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This article was written by ToaGonel. Please do not add to it without the writer's permission.
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| Lies in the Light | |
|---|---|
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| Story | |
| Setting |
Okoto
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| Date Set |
Post-departure of the Toa
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| Media Information | |
| Released |
Summer 2017
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| Written by | |
| Timeline | |
| Previous |
Generation Two
Lost in the Dark |
| Concurrent | |
| Next |
Unknown
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Lies in the Light is a story serial set on the island of Okoto written by ToaGonel as his unofficial ending to the Generation Two continuity. It is designed to wrap up loose ends that were not in the official story, as well as implementing unused story concepts.
In the G2's tradition of "threes", there are unofficially three parts to the story. Part One covers Chapters One through Three. Part Two covers Chapters Four through Six. Part Three covers Chapters Seven through Ten.
Story[]
Prologue: The Legend Ends[]
“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Makuta gasped as the portal closed and his body reformed in the Capital City. He looked at his hands, now fully solid—the transport was ended. He whirled around to see his Skull, Shadow, and Soul hordes, prepared to descend on Okoto through the portal… a portal the Toa had just closed.
The Lord of Darkness seized a Skull Warrior standing nearby and shook him violently.
“Don’t you see what they’ve done? We have to find a new method.”
Makuta discarded the Skull Warrior carelessly.
“Do we still not have contact with Kulta?”
A Skull Commander hurried to the fore of the army and bowed.
“Sir, in the aftermath of the war… it’s…”
“Do we have contact or not?”
“We… it’s unclear.”
“And Umarak! Though he too lusted for evil, I could still use his ambitions to my gain. Is Umarak still alive?”
“It’s unclear.”
“Is LOSS still lost?”
“Probably, sir, yes.”
“Excellent. I’m locked in the Realm of Shadows, my three most trusted lieutenants on Okoto are MIA, and Ekimu is doubtless gloating over his victory over me. That… brother of mine. And I cannot stop him.”
Makuta turned around, grimaced, and bit his fist. After a few moments, he became aware of his hordes standing directionless behind him. He threw his hand in the air.
“Go! Get! Find something to do and do it for the rest of eternity!”
He sat upon the throne just inside his chamber, muttering “This whole scheme has fallen apart at its seams from the very beginning. Next time I’ll be sure to design a far more elaborate Plan…”
The Skull Commander ran up behind him.
“But sir, we’re all set to ascend upon—”
Makuta snarled. “I said get out! There’s nothing I can do now. Okoto is lost to me.” He looked back at his left hand which held two masks, one of which he shifted to his other hand. Now in his left he held the Mask of Control from the battle with the Toa. The Mask had returned to its original form. In his right hand, he held the fragments of the Mask of Ultimate Power, worthless for being separated from the Okotan regions.
“I have both Masks of Power, but Ekimu remains up there, free, with his Masks still intact. He has his mask and his tongue and his freedom. I have my masks and yet I remain here, in this foul Pit.” Makuta threw the masks away from him. The masks became gold blurs as they skidded away along the floor; the failed transportation had given him blurred vision and vertigo. He’d barely seen Okoto and he hadn’t heard anything from the other side.
Makuta stared at the twin gold blurs before seizing his Staff, marching over, and smashing both masks to a thousand bits with a righteous vengeance. A wave of relief washed over him as he finally felt free, yet still a hopeless rage burned. He returned to his throne as a breeze swept away his masks’ dust.
“Gah! Let Kulta rot! Why did he not destroy these Masks of Power like I ordered him to? They’ve caused infinitely more trouble than they’re worth.”
His eyes narrowed as they fell on the wall, sharpening in his vision. He gasped and stood up.
“The door to Ekimu’s personal chamber is open.”
For the very long time he’d been there, Makuta had never entered Ekimu’s private chamber, for what little respect he’d still held for his brother. Now, however...
He walked over to the door and shoved it open. The first thing he saw was what appeared to be the scribbling of someone in a rush. Some words were eroded; other words were dusty. Presiding over it all were three words.
PROPHECY OF HEROES.
But there was a gaping hole between the “OF” and the “HEROES”. What’s more, all but the second “E” in “HEROES” had been sloppily written. Okotan letters could be to distinguish at times (even for a native reader such as Makuta). The “E” could be confused for an “A”, an “N”, a “U”, a “V”, or a “W”.
Makuta dusted off the area between “OF” and “HEROES”. Indeed, there were hidden letters, and Makuta laughed. First there was a “T”… and then an “H” and an “E”. These were followed by a “T”, an “R”, an “E”, an “A”, and a “C”.
Then there was no doubt. The second “E” in “HEROES” was certainly a “U”.
Makuta chuckled angrily.
“Now that’s more like you, brother.”
One week later, in the City of the Mask Makers, Narmoto and Ekimu stood overlooking the city from atop the forge. It was the Festival of Masks, the first since the time before the Great Cataclysm. Makuta was defeated, the entire island had gathered for the celebration, and the three virtues had been achieved. It was a time of great celebration and rejoicing.
On the streets beneath, Izotor was telling villagers the reason for the sudden absence of the Toa. Izotor reeled back and waved his hands widely.
“At that moment, Umarak leapt out of the rock behind Tahu: ‘Surprise!’”
Several of the younger villagers gasped in fear, and parents smiled and embraced their children affectionately. From far above, Ekimu and Narmoto chuckled.
“Look at him,” Narmoto grinned. “Izotor’s so excited about the good parts he skips half the story. If I didn’t know what happened, I could’ve pointed out a dozen plot holes in his first five minutes.”
“He’s having fun,” Ekimu smiled. “It was nice of you to let him take over the story telling.”
Narmoto smiled and shrugged humbly. “If there’s one thing he likes, it’s teaching the kids. I can’t blame him. All that knowledge stored up in his head has to be useful for something.”
Ekimu nodded. “All those legends and prophecies we couldn’t tell have now come true. All that secret-keeping has been hard, but especially for him.”
There was silence for a few moments as the two watched Izotor. Then Narmoto looked at Ekimu.
“Well, I suppose we’re in uncharted territory, eh, Ekimu?”
“Hm… What? How do you mean?”
“Well, all the prophecies are ended. There’s nothing to tell us what happens next.”
“Uh… no. Not yet.”
“No?”
“Yes, there are plenty of prophecies unfulfilled. Do you not remember the Prophecy of the New Age?”
“No, Ekimu. No I do not. Show it to me.”
Ekimu blinked.
“Well… We saw it once, together, but I can’t remember where it was. But another prophecy was imparted upon me last night. Behold, the Prophecy of Protectors.”
Ekimu pulled a tablet out of his pack and held it forth. Narmoto looked suspiciously at Ekimu, but the gold Protector of Light’s mask betrayed no deception.
“Since when do you receive prophecies in your dreams?”
“When my hammer made contact with the Mask of Ultimate Power, some of its power must have been imparted upon me before I went into my coma.”
Narmoto’s eyes widened. “So was that how you communicated with the Golden Masks.”
“No, the masks were always built to communicate with me.”
Narmoto nodded slowly, even as he sighed relief inwardly. Had he been making this up, Narmoto knew Ekimu would’ve taken Narmoto’s bait. He looked again at the city, and then the lands beyond the city. He sighed.
“What a beautiful night.”
Ekimu shook his head.
“Nights are full of darkness. Darkness is full of evil.”
“Not all darkness is evil. Just like not all light is good. Far from it, I’d say.”
“No.” Ekimu shook his head and started inside. “Darkness is evil and Light is good. I should expect our battle with Makuta would’ve proven this by now. Have a good night’s rest, Narmoto, old friend. Tomorrow we must begin the reconstruction of Okoto.”
Chapter 1: To Shed Light on a Subject[]
One year later
Harvali leaned down into a small crevasse between the rocks. Somewhere in here, a switch was rumored to open a secret entrance to the Labyrinth of Control. The crack was just small enough a Okotan’s arm could get inside, but a Toa-sized individual seemingly couldn’t.
But even when her entire arm was consumed by the crevasse, her groping hand only brushed air. Nothing metallic like the rumored switch she was looking for. Perhaps the switch was meant for Toa-sized beings whose arms extended twice the length of those of Okotans. Grumbling in frustration, Harvali pulled her arm out and cupped her hands to her mouth.
“Bingzak, could you bring over the Extensor Baton?”
The young male Jungle villager ran over with Harvali’s requested tool. The two had known each other before, but their friendship had drawn within a hair's width of fraying. During the assault of the Beast Horde Invasion, the Bingzak had tried to ambush several Quake Beasts who were approaching Harvali’s Jungle village. During the fight, Bingzak ducked into a cave where Harvali happened to be hiding and reassuring several villagers from that village. Unfortunately, the Quake Beasts saw Bingzak as he ran in and brought down the mouth of the cave. After defeating the Beasts against all odds, the two had argued over who was to blame, but circumstances drove the two together and they became closer friends for it.
Now they were here, exploring the Labyrinth of Control. Or trying to, at least.
“Now reach into that crevasse and see if you find a trigger to open the Labyrinth.”
Bingzak got on his side, reached into the opening with Harvali’s Extensor Baton, and began probing. Harvali stared at him for a few moments before demanding,
“What are you doing?”
“I’m looking for the trigger. Like you wanted.”
Harvali grabbed Bingzak’s wrist and yanked him out of the hole. “You’re supposed to use your hand first.”
“But we know the Baton will reach the bottom. Why should I waste time with my arm when yours couldn’t reach it?”
“Your arm is longer than mine. And we don’t know how delicate the trigger is. One blow from the baton could brea—”
Bingzak plunged the baton into the crevasse and struck something that yielded slightly. Several yards away, the stone Labyrinth rumbled and a hidden opening to the outer wall fell open. Bingzak grinned from ear to ear, but Harvali glared at him. Bingzak laughed at Harvali’s glare.
“See, that’s the problem with archaeologists. All that dirt has buried their common sense.”
Harvali stormed for the entrance, secretly torn between feelings of fury and amusement in spite of herself at her friend’s mirth.
The cave entrance was slightly smaller than an Okotan, such that clearly no Toa was meant for this passage. The wall surrounding the small tunnel was several feet thick, and it took some time to emerge on the other side. Upon emergence, she stood, dusted herself off, looked up, and gasped.
“Bingzak! Bingzak, look!”
Bingzak’s head popped out of the tunnel.
“Harvali, you’re blocking me.”
“Bingzak!”
“Harvali!”
Harvali looked down and realized her legs were in her partner’s way. She moved and Bingzak rose to his feet.
“Now what did you want—”
Harvali grabbed his arm and pointed up. “Look!”
Bingzak looked up and covered his eyes. Agil, the legendary Creature of Light, sat upon a pillar before them, pecking at himself. Rays of light glistened from his feathers and touched every corner of the Labyrinth of Control. The light was so bright Agil’s expression was indistinguishable.
“Look at that. It’s not every day you see the Creature of Light,” Bingzak smiled.
“More like a year! It’s been a year since any Elemental Creature was spotted, much less Agil!” Harvali breathed.
Agil perked up suddenly, as if alarmed or distressed. Abruptly, it hopped up and flew close to the Jungle villagers, landing on the ground before them. Now that he was closer, Harvali looked again at his face and saw something that chilled her to the bone:
Desperation.
Agil flew off and Bingzak and Harvali exchanged glances.
“Well, that was weird.” Bingzak said. Harvali nodded and started into the Labyrinth.
Bingzak looked around in awe at the stone maze. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t how he’d imagined it when he’d heard the Toa’s stories. What did surprise him was that none of the stones moved to crush the two Okotans. In fact, if anything, they looked to aide them in their quest. Stone bridges formed before them where only chasms stood previously.
“I thought the Protectors said the stones tried to crush the Toa.” Harvali muttered.
“That’s what they said. Or rather, that’s what they said the Toa said.”
“Any chance the Toa could’ve been…”
“Exaggerating?” Bingzak offered.
“Embellishing?” Harvali said at the same time. Bingzak nodded.
“Yeah.”
Harvali shrugged and stopped. “None of them would intentionally lie to us, I’m sure. The Labyrinth must have changed in nature since the Toa came.”
Bingzak grinned and started forward. “Well, something must have been lost in—” Something crunched and he looked down in horror.
Harvali gasped and started forward. “NonononoNO! Don’t move your foot, Bingzak!”
“What is it?”
“You’re stepping on an ancient tablet, Bingzak. That’s the problem with novices; they can’t tell the difference between standing on artifacts or plain dirt!”
“But what is it?”
Harvali kneeled by Bingzak’s foot and began dusting off the delicate tablet with what appeared to Bingzak to be expensive-looking brushes. All the while, the male Okotan waited patiently. He dared not move a muscle, lest he stir Harvali’s wrath. But he did wonder what all the fuss was about. If it were really something important, it wouldn’t have been left lying around some maze like an old, forgotten rag. Who would leave something here anyway?
Bingzak’s musings were disturbed by Harvali’s gasp. “What is it?” he asked.
Harvali stood slowly and looked at her friend as though she’d seen a ghost.
“It’s a prophecy!”
Vizuna’s eyes widened in amazement.
“A prophecy! Really! Where was it found?”
Harvali spoke first. “We found it while exploring the Labyrinth of Control.” “Really. Was there anything unusual that took place before you saw it?” Bingzak grinned. “Well, we did see Agil.”
Vizuna nodded in amazement as he stared at the carving. “Amazing. To think we’ve been imparted with a prophecy. It’s been nearly a year since the Prophecy of Protectors was fulfilled. Peace reigns on Okoto, but the future ahead is an unexplored frontier. We must have a Prophecy for guidance.”
Vizuna looked back at the two archaeologists. “Thank you for bringing this to me. I will take it to King Ekimu the Great at once.”
Bingzak and Harvali bowed quickly, turned, and started back for the Labyrinth.
The Protector of Jungle made his way quickly to the highest tree in the Jungle Region which had been long-since converted to a landing pad for Ekimu the Great’s airship. Thankfully, a meeting was to be held between the Protectors and King Ekimu the next day, and King Ekimu had sent his newly rebuilt ship to gather the Protectors.
The airship sported a giant, iron grey version of the Vahi, an object that often spoke through Ekimu to impart prophecies. One such prophecy, the Prophecy of Protectors, had foretold the rise of Ekimu to kingship over Okoto and the formation of the Protectors as his advisors. Ekimu was free to take their advice at his leisure and Okoto was united as it never had been before under the singular rule of Ekimu the Great.
Vizuna’s thoughts were interrupted by a flash of green flying by the landing pad. Instinctively, his thoughts first turned to Lewa, the former Toa of Jungle who’d come to save the land from the near-conquest of Okoto by Makuta. But when he turned, he realized the green flash was Uxar, Elemental Creature of Jungle. Although the Protector of the Jungle felt mild disappointment at it not being Lewa, he quickly frowned at the appearance of the Creature. None of the Creatures had been spotted in over a year. Now two of them appear in within forty-eight hours?
But then Vizuna’s eyes widened at another realization. Uxar wasn’t flying with his usual graceful arcs. The dragonfly was gliding erratically, as though helpless to the wind’s power. But there was no wind. What’s more, a wild expression crossed Uxar’s face and its eyes were clearly out of focus. It was as though the Creature had somehow been intoxicated.
“Are you coming, brother?” Narmoto’s voice called from behind him. Vizuna whirled to see Okoto’s airship resting behind him on the pad. He’d been so taken by Uxar that he’d failed to hear the airship land behind him.
“Yes, just… Do you see Uxar?” Vizuna pointed.
Narmoto’s eyes followed Vizuna’s gaze. “Huh. I suppose the Elemental Creatures didn’t follow the Toa out of Okoto. Nilkuu’s fears should be assuaged.”
“No, it’s—look at how he’s flying!”
The Protector of Fire watched and frowned.
“It looks like he can’t see. Like he stared too long at the sun or something.
Come, Vizuna, Uxar’s vision will return shortly; in the meantime, we must fly to Ekimu.”
Vizuna mounted the ramp and stepped into the airship, so he wasn’t looking when Uxar crashed headfirst into the trunk of a tree.
Chapter 2: Making Waves[]
From a balcony outside one of the upper levels of his forge, King Ekimu the Great watched as his grand airship flew into the City of the Mask Makers. It sailed past the city gate, over the large chasm isolating the City, and past the statue of Ekimu. Ekimu’s Statue had once stood alongside a statue of his brother, Makuta, but following the Sacrifice of the Toa, the Okotans had insisted on taking it down, completely apart from the influence of Ekimu. The Mask Maker had frequently considered removing his own statue but now it served an important purpose; to remind the Okotans of who was king, much like a beacon of light on a lighthouse.
The airship sailed to its resting spot on the landing pad of the City of the Mask Makers, positioned right behind the statue dedicated to Ekimu the Great. What a beautiful sight.
He walked back inside, into the Chamber of Masks, through rows of masks he’d forged. Some of them toward the back marked his earliest ventures beyond the standard Protector mold; in hindsight, their appearance was rather primitive. One in particular now resembled an Okotan trash can more than anything else. Over time his designs (and those of Makuta) grew more beautiful in nature. Rows closer to the path Ekimu trod portrayed Ekimu’s proudest artistic feats. The Mask of Alternate Futures, the Mask of the Sea Queen, the Mask of Hyper Plasma II, the Mask of Psychosis, and the Mask of the Unnatural Union. Occasionally he hung these above the door to the forge proper, but he preferred to keep them here.
The problem with being an artist is you run the risk of falling in love with the act of making art. Art becomes a means of expressing yourself, a means of communicating in a loudly silent world. You hone these powers of communication until your art is perfectly you and you are the incarnation of your art. You and your art are one and there is no understanding one without understanding the other.
Ekimu threw open the door of the Chamber of Masks and walked out into the Hall of Mirrors. So much light bouncing about, moving from one end to another, until you have no clue where you are relative to the other objects in the room. Eyes do deceive when there’s too much faith in the light.
Ekimu pushed through the door on the far end of the Hall of Mirrors, down a spiral staircase. There was too much space, Ekimu thought. Of course the uppermost level was devoted to the Master of Okoto, but the lower levels were nearly as vacant. It was at times like these when Ekimu, the King of Okoto, felt pangs of longing for the company of Makuta, his old brother, but these were quickly crushed by the Master of Okoto.
The spiral staircase ended and Ekimu entered the “Ground Level” of the Temple of Creation. The title was deceptive, of course. Stepping outside on this level would lead to the large stone staircase descending to the streets of the City. If Ekimu redesigned the building-and he had often considered doing so—this would be fixed.
Ekimu’s automatic steps led him through several more rooms to a large chamber near the front of the Temple. Not to his surprise, the Protectors were already waiting.
“Welcome, Protectors,” Ekimu greeted.
“King Ekimu,” the six Protectors bowed.
Vizuna stepped forward immediately, unable to contain himself as he reached into a sack he bore. Ekimu smiled slightly to see the Protector of Jungle so excited. “King Ekimu! A new prophecy has unveiled itself!”
Ekimu’s heart skipped a beat.
Vizuna pulled a stone tablet out of his sack. He held out the carving for Ekimu to see. The alarmed King of Okoto reached for the tablet, but Kivoda stepped between them before he could.
“Well, let’s have it, brother! What does the prophecy say?”
Vizuna grinned sheepishly.
“Well, I haven’t read it yet.”
Ekimu stepped around Kivoda. “Let me read it.”
Kivoda turned and grinned at Ekimu. “If it’s all the same to you, my king, I feel Vizuna should be the one to read it. After all, it was imparted upon him.”
Vizuna shook his head. “Well, actually, it was a pair of Jungle villagers who found it.”
Kivoda turned back to Vizuna. “But you were entrusted with delivering it to us.”
“To me.” Ekimu said, iron in his voice. His hand was outstretched.
The Protectors stared at the king whose eyes bore into Vizuna. Ekimu cocked his head.
“Give me the tablet, Vizuna. I am the king. Let me read it first.”
Wordlessly, the Protector of Jungle shrugged and placed the tablet in Ekimu’s hand. The king’s arm recoiled like a spring and he turned and walked several paces away from the Protectors as he read. In the awkward silence that followed, Narmoto looked at Vizuna.
“Where was the prophecy found, Vizuna?”
“It was found by two archaeologists in the Labyrinth of Control.”
Narmoto nodded. In the silence that followed, Izotor and Kivoda stared at Ekimu as they waited for the prophecy to be revealed. Nilkuu paced impatiently, even as Korgot stood impatiently still. Vizuna and Narmoto attempted small talk, but that was crushed by the pressing silence. At last, Ekimu whirled.
“This prophecy is a sham.”
“What?”
Vizuna walked up and pointed at the bottom of the Prophecy. “But King Ekimu, this is the Natural Sign. The sign that Nature itself bestows on that which bears its message. Although…” Vizuna looked at the carving as though seeing it in a new light. “Is that—”
Ekimu whirled, attempting to put prophecy behind him, but in doing so, Nilkuu caught a glimpse of the carving. “That’s your signature!” he cried. Ekimu flashed fear and the Protector of Stone laughed.
The King of Okoto glared at the Protectors. There was nothing he could do; if he kept this from them now, their curiosity would drive them to obtain the carving through… less diplomatic means. Begrudgingly, he handed over the tablet. Narmoto took the tablet and offered it to hand it to Vizuna, but the Protector shook his head. “Let Lord Ekimu read it, I don’t care.”
The Fire Protector returned the prophecy to Ekimu. The eyes of the six Protectors upon him, Ekimu read slowly
When evil is defeated
with elements all
Then tear down for yourselves
statues of Ekimu and Makuta alike
And in their place
a great museum erect
A shrine to the masks carved
by those who dwell in the Great Forge.”Narmoto’s eyes widened in amazement.
“We are to build a Mask Museum where the Statue of Ekimu now stands!”
“We must set about it at once!” Nilkuu declared. “I will order my craftsmen to begin shipping stone bricks from our region. We can have ten thousand in the City by week’s end!”
“I’ll lend Ice Villagers to aide your worksmen!” exclaimed Izotor.
Narmoto clapped his hands. “Excellent! I’ll have molten casts developed and shipped up from—”
“NO!” Ekimu shouted. “The words of this prophecy do not ring true. I’ll return presently.”
He ran off in the direction of the stairs. When he was out of sight, the Protectors looked at each other worriedly.
“Why is he acting so defensive?” Kivoda asked. “The discovery of a prophecy should be a reason to rejoice.”
Vizuna shrugged. “I can only assume he has his reasons.”
“I do hope to get my hands on that tablet, though.” Izotor muttered thoughtfully. “I would be remiss if I should not have the entire thing memorized by sundown.”
Nilkuu snorted and chuckled but said nothing.
“I will have my villagers examine the land surrounding the work-site and begin laying out a foundation,” Korgot said to Narmoto. “I do look forward to this endeavor.”
Narmoto nodded. “Indeed. This would bring Okoto together in the first project not pertaining to rebuilding from Makuta’s devastation. It is curious that Ekimu should still hold reservations regarding this project. And the Prophecy does say it will be so…”
“The Prophecy …is wrong.” Ekimu’s voice echoed. He walked back into the chamber holding a second, newer looking tablet aloft. He began to read.
The Statue of Ekimu the Great
A symbol of light for all
Shall stand guard
over the City of the Mask Makers
sentinel watch keeping for all generations,
ensuring that never again
the wicked shadows may dwell
on the island of Okoto.”Ekimu looked at the Protectors. He nearly laughed at their identical expressions of confusion.
“Contradicting prophecies?!”
Ekimu looked at Nilkuu who had spoken. “Yes. And see—my signature and seal marking its validity.”
“How is this so?” asked Vizuna. “The prophecies have never contradicted before.”
“No, they haven’t!” agreed Nilkuu. “What’s going on?”
“This prophecy was written before Makuta’s defeat,” Ekimu said, indicating the first prophecy in his left hand. He indicated the second carving in his right hand: “And this one was written afterward. Events didn’t transpire exactly as they were meant to, so the prophecy changed.”
“Prophecies always happen as they’re intended to,” Izotor said. “That’s the point.”
“And the Prophecy of Protectors was administered before Makuta’s defeat, and yet it came true exactly as it was meant to,” added Narmoto.
Ekimu’s confident expression became one of confusion identical to those of the Protectors.
“Well, they both have Ekimu’s signature,” added Korgot.
“Wait a second: how did the first prophecy get in the Labyrinth of Control in the first place?” asked Izotor.
“Gentlemen!” Ekimu shouted. He nodded at Korgot. “And lady. It strikes me that the questions you raise are good. These prophecies do, in fact, contradict each other. Although we have never had something quite like this before, in days gone by, whenever the Protectors and I had questions regarding Prophecies imparted upon me, we turned to the Vahi for guidance.”
Ekimu the Great looked at each of the Protectors in turn.
“Let us journey to the Temple of Time at once. Let me put on the Mask of Time, for as soon as I see through the eyes of the Vahi, my visions will clear and all will make sense.”
Chapter 3: White Noise[]
About an hour later, Izotor stepped out of the gondola of Ekimu’s airship and onto the balcony. The air inside was hot thanks in no small part due to the overuse of the engines over the past several days. The other Protectors claimed they didn’t feel as hot as Izotor did, leading the Protector of Ice to blame his acclimation to frozen tundra. Izotor fought hard to ignore the heat to be polite to his brothers, but it could be hard at times.
“The sky is pretty,” said a voice behind him.
Izotor smiled.
“Yes… It’s a wonder we have the patience to remain on the ground, not up in the mountains. Or volcanoes, in your case.”
Narmoto approached his side and leaned against the rail. The Protector of Fire had always understood Izotor’s plight with hot temperatures. He himself had difficulty with cool environments.
“And yet we manage. Too much of the sun would be blinding. Just like not enough of it. I’m sure Korgot can attest to that. She would point out that too little of the sun can be blinding such as for bats, but so can too much of the sun would be likewise blinding… Yesterday, Vizuna and I caught a glimpse of Uxar flying blind.”
Izotor turned and rested his back on the metal guard. After a while, he said: “Am I the only one this uncomfortable with conflicting prophecies?”
Narmoto sighed.
“I’m sure the Vahi will clear everything up.”
“You haven’t answered my question.”
“… No. You aren’t the only one.”
Izotor turned again and looked out over Okoto. “I’ve spent my whole life memorizing prophecies. Studying carvings. No one in the world knows as much about the prophecies as I do, and I intend to keep it that way. Like a delicate puzzle, every prophecy fits together in a beautiful, elaborate architecture. You know, like…” Izotor gestured wildly with his hands, “like… an ice sculpture!”
Narmoto chuckled.
“No, but listen!” Izotor insisted. “Ice sculptures don’t often last very long, especially in normal environments. They can take minutes or hours to be crafted or interpreted, depending on the skill of the sculptor. Once the crafter is done, he throws aside his tools and calls all his friends to see. An audience gathers… and the crystalline carving stand proudly, as a proud beacon to all who observe it. Then… time passes, the sun appears… and there’s nothing to see anymore.”
Izotor seized Narmoto’s arm. “This is why I’ve committed to learning the prophecies. These prophecies inspire Okotans, they give us purpose. They galvanize us, they give us hope for a bright future in the moments they are lit… and then they are fulfilled and the future is up for grabs. Anything can happen.”
The Protector of Ice let go of his brother’s arm. “I can’t let the Prophecies be lost. Those proud giants have stood presiding over Okoto for so long—They can’t just be lost! They have to be preserved! It would be an injustice to them. Why, it would be an injustice to us who revered them!”
Narmoto nodded.
“The problem with banging one’s head against rocks all day,” Nilkuu announced from the door behind him, “is that one learns how easy it is to carve stone. It’s not that hard.”
Narmoto craned his neck and looked at him. “Have you been eavesdropping?”
“Maybe a little.” Nilkuu shrugged and walked up the railing. “I’ve been thinking ever since Ekimu showed us the Prophecy of the Statue. How fallible is Destiny?”
“Destiny’s infallible. That’s the point,” Izotor snapped.
“Exactly. So somewhere along the way wires must have crossed. What if Ekimu accidentally misinterpreted the Prophecy of the Museum?”
Izotor shook his head and started for the door. “That’s not possible. I’m heading back inside.”
Nilkuu watched Izotor go and then glanced at Narmoto. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know.” Narmoto sighed. “I think… I think the sky is pretty.”
Behind them, the soft footfalls of Kivoda indicated his approach. “Ekimu wanted you guys to know we’re approaching the Temple.”
Narmoto smiled. “So we can see.” He indicated the mountain Temple of Time, just visible from where they were standing. The noble blue shadows covering the near side of the structure provided a beautiful contrast to the red-orange of the sky in the distance. “We’ll be ready soon.”
Kivoda stepped up to the guard. “Wow. Ekimu wasn’t kidding when he said the view would be good.”
The six cloaked figures filed solemnly behind Ekimu off the airship and along the ridge of the mountain. The path they were walking along led to a staircase which presumably ended at the top of the Temple.
“They say you can see the entire island from this mountain,” Ekimu said, not unlike an Okotan tour guide. “Having journeyed here with some of your predecessors, I can certainly confirm that fact. What’s more, according to historians, the Temple of Time is the oldest structure on Okoto, but the Mask of Time is even older!”
Korgot leaned forward to Narmoto. “Shoot, Narmoto, I should hang my fins and become a tourist.”
Narmoto chuckled. “He’s enjoying himself.”
“Older than our ancestors who named the six regions of Okoto after the elemental creatures. Older than Okoto itself. Older than our world. Older than the stars!” Ekimu declared reverently. “Legend has it that the ancient name for the Mask of Time was the Vahi, and that it once consisted of two pieces. The piece we will soon behold the upper half. The mask can give views into the past and future and into faraway realms beyond our imaginings. When it shows the future, it does not reveal what may happen, only what will happen.”
Ekimu glanced at Izotor. “This is why it should explain the mysteries of the prophecies. The Mask never shows fantasies, only the Truth. However, the mask does not explain what it shows. Thankfully, I have the wisdom to comprehend what the mask reveals.”
The staircase ended and they emerged on the top of the building. On every side, pillars covered in Okotan letters reached far above, into the skies themselves. There was no ceiling, of course, for Time itself cannot be contained.
At the center of the room, a shimmering yellow-orange mask rested on a round table, as though it had been waiting for them. The table itself functioned much as a clock or a sundial when the Vahi rested upon it. But it was nearly night, so the light did not shine upon the mask at this time.
“The Mask of Time.” Ekimu reached out his hand hesitantly. The last time he’d worn the mask, it had predicted bad things. Moreover, the Mask had tingled violently against Ekimu, and when the vision reached its climax—
“Ekimu?”
The Protector of Light turned. “Yes? Oh, sorry. It’s just that last time… I blacked out. But I will…”
Ekimu took off the Mask of Creation and replaced it with the Mask of Time. Almost immediately, he was engulfed by a swirling mirage of colors, but these soon took shape.
Before his eyes a pearly white spider-web took form against an empty black backdrop. Crooked tendrils extended across every inch of the web, tying together in brilliant knots and clever binds. At the center of the web sat a proud six-pointed silver mask which starred out at Ekimu with orange eyes, sending a frigid chill up his spine.
The image inversed; what was white became black and what was black turned white. Where once had rested a spider-web now stood what appeared to be a pane of broken glass. Cracks etched their ways along the glass, each ending in what was now a small hole at the center. Bright light spilled from the center, a bright light consisting of eight colors and more.
The web shattered and a bird’s eye view of Okoto was revealed, but the eight colors spread over the island blending into a perfect grey. The grey spread to the oceans, then over the entire planet, and then it reached up to the very heavens, expanding throughout the universe.
There was a noise behind Ekimu, however, and a familiar laughter. At first Ekimu thought it was Makuta, but Makuta’s voice was deep. This sound was soft and alluring. But Ekimu was chilled to the bone.
He turned slowly, and his eyes widened in fear at what he saw. Ekimu saw himself prostrate on the ground, seemingly unconscious. A powerful demon towered over the body, clad in crimson and jet black. Twin wings ripped out of the beast’s back and six horns sprouted from its head. The beast roared in laughter at Ekimu’s horror, and it pointed at the Mask Maker.
“Akutahn!”
Ekimu stumbled backward, unsteady. His eyes stared unseeing through the Vahi’s eyeholes. He started to fall back, and Narmoto ran forward to catch him. Ekimu seized him as the Protector of Fire rested him on the floor.
“You must destroy the Mask!” the Mask Maker gasped.
“What mask?” Narmoto exclaimed.
“The Mask… of… the Uhhh…”
Ekimu’s head fell to the ground. Narmoto looked up at the Protectors who leaned close.
“He’ll pull through; he’s just unconscious. But what could he have meant?”
“We can’t discuss it now; we need to get him back to the airship,” Vizuna said.
Ekimu the Great started and opened his eyes to the interior of his airship’s gondola. Vizuna was watching over him even as the other Protectors were talking with the co-pilot, a Fire villager. Fire villagers were the best choice to pilot hot-air machines.
“Ekimu’s awake!” Vizuna said. At once the other Protectors turned and ran over. The co-pilot returned to the cabin.
“Ekimu, what did you see?”
Ekimu rubbed his head and groaned. “What did I… Oh, what I saw. I saw Okoto’s villagers united before the Statue of Ekimu.”
The Protectors waited for more. When there was nothing, Izotor asked, “Is that it?” to which Ekimu solemnly nodded.
“It would appear the Prophecy of the Statue is correct. The Statue of Ekimu will remain.”
“…ah.”
The island’s guardians drifted away from Ekimu, but Kivoda leaned forward. “Ekimu, you said that we must destroy the Mask. What did you mean?”
“The… What mask?”
“You said ‘Destroy the Mask of the—’ and then you made an ‘uhhh’ noise. What was that supposed to mean?” Korgot said.
“I probably meant the Mask of Ultimate Power.”
“But Ekimu… the Mask of Ultimate Power has been destroyed.”
“The mask projected many images into my mind, including some specters of the past. I probably saw an image of the Mask of Ultimate Power. My mind would have flashed back to the time of Makuta’s attack.”
“But—”
“Now it has been a long day,” said Ekimu, standing up and starting for his personal chamber, “And the Vahi has drained me. If you excuse me, Protectors, I will retire to my room until we reach the City.” He turned back. “There is nothing, I presume?”
The Protectors said nothing. Korgot looked like she wanted to add something, but she didn’t. Ekimu smiled.
“Excellent. Someone please tell me once we arrive.”
Chapter 4: Silence is Golden[]
The six Protectors filed wordlessly out of the Temple of Creation. Ekimu had proven to them that the newer prophecy had been correct. The Great Statue of Ekimu would remain in place.
But that did nothing to change the fact something was terribly wrong.
“The Prophecies should not contradict each other,” Izotor said finally. “By definition, they can’t.”
“Oh come on,” Vizuna exclaimed. “Are you still going on about that?”
Izotor whirled.
“There is a serious problem here, Vizuna. By nature, if a Prophecy contradicts itself, something isn’t right. Either the Prophecies themselves are unreliable… or someone has done something he or she should not have. Perhaps… perhaps we have split off in a fork of time we were not meant to follow.”
“Narmoto, what do you think?” Vizuna demanded.
The Protector of Fire started in alarm. He had not expected to be asked. He had hoped he wouldn’t be asked.
“I… I do not know. It’s all so confusing.”
“It’s not confusing.” Vizuna exclaimed. “There’s nothing confusing about it! The Vahi resolved everything.”
“The more I think about it, the problems lie far deeper than I’ve previously imagined,” mused Narmoto. “The Vahi would not deceive, and the fabric of Time cannot be torn. I can only imagine…”
“Can only imagine what?”
“The only plausible explanation, in my opinion, is that something is wrong… with Ekimu.”
The Protectors gasped.
“How could you say that!” exclaimed Vizuna. “Ekimu would never do such a thing. We’ve trusted him for years, and not without good reason. How could you possibly accuse him of… this!”
“That isn’t what I said. Ekimu could be unintentionally influencing us, or his actions could be unconscious. But if it is intentional… Can’t you see?” Narmoto asked. “Something is happening, something dark and deceitful. Perhaps it’s Makuta’s revenge--if it is, then we can free ourselves at last and live life at last released from the evils of the Mask of Ultimate Power.”
“Look,” Korgot frowned. “I know Ekimu’s been acting a bit… peculiar. But look at all the good he’s done since he’s taken charge! With the Prophecy of Protectors giving him all the legal powers he needs, look at all the public works he’s instituting!”
Nilkuu snorted. “Statues to himself? I said it before, I’ll say it again; it’s not that hard to carve stone. I and my carvers do it all the time.”
Izotor looked at him and nodded hesitantly, sorrowfully. “Listen, my old friends. I’m sure all of you know how much faith I placed in the prophecies--heck, I memorize every one of them. We placed Ekimu in a position of such precarious power… There’s such a great chance the power could have gotten to him.”
Kivoda walked several steps away from the others. When he turned around, his face was hard.
“Do you know how many severe hurricane warnings my people have predicted in the last ten years? Exactly ten. Do you know how many false alarms we’ve had? Nine. You may brace yourself--you can be as paranoid as a bleeding schooner in shark territory--but the storm won’t come.”
“I think,” Korgot walked into the center of the Protectors, “that we are all tired, and we are all overthinking things. Kivoda, Vizuna, return to your homes and recommence the reconstruction efforts. Narmoto, Nilkuu, Izotor, let’s just let this occasion go for now. If we suddenly grow suspicious of each other, we run the risk of digging too deep and upsetting the foundations of Okoto’s society needlessly. I know it may be hard, but brothers, let us simply bury the hatchet and forget this situation occurred. Sound good?”
Izotor and Nilkuu glanced at Narmoto who sighed and nodded. They too nodded.
For the time being, the Protectors were set at ease, and all Okoto with them. Once more, Ekimu the Great reigned undisputed over the island. The Prophecies slowed for a time, but they soon returned in greater number than they had been before. Prophecies allowing for the erection of statues to Ekimu or sanctuaries to the Light. Once more, the islanders resumed their work, rebuilding the lost island of Okoto.
But something had changed in the Protectors. Three of them, in particular, acted more hesitantly to carry out Destiny’s apparent will. More and more, the Prophecies seemed to benefit only Ekimu and not the island as a whole.
And then there was the time King Ekimu declared an island-wide hunt for Ombra, the Creature of Darkness. Hunters across the island, interested in the bounty Ekimu promised, swept across the land in search of a legend in hiding since the Great Cataclysm.
In the Sanctuary of Mamuk in the Fire Region, a single solitary figure placed several timbers in a fire and kneeled on a rug stretched out before it. The flame glowed with a beautiful, almost white light. Black smoke emanated up from the flame, but as the fire villager breathed in the smoke through her nose, it did not harm her. Instead, her eyes closed, her face relaxed and her muscles eased. Her lips formed an “O” and she exhaled through her mouth. She repeated herself and her arms fell at her side. She repeated herself again, only to become aware of footfalls behind her.
“Narmoto,” she said without opening her eyes or turning. “Welcome back.”
“Glaruu,” the Protector of Fire replied. “It looks like you haven’t moved since I left.”
Glaruu smiled slightly. “I’m sure it seems not.”
Behind her, the prophetess heard the Protector poking around the sanctuary. She waited for some time before finally asking,
“What troubles you?”
The Protector of Fire put a small trinket back down.
“Ekimu has ordered an island-wide hunt for the Creature of Darkness.”
Narmoto thought he heard a snort from the lips of the prophetess, but she said nothing. The Protector continued.
“I cannot possibly agree to this. The Creatures have existed as long as Okoto and the oldest villagers. It’s bad enough there is no one to fill the mantle of Guardian of Darkness in the land, but now Ekimu, the Guardian of Light seeks to eradicate the Darkness itself. Darkness is an element; it has existed as long as light or fire or jungle. Darkness is not evil… only Evil is evil. Disease is more evil than Darkness. But Ekimu…He looks to do... Do you get it, Glaruu? Do you see what I’m trying to say?”
Glaruu nodded. “Yes, I understand.”
“So… as a fellow elder… as an old friend… what do you think I should do?”
Glaruu sighed.
“You know what I think of Ekimu.”
“I know you aren’t his biggest fan--”
“I have never been… a fan. The prophecies and legends have are riddled with holes and inaccuracies regarding him. As a race, we survived for a thousand years without him, and now he has come and declared himself king of the island. And this begs another question: How has he survived this long? Makuta had the Mask of Ultimate Power; it fed life into his frame, enabling him to thrive on his own hatred. But Ekimu has no such thing.”
Narmoto nodded as he picked a small scroll off a shelf. “It is a weird situation. One can only imagine his sleep was some sort of stasis. Now he is living out the life he could not before. He will die, as we all do, in time.”
Glaruu made no movement.
“That’s impossible. It’s as though he has… unnatural powers. Even the visions he sees of the future are unlike anything I’ve seen. And I’m a prophetess.”
Narmoto frowned and placed the scroll back down.
Glaruu twisted around and glanced at Narmoto whose face was hidden from her. “You want my advice? You are a Protector; you are too busy and have too much to lose should you investigate these troubling things yourself. So form a small company to look into it. One member from every tribe. Start with Haarb, a young islander who chronicles the insight I receive.”
“You think this will eliminate the problem before us? The problem of Ekimu?”
Glaruu nodded and turned back to the fire. “It will reveal the truth... something nobody seems to know in this day and age.”
Chapter 5: In Search of the Truth[]
Haarb, a young male Fire villager, made his way up the rocky hill to the Sanctuary of Mamuk. Ever since his first visit to the Sanctuary, he had taken to attending the prophetess. The hermit had welcomed the company and even adopted Haarb as a sort of apprentice in his free time. Haarb recorded Glaruu’s words and wisdom even as he brought her food and supplies.
That was until Ekimu returned. Haarb’s primary job--that of a toolsmith--had caused him to be sent to the City of the Mask Makers, and when his role as a recorder was discovered, he was sent to record Ekimu’s visions. But when other villagers found ways to gain Ekimu’s favor, he was returned to his role as a toolsmith. Following this, he secretly returned to the Region of Fire where he continued keeping Glaruu company.
Haarb emerged on the top of the sanctuary hill and started for the structure. Right as he reached the entrance, however, Glaruu stepped out followed by Narmoto.
“Here he is,” Glaruu said, indicating Haarb. The Fire villager froze. Glaruu and the Protector of Fire had been talking about him? Did he do something wrong?
“Uh… yes sir?”
But Narmoto smiled kindly at the villager.
“So you are Haarb. I’ve heard that you record Glaruu when she has something to say.”
“Uh… yes sir…”
Narmoto glanced at Glaruu. The Prophetess stepped forward.
“Haarb, the Protector of Fire has a mission for you. You are to gather five others just like yourself, one from every region--”
“I thought we were just going to send five Fire villagers,” Narmoto interrupted. “We only need Fire--”
Glaruu shook her head. “No. One villager from every tribe on Okoto. The six of you must seek out Ombra, the Creature of Darkness. Ekimu wants it dead; we must find out why.”
“But all the best hunters in the land are scouring Okoto for it.” Haarb replied. “What makes you think--”
“You must get to it first,” Narmoto said. “Something is wrong with Ekimu. You and your team must discover the truth. Find what you can about the Mask Maker, and when you are done, report back to me. Understood?”
Haarb nodded. “I und--”
“You are only to investigate Ekimu. Got it? No one else.”
Haarb nodded eagerly.
“Yes sir, I understand.”
Narmoto smiled and visibly relaxed. “Good. May the spirit of Fire blaze forth and illuminate the Truth, no matter the consequences.”
Haarb grinned and ran off. Glaruu glanced at Narmoto.
“The Truth lies in the shadows?”
In the Region of Stone, Ako was raking the northernmost field in his family’s dust farm. The work was grueling, but he did it day in and day out.
His life was fairly monotonous, with the biggest exception being the time his aunt, Melea, abducted him and his younger brother, Oda. Melea was jealous of her sister’s children, so she abducted them and brought them to the City of the Mask Makers. However, they were taken again by Skull Raiders who were on the verge of returning to the Region of Stone when the Toa attacked the Skull Raiders and took them back to their aunt. Eventually, Melea was discovered and the brothers were returned to their parents. All-in-all, it was quite the embarrassing experience as much of Okoto learned of the incident.
Ako stood to wipe his brow when he noticed a Fire villager running up to him. The villager moved quickly, and he actually skidded to a stop before the Stone villager (Ako had thought that only happened in fictional stories).
The Fire Villager held up a roughly drawn picture of some Earth Okotan. “Find this Okotan and meet me in Umarak’s old lair in the mountain chains of the Ice Region.”
Without waiting for a response, the villager handed Ako the tablet and ran off. The Stone villager was left simply to ponder the meaning of this encounter.
Arker sat in the Region of Ice, contemplating ancient ruins. Although the Protector of Ice had hired him to guard the ruins, he had looked very favorably when Arker undertook a translation project. Izotor often returned to check up on Arker’s progress and study his findings, although for some reason his visits were less frequent of late. Regardless, Arker continued his work--a work that advanced all the more quickly now that the Skull Spiders, Skull Creatures, Shadow Traps, and Shadow Hordes were either dead or driven back underground. So deep in his contemplation was Arker that he did not hear the approach of a Fire villager. The sudden gasp behind him nearly made him jump.
Nearly.
“What is that?” The Fire villager asked, pointing at the carvings. “Are those records of the past?”
Arker stared at him. “If they are, what is that to you?”
“Huh… I’ve written many carvings based on the words of the wise Nilkuu. I wonder if they will be preserved for the future like these have been.”
Izotor regarded him quizzically and the Fire villager remembered himself. He pulled a rough drawing out of his bag. The scrawling seemed to portray a water villager.
“Find this Okotan,” the Fire villager sid, “and bring him to Umarak’s Lair in the mountains to the east of here.”
Arker squinted, trying to figure out who the image was supposed to indicate.
“What makes you think--”
But by the time he looked up, the fire villager was gone.
Haarb pushed through the crowds of Jungle villagers. He was looking for no one in particular; only an able-looking, seemingly trustworthy Okotan who was about his age. He had been deliberately vague when asking hose two other Okotans to look for Water and Earth villagers. That was the point. It was better to let Destiny work its wonder.
To his chagrin, he’d stumbled into a Jungle village right in the middle of what was known as a Happycheer festival. The Jungle Region had been completely rebuilt after Makuta’s attempted invasion and everyone wanted to let loose. This was nice for the Jungle villagers, but to Haarb, the constantly shifting crowds and random venues always seemed to spring into existence directly in front of him.
Haarb glanced behind him. For a second, he thought he’d seen a glimpse of red behind him. Was he seeing things?
He turned back around and slammed into someone.
“Ah--Sorry, abou…” Haarb’s voice drifted off. A female villager. Roughly his age. Looked like she could handle her share of Skull Spiders and Shadow Traps. “My apologies,” she said. She began cleaning up what she could of her spilled food tray.
“No… I wasn’t looking. Here, let me help you out with that.” Haarb helped her pick up some chips. “Are you that famous archaeologist?”
Harvali looked up and gave a half-grin. “Uh… maybe?”
“May… what do you mean, maybe?”
“It depends. Is there a giant hole in your front yard?”
“...No?”
Harvali relaxed and held out her hand. “Then I’m your Okotan. Is there some ancient relic you want me to dig up?”
“As a matter of fact…” Haarb stood straight up.
“I may need you to help me unbury the truth.”
Welra watched as various Earth construction workers worked together to hoist the skeleton of a roof onto a new home. She had been its architect, paid by some of the “wealthiest” Okotans to plan out the development of new communities. The plans were laid out; now she was overseeing the work.
She resisted the urge to think about the home’s weak points. Before Makuta’s invasion, as a child, she recognized the growing disparity between some of the upper class in Okoto’s society and Okoto’s lower classes. Disgusted, she became a thief, stealing from the rich and anonymously giving to the poor. To aid in this effort, she studied architecture and became a well-studied home designer.
Makuta’s strike changed all of this. The devastation across Okoto stripped away any sense of class; everyone suffered greatly from the attack. Moreover, Welra found herself fighting alongside many whom she’d previously robbed. When the war ended, she set aside her role as a thief, instead pursuing architecture full-time. She only ever robbed occasionally after that, and only in the most dire circumstances. Thankfully, these were rare, and her daytime job was far more rewarding, especially since the entire island needed rebuilding.
She heard footsteps behind her, and turned. Some Stone villager was walking up and staring intensely at some carving. From what she could see, the carving had a picture of some Earth villager, but the details were so obscure it could be just about anyone.
The Stone villager looked up. “I need you to come with me.”
Welra’s eyes widened and she snorted.
“What for?” As she suddenly realized he could be arresting her (or trying to turn her in), she suddenly adopted a more defensive posture.
“I think… it’s an adventure.”
Welra stared at him, but relaxed. He clearly believed what he was saying… and if he was right, could it be a chance to put her talents as a burglar to good use? A chance to rectify her past wrongs? And even if he was lying, wouldn’t she do well to make sure there wasn’t some nefarious scheme at work?
Hesitantly, she nodded.
Meera wrote a number down on the carving in her hand and then put the rainglobe back on the shelf. The Water villager picked up a piece of candy, counted the quantity of the item, placed it back, and repeated the action with a toy mask. It was that day of the week again; Inventory Day.
She leaned over a large box of the latest toy Toa figures and counted the dolls contained within. The newest incarnation of the toys were buildable and could be disassembled and reassembled in countless ways. She personally didn’t see the appeal in such toys, but they had just about saved her family’s dying business. Meera belonged to a proud trading company. For most of its run, the business had been very successful, going so far as to open stores in regions outside that of Water. However, the attacks of the Skull Creatures and later the Shadow Hordes had torn large gashes in the family business. Following this, during the age of reconstruction, Ekimu had ordered an island-wide sharing of resources. While Meera’s family complied, the organization suffered heavily from the lending of their resources and goods. Thankfully, this line of toys had gone a long way to helping the family itself rebuild. Meera personally thought of it as “the toy that saved the Lehgo family business”
She looked up to see some Ice Islander standing at the front desk. She walked over. “Can I help you?”
The Ice villager looked around. “You guys really do have everything, don’t you? Just like in the advertisements.”
Meera smiled. “My parents certainly like to think so. What is it you need?” “Actually, I may need you. Some young Fire villager asked for me to bring you to the ruins to the late Umarak.”
Meera’s eyebrows rose. “He wanted me? But all the Fire villagers I know are older traders.”
The Ice villager shrugged. “All I know is that he wanted you. Didn’t say why, though.”
Meera grinned and began untying her apron. “I suppose I could cash in a few of my unused vacation days.”
Narmoto slowly made his way back to Glaruu’s sanctuary. Haarb’s haphazard means of enlisting people made it rather difficult to track everything, much less to influence them. He could go find one of the other Protectors--but from the sounds of it one or more of them were up to something perhaps less savory. Perhaps he was better off not knowing.
As he climbed the cliff, he looked toward the temple opening. Glaaru was frowning disapprovingly, but she shook her head and went back into the temple. Narmoto snorted and started toward home.
Chapter 6: The Grim Pilgrimage[]
Haarb stepped into the ruins of what had once been the lair of Umarak. Now the place was as dead as the Hunter. A whistle echoed through the desolate ruins as the wind picked up.
Harvali nodded slowly as she looked around her. “I don’t think this place has seen life since Umarak was still hunting and not destroying.”
Haarb noticed some ancient runes carved into the buildings’ sides and his mind returned to his encounter with the guard in the Ice Region. Imagine having your carvings dug up by archeologists or translated for Protectors to read.
Speaking of which, how much longer would the Stone, Ice, Earth, and Water villagers take? Might any of them just ignore Haarb’s request? Might Destiny not look out for Haarb and his quest like he had previously thought? Perhaps he shouldn’t have been so dramatic when talking to those Ice or Stone villagers.
Two pairs of steps signaled the approach of two villagers behind them and Haarb exhaled.
It was the Stone villager accompanied by an Earth villager. The Earth villager had, unlike most Earth villagers, a slim build. Like a fighter skilled in combat, she moved with the fluidity of a snake. Any fears were assuaged, however, when the Earth villager extended her hand.
“I am Welra. Ako told me you wanted me here.”
“Nice to meet you,” Haarb smiled. “I’m Haarb.”
The Ako’s eyes widened. “Wait! I thought you knew each other!”
Welra turned and looked at Ako. “I’ve never met him before in my life.”
The farmer sputtered at Haarb. “But you sent me after him! You gave me a drawing of him and everything!”
Haarb grinned. “Well, to be honest… it wasn’t actually a picture of anyone in particular. It was more...”
At that moment, the steps of the ice villager climbed over some rocks followed by a blue-clad Okotan. Haarb sighed in relief; the distraction would change the subject.
“I found the individual you sent me after,” the guardsman said concisely. “I presume you don’t need me anymore?” He started to leave.
“No.” Haarb exclaimed. “I need all of you! Destiny has called us together-- Well, I called us together, but I left a lot to chance. Er, what I mea...”
He heaved a deep breath. It worked and he visibly relaxed.
“Some of the Protectors think weird things have been happening with Ekimu. Or at least, Narmoto thinks something is wrong with him, so he and Glaruu, a prophetess in the Fire Region wanted me to gather a team of able-bodied villagers--one from each tribe--to investigate both him and the reason he set a bounty over Ombra, the Creature of Darkness. Are any of you not able to join me in this quest, or does anyone want to turn back?”
The five Okotans looked at each other, but none of them made any move to leave. Arker nodded sagely. Both Harvali and Welra grinned in anticipation.
“Really? All of you want to come?” Haarb exclaimed. Perhaps Destiny really was looking out for him. “Wow. Well… I suppose we should introduce ourselves. Please state your names and occupations. Harvali, do you mind...”
The Jungle villager stepped forward. “I’m Harvali, an archeologist from the Jungle Region.”
Following her example, the others did the same in turn.
“My name is Arker. I guard the ancient ruins of the Ice Region and interpret them for Izotor.”
“Hello. I’m Welra, from the Lehgo family trading company.”
“I am Welra, an architect for the Earth Region… Although, just between us, I can sneak around and infiltrate buildings if we need.”
“Well… I’m Ako… a farmer…”
“Wait a second!” Meera shouted. “Welra, you mean you’re a Constraction worker? Geddit? Because you build, so ‘construction’... and then you’re also capable of quick ‘action’... see what I did there?”
Her voice drifted off as she chuckled softly and awkwardly.
Haarb waited a few moments before finishing the circle. “And I’m Haarb. I’m a recorder for Glaruu, a prophetess in the Fire Region.”
“Wait a second,” Arker shook his head. “You mean like you play a recorder for her? Like the instrument?”
“No, I keep her company a lot, so I record her proverbs and sayings. Although I did work for Ekimu until some other people gained his favor instead.”
“Oh… You mean like a chronicler or something.”
“Yeah, I suppose. I chronicle the words and visions of prophets and prophetesses.”
“What shall we call this group?” Harvali asked aloud, in an effort to include the others in the conversation.
The six Okotans were quiet as they thought.
Meera snapped her fingers. “What if we were to take the first letters of each of our armor colors and put them together? Like… Red, White Black, Brown, Blue, Green. ‘R’, ‘W’, ‘B’, ‘B’, ‘B’, ‘G’.” she said it out loud. “Roob-gee. Roobgee.”
Before anyone could respond, she clapped her hands. “Or, better yet, why don’t we take the first letters in each of our names and put them together. That would be… ‘H’, ‘A’, ‘W’, ‘M’, ‘A’, ‘H’. Hawmah. Like ‘harmony’. What do you think?”
“What if more people wanted to join?” Arker asked.
“I think that would work better if there were only four letters,” Haarb said.
Welra grinned. “What about the ‘Okoto Resistance Team’?”
Haarb frowned, “I mean, Ekimu isn’t a bad guy…”
“What do you think… Ako was it?” Meera offered, noting his shyness.
“We could do ‘Internal Investigation Committee’. I’ve always wanted to be part of a committee,” Ako shrugged. He whispered, “It sounds so grown up…”
“Maybe…”
“I know!” Harvali exclaimed. “We could be the ‘Company of the Chronicler’!”
“That has a nice ring,” Arker remarked.
Haarb grinned shyly. “I don’t want it to be based on me. I never said I wanted to lead our team.”
“No, no. I like it,” Meera said. “We shall be the Company of the Chronicler.” Harvali elbowed Haarb who was blushing. “Chin up, recorder. Now, where shall we begin?”
“Uh, well… Let’s find Ombra.”
“Sure,” Meera snorted. “Let’s find him even when the best hunters in Okoto couldn’t find him.”
“I didn’t say--”
“Look, Agil!” Ako shouted.
Harvali rolled her eyes. “Ako, there are literally no fish for miles.”
“No, I mean Agil Agil. See? The Creature of Light.”
Like cats watching a laser, the collective heads of the Okotans pivoted to the sky. A gold streak set against the powder blue was growing in size. As the golden bird glided closer, clearly intent on the six Okotans, the Company made room for him to land. But Agil did no such thing and began circling overhead.
“It’s the second time in recent memory I’ve been privy to such a sight,” Harvali remarked.
“He’s signalling us,” Haarb gasped. “He wants us to go somewhere.”
“Now how do you--” Welra started. But as Haarb pursued the Creature of Light’s shadow, Agil broke off his circle and started to fly deeper into the city.
“What is it with chroniclers being led by gold things related to Light?” Arker muttered as he started after Haarb.
The golden winged figure flew through the ruins of Umarak’s former lair with the Company in quick pursuit, only to pull up and land on a stone stairway. The stairway itself led up to nothing, it seemed; just a large fall. A frigid breeze swept through ruins, but as Haarb approached the golden bird--slowly, for fear of scaring him off--the air grew warmer. The earth beneath his feet was damp as he stepped closer.
He reached out--he was just close enough to touch Agil--when the Creature of Light flew behind the staircase.
“Crap. I was this close,” Haarb groaned.
“Come on,” Harvali said, starting around the structure.
The sight that greeted the company of Okotans was like none they’d ever seen before and expected would never see again. Seven Elemental Creatures were gathered somberly around a third, a dark silver and purple creature who appeared deathly ill. The Creature was a quadruped, a black panther, with a white Creature Mask on his face much like the other seven had.
“Ombra,” Arker breathed.
“What’s he doing here? And why does he look sick?” Meera asked.
“If we knew,” Welra crouched near the fallen Creature, “We might not be standing here.” She reached out to touch Ombra. “It’s so weird Ekimu would send hunters after this poor thing.”
“Hold on,” Ako said, crouching down. “I’ve dealt with injuries before… sort of.” Upon noticing the weird expressions of those around him, he hastily added, “I occasionally have to care for the animals on our farm.”
Gently, the farm boy prodded the fallen Creature. But there were no injuries, no entry or exit wounds, no broken or displaced bones.
The problem was unnatural.
“Well… I thought I could help…” Ako stood up. “I can’t figure out what’s wrong.” The Company of the Chronicler looked on, even as the seven Elemental Creatures fluttered or scurried about in anxiety. As if looking to see if anyone would help him, Ombra looked at each Okotan in turn before sighing and rising painfully to his feet.
Welra stood up and backed away. “He’s getting up!”
“No kidding,” Harvali muttered grimly.
Ombra turned and looked at the six Okotans again and grunted. He then started heading for the mountainside. The Elemental Creatures rose and followed him in their own ways.
“We can’t go inside the mountain,” Meera said. “There may be some remnants of the Skull Raiders still underground.”
“Do you always state the obvious?” Harvali muttered under her breath.
“What?”
“I said, ‘I think he knows where he’s taking us,’” the archeologist grinned cunningly.
“Oh. Well, probably.”
The Creatures lead the company on a series of twists and turns leading outside the small area constituting Umarak’s lair. Haarb couldn’t help but wonder if they would explore the entire mountain range by day’s end.
“Well, it’s not every day we’ve been escorted around by all eight Elemental Creatures,” he offered in an effort to lift spirits. This was unnecessary, however, as his companions either didn’t mind or were enjoying themselves. After roughly an hour of trekking, the Creatures came to a halt on the edge of the cliff. Cutting down sharply was a tremendous ravine that extended for miles and whose opposite end was obscured by the low-hanging clouds. Harvali whistled, but the rest were silent in awe.
Ikir attempted to draw the Chronicler’s attention, but Haarb’s eyes were riveted on the massive chasm. The Creature of Fire even flew in front of his face, but to no avail. Ikir’s temper boiled over and a jet of flame erupted before the six Okotans.
“Woah!” Haarb gasped, leaping back.
“Tell the phoenix to cool off,” Meera snapped.
“If you would care to only look where the Creatures are directing our attention,” Arker started off to their left, “You would notice what’s been hiding right in front of your face all along. Look. It’s an ancient Cable Car. From the looks of it, it may be the mythical one that reaches from the Fire Region to the Ice Region.”
“It’s very clearly mythical,” Harvali rolled her eyes.
In unison, the Company of the Chronicler approached the Cable Car.
“That thing travels directly over that giant chasm?” Meera exclaimed.
“Yes.”
“Uh-uh. I am not getting in.”
“The Creatures clearly want us to,” Haarb said. “How can we say no?” He stepped inside the Cable Car. Glancing at Meera, he jostled it a bit. “See? It’s stable.”
“Stable or not, Arker said it was ancient. Why would you trust your life in the hands of… of… this basket? We’d be far safer to climb down the ravine and walk.”
“Well, you can do that,” Harvali stepped cautiously inside, “And if we come plunging from the sky, maybe you can catch us.”
She was followed by Arker, Welra, and a tentative Ako.
“Come on, Meera,” Haarb said. “You’re the only one left.”
Meera slammed her foot. “I don’t care. I’m not stepping inside.”
The Chronicler sighed and made to shut the door. “Suit yourself.”
“On the other hand, it’s a long walk,” Meera said, hastily slipping through the door before it shut.
“There you go.”
The Cable Car rode for hours, accompanied by the Elemental Creatures flying on all sides. As beautiful a sight as it was, once the beauty and the fear wore off, the Okotans found they were terribly hungry. After several minutes of putting up with stomach growling, Meera yielded the expensive candies from her parents she’d secretly packed before she left. This was rather satisfying for all except Meera who was now out of food. The Water Okotan spent the rest of the journey tight-lipped and stone-faced, in spite of the newly cheerful mood of her traveling companions. Even the normally-shy Ako made a few jokes to the amusement of his new friends.
Still, Haarb couldn’t help but notice the sickly Ombra, flying alongside the other Creatures. Like the other Elemental Creatures, Ombra was capable of flying despite his lack of wings, but the Creature of Darkness often undulated uncontrollably in the wind. If he had a way of making room, Haarb would try to convince the Creature to get on the Cable Car with them, but there was not. But there was no denying the Creature looked too ill to accompany them.
The sun was setting as the Cable Car eased into its destination. The temperature felt the same as when they left, despite traversing the gap between the Ice Region and the Fire Region, but perhaps it was because the night was almost upon them. The six stars above were coming out within the nighttime sky. Arker sighed euphorically at the sight, although he said nothing.
The Elemental Creatures once again led them on a path through the mountains, but the Okotans were well rested after the Cable Car. Moreover, this walk wasn’t nearly as long as the first one and it was largely downhill.
They soon came upon another cliff, and for a second, Haarb feared another cable car. But when the Elemental Creatures led them to a steep path downward, the recorder realized their destination must lie in the valley. He looked down, but the area was obscured by heavy mists. Upon seeing these mists, Haarb realized the reason he and the others were so willing to follow the Creatures for hours, or at least his reason for doing so;
It was like a religious experience.
And they had to find the Truth. Only the Truth would cast away the lies.
Haarb pondered this as he descended.
By the time they reached the bottom of the path, their destination was clear. The temple appeared to be a giant column, staring out into space. Lights swung around the outside of the structure along the top, reminding Haarb much of a large lighthouse. But as the Company neared the temple, the Chronicler observed small gears along the base which appeared to allow for pivoting on the part of the temple, such that the upper portion could point in any direction on the x-y-z axis.
“The Temple of Space,” Arker’s voice was heard as he read from the carvings on one of the many obelisks surrounding the structure. “‘The Ehra Mask of Space was forged alongside the Mask of Time and the foundations of the two temples were built roughly the same time--before even the first Creatures were born.’ That’s weird. We were always taught that the Temple of Time was built first. Of course, no one ever mentioned a Temple of Space.”
“You mean Ekimu never taught that.” Meera muttered. “But perhaps he didn’t teach of the Temple of Space because he didn’t want us getting out.”
“Or letting someone back in,” Welra added.
“Why do you distrust Ekimu so much?” Ako asked.
Meera glanced at him. “Let’s just say… Some of Ekimu’s orders of late hurt my family’s business. We’ll leave it at that.”
“There’s more,” Arker said, reading from the obelisk. “Apparently there were two more legendary mask forged alongside these, but were far greater in nature. The third was the Kanohi Ignika, Mask of Life. The fourth was the Kanohi Pandora, the Mask of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. According to this Obelisk, when the first Okotans tried the first masks, they were meant to put only the first three masks on. The Vahi granted abundant Time. The Ehra granted abundant Space. The Ignika was meant to grant abundant Life, but when the first Okotans fell to the temptation to wear the Kanohi Pandora, they tried it on before the Ignika. When the time came to wear the Ignika, the Life they received was limited and plagued with trouble. The Pandora, in the meantime, allowed for the creation of wicked masks. As this legend has it, this evil mask still controls infection and corruption wherever it may arise.
“According to this, the Mask of Space we will soon discover once consisted of two halves. This piece is the front piece; the missing piece makes up the two sides and the top. When used by an Okotan, they can grant us views into faraway lands and dimensions; however, when triggered in conjunction by each of the Creatures, much like the Vahi, it can actually take us--”
Arker glanced up to make sure the others were paying attention. His comrades, however, were already advancing up the staircase of the tower.
“Guys, wait!” he shouted, running after them. “This could be important!”
“Arker, the Creatures wait for no one.” Harvali said, being the last in line.
“And I have a feeling they didn’t take to kindly to being reminded the temples and masks were older than they are.”
The staircase ended and they emerged on the top of the building. On every side, pillars covered in Okotan letters reached far above, into the skies themselves. There was no ceiling, of course, for Space itself cannot be contained.
At the center of the room, colored silver, blue, and black, yet glistening silver depending on the angle, a mask rested on a round table, as though it had been waiting for them. The table itself appeared to function much as a compass when the Vahi rested upon it. Eight compass points were clearly indicated and the shadow of the mask pointed northward.
“The Mask of Space.” Harvali gasped.
The six islanders spread in a circle around the table. The creatures had already gathered around the table: Terak took the southwest position; Akida took the northeast position; Uxar took the southeast position; Ketar took the northwest position; Terak took the southwest position; Melum took the north position; Ikir took the south position. Agil claimed the east side and Ombra claimed the west side, reminding Haarb of the sun’s movement.
“Now what?” asked Meera.
But she needn’t have asked, for every Creature was immediately surrounded in an orb of their respective element. They blazed in energy, an energy that built and multiplied in power.
The energies reached the climax of their buildup, and the elements were focused into rays directed right at the Mask of Space. The mask shook and trembled as the unbounded, raw energies fed directly into the Ehra.
Tendrils of pure space erupted from the mask, enveloping the six Okotans. Haarb’s eyes widened in fear and he tried to scream as his body was transformed from something of three dimensions to one of two and then of one. The derivation continued as his position started changing. His velocity increased as he started accelerating. With a jerk forward, the unwound entity that Haarb now shot off into the unknown, followed by his five friends.
As such, the islanders were not present to see the Mask of Space no longer pointed north--it didn’t point in any direction in fact. Likewise, if anyone had been looking through the telescope that the Temple of Space was, they realize it no longer pointed up at the six-star constellation as when the six Okotans and eight Creatures arrived.
It pointed to the Realm of Shadows.
Chapter 7: Blinded by the Light[]
In the Shadow Realm…
Makuta stared and raised the club and brought it down slowly. He raised it again and did the same. The third time, he brought it down and swung. The golf ball flew away from him into the emptiness.
The Protector of Darkness sighed. It wasn’t the first time one of his balls had been lost to the void.
Nor would it be the last. Makuta leaned down and grabbed another ball and put it in place. He swung again, but the club collided with the ground before it struck the ball. Makuta growled in frustration. After the Mask of Ultimate Power had been shattered, the Okotan’s body had slowly returned to normal proportions. He’d additionally reverted from a red and black color scheme to one of dark silver and purple. While it did feel good to be back, the reformed body didn’t exactly help his swing.
“Yoo’ve bin gettin’ better,” gargled a Skull Warrior in a red and black kilt and a tam.
“Do you think so?” asked Makuta, staring into the distance. “I dunno. In my opinion, I was always best at golf with my bigger body. Anyway… Speaking of sports, how’s the never-ending football game going?”
“Lest Ah checked, we waur up: Skulls, 12,608; Beasts, 11,489.”
“Very good, very good. Well…” Makuta looked down. “I think that’s enough golf for one day, don’t you think?”
The Skull Warrior started packing up the golf equipment even as Makuta stepped closer to the edge of the lost city’s grounds. He looked back to watch the Skull Creature walk off, and then he sighed and sat down.
“Hello Darkness, my old friend… I’ve come to talk to you again.”
Makuta picked up a fallen stick and began scrawling in the dust.
“Because a vision softly creep--”
Six popping noises made Makuta instinctively turn his head.
Six Okotans standing where none had stood before.
Haarb’s heart leapt upon seeing Makuta. He had heard so many things about the Devourer of the Light, and seen many more depictions of him. Makuta haunted his nightmares, but this Okotan could not be Makuta… Could he?
Makuta jumped to his feet.
“What is this--Where did you come from?”
Harvali shook her head and made a “bluuuuh” noise.
Makuta looked at each Okotan in turn. Apparently they were so busy making sure they were alive they didn’t realize Makuta’s question hadn’t been answered.
“I said, Where did you come from?”
Haarb blinked, realizing no one had spoken.
“We are--the Company of the Recor--Chronicler! Company of the Chronicler. We have arrived… to… Well, I don’t know actually.”
Makuta snorted.
“You don’t know why you were banished to the Shadow Realm? Ekimu’s reached a new low.”
“No--I mean--wait… ” Haarb gasped in realization. “We’re in the Shadow Realm?”
Like on cue, the other five reacted at once. Makuta laughed.
“Yes. But it’s not too bad here. I mean, the only inhabitable region here is within the Capital City and its outer grounds--anywhere else you get swallowed by the void. But it’s not all that bad.”
Meera’s eyes became glassy, and she blinked back tears. “This is where we were sent? But what did we do?”
Welra patted her shoulder reassuringly.
“I’m sure it was an accident.”
“Ekimu doesn’t have accidents,” Makuta growled. “How do you think I ended up here?”
“You’re here because you’re pure evil, that’s why!” Meera shouted. “We don’t deserve to be here.”
“Why would they lead us all that way just to banish us?” Ako asked.
Even the normally-somber Arker looked visually disturbed.
“This… doesn’t make sense…” he murmured.
“Yes it does.” Makuta snapped, suddenly impatient. “Ekimu banished you because you proved a threat to his kingdom. Now get out of my sight.” He turned and started to walk away.
“Wait a second,” Haarb asked. “Would Ekimu really send the eight Elemental Creatures to exile us?”
“What does it look like?” Welra snapped at him.
“Hold on,” Makuta said, turning back to the Okotans. “What did you say?” When they continued to bicker, Makuta picked up his Hammer of Unity from the ground, raised it, and brought it down hard upon the earth. Even buildings in the distance shook with the force of the impact.
“You!” he snapped, pointing at Haarb. “What did you just say?”
Haarb stared at him dumbly. “Uh… You mean ‘Meera get your hands off Ako’?”
“No, before that.”
“... Would Ekimu really make the Elemental Creatures exile us?”
“... No. This shouldn’t be true. Even if he seized control of a few of them with his many powers, he could not control all of them.”
Makuta stepped closer to the Okotans, each of him viewed him with the same horror all under Ekimu’s influence did.
Am I really that ugly? He wondered to himself. “The Elemental Creatures sent you here. And it was eight? Not just two, or five?”
Haarb shook his head.
“Interesting. I don’t know how they could do that… although I have heard some legends regarding Legendary masks.” Makuta looked at Meera who looked torn between tearing Makuta apart and crying. “Please. I’m not as vile as my brother says. I know it’s hard to believe--”
“Hard to believe?” Arker snapped. “The Lord of Darkness, Decimator of Okoto says it’s hard to believe he’s not as vile as King Ekimu says? That’s pretty funny.”
King Ekimu? You have got to be kidding me. “Tell me something… Why have you formed this, er, Chronicler’s Company?”
“It’s Company of the Chronicler. Not Chronicler’s Company. Company of the Chronicler. There’s a difference.” Meera snapped. She looked cross-eyed.
Is there honestly any difference? “What led you to form this, er, team?”
Haarb glanced at his team, as if nonverbally asking if he should betray their secret. Makuta slammed his Hammer of Unity’s handle down on the ground.
“Answer me!”
“We… We’re investigating the odd behavior of Ekimu… or something.” Haarb mumbled sheepishly.
“And the Elemental Creatures saw fit to send you to me,” Makuta laughed. “Very well. Now, tell me one more thing. Has Ekimu been making--or sorry, receiving--dozens of prophecies of late?”
Haarb nodded. Makuta laughed all the more. Haarb glanced again at his friends, this time with bewilderment at the enemy of Okoto, doubled over in mirth.
“I--hehheh--hi, didn’t realize the rest of you, hah--HOHOHO--falling--I always thought I was just unusually stupid, but if all Okoto--HAHAHAHAHA--Ekimu’s web is better even than LOSS could manage--HEHEHE--”
What had once been the light-hearted laughter of an insane man now deepened, and strains of pain and hurt were audible in the loud, hard chuckles.
“So you mean to say to me--AHHAHHAH--NONE OF YOU REALIZE WHAT HE’S DOING? NONE OF YOU SEE THE CLOAK HE’S PLACED OVER YOUR EYES!!!”
Makuta fell to his knees, now sobbing.
Haarb stared at wretch before him. Gone was the malicious King of Evil. This was an Okotan. He looked at his companions a third time, this time as if asking if he should comfort the wretch. They responded in the negative, either shaking their heads or staring at him like he was a disembodied floating monkey head. But he ignored his friends. Right was right and wrong was wrong. This was an Okotan, a being of his race like anyone else. He stepped forward to comfort Makuta?!
But the Lord of Darkness raised his hand.
“Don’t. Ekimu has harmed me more than even he can imagine. And now he’s using the same tricks to control all Okoto that he originally used to manipulate me. For I was blinded by the light.”
Makuta stood.
“Ekimu spins prophecies, but see? I can weave my own rhymes. Try this one on for size:
Truth is back and geared to bite.
All is hidden in plain sight--
Who is lying in the light?“All your lives you have heard legends spun by Ekimu, and Ekimu alone. If you flee in horror at me, I will understand, but please give me a chance. History is written by the victors, but now hear the story of the loser.”
And without waiting for objection, Makuta began his tale.
Makuta’s tale:
We were, as we always were, the best of brothers. Our jobs were simple; to provide islanders with the masks they needed to do their tasks on Okoto. Ekimu was the better of us at making masks; he was the one that usually deviated from the standard Okotan mold. I was not quite so good at forging masks, so I often took an ancillary position at forging masks. However, I took the fore checking and testing masks, destroying them when they didn’t work. He was the Mask Maker, I the Mask Breaker. Our roles occasionally flipped, but I was content in my niche.
We, like our predecessors, traditionally forged masks from crystals of only the same element, for we lacked the technology to forge masks derived of multiple elements.
However, one day, a day seemingly like any other, I broached the idea of masks composed of multiple elements. Ekimu considered the idea and reminded me that it was impossible, and the conversation shifted away from it, but he was clearly intrigued by the idea. Ekimu already made brilliant masks, but imagine the power a mask could hold should a union be made of multiple, unlike elements. He obsessed over the idea.
About a week after I first suggested it, Ekimu drew crystals of light and dark from Agil and Ombra and locked himself in his personal chamber. Although I and the Protectors of the time begged him to come out, he refused. For many days he remained in their, consumed by the idea. When at last I hammered down the door, he was sitting, meditating. We resumed our business, but the twin crystals he had taken from the Creatures were gone and a new mask made its appearance among Ekimu’s collection.
The Mask of the Unnatural Union.
When I asked him what had happened in the room, and if he had been successful, he made me swear to never fuse unlike elements for masks. I swore…
In the months--in the years after this incident, Ekimu suddenly became imparted with grand prophecies of the future of our race. We trusted him and strove toward the fulfillment of these prophecies. He and I rose to positions like those of kings over Okoto and the Protectors--who had formerly been our equals--and the villagers venerated us as such.
I was initially uncomfortable with this… but then it grew on me. Ekimu convinced me that all was fine. But my brother had also changed. He weaved schemes of manipulation and deception that even I could not comprehend at the time. Above all, the prophecies demonstrated his power. All of them so brilliant, so subtle as to increase his own power while letting all Okoto believe he’d received a commision from the gods.
His mask-making skills tripled, on top of this. He forged most excellent masks such as first the Mask of Alternate Futures, and then Mask of the Sea Queen, the Mask of Hypnosis, the Mask of Hyper Plasma II, and, his most beloved mask, the Mask of Creation. However, for my own work successfully deviating from the standard Okotan mold, I could only boast the Mask of Control. When we went on tours of Okoto, showing off our latest masks, people craved his masks--beautiful, ornate masks of unparalleled power--even as mine, more grounded and of the standard mold were rejected. To make matters worse, it was as though Ekimu was entirely conscious of this.
So of course I grew jealous of my brother. I was convinced he was mixing elements for his masks even as he kept me from doing the same. He was manipulating everything, and I knew it. So to prove this, I set out to break the so-called Sacred Law of mask-making. Ekimu had told Okoto that breaking the Sacred Law would result in unnatural creations, and he pressed this ‘fact’ harder than anything else. To discredit him and undermine his manipulation, I had to prove nothing bad would come of merging unlike elements.
I started simple; Water and Earth yielded a Mask of Tree-Growing, Jungle and Fire yielded a Mask of Tree-Cutting; and Ice and Stone yielded Seed-Harvesting. I demonstrated these to a handful of Okotans, the Protectors, and Ekimu. The first mask worked beautifully; a wonderful tree sprouted where there had previously been none. But the balance in the second was incorrect; Fire dominated, and when I attempted to use it, the tree burst into flames. The Okotans were terrified and their faith in the Sacred Law was affirmed thanks to my own stupidity. I didn’t even get to demonstrate the third mask.
Ekimu gloated, and when he confronted me in private about my actions, he said this;
‘I hope you have learned your lesson, dear brother. The Okotans know how important the Sacred Law is. My authority rests on the maintenance of that law. You cannot violate it, Makuta, to mix different elements, be it two, or be it all six of them, lest my power be unwound.’
Hearing Ekimu speak of his ‘power’ in this way infuriated me, and drove me even further into my work. Ekimu had hinted that the mixing of all six elements would ruin his plan; why not take advantage of this apparent slip?
You know what that is called?
Tunnel vision.
Instead of destroying the three masks I forged, I recycled their crystals into a new mold, far more powerful than anything I had made before, then, and since.
The Mask of Ultimate Power.
The unity of the Elements gave me power, and I drew power from their unity. Although Ekimu knocked the mask from my face, so long as it existed, it held power over me. The mask reigned over me and unbalanced my emotions. In rage, I sought to conquer Okoto and destroy Ekimu, no matter who or what my wrath may consume.
And Ekimu milked this. When the Okotans looked for a villain, Ekimu never failed to point to me. When the Toa came, he leapt at them, turning them to his side before they could discover the true source of Okoto’s infection. The corruption spread over everything thanks to the wondrous web Ekimu strung. The villagers regarded the Protectors with such veneration, and the Protectors answer to Ekimu with trust and faith equal to that due a god.
I used my Mask of Ultimate Power as a trophy, as an emblem to gain the allegiance of the Kulta, Umarak, and my other minions. Control of Kulta, Umarak, and my other lieutenants allowed me mastery of the Skull, Shadow, and Soul legions--expendable apparitions, and parallels of Ekimu’s own forces I could spend to free Okoto from Ekimu’s clutches. And then, to direct them, I reached out with my shadow form to lead them. The minions were tasked with destroying the Masks of Power, for it was from those that Ekimu drew his power over the Okotans. Failing this, they were to return the masks to me so that I could destroy them.
The rest is history. Ekimu continually gave the Toa masks to further align them with him. My minions were defeated or driven away. I was locked in this evil realm. I have since destroyed the Mask of Control and the Mask of Ultimate Power. When I destroyed the Mask of Ultimate Power, the corruption over me driving me to conquest and destruction evaporated. All that remains is a drive to see Ekimu brought to justice. I sent Skull Spiders to possess Okotans to turn them against Ekimu. I sent Kulta, the Skull Grinder to destroy the masks so Ekimu could not act through them. I sent Umarak to release me so I can right Okoto myself. All these failed at the hands of Ekimu who now gloats over his victory and writes prophecies that fulfill themselves for the fun of it.
“This is the truth that shouts and cries but lies in the dark. What do the legends teach that Ekimu has written? What do the storytellers preach that Ekimu has taught? Ekimu loves to tell of the time he knocked the mask from my face, but how often does it take place within the city and how often on a mountain outside the city? How often is the Mask of Tree Growing Earth with Water injection or Water with Earth injection? Likewise, is the Mask of Tree Cutting Fire with Jungle or Jungle with Fire? Was there a third mask? Ekimu controls the flow of wisdom and knowledge, and if there is any confusion, they turn to him to sort things out. He is proof of his own words and he is the fulfillment of his own prophecies.
“But as for me,” Makuta choked. “I am the scapegoat.
“How many vile titles has Ekimu forged for me over the years? I am ‘The Tectonic Crawler’, ‘The Wicked Lord of Darkness’, ‘The Devourer of the Light’, ‘Foul Makuta’, ‘The Cursed One’, and ‘The Mask Horder’ or ‘Breaker’.
“How many evil forms have I apparently adopted over the years? Do I have around my neck a necklace of bones and teeth? Do I have antlers? Do I have the wings of a bat? Am I an umbral serpent? Do I sit upon a throne of skulls, thorns, and spikes? Or am I simply a hulking, bulging brute, capable of squashing buildings simply by sitting upon it?”
As Haarb looked at the small, almost frail-looking Okotan Mask-Breaker, he realized that he had heard all these things and more. Had this truly been the work of Ekimu?
He thought for a moment Makuta was about to weep again, but Makuta breathed deeply--so deep it was as though it reached to the depth of his being.
“So,” he finished, “If you choose to not trust me, or do not feel comfortable around me, I will forgive you. This is my story; there is no other. Notice that I wear a standard Okotan mold because I have shattered both the Mask of Ultimate Power and the Mask of Control.”
“I think,” breathed Haarb, “I’d like a moment to ourselves.”
“Of course,” Makuta said gravely. As he turned away, the Fire villager thought he saw a glint of a smile, but this vanished quickly and the Guardian of Darkness walked a respectful distance away from the villagers who huddled.
“What do you guys think?” Haarb asked.
When no one replied, Harvali asked, “What do you think?”
“I… I think he’s sincere,” the chronicler replied. “I don’t see any reason to doubt him. Everything he just said confirms our suspicions and more.” He glanced at Meera. “Meera, I know you have… reservations about him--all of us do, of course. But I will not agree to help him if all of us don’t agree on this.”
Meera rubbed her eyes. “Haarb… I trust you.”
“I think we should do this,” Haarb reaffirmed. “If something happens, I will claim responsibility before Ekimu. But at least Ekimu will have the power to put Makuta down again if he reveals evil intentions.”
Still no one said anything; everyone watched Haarb to do something. With reluctance and a trembling voice, he spoke to Makuta
“What do you want us to do?”
Chapter 8: Braving the Elements[]
On Okoto…
In the hidden chamber under the center of the Labyrinth of Control, Narmoto gazed at the shattered green crystal that had once held the Mask of Control. According to the Toa, it had been Umarak who had broken the seal before racing away with the mask. In the confusion and chaos, none had realized that the green crystal hid a hole, a secret passage to the Temple of Darkness directly beneath where the Mask of Control had rested.
Although he was tempted, he did not descend. No sounds echoed up from the hole, so he was certain nothing had moved in for however long it had been hidden. Still, it was unnerving. Rarely had he seen such pitch black; only really in Ekimu’s forge when the lights were out.
He had come here in search of Agil, to see if the Creature of Light had established its residence here. According to Vizuna, this had been the last spotted location of the Creature.
Currently, popular belief on Okoto, (or at least among the Protectors) was that Agil had left the prophecy here. But why would he do this? At someone’s suggestion, Narmoto had been told he should investigate the Labyrinth. Oddly, the stones of the maze did not seek to inhibit his search, but to help him along. He could not help but wonder if the Toa had been… exaggerating.
And now here he was. His search for the Creature of Light had led him directly to the Temple of Darkness.
A shift in the air of the chamber signalled Narmoto of someone’s approach. Had someone stalked him?
“I don’t think it’s much of a stretch,” Vizuna’s voice echoed behind him, “That this has something to do with the Creature of Darkness. And if it is… Narmoto, I thought we’d agreed to drop the Ekimu thing.”
Narmoto turned and pointed behind him at the hole. “Do you know what this is?” “Narmoto, I’ve never been in the Labyrinth before in my life, much less in this chamber.”
“This is the Temple of Darkness. Situated directly beneath the Labyrinth of Control. Why do you think the Prophecy was found here?”
“Coincidence. Narmoto, why do you--”
“Vizuna, something’s clearly--”
“NARMOTO. Why do you do this? Don’t think I’m not aware of your frequent meetings with that oracle, Glaruu whose reputation, dare I say, is more than questionable. Your persistence on this matter is spreading rumors and confusion. You’re tearing this island apart!”
“Can’t you see?”
“OF COURSE I CAN SEE! You’re the one seeking spectres and mirages. You see too much, brother. Why can you not accept the words of the Vahi and move on?”
“Vizuna, some things simply aren’t adding up.”
“Not everything is meant to add up. But you’re not simply adding. You’re dividing.”
“I will do whatever it takes to get to the truth, Vizuna. Whatever it takes.”
“And that’s the problem,” Vizuna concluded. “You will sacrifice Okoto in your vain search for reason. Since when has this island ever been built on reason?”
“You’re the product of your parents and ancestors, brother. Taught not to question the leadership. But has it not occurred to you that Ekimu was the one who taught our ancestors?”
Vizuna sighed.
“I… I don’t think I am getting through to you. How do you not see? Okoto has been dismantled for too long. Ekimu has always been the glue that binds us together and I’ll forever respect him for that. As far as I’m concerned, let Ekimu do what he must, even if his means are somewhat unsavory. My undying trust lies with Ekimu.”
Narmoto turned away from Vizuna, back to the Temple of Darkness.
“I’m on the side of the truth, no matter what form or element it may come in. If I am right--although I desperately hope I am not--then Ekimu has been manipulating us and our collective need for guidance for years. And we have, in turn, unintentionally manipulated the villagers in the same way. If not for our own sake, then for the villagers, we must discover the truth.”
“I agree.”
Vizuna and Narmoto both turned to see Izotor descending down the Ice entrance, followed closely by the other Protectors from their own directions.
Without waiting for an objection, Izotor continued.
“Ekimu’s been manipulating us for over a thousand years. Manipulating us through Prophecies,” he choked, “controlling us through our culture. All this time--it’s been him all along. Makuta was only trying to protect us from Ekimu’s treachery. To think we blamed the Mask Breaker for the actions of the Mask Maker.”
Kivoda shook his head. “And let the blame rest on him. The islanders adore Ekimu. Just imagine the fallout should the great idol fall. Let’s correct Ekimu privately and pretend this whole affair never happened.”
“Better now than later,” Nilkuu declared. “The Okotnas will find out sooner or later. We might as well break it to them--they'll distrust us more if we keep these secrets.”
Korgot moved to stand beside Vizuna and Kivoda. “No. It’s too late. We’ve laid our foundations on Ekimu--It’s too late to change that. It’s the foundation our ancestors laid. Ekimu has supported our society for over a thousand years… and I, if anyone, can tell you that if you tamper with foundations, the structure will cave in.”
Narmoto looked at the battle lines drawn all around the chamber and moved to stand beside Izotor and Nilkuu.
“Okoto must be fixed before it’s too late and we regret everything. Truth must be found, no matter the consequences.”
“No, Narmoto.” Vizuna shook his head, removing his Air Flame Bow from its mount on his back. “You will endanger everything we have fought for to this point. Peace must be maintained… and the truth must be made to accommodate that.”
“Then there is no hope,” Narmoto said from between his teeth as he drew and ignited his flame swords. “I’m sorry I must do this, brother.” Building up inside him was the same blind rage that filled him now as when he had warred against Makuta’s forces.
“No sorrier than I am.”
With guttural shouts, the Narmoto leapt forward, toward Vizuna, followed closely by Nilkuu and Izotor, Sandstorm Blaster and Ice Saw respectively blazing. Vizuna leapt to counter, with Kivoda swinging his Torpedo Blaster and Korgot her Star Drill.
For the first time in over a thousand years, the Protectors were driven against each other.
Far away, in the forge of Ekimu, one mask in particular glowed with energy as it sent out its powers to its servants. In turn, each of the six minions answered with the affirmative.
All around the green crystal chamber, elemental pellets flew, grazing bodies and slamming into walls. The crystals themselves were in the process of being shattered irretrievably into green powdery dust.
Narmoto swung his Flame Blades at Vizuna who deflected them with his Air Flame Bow as he used the bow’s metal front end like a guard. With the blades now lodged in place, Vizuna twirled, wrenching the blades and sending them far away from the Protector of Fire even as he landed an upper kick to Narmoto’s jaw. The Protector of Fire landed hard on the ground. Although his mask had been knocked askew, he righted it quickly.
“How can you… After all we’ve been through.”
Vizuna advanced, prepared to force Narmoto to yield. “You said it yourself. Okoto cannot--”
Narmoto caught one of Vizuna’s legs between his and rolled, forcing the Jungle Protector to the ground. Pressing his advantage, he sat upright stood, and kneeled onto Vizuna’s back as he attempted to get up again. The Fire Protector’s sudden attack forced the Jungle’ Protector’s face directly to the dirt. For a moment, he feared his mask had cracked, but it was only a fracture.
“What will it take to force reason into that thick skull of yours?” Narmoto hissed in Vizuna’s ear.
With a mighty heave, Vizuna forced himself onto his hands and knees, causing Narmoto to lose balance. When Vizuna stood, Narmoto fell off, and Vizuna picked up his fallen Air Flame Bow.
Across the room, Nilkuu shouted in fear as Korgot landed a powerful punch to his mask, shattering it in two. The Protector Mask of Stone fell in pieces at his feet. Nilkuu fell to his knees.
“What’s… happening… to my mind?” he muttered.
Before Vizuna could watch any more, Narmoto lunged from the ground and slammed into him from the right side, tackling him into the wall and decisively knocking the breath out of him. Vizuna gasped for air as Narmoto continued his attack. “Not so powerful without Air, are you? Of course, there’s no jungle down here to protect you, but without your second element--”
Vizuna seized Narmoto by the shoulders and brought his knee up into his chest. Now it was Narmoto who could not breath momentarily.
“I think you’ll find that Fire suffers from a lack of Air just as well as I do.” Blindly, Narmoto reached for his mask. Irritated, Vizuna easily knocked Narmoto’s hand away. Now he bent his elbow down and fell freely onto Narmoto. As they tussled in the dirt, someone shouted, “The answer lies in the masks!”
Blinded by rage, Narmoto grappled with Vizuna, twisting upright and exchanging blows. Screaming, he punched at Vizuna’s face, deepening the already growing fracture within the mask.
Before he could register anything, white and black hands were pulling Vizuna away from him even someone’s blue hand was reaching for his face. Before he could register anything, a maskless Kivoda had removed his mask and was stomping it to pieces beneath his feet.
“What are you doing?” shouted Narmoto, helpless as his mask was destroyed. One quick glance revealed that Korgot and Izotor were doing the same to Vizuna, both of whom were already maskless.
“The rage that is feeding into us descends from the masks,” Kivoda exclaimed. “It is unnatural!”
“These masks handed us by our forerunners,” Nilkuu muttered.
“The masks forged for them by Ekimu… ” Izotor concurred.
“The masks are driving us to fight,” Korgot said, releasing Vizuna from her hold.
Narmoto looked at his hands, bewilderment filling his being that he would even slap Vizuna, his very brother. “The rage… It was the same as when we fought Makuta’s hordes. What is this?!”
“Well…” Vizuna looked at Narmoto. “I think that we all owe each other apologies--I more than the rest of you. Believe me, I am sorry for everything I’ve done, especially to you, Narmoto. But I think we can all agree we need to find replacement masks before our health starts failing. After that, I suggest we meet up and hunt down the source of this corruption infection.”
In Ekimu’s forge, the mask blazed with its own unique rage as its six minions were destroyed. Infuriated, there was only one thing left to do. The Mask sent an energy pulse through the air, to be received by one Okotan in particular.
And Ekimu stiffened as he felt it. Frowning, he began the long trek back to his Temple.
Chapter 9: When All Else Fails[]
In the Shadow Realm…
Makuta stood on his balcony overlooking the Capital City. Far beneath him, crowds were forming of Okotans who stared up at him expectantly. He hadn’t stood here to address them since his exile had been renewed, for he had been too ashamed.
“Okotans of the Capital City!” he announced. “Beings who were banished here or trapped here as a result of Ekimu’s actions! The time is coming! Ready yourselves and do not journey to the fringes of the Capital City, for it will not be safe there anymore. Nariku, join me in my chamber. The rest of you, make ready. The time is coming!”
Makuta walked away, the echoes of confused and excited whispers echoing up from the crowd. They didn’t know what to make of it… and they feared to hope anymore. Behind him, the Company of the Chronicler was waiting. They six of them would not split up, for the life of them.
“When Nariku arrives, he will take you to the shaman Kripta and her apprentice, Kasere. Kripta will conduct the ritual that will bring us back to Okoto. The ritual requires the eight elements, but I was not aware of it when I first arrived here. And now, after so much time in this place, the new generations of Okotans here are Light and Dark elementals, not the other six. But with you here, we have what we need.”
Before Haarb could ask what exactly would be required of them, a young red, blue, and gold Okotan appeared at his side.
“You called?” Then he noticed the Company of the Chronicler. “Wait, are you fire, water, ice, jungle, earth, and rock elementals?! I’ve never seen any in my life!”
“Something that isn’t surprising given how little of one you had,” Makuta muttered under his breath. “Nariku, I need you to take these six to find Kripta and Kasere. Last I heard, they were out in their residence in the outer fringes, but I need them to come in while I gather the remnants of my hordes. This is our final chance to escape, one the Elemental Creatures themselves have bestowed upon us, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”
The Guardian of Darkness looked at the Company. “You guys can go with Nariku. He’s technically a doctor, but not very useful as doctors go as he wanders off to explore every chance he gets. He knows this place better than I do, about as well as he knows anatomy. People joke that the shape of the Shadow Realm is structured like the inside of a giant Okotan, his knowledge of both is so extensive.”
All the while, Nariku grinned from ear to ear.
“All in all, he’s of no use to me,” Makuta concluded. “I figured he would make a fine addition to your Chronicler’s Company.”
“It’s not ‘Chronicler’s Company,’” Meera snapped. “It’s ‘Company of the Chronicler.’ Don’t make me regret trusting you.”
Makuta chuckled, “Okay, okay. Company of the Chronicler. Are you sure, though? It seems a bit--”
“No. Company of the Chronicler.”
Ako, who’d been waiting in silence for most of the conversation, bit his lip. He was just beginning to raise his confidence to suggest switching it to ‘Chronicler’s Company.’
“Well, if we’re all ready to go,” said Nariku. He was leaning forward and raising himself on the balls of his feet, and giving the impression of bouncing. Haarb’s eyebrows rose, but he simply said
“Yeah, I’m ready if the rest are.”
“No.” Harvali said. “I’m too tired to take another step, and I can tell just by looking at some of you that you’re as exhausted as I am. All this darkness is lulling me to sleep. So I’m going to take a nap… somewhere… and you guys can go ahead if you want.”
“I think that would be smart.” Welra said.
Haarb rubbed his eyes as the gravity of his exhaustion fell hard upon him. First the Creatures and then Makuta had been leading them around, and his adrenaline was pumping hard. But now that someone mentioned it, he felt weighed down.
“Yes, that’s a good point. Then you can sleep in the inn,” Makuta said. “Although be warned; everyone in the Capital City, and thus everyone in the Shadow Realm has their own structures. The inn hasn’t been lived in for over a thousand years. There may be cobwebs… although I tried to keep the Skull Spiders from making it downright uninhabitable.”
“Right now I could sleep in a haunted graveyard,” Harvali muttered.
Makuta looked at her. “Well, I’m sure a few Skull Warriors could see to that…”
“Hold on,” Arker interrupted, staring at Nariku. “So you’re a Light Okotan?”
Nariku nodded and grinned, still bouncing. He seemed to have more energy than anyone else in the room combined, only further providing a contrast with the weary Company. “Mm-hm.”
“Are the Okotans we’re going to meet Shadow Okotans?”
Makuta nodded hesitantly. “... One more so than the other.”
“Interesting.”
“What do you plan to do with us once there are eight elements here?” Meera asked.
Makuta smiled slightly.
“Well… I can’t remember the details too clearly--Kripta last told it to me a few hundred years ago. But I do know it’s related to how you got here, with the eight elemental creatures merging their powers with the Ehra.”
“Mmm… you won’t sacrifice any Okotan will you?”
“Now,” Makuta grinned. “I suppose you'll just have to wait and see.”
The Company experienced a rather refreshing sleep for all, including Meera who was too tired to complain about the untidy nature of the inn. Nariku was the first one awake, being the one in least need of sleep. When they were all awake, they set out for the Kripta’s sanctum.
Along the way, they encountered a small green and black, rather skeletal scorpion whom Nariku seemed to recognize. As he cuddled the scorpion, he revealed that he and the scorpion--named “Olisi”--were long friends. They had adventured quite a bit together. Apparently before settling on the name “Olisi”, Nariku had considered a variety of names for it including “Skull Scorpion”, “Makuta Bones”, and “Pewkii”.
About a mile out from the city, a small black hut with blackish-blue smoke emanating from it somehow stood out against the black and purple emptiness of the Shadow Realm.
As they approached the hut, the door opened and a young purple and silver Okotan approached them.
“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you.”
Inside the hut, a small, fralish Okotan was hurriedly throwing magical artifacts into a small straw sack. The younger Okotan wasted no time in joining her.
“We foresaw your arrival,” Kripta explained. We awoke at the earliest hours to prepare. We will be ready in a few minutes.”
“Excellent!” Nariku declared. “That will certainly spare us a lot of time.”
“Time, I’m afraid, is not on our side, in this case,” Kripta replied cryptically. “Ekimu has long used the Vahi in his endeavors; only the Ehra which brought you here can be used to to counter that. Following this… we must destroy the servant of the Pandora, Mask of Knowledge of Good and Evil. It is no doubt the ancestor of the masks of Ultimate Power and the Unnatural Union, and the cause of this recent spread of evil.”
“Yes, I know what you’re talking about,” Arker said. “So would everyone else had they only paid attention when I read the obelisk aloud.”
“How did you know how we got here?” asked Harvali.
“I am experienced in the ways of the arcane arts. Your actions thus far have been well monitored, believe me.”
“We’ve been spying on various parts of Okoto for a while.” Kasere explained. “It’s for my own practice. We used to spy on the Shadow Realm, but that got really boring really fast. People here do the same exact thing every day.”
“But now…” Kripta said, reaching for a small glowing glass sphere and placing it in the bag, “We can escape and the eternal repetition can be broken.”
“Yeah, about that…” Haarb interjected. “How do you plan to let us escape?”
“Kasere, explain to them.”
“It seems the bridge between Shadow Realm and Okoto can only be traversed when six or more elements are present. With the presence of all eight elements, a more stable portal can open, allowing the facilitation of the transport the entirety of the Capital City. Because everyone in this world over time was fed the energies of this place, all descendants following the Great Cataclysm are Shadow or Light Okotans. There were not enough elements to complete the ritual, nor was there an experienced arcane artist all present… until your arrival.
“Unfortunately, the arcane arts demand a… sizeable sacrifice in order to create the gateways to the portal both in this realm and on Okoto itself. Makuta has already decided that he will sacrifice his Skull, Shadow, and Lost Legions on either side, as they have outlived their usefulness. They were only necessary in order to destroy Ekimu’s masks or facilitate Makuta’s escape anyway.”
“Is that really… ethical?” Harvali asked, kicking the pesky Olisi away from her leg.
Meera glanced at her. “Does anyone care about those savages?”
“Let’s just say,” Kripta said slowly, “Most of them, both here and on Okoto have long craved escape from their bodies. The Skull Beings who are bound to their skeletons… the Shadow Hordes who were construed from the Shadows by Makuta for his invasion… or the Lost Souls who were doomed here for eternity. I’d say it would be unethical not to.”
Kasere stuffed a small cloth doll in the sack. “Are we taking any of the Krakian Frames?”
“No, just leave those. I can make more when we return to Okoto.”
“Then I think that’s it. Are you all ready to hike back?” asked Kasere.
Nariku grinned. “Am I ever.”
“I wasn’t asking you, Nariku. Are the rest of you… what do you call yourselves?”
“Company of the Chronicler,” Harvali said.
“Company of the… Wouldn’t Chronicler’s Company make more sense?”
“Hey, I like that idea!” Welra declared. “Hey, let’s shorten it to Chronicler’s Company. Anyway, I’d say we’re ready to… What?” she demanded of the five pairs of eyes that stared at her.
Several hours later, Makuta stood looking around at the Shadow Realm. As much as he loved the shadows, it only really worked well when it could juxtapose the light, didn’t it?
He looked up, lifted his hands to the sky. Behind him, the eight members of the Company (a group that now seemed to include Kasere) stood holding hands in a circle around Kripta, even as the green and black scorpion, Olisi, stood to the side and watched. The shaman recited ancient words and rituals, calling down divine energy upon him which he focused and directed through his body. So many years of holding so much power, but this was surprisingly difficult for him. Still, he focused his mind’s eye on Okoto, and on the underground regions. On Kulta, on the Lord of Skull Spiders, where he may be. On Skull Raiders, Skull Spiders, the Skull Army. And on the Shadow Traps, and Shadow Beasts who could sense Makuta’s awesome power calling upon them.
And he focused his power on this realm, on the Skull, Shadow, and Soul warriors that lay in the Shadow Realm. They too felt his power calling upon their sacrifice, and realizing that this was the only way they would ever free themselves from their eternal lives, to escape and embrace death at last, Makuta’s minions and lieutenants both on Okoto and in the Shadow Realm allowed Makuta the control he needed.
Their bodies fell dead in the Capital City and in the underground regions of Okoto. Meanwhile, the foundations of the Capital City and the Dark Crater began shaking and convulsing unnaturally. Power shifted and moved between dimensions. The unity of the eight elements as well as the sacrifice of Makuta’s minions and lieutenants forced open a tremendous rift in space and time, and the Capital City began fading out of existence in the Shadow realm…
… And took form in the Dark Crater.
Across the island, quakes erupted and tremendous energies of Light and Darkness united but not one were seen as the Capital City faded into reality and Melded once again with the real world. What had once been Shattered was united once again. And for the first time in a thousand years, Shadow Okotans once again lived on Okoto.
From the Mask Maker’s City, Ekimu felt the quaking from the Hall of Masks and turned to the window to see the effects of the spectacle in the distance. Light and Dark, as well as the other elements flashing and arcing from beyond the mountain range. It was like nothing he had ever seen, even in his prolonged lifetime.
“So, Makuta,” he breathed. “You return at last to plague those living in what I have made a Light Realm. You return to tip the balance of elements to the Dark.” Ekimu’s eyes turned slowly but inexorably to his mask collection, but to one in particular. Sitting with the Mask of Alternate Futures and the Mask of the Sea Queen on its right and the Mask of Psychosis and the Mask of Hyper Plasma II on its left.
“The battle has come to us, my mask. Before we had the help of the Toa to do to fight for the Light, but now there is only we. Before you got away with giving me the form of a Toa of Light, but I think now we will need something far more powerful to push back the Dark.”
Chapter 10: Mirror Image[]
Makuta ran up the spiral staircase. It had been so long since he’d been inside this building he had to pause several times to remember what floor he was on. Righting himself quickly, he pressed on. He could let nothing stop him.
However, he couldn’t help but feel slight claustrophobia at the narrowness of the staircase. How did we survive in such tight confines?
He pushed through the door and found himself on the far end of the Hall of Mirrors. He looked to the side and saw a thousand reflections each with Makutas staring out at him or at each other seemingly as confused as he was.
He took a step forward, unsure of where he stepped. It was as though the Hall was far more treacherous than he had ever remembered. He had to remind himself not to trust his vision. Eyes will deceive when there’s too much faith in the light.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of gold and blue. But when he turned, Ekimu was nowhere to be seen. Makuta continued forward, but seemed to catch a glimpse of blue in the corner of a mirror. He turned but saw nothing.
He looked forward again and there he was. Makuta’s heart leapt as Ekimu stared out at him, laughing. It was surely no more than an illusion of the mirrors, but this was as real as ever.
Just as quickly, his brother disappeared. Makuta ran forward only to slam into a mirror, obscured by the light illusions, and fall to the floor. When he looked up, he saw himself reflected in the cracked pane of glass.
After what felt like an eternity, Makuta made it to the opposite end of the Hall, and when he looked back, the mirrors seemed to disappear.
What is this? Some trick of the mind?
But now there was no time to think. Makuta shoved open the double doors to the Chamber of Masks.
The Chamber was vaguely lit. Lights on the ceiling reflected down on the many masks sending dark shadows angling down from the pedestals.
On the far end of the Chamber, silhouetted in the glass doors leading to the outside balcony was Ekimu. Rays of light from the setting sun seemed to emanate from him, and while they started strong, they were eventually lost in the dim, artificial light of the chamber.
“Welcome, brother. I have long awaited your arrival.”
“You knew I was coming.”
“Light sees all. Nothing can hide from the Light.”
Makuta pressed on.
“It seems that as Makuta, I am doomed to be driven by jealousy of praise given to my brother for his work--even though I gave everything I could. But now you are the one who has crossed the line, and now you must be brought before justice.”
“Justice… Makuta, old friend, how can I be judged by scales I set? The masks we made shaped the lives of those who wore them… and allowed me to manipulate them, including the Protectors. In return, they have given me everything they own. Even their souls.”
“That’s the mask speaking through you. Such power does not belong in the hands of one man--”
“Power belongs in the hands of the mighty.”
Makuta smiled slightly. “Hate to burst ýour bubble…”
Ekimu began walking over to his five most treasured masks such that he now had his back to Makuta. Sitting with the Mask of Alternate Futures and the Mask of the Sea Queen on its right and the Mask of Psychosis and the Mask of Hyper Plasma II on its left...
The Mask of the Unnatural Union.
“This Mask… It’s given me Unlimited Power… ”
“Unnatural Power!” Makuta interjected.
“Unlimited Power…” Ekimu repeated. “The power to create and destroy. Light and Dark. Your powers and mine. This mask has given me regality, power over the Okotans, the power to unite the divided tribes like never before. I can conjure alternate futures--better futures where the element of Light illuminates our hearts and brightens everyone’s future! Let all Okoto look to me for a brighter future!”
“The Mask is an Infection!” Makuta shouted. “It has Corrupted you! I know exactly how it feels--I wore one myself! These evil masks delude you, they take your beliefs, fears, and hopes and twists them to their own use. You cannot let it take over! I have to destroy the mask!”
“No, Makuta,” Ekimu breathed. “You are a stain. You are a stain and I must bleach you away. Light must be made to blot out the Darkness. Okoto is filled with Darkness, but I must clean it all. It must be cleaned.”
Makuta choked on tears when he heard this. He tried to make himself believe that this wasn’t Ekimu he was speaking to anymore--that he was speaking directly to the mask. But Ekimu’s words burned in his heart.
Ekimu had had his back to Makuta, but now he turned around and the Mask of Creation was there no longer. In its place was the mask of wickedness.
“You have no power to stop me, old brother, for I am Ekimu the Great--Spirit of Light! Even if you somehow united the Protectors to aide you, you would only have a mere hope of defeating me--but the Protectors answer to me.”
Out of the shadows beyond the door-frame of the Chamber of Masks, a familiar voice resounded.
“I’m sorry, old friend,” Narmoto called. “But this has to end.”
Six Protectors stepped into the threshold of Ekimu’s trophy room.
Ekimu snarled in rage.
“Ye of little faith. Did you not trust me to light the way for Okoto’s future?”
“Oh no, quite the opposite,” Vizuna muttered. “I trust you would, given the chance. You are a manipulator. You have manipulated us for so long--”
“It takes two to tango. I could not have manipulated Makuta, or even the Protectors had you not wanted me to.”
Ekimu stepped back to take in the seven Protectors of Okoto standing before him, each prepared to do battle if Ekimu should choose to fight. Not that the small Mask Maker should put up much of a challenge.
“United the elements hold the power,” Ekimu muttered. “United… Light and Dark… must be.”
And then Ekimu reeled back and screamed.
It was a scream unlike anyone had ever heard before. Power erupted from the Mask of the Unnatural Union and flowed down throughout Ekimu’s body. His body grew. The mask transformed too, shifting as though it had been a mirage. His gold hue disappeared, only to be replaced by the colors of Twilight.
“Tell me something,” Ekimu laughed uncontrollably. “What do you fear?”
To the horror of the seven Protectors, his entire body warped, and then took the form of a silver-armored titan.
“Hysleria?”
Again he changed, now holding the form of a black and red reptilian monster.
“Terror Bite?”
He shifted again, now a red and black titan with spikes jutting from his back.
“Diatan?”
Now he was a wolf-like savage, with a beaded necklace and what appeared to be a shattering mask in one hand.
“The Dark Fang Warlord?”
Again he changed, this time becoming something altogether bizarre and unnatural. He appeared to be a serpent, with a round hole comprising his chest.
“Nakken? Or perhaps the most fearsome of all Twilight Nightmares...”
The form had once been Ekimu now grew far taller and far more muscular than it ever had been before. Jet black and crimson plates erupted around his body, providing it an added sense of bulkiness and menace. Batlike wings erupted from Ekimu’s back and grew such that they cast a tremendous shadow over the seven Protectors of Okoto. The Mask of Unnatural Union returned to its original appearance, or at least something like it; however, the six points of the original mask now pointed up like horns. The beast roared in laughter at the Protectors’ horror and fear, and it pointed at the seven warriors.
“Akutahn!”
Makuta’s heart sank upon hearing the name. What could they do to stop these monsters created by the mask? And this Akutahn…
“Well, at least we have the Creatures to help us now,” Izotor muttered. Makuta dared a backward glance and, sure enough, the eight Creatures flew or stood behind them, despite clearly being themselves afraid of the nightmare.
Evidently, Ekimu/Akutahn noticed them as well.
“Join me,” he cried, “Creatures, Protectors of Light, Fire, Ice, Stone, Water, Earth, and Jungle. We must extinguish the Darkness from among us. Light most overcome the Darkness! We have to destroy Makuta and Ombra before they betray us!”
“Betray us?” Nilkuu murmured.
“It’s okay, Makuta,” Narmoto whispered. “We have your back.”
“You should never have destroyed your Mask of Ultimate Power, Makuta,” Akutahn roared. “At least then you would put up a real fight. Of course, everyone would see you for what you truly are.”
“Makuta, Lord of Darkness,” Narmoto muttered. “Protector of the true light.”
Akutahn snarled and reached for his Hammer of Power, an object that instantly fell under the mask’s power. The hammer grew and expanded into a large axe made of pure crystal, a crystal that caught any light in the room and split it in a beautiful prism. Makuta himself was reminded of his own fiery staff while in his titan form. None present had any doubt the crystal could cut through just about anything it caught if wielded correctly. Of course, the titan was looking rather unstable with his new body proportions, having not had a chance to acclimate to them.
“See what I’m seeing?” Vizuna whispered to Makuta. “He’s wobbly. You have to use that to your advantage.”
“Help me.”
“You’re the only one of us who can defeat him.” Narmoto replied.
“So what are you? The cheer-leading squad?”
“Well… more like moral support.”
Makuta glanced at him in alarm.
"What? It worked with the Toa..."
Akutahn screamed and brought the axe down hard on the floor where Makuta would have been if the monster of twilight had moved any faster. He jerked the weapon out of the floor and swiped at the Protectors and Creatures, forcing them to scatter.
The monstrosity stood up straight. Makuta was nowhere to be seen.
“You forget, old brother." Makuta's voice echoed. "The shadows of this room will help me, for I seek to protect them.”
Ekimu/Akutahn whirled as Makuta raised his Hammer to strike. But a swift kick from Ekimu prevented Makuta from acting on his attempt to strike.
The monster raised his fist to bring it down on the felled Guardian of Darkness. As the fist fell, its progress was abruptly halted. Akutahn looked down in alarm to see the Protector of Fire holding it above Makuta.
“Protectors, help me!” Narmoto cried.
All at once, the Protectors ran to hold the monster in place and halt his forward progress. Roaring in anger, Ekimu focused his power inward and, at the climax of its build, unleashed a solid, hard photon blast from his core. Unable to brace or defend themselves in time, the Protectors were cast away.
But this distraction allowed Makuta to return to his feet. Ekimu started forward again in his direction, the same direction of the window doors and outside balcony. Makuta prepared his hammer again. When Akutahn raised his axe to cut him down, Makuta swung his hammer at the axe. The resultant explosion of raw energy threw Makuta backward. Ekimu was thrown off balance backward and his axe sustained cracks, but he soon regained balance and resumed his movement toward his enemy, his brother.
Without warning, a golden Light flashed in his eyes, followed by a jet of Water. Akutahn turned his head to see all eight elemental creatures flying about his head or around his feet, focusing their own energies at him. Snarling, Akutahn called upon the powers of his foul mask which lashed out and sent raw pain, channeled into and up the Creatures’ masks. Stunned, the Creatures fell down. And then there was one…
Makuta stared up at the looming Akutahn/Ekimu, now seemingly unstoppable. But perhaps there was a chance…
“Akutahn! Mask of the Unnatural Union! You are forged from Light and Darkness, but both oppose you! I, Darkness, and Ekimu, Light. For the Ekimu I grew up with would never give in to such wickedness! He would never tolerate the infection, the corruption you present. Surely he is in there, somewhere, fighting you.”
If Akutahn looked unstable before, he was trembling now.
“You cannot… must defeat me, Makuta!”
There he was. Calling to Makuta. Without further ado, Makuta took one step, two, and leapt into space without thinking.
Time itself slowed as he hoisted the hammer up… and brought it down with all his strength on the Mask of the Unnatural Union.
And so it fell to the ground and cracked.
By the time, Ekimu came to, his first realization was that he had shrunk back to normal size and his Hammer of Power reverted. His second realization was what Makuta was preparing to do with the Hammer of Unity as he stood above a table of masks.
“What are you doing?!” Ekimu exclaimed.
“I am the Mask Breaker. It’s high time I fulfill my duties.”
He hoisted his hammer into the air and brought it down upon the Mask of Hyper Plasma II, shattering it into irreparable shards.
“You idiot! Don’t you realize what you’re doing?!”
“I’m doing what apparently L.O.S.S., Kulta, and Umarak, or any of my other minions could not do.”
Once again the hammer fell, and the Mask of the Sea Queen shattered.
“They are completely unique! None others exist of them!”
“It is through the deviant masks you manipulate Okoto. No longer are deviations allowed to be made from the standard Okoto mold.”
The hammer fell upon the Mask of Psychosis and destroyed it. Now the hammer hovered above the Mask of Alternate Futures.
“Please, Makuta. I’ll do anything you ask!”
“Not good enough.”
“What will it take?” Ekimu exclaimed.
“Destroy it,” Narmoto uttered darkly at Makuta.
The hammer fell.
Now the only two masks that remained were the Masks of Creation and the Masks of the Unnatural Union.
“I destroyed my banes. I destroyed the Mask of Control and Mask of Ultimate Power in the Shadow Realm--”
“Prove it!” Ekimu snapped. “Tell me you don’t believe him so easily, Protectors! Creatures!”
But no sympathy came from any of them who stood judging down upon the Mask Maker.
“Their dust decorates the Capital City… and beyond now that I have returned to Okoto.” Makuta replied. “But now you must do the same.”
Scowling, Ekimu rose to his feet and took in his hand the Hammer of Power.
“Your words are like your powers, Makuta--dark, but in the end meaningless,” said the master of light. “Now I shall take those masks you so jealously guard.”
“Not just yet,” said the Mask Breaker. “How much do you even know about these evil masks? Do you know that it still works its influence over you even when away from your face? I found that out thanks to my own immoral mask. Even the largest crack still permits it, even encourages it to work its evil schemes.”
“Stop this childishness,” Ekimu hissed. “You wouldn’t destroy our greatest creations, Mask Breaker.”
“See, that is still the mask manipulating you,” Makuta said. “But shattering these masks will free all Okoto from this evil, at least as long as our descendants work to prevent history from repeating itself. So long as the legacy of everyone here in this room endures throughout Space and Time.”
“You see this as the effect of the Pandora, Mask of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.”
“Believe it. We must repel its hold as long as Okoto has strength.”
Furious, Ekimu stepped forward… and brought his own hammer down, shattering the Mask of the Unnatural Union. As soon as it was destroyed, he felt the overwhelming anger seep away from him as the Mask could no longer maintain its hold. For the first time in well over a thousand years, he felt… regret and guilt.
“One more,” Makuta growled, seeing Ekimu reach for the Mask of Creation.
“Oh, brother, please. Let me keep my purest creation.”
“No. I will take no chances.”
Blinded by tears, Ekimu raised his hammer… and let it fall.
Several months later, the Protectors and the Mask Brothers stood on the balcony of the highest building of the Capital City. So many years ago it had started here and now it was done.
Down beneath, crowds of all eight elements were mixing and mingling. The colors were beginning to blur into some vague variety of grey, interestingly enough. Sounds of people new and old meeting up, introducing themselves. Okoto had finally righted itself. The divisions had been removed; now it was time for something greater.
Makuta looked at Ekimu. The Mask Maker had the same glint of youthful light in his eyes as before the Mask of the Unnatural Union, although without the mask keeping him alive, Ekimu was looking frailer than ever. Each of the other Protectors were beginning to show their age as well; the time would soon come for a new generation of Protectors and Guardians to rise. It was unanimously agreed that the Chronicler’s Company would be presented the prestigious offer for the courageous acts they had undertaken.
There was some shuffling behind them and Ekimu turned to look at the Creatures who were flying behind them, also apparently observing the scene. Ombra was back to full health, at long last. Moreover, he seemed to have forgiven Ekimu for the wrongs he had committed while under the influence of the Mask of the Unnatural Union.
“It’s a shame the Toa cannot be here to experience this new age,” Ekimu said.
Makuta stiffened. The Toa had not been particularly nice to him, having been so easily turned against him. But he forced himself to relax and give them the benefit of the doubt, however hard that was.
“Indeed,” he muttered. “Perhaps one day they can return and see how we’ve fixed Okoto for good. And perhaps they can see I am not as insane as they were led to believe…”
“Wherever they are, they are smiling down on us,” Narmoto said. “They will always be with us in spirit.”
“In the meantime, I think it is time we look beyond our shores,” Ekimu said. “The last vision I received in the Vahi will guide our path. I encourage the rest of you to see it as well, to see I speak the truth now.”
Makuta smiled and placed his hand on Ekimu’s shoulder, “I believe you, brother.”
Ekimu shuddered. “I appreciate that. Still, I would appreciate it if we work to rebuild whatever faith Okoto has lost in me now that the truth is in the light.”
“And the Ehra too will guide our path,” Nilkuu added. “Once more Order and Truth are in agreement.”
“And the legends of the Pandora and the Ignika too must be made known to the public,” Izotor declared, “so the mistakes we have made will not be repeated for as long as the knowledge is preserved.”
“Indeed,” Korgot sighed. “I foresee a rich and prosperous future for Okoto, now that we have firm foundations once more.”
At that moment, just beyond the not-so-distant shores, Narmoto thought he heard a rumble, though of what he did not know. What dwells beyond the ocean? he thought. Might there be other races and species? Other living beings? Whatever may await us, we’re more prepared than we ever have been… More united and thus more powerful than we ever have been before…
“There is no way of forecasting the future,” Kivoda said, “But whatever the future holds store, we’re finally ready to cross that bridge…”
“Very much so,” Vizuna agreed. “At long last, the shattered pieces of Okoto has been brought together again. We are old and likely will not experience the next great adventure this island will experience. But we have placed the island in a far greater, far more orderly position than it ever has been before. Now… the future awaits us…”
Epilogue: The Legend[]
So there you have it. The evidence lies before you; now you can judge for yourselves; Who was to blame for the tragic history of Okoto?
There is Ekimu, of course, the Guardian of Light and the Mask Maker. He forged the great masks, he donned the Mask of the Unnatural Union which seized control of him. Even when he didn’t wear the Mask, he still served it obediently. The Protectors, the villagers, the Toa, and even his brother looked to him for leadership, and he responded with manipulation and deceit. The Masks of Power he forged answered to him. Are the weapons responsible for their actions? Or are the hands that wields them? Or was the Mask a weapon?
There is Makuta, the scapegoat, the jealous brother, the Guardian of Darkness, and the Mask Breaker. He forged the Mask of Ultimate Power, he sought the conquest of Okoto, and he looked to usurp Ekimu from his lofty position. It was he who raised the evil armies, which decimated Okoto and ruined countless lives. And do not forget how it was Makuta who first gave Ekimu the idea of mixing different elements, and who somehow deducted the events leading Ekimu to forge the Mask of the Unnatural Union, despite his absence and ignorance of the Mask prior to his banishment. Could the Okotans have become suspicious of Ekimu only to be deceived by his brother?
There are the Protectors who willingly played into the games of the brothers. It could be the ancient Protectors who placed the brothers in their precarious positions. It could be the modern Protectors who directed the Toa with all their naivety and glorious ignorance to Ekimu where they could unintentionally deceive him. It could be all of them, it could be one of them. Each of them had their motives; Narmoto, Izotor, and Nilkuu sought Truth no matter the fallout, and Vizuna, Korgot, and Kivoda sought Order no matter the corruption. It could be one turning two against the other three. They did learn of Ekimu’s plot rather quickly; what if one had hinted toward another Ekimu’s true plans? Or perhaps it was unintentional cooperation? Regardless, as Ekimu once said about his own manipulation, “It takes two to tango.”
It could be the Villagers who gave their leaders blind trust and the means to hurt each other. The villagers were so reliant on their leaders, so defenseless and lost without them that evil could easily take its place on Okoto. Fools breed monsters, after all.
Conversely, it could be no one’s at all; a perfect storm of accidents and errors. Of course and perhaps most likely, it could have been everyone; the Guardians, the Protectors, and the villagers; everyone with their own intentions vile and well-meaning.
My point is this, Matoran. Never value any element over the others, lest you be burned by the Fire, or drowned by the Water, or deafened by the Sound or Silence. Light, Air, Darkness, Ice, Rock--these are all equals, and they must be neither elevated nor condemned, else the entire balance be disturbed. If you seek an analogy for the conflict of good and evil, look to Disease and Health, for you saw what happened when the masks of the Toa were Infected and Corrupted.
In the end, the Okotans learned their lesson. Blame was placed solely on the Mask of Ultimate Power and the Mask of the Unnatural Union, and the society of Okoto ground on. The Guardians of Light and Dark resumed their work, making and breaking masks as needed. The Protectors oversaw the reconstruction of Okoto. The Elemental Creatures returned to their calling, seeing to the nature of the island. The villagers secretly grew more wary of their leaders. All were humbled and the infection of evil was repelled.
This is a new world, Matoran. Learn from their mistakes, lest you suffer the same fate as the denizens of the mythical island of Okoto.
Characters[]
- Creatures
- Agil
- Ombra
- Ikir
- Melum
- Ketar
- Uxar
- Akida
- Terak
- Brothers
- Protectors
- Company of the Chronicler (or Chronicler's Company)
- Other
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- If this story had a theme, it would be this piece from Nemesea titled In Control, aptly matching the prominent themes and tying to the title of the banner (see Gallery).
- Truth Behind the Lies, an essay explaining the conclusion of this story, as well as its purpose and various other concepts, themes, and ideas, can be found on this page's talk page. It was released not long after the conclusion of the story.
- This story began development and was announced in early winter of 2017 and was released in the summer of the same year (not unlike Lego's release pattern).
- This story is Gonel's first story to be released across TTV and BZPower as well as CBW. This is due both to its somewhat unique nature among Gonel's fanfiction writings (primarily being that it's G2), as well as to advertise Gonel's writing and the CBW community at large.
- These releases will be staggered such that chapters are released here first, however.
- Gonel experimented with a variety of titles before ultimately settling on "Lies in the Light". Many are listed below.
- Shadows in the Light
- Darkness in the Light
- Darkness from the Light
- Darkness of the Light
- Evil in the Light
- Pushing Back the Light
- Lost in the Light
- Reign of the Light
- Shadows of the Light
- Blinded by the Light--this one did make it in as a chapter title and as part of a quote
- The chapter title "The Grim Pilgrimage" was so named because it was originally a play on the name "Grihm" which was originally the name for the Elemental Creature of Darkness. However, the name has since been changed to "Ombra" in keeping with Invader39's most brilliant moc.