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."
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