CHAPTER NINE
-29,999 Years Ago-
The year had dragged on like a century, but Velika's days of torturous labor had finally come to an end. After finally realizing that his repairs were not up to satisfactory, Karzahni had announced to the Matoran of his land that he would be sending to the Southern Continent so that no one would find out about his mistakes.
As the Matoran boarded the boat prepared for them, a Ga-Matoran by the name of Kyrehx found Velika carving something into a slab of stone.
"We're all waiting on you, Velika," she said. "What's the hold up? Don't you want to get away from this place?"
"Of course," Velika replied. "I've just decided it needed a sign to greet future visitors."
Puzzlement crossed the Ga-Matoran's mask, but she simply shrugged and headed back for the vessel. Velika quickly finished his work and followed Kyrehx, leaving behind his inscription. Getting into the boat, he was handed an oar and assisted a Le-Matoran in rowing the boat, setting it on a course for the southern continent.
As they moved, Velika thought back on the inscription he had made for Karzahni's realm: This is a realm of shadow, of famine and plague and blight. This is a world of darkness, and there is no place for light.
He couldn't help but be appalled bu his brothers' workmanship. To create a land of such horror, and a ruler just as terrible. Was this the extent of what Angonce, Ilrion, and the others were capable of creating? Or was there even worse out there.
Another fire burned in his chest, but it was not one of anger; more like... determination. If these beings were as intelligent as the Agori or the Glatorian, and had more powers than either race, than there was a chance that they could bring about Mata Nui's downfall and thus leave Spherus Magna unwhole forever.
And yet... he could do nothing but simply observe. If Mata Nui were to fail, then so be it. It would only serve to prove that even the Great Beings were not infallible. But if he ever came across the opportunity to eliminate those who posed a threat- to eliminate the Powers That Be, then he would seize it.
If only for the greater good.
-Present-
"Gelu, stop!"
Chiara fired a lightning bolt from her hand, knocking the vengeful Ice Glatorian away from Oris. Orde then moved and used his telekinetic powers to pin Gelu to the ground. Meanwhile, Zaria helped the Jungle Glatorian up to his feet.
"See I hit a nerve there," Oris grunted, brushing himself off. "Look, fella', I'm sorry I killed your brother. I wasn't much fond of killing our brothers and sisters either."
Gelu glared at the other Glatorian, but his anger seemed to slowly fade away. When he let out a slow and steady sigh, Orde saw it safe to release him. As the Ice Glatorian stood, Oris found it save to speak again.
"You weren't the only one to lose someone close to you, you know. I lost the woman I loved to the Rock Tribe in the Black Spike Mountains."
Gelu frowned, his previous hostility towards the green Glatorian slowly fading away. "I'm... sorry to hear that."
Oris shrugged. "Ah, you wouldn't have known. At least she made her death worth remembering. Took five special forces Skrall down with her."
"What was her name?"
"Nuria, from the Agori word for fierce. Quite fitting, knowing her."
Gelu smiled. "I can imagine."
"Okay, so are we all friends now?" Chiara asked impatiently. "If so, can we get on with our quest?"
Oris chuckled. "Only if I can come along. The Zauran are many, and the wild ones won't think twice before eating you. You'll need someone who has experience with them."
"That we will," Orde said. "Now let's get a move on before that Zauran you saved us from comes back with reinforcements."
As the company of eight continued their trek through Bota Magna, they all failed to notice the intent eyes watching them.
* * *
Scarlet eyes glowed intensely on the Dark Hunter's pale-white face. He counted at least eight beings, seven of which his employer had described. As he mulled over his methods on how to eliminate them, he passed a thin hand over the Impact Crystal Launcher he currently carried. The Vortixx-made weapon would be most useful in at least subduing them.
The black and white Dark Hunter who went by the name Slayer grinned wickedly. Unfortunately for his soon-to-be-victims, he was in no mood for doing things swiftly. He wanted to make this set of kills as fun as possible.
Replacing his launcher with an Energy Siphon Blade, Slayer did his best to hold in his building laughter. Today was going to be a good one indeed.
-995 Years Ago-
Night had fallen on Voya Nui. The Endless Sea was calm and serene and the moon was in clear view. Mount Valmai quietly rumbled and wild Rahi were no where to be seen.
Such days were rare on Voya Nui. Some might have called this night romantic, a time for peace and to count blessings. But Velika was not counting blessings. He was counting future victims.
Tren Krom. Karzahni and perhaps Artakha. The Makuta, if they were indeed responsible for Mata Nui's downfall.
He set down the tablet he had been working on for a while now. He hadn't added much to it ever since Voya Nui broke off from the Southern Continent, but he still liked to read it from time to time to keep track.
He directed his eyes towards the sea, towards Aqua Magna. It wasn't until now that he realized that he was technically back home, or at least a piece of it. Mata Nui had crash-landed here while in the midst of his mission. Who knew when he would rise again.
His thoughts then moved towards the Mask of Life hidden beneath Mount Valmai. It would only be a matter of time until someone- whether they be Toa or otherwise- would come to Voya Nui and use the Kanohi Ignika to 'jump-start' the Great Spirit.
Until then, all he could do was wait....
"Hey, Velika!"
The Po-Matoran turned his attention to the Ta-Matoran named Balta, who had a somewhat sardonic look on his face.
"Dalu's giving me swimming lessons and I was wondering if you wanted to take them too. You know, just so I wouldn't be the only one to suffer."
With a smile, Velika nodded. It may take another thousand years for things to happen, but he would make them worthwhile.
If only for the greater good.
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