CHAPTER SIX
Several kios away from Voya Nui, on an island not far from the continent it had once been part of, the first Toa in all of existence was troubled.
Her day had started out well: an agent of her's had returned from a scouting mission to Metru Nui, which the Order of Mata Nui had been preparing to send its forces to. This proved to be unnecessary, for Makuta Teridax had been overthrown by the Toa, and the Matoran were setting about repairing the damage done to the City of Legends.
However, the so-called Empire of Makuta was still a threat. Shortly after the first report, another followed saying that a fleet of Makuta ships had begun to form a blockade around the Northern Continent. Even with Teridax seemingly indisposed, the Makuta were unrelenting in their conquest.
As she stood in her chamber, contemplating on how to handle the present situation, Toa Helryx heard the door creak open and turned to see a nine-feet-tall Tirivon, clad in silver, red, and blue armor. A pair of horns jutted out from behind his crimson mask.
"Trinuma," the Toa of Water murmured. "What is it?"
"Johmak and Orkosan have returned from the Southern Continent," Trinuma said. "They found the stolen tablets and had Botar deal with the Ba-Matoran crook who had procured them."
Helryx nodded before saying, "And? I know there's more to the story, Trinuma. Why else would you be here?"
The Tirivon's express became grim. "Johmak went to deliver a warning to Axonn and Brutaka about the Makuta's building empire. The region they were stationed at was not there. All she found was a giant waterfall."
Helryx frowned. "That is not good."
"I had come to that conclusion myself."
Ignoring her agent's sarcasm, Helryx said, "Tell Viraka to prepare a ship for four. I shall be going to the Southern Continent."
Trinuma seemed to be taken aback by this statement. "You? But... you hardly ever leave Daxia."
"It's good to get out every once in a while. Besides, you say there's a giant waterfall. Sounds like my area of expertise."
Trinuma grimaced. "But if something happens to you--"
"Do you not have faith in the skills of your comrades? Your leader?"
The Tirivon sighed. This was an argument even his Mask of Charisma could not help him with.
"I will give Viraka the message."
* * *
Axonn groggily awoke to find himself lying crumpled on a stone floor. Rising, he shielded his eyes from powerful rays of light shining through a massive window. In an instant, he knew where he was.
Castle Artakha.
He grimaced as bitter memories returned to him. His experiences here, with the Hand of Artakha, were not the best he had. The organization had changed him for the worst, and it was only when he joined the Order of Mata Nui did he feel purpose again.
But what put him fully at unease about being here was the fact that Castle Artakha had been destroyed. How was it still standing here?
As he took in his surroundings, Axonn realized that he was not alone. Gazing up at him was a Matoran in red and yellow armor; most likely a Matoran of Fire. His proportions were rather unusual and his Kanohi Huna did not seem like the best fit.
Staring at the great warrior in wonder, the Ta-Matoran said, "Who are you?"
The Ankorian veteran sighed quietly. It wasn't much use maintaining a code of secrecy any longer at this point. "My name is Axonn," he said.
"I'm Balta," the Matoran replied. "Have you always been on Voya Nui? I don't recall ever seeing you."
"I dwell in the mountains, towards the west," Axonn said. "I hardly ever leave there, and I rarely see Matoran venture into that region."
"I see," Balta said. "You seemed to recognize those two beings we were with."
"Only the Sanok-wearer," Axonn said bitterly. "His name is Fortaan. We... have a long history, none of it pleasant."
Thankfully, Balta did not press the matter. Instead, he said, "Do you know how to get out of here?"
"I do, since I've been here before. However...." He looked forlorn at his hands. "It would be easier if I had my axe."
Balta rested his chin in his hand, contemplating. At that moment, three other Matoran came into view behind him, two of them Axonn remembered seeing with the Ta-Matoran and Fortaan.
"Who... is that, Balta?" an Onu-Matoran asked, staring at the Ankorian skeptically.
"This is Axonn," Balta replied, before saying to Axonn himself, "These are my friends Garan, Dalu, and Piruk."
"Um, how do you do?" the Le-Matoran Piruk said tentatively.
"Pleasantries can wait," Axonn said curtly. "We need to get out of here."
The Ga-Matoran Dalu rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement. How do we do that?"
Axonn turned towards the door to their cell, which was heavily locked. Scrutinizing it for a moment, he then took a deep breath.
"I want you all to stand back," he said to the Matoran. Once they had done so, Axonn gathered his strength and charged towards the door. Upon collision, both the door and the entire wall crumbled to dust.
All four of the Matoran looked awed by this feat. They broke off from their stupor when Axonn beckoned them to follow him out into an corridor.
"There should be a staircase down here," the Ankorian said. "It leads to the front gates. Let's--"
Before he could finish, a bolt of energy hit him square in the back. Dazed but hardly weakened, he spun around to see a lithe Vortixx in jet black armor, lazily carrying a Catcher Claw in one hand.
"Leaving so soon, Axonn?" she said in a snake-like voice. "Don't you want to stay for the return?"
Axonn scowled at the Vortixx, whom he recognized as a former comrade. "I never had any desire to be here in the first place, Drandora."
The Vortixx's violet eyes twinkled dangerously. "But the time is drawing so near. It's a shame Helryx, Hydraxon, and the rest can't be here to witness it. You should count yourself lucky."
"I don't even know what you're talking about." Energy began to glow in Axonn's hands. "Let us go--"
Another bolt from Drandora's claws sent Axonn's mask flying off his face, weakening the powerful warrior.
"Why, it's Mallake, of course," the Vortixx hissed. "He's coming home."
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