Transformers Regenerated: Pax Cybertronia VIII, Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

    Deep in the depths of Trypticon, Full-Tilt was lost.

    He knew where he himself was, physically; it was where he had been his entire life. But beyond that, he was in the dark. He could tell Trypticon was moving, but could not get a visual on the Titan's present location. The walls around him shook, indicating that they were being fired on.

    Full-Tilt sighed as he slumped in his command chair, rubbing a hand over his faceplate. At this point, he shouldn't have been surprise; his entire life for the past millennia had been a vague, enigmatic mess. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen or interacted with a living Cybertronian. It had to have been a few centuries, for sure.

    At least you still have me.

    Full-Tilt felt his joints tighten up, the dark voice still ringing in his head. No. He could have sworn it was gone. He hadn't heard it in nearly two years.

    I cannot be vanquished. Soon, the universe will again know to fear me.

    Full-Tilt tried to move, only to find his joints completely unresponsive. It was happening again, he realized. As darkness took over once more, all he could do was lament his helpless lot in this mockery of a life.

*  *  *

    "Please tell me we're not in an oil reservoir."

    "Okay," Krok said as he slogged through the thick black pool. "We're not in an oil reservoir."

    Crankcase scowled as he lifted an arm dripping with sludge. "Then what do you call this?!"

    "Oil," Misfire said matter-of-factly. "You should recognize it, especially after that incident you had back on--"

    The magenta jet was abruptly cut off when Crankcase slung the oil in his face. Ignoring the bickering pair, Krok and the others made their way to the edge of the reservoir. Once they had pulled themselves out, Violet flew up to hover in front of the Decepticons.

    "Which way is the control center?" she asked.

    "I honestly have no idea," Krok replied. "We've only ever been inside Trypticon when he was a ship. Even then, it's not like we made a map or anything."

   Violet's digital eyes rolled on her screen face. "Unbelievable. The Axiom is going to be destroyed by the time we find it."

    "Maybe we should split up," Fulcrum suggested. "We could cover more ground that way."

    "Right, because splitting up the gang always ends well," Misfire remarked.

    "Unfortunately, it might be our best option," Krok muttered as a distant explosion sounded beyond Trypticon's walls. "All right, Fulcrum and Spinister will stay down on this level. Misfire, Crankcase, see if you can find Trypticon's guns and disarm them. The rest of us will try and locate the bridge."

    "And if any of us gets slagged along the way?" Crankcase asked.

    "Then it will have been an honor traveling with you all."

    "Meh," Spinister grunted. "Can't say the same."

--Earth--

    "I... I don't understand," Dion said softly, staring in awe at the unbelievable sight before him. "What is the Underbase doing here on Earth? How long has it been here?"

    "Depends on who you ask," Fearstorm replied. "Some would tell you over 800 years, since that was when Garrison Blackrock established what would become Buy N Large, creating the automatons that would end up controlling the humans' lives. However, what Blackrock had was only half of the Underbase; the other half wouldn't arrive until the early 22nd century when it landed while aboard a certain Titan named Metroplex."

    "Metroplex?" The name caused everything to click into place for Dion; hence why he recognized this place beyond its role as Central Hall. "But... how--"

    "Same as you and me," Fearstorm cut him off. "Time travel. Don't know the hows and wherefores, but that's the simplest answer. Or, at least, as simple as you can be with time travel."

    "Right," Dion muttered. "So why do you want me to destroy it? I would think Decepticons like you would be all over something like this."

    "Oh, believe me, we would," Fearstorm said bitterly. "Only problem is that we can't figure out any way to use it. For years since we began our takeover, we've been trying every method available... to no avail. Ultimately, we've decided that if we can't use it, then no one shall... which is where we're at."

    "And you want me specifically to destroy it?"

    "Well, yes. I mean, for all we know, it might very well obliterate us for making such an attempt. And, frankly, neither I or Viral are in the mood for dying a second time."

    Dion narrowed his optics. "And if I refuse?"

    "Then we'll gladly use your friend in your place," Fearstorm said, gesturing to Rose. The probe bot's eyes went wide as Viral wrapped his claws around her dome.

    "No," she murmured. "Dion, you can't let them--"

    "All right!" Dion glared at Fearstorm. "I'll do it. Just... don't hurt her."

    "Predictable." Fearstorm motioned for Viral to release Rose before pushing Dion closer to the Underbase. "We've already exposed a weak point in its interface. All you need to do is blast it and the rest will take care of itself. Just wait until the rest of us are out of range."

    "How do I know this isn't some sort of trick?" Dion asked.

    "You don't. Then again, you don't have much choice, do you?"

    Dion sighed in resignation as he deployed his arm cannons. "How much time do you want me to give you?"

    Before Fearstorm could respond, an energy vampire came rushing down the hall, a panicked look on its face as it flapped its wings urgently.

    "Master! The giant has broken through the blockade!"

    Dion felt his fuel run cold while Fearstorm inclined his head to the vampire. "What?"

    "It's already entered the atmosphere! It'll be on top of us any minute now!"

    Dion turned away from the Underbase to face the robot. "What about the Axiom? Are the other ships--"

    "Ignore him," Fearstorm snarled. "Evacuate all personnel from Metroplex. Make sure no one is within the radius of his landing trajectory." He then pointed a claw at Dion. "Give us ten minutes. Then do what must be done and pray that it does the deed."

    Dion glared at the Vehicon but realized there'd be no point in arguing. He remained silent as the two Decepticons departed, taking Rose and their vampires with them. Once they were gone, he turned back to the Underbase and readied his weapons.

--The Axiom--

    "Exodus to Axiom, do you copy? Over."

    Pox's holographic form flickered as they made their way across the burning bridge. It was a miracle anything was still operating after Trypticon had practically body-slammed them... though for how long things would be functioning, Pox simply did not know.

    "Axiom to Exodus, we copy." Pox's voice buzzed with static. "Barely."

    "Are you guys all right? Looked like you took a pretty nasty hit."

    "Yeah, because we did. The bridge is on fire and AUTO is offline. If he doesn't boot back up soon, we'll probably be on a crash course for Earth. Oh, and a giant robot dinosaur is about to destroy everything."

    "Hang in there, Axiom. We'll dispatch support units immediately."

    "I'm not sure if 'immediately' will be fast enough, but I appreciate the thought." Pox looked back to AUTO, who still hung lifelessly from the ceiling. It didn't look like he would be powering back up anytime soon.

    I really hope you guys have what it takes to save the world twice, Pox lamented silently.

Transformers Regenerated: Pax Cybertronia VIII, Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

--Earth--

    Dion grunted as he hit the ground, hard. A heavy foot pinned him there, pushing his face into the dirt. The former Autobot had only his hearing to rely on to know how his fellow Space Rangers were faring. The results were... not pretty.

    While Lucky hollered in pain and Marcus fired his gun in a futile attempt to shoot down the energy vampire, Fearstorm knelt down until his faceplate was up against Dion's audio sensor.

    "I will admit," the mutated Vehicon said in a low tone. "This has all been very amusing for the past few years. Spreading fear, sowing discord, all while undoing the progress these fleshlings have made up until this point, and the fact that you guys keep coming back, despite failure after failure... I am not ashamed to admit that I underestimated you."

    He then grabbed Dion by the helm, causing the Autobot to cry out as he tightened his grip.

    "But now it's gotten to be annoying," Fearstorm went on. "We've got work to do, and you guys getting in the way? Let's just say, I don't have the patience to--"

    The Vehicon abruptly went quiet, though Dion could not see or hear what could have interrupted him. Several seconds passed by until Fearstorm suddenly let go of his head but kept a foot pinned to his back.

    "Viral, do you copy?"

    "Yes, Fearstorm," a voice crackled out. "And yes, I see it, too."

    "What in Primus' name...."

    "Evidently, an unforeseen hindrance to our plan."

    "This can't be happening." Fearstorm growled to himself before pulling Dion to his feet. "Congratulations, Autobot: You get to live another day."

    "What?" Dion sputtered dirt from his face. "Why? What's going on?"

    "Someone's decided to throw a spanner into the works... and you're going to help me get it out."

--The Axiom--

    "Raise shields to maximum capacity!"

    AUTO had barely issued the command in time when Trypticon slammed himself into the Axiom. The ship shook violently and several of the robots on board were knocked around the bridge. AUTO moved quickly and made his way to the main console.

    "Ark, Voyager, fire on the Titan. Exodus, proceed to Sector 4H."

    As the Earth ships moved into position, Krok stumbled over to the autopilot, his hands still shackles. "Is your transmat pad still working? Maybe if--"

    "You and your comrades will remain silent until the threat has been vanquished," AUTO said coldly.

    "Yeah, that won't be happening anytime soon," Krok muttered. "Listen, the others and I are familiar with this giant. If you can teleport us to him, then maybe we can--"

    "Can what?" AUTO retorted. "Commandeer him so you can cause further havoc?"

    "He's already doing a good enough job of that on his own," Misfire commented as Trypticon fired his guns on the other ships. Even now, their shields were barely holding up; it was only a matter of time before they were completely obliterated.

    AUTO rotated his frame frantically, realizing that alternative options were virtually non-existent. As another explosion rocked the Axiom, he finally relented.

    "Fine. Probe Five, lead them back to the transmat pad. You, Probe One, and Load-Lifter One will accompany them, if only to ensure they don't turn on us." AUTO then swiveled to Pox. "Can you get a lock on the Titan?"

    "It'll be tricky, but I'll see what I can do."

    "Make it quick. I don't think we have much time."

    At AUTO's behest, the two probe bots -- EVE and Violet, as they were called -- unshackled the Scavengers before leading them back to the transmat pad. While they got into position, Pox proceeded to work at the console to get them in range.

    "I will warn you," the hologram said. "Once you're gone, there'll be no getting you back -- unless you find another transportation device or whatever."

    "Spacewarp's got her Transwarp Blaster!" Misfire said. "So if we ever need to deus ex machina ourselves out of this mess, we can!"

    "You realize I can't determine where the Blaster sends you, right?" Spacewarp said. "There's a high chance it would just throw us all into a black hole."

    "That doesn't sound too bad," Spinister grunted.

    Pox sighed. "Right then. Are you guys ready?"

    "As we'll ever be," Krok replied.

    "Then off you go."

    Pox pressed the command and, in a flash, the seven Decepticons and their three companions were gone. As the Axiom continued to sustain damage from Trypticon's onslaught, AUTO angled himself to look at Pox.

    "We're doomed, aren't we?"

    "Yup."

--Earth--

    The sharp claws digging into his arms caused Dion to wince as he was dragged through Axiom City by Fearstorm and his pack of energy vampires. Rose floated right beside him, her fins permanently locked into her body. Marcus and the others were long gone....

    Fearstorm stood at the front of the party, having since been joined by the spindly Viral. Dion was aware that the latter had been involved in the same plot that had threatened Earth decades ago... but he could have sworn that Viral had been taken back to his original time. What was he doing here?

    As they passed under a deteriorating bridge, Dion decided to take the risk of speaking up. "Where are you taking me?"

    "If I wanted you to know, I would've already told you," Fearstorm retorted.

    "I'm just trying to make sense of all this. First you force Earth's population to abandon their planet, then you fiddle around fore a few years, and now you're scared by a giant robo-dinosaur and need my help for some reason. There's just... no logic to it."

    "There is no logic to anything," Viral intoned. "Only chaos."

    "Ah, Viral, how I missed your insightful commentary." Fearstorm inclined his head to Dion. "Keep your questions to yourself and they just may be answered. Otherwise, we will simply find an alternative solution."

    Dion rolled his optics but grudgingly remained silent as he followed the two Decepticons (as if he had any other choice). They eventually reached a section of the city that was sprawling with large empty buildings and towering skyscrapers. As they began to approach one of the buildings, Dion couldn't help but note its particularly alien -- yet familiar -- architecture.

    "I don't recognize this part of the city," he murmured. "Isn't this where Capital Hall was?"

    "It was," Fearstorm said as he led them all inside. "It is. Not much has changed; we merely... turned it over."

    Dion scowled. "Deface it, you mean."

    "Oh, no. I consider it to be more of... an unveiling. Peeling the surface, if you will."

    Before Dion could question the Vehicon, he caught sight of a golden glow emitting from down the entrance hall. As they drew closer to it, Dion continued to see more and more details that rang a familiar bell in his head; details that pulled up memories that had been buried due to his complicated, time-travel-fueled history.

    "I know this place," he whispered.

    "Of course you do," Rose replied. "It's Central Hall."

    "No, no. I mean... I've been here before. Well before...."

    "Enough," Fearstorm growled. They reached the end of the hall and Viral proceeded to input a command into the control panel. Fearstorm then grabbed Dion and dragged him towards the now-open door.

    "You wanted to know what interest we have in Earth? Here you go."

    Dion's jaw dropped as his optics beheld the massive glowing cube of circuitry before him. "Is that...?"

    "The Underbase," Fearstorm confirmed, pushing him closer to the fabled device. "And you're going to help us destroy it."

Transformers Regenerated: Pax Cybertronia VIII, Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

--Earth--

    "How many do you see out there?"

    The human space ranger carefully peered over from behind his cover, keeping his transparent dome helmet closed over his head. Twelve feet away, he could see a lone figure floating through the deserted streets of Axiom City, red wings of energy glowing in the night.

    "One," Marcus Stargazer whispered, licking his dry lips. "Just one."

    "One's nothing," rumbled a Urtuskian teammate of his, charging her gun. "Give me a shot at him and he'll be scrap in seconds."

    "Hold on to your horses, Cadet Ursula," warned their squad leader. "Er... no offense, Lucky."

    An equine range neighed quietly in response, expressing that none had been taken.

    "We still must follow protocol, even if we do outnumber him," Dion went on, parked in his automobile alternate mode. "Rose, are you picking up any other energy signatures?"

    "None within the radius," answered an EVE unit with red optics. "That doesn't mean there couldn't still be more hiding nearby."

    "Exactly. Which is why we must--"

    "Wait!" Marcus hissed. "I see something else!"

    The others crowded in behind him, watching in apprehension as a silver flying object suddenly appeared over the city and made its way down to the ground. The familiar sound of a transformation cog whirring could be heard as the flier assumed the form of a large winged robot, cast all in gray and silver save for the red glow of their visor.

    "It's Fearstorm," grunted Ursula, raising her gun. "Let's take him down while we have the chance."

    "Hold your fire, cadet," Dion hissed. "You won't do anything unless I order it." He shifted his attention to Rose. "Probe Two, see if you can pick up on their conversation."

    Rose nodded as she extended an antenna from her head. Fearstorm was visibly speaking with the energy vampire, the latter making exaggerated hand gestures as it spoke. Ursula shifted uneasily, huffing as she kept her gun raised.

    "He's distracted," she growled. "Now's our chance to end this once and for all!"

    "Cadet," Dion warned her. "Don't--"

    But the Urtuskian was no longer listening. Pushing past the others, she charged out into the open and released a guttural battle cry as she raised her weapon at Fearstorm and the energy vampire. Fearstorm glanced at her and, without so much as a second's thought, obliterated her with his gun before she even had a chance to fire her's. The barrel of his gun was still smoking as he then shifted his attention to where Dion and the others were hiding.

    "Well," Dion muttered as he transformed to his robot mode. "So much for that...."

--The Axiom--

    "Look, is it too late for apologies?" Misfire asked as he and the others were led to the bridge with their hands shackled. "I'll admit that Unispeak isn't my second language, so maybe this is all just a big misunderstand--"

    "Silence," said the purple-eyed robot, leading the entourage with her blue-eyed twin and the yellow cube-bot. "Probe Three, ready the transmat pad."

    While a green-eyed probe flew ahead to an awaiting platform, Krok said, "So are you guys another race of robots or something? 'Cos I'm not seeing any humans around here."

    "Save your questions for the Autopilot," Probe Five said. Once the shackled Decepticons had all stepped onto the pad, Probe Three pressed a switch and the robots were all transported to a wide room with windows looking into space. Awaiting them was a circular, wheel-like robot with a single red optic, as well as a holographic human.

    "Thank Forthwright we renovated these ships," the latter murmured. "Stars know how we would've fit all these giant freaking robots."

    The wheel-bot adjusted itself until it was facing Krok at eye-level. "I take it you are the one named Krok?" it asked in a monotonic voice.

    "Correct. And you would be?"

    "You may call me AUTO. You are currently on the ship Axiom and -- as Probe Five has informed you -- have jumped over 800 years into the future."

    "Which was purely by accident," Krok said. "We were trying to get out of the Benzene Cluster and--"

    "The Benzene Cluster?" The hologram's face lit up. "You mean the Galaxy of Riches?"

    "Galaxies don't work that way, but yes," said Spacewarp. "I take it you guys have heard of it?"

    "I would be remiss to have not. Unfortunately, I can't say anyone here has been there in person; merely heard stories."

    "Well, since this is the future," Crankcase said, "I have to ask: Who owns the Cluster now? The Galactic Council or the Black Block Consortia?"

    "Oh, the Consortia, of course. The Galactic Council stopped bothering with it centuries ago, and since the formation of the Galactic Alliance, have never really had a need for it."

    "Pox," AUTO intoned. "I do not think it is wise to disclose all of this to them. They are, after all, Decepticons."

    "Oh, right." Pox rubbed their head awkwardly. "Sorry."

    "Listen, we don't mean you guys any trouble," Krok said. "If you can help us get back to our time, we won't ask anything in return."

    "Are you serious?" Crankcase snapped.

    "They don't owe us anything, Crankcase. This was our mistake; we're the ones who have to correct it."

    "Well," Pox started to say, glancing at AUTO. "Our ships are capable of transwarp travel. In fact, it wouldn't be the first time we took a trip to your time."

    "However," AUTO said curtly, "we cannot afford to leave Earth at present; not with the situation we have on our hands."

    "What situation?" Fulcrum asked.

    "Classified."

    "Not if it's preventing us from getting back home," Crankcase snarled. "I say we have a right to know!"

    "He's got a point there," Pox said, raising an eyebrow at AUTO.

    The autopilot's frame clicked in annoyance. "Irrelevant. We do not owe them an elaboration. They have no role in this."

    "They could."

    The statement had come not from Pox but from the yellow, cube-shaped robot. It rolled up in front of the other robots and raised its head up at AUTO, who angled himself to look down at him.

    "If we help them," the cube-bot said, "maybe they can help us."

    "Perhaps if they were Autobots, that would have been a possibility," AUTO quietly. "But they're not, WALL-E. They're Decepticons. Just like--"

    AUTO abruptly cut himself off before resuming his speech through a series of beeps. While the two robots conversed, Pox turned back to the Scavengers.

    "Sorry about this. He can be very uptight sometimes. I, for one, trust you guys."

    "Sir!" A robot's head poked from out from one of the ship's walls, causing Misfire to let out a startled shriek. "We're detecting a large lifeform emerging from Sector 7B!"

    "7B?" AUTO turned to the bridge's viewport. "But that's where--"

    Before he could finish, a portal suddenly ripped open in space, right behind where the Alchemor was. All present watched in horror as a massive, saurian-shaped robot exited the portal and grabbed the Alchemor, crushing it in its claws.

    "Oh, scrap in a bucket," Spacewarp muttered.

    "Would anyone believe us," Fulcrum murmured, "if we said that we have nothing to do with this?"

    "No," AUTO intoned as Trypticon advanced towards the Axiom. "No, we wouldn't."

Transformers Regenerated: Pax Cybertronia VIII, Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

--The Axiom--

    "Unidentified Cybertronian ship contained. Registered Autobot model RID-2015. Eleven passengers. All Decepticons."

    AUTO listened to the Axiom's computer as it read out all of the details on the ship that had been caught in their tractor beam. The vessel itself was far too large to fit in the Axiom's hangar, meaning they were going to need a boarding party.

    Of course, protocol did permit him to simply blast the ship out of existence; they were, after all, Decepticons. The problem was... there couldn't be any Decepticons (or Autobots, save for Dion) left in the universe. As far as anyone knew, Cybertron was a dead world, the Transformers having long gone extinct. The only logical explanation was that these Decepticons, like Dion, were from the past... and that unlike Dion, their intentions were less than friendly.

    Still, if there was anything AUTO had learned in the past twenty years was that not everything was as it seemed. And while he could just eliminate these Decepticons to avoid further headache, he also did not want to waste potential assets.

    After less than two seconds of deliberation, AUTO transmitted his command: "Dispatch Squad 231 to captured vessel. Directive B579. Proceed with caution."

    He then extended a spoke from his frame and brought up a visual of the Cybertronian ship, planning to watch the proceedings with great interest.

*  *  *

    "What are they waiting for?" Fulcrum asked quietly, anxiously watching the giant Earth ship. "Aren't they going to blow us up?"

    "I think they're trying to figure out how to pull us in," Krok replied. "Our ship's too big to fit in their hangar bay."

    "That's hilarious," Spinister commented.

    "Yeah, I'm shaking with laughter," Crankcase grunted. "Why don't we just abandon ship? That way, we can give them a reason to blow us up instead of making us wait for a slaggin' eternity!"

    "Not so fast," said Foldspace. "I'm detecting several robotic lifeforms approaching us."

    Krok leaned over the Mini-Con and saw a number of egg-shaped robots departing from one of the Earth ships. As they began to surround the Alchemor, guns deployed, a light began to flash on the console, indicating that they were being hailed. After exchanging a glance with Spacewarp, Krok answered the call.

    "Uh, bah-weep-gra--"

    "State your name and business, Cybertronian vessel," cut in a sharp and monotonous voice.

    Krok cleared his vocal processor. "Er, right. This is Krok of the Alchemor. We, uh, we're just making a stop here to get away from some bad company. We had no intention of--"

    "Identify 'bad company.'"

    "The Galactic Council. You guys wouldn't have heard of--"

    "The Galactic Council?" The voice sounded perplexed. "Are you saying you're fugitives?"

    Crankcase and Spacewarp swore loudly as the robots outside trained their guns on the Alchemor. Krok's optics went wide as he fumbled for a response.

    "Uh, now, I didn't say that. It... it was more of a misunderstanding."

    "Hold it." Krok saw one of the egg-bots raise a fin-like arm, indicating it to be the speaker. "What year is it?"

    Krok blinked. "Pardon?"

    "You go by the Cybertronian dating system, correct? What's the current cycle?"

    "Uh, 9816."

    "I see." The voice fell silent for a moment, before delivering the following bombshell: "You've traveled 817 years into the future. The current cycle is 10,633."

    "Oh." Krok glanced back at the Earth ships. "That explains a lot."

    "Not my choice of words," Crankcase muttered.

    "Indeed it does," said the voice. "Please remain put, Alchemor. I'll need to speak with my superiors on how to proceed."

    "Er, right, no problem. Say, what was your name again?"

    No response. The line had went dead.

    "Well," Fulcrum murmured, "at least they didn't kill us."

    "Yet," Spacewarp grunted.

    Krok rubbed his helm. His processor felt like it was beginning to overheat. "817 years. How do we get ourselves into these messes?"

    "Could be worse," Misfire remarked. "We could still be stuck on Lovetopia, surrounded by--"

    "Don't," Krok sighed. "Just don't even go there."

*  *  *

    "So it is as I suspected."

    "Correct, sir," reported the purple-eyed EVE unit, her face displayed on one of AUTO's viewscreens. "So far, their intentions do not appear to be hostile."

    "They are called Decepticons, Probe Five," AUTO reminded her. "Deception is all but their name."

    "Maybe we should bring Dion in on this," said Pox. The A.I. had just materialized next to AUTO in the form of an androgynous human wearing an over-sized lab coat and fogged goggles; for the past few weeks, it had been their preferred avatar. "I mean, he would know better than anyone on how to deal with these guys."

    "I agree," AUTO said. "However, Dion and his squad are presently occupied. Ariel is also busy helping the Exodus crew. That just leaves...."

    The autopilot trailed off, leading Pox to smile knowingly.

    "I guess you don't have much of a choice, do you?"

    "No," AUTO said firmly. "It is too dangerous."

    "Says the guy who nearly killed him...."

    "That was a long time ago," AUTO insisted hastily. "Besides, even if he does have experience interacting with Cybertronians, have any of them been Decepticons?"

    Pox shrugged. "Dunno. You'd have to ask him. And if you're really that concerned for his safety, you can always send EVE or any number of her sisters with him. They've dealt with worse before."

    AUTO aimed his single red optic at Pox. "How would you know?"

    The avatar smirked. "You see, this whole time you've been fretting, I've been taking the time to actually look up exactly who we're dealing with; this Krok fellow."

    "And?"

    "And believe me when I say this: We're not dealing with the upper crust of the Decepticon Empire. We're not even dealing with the crumbs. We're dealing with the rotting, month-old leftovers that got pushed to the back of the fridge."

    AUTO stared at Pox. "...I do not understand."

    Pox sighed, running a hand down their face. "Captain was right: You really don't have a sense of humor."

    "Please get to the point."

    "The point is that these Decepticons barely register as a threat. Even if their intentions were hostile, it would take less effort to deal with them than it would to polish Commander Nebula's boots. The point," Pox stressed as AUTO whirred impatiently, "is that we have nothing to worry about."

    The autopilot rotated his frame. "You are certain?"

    "Positive. 100%."

    "I find your calculations to be dubious... but no matter." Turning back to the monitors, AUTO plugged into the console. "Hangar 5B, transmat Cybertronian passengers from ship Alchemor. Dispatch all SECUR-T units. Probe One, Load-Lifter One... your presence is required."

*  *  *

    "Whoa, hey!" Crankcase exclaimed as he and the other Scavengers were unexpectedly teleported from their ship to the hangar of one of the Earth ships. Pristine white walls now surrounded them, as did a number of small, block-shaped robots. "Talk about a violation of transportation!"

    "That's not a thing," Fulcrum said.

    "Well, it should be!"

    "Quiet," Krok hissed. "We've got company."

    The others looked to see more robots enter the hangar. Most of them resembled the egg-shaped robots they had encountered earlier, although one was carrying a yellow cube-shaped robot with treads. Upon reaching the Scavengers, the cube-bot was set down and it cautiously approached the Decepticons.

    "Kinda looks like a Tau-Ursan," Spacewarp commented.

    "A lot tinier though," Spinister grunted.

    The robot looked up at the Scavengers with its binocular-shaped head, regarding them curiously. It then extend its hand as it spoke.

    "WaaAA-lll-eeee."

    The Scavengers all exchanged baffled looks, unsure if this was some kind of alien greeting. After a moment, Misfire turned back to the small robot and raised his own hand.

    "Per-wip-grazna-boo-boo-zong."

    Everyone in the hangar collectively gasped and the egg-shaped bots all deployed their guns, aiming them at the Decepticons.

    "You just told him his motherboard reroutes diodes in Hell," Krok said exasperatedly.

    "Oh." Misfire smiled weakly. "Well, I didn't mean it like that...."

Transformers Regenerated: Pax Cybertronia VIII, Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

    General Neech stood on the bridge of the Retaliator, a permanent scowl fixed on his face. His lieutenant stood behind him, nervously tapping his fingers on the edge of his datapad.

    "Just for once," Neech rumbled, more to himself than anyone else present, "I would like to hear something of semblance to good news."

    The lieutenant swallowed audibly, as he had anything but. He remained silent until Neech made a sharp gesture.

    "Go on, then. Let's get this over with."

    The lieutenant nodded curtly and began reading from his report. "Frayus has called for a global evacuation. Admiral Vember and her fleet are down to three ships, and the Black Block Consortia has already claimed the northern hemisphere."

    Neech grimaced. The news had been exactly what he was expecting; for some time now, the Galactic Council had been at war with the Black Block Consortia over control of the Benzene Cluster, a major galactic trading port that was rich with resources. And against all odds, in spite of being a relatively small separatist state, the Consortia was winning.

    That was why Neech had been called in, following the loss of the Dredbos system. He was expected to turn the tide and drive the Consortia back into their pocket of backwater worlds; as if he could just snap his fingers and set things right. He only wished it were that easy....

    Between this and the recent mess involving V'tra, Neech was having a very stressful year... and he doubt it was going to get better.

    "Send an order of retreat to Admiral Vember's fleet," he finally said to the lieutenant. "No use in defending a planet of cowards."

    The lieutenant nodded. "Right away, sir."

    Once the officer had departed, Neech redirected his gaze to an ensign seated at the ship's controls. The ensign's tendrils danced across their console as they continued to plot a course through hyperspace. Nearly fifteen minutes had passed so far and Neech was still staring at the same field of stars.

    "Why haven't we changed course yet?" he growled to the ensign.

    "Apologies, sir," the pilot answered nervously. "The space in this sector is very... threadbare."

    "Threadbare?" Neech repeated. "What is that supposed to mean?"

    "It means that a single jump can just as easily take us into another universe as it can another star system."

    Neech snorted. "Don't give me that garbage, ensign. Just get us to Jo-Ad or else I'll personally have you committed to the psyche-ward."

    "Yes, sir. Understood, sir," the ensign hastily said.

    With a disgruntled sigh, General Neech returned his gaze to the stars, wondering how this day could possibly get worse.

*  *  *

    "This day just keeps getting better and better...."

    "I know, right?" Misfire was grinning widely as he crawled out of an alcove, carrying a large bazooka-type weapon. "I thought High Command had banned Destructo-Mators, but lookie what I found here!"

    Krok groaned to himself as the walls of the base shook again. When word had reached that the planet of Frayus had been evacuated, he had thought that that would have left the abandoned Decepticon base "Camp Conclave" open for the taking. Unfortunately, that was far, far from the case.

    "We don't have time to forage, Misfire," Krok grunted. "Just find the ununtrium -- if there is any -- so I can radio Foldspace to teleport us back to the Alchemor."

    "Why the rush?" Misfire asked. His query was partially drowned out by the sound of a loud explosion nearby. "You're not afraid of a buncha organics, are you?"

    "If they manage to bring this place down on top of us, I will be." Krok tapped a finger on his wrist comm and raised it to his faceplate. "You still tracking us, Foldspace?"

    "Yeah, but could you speed things up down there?" the old Mini-Con replied. "Things are getting hectic up here."

    "Go ahead and get a transportal up. We'll be along shortly." Krok then turned back to Misfire, who struggling with the Destructo-Mator as it fell apart in his hands. "Just leave it, Misfire. There's nothing here worth taking back."

    "Nonsense!" Misfire protested. "This is Camp Conclave we're talking about! Megatron himself once presided here! You mean to tell me that there wouldn't be some goodies stashed here?"

    "If there were, it's sure to have been scavenged already."

    Seconds later, a purple portal materialized just outside the door to the base. It would only be a matter of time before it attracted unwanted attention.

    "That's our cue," Krok said, already walking towards it. "Let's go, Misfire."

    The magenta jet sighed in an overdramatic manner but followed Krok anyway. The two Scavengers stepped through the portal and were immediately brought back to the Alchemor... which was shaking violently as Galactic Council and Black Block Consortia ships alike fired upon it.

    "About time you got back!" Crankcase shouted at them. The ship lurched as he piloted it out of the line of fire. "I sure hope you found something that was worth us nearly getting blown up for."

    "Oh, we found plenty of things!" Misfire said before Krok had a chance to speak. "A Destructo-Mator, discarded learner plates, an unfinished battle chart for the Second Vorsk Offensive--"

    "But no ununtrium?" asked Spacewarp, leaning against the wall.

    Misfire's face fell. "Uh, no. None of that. At all."

    "Okay. Because that's the only reason we came halfway across the galaxy to this dirtball for."

    "Well, hey, the Benzene Cluster is said to be full of riches! Maybe Bathyos has some--"

    "Crankcase, get us out of here!" Krok hollered to the pilot.

    "And just where in the blazes am I supposed to take us to?" the Triggercon retorted.

    "Take us back to that human planet. Dirt or Earth or whatever it's called. The Council doesn't have a presence there, so we'll have a chance to recuperate before deciding our next course."

    "Fine. Foldspace, plot a course for us. Fulcrum, Spinister, stay on the guns until we're out of this mess."

    "Why can't you plot a course?" Misfire asked. "Wouldn't it be as simple as going back the way we came?"

    "Not when space is threadbare like this," Crankcase grunted.

    "What's that supposed to mean?"

    "It's science stuff. You wouldn't get it."

    "You're not a scientist."

    "Neither are you, so shut it before I--"

    "Done," Foldspace piped up.

    Without a word, Crankcase pulled the warp lever and the Alchemor jumped into hyperspace, escaping the wrath of the warring organic forces.

    "Thank Primus." Crankcase slumped in his chair in relief. "I swear, one of these days you guys are gonna get me killed."

    "What I tell myself everyday," Spacewarp muttered.

    As the others waited to reach their destination, Fulcrum and Spinister stepped onto the bridge, followed closely by Nickel.

    "Close one as usual," Fulcrum remarked. "Where are we headed now?"

    "Earth," Krok answered. "It's far enough into the Neutral Territories that the Galactic Council doesn't seem to care about them. That should give us enough peace to plan our next destination."

    "Preferably one that isn't a war zone," Crankcase said as he pushed the lever back up, bringing them out of lightspeed.

    The Alchemor dropped out of hyperspace and the planet of Earth came into view. Right away however, the crew could tell something was off about it.

    "I thought you said the Galactic Council didn't have a presence out here," Misfire murmured, staring at the fleet of ships surrounding the planet.

    "Maybe it's a belated invasion," Fulcrum said, even though said ships were facing them and not the planet... and they were clearly marked with Terran scripture.

    "They've got us in a tractor beam," Crankcase muttered as the Alchemor shook to a halt.

    "I hate you guys so much," Spacewarp growled.

    Krok sighed as he buried his face in his hands, wondering how this day could possibly get worse.

DISTANT STARS

Part 4: In Danger of Contamination

Bionicle Alternatives: Empire of Makuta IV, Epilogue

EPILOGUE

--Okoto--

    Botar once again stood on the shores of Okoto. The six Matoran Protectors were still standing where he had left them, looking nonplussed by everything that had just transpired. Not wasting any time, Botar fixed his gaze on the Protector of Fire.

    "The mask. Where is it?"

    Narmoto frowned at him. "You know that I cannot--"

    "The entire universe is at stake," Botar snarled. "If the Makuta get their hands on it, then--"

    "They already have."

    Eyes widening, Botar turned around just in time for a bolt of lightning to strike him square in the chest. The six Matoran scattered as the titan fell to the ground, a smoking wound marring his chest.

    The land shook as Makuta Teridax stepped forward, the star reflecting off his new black and gold armor. Beside him stood Shikaiju, her teeth bared in a savage grin as she stared upon her fallen brother.

    "Now then," Makuta said, turning his gaze to the Protectors. "Where is the mask?"

    "We will never tell!" declared Protector Nilkuu, raising his Elemental Staff. "We shall take our knowledge to the grave!"

    "Then so you shall." Makuta raised his hand towards the Po-Matoran, ready to incinerate him, when a spindly figure suddenly materialized out of the shadows.

    "I know where it is!" Amath cried. "I know where the mask is!"

    Makuta glanced at the former Dark Hunter, regarding him with the utmost indifference. "And why, pray tell, should I listen to you?"

    "He's with me," said Shikaiju. "He helped me break the seal."

    "Ah. Is that right?" Makuta lowered his hand, his attention now fully on Amath. "Very well then. Out with it."

    Amath hesitated, his eyes darting from Makuta to Botar. He then looked to Shikaiji, who still stood by Teridax's side. The former Dark Hunter began to frown.

    "You tricked me," he whispered. "It was never about defeating the Makuta, was it?"

    "Very perceptive," Shikaiju growled. "Now, the mask."

    "I once devoted my life to protecting the Matoran," Amath went on. "Now I have been tricked into putting their lives in danger. No wonder the Hand of Artakha disbanded; we were never fit to do what was right."

    "You are trying my patience," Makuta rumbled. "Give me the mask."

    "You mean this mask?" Out of thin air, Amath produced a golden mask of ornate design, with an intimidating and bestial visage. The six Protectors gasped in shock while Botar's eyes went wide in horror.

    "No," he croaked.

    Makuta stepped forward, eyes glowing with hunger. "Is that...?"

    "The Mask of Ultimate Power," Amath said. "Or, as the Great Beings call it, the Kanohi Nui."

    Makuta held out a clawed hand. "Give it to me. Now."

    Amath smirked. "For a dark overlord, you sure do act like a petulant child. You didn't even say the magic word."

    With a roar, Makuta lunged for the mask. Amath vanished in the blink of an eye, disappearing into the shadows. Makuta's eyes flashed as he proceeded to rear back and unleash a shadow hand from his chest. Reaching into the darkness, he immediately fished out Amath and began to pull the former Dark Hunter back towards him, causing the mask to fall from his hands.

    "No!" Amath cried as he was pulled towards Makuta. "Shikaiju, you can't let him--"

    But Shadow Stealer's screams were silenced as he was absorbed into the Makuta's body. After taking a moment to recuperate, Teridax stepped over to the Mask of Ultimate Power and picked it up. Immediately, the Protectors began to fire upon him. Makuta flicked his wrist and placed all six Matoran within a stasis field.

    As Makuta moved to remove his Kanohi Kraahkan, Botar began to stir. "The Order will stop you," the Saevta growled.

    "Will they? You sound so sure."

    "The will of Mata Nui shall prevail in the end."

    Makuta laughed as he moved his hand towards the titan. "The end is a long time coming. I think I'll manage."

    He then closed his hand and Botar screamed in agony as the Makuta's magnetic force compressed his armor, crushing his insides from within. The last thing Botar heard was Shikaiju's shrill laughter as he felt his consciousness slowly drift into non-existence....

TO BE CONTINUED

Bionicle Alternatives: Empire of Makuta IV, Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT
--Daxia--

    "The seal's been broken?!"

    "Yes," Botar replied, unfazed by Helryx's anger. "It would appear Shikaiju has been working with the Makuta to gain access Okoto. She convinced the Dark Hunter Shadow Stealer -- whom you know as Amath -- to help her retrieve the three Toa of Psionics necessary to break the seal."

    "So the Makuta know about Okoto." Helryx tightened her grip on the balcony railing, focusing her seething expression on the training grounds below. "I knew I should have just had the entire island destroyed."

    "And kill hundreds of innocent Matoran? Even you are not willing to go that far." Botar was silent for a moment before saying, "However, something must be done, and quickly."

    "I know," Helryx muttered. She then looked up at the Saevta. "Who did you say were present with Amath and Shikaiju?"

    "The six Toa you sent after Karzahni. I don't know how they have deviated so far from their original mission, but I suspect Amath and Shikaiju had a hand in that."

    "We need to get them out of there," Helryx said. "Return to Okoto and bring them back here. In the meantime, I'll devise a strategy on how to proceed from here."

    "Don't take too long," Botar growled. "After all, the Makuta have a moving island. We don't."

    And with that and a flash of light, the Saevta was gone.

--Okoto--

    "That took a lot more than thirty seconds."

    Lesovikk rolled his eyes. "It's not exactly the easiest thing to explain."

    The Ta-Matoran continued to regard him suspiciously even as he lowered his bow weapon. The others followed suit, although the Onu-Matoran had her's permanently grafted to her chest.

    "Still," the Matoran of Fire went on, "your story checks out, for the most part. We have been aware for many millennia that there are forces that desire the power hidden here on Okoto. We have spent eons preparing for the moment the seal was broken... which appears to be now."

    "Great," Lesovikk said. "Now that we're on the same page, how about helping us locate our friend? She's a Toa like us, with a gold Kanohi Kualsi."

    "We have not seen a being of that description," said a male Ga-Matoran. "However, perhaps we can--"

    Lesovikk never caught the rest of the Matoran's sentence, for in the blink of an eye the scenery of Okoto had been replaced with the walls of a fortress... and Botar was standing before them.

    "Well, so much for that," Seldaan muttered.

    "No!" Lesovikk glared at the Saevta. "Trisuma is still missing. We can't leave her behind!"

    "Not that I would mind," Arctur said under his breath.

    Botar regarded the seven Toa coolly. "You had a mission. Trisuma is none of your concern. Karzahni is."

    "But who knows what dangers that island contained!" Lesovikk protested. "We don't know what kind of trouble she could be getting herself into."

    "I do," Botar said. "As I said, she is none of your concern."

    "Why not?"

    "Because she's already dead."

    With that, Botar produced the blue and gold form of a Toa of Psionics and tossed it onto the ground. Empty dead eyes stared at the Toa Tenebrae from behind a Kanohi Kualsi.

    "I found her interrogating a Matoran," Botar went on. "She was going after the same thing as Amath and Shikaiju. She was in on their scheme."

    "And... you killed her," Zaria said quietly.

    "She was a liability the Order didn't need. Now, enough talk; we've already wasted enough time as is. You must capture Karzahni and bring him to us."

    "Why can't you guys do it yourselves?" Arctur asked, earning him warning looks from the others. "Considering you can just teleport to anywhere in the universe anytime you please...."

    Botar glared at him. "The Order has far more pressing concerns than some mad tyrant. Between the Makuta mobilizing and Okoto having been discovered, we cannot spare the resources to handle Karzahni ourselves. That is where you come in."

    "Still, the least you could do is take us there."

    Botar simply glowered at the Toa of Gravity before teleporting away.

    "Or you could do that...."

    "All right then," Lesovikk grunted. "I guess that's the end of that conversation." He glanced over to Varian, who looked dumbfounded by what had just transpired. "I know it's probably too late to ask this, but are you sticking with us for this mission?"

    The Toa of Psionics shrugged. "At this point, I feel obligated to. It would be kind of off for me to jump out now."

    "I'm glad you have that settled then," said a voice, even though there was no one else in the room besides the seven Toa. While Varian and the others were startled by the invisible being, Lesovikk took it in stride. It was far from the strangest thing they had encountered so far.

    "Your ship is waiting for you at the docks," Jerbraz said. "You leave now."

--Metru Nui--

    "You fool!"

    Turaga Dume moved with a start. Turning around, he saw Lhikan storm into the Coliseum. Despite being a Turaga as well, the former Toa of Fire still managed to carry a bold and intimidating presence, one which put even Dume on the defensive.

    "You have led the Toa to their doom!" Lhikan roared.

    "Do please elaborate," Dume stiffly replied.

    "I just watched them depart from the docks. They're headed for Karzahni." Lhikan scowled as he stepped closer to Dume. "Didn't you direct them to the passage that takes them to the Northern Continent?"

    "No, I did not. What of it?"

    "Do you not know the legends? Karzahni is a land of despair! Few have entered that realm and even fewer have returned!"

    "I am aware," Dume said. "Your point?"

    Lhikan furiously tapped his Firestaff against the floor. "How do you expect them to find the Toa of Light if you send them to a land of darkness?"

    "Through great trial," Dume answered firmly. "It is what all Toa must know if they hope to live up to the name. If they cannot get past Karzahni, then they are not worthy of being called Toa Metru."

    "But... but the Rahaga are with them! As well as a Matoran!"

    "The Rahaga know danger; they betrayed the Makuta and lived. As for the Chronicler..." Dume broke his gaze away from Lhikan's, turning sad in his expression. "I was not aware he was with them until it was too late. If it were Kodan, I would not be too concerned. But Takua...."

    Lhikan frowned, his demeanor becoming more disappointed than upset. "What are you trying to prove, Dume? You were never like this before the Cataclysm. What changed?"

    "Everything, Lhikan. Metru Nui, the universe... myself." Dume let out a heavy sigh. "These are dark times, my friend. Times that we were never prepared for. If Metru Nui is to stand strong, then--"

    "Turaga!" Bursting through the Coliseum doors came a Ta-Matoran guard, panic stricken across his mask. "The Makuta are here!"

    Both Turaga stiffened. "The Makuta?" Dume murmured.

    "Yes! Destral. It's... it's just appeared on the Silver Sea. Rahkshi are flying over as we speak!"

    Lhikan looked to Dume, and for the first time in his life, the Turaga of Metru Nui looked scared.

    "And so it begins," he whispered. "The fall of the Great City."

Bionicle Alternatives: Empire of Makuta IV, Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

    "Does anyone have any idea where we're going?"

    No one answered Orkahm as the ship traversed through the Silver Sea, having long since passed through the Great Barrier. Now only liquid protodermis surrounded them as they were carried into the night, the Kanohi Avohkii serving as their only source of light.

    "I'll take that as a 'no,'" muttered the Toa of Air.

    Standing at the ship's bow with the other Rahaga, Norik looked to Pouks, who held the Avohkii in his hands. "Is it just me," the former asked, "or is the mask getting... dimmer?"

    Pouks frowned as he looked down at the Mask of Light. Indeed, its glow was significantly less brighter than it had been just moments ago. He tried shaking it but that did nothing to change it.

    "I don't understand," he murmured. "It shouldn't be...." A cloud suddenly fell over his face. He turned to the other Rahaga, looking at them with a grim expression. "It's leading us to him. The madman in chains."

    Bomonga's breath hitched. "Karzahni? But... his land is one of darkness, according to legend. No light can enter there. Why would the Mask of Light be leading us there?"

    "I'm sorry, did you say Karzahni?" asked Tehutti. "As in, 'the Land of the Dead' Karzahni?"

    "It is the island closest to Metru Nui," Norik said darkly. "However, Turaga Dume had told me there were secret passages to get around the dome. I believe there was one that went straight to the Northern Continent."

    "Well, what are we waiting for?" Orkahm asked, rushing to the ship's controls. "Let's quick-change course before we end up somewhere we don't want to be."

    While the Toa of Air worked the controls, Gaaki turned to Norik. "Did Dume tell you where the secret passages were?"

    Norik frowned. "No, he did not. I... I assume he thought the Avohkii would simply guide us to them."

    "Hey!" Orkahm exclaimed. The others turned to see him yanking on the controls, only for the ship to remain on course. "What gives? Everything is jammed!"

    Tehutti gave Vhisola a pointed look. "You said this boat was a state of the art model."

    "It is!" the Toa of Water retorted. "Or, at least, Marka told me it was. I don't think she would--"

    "We've been sabotaged," interjected Nuhrii, prompting looks from the others. "That's the only possible explanation."

    "But who?" asked Ehrye. "Who would do something like that?"

    Ahkmou shrugged. "Eh. No sense beating around the bush."

    Without warning, the Toa of Stone suddenly lunged forward and tackled Tehutti to the deck, pinning him there. Before the other Toa had a chance to react, Ahkmou tore off their leader's mask and lifted the Toa of Earth's weakened form over his head. As Tehutti cried out in protest, Ahkmou hurled him over the edge of the ship and sent him plunging into the waters below.

    "No!" Vhisola cried as she and Nuhrii charged towards the traitorous Toa. Ahkmou responded by throwing a small boulder at Vhisola, cracking her mask in two, before grabbing Nuhrii by the neck.

    "It's hilarious." A wicked grin split across Ahkmou's mask. "You guys are reacting exactly the way I need you to."

    Suddenly, a Rhotuka spinner cut through the air and struck him in the side. Dropping Nuhrii, the Toa of Stone fell to the deck, paralyzed. While Nuhrii and Vhisola quickly recovered, the six Rahaga came storming over to Ahkmou, pointing their staffs at him.

    "Explain yourself," Norik demanded. "What in the Great Spirit's name could possibly compel you to betray your fellow Toa like this?"

    Ahkmou continued to grin as a low chuckle escaped his throat. "Makuta," he managed to grunt out.

    "Makuta?" Iruini exclaimed. "You mean all this time, you've been working for the Brotherhood?"

    "Saw an opportunity. Seized it. With Mata Nui gone, who else can we turn to for power?"

    Kualus snorted in disgust. "It is not in a Toa's code to crave power. You are a disgrace to the very idea of Toa."

    "Uh-huh. See if you're still acting high and mighty when you're swimming with the fishes."

    Suddenly, Orkahm let out a wail as he was sent flying from the ship's controls, crashing onto the deck. The others turned to see a tall dark figure stalking towards them, carrying a massive bow shooter in his arms. Antlers curled over a black and green mask as red eyes glowed with malice.

    As the remaining four Toa Metru brandished their tools, the Rahaga regarded the newcomer with contempt.

    "Umarak," Norik spoke the name with spite.

    "Ah, so you've heard of me. Good." Umarak lifted his bow and locked it into firing position. "I've never been one for introductions."

    "How did you find us?" asked Kualus. "There's no way Makuta could have possibly known--"

    "The stone head just told you he's been working for the Brotherhood," Umarak growled. "The second you were given your mission, he sent a message to Teridax who sent me to get your precious mask. Simple as that."

    "So he sabotaged the controls to take us to Karzahni?" Vhisola asked.

    "He didn't want the Toa of Light to suddenly make a miraculous appearance and save your hides, I guess. Pretty smart thinking, I must admit. Kudos for that, Toa."

    "Stop talking and get the mask already!" Ahkmou snapped. "Makuta is waiting for us!"

    "All right, all right. Hold your Rahi." Without warning, Umarak dissipated into shadows, vanishing from view. Pouks then let out a yell as the Avohkii disappeared from his hands only to rematerialize with Umarak seconds later.

    "There. That's taken care of. Now then..." Storing the mask away, Umarak took aim with his bow again. "Which one of you should I start with?"

    Nuhrii glowered back at the dark warrior. "If you think we're going down without a fight, you're severely mistaken."

    "Please, prove me wrong. It's been a while since I've had a challenge."

    With a battle cry, Orkahm launched himself at Umarak, arm blades raised high. A single blast from the Hunter's bow was all it took to down him. Vhisola was the next to strike, unleashing a stream of water from her trident. Umarak sputtered under the barrage, allowing Nuhrii to move in and deliver a sweeping kick, knocking the Hunter's bow out of his hands.

    Snarling, Umarak drew a sword and swung at Nuhrii's head. The Toa of Fire narrowly dodged in time and soon found himself lying on the deck, having been knocked down by a powerful kick. Vhisola attacked again, only this time Umarak managed to weather the water stream and knock her trident out of her hands. The Hunter then struck her across the face, knocking off her damaged mask.

    As Umarak moved to recover his bow, Ehrye encased both of his legs in ice, rooting him in place. The Hunter glared at the Toa of Ice for a second before easily breaking free and retrieving his bow. Ehrye had no time to react as a series of shots sent him falling over the rail and into the sea below.

    This left Nuhrii as the only conscious and able Toa left. As he struggled to his feet, Umarak pointed his bow at his face, preparing another blast.

    "Any last words, Toa?" the Hunter growled.

    Nuhrii said nothing. He would not go down in the history records as a pathetic loser. He was Toa Nuhrii, Master of Fire! Lighting his swords ablaze, he charged ahead...

    ...and received a single blast to the head, causing his mask to explode into pieces. Smoke exhumed from his ravaged face as he fell back to the deck for the last time, his heartlight extinguished.

    Horrified by what they had witnessed, Takua and the Rahaga could only watch as Umarak set his sights on them. The Hunter regarded them only for a moment before stowing his bow on his back.

    "Not worth the energy," he grunted. "Karzahni can deal with you."

    Having recovered from the effects of Bomonga's spinner, Ahkmou was back on his feet. "Right then," he said. "Let us return to Makuta."

    Umarak gave him a look. "And how exactly do you plan on getting to Destral?"

    Ahkmou blinked. "Uh... surely you can use your powers to--"

    "Doesn't work like that. Sorry."

    And with that, Umarak was gone, taking the Mask of Light with him. Ahkmou stood there in shock, dumbfounded by the unexpected abandonment. Lost in astonishment, he had failed to notice Orkahm rising behind him until the Toa of Air's hand was on his shoulder.

    "Say hi to Tehutti and Ehrye for me."

    Before Ahkmou could react, he was being thrown over the ship by Orkahm's Mask of Telekinesis and sent plummeting into the Silver Sea to join the fishes.