed to find him.

"Not so fast," said a new voice. Blast and Tiral turned to see a Zeverek armed with a blaster step from the shadows.

"I'm going with him," said Skorr.

The void was spinning. The abyssal void of blank white color, of opaque, empty glass. All was still, yet ever moving, in the void the white blankness had left behind. Within this void one lost all sense of self, for in this void you were nothing, not even a sliver of consciousness in a world of blank light.

Then, slowly, the void began to change. Slowly it began to form into something else, not recognizable yet a defined form, a triumph over the blank nothingness. As a result, the white light began to bend, until colors grew in its depths, and the white glass became silvery, then completely transparent.

Staring into the transparent depths was like watching your soul drown forever in a sea of blank mirrors. Still nothing existed, and nothing ''lived. ''All of the mirrors, even as time went on and they were now reflective, still had nothing to reflect, nothing for them to see. Only the blank stares of the other mirrors sustained them, for in those depths were the past, present and future.

Thus the mirrors could never die. The mirrors remained, out of time, a dimension of madness far beyond comprehension of mortal beings. But the mirrors remained hungry, because only rarely did beings come to them, only rarely were they able to drain away the lives of beings, devour their past and future alike. No time truly passed here. The mirrors were alone in their hunger, in their emptiness.

That was, until Toa Shardak set foot upon the once-void of blankness. And in the sudden blinging flash, that first reflection of the Toa, the mirrors saw his past, present and future.

Shardak didn't know what the mirrors had seen. He only knew that he'd rematerialized at last, fully formed, on the other side of the gateway where he'd left Valkyria. How long had he been gone, lost in the void of clear, soul-draining emptiness? He remembered nothing since leaving Valkyria, everything since then had merely been like a long period of sleep, except instead of the blank nothingness of unconsciousness a view of the clear glass.

Standing, he looked around. His first thought, for a moment, was complete confusion. He was standing in a hall, that much was clear. A hall made entirely of mirrors, though whether or not the walls were really solid Shardak didn't know and didn't dare to reach out and touch to find out. Likewise, the floor he stood on was no floor at all, nor was it ground or mirror, it simply was nothingness. The same with the skies; though sky above was slightly more mirrorlike, it was still clear, empty, impossible to tell where the walls ended and the skies began. Somehow the sheer blankness terrified Shardak far more than any darkness he'd ever seen.

The second thing he noticed was that his aura could sense a strong concentration of power, so strong that it blocked off all of his other auric senses. While he could still draw on the field, all of his auric senses were slightly muddled by the power he could sense here.

As he walked across the empty hall, he began to see visions appear in the mirror glass. Only a few at first, but slowly he saw more and more played out on the glass of the mirror-walls.

Tall beings that looked alien beyond counting, standing in a gray wasteland of blackness all around them...

''Massive, hideous monsters battling the alien-like beings in a titanic struggle for power, darkness sweeping over the earth as the battle between the alien beings with their auric and elemental powers and the hideous, many-armed giants raged. For a moment, Shardak thought he saw the Blade of Arcturas in one of the alien-beings' hands... ''

An ancient city of glass, half finished, a shining beacon of light in the darkness all around them...

With a start, Shardak realized he was looking at the Nameless City itself, thousands upon thousands of years ago. As he continued down the passageway, he kept his eyes fixed on the scenes playing out on the mirrors around him, every one of them showing another age, another time.

But then Shardak noticed something wrong. The Nameless City, still under construction, had been blasted apart in one panel by a many-armed being carrying massive curved swords. In another, the hideous menaces the ancient alien-beings were fighting defeated them, and darkness fell over the land. In a third, the city survived, though both sides of the ancient beings were wiped out.

In another, the world still lived and still grew, and Shardak saw another species take over from the ancient warriors who had swept away the monstrous abominations...

A tall being in golden-silver armor, carrying the Sword of Fire and sealing one of the last abominations of that age, Sarkanian, away forever...

That same being, carrying Aquaros in one hand, Ignan in the other, slaughtering his way through his own kin until so few remained...

Shardak was suddenly jerked from watching the panels when he realized that he was fading. Indeed, as he stared more closely into the depths of the mirrors, he could see a faint, pale copy of himself in the vision he was currently looking at, a vision of another group of beings, in the Nameless City, standing in a circle and creating something shaped out of the glass. He was being pulled bodily through the mirror...

It was only through a great effort of will that he managed to tear himself away. Shardak finally pulled himself from that time and place, and now he was once again standing in the hall of mirrors, watching thousands of different histories play out on the walls.

''A shadowy figure. The Annulus. A curved sword the color of glass. ''

Then both the ring and the sword, used in a bloody, apocalyptic war between creatures that appeared only somewhat sentient...

A being with a single skeletal hand. Bringing knowledge to the earliest peoples of Xaterex as —

With an effort of will, Shardak tore himself away. He could not watch. All of the world's history was playing before him, and he realized how truly ancient the world was. Indeed, the cultures he'd thought were so old, such as the Elementals and the Ancients, were actually very young in comparision.

As he moved down the hall, Shardak began to feel more and more tired, then as he stepped back he felt more vitalized. Something was happening here, something beyond his understanding.

"Enjoying the Hall of Time?"

Shardak gasped in fear as a being materialized from the dark, unformed mirrors before him. He was stocky and powerfully built, with red eyes and a helmet reminisent of the Skrall that he'd seen among the Resistance. In one hand he carried a massive spiked club.

"It's...interesting," Shardak managed get out. "I didn't know how old the universe was."

"The universe is ancient," agreed the being. "Far older, more primal then we today would like to admit. But these mirrors show not one future, but thousands of possibilities and what-ifs. But do not stare to hardly into them. They can pull you through simply by you watching intently enough."

"You are from my time?" asked Shardak.

"Not from your time, but I have been in your time, Spirit Toa. I am quite adept at moving throughout the strands of time, though only into the past, and only as an observer."

"How do you know who I am?" Shardak asked, wondering exactly who this sinister being served.

"Because I have been watching you, Shardak. And I have come to tell you that it is time for you to die."

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

"Who are you?" asked Shardak, as the being stepped toward him, spiked club in hand.

"I am Baterra Magnus," said the Skrall-like being. "And while some of my allies in the Order want you alive, I want you dead. And I will take the Shadow Orb from your corpse."

With that, Baterra Magnus charged. Shardak had no time to wonder why Baterra Magnus wanted the Shadow Orb— which he obviously didn't have— before the club slashed through the air less than a centimeter above Shardak's head, nearly crushing his skull. Shardak had no time to catch his breath before Baterra Magnus' club descended upon him once more, slamming into his shoulder and knocking him off-balance. Shardak raised the Blade of Arcturas to counter him, and the club slammed against the Blade of Arcturas, nearly knocking it from his hands.

"The Sword of Fire can't save you now," hissed Baterra Magnus, countering Shardak's first Lihtne thrust.

"I don't have the Shadow Orb!" yelled Shardak to Baterra Magnus, desperately parrying another blow.

"I can sense that you carry the lost fragment. I didn't expect you to have it, and no one in the Order knows you do save I. But when I bring it back to the Dark Lord, he will reward me greatly."

Within moments the battle had descended into a one-sided rout, with Baterra Magnus' powerful Kracht and Napad strokes forcing Shardak backward, down the hall. As he moved across the hallway, he felt himself gaining energy slowly.

"The Hall of Time continuously moves you through different time periods," commented Baterra Magnus as he raised his club to deal another blow to Shardak's sword. "You will feel young and old all at once as you move up and down this hall. Be thankful that you will not see what lies beyond the Hall of Time— it would drive you mad if you had traveled the entire Plain of Mirrors."

Now Shardak was literally lighting for his life. Shardak knew that if Baterra Magnus' club struck him, it would mean instant death. But as Shardak grew more tired, Baterra Magnus seemed to gain more energy. What was more, Baterra Magnus was simply far, far too fast to be evaded forever. His reflexes were a blur, and while Shardak was sure he was vulnerable to the Sword of Fire, Shardak was simply not fast enough to land a blow on the Baterra-Skrall.

Baterra Magnus lunged forward, eyes flashing. Shardak managed to narrowly deflect the blow, and out of the corner of his eye he could see the endless possible-futures visible on the glass of the mirrors. Baterra Magnus lunged forward again, but this time Shardak was ready. He raised the Blade of Arcturas to deflect the club—

—But the club was never there. At the last minute Baterra Magnus switched his grip on the club and dealt a lightning-fast reverse Vauhti strike. Shardak saw the Blade of Arcturas clatter to the ground beside him. Unarmed, he stood before Baterra Magnus.

"This is over," said Baterra Magnus, and Shardak was blasted backward with one flick of the being's hand, and Baterra Magnus closed the distance between them in minutes. With a callous twist of his hand, Baterra Magnus immobilized Shardak, twisting his body by using his power to crush out Shardak's own aura.

"Why?" Shardak gasped out as Baterra Magnus twisted his body with a tendril of auric energy that slipped between the plates of his armor and ran through him like a current of electricity. He let out an involuntary cry of pain. "Why do you want to kill me?"

"Because I know what you represent," said Baterra Magnus. "The end of time. The death of the past, present, and future. The end of this hall."

Suddenly a second Baterra Magnus appeared behind Shardak. Then a third, and a fourth. Shardak looked wildly around him, and saw that Baterra Magnus' Kanohi glowed a sickening shade of yellow-white.

"The Kanohi Mohtrek, the Mask of Time Duplication," said Baterra Magnus, smiling coldly. "These aren't just doubles — they are all me. Each one pulled from my past to help me in the present. Of course, time has no meaning here. So here I could have called a possible-future or possible-past version of myself as well.You never had a chance against me.

"Now," Baterra Magnus ordered. "Give me the Shadow Orb."

"I don't have the Shadow Orb," hissed Shardak through gritted teeth.Despite his destiny, despite what the Prophecy had said about him and Vahrikaan, he was going to die here before he'd made the choice, at the hand of a maddened Skrall.

Then an idea suddenly hit him. A reckless idea, one that probably wouldn't work due to the Mohtrek duplicates. But he had to try. He knew it could be his only chance of survival.

As Baterra Magnus opened his mouth, perhaps to continue or perhaps to order to time duplicates to kill him, Shardak slammed into him head on, knocking the club from his hands. Startled, Baterra Magnus staggered backward.

"Stop him!" Baterra Magnus roared. The duplicates charged forward, but were too slow as he and Shardak locked together, fell against the wall— and through the mirror.

Shardak was startled at how the mirror did not break or shatter as he'd thought, but the mirror simply rippled and bent as they fell. Shardak felt coldness wash over him, the inside of the mirror was like being immersed in cold water, though even more unpleasent, for the coldness was so chilling and alien as they began to dematerialize. Shardak fought and kicked and struggled to swim in the current, but Baterra Magnus seemed determined to drag him into another dimension with him.

He could see it, through the murky water-like substance that he knew made up the time tunnel. He knew that once he'd fallen through completely, there was no going back.

The thoughts of Fairon, Valkyria, and the other beings who were depending on him galvanized Shardak into action. As the world swam before him, he kicked out at Baterra Magnus. His foot connected with the Skrall's face, and for a moment Baterra Magnus lost his grip. Shardak kicked at him again and again, finally slamming the heel of his metal-shod boot into Baterra Magnus' eye. With a scream muted by the time tunnel, Baterra Magnus lost his grip and fell into the other dimension, the rift in the tunnel sealing neatly behind him.

Shardak fought desperately to remain afloat in the time stream. Desperation lent him strength, and he could see the Hall of Time in the distance. But his limbs burned, his chest ached, and his wounds throbbed in pain, his two broken ribs the hardest. Only the desperation— desperation to win, desperation to reach Vahrikaan— kept him going.

Shardak finally managed to haul himself out of the time tunnel and once again into the Hall of Time, where he saw the duplicates fading from existance— no longer flesh and bone, merely unrealized possibility. Baterra Magnus was now forever locked in that time, Shardak was sure. As they were close to the beginning of the hall, and Baterra Magnus could only travel into the past, Shardak was sure he'd never see him again.

Turning back to the Hall of Mirrors and picking up the Sword of Fire, Shardak continued down the Hall of Mirrors, steadfastly avoiding looking at the visions. He didn't want to risk falling into the mirrors again, not after he'd only narrowly escaped the time tunnel the first time.

But something continued to nag at him. Like the Mindeaters who'd attacked him after the Battle of Iskar, Baterra Magus had thought he had the Shadow Orb. But how could he? Shardak had seen both pieces of the Shadow Orb embedded in the Annulus on Corona Magna, and he'd raised Vahrikaan without the third piece.

''Unless there were only two pieces, and I somehow had the third on me. That would make sense...but I know I don't have it, unless it's somehow invisible in the field.''

Baterra Magnus had said he'd sensed it in the field, and Shardak believed him. Something else was going on here. Was it possible that the Orb's power had been masked by something else? It could be hidden on him?

Hidden. Why did that word feel so familiar?

Then suddenly Shardak remembered Arcturas' words four years ago, the night he'd died. The words echoed by Varkanax before he'd left the rebel camp for Drakos.

''Arcturas' eyes fluttered open. "Shardak..." he gasped. "I am dying."''

''"No!" said Shardak. "We can get you to Intax...invent some story!" ''

''"The wound is fatal, Shardak." Arcturas said gently. "I cannot move, or I will hasten my passing." ''

''"Take this," he said, placing the Blade of Arcturas in the hands of Shardak. Normally Shardak would've argued, saying he wasn't worthy of the powerful weapon, but now he reached out and touched it. A bolt of energy shot up his arm, and his vision went out of focus. "And remember, while the secret is hidden," his father continued with his last breaths. "Sometimes the answer...the answer is in plain sight..." ''

The answer.

Suddenly Shardak knew exactly what his father had done. He lifted the Blade of Arcturas, wrapping his hands around the familiar hilt. He lifted the sword, and saw a long, sealed crack in the pommel of the sword, something he'd never before noticed. He allowed his auric energy to touch the Sword of Fire, and slowly, the secret opening built into the blade fell open.

Inside was a jagged, broken fragment of a stone that blazed with bloody red light.

The final Shadow Orb fragment had been hidden in the Blade of Arcturas the entire time.

"Oh, Arcturas." Shardak whispered. "Why didn't you destroy it?"

Perhaps he couldn't. Perhaps the fragment of the Annulus was simply too seductively powerful for Arcturas to destroy.

But now Shardak realized that things had changed. He'd thought that Vahrikaan had held all of the aces, with Shadovar, the Annulus, and two of the four Elemental Swords. But now, he realized, that was untrue.

Iskandar had told him that the Annulus was they key to Shadovar. As long as he held one fragment of the Shadow Orb, Vahrikaan could not gain complete control over Shadovar. And Vahrikaan didn't know about this fragment. If he could use it against Vahrikaan, somehow stop him from gaining the full power of the device...then perhaps he could put a stop to the apocalypse already raging across Xaterex.

Lifting the Shadow Orb, Shardak, though he'd gained a new weapon in his battle against Vahrikaan, did not relax. He'd survived Baterra Magnus, but the journey through the Plain of Mirrors and Shadovar was only just beginning.

Chapter 26
The Night Vulture flew low over Var'kala, Skorr steering the craft and Blast keeping an eye on the Ix's substantial force of antiarcraft guns. They'd tripled their security since he and Skorr had last slipped into Var'kala, and now Blast knew they stood no chance of being able to sneak into Citadel Var'kala alive.

However, Skorr had another plan, the reason why his decision to come with Blast had been so useful.

Anxiety throbbed within Blast's chest, and his heart hammered constantly. One false move, that was all it would take. Once false move, one misstep, and the Ix would blow them out the sky.

What was even worse was the simple fact of his mission: he was heading into the heart of Citadel Var'kala, the heart of Vahrikaan's power to kill an Ix High Lord and find Millennium. The death of Lord Nihilus had been the other mission assigned to them by Tern, and the reason why she'd been so eager to send him in the first place. Still, the idea of him confronting such a dangerous being filled him with dread.

''Shardak could be fighting Vahrikaan right now. ''Blast reminded himself. Or he could be dead, he couldn't help but add.

And would Skorr remain loyal? Blast knew that Jekart was firmly on their side now, but Skorr was a bit of a wild card. He'd only helped Jekart because of previous loyalties, and if the Ix payed him enough he was sure that Skorr would betray him to Nihilus. Indeed, Blast wasn't convinced that the bounty hunter wouldn't blow his cover the moment they confronted Nihilus.

"Unidentified Hagah frieghter," an Ix voice rasped over the comlink. "This is Citadel Var'kala. State your business here or you will be treated as an enemy. We will then fire on you and destroy your craft."

"This is the Hagah frieghter Night Vulture." said Skorr through the comlink. "I am Skorr. No doubt you know of me. We are seeking refuge here, on Var'kala, as our craft was damaged in defense of the Thanatos. Warmaster Faal has also asked me to provide a report to High Lord Nihilus. There has been a development that he needs to be aware of."

"You?" the Ix hissed disbelievingly. "A bounty hunter?"

"Yes," Skorr lied smoothly. "The enemy ships are putting up a stronger Resistance then usual, and all available Ix fighters are locked in combat."

"I will decide the truth of your statement when I have inspected you, Night Vulture." said the Ix. "You have been cleared to land at the visitor deck. I will be waiting there for you."

Skorr carefully steered the ship onto the vistor's deck. A patrol of black-robed Ix was waiting for them, their faces the usual cold, dead masks. "You are Skorr?" he asked. Skorr nodded, passing the Ix the credentials. The Ix nodded once, apparently finding them satisfactory. "We will escort you to High Lord Nihilus, since Warmaster Faal has granted you the appropriate credentials to report to an Ix Lord."

"Of course she has," said Skorr, a trace of his old haughtiness returning to his voice. Once again, suspicion raced through Blast. "I have performed many useful services for Chi'rin Faal."

His use of the Ix word for "Warmaster" seemed to make the lead Ix more alert. "Let us go," he said in his nasal, cold voice, and he led Blast and Skorr past the massed groups of Ix soldiers, every one of them on guard. Many more beings, many civilians but most Ix warriors, were gathered here, at least several thousand of them here alone. Elite Ix guards in red armor and squadrons of Limiters were gathered outside the massive Citadel Var'kala, a massive building made of pure obsidian which gleamed with a cold, volcanic sheen in the pale light of Var'kala's artificial sun and the light of the bloodred clouds.

Passing the massive citadel gates, which were made of the same black volcanic rock and rose high above the walls like a twisted claw, Blast could only stare in awe at the sheer display of power the Ix had on Var'kala. Even without the massive armies currently on Xaterex, the Ix could easily hold their own against the Resistance with the forces gathered here.

Their Ix guide hissed a few words to the red-armored guards at the inner doors of the massive citadel, which swung upon to let them in. Blast stepped inside the citadel and followed Skorr and the Ix down a winding series of passageways that he couldn't follow. Finally the Ix halted before a set of glass double-doors. Two guards stood outside, one a Limiter, the other a female Ix warrior.

"Why do you approach the Inner Sanctum?" the Ix warrior asked in Common. Her voice had a slight trace of an Illieran accent in it.

"We must meet with High Lord Nihilus," said the Ix who'd escorted them here. "These two bounty hunters have an appointment set by Warmaster Faal."

"We can take them from here," said the Limiter, speaking for the first time.

"Yes, return to your posts," added the Ix female.

"Are you sure, Rulen?" the Ix asked the female doubtfully. "If they cause trouble—"

"If they cause trouble, then we will deal with them," said Rulen. "You may go."

The Ix nodded and he departed. Rulen and the Limiter opened the door to the Inner Sanctum of Citadel Var'kala. The room was massive, with an opaque glass ceiling and floors. The massive wall made of obsidian on the far side was the only thing in the room not formed from glass, and the ceiling was far higher and the room more open then anywhere else in the Citadel. It reminded Blast of the Nameless City of the Void.

There was a glass throne at the center of the room, but no being was sitting there. A single being stood next to it, a being that appeared to be a Toa or Glatorian at first glance. However, the shadows that clung to him and the way his eyes gleamed with dark power made Blast sure that this was Nihilus, another of the Elemental servants of the Empire.

Rulen held a hushed conference with Nihilus in the Ix's language, and when it was done Nihilus spoke. "Welcome to Citadel Var'kala, Skorr." he said, ignoring Blast. "I trust that you and your associate are well?"

"Yes," said Skorr in reply. "Warmaster Faal sent me to speak with you."

"So I've heard," said Nihilus. His voice sounded different from that of the Ix. Still cold, but less nasal and more imperious. He had a way of speaking that made every word seem weighted, as though he was daring them to answer every time he spoke. "What news did Faal have for me that she could not have told me herself over the comlink?"

"This," said Skorr, and, quicker than Shardak would have believed possible, drew his blaster and fired.

Nihilus stepped easily to one side and drew his own sword, laughing slightly. "Did you really believe that I was unaware of your plan? Even before you drew the blaster I knew that you would attack. You are far too obvious in the aura field, Skorr. I assume you're working for the Resistance now?"

"They made me an offer I couldn't refuse," Skorr agreed, firing again. The bullets reflected off Nihilus' auric shield. Cursing under his breath, Skorr flung aside the blaster and drew a sword, charging toward Nihilus.

"Well, you've failed," said Nihilus. "You may have destroyed one of our virus-crafts, but I have two more in this citadel that I can use to destroy Xaterex."

Blast had no time to reply, for at the same time the Limiter and Rulen were racing toward him. Blast parried the Limiter's scythe-dagger, then whirled around, expecting to see Rulen approaching him. However, the Ix female crossed the distance between them in a single leap and ran her dagger through his shoulder as he whirled around. Blast cried out in pain as the shredsteel sliced through his flesh, narrowly missing a tendon.

Blast parried the Ix female's next blinding series of attacks narrowly, and as the Limiter charged at him from the side, swung the Scythe of Creation around, connecting with the Limiter's gut. With a moan, the Ix collapsed and did not get up.

Wrenching his sword free, Blast grabbed a dagger scythe from the fallen Limiter and wildly fought for his life against Rulen's attack. The Ix female was simply too fast for any Glatorian to match in combat, however, and he was only still alive because the longer reach of the Scythe of Creation made her wary.

''If only I could control the Scythe's powers. ''Blast thought as Rulen dodged his Scythe again and hit him in his unwounded shoulder with her dagger. Finally, as Blast began to tire, Rulen slipped past his guard and wounded him again, this time a worse slash to the side.

Blast was tiring. He hadn't even hit the Ix female once, and Skorr was losing against Nihilus. Finally he managed to knick Rulen's arm, drawing blood, but the Ix barely noticed the wound.

An idea began to occur to him, however. Rulen was too afraid to approach the scythe because he could skewer her on the end of it if she made herself vulnerable. He had to draw her in somehow, but he couldn't use the scythe.

Blast feigned weakness as Rulen battered him with still more blows from her dagger-scythes, drawing more blood. Seeing her quarry weakening, Rulen easily slipped past the scythe's guard, knocking the weapon from his hand and closing with him. As Blast staggered backward, Rulen smiled, exultant at her quarry's almost complete defenselessness. She raised her dagger scythe to deal a final blow just as Blast raised the Limiter's dagger-scythe and drove it through her exposed throat.

Rulen's smile faded, and she stared down in shock at the blood pouring down her body. Blast tore the blade from her neck, and that caused the blood to flow still more freely. Her scythes fell from nerveless fingers, and, her mouth forming silent curses, she collapsed in a limp heap, blood still flowing freely from the wound in her throat.

Blast barely gave her a second glance. He could see Nihilus was fighting Skorr, and while the bounty hunter was still doggedly attacking the Elemental, Skorr was losing. Nihilus was simply torturing him now, sending auric lances through his thighs and arms and tearing the sword from his hand.

"Blast! Help!" Skorr yelled in desperation as Nihilus prepared fire a killing auric pulse at Skorr's throat.

Blast didn't think twice, but flung himself in front of Skorr. However, he'd miscalculated the strength of the auric pulse, and it blasted him into Skorr. Both of them slammed against the wall, a tangle of snapped limbs and broken bones. Blast's arm was numb, and he could see Skorr had obviously broken a leg. Both of them had cracked ribs.

Nihilus closed in on them, and Blast could make out his hated face through the haze of pain. But he could also see another figure rising to his feet behind Nihilus. Blast gasped in shock as he realized it was the Limiter, sneaking up behind Nihilus.

As he drew next to Nihilus, his remaining dagger-scythe began to grow, to morph and change into something else, a massive axe.

Had he gone mad? Was he seeing things?

Nihilus was saying something, but Blast payed him no attention. He was watching the Limiter, who raised the axe high to the heavens and brought it down on Nihilus' spine. The Elemental's speach broke off at once, and a sickening crunch was heard as the axe descended again. Then Nihilus' broken body fell to the ground.

Blast rose to his feet, and stared at the Limiter with the axe in shock and fear. "What— who—"

"Hello, Blast," said the Limiter softly, and Blast suddenly realized that the Limiter had red eyes.

Millennium.

Shardak came to the edge of a passageway where the Hall of Time intersected with a massive staircase which rose high above him and continued to rise as far as his eye could follow. The Hall of Time continued to endlessly snake on and on, showing all of history, and all of what might have been,

Shardak wanted to continue, but he didn't dare. He knew from what Atarus had told him of the Hall of Time that it never ended, simply continued on forever. He could walk the Hall for his whole life and never find his own time.

Anyway, this was where Atarus had said he should turn, at the staircase, and climb it. At the only place the Hall of Time intersected with another area along the Plain of Mirrors.

Laying a foot on the first step of cold glass, Shardak continued upward, each flight of stairs revealing still more. At first, as he climbed, he was enjoying how different it was from wandering through the Hall of Time. However, as he climbed further and further upward, the climb began to grow monotonous as he continued higher and higher, toward the very sky itself.

''What supports this staircase? ''Shardak wondered. He looked down, expecting to see the blankness of the Plain of Mirrors, and gasped as he saw many different dimensions spread out all around below the staircase, verdant green forests, parched deserts, bright lights, and shadowy darkness. There was no sign of anything that held the staircase itself up at all, it simply seemed to be held on the air itself, continuing further and further upward.

As Shardak rounded another flight of stairs and came to a platform, he saw a door embedded in the wall. It was not very noticible and quite small, but the moment he noticed it he immediately wanted to tear it open. For some reason he didn't— couldn't— understand, he felt compelled to open it, to see what lay on the other side.

Shardak absolutely knew he had to open it the moment he saw it. He was convinced that on the other side of the door lay a way out of this all— a way to live rather than die at the hands of Vahrikaan. The door seemed to beckon to him, calling him to pry it open.

Visions of him appeared, reflected in the door's mirrorlike surface.

''Why die at the hands of Vahrikaan? ''the door seemed to whisper. On the other side of the door, you can make your destiny whatever you wish.

No. Shardak thought, but his voice was weak compared to the pull of the mirrorlike door, which seemed to beckon to him ever stronger. I cannot.

''Why not? ''the door seemed to ask him. Images began to appear in the door, images first of Fairon, then Blast, then Valkyria.

Pain at seeing them again when he knew he could not welled up within Shardak, but seeing them gave him strength to resist the door as well. ''No. I cannot. This— I'm doing this for them.''

But you will see them on the other side of the door, it hissed in his ear, an incessent voice that would not stay quiet. ''They're waiting for you. In this universe, there is no Vahrikaan, no dangers. Leave Vahrikaan and Shadovar to someone else. Continuing up the stairs will only cause more pain. Come to them! They are waiting for you.''

Valkyria's face— eyes filled with hope, stared at him through the glass. For a moment, Shardak hesitated, then almost involuntarily took a step toward her.

"Val?"

Shardak?

''No! He had to resist! ''He stepped back, away from the door. Valkyria's eyes seemed to widen in confusion.

"You're not real!" he snarled. "Get away!"

The images of Fairon, Blast, and Valkyria faded into nothing. ''What of this, then? ''the door asked. I can give you an even better future.

Shardak saw himself, older, more powerful, yet still young and healthy, with none of the scars he'd gathered during his battles with the Ix. There was no Stalker scar on his shoulder, no wounds dealt by Shredsteel scythes. He was a different being.

And he was standing next to Arcturas, eyes shining as he looked at Shardak.

''"Arcturas?" ''Shardak whispered, tears welling up involuntarily. "He's on the other side?"

''Yes. ''The door whispered. ''In this world, he never died. In this world, there are no Ix, no Shadow Orb. You can have your heart's desire, Shardak. You can have your father again, proud of you for what you've done, with no memories of the war between the Resistance and the Ix.''

"You can do that?" Shardak asked, his voice very quiet. "You can—"

''Yes. All of your friends will still be alive there. And you'll see Arcturas again.''

Shardak stared deep into his father's eyes, wondering what he would have done. What the door was about to give him was the greatest gift he could have asked for, his heart's desire. What he'd wanted for the past four years. He took a step toward the door, hands closing around the handle—

''Wait...where's Nightshade? ''Shardak immediately wondered as he saw himself and Arcturas. Then it hit him all at once, and he staggered backward.

NO!

The moment Shardak drew near enough to the door and looked into Arcturas' eyes the argument completely fell apart. He could never do as the door had asked. The touchstones of his past, what he'd longingly looked back on as a time when he'd felt safe, had never existed in the first place. Arcturas was one of the genocidal rulers of the Arcaean revolution who'd betrayed his allies, Nightshade was an Ix spy. Even the illusion that the Kodax government of Intax had created— that they ruled much of the devastated world of Xaterex— was a lie. They were merely vassals of the Ix. Even Blast had been controlled by Millennium during his time in Intax.

And what of all of his friends he knew now? What of Atarus, Valkyria, Fairon, and Silver? What of the entire Resistance, who were counting on him? If he stepped through the door, they would all cease to exist in that universe. And then they would all die at the hands of Vahrikaan and assume he'd failed.

He could see all of his friends in the glass now, all of them from Intax, and Arcturas standing in front of them all, but they were empty, hollow. Devoid of life. They simply dissipated into nothingness, and the door no longer tempted him. Now it was just a door in the wall, and held no temptations.

Turning away from the door he'd thought had held his heart's desire, Shardak continued climbing higher and higher, further up the seemingly endless staircase. His legs began to ache, and every stair felt leaden and heavy, as though— Shardak couldn't quite put it into words— as though he were moving up something more than a few stairs.

Finally the staircase seemed to level out. Shardak looked around, and saw he was standing in front of a massive wall made of black and white stone and mirrors upon which letters were carved. A hallway seemed to snake off into the distance, with still more words carved upon it. But what caught Shardak's attention were the many tablet-mirrors with carved lettering lining the massive wall. And at the very center of the wall were three colored tablets, the first grey, the second white, the third pure black.

Shardak knew what they were even before he saw them. ''The Prophecy Triad. The original copies, written by the Ancients themselves. ''

Shardak walked up to the three Prophecies, arranged in order. First the Prophecy of the Fall, then the Spirit, then the Choice. He was surprised that, while the language was obviously not Common, he found to his surprise that he could read it easily.

The first he barely gave a glance over. While he was curious about it, he wanted to read the Spirit prophecy first. He needed more clues about his destiny. Gazing at the runes eched upon the mirror, Shardak beheld the Prophecy that Atarus had never shown him, the Prophecy that had caused the Ix to hunt him across Xaterex and the rest of the universe.

<p style="text-align: center;">After the end, 

<p style="text-align: center;">When Arcaea’s jewel is burned upon the pyre

<p style="text-align: center;">A half Toa Elemental will be born 

<p style="text-align: center;">To end the darkest fires.

<p style="text-align: center;">The Spirit will brave games eternal

<p style="text-align: center;">The deadly endless fight

<p style="text-align: center;">Face the Coil of Shadows

<p style="text-align: center;">And at last the Darkest Light

<p style="text-align: center;"> But t wo allies of the Toa fall

<p style="text-align: center;">As he nears the end

<p style="text-align: center;"> One lost forever in the dark

<p style="text-align: center;"> The other slain by parent's hand

<p style="text-align: center;">But in the end the Spirit’s

<p style="text-align: center;">Final destiny is sealed 

<p style="text-align: center;">As Toa kills the earthen lord

<p style="text-align: center;">Truth is at last revealed.

<p style="text-align: center;">In the end a choice will be made, 

<p style="text-align: center;">For to save those loved from death,

<p style="text-align: center;">The secret must at last be known, 

<p style="text-align: center;">Revealed with final breath.

Shardak looked up from the Prophecy, which foretold the coming of the Spirit Toa. It was frustratingly vague, with little details that he could pick out about his final fate. He now knew which Prophecy had been engraved on the Noctxia Magna Resistance fortress, the Prophecy which Ixtil had not wanted him to see.

The secret must at last be known, revealed with final breath. Shardak thought, of all the words of the Prophecy, the last two lines confused him the most. What secret? The Spirit Toa's? He didn't have any secrets, as far as he knew. What did it mean?

Shardak's hands strayed immediately to the Shadow Orb. Was it possible that the secret was the fact that Arcturas had hidden the Orb in the Sword of Fire? Somehow, though Shardak didn't think so...to him it didn't seem right. Shardak turned to the Prophecy of the Fall, wondering if perhaps it held more clues for him. This Prophecy was longer than either of the other two, and Shardak could only hope that it contained information about his destiny that was easier to unravel.

<p style="text-align: center;">As Shadow Kingdom mounts the throne—

Suddenly a blast of blue lightning slammed into the mirror containing the Prophecy of the Fall, and it shattered into fragments which fell to the ground, illegible. Shardak whirled around and saw a hideous, massively built being standing behind him, more lightning gathering at his fingertips.

He was tall and stocky, a hulkingly powerful being with shadowy armor and a cold grey mask. While it appeared brutish and primeval, its eyes shone with malign intelligence.

"I am the Guardian of the Prophecies," the being seemed to hiss. "You have violated the Hall of Prophecies."

"I—" Shardak began, but had no time to finish before a massive broadsword materialized in the Guardian's hands. He charged forward, aiming to rend Shardak from head to foot. Shardak managed to pull the Blade of Arcturas from its sheath, and the Guardian's sword slammed into his own, the impact causing him to stagger back.

The Guardian brought the sword down again, and Shardak staggered backward under the force of the Guardian's heavy sword strokes. The Guardian didn't hesitate for a second and lashed out at him again with crackling blue lightning, which Shardak dodged narrowly. It slammed into the Prophecy of Spirit, causing mirror shrapnel to scatter across the ground.

The Guardian hissed in rage, seeing one prophecy tablet damaged and the other destroyed. He charged toward Shardak, closing into melee. Shardak narrowly blocked the blow with the Blade of Arcturas, then thrust out at the hulking Guardian. To his surprise, however, the being was far faster than his bulk would indicate, and he slipped to one side, the Blade of Arcturas meeting thin air.

The being wasted no time in retaliating. Shardak winced as the Guardian's sword bit into his flesh, and he swung out wildly at the beast. One of those blows connected, and the moment the Blade of Arcturas pierced the Guardian's aura, he felt memories wash over him—

Of a dark sky, darkened by hundreds of triangular flying ships, as they flew toward an ancient city filled with monstrous, nightmarish beasts...

Of the Guardian, far younger, more powerful, facing off with the World-Eating Serpent, Sarkanian...

The Guardian, slightly older, carrying a black sword, locked in combat with a dark being wearing a spiked crown...

And the Guardian, at last being bound by two Ancients to the Hall of Prophecies, fighting against his imprisonment there but at last forced to remain bound...

The Guardian snarled in rage and slashed out at him again, and Shardak felt his own memories begin to flow into the Guardian's mind as the being's sword slipped between his armor into his wounded shoulder. Shardak jerked away, and as he did so, the Guardian lunged forward, aiming to tear open his stomach with the massive broadsword.

Shardak barely managed to deflect the Guardian's blade in time, and the Guardian still bore down on him, trying to corner him against the massive wall next to which the tablets were lying. Shardak managed to repel him again, but it was only the innate skill of the Sword of Fire that allowed him to deflect the blade again. And he also knew that it was only a matter of time before the Guardian overwhelmed him.

Suddenly Shardak saw another being approaching on his side. As he sidestepped the Guardian's blindingly fast thrust, a scimitar flashed down at him, aiming to cut open his shoulder. Shardak whirled around to face his attacker—

"Valkyria?" Shardak asked. But the Ix warrior's expression was cold as she brought Silverblade down on him, denting his armor.

"How do you know my name?" she asked, confused, as Shardak deflected another blow from the Blade of Arcturas. "What is this place? Where are the rest of the strike team, Spirit Toa?"

Now Shardak understood. He was fighting an alternate version of the past Valkyria. She was still working for the Ix, and, like in his own world, had been sent to kill him. Now the Guardian had given her the oppurtunity to try. But there was something different about her as well. The shadows seemed to cling to her like a cloak, and her eyes appeared blank, less alert and almost empty.

''The Guardian did something to her. ''Shardak realized.

The Guardian and shadow-Valkyria lunged toward Shardak. Taken off-guard, Shardak only narrowly blocked Valkyria's scimitar as it missed tearing open his stomach by centimeters.

This is not the Valkyria I know, Shardak had to remind himself. ''Valkyria is back at Drakos Capitol. This Valkyria will kill me if the Guardian commands it.''

Still, the sickening fact that he was fighting one of his friends caught Shardak off-balance as he deflected the Guardian's attack again. The Guardian's body seemed to morph, to changed every moment Shardak fought him, first he was Valkyria, then Fairon, then Shardak himself. Meanwhile the shadow-Valkyria kept attacking him, and Shardak kenw it was only a matter of time before he lost his life.

Time.

Suddenly Shardak had an idea.

Forced against the wall as he was, Shardak knew he had only seconds to make this work. Grabbing the heavy, massive stone tablet that the Prophecy of Time was carved on, he threw it head-on at the Guardian.

The tablet conencted with the Guardian's skull with a sickening crunch. The tablet was barely damaged, but as Shardak watched the Guardian staggered backward, collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

Shadow-Valkyria kept coming. Shardak had forgotten just how deadly a combatant the Ix female could be, and how blindingly fast she was. Shardak found himself expending massive amounts of energy to counter even one of her attacks, and the only reason he wasn't dead now was because of the Blade of Arcturas, which kept shadow-Valkyria's scimitar from connecting with his heart or throat.

"Valkyria!" he yelled again. "Stop! We're not enemies! In another world, I'm your friend!"

But the words sounded hollow even to him. Valkyria's eyes flashed with disbelief. "Both of you?" she asked.

It was an unusual question, and Shardak whirled around to see another being standing before him.

It was Shardak.

But it was not Shardak.

This Shardak's soul belonged to the Guardian.

Shardak had no time to the think or to act before shadow-Shardak and shadow-Valkyria were both attacking him at once. His shadow counterpart carried a two-handed silver sword which had a far longer reach than his own blade. With both of them attacking him Shardak felt himself weakening under their ceaseless, continuous attack.

"You're never going to leave now," taunted shadow-Shardak. "A shame you didn't realize the truth before, Shardak."

"What?" asked Shardak, parrying shadow-Valkyria's scimitar. "What truth?"

"Vahrikaan's bound to win. We can only serve," she said.

"Yes," said shadow-Shardak. "And indeed, Vahrikaan is a generous master. He has given us both what we truly want."

"What?" Shardak hissed through clenched teeth, staring with hatred at his shadow counterpart. Were they really from another possible-future? Or was this merely the Guardian's way of taunting him?

"If you had simply given up and surrendered to Vahrikaan, you would have never had to leave her," said shadow-Shardak, gesturing to shadow-Valkyria. "The Prophecy of Time would have never been fulfilled, and you both could live on together. This is the possible-past that we come from, the strand of time that never was."

"And now you're going to die here, just as the prophecy says," shadow-Valkyria taunted him.

"And never see her again," laughed shadow-Shardak.

Shardak felt the fires of rage kindle in his heart at both of them. So this was who he would have been had he surrendered to the Ix rather than fight them.

"I don't regret anything," he said to them. "Everything I did was to stop the Rising, yes, but I would never have chosen to serve Vahrikaan to save myself."

"Do you think I chose to serve him for myself?" shadow-Shardak spat. "No, I did it for her. So we could both live."

"And you went along with it?" Shardak stared at shadow-Valkyria.

"There was no other choice," she answered. "The rebellion was doomed from the beginning."

"And you must now die, for it is the will of the Guardian," snarled shadow-Shardak, who charged toward him. Shardak only narrowly countered his first thrust, and began to falter as the shadow-Shardak began to force him back, across the mirrorlike floors. Shardak realized that shadow-Shardak was his equal in combat in every way, and it was truly impossible for either of them to gain the upper hand for long.

But then shadow-Valkyria attacked as well, and Shardak was then literally fighting for his life as he dodged, ducked, weaved, and rolled away from the Ix and Toa's attacks.

Valkyria laughed. "Running won't save you forever, Shardak."

Hearing her say his name, her, immediately flooded Shardak with a surge of anger and energy. How dare he ever contemplate surrendering to Vahrikaan? These two beings were wrong in so many ways. He'd never have surrendered to Vahrikaan, and neither would Valkyria.

Would they?

Shardak didn't know. But he couldn't falter now. He had to hold them off as long as he could.

Suddenly he had an idea. Reckless, yes. But with any luck it would slow them down.

Shardak kenw that the only way shadow-Shardak would ever slow down was if he put himself at a complete disadvantage. He had to feign weakness, and then strike back when his shadow counterpart least expected it.

Suddenly slowing, Shardak lowered the Blade of Arcturas, pretending his wounded shoulder had finally given out completely. "Please," he whispered to shadow-Shardak, hoping his plan would work.

"You're pathetic," laughed shadow-Shardak, and he lunged forward, even as Valkyria charged at him from behind, Silverblade flashing in the perpetually twilight skies. Shardak was about to raise the Blade of Arcturas when suddenly shadow-Shardak switched his grip on the sword. The Blade of Arcturas went flying from his hands, and in a last act of desperation as shadow-Valkyria was about to run Silverblade through his back Shardak leapt to one side, out of the way of the scimitar—

Shadow-Shardak laughed. "Did you really think that would fool me? I—"

He was still laughing as shadow-Valkyria, who had been expecting to run Silverblade though Shardak, instead skewered herself on the edge of shadow-Shardak's still-outstretched two handed sword.

Both Shardak and shadow-Shardak stared in horror at the blade, which had run completely through shadow-Valkyria's heart and through her shoulder blades.

He hadn't meant to do that. He hadn't meant to kill her.

Shardak knew at once the wound was fatal, and he could tell at the shocked look in shadow-Shardak's eyes he knew it as well. Shadow-Valkyria simply stared at the sword in disbelief, then turned to Shardak, a pleading look in her eyes.

They were Valkyria's eyes, but it was not Valkyria dying on the end of shadow-Shardak's sword. Shardak simply stepped away. Shadow-Valkyria's scimitar fell from one hand, and the other wrapped around the massive broadsword, as though she was trying to pull it out of her. Then she fell to the ground, trailing blood from the ragged, bloody wound.

Shadow-Shardak could only stare at the dying body of his friend in shock and horror as he fell to his knees, trying to save her, his voice filled with anguish. Shardak felt as though a dagger had run through his heart as he stared at himself standing over the alternate Valkyria's dying body, but he could do nothing to save her.

Shardak turned and ran, not waiting for Shadow-Shardak to pursue him. He knew that soon the Guardian would wake up, and shadow-Shardak would be after him again soon. As Shardak came to the end of the Hall of Prophecy, he saw the staircase continued upward, leading still higher into the Plain of Mirrors.

And as he climbed the staircase, Shardak finally began to pass from the world of mortals into a higher plain of existance.

He could feel the difference coming, could feel his aura begin to change, wrap around him like a protective cloak. He could see the shadows and the light whirling in the skies above him, and could see the end of the staircase and another Hall, and he knew this Hall, the Hall of Mirrors, ended at the entrance to Shadovar itself.

''But what Shardak saw in the Hall was simply too hard for any mortal to describe. Shardak could feel it, but not see anything, so bathed in complete light and darkness was he. He could see the Shades of Eternity and the Light of Aura, and the Depths of Eternity and the highest mountains. ''These are the Plains that Meilo told me of in the sanctum of the mind, he thought.

He could feel his aura slowly begin to simply absorb his body, could feel his mind and aura touching other beings, beings that had never, never been alive, but merely were. Shardak could feel the world changing as he climbed massive mountains and descended into sloping valleys, and all around him visions of other times, other places which he saw within his mind.

Then he saw the fabric of the universe itself, time and space, bound together at the heart of eternity, at the top of the tallest mountain. He was blinded by cascades of pure light and pure shadow, and he could feel his mind begin to unhinge, begin to throb with burning pain as he stared at the universe bound together.

And at the top of the highest mountain, he could see the Plains of Existance going on forever and ever, stretching out, into the universe for eternity, worlds of endless possibilities and universes different beyond all understanding.

The Plains go on forever, he thought. I must tell Valkyria.

And as he stared into the depths of limitless possibilities, the depths of endless worlds, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

And suddenly Shardak was once again himself, his eyes closed, and he felt the hand leading himself down from the tallest mountain. And when he opened his eyes again, he was standing in another hall, the highest of plains behind him.

There was a being standing before him, and Shardak gasped as he recognized him.

It was Varkanax.

Meera Faal stood facing the viewscreen of the Thanatos, observing the battlefield, when the black-armored Rotaxian approached her, followed by a hooded and cloaked Ix.

"Saren is dead," the assasin said coldly. "He tried to free Iskandar, and both of them were killed."

"No loss," said Faal casually. "I am—"

"Starcraft approaching from the left!"

Meera Faal whriled around, staring once more at the viewscreen. Ships were indeed approaching, but they were not Ix ships. These were Arcaean fighters, comandeered V-3 Scimitars, and old freighters. At the head of them was a powerful capital ship that Faal recognized instantly.

The Blade of Light, flagship of the Hand of Mata Nui fleet.

Ixtil was here, and he'd brought the entire Hand of Mata Nui fleet with him.

Meera Faal felt her heart sink. While they could still win, this would mean hours more of this tedious engagement, and the morale of the Ix fleet would begin to sink. Even bolstered by Vahrikaan's auric strength, the appearence of a whole new fleet of Resistance ships would give the rebels momentum once more— something that Meera had to prevent at all costs.

Suddenly the Rotaxian spoke again, but when he did it was in another voice— the voice of Vahrikaan. "My avatar in Nihilus is dead," Vahrikaan hissed through the Rotaxian's mouth. "Though not before I learned that the virus was unleashed upon my capital world."

Meera suddenly felt icy claws seize her heart. Not that she was upset about Nihilus' death, but she knew that now would come her undeniable punishment for withholding the information from Vahrikaan in the first place.

"I have decided to take full command of the Thanatos," said Vahrikaan. "I have another job for you and the other two Rotaxian assassins. Shardak is journeyin through the Plain of Mirrors. He has nearly reached Shadovar. He must be intercepted before he reaches the city and we unleash the virus on Xaterex. I am sending you to neutralize him and bring him to me."

Meera nodded in acknowledgement, surpressing the urge to ask how Vahrikaan planned to launch the virus now that Nihilus was dead. "I will leave immediately."

'"Do this correctly, Warmaster, and you may yet make amends for what has happened on Var'kala." 'said Vahrikaan.

"It shall be done, my lord."

"You may assemble your strike team yourself," said Vahrikaan. '"But there is one being who wishes to accompany you. A being who wishes to make amends for another disaster." '

Vahrikaan gestured to the Ix standing behind him, who lowered the hood. Meera, though a master of concealing her emotions, couldn't surpress a jolt of surprise as she recognized the being beneath the hood.

"You," she breathed, staring into the face of the Ix.

"Yes," the Ix confirmed. "With both of us hunting him, Shardak does not stand a chance of escaping us this time."

Chapter 27
"Millennium," Blast said coldly, voice cold and edged with fear.

"Hello again, Blast," said Millennium, as calmly as though he were greeting an old friend. "It is...pleasing to see you again, to say the very least."

"Don't give me any of that," snarled Blast, anger rising to the surface of his thoughts all at once. "You stole my memories and tried to kill my friends in the Void!"

"I did," said Millennium placidly. "Though not out of anger. We would have turned you over to the Ix merely because they would have brought us some time to escape the Void and survive. As it was, you killed most of my remaining allies and destroyed my Vortixx body. I believe we shall consider it even, then."

"No," said Blast. "You almost killed us all."

"And you did kill most of my lieutenants," said Millennium. "I have saved your life in the past as well, Blast. In the Spire in the Circle, I teleported your weapons to us so we could escape."

Blast hesitated, then said, "We're not even until you've returned my memories. I deserve to know who I was before you took control of me."

"Return your memories?" Millennium asked. "And why should I do that? I could kill you as easily as I killed Nihilus."

Millennium gestured to the fallen Elemental's still-bleeding body. Blast winced. He saw Skorr, lying unconscious on the floor, and knew he wouldn't get any help from him. He was on his own.

"We're losing the war," said Blast. "In case you're not up to date on the latest situation, Vahrikaan has risen. If my memories contain secrets that can be used to end the war, I need to know them."

"Oh, yes, they contain secrets," said Millennium. "Secrets that will change your sense of self forever."

"Then give them to me!" Blast said eagerly.

"I still don't have one good reason why I shouldn't just kill you and teleport out of here with a laugh," Millennium said.

"Listen to me!" snarled Blast. "If I don't get my memories back, the Ix will win the war! I'm certain they contain secrets, secrets of why I was trapped in the Eternal Game the first place. You know my memories, Millennium. Do you want the Ix to win? For Vahrikaan to rise?"

"Very well," said Millennium. "Though you may not live much longer, so don't expect these to be too helpful."

"What do you mean?" Blast asked.

"The Ix accidentaly released a virus onto Var'kala, that from what I can gather kills every developed lifeform in eight hours or so. The Ix have blockaded the planetoid and are waiting for all of them to die. If only they knew—"

"That doesn't matter now," said Blast. "I was immunized to the virus earlier, using some of Atarus' cure he salvaged from Arcaea. Skorr is as well."

"You're immune?" Millennium asked. "Well, then, perhaps we can do some business along the lines of returning your memories after all."

"Name your price," said Blast.

"This body is dying, infected by the plague," said Millennium. "I ask that you give me your own body as a host in return for your memories."

"Never!" Blast said immediately, shocked at the suggestion. "I was controlled by you once. I will never surrender to your control again."

"You misunderstand me," said Millennium. "I will not control you. I will remain in a dormant state, as I did during your journeys through the Circle. As soon as I can take another host body I will."

Blast disliked the idea, but he didn't know what else he could do. He needed his memories. Millennium needed a new body to house his consciousness. It seemed to be a fair enough trade.

Then a thought struck him. "How do I know they're my memories? What if you're trying to trick me?"

Millennium twisted the Limiter's mouth into a smile. "You'll know."

The Limiter reached out and touched Blast's shoulder. And suddenly Blast was gone, lost in another place, another time...

''Blast, wearing pale black and gold armor, ornate and with the insignia of Arcaea on its breastplate and a Kanohi Hau, was standing next to three Elementals, one wearing green, the other blue, the other dark black. They were talking to him, telling him to keep tabs on the Spirit Toa, to make sure that he wasn't taken by their enemies...''

''He was fighting a horde, a dark army that was rampaging through the heart of Arcaea itself. Beside him fought a being he recognized as Arcturas, along with several other Elementals...''

''His suspicion as Arcturas and his friends gained more and more power. His fear as rumors of discontent began to rise up from the Ix and the other lower-class Arcean species. His fear that the Spirit Toa would be taken, and that soon the entire Arcaean government would fall apart.''..

Watching a darkly beautiful female Elemental taking control of the Shadow Kingdom, and thus the throne of Arcaea, for the remaining three months of the Kingdom's power...

''That same Elemental, with Arcturas and Skorpix by her side, speaking to a crowd of Ix and Glatorian. Blast, disguised as a Glatorian among the crowd, feeling fear ripple through him.''..

''His Elemental superiors, warning him that war would soon follow, and it was his duty to get the Spirit Toa to safety. Blast nodding his agreement. "We are counting on you, Crystallix," the green-armored Elemental said. ''"The Spirit Toa must be protected at all costs."

''Blast standing before Fairon, trying to convince him to come with him. ''"You are a Spirit Toa. Possibly the Spirit Toa of the Prophecy. Your father was a Toa, your mother an Elemental. I am here to protect you..."

''Fairon, with Blast and the green Elemental, whose face was grim. ''"The war has become truly horrific now. I fear that this may mean the destruction of Arcaea..."

''Blast, watching Millennium— in his original body— taking Fairon in the night with a massive strike team of Shadow of Ages soldiers. And Fairon pleading Crystallix to help him, but there was nothing he could do...''

''A massive inferno that rent the City of Mirrors asunder, destroying anything—everything—in its path. Blast fought within the choked smoke and fire, watching as his world was devastated...''

''Blast and some of his remaining allies regrouping on Xaterex. "Finding the Spirit Toa is our only hope," one of them said. Blast recognized the being standing there as Silencer. "There is more than one Spirit Toa," Reid Vaethar said. ''"Arcturas' son, I believe he is the one. We must find him..."

''Blast, leading a group of rebel soldiers against the Ix. But the attack goes horribly wrong, and Blast and one of his allies are captured. Blast knows that only one thing can await him, death in the Eternal Game...''

''And then him fighting Millennium once again, breaking a sickle he'd imbued with the power of the Scythe of Creation to kill the being. But Millennium's spirit surviving and grabbing ahold of Blast's body through the Axe of Eternity...''

Blast, defeated by Ghost, falling into the Void with the Axe of Eternity in hand...

"There are two Spirit Toa," Blast whispered aloud. "Shardak may not be the one who has to face Vahrikaan. I have to warn him."

And Blast, after so long, finally, completely, remembered.

Fairon, Atarus, Areop, and Reid Vaethar were all locked in combat against Korlei and her Red Shadows at the gates of the Citadel. After being confronted by the deadly Ix High Lord inside the Citadel itself and confirming she was indeed the avatar of Vahrikaan, the Resistance and been forced to begin a panicked retreat. Korlei and the Red Shadows had followed, and the battle had quickly become a slaughter.

Atarus had managed to regroup the main body of the Resistance army outside the citadel, though scattered skirmishes were happening all across the city of Drakos. Now Fairon, Vaethar, Atarus, and the others were locked in a desperate struggle against Vahrikaan/Korlei, who seemed determined to break the momentum the Resistance had gained just as the rebel army reached the citadel itself.

Vaethar slashed his scimitar at Korlei, but she writhed like a snake out of the way, blasting him with dark lightning. Vaethar staggered backward under the impact. Areop and three of his Dargon charged toward her, but the Ix female lept aside without any of them so much as injuring her and snapped one Dargon's neck by blasting him backward with auric energy against the Citadel walls.

Areop snarled in rage and charged toward Korlei again, this time alongside Fairon and Atarus. Fairon saw the fireball arcing from Korlei's finger's even as he charged, but by then it was too late. Fairon screamed in pain as the flames splashed over him, burning him. He continued to stagger forward, but Korlei simply swatted him like a fly, using her auric powers to knock his legs out from under him. Fairon crumpled to the ground, suddenly, in one moment, seeing a shimmering, otherworldly city on the edge of his vision, steadily growing more visible.

''Shadovar. ''He thought. ''Vahrikaan's weakening the fabric between the plains of existence. ''

Atarus and Areop closed in around Korlei, who was holding them both off with blindingly fast thrusts and backhand strimes from her scimitar while all the while firing pulses of elemental energy from her hands, first fire, then lightning, then water. Areop finally gave in under the assault and collapsed, unconscious. Reid Vaethar charged toward her to take his place.

But Korlei wasn't fazed for even a moment. She blasted Atarus backward, into a wall, then turned on Fairon and Vaethar. Fairon managed to stagger out of the way of Vahrikaan/Korlei's scimitar, but Vaethar wasn't so lucky. The scimitar tore open his shoulder, and as he staggered backward, Korlei lifted him off his feet and threw him to the ground telekinetically.

Atarus slowly rose to his feet and charged toward the avatar of Vahrikaan, who lifted her scythe in preparation to counter his assault.

Suddenly, before either Korlei or Atarus could move, a great shout arose from the massed Resistance forces below. They'd finally broken through the line of Limiters, and were chasing the Red Shadows back into the Citadel.

Korlei took one look at her demoralized army and hurled an auric lightning bolt from her fingertips, causing him to stagger, momentarily blinded, by the blast. When Fairon looked again, Korlei was gone, following her Red Shadows back through the Citadel gates.

Atarus lifted his sword. "After them!" he yelled. With a roar, the rebel army charged through the gate, Atarus, Fairon, and the other commanders following.

But as they raced through the gate back into the Citadel, Fairon suddenly felt uneasy. Korlei had retreated far, far too easily— something Fairon found suspicious. And was it is imagination, or did the air between the gate's two broken doors seem to shimmer almost like a portal?

Then suddenly, the moment Fairon and the first wave of rebel soldiers charged through the gate, Fairon was suddenly somewhere else...

He was standing in an ancient, spectacularly built city made entirely out of mirrorlike glass shot through with gold. Massive ziggaraut-like pyramids at the heart of the city gave way to the slender, twisting glass spires common of Ancient architechure. The entire city seemed to shimmer with the reflections of the rebel soldiers, and the massive spires cast shadows down upon them.

It was as glorious as Fairon remembered it. Although silent and abandoned, the city looked tranquil. Beautiful. Peaceful.

But then Fairon realized his eyes were playing tricks on him. The tops of many spires were burned off, the ziggaraut at the heart of the city rent asunder. The massive Imperial Palace seemed to be mostly intact, but much of the central district was devastated. The mirrorlike glass looked charred, almost diseased on many of the buildings, and several of the other buildings were simply flattened ruins of glass, burned out entirely.

Nevertheless, the city was still magnificent. Still intact. Still a living remnant of Arcaea.

"Shadovar," Atarus breathed, and Fairon was shocked to see the Elemental had tears in his eyes as he stared at the city. "The City of Glass and Mirrors. Perhaps the greatest city ever to be built, older than the Ancients themselves."

"We are home," whispered Reid Vaethar.

"Not quite, Vahrikaan is here," said Atarus grimly. "Luckily enough, the fact he's brought us all to Arcaea could mean this battle could end quite quickly. All we need to do is find him and the Hooded One, and kill them. And with nearly half of the rebel army with us, I think we'll have a far easier time of it than we would alone."

No sooner had he spoken than Fairon heard footsteps, then cries from the rebel soldiers. Fairon felt icy claws of fear wrap his heart as he watched a massive horde of Red Shadows charge from hiding on all sides and into the heart of the rebel army.

The Red Shadows and the army from New Metru Nui, Fairon thought, his heart sinking. He recognized the commander of the Shadows, the Ix with the long scar down one side of his face, watching the battle alongside Korlei.

The Ix had trapped them just as they had at Ecbatana. They'd lured the Resistance in, then sprung an ambush.

At Ecbatana, they'd managed to win a victory thanks to Shardak. But at Shadovar, facing an army three times as large as they were, meant that the battle for Shadovar could only end in the annihilation of the rebel army.

"You!" said Shardak, his voice all at once fearful. "What do you want? To capture me, like Baterra Magnus?"

Varkanax looked just as Shardak remembered him, his face still shrouded in shadow save his inscrutable green eyes which stared at him from beneath the hood. Varkanax's expression was, as always, unreadable. Shardak saw that his hand, that completely skeletal hand, seemed to trail blue auric smoke. His other hand was hidden beneath the folds of his robe.

"No," Varkanax answered. "Why would I want you captured?"

"You're a traitor! One of Vahrikaan's avatars told us!" Shardak yelled, annoyed at Varkanax's lack of acknowledgement to his words. Varkanax seemed completely unfazed by everything that Shardak had said, and simply stared at him, pale eyes locked on his.

"I am not a traitor," said Varkanax. "Though I am most certainly not an ally of your Resistance. Nor am I a servant of Vahrikaan. But I am, and always will be, your ally."

"I don't believe you," said Shardak. "Silver told me how you, along with Baterra Magnus, captured him and allowed him to be tortured by the Order. You're working with them, don't try to deny it."

"But I am not. I work only for one thing— the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Time." said Varkanax. "For I am the Guardian of the Hall of Truth, the Gateway of Mirrors."

Varkanax's words stopped Shardak directly in his tracks. "The fulfillment of the Prophecy of Time? How?" he asked. "Then why would you work for Vahrikaan? The Prophecy says I must destroy him!"

"I helped Vahrikaan, it is true," said Varkanax. "I gave two of your friends, Silver and Dust, over to him. I allowed Leviathos to become an avatar of Vahrikaan, and allowed him to remain among the Resistance. All of this was done so I would appear to be a loyal servant of Vahrikaan, while simultaeneously damaging his plans still further.

"Initially he planned to make Silver and Dust avatars as well. However, I freed them before it could be done. I did not destroy Leviathos' cover for the first few weeks because I didn't know the truth, and when I did I suggested to Vahrikaan that his avatar join the strike team, knowing that you would finish him off and leave Vahrikaan with one less avatar that otherwise would likely have survived. Had I revealed to Atarus that Leviathos was an avatar when I'd first learned of it, Vahrikaan would have learned of my betrayal, and there would have been many casualties among the Resistance.

"As it is," Varkanax finished. "He believes me to be his loyal spy, while in reality because of me one of his avatars is dead."

"I still don't believe you," said Shardak. "It doesn't make sense. I—" here he broke off as Varkanax held up a hand to silence him.

His fear of Varkanax caused him to stop immediately. The being waited several moments to speak again, and when he did his voice was quieter. "Let me tell you the truth, Spirit Toa." he said. "Of why I do, what I do. And why I am Varkanax."

"Death," Shardak whispered. "You're death."

"It can also mean soul. Or spirit." said Varkanax. "But yes, I am also death."

"There was— is— a war," said Varkanax. "A war between beings who wished to control every world, and held many in tyranny, and those who wished to free the worlds from these being's oppression. Those beings who wanted to control all others had a master, a master ancient, powerful, yet trapped. Trapped forever.

"I was young then," Varkanax continued. "I did not know what I know now. The beings who wished to control every world sent assassins after me, but I was helped by allies of the freedom fighters. However, the asassins continued to pursue me, and after I faced several great challenges I joined those who wished to free the world from the tyranny of those dark ones."

Shardak wondered what Varkanax was trying to tell him. Was he talking of the distant past? Of a war between Elementals, perhaps? Or even Ancients? But Shardak somehow knew he was talking about none of those things. There was something familiar about this story, something he felt he knew. But he couldn't quite put a finger on it, and his fear of Varkanax made unable to think clearly.

"Eventually the master of these beings was freed. He was unleashed upon the world, and then the end of time began. My allies began to make moves to stop him, and the war grew still more bloody."

Varkanax stopped, regarding Shardak with his pale green gaze.

"What happened then?" asked Shardak, voice trembling slightly as he looked into Varkanax's eyes. The Toa could not read the expression within.

"I failed," said Varkanax simply. "I failed, and eternal darkness fell upon the universe."

"You failed?" asked Shardak. His voice was incredulous. "But how?"

"My friends had fought well," said the being with the skeletal hand. "My allies were strong. But, in the end, the battle came down to a single choice, a choice foretold hundreds of years before. And because of this choice, I have journeyed across the strands of time for thousands of millennia."

"So that's how everyone knows of you, and knows your title." said Shardak.

"Yes," Varkanax answered. "I have seen the uncountable pasts, the varied presents, the incalculable futures. But everything came down to the single choice at the end of time, a choice that had been foretold thousands of years before."

Suddenly, Shardak understood why the being's tale had seemed so familiar. But it was impossible. It had to be.

"What happened?" he demanded, real fear in his voice now "At the end of time? How did you fail? Who are you?”

For a moment, all was silent and still. Varkanax said nothing for a few moments, merely continued to stare into Shardak's eyes. Almost unconsciously, the Toa of aura dropped his gaze. For a few moments, neither being spoke.

"Who are you?" asked Shardak again, breaking the silence. But he already knew the impossible, terrible truth.

"I will tell you of the final battle, then." said Varkanax at last. "I will tell you how it all ended."

Varkanax lowered his hood.

And Shardak realized he was staring into his own eyes.

Shardak could say nothing as he looked at his own face beneath the hood. The Ignika was pitted and scarred and appeared far older than his own, but it was unmistakably him. Shock and fear raged within him as he stared into the eyes of himself.

"How— how— I—" he began, but broke off each time. Varkanax's true identity defied all description. There was simply nothing he could say.

"I am from a possible-future," said Varkanax. "But also from the distant past."

"I—" Shardak began again, but once again words simply failed him.

"I made the wrong choice, and eternal darkness fell across the universe," repeated Varkanax.

"What was the choice?" Shardak asked, finally finding his voice.

"I do not remember. I traded my hand, my aura, and all of my memories of the final battle to Moru Kul for a chance to go back."

"Go back?" Shardak asked.

"Yes. To the beginning of time, to make amends for what had happened. You know Moru Kul, he never gives unless you have something of equal value to trade. My hand and my memories were worth enough to him.

"This is my last memory," said Varkanax. "When I was here, in the Hall of Truth. Everything else simply became unrealized possibility after I went back."

"But you said it was a possible future," said Shardak. What Varkanax was saying made his head spin. "You traveled into the past from the future and rewrote the past? Is that possible?"

"No," said Varkanax. "You cannot rewrite the past. Time is like an endless string which burns on one end and grows on the other into thousands of strands. Only one strand contines on, the rest are consumed by the fire. But at the same time the stands are like a loop, because past, present, and future are merely the way we perceive the universe. When I was here, I did not meet a future version of myself, because then my existance was merely a possibility. Do you understand?"

Shardak shook his head, and Varkanax continued.

"What happened to me never happened in this universe. I am only unrealized possibility given form by the Plain of Mirrors. Imagine that time— possible-futures, pasts, and possible-pasts— is all tied together in one unbreakable knot. The the Plain of Mirrors, there is no different between past and future, as you saw on the mountain."

"All of it is bound together," Shardak remembered. He didn't want to recall what he'd seen. He was sure that his experiences on the Plain of Mirrors were something no mortal should ever see.

"Yes," Varkanax acknowleged. "And in my possible-future, I was sent back into this strand of time, which, because of my choices, has allowed me to survive until I stand here. I was not real before I appeared over forty thousand years ago on Xaterex. What I remember was merely my perception of peering in too closely at the strands of time. It never happened, though whether it does happen is unknown."

Shardak was still confused, but he nodded. Varkanax smiled slightly. "It is extremely confusing. Even I do not understand it. What I am trying to say is that just because in the strand of time I saw myself— you— chose wrong doesn't mean you cannot choose correctly."

"What I don't understand is that if I choose correctly, then I'll die like the Prophecy says. If I choose wrongly, then I become you, correct? So is there any way to change that? It's like a paradox."

"I don't exist," said Varkanax. "I only exist now because, in one out of a million strands, I had the time to meet with Moru Kul and be sent back, and then, in one out of a million strands, I survived until now. Indeed, because I was able to meet with Kul, I do not believe we even have the same memories. Tell me, where was Vahrikaan raised?"

"On Var'kala." Shardak recalled. "By the Ix."

"I raised him on Corona Magna," said Varkanax. "My choices were different, as were my circumstances. Because I do not have my memories, I don't even know if the choice you'll have to face will be the same choice I faced."

"Then why did you go back?"

"I didn't choose to go back," said Varkanax. "When I appeared on Xaterex for the first time, I had no choice in the matter. It was like being born, though I still had memories of why I made the choice."

"But you would have died long ago," said Shardak. "Forty thousand years...how did you—"

"The Plain of Mirrors," answered Varkanax. "The Plain of Mirrors is the only place I can truly live for long periods of time.

"Mirrors are far, far more than merely looking-glasses. They are gateways through time," he continued. "The Zormacht, in their vanity, built an entire city, now known as Shadovar, out mirror-glass. The Ancients and Mindeaters copied them later on."

"Zormacht?" asked Shardak. He'd never heard the name before.

"The beings who created the fabled artifacts such as the Codrex and possibly the Annulus as well. I watched them descend from a proud people that I knew so well they made me one of their honorary rulers into a set of corrupt, tyrannical rulers. By the time the Ancients' oldest leaders were born, the Zormacht were a dying race. They are no more now.

"Mirrors are different," Varkanax continued. "Look at your reflection in a mirror."

Shardak did so, and saw himself staring back at him from the depths of eternity.

"What do you see?" asked Varkanax.

"Myself, as I look now." he answered, confused.

"No," said Varkanax. "Mirrors do not show your present self. It takes a single nanosecond it takes the light to bounce back from the mirror to your eyes. Thus you see yourself as you looked a second ago in the past. You can never see yourself as you look in the present.

"Only on the Plain of Mirrors, where time and possibility are inconsequential, am I truly alive. Everywhere else, I am merely a shadow, a remnant of a possible-time that never was and never will be. And because of this I will fade and die far quicker than any mortal being if I left the Plain of Mirrors for a year or two. Because time doesn't move in the linear fashion it does outside of this dimension, I am virtually immortal."

Shardak looked deep into the mirror once again, and realized that he no longer saw his reflection clearly. He could see it in the distance, and could see different dimensions flashing before his eyes...

Varkanax laid his good hand on Shardak's shoulder. Once again Shardak turned to stare into his own eyes on the face of the being with the skeletal hand. "You see?" Varkanax asked. "This is how I am able to get so quickly from one dimension to the other, to see into the past and future alike, and to create my own illusory worlds without using my aura. But without the Plain of Mirrors I have no power left.

"Other than the fact that, as Guardian of the Hall of Truth, I must insure that the Ancient prophecies are completed. And while the Prophecy of the Fall has been fulfilled, the Spirit Prophecy and the Final Prophecy have yet to be completed. And I must help you with this, give you a fighting chance against Lord Vahrikaan."

"I have a Shadow Orb fragment," said Shardak. "Vahrikaan doesn't have the complete Annulus after all, then, and cannot fully control Shadovar."

"But he will," said Varkanax. "If he takes the final piece from you it will be catastrophic. Already all of Xaterex is shaking from massive earthquakes and destructive firestorms. Vahrikaan also has plans to use an Ancient virus to attack Xaterex."

"If he gained full control of Shadovar, could he..."

"Yes, he could destroy it," said Varkanax. "As it is, he's simply resorting to destruction."

"But what does he gain from this?" asked Shardak. "So many of the beings on his side are still on Xaterex. He'd condemn them all to death!"

"Because once Xaterex is gone, he can simply recreate Arcaea however he'd like with the Shadovar Codrex," said Varkanax grimly. "Or create anything he wants. And no one could stop him. Vahrikaan would truly have the power of life an death in his hands."

"We have to stop him," said Shardak.

"We agree with you, wholeheartedly," said a new voice, and a second cloaked being, a female, stepped from the shadows.

Varkanax inclined his head to her in respect. "Greetings, Ardhána."

"Hello, Varkanax," said the cloaked female, lowering her hood. She was clearly an Elemental, emerald green plates of armor marking her as one who controlled the Element of Air. "I see the Spirit Toa, Shardak, has come with you as well."

"He has. And I have shared with him the truth of my identity. He is ready to see within the Soul Realm." said Varkanax.

Suddenly Shardak remembered the line from the Final Prophecy. ''His hunt shall reveal the fire and those hidden in the Realm of Souls. ''

"The Soul Realm?" he asked. "The Realm of Souls from the Final Prophecy?"

Yes, voices seemed to whisper all around him, and as Ardhána and Varkanax led Shardak down the long, narrow Hall of Truth, Shardak heard the voices whisper again. We are those spirits, the spirits of Elementals who yet live on within the Mirror realm.

"Yes," answered Ardhána. "It is time. It is time to reveal to the Spirit Toa the last hope for the Elemental race. And what may be your only hope of ever stopping Lord Vahrikaan."

Chapter 28
"I remember it all," Blast gasped, as the visions faded and Var'kala swam once more into view before his eyes. "You took Fairon— the Spirit Toa— from us. You wanted to use him to restore your power after the Battle of Chrone, when we devastated your order."

The Limiter smiled Millennium's smile. "Yes, I did. But can you blame me? With all of that power, I could have done what the Ix were never able to do— control every world with no threat of rebellion."

"That will never happen," Blast spat.

"I have returned your memories," said Millennium. "Even those that I find distasteful. I trust that you will keep your end of the bargain."

"I will," Blast affirmed.

"It's been nearly a two hours since we began sharing memories." said Millennium.

"Two hours?" Blast asked. "Really? Then why haven't any Ix checked on us yet? It's unusually sloppy of them."

"I will explain," said Millennium. "This is something that I know, and that Vahrikaan knows, but what not most of the Ix know. There was a virus unleashed on Var'kala due to the Ix's incompetence, and now it is certain that every lifeform here will die. However, what the Ix did not know about the virus was that it matures over time. Unlike Shadowdermis, which is somewhat sentient, this virus is far, far more intelligent.

"Stage one of the virus simply kills all life, then disperses, vanishing forever. Stage two, however begins first to kill, then to control, The virus takes posession of the mental faculties of the beings it kills, settling into the mind of the creature and pulling the strings much like I do with this Limiter. Even if we manage to escape detection by the Ix we will have to deal with the virus, which is far, far more dangerous. What is worse, the virus hightens the senses and power of the beings, called the Infected, making common Limiters much more deadly."

"Is there a stage three?" asked Blast, not wanting to know the answer. But memories were already gathering at the edges of his consciousness, and he already knew.

"Yes," said Millennium. "The Deathmeld. The most deadly entity, perhaps, to have ever struck the earth. It rendered entire species extict, including the Ancients. It killed every Mindeater in the Void, and remnants of the Deathmeld linger there still. You saw it in Karizdun, the insane Mindeater who nearly killed me."

Blast shuddered involuntarily. ''The Deathmeld. Unleashed once again. Shardak has to be warned. ''

"We have to get out of here, then, before the virus strikes," said Blast. "And before the guards find these Ix dead," he said, gesturing to the bodies of Rulen and Nihilus.

"Agreed," said Millennium. "I will lead you back to the visitors deck in this Limiter's body. When we reach it you can hold up your end of the bargain."

"Okay," answered a new voice. Blast and Millennium whirled around to see Skorr rising to his feet. "What did I miss?"

"Not much," said Blast. "Skorr, this is Millennium. He helped me defeat the Elemental. Nihilus and the other guard are dead."

"That's Millennium?" asked Skorr incredulously. "He's an Ix?"

"No, not really," said Millennium, shaking his head. "I once had a body of my own. Now I must be content controlling the minds of others."

"We have to leave, now." said Blast. "There's an army of Ix on Var'kala, and we also have to worry about the virus becoming a threat as well. Apparently it's formed a consciousness and could end up in control of the entire Var'kala planetoid."

"Did Millennium give you what you wanted?" Skorr asked.

"I have all of my memories," Blast answered. Right now he simply didn't have the time to sort through them all. But he would, given time. Only one thing was clear to him right now. Get off Var'kala, and warn Shardak of the truth about the Prophecy before he confronted Vahrikaan.

As Blast stepped from the heart of Citadel Var'kala into the winding passageways Rulen had led them down, he realized that in the two hours that had passed the Citadel had become eerily silent. No beings stirred at all, and the while the torches still burned, they were little more than embers.

"They're gone," Blast whispered. "What happened?"

But he already knew.

"The Deathmeld is beginning to form a consciousness," Millennium replied. "We have to get out of here before that happens. When it does, the stage two proto-Deathmeld will begin to launch its own attemps to infect Xaterex. And a little less than a quarter of the Ix fleet is still on Var'kala to help it."

As Blast continued down the winding tunnels he suddenly noticed a being standing before him. A Limiter. The Ix's eyes traveled over him, and he bowed his acknowledgement of the Ix's superior status.

However, as he did so, he caught a glimpse of the Ix's eyes. They were dead, cold empty pits of shadow, but at the same time they were not as Nihilus' had been. These eyes still had a spark of light to them, but it was a green flame of malign intelligence. At the same time, sickly greenish sparks seemed to dance in the palm of the Limiter's hand.

You are not one of usss.... the Infected Limiter seemed to hiss. Join ussss....in death...ssssuffer...

Before the Limiter could finish Millennium blasted him backward with a powerful telekinetic thrust. The virus-Infected Limiter staggered backward, wounded badly. However, the blow barely fazed him for more than a second, and he charged back at them. Blast slashed the Scythe of Creation down at the Infected Limiter and he fell to the ground, his throat cut open. For a moment, green sparks seemed to dance and flare in the Limiter's eyes, then his gaze faded.

However, there was a shout of primordial rage as the Limiter fell, and Blast and Millennium saw a patrol of six Ix warriors charging toward them. Millenium blasted two to the ground, snapping their necks in one blow, while Skorr fired three bullets from his blaster which finished two others. Blast cut down the last of them with his scythe.

"Run!" hissed Millennium urgently. "Hope that the Darkmeld's consciousness hasn't formed yet. For when it does, these dead will no longer be mere walking corpses, but instead beings controlled by a powerful intellect, an intellect that destroyed the Ancients themselves."

More Infected Ix, both Limiters and Red Shadows, seemed to appear from all around him, and in the nightmarishly dark confines of the tunnels, the infected Ix appeared twice as deadly as they usually did. Blast was using Elemental power to counter most of the Infected's attacks.

Blast finally managed to switch his grip on the scythe and slash down one of the Infected who was attacking him, but three more immediately seemed to take their place. Skorr fired round after round of ammunition at the charging Infected, but for every one of them he brought down still more arose to take their place.

Millennium, meanwhile, was a blur of elemental might, smashing Infected against the walls, grabbing them in his hands and snapping their necks with Elemental energy, and slashing with his dagger-scythes as fast as even the most skilled of Limiters. Slowly the tunnel began to widen, and Skorr managed to dispatch two Infected with his blaster.

"Keep running!" Millennium yelled to Blast, as more Infected thundered down the tunnel after them in pursuit.

Blast rounded a corner and saw a massed group of Ix soldiers fighting other Ix warriors. Some were clearly more of the Infected, but the others appeared to be those who were still resisting the virus. Blast could see Ix corpses scattered across the floors of the citadel, at least ten or twenty of them were dead. The green sparks were already beginning to infect them, and Blast knew that soon every Ix within the Citadel would become an Infected.

Blast could see the gates of the citadel directly ahead. They didn't appear to be guarded, but then with a telepathic hiss a large group of infected, their bodies doused in the sickly green light, charged toward them, writhing in the darkness like hideous snakes. Blast brought down his scythe on one's skull and the being's eyes immediately faded back to blackness.

Skorr fired his blaster randomly into the fray, watching as several of the infected went down. However, others simply kept coming, the bullets already having torn ragged holes in their throats and hearts and yet the virus' power kept them animated.

Three Infected charged toward Blast. Their assault was a surprise, and Blast staggered back, waving the scythe wildly at them. By luck he struck one of the Infected in the side of the neck, shearing its head off. Its body collapsed on the ground.

The other two Infected charged toward him with a roar of rage, one of them, a Limiter, managed to slash open his side with a dagger-scythe. The other used his massive spear to dent his chestplate, and Blast, the wind almost knocked out of him, staggered to his knees.

The two Infected closed in for the kill.

And Blast exploded upward, counterattacking furiously with his scythe and spearing the Infected Limiter through the throat. The remaining Infected vanished back into the fray.

"I'd forgotten my old skill in battle," Blast laughed to himself.

Blast charged at two other Infected, and suddenly he was surrounded by a whole horde of the hacking, slashing, stabbing Infected. But Blast was no longer merely a Glatorian. He was Crystillix of the Toa Order, Defender of the Spirit Toa. And his scythe was a living extension of his arm, hacking down any Infected that charged toward him. Beside him Millennium and Skorr also fought the horde of dark, plague-ridden Ix, and Blast was beginning to think they would actually make to through the swarm of Infected and out into the city.

But he'd underestimated the sheer strength of the Infected. While Blast's skill was enough for him to take down so many of the virus-controlled Ix, eventually they began to grow wise to his tactics. What was more, even Millennium couldn't deflect every attack that came his way, and soon all three of them had accumulated far too many wounds to fight as skilfully as they had in the beginning. What was more, the unrelenting tide of the Infected seemed to be endless, and Blast knew it was only a matter of time before they were all overwhelmed. There were simply too many of them.

Then suddenly there was a shout, and Blast saw a large group of Limiters charge out from one of the doors. Blast tensed, expecting more of the Infected, but he saw to his surprise that they were still Ix soldiers. The Limiters slammed into the Infected, and the Ix soldiers tore through the horde, systematically destroying the Infected Ix warriors.

Never had Blast been so glad to see Limiters in his life.

"Run! Now!" yelled Skorr, dispatching an Infected with his blaster. "We need to get out of here!"

Blast turned away from the mass of battling Ix and Infected, knowing it could end only one way: with the death of all of the Ix. What was more, the moment they were dead, they too would simply become Infected. And soon the Darkmeld, the destroyer of the Ancients, would rise.

Outside of Citadel Var'kala was a full-on warzone. Corpses were scattered everywhere, many dead from wounds, most dead from the virus. The stench of rotting flesh was palpable. In the darkness—Var'kala's sun had set—Ix, Vorgaan, and other elite members of the Order battled the Infected. No one took any notice of Blast, Skorr, or Millennium as they raced through the shadowy darkness.

Blast suddenly felt hands grip his shoulder. He whirled around just in time to see Millennium's Limiter body collapse, dead, on the ground.

I am here, Millennium whispered to both Blast and Skorr telepathically. ''I am within Blast's mind. I will take another host body as soon as we have left Var'kala. Apologies for the suddenness of it all, the Limiter was already dying of wounds and the virus itself.''

With the Order concentrating on their futile battle against the Infected, it was easy enough for Blast to make it back to the vistor's deck where the Night Vulture was docked. The corpses of Ix, Vorgaan, and other members of the Order were scattered across the city ground, and Blast could only stare in shocked horror. Even though they were his enemies, being controlled by the Darkmeld was a fate far worse than death, one that Blast would not have wished on anyone.

"There it is," said Skorr. "The Night Vulture. Where will we go now? To the rebel fleet, to warn them of the Infected and the possibility of the Darkmeld rising?"

"No," said Blast, to Skorr and Millennium's surprise. "We're going to Shadovar to warn Shardak. If he doesn't know the truth about what we knew on Arcaea, then all will be lost."

It was forming.

''So much death, so much darkness it could feed upon. So many hosts for thousands of the walking dead. Everything was perfect. At the heart of the metal planetoid, the conditions were perfect. It was time. Time for this place to become another, different world, a home for the Infected.''

Had the Darkmeld posessed a mouth, it would have smiled. As it was, it merely lifted its still-forming hand, communicating to its soon to be servants to continue the infection. When it was over, they would take the starcraft, and continue the spreading.

And at the heart of Var'kala, fed by the massive cessations of life in the aura field, the Darkmeld continued to grow larger more powerful, and more adept at control...

The ambush on Shadovar was breaking the ranks of the Resistance. Trapped in a strange world many of them had only ever heard of, demoralized by the fact that only half of their army had seemed to make it through into Shadovar, and shocked by the sudden Ix assault, the army had begun to fragment and scatter. Not so with the disciplined Ix, who had obviously planned this trap extremely well. Soon, Fairon knew, the battle would be lost if they could not weaken the Ix somehow.

Atarus was fighting alongside Fairon, matching him stroke for stroke. But neither of them could halt the unrelenting tide of Ix warriors as they charged over the mirrorlike streets of the city of Shadovar, bent on the Resistance's destruction.

What was still worse than all that was that the firestorms and other elemental distasters that Vahrikaan had unleashed on Xaterex were beginning to seep into Shadovar as well. Vahrikaan was using the Shadovar device to tear down the planar barriers between Xaterex and Arcaea. Soon the two planes would collide and there would be catastrophic amounts of destruction on both sides.

''What does Vahrikaan want? ''Fairon thought, dispatching a wounded Red Shadow. ''Is he insane? Is he planning to destroy both Xaterex and what's left of Arcaea? I thought he wanted to rule the worlds, not destroy them.''

There were no answers from either the elite Ix army or the avatar of Vahrikaan. Fairon could only fight for his life against the Ix army and hope that somehow they would be able to fight their way into the heart of Shadovar to help Shardak face Vahrikaan. Otherwise, he knew, every one of the rebel soldiers was doomed.

"Retreat!" Atarus called, and the rebellion's ranks fell back, allowing the Red Shadows to continue their charge toward the rebels. "We stand a better chance if we try to hold where we stand, not attack!"

Reid Vaethar relayed the order to the other rebel commanders, who began to fall back.

"This has to stop," said Atarus grimly. "In order to defeat this army, we have to cut off the head of the snake."

"Vahrikaan?" asked Fairon.

To his surprise, Atarus shook his dead. "He is untouchable. Besides, I can sense who's behind this ambush, and it's not Vahrikaan. This ambush was led by his servant, the ruler of the Ix. The Hooded One, Eostra."

Atarus' voice shook slightly as he said the name. More to himself then Fairon, he whispered. "I have no idea what Arcturas saw in her...what I saw in her."

"Where is she?" asked Fairon. "Korlei seems to be directing the battle."

"The avatar is powerful, but most of her strength is being used by Vahrikaan to command Shadovar. No, someone else is using a skill called war control to bolster the morale of these Ix soldiers. I can sense the Hooded One's aura, she's behind the lines, near the glass spires." Atarus pointed toward a tall, narrow glass tower whose top had been burned off and crushed in completely.

"You're coming with me," Atarus commanded. "Along with a small detachment of Veythari. This is the Hooded One's doing, and she has to be stopped. Otherwise every one of these soldiers will be slaughtered by the Ix army, and the war will be lost."

"You're Elementals?" asked Shardak. He was addressing the telepathic voice which had spoken to him. He hadn't often given the line about the Realm of Souls much thought, but now he realized that, despite his surprise, he should have given the lines more thought.

''Yes. ''Whispered the voice, quiet yet carrying authority. ''I am Ikarax, lord of the Water Kingdom. I am pleased to meet with you, Spirit Toa.''

"And I you," Shardak answered.

We are indeed the last remnant of the Elemental race, save for those who sided with the traitors when they revolted, continued Ikarax. ''We no longer have any physical form, we must dwell inside another physical host. However, we can communicate through our herald, Ardhána, who survived the destruction of Shadovar with her physical form still intact.''

''We were damaged. ''said another voice, one that sounded older. ''Damaged by what had occured. Our physical bodies were too weak for us to survive within. But Arcturas, who had read the Prophecy of Time, knew this day would come. He gave us seventeen Elementals here a choice to remain here, in this physical world, along with Ardhána and Varkanax, who were tasked as our guardians. ''

"Arcturas thought of this place?" asked Shardak.

To his surprise it was Ardhána who answered. "Yes. He wished to make amends for all of the Elementals he'd killed, when he'd been a Shadowed One. And he did. By giving our race this hope he has given us a chance to end our enslavement to Vahrikaan for all time.

"You're enslaved to Vahrikaan?" Shardak asked in alarm. "How? Are you working for him?"

''No. We would never serve him. But Vahrikaan steals his unnatural strength from us, and because of this, he has made himself virtually untouchable.''

"How?" Shardak asked. "How has he done this?"

"There is no race older than the Elementals, save perhaps the Zormacht themselves, who have long since become memories even to the Ancients," said Varkanax. "But I know. I was there. There when the first Elemental was born."

In the beginning, we were simply elements, earth, air, fire, water, all of the others, said Ikarax. ''But over time, as the universe matured, we evolved. Became beings of consciousness. But we never would have become what we are today without the Shadovar Codrex, the final creation of the Zormacht. They built it so they could sculpt the planets themselves, to create a world. But Shadovar contains great destructive power as well, and the power to control elements.''

''It created us. Created the Elemental race. The Ancients were the first, they gave us almost complete freedom after our creation. Yes, they gave us consciousness, but we were allowed to shift back and forth, be either pure element or be a physical being. But we would have soon tired of existence this way, were it not for the rise of Vahrikaan.''

''No one knows what Vahrikaan truly is. He is not Ancient, Elemental, Mindeater, or Great Being. But whatever he was, an Ancient assembled his ring of power for the first time, hearing the common myth it would grant him ultimate power. Instead it unleashed Vahrikaan upon the world.''

"He bound us," Ardhána recalled. "Used some dark, deadly secret to bind our auras to his, so he could draw on the strength of elements at all times. Perhaps he even somehow used Shadovar in the process. None of us know.

But we were never able to return to who we were before, continued Ikarax. ''When the Darkmeld was unleashed for the first time in the years after Vahrikaan we ourselves were almost rendered extint. And when the Mindeaters rose from the ashes and built their empire, we could do nothing to stop them. And then the last maker race, the Great Beings, came into existance. There were only a few of them, and once their power to create was spent they vanished forever. But the races they created cast down the Mindeaters. And in the years after, we returned, and created, using the ancient city of Shadovar as our capitol, the Elemental paradise known as Arcaea with the Codrex.''

''It was both our greatest success and our greatest failing. Never since before the Ancients had we been so close to our original selves. But we could never shake off the taint that Vahrikaan had cast upon us. He still controls our auras, and we are bound to his will eternally, free, yet forced to fuel his elemental strength in his insane plan for power.''

"Unless the Spirit Toa can free us, as the Prophecy of the Fall foretells he will," said Ardhána as Ikarax finished.

Unless you, Shardak, can free us, Ikarax acknowledged.

"But how?" asked Shardak. "How can I help you? I don't think I have a chance against Vahrikaan, even with my fragment of the Shadow Orb."

We will aid you, said Ikarax. ''Bolster your aura. Strengthen it, so that you will be strong enough to fight Vahrikaan. Once we are within your body, Vahrikaan cannot draw on us personally. He will have to rely on other unformed elements, as well as the other Elementals scattered across the plains of existance.''

"Vahrikaan's in Shadovar," said Shardak. "He's going to destroy Xaterex."

''We know. We have been watching the situation there, ''said Ikarax. ''We will avenge our brothers and sisters who have died at the hands of Vahrikaan and his traitors. There is a gateway to Shadovar at the end of the Hall of Truth. It will take you past the Depths of Eternity and the Shadow of the Ancient, but with our protection you can overcome the dangers there.''

"We will confront Vahrikaan," said Ardhána, a note of steely determination in her voice. "Our long wait is at an end. The Spirit Toa has arrived, and Vahrikaan lies just beyond the gatway to Shadovar."

As she spoke, Shardak felt another memory from the Blade of Arcturas wash over him, followed by another, and another...

Ardhána, in chainmail armor and carrying a slender sabre, slipping through the shadows of a dark castle...

Ardhána, pursued by a group of Elementals, racing through the shadows away from them, far faster than they could hope to follow...

Ardhána and Arcturas, talking quietly to one another as they watched the sun rise above a massive golden pyramid built at the heart of a jungle...

''Ardhána and Arcturas, back to back, fighting a horde of Elementals and clawed wolf-beings. Then Ardhána, smiling at Arcturas as he stood before a massed group of Ix, Elementals and Toa, talking to them, assuring them of a better future...''

''Then Ardhána, fighting Arcturas, her sword meeting his in a deadly, intricate dance. Her eyes were filled with pain, his with hatred...''

Then the Fall, which showed them fighting side by side once more...

And at last, Arcturas, standing next to Shardak in this very hall, bidding Ardhána farewell as he led the young Toa away...

Then suddenly he was back in the present, facing Ardhána and Varkanax, conscious of the auras of the invisible Elementals in the room. They were so strong, every one of them, and Shardak, for the first time, suddenly felt hopeful that he could actually fight Vahrikaan.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

Ardhána regarded the Sword of Fire with contempt. "You still carry Ignan?" she asked.

"Yes. It was Arcturas'." Shardak answered.

"I know," Ardhána said quietly. "You would do well not to use it, however. The Sword changed him. When he found it, it turned him into a monster."

Ardhána, being cut by the very same sword and gasping in pain as Arcturas raised it again, his face contorted into a mask of savage hate...

Kalix's words echoed in Shardak's mind. It is said that once the sword is drawn, it cannot be satiated until it has drawn the blood of something, even if the wielder must cut himself to satisfy it.

"I need it," he said firmly. "We need to assemble the Sword of Time. I know that Skorpix, one of Vahrikaan's leiutenants, has Isidar and the Sword of Earth. Nightwatcher has Aquaros, though I don't know if he's alive or dead. But if he's alive, he'll be in Arcaea." he said with confidence.

"I knew you would not part with it," said Ardhána. "Your father would not, either. But I recommend you have nothing more to do with it. It is far, far too dangerous."

"I cannot part with it, not now," said Shardak.

"Very well," said Ardhána. "But consider my warning."

Shardak nodded acknowledgement. Maybe after his battle with Vahrikaan—

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

"We have to go," said Varkanax. "I believe that if we do not hurry, the gate between the Mirror realm and our own time will resynchronize, and we could end up in a possible-past or, worse, a possible-future, if we hesitate any longer."

Ardhána and Varkanax will guide you through the portal, said Ikarax. I and by sixteen Elemental allies will meld into Shardak's aura, so that you may draw on our strength in combat and be more equal to the strength of Lord Vahrikaan and his most powerful allies.

Shardak felt his aura seem to disappear for a moment, then blaze with light brighter then he'd seen it blaze in a long time. Wounds healed. Broken bones repared themselves. His senses sharpened, and he grew faster, with even quicker reflexes than a Limiter. It is done, whispered Ikarax.

Then Shardak followed Ardhána and Varkanax out of the Hall of Truth, barely able to comprehend that he was following an ancient Elemental and a future version of himself out of the Plain of Mirrors and into Arcaea with the spirits of seventeen Elementals inside him.

Outside the Hall of Truth, the Plain of Mirrors was covered in a dense, misty fog that obscured much of Shardak's vision. Only with the aid of the Elementals was he able to pierce the mists and see into the shadows beyond. He was standing on what seemed to be a rocky precipice made of mirrors, and a sparking mountain seemed to rise into the distance above the three halls and the staircase below him. He was standing near the edge of a dark abyss which dropped far, far below into shadow.

His foot hit the edge of a jagged mirror and suddenly panic flared within him as he staggered to the edge, feeling himself almost pulled into the void, but Ardhána stepped forward and grabbed him before he could fall into the chasm. Be careful, whispered Ikarax after a moment. If you fall into the Depths of Eternity, nothing, not even us, can bring you back.

Shardak nodded, slightly shaken. He couldn't help but stare into the blackness, for it really did appear to him to be the very depths of Eternity itself.

"Stay far from the edge," Ardhána cautioned, "The Depths of Eternity can be deadly. It is said that the Hidden Ones themselves lurk there."

"Who are the Hidden Ones?" Shardak asked.

''It is said they were once ordinary beings, perhaps of the Ancients, but no one knows for sure. They were banished into the Depths of Eternity for some hideous, long-forgotten crime, where they linger as less than the most formless of ghosts. ''Ikarax answered.

Shardak was beginning to trail behind Ardhána's brisk pace, and even Varkanax soon passed him by. But as he drew next to Varkanax once more he saw that Varkanax was on alert. "There's something not quite right here..." he whispered.

Shardak drew the Sword of Fire, holding it ready in his right hand. "I'm ready to—"

"Drop the sword," hissed Meera Faal from the mist.

Shardak had barely any time to react to the Ix Warmaster's sudden appearence before Janneus and Markein materialized behind her, both the green and brown Rotaxian armed to the teeth. They were followed by several Red Shadows and an Ix wearing a hood which obscured his face.

Shardak froze, seeing how the Rotaxians had their crossbows raised and aimed at his heart. One false move, and he, Varkanax, and Ardhána would all be dead. He knew from bitter experience how deadly these Rotaxians could be.

"Drop your weapons," said Meera again. "My men have you trapped, and if you don't drop them now we'll have to kill you."

Shardak couldn't believe how easily the Ix Warmaster had outmaneuvered them. One bad move, and the Ix had them captured. He raised the Blade of Arcturas. He knew that Ardhána and Varkanax would never surrender, and that he would be prolonging the invitable to fight the Ix warriors.

"So, Varkanax," said Faal, her voice without a trace of fear. "You are working for the Resistance. I'm sure Vahrikaan will be pleased to learn of your betrayal."

"I was never working with Vahrikaan. And I do not work for the Resistance," said Varkanax, his clear green eyes meeting Faal's black. "I work only to fulfill the Prophecy of Time."

"Whatever," said Meera Faal dismissively. "And hello again, Ardhána," she said to the Air Elemental. "Welcome back to the land of the living. A shame you won't enjoy it long."

"Hello, Meera Faal," said Ardhána calmly. "On the contrary, it is you who will not enjoy the land of the living much longer."

"Don't make threats you can't keep," said Faal, a note of warning creeping into her voice like a dagger emerging from its sheath. "And now we come to the Spirit Toa, Shardak—"

We're going to try something, said one of the Elementals from within Shardak. ''A concussion blast. With any luck it should incapitate the Rotaxians and slow down Faal and the Red Shadows.''

Shardak nodded, ready. He hadn't really been listening to Faal, but now he listened, "There is someone here who wants to see you again very badly."

The Ix in the hood stepped forward. "Hello again, Shardak," she said in a familiar voice. Then she lowered the hood. And despite the long scar on one side of her face, she was easily recognizable.

It was Nightshade.

"You! How did you survive?" Shardak gasped, shocked at seeing her again. The last time he'd seen her had been in the Void, when she'd seemingly fallen to her death along with Atarus. But later he'd learned that Atarus had survived, so, looking back, he shouldn't be so surprised. But he was shocked at seeing her again. He knew exactly how vindictive she could be, and she'd hunted him from the Circle to the Void to the Resistance to Corona Magna and at last back to the Void again.

And now she stood before Shardak on the Plain of Mirrors, smiling, but her eyes glittering with vengeance. "You have no idea how long I lay, broken, dying, in the Void, before the Limiters found me." she said. "You have no idea how painful it was, and how much I suffered, and cursed your name, and wanted you to suffer the same torment I did— except a thousand times more painful."

"I didn't do anything to you," Shardak whispered. "Atarus did." he wondered how she'd survived the virus. Was it possible she'd fallen into a sealed off section of the Void where two Limiter scouts had been by chance, then dug her way out and escaped through the rebel base tunnel?

"It was your fault," said Nightshade. "They told me when I returned what happened to Reyna and the Shadowdermis army. I will have my revenge, Toa. Lord Vahrikaan wants you alive, but he never specified undamaged."

Then Ikarax and the other Elementals struck. The concussion blast flew from Shardak's fingertips and slammed into Meera Faal, Nightshade, and the Rotaxians, causing Markien and Janneus to fall back against the cliff, their crossbows falling from their hands. Immediately Varkanax drew a long, slender rapier from his belt and charged at one of the Red Shadows. Meera charged at Ardhána, and the Elemental and Ix locked blades in a ferocious, deadly dance.

Another Red Shadow appeared from the gloom, his dead eyes expressionless and cold as he raised his scimitar, ready to rake it across Shardak's chest. Shardak countered the first barrage of strikes and slashes, then took a step back as a second Red Shadow charged toward him, aiding the first. Shardak knew he could be overwhelmed unless he could defeat them both.

Suddenly he felt Ikarax and the other Elemental spirits surge within him, granting him strength, reinvigorating his tired body. Shardak slashed out at one of the Red Shadows with blinding speed and he staggered backward, a wound opened in his throat. Shardak was suddenly using combat techniques far beyond what Nightwatcher had showed him, allowing Ikarax to steer and direct him in combat against the remaining Red Shadow. The Shadow's eyes widened in surprise as Shardak, midway through a thrust, reversed his grip on his sword and slammed it deep into the Red Shadow's stomach. The Red Shadow crumpled to the ground.

Suddenly Markein had materialized from the mist beside him, carrying a large spiked club. Shardak snatched weapons from the fallen Ix, hoping to use Soretsu, the combat form Nightwatcher had shown him, against the Rotaxian's deadly club. Even with the aid of Ikarax and the Elementals, Markein was steadily forcing him backward, toward the edge of the precipice.

The assassin's face was a cold smile as Ikarax dodged too slowly and the club slammed into Shardak's shoulder, causing him to stagger backward. That would have normally weakened Shardak, but the strength of the Elementals surged through him, allowing him to recover and slash out at Markein's chest. The Rotaxian danced out of the way.

Shardak lunged at Markein, but by than the assassin was ready and dodged his long, sweeping thrust easily. As Markein began to press his advantage again, Shardak stepped backward, toward the Depths of Eternity, Markein smiled. "Too easy, Spirit Toa."

"I used to—" Shardak began, then threw the dagger-scythe without warning and with unerring accuracy at Markein. It was an old trick, one that he knew very well.

But Markein knew the trick too. Laughing, he dodged the dagger easily.

He was still laughing when the second dagger-scythe Shardak had taken from the Red Shadow buried itself in his throat, burying itself up to the hilt. For a moment the Rotaxian merely stood there, then he crumpled to the ground.

Nicely done, Ikarax had time to say, then suddenly they were fighting another Red Shadow. But with the Elementals on his side, even these elite Ix soldiers were forced to fear him as he slashed off his head.

Shardak looked around, surveying the battlefield. The remaining three Red Shadows and Janneus had surrounded Varkanax, and they were beginning to overwhelm the being with the skeletal hand. Meanwhile Meera Faal and Nightshade were both fighting Ardhána, and the Elemental was weakening. At last Meera found an opening in her defenses and lunged forward.

"No!" yelled Shardak. With a single leap he jumped ten feet and landed next to Faal, his sword slashing down at Nightshade's neck. The Ix female dodged to one side and the Blade of Arcturas flew harmlessly past her head.

"I've been waiting for this," Nightshade laughed, and lunged at him again, her sword locking with his in a blindingly fast series of thrusts, parries and slashes. Nothing Shardak could do seemed to faze Nightshade for more than a moment, and while he was just as fast, perhaps faster, than she was, Ikarax had not fought in a long time. So the best odds he had with her, he knew, were equal.

Nightshade charged toward, her sword flashing above her head in a move that quickly became a feint, brining it down at Shardak's head. Shardak deflected her sword and parried her next blow, driving the tip of her sword downward. But she was ready for it and their blades locked together once more.

Again they circled each other warily. Then Nightshade suddenly launched into a blinding series of slashes. Shardak was hard pressed to block the furious onslaught, and barely suceeded in blocking the last blow. He took a moment to catch his breath.

It was a mistake. Immediately Nightshade came at him, and now he was using most of Ikarax's skill to keep him alive. Finally Shardak lunged forward and at last knocked the sword from her hands.

But before either he or Nightshade could move, someone slammed into him, knocking him to the floor. Shardak's vision blurred momentarily, and he saw Meera Faal standing over him, her eyes filled with hatred. "This battle is over." she snarled, raising her scythe.

Shardak knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. Even Ikarax accepted it, and then Shardak knew, with terrible finality, he and the Elementals were finished.

Suddenly there was a shout of anger, and a hooded, twisted being in a cloak leapt from the shadows, raising a dagger and driving it into Meera Faal's leg. The Ix Warmaster staggered backward, and the being shoved her backward, toward the edge of the precipice. Shardak saw her scythe slash open his back, saw Janneus' crossbow bolt bury itself in the being's chest even as Varkanax snapped his neck with a blast of elemental energy.

But nothing could halt the being now. He dragged Meera Faal to the very edge of the precipice, knocking the Ix to her knees. Then he suddenly gave a low moan and collapsed on the ground.

"Chi'rin!" called one of the Red Shadows. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," said Meera, rising to her feet. "I'm—"

Suddenly Shardak saw a ghostly, etheral hand close around Meera's ankle. Reflexively, he shouted a warning. Meera Faal looked back, and saw the ghostly hand. Then she saw another close around her, and another, dragging her backward, toward the edge of the depths of eternity.

"Help me!" Meera yelled, slashing out at the hands. But they would not let go, and with a soundless scream Meera Faal vanished forever, disappearing into the Depths of Eternity.

Shardak stared at the fallen form of his rescuer, suddenly oblivious to the battle going on all around him. Who was it that had saved his life? He was sure he'd never seen this being before.

But then, as his fingers closed around the being's hood and pulled it off, Shardak suddenly recognized the face of his savior. It was a small, hunched, and twisted being with red eyes that he'd once seen gleam with greed. But now those eyes were clouded by pain.

His rescuer was the information broker, Jekart.

"Jekart!" hissed Shardak, his voice filled with urgency. "Can you heal him?" he asked the Elementals.

No, said Ikarax sadly. He is far too close to death.

Shardak saw that Janneus' crossbow bolt had buried itself in Jekart's heart, and he was still bleeding from where Meera had raked him with her scythe. Then, for a moment, Jekart's eyes refocused, and he spoke in a whisper.

"Spirit...Toa?"

"Yes?" Shardak asked.

Jekart smiled craftily. "Followed you through the portal at midnight. Knew it only opens once a day. Knew the Ix were hunting you...had to save you. Couldn't let— couldn't let Xaterex die like Arcaea."

"You did save me," Shardak whispered. "You did."

"I know," said Jekart. "Listen. The Ix have a virus stored on Var'kala. They're planning to use it on Xaterex. It can kill all complex lifeforms within ten hours."

Ikarax drew in a shocked breath at this, and Shardak wanted to ask him more, but he listened to Jekart as he spoke again. "Vahrikaan has Shadovar. He's going to destroy Xaterex. You have to stop him. It's our only hope."

"I will," Shardak promised him, hoping desperately he could. "Thank you for your information."

Jekart smiled again. "Yes, it's good information, isn't it? Good information. Payed me in blue diamonds. Enough to make me even more rich..."

The last spark of greed died in Jekart's eyes and he spoke no more.

Shardak had no time to do anything more than bow his head in silence for a moment. He looked around, and saw that Ardhána was back on her feet, and she and Varkanax were driving back the two remaining Red Shadows. As he watched, they both fell, one struck down by Ardhána's sword, the other by Varkanax's mysterious powers.

Shardak rose to his feet, but suddenly he saw a flash of steel behind him. Quick as lightning, he whirled around, slamming his sword into the oncoming blade. The force was enough to throw the weapon's wielder backward, over the edge of the cliff. Shardak saw Nightshade stagger backward and fall into the Depths of Eternity, her sword falling from her hands and disappearing into oblivion.

But then he saw she was still holding on. As he, Ardhána, and Varkanax walked to the edge of the cliff, he saw her fingers were holding tightly to the edge of the cliff, her face filled with fear.

"Shardak," she whispered desperately. "Shardak, help me."

Shardak stared down at the being who had been his sister, his friend, and his mortal enemy. And he said nothing. At first, it was because of indifference. Let her fall, he thought. ''Let her die a horrible death like Meera Faal. She doesn't deserve to live.''

But then he heard Arcturas' voice, whispering to him as it had so long ago. ''It is always right to extend mercy to your enemies. Anyone can save a friend. It's giving mercy to those who hate you that matters most.''

"Shardak, I'm your sister," her voice was filled with even more desperation now. "Please help me."

Shardak was wavering. He looked to Varkanax and Ardhána, but saw their faces were impassive. They were waiting to see what he would do.

Shardak knew that this had begun with her betrayal. Maybe if, instead of letting her die, as he'd thought he'd done in the Void, perhaps he could begin to heal the wound.

''Take care of Nightshade for me. ''Arcturas seemed to whisper.

"Shardak, I—"

"I'll help you," he said, cutting her off. "But don't try anything."

"I won't," she managed to gasp out. "Just help me!"

Shardak's fingers closed around her hand. Then he lifted Nightshade out of the Depths of Eternity and once again onto the Plain of Mirrors.

Nightshade stood up, brushing the dirt off her hooded cloak. She bowed her head to Shardak. "Thank you, Shardak." she said, her voice filled with relief.

Shardak began to relax. He'd helped save Valkyria from Vahrikaan's influence. Perhaps his act of mercy would help to change Nightshade as well.

As Nightshade lifted her head, Shardak suddenly saw a flash of steel, a dagger-scythe pulled from her cloak.

"Shardak! Watch out!" Varkanax yelled.

Shardak had no time to even scream before the dagger plunged toward his heart.

Without Ikarax, Shardak would have died right then. Without the aid of the elementals, no amount of speed could have saved him. But at the last second he leapt to one side, slashing out at Nightshade. The dagger-scythe flew from her hand and landed at the edge of the Plain of Mirrors.

Shardak had no time to breathe before Nightshade was on him again, a second dagger in her other hand. She was about to bury it in his throat. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Ardhána and Varkanax racing toward them, but he knew it would be too late.

All of the rage that Shardak felt at Nightshade exploded from him in that instant, leaping back, he kicked out at her, the blade of Arcturas flashing through the air like a burning red blur. And in that moment a crackling burst of auric energy flew from Shardak's hands, slamming into Nightshade, lifting her off her feet, and slamming her on her back at the very edge of the Plain of Mirrors.

Nightshade did not get up.

Shardak stood silently for a moment, wondering what she was doing. He couldn't have hit her that hard, he knew. Not hard enough to kill her.

Walking over Nightshade's fallen body, Shardak saw her eyes were filled with pain, her mouth open, but not speaking. She didn't appear to be wounded.

Then Shardak, his hands wrapped around her, felt the blood on her back. Lifting her upright, he realized that she'd landed on the point of her own dagger-scythe, the one he'd knocked from her grasp. It had fallen against the edge of the cliff and the blade had still been pointing upward as the fragments of mirrors at the edge of the cliff held it upright.

Shardak also realized the blade had been poisoned, like the one she'd been holding in her hands. The poison she'd meant for him.

Nightshade's eyes were filled with pain, and her breath came in ragged gasps. Shardak could only imagine how painful the shredsteel poison must be for her, the poison she'd almost killed him with.

"Why? Why?" he asked her, all the sadness he felt at her betrayal making his voice raw.

"Shardak..." Nightshade whispered, staring into her face. Her eyes were filled with pain and another emotion as well, one that Shardak couldn't place. Then her eyes glazed over and she moved no more.

Ardhána and Varkanax walked over to Shardak, who was still kneeling beside the body of the Ix girl, staring blankly at her body. Slowly, Varkanax's hands reached out and closed around Shardak's pulling him to his feet.

"Shardak. We must go," he said quietly. Then he led him back to where Ardhána waited. "We must confront Vahrikaan."

Shardak was still numb with shock as he stared back at the fallen bodies of the Ix, then Jekart, then Nighshade. "In a different world, we could have been friends," he whispered to her.

He wished he could have told her that while she'd still lived. Now they sounded even more hollow, more empty.

So many beings dead. And for what? Only to further another of Vahrikaan's mad schemes. None of this needed to have happened. He'd promised Arcturas as his father lay dying that he would take care of Nightshade, and he had ended up killing her.

''Shardak. ''Ikarax whispered. ''You are not to blame for what Nightshade did. In a way, it wasn't even her fault. Only one being is to blame for all of these deaths, and that is Lord Vahrikaan. The being we must stop if peace is to be made.''

"I will stop him," Shardak vowed, and in that moment he felt as though he could win. "Even if I die doing it."

The words gave him new resolve, and the further he followed Ardhána and Varkanax away from the battlefield, the more peaceful he felt, as though he was leaving the shadow of Nightshade's betrayal behind and stepping intoa new dawn. A dawn where he was free at last to complete his destiny.

''It's the only way I can make amends. For Jekart. For Nightshade. And for all of the Toa, rebels, and Ix who have died in this bloody war.''

"Here we are," said Varkanax at last. "The portal to Shadovar, the City of Mirrors. Where your destiny awaits you, Toa Shardak."

And so Shardak, Varkanax, and Ardhána stepped through the mirror that led into Shadovar— and into a war zone.

Chapter 29
"We can still recover, thanks to the Hand of Mata Nui reinforcements," said Admiral Tern, on the command deck of the ''Fire Tear. "And I think we could actually prevail and win this battle, or at least force it to a draw, if it weren't for that blasted Thanatos.'' We've tried all we can, Ixtil, but it will not fall. Its hull seems to be made of impenetrable steel."

Ixtil shook his head quietly. "Cold Obsidian," he whispered. "Mined from the depths of the Earth Kingdom. All of the most powerful Arcaean starfighters were made with a coating of it, to provide an extreme amount of protection. The Thanatos is the very last of its kind."

"Yes, well, if we don't defeat the Thanatos then the Ix and the Mindeaters will have us completely surrounded," snapped Tiral. "I always thought they were extinct."

"Not quite," said Ixtil. "Atarus spoke with me before the battle for Xaterex began. Apparently a Mindeater known as Thrazkul has allied himself with Vahrikaan."

"Mindeaters or no, they're beside the point," said Tern. "What we must focus on is somehow stopping the Thanatos. There are enough senior ship leaders aboard it that it will cause the Ix to loose this coordinated pattern of attack that has been plaguing us for the past three hours."

"There is a way," said Ixtil, staring at the Thanatos, which was encircled by the Death's Hand, the commander of the Var'kala Defense Fleet, the Intent Shadow,  another powerful Ix starcraft, and the Empire Bringer, a heavily built starfighter. The Thanatos hovered between the powerful capital ships, of which there were still nearly eighty or so, as if daring the rebel fleet to attack. "To neutralize the power of Cold Obsidian. It's highly dangerous, though."

"How?" asked Tern.

"Are you sure you—" Ixtil began.

"Tell us," ordered Tiral.

"Very well," said Ixtil. "Cold Obsidian, while far harder than the common volcanic stone, is still heated very easily. When heated, it momentarily loses its protective force field which has proved so troublesome to us. For something the size of the Thanatos, the only way we're sure to destroy it is to ram a large ship— probably a capital ship— into the heart of the enemy ship, then ram it with another capital ship to override the shields. That would damage the Thanatos enough for you to finish it off with sheer numbers."

"Impossible," said Tern, before Ixtil had even finished speaking. "We cannot sacrifice two capital ships, not when we have less than one hundred at our disposal."

"We must," said Ixtil. "Otherwise there is a 97.8% chance we will lose this battle."

"Those are odds I'll have to take, then," said Tern. "We—"

Before any of the three rebel commanders could continue their discussion, Tiral suddenly pointed at the viewscreen. "Look," she whispered.

More Ix capital ships were rising from Var'kala. Not one or two, but at least a hundred. More and mroe continued to rise, and Tern realized with a sinking feeling that the Ix had called in their last reinforcements.

"Retreat!" Tern yelled. "Back toward Xaterex!"

"But won't that draw the Ix's defensive fleet over Xaterex into battle too?" asked Tiral.

"It's a risk we have to take," said Tern grimly. "And whatever plan you have for destroying the Thanatos, Ixtil, now is the time to put it into action. Because if we don't take it out soon, we will one hundred percent lose the battle— and our last fleets."

And as they drew near to Xaterex, Tiral noticed that the main Xaterex defense fleet was mostly absent. In their place, a small group of Ix ships hovered over the large planet. Looking around, confused, she wondered where the Ix fleet could have gone.

And then she noticed the portal which had opened up over Xaterex.

It was growing.

''It was growing as the Infected were growing. The growing being beneath Var'kala had already ordered them to take the starfighters their hosts still had on Var'kala. Every one of them were launching. Heading toward the place where they felt their ancinet enemies the strongest.''

To Shadovar, the City of Mirrors.

''Though not before they fed on the deaths and parasitic infection of hundreds more. ''

''The growing proto-Darkmeld was already sending out command to its followers through their telepathic link, ordering them to destroy both of the warring fleets above them. It was unlikely they could cause enough damage to actually finish them off, but as the number of the servants grew, the proto-Darkmeld knew that as it matured and grew, its followers would begin to create more of their own, Infected technology that had not been seen in this multiverse for thousands of years.''

And with every death of every being on Var'kala, the proto-Darkmeld only grew stronger....and stronger...and stronger...

Go to Shadovar, ''It ordered its servants. ''Now, the true end of all things begins.

Atarus, Fairon, and seven of Vaethar's most elite Veythari warriors strode silently through the shadows of the City of Mirrors, the sounds of battle masking the sounds of their footsteps and making picking up their trail by ear impossible. Every one of them was armed to the teeth with weaponry, and despite himself, Fairon's heart was pounding as he scanned the narrow streets for any signs of the Hooded One.

"Nothing," said Fairon. "She must be with Lord Vahrikaan, directing the battle from there."

Atarus nodded, resigned. "Then we're going to help Shardak fight him."

"Where is Vahrikaan, then?" asked Fairon.

"Easy," said Atarus, pointing upward. Fairon followed his eyes, and saw the damaged, yet still intact and massive Arcaean Palace, where the ruler of the Elemental Kingdoms had reigned for thousands of years before Eostra, Vahrikaan, and Arcturas had destroyed the elemental plains forever. Fairon could still see the traces of the fire that had swept over Shadovar, and it was horrible to see how the beautiful mirror-glass had become so tarnished in the years it had been abandoned.

"Of course," said Fairon. "The Imperial Palace itself, surrounded by hundreds of Ix guards."

"We'll have to get past them," said Atarus. "This battle needs to end soon, before Vahrikaan uses Shadovar to break down the barrier between Xaterex and Arcaea. Can you have any idea how much destruction that would bring?"

Fairon looked at the skies, which were filled with firestorms. The same skies that hovered above Drakos Capitol. It was only a matter of time. "It would be...apocalyptic. Catastrophic. The end of both worlds."

"And the deaths of too many beings," said Atarus. "We cannot allow this to happen. Whatever I thought Vahrikaan was planning, I didn't know it would be anything like this."

"Lord Vahrikaan's plan is beyond your understanding," said a new voice, as a hooded figure carrying a scythe materialized from the shadows.

"You!" gasped Fairon, as Ix Red Shadows appeared alongside the Hooded One.

"Yes," rasped the leader of the Ix, her corpse hands closing around her scythe. "Hello again, Atarus." she whispered.

"Eostra," said Atarus, his voice little more than a whisper of disbelief.

"Have you ever wondered, little Elemental, how I am always able to outsmart you?" Eostra asked, her cold voice little more than a whisper. "How I am always able to predict your every move? How I can turn disaster into triumph, and still always win against you?"

"How?" asked Atarus. He was stalling for time, and nothing else, for he could hear the sounds of battle coming closer from behind him, and he knew that it was only a matter of time before the entire Ix army closed in around them.

"Ever since I was young I could hear Vahrikaan's whisper in my mind..." rasped Eostra. "Promising glory, power, greatness, if I only freed him. You have no idea what I have seen, Atarus...or what it is like to have a link with the most powerful being in the world, and be the most powerful aura user in millennia."

"Except the Spirit Toa, Shardak," Fairon blurted, and Eostra turned her head slightly beneath the hood to look at him momentarily. "Even you needed his help to complete the Rising."

"The Rising requires two powerful aura users to participate in the first stage, and one of them has to be living. I am already dead."

"Then how can you still be alive?" Atarus asked. "I was there. I saw your body. Your corpse. It was burned in the fires of Arcaea. How can you possibly still live on?"

"Because I have become more powerful than life!" cackled Eostra madly, and she lowered her hood.

Fairon gasped as he saw the face beneath. Eostra's face was a mess of scars, burns, and melted grey skin. While he could tell once her features had been beautiful, they were so scarred and torn they appeared to be rotting, like her corpse hands. Her eyes were sunk deep into her face, and they stared at him like twin pits of emptiness from which a single point of light was visible. She appeared more energy than flesh, more corpse than living.

Atarus gasped as he saw her face, and Fairon could tell from his expression that, while he could still recognize Eostra's features beneath the burned and scarred corpse-flesh, he'd not expected it.

But Fairon had seen those eyes before. On Leviathos. On Korlei. "You're an avatar too," he whispered.

"Before the Fall, Vahrikaan transferred a piece of his soul into mine," agreed Eostra. "Avatars are impossibly hard to kill, and even after death it is possible to hold onto existence, if you have a will powerful enough."

"But avatars don't live long enough!" Atarus objected. "Eventually the sheer force of Vahrikaan's elemental and auric powers would burn through you in a matter of months!"

"No," said Eostra. "You badly underestimate my power. I am strong enough in the aura field to endure for eternity with the avatar still within me. What is more, soon I will no longer need this physical form, and my power will be unhindered by anyone or anything."

"You must stop, Eostra," said Atarus, desperately trying to reason with her as the Red Shadows closed in around them. "Is whatever Vahrikaan has promised you worth all this destruction? This death?"

Eostra's hideous face became a smile. "Every moment." she whispered. "And now, this ends as it should have, on the day Arcaea fell."

As the Red Shadows closed in on them, Eostra lifted her scythe and charged toward Atarus.

Shadovar had exploded into open war, and the moment Shardak, Ardhána, and Varkanax stepped from the portal from the Plain of Mirrors and onto the ground of Shadovar once more, Shardak felt as though he had stepped into the world of the Fall, nearly one hundred years ago. The first thing that dawned on Shardak about Shadovar, however, was the size. Shadovar was larger than any city he'd ever seen before, larger even than Ecbatana and Drakos Capitol. It stretched for mile after mile in all directions, even the smallest of the streets wide enough to fit more than forty beings all standing shoulder to shoulder.

Fire lit the skies of Shadovar, the same fire that shone in the skies above Xaterex. Flames crackled and lept from the ruins of glass buildings and into the onrushing Resistance soldiers. But what caught Shardak's attention all at once was the massive portal that had opened up in the skies above from Xaterex to Arcaea, and the second portal from which even more Resistance and Ix warriors had charged through.

Above, starfighters and aircraft battled, the Ix's Xaterex Defense Fleet, a large group of elite capital ships, Valkyrie- and Scimitar- class starfighters, fought the rebel's air force and remaining starcraft in a massive battle above in the bloodred skies of flame.

The world is breaking down, Ikarax said. ''Vahrikaan is using Shadovar to bring Arcaea and Xaterex together. The result will destory both worlds and everyone on them. The Elemental explosion will then go even further, and have even greater repercussions- all life could then be annihliated if Vahrikaan so wished.''

Shardak wondered again why Vahrikaan seemed to be planning on destroying everything, including Shadovar, from which he'd assumed that he'd want to rule. But the thought passed just as quickly. They needed to stop him before he did end up destroying both Shadovar and Xaterex.

At the same time, the Ix were fighting a last, desperate battle to keep the Resistance away from a massive citadel-castle, around which the main Ix army seemed to be based. Shardak saw ancient Arcaean weapons, such as the massive armored vehicles he'd seen in the Void, charging toward the Resistance, who were throwing themselves into the battle heedless of casualties, determined to end the threat of the Ix Empire here and yet making little headway toward the great citadel.

The Imperial Palace, whispered Ikarax to the three of them, following Shardak's gaze. Where Shadovar, the Codrex that imprisoned us, is stored. The device which could destroy or remake Arcaea, and holds our only hope for freedom.

"That's where we have to go," said Shardak at once. "That's where Vahrikaan will be."

"Yes," said Ardhána. "Ikarax, can you somehow render us invisible so we can slip past the Ix and into the Imperial Palace?"

We could, Ikarax answered. However, I will not try it until we have drew closer to the Ix. Thanks to Vahrikaan's meddling with Shadovar, here the aura field is breaking down. There is no guaruntee any auric ability we use will work properly, but what's even more invisibility is exceedingly hard to maintain for more than a few seonds at a time. Only one being I knew ever mastered the craft perfectly, and that was due to his mutations.

"Silencer," whispered Shardak, thinking of his long-dead mentor, the Toa of Fire who had rescued him in the Circle.

Yes, the Toa I knew as Flaros, said Ikarax.

"We have to keep moving," Varkanax interrupted. "As the remants of Arcaea draw nearer to Xaterex, it will only become harder and harder to use the aura field, and eventually it will stop existing here altogther and become a Dead Aura Zone. We have to find Vahrikaan and kill him before then."

"Finding him's not the trouble." said Ardhána. "It's getting to him that will be harder."

Shardak followed Varkanax and Ardhána down a narrow, winding sidestreet that led back into the thick of the fighting. Three Red Shadows noticed them, but Varkanax blasted one backward with his skeletal hand, which burned with blue energy, and Ardhána slashed them both to the ground with two slashes of her scimitar and longsword. She held one weapon in each hand, and faster than a blur the swords claimed the life of another Red Shadow.

Keep moving! Ikarax whispered to him telepathically. ''Follow Varkanax. Leave the fighting to them, and conserve your strength for the battle with Lord Vahrikaan.''

Shardak, Ardhána and Varkanax rounded a corridor and were suddenly embroiled in another skirmish, with two beings, a Matoran and an Illieran, locked in combat with five Ix. Ardhána cut down one of the Ix warriors, a Limiter, immediately, with a flash of her twin blades. Varkanax charged another, and Shardak swung the Blade of Arcturas down at the third. However, the Ix whirled around with unbelievable speed, her silver scimitar deflecting his clumsy strike, and suddenly Shardak found himself staring into a pair of familiar green eyes.

"Val?" he asked. The Ix nodded once.

"I'm on your side, remember?" she asked him teasingly, before turning back to the remaining Ix soldier and finishing him off with a single slash from Silverblade. The other two Resistance warriors, Silver and Luxa, walked over to them. Silver gave Shardak a relieved smile.

"Who is this?" asked Ardhána, but then Varkanax appeared beside the female Elemental and Valkyria raised her scimitar. "Step back," she ordered. "You're working with the Ix."

"It turns out he's not," said Shardak, stepping between them. "He's actually on our side."

"How do you know?" Luxa asked, staring distrustfully at both Varkanax and Ardhána. "Most Elementals are allies of the Ix."

We were never servants of the Ix, whispered Ikarax to Valkyria. Quickly, he flashed several images into their minds about the Realm of Souls and Arcturas and Ardhána's role in creating it. Valkyria gave a quick nod of acknowledgement, and Luxa lowered her sword. Silver visibly relaxed at Ikarax's explanation.

"Now that we're here, we'd like to help you complete our strike team's mission," said Valkyria, flashing Shardak a look that said, you're not leaving me behind again. "But first, what did you see in the Plain of Mirrors? How did you find Ardhána and Ikarax, and the other Elementals."

So Shardak explained to them about how he'd fought Baterra Magnus and then the Guardian, and seen the Final Prophecy and the Prophecy of the Spirit. He omitted the details about shadow-Shardak and shadow-Valkyria, as well as the revelation of Varkanax's identity. He himself couldn't make peace with the fact that the enigmatic being with the skeletal hand was actually a possible-future version of himself. Instead he skipped directly to his meeting with Ardhána, and what he'd found within the Realm of Souls.

Luxa and Silver were shocked when he told them of the source of Vahrikaan's secret abilities, and even Valkyria seemed stunned. "So with the help of these Elementals, you'll be able to go against Vahrikaan."

"Yes," said Shardak. "And hopefully defeat him."

"I'm going with you," said Luxa. Silver nodded his agreement. "There's no way I'm letting you take on Vahrikaan alone with only a few Elementals and Varkanax. You need our help."

Shardak turned to Valkyria, who smiled sadly. "I'll go with you as well. Wherever you go."

Shardak wanted to protest, wanted to say'' You can't come! I read the Prophecy of the Spirit! Two of us won't come back! ''

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

But instead he nodded once.

"Always." he said to her quietly.

Suddenly Luxa's eyes widened. "Shardak! Look out!"

Shardak whirled around, wondering what Luxa had seen.

Then Iruka hit him with all the force of an airborne sledgehammer. Shardak and the Kyojin tumbled to the ground, Iruka's sword slashing wildly at Shardak. For a moment, Shardak got a glimpse of Iruka's eyes, and saw to his shock that they no longer held the cold, calculating fury they once had held. Instead they were now completely unhinged.

"Die!" yelled Iruka, his voice crazed with pain. "I followed you through the Mirror World! You will not escape! Die!"

Shardak finally broke away from the crazed Kyojin, and Iruka rose slowly to his feet, crazed firey eyes dancing in their sockets. Shardak realized in shock that Iruka had somehow managed to follow them from Drakos Capitol and into the Plain of Mirrors and finally to Shadovar, and the journey had been even more painful for Iruka. His eyes were crazed, burning with all the pain that he had ever suffered.

Then suddenly, as Shardak, Valkyria, Ardhána, Luxa, Silver, and Varkanax faced the mad being, wondering when Iruka would strike, a change suddenly came over him. His eyes deepened, the cunning that Shardak had seen in them before returning. But they were different eyes now. Not the eyes of Iruka, but the eyes of another being who twisted Iruka's features into a smile.

Varkanax drew his sword. "Kinyami. I see you're back to inhabiting your old host."

"Hello, Varkanax. Or should I say, Toa Shardak," said Kinyami through Iruka. "Don't look so shocked. I forced my host to follow you through the Plain of Mirrors itself, and heard everything you told the Spirit Toa, traitor. He was most...displeased to do so, but when I command something, he does it. However, I think the Plain of Mirrors has completely snapped his mind, making him an ineffective combatant. So I don't think you'd mind that I've taken over here."

Kinyami snapped Iruka's fingers, and a group of sixteen Red Shadows materialized from the darkness. "In other words," he said. "Run."

Shardak didn't wait for Kinyami to charge toward him. He knew exactly how dangerous beings such as Kinyami could be. He'd seen their advanced grasp of the aura field utilized many times, and Kinyami paired with a group of Red Shadows wasn't something he wanted to face yet.

He and the others raced down narrow sidestreets, finally halting before a tall building whose front was mostly caved in, creating a ramp leading up to the almost completely caved-in ceiling. What was worse, the passageway was a complete dead-end.

''Run up it! ''Ikarax hissed to Shardak. We can take down the Red Shadows from here with our auric abilities.

''Will they work? ''Shardak thought, and to his surprise Ikarax answered him.

''I don't know. But we can hope. ''

Shardak allowed Ikarax to raise his arm, and the water Elemental fired a crackling bolt of ice energy from Shardak's fingertips at the two Red Shadows climbing the makeshift ramp to get to them. Both Red Shadows were immediately knocked out by the blow and fell to their deaths.

Another Elemental, one with the powers of fire, then took over, immolating the two remaining guards who were with Kinyami. The other Red Shadows, seeing the fates of their companions, fanned out below, guarding the base of the tower so Shardak and the others couldn't get down without assuredly being skewered on the end of a Red Shadow's spear.

However, none of the Elementals' attacks halted Kinyami. Iruka had already reached the top of the cliffs, and charged toward Shardak with vengeance in his eyes. "You must die, Spirit Toa!" yelled Kinyami. "You have seen too much! You know too much! Vahrikaan is wrong to try to use you! You must die!"

Iruka's claws raked across Shardak's back. Kinyami yowled in pain as one of Valkyria's arrows buried itself in his shoulder, than again as another ran itself through his damaged arm. Kinyami raised Iruka's sword to deal a death blow, but the strength of the Elementals allowed him to charge forward with all of his might and force Iruka a step back. For a moment, Kinyami's grasp on the sword faltered, and Ikarax raised Shardak's arm and knocked the sword from Kinyami's hands. The sword spiraled away into blackness.

Kinyami— or was it Iruka— roared in rage, and his claws wrapped around Shardak's throat. "And now— you— DIE!" he roared, raising a claw that would snap Shardak's neck in half.

Then suddenly Varkanax was there. Raising his rapier, he plunged it into Kinyami's back, burying it up to the hilt. Iruka roared in pain and Kinyami raked his claws down Shardak's face, while the other arm knocked Varkanax back with such force that it nearly knocked the being over the edge of the abyss.

Kinyami then turned his attention back to Shardak, his eyes blazing with rage. Varkanax's sword as still buried in Kinyami's back, and yet still he bore down inexorably on Shardak, insanity and sanity warring in his burning red gaze.

Ardhána charged toward Kinyami, as Shardak staggered backward, and as Kinyami fell to his knees, his mind at last realizing how wounded his body was, Ardhána buried her longsword in his stomach. Iruka and Kinyami let out a long, loud scream—

—A scream which was abruptly cut off as one of Valkyria's arrows struck Kinyami in the throat. With a ghastly gurgling sound, Iruka fell noiselessly into the abyss below. Shardak peered over the edge, took one look at Iruka's broken body, and knew at once that the being was dead, his spine snapped in half. Kinyami had died with him.

The Red Shadows looked at one another, confused. With their leader dead, they hesitated, not knowing what to do. Then Shardak, Varkanax, and others charged down the makeshift ramp and the Red Shadows charged up to meet them. Shardak's sword, burning in dark flames, sliced through one's armor like butter, killing him instantly. Varkanax and Ardhána quickly finished off those who remained before Valkyria, Silver, and Luxa had even made it down from the building.

Shardak looked around him and could see the city was beginning to burn. The pulses fired from the Ix weapons were devastating the rebel ranks and the once-beautiful city of Shadovar, and they had unleashed fire on Arcaea once more. ''We cannot slow down. We have to get to the Citadel. ''

"This is worrying," said Varkanax grimly, as they all gathered together in the aftermath of the battle. Shardak couldn't help his eyes straying to the corpse of Iruka, the last of the Fallen Six, every so often, and shuddered as he saw the being's blank, staring eyes. Immediately he looked away from the corpse."Both Kinyami and the Ix have mentioned this virus, the virus from the time of Vahrikaan. Another outbreak of the Sleikha Inferni, the Living Dead."

"The Living Dead?" Shardak asked, shuddering despite himself. "Atarus always simply called it the Ancient's virus. The Ix were going to use it on Xaterex."

"They had no idea what it was," said Varkanax. "They had no idea they released one of the most highly evolved, powerful organisms in the multiverse, a sentient virus that can mutate and grow more powerful over time, until they have wiped all other life forms away."

"How?" asked Shardak.

"The first stage of the virus merely causes death. Death over a period of five to ten hours. However, once it has killed enough victims, the virus mutates, becomes more powerful. It forms a sort of prototype conscious, one that you yourself, Shardak, encountered in the Void."

Shardak suddenly remembered the hideous, tentacled mess Karizdun's face had been, and how he'd seemed to continually trail poisonous green sparks. Then he thought of the dead Shadow of Ages soldiers that had been controlled by a mysterious virus. "The soldiers in the Void," he whispered.

"There was indeed a small group of the sentient virus in the Void, a remant of stage two," said Varkanax. "But the Sleikha Inferni in the vial on Corona Magna was not released until the vial was broken in the Void, broken in a battle between rebels and Ix. It mutated to stage two during that time."

"But it survived," said Shardak. "It survived and escaped with a group of infected rebel soldiers. And if what the Ix say are true, the Living Dead are unleashed. Sleikha Inferni is loose in the universe once more. But even they pale before the danger of stage three."

"What could be more dangerous?" Shardak asked.

"The Deathmeld. The controller of all of the Infected," said Varkanax. "A being of pure otherworldly darkness beyond our control."

"We cannot worry about the Living Dead now," said Luxa. "Our problem is Lord Vahrikaan. He will destroy Xaterex, and possibly all life in the universe, if we can't get to the Citadel. And the only way we can do it is to fight our way into there."

"But if the Living Dead are on Arcaea, then we're in even more danger." said Varkanax. "I'm just warning you to make sure that you keep an eye out for them. You'll recognize an Infected— or what we call a stage two, a Warrior Class— if you see it, as well as their bizarre, almost organic technology."

"Okay," said Shardak. "Now we must get into the heart of the Imperial Palace, the citadel itself."

"Your allies in the Resistance are doing the same thing," said Ardhána. "We could never sneak past this many Ix. The time has come to settle our score with the Ix, once and for all, on the field of battle."

Varkanax nodded grimly. He lifted his hand. "Let's go." he whispered.

Before Shardak realized it, he was in the thick of the fighting once more against a large group of Red Shadows and Limiters, who were barring the path between the Resistance army and them. Ardhána and Varkanax were twin blurs of light and shadow, slashing, hacking, stabbing, and weaving through the Ix force. Shardak and Valkyria did the same to the Red Shadows, Valkyria standing next to Shardak, Silverblade matching the Sword of Fire stroke for stroke. Luxa protected Silver, making sure that the Matoran wasn't immediately overwhelmed and killed by the Ix soldiers.

Shardak and Valkyria struck the final Red Shadow at the same time, cutting him down in a single stroke of both scimitar and sword. The decapitated Red Shadow fell to the ground, and Shardak whirled around a street corner, charging onto the battlefield after the others.

He spotted Fultran immediately, the Agori commander directing the Dark Talon forces into battle while Veythari warriors controlling one of the Ix vehicles charged toward another group of Red Shadows, obliterating it at once in a burst of flame. As the Red Shadows fell, Reid Vaethar charged into battle against the Ix armies massed in the hugely wide streets of Shadovar. Shardak saw the city was growing larger and more imposing as they drew closer to the citadel, and the Ix war machine grew ever more complex.

Shardak lost all sense of time. The Ix army was rampaging across the Resistance, and only he and his allies could turn them back. He allowed the Blade of Arcturas full control over his reflexes, trusting every time that it would save his life from the flying shrapnel and massive explosions of heat and light all around him as Ix foot soldiers fought with swords and spears and the Ix on vehicle fought with Arcaean technology he'd only ever heard of.

The skies were darkening as the Ix fleet above, scattered and weak, was reinforced by more aircraft launched from below, from the area around the Citadel itself. Shardak could see more skirmishes going on around that area, but knew he couldn't be distracted from the main battle. All around him, every moment, a Resistance soldier would fall, but another would take his place. Shardak was literally fighting for his life now, even the Blade of Arcturas seemed to be slow in comparison to the sheer speed of the Ix vehicles.

Shardak was conscious of every Ix he cut down, every soldier he killed, but the battle itself was a blur. He could only stare at the explosions which echoed from the city below and the burning air and starcraft in the skies above and realized that this was what the Fall had been, though perhaps even worse.

''And this battle is just beginning. ''Shardak thought.

Suddenly the Ix fell into retreat, but Shardak knew at once that their army was merely regrouping, pulling more reinforcements from around the citadel. Shardak watched as the Veythari-piloted Ix vehicle slammed into two others like them, causing all three to explode into flames. Shardak leapt to one side, dodging the explosion of shrapnel, and cut down the two Red Shadows that moved to block his path with two quick strokes of the Blade of Arcturas.

Suddenly there was a shout from somwhere behind Shardak. He momentarily whirled around, and saw to his dread that a massive legion of Limiters was charging toward them, every one of them armed with hundreds of weapons. There were three more of the armored vehicles with them, and Shardak knew that with these Ix behind them and the Red Shadow horde in front of them, the Resistance didn't have a chance.

But then, before Shardak's shocked eyes, he recognized the Limiter leading them. It was the Ix who had saved his life in the tunnels below Ecbatana, the Ix who had led him to ultimately destroy the walls of the great city. Before he had any time to brace himself, the Limiter army charged past the Resistance and slammed into the front rank of the Ix with a roar of vengenace.

"It's Ahri's force! They've been freed up!" yelled Fultran. "Keep attacking! Don't give the Empire a chance to recover!'

Seeing the shocked look on Shardak's face, Fultran explained. "Kalix's allies. They were with us when the battle began, but got seperated and pinned down along with several of our divisions by Lord Korlei. These are all of the Limiters who believe that the Ix were wrong to bring back Vahrikaan."

Raising the Blade of Arcturas, Shardak nodded once, and, seeing Ardhána and Varkanax locked in combat with a group of the main Ix army, charged over to them, dodging and weaving through the battling throng of Ix and rebel soldiers. Cutting down an enemy Limiter, in three quick sweeps of the Blade of Arcturas he finished of Varkanax's remaining foes.

"The Red Shadows are retreating into the heart of the city!" said Varkanax. "They have even more armies there!"

Fultran was speaking hurriedly into his comlink. "Division Four, what's your status?"

"We're two blocks away from you, commander!" called a voice that Shardak didn't recognize. "We'll meet you at the city's heartlands!"

"Division Three?"

"Still fighting four blocks down from the city's heart," came another voice. Shardak recognized it as the Dargon, Areop. "Tiral's here. Her army was pulled through the portal along with a group of persuers from the Var'kala Defense Fleet."

Shardak could see Tiral's weakened fleet, lead by the weakened yet defiant Fire Tear, surrounded by a massive black ship that looked as though it had been sculpted from pure obsidian, as well as three other massive Ix Dreadnought- class Capitol ships. There were six other ships with them made out of a substance that Shardak didn't recognize.

"Tiral, what's your status?" Fultran asked.

"Pinned down by the Thanatos, Vahrikaan's flagship." came Tiral's voice. "And a group of Ix and Mindeater starcraft. The rest of the Var'kala defense fleet is still engaged with Ixtil's fleet over Xaterex."

"We're sending our remaining starcraft from the Fourth Fleet in to help you," said Fultran. "Atarus has gone missing, however, and Vaethar's in charge down here."

"This isn't going well. Perhaps we should retreat—"

"No!" barked Fultran. "If we retreat, then Vahrikaan will gain full control over Shadovar! And once he has that, he's going to cause Arcaea to collide with Xaterex, killing everything there!"

He was forced to cut the comlink immediately and continue to direct his own troops. "Force them back! Once we're off the blocks and into the central district it'll be easier to fight them!"

Shardak spun around, cutting down another Red Shadow soldier, and rounded a corner, stepping into the heart of Shadovar, the City of Glass and Mirrors. The main district was a flat, massive arena stretching as far as he could see, into the streets beyond. At the heart of the massive plain, nearly a bio away, the stood the Citadel, the Imperial Palace, where they were sure Vahrikaan was waiting.

In front, to the side, and behind the citadel stood three massive, thin needle spires, which were hexagonal in shape and rose high above the ground, high above the Citadel-palace. At the very top of each tower pulsed three lights, one red, one blue, the third green. Between the three towers, a massive gate of flickering blue energy barred off all entry to citadel, barely visible and shimmering above the citadel as well.

And in front of the barrier stood the full remainder of the Ix army, locked in combat with the rebels already there. Shardak could see many, many more air and ground vehicles fighting all around him, and knew that the Ix were making a last, final effort to stop the Resistance and give Vahrikaan time to take full control of Shadovar.

''But what they don't know is that Vahrikaan expects me to come to him. He doesn't know yet that I have the final piece of the Shadow Orb. But he will when I bring it to him.''

"The Defense Barrier!" snarled Vaethar. "I had forgotten. Of course Vahrikaan would use this to slow us down."

"What is it?" Shardak asked.

"It's made from an impenetrable force aura," said Ahri, the Limiter commander allied with the Resistance. "There's almost no way we can get past it, not against these odds, but it can be brought down."

"How?" asked Valkyria, suddenly materializing by his side. Shardak breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Ardhána and Varkanax were both with her, and that all three of them had only sustained light injuries.

"All three of the towers' energy beacons would have to be smashed," said Vaethar. "Then the last defense of the Arcaeans will fall."

Shardak saw that he main body of the rebel army was regrouping as the front lines continued to battle the seemingly unbreakable line of Ix. Tiral's voice came in over the comlink. "Neutralize the barrier," she ordered.

"Can you send several starcraft to pick us up?" asked Shardak, staring into the purpetually twilight skies of Shadovar.

"We cannot," came Ixtil's voice. "My fleet is still engaged over Xaterex, and all of our available ships are engaged against the Thanataos and its fleet. But the moment we can, we'll send aid."

"Karzahni blast it, we don't have the time!" yelled Vaethar. "We know from Shardak and his allies that Vahrikaan has the Annulus, so he can activate Shadovar at any time. And then every single being on Xaterex, Arcaea, and possibly the rest of the universe if he wishes it— Vahrikaan will kill them all."

"We have to break the Defense Barrier now," agreed Fultran. "However, we cannot wait for the Fire Tear to send assistance, not while it's fighting against the Thanatos."

"Then we'll have to commandeer an Ix ship," said Shardak. "We simply cannot wait for either Atarus or Tiral to send us help."

Vaethar was giving orders to his leiutenant in his own language, and as the battle grew still more intense he hissed. "I'm going to try to find a place where the Ix are still guardiang some of their low-flying vehicles. Once we have one of them, we can use it to storm the towers and wrest control of the Imperial Citadel from Vahrikaan. You try to find some as well."

Shardak, Ardhána, and Varkanax nodded their agreement, then charged back into the ever-growing battle against the Ix forces, Veythari, Dark Talon warriors, and allied Limiters following them. Of them all, only the Limiters had control of two ground vehicles, and were locked in combat against a group of Red Shadows who were attempting to destroy the massive, ancient technology.

"This way!" yelled Ahri, the Limiter commander, and Shardak could see that he and a large group of his Limiters were locked in combat with another group of Ix. Shardak quickly dispatched the Ix warrior he was fighting and charged toward Ahri's group, dodging a massive club-wielding, brutish-looking Ix as he did so. Shardak saw the cold dead eyes of a Red Shadow stare into his, and he slashed out with the Blade of Arcturas reflexively, cutting into the Red Shadow's armor. The Ix staggered backward, slashing out with his horrifyingly sharp, bone-cutting scythe. Shardak narrowly deflected the blow and charged the Red Shadow again, dodging the scythe and landing a blow on the Red Shadow's shoulder.

The Shadow gave a barely perceptible hiss of pain and seemed to relax for a moment, then exploded into action, swinging his scythe wildly at Shardak before the Toa could do more than raise his scythe to counter the blow. But as the Red Shadow struck out at him again, Shardak realized that the Ix had overextended himself and managed to drive the blade through his throat.

Two Limiters appeared in his place as the Red Shadow fell, but before Shardak could do more than deflect one's scythe they both fell, one to Ahri's thrown dagger-scythe and the other to Ardhána's twin slashing blades.

Good, Ikarax whispered to him. ''Now follow your orders. Help Ahri find and take control of an Ix aircraft.''

Shardak cut down one of the remaining Limiters still fighting Ahri, and Valkyria dispatched the last one in what seemed like less than a second. Shardak nodded, satisfied, as he saw the Limiters begin to retreat.

"Hit them. Hard," Ahri ordered, and Shardak and the rest of the squadron charged forward against another large formation of Limiters. The Ix almost immediately seemed to scatter, and Ahri's strike force began to engage the Ix soldiers. Three of the commanding Limiters fell all at once, every one of them struck down within seconds by Ardhána, Varkanax, and Valkyria.

Then suddenly there was an explosion as the mirrorlike streets fragmented and something burst from the ground below. Shardak cought a glimpse of reaching arms and spinning scythes as it cut through three allied Limiters, killing them instantly.

"Death Spire!" yelled Ahri. "Get back! Back!"

The Death Spire slammed into another group of the Ix, killing and mauling several more. As the Ix retreated, Shardak heard Ikarax whisper to him again. ''Take it out. We will supply you with the strength needed to do so.''

Shardak nodded once, and, directing Valkyria and Ardhána into position with his eyes, leapt forward, Ikarax's auric energy fueling his ascent. The Death Spire's whirling scythes slashed out at him, and the reaching arms almost closed around his ankle, but Shardak managed to lift the Blade of Arcturas and drive it into the Death Spire's mechanical body.

The Death Spire immediately blasted Shardak backward onto the ground, scythes flashing. It was only because of the assistance of the Elementals that Shardak was not instantly killed by the Death Spire or knocked unconscious as he fell. For a second, white light exploded through his eyes, but when he looked again he saw Valkyria had done the same thing he had, leaping at the Death Spire and slashing at it wildly with her sword. The Death Spire was slower this time, and it flung Valkyria back a second later, allowing her to land another blow. However, as she fell, one of the grasping claws grabbed her leg, causing her to fall headfirst toward the whirling scythes. Valkyria's sword fell from her hands as she desperately attempted to cling onto the Death Spire.

"No!" yelled Shardak, but his scream was lost in the sound of the battle all around him. Suddenly, just when it seemed sure Valkyria would fall into one of the scything blades, Ardhána was there. Moving as quick as the wind, the Air Elemental slashed downward, cutting off one of the scythes, then upward, destroying the top section of the Death Spire with a burst of auric energy.

As the Death Spire seemed to slow to a halt, Shardak blasted it once more with a burst of pure auric force from his hand. The Spire gave way, flinging Valkyria and Ardhána backward. Both of them caught themselves using the aura field and rose to their feet, Valkyria snatching her sword from the ground. Shardak, however, had no time to breathe a sigh of relief, for then the remainder of the Limiters descended upon them. Shardak immeditely thrust out at one with the Blade of Arcturas, killing him immediately and dancing out of reach of the other Limiter's scythes.

Three other Limiters closed in around him, but they were no match for the strength of seventeen Elementals. Every single attack Shardak made was perfectly coordinated and within moments all three of the Ix had fallen.

"There!" Ahri yelled. Shardak followed the Limiter's line of sight, and saw that behind one of the large assault vehicles and two large groups of Limiters commanded by Red Shadows were two ground support aircraft, of a similar build to the few that the Resistance had in their own military. They were small and wouldn't stand much of a chance against a starcraft in combat, but Shardak knew they might be their only hope.

Surveying the battlefield, he saw that the Ix were pinning the Resistance in. Despite the fact that initially this had been an Ix trap, the rebels knew that they were so close to their hated enemy that they fought all the harder, emboldened by the fact they'd been given a chance to get so close to Vahrikaan, the enemy bent in wiping all life from Xaterex and Arcaea. And the knowledge that they were fighting for their lives made it all the more dangerous.

But the Ix were still fighting with almost fanatical devotion, and they still outnumbered the Resistance. Shardak wondered for a moment exactly what still motivated them to continue fighting. Didn't they know what their leader planned to do with Shadovar? That he'd already tried to use the Sleikha Inferni virus on Xaterex?

I do not know, said Ikarax, reading Shardak's thoughts. ''But we must concentrate on getting these aircraft, or this battle will become even worse than the Fall itself. ''

Shardak and Valkyria struck the first squadron of Limiters all at once. Ahri, Ardhána, and Varkanax punched straight through the center of the line, scattering the Ix soldiers and allowing Ahri's Ix warriors to force the others back. Shardak and Valkyria fought side by side, each strike of their swords cutting down another enemy Ix soldier.

Shardak broke away from the battle as he saw Ahri, Ardhána, Varkanax, and some of Ahri's Ix allies closing in on the squadron of Limiters and Red Shadows protectinbg the aircraft. Ardhána cut down a charging Red Shadow within moments, and by the time Shardak and Valkyria reached the aircraft, the whole group of their Ix allies were locked in combat against the Ix.

As Shardak fought at Red Shadow, he heard a noise behind him, like the sound of breaking glass. He heard Ahri's voice yell, "Take out the Death Spire!"

Shardak immediately whirled around, leaving the Red Shadow to a group of allied Limiters, and recoiled as he saw the Death Spire was directly behind him, scythes about to cut him in half. He only narrowly staggered out of reach, and Ikarax blasted the Death Spire with a coating of Elemental frost, slowing the Blades. An Air Elemental reached out through Shardak and blasted the Death Spire in the center of its body, blowing it to shards.

The moment the Death Spire fell the Ix defenders began to falter, then suddenly counterattacked as they saw more Ix Red Shadows coming to reinforce them. Ahri muttered an Ix curse under his breath and hurled a dagger at one of his Limiter opponents, the blade burying itself in his heart. As the Limiter fell dead to the ground, however, another took his place.

"Shardak! Watch out!"

Suddenly Shardak saw a gray blur approaching out of the corner of his eye, slamming into a group of Ahri's Limiters and running many over in a tangle of broken bones and crushed limbs. Shardak gasped as he realized it was a Red Shadow, piloting a ground vehicle armed with blasters like he'd seen the bounty hunter Skorr carry.

And it was pointing the blasters directly at Shardak.

Ikarax and the other Elementals threw up a shield in the fraction of a second before the Red Shadow fired. However, the pulses almost overloaded the shield, and Shardak felt four of his Elemental helper's strength suddenly weakening greatly. We have far less power in spirit form, said Ikarax. ''My strength was almost depleted. Look out!''

This time the shield only narrowly held, and Shardak was blasted backward five feet and fell to the ground. Grinning beneath his demonic helmet, the Red Shadow piloted the vehicle toward them. As the vehicle bore down on him, Shardak saw a blur of light flash in the darkness, and suddenly someone slammed into the Red Shadow, knocking the Ix from the vehicle and causing it to spin around and skid to a halt beside the Ix's unconscious form.

Ardhána lept from the vehicle and raced over to him. "Shardak!" she called. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Shardak said, rising to his feet. He was unhurt, but he could feel the pain that the Elementals had suffered.

"Shardak!" yelled Valkyria. She was standing next to Ahri, and Varkanax was already inside the other air vehicle with several Ix. "Get inside. They're coming!"

As Shardak raced up the slope toward the Ix girl and the Limiter, he heard Ahri speaking into his comlink. "We have the aircraft."

"Good," said Vaethar. "The smallest tower, the red, must be hit from the air. Send Shardak and his strike team to take it down. We'll storm the blue tower, which must be taken from the ground up, while you and your Limiters take the tallest with the green beacon."

"Done," said Ahri. He cut the comlink and leapt into the vehicle along with several of his Limiters, ordering his second in command to attack the tower with the green beacon from the ground.

Varkanax leapt into the other vehicle, and Shardak, Valkyria, Luxa, and Ardhána quickly followed. Shardak looked around, and realized that while Luxa had rejoined them, Silver was nowhere in sight. "Where's Silver?" he asked her.

As the aircraft lifted upward, flying toward the tower with the red beacon, Luxa said, "He stayed behind with Vaethar. This battlefield is no place for untrained Matoran."

Shardak nodded, relieved he was safe. He could see that they were approaching the tower now, flying through the darkened skies of Shadovar while all around him starcraft and airships were locked in battle, the Ix still holding the upper hand. Tiral's ships were bombarding the barrier and the other Ix ships, distracting as many of them as they could from the towers.

"Ix Scimitars approaching from the left!" Ardhána called. Shardak could see through the clear visor she was right. These starcraft were among the lightest in the entire fleet, and yet they had more armor and weapons than any of the aircraft either the Resistance or the Ix could muster.

Varkanax jerked the aircraft to one side, avoiding a stream of blasterfire. The second Scimitar opened fire on them at the same time, and one stray blast struck the wing of the craft, damaging it slightly. Varkanax clumsily managed to keep the ship aloft, and dodged a second round of fire from both ships with little damage.

The tower loomed before them, two other Scimitars guarding it. Shardak felt his stomach lurch as Varkanax whirled the airship around to dodge the oncoming starfighters, and managed to avoid certain death again at the hands of the Scimitars. But Shardak knew that one wrong move in this deadly game would cost them all of their lives.

The Spirit shall brave games eternal...

The words of the Prophecy that foretold his coming echoed in Shardak's mind. While he'd once been in an actual arena in the deadly Eternal Game, he knew that the Prophecy didn't refer to that game in particular. Looking down below at the battefield, where so many lives were being wasted every single second, it suddenly seemed to Shardak as though this entire battle was simply another game, one with far, far too high stakes for anyone.

Suddenly one of the Scimitars' stream of fire slammed into them, and Shardak caught a glimpse of his ashen face in the clear metal that the Elementals had used to build the airship. He could feel the airship rattling beneath him as the pulses connected. "Direct hit!" yelled Ardhána over the sound of the explosion of flame. "We cannot take another, or we are sure to be destroyed!"

"It was necessary to slip past the guards," said Varkanax. "Now we've done it. I'm bringing it around to land on the top of the tower!"

At last Varkanax managed to break away from the one remaining Scimitar and landed the craft on the edge of the ledge which led to a door to the room made of clear glass at the top of the tower.

The room where the first beacon was stored.

Ardhána, Varkanax, Luxa, and Valkyria followed Shardak out of the aircraft just as several of the Scimitars closed in around them. Shardak realized that the starcraft wouldn't even need to kill them. All that they would have to do was destroy the starcraft, and they'd be stranded on edge of a massive tower with no way to get down.

Suddenly, as the Scimitars closed in, six of Tiral's ships broke away and flew toward the Scimitars. Three of the ships whirled around to confront the rebel ships, but before the last could turn it was blown to shreds by a massive rebel capital ship.

"Get inside the beacon room!" said Varkanax. "We have to be in and out quickly. We don't know which way the battle in the air will go yet, and we can't be trapped here if the Ix win."

Shardak raced inside the beacon room. He could see the red threads of light from the pulsing, massive orb of glass at the center of the room connecting with the rest of the blue and green threads which held the barrier together. The tall green tower was at the center of the barrier, the blue on the far other side, Below, the Resistance still fought the Ix armies, mortal enemies locked in combat for supremacy.

Shardak raised the Blade of Arcturas and plunged it into the glass orb that was causing the light from the beacon and the light that supported the Arcaean Defense Barrier to remain intact. Immediatly red light sprayed from the orb, and for a moment it looked to Shardak that the orb was bleeding. Then all of the light went out of the orb all at once and all of the red threads in the barrier went dark.

"Red Beacon destroyed," Varkanax reported to Vaethar and Tiral via comlink.

"Excellent," Tiral's voice came over the comlink. "Ahri's starcraft has made it to the green tower. Vaethar's at the blue. Ahri should be done any minute now."

As though echoing her words, the massive green tower suddenly went dark. Now only the field of blue force, the final line of defense, remained intact, barring off the Resistance soldiers from entrance into the heart of the Imperial Palace, the last Citadel itself.

"Now only Vaethar," Shardak whispered, expecting the blue barrier to fall any minute.

"Vaethar? What's your status?" Varkanax inquired. There was no answer from the Veythari commander. "Vaethar?"

Suddenly Reid Vaethar's voice broke through the comlink. "It was a trap! More of the Ix elite are here! We won';t be able to hold them off much longer!"

"We're coming in for you," said Varkanax at once. "Can you take down the barrier?"

"No! Too many of them! We—" yelled Vaethar. Then there was a crunching noise on the other end and the Veythari's voice was silenced.

"Vaethar?" Tiral asked.

No answer.

"Vaethar?" Varkanax said, voice worried.

Still no answer.

"The blue beacon's still intact," said Shardak to Tiral. "Can we go in and shut it down?"

"Yes," Tiral affirmed. "But hurry! The battle goes badly, both on the ground and in the skies. If we cannot break down the barrier, this battle is lost."

Chapter 30
"The tower will have to be taken from the ground," said Varkanax as the Scimitar landed at the base of the tower with the blue beacon. All around them Veythari warriors were locked in combat with Ix wearing dark armor and carrying heavy weapons, and as Shardak leapt from the vehicle to stand beside Valkyria, Luxa, and the others, he saw Reid Vaethar, wounded badly, holding off the Ix while, above, Tiral's starcraft fleet, led by the massive Fire Tear, were fighting the Ix starcraft that had surrounded the beacon, guarding it from the rebellion.

"We'll hold them off!" yelled Vaethar. "Just get to the top of the tower now! The barrier must fall if we are to secure the Imperial Citadel!"

Shardak had no time to do anything but nod before he, Ardhána, Luxa, and Varkanax approached the tower's base, fighting off any Ix who stood in their way. Shardak followed the others into the blue tower and raced up the first set of stairs, across which the corpses of Veythari and Ix were scattered. Shardak leapt up the stairs and onto the second floor, where he saw a large group of Ix soldiers waiting for them, mostly Limiters, but also some elite Ix in black armor and four Red Shadows. Ardhána and Luxa charged at them immediately, locking blades with each of the Ix warriors.

"Shardak!" yelled Varkanax. "Get to the top of the tower! Destroy the last of the three becons and the last Ix line of defense will fall! We'll keep these busy."

Shardak knew there was no time to argue, that all of them were risking their lives needlessly for him. To much was at stake for that. While he was forced to fight his way through several Limiter guards, he didn't face any real opposition. But as he reached the top of the beacon tower, he saw three Red Shadows standing guard over the final beacon. Seeing Shardak, their cold eyes widened in surprised triumph, and they charged toward the Spirit Toa, closing in around him.

Shardak had no time to react before one of the scythes slashed down at him, but Ikarax did, and a burst of ice flew from his hands and slammed into one of the Red Shadows, breaking its arm. As the wounded Red Shadow staggered backward, the Blade of Arcturas sliced open its throat.

Shardak gasped in pain as Ikarax wasn't quite fast enough to dodge an attack and another of the Red Shadow's scythes grazed his side, drawing blood. Before the third Red Shadow could attack, Shardak used a burst of auric energy to slam the Red Shadow against the wall, slamming him into the floor. As he rose to his feet, Ikarax blasted him with another ray of ice, snapping his neck.

The remaining Red Shadow closed in on Shardak, his sword weaving, flashing, and arcing through the air in a confusing pattern of attacks at Shardak. However, before Shardak could finish him off, a fire Elemental hurled a burst of flame from his hands, melting the Shadow's armor. As he staggered backward, Shardak managed to cut open his leg.

The Red Shadow counterattacked furiously, but Shardak was ready. The moment that the Red Shadow overreached himself with his scythe, Shardak slashed open his throat and raced to the edge of the blue sphere which housed the final beacon. Lifting the Sword of Fire, Shardak drove the tip of the blade downward and into the very heart of the sphere. Blue light sprayed from the orb, bathing his features in blue light, then it faded to nothing.

Shardak stepped to the edge of the glass tower, staring out into the darkness below. For a moment, the final blue shield seemed to hover, unharmed, between the three towers. Then the Barrier fell, as the walls of Ecbatana had. And, as when the walls of Ecbatana had fallen, the Resistance closed in on the remaining Ix defenders, their path to the citadel now more open.

Then, suddenly, the portal over Xaterex, the portal from which the Thanatos fleet and the Resistance ships had emerged, there came three more Ix ships, all of them easily recognizable as craft from the defense fleet. However, there was something not quite right about them, and suddenly they seemed to give way and fall to the ground, the three of them crashing below. But Shardak barely followed them for more than a moment. He was looking at the portal, which was opening again. Something was coming to Arcaea.

Then a hideously mauled, horrifyingly changed planetoid fell from the skies and downward, toward Shardak and the hovering ''Fire Tear. ''The planetoid was massive, though not nearly as large as Shadovar, and covered in a filmly, blue-black liquid that seemed to coat every surface. Many buildings on the surface were damaged, and, most unnervingly of all, the planetoid seemed to be covered in sickly green sparks which also trailed behind it.

But it was still recognizable. Shardak had been on this surface before, and recognized many of the buildings.

It was Var'kala. But it was not Var'kala. Somehow, inexplicably, it had changed beyond all comprehension.

Then Shardak realized the truth. They have come. The Living Dead, the Sleikha Inferni, ''have come to Arcaea. They've come for the Codrex.''

"Holy Mata Nui," said Tiral through the comlink. "That's Var'kala! We must—"

All at once she was cut off as what could only be described as hideous, amorphous blobs of what appeared to be clear gel-liquid began to detach from Var'kala's surface and slam into the ''Fire Tear. Tiral had no time to speak again before the entire planetoid slammed into the Tear, ''causing the entire ship to explode into flames and fragments. Wreckage from the Fire Tear fell to the ground, while the main body of the ship remained suspended for a moment longer as Var'kala tore through its hull and spiraled earthward, more and more of the clear gel pods began to detach from the surface and fall to the ground. Var'kala itself landed amidst the throng of battling Resistance and Ix warriors, crushing a small building beneath it.

As the wrecked Fire Tear spiraled earthward, Shardak wasted no time waiting any longer. He'd felt something in the aura field aboard Var'kala, even from his distance, that was so powerful it rivalled even Vahrikaan. What was far worse about it was it sheer otherness, sheer ''difference. ''It didn't feel like an aura to him at all, but an indestribable presence, not a void, but not matter. Not darkness, but not light either. Instead Shardak could feel only its sheer wrongness, its insane maddening difference. This should not be, he thought as he felt the presence again.

It is, whispered Ikarax. ''The Deathmeld is obviously growing in power, and nothing can stop it now. And soon it will have even more victims, for Vahrikaan will bring the plains together and give the Deathmeld everything on Xaterex to feast on as well. And when it has grown powerful enough, all of the other Sleikha Inferni, the Warrior Class, the ships, and the Infected, will all simply die, absorbed into the Deathmeld's singular consciousness. Then, without need of any Warriors, the Deathmeld can destroy or rule as it pleases, alone and untouchable.'''

"We have to warn the Resistance!" said Shardak aloud, a touch of desperation in his voice. "We have to stop the Deathmeld at all costs!"

No, Ikarax countered. ''We must stop Vahrikaan first. It will take a long time for the Deathmeld to slaughter both the Resistance and the Ix, and both will fight against the Warrior Class if their survival hinges on it. Vahrikaan has Shadovar, and can destroy the universe or remake it was he pleases.''

"But doesn't he need the last piece of the Annulus?" asked Shardak.

We have thought about it, said Ikarax. ''And I do not think so. He has done so much with Shadovar already, far too much not to have full control over it. He was probably just waiting for the Deathmeld to arrive, his insurance that, even if he didn't win, the Resistance would lose.''

"Is he insane, then? Bent only on destroying all that is and giving it all to the Deathmeld?" Shardak asked.

It would seem so, said Ikarax. ''Though this is most unlike him. Even though he sanctioned the destruction of the Toa and indirectly caused the Fall, he wouldn't give the entire universe over to the Deathmeld unless he was desperate. And he's anything but. Indeed, he still controls most of Calos and half of Xaterex.''

"We need to warn the Resistance now." said Shardak, interrupting. "Then we'll go after Vahrikaan. Then—"

Then he stopped. He wouldn't be around to confront the Deathmeld. The Prophecy said he was destined to die fighting Vahrikaan. Shardak was surprised at how calm he felt, even though he knew his death was only hours away, at the latest.

Racing down the stairs, he could see that the Ix armies were being forced back, past the towers now that the barrier had fallen. The skirmishes outside the city's center had mostly come to a halt, and the full force of both the Ix and Resistance armies was now arrayed against each other. Reid Vaethar, Luxa, Valkyria and the others were still locked in combat with the Ix armies outside the tower. Seeing the Barrier fallen and Shardak charging down the stairs, the Ix ranks gave way, and Ardhána and Varkanax dealt quickly with their remaining Limiter attackers.

"Do not tell me," said Varkanax, his eyes flicking unconsciously toward the massive crater where Var'kala had landed. The pods were crashing in the midst of the other rebels and Ix. "The virus has entered stage two. Possibly even stage three."

"Yes," said Shardak. "Someone, or something, forced it through the portal."

"The Deathmeld," said Varakanx, glancing again at the twisted rubble from which Var'kala rose, broken yet still vengeful. "It, or its weaker counterparts, must be aboard Var'kala."

"We have to stop Vahrikaan, soon!" said Shardak urgently. "We don't have much longer! Any minute now, Vahrikaan could gain full control over Shadovar. He'll use it to destroy the universe and remake it in his own image if he wants. He's insane, and has to be stopped now!"

"Yes," Varkanax agreed. "The Deathmeld must wait. It will take the virus much time to grow to its full strength. But the arrival of the Warrior Class will force Vahrikaan to accelerate his plans. He could force down the barrier between plains of existance at any moment."

Ardhána, Valkyria, and the others were still locked in combat with the remaining Ix surrounding the tower. There were still many of them, and despite the loss of their Red Shadow leaders, the Limiters continued fighting, each one of their attacks more dangerous then the last, more likely that one of the Resistance warriors would be killed. Already Veythari corpses lay scattered across the battlefield.

Suddenly Shardak saw beings emerge from the crashed ship behind him. More Ix.

But these were no ordinary Ix. Shardak could see the mutations had taken hold of them, their arms and legs were bent and twisted, their eyes cold and filled with malign intelligence. Their hands were small, bony, and had long, tentacle-like fingers, and prehensile tails seemed to sprout from their midsections.

The Sleikha Inferni Warrior Class virus had arrived on Shadovar.

"Go! Run!" yelled Shardak. "Those are Warrior Class! Leave them to the Ix!"

Ardhána, Valkyria, Luxa, and Varkanax broke away from the Limiters they were fighting and ran to stand beside Shardak, who was running toward the battlefield. The Resistance had begun to force the Ix back, through the barrier, and in the skies above, despite the destruction of the Fire Tear, the Resistance armies still battleled valiantly against the Thanatos, vengeance for the deaths of Tern, Tiral, and Ixtil, as well as the others who had died upon the damaged vessel making them still stronger and more filled with the urge to defeat the Ix than ever. However, the Resistance was still unable to force the Ix through the towers, where the barrier had once stood.

"Go! Go!" yelled Vaethar, still fighting Ix soldiers with his remaining Veythari. Shardak, Valkyria, and the others took off, charging across the plateau leading to the other two towers. Ss the allied Limiters led by Ahri and his allies along with Fultran's Dark Talon force, Areop's Dargon, and the Veythari and rebel warriors continued to fight the Ix Limiters, warriors, and Red Shadows, Vaethar yelled another order. "Force your way through the towers! Get to the Imperial Citadel!"

Shardak wasted no time carrying out his orders. With Ikarax's Elementals there to augment his strength and agility, he charged into the battle more heedless of his own safety than ever before. The Blade of Arcturas was little more than an extension of his arm as he hacked through the Limiter horde, Valkyria, Luxa, Varkanax, and Ardhána at his side. Shardak could still see out of the corner of his eye more of the strange gelatinous pods landing among the ranks of the Ix and Resistance, but thought nothing of it. While he knew they were tied to the Warrior Class' sudden arrival from Var'kala onto Shadovar, his only objective now was to stop the destruction of the universe at the hands of Vahrikaan.

It was his destiny, and what he had to do. He could see that now. ''The Spirit Toa cannot survive. But if I can take down Lord Vahrikaan with me, I have done what I had to do in the beginning. What the Prophecy foretold.''

The Blade of Arcturas seemed to hum its agreement as it flashed like a red blur of light across the bodies of their foes. Ikarax said nothing, but Shardak could feel his approval. And that, above all other things, made him keep fighting, using the power of the Elementals at will to hold off the attackers.

A Death Spire suddenly erupted from the ground before him, and the Limiters clustered around it. The Death Spire began firing elemental pulses at Shardak, but he dodged them easily and lunged foward, Elemental power crackling at his fingertips. The Death Spire seemed to weaken as Shardak blasted it with lightning from his hands, then toppled over as he unleashed a powerful auric blast that caused the spinning scythes to shatter.

Shardak brought down the two remaining Limiters surrounding it, and saw that two of the armored vehicles the Ix had salvaged from Arcaea were racing toward him, Varkanax, and Valkyria. Ardhána immediatley charged toward one, her almost supernatural speed allowing her to dodge the rays fired from the vehicle's blasters. She landed on the hull of the massive vehicle, slashing down at the Red Shadow pilot while desperately trying to keep her balance. Shardak leapt at the other craft as it fired at them, Ikarax keeping his balance as he lashed out at the Red Shadow pilot, the Blade of Arcturas spearing through his shoulder. The Red Shadow jerked the vehicle to one side, and Shardak was nearly thrown from the armored craft and onto the ground. But the Elementals helped him hold his footing, and he brought the blade down again. This time the Red Shadow collapsed and the vehicle drew to a halt.

Two more squadrons of Red Shadows were racing toward them, and all around him Shardak could see the Resistance warriors were at last winning against the Ix, pushing them back, past he towers that had once held the barrier. The Veythari, Dargon, and Limiter vanguard of the Resistance were punching through the Ix army's main body, scattering enemy troops despite their advantages. Shardak was at the heart of the fray, attackimng reflexively against any and all who stood against him. In the massive, bloody fires of Shadovar in the skies above, Shardak knew that he only had his allies to trust.

Two more Death Spires appeared in front of him, followed closely by another attack vehicle. All were armed to the teeth and surrounded by Red Shadows. Ikarax hurled lances of Elemental energy from Shardak's fingertips as he charged, taking down several Red Shadows in his path. The first Death Spire charged toward him, and Shardak slashed off one scythe, wincing at the same time as a Limiter scythe slashed open his shoulder. The Death Spire faltered for a moment as Shardak's sword slashed through it, then collapsed as the Blade of Arcturas cut in almost completely in half and then it was broken completely by a blast of auric energy.

The moment the Death Spire fell, Shardak leapt backward almost ten feet, out of range of the attack vehicle's close-range blasters. Ardhána, Varkanax, and several Veythari took out the vehicle within a few minutes as Shardak and Valkyria held off the remaining Red Shadows.

Another Red Shadow fell to the Blade of Arcturas, and as Shardak whirled around to engage his next foe, he gasped at what he saw. This Limiter's face was a mess of writhing tentacles and he seemed to gleam with sickly green light, much like Karizdun, the Warrior Class Mindeater hybrid in the Void. Unlike Karizdun, this being had tentacles sprouting from its chest, and it reached out at Shardak, as though longing to wrap him in a tight embrace.

''Do not let it wound you! ''Ikarax's warning exploded in Shardak's mind. If it even does as much as scratch you, you will become an Infected, and eventually a Warrior Class.

Shardak leapt backward just out of reach of the writhing tentacles, and cut down with the Blade of Arcturas, slashing at the Warrior Class Sleikha Inferni's head. The creature managed to dodge the blow, and lunged out at him again, a tentacle amost wrapping around his leg. Before the virus-controlled being could attack again, Shardak lunged forward and ran the Blade of Arcturas through the Warrior Class' heart. The Warrior Class being collapsed on the ground, green sparks and blood trailing from his body.

"Keep moving!" Varkanax yelled. Shardak could see the being with the skeletal hand engaged with more of the Warrior Class, along with several Ix warriors. "Now that the Living Dead are here, we must get to Vahrikaan still quicker before their numbers become exponential!"

Shardak charged toward the last group of Limiters who were still fighting the rebel army. Unlike the rest of the Ix, they hadn't retreated to the Citadel, but were still locked in combat with the vanguard of the rebel army. Areop, standing at the head of his Dargon, brought down one of the Red Shadow leaders, Shardak's sword severed the head of the other. The last group of Limiters scattered as the Resistance roared in triumph an charged into the heart of the Imperial circle, where Shardak could see the sections of the Palace rising above them.

At the front were abandoned buildings once used by Elementals, and to one side, not too far off, the mighty Pyramid of Triumph once stood. Now the Fall had rent it asunder, and the hideous mess that Var'kala had become lay atop those ruins. But Shardak only had eyes for the building that held his destiny, the building where he knew he would meet his death: The Citadel, where once the kings of Arcaea ruled. Now it was the heart of Vahrikaan's dominion, and where he knew he would find the Shadovar Codrex.

The Ix had surrounded the Citadel, their enemies closing in around them. Shardak could see the allied Dargon, Limiters, Glatorian, Veythri, and yes, even the last remnants of the Toa were closing in around them from one side, while from the other the Sleikha Inferni moved in to close thew trap, hundreds of dead Ix and Vorgaan walking once more with a semblance of life toward the Ix. Shardak could see that the Living Dead had brought remnants of Arceaan techonology from Var'kala with them as well, archaic armored vehicles and aircraft that had last been seen four hundred years before the Fall.

''How do I know all this? ''Shardak wondered momentarily.

We are sharing memories, whispered Ikarax, as Shardak readied the Blade of Arcturas. The first rank of the rebel army was already fighting the Ix surrounding the Citadel. What we know, you will know, added another Elemental.

Already the Ix were locked in combat with still more of the Infected, as well as advance Resistance warriors, and all at once the main body of the Resistance horde moved in to crush the Ix army. But Shardak knew that victory was anything but certain. They still had the Sleikha Inferni to contend with, and they were far more dangerous than the Limiters. And the Ix would never surrender. They would fight to the death before they gave up their will to defeat the Resistance which had somehow recovered from their Shadovar trap and were now winning against all odds.

Beside him, Varkanax and Ardhána fought, the possible-future version of himself inspiring fear as he charged at the Ix, the Elemental dodging and weaving gracefully through the fray. As they moved closer to the Citadel, Shardak realized that more and more of the beings they were fighting were becoming Infected. Already Ix were beginning to turn on Ix as the Infection took hold. Shardak could feel Valkyria standing beside him in the aura field, shielded by the aura of the Elementals he carried inside him and still fighting with him despite the odds stacked against them. Luxa was there as well, the only other member of the original strike team besides Valkyria still with him.

Varkanax had just taken down another Red Shadow commander and a Death Spire. "Move quickly!" he said to them. "Ardhána's found a way into the Citadel! We must—"

Varkanax suddenly broke off as something slammed into his chest. There was a horrific snapping noise, followed by Varkanax's look of stunned disbelief. Then the Toa— Shardak— fell to the ground, his broken body collapsing limply at the present-day Shardak's feet.

Shardak whirled around at once, searching for who had fired the shot at Varkanax. It didn't take long for him to find her.

Korlei was standing behind him, her face hidden in the shadows cast by the Citadel, her empty eyes staring into his. In one hand she held a blaster. "One Spirit Toa down, one Spirit Toa to go." she laughed, raising the weapon and pointing it at Shardak's heart.

All at once, Shardak knew there was nothing he could do to avoid the blast, nor was there anything he could do to stop his death happening the same way Varkanax's had. As he faced Korlei, he knew that no amount of speed, no shield that Ikarax could throw up to protect him, could save his life fast enough to avoid his death at the avatar's hands.

And then, with phenomenal speed, three of the Warrior Class appeared in front of him even as Korlei fired the shot, one charging at Shardak, the other two attacking Korlei. Shardak thrust upward with the Blade of Arcturas, burying the Sword of Fire in the Sleikha Inferni's throat. Before one of the Warrior Class' tentacles could wrap around Shardak, its host body gave out, and it fell to the ground.

Slowly, however, the wound began to heal before Shardak's amazed eyes. Do not hesitate! yelled Ikarax. ''The Warrior Class are impossibly hard to kill. You must wound them enough so they cannot immediately come after you, then run. ''

Shardak nodded, burying his grief at Varkanax's death. There was no time for him to remain sad at what had become of the being with the skeletal hand. His own death drew near, and he needed to be clear-minded about the right decision when the time came to make it.

Shardak could feel the Elementals tiring as he rejoined Valkyria and Luxa. Ardhána was clearing a path to the Citadel, but surrounded as they were by Ix Limiters and Sleikha Inferni Warriors, they couldn't reach her without fighting their way through many, many more of the Ix soldiers and Warrior Class Living Dead. Areop, Reid Vaethar, and the other most elite of all the Resistance soldiers fought beside them, not against them. Beneath the shadows of the massive buildings and the light cast by the dark flames created by the Codrex above, Shardak and the Resistance fought on against the threats they faced.

Suddenly there was a great flash of light, and Shardak noticed twisting elemental shadows rising into the sky. Slowly, yet ever surely, they began to take shape amidst the burning fires that the night skies of Shadovar had become. Shardak recognized the twisting pattern at once. A Shadows Coil.

The mark that the Ix used to signify that they had won a great victory. That they had killed or rendered useless one of their greatest enemies.

The moment the Shadows Coil appeared, every one of the Resistance warriors seemed to weaken, to pale before the mark of victory. Even the Sleikha Inferni seemed weak when confronted by the sheer might of the Ix. Shardak suddenly realized his foes seemed twice as threatening.

It obviously had the intended effect. But what Shardak didn't understand was why they'd fired the mark. They hadn't won a victory, not yet.

Then it hit him, and he could see his fear mirrored on the face of Valkyria. "Atarus," he whispered. "They've killed Atarus."

"They couldn't have," said Luxa. "I cannot believe that Atarus would fall that easily to the Ix."

"I haven't seen any signs of him or Fairon since I arrived from the Plain of Mirrors," said Shardak. "It has to be."

He somehow just knew it. The cold pit of fear in the depths of his heart knew it to be true. A Shadows Coil had been fired, Atarus was missing. They must have killed him.

The Coil of Shadows, thought Shardak, remembering the words from the Prophecy as he stared up at the skies. The Prophecy had foretold this as well, and Shardak wondered once again why Atarus had never shown it to him. He could have learned much more about his destiny had he only known from the beginning, when he'd met Silencer. Or after he'd joined the Resistance. Or after—

"We must get to the Citadel," said Shardak, pushing the thoughts away as he charged toward another group of Limiters surrounding a Death Spire. "We—"

"So we meet again, Shardak," said a new voice, weak, yet still defiant. Shardak, Valkyria, and Luxa whirled around, startled at the voice. "Though this time it seems that you have brought other friends as well."

Shardak recognized the Elemental standing before him immediately. It was Windeus, the treacherous Elemental who along with Reyna had helped create the plan to use the virus which had ultimately unleashed the Sleikha Inferni once more upon the universe. He held Aquaros, the Sword of Water, in one hand. Now, it seemed, Windeus was being altered by the same plague, for he and all of his men had the look of Infected, as Karizdun had in the Void. However, Windeus defiantly clung to life, his crazed eyes staring into Shardak's. "Look at me, Shardak. Can you not see that the Final Plan is coming to completion?"

"What?" Shardak asked incredulously. "This was the Plan? To unleash this virus upon the world so that it could kill everything? Why?"

"Oh, poor deluded Toa," Windeus laughed weakly. Tentacles were already sprouting from his chest and sides, and his eyes were growing steadily more empty. His hands trailed green sparks. "The Sleikha Inferni are merely one stage in the great plan. A plan that will make what has happeend here today irrelevent forever."

"Why? What is Vahrikaan planning?" asked Shardak.

"He will give us the promise of the Annulus, what all of our weakest allies suspected all along," said Windeus. "And a new age will dawn. You will not be part of it."

And with that, he leapt at Shardak. Shardak could feel the Elementals he held within his mind battering at Windeus' consciousness, but he suddenly felt one presence vanish. Then another. Then another. And still Windeus bore down on him, Aquaros in hand. Shardak could see Valkyria and Luxa were both locked in combat with Red Shadows, too far away to help him now.

''What's happening? ''asked Shardak, as another of the Elementals vanished into nothingness. ''Why are they dying? ''he asked Ikarax.

They are shielding you from the infection, said Ikarax, as Aquaros raked across his shoulder again. ''So you do not catch the plague. However, we cannot shield you for much longer''—

Then Ikarax vanished, along with the remaining Elementals. ''What happened? ''Shardak asked telepathically. Are you alive?

Yes, whispered Ikarax. ''But the Deathmeld is too strong for us to break free from now in our weakened state. Defeat Windeus. Kill Vahrikaan. If we can break the hold the Deathmeld has on us, we will come. We''—

Then the telepathic link vanished and there was nothing left of Ikarax's voice in Shardak's mind. Now Shardak knew it would only take one cut from Aquaros for him to die immediately from the plague and be reanimated as a mindless Infected, moving only at the will of the Deathmeld, which would at last absorb him completely once all other life was gone.

"We...will...destroy...you," gasped out Windeus as the last spark of life died from his eyes. "We are the Ix...and we have won!"

''Are any of you still with me? ''Shardak asked as the dying Elemental bore down on him, hoping at least one Elemental would answer.

The plague took a greater toll on us than we thought, one of the Elementals answered. ''But six of us remain with you, including I, Scarax of the Earth Kingdom. Those seven others that still live have been taken hold of by the plague and their spirits were forced to leave.''

They're dead? Shardak asked Scarax.

No, but weakened. The Deathmeld has a hold over them now, and unless they can break free, we will not find them again.

At that moment, Windeus' body sagged, and Shardak saw that the Elemental's eyes were blank. Then, slowly, the being rose to his feet. The last light of life within him had been extinguished. Windeus had died at the hands of the very virus that he himself had worked on to contain and to unleash.

But the Sleikha Inferni which had taken control of the corpse would not allow him to escape either. As Shardak and the dead Elemental faced each other, the Sleikha Inferni lunged forward—

—As one of Ardhána's swords buried itself in his heart. Windeus' body crumpled to the ground, trailing green sparks from one hand. Aquaros fell from his grasp.

"So dies the traitor," said Ardhána, regarding Windeus' corpse with contempt. Shardak gingerly pried free the Sword of Water, stifiling his grief. He knew know that Nightwatcher was dead. Why else would Windeus have his sword? He was surprised he felt so much pain at the bounty hunter's passing. The moment he grabbed Aquaros, he could feel a jolt run up his arm, and a current of energy seemed to arc from Aquaros to the Blade of Arcturas, pulling the twin swords together. He sheathed the Sword of Water and immediately the light vanished.

"We have to get going," said Shardak at once, pushing all other emotions save determination aside. "The Sleikha Inferni has taken control of Windeus' body, and it won't stay down for long."

Ardhána nodded. "I've found a way into the Citadel," she said as they rejoined Luxa and Valkyria. The front gates of the Citadel were surrounded only by a thin line of Ix Red Shadows led by a cloaked Ix Lord, but the main Resistance army was still locked in combat with the hordes of Ix and Warrior Class that they didn't notice. "The Inferni are already scaling the west wall. It's clear they want Shadovar as well."

"There are still many Inferni and Ix standing before us," said Shardak, staring at the massed armies. There was no clear line of who was on whose side, as many of the Ix were Infected or completely taken over as Warrior Class. But the virus had spread to the Resistance as well, and many of the lead Veythari and several Dargon also carried the infection. But overall fewer rebels were Infected than Ix.

But those thought passed as quickly as they'd come, for a moment later Shardak, Luxa, and Valkyria were once again locked in battle against the Ix armies and the Infected and Warrior Class Inferni. Shardak soon lost track of Ardhána's position, and saw to his surprise she was fighting alongside Vaethar and several other Veythari against a group of Veythari Infected who were attacking the Resistance. She was being cut off from them by hundreds of Ix warriors, and she motioned to Shardak to get to the Citadel with a wave of her hand.

Now only three of them remained. Shardak could feel and see the Blade of Arcturas hack, slash, and stab its way through the Ix army and Infected as he fought his way into the very heart of Shadovar. The remaining Red Shadows surrounding the Citadel scattered at his approach, despite the fact he could no longer call upon the power of the Elementals to aid him. Shardak hoped desperately they could escape the Deathmeld, but even if they could, he knew, how could they find him again? He doubted he'd still be alive for much longer. Indeed, even had there been no Prophecy of Time, he would have suspected his days were numbered.

I only hope we stop Vahrikaan before the Deathmeld and the Inferni grow too powerful, Shardak thought. Valkyria and Luxa will be able to help stop it. And Vaethar, Fultran, and Ardh ána.

Slashing his way through the remaining Red Shadows, Shardak watched as Valkyria and Luxa lunged at the Ix Lord, Luxa's sword cutting his throat, Valkyria's scimitar running him through the heart. The cloaked Ix Lord collapsed. Shardak stared at his features, but didn't recognize the dead Ix.

Shardak stared at the yawning mouth of the citadel. Suddenly the entire battlefield seemed to grow very quiet as he stepped through the arch, forced open the gates, and stepped inside.

He was standing in a massive, dimly torchlit hallway made of black mirror-glass which was only partially opaque. Indeed, he could see his own reflection very dimly in the glass, and the reflection of Valkyria and Luxa in it as well. Shardak and the two other beings continued in silence down the dim hallways of the Citadel, which appeared to be empty, until they halted before a set of massive, ornate double doors. And all three of the aura users could feel the raw power contained behind them.

Shardak saw that Luxa was unhurt, save for several scratches. Shardak noticed for the first time that Valkyria had been cut by a dagger-scythe. It was still bleeding slightly. "Should we bind that?" he asked. "It looks—"

"No. I'll be fine." said Valkyria. "It's not dangerous."

Shardak nodded slightly, unconvinced. But there was so little time left, and he didn't have time to argue now.

"Before I—" Shardak whispered. "Before I— go in, you must both know you can still turn back. You don't have to go in with me. My destiny says I must. But you are both free to do as you please now."

Luxa shook her head. "No," said the Illieran. "I will see Vahrikaan overthrown. I cannot let you go by yourself to face the Dark Lord. Who knows how many minions he will have guarding him in there?"

"And I'll never leave you," said Valkyria, her face determined. "There's no way I'm letting you confront Vahrikaan without me."

Shardak took her hands in his. "Always," he whispered to her quietly.

"Please make sure...once we're in there," said Valkyria. "If Vahrikaan forces me to do something to help him, promise me you'll kill me before you let his plan suceed."

Shardak hesitated, uncomfortable with the idea. Could he really kill Valkyria, if the fate of the universe depended on it?

But he'd want her to do the same for him. "Yes," he said. "I will. And you will do the same for me?"

"Yes," said Valkyria. Her eyes were filled with pain, but she held his gaze. Silence fell between them.

"Shardak," said Valkyria after a few moments. "I only wish...we'd had a little more time. To share dreams."

Shardak felt pain throb within his heart. Pain that he knew he would die, and that Valkyria would watch, and that he would not see her again even if he won against Vahrikaan. His throat worked. "Stop the Deathmeld," he said to both of them when he found his voice again. He'd lost so much in the war against Vahrikaan. But how had he gained so many loyal friends? "Don't let the Infection spread any further."

Valkyria nodded acknowledgement.

We must go, Scarax whispered. And Shardak stepped forward, pulling open the doors. Silently, he and Luxa and Valkyria stepped inside, looking around them.

They were standing in a massive, dimly lit room that was so dark Shardak couldn't make out the walls, or exactly how large the room was, or even where the ceiling was. But the long hallway eventually led to the steps of a raised dias, and atop the raised dias there was a massive throne that appeared to have been sculpted from pure glass. It was massively huge, rising high into the air above them. Two guards wearing rust-red robes and carrying scythe-spears stood guard over the throne itself.

And seated upon the throne there was a shadowy figure wearing an ornate, jeweled crown of glass atop his head, which shrouded his features in shadow. The crown of Arcaea. In one hand he held a ring which gleamed with blue light and had ornate runes eched upon it which gleamed green in the shadows. A red jewel was set at the top of the ring. The Shadow Orb. It was as red as an open wound, as bloody as a thousand battles. It was beauty and death and raw desire. Staring at it was like gazing into the eye of Karzahni, and it blazed with all of the pain it had ever created.

In the other hand the being carried a sword the color of glass which gleamed with a dangerous light of its own, casting momentary light on the face of his enemy, whose eyes gleamed like two slits of red ice as he saw Shardak, Luxa, and Valkyria approach.

Lord Vahrikaan.

As they approached the dias, Shardak heard a voice call out, weak, yet still alive. "No, Shardak, no!"

"Atarus?" Shardak gasped, as he saw the golden-armored Elemental lying chained at the foot of the throne, the two rust-red garbed guards standing around him.

What are you doing here! Get out! Flee—"

Be silent, ordered a new voice, quiet yet authoritive. Atarus' voice was immediately cut off. It took Shardak a moment to realize that Vahrikaan had spoken. The moment Atarus stopped speaking, Vahrikaan turned his attention back to Shardak, and the Toa of Aura qualied visibly beneath the Dark Lord's gaze. "Greetings, Spirit Toa Shardak, and to Scarax and the other Elementals with you that I have long believed dead. And greetings to you as well, Commander Valkyria Rhai of the Ix Empire, and Luxa, heir of the Illierans. It is a pleasure to meet you in person all at last."

Shardak said nothing, simply stared into the hypnotic red eyes of Vahrikaan. Valkyria flinched as Vahrikaan gave her old rank and name from her days as a servant of the Empire.

"And it will be a pleasure to stop you!" said Luxa, snapping Shardak and Valkyria from their daze. Her gaze flicked from Shardak to Valkyria, and they charged toward the throne.

The two guards moved to block their path, but Vahrikaan was faster. "Be still," ordered Vahrikaan. Immediately Luxa, whose sword had been suspended in midair, froze, and her body simply grew still. Shardak felt his hands clamp to his sides as he neared the dias, unable to move. Valkyria froze as well, and for a while Vahrikaan said nothing, merely stared at them with eyes colder than the darkest nights of winter.

Do not try to attack me in my own throne room, on the night of my triumph, said Vahrikaan. His calm demeanor was somehow still more disconcerting than the blackest rage. If you are coming to help me, Toa Shardak, the least that you can do is remain civil."

Take him down, ordered Scarax, his voice filled with hatred as he stared at Vahrikaan through Shardak's eyes. ''We can break his hold on you. The moment the hold is broken, we will attack with all of our Elemental strength and you can use the Shadow Orb.''

"I'm not—here—to help you," Shardak managed to gasp out. Each word cost more air, and each time he breathed caused him pain. "I came— to destroy you."

"But you will help me, all the same," said Vahrikaan calmly.

"Never!" snarled Scarax from Shardak's mouth, at the same time tearing Shardak's body free from the hold and sending a roiling cloud of Elemental energy at Vahrikaan. Instead of leaping away from the attack, or countering with a stronger blast of Elemental energy, Vahrikaan simply lifted a hand, and the Elemental power dispersed on the wind.

As Shardak charged forward, raising the piece of the Shadow Orb, Vahrikaan held up his hand and Shardak froze again in place, unable to act. Three more of the guards appeared from the shadows of the room and raised thekir spears. Then Vahrikaan lifted the Annulus, and Shardak felt a great pain as the remaining Elementals were torn from his body and their spirits dragged into the Annulus, bound and trapped there with no hope of escape. Shardak felt their auras dim, then vanish almost completely as the Annulus took hold.

"Such resistance is futile," said Vahrikaan. "I would think that if you did not before realize it, you understand now that I am invulnerable to your assaults. As for the fragment of the Shadow Orb, you wrre a fool to think I didn't know you had it. But Shadovar has already given me a replacement to make the Shadow Orb and the Annulus whole. There is no need for your fragment. Now I think it is time that we talked about how you can help me."

Shardak remained silent, allowing Vahrikaan to continue. Luxa and Valkyria likewise said nothing, wondering what Vahrikaan was about to tell them. "This ring, the Annulus, is the key to Shadovar," said Vahrikaan. 'It held me imprisoned for so long it is now attuned to my will, and is one of my most dangerous weapons. But even the strength of the Annulus pales in comparison with that of the Crescent Blade."'

Vahrikaan lifted the curved scythe-sword, and Shardak saw that the weapon was the color of empty glass, the color of the mirrors of Shadovar through which you could fall forever and allow your soul to drain away. The blank nothingness of the Crescent Blade was far, far worse than any shade of black, be it ever so dark. 

"The Ancients were a people long before your own, with their own customs, technology, and gods. But eventually they tired of their gods' control as well and revolted, and this weapon, which had once been their gods' ultimate weapon, was turned against them and used to destroy them. And then the Ancients turned on each other, until one Ancient released the 'Sleikha Inferni virus from its prison, hoping, perhaps, that he could use it to destroy all of the others. Then, when all of the other Ancients had been destroyed and the virus exterminated, the last Ancient scribed the visions he had seen in the Crescent Blade onto stone tablets, forming the Prophecy Triad. He then used the weapon against the Elementals, and was at last killed. And the Crescent Blade, along with the other relics of that time, were lost.''

"And yet, it seems," continued Vahrikaan. "That we are all determined to bring them together once more. For they are all here, the four swords of elemental power, the Crescent Blade, the Codrex, and the Annulus. As all of them were gathered on the night of the Fall, when your father destroyed Arcaea, and everything the Ancients and Elementals had created except Shadovar itself."

"He did it to stop you!" snarled Shardak, before falling silent once more.

"But he did not, merely slowed me down for the blink of an eye. I have been sealed in the ring for millennia, Toa. And I existed for millennia before then as well. Do you really think I cared that I was forced to wait seventy-seven more years to be freed? When you have seen millions of years go by from a ring, you do not interpret time in the same way as those around you. Indeed, time is no more than an endless echo of the past, with each civilization that follows the last making the same mistakes as their forefathers. Something I intend to use the Codrex to change."

"Where is this Codrex? The artifact you plan to destroy the universe with?" Shardak asked, looking around. He so no sign of anything other than Vahrikaan, the throne, the dias, and the guards in the room. Then again, he himself couldn't even see the walls.

Vahrikaan lifted the Annulus again, and the room was suddenly lit up with hundreds of lights. Shardak saw a raised platform attached to a control grid behind him, upon which blue light seemed to flicker. The light traveled from the platform's control grid and upward, into the cieling, where it flowed in an abstract pattern across the ceiling, into the throne, and at last into the Annulus in Vahrikaan's hand, which gleamed with blue light as the power of Shadovar surged through it.

"The Codrex is all around us. There is no one device. This room is Shadovar."

Vahrikaan lowered the ring, and the light vanished. "I do not plan to destroy the universe, nor do I plan to wipe all life from the universe as the last Ancients did, leaving this place empty until the Mindeaters recolonized it and made the primitive lifeforms that survived their slaves. Though Shadovar is capable of that. No, Toa, my plan is far, far greater than that, Toa."

"Then what do you plan to do?" Shardak asked, his voice trembling slightly on the last few syllables.

"Let me tell you, Spirit Toa," said Vahrikaan. "Have you ever wondered why I allowed the Ix to destroy the Toa? And why I killed those who still lived in Eternal Games?"

"Because you knew what the Final Prophecy foretold," said Shardak. "That a Toa with Elemental blood would destroy you!"

"No," said Vahrikaan. "That would have been the worst possible reason. Not only would I have risked killing you with Elimination, I would have turned you against me so completely you would never have broken the seal on the Annulus, which is what I needed you for in the first place. No, the Toa died for another reason."

"What?" asked Shardak, his voice quivering with rage. "How can you justify the genocide of ten thousand Toa?"

"Every single one of the races that the Ancients helped upon the path to sentience had a specific purpose. The Elementals they bound to use their power, a practice I continue to use. The souls of hundreds of dead Elementals are bound within me, Shardak. You were foolish to think that six could destroy me. The Great Beings were designed to create and to develop new organisms, so that life could continue. The Ix were tasked with safeguarding the relics of the Ancients, so that never would they fall into the wrong hands. And then there were the Toa, whose task was to defeat those creatures who threatened the balance of order, to protect the working class, the Matoran, Glatorian, and Agori, and to, if it became necessary, use the power of the artifacts to defeat an enemy who was too powerful.

"The Ancients bound their most powerful weapons to the Toa, ensuring that no one but the Toa, not even the Elemental rulers of Arcaea, could use Shadovar to destroy, no one could use the Annulus to free me, and no one could unite the four Elemental swords into the Sword of Time. Only the Toa could. Those few Toa who had sworn loyalty to be are all dead now, but one of them, freed the safeguard on the Crescent Blade and the four swords. 

'"But Shadovar remains bound, so that only the Toa can activate it. Any Toa or being with Toa blood." 'said Vahrikaan. "And one of you will open the Codrex for me. So I can end all that is."

"So you do plan on destroying the universe, like the last Ancient! You're insane!" said Shardak.

"No," said Vahrikaan. "I am not insane, nor do I plan on ending all life in the multiverse. When Shadovar is activated, the many plains of existance, with all of their myriad life forms, will be drawn together into one. And then, when Arcaea collides with Xaterex, the explosion will tear across the plains. And I will feed on the chaos to make the explosion grow still larger, until it consumes everything completely.

"But once the Annulus is placed within the Shadovar Codrex by one of you, I will take control of the energy unleashed by both the explosion and by the Deathmeld, whose energy I can feed off of as long as it remains in Shadovar. And then I will use the Annulus how it was meant to be used millennia ago, before it became my tomb— to become pure energy that will ascend to the highets of plains, unbound by mortal form or weakness.

"I will not just be the ruler of the universe, nor will I just be a god. I will be the multiverse. I will be all that is. And I will be so, so much more, for I will be able to take any form I choose, create any beings I so wish. My loyal allies will join me as powerful entities under me, and we will remake the universe how we see fit. For I will be all of the plains of existance."

Shardak was stunned by the implications. Not only was what Vahrikaan was saying possible, he was surprised that he hadn't realized it before. Had not they thought the Ix believed the Annulus would ascend their leaders to godhood before they'd known that Vahrikaan was imprisoned within the Annulus? He'd thought it had merely been a myth after he'd learned the truth, but now he realized that Atarus' guess had been right.

Atarus began to writhe in his captivity beneath the throne, but Vahrikaan immobilized him once more. It was painful for Shardak to watch Atarus call out, but be unable to hear anything he said or what he was telling them.

"But that's— that's—" Shardak began, but he couldn't finish. Not only could Vahrikaan's plan work, he was not insane. Only Shardak, Valkyria, and Luxa stood between his certain sucess now that Vahrikaan had absorbed the remaining Elementals he'd had with him.

"You can still join me, you know," said Vahrikaan. "Once Shardak — or Luxa, as Illierans are Toa offshoots—  places the Annulus inside control grid, I will have gained full control over the Codrex, and the destruction mechanism will be activated. And my ascension, and those who have remained loyal to me throughout this long war  — the Final Plan— 'will begin." '

"No!" Shardak said defiantly. "We've stopped you before. We can stop you again."

'"How have you ever stopped me?" 'Vahrikaan asked. "You merely survived by running away from your destiny all of these years. And when I give you the oppurtunity to fulfill it, you still turn my offer down. You stopped my rising on Corona Magna, yes. But the power that you and Eostra released into the Annulus was enough for me to free myself after the Annulus was reassembled. You helped destroy the Sarkanian clones and Shadowdermis, yes. But I have minions far more dangerous than those you killed, who are even now destroying your Resistance army alongside the Living Dead. Every one of my avatars is far greater than the Sarkanian clones. 

"You did unleash the virus, and now the Deathmeld has been reborn because of you. But the Deathmeld is merely an asset to my power, not something that hinders my plan. I can draw on its power, and the power of the Living Dead, as long as I remain in control of Shadovar. Like all of my other servants, it must obey my orders. So you see, Toa, your only talent is running away. You only ever survived because you ran, and hid behind more powerful people whom you forced me to kill for you. You have won nothing except false victories, and now I have won in spite of those."

Vahrikaan threw the Annulus at Shardak, who caught it with one outstretched hand. Immediately Shardak felt a surge of auric power flood through him, far greater power than anything he'd ever felt before in the aura field. Immediately he tried to lash out at Vahrikaan, but found that once again his auric abilities did not work. Two of the guards raced down the dias and grabbed his hands and throat, immobilizing him.

"I control Shadovar, Toa Shardak," said Vahrikaan. "Which has the power to bind the Elementals themselves. I control all Elemental power in this room, including aura. Do not try to attack me again. You are only valuable as long as you light the Codrex. If you do not, then I will have to kill you, and the Prophecy of Time shall go unfilfilled."

"The Prophecy says I'll kill you!" said Shardak.

"No, merely that the Spirit shall seal my fate," said Vahrikaan. "You will indeed seal my fate, Shardak— by completing the final plan."

Shardak, Luxa, and Valkyria all looked at each other. This was their final insurance, that they would die before they helped Vahrikaan. At last Luxa lifted her short crossbow, and to Shardak's surprise she was able to move. She looked to Shardak for confirmation, and he nodded. Luxa loaded a crossbow bolt and pointed it at Shardak's heart.

"We will never help you," she said. "And unless you let us go right now, I will kill the Spirit Toa, then myself, then Valkyria. And you will never find another Toa or Illieran in time before Arcaea collides with Xaterex and kills both you and the Deathmeld."

The guards tensed, but knew there was nothing they could do to save Shardak if Luxa shot him. As Shardak knew she would any moment.

Vahrikaan held her gaze. '"You'd never kill the Toa." '

"To stop you, we will do anything," Valkyria promised, reaching for her bow.

Shardak looked to both of them, who were ready to die with him before they let Vahrikaan win. Maybe this really was the only way to fulfill the Prophecy.

And as he stood facing Luxa and Valkyria, he realized that with such good friends he wouldn't mind dying now.

He nodded once to Luxa. "Do it." he whispered calmly.

Two shots rang out, and Shardak heard the sickening snap of bone. Luxa's eyes widened. She staggered forward, and Shardak saw two pulses embedded in her back. Her spine had literally been shattered into fragments. Luxa's body gave out, and she fell dead to the floor, blood still pouring from the terrible wound.

Shardak whirled around and saw that Vahrikaan himself had stepped off the throne, holding the Crescent Blade in one hand, a Shattering Gun in the other. His red eyes smouldered with rage as he pointed the Shattering Gun.

"Do not continue struggling," he said, voice cold. "I see the truth now. You are too weak to do anything more than die. Once you have begun the Final Plan, both of you will die for this, knowing that I have won and you have won nothing more than death."

Vahrikaan turned his gaze on the guards restraining them. "Do what you must." he ordered.

The two guards half-dragged Shardak, who struggled the entire way, up to the second raised dias, where the controls for Shadovar were located. Shardak could see the controls were not the technologically advanced levers and gears he'd expected, but an ancient series of runes he could not read that gleamed blue, red, and green as he brushed his hand over them. There was a single ring-shaped hole at the front of the Shadovar device, where he was sure the Annulus was meant to be placed. Red runes in the shape of lightning bolts surrounded that area, and while Shardak could not read them, the meaning was clear. The Annulus brought only destruction.

Vahrikaan had Valkyria immobilized. The Ix girl's face was frozen in an expression of fear. "Watch," Vahrikaan told her. "Watch as he destroys everything that you hold dear."

The guards had escorted Shardak to the edge of the platform. Shardak could only stare at Luxa's fallen body and Valkyria's expression of shock and fear.

"Begin," ordered Lord Vahrikaan. The rust-red garbed Ix guard slammed the hand holding the Annulus against the runes, causing them to light up with blue-green light. Shardak felt pain lance up his arm and into his wounds as the guard twisted his hands, forcing his fingers to place the Annulus into the Shadovar Codrex. Shardak, blinded by grief, could do nothing to stop them.

As the Annulus merged with the Shadovar Codrex, Vahrikaan raised the Crescent Blade above his head in triumph. The room blazed with blue light as, one by one, the entire Shadovar Codrex gleamed with throbbing, pulsing light, illuminating the rest of the room around him. Shardak could only stare in horror at Vahrikaan's look of triumph and Valkyria's and Atarus' expressions, which mirrored his own. Fear. Terrible, terrible fear that came with the knowledge that Vahrikaan had won.

Shardak and the guards strode down from the raised platform, Shardak glaring at Vahrikaan with pure hatred. "Kill me, then," he said. "End it all."

"No, Spirit Toa," said Vahrikaan. "You will die, yes, but not by my hand. Another has requested the honor of bringing your deaths, and I have decided to grant him it."

"Who is it?" Shardak asked, his fear growing still greater. Not only had he assured Vahrikaan's rise, he would now have to die in a long battle, rather than a quick death at the hands of Vahrikaan or the guards, as Luxa's had been.

"It was I," said a familiar voice. An Elemental clad in obsidian armor with cold red eyes and a skull mask stepped from the shadows behind Vahrikaan's throne. "I will be your executioner," said Skorpix. In one hand, the Elemental carried Isidar, in the other, a sword that was Isidar's twin except for the fact it was black. The Sword of Earth.

"No!" Valkyria gasped, her eyes widening in fear. Skorpix flashed her a sadistic smile. "Oh, hello there, Valkyria," he said. "How is my little traitor? I will enjoy killing you."

All of the rage that Shardak felt suddenly boiled over. Tearing free from the guard's grasp, he stepped forward to stand in front of Valkyria. "You cannot kill Val," he said. "I will not let you!"

"Oh, Spirit Toa," said Skorpix. "You cannot stand against us. For this is a matter that we must settle between us, as family must."

Shock ran through Shardak's body like a lightning bolt, and for a moment he forgot all about Vahrikaan. "Family?" he asked.

"Yes," said Skorpix. "She is my daughter!"

Chapter 31
Fairon raised his twin scimitars, one of them cutting down a tall Ix Infected. Chaos was spreading among the ranks of the Ix, and while many were scattering at the approach of the Resistance and the Warrior Class, many of them were still holding out. Despite the loss of senior leadership, Eostra the Hooded One, Lyria, one of the few surviving members of the original order that had tried to free Vahrikaan on Arcaea, and of course Korlei were all still alive. Reid Vaethar, Areop, and Fairon were locked in combat with the deadly avatar of Vahrikaan, who despite the fact she and her Ix squadron were cut off from the Hooded One's remnant army and surrounded by rebels and Infected, did not surrender.

Despite the fact the Ix were fragmenting, Fairon knew that they'd soon rebuild their scattered legions. Ever since Var'kala had punched through the hull of the Fire Tear, almost completely destroying the Resistance flagship and killing Ixtil, Admirals Tern and Tiral, and many other elite Resistance soldiers aboard, the Ix had easily maintained the upper hand in the battle in the skies. On the ground, the Resistance was slaughtering their way through hundreds of Infected and Ix to reach the Citadel. Several groups of soldiers, including those led by the Elemental known as Ardhána, were already at the Citadel gates, and the Warrior Class were scaling the west wall of the Citadel while simultaenously blasting it with the armored vehicles they'd salvaged from Var'kala. Fairon knew it was only a matter of time before the Warrior Class were inside the Citadel itself.

And Fairon knew they had to get there before them. Already they had both Vahrikaan and the Deathmeld to deal with, he didn't need the Warrior Class to get their hands on Shadovar as well.

But Korlei would not surrender, and even if they somehow managed to kill the Ix avatar of Vahrikaan, they still had the Hooded One— another avatar— to deal with as well. And the Hooded One was arguably even more dangerous and powerful.

Korlei, seeing the last of the Infected attackers fall, hurled a lightning bolt at Fairon, which connected with his shoulder. Fairon staggered backward, and at the same time, Korlei leaped at him, aiming to finish him off. But Vaethar was quicker, and covered him by firing an arrow, then a second, in rapid sucession at Korlei. Korlei leaped to one side, dodging one, and caught the other in one hand. As a Glatorian charged her, Korlei speared him through the heart with the same arrow. He collapsed dead to the ground.

By then, Fairon had recovered, and, throwing aside one scimitar, snatched a shield from a fallen Resistance soldier just in time to deflect Korlei's lightning bolt. The shield almost shattered completely the first time the bolt hit it. By the second volley of lightning it had been melted into a useless slag of metal. Fairon tossed it aside, and the scimitar slammed into Korlei's, but the avatar easily deflected his clumsy series of attacks and lunged out at him, cutting at his shoulder, then slashing down three Infected in the same motion. Fairon staggered backward, and as Areop and the Dargon and Veythari charged foward, slashing at Korlei, she leapt aside and not one of their swords hit her.

One of the Dargon had overreached himself, and Korlei's scimitar flicked out like a silver tongue, cutting his throat in a single fluid motion. As the Dargon and Veythari retreated hurriedly, Korlei blasted one with lightning then cut down three of the other Dargon in a single motion. One of the Veythari wasn't quite quick enough to dodge and his leg was cut open by Korlei's scimitar.

There was no doubt in Fairon's mind about it now. She had to be stopped. Korlei was too dangerous; if she wasn't defeated soon, then the main Resistance army would never gain entrance to the Citadel. And Shardak, Valkyria, and Luxa, even if they managed to overcome Lord Vahrikaan, would be trapped in there with hundreds of the Inferni Warrior Class.

Luxa, Fairon thought. If he survived this, there was so much he had to tell her. He hoped that, despite the hatred that had ran between them since Arcaea, if he survived the battle against Korlei and Vahrikaan, they'd be able to continue developing the friendship that had grown since their capture by the Mindeaters. Fairon could see the Mindeater ships above him, and felt almost as if Thrazkul's hand was reaching out to take control of him once more.

Unlikely, Fairon thought. Thrazkul's probably back at Penumbra, letting his ships do most of the fighting.

Fairon was jerked out of his thoughts by the flash of Korlei's scimitar, which he moved to block. Reid Vaethar had been wounded badly during his battle with the Infected and the Ix outside one of the barrier towers, but he and Areop made a fantastic team against Korlei. Fairon watched as Areop slashed open Korlei's leg, and the Ix female retaliated with a burst of blue lightning, trailing green sparks.

''Green energy. The sign of the Infected. ''

Suddenly Fairon realized that Korlei did indeed have the Sleikha Inferni virus. A small tentacle had grown from the side of her arm, and it was growing larger and gleaming with green light. Fairon charged toward Korlei, wondering how long they had before she became a full Infected under the complete control of the Deathmeld. He knew Vahrikaan was skilled, but could he halt the spread of the virus?

As Korlei lunged at Fairon, scimitar flashing, Fairon saw her fingers were growing slightly longer around the hilt of her scimitar. Her Ix soldiers were still locked in combat with the Veythari, but Fairon knew that soon they would fall, and that when they did it would be Korlei against the entire Resistance army.

Fairon didn't know who would win.

Korlei's tentacle-like arm snaked out at Fairon, and he leapt backward as the green energy flash more brightly. The flesh on her hands was withering, and her eyes, rather than being the horrible dead orbs of light, were flashing back and forth between green and black.

"Let's finish this," Vaethar hissed to Areop and Fairon, and they closed in on Korlei, who made no move to stop them. The Ix female slashed out with her scimitar, the sheer strength of the avatar disarming Areop, but she barely slowed the Dargon down for more than a second. Areop, Vaethar, Fairon, and another Veythari closed in on Korlei, who was only barely holding them off—

The scimitar went flying from Korlei's grasp, and Areop raised his claw to deal a death blow.

Tentacles tore their way free from Korlei's midsection, one of them wrapping around Areop's leg, and another tearing open his throat. Areop gave a hideous gurgling noise that Fairon knew he'd carry with him all the days of his life and fell dead to ground. Wildly the tentacles slashed out in every direction, one of them cutting open Korlei's face, another of them snapping the Veythari warrior's spine in a single hit. The last two reached out to entangle Vaethar and Fairon, but the two beings were too fast and leapt aside from Korlei's hideous, tangled limbs. Fairon saw Ardhána pull away from Korlei, shocked at the hideous amalgam of avatar and Infected she was becoming.

The Infection was accelerating now. Another grasping tentacle pushed its way free from Korlei's skull, reaching out at Fairon. Korlei's face was withering, turning corpse-like and horrific. Her eyes were blinking faster and faster, and her hands spun one way, the tentacle-arms the other, as though two entities were fighting for the control of Korlei's mind.

Then suddenly the Infection stopped. Korlei's eyes faded back to darkness, and another lightning bolt flew from her hands, slamming into a Veythari and knocking him to the ground, dead. Korlei was still Infected, but completely sane, and Fairon could tell that Vahrikaan was still in complete control of her actions, even if the Ix female was almost died. Indeed, Korlei's breath came in rattling gasps, and Fairon knew it was only a matter of time before she herself died, and Vahrikaan was controlling the virus alone.

Ardhána lunged foward, but Korlei dodged to one side, and Ardhána's sword sheared off the end of one of Korlei's hideous spiked tentacles. Reid Vaethar lunged forward and slashed at another tentacle, but instead Korlei reached out with one hand and tore the weapon from Korlei's hand.

"I'll hold her off!" Vaethar called to Ardhána and Fairon. "Kill the Hooded One and Lyria! They're our two priorities, not the Infected!"

"Yes," said Ardhána, speaking with uncharacteristic vehemence. "It is time for me, as one of the last Elementals who still lives in physical form to have my revenge on the betrayer who brought about the Fall. Eostra must die at my hands and no other."

Fairon nodded acknowledgement to both Vaethar and Ardhána, then he and the Elemental raced off, into the darkness. The moment Fairon and Ardhána left Korlei's squadron behind and drew nearer and nearer to the Citadel, Fairon could see that despite the Ix's heavy Resistance, the sheer numbers of the Infected and Warrior Class Inferni were winning here as well against both rebels and Ix. Fairon and Ardhána cut down many of them, but not one of the Inferni died as any normal being would when dealt a fatal wound.

The Infected were easy to kill, but the Warrior Class were almost indestructable, even when crushed by the few remaning armored vehicles the Ix had under their control. What was worse was the fact that many of the Warrior Class knew exactly how to run the vehicles as well, and as the number of Warrior Class rose from nearly five hundred from Var'kala to almost a thousand from some of the Infected whose infection was accelerated, it grew harder for Fairon to imagine they could deal with the Infected without taking even more casualties, and possibly being completely wiped out.

And between the Ix and the Infected, every one of us will be killed for sure unless we can somehow stop them both.

That first entailed eliminating the Hooded One and Lyria. While Korlei was in no position to be giving commands, not while she was almost dying, the two other surviving Ix commanders could and would still wipe out the entire Resistance even with the threat of the ''Inferni. ''And while Fairon had no doubts that Vahrikaan was directing the battle using his auric skills to empower the Ix and bolster their morale, it was the Hooded One's voice which gave the Orders. It was the Hooded One who had to be killed for them to have a chance at defeating the Ix.

Seven of the Inferni Warrior Class stood between them and their goal, along with a shambling mob of Infected. Fairon and Ardhána hacked and slashed their way through the hideous tentacled beings who had once been Vorgaan and Ix, the sight of Lyria and the Hooded One issuing commands for the defense of the Citadel emboldening them further.

An Inferni Warrior Class Vorgaan leapt at Fairon, sickle-sword flashing dowanward in a lightning-fast thrust at Fairon's heart. The Toa of Light deflected it easily, and speared the Warrior Class through the heart. The Inferni didn't even realize it had been stabbed until the blade had been buried all the way to the hilt, and Fairon felt muscle and bone give way beneath the sword. He tore the blade free with a ferocious twist, and the Warrior Class Inferni crumpled to the ground.

They can be killed, Fairon thought, relieved. Emboldened, he cut down the two remaining Infected sgtanding before him, and then charged at the two other Warrior Class still standing, who were both fighting Ardhána. The Elemental seemed to be holding her own, but Fairon could see that Eostra and the Ix were just out of reach. Ardhána cut down one of the Warrior Class easily with her sword and scimitar; Fairon's twin blades parried the counterattack and he finished off the other within moments, goring it through the heart.

Now they stood facing the Ix, while Korlei and the Inferni horde fought the Resistance. Fairon watched Lyria charge Ardhána, their swords locking effortlessly into a graceful, lethal combat dance. As he watched the Elemental and the Ix continue fighting, he knew the first one that made a mistake would be the first one to die.

A massive, heavily armed Red Shadow wearing a demonic laquered helmet and carrying a bloodstained club in one hand waded through the fray toward Fairon. He was already succumbing to the Infection, but his eyes still gleamed with the hideous sheen of a Red Shadow, not with the green light of a Sleikha Inferni.

The Red Shadow's club descended on Fairon, but he narrowly deflected it, feeling his arm almost give way as the club slammed against his sword. The second strike knocked the weapon from his hands. Fairon grabbed his remaining sword in two hands, and thrust it upward as the Red Shadow lunged outward. Fairon felt the crushing pain of the club slam into his back even as his scimitar was buried up to the hilt into the Red Shadow's chest. Fairon was flung to the ground, and at the same moment the Red Shadow collapsed, his blunt club falling from his hands.

Three Red Shadows armed with sickle-swords charged toward Fairon, and as he scrambled to his feet, Fairon saw the Red Shadow commander was standing behind two other Red Shadow guards, his eyes fixed on the battlefield. Of the three attacking Fairon, only one appeared to be growing infected, all of the others seemed unharmed.

Fairon sidestepped the first series of blows, but winced as his back caused him some pain. Fairon followed up a feint to one side with a blindingly fast side-stroke and one of the Red Shadows staggered back, wounded.

Then all three were on him again a moment later. Fairon easily deflected the first two thrusts, then winced in pain as the third Red Shadow drove his sickle-sword into Fairon's side. However, by doing so, he'd overreached himself, and Fairon cut him down immediately, his neck snapping beneath the weight of Fairon's sword.

The two others closed in around him. Fairon was fighting almost completely on the defensive now, and he knew that if he made a mistake, they'd kill him for it. Likwise, if they made a mistake, he could finish at least one of them off. The very air seemed stilled with tension as the three beings fought, knowing that any minute the first to slip would die.

There! For a fraction of a second Fairon saw one of the Red Shadows lift his sword about a centimeter too high, swinging it down at him. Quickly Fairon switched his grip on the sword and slashed upward, cutting through the Red Shadow's exposed side and into his heart. As the remaining Red Shadow turned on him, Fairon spun around, using the dead Red Shadow's body as a shield. As the remaining Red Shadow's sword buried itself in the body of the dead Red Shadow, Fairon's sword flicked out from the opposite side, dispatching the remaining Ix warrior.

Fairon felt something flash past his shoulder and spun around, shocked to see the two guards and the Red Shadow commander closing in on him. Fairon blocked the first Red Shadow's attack, nearly disarming him in a single blow. However, the second Red Shadow was faster than the first and missed Fairon's shoulder by inches. As he overextended himself, Fairon followed up with a devastating thrust to the heart which brought the Red Shadow to the ground.

The Red Shadow commander and his remaining guard were more weary now. Fairon saw to his surprise that the guard's eyes trailed green sparks, and he was already succumbing to the Infection. Looking around at the Ix, Fairon saw that more and more of the Inferni were charging toward the last remaining beings who guarded the Hooded One, and even Lyria had been slashed by a Warrior Class Inferni's sword. The infected Red Shadow closed in on Fairon, the infection dulling his reflexes. Fairon cut him down within moments, then turned to face the Red Shadow commander.

The commander was on him in a heartbeat, his sword flashing out from the blackness like a rent in the air itself. Fairon narrowly managed to avoid being skewered on the end of the sword. But quicker than he could have imagined, the Red Shadow commander raised the sword, slashing down at Fairon once more. Fairon felt the flat end of the sword strike him in the shoulder, and reeling from the blow, he was only barely able to block the Red Shadow's next strike.

Fairon thrust out clumsily at the Red Shadow, who easily deflected his sword and lunged out at him again. Fairon only narrowly managed to block it, and he and the Red Shadow's swords locked together in another deadly series of thrusts, parries, and blocks. Fairon suddenly blocked another of the Red Shadow leader's thrusts and realized there was an opening in his defenses just large enough for him to exploit—

Too late he realized it was a feint when the commander's eyes gleamed in triumph. As he spun around, almost knocking the sword from Fairon's hands, the commander's sword suddenly reversed direction, about to spear itself through Fairon's side—

Six Inferni suddenly slammed into the Red Shadow commander from behind, causing him to stagger. Fairon's sword met his, and as the Red Shadow staggered, off balance, cutting down several of the Infected with his sickle-sword, Fairon drove his scimitar through the Ix commander's heart even as one of the Infected ran a spear into his back.

The Red Shadow commander's eyes flashed with hatred, then he fell to the ground. Fairon cut down the remaining Infected in a few heartbeats and leapt over the scattered corpses, charging toward Lyria and Ardhána. Both the Elemental and the Ix's fighting skills were extremely good, but Ardhána was gaining the upper hand. With the last of the Red Shadows dead, Lyria was now alone, cut off from the Hooded One's remaining troops by Fairon, and she had nowhere to run as the Infected closed in on her. Ardhána thrust out at Lyria again, and this time the Ix female's defense almost wavered.

Sensing victory, Ardhána lunged forward at Lyria, but she'd miscalculated the Ix's speed. Lyria managed to leap to one side at the last moment, and Fairon and Lyria realized in the same heartbeat that Ardhána had made a fatal error.

Lyria's eyes flashed with triumph as she leapt at Ardhána for the kill. The Elemental was staggering off balance, and Fairon knew she would die if he couldn't get there first. A yell was torn from his throat as he leapt at them, his scimitar raised above his head.

Lyria landed on her feet, her scythe-daggers pointed downward, expecting them to bury themselves in Ardhána...only to suddenly feel blinding pain as Fairon appeared between them, a golden blur, and her own momentum propelled her onto the end of his scimitar. Lyria gave a gasp of pain, and Fairon could see the sword's tip protruded from her back. Her legs gave out beneath her, and the sword was then the only thing keeping her upright. Fairon tore the blade from her body and only Shadowed One who had been an Ix crumpled dead on the ground.

Fairon supposed it was a mercy that he'd killed her before the Infection had spread, and she had become tainted by the Inferni and eventually controlled by the virus.

"We must finish off the Hooded One before the Inferni do!" yelled Ardhána. "They have the remaining Ix guards surrounded!"

As Fairon fought his way through the small group of Infected which had surrounded the Hooded One and her small vanguard of Red Shadows, he saw that Ardhána had been wrong in thinking that the Inferni could kill the Hooded One. Indeed, Eostra had never seemed more powerful as dark lightning, laced with the green sparks of an Infected, flew from her fingertips, obliterating anything that stood against her. Even the Warrior Class simply crumbled to dust before her.

But they'd done their work. Every one of Eostra's remaining soldiers, including her, had the Inferni virus. Fairon knew that Vahrikaan was able to cure beings of it, though he couldn't render beings invulnerable. Perhaps Eostra would soon try to flee, and be cured of the virus by Vahrikaan.

That was unacceptable. Fairon knew they had to stop her now, before she was able to be cured. If she did escape, then they'd never have a chance of getting inside the Citadel. He and Ardhána charged at the Hooded One's remaining guards, and made short work of all but two of them, who carried longer spears. One had several tentacles protruding from its throat.

Suddenly there was a flash of blue light from within the Citadel, blue light that was growing larger, Fairon heard Eostra's shriek of triumph, echoed by all of the Ix who still surrounded the Citadel and those who still fought the rebels and Inferni. Eostra cackled at them from beneath her hood, jeering at their efforts against her soldiers. "The Final Plan has begun! Do you not realize that resistance is useless, Toa? The moment of our ascension has come!"

Fairon looked around him, and could see that Korlei and the Infected were still holding off the Resistance. Perhaps the Infected believed she was one of them, because he could spot her tentacled, corpse-like form among the hordes of Inferni. And despite the fact the Inferni were far smaller in numbers, they made up for it in their seeming invincibility. As for the Ix, their defenses were scattered at best, and at the main gate these were the only beings who remained. The Ix had many more troops still alive, but they were scattered throughout the city and the Infected were slowly overwhelming them.

"What plan?" Fairon called back, but the Hooded One did not answer, crackling bolts of black lightning flying from her hands and missing Fairon by centimeters.

Ardhána leapt to one side and managed to slash off the tip of one of the spears. As the other chagred Fairon, the Toa of Light blasted him backward with a ray of Elemental light, snapping his neck. Ardhána closed in on the other, who still used what was left of his spear to block her while he drew his sword. However, he wasn't able to hold Ardhána off for long, and in a few moments he lay dead on the ground, Ardhána's scimitar buried in his heart.

Ardhána tore the weapon free, and she and Fairon faced the Hooded One, the being who had brought about the Rising of Vahrikaan, masterminded the takeover of Arcaea, turned Arcturas to her side, and killed thousands of Toa in her mad scheme for power. Eostra embodied the Ix cause. Without her, there would have been no rising of Vahrikaan, no Deathmeld, and no Fall.

Fairon charged at Eostra, his sword raised. Ardhána closed in on her as well. Unfortunately, Eostra was extremely skilled in battle, and her scythe flashed out at him, gleaming like a tear in the fabric of the universe itself. Fairon only narrowly dodged the scythe, and faster than he would have believed the Hooded One capable of moving, Eostra brought her scythe down on Ardhána, cutting into the Elemental's shoulder. Ardhána was forced back several inches, and all at once Fairon was confronted by a blinding salvo of slashes from the scythe. He managed to avoid most of the slashes, but the next to last cut him on the chest, between the shoulder and his chestplate. Fairon winced in pain as the shredsteel cut into him, feeling as though his soul was draining away and time was slowing as the Hooded One raised the scythe to deal a death blow.

Then Ardhána was there. Immediately the Hooded One turned to face her like a sinister specter. "Submit, Ardhána! Your kind should stand at my side, not against me! The fulfillment of everything our race ever wanted is at hand!"

"You wish to destroy all things to complete some insane plan I do not understand," Ardhána countered. "That is not what we wanted! We wanted to be free from Shadovar's bindings, free from Vahrikaan's grasp!"

"But we shall do far, far better than that!" laughed the Hooded One, and she sounded slightly mad to Fairon. "We will be more than elements, more than gods. We shall be eternal, powerful, and indestructible beings of a higher world, beings of pure consciousness with no need to submit to these physical limitations! And we, the Elementals— we are the heirs to the Ancients!"

With that, the Hooded One lunged at Ardhána, who raised her scimitar and met the Hooded One's scythe. No sooner had Fairon any time to be worried when Ardhána motioned to him to stay back even as her sword slammed against the Hooded One's. Fairon knew he'd be little help against a being this powerful, but he couldn't help but worry that even for all of Ardhána's power, her strength would not be enough to stop her death at the hands of the Hooded One.

Watching them duel was like watching meteors collide. No sooner could Fairon worry about one dangerous looking blow before the duel moved on to a completely new series of blows, a completely new combat form. Their auras crackled as they both warred for supremacy, and Fairon witnessed them cycle through almost all of the classical combat forms though forms that had not been practiced since an age before the Fall, to eventually their completely unique styles that Fairon didn't recognize. The Hooded One laughed maniacally as from within the Citadel the blue light grew larger.

"You may fight me all that you like, but you can never stop us!" she hissed. "So close are we to the completion of our plan that you are nothing, nothing to us!"

Ardhána didn't reply. All of her energy was focused on staying alive. The Hooded One was gaining the upper hand, her oppressive, dark aura stifling Ardhána's. Their two weapons, scimitar and scythe, collided each second, and sometimes even faster. As Fairon watched, worried, he saw that the Hooded One was clearly gaining the upper hand. He charged toward Ardhána, hoping he could help her, but then the Hooded One lifted a corpse-hand and knocked Ardhána to the ground.

"You were foolish to think you can stand against me. I am the deputy of Vahrikaan, the leader of the Ix, the avatar, the extension of his will. You are weak. You are not worthy of being an elemental, not worthy of joining our cause. So you must die."

The Hooded One lifted her scythe, but Fairon charged toward her. "No!" he yelled, slashing out with his scythe. The Hooded One's green-black eyes flashed at him from beneath the hood as she blasted him backward with black lightning laced with green sparks.

''Green eyes? The Infection is continuing faster than I would have believed.''

Fairon had no time to think any further before he was slammed against the hard, cold ground by the lightning bolts. Eostra's corpse-face, hidden by the hood yet barely visible due to the light of her Infected eyes, gleamed in triumph. Fairon could not move. He felt weak, as though the Hooded One had somehow taken all of his power.

The Hooded One turned back to Ardhána. Without saying anything, she raised her scythe.

"Shoot her!" Fairon heard a voice yell. He turned his head slightly to see Vaethar and a group of Veythari archers had broken through the line. As he watched, the archers fired off a volley of arrows, all aimed at the Hooded One. There was no way they could miss—

Faster than Fairon would have believed, Eostra spun her scythe in a wide arc, slicing apart every one of the arrows before they came close to her. Fairon could only stare in amazement. Before the Veythari could fire another volley at her, a small group of Red Shadows charged at them, followed by more of the Inferni Warrior Class. With the Veythari now locked in combat with their new assailants, and with no chance of gaining any assistance, Fairon could only watched as Eostra raised her scythe, which now was crackling with green energy.

And Fairon knew there was nothing he could do except watch Ardhána die.

Then, suddenly, Eostra staggered forward, her scythe falling from her hands. For a moment, her concentration wavered, and Fairon leapt to his feet as green sparks swirled around Eostra. Seeing him charging toward her, and Ardhána rising to her feet, Eostra staggered away from them, slowly picking up speed as the green sparks began to vanish. Lifting Eostra's scythe, Ardhána hurled it at the fleeing Elemental, keeping it airborne on the currents of the wind. It slammed into Eostra, cutting deep into her back. Eostra's body stiffened as the green energy flowed into it, causing her already melting fingers to grow longer, tentacle-like, even as the flesh and muscle beneath began to melt into a mess of amorphous flesh.

Racing over to the fallen Elemental, Fairon and Ardhána saw that Eostra was lying still, unmoving, on the ground before them. Ardhána lifted the fallen Elemental up and ripped off the hood. Eostra's face was a mess of old scars and Inferni infected flesh, and looked even more hideous than when Fairon had first seen it. Her eyes stared at Fairon. Blank. Unmoving.

Then suddenly a spark of life flashed in them once more, black eyes shining slightly, tinted by green. "Undestand, Elemental," gasped Eostra through her withered mouth. "The moment— the time of our victory is come!"

"No," hissed Ardhána, her hands tightening around Eostra's throat. "You have lost."

"Never!" snarled Eostra. "I am becoming...changing...I am more than even a Zormacht itself!"

"You are becoming nothing. The virus is taking hold," said Ardhána.

"Lord Vahrikaan has won! I have won!" hissed Eostra, even as tentacles, two of them, wrapped around Ardhána, trying to cut into her flesh. Her eyes were crazed as she and the virus fought for control.

"We'll stop Vahrikaan," promised Ardhána. "But you will not live to see it."

"Never! I am Eostra! None can hinder Eostra! I am ETERNAL!"

"You are nothing," said Ardhána simply, and drove her scimitar through the treacherous Elemental's heart. Eostra stared numbly at the blade that had run her through. Then with a low moan, the leader of the Shadowed Ones fell dead to the ground.

Ardhána sheathed her scimitar, gazing calmly at the dead Hooded One. There was no triumph in her gaze. She had merely put right what should not have happened.

A great shout rose up from the Resistance below, and the Ix's eyes were wide with fear as their force began to scatter. With their leader dead, Fairon knew that they stood no chance of holding the citadel. The fight was beginning to go out of all but the most fanatical of Ix.

Then suddenly there was a flash of metal in the night, and Fairon whirled around just in time to see the spear go through her leg. The Elemental fell to the ground.

"Do not surrender!" called a voice. Fairon, the Ix, the Resistance, and the Inferni all turned to stare at Thrazkul. The Mindeater lord had appeared from around the side of the building, two guards wearing rust-red armor and masks standing at his side. "Keep fighting, Ix warriors! Vahrikaan and I still live, and the plan will continue!"

With a roar, the Ix charged up to meet the Resistance and the ''Inferni. ''Fairon knew it had to do with desperation as much as hope, for the Resistance and the Inferni would not accept surrender.

Thrazkul turned back to Fairon. "You and I have some unfinished business, ever since that Limiter who delivered you to us broke my hold on your mind."

"Kalix betrayed us to you?" Fairon asked incredulosuly.

"Yes," said Thrazkul. "Search your memories, Fairon. You know that it is true."

Fairon felt the beginnings of a memory stir within his consciousness...

Then all at once Thrazkul was inside his mind once more, digging through his thoughts and tearing them apart. Fairon could do nothing except scream and stare at Thrazkul in hatred. He could see a small shadow had appeared behind the Mindeater, giving him a more threatening look.

The shadow drew nearer, looming over Thrazkul. Thrazkul merely laughed, but his guards whirled around. And then Fairon realized that something was wrong as the shadow lifted the massive axe it carried in one hand and cut Thrazkul to the ground. Blasterfire rang out from behind Fairon, and seconds later Thrazkul and both his guards lay dead.

Fairon turned to stare at his rescuers, and to his surprise he saw Blast was standing there, followed by Skorr. The bounty hunter's blaster was loaded, and Blast carried the Scythe of Creation in one hand, the Axe of Eternity in the other.

"Hello, Blast," said Fairon. "I take it you found Millennium?"

"Yes," came Millennium's voice from Blast's body. "Hello, Fairon."

Immediately Fairon's blood grew cold. Would they have to deal with the Shadow of Ages here as well as Vahrikaan and the Deathmeld?

"It's okay," said Blast, speaking in his real voice now. "They're on our side."

"Skorr as well?" Fairon asked distrustfully.

"Yes. He saved my life while we were on Var'kala, and warned us that the virus was coming to Xaterex. I see the Infected have already found you." he said, staring at the battlefield.

"Indeed. Worse still, the Deathmeld has formed, and is on Var'kala, directing its soldiers into battle. It has all of the corpses on Var'kala that were killed during the virus outbreak there to throw against us."

"What of Vahrikaan? He's in there, I take it?" Blast asked, immediately worrying about the immediate threat.

"Yes," it was Ardhána who answered this time. "He, Luxa, and Valkyria are in there, confronting Vahrikaan."

Blast's eyes suddenly grew wide with fear. "Then we have to help him. Now! Even the Deathmeld is far less dangerous than Vahrikaan!"

"We know," said Ardhána. "We've finished off most of Vahrikaan's allies here. And with Thrazkul, Eostra, and Lyria dead, the Ix are breaking formation. It's just the Inferni that the main army will have to fight to gain entrance to the Citadel now."

"I'm coming with you," said Blast.

"And me," added Skorr. "By the way, have you seen a being known as Jekart around here? He went into the Plain of Mirrors after the Battle at Drakos to find Shardak, and I haven't seen him since."

Fairon shook his head. "No. If we survive Vahrikaan, I'll ask Vaethar about it. Areop is dead and Atarus is missing, so he's commanding the battle."

"We're going with you to stop Vahrikaan and help Shardak," said Blast, "But before we go in there, there's something you need to know..."

Valkyria's expression gave Shardak all the confirmation he needed of the fact, and yet Shardak still couldn't understand. He could only stare at both Skorpix and Valkyria, eyes darting from one to the other.

The horrible thing was that Shardak somehow knew he shouldn't be so surprised. When he thought about Skorpix's revelation for a few moments, he realized it made sense. Valkyria's reaction to learning that Skorpix was working with the Order, something that Shardak hadn't understood at the time. Skorpix's fury at her refusal to kill him on Corona Magna, and the oblique hints he'd dropped when Skorpix had killed Ion.

Of course they were related. But Shardak somehow hadn't anticipated this.

On the throne, Vahrikaan gave a quiet, rasping laugh at his expression, but said nothing, merely stared at the curved edge of the Crescent Blade, which appeared to Shardak more than ever to be a rent in time and space itself.

Valkyria stepped closer to Skorpix, her fingers wrapped tightly around the hilt of her scimitar. "Let Atarus go." she said.

Skorpix stared at her in contempt. "You are in no position to dictate terms to me, little girl."

"We will fight you if you let Atarus go," said Valkyria. "I give you my word."

Shardak knew there was no way he and Valkyria could make it out of this alive. But he knew that, at least, even if it was impossible for them to escape, they could at least help their mentor live. And if they died, they would die together. Shardak had made peace with the idea.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

It would happen now, like this. Shardak drew Aquaros, the light from both swords crackling and fusing together before him to form an aura of fire and ice.

"You?" Skorpix asked. "Your word? What is that worth to me? You betrayed us all, and are not worthy of the ascension that Vahrikaan has promised. Your death will be a relief for me."

Valkyria recoiled, looking as though she'd been struck, but the most horrible thing was that Skorpix did not even seem pained or angered by what Valkyria had done. He simply stared at her blankly through his red eyes like she wasn't there, like he'd already killed her. As though she meant nothing to him anymore.

Skorpix lifted the Sword of Earth, Isidar casting light on the dull gleam of the wickedly sharp black sword and on his red eyes which gleamed with predatory light. Both weapons formed a black and white coruscating aura around the dark Elemental. "I've had this weapon, Tehran, for many years." he said, his voice cold. He stared at the weapons in Shardak's hands. "What could be more fitting? Aquaros and Ignan against Tehran and Isidar. Twins against twins, as it was on the day of the Fall.

"But always honor my word, even if Commander Rhai does not." said Skorpix. "If you can best me in combat, I will set Atarus free."

Skorpix raised a hand, and Atarus rose to his feet. The moment he could speak, he yelled. "Shardak! I—"

"Be silent," ordered Vahrikaan. Atarus silently stared at Shardak, mouth closed, as though he was trying to tell him something.

"Very well," said Shardak, but inwardly he was wincing. He knew that neither of them stood a chance against Skorpix. And the worst thing was that he knew that even if, somehow, they were able to defeat the Elemental, Vahrikaan was only stalling for time. The moment he'd activated Shadovar, he knew that there was nothing any of them could do to stop their immenent deaths. Vahrikaan was simply too powerful. Every advantage he'd thought he'd had had proven to be nothing. The Shadow Orb fragment and the Elementals had both been too weak, and now Vahrikaan had the Crescent Blade, a weapon so powerful that a scratch could kill even one of the Ancient's mysterious gods.

He had won nothing but false victories, and failed. But he would not fail Valkyria. He would fight Skorpix, even though it would very likely cost him his life.

Skorpix's mouth bared in a predatory smile. "I made the mistake of toying with you before. Both times you escaped through luck. But I know better now. This time I will make sure you both die."

With that, he charged. Shardak had little time to even raise the two swords in a Guokte fighting stance before Skorpix was on them, his two swords flashing in an arc as the Blade of Arcturas collided with Tehran with all the force of two meteors slamming against one another. An explosion of heat and light flashed before Shardak's eyes, momentarily blinding them both. But Skorpix and Shardak were quick to recover, and Shardak only narrowly blocked Skorpix's next strike. Valkyria slipped between his guard, Silverblade grazing his shoulder and drawing a small amount of blood.

More than anything else, the fact that his daughter had attacked him seemed to enrage Skorpix. He was on them both in an insant, Isidar against Silverblade, Tehran holding off both Aquaros and the Blade of Arcturas in a blindingly fast display of swordwork that Shardak had to admire. Isidar flashed past Valkyria, and she only narrowly managed to leap to one side, the darkness of the passageway preventing her from using her more acrobatic style of fighting. Shardak cried out at the same time as Skorpix's sword sank into his wounded shoulder.

As he staggered backward, both of Skorpix's swords were suddenly arcing through the air down at Valkyria. Again the Ix female only narrowly managed to weave between the twin swords, managing to survive unscathed. Skorpix and Valkyria were blurs of light locked in combat, moving faster than Shardak would have believed possible. But the way that Skorpix used the two Elemental swords made it impossible for Valkyria to injure him, for he was attacking and defending at the same time and she couldn't get close enough to him without being killed by Tehran, which he used to augment his elemental powers for both defense and offense. Meanwhile, Isidar flashed in the gloom, the Sword of Air moving so quickly that Shardak couldn't even follow its path.

"You've improved greatly," Skorpix conceded, as he faced Valkyria "But you are no master. I have been fighting for years before you were born, girl. Is it not fitting that I, one of the beings you gave you life, will be the one to end it?"

That last remark caused Valkyria to hesitate momentarily, and that was all Skorpix needed. He lifted Isidar, ready to run the blade through Valkyria's heart— and instead met with the point of the Blade of Arcturas.

Shardak stared up at Skorpix, burning hatred for the Elemental in his eyes. "You were Arcturas' friend!" he snarled. "Why did you change?"

"I did not," snarled Skorpix. "He did. Like both of you, he was weak. Too weak to accept that this plan was the true way of the Ancients! I am strong!"

"No," said Shardak. "You are merely a servant. Merely a puppet for Eostra and Vahrikaan to use and discard at their will, like me."

Skorpix's eyes burned brighter. "I am no one's pawn! I raised this Empire out of nothing!"

"On the orders of Vahrikaan," Shardak countered. "Through his avatar, Eostra. Everything you have done, Skorpix, has helped Vahrikaan. Arcturas chose a better path— he defied him. Your daughter chose a better path— she defied him."

"You can talk all you like, Spirit Toa," said Skorpix coldly. "But it will not save you from your death."

Then he lunged at Valkyria and Shardak, both swords raised. But this time they were ready, and Shardak countered both swords, first Isidar with Aquaros, then Tehran with Ignan. Skorpix's eyes widened slightly as Shardak brought both Aquaros and the Blade of Arcturas around in a complex Guokte maneuver and almost struck Skorpix in the shoulder.

Skorpix counterattacked furiously, forcing Shardak immediately back onto the defensive. Shardak and Valkyria together were managing, barely, to hold him off, but even then Skorpix's sheer strength threatened to overwhelm them. Skorpix hacked, slashed, and cut at them, attempting to batter their defenses to pieces with sheer brutality. And to some extent, Shardak realized to his horror that it was working. He was beginning to tire. They needed to new plan, and fast.

Shardak's aura was linked to Valkyria's. He could easily send "thoughts" in the form of impressions and feelings to her, and that was what he did. ''We cannot best his strength. We must outmaneuver him.''

Valkyria gave an almost impercepible nod of acknowledgemnt in response and charged at Skorpix, leaping aside as he raised Tehran. The blade missed her, and while Skorpix was slightly distracted Shardak lunged at him, Aquaros and Ignan flashing in the darkness. Skorpix only narrowly deflected them this time, and Shardak could feel his defenses slipping.

Skorpix's next attack drove them back several paces, and as the auras of the four swords collided, Shardak became aware of how much power there was in every one of them. Indeed, even as they fought he could feel the elements raging around him, and most of all he could feel time beginning to slow each time the elemental swords collided with each other.

''All four swords in one place. It's as Kalix said. They all affect one another.''

Skorpix lunged at Shardak, and he only narrowly managed to dodge the blow. Skorpix's next strike caught him on his unwounded shoulder, and he staggered backward. Quick as lightning, Skorpix leapt at Shardak, Isidar pointed at his heart. Shardak managed to duck, and Isidar flashed harmlessly above his head. Valkyria was still battering at Skorpix's aura shields, but was unable to land more than a few scratches on him. And all that they did was affect him as the stings from a Rahi might, and cause him to fight harder.

Skorpix brought his sword up in a classic Lihtne pattern, which Shardak countered within moments. Then, rather than using one sword for defense and the other for attack, Skorpix lunged out with both using Guotke, feinting with Isidar while dealing a blow with Tehran. Shardak avoided the decoy altogether and managed to deflect the Sword of Earth with Aquaros. Both swords whispered promises of victory to him, but he knew he could not allow himself to be entranced. Skorpix was carrying two more of the vampiric swords, and he knew that they made Skorpix equally more skilled and assured of victory

"You've gotten better as well, Toa," observed Skorpix. "And the Elemental swords augment your power. But Tehran has been mine for years and years, and it is attuned to my will. These swords have made you as fast as I would be without them, but with them I am nearly invincible."

So saying, Skorpix's attacks became all at once more powerful, more deadly, with Tehran, while Isidar's thrusts and blocks became more refined, the skills more subtle. The contrast was startling. Shardak recognized them at once as the forms Kracht and Napad.

Then Skorpix switched abruptly to Vauhti, beginning with a classic Lihtne thrust but then causing the blade to travel in an arc toward Shardak's heart, missing him by centimeters. Then all at once he grabbed the two swords, and, wielding them as one would a double-bladed weapon, slashed down at Shardak again. An unusal take on the combat form of Tera. Then, even as he was in motion, Elemental power exploded from Skorpix's fingertips, slamming against Shardak's own aura and being absorbed into the two swords he carried. Sila.

Shardak narrowly countered the attack with a Soretsu double block, and unbidden, a thought rose to the forefront of Shardak's mind. The words Nightwatcher had spoken to him on the Plains of Fire, before the Ix attack of New Metru Nui.

In order to face Vahrikaan, you must not confront him without being able to improvise. ''When you fight against any opponent, you must be working almost unconsciously to attain victory by any means possible. ''

Skorpix was using many complicated combat techniques. But they were all able to be countered by another. And slowly, the world seemed to open up to Shardak.

He knew Nightwatcher's secret combat style. The one that, according to rumors and legends, made him so powerful and deadly. Nightwatcher had told him on the very first day of training what his style of fighting was.

''Improvise. Attain victory by any means possible.''

Shardak knew now that only by blending the combat forms would be be able to defeat Skorpix. And in that moment, as it all made sense to him, Shardak deflected Skorpix's next barrage of violent attacks and charged forward, slashing downward in a complex mixture of Vauhti and Sila. All at once, Shardak switched to Guokte, drawing the sword back and slashing downward at Skorpix with Aquaros rather than the Blade of Arcturas. Caught off-guard by Shardak's use of his left hand, Skorpix was forced backward several centimeters.

But Skorpix was still far more stilled. Suddenly he was upon them again, his twin swords flashing out at Shardak and Valkyria. Neither one of them could halt the force of his attack, and Shardak was being forced backward by the sheer force that Skorpix was using. Shardak knew that the Elemental was not playing with them. He was really trying to kill them both, and though Shardak fought with both swords, Tehran and Isidar moved faster than he could push himself.

Skorpix slashed downward with Isidar, and the Blade of Arcturas was knocked from Shardak's grasp. Staggering backward, Shardak raised Aquaros, but Skorpix batted it aside. Skorpix's red eyes stared into Shardak's, and he raised the swords. And Shardak knew his death had come.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

"No!" yelled Valkyria, leaping between them. As Skorpix raised the sword to finish off Shardak, Valkyria slashed downward, lacerating Skorpix's side. With a roar of rage and pain, Skorpix whirled around, slashing and stabbing at Valkyria with Isidar and Tehran. Shardak could only watch in horror as Tehran buried itself deep in her side. Valkyria staggered backward, and Skorpix hurled three bolts of black lightning at her. Valkyria, bleeding badly, crumpled to the ground. She didn't get up.

"Stupid girl," Skorpix snarled, and turned back to Shardak. Shardak was staring at Valkyria, his face ashen. He wanted to speak her name, run to her side, but there was nothing he could do to help her. Skorpix stood between them, and he still held both of the Elemental swords, while Shardak only had Aquaros. Skorpix charged toward Shardak, both swords raised. "Now, to finish you."

Skorpix lunged at Shardak, and the Toa barely managed to deflect the two swords. However, Shardak had lost all of his momentum, and was now completely on the defensive. He could still feel Vahrikaan's oppressive aura all around him, and Shardak knew that there was no way he could escape from the Citadel alive now.

But he could not surrender to Skorpix. If Skorpix was going to be the being who would kill him, then he wanted Skorpix to know exactly what he'd done— how he'd doomed every one of the universes to destruction at the hands of Vahrikaan.

Charging toward the small staircase that led to the control panels, Shardak saw Skorpix was right behind him, eyes gleaming with rage.

"You are the traitor!" snarled Shardak. "You are the one who betrayed Arcaea!"

"I— am— loyal!" snarled Skorpix. "You are the enemy! You could have joined us." he said, his voice growing dangerously low. "Made amends for what your father had done. Were you stronger, you could have been part of the ascension! But instead you conspired with the enemy, and seek to stop the best thing that has ever, and will ever, happen to the universe! You are just like Arcturas. You must die!"

Skorpix's red eyes narrowed into slits of red rage. The room seemed to grow dark all around them, save for his red eyes, which continued to bear down on him, with the relentlessness of time itself. The Lake of Apparitions, was all that Shardak could think. This is what I saw.

His death at the hands of Skorpix. Then the end of all things.

Skorpix had both swords raised above his head, and he moved slowly, measuredly, his gaze locked on Shardak's. Shardak hoped his death would be painless, but knew that Skorpix would likely drag the torment out as long as possible.

Skorpix grabbed Shardak by the throat. "This is what I did to Arcturas, the night of the fire." he said simply. "Nightshade lured him there, The Fury wounded him, but I was the one who dealt the death blow. As I now kill his son."

He lifted Tehran to deal the death blow, and there was a flash of fire in the darkness. Shardak saw Skorpix whirl around just as the blade buried itself deep within his back. The Blade of Arcturas. And Valkyria stood before them, holding the hilt.

Skorpix's eyes gleamed with hatred as he stared up at the face of his daughter. His mouth moved in breathless, silent curses that were cut short all at once as the Elemental fell to the ground, his eyes glazed and empty.

Shardak stared at Valkyria in awe. "You did it. You defeated Skorpix! We—"

Valkyria gave a low moan and fell to the ground, and for the first time Shardak noticed the true severity of her injuries. He only needed to take one look at them for him to understand it, he'd seen these wounds on so many others before, but surely his eyes were lying to him, because Valkyria could not be—

Atarus shook his head quietly. "I told her she'd kill herself if she moved, but she wouldn't listen."

But Shardak barely payed him any attention. He rushed to his friend's side, leaning her against the wall of the room. Valkyria's eyes slowly opened as she saw Shardak and standing over her. Her eyes were filled with pain.

"Shardak?" she whispered, her voice quiet. "That's...another time I've saved the life of a Toa. I...really shouldn't keep doing that."

"Val?" he asked her. He knew the truth now. There was no way he could deny it any longer. Valkyria was dying.

He turned to Atarus. "Heal her!" he demanded. "You have to do something!"

Atarus shook his head, his eyes filled with sorrow. "I cannot. Look."

Shardak stared at Valkyria again, and saw that there were green sparks playing about her wound. "Sleikha Inferni," he whispered quietly. Then he realized the truth. That Valkyria's wound had been infected all along, and the dagger-scythe that had cut her during the battle outside the Citadel had been a Warrior Class', not an Ix's. She'd charged in to battle with a deadly wound already draining her strength.

"Why? Why?" he asked her, his voice distraught. "Why did you come if you knew—"

"Because it was prophecised...long ago, that my life would be lost...saving yours," said Valkyria. "That's why Skorpix was so eager to have me kill you. And why Atarus...never let you read the Prophecy of the Spirit. While we were at the Lake of Apparitions...I saw us fighting Skorpix...and one of us dying. But it wasn't you...it was... me."

"You knew? You knew all along?" Shardak asked. But he knew it was true. Of course Valkyria had seen the Prophecy of Spirit, Arcturas had only kept it from him. And she'd known that the line saying she'd die at the hands of her father was about her all along as well.

Shardak looked to Atarus, and saw the truth in his mentor's eyes. Suddenly desperate, he turned to Valkyria. "Listen to me. Listen to me, Val. These Prophecies mean nothing. Nothing. It prophecised that a Toa would kill Skorpix, the lord of earth. And you killed him. You're an Ix."

"Because I too...am part Toa," Valkyria managed to say, but her breath was coming in rattling gasps now. "Don't you remember what Fairon said to Luxa? Illierans have Toa blood as well. My mother's father was a Toa of Air."

"But—" Shardak began, but there was nothing he could say. He could only stare at his dying friend— no, he loved her, there was no point in pretending otherwise now— with hopeless despair.

"You have to live," gasped Valkyria. "For both of us now."

"I can't," said Shardak, distraught. "I...I'm going to die, like the Prophecy says."

"No," said Atarus. "Remember what the Prophecy says. A half Toa Elemental who can use the aura field. Valkyria has both Toa and Elemental blood. You are a Spirit Toa, Shardak. A Spirit Toa of extreme power. But so was Arcturas, and he was not the Toa of the Prophecy."

"Which means...the Prophecy of Time has been fulfilled." said Valkyria.

Shardak could only stare uncomprehendingly at Atarus when it clicked and he understood what his mentor had said. "I'm not the Spirit Toa?" he gasped. "But they say that the Toa, whoever he is, is male. That's impossible."

"No, it's not," said Atarus quietly. "Never once do they say that the Spirit Toa and the Toa whose duty it is to find the Realm of Souls are the same person. And only in the Prophecy of Time does it say the Toa was male, they never identified the Spirit Toa in any other way. It merely seems that way. Otherwise, it fits Valkyria as well as you."

"No. No," Shardak could only say quietly. He rounded on Atarus. "You knew all of this, didn't you?"

Atarus nodded sadly. "I suspected it. I wanted to tell you. But I couldn't risk it, not without alerting every one of the Ix. If they'd known that you might not have been the Spirit Toa, you'd be in even more danger, and I couldn't risk it, especially if you were the Spirit Toa. But I didn't know for sure until tonight." he said, his eyes filled with sadness. Shardak thought he could see tears in his eyes as well.

The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

How often had he repeated those lines to himself, as a sign of the inevability of his fate? How long had he been frightened of the fate he was sure awaited him?

But all along the Prophecy of Time had not been about him. It had been about Valkyria.

"No," he could only repeat. But then he felt a hand wrap around his.

Valkyria smiled slightly, the small action causing her to wince in pain. "Stop Vahrikaan and his allies. I know you can, Shardak. And rebuild what was lost."

"I can't. I can't without you." Shardak's eyes were filled with tears. " Please, Val. I—"

"I will be with you," Valkyria promised quietly. "That was the promise we made, remember?"

Shardak nodded, "Always," he said quietly.

"Always," Valkyria echoed.

Her eyes glazed over. The green sparks dimmed; the hand Shardak held went limp. She did not move again. And Shardak bowed his head and weapt, with Atarus' arm around him.

But as Shardak did so, he could feel Valkyria's aura fading. Not wanting to lose it, desperately trying to hold onto it, he snatched it as it faded, holding its warm spark within him. He couldn't lose that as well.

"Shardak—" Atarus began, but Shardak was no longer listening. Through haze of anger and tears he tore himself free from Atarus' grip. "Leave me alone!" he snarled. Atarus had known the truth all along about the Prophecy. He shouldn't have ever trusted him.

Shardak ran at the being on the throne, even though he knew that all the rage in the world was pointless against Lord Vahrikaan.

"Well, well," said Lord Vahrikaan, staring calmly at Shardak. "Three down, two to go, it seems, Shardak. I should not call you Spirit Toa anymore. But you'll be joining your friends soon enough, don't worry."

"KILL ME, THEN!" snarled Shardak. "I DON'T CARE! All of this...all of this is because of you!"

Vahrikaan didn't even move, simply stared calmly at Shardak. Everything, everything that Shardak hated was embodied all at once in this being standing before him, this being he hated in that moment more than any other. "Not yet," said Vahrikaan. "There is one more thing I want you to watch, Toa Shardak. My ascension, when I become a being more powerful than any Ancient or Zormacht."

"Never!" said Shardak, voice laden with hatred. "I will never let you complete this! I swear I will stop you!"

"Brave words," said Vahrikaan. "But the Spirit Toa is dead, and no mortal being can hurt me now."

Vahrikaan's arrogance, his uncaring calmness, made Shardak still more angered. But a plan was forming. A plan that he hoped would do what he thought it would. He still carried Valkyria's spark of life, and knew that Shadovar was a gateway to the Plain of Mirrors, where the Hall of Time was located. Maybe—

"I may not be the Spirit Toa," said Shardak. "But I will stop you."

'"And how do you think you can accomplish this?" 'asked Vahrikaan, amused. "All of your allies are dead, except this foolish old Elemental. And, of course, the Elementals I have trapped in the Ring."

"Exactly," said Shardak. "They're trapped. But not for much longer."

Suddenly Vahrikaan's aura seemed to dim, and for a moment the being seemed rigid. Something had happened, Shardak realized. For, in that moment, Vahrikaan suddenly seemed far weaker. Now or never. Shardak thought.

His Kanohi burned with power, and he raced toward the pedestal upon which the controls of Shadovar were located. Too late, Vahrikaan realized what he was planning, and fired dark lightning to slow him. But without his full power he couldn't immobilize the Kanohi Ignika, which tore through his weak aura bonds as though they were nothing. All the while Shardak's anger and pain was causing the Kanohi Ignika to flare up with power, and Shardak knew that, in his sudden moment of weakness, nothing Vahrikaan could do could halt him in time as he bent over the Annulus.

Vahrikaan had prepared a bolt of lightning that would bring instananeous death to the Toa, but he knew it would be too late. "Stop him!" he roared. His guards charged at them, curved spears raised.

They were about to plunge it into the Toa's heart when the portal opened and Shardak disappeared into it, the portal vanishing behind him.

Chapter 32
Shardak's first conscious thought was that he was lying on top of a misty cloud.

Or, perhaps, he realized, something very much like it. He was surrounded by whiteness on all sides, and was lying in a great white hall that rose high above them. He could see the sun, or something like it, high above him, bathing his body with light.

His second thought was that he felt at peace. He felt as though all of the pain he'd carried with him for so long was gone. Even his wounds had closed. But by his third thought he'd remembered what had happened in Vahrikaan's throne room. Valkyria was dead.

But even that thought somehow didn't bother him as much as it should. He could feel her with him, feel her life-spark, her aura, her soul bound to his own. He felt too at peace, too at rest, to continue thinking. But inwardly he still wondered what had happened. Were was he?

He stood up. He seemed completely fine physically. All of the scars he'd gained since his entrance into Shadovar had vanished. Something truly strange had happened, something he didn't understand. He looked around, trying to find Aquaros and Ignan, but saw neither. His hands went to his face, and saw that the Ignika had likewise gone.

"Have I died?" he asked aloud, his voice sounding painfully small in the massive hall. He would have never imagined this to be what came after.

"Far from it," said a familiar voice, calm and gentle, and Shardak whirled around to face the being standing behind him. It was a being he never thought he'd see again.

Arcturas was standing there, leaning on the Sword of Fire. He held the Kanohi Ignika in his other hand, and his armor and helmet from the time in Intax. He stared at Shardak, and his face lit up in a smile he thought he'd never, ever see again.

"Arcturas?" Shardak whispered, hardly daring to speak the name, for fear that he would vanish into nothingness the moment he spoke.

But he did not. Arcturas was still there, and he reached out to lay a hand on Shardak's shoulder. "Shardak, my son," he whispered. "My child. Now a brave, brave Toa. Let us talk."

Instinctively Shardak fell into step beside Arcturas, who stared up at the sunlight filtering through the roof of the long hall. The sheer blank whiteness reminescent of the Crescent Blade made him flinch slightly as he stared at the being who was his father, his mentor, and his friend. Questions spun through his mind, so many that as Shardak opened his mouth to speak, his voice failed him at first.

Finally he managed to ask, "How did I get here? How can you be here? You're dead!"

"You jumped through a portal to the Plain of Mirrors," said Arcturas, as though it were obvious. "You used your own aura to open it, and hold it open for a moment. But in those seconds Vahrikaan hit you with a blast of dark lightning, which could have killed you."

It was strange to hear Arcturas speak Vahrikaan's name. Despite the fact that Shardak knew Arcturas had been one of the only beings to escape the Circle alive, had caused the Fall, and done so much more so his name would be both reviled and praised, Shardak still thought, subconsciously, that Arcturas had come from another world, the one he'd left behind the night Nightshade and the Fury had killed his father.

"Why didn't it, then? Shardak asked, confused. "If Vahrikaan wanted to kill me, he could have found a way."

"But he couldn't, Shardak. Vahrikaan is an extremely skilled planner, but he cannot predict every eventuality. And what he had no way of knowing was that when he recreated his physical form, he fed off your aura, the being who had completed the Rising."

"But it wasn't my intention to complete it!" Shardak protested.

"It doesn't matter," said Arcturas, still in his same soft, quiet voice. "Lord Vahrikaan used your aura. Yours and the Hooded One's. A spark of your aura lives on in him, just as a spark of his aura lives on in you."

"So he made me an avatar?" Shardak asked, suddenly alarmed.

"Not quite," said Arcturas. "An avatar must be willingly created. He unwillingly exchanged a shred of his aura for a shred of yours. And in the process, he gave you a powerful shield."

"A shield?" Shardak asked, still not understanding.

"What would happen, Shardak, if you unleashed your full auric power on yourself?" Arcturas asked quietly.

"Nothing," said Shardak immediately, thinking back to the oldest rule of auric use. ''Once you use too much of your own aura, you burn as the field feeds on your body for compensation. But it is impossible to turn your own aura against yourself, unless you strike to kill. ''

"It's impossible to turn your own aura against yourself. It simply cannot be. You can kill yourself with Elemental or auric power, but while you can bind yourself in your own auric chains or strike out at yourself in the aura field, but you can always break your own power over you. You cannot hold yourself bound if you yourself doesn't want to be, and when your Kanohi Ignika was activated, Vahrikaan lost his grip on you because you willed the grip not to hold."

"So when Vahrikaan actually did hit me with his powers..." Shardak whispered, beginning to understand.

"He killed himself. Or rather, a piece of himself. The piece inside you." said Arcturas. "The fragment left over from the Rising that may have been your undoing, had you destroyed Vahrikaan's own body and left the piece within you alive. Had the Hooded One not hinted that you carried a fragment of his soul within you I don't think I could have figured out the truth until now."

The mention of the Hooded One made Shardak's aura grow suddenly cold as he stepped away slightly from Arcturas. All that he was saying was a bit too much to take in all at once, but what was more the last mention of Eostra made him flinch slightly, and his old anger at Arcturas returned. It had been boiling slightly while Atarus spoke, but now Shardak could feel it in the aura field himself.

Arcturas turned, and looked at him sadly. "You are angry." he said softly.

All of the rage and pain Shardak felt at being lied to for so many years burst out all at once. "Yes! Of course I'm angry! You didn't tell me about the Ix, or the Fall, or Arcaea, or the Rising! You didn't tell me about the Resistance, or Silencer, or Ion, or Atarus, or Elimination, or the Inferni virus, or even that you had enemies who wanted you dead!"

"Shardak, I--" Arcturas began, but Shardak was beyond controllable.

"You didn't tell me anything. Not about my destiny, not about the Prophecies, not about the Spirit Toa. You didn't tell me that you were friends with beings like Eostra, Windeus, and Skorpix! Or anything you did on Arcaea! I've been forced to try to form my own opinion of you from the...lie...you told me and what other people have told me about you. You even trusted an Ix spy, Nightshade!

"I thought I knew you," said Shardak, the pain in his voice palpable. "But if I'd known that I would lose everything, I think I would have liked to know."

For a while, Shardak stood, letting out long, gasping breaths as he stood before Arcturas, his body still shaking with anger. Arcturas said nothing, simply stared at the Toa with large, sad eyes.

"My reason for not telling you everything at once had two roots. The first was that I wanted to keep you safe. I didn't want us to live in fear, afraid every time the Ix showed up. If you'd known of them, and been afraid of them, it would have been far harder to keep you safe for so many years after the Fall.

"But the second was purely a selfish reason. You must understand, I wanted to leave behind the life I'd lived on Arcaea. I didn't want to bring anything up that related to that time, or anything that would make you suspect I was anything other than a Glatorian. I didn't want to have to bring up the past, or the future. I wanted to keep you innocent as long as possible."

"Then that was wrong," said Shardak. "I had a right to know the truth."

"You did," sighed Arcturas. "I should have told you the truth when you were old enough to understand. But I couldn't. My nerve failed me. To tell the story I would have to bring up aspects of my past that I would rather leave behind, forever forgotten. I was too arrogant, too proud, and it led me to darkness."

"But you redeemed yourself!" objected Shardak. Despite his initial anger, Arcturas looked so defeated as he said the last words he felt compelled to defend his father. "You caused the Fall! You broke the Shadow Orb. It took them nearly a century to recreate it again."

"I know, but it hardly makes up for my crimes. What I've seen and done, Shardak, I convinced myself was for the greater good. But did the greater good matter to those I killed?" here Arcturas suddenly seemed defeated. "An Elemental who died because of me asked me that once." he admitted, voice quiet. "She asked if the greater good was worth it, if I was doing the right thing. At the time, I thought she was wrong. But by the time you were born, my opinions were changing. But still I was stuck to the Shadowed Ones, all for the ambition of one being, Eostra.

"You have no idea how her ideas grabbed me, Shardak," said Arcturas. "Transformed me. My greatest flaw, the one thing you have never succumed to, is pride. The kind of pride that makes you think you alone could do a better job ruling the people than the current government. The kind of pride that even the Resistance can fall to. Saren certainly did. But what Eostra said made so much sense. Could you have stood by and watched the Toa Order grow corrupt and richer, even as the Ix starved? The Ix were dying, Shardak. They were the common class, and the Hand of Mata Nui ran over them, not caring who they killed.

"I would have remained quiet about it, however, if I hadn't discovered a group of like-minded beings who wanted change, and were willing to fight for it. Or perhaps I would have chosen a milder path. Only the Hall of Time knows for sure. But my friends, Windeus, Skorpix, and Eostra all seemed to have excellent ideas, ideas that could change Arcaea for the better. At first, we started small. Eventually Eostra became the leader of the Shadow Kingdom, and then I in the Fire Kingdom, and we gained more followers from Toa as well, other members of the elite who wanted change. And it seemed so perfect, so right, that Eostra and I should rule over not one kingdom each, but them all.

"Can you imagine how that could tempt me?" said Arcturas. "The all-powerful masters of death and life. Eostra and Arcturas. The rulers who had saved Arcaea from destruction. The most famed beings in the histories written of those times, the leaders who began a golden age of triumph for all Arcaeans."

"But of course, there were those who opposed us, as our methods grew more radical. And as we began to fail our bids for larger power, and Skorpix and Eostra pushed for force to solve our problems, I went along with it. And soon we were the rulers of much more than just two kingdoms...and we have become the tyrants, rather than the heroes.

"I will not lie to you, Shardak. In my youth I was a monster. I did unforgivable things, things that I wish every day I could change, every day that I could somehow make well. But there was nothing I could do. Nothing I can do. Nothing except continue along the path I'd chosen, even as Arcaea grew more volatile as our power increased."

"What happened?" Shardak murmered. His voice was quiet.

"You happened, Toa Shardak. You changed my perspective on life, and everything in it. Your mother, Roxana, took the first step toward restoring my humanity. At first, I thought I could change the direction of my order. But too many of them were set on the Rising of Vahrikaan, and I held my tongue. But it wasn't until you were born, Shardak, that I...well, it's impossible to explain. But it's like...you're the hero of your own story at first. As a child, you think it's all about you at first. But as a father, I realized I'd been all wrong. It wasn't about me, but about you now, Shardak. And it changes your entire perspective on life.

"Because of you, I created the Resistance in secret. Because of you, I helped Atarus, my brother, and Silencer and Ion, two Toa revolutionaries, build the first groups of Resistance against Eostra's rule. Then I called my order to Shadovar, using the dark brand imprinted on every member of the Order of Vahrikaan to bring them. And then...I broke the Annulus. I set the fire. Eostra's face was hideously scarred, and I cut her body in half. One of my order lost his life. Nex was mutated, Windeus scarred, only Lyria and Skorpix escaped mostly unscathed. Roxana died in the fire I set, killed by Eostra, who I thought I'd killed in return.

"And Skorpix followed me. He and what was left of his army who had escaped the Fall. Meanwhile the remaining Toa were rising against Vahrikaan's servants on Xaterex, and the Veythari had planned rebellion, but I wanted nothing to do with it. I helped hide Ikarax's Elementals away with Ardhána and a mysterious ally, a cloaked being with a skeletal hand whose identity I never learned. Then I made my peace with what I had done and tried to build a new life for myself in the wild, untamed reaches of Xaterex, beyond the grasp of the rising Ix Empire.

"But my past followed me like a shadow. Rather than making these worlds a better place, I had inadvertantly caused the destruction of Arcaea, the greatest paradise the universe had ever known. And Skorpix and the rest of my Order would never leave me alone. They always stalked me like a shadow.

"When Nightshade joined us, I should have been suspicious. But the Ix hadn't come close to catching me, or you, for years and years. I'd even faked your death during the Fall of Arcaea, so they never committed a full search for years. Until Nightshade betrayed me to the Fury, who, along with Skorpix, brought about my end. Before I could tell you anything. About the choice, your destiny, or the Prophecies."

"But you're here," said Shardak. "So you can't be dead, can you? But I watched you die. I saw the Fury wound you. Skorpix told me he killed you."

"I did die. But, like the being who you met, the being called Death, I have watched you in the years since then. For Shadovar is more powerful than you imagine. I used this device to destroy Arcaea. A piece of my soul remains bound here, waiting to complete its final task."

"And what is that task?" Shardak asked.

"To speak with you, Shardak," said Arcturas. "To speak with you one final time."

For a moment, both of them were silent. Then Arcturas spoke again. "So now that you understand the maginatude of my crimes, the deaths I caused, the failings that I suffered, will you forgive me? Can you forgive me, Shardak?"

Arcturas' eyes were filled with fear and hope. Fear that Shardak would refuse, hope that he would forgive. And in that moment, Shardak knew that the being who had been his father was not a lie. Arcturas may not have told him the truth, but he had not lied about who he was. He really had known the being who had been Arcturas.

Shardak smiled. "I forgive you." he whispered. "How could I not? You were a victim of fate, and it is only due to chance that you were unable to save those you loved."

Arcturas' expression was suddenly filled with pain. "How I wish that were true." he murmered softly.

"Even is it is not, you tried to make amends. Like Valkyria did on Corona Magna," said Shardak. "Everything you did, you did for Arcaea."

Arcturas' face suddenly became warm with relief once again, and the sense of relief in the aura field was palpable. Shardak could see that the halls were growing slightly darker white, rather than the clear glass that he'd awoken in. The mist was growing thicker, but Shardak could still feel Arcturas' hands around him.

"Thank you," said Arcturas through the mist. Slowly, Shardak saw the mist fade, and he saw to his shock they were standing before what appeared to be a harbor, filled with wooden boats. Solemn cloaked figures stood at the edges, some standing around the shore, others crossing the bridge that spanned overhead. Those in the water were taller than those proceeding over the bridge and into the darkness beyond.

"Where are we?" Shardak breathed in awe as he stared at the ethereal scene beyond them.

"The end of the Hall of Journeys. Where all go at the end, whether they wish it or not. Where all paths lead."

"Death," said Shardak. "Death lies beyond the bridge."

"Indeed," said Arcturas quietly. "The greatest of journeys."

"Where are they going?" Shardak asked as more joined the procession leading into blackness. Toa, Agori, Ix, who knew? All were equal there.

"Onward," said Arcturas simply. "Beyond that, no one knows. And no one ever returns."

"And who are those beings, those who guard the bridge?"

"They do not guard it. These are the beings who have left something behind, Shardak. And with all of these beings, the one thing that they left behind is the same. You."

And the dead came to him.

Shardak saw first Silencer and Melnox stepping from the bridge, as ethereal and as ephermal as the air itself. They nodded once to Shardak, not coming close to him. It was as though they were staring at him through a blurred, reflective surface, and weren't quite solid. But as quickly as they'd come, they were gone, followed by two other beings he clearing recognized. Dust and Arkhan. Both beings noticed him momentarily, then it was as though he was gone from their sight, and they were replaced by two other beings, one a hulking, mutated Toa in yellow-black armor and a tall Illieran with green eyes.

Ion and Iskandar. Two more beings who had helped him become who he was today.

Soon the line became still longer, and Shardak saw more of the beings pass by. Naren and Kord. Chameleo and Flardrek.

Then a grey-armored Glatorian stepped forward, and held Shardak's gaze longer than any of the others. Shardak gasped as he recognized him. Saren. The Glatorian's eyes were hopeful, like Arcturas' had been. Hopeful of forgiveness.

Shardak nodded once, and Saren vanished, just another black-cloaked figure moving silently across the bridge and into the blackness beyond.

He saw Areop and Freztrak, followed closely by Luxa and Duuril. Every one of them equal in death.

Then a cloaked figure stepped from the line. She lowered her hood, and Shardak gasped in anguish.

Valkyria was staring at him through the veil between life and death, his sadness mirrored in her emerald eyes. Shardak wanted to reach out and touch her, but he knew it was impossible. They were travelling on opposite paths on the journey, two leaves blown together, then away on two different streams. It hurt to look at her, for he knew she was dead. But he could not tear his eyes from her face. She seemed even less solid than the others, less ghostlike. As though...she was merely dying, not dead.

"Arcturas," Shardak whispered. "Is there anything we can do for her? For any of them?"

But inwardly he could hear Silencer's voice speaking to him, saying quietly, ''once a being has died, you cannot bring them back. It is impossible.''

"You can watch," said Arcturas quietly. "And you can honor their memory, for they died so you could live."

But Valkyria was reaching out to him, not trying to break through the veil, but trying to tell him something. Shardak stared at his father, and he shook his head. "No." he said quietly. "Feel my aura."

"Shardak. There is no way you can bring someone who died back through the veil," said Arcturas. "It is madness. Do not try. It is what destroyed Eostra. It twisted her, drove her insane."

"Yes," agreed Shardak. "There is no way to bring someone back who has died. But Valkyria didn't truly die, did she? I hold her life within me. That's why she doesn't follow the others."

Arcturas reached out, and Shardak felt his father's aura for the first time. He felt Shardak's presence, and masked by his own aura, another's. "Such a feat is beyond even the greatest of Elementals," said Arcturas with awe. "How you ever accomplished it..."

"I don't know," said Shardak.

"Truly, you are the Spirit Toa," said Arcturas. "You are indeed the most powerful aura user in millennia. More even than I or Eostra."

Arcturas extended his arm, and Arcturas handed him the Kanohi Ignika. Shardak placed the mask that had taken him years to master on his face and willed it to touch the veil. His face and Valkyria's were bathed in golden light. And Shardak could see and feel her aura inside him slowly begin to move, through the veil that seemed to seperate them, causing the image of Valkyria to slowly solidify. The Ignika glowed more brightly, and as Valkyria stepped through the veil and toward Shardak, Shardak allowed her aura, which he held within him, to return to her.

But at the same time he was being pulled through the veil of life and death. At the same time, as he willed her aura to rejoin her body, he could feel his own aura weakening. All the while the Ignika gleamed with golden light.

''If this doesn't work, then nothing ever will. ''Shardak thought as the aura, the animating spark, seemed to heal itself. And then the veil shimmered once, and Valkyria's ghostlike form faded. Then she seemed to materialize before them, unconscious on the ground.

Shardak ran toward her, grabbing her arm. She was indeed solid. The wound that had nearly killed her had been healed.

Shardak stepped back, his aura drained. He'd spent far, far too much power preforming such a healing, a healing that had never been accomplished in the history of the universe and something he knew he probably could never do again.

Every one of the dead standing on the other side of the veil had watched Shardak. Even those on the bridge seemed to regard him with awe for a moment. Then the endless procession continued, into the blackness. Arcturas could only stare at Shardak, who looked at Valkyria. He could feel her aura, it was burning brighter every minute, transforming from a spark and once more becoming a blazing fire around her.

Then Valkyria's hand moved. Slowly, the Ix female rose to her feet. She looked around her wildly, then stared down at herself. Then she saw Shardak, and she broke into a smile wider than he'd ever seen on her face. "Shardak!" she called to him, and they embraced, and in that moment she was the only real thing to him in the universe. Arcturas watched, relief and happiness lighting up his ethereal features.

"How...how did you—" she began, but Arcturas cut her off.

"You are very lucky," he said to Shardak. "Very lucky that you grabbed her aura the moment before she died. Otherwise nothing, nothing at all, could have healed her. As it was, your auric strength, and the Kanohi Ignika, kept her alive in spirit form while she was seperated from her body. You only barely prevented her from truly dying."

Shardak related to Valkyria in a whisper everything he'd seen in the Plain of Mirrors. "This is Arcturas?" she asked, in awe. Shardak nodded.

"But if she didn't die," said Shardak. "Is she still Infected? But then, doesn't that mean that the Prophecy of Time has yet to be fulfilled? Since she's the Spirit Toa, not me, does that mean she has to die? Or do I have to die?"

He was confused now, but Arcturas raised a hand. "The threat that she has Sleikha Inferni is gone. You killed it with the Mask of Life. As for the Prophecies, let me share with you a small secret. Both of you." he said. Shardak and Valkyria both turned to look at Arcturas, the joy at their reunion tempered by the grave expression on his face. "I don't believe that the Prophecies have to come true. I don't believe in them."

For a moment, Shardak was silent, stunned. He'd thought everyone on Xaterex and Arcaea had held the Prophecy Triad to be truth. "But—" he began.

"Think about it. The Ix hunted you for all of these years because they feared you would fulfill a Prophecy. Had they killed you, would the Prophecy come true?"

Shardak thought about it. Even if he wasn't the Spirit Toa, had he died the night Skorpix had killed Arcturas he would have never met Valkyria, and she'd never have betrayed the Ix. Neither of them would have fulfilled their destinies.

"No," said Shardak.

"Indeed," said Arcturas. "Conversely, if the Ix hadn't hunted you at all, and never sent Nightshade after you, and left you alone to grow up in Intax with me, would you have tried to overthrow Vahrikaan or join the Resistance? No! You would have remained with me. It would have been completely different."

"But I've seen prophecies come true," said Shardak. "I watched friends die or be injured because of them."

"Think of it this way. When Valkyria attacked Skorpix, knowing it would likely kill her, did she do it because Skorpix had told her of a Prophecy that she would die saving you? No. She did it because she cared about you. Even if she didn't know of the Prophecy, she'd have done the same thing. When you carried her aura inside you, despite the fact you knew the line of the Prophecy the Spirit Toa cannot survive, did that cause you to give up on saving her? No! And look what happened. She's survived. And had you not known about the Prophecy, you still would try to save her."

Shardak looked at Valkyria, who had survived against all odds, and suddenly he realized how lucky he was to have been able to save her life.

"I payed too much attention to the Prophecy of the Fall of Arcaea when I was younger. Eostra and I knew of the Prophecy of the Fall, which said that when Shadow Kingdom 'mounted the throne' the Fall would begin. We thought it referred to the Elemental ruler of the Shadow Kingdom, who had recently been appointed. Because of that, he discovered he was a traitor and overthew him and his legions, which he planned to use to conquer all of Arcaea. We believed we'd prevented the Prophecy from coming true. But really we ourselves inadvertantly fulfilled it when Eostra took the throne of Shadovar and the Fall began."

"It only became real because you payed so much attention to it." said Shardak, nodding.

"In the Hall of Prophecies there are hundreds upon hundreds of Prophecies. Very few of them ever are fulfilled. It is our choices that determine what happens, not something that someone wrote down a thousand years ago."

"But he could see the future. He must have seen—"

"Who knows what he saw. Maybe he did indeed see the future in the Hall of Time. Or maybe the last Ancient who wrote the Prophecies was merely a madman who scribbled on stone tablets to terrorize us into killing each other. And maybe the Prophecies don't come true unless we force them too. And so, maybe, you're not going to die."

"But—" Shardak began, but Arcturas continued speaking.

"If either of you die it will not be because of the Prophecies. Did you notice how easily Atarus swapped Spirit Toa, the moment he decided Valkyria was the Spirit Toa instead? You both have Toa and Elemental blood. You could both be the Spirit Toa of the Prophecy. But the Prophecy will only be fulfilled if you wish it. Look at the Sleikha Inferni. Never does the Prophecy mention them. It was because of a choice by the Ix they were unleashed, not because of a Prophecy.

"A long time ago there was an Elemental known as Marius. He read a prophecy saying that one day he would kill his son. The moment he decided that was the correct interpretation of the prophecy, he killed himself, so that his son's death at his hands would not occur. The future is what you make of it, Shardak. Fate, destiny— the third virtue of the Matoran— only exists because we believe it exists. You can make whatever choice you want, Shardak. Do not make a choice because you think the Prophecy demands one. Make a choice out of what you believe is right."

Shardak nodded. Was Arcturas right? Were they really only fulfilling the "will of destiny" because they believed the Prophecies were bound to come true? Shardak realized Arcturas was right. Atarus had sent him to confront Vahrikaan, and he had agreed, because he believed the Prophecy was unavoidable. But it wasn't. They were merely fulfilling it because they based their choices on it.

"And if you do die in the fight against Vahrikaan— now that he has killed the fragmnet of his aura inside you, Shardak, he can indeed kill you— please know that you die upon your own terms. Just because the Prophecy proclaims that you both could be the Spirit Toa who will die does not mean it will happen.

"Shardak, my son, I believe you can defeat Vahrikaan. Not because any prophecy says so, but because I think you're better than he is. I think you're powerful enough to defeat him, despite the fact he has Shadovar, the Annulus, two of the four swords, and the Crescent Blade. I believe that you can defeat him. And while you do so, you will give the Sword of Fire a new reputation. Much like the prophecies, Ignan, my weapon, is only evil if you believe it is. I love you more than you know, and I wish we had more time together before the Empire took me from you. But know that I am proud of you, and that you are a far better man than I ever was."

Shardak could only shake his head, overwhelmed by the praise Arcturas had given him. His father turned to regard Valkyria.

"Valkyria, I thank you for saving my son's life. I cannot thank you enough for what you did, and how hard a choice it must have been for you. You almost died for him, despite the fact you knew you would have to kill your father. Know that once Skorpix, while on the opposite side of this conflict, was not as evil as many believe. Indeed, he was like a brother to me for many years. Your bravery has made me sure of you. You are every bit your mother's equal in bravery and skill. I would be proud to call you my daughter."

Valkyria stared up at him, awed by what he had told her. Shardak guessed that she'd never expected to hear such compliments payed to her by him. Arcturas gave them both a smile.

"I hope that you both survive and thrive, long beyond the reign of Vahrikaan. But I cannot watch you any longer. My work within the Plain of Mirrors is done."

"Wait!" asked Shardak. "Where are you going?"

"On the greatest journey, my son," said Arcturas. "Over the bridge."

"You're leaving? So soon?" Shardak asked.

"Yes. Athough you must know you are welcome to come with me."

"Where does the bridge lead?"

"On," said Arcturas simply. He stared into Shardak's eyes, and Shardak saw a tear trace a path down his features.

"We have to go back," said Shardak at once. "We have to finish what we started."

"Very well," said Arcturas. "I knew you wouldn't be content to leave the world behind. Fare you well, Toa Shardak and Valkyria. I wish you long life, and good fortune. And remember, your destiny is what you make of it. Follow your heart."

Arcturas handed Shardak both Aquaros and Ignan. Then he stepped through the veil and onto the bridge. He raised a hand in farewell. And Shardak and Valkyria watched him as he walked into the darkness, a lone hooded figure among the dead, until they could no longer make him out among the figures and he disappeared over the bridge and into the unknown beyond.

Shardak turned to Valkyria. "Ready?" he asked her, drawing the Elemental swords.

"Ready," she affirmed. She smiled. "Let's finish what we started."

Then Shardak and Valkyria walked down the long white halls and away from the edge of life, until at last they came to the portal that would take them back to Shadovar.

Back to the realm of Lord Vahrikaan.

Chapter 33
"There's another ship down," said Commander Kelan of the rebel capital ship known as the Claws of Icewind. The ship Bringer of Triumph had just slammed into one of the rebel starcraft on his tail, knocking him from the sky. "Still, it's better than the fate that the Fire Tear suffered."

"We're lucky I'd returned to this ship to relay orders," said Ixtil, who still looked shaken by his narrow escape. He'd flown aboard the Claws of Icewind in a smaller starcraft to relay Tiral and Tern's orders, as well as the information on how to defeat the ''Thanatos. Five minutes later Var'kala had crashed into the Fire Tear.'' "I calculate there is a 100% chance that every one of the beings aboard the starship are dead now."

"We have to stop that Thanatos," said Kelan. "But it's not coming in range. Whether or not that's because they've learned what we're planning to do to it once we're able to or Lord Vahrikaan somehow learned of our plans and gave them a signal to retreat, I'm not sure. But we have to get past the ships that still guard it and finish it off. That should force a surrender."

Ixtil nodded. He could see the Shadow of the Ix, the Death's Hand, and the Bringer of Triumph still stood between them and their goal. All three of these ships were among the most elite in the Ix fleet, and every one of them was armed to the teeth with the latest weaponry the Ix could create.

"Signal the Tiria, the Crusher, and the Triumph of Light. " Kelan ordered to his subordinates. "The time has come to deal a death blow to the Thanatos once and for all."

"Yes," said Ixtil. "But I must say that the odds—"

"To Karzahni with the odds!" snarled Kelan. "We made it this far, didn't we? And all of the odds are against us. We're going to take that ship out, whatever the odds say."

"Yes, Commander," said Ixtil. "I only hope my own fleet still survives. Apparently much of the Var'kala Defense Fleet is now under the command of the Deathmeld."

"We're going to have to take that thing out," said Kelan. "But right now, the Ix are our biggest priority. It looks like Vahrikaan's winning, despite the Inferni— that blue light coming from the Citadel doesn't look good."

"With any hope, the Spirit Toa will be able to finish him," said Ixtil. "Even if we defeat the Thanatos, I'm not sure what we'd do if the rest of the Var'kala Defense Fleet decided to join the battle. We'd be pinned between the Living Dead and the Ix!"

"I know," grimaced Kelan, as the rest of the ships he'd signaled fell in alongside him. The Crusher was already locked in combat with the Bringer of Triumph, and the others awaited their orders to join the battle. "Fly at the Thanatos." said Kelan to the ship leaders. "The only way to stop it is for us to fly two capital ships at it, one to destroy the Cold Obsidian which coats it, the second to damage it enough so that it goes down. If you both fail, I will signal a third."

"Yes, Commander," said a voice from the ''Triumph of Light. ''"Long live the Resistance!"

Kelan felt horrible about sending two capital ships to their deaths, but that was precisely why he'd chosen them. The crews of the Tiria, the Crusher, and the Triumph of Light were among the most fanatical of those devoted to the rebel cause. They would gladly lay down their lives for the rebellion.

Kelan's ship, the Claws of Icewind, was suddenly locked in combat with the Death's Hand, which was surrounded by several other Ix elite Scimitar Fighters. Ixtil, Kelan, and the rest of the rebel leaders said nothing save orders to the rest of the fleet, watching intently as the Triumph of Light battled the ''Shadow of the Ix. ''Neither ship seemed weakened. Meanwhile, the Crusher charged toward the Death's Hand, leaving the wreckage of the Bringer of Triumph behind.

More of the rebel fleet was pulling in now, enaging the rest of the Ix fleet. Here, Kelan knew, was the most risky part of the operation, for if the Ix rallied it was possible that they could demolish more than half of the remaining starcraft the Resistance had in use and then proceed to win the battle. But the Resistance fought on, unmoving, against the Ix armies, not willing to surrender. There was no retreat for them, and they fought like cornered wolves. The Death's Hand began to fall back as a barrage from the Claws of Icewind and the Crusher damaged it.

"Get the Thanatos," ordered Kelan to the commander of the ''Crusher. "I'll take out the Death's Hand.''"

The Triumph of Light was still locked in combat with the ''Shadow of the Ix. The Crusher flew ta the Ix starcraft, immolating the Shadow ''in flames that looked to Kelan like the fires of Karzahni itself. The Shadow of the Ix, damaged beyond repair, spiraled earthward as the Crusher engaged a group of Scimitars barring it from the ''Thanatos. Meanwhile, the Tiria and the Triumph of Light had dispatched every starcraft in their path and they flew at the Thanatos, the Triumph of Light slammed into the Thanatos ''in an explosion of light, shadow, and burning flames. The wreckage of the Triumph of Light fell downward, but Kelan could see it had done its work. The Thanatos' coating of Cold Obsidian was covered in a roiling cloud of dark ash.

"Now!" yelled Kelan into the comlink. The captain of the Tiria broke away from the Death's Hand, leaving the Crusher engaged with the remaining Ix capital ship. The Tiria slammed full-on into the Thanatos, immolating itself against the ship's hull. But still the Thanatos held.

"No," grimaced Ixtil. "That's not good. There was a 61.2 chance that—"

But Kelan wasn't even listening. He fired, but the Death's Hand blocked his way. Nothing that the Claws of Icewind could do would be able to reach the Thanatos in time. Now the Death's Hand was bearing down on him, surrounded by the remaining Scimitars.

Suddenly the Crusher pulled away from the ''Death's Hand. The Ix ship whirled around, and was instead struck by the Claws of Icewind, ''damaging it further. As the heavily damaged Thanatos began to pull back an eternity too slowly, the Crusher increased speed, charging directly toward the Thanatos.

The two ships, the largest ship in the rebel fleet and the flagship of the Ix, the last Arcean capital ship, slammed into each other with the force of two colliding meteors, and as both ships exploded into flames, causing a massive blast of light and heat to wash over the remaining Ix Scimitars and the Claws of Icewind, Kelan and Ixtil both breathed a long sigh of relief as the Ix fleet scattered and broke formation. With their flagship down, it was time to deliver the death blow to what was left of the enemy ships. Kelan's starcraft began to press in on the Ix ships, beginning to encircle them even as the Claws of Icewind led the main rebel force toward the body of the Ix fleet.

And then the remainder of the Inferni-led Var'kala Defense Fleet, followed by several rebel ships, appeared from the portal.

Aboard the capital ship known as the Death's Hand, the Vorgaan commander Vor Sxe'cahn watched in disbelief as the Thanatos died its firey death. It couldn't be. Not an Arcaean capital ship. The most powerful ship in the Ix's fleet couldn't have been destroyed. So many of the remaing Ix high command had been aboard, including one of Vahrikaan's avatars, the black-armored Rotaxian.

Vor saw that the rest of the Ix fleet, which was now leaderless, looking to him for orders. They were encircled by rebels on one side, by Inferni ships on the other. The Ix still outnumbered the Resistance by a small margin. They still had enough undamaged capital ships to perhaps pull off a stunning, against-all-odds victory.

Lord Vahrikaan could have turned this battle into one. But he was not Lord Vahrikaan. He couldn't win this battle, not against both rebels and ''Inferni. ''They would simply all be killed.

"Order all ships to either surrender, flee, or continue to fight as they wish. We have lost."

"But shouldn't we keep fighting? To try to keep them from stopping the Final Plan?" asked one of his commanders.

"I will continue to fight," said Vor. "But all of you should have a chance to flee if you so wish."

Many Ix, overwhelmed by fanatical devotion to the Final Plan, hurled themselves into battle against the Resistance or the Inferni with mad abandon. Others retreated toward the citadel, hoping Vahrikaan might shield them. But most were systematically destroyed, and Vor saw that there was no point in fighting any longer.

"Signal the Claws of Icewind," Vor said to his Ix subordinates. "We are surrendering. The battle is over."

The Inferni, the Ix, and the Resistance were still locked in combat around the citadel, but the Ix's defense was wavering. Pressed in on all sides by the Resistance and the Living Dead, and with most of their leadership dead, Reid Vaethar knew that most enemies would have surrendered by now.

But, because they had nowhere to run and were, at this point, the last line of defense against the Resistance, the Ix line held. That, and the fear of Vahrikaan's Korlei avatar kept them fighting.

Korlei was barely recognizable to Vaethar now. The once-beautiful Ix female's eye had been gouged out by a sickle-sword carried by a Veythari, and the five tentacles she'd grown from her midsection impeded her movement. Her hands were hideously long and the fingers almost snakelike, from which she hurled bolts of lightning laced with green energy. Her mouth had been sliced as well by a sickle-sword, and her infection was so far along her blood was laced with green energy. Any normal being would have died by now and become a Warrior Class, but it was it was clear that Vahrikaan was using much of his power to keep Korlei alive.

Still, it was clear from the maddened look in Korlei's eyes that she'd snapped completely. She was dying, and by all rights should be dead already. But Vahrikaan was holding her to life, and Korlei was still tearing through the Resistance ranks, seemingly unstoppable. The Dargon, leaderless, were scattering, and the Ix, emboldened, were beginning to force the Resistance back once more from the citadel.

''This needs to end quickly, before we loose the initiative. With the Living Dead concentrating on the west wall, we have a chance to break into the Citadel. But otherwise we've lost, and Shardak, Atarus, and the others will have lost as well.''

Not for the first time, Reid wondered what had become of Atarus. But he quickly pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. In order to defeat the Ix guards around the heart of the Imperial Palace's Citadel, they would have to cut off the head of the armies.

Thrazkul, Windeus, Lyria, and Eostra were all dead. Only Korlei remained, infected by the virus and yet still contolled by Vahrikaan. Vaethar knew that in order to stop the Ix, Korlei had to be killed.

Reid Vaethar was locked in the midst of a battling group of Ix Red Shadows and Veythari. Fultran also still lived, and was attempting to pin the remaining Ix against the citadel wall. But as long as Korlei still commanded the battlefield, the Ix would not surrender.

Vaethar lifted his sword and slashed open a Red Shadow's shoulder, then ran the blade through his heart. He whirled around to counter a second blow from an Ix, and blocked it within centimeters away from his face. As a third Red Shadow weighed in, hoping to bring the Veythari leader down, Vaethar lashed out with all his might and beat back the Red Shadows with a complex series of Vauhti combat moves. One of the Ix wasn't out of the way fast enough and Vaethar's sword sliced through his throat, decapitating him.

The two other Red Shadows continued to press in on Vaethar, but by now Reid was ready for them and matched them blow for blow as they fought their way toward the citadel gates. All around Vaethar was chaos as Resistance fought Ix, Inferni fought rebels, and Ix fought ''Inferni. ''The three-way battle was spiraling wildly in control, and Vaethar knew that in the end the Resistance and Ix armies would annihilate each other, leaving the Living Dead in control of Shadovar.

One of the Red Shadows managed to parry what would have been Vaethar's killing blow, and Vaethar was cought off-balance momentarily. But before Vaethar could raise his sword to block, the second Red Shadow brought his sickle-sword down, lacerating Vaethar's shoulder. Vaethar struck out at the two remaining Ix in blind rage the moment he felt the pain, slicing open one Red Shadow's stomach with his scimitar. The last Red Shadow tried to retreat the moment he saw his ally fall, but a hail of Veythari arrows felled him before he made it more than five feet.

Vaethar continued slashing and hacking his way across the battlefield when he made out the form of a being that could only be Korlei, locked in hand-to-hand combat with Fultran. The smaller Agori was wounded badly, and tossed to the ground by Korlei where he lay stunned.

"Vahrikaan!" yelled Vaethar. "Turn and face me!"

Korlei spun around, revealing the hideous mess her face had become, and when she spoke it was with Vahrikaan's voice. '"You really don't know when to give up, do you?" 'Vahrikaan laughed. "I have already won. You are nothing but insignificant flies on the floor to me, ready to be trod underfoot. There is nothing you can do to stop my final plan from succeeding."

"We will stop you!" Vaethar said to the Ix. "Shoot her!" he yelled to his archers. Twelve arrows flew, seveal of them blocked by Korlei's auric shield, others missing, and two slamming into Korlei. While that might have killed any mortal being, the avatar of Vahrikaan merely snarled and kept coming, her remaining eye dancing madly in its socket. Korlei's writhing tentacles lashed out at Vaethar, but he rolled to one side and they instead wrapped around the Veythari beside him, flaying him alive. As his bloody corpse tumbled to the ground, another hail of arrows slammed into Korlei, slowing her down by a few seconds. But Vaethar knew it was only a matter of time before Korlei overcame them.

Korlei unleashed a massive blast of lightning from her hands, and Vaethar only narrowly managed to dodge both of the bolts nearest to him. Several of his Veythari weren't so lucky and collapsed dead to the ground. Korlei followed up the lightning with a storm of fire, which annihilated more than thirty rebels in a single instant, their bodies becoming little more than charred ash.

Vaethar charged at her again, but Korlei caused pillars of earth to erupt from the ground, throwing several Veythari to their deaths and wounding a dozen others. Korlei followed this up by a massive burst of wind which snapped bones and brought down an entire squadron of Veythari.

Korlei turned to face Vaethar once more, who was still standing, surrounded by a small group of Veythari warriors who had survived all of her attacks. But before Vaethar knew what was happening, Korlei had unleashed several water pulses from her grasp, which slammed on the ground and at once became a roaring torrent which tumbled down on the Resistance, Inferni, and Ix, burying many of them beneath the flood. But others fought their way to the surface and kicked free of the wave which threatened to drown them and stared at Korlei with hate-filled eyes. Vaethar kicked his way free from the torrent of water and managed to rise to his feet, gasping for breath.

Korlei snarled in rage when she saw that Vaethar was among them. "Die!" she yelled, more lightning flying from her fingers. Vaethar saw what she was doing in that instant and leapt away from the water. As Resistance soldiers and Inferni climbed free from the waves, the lightning slammed into them, electrocuting every one. Those that survived were swept downstream by the deluge.

Vaethar felt a hand on his shoulder. He saw Fultran was standing beside him, still wounded yet somehow still alive. "Let's finish this," Fultran whispered, his voice filled with pain but determined.

Reid Vaethar nodded. He could see to his relief that many of his archers had survived and were racing toward where Korlei and her remaining Ix still stood. Korlei snarled as a hail of arrows descended upon her, and she deflected them all with her aura. Reid Vaethar rushed at Korlei with his sword raised, determined to put an end to the avatar once and for all.

But before he could do so there was a flash of shadowy armor, and a burst of pure darkness more powerful than Reid Vaethar had ever seen slammed into Korlei, throwing the surprised Ix off-balance. Korlei's remaining guards fell dead to the ground, but it barely fazed the avatar. Both Korlei and Vaethar turned to regard this new attacker.

Nightwatcher was standing before them, carrying a long scimitar in place of his usual sapphire sword. He charged at Korlei, once again unleashing a blast of pure darkness from his arms that slammed into the Ix female. Korlei didn't even seemed stunned by the powerful burst of energy, but she lashed out at Nighwatcher, one of her tentacles trying to wrap around his leg.

Now Vaethar saw his chance. Lifting his bow, he yelled, "Archers! Fire!"

A hail of arrows sped toward Korlei just as a third burst of shadow from Nightwatcher flew from the Toa of Shadow's hands. This time every one of the arrows struck Korlei with bloody, messy precision. But still the avatar did not die, but bore down on Vaethar and Nightwatcher with the inevability of fate itself. Another tentacle was tearing its way free from her body.

Another group of arrows sped toward Korlei, slamming into her chest. At that same moment Nightwatcher fired still more pure shadow at Korlei, causing her to stagger backward a few centimeters. Vaethar's archers followed it up with another hail of arrows, which again Korlei was unable to block.

"You...shall...not..'win...Veythari." 'a voice gasped from Korlei's mouth, a mixture of her own voice and Vahrikaan's. As Nightwatcher's elemental power slammed into her again and Vaethar's arrows slammed into her all at once, Vaethar heard Korlei scream in pain.

Yet still she bore down on them, tentacles flailing, her face a mess of molten metal and flesh. Her remaining eye was so burned it was a wonder she could still see out of it. Nightwatcher hurled shadow lightning at her again, piercing Korlei's heart.

Korlei staggered away from them, her hands flailing wildly. The arrows struck her again, and again, and again. And as she continued to step back, wounded mortally a dozen times over, more and more pulses of darkness followed by lightning slammed into her body, vaporizing three tentacles and tearing her apart still further. Now Korlei was trapped at the heart of a mass of shadows and arrows, her body a mess of torn peices and arrows.

Yet still she refused to die, and in a second the shadows abated, flung herself at Vaethar.

Vaethar was too slow and Korlei landed on top of him, her tentacles slashing down at his face, gouging several painful tears in his side and shoulder. Vaethar writhed beneath her grasp.

Then suddenly there was an explosion of flames above them. Vaethar watched in surprise and shock as the ruins of the Ix flagship, the Thanatos, tumbled to the ground. The moment that happened, Korlei let out a primordial roar of pain and rage, and for a moment she relaxed her grip.

Arrows and shadow lightning slammed into her and flung her backward, slamming her into the earth. As Korlei slowly staggered to her feet, Nightwatcher and the Veythari continued to pelt her with shadow lightning and arrows. At last Korlei staggered backward into the pools of water she'd created and lost her footing, falling beneath the waves.

But Vaethar had no time to feel relieved before Korlei was on her feet again, her ruined face glaring at them in rage and pain. But as she began to stagger forward, out of the water, Vaethar yelled, "Now!"

A hail of arrows slammed into Korlei at the same time the shadow lightning hit the water, causing ten thousand volts of electricity to tear through Korlei's body at once. Korlei gave a final, desperate scream of pain and then collapsed in a broken heap, her eye staring sightlessly at the sky. Vaethar could only stare at the broken body of Vahrikaan's avatar in shocked disbelief, unable to process the fact that she was dead.

Immediately after seeing Korlei fall the fight seemed to go out of the Ix. While they continued to fight to the death in crazed, fanatical loyalty to Vahrikaan, it was obvious that they'd lost the very last commander they posessed. They were breaking formation even as the remaining Resistance soldiers gained it, charging toward the heart of the Imperial Palace— the Citadel where Lord Vahrikaan himself waited.

Vaethar turned to Nightwatcher in shocked amazement. "How did you—" he began, but Nightwatcher cut him off.

"A little of the Shadowdermis virus still lives in me," he said. "Enough, it seems, to defeat the avatar." he looked around. "I see you're fighting another virus even now."

Vaethar nodded grimly. "The Inferni have their own way of entering the citadel. I'm sure that their Deathmeld is with them. But even it recognizes the power of Lord Vahrikaan, who is our most dangerous enemy."

"We have to stop him," said Nightwatcher. "His madness threatens to destroy us all."

"He's trying to bring the Arcaean dimension to Xaterex," recalled Vaethar. "Then feed off the energy to ascend to a higher plain of existance."

Nightwatcher's eyes widened. "No, you don't understand." he said. "Vahrikaan isn't just trying to bring Xaterex and Arcaea together. Every aura user in the universe can feel exactly what he's trying to do. He's using Shadovar to call all of the dimensions in the Hall of Time together. Then he's going to use the Annulus, or another powerful weapon, to destroy the Hall of Time itself."

Vaethar could only gasp at the sheer insanity of the plan. "What will happen?" he asked.

"All of the dimensions will be destroyed. Fractured. Without time, nothing will exist. And Vahrikaan will feed on the energy to fuel his ascension, leaving behind nothing but eternal darkness behind."

Shardak and Valkyria, rendered invisible by the power of the Ignika, suddenly snapped back to consciousness. Momentarily confused, Shardak looked around him, and saw Valkyria crouched next to him, her aura shielded by the invisibility shield Shardak had created around them. Shardak could feel something strange happening to his aura. He could feel a strange pulling sensation on his aura, as though it wanted to tear itself free from his body.

But what he saw in the throne room made him almost gasp aloud in fear.

"You are too late," said Vahrikaan, his voice filled with exultation. "Too late to save your Spirit Toa, too late to stop me. All that you have done has merely furthered my own plans."

Shardak saw that Vahrikaan was standing at the foot of the throne, surrounded by the remaining Ix Lords and their rust-red garbed guards. Vahrikaan held the Crescent Blade in one hand, the sword gleaming like a rent in time and space. His eyes burned with exultation and triumph. Atarus was bound, helpless, and stood next to High Lord Velnax, the Kodax who had led the Order of Vahrikaan.

Facing him stood Fairon, Blast, Skorr, Nightwatcher, and Ardhána. Shardak, however, had no time to feel relieved to see Nightwatcher and Blast both still alive, for all of them stared in hatred at Vahrikaan. Shardak realized they must have just charged into the heart of the Citadel, only to be confronted by Vahrikaan. Behind them followed Fultran, Reid Vaethar, and a small group of Resistance soldiers. Every one of them stared at Vahrikaan and his allies with fear.

"Luxa! No!"

That voice belonged to Fairon. He raced toward the Illieran's corpse, staring in despair into Luxa's empty eyes. Shardak wanted at once to race to his aid, but Valkyria laid a hand on his shoulder, stilling his movement. Fairon stared up at Vahrikaan, his voice laden with anger. "What have you done to Shardak and Valkyria?"

"They are both dead, no more than dust on the wind," laughed Vahrikaan. "And Atarus is my prisoner. With the Spirit Toa died your last hope for Resistance. Now you can only watch as the Final Plan is fulfilled, and all of you are left to die."

A being's mad laughter could be heard from the base of the throne, and Shardak saw to his shock that Eostra the Hooded One was standing at the base of the throne, her scythe in hand. Ardhána stared at the Hooded One in fear and shock.

"How?" she asked. "I killed you!"

"You did," agreed the Hooded One. "But it is impossible to kill a being that is already dead."

"Indeed," Vahrikaan agreed. "There is no way to defeat me now, not when life and death themselves have bowed down to me."

"No! You have to be lying!" said Nightwatcher desperately. "Shardak was meant to stop you!"

'"Shardak?" asked Vahrikaan, his voice filled with undeniable scorn, "You really weren't told anything about Atarus' plans, were you? Shardak was merely the decoy. But he did perform his job well. When I killed Valkyria, he tried to flee through a portal he opened using Shadovar. I vaporized him with my elemental power."'

Shardak saw that Vahrikaan truly believed he was dead. He looked around, wondering if he was going to see Valkyria's body lying dead on the ground, but saw nothing. He wondered momentarily if Vahrikaan suspected he'd somehow helped her survive, and was using this to draw him out of hiding.

"We will still stop you!" said Blast, his voice hard. Determined. "Shardak may be dead, but his cause lives on in all of us. If you want to finish your plan, Vahrikaan, you're going to have to kill us all first."

Skorr, Nightwatcher and Ardhána nodded their agreement. Skorr lifted his blaster, Ardhána her twin blades, Reid Vaethar his bow. Fairon readied his scimitar. But Vahrikaan lifted his hands, and Fairon was immediately immobilized. Ardhána rushed at the throne, but Vahrikaan slowed her to a halt within moments. Nightwatcher and Blast didn't even have a chance to move before they were halted by Vahrikaan's power. Immediately the legions of the Resistance slowed to a halt, even Skorr and Vaethar halting before the might of Vahrikaan.

"So, perhaps you see now why resistance against me is futile," said Vahrikaan. "Toa Fairon, you may have bested the Eternal Game twice, but you could never defeat me. As for this Glatorian and his bounty hunter friends, it was a foregone conclusion they would fail."

Vahrikaan turned his cold red gaze onto Ardhána. "I must confess, Ardhána, I am surprised to see that you are still alive. But your talents would be far better put to use if you joined me instead."

"I'll...never...serve you," gasped Ardhána.

"I believe you," said Vahrikaan calmly. "A shame. Still, that means I have to kill you. But not before you witness my victory."

"We'll never let you destroy Xaterex and Shadovar!" said Blast, determined. Vahrikaan merely laughed.

"You think I would be content with merely the demise of Xaterex. No, Glatorian, I will rule all of the worlds. Even now Shadovar is calling the myriad dimensions and plains of existance back to the Hall of Time. And when they have arrived I will bring death to this world and to all with the power of the Crescent Blade."

"Go to Karzahni," hissed a voice through Blast's mouth. Shardak and Valkyria suddenly stared at each other, shocked.

The voice belonged to Millennium.

"You cannot win!" said Millennium through Blast. "What you are planning is madness."

"On the contrary, what I plan is perfectly possible and will be sucessful, Millennium," said Vahrikaan."I am surprised, to say the least, that you would work with the Resistance after they destroyed most of your order in the Void."

"Because the Resistance are the only beings who will stand against you," said Millennium through Blast. "This Glatorian who I allied with agreed to host my spirit so I could stop you."

While all of Vahrikaan's attention was focused on the Resistance soldiers, Shardak slipped through the blackness, unnoticed by all, even Vahrikaan. He could see Skorpix's corpse, with Silverblade still speared through his back, lying at the foot of the Shadovar Codrex. The two Elemental swords, Isidar and Tehran, lay unguarded at his feet. Shardak realized he must have been gone for a far smaller amount of time than he'd thought, for Vahrikaan had made no effort to retrieve the weapons.

Shardak grabbed Isidar in one hand, Tehran in the other. Now he carried all four of the Elemental swords, and all of them whispered the promises of victory. All four elements seemed to swirl around him, every one of them reinvigorating Shardak, returning his strength. The swords formed a barrier of elements around him, of orange flames, blue water, pale air, and dark earth. Shardak brought Isidar and Tehran together, and both swords fused into one blade of black and green.

In his other hand, Shardak lifted Aquaros and the Blade of Arcturas. Both swords were drawn together almost at once, melting flawlessly into a blue-red sword that trailed crackling sparks. Then, with the fused swords in either hand, Shardak lifted them both— and the four swords of Elemental power became one blade of pale white, like the Crescent Blade itself.

The Sword of Time.

Valkyria stared in awe at the weapon in Shardak's hands, shocked at the power of its aura. Vahrikaan still hadn't seemed to notice them, and he was still toying with his captives, taunting them. The moment Shardak's fingers closed around the Sword of Time, he realized the truth about Vahrikaan's plans. Time itself was about to break down. Vahrikaan was going to destroy the Hall of Time itself with the Crescent Blade the moment Shadovar and the Plain of Mirrors became one. And then every world, every time, every dimension that Shardak had seen in the Hall— would die.

But the sword still whispered to him. Beneath the white blade he could feel the bloodlust of the Blade of Arcturas, the measured calm of Isidar, the powerful torrent that was Aquaros, the sturdy power that was Tehran. All four swords combined into one was almost too much for Shardak to bear, too much for him to hold. The vampiric hold of the swords almost overwhelmed him. And yet the Kanohi Ignika, the mask that Shardak had taken years to finally master, held the sword's power in check.

"Any moment now, the last of the dimensions will be in place," said Vahrikaan. "This is what was prophecised all those years ago, by the last of the Ancients, the last being to hold the Crescent Blade. This is the end of time, the era when eternal darkness falls upon these myriad worlds."

Suddenly Shardak heard screaming outside the throne room, and down the hallway could feel the presence of more Resistance warriors fighting their way into the Citadel, fighting against the last of the Ix guards. Shardak could feel Reid Vaethar tense, feel Ardhána draw on her Elemental power.

"Never!" snarled Ardhána, tearing free from the invisible auric bonds that held her. She lifted her swords, and before Vahrikaan or the others could react, Shardak used the Sword of Time to free Blast, Skorr, Nightwatcher, and Fairon from their bonds. Immediately they raced toward the Ix Lords, who rose up to meet them armed with their own swords. All at once Shardak heard the screams of pain as several of the Resistance soldiers fell, and saw Ardhána locked in combat with Velnax. All at once the throne room had erupted into the chaos of battle.

Shardak wove through the battlefield, hoping desperately he wouldn't be noticed. As he drew closer to the throne, he lifted the Sword of Time, using it to break the bonds that held Atarus in place. Immediatley the Elemental charged toward the Ix soldiers, snatching a scythe from a fallen Ix.

Shardak could see more Ix soldiers were charging from the throne room and at the Resistance soldiers outside the throne room, who were trying to force their way into the heart of the Citadel itself. Shardak saw Ardhána locked in combat with Velnax and two other Kodax, Fairon fighting the Hooded One, Nightwatcher lifting a Vorgaan into the air and hurling him bodily across the room. Three Veythari archers fired arrows into the battle, while all around the throne room the shouts of chaos grew louder all around them.

Shardak rolled beneath a torrent of black lightning fired by Vahrikaan, and saw Valkyria was beside him, still shielded by the power of invisibility he'd called from the Ignika. The sounds of explosions grew louder and louder, and suddenly Shardak and Valkyria watched as the west wall of the throne room was suddenly punched through by a group of Warrior Class ''Sleikha Inferni. ''All around Shardak, Shadovar glowed with green-blue light, and Vahrikaan laughed at the chaos.

It seemed to Shardak, and every other aura user in the room, that the throne room was flickering. Flickering between Arcaea and Xaterex, between the Hall of Time and the throne room. Only Shadovar, and the forms of the battling beings, remained consistant.

Time is breaking down, Shardak thought. It's falling apart, and Vahrikaan is only growing stronger.

Vahrikaan was standing at the base of the throne room, fighting four beings all at once, Reid Vaethar, Fultran, Nightwatcher, and Atarus. All of them together were still unable to finish him, every one of them weak in comparison to the power of the dark lord.

Shardak could see Eostra was still fighting against four beings as well, Skorr, Nightwatcher, Ardhána, and Millennium/Blast. All four of them together were unable to finish off the mad Elemental, who laughed insanely as they fought their way across the throne room, elemental and auric power swirling all around them. Black lightning flew from the Hooded One's hands, all traces of the infection gone as she blasted Ardhána backward, into the wall.

Velnax charged toward Fultran, raising his sword to deal a death blow to the Dark Talon leader. Before Shardak or Valkyria could move, Shardak saw a blur flash past Velnax, and felt a powerful, alien aura fill the throne room. All at once, the blurs of light coalesced to form a Toa-like being made of pure white-gold air with voidlike green eyes. His alien presence made Shardak recoil in fear as his ghostly talons wrapped around Velnax's body.

"The Deathmeld!" Atarus gasped, seeing the white-gold ghost. Shardak gasped as he saw the Deathmeld's fingers close inside Velnax's body, crushing the Kodax to death from the inside. Velnax gave a low moan and toppled to the ground, and the Deathmeld's void eyes flashed, unfathomble in their darkness. Suddenly his face blurred, and coalesced into a fragmented mirror of Velnax's own face. Velnax gave a final scream as he stared into his own eyes, then died. The Deathmeld with Velnax's face glared coldly at the rest of the beings in the throne room.

All around the Deathmeld a small horde of Inferni fought both the Ix and the Resistance, and more of them were widening as the gap in the wall grew still larger. But Shardak knew that soon, all of their efforts would be for nothing if Vahrikaan's final plan suceeded. And while the remnants of the Ix guard had scattered, both Eostra and Vahrikaan fought on, killing any being that stood in their path.

Eostra was a blur of darkness as she fought Nightwatcher, Ardhána, and her other opponents. Her scythe flashed, each time it fell signaling the death of another Resistance soldier. Even Millennium's power over time seemed to do nothing to slow her as she dueled them all, seemingly unhurt by anything any of them could do to her. The Hooded One seemed invincible to Shardak as she fought against the rebel soldiers with seemingly no effort at all.

"I am the last of the Shadowed Ones!" laughed Eostra as she slashed open Nightwatcher's shoulder. "I am more powerful than death!"

"You are not the last," came a new voice.

Suddenly the battlefield grew quiet as everyone turned to stare at the being who was stepping through the door to the throne room. He was tall, and wore orange-red armor and a spiked helmet. He had dark eyes and he moved with a slightly staggering gait. And yet it was his aura that caused Shardak to remember the time they'd met before.

It was a being he'd thought he'd never see again. A being he'd almost completely forgotten. The ancient wanderer from the Labyrinth that he, Blast, and Kyhrex had encountered all those years ago. Blast seemed to recognize him as well, and gave a small gasp of surprise.

"I am Isarkh," said the old wanderer. "And I have come to bring an end to your power, Vahrikaan."

The last Shadowed One, thought Shardak. The one Atarus thought had died...

"Isarkh is dead," Eostra rasped. "He died during the Fall of Arcaea."

"That is what I wanted everyone to think," agreed Isarkh, his voice cold as ice. "But I survived. Another being died in my place, a debt I can never repay. So I will end this now! I will bring an end to the Order of the Shadowed Ones!"

"No, you will not," said Vahrikaan, lifting a hand. Before Isarkh could move out of the way, a spinning, scorching tunnel of shadow slammed into Isarkh, knocking him back against the wall. Isarkh fell, but narrowly managed to stagger to his feet. "I...will...not...be stopped." he snarled, staggering toward Eostra.

For a moment Eostra hesitated. She swiped her scythe to one side, missing Ardhána's throat my centimeters. Ardhána only narrowly managed to deflect the next salvo of blindingly fast strikes, then lunged forward, even as Eostra charged toward Isarkh, ready to finish him off—

—Just as Ardhána's scimitar buried itself in Eostra's back. Eostra barely seemed to notice the wound, however, and lashed out at Isarkh, her scythe slashing downward at his throat—

Then whirling around in a chaotic blur as a flash of silver armor filled the darkness. Reid Vaethar slammed into Eostra like a meteor, knocking the Hooded One off her feet. Dark power flashed from Eostra's hands, tearing into Reid Vaethar's throat and shoulders, but still the Veythari hung on, bringing his sword down again and again on Eostra's hood. "Let's see what's under that hood," he snarled, tearing it free. Shardak stared in shock as he saw the mess of burned features that the Hooded One's face had become. The Hooded One's two red eyes stared Reid Vaethar with hatred as he staggered backward, wounded mortally. Eostra lunged forward to grab her scythe.

"No!" snarled Vahrikaan, as Isarkh's spear buried itself in Eostra's chest, snapping off at the hilt. Eostra gave a scream of pain that echoed in Shardak's thoughts for minutes later and dark power flew fromher hands, lifting Isarkh off his feet and throwing him bodily against the wall even as Eostra staggered backward and collapsed, eyes glazing over.

Vahrikaan's scream of rage at the fall of his last avatar was the most hideous sound Shardak had ever heard him make. As Shardak watched, Vahrikaan's rage exploded and Atarus was flung against the wall, snapping several ribs. Shardak couldn't tell whether Isarkh was still alive or if he'd died, but he could see that the battle was suddenly raging all around him once more. Vahrikaan was still fighting Nightwatcher and Fultran. As Fultran closed in on him, Vahrikaan crushed the Matoran leader into fragments with a Shadow Hand.

Seeing Fultran die galvanized Shardak into action. I will not let Vahrikaan kill another of my friends!

Shardak looked to Valkyria, who nodded confirmation. As Vahrikaan closed in on a badly wounded Reid Vaethar with the Crescent Blade, Shardak ended the invisibility power which had cloaked him and Valkyria. "Vahrikaan!" he yelled. "Turn and face me!"

Every being in the room whirled around to face the Toa. A hush fell across the hall as they stared at Shardak, the Sword of Time in his hands, and Vahrikaan, who held the Crescent Blade. The two mortal enemies stared at each other, and the fighting slowed to a halt.

Vahrikaan flung Reid Vaethar's unconscious body backward, against a wall, and whirled around to face Shardak, eyes widening in surprise. "You! I killed you!" he stared at Valkyria, who stood beside Shardak, her scimitar in hand. "I killed you both!"

"You did," Shardak agreed. "But I am the Spirit Toa. And I cannot die until I have fulfilled my destiny. To cast down the darkness."

"You are not the Spirit Toa! She is!" said Vahrikaan, pointing at Valkyria. Seeing her alive, Atarus stared at Valkyria, confused and amazed.

"Atarus was wrong," said Shardak. "For she never died. I saved her. I am the Spirit Toa, who completed the Rising of Vahrikaan, and it was you who bound your aura to mine, giving me your power. It was you who killed the fragment of your aura inside me, binding me to life. Now there are no more avatars.I have come to finish this war, Vahrikaan."

Vahrikaan's cold, slitted red eyes narrowed. "Very well," he snarled, raising the Crescent Blade. "Let us end this, Spirit Toa."

Shardak stepped across the floor and engaged his mortal enemy in combat. The Sword of Time gave Shardak quick enough reflexes to leap aside, dodging the Crescent Blade, but he quickly realized just how strong Vahrikaan really was. The first barrage of blows nearly tore the Sword of Time from his grasp, and the second, Vahrikaan nearly managed to slash open his side.

''One hit. One scratch from the Crescent Blade, and I'm dead, ''Shardak thought. But he felt strangely calm as Vahrikaan's sword met his once again, as their swords moved blindingly quickly in complex patterns even Shardak didn't recognize. Every bit of his skill was focused on staying alive as every one of Vahrikaan's blows came closer and closer to scratching him.

Shardak eyes could barely follow the speed of their duel. The Crescent Blade moved with such blinding speed he could barely make it out in the half-light, and the Sword of Time fought with a rage of its own volition, slipping through the very fabric of time and space to match the Crescent Blade's every move. All the while Shardak's aura, strengthened by the Mask of Life, warred with Vahrikaan's, which was strengthened by the Shadovar device. All the while the blue light from the Codrex grew larger and larger, and Vahrikaan seemed to be growing more powerful every moment.

'"You cannot win against me, Shardak!" 'said Vahrikaan, his voice still calm. "Even if you killed me with the Sword of Time, do you think that I would remain dead? I have safeguards in place that will bind me to this world until my plan is complete."

Shardak ignored him, but continued the deadly dance, trying to ignore all of the beings watching them. Even the Deathmeld and his Inferni were merely watching, watching as the Sword of Time met the Crescent Blade again and again in every one of the combat forms. Both Shardak and Vahrikaan were desperately working to attain victory by any means possible.

But Shardak knew he couldn't keep this up forever. He knew that any minute now he would make a mistake, Vahrikaan was scratch him, and the war would be over. Vahrikaan would have won. But Shardak had no idea how he could end this duel without causing his own death.

''The Spirit Toa cannot survive. ''Maybe he wasn't meant to kill Vahrikaan at all.

Then he remembered what Arcturas had said about the Prophecies. ''Your destiny is what you make of it. He would ''defeat Vahrikaan, not because of what an ancient prophecy said, but because the lives of all that he cared for depended upon it. He lifted the Sword of Time, readying to counter Vahrikaan's next salvo. But the Dark Lord's style was impossible to predict. His sword skills were unmatched by any being that Shardak had ever dueled, and his combat forms were alien to him.

But then what Nightwatcher had said about combat forms came back to him. A skilled warrior must attain victory by any means possible.

As Shardak stared at Vahrikaan, the illusion fell away. Vahrikaan's skills were based around the same principle. Everything Vahrikaan had attempted so far had been an extension of the same thing that Nightwatcher had told him. Everything he'd done had been according to what Nightwatcher had told him. But against an opponent like Vahrikaan, he needed something even more unexpected.

Then the Sword of Time, which had been whispering promises of victory to him, suddenly took over. As as the Crescent Blade began to descend toward him, Shardak suddenlt felt as though time was slowing down, and all four of the Elemental swords seemed to be whispering to him, giving him every bit of their knowledge, the knowledge of all the skills every one of the swords' weilders had used over the years.

Do not be plagued by doubt, confusion, or fear, Atarus seemed to whisper to him.

He had overcome his confusion.

He was no longer afraid.

Now there was only doubt. And in that moment Shardak knew where Vahrikaan was going to strike, and when. He spun around, reversing his grip on the Sword of Time. His sword slammed against the Crescent Blade, knocking it from Vahrikaan's grasp.

The Crescent Blade fell to the ground at Shardak's feet. For a moment, Vahrikaan hesitated. Then, as Shardak readied his sword and was about to reach out for the Crescent Blade, Vahrikaan lifted a hand, gesturing to the Resistance soldiers and Inferni  who watched the conflict.

His voice grew low, dangerous. "If you take the Crescent Blade, Spirit Toa, I will kill every one of your friends here."

Time seemed to slow, and Shardak realized that this was it. This was the choice that the Last Ancient had foretold all those years ago, the choice that would determine whether he saved or destroyed the universe. This was the reason why the Ix had wanted him dead, why the Resistance had recruited him and made him their weapon against Lord Vahrikaan.

For this moment.

The moment when he had to choose between his friends— and saving the universe.

Shardak knew he could do it. He could grab the Crescent Blade and run it through Vahrikaan's heart. But in that split second Vahrikaan would have enough time to finish off his friends. He stared into the faces of Atarus, Fairon, Blast, and Valkyria, who were all looking at him, relying on him, knowing that the moment had come, and knowing that in a matter of moments it could be all over.

Could he do it? Could he, Toa Shardak, allow all the beings he loved to die— to save the universe?

The choice must be made now or never, or every world shall die forever.

He had only seconds to choose. Vahrikaan was looking at him with an indescripable emotion on his face. There was no fear, only a cold question. A question that Shardak could see mirrored on the features of Atarus, Valkyria, Fairon, Blast, Ardhána, and the Deathmeld.

''What will you do, Shardak? What will you do?''

Face your allies, face the shadow, and know the choice must be made right.

He could choose the Crescent Blade and the death of Vahrikaan and his friends, or allow Vahrikaan to live— and perhaps give a chance for his friends to survive as well by blocking Vahrikaan's immenent attack. But it was far from certain. Shardak thought he knew the right choice— the hardest choice, but what he thought was right— was to grab the Crescent Blade. Then the war would be over.

Shardak was about to reach out, but something stilled him. Varkanax's words, the description that he'd used just before his identity had been revealed as a possible-future version of Shardak. I failed, and eternal darkness fell upon the universe.

Eternal darkness, Shardak thought. Was Vahrikaan counting on him grabbing the Crescent Blade instead of saving his friends? Would he really defeat Vahrikaan, or just hasten his plans along still further? There was no clear answer to the question.

''Answer. ''

Suddenly Shardak is a young one again, kneeling before his dying father. Arcturas has been attacked by Ix, and is gasping out his last breaths. Remember, that while the question is hidden, sometimes the answer is in plain sight.

Your destiny is what you make of it.

And then, his last words, the very last words Arcturas had spoken to him before he'd died, then again before he'd crossed the bridge and passed into whatever lay beyond. The words that Varkanax had echoed before the beginning of the final battle.

Follow your heart.

And Shardak knew in that moment that he couldn't let his friends die.

"No," he said, taking a step back from the Crescent Blade. "I will not take it. You will not harm my friends."

Shardak could hear the gasps of shock from the gathered Resistance soldiers, saw Vahrikaan's smile of triumph and Atarus' expression of dismay. "You truly are a fool, Shardak. Did you really believe that if you handed me the Crescent Blade I would spare your friends? I will kill them all, and force you to watch. Perhaps you could have avoided this fate had you merely submitted to me. But now you must die."

Vahrikaan lifted a hand, readying to snap Atarus' spine with his sheer Elemental power. But Shardak leapt between them, taking the blow. It was immediately absorbed into his Kanohi Ignika, and Vahrikaan snarled in frustration. Shardak could see his dark, powerfully built form was growing paler and less corporeal every few moments as the Shadovar Codrex gleamed with black-blue coruscating light. Shardak could see to his shock that the entire Imperial Palace seemed to gleam with white, mirror-like light, and Shardak could feel the auras of the beings all around him growing in power.

"I'll never surrender to you," Shardak vowed. "I will keep fighting you until either you or I have died. But if you want to kill my friends, you'll have to get through me first."

"You cannot stop me," Vahrikaan snarled. "For I am greater than an Elemental, an Ancient, or even a Spirit Toa. I am eternal!"

Shardak felt his aura flare, and for a moment visions of a past beyond the knowledge of the oldest ancients began to flood his mind. He could see beings alien and ancient beyond comprehension facing him, and knew he was staring into the very darkest recesses of the Hall of Time.

"Who are you?" Shardak breathed. "'What 'are you?"

"I am beyond the understanding of a mere Toa," said Vahrikaan.

"No, you're not," said Shardak. Slowly, it was beginning to dawn on him what Vahrikaan was. "Arcturas knew what you are. And when he found out, he set out to destroy your entire order and everything you had created. You're no Ancient, or Ix, or Toa, or even Elemental."

" I am more than you can comprehend," hissed Vahrikaan. "So far am I along the path to the ascension that I can barely comprehend the fact you wish to challenge me. You are too weak, even with the weapon you carry. You made the wrong choice, Shardak. Now your death comes, and then the death of your friends."

"No," said Shardak, and he stepped onto the raised dias where the control panel of the Shadovar Codrex stood and tore the Annulus free from the ring pattern on the device. He lifted it above his head. "And your ascension to power will not be completed."

"Place the Annulus back on the Codrex," ordered Vahrikaan. "Do it now!"

"No," said Shardak, determined. "If you want the Annulus, you'll have to come and get it. But I will never submit to you."

You must! "  snarled Vahrikaan, his composure slipping once more.' "Or I will make you, even if I have to kill you for it. And if you do not, then I will force either Toa Fairon or Valkyria to do it in your place. Surrender."'

Suddenly Shardak screamed in pain as Vahrikaan brought the full might of his auric power to bear upon him. He could feel the dark tendrils of his aura reaching out to strangle him, and the elemental powers of Shadovar, every one of them, reaching out at him.

Shardak screamed again in pain as Vahrikaan's power tried to bury his aura forever beneath an avalanche of earth, drown him beneath thousands of feet of water, incinterate his aura with a raging inferno, and snap every bone in his body with a burst of cyclonic lightning. Shardak writhed beneath Vahrikaan's grasp, gasped out in pain as shadows strangled and cut off his breathing.

"Submit,"  ordered Vahrikaan, causing more spears of pain to ravage through Shardak's mind and body. The pain that Vahrikaan was inflicting upon him grew worse and worse, but Shardak refused to surrender.

Then a knife seemed to enter his mind and soul, a knife honed to a point as sharp as the Crescent Blade. Shardak could feel it reaching through his thoughts like a dark hand of shadow, breaking down all barriers. Every bit of Shadovar's power was turned on Shardak, and all of the elements in the universe seemed to rage within the mind knife.

"Submit," Vahrikaan ordered again, twisting the knife. It felt as though Vahrikaan was splitting his very soul and was too painful to bear. Shardak could only scream and hope that the madness would not overtake him.

Shardak tried to fight back, but Vahrikaan was simply reducing him to a wreck. Every few moments another Elemental imprisoned in Shadovar would scream maddeningly through him, tearing open every last secure sanctum of his mind. It was impossible for him to get a hold on Vahrikaan's own consciousness.

''He had no strength left. He was too weak to do anything more than scream, and even that felt as though it were happening to another being. But still he refused to call out in pain, refused to allow Vahrikaan the satisfaction of having him surrender.''..

''He knew he might die. But since he'd seen the bridge that led into the world beyond he'd lost all fear of death's embrace...''

''He was the Spirit Toa. He was dangerous. A danger to both the Ix, who had hunted him, and the rebels, who had turned him into their weapon. Few would mourn his passing...''

''And as he was forced, involuntarily, to stagger up toward the control panel of the Codrex, He could feel the Elementals within Shadovar, begging for him to release them, to do anything to end their suffering forever. The suffering caused by Vahrikaan, who had bound his soul to theirs...''

With a start, Shardak realized that Vahrikaan had bound his soul to Shadovar. He realized with a start that it was the Codrex that was Vahrikaan's final avatar, the source of his and Eostra's ability to cheat death over and over again. The Codrex was what had to be destroyed if he would ever be able to destroy Vahrikaan for good.

"No!" suddenly a voice broke through the haze of pain. Shardak could see Blast racing toward them, trying to save him. Millennium's elemental and auric power seemed to trail from his fingertips as he launched himself at Vahrikaan.

Vahrikaan lifted a hand, and red sparks seemed to flash from his hands, slamming into Blast's body with deadly, messy precision. Blood seemed to burst from his body, then, like a puppet with all of its strings cut, Blast was flung backwards on the ground, his eyes staring sightlessly upward. The Axe of Eternity and the Scythe of Creation fell from his hands.

"You killed him! NO!" Shardak yelled, but there was nothing he could do between the haze of pain and grief. Nothing except lose the last defense he'd built against Vahrikaan and allow the dark lord's power to surge through his body, forcing the Annulus onto the Codrex.

Vahrikaan screamed in triumph. Shardak heard the screams of terror from the Resistance, and the sudden burst of auric power as it flowed into Vahrikaan, strengthening him still further. His body, barely corporeal, gestured to Shardak, lightning slamming into him. But even as he did so, Shardak was suddenly conscious of a final burst of willpower...a final chance to defy Vahrikaan before his death.

'"Submit!" 'Vahrikaan snarled, even as Shardak's hands were forced to place the Annulus within against his will. "Either you complete the ascension or you die! Make the choice!"

"This is my choice," said Shardak, and lifted the Sword of Time, bringing it down on the Codrex and smashing the Annulus and the control panel into fragments of glass and mirrors.

Vahrikaan's scream of pain and rage was the worst sound that Shardak had ever heard even as a massive explosion of power in the aura field flung Shardak off his feet and to the ground. Lights swirled all around him, and when he was next conscious of the world around him he saw the four swords of Elemental power lying scattered at his feet and Vahrikaan standing over him, face contorted in rage. His aura was dim and weak with the death of his last avatar, and yet he still carried the Crescent Blade in one hand.

"You've ruined it!" he screeched, his voice an unearthly howl. "You've ruined it all, you pathetic Toa!"

Then Vahrikaan changed.

The change was instantaenous, his skin falling away like torn paper. His face became withered, dark. His already curved fingers became clawed talons. His eyes faded to pale white, the red ice in them falling deeper and deeper within his eyes until the red in his eyes appeared to Shardak as though it were at the bottom of a deep, unfathomble well. Drowning in nothingness. But his aura changed the most. One moment it was blanketed in shadow, the next it became alien, terrible. Shardak almost screamed as his aura touched Vahrikaan's, which had become a maddening vista of blackened, twisted blankness into which he knew his soul could drain away forever. This, he knew, was a true anti-aura, an anti-aura which was draining away the life force of all of the others around him.

"Zormacht," he whispered softly, Arcturas' strange words regarding Vahrikaan suddenly making sense. "That's why...you never faded like the Ancients."

"Thousands of millennia ago, your kind, the Ancients, destroyed my remnants of my people," snarled Vahrikaan. Shardak saw his mouth was filled with curved, pointed fangs. "But I survived, and swore vengeance against all of the Ancients. I almost suceeded in destroying them, all those years ago, and since then I have weilded time as my weapon, working to bring about the end. And now you- the heir to the Ancients- has tried to stop me," The Zormacht's voice was filled with cold, focused rage. "You, the last remaining descendant of the enemy of my people!

"This is not over, Spirit Toa. Know that this has barely begun. I will return to the plains outside time. I will wait, and take control of the Codrex again. I will not make the same mistakes twice. Then I will complete the final stage of my plan, and bring my people back through time, into this place and world. And the Zormacht shall rule the universe once more, and bring an end to the aura field. And we shall rule in darkness for eternity as beings of pure consciousness, the masters of every multiverse."

Red sparks of shadow materialized in Vahrikaan's clawed hands. Shardak rolled to one side, just out of reach of Vahrikaan's wild slash with the Crescent Blade, and dodged a blast of red lightning from his clawed hands. Shardak snatched the Blade of Arcturas from the floor, holding it up to counter the Crescent Blade, but to his shock the blade simply sheared through Ignan, destroying the Sword of Fire. The broken blade fell from his hands.

All around him and Vahrikaan, Shardak could see the Shadovar Codrex's aura draining away, coalescing into the forms of beings who surrounded him and the Zormacht even as time began to flow once more and the Plain of Mirrors drifted out of reach of Arcaea forever.

The beings began to form around him, into beings he knew of, but did not always recognize. They were the Elementals of Shadovar, come to reclaim their paradise which had been lost for years and years before the Fall— the realm of pure elements Arcaea had been before the Zormacht, led by Vahrikaan, had created Shadovar. He could see other Elementals joining them, first Ardhána, Scarax, and the others who had been imprisoned in the Annulus by Vahrikaan, then countless others that he didn't recognize of all colors and ages, all of them staring at Shardak in thanks and Vahrikaan in hatred. Shardak let out a gasp of surprise and relief as he noticed Ikarax and the other Elementals he'd met in the Realm of Souls, once more in their physical forms. To his surprise, he saw Isarkh was on his feet, the last of the Shadowed Ones reconciled with his brethren.

Slowly, however, the Elementals, now freed from the avatar of Vahrikaan and the control of Shadovar, were returning to their pure element state, out of reach of the consciousnesses of mortals.

Vahrikaan looked around wildly at them all, feeling his great power drain into nothing. He was still exceptionally powerful, but now he'd lost the overwhelming might of Shadovar that he'd used to fuel the destruction on Xaterex and the devastation of Shadovar. He stared at them all, searching for some means of escape as even the throne behind him disintegrated into a black, swirling void of nothingness. Indeed, the entire room was slowly fading into nothing now that Shadovar was broken.

From below, the Deathmeld gave a shriek of pain and anger as he saw the Elementals forming all around them. His ghostly white form began to dissipate as the Elementals brought their power to bear on him. Then, in a flash of light, the Deathmeld simply vanished, vaporized by the power of the elements. Immediatley the Inferni collapsed all around him, turning into nothing more than dust and ashes.

Then the Elementals turned to Vahrikaan. Slowly, Shardak could feel their power biting into his, leeching off his own. Slowly, Shardak knew, they planned to bring him down, to vaporize him as they had the Deathmeld. But Vahrikaan was not defeated that easily. Lifting the Crescent Blade, he slashed out at two Elementals, cutting them in half. With a shriek they turned to vapor, then vanished. Vahrikaan glared at them wildly, warding off any who came toward him with the Crescent Blade.

Suddenly, before Shardak could do anything other than stare in shock at the events unfolding before him, there was a flash of light before him. Shardak suddenly saw himself staring into eyes that were his own— but not his own. The shadow-Shardak he'd encountered in the Hall of Prophecies glared at him with rage and hatred. "I followed you back. As time broke down I came to you. Now I am trapped here. But you must die!"

Shadow-Shardak snatched Tehran from the ground and brought it down at Shardak's defenseless body. Shardak only narrowly managed to evade the blow and snatched Aquaros from the floor, narrowly deflecting shadow-Shardak's first blow. But shadow-Shardak simply kicked the sword of water from his hands and lifted Tehran to deal a death blow.

Shardak heard Valkyria's voice shout defiance before he saw her. With a single leap she'd crossed the distance betwen them, Silverblade burying itself in shadow-Shardak's throat. Shadow-Shardak stared at her with shock as his life drained away. Shardak grabbed Isidar, turning toward Valkyria.

Suddenly, as Valkyria turned toward him, Shardak saw a hand wrap around her shoulder. "No!" Shardak gasped as he saw Vahrikaan lift the Crescent Blade and point it at Valkyria's throat.

"Call off the Elementals, Spirit Toa," hissed Vahrikaan. "Call them off, or Valkyria dies."

Shardak looked around at the crumbling Citadel, at the Elementals, at the Resistance soldiers, and then at Vahrikaan and Valkyria. And he knew he would have to make another choice.

He couldn't let her die, but he couldn't save her. Vahrikaan would kill her anyway.

It was an impossible choice.

One that Shardak could not make. He hesitated, hands wrapped around Isidar's hilt. But nothing would save Valkyria from being killed by the Crescent Blade before his very eyes.

Then there was a flash of light, and Shardak saw the form of a Toa holding Aquaros in one hand leap through the shadows, charging at Vahrikaan. Shardak heard Vahrikaan's scream of pain and rage as Valkyria was knocked from his grasp. Valkyria dodged the Crescent Blade and rose to her feet in a single motion, and Shardak gave a gasp of shock as he made out the features of their rescuer. He could see Fairon's mask staring back at him even as Vahrikaan sank the Crescent Blade deep into Fairon's shoulder. Fairon gave a cry of pain, but he used the full weight of his body to grab Vahrikaan and drag him backward, toward the void of nothingness that the throne had become— and then into it.

Vahrikaan gave a hideous scream of rage as he hacked at the Toa of Light, knocking Aquaros from his grasp and into the void, but Fairon himself held on, pushing downward even as Vahrikaan tried to drag himself out of the blackness. Blood welled from Fairon's shoulder, startlingly red in the blackness. Vahrikaan lifted the Crescent Blade to bring it down again.

"No! Fairon, run!" Shardak yelled, seeing his friend's grip slipping. Any moment now, Fairon and Vahrikaan would disappear forever into the void.

"I cannot," said Fairon. "Blast and Millennium...restored my memories. They showed me...the truth of why Millennium took me prisoner on Arcaea and altered my memories of that time. My mother was an Elemental...making me a Spirit Toa as well."

"But— but—" Shardak began. Shardak could see Vahrikaan's red eyes were nearly level with Fairon's head, the Crescent Blade still held tightly in one hand. Any moment now, Vahrikaan would have hauled himself out of the chasm of shadows that the Codrex had become.

"So it ends here," said Fairon. "Go. Leave Arcaea. Live on. Fare you well...my Toa-brother."

Then Fairon let go of the ledge, and he and Vahrikaan fell soundlessly into nothingness.

An explosion of elemental and auric power burst around Shardak from all sides, overloading his consciousness even as the void of blackness was converted into light and the Elementals all around him began to gleam with otherworldly power, vanishing into burning light. And Shardak's vision began to fade...

The darkest light, he thought numbly as the lights began to dwindle and darkness began to replace them. The last light a being sees before death.

Then the void that had been the Codrex closed and the elements were made whole once more, and all across the blackened plains that had once been Arcaea they roamed, restoring life, no longer bound to any being or construct, forever living and forever free.

Chapter 34
"Shardak."

A voice seemed to whisper to him from a world beyond.

"Shardak."

The voice came again, insistant and somehow familiar, and he opened his eyes. He could see the blurred outline of what was left of the burned, broken throne room, and could see the corpses of those who had died in the battle all around him. Valkyria was standing over him, her green eyes filled with concern.

"We have to go. Now," said Valkyria, her voice filled with tense urgency. "This entire dimension is breaking down now that the Codrex has been destroyed. Most of the Inferni are dead, but Atarus says it's possible that the Deathmeld will reform. We have to get out of here."

Shardak nodded slightly. He could feel nothing more than tiredness right now, despite the cheers of the Resistance warriors and the shouts of victory. Everything he'd experienced since he'd spoken with Arctuars had seemed almost ethereal, unreal. He could barely comprehend the fact that Valkyria, who he'd seen die, had survived thanks to him.

And he couldn't think about Fairon or Blast, who had both died so he could survive. It was too painful, too hard right now. He could barely wrap his mind around the idea that Vahrikaan was dead, that his shadow no longer lay over him, that soon maybe even the war would be over as well.

"Come on," said Valkyria. "Silver and Atarus are waiting. Isarkh and Ardhána are with them."

"Haven't they gone with the other Elementals?" Shardak asked.

"No," said Valkyria. "They're staying here until we get back to Xaterex, I think. To make sure that the Ix in Drakos Capitol have surrendered. Ahri's already going there with his Limiters."

"What about them?" Shardak gestured to the bodies of the dead Resistance soldiers, including Reid Vaethar, Blast, and Fultran.

Valkyria shook her head sadly. "No time," she said. "This entire place is going to break down in under and hour and be consumed by fire. Most of the Resistance soldiers are already out, but Atarus and I have been waiting for you to regain consciousness."

Valkyria extended her hand, and Shardak took it, rising to his feet and wincing in pain as he did so. "We have supplies back at Xaterex," said Valkyria. "I'll support you with my aura in the meantime."

Shardak followed Valkyria through the crumbling Imperial Citadel, out into the streets of Shadovar, leaving the two remaining swords of elemental power and what was left of the Annulus lying behind him. If this place was to be consumed by flames then he wanted the last remnants of Vahrikaan's power to burn.

The fighting had halted almost completely. The Inferni that hadn't been killed when the Elementals had destroyed the Deathmeld were wandering aimlessly, many retreating back toward the ruins of Var'kala. There were no sign of any Ix, and most of the Resistance warriors were racing urgently toward the portal in the distance that the Ix had used to trap them, which Shardak could see was open to a city on Xaterex, probably Drakos.

"Run!" said Valkyria urgently. She gestured upward. "Look!"

Shardak stared upward and noticed the massive, roiling cloud of fire that was engulfing Shadovar. Soon, he knew, there would be nothing left of the fabled City of Mirrors except charred ash. The surviving Inferni would all be consumed with it, and all records of the battle here would be completely obliterated.

Shardak ran as fast as he could through the blazing inferno, Valkyria following. In several places he hobbled or stumbled slightly, the wounds he suffered during his battle with Vahrikaan reopening. But with the assistance of Valkyria, he managed to make it to the portal entrance, where he saw the old wanderer known as Isarkh, Atarus, and Ardhána all standing at the portal entrance.

"Most of them are out," said Ardhána. "As for those who aren't...well, we can't maintain this portal much longer."

Atarus nodded to her, then turned to Shardak, smiling a relieved, tired smile. Some of the Resistance soldiers raised their weapons and cheered for Shardak, but most simply looked relieved and tired that the battle had ended in victory for the Resistance.

Atarus and Ardhána stepped through the portal, followed by Isarkh, then Silver. Shardak could feel the auras of all three Elementals burning brighter and brighter, and wondered if they soon planned on returning to the plains of existance that had once been Arcaea, as all of the other Elementals had done in the form of pure element.

For one last moment, Shardak and Valkyria stood at the edge of Shadovar, staring back at the City of Mirrors. Soon, Shardak knew, if would disappear forever, taking with it the remaining two swords of Elemental power, the Annulus, Var'kala, the bodies of the dead, and the Sleikha Inferni virus with it. It was cold, yet Shardak was almost numb to the chill. What he'd won paled in comparison it his loss.

Fairon and Blast were both dead.

Yet as much as Shardak tried to tell himself that, he almost found it impossible to accept. He'd journeyed with them for so long, they'd survived so much. It wasn't right that they weren't there with him, alive, celebrating the defeat of the Ix and Vahrikaan.

Then he felt Valkyria's hand wrap around his, and he remembered how he'd pulled her back from the edge of death, against all odds. As she stared at the broken cityscape stretching out around him one last time, he stepped backward, through the portal into Drakos Capitol.

And suddenly he was standing beside the army of the Resistance, gathered on a snowcapped rise above the city of Drakos Capitol. Shardak looked around, surprised that the portal had shifted location so dramatically. "I asked the other elementals to move the portal," explained Ardhána. "Some of the Inferni may have escaped into Drakos Capitol. Most of the Ix have surrendered or fled Drakos already, and all of the others will when they watch the destruction of Shadovar."

Ardhána pointed upward, and Shardak could see the city of Shadovar hanging above the tallest building in the city of Drakos. Then, before his eyes, fire ripped through the city once. Then again. Then it slowly rose upward, growing smaller, faded. Then, as it was almost out of sight, it exploded into fire, twisting and spiralling in all directions, causing fire to rain down on Drakos Capitol below. Shardak's gaze was fixed on the stars above the fire, and gasped as he saw the flames rising still higher until they froze in the heavens, still burning.

"The fires above," whispered Ardhána in awe. "So this is what the Prophecy meant."

Scattered cheering broke out from the Limiters, Dargon, resistance soldiers, and Veythari below, but most stayed silent, awed by the fires which burned in the heavens above the Ix capital.

If the darkness’ fate is sealed, and the fires above revealed,to the will of fate you must arrive.The Spirit Toa cannot survive.

But it didn't need to have happened. And it hadn't been him, or Valkyria. It had been Fairon.

The last line of the Prophecy seemed to echo through Shardak's mind. He was so tired. So weak. He realized to his surprise that it was only Valkyria's aura keeping him upright. Soon, he knew, he would sink back into unconsciousness.

Shardak, pain raging through him, stared at the fires, then back at his gathered friends and allies below, and then crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The burning pain that Vahrikaan had inflicted on him was so great, he couldn't stand any longer—

The last thing that Shardak saw before darkness overcame him were the flames, dancing in the skies above him.

When Shardak next awoke, it was dark, and he was lying in a small bed in a white room, tended to by beings he didn't recognize. Snow fell outside his window in large flurries, and it was a moment before he realized who he was, where he was, and how he'd ended up here.

''I am Shardak, Spirit Toa. The Ix wanted me dead. I defeated their leaders. I thought I would die along with Vahrikaan, who killed Blast, and Dust, and Ion, and Silencer, and so many others. Fairon did instead.''

The thoughts made him wince inside. Fairon had only sacrificed himself because he'd thought it was required by the Prophecy, because he believed what it said had to happen. He didn't know that none of it was required, that he could have survived. I should have died instead, Shardak thought, guilt making his heart ache. And I should have been able to help Blast.

Then he remembered his vision of Arcturas, and how he'd saved Valkyria. He'd seen her last outside Shadovar, when he'd first seen the fires above. He had to speak to her, to see her again.

But his body and mind were too weak. When Shardak tried to open his mouth, he couldn't speak. He could simply lie there, weakened and alone, and hope that the beings who tended to him could heal the mental and physical wounds he'd suffered during his battle with Lord Vahrikaan.

Over the next few hours, Shardak was fed a constant stream of information. He'd been taken to a hospital in Ecbatana by starcraft after he'd fallen unconscious. One of his legs was broken, the other twisted badly, and both his arms had suffered badly. He was wounded in a dozen other places, but the doctors were optimistic that he'd make a full recovery.

Though he didn't— couldn't— ask, the beings who visited him gave him countless updates on the war as well. Shardak learned that it was mostly over. In the week and a half it had been since the Battle of Shadovar, the Veythari had forced the Ix legions based in New Metru Nui and those still holding out in the flatlands to surrender. Those in Media had surrendered without fight after the fall of Drakos, which was under quarantine by Ahri's Limiters. Many Sleikha Inferni had escaped Shadovar and were regrouping in Drakos, and thus the allied Ix were attempting to starve them out by keeping them contained in the city.

"Most of the civilians got out alive," said a gray-armored Glatorian. "But the Ix elite are almost wiped out to a man. Those that weren't killed during the Battle of Shadovar or during the infection of Var'kala are doomed by the Limiter quarantine of Drakos Capitol. On Xaterex, at least, the Ix Empire has ceased to exist."

Shardak heard there were reports of Ix Resistance from deep space and on Calos, and that most of the Mindeater ships had escaped alive after the death of their leader, who had been called Thrazkul. Ixtil had also survived the battle and was rebuilding the government of Noctxia Magna. Shardak doubted the Mindeaters would return again, but he was assured that if they did return to help their Ix allies, enough of the rebel fleet was still in existance to keep them off Xaterex.

"So far, there are no long-term goals for Xaterex," said a female Glatorian. "Uniting the scattered peoples here will be a nightmarish impossibility. The Ix who helped us in the final battle, the Ix who surrendered, the Veythari, the Dargon, the Matoran and Glatorian kingdoms that the Resistnace was formed from, and the others all have their own agenda. Apparently the Kodax city-states want more territory as well, despite the fact they barely did anything to help us."

The biggest problem, Shardak learned, was the lack of senior leadership. Areop, Reid Vaethar, Vale Iskara, and countless other Dargon and Veythari elite were dead, and Saren's betrayal had caused the deaths of most of the other rebel leaders. Without much senior leadership, hundreds of political factions with their own agenda had sprung into existance almost literally overnight.

Looking back on it later, Shardak didn't know how many days or nights he lay there are as the doctors in Ecbatana treated his wounds. But he did know that quite a bit of time passed, and eventually he was able to speak again.

One day— or was it night?— Valkyria and Atarus came to speak with him. They said very little, but Atarus told him that the Ix in Media were going to issue an official surrender and he and the other surviving rebel leaders were going to meet with the rest of the major political factions on Xaterex, and they wanted his presence there.

"Atarus needs someone to back him up, what with all of the intrigue going on around here. Since Drakos is under quarantine, Ecbatana's now the nominal capital of Xaterex, and so delegations arrive nearly every day." said the gray Glatorian doctor. "Anyway, you'll be able to walk again within a few days, and that's plenty of time for you to finish healing enough to walk."

Shardak gave a small nod in response, his voice and aura still to weak to speak in long sentances. And while he was almost completely physically healed, his aura and mind had been damaged quite badly by his battle with Vahrikaan.

On the day of the meeting, Atarus came back for him, alone. "It is time," he said. Shardak took his hand, and Atarus used his aura to support him. As Shardak walked through the halls of the Citadel of Ecbatana, he saw his reflection momentarily in a mirror, a battered Toa with a broken arm and haunted eyes. Then he looked away just as quickly. After what he had seen in the Plain of Mirrors, the looking glasses unnerved him.

Atarus led him into a large room that had obviously once been a defense compound but was now being used as a meeting room. At least a dozen beings of every race were gathered around the table, with Atarus taking a seat at the head of the table. Shardak could see Illierans, Vortixx, Steltians, Glatorian, Agori, Ix, and many other beings all gathered there. To his surprise he also saw Skorr and Nightwatcher standing in the room, watching the proceedings. Several nodded acknowledgement to him as he walked into the room, including the two hooded Ix who stood to the side, unarmed.

The moment Atarus and Shardak took their seats, everything grew quiet. Then Atarus spoke a few words of intruction, then asked each being to introduce themselves.

"Who speaks for the Vortixx?" he asked.

"I, Irka Saran, do," said a bold female, lifting her hand.

"Who speaks for the Steltians?" he asked.

"I, Krikka, do," said a small, rather timid-looking male Steltian.

"Who speaks for the Illieran alliance?" Atarus asked.

"I, Garandar, do," said a male Illieran.

"Who speaks for the Veythari?"

"I, Kaaran Vaethar, do," said Reid Vaethar's youngest and only surviving son.

Finally, Atarus turned to the two Ix delegates. "Who speaks for the Ix?" he asked them.

The lead Ix stepped forward, lowering the hood, and Shardak gasped as he recognized the face beneath.

"I, Valkyria Rhai, do," she said.

Murmers of astonishment rippled through the gathered crowd. Even though most of the names were unknown to them, every one of them knew of Valkyria. Shardak looked at her in blank surprise, and she smiled slightly at his expression.

"How can she speak for the Ix?" asked one of the Glatorian. "She betrayed their empire!"

"She's Skorpix's daughter," Atarus pointed out. "That makes her the heir to Skorpix's power, and with the Hooded One and Vahrikaan dead, that makes Valkyria the leader of the Ix Empire."

The other Ix lowered his hood, revealing Ahri, the Limiter commander who had lead the splinter faction of Ix. "I agree. Valkyria should lead us. I am considered nominal head of the Ix military in the wake of Skorpix's death, and with my support she should have little trouble taking command."

The voices grew louders as more beings voiced their objections. But Valkyria spoke over them all.

"I don't wish to rule what's left of the Ix Empire," said Valkyria. "Most of them revile me as a traitor. But I hope to help the Ix in any way possible in the wake of the devastation of the Empire as a whole."

Murmers of shock seemed to ripple through the crowd at her last words. After a few moments of idle discussion, the talk turned to the serious subject: that the tide of the war had turned, and what the beings gathered here planned to do about it.

But it quickly became apparent to Shardak that every one of the beings gathered in the room had radically different agendas. While Atarus and Valkyria both seemed mostly concerned with simply bringing the war to end as quickly as possible, the Illierans wanted territory on Xaterex, the Veythari and the Dargon wanted expansions in territory, and the various Glatorian, Agori, and Matoran factions all wanted self-government. Simularly, the Vortixx of Xia, who had remained neutral for most of the war and had shipped weapons to both sides, wanted an increase in power across the Western Isles. The Steltians had a similar idea in mind as well.

But all of the rebels had one point they all agreed on. They wanted the Ix punished. While the Ix had lost almost all of their land and most of their leaders, many Ix who had surrendered at Ecbatana, Drakos, and Iskar were still prisoners of war, and many civilians were also under guard. Some were of the opinion that the remainder of the Ix ruling class should be completely exterminated, including Valkyria, Ahri, and any others who posed a threat to Xaterex again. Others believed that the Eternal Game should be reinstituted, but only for Ix. The most radical thought that a strain of Elimination should be created to wipe out enough Ix so they could never band together to take over again.

"We cannot allow the Ix to have any power in our new government," finished a Glatorian. "Granting any recognition of the power they held is too dangerous."

"The Ix, as a whole, have suffered enough," countered Atarus. "Almost all of the leaders who brought about the Fall and the genocide of the Toa are dead. All of the Order elite died either in the infection of Var'kala or during the quarantine of Drakos, not to mention those killed on Shadovar. Adding that to all of the casualties the Ix suffered in this war, it would be morally wrong to punish them further, especially since they hold almost no land at all now."

"There is one peice of land that my people must have returned," said Garandar, the Illieran leader. "And I am sure, as a half Illieran, that Valkyria Rhai will honor our request."

"What do you want from us?" Ahri asked, wary. But Shardak already knew the answer, and he could tell that Valkyria did as well.

"We want Illiera," said Garandar. "Our homeland that the Ix enslaved us on, all those years ago. We want all of the Ix there to leave, free the Illieran slaves, and never return. Is that not reasonable to you?"

"It sounds fair to me," said the Vortixx leader, Irka. Most of the other Glatorian nodded, including Atarus. "That is one wrong that must be set right," the Elemental said.

"We will certainly free the slaves," said Valkyria. "And end the occupation there, and allow any Illierans who want to return to return freely. But I cannot force hundreds of Ix to leave one of the last shelters that they have, not when it looks as though Xaterex will not be a home for them for a long time."

"Unacceptable," said Garandar, bristling. "You of all people should know what our people suffered at the hands of the Empire. You should give us back our homeland, free from the stains your people left there."

"Hundreds of the Illierans living there have Ix blood," Valkyria countered. "As do I. To force all of those to leave would leave Illiera virtually depopulated. I cannot force them all to leave. There is no place on Xaterex or Noctxia Magna for them to go, and it will be many months, perhaps even years, before we can convince the Ix on Calos to stand down."

"Then perhaps you will know how it is to wander without a home, as those who escaped your takeover there did," said Garandar. "My father was among those who fled. He saw the atrocities that were done there. He was killed by the Ix warriors in a pointless battle a year later."

"My brothers were killed by Toa," said Ahri, his eyes turning hard. "And I lost my last cousin helping you win your war. We are your allies, Illieran. But we cannot give up Illiera."

"Then we will fight you for it!" snarled Garandar. "I cannot believe that you will not listen to reason. You and your warriors will be forced to leave Illiera!"

Several of the other Glatorian leaders, Kaaran Vaethar, and the Dargon representative nodded assent, staring at the Ix in unbridled hatred. but Atarus looked horrified at what Garandar had said. Immediately Ahri smiled coldly.

"If it is a fight you want, my soldiers are willing to give you one!" he hissed. "We will fight to our last soldier to defend Illiera, and that is a promise."

"You cannot win!" said Garandar. "Not against all of the rest of the armies of the Resistance. You're simply too splintered and weak."

"That is true," said Ahri. "But we have the Spirit Toa on our side, don't we, Shardak?"

Ahri turned to look at him, and Shardak felt the Limiter's eyes burning into his skull. Immediately the focus of every being in the room was on him.

"That's not true," said Garandar. "The Spirit Toa is a loyal member of the Resistance. He fought against your Empire for the past five years, and he's not going to join you now, no matter who is on your side," he added, looking pointedly at Valkyria.

Shardak stared from Atarus to Ahri, from Garandar, to Valkyria. Apart from Atarus, who looked horrified, he saw that all of the beings in the room seemed ready to go at each other's throats; even Valkyria's expression had turned hard, though she seemed fearful and rather appalled by what Ahri had said. Only Atarus' horrified gaze matched his expression completely.

Shardak fought for words, trying to think of what to say calmly, but at last it simply exploded out of him like a torrent of volcanic flame. "Really?" he said, his voice trembling with pain and anger. "Really, after all this, you're already planning another war within two weeks?"

Silence echoed back at him, and Shardak continued. "We just ended the threat of Lord Vahrikaan and his Shadowed Ones. We stopped the ascension. We defeated the Deathmeld and the Inferni. We won the Battle of Shadovar by working togther, and now you're going to go to war over Illiera?

"So we're just going to forget how many beings died in this war, on both sides? We're going to forget Fairon, Jareroden, Reid Vaethar, Ion, and all of the other Ix, Toa, Glatorian, and other beings who died to stop Lord Vahrikaan and go fight again, after this conflict hasn't even been properly settled? To dishonor the memory of the unified Resistance already?

"And you ask me to choose between you? Can't you all accept that we've all done unforgivable things to each other? Whatever happens here, whether you fight or not, understand that the Spirit Toa isn't fighting for either of you! I should be dead. Too many beings are dead to ever justify any more suffering because of us ever again. I'm not going to fight any longer. I've had enough of death. Enough of war." A sob choked off the last few words of what he'd said, and Shardak found he was unable to go on.

A stunned silence filled the chamber. Every one of the beings in the room stared at Shardak, who met their gaze with his haunted eyes. For a moment, every one of them seemed expressionless. Then Atarus broke out into a wide smile of pride, and Ahri, Garandar, Kaaran Vaethar, and Valkyria all dropped his gaze, staring at the floor for a few moments.

"He's right," Ahri said quietly. "We dishonor our dead, all of those on both sides, by continuing this fight any longer. We cannot cause more suffering, not when so many have died already so we could make this world and the others a better place."

Garandar nodded. "I...agree. I remember the earlier days of the war, before you joined us. I remember what your race did to mine, and to the Toa. I don't know if I can ever forgive. But I thank you for helping to bring this war to an end."

"As do I," concurred Kaaran Vaethar, and the Dargon representative nodded assent.

"I feel the same," said Ahri quietly. "But let us leave the past where it should be, and work to build a better world for all of us."

Garandar reached out a hand, and Ahri took it. Illieran and Ix shook hands for the first time in years, and Shardak felt, as they did so, a small glimmer of hope for the future. Not much. It was just a spark now. But it could grow if all of the beings here wished it.

Discussion turned to what the Ix and Illierans planned to do with Illiera once many of the Illieran refugees rejoined their people. Once in a while the debate became heated as Garandar and Kaaran went head to head with Ahri, but always Atarus and Valkyria helped temper the discussion. Shardak realized that, to his surprise, Valkyria was as skilled a speaker as she was a warrior, able to help cool the fires of rage between the various gathered factions there and simultaeneously appease them.

After around forty minutes of discussion, during which Atarus allotted territory to both the Dargon and Veythari for their aid in the war, the talks began to turn toward their plans for the government. Atarus wanted to institute a republic-style system like the one Ixtil had begun to develop on Noctxia Magna, and while Ixtil himself was not there— he'd been forced to return to Noctxia Magna in the wake of the Battle of Shadovar— the Noctian representatives seemed to think it was a good idea, for the most part. The Veythari and the Dargon agreed, but wanted to be able to have their own governments in place below the main republic, over which they could govern their own people however they liked. Many others had ideas for a monarchy, a continuation of the Empire, and some proposed no unified government at all.

At last Atarus said, "We could discuss this for many more hours. But our government will be a work in progress that we develop over the course of the coming years, not something we can create overnight. I hope to work with every one of you on this in the coming weeks. But tonight we must honor those who died in the battle of Drakos Capitol, join them with the fire above, which still burns over Xaterex."

After the meeting, Shardak followed Atarus and Valkyria outside, into the cold winter night, where the bodies of those who had died in the carnage at Drakos— rebels and Ix alike— were gathered. There were very few of them, and all had suffered wounds. Shardak knew that most of the dead had been reanimated by the Inferni virus and were being starved by Ahri's Limiters who were keeping Drakos under guard.

Shardak watched as the remains of the beings were arranged and saw a face he recognized, bloodstained yet familiar. "Is that— Galika?" he asked.

"Yes," said Atarus. "She was killed during the late stages of the battle of Drakos. Her body was one of the few we recovered."

Shardak thought for a few moments, then realized it all at once. "Then that makes me—" he began, but Atarus finished.

"Other than Valkyria, the last Toa," Atarus finished. "Yes."

Shardak watched as the bodies of the slain were committed to the flames, which rose above in a pyre of white-orange flame to the night sky and to the stars above. The fires above, the last remnant of Shadovar, still burned in the skies above, illuminating the features of Valkyria, Atarus, and the others gathered there. Shardak stared upward, watching as the wisps of smoke seemed to melt into nothingness, into the blackness of the night sky.

Shardak felt a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to look at Valkyria, her features illuminated by the warm amber glow of the flames.

"You saved my life," she whispered. "Even when I thought it was impossible. And there is no way I can ever repay you."

Shardak smiled. "You don't have to. You've saved me enough to make up for it a thousand times."

The war was over.

Chapter 35
It was spring, and Valkyria walked with Shardak beneath the trees, which had just begun to return to life as spring took hold of Media. The midday sun shown down upon them. She was happy, contented that the war was over, that they were at peace. But to Valkyria, Shardak seemed paler now, as though he was fading away, into the blackness. He raised a hand in farewell.

"Don't go," she begged, but Shardak simply shook his head sadly.

"But Val, I must. I know it," he said. "The plains of existance go on forever. I saw it from the top of the Plain of Mirrors."

"Please," she whispered, but Shardak was fading, fading into the air around them...

Valkyria snapped awake, breathing slightly more heavily. She looked around. The red light of dawn had just begun to slice through the window of her room, and she stood up hurriedly, staring out into the sunrise over Xaterex.

It will not happen, she told herself quietly. It cannot.

But inwardly she was not so sure. Shardak seemed distant, preoccupied. He'd changed. Then again, she knew she had as well. The war had changed them all, all who had survived. Even she, once a master of her emotions, woke with nightmares about her death at Shadovar.

Shardak had told her of what he'd seen in the Plain of Mirrors, about the bridge beyond the veil, and how he'd pulled her back. But Valkyria's memory of the event after she'd been stabbed by Skorpix and then awoken and seen Shardak and Atarus was a complete blank. Was it not for the scar that she'd been dealt from the Warrior Class Inferni and from Tehran, she'd have believed she was going insane.

She was lucky to still be alive. She'd been living with the threat of death over her head ever since she'd read the Prophecy of the Spirit and the line that she would die by a parent's hand. She had died. Yet she still lived.

Valkyria stared out the window and into the sunrise. Already spring was returning to Xaterex, and Valkyria felt for the first time that the icy claws of Vahrikaan really were at last retreating once and for all.

So much had changed on Xaterex since the destruction of Shadovar. The fires above continued to burn by night, and the plains of Arcaea were once more filled with pure element. Isarkh, Atarus, and Ardhána remained on Xaterex, overseeing the development of the government on Noctxia Magna, Calos, Xaterex, and her home plain of existance, Illiera. On Calos there were still a few Ix Empire holdouts who would not surrender. But the Order of Vahrikaan had scattered in the wake of their master's demise, and for all intents and purposes, the war was over. For the first time since the Fall of Arcaea, Xaterex was at peace.

Valkyria knew that she had been one of the beings to bring that about. But she didn't want to remain as nominal leader of the Ix Empire forever. Ahri and his elite Limiters made most of the decisions now that the war was mostly at an end, and while she was beginning to see both the Illierans and the Ix as her people, she felt restless.

Turning away from the window, Valkyria hastily readied herself for the day and stepped outside the small chamber in Citadel Ecbatana that served as her quarters. Maybe a walk would clear her thoughts. While once nightmares had plagued her, her dream in the night had been different, strange. What did it mean? That soon Shardak would leave, or die?

A small flame of anger kindled within Valkyria. ''They all bow and call him Spirit Toa, but it's obvious they'd rather have nothing to do with him. Not in a time of peace.''

She couldn't let him leave. Not just when life was just about perfect.

But the doubt still plagued her. What did the dream mean?

''I'm the Ix leader. Shardak thinks he has to leave, and thinks I have to stay. ''

Valkyria would rather leave with Shardak. But she couldn't just abandon her responsibilities and go with Shardak. She had to make a decision.

A choice. And Valkyria knew, as she knocked on Atarus' door, what her answer would be.

Shardak stood in the forests outside Ecbatana, deep in thought. His eyes were fixed on the sunlight above, which had just peirced through the canopy of foliage. Often, as spring had drawn nearer, he would do this, slipping away outside the confines of the city to think of his plans for the future.

Over the past four months since the Battle of Shadovar, Shardak hadn't really given it much thought at all. He'd watched as Valkyria and Atarus helped establish the new government on Xaterex, and listened to reports about the war. But now that peace had come, Shardak felt as though his life had become devoid of purpose. He had climbed the unclimbable mountain: he had defeated Vahrikaan. What more was there left for him to do?

The Resistance had made him their weapon to take down Lord Vahrikaan, expecting him to die in the process. But Shardak could tell now that the war was over they had little use for him. He was sure that if there was another war every one of the factions would want them on his side, but otherwise he felt useless next to the diplomats who mediated the situation on Xaterex.

Atarus had promised him anything, everything. After the war, many of the Ix had expected Shardak to crown himself emperor in Vahrikaan's place, and Shardak had allowed himself to entertain the possibility. No one would have stood in his way, not even Atarus.

But Shardak felt the Empire was at an end. He wouldn't want to rule Xaterex, or gain empty titles like the ones Atarus had given to him. He was respected and feared for his power, but not loved by the majority of the Resistance. He'd gained all of his power due to circumstances, and the Prophecy of Time.

The rebels who had fought alongside him feared him, other than Atarus, Silver, and several others. The Ix were respectful, but most hated him as much as they hated Valkyria. He'd killed so many of them. He was feared and sometimes admired, but it was all hollow.

Every one of the beings he'd killed had furthered his goal to get him closer to Vahrikaan. Looking back to the battles of Drakos and Shadovar, Shardak had no idea how many beings he'd slain. His hands were stained with the blood of hundreds, maybe thousands, and while it commended awe and fear, the truth was that he was a warrior. A killer. A being who, according to many, had been driven insane by the war. The mental and auric wounds that Vahrikaan had inflicted upon him had cut too deep; Shardak knew he would never be the same again.

No, he wasn't someone anyone wanted around, not during this time of peace. He could have anything. Everything. But Shardak was simply confused. He'd gone into this expecting to die, and somehow, impossibly, he was still alive, if scarred. Instead Fairon and Blast were both dead.

But Shardak's guilt went beyond that. Everyone— civilian, Ix, rebel— who had died in the war was because of him. Because he had lived. Because he, the last Toa with powers beyond any other in many years had lived, thousands were dead on Xaterex alone. This entire war had been caused by him, and many of those who had lost friends in the war blamed him for it.

''Without me, none of this would have happened. It would have been a relief to everyone had I just died when Vahrikaan had. I'm just as much a danger to them all as Vahrikaan was.''

But Shardak knew that was not entirely true. Atarus, Valkyria, and Silver were trying to help him, trying to pull him back. But they hadn't seen what he'd seen. They hadn't seen beyond death into the veil beyond, or the horrible events of the Plain of Mirrors. Even Valkyria remembered nothing after she'd died; her next memory was when Shardak pulled her back across the veil.

The vision of the Plain of Mirrors kept returning to Shardak. Every night, after his usual horde of nightmares, he could see in his mind's eye himself standing at the top of the Plain of Mirrors, staring down into the infinite plains of existance beyond. He felt as though the Plain of Mirrors was calling to him, reaching out to him and trying to call him back.

''The plains go on forever. All that land, all filled with beings beyond anything I've seen before...''

"Hello, Shardak," A new voice spoke, and Shardak turned to see Atarus and Isarkh walking through the woodlands together. Despite the wounds the last of the Shadowed Ones had suffered in the battle, Isarkh still lived. Although he sometimes had flashes of clarity, most of the time he was as mad as he'd been when Shardak had first met him in the Labyrinth below the Circle.

"Did you follow me?" Shardak asked, looking back at Atarus and Isarkh. Atarus smiled.

"Not at all. Isarkh is departing for the lands beyond, and I am here to wish him farewell," he said.

"I've stayed long enough here, among these beings. I helped end their war, now I'm leaving, Spirit Toa." Isarkh concurred in his odd accent.

"You could stay, you know," said Atarus. "We all owe you a tremendous debt. You helped end the horror of Lord Vahrikaan. You don't have to leave."

"Yes, I must. There is nothing for me here in this world." Isarkh said.

"Fare you well, then, Isarkh," said Shardak. "Thank you for your help in defeating Vahrikaan."

"Don't thank me," said Isarkh. "I did what needed to be done, as we all must." here he smiled mirthlessly. "Spirit Toa is like Isarkh now! He got too close to the dark, now he has to keep moving. Or he suffers pain. Hah!"

"There's just one thing I'd like to ask you," said Shardak. "When we first met, you said that you saw me die. Who were you thinking of? Arcturas, my father?"

"Who? Who?" Isarkh asked. "What did I die?"

"Did you think I was Arcturas?" Shardak asked. "My father? Your friend? Who betrayed the Shadowed Ones?"

"Yes, yes, Arcturas!" cackled Isarkh. "I remember him. He burned us all. He helped end it, though. Much like us he was. Couldn't settle down, had to move to live. Now he's dead. Wouldn't stay away from the war! Watched another kill him. Hah!" here the mad Elemental half-laughed, half-coughed again.

"Farewell, Isarkh," said Atarus at last, but Isarkh seemed barely to here him. The mad old Elemental turned away, and wandered off into the forests beyond.

Shardak turned to Atarus. For a moment, all was silent between Toa and Elemental as they looked at each other silently. Finally Atarus said, "The Feindflames broke Isarkh's mind. But he always had a good heart. He was never one to have stayed with the Shadowed Ones. But the others forced him, threatening his family to make him obey. They were killed in an Ix raid before the Fall.

"Isarkh was driven mad. He helped Eostra and Arcturas carry out their plan, and helped Arcturas bring down Eostra when she proved treacherous. Like Arcturas, he wandered for years, never wanting to have any part in the war again."

Shardak nodded. He'd told Atarus about his final conversation with Arcturas before the last remnants of his father had left the Plain of Mirrors forever, about how he'd made peace with who his father had been. "I'm glad Isarkh helped defeat Vahrikaan, and that he can now live in peace."

Atarus nodded. For a long time, Shardak simply remained silent, lost in thought. Thoughts about the Resistance, about Vahrikaan, about the Inferni, and the brilliant, flawed Elemental Lords who had become the Shadowed Ones. All of this suffering, all this death, and for what? To stop a plan made by Vahrikaan that might have been beneficial had it not involved leaving so many dead.

"It's over, Shardak," said Atarus quietly, reading his aura.

"I know," said Shardak. "I thought...I just thought I'd feel better."

"It takes time," said Atarus. "But you have friends who will help you through this. And whatever you choose to do next, know that I will support you."

''Maybe Isarkh had the right idea. ''

"Maybe Isarkh's right," said Shardak at last. "I can't shake the feeling that what he said is true about Arcturas and I. Maybe I do have to leave Ecbatana, and perhaps Xaterex. But...I don't want to loose her, Atarus."

Atarus knew at once that he meant Valkyria. But he kept his expression inscrutable, unreadable. "The choice about your future is yours alone to make, Shardak. It is what you make of it. I must return to the city. Follow your heart."

Shardak nodded once, sitting down once more, deep in thought. Finally, he reached out in the aura field to touch the new life all around him, from the rebirthed trees and plants to the inscects to the bird Rahi flying above. "What would you do, Arcturas?" he asked. "What do you think I should do?"

A cool breeze seemed to blow through the trees in answer. Follow your heart.

After a few moments, Shardak smiled. And made his choice.

Chapter 36
It was nightfall and the skies were lit by the fires and the moon by the time Shardak's preparations were ready. His plans had taken long in preparation, but now that they were ready he felt the old anticipation begin to seep back into his bones. It had been only a day since he'd made his decision, and he was at peace with it now.

Alongside him, his friend Silver helped pack several flasks of water along with several day's rations. "Ready," he affirmed.

Shardak smiled. "Thank you, Silver."

"What will you do? Out there, I mean?" Silver asked, curious.

"Move around," said Shardak. "Move on. Perhaps I'll return to the Plain of Mirrors, or visit Illiera, or maybe even one of the plains of existance beyond our own sphere of knowledge. I'm tired, Silver. I want to rest. To be at peace."

Silver nodded, sympathetic. "Too much has happened to you in your lifetime."

"I'll come back here one day," Shardak promised. "I'm not going to abandon you all."

"You say that now," said Silver. "But they say that once you begin travelling the plains, you never really stop."

"Perhaps," Shardak acknowledged. "Farewell, Silver," he said. "I hope I will see you again one day soon."

Silver smiled. "Good-bye, Toa Shardak." he said.

Shardak turned and walked out of his room for the last time. Outside, he could see a party of beings were gathered to wish him farewell. To his surprise, he could see Skorr and Nightwatcher among them, along with those he'd expected, such as Atarus and Ardhána. Atarus had wanted a full service commemorating his departure, complete with war honors, but Shardak simply wanted a chance to say good-bye to his closest friends before immediately leaving.

"I will always be indebted to you, Toa Shardak," said Skorr, the Zeverek bounty hunter smiling a slightly crooked smile. "Your friend, Toa Crystillix, or Blast as he called himself, saved my life."

"What do you plan to do next?" Shardak asked.

"Oh, odd jobs for Xaterex's new government here and there. Nothing exciting. Why? Want to team up?"

"Keep in touch, Skorr," was all that Shardak said. "You often travel the plains of existance yourself. If I ever need your services, I'll be sure to call on them."

Skorr nodded, smiling rougishly. "Anytime, Shardak. And I promise will not take out a bounty on you for the rest of my lifetime," here he hesitated for a moment, then added, "Well, unless the client pays me more than my life is worth."

Shardak smiled in spite of himself at the bounty hunter's brutal honesty. "Your friend Jekart saved my life as well, Skorr. He died saving me, killing the Ix Warmaster in the process. Were it not for him, I wouldn't be standing here today."

Skorr nodded. "Jekart was most insistant he should go after you. I'm glad he saved your life, though I'll miss that information broker."

"As will I," said Shardak. "Even if he tried to turn me over to the Ix."

Skorr laughed, then said, "Good luck on your journeys, Toa Shardak."

Shardak stepped over to Nighwatcher, who was now one of the leading figures in Xaterex's government. The mutated half-Toa, one of only three beings in the universe to still carry Toa blood, offered some final, parting words of advice. "Remember, always work unconsciously to attain victory by any means possible."

Ardhána embraced him lightly. "My race will always be in your debt, Shardak. You restored our original forms, brought back our elemental paradise. It is thanks to you that the fires above will burn forever on high, and I know I can say without reservation that Arcturas would be proud of you."

"Thank you, Ardhána. Perhaps one day soon I'll visit you in your new Arcaea," said Shardak.

Now only two more farewells remained. As the gathered beings began to withdraw back toward the rebuilt walls of Ecbatana, Shardak turned and strode over the first hill, toward the forests.

There he saw Atarus standing, carrying a sword still sheathed in an ornate scabbard. Seeing Shardak, he smiled. But Shardak's eyes were fixed on the being who had met his gaze, her eyes fixed on his. Valkyria stood beside him, her bow in one hand, Silverblade in the other.

"I came to say good-bye," said Shardak to her, quietly.

"Why?" Valkyria asked. "We—"

"We talked about this," said Shardak, the words almost physically painful but forced out of him. "I can't stay. You can't go. You're the leader of the Ix, with all of the responsibilities the job entails. I can't stay. You can't go. Maybe someday—"

"No," said Valkyria, interrupting him. "You don't have to stay. I can go with you."

Shardak was stunned at what she said. "But— but you're the Ix leader." he said to her.

"You missed the meeting we had yesturday. It was agreed what punishment the Ix would have for their role in the war. All of their elite are being forced into exile, or demoted from roles power. Ahri and I agreed that this was a fair punishment. As my father was a member of the elite, that means I can no longer hold a political position." Valkyria didn't sound at all saddened by that at all.

Shardak looked at Valkyria, stared deep into her eyes, and found he was at loss for words. "But I—" he began, confused.

"Shardak," said Valkyria, her voice firm, but Shardak could see the fear in her aura. Fear that he would push her away again, try to leave her behind. "You tried to leave me behind once before, after the battle at Drakos. Will you leave me here again? Or can I come with you?"

Time seemed to stand still. As Shardak looked into her eyes he found himself at loss for words for a moment as Arcturas' son stared at Skorpix's daughter, both of them torn between hope and fear.

"Yes," said Shardak. "Yes, I want you to come with me. Always. I...I love you, Val."

Valkyria was silent for a moment. Then she broke into a smile larger then any he'd seen her smile, and her entire face lit up as she embraced him. And in that moment she was the only real thing in existence to him as Atarus looked on, smiling.

Shardak turned to Atarus, who drew the sword from its scabbard. "This is a final gift for you, Toa Shardak," he said. The weapon was a sword of flickering blue flame. "With Ignan destroyed on Shadovar, you need a new weapon for self-defense. I hope this will serve you well."

Shardak took the sword in hand, surprised at how familiar it felt. He'd seen this weapon somewhere before, he was sure of it. "Thank you."

"Farewell, Shardak," said Atarus. "You have made me proud beyond my wildest dreams. I would be honored to be called your father. I hope that one day you both will return to visit us here at Ecbatana."

"We will be back one day," Valkyria promised. Shardak nodded agreement. "Call us when you need us." he added.

Atarus nodded, overcome by emotion. "I will. Fare you well, Spirit Toa— both of you."

Shardak extended his hand, and Valkyria took it. In one hand, Shardak lifted the blade of blue flame, and he realized all at once that this was the fulfillment vision he'd seen in the Sanctum of the Mind all those years ago, the night he'd first met Valkyria. He'd seen the battle-scarred Toa carrying the sword holding Valkyria's hand, bidding farewell to a being in golden armor that he now knew was Atarus. The vision he'd seen had come true.

For one moment, Shardak and Valkyria held Atarus' gaze, staring back at Ecbatana as the sun rose over the seven-walled city. Behind them lay all that they'd ever known, friends and enemies, pain and happiness, beauty and darkness. Then, as one, they turned and strode down the hillside. Ahead of them lay thousands of untold possibilities and unknown worlds.

"Thank you," Valkyria wispered. "We are forever bound together now."

Shardak smiled at the Ix who had become a Toa, the being who had saved his life, the girl he loved. "Always," he whispered.

"Always," Valkyria echoed, the first shafts of sunlight illuminating her features.

Dawn was breaking over Xaterex. And as Shardak stared up at the fires of Shadovar, which still burned above them in the early dawn sky, it seemed to him as though no dawn had ever been brighter.

Here ends the Xaterex Multiverse Storyline.

Acknowledgements
After seven volumes, I think it's time I acknowledge all those people on this wiki who helped me along this massive journey that became the XMS. First I'd like to thank every single user on CBW, whether or not they have ever read anything I've written. This website is an amazing creative outlet, and I hope it survives more many more years. I am heartened and touched to know that there are people out there like the editors of CBW, who have been invaluable to my development as an author.

Just a few people I'd especially like to thank. for his thoughtful NRC and other reviews and feedback on the XMS as a whole, my friend in the real world,, who with me created the XMS in the first place, , , , and , as well as all the other readers like them who have followed the storyline from the beginning and kept with it for so long, and provided invaluable feedback along the way. My fellow authors and co-conspirators on the Dark Realities series, and, and all other authors on the website, especially  and , whose stories and MOCs have always been inspirational to me.

A special mention goes to those in the real world (though I doubt many of them will read this), including family and other friends, for putting up with my obsession for so long. Just felt I had to mention that.

And lastly, to our former admin and b'crat who was the first user who spoke to me on CBW and encouraged me with his storyline to actually take on this massive undertaking. , I salute you verbally for your excellent writing and management of this website for so long.

Thank you all!

Trivia

 * This novel won featured story.
 * Eternal Darkness is the longest page on the wiki.