Harry Potter Short Story: Through Death's Eyes

A Harry Potter-themed Halloween story I made last year. It's not really scary though.

Or that great.

THROUGH DEATH'S EYES
31 October, 1981

Do you know how I know when someone is about to die?

When I smell fear. And fear was particularly bleeding from the Potters' house in Godric's Hallow. 

On Halloween night, I walked with the one they called Voldemort unseen, for my cloak hid me from all. Once the Dark Lord had reached the door at the Potters' residence, I helped him in bringing it down.

I watched as a wizard--one of the Potters--attempted in vain to defeat Voldemort. It wasn't long until I took the first victim of the night.

I followed Voldemort upstairs, where a young woman and a toddler stood, trembling in fear. While the woman tried bravely to defend her child, and although the Dark Lord offered her mercy, I once again was left with another life to collect.

Now only the child remained. I was slightly surprised to see the Dark Lord aim his wand at the boy, to show that he was bold enough to kill such a young child. But who am I to care?

Just when I was about to take the boy's life, I was pushed away, as if some invisible shield had suddenly wrapped around the boy. A green light blinded me, and I was forced to flee, leaving the child and Voldemort behind for another day.

4 June, 1992

It is very rare for me to encounter a potential victim more than once, and even rarer for me to leave a scene with the soul of a person different than my initial target. 

It first started when Voldemort, and one of his servants, were trying to kill the same boy from eleven years ago--his name is Harry Potter, by the way--and get a stone forged by one of those 'immortal' ones.

When Voldemort's servant began strangling with the boy, I was prepared to finally take Potter's life, until, quite suddenly, the boy grabbed the arm that was choking him and caused it to crumble. The servant attempted to attack again, but this time, Potter grabbed his face, and in mere seconds, I had taken another's life, but not the one I was expecting....

24 June, 1995

Once again, I crossed paths again with Lord Voldemort and the Potter boy, this time at a graveyard in Little Hangleton. There were only two other potential victims: a seventeen-year-old boy, who was friends with Potter, and another one of Voldemort's servants.

The moment arrived, I was quickly given another victim. Potter's friend was sent flying by a Killing Curse. I was quick enough to catch him and send him on his way.

I watched as Voldemort tried once more to kill Potter. I figured he would most likely fail, but I was certainly not expecting four or five spirits of a few past victims of mine come out of the Dark Lord's wand. I do admit, it was quite a spectacle. But once again, much to my irritation, I was left with only one soul....

18 June, 1996

I was now at the point of going mad. Once again, Potter was in a situation where he could have gotten killed. This time though, no one was actually trying to kill him per se (from what I've gathered over the years, Voldemort had told his servants not to kill Potter).

The one who died die, though, had a rather interesting demise. How so, you ask?

Let's just say he was figuratively dropped on my front door step.

After him (I believe he was Potter's godfather), I had the tiniest hope that Potter would try to go through the Veil of Death as well, but alas, my wishes did not come true, for the boy instead went after the murderer. I did not bother to stick around, and so I left with whatever the stork dropped....

30 June, 1997

Ah...Albus Dumbledore. One of the very, very few mortals that I actually...respect, I suppose.

I respected him because he did something I have never seen anyone do; he developed a plan to die. And I'm not talking about mere suicide. He actually planned to be murdered. And what a brilliant plan it was. It would take forever to explain all of the details to you mere mortals, but in the end, one of Dumbledore's allies was to basically 'finish' what a cursed relic of Voldemort's started.

Hours before Dumbledore's planned death, I followed him and Potter to a cave, intent on finally taking Potter's life. As Dumbledore drank the poisoned potion in the cave, it made him begged to be killed, and while I truly wanted to take him right then and there, and end his misery, I decided to see how his scheme turned out.

Eventually, I followed him and Potter to a tower, where I witnessed Dumbledore's plan unfold. When he was finally killed, I had enough respect for the man to catch him when he fell.

1997-1998

Potter's close-calls were really beginning to get on my nerves.

On the 27th of June, I pursued Potter--the real one, as his friends had disguised as him--and the only souls I was given that night was an owl's and an old wizard's.

I went through the rest of the year, and into the next, taking souls left and right, none of the being Potter's. On the March of 1998, I could sense that I was needed at a manor. I grew excited when I arrived, seeing Potter being strangled by one of Voldemort's servants, but I was left with the would-be murderer instead.

Moments later, a knife was sent after a group of six, one of them being Potter, and I was hoping that the boy would be the victim. But I was proven wrong. I hate being wrong.

2 May, 1998

Do you know why I love battles and wars? To me, it's like a buffet. And I'm the only one there.

So many lives were available to me during the Battle of Hogwarts, and yet I was forced to chase Potter throughout. I followed the boy until he finally ended up in a forest. And I did not expect the reason why he was there:

He was going to get himself killed.

I didn't know whether to feel happy or guilty. 

However, when Potter used the Resurrection Stone, one of my artifacts, to summon four of the deceased, I realized something I had not before...

Potter's father had given him one of my artifacts; the Cloak of Invisibility. At the manor, when he defeated the Malfoy boy, who had unknowingly gained mastery of my Elder Wand on the night of Dumbledore's death, the wand became Potter's. And now that he had the stone...

I was conquered. Harry Potter was the Master of Death. He knew I was coming to take him...and he was prepared and unafraid. 

But did I take him there in the forest, when Voldemort finally killed the Boy Who Lived? No.

You see, when Voldemort tried to kill Potter seventeen years ago, he accidentally latched a piece of his soul onto the boy. So when the Dark Lord tried once more in the forest, he only killed that piece of his soul. Potter had escaped my clutches once again.

Now, I'm sure you're wondering; what did I do afterwards?

I'll tell you what; I gave up. I gave up trying to take Potter's life. I decided I would simply wait until his time came. 

But I did not leave Hogwarts disappointed. I managed to leave with the life of one who I had been (excuse the pun) dying to take: Voldemort. For more than sixty years had he been trying to evade me. And now I was finally able to catch him.

So I tip my hat to you, Mr. Potter. We will meet again one day, but until then, enjoy your life while you can, and be careful.

Life can be just as cruel as Death.

FIN

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Kopaka awoke with a start. His vision was a blur, but as far as he could tell, he was alone in the chamber, with no sign of Gali, Pohatu, Arashi, or the Visorak.

Noticing that he was free of restraints, the Toa Nuva of Ice took a step forward...and stopped. Something felt different. He slowly remembered the Visorak firing its Rhotuka spinner...and he froze.

He looked down at his arm...and he screamed.

*  *  *

Arashi could hear the screams of the three Toa Nuva throughout the chamber. Grinning to himself with satisfaction, he entered the chamber that held the two, unconscious Glatorian, who were being watched over by the Odaku general and Toa Hordika of Stone, Karios.

"Have you decided on what to do with them?" Arashi asked.

Karios grunted. "These two aren't anything special. They have elemental powers, but they're not as strong as a Toa's."

Arashi glared at the two warriors disdainfully. "Fine. Have them teleported away."

The Odaku general nodded as he seized the Glatorian and vanished in a flash of light. As Arashi turned to leave the chamber, he grinned again in anticipation for the events that were to come. After thousands of years of hiding, the Odaku were finally ready to strike.

*  *  *

Jaller had absolutely no idea on what he was going to do. He wasn't sure how long he had been here, lying atop the rock slab he had been put on, but it was long enough for him. He struggled with the chains for the hundredth time, knowing that it would be no use.

The door to his prison soon opened and Valdek walked in, followed by a dark-colored Matoran who Jaller found strikingly familiar. In the Toa of Shadows' hand was a small container, which held several strange looking creatures that Jaller had never seen before.

Valdek reached into the container and pulled one of the creatures out. He grinned widely at Jaller. "I kept my promise," he said. "You and Ahkmou here will make a great pair."

"Ahkmou?" Jaller stared wide-eyed at the black-armored Matoran, recognizing immediately by his ebony Kanohi Rau. Jaller remembered the mischievous Po-Matoran well from his life on the island of Mata Nui, as well as the tales the Turaga told everyone of him and his crimes.

Noticing Valdek stepping closer to him with the creature, Jaller struggled against his restraints again. "What about the Av-Matoran?" he said. "And my team?"

"The Matoran will receive the same treatment as Ahkmou," Valdek replied nonchalantly. "As for your friends, I have decided to capture them for now. The two Toa may be treated, but the others will simply be sent back to your little city. They'll prove no trouble."

Valdek deliberately dropped the strange creature and let it crawl onto Jaller.

"As you can see," the Toa of Shadows said quietly, "despite my Element, I can be quite the gentleman." 

Any other sounds in the room were drowned out by Jaller's screams.

*  *  *

The being who had intruded the Valley of the Maze admired the golden Mask of Life in his hands. A hundred thousand years ago, shortly after the mask had been forged, a Great Being had touched it, and was instantly cursed. 

But this being was unaffected by it, for he long ago had found a way to control the mask without having to be its destined user. And, as a bonus, the mask also contained the spirit of Mata Nui. The life of the Great Beings' greatest creation was in his hands.

He then turned to the ornately-designed Mask of Creation, which was on the same power-level as the Mask of Life. Only two other such masks existed, and he knew the location of at least one of them. The only problem was, said location was a mobile one.

The last reported sighting of the being known as Voporak, who carried the Great Mask of Time, was ten years ago, when the inhabitants of the Matoran Universe migrated to Spherus Magna. The future society never saw Voporak again, and as far as the being knew, the mutated Steltian had not been recruited into Valdek's new brotherhood.

Which could mean he was in the Odaku's army.

The being's musings were interrupted by the flapping of wings. He looked up to see the Queen of the Odaku herself, Scylla, as she came to a graceful landing before him. Ruby eyes peered at him from behind here azure Kanohi Avsa, the Mask of Hunger.

"My master," she said, bowing to the being. "I have come just as you requested."

"Very good, Scylla," the being responded. "I regret to inform that Valdek could not attend this meeting. He is a bit...preoccupied with building his army."

"Pity," Scylla said dryly. Her master smirked to himself. He knew that the Odaku queen held no respect over the Toa of Shadows.

"Now then, before we begin," the being said, "I must ask; do you know or have heard of a being called Voporak?"

Scylla nodded. "Yes, master. Over the past few years, my generals have been attempting to locate and recruit Voporak, but have come to no avail."

The master frowned. "That is unfortunate, because it just so happens that Voporak is currently carrying the Kanohi Vahi, the legendary Mask of Time, which is required for our plan."

Scylla's eyes glowed. "I shall do whatever it takes to find him, master," she said eagerly.

The master smiled. "Very good. You will be greatly rewarded. If you succeed."

The Odaku queen nodded. "Will that be all, master?"

"One more thing," he replied. "If you are to ever come across one of Valdek's minions, and if they ever speak the words 'Makuta' and 'reborn' in the same sentence...kill them."

Scylla looked at her master rather surprised. "May I ask why?"

"You may not."

"Very well." She spread out her wings. "It shall be done."

And with that, the Odaku queen took for the skies. Down below, her master quietly sat down and etched out another name on his list of would-be victims. It was just now that he realized that Voporak could lead him not just to the Mask of Time, but another being of great power, one he had not considered for having been missing for so long.

The Shadowed One.

The master smiled to himself. Everything was proceeding as planned....

TO BE CONTINUED

Note: it may be a while until the next volume. Most likely December or maybe next year.
EDIT 10/28/13 Or never at all. I've since decided to do a rewrite.

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

Ahkomu rather nervously followed Valdek down a long, dark corridor. Following them were were two Steltian laborers, both armed with shoulder-mounted Kanoka launchers and two Vahki staffs that Valdek was somehow able to salvage from the remains of the Matoran Universe.

Ahkmou wondered endlessly on where Valdek was taking him. Ever since he joined the fallen Toa's brotherhood ten years ago, Ahkmou had been told many times that he was important to the 'Rebirth.' However, no matter how many times he asked, he was never what the 'Rebirth' was, let alone what part he would play in it.

Valdek, Ahkmou, and their bodyguards finally reached a door at the end of the corridor. Signaling for the two Steltian brutes to stay behind, Valdek opened the door and walked in, followed closely by Ahkmou. Once they were inside, the Po-Matoran's eyes widened in shock and terror.

Laying before them, restrained by iron chains, was a large, green-armored, dragon-like creature. Surrounding it were Rahi-like creatures that Ahkmou had never seen before. They were rather large, clad in ebony armor, with long, skeletal wings.

Valdek walked up to the dragon, staring coldly into its eyes. "Hello, Makuta Miserix," he said. "I do hope the Nivawk were of no disturbance."

The dragon seemed to scowl at the Toa of Shadows. "I thought Makuta Teridax only created one of these pesky birds."

"He did," Valdek replied. "But  we have our...resources, and were able to get more under our service."

"Impossible," Miserix growled. "Only a Makuta can create Rahi."

"That may be true," Valdek said quietly. "But there are ways around that fact. However, there is one thing that we can't get around."

He took a step closer to the dragon. "You still retain the ability to create Kraata, correct?"

The Makuta snarled. "Yes..."

"Then are you able to turn them into Shadow Leeches?"

Miserix looked at the fallen Toa strangely. "Shadow Leeches? I have never heard of those."

"Ah, of course you haven't," Valdek muttered. "They were created after your...dethronation."

Ahkmou noticed that Miserix cringed at the word, but the dragon did not do or say anything about it.

"No matter," Valdek continued. "I'm sure your mask power will get the job done."

"It would," Miserix said in mock agreement. "If only I would willingly create a Kraata and use my mask for you."

A small smiled crossed Valdek's mask. "That can be arranged."

The Toa of Shadows made a gesture towards the door behind Ahkmou. The Po-Matoran quickly stepped out of the way to allow two, feminine beings entry.

"Hello, my ladies," Valdek said in a mannered way. "Our pet here is being stubborn. Make him behave."

Miserix bellowed in rage. "I am no one's pet! I am Makuta Miserix! The rightful ruler of the Brotherhood of Makuta!"

The two females did not respond to the dragon's protests. Instead, they wordlessly raised their hands, which began to crackle with white energy. Ahkmou slightly shivered when the two beings spoke with a soft, cold voice, which sounded not in the room itself, but his mind. 

"You will obey."

Miserix cringed at their voices. "Never! I am Makuta Mis-"

The voices grew louder. "You will obey!"

"No..." the Makuta groaned. "I shall not...."

"YOU WILL OBEY!"

With a loud moan, Miserix reluctantly reached into his armor and pulled out a slimy, withering, serpent-like creature. Then, the Makuta's reptilian face, which Ahkmou assued was actually his mask, began to glow. The serpent started changing shape, letting out a shrieking cry that horrified the Po-Matoran. 

Soon, it was done. Where instead there was a snake-like Kraata, was now a spiked, orb-shaped Shadow Leech. Even Miserix seemed to be startled by the results.

Valdek took the creature from the Makuta and slowly walked up to Ahkmou. "Now then," the Toa of Shadows murmured, "it is time for you to play your part."

Ahkmou, beginning to tremble in fear, backed away from him. "What...what are you going to do to me?"

Valdek smiled. "Relax, my friend. This will only hurt a little bit. And when it is over..."

He brought the Shadow Leech closer to Ahkmou's mask. "You'll be glad I did this for you."

Any other sound in the chamber was drowned out by the Po-Matoran's screams.

*  *  *

Toa Tahu stood at the center of the former fortress of the Great Beings, staring grimly at where the Mask of Life had once been. The mask that had served as a symbol of hope for the society. The mask that held the Great Spirit of Mata Nui himself within it.

We have to get it back, Tahu said to himself. Whatever reason the intruder had for stealing it, we must get it back."

He turned to the Glatorian Tarix, who was standing at his side. "How are Artakha and Umbra?" Tahu asked.

"They are recovering," Tarix assured. "Artakha had the most serious injury though. In fact, I'd dare say his attacker was actually deliberately trying to murder him, instead of simply taking his mask."

Tahu grimaced at the thought. "The same person who murdered Karzahni and the Glatorian in Atero?"

Tarix nodded. "If they are indeed one and the same, yes. But if they're not..." He looked back at the Mask of Life's empty pedestal, frowning. "Then we may have a new crisis at hand."

Tahu said nothing in reply, for he could now confirm that his worst fears had come true....

*  *  *

As Axonn walked back into the Order of Mata Nui's headquarters, several things were on his mind. Were the Odaku still alive and active? And if so, would he and the others be ready to stop them?

"I'm back, Jerbraz," Axonn said, using his Mask of Truth to detect the invisible warrior's presence. "I've spoken with Turaga Virun...and I still don't believe I can train these new Toa."

"I somewhat figured you would say that," Jerbraz muttered. "That's why I looked for someone who could."

An unseen hand opened a door to allow a Toa of Ice to walk in, wearing a rather cold expression on his Kanohi mask.

"This is Toa Kolak," Jerbraz said. "He was once leader of a Toa Hagah team that protected a Makuta named Sharik. After Teridax's team rebelled, most of Kolak's team were killed, but a few members managed to survive because Sharik was rather...apathetic on the whole incident."

Axonn nodded and shook the Toa's hand. "Good to meet you, Toa Kolak. I do believe you'll do a better hob training Taron and the others than I could."

"Well, I have done it before," Kolak said with a smirk. Letting go of Axonn's hand, he headed for the exit. "I guess I'll go see what they're made of."

Axonn chuckled. "Good luck." He quietly added, "We're all going to need it."

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

Kopaka woke up to a blinding sense of pain. It appears that Savage person gave me a pounding of a life time, he thought. Once his mind cleared, he realized that the large being himself was dragging him into a chamber. 

The Toa Nuva of Ice was then forced up to his feet and thrown against a wall, which suddenly sprouted chains that restrained Kopaka to where he stood. To his surprise, as Kopaka observed his surroundings in the chamber, he noticed Toa Gali and Pohatu standing besides, both restrained and unconscious. Ackar and Vastus, however, were nowhere to be seen.

The door to the chamber opened again, allowing Arashi to stride in, followed by several spider-like creatures that Kopaka recognized almost immediately with horror.

Visorak...

Arashi came to a stop before the three captive Toa and grinned widely. "I will admit," he said, "I am quite surprised that you survived Savage's...treatment. However, we cannot have you awake during the transformation."

He gestured to a Visorak Roporak, which was charging up its Rhotuka spinner. Kopaka knew of its power to knock out others unconscious, having been told such during Turaga Vakama's tale of the Great Rescue. He also knew what the Visorak were going to do to him afterwards....

"Now then," Arashi continued, "before we begin, I must ask you something. Have you heard of a Toa Hordika?"

Kopaka glared at him. "Yes..."

"Have you now?" Arashi said in genuine surprise. "Well then, you must have heard of the Hordika Venom, which the Visorak naturally carry. However, they're not the only beings to carry the venom.

"According to legend, years ago, during the League of Six Kingdoms' era, our queen discovered a creature named, fittingly enough, the Hordika. Queen Scylla fought the creature and managed to defeat it. She then took a large sample of the Hordika's venom and decided to test it on a group of Toa she had captured. And thus, the Odaku were born."

"So you're a Toa Hordika," Kopaka muttered. "Same with Savage?"

"Yes," Arashi replied, grinning like a madman again. "And in a few moments, it will be the same with you."

The Toa Hordika stepped aside and Kopaka saw the Roporak fire its Rhotuka before everything went black.

*  *  *

Tahu sighed as he stood at the entrance of New Atero, starting out towards where Jaller and Kopaka's teams had left.

"I'm getting concerned," he said to Turaga Vakama, who was standing beside him. "I told Jaller to send Johmak back here to report on their status after a day, but no word has been sent." 

"Toa Helryx did warn us about the mad Great Being," Vakama noted. "As unfortunate as it may be, they may have encountered him."

Tahu shook his head at the thought, not wanting to believe it. "And what about Kopaka's group? He said he would send Pohatu running back here to report on their status as well."

Vakama gave a sad sigh. "I understand your concern, Toa Tahu. But give them time. After all, Spherus Magna is a world which we don't know everything about. Surprises may come at every turn."

Tahu nodded, although he still remained concerned. As he turned around to head back for the Great Temple, he heard a faint call in the distance. Turning back, he was the young Toa Krakua rushing towards Atero. Tahu and Vakama hurried to meet him.

"Krakua, what are you doing here?" Tahu asked. "Aren't you supposed to be guarding the Valley of the Maze?"

The young Toa of Sonics took a few seconds to catch his breath before speaking. "Someone...got into the maze. Umbra and the Melding Teridax...are knocked out. Artakha sent me here...to get help."

"If help is needed, then help will be sent," Tahu said. "I'll get the Order of Mata Nui to send as many members as they can. Turaga, take Krakua to-"

"No," Krakua said sternly. "I need to help as well."

Tahu was about to protest but decided there was no time to argue. "Find whatever vehicles you can then. If someone has intruded the valley, then we have to get there. Fast."

*  *  *

The Makuta Teridax of the Melding groaned as he struggled to get to his feet. Beside him laid Umbra, whom the attacker had knocked out unconscious. As he slowly raised himself up, Teridax could see Artakha nearby, searching desperately for the intruder.  

The attacker had come out of nowhere, leaping onto Umbra's shoulders and knocking him out with a stone club. Teridax did not get a good look at the stranger before they attacked him as well.

Artakha was now scanning the walls of the valley with his eyes. As far as either of them could tell, the intruder was nowhere to be seen.

Suddenly, a voice quietly spoke, coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. "A Kikanalo's size does not match a stone rat's brain."

Artakha narrowed his eyes, searching everywhere for the mysterious being. "That may be true," he said. "But that needn't mean that all large Rahi are unintelligent."

"Which means they're too powerful to leave alive," the voice said softly. "Which also applies to you."

The attacker leaped out of the shadows, landing onto Artakha's shoulders and plunging a blade into a small gap in his armor, weakening him. Before the stranger could deliver a fatal blow, Teridax ran towards them, holding his Warhammer in a swinging position. The intruder jumped out of the way before he could swing his weapon however, but not before removing Artakha's mask from his face.

The being swiftly moved deeper into the maze, avoiding all of the prepared traps so easily, it was almost as if the being already had knowledge of them and was thus prepared. Teridax took pursuit, dodging Thornax balls and fire blasts everywhere he turned. He finally reached the fortress at the maze's center, but soon realized that he was already too late.

Standing at the very top of the fortress was the intruder, his brown armor reflecting in the sunlight, his eyes glowing menacingly from behind his mask. 

And in his left hand, glistening like the sun, was the Mask of Life.

With a cruel smile, the being leaped up from his position on top of the fortress and vanished before Teridax's horrified eyes.

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

"The Odaku?" Zuken said in confusion. "I've never heard of them."

"I have," Axonn muttered, staring hard at Turaga Virun. "How do you know of them?"

Virun gave a dry chuckle. "I take it that you've never heard of the Toa Dragar. Many years ago, shortly after the League of Six Kingdoms fell, the Toa Dragar were the protectors of the Northern Continent. Peace did not last there as long as we had hoped, however. Without warning, the Odaku attacked and nearly decimated the region. If it weren't for Toa Siddari's efforts, who knows what could have happened.

"After Siddari became a Turaga, the Toa Dragar broke up. I have no idea where the others went off to, or if they're even still alive. But as for myself, I eventually settled on the Southern Continent, after using the last of my Toa Power to create three new Toa."

"But you made them shortly before Makuta Teridax's reign," Axonn noted. "Whereas the Odaku were defeated thousands of years before that. What did you do during that time?"

Virun looked up at him with a dark, cold gaze. "For the most part, I wandered through the Northern Continent as a hermit of sorts, until..."

The Turaga of Air gave a small shudder. "Until I broke the Toa Code."

"You broke the Toa Code?" Zuken repeated in surprise. "How?"

"The ending of it should be predictable," Virun grunted. "There was a rogue group of Skakdi terrorizing a village of Matoran. I tried to settle the conflict peacefully, but when one of those slimy barbarians killed a Matoran, I...returned the favor."

He looked up at the Le-Matoran and Axonn. "There you have it," the Turaga said bitterly. "My life's story. If that will be all, you may leave."

Axonn looked down sadly at him. "Everyone makes mistakes, Turaga. Yours happened thousands of years ago. It's time to let go of the past and make sure the people of the next generation don't repeat your mistake."

Virun simply glared at him. "Tell that to the Matoran who shunned me."

Axonn sighed in defeat and strode out of the hut. Zuken lingered for a brief moment to give Virun a meaningful look before leaving as well, leaving the Turaga alone in his cold, dark room.

*  *  *

Jaller awoke to find himself lying across a stone slab withing a dark chamber. He attempted to get up, but quickly realized that his arms and legs were restrained to the slab by chains. He tried to project enough heat from his arms to burn the chains, but came to no avail.

A quiet voice chuckled, sounding across the chamber. "Don't bother," it murmured. "I would be a very bad captor if I put you in restraints that weren't heat-resistant."

Jaller strained his head to look up, searching for the source of the voice. He activated his Mask of Sonar and detected the presence o a being looming over him in the shadows.

"Who are you?" Jaller demanded. "What have you done with my friends?"

The stranger laughed. "I have done nothing with them. They are still in Bota Magna, wondering where you've ran off to."

A large figure stepped forward. "As for who I am...you may call me Valdek."

Jaller narrowed his eyes angrily at the being. "Valdek...you're the one who captured the Av-Matoran, aren't you?"

The figure let out another chuckle. "Yes, I have captured...a few. Now how did you figure that out?"

"Someone...told me."

"Yes, I would imagine word would eventually get out." A towering silhouette circled around the Toa of Fire. "I have good reasons for capturing them...and you."

"And those would be...?"

"I am rebuilding the Brotherhood of Makuta," Valdek explained. "Rebuilding it into something better, stronger! I have gathered the remnants of the Makuta's army, as well as the remaining Barraki warlords. With the Av-Matoran in my hands, I can change them into Shadow Matoran, and eventually Toa of Shadow."

"So where do I come in?" Jaller asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Valdek replied. "You're going to serve as a test for our Toa of Shadows!"

*  *  *

"Any sign of him?" Nuparu asked Johmak as the many crystalline that comprised her form took shape.

"None," Johmak answered. "He couldn't have gone far, so he was either teleported away or..."   

She did not finish her sentence, but the others felt the meaning of her unsaid words.

"We have to find him," Hewkii finally said. "Whatever happened to him must have been what to happened to the Matoran, which means Valdek must be behind this!"

"If he is at all," Trinuma noted. "It could just be a ploy set up by Vezon and his Great Being friend."

"But why would they frame Valdek?" Kiina asked. "From the sounds of it, it seems that you're the one of the few who actually knows this person."

"Perhaps," Trinuma muttered. The nine-foot-tall being looked out towards the darkness of the jungle and sighed. "Very well," he said. "Let's go find Valdek, and hopefully Jaller and the Matoran as well."

As the team of six moved out, none of them noticed a large, scorpion-like creature watching over them. If any of them did when it struck, it was too late.

*  *  *

"Are they gone?"

"Yes," Turaga Virun answered. "They have left."

A silhouette shifted in the shadows. "Karzahni is dead. I have not killed Tren Krom yet, but he is next on the list. Helryx is of no danger...yet, which leaves only Artakha."

"I know where he is," Virun said. "He is in the desert region, most likely near where the Mask of Life is being held. The Order of Mata Nui has placed as many protections as they can on the mask. Artakha is one of them."

"Interesting," the Turaga's companion murmured. "You have certainly proven your use, Virun. If all goes well, you may be granted a place among gods."

Virun smiled. "I would humble and eternally grateful, master."

The door opened, but the light strangely did not illuminate the silhouette. "I shall return," the being said. "And when I do, we'll be one step close to restoring the golden age of the Great Beings."

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

The rising sun rose over Tesara, its light breaking through the trees, reflecting off of Axonn's silver armor as he walked through the village of the Jungle Tribe.

Various Agori and Le-Matoran looked up from their activities, slightly startled by Axonn's towering appearance, as well as the red and silver colors of his armor, which were different from that of the villagers' emerald colors.

Emerging from one of the village's huts was a green-colored Turaga, with a saw tipped staff in his hand. With curious eyes, Turaga Matau spoke. "What brings you to Tesara, mighty Axonn?" he asked.

"I am here to speak with a person known as Virun," Axonn replied. "From what I hear, he is a Turaga and resides somewhere here in Tesara."

Matau scratched the chin of his mask. "Virun? I can't say I've heard that name before."

"I have."

All eyes turned to a Le-Matoran that stood out from the crowd. Although his colors and armor matched those of the other Matoran, his bestial appearance resembled more of that of the Jungle Agori, albeit a bit more crooked. Axonn presumed this Matoran was one of the ones 'repaired' by Karzahni centuries ago.

The giant warrior tilted his head at the Matoran. "Have you?" he asked.

The Le-Matoran nodded. "Long ago, Turaga Virun was a member of the Toa Dragar, a Toa team from the Northern Continent. Something happened there though, and so he came to the Southern Continent and made one of my friends a Toa."

Axonn nodded. "Interesting. Do you know where he is?"

"His hut is somewhere deep in the forst," the Matoran answered. "He doesn't appreciate visitors, though."

"He'll have to make an exception this time," Axonn muttered. "Lead me to him."

*  *  *

The two of them soon found the hut exactly where the Le-Matoran had said: a place deep in Tesara's jungle, hidden by the trees and bushes and isolated from the rest of the village.

Axonn and the Matoran walked up to the hut's door and the latter gave a light knock.

"Who is it?" a weak voice said from behind the door.

"It's me, Zuken," the Le-Matoran said. "Remember? From the Southern Continent?"

The voice's speaker seemed to hesitate before answering. "Enter..."

Zuken opened the door and he and Axonn stepped in. Inside, the room was shrouded in near darkness, with the only light being a sole candle. Opposite of the door sat a small, frail figure, clad in old, dark green armor, and wearing a Noble Mask of Concealment on his face. His dark red eyes glanced up at his two visitors and, to Axonn's surprised, was unfazed by his presence.

In a weak voice that matched his frail appearance, Turaga Virun spoke. "Hello, Axonn. I was wondering when I would see you again..."

"I'm surprised you remember me," Axonn muttered. "It has been a hundred thousand years."

Virun let out a raspy chuckle. "True, it has. But how can I forget that day, when I was a Matoran, and you conquered Dragar Nui."

Axonn frowned. "I'd rather not think about those days. Anyway, I need some...answers. I've been told that you made three Matoran - Taron, Nira, and Leran - into Toa...and requested that I train them."

A faint smile crossed Virun's mask. "Indeed I did, because you were the greatest warrior I ever knew."

Axonn gave the Turaga a curious look. "Really? And why couldn't you train them?"

The smile vanished as Virun sighed heavily. "Because I failed myself as a Toa many years ago."

It was Zuken's turn to ask, "What do you mean?"

The old Turaga looked up and gazed sadly at his two visitors. "Have you ever heard of the Odaku?"

*  *  *

Arashi took long strides down the hallway which led to Ryousan Fortress' throne room, dragging two unconscious Toa, Gali and Pohatu. The Odaku general grinned to himself, anticipating the fate that awaited he two Toa. The same fate he received so many years ago.

Thousands years ago, years before the Great Cataclysm, the Toa Dragar served as the valiant protectors of the Northern Continent. They were hailed as the greatest heroes ever born to Mata Nui. But that all came to a tragic end when the army of the Odaku attacked.

Comprised of mutated Toa and Rahi, the Odaku attacked without mercy. Many were killed, and it all seemed hopeless until the Toa Dragar's leader managed to defeat the King of the Odaku. The Odaku fled, but not before capturing one of the Toa's own: Arashi.

The Odaku transformed Arashi into one of their own. He would then become a general under the Queen, and lead another attack on the Northern Continent centuries before the Cataclysm. Since then, the Odaku had remained in hiding while Makuta Teridax carried out his Grand Plan. But after ten years since his death, now was the time to act.

Arashi opened the stone door which led to the Queen's throne room. The moment he stepped in, he immediately felt a cold air fill the chamber. Sitting in a dark throne was Queen Scylla herself, her black and azure armor glistening from the light of the torches. Standing before her was a large, gold-skinned being, with emerald eyes glowing from its reptilian face.

Noticing Arashi, the golden being turned to face him, glancing at the two unconscious Toa. "And just what has compelled you to drag in these filth here?"

Arashi scowled. "Nothing you would understand, scum." He turned to the Queen. "Your Highness, what is this...creature?"

From behind her blue mask, Scylla's scarlet eyes glared at him. "He is not a simple creature, general," she said coldly. "This is Odirak."

The golden being grinned. "Indeed, although I tend to go by different names at times. My creators, for one, like to call me the Irnakk."

Arashi slowly nodded, still in a state of surprise from the creature's appearance. "Anyway, my queen, I have brought two of the Toa we captured for...testing."

"And the third one?" Scylla asked.

Arashi grinned. "Savage is handling him. He seems to be more...defiant than the others. But don't worry, your Highness. He'll soon be one of us."

A small smile touched Scylla's lips. "Very good, general." She turned to Odirak. "Would you mind taking them to the recruitment chamber?"

The golden being chuckled. "Certainly, my lady."

He seized the two Toa from Arashi and slowly strode out of the throne room. Once Arashi was sure Odirak was out of hearing distance, the general turned to Scylla. "Er, your Highness, what is he doing here, and where is he from?"

Scylla did not look at him as she spoke. "Odirak is a new ally of ours. General Karios found him near the shores of Aqua Magna, along with an army of Skakdi. Karios and I were able to convince him to join our forces."

"I see," Arashi muttered. "So then, since the new society between the Matoran and the other species on this planet have gathered the courage to trek near our territory...do you think it is now time to strike?"

The queen gave a dry, mirthless laugh. "Yes, general. I do believe now may be the time."

She slowly rose up from her throne. "But first, there is a certain matter that requires my attendance."

To Arashi's startlement, a pair of azure wings unfolded from the queen's back, and, with a pounce, she flew through an opening in the room's ceiling, headed for whatever destination she had in mind....

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

After Jaller had told his teammates about the Great Being he encountered in the cave, as well as being told about the individual known as Valdek, they were all left in surprise and wonder. The though of an actual Great Being residing near where they now stood, along with the idea of him actually helping them, came as a shock.

It was Trinuma who finally broke the silence that had hovered over them. "I've heard of Valdek."

The others looked at him in surprise. "Really?" Hewkii asked.

The nine-foot-tall being nodded, his eyes filled with coldness. "He used to be a member of a Toa team sent to find the Mask of Life, thousands of years ago. During the journey, they encountered a rogue being - most likely a Makuta - who used a Mask of Hunger to drain Valdek of his original element, making him a Toa of Shadows.

"The Order of Mata Nui was alerted of this, and I was sent to take care of the two of them. I managed to defeat the Kanohi Avsa wearer and Valdek, and had Botar send them to the Pit."

"Wait a minute," Nuparu said. "If Valdek was in the Pit during the Great Cataclysm, he would have been killed or freed, right?"

"I'd imagine so," Trinuma muttered.

"So if he wasn't killed, then he must have escaped to somewhere," Nuparu went on. "But why didn't he make himself known? And why didn't Makuta consider him a threat or an ally during his reign?"

"Those are questions that we can't answer until we find this Valdek," Jaller said. "Besides, our top priority are the Matoran. If Valdek is behind this, and the Great Being is telling the truth, then they can't be far."-

Gresh glanced up at the small patch of sky left uncovered by the trees and noticed the sun setting.

"It's getting dark," the young Glatorian said. "We should rest for now. Besides, I've heard from Vastus about Bota Magna, during the Core War. At night, it would be so dark, you couldn't even see your hands!"

Jaller nodded. "Fine. We'll rest for a few hours, and then leave at the break of dawn."

As the team of seven set up camp, with Trinuma standing guard, Jaller could've sworn he felt the same, chilly wind from the cave pass his neck.

*  *  *

Tuma had no idea how long he and Ahkmou had been trudging through the Wastelands, but the hear was becoming too much for him to handle any longer.

"How much farther, runt?" he snarled at the Agori-like being.

Ahkmou gave him a smirk that irritated the former Skrall ruler. "Call me insults, will you? If I could, I would just leave you here for the Vorox."

"But you can't now, can you?" Tuma growled. "Now answer my question."

"Not much further," Ahkmou replied. "Try to be more patient next time, all right?"

It was very hard for Tuma to restrain the urge to strangle the small being.

The two of them went on. Tuma's feet began to hurt as the sand became steeper and steeper. Just as he was about to make another comment, Ahkmou suddenly stopped, staring out into the distance. Before Tuma could say anything, the Agori-like being said something in a strange language, and the sand beneath their feet suddenly gave way, sending the two of them plummeting into a dark chamber.

As Tuma struggled to get back to his feet, he heard a cold voice quietly ring throughout the room. "Hello, Tuma."

The ex-tyrant looked up, searching the room for the source of the voice, but he only saw Ahkmou standing nearby.

"Where am I?" Tuma growled. "Show yourself!"

The voice gave a low chuckle. "Well, I was going to give you a dramatic introduction, but since you are so impatient, I may as well heed your request."

Stepping out of the shadows was a large being, almost as tall as Tuma. He wore black and dark red armor, as well as a long, flowing cape, and a mask that was quite frightening, so much that Tuma couldn't have been able to describe it.

In a soft, quiet voice that contrasted his fearsome appearance, the being spoke. "I am Valdek, leader of the Reborn Brotherhood."

"Ah, so you must be the one who sent this runt for me." Tuma's eyes narrowed at the being. "Why do you require my services?"

Valdek seemed to think for a moment, almost as if he himself did not know the answer. "A very good question," he finally said. "But I'm afraid I can not answer it just yet. Right now, I need you to...educate me. Despite it having been ten years, I am still new to Spherus Magna."

He took a small step towards Tuma. "I want to learn more about the Skrall, and their involvement in the Core War."

Tuma eyed Valdek wearily. "Why do you want me to 'educate' you? In fact, why do you even care?"

A small smile crossed Valdek's mask. "Because I need your knowledge, Tuma. The Brotherhood needs it. And once we have it, I will grant you a high position within our ranks."

He tilted his head. "And perhaps I can restore your power over the Rock Tribe and the Skrall."

It was Tuma's turn to smile. "It's a deal then."

*  *  *

Jaller stared at the crackling flame before him. After failing to fall asleep, the Toa Mahri of Fire had decided to stand in for Trinuma as guard, using a small flame to see through the darkness of the jungle.

Now I really wish we brought Takanuva along, he thought. In fact, maybe his old friend, being a Toa of Light, had some way to detect his fellow Av-Matoran. That would certainly make this journey a lot easier for him.

A startling snap broke Jaller from his musings. The Toa of Fire jumped up to his feet and brought out his Power Sword. As he used the fire in his hand to enlighten his vision, he heard a strange sound, which sounded like a hiss and a click at the same time.

Slowly and carefully, he took a step forward, sword held in a defensive position, ready for any attack. For the longest time, he remained motionless, listening sharply for the noise again. When he did not hear anything, Jaller slightly relaxed. Perhaps he only imagined the noise.

Just as he was about to sit back down, a mass of green and black leaped out of the shadows and pounced on to him, pinning the Toa of Fire to the ground. The creature's green head leaned in towards Jaller, its twin pincers snapping violently. Jaller struggled to free himself, trying to use a flicker of fire to ward off the beast, but his attempts came to no avail.

A large tail curled up behind the creature's head. At its end was a weapon that somewhat resembled the Thornax launchers that the Glatorian carried. A ball of red energy materialized in the weapon's socket, and the last thing Jaller heard was what sounded like a hiss and a click.

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

"Is there some unwritten rule somewhere that we must always end up in a bad situation?" Toa Pohatu asked as he, Kopaka, Gali, Vastus, and Ackar were led through the beach of Aqua Magna by the twelve beings that had captured them.

Kopaka glanced at him from the front of the line they had been organized in. "If there is," the Toa Nuva of Ice said, "then the Great Beings must like playing cruel tricks on us."

"Quiet!" snarled one of the emerald beings.

The captive Toa and Glatorian trudged on through the sands with their captors. After nearly twenty minutes, the leader of the beings stopped, and the others followed suit. From behind his back, the leader brought out a long, simple-designed staff and stuck it into the ground. A blue wave of light shone over them, and Kopaka suddenly felt as if the world was spinning. 

The sensation only lasted a few seconds, but when it stopped, the Toa of Ice was still left dizzy and nauseated. He barely felt a strong hand seize him by the shoulder as the leader's voice rang in his ear.

"Welcome, my friends, to Ryousan."

*  *  *

"So what do you think of our new Toa?"

The voice caused Axonn to jump as he walked through a corridor in the Order of Mata Nui's base. He raised his axe up in a defensive position, but soon lowered it when his mask allowed him to see who it was.

"My, I certainly have a habit of doing that," the invisible being said.

Axonn sighed. "Hello, Jerbraz. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

The invisible being chuckled. "Certainly has. But you still haven't answered my question."

A slight frown crossed Axonn's mask. "Well, they're certainly better than a stupid Skakdi," he said, part jokingly. "But they're also reckless, and have no control over their abilities."

The giant warrior let out another, exasperated sigh. "You should have picked someone else to train them. I'm not the type to train Toa."

"Actually," Jerbraz said, "according to the Turaga who made them Toa, you were the first choice he had in mind."

Axonn gave an inquisitive look at the empty space before him. "Their Turaga? How does he know me?"

"I wouldn't know," Jerbraz said. "But he's an elder from Tesara, and he goes by the name of Virun."

The name rung a familiar bell in Axonn's head. The warrior turned around to head back the way he came. 

"Well then," he said. "I suppose I'll pay him a visit."

*  *  *

Ever since Taron was a Ta-Matoran living on the Northern Continent, he had always dreamed of being a Toa warrior, despite being constantly ridiculed for it by his friends.

Every week, Turaga Siddari, the elder of the Matoran in the continent's western region, would tell the villagers tales of the many adventures of the Toa Dragar. Taron was greatly inspired by these tales, and became one of the few who regularly attended the Turaga's story sessions.

These tales all came to an end sadly, when the Odaku attacked. To this day, no one knows of who or what they were, but they invaded the Northern Continent riding a strange, winged, reptilian Rahi creature of sorts. In their wake, the Odaku brought chaos and destruction. Villages were demolished, and hundreds were killed, including Turaga Siddari.

News finally reached the region's overseer, Makuta Sakron, who sent his Toa Hagah team to scare the Odaku off. Afterwards, Taron and the other surviving villagers were relocated to the Tren Krom Peninsula, located on the continent's southeastern coast. There they remained for the next two thousand years.

For a time, Taron would forget about his dreams of becoming a Toa, until one day, a week before Makuta Teridax took over the Matoran Universe, a Toa of Air came to the Peninsula and gave Taron and his friend Nira Toa Stones.

The Toa then left the continent without saying a word to the two.

*  *  *

Taron, Nira, and Leran immediately stopped as they walked into New Atero and heard a scream echo throughout the city.

The three rookie Toa followed the source of the cry and soon found a group of Matoran, Agori, and Glatorian surrounding a red-armored, female Glatorian of the Fire Tribe crying over the deceased body of an Ice Tribe Glatorian.

A Glatorian armored in blue and gold crouched down beside the woman. "How did this happen?" he asked softly.

"I don't know, Tarix," the red Glatorian sobbed. "I turned my back on him to speak with Perditus, and then I saw him here dead!"

Tarix frowned and looked at the gathered crowd. "Did any of you see this man get murdered?"

All of the villagers and warriors shook their heads. Tarix sighed and got to his feet. "I'll inform the Order of Mata Nui and the Toa Hagah," he said. Turning to a nearby Glatorian, he added, "Gelu, organize an investigation team and find out who this murderer is."

He looked back down at the dead Glatorian sadly. "And Perditus, help me carry his body away."

The crowd soon disperse, and Taron and the other Toa were left in shock and confusion.

"Well...this is bad," Leran muttered after a moment of silence.

Nira glared at him. "You think? Someone just got murdered right here in New Atero! Without anyone noticing!"

"Which means anyone could die at any time," Taron added. He stared at the spot where the dead Glatorian once laid. 

"Yeah," the Toa of Fire murmured. "This is bad."

*  *  *

When Kopaka's head finally cleared, the Toa Nuva of Ice found himself sitting in a cold, stone cell, with only a single ray of light coming from a narrow window. As far as he could see, he was alone, with no sight of Gali and the others.

Suddenly, a large door swung open, letting out a thunderous boom as it crashed against the wall. Standing in the doorway was a large, black armored being, with scarlet eyes blazing behind his dark face. From behind the giant came the same green-armored being who had captured Kopaka and his team. A cruel smile crept onto the being's emerald face.

"Ah good, you're awake." He gestured to the large being. "This here is Savage. He used to be a Dark Hunter, until we though he belonged with us instead."

Kopaka scowled. "Should I care?"

"I suppose not," the green being said, chuckling. "Now then, my name is Arashi, general of the Odaku. And you must be the great Toa Kopaka, am I correct?"

An icy glare was the only response.

Arashi laughed without mirth. "Good. Now that we are all accomplices, I will leave Savage here with you. Have fun!"

With a mocking wave, Arashi slipped out of the room. Taking a deep inhale of breath, Kopaka braced himself as the burly giant Savage approached him, his large fists raised high....

END OF CHAPTER

TRIVIA/NOTE: The word/name Odaku is derived from a discontinued theme from Mega Bloks. I own a dragon toy from that line, so I put in the Odaku and names like Siddari as an homage.

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

"We should have brought Kongu along," Hewkii muttered as he observed the vast jungle of Bota Magna. "Actually, we should've brought any Toa of Air or Plant Life..."

"Well, we have Gresh," Kiina replied. "I think that's more than enough."

Jaller stepped off of the dune chariot and moved ahead of the group. Looking around, he could see nothing but several large, towering trees and hanging vines. If the missing Av-Matoran were here, it would take forever to find them.

"Johmak, do you thing you could scout ahead?" Jaller asked the black-armored Order of Mata Nui agent.

Johmak nodded and shattered herself into a million crystalline shards, flying like a swarm of insects through the jungle. The others waited a few minutes for her to return, and soon enough, the black crystals reassembled themselves before Jaller.

"There's a cave up ahead," Johmak told the Toa of Fire. "I'm not sure what's in it, but I felt a faint aura of energy around it. The Matoran could be in there."

Jaller nodded. "Lead the way."

The Toa, Glatorian, and Triunuma followed Johmak through the jungle, cutting through vines that got in their way. When they finally reached the cave, Jaller immediately felt the aura of energy Johmak had mentioned. He signaled for the others to stop. Igniting a small fire in his hand, Jaller slowly and cautiously stepped towards the mouth of the cave.

Inside, it seemed to be completely dark, as if a Makuta had died in it, and his elemental Shadow powers had lingered on.

Sure makes me wish we brought Takanuva along, Jaller thought.

However, the moment he stepped into the cave, the fire in his hand immediately went out. A chilly wind passed over him. He suddenly felt as if he was cut off from the world, as if Hewkii, Johmak, and the others were no longer there.

A quiet, raspy voice filled the air, like the cave itself was speaking. "Who...and what...are you?"

Jaller tried to speak, but an invisible tendril wrapped around his neck, choking him. The voice chuckled dryly as the Toa of Fire felt himself raised off the ground.

"I recognize the material," the voice hissed. "Protodermis, yes...you are one of our...creations."

Jaller's eyes widened, but he quickly closed them so that they didn't pop out. A Great Being, he thought. I'm in the presence of a Great Being....

The voice laughed again. "That you are," it said. "You know, I was wondering when I would see another of your kind again..."

As the tendril pulled Jaller further into the cave, he suddenly felt his mask begin to twitch.

"Ten years ago," the Great Being went on, "I was visited by eight beings from your universe. As they debated on whether to free me from my prison, I decided to provoke one of them - Miserix, I think his name was. I managed to get him angry enough to severe my living chains. My friend Vezon was then able to teleport me away."

Vezon? The name echoed bitterly in Jaller's head. He remembered the half-Skakdi well, as he had been an obstacle in the Toa Inika's quest for the Mask of Life. And last time he heard, Vezon was an accomplice of the mad Great Being Helryx and the others encountered.

"Now then," the Great Being said. "What brings you here?"

The tendrils lessened their grip to allow Jaller to speak. "We're in search of several Matoran of Light who disappeared," the Toa of Fire said. "We came here to Bota Magna because we thought you were behind it."

"Me?" The Great Being sounded offended. "Why would I harm my own creations?"

When Jaller did not answer, the mad Great Being laughed once more. "While I am certainly not the one who captured these Matoran, I do have an...idea on who did."

Jaller looked into the cave's shadows curiously. "Who then> And how would you know?"

"The latter question, I will chose not to answer. As for the first..." An eerie silence briefly filled the air. "As for the first, I have heard the name of a being who has been up to something very suspicious. His name, I believe, is Valdek."

*  *  *

In any society, it would have been considered pathetic to see a large, empowering figure trudge through the Wastelands, and collapse to the ground, partially burying themselves into the sand.

But Tuma no longer saw himself as empowering, especially after losing to a mere Glatorian warrior before the eyes of his very own tribe. For this, he was shamed and exiled by the Skrall to the Wastelandse, where he had since been living for a decade now.

He could not bear it anymore. After living in a cave for so long, with very little food or water, it was best to just end it here and now, and let the sand take him away.

"That's not a very good way to die, you know," a voice suddenly said.

Tuma looked up to see a small, Agori-like being, clad in armor the same color as the sand he stood on, and a black, oval-shaped mask.

The former Skrall leader scowled at the stranger. "Spare me your opinion, runt," he growled. "I wish to die in peace."

The stranger let out a sharp laugh, one which made Tuma cringe. "You won't be dying today, I'm afraid. You're needed."

"Needed?" Tuma spat. "Since when? I've been exiled by my own kind! I've been shamed by them! All because I lost to that fancy Glatorian!"

The stranger smirked. "That is pretty sad. Pathetic even. In fact, if I were anyone else, I would just leave you here to rot."

To Tuma surprise, the being held out a small hand. "But believe it or not, you are indeed needed. So it is best that you come with me."

Tuma looked at the hand with contempt. "And if I refuse?"

The stranger shrugged. "Then we'll both die, because I was ordered to find you, and if I returned empty-handed, my master would kill me."

Tuma contemplated the offer. Was it better to die here? Or to go to a group of beings where, just maybe, they would respect him, and perhaps restore his former glory?

Soon, the former ruler of the Skrall rose out of the sand. The stranger smirked. "Guess all of those years as a trader paid off."

"I have no idea what that's supposed to mean," Tuma growled. "Would it be...inappropriate to ask for your name?"

"Not at all," the stranger said, still wearing his smirk. "My name is Ahkmou."

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

Toa Taron winced as another deflected bolt of fire hit him in the shoulder. He, Leran, and Nira had been training with Axonn for who knows how long, hurling their elemental powers at him. 

And yet the giant warrior was still warming up. "Please, is that really all?" Axonn said tauntingly. "I've seen brainless Skakdi runts fight better than you!"

Taron narrowed his eyes darkly, his hands crackling with fire. He charged towards Axonn, unleashing two blasts of fire at the warrior. Axonn simply raised his Protosteel axe to block the attack, deflecting the fire. He then brought his axe down to the ground, sending a huge seismic wave that sent Taron flying off his feet. The Toa of Fire landed with a painful groan, and needed Nira and Leran to help him back onto his feet.

Axonn let out a partially mirthless laugh. "I honestly expected a lot more from a Toa, even a rookie." Toa Taron's surprise, he gave a kind smile at him. "But then again, what do I know about Toa?"

Axonn lifted up his axe and turned around to leave. "That's enough for one day. Class dismissed."

The three Toa simply watched as the giant warrior walked out of the room. After a moment of silence, Toa Leran finally spoke. 

"This is going to be a long week," the Toa of Air muttered.

"Tell me about it," Nira said. "Well, we should better get some rest for tomorrow."

Taron snorted. "We need the endurance of a Kikanalo for tomorrow."

The three Toa shared a good, yet slightly nervous laugh. As they began to leave the training room, Taron suddenly felt as if a pair of eyes were staring down upon him. But when he turned around, he saw nothing.

The Toa of Fire simply shrugged the feeling off and continued to follow Nira and Leran.

*  *  *

Toa Kopaka observe the vast sea which made up Aqua Magna from the driver seat of his dune chariot. As he, Gali, and Pohatu got off the vehicle, Vastus and Ackar drove up in a modified Kaxium vehicle lended to them by the Agori.

Kopaka took the time to take in the view, amazed by the fact that it was near this region, eleven years ago, that he awoke on the island of Mata Nui.

Time flies, the Toa Nuva of Ice thought. He turned around and looked towards the Bota Magnaa jungle far off in the distance, where Jaller and his team were searching for the missing Av-Matoran as well. He then adjusted the telescopic lens on his mask, scanning the nearly barren beach, although he could see caves and large cliff sides which, if one were to climb them, led straight off into the jungle.

Eventually, Toa Pohatu broke the peaceful silence that had fallen. "Well, no Matoran from as far as I can see."

"They're obviously hidden," Kopaka muttered. "I remember that Norik told me that this is where he and the other Toa Hagah found the golden Skakdi beast's fortress was."

Gali stepped toward the shoreline and crouched down, putting her hands into the water. Closing her eyes, she felt the currents, which somehow 'communicated' with her and gave her information. Kopaka wasn't sure if this was a trait all Toa of Water had, or if Gali was the exception rather than the rule.

Finally, Gali looked up at the others. "The fortress is not far. It's only a couple of miles away."

"You sure?" Pohatu asked, surveying the beach. "I can't see anything at all from here-"

"Wait!" Vastus suddenly called. "Do you hear that?"

The three Toa and the Glatorian quieted themselves, allowing the sound of flapping wings to fill in the silence. Kopaka frowned and glanced at Ackar and Vastus.

"Sand Bats, perhaps?" the Toa of Ice asked.

Ackar shook his wearily. "Sand Bats are big, but their wings don't sound like that..."

Suddenly, descending from the sky, wings fluttering like a giant insect's, were a dozen, emerald-armored, bipedal beings, armed with narrow and sharp arm-mounted blades. 

Ackar sent a blast of fire from his Flame Sword to ward them off, but the beings were unfazed. They landed one-by-one onto the ground, encircling Kopaka and his team. The last one of them, which landed inside the circle itself, wore more detailed and ornate armor. Their dark red eyes glared menacingly from their green face, which Kopaka couldn't tell whether it was a mask or a helmet. Or neither.

The being gave a fanged grin as it looked at its trapped victims. "Well, this is intriguing," it hissed in a masculine voice. "Three Toa and two...others."

"We're called Glatorian," Ackar said bitterly. "I thought word would've spread out by now, especially after ten years."

The emerald being let out something that sounded like a laugh. "I will admit, my kind haven't been...up to date on recent events. But we do have our contacts."

At that moment, the other eleven beings extended their arm blades and slowly closed in on Kopaka, Ackar, and the others.

"Now then," their leader went on, "unless you wish to die, I believe it would be best if you came with us."

*  *  *

A shadowed figure slipped through the streets of New Atero, sneaking past guards and Matoran watchmen. It went deeper into the city, until it finally reached a large prison facility which was overseen by members of the Order of Mata Nui.

Like a serpent, the figure slithered into the building, going under the notice of a ten-foot-tall guard. It finally reached the prison room, where rows and rows of cells were lined up, filled with several prisoners. The being continued down a row, passing by an ebony-colored Vortixx, a skulking Skakdi warlord, and a four-armed being which seemed like it noticed the intruder, but simply thought nothing of it. 

The being finally reached its destination, which was a cell occupied by the mad tyrant Karzahni. The former ruler's black eyes were focused on the stone floor he sat on. One had to wonder what was going on in his twisted head, whether he felt remorse or not on his wrong doings.

But that was not of the intruder's concern. The figure slipped through the bars of the cell door and slithered up towards Karzahni, who hardly noticed his visitor.

"You are needed, Karzahni," the being said.

The former tyrant looked up from the floor. "Who's there?" he asked quietly.

"You are needed," the being repeated as it moved around to stand behind Karzahni.

"I'm hallucinating..." Karzahni moaned. "I knew it would happen sooner or later, with a mask like mine."

"Don't worry," the visitor whispered into the tyrant's ear. "I'll make them go away."

The being pulled out a bladed weapon and plunged it into Karzahni's back.

"You'll hardly feel a thing."

The former ruler slumped dead. His killer then gently removed his mask and slipped out of the cell, moving so casually, it was almost as if nothing had happened at all....

Bionicle Legacy: Volume I, Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

Over the one hundred thousand years Axonn had lived through, he had seen and accomplished many things as a conqueror and a member of the Order of Mata Nui. He had seen cities fall, sometimes at his own hand. He had seen horrifying creatures, corrupt beings, mad Turaga, even a homicidal Matoran.

But never in his life did he foresee himself training Toa. For a time, such duties given to the Order of Mata Nui were assigned to Hydraxon or Trinuma. Axonn was uncertain that he was fit for the job, but Toa Helryx had said that she had confidence in him, which was enough for the warrior.

As Axonn entered the training facility in New Atero, he immediately had to duck as a lightning bolt hurtled towards him, missing his head by an inch. He looked up to a see a blue-and-white armored Toa of Lightning, standing alongside a Toa of Fire and a Toa of Air.

The Lightning Toa carefully backed away when Axonn stared coldly at her. "Sorry," she said quietly.

Axonn said nothing in reply as he walked into the room and waited for the three rookie Toa to line up before him. 

"Right then," he muttered as he paced back and forth. "My name is Axonn, and I am going to be your trained. You have no need to tell me your names. I already known them."

His head snapped to the Toa of Fire. "Taron of the Northern Continent. Considered to be brash and reckless even for a Ta-Matoran."

He moved on to the Toa of Lightning. "Nira of the Tren Krom Peninsula. Known to have frequent, somewhat violent outbursts."

Finally, he reached the Toa of Air. "Leran of the Southern Continent. Just as young and inexperienced as the other two, but as far as I've been told, you're the only Air type who can stand still for more than five minutes."

Axonn turned his back on the three Toa. "Now then," he said, "let's see what you're made of."

From his back, he pulled out a large axe, receiving surprised looks from the rookie Toa. A smirk appeared on his face as he turned around to face them.

"Throw whatever you've got at me."

*  *  *

Two Thornatus dune chariots drove across the sandy Wastelands, their wheels creating dust clouds in their wake. From his stance on one of the vehicles, Toa Jaller could see the vast jungle of Bota Magna up ahead. 

From the chariot's pilot seat, the Water Glatorian Jaller knew as Kiina looked up at him. "Helryx is sort of right, you know," she said. "Whiled I don't know much about Bota Magna, the Wastelands are a very dangerous place."

"So I've heard," Jaller replied. "Ackar told me that this place serves as a home to the Bone Hunters and the savage Vorox..."

"Not just the Vorox," Gresh called from the other dune chariot. "Eleven years ago, a Glatorian named Malum was exiled to this place for his crimes. During his exile, Malum encountered a pack of Vorox and gained dominance over them."

"Really?" Jaller said. "Strange that Ackar never mentioned him."

"Malum's a subject the Fire Tribe prefers not to talk about," Kiina said quietly, and left the topic at that.

As the two chariots drove on, Jaller began to notice a shifting in the sand. The others noticed it as well, and Kiina slowed down her dune chariot while Jaller and his fellow Toa Hewkii and Nuparu brought out their Toa tools.

Soon, emerging from the sand was a pack of Vorox, their spears, swords, and bladed tails poised for attack. Jaller noticed that they looked a lot like Glatorian warriors, save for the tan armor and their more bestial appearance. 

Moving through the pack was a burly, stout being who wore red, sand-caked armor, and wielded large, clawed gauntlets attached to his arms. His fiery eyes were ironically cold as he stared at Jaller, Kiina, and the others. In a voice that sounded like an erupting volcano, he spoke.

"Hello, Kiina," he said to the Water Glatorian. "And Gresh. I see you have picked up some interesting companions over the years."

His eyes fell upon Jaller. "You look like a Fire Glatorian," the being said. "But at the same time, you are different. Who are you?"

"My name is Jaller, Toa of Fire," Jaller answered, tightening his grip on his Power Sword. "I am one of many who came from another...world, and migrated to Spherus Magna ten years ago."

The being arched an eyebrow. "I see. So that must've been the result of those two giants fighting all those years ago. I've been wondering what that was all about."

"Yeah, well, know you know," Kiina muttered, raising her Vapor Trident. "Now will you kindly move out of the way, Malum?"

The exiled Glatorian let out a harsh laugh, as if his throat was dryer than the desert itself. "I'm afraid I cannot, my dear. I can't just let you walk through my realm, unless you give a good reason for doing so."

Toa Hewkii smirked. "You want a good reason? All right."

He nodded to Nuparu, who returned the smile and stomped the ground with his feet. A large wave of sand rose up and engulfed Malum and the Vorox. Hewkii then used his elemental power to turn the sand into stone, which encased around his victims' legs, particularly gluing them to the ground.

Malum glowered at the two Toa. "Subtle..." he muttered. "Good enough, I suppose."

As Hewkii and Nuparu climbed back onto the dune chariot, the exiled Glatorian went on. "I see that you're headed for Bota Magna. Very brave, I must say. I sent half a dozen Vorox there once to investigate the region. They never returned."

"Too bad," Hewkii grunted. "We'll make sure to say hi to them."

Jaller cast an aside glance at the former Fire Glatorian. "Any words of advice?"

"Tread carefully," Malum said. "And if you walk into the face of death...well, don't say I didn't warn you."

Without another word, the two vehicles revved up their engines and continued their journey across the barren Wastelands.