Bionicle Genesis: Book 1-Creation

[Antak3000]

Before I start posting this, an explanation is required.

This is an obscenely long running project of mine. While I have started fanfic projects before (And other creative writing) I always give up or lose interest. With this, I have been making Mocs, characters, lore and backstory for 10 years, no doubt due to some manner of mental illness. Started coming up with this in 2015, picked up a bunch in 2016 after the show ended abruptly.

This is a complete, overly ambitious retelling of Bionicle G2’s storyline, with G1ish lore and names being applied to the characters. Basically a ‘what if’ the series had continued, I try to mimic the style of the original g1 stories. Existing lore and characters are beefed up significantly, and the story has been expanded and streamlined into a more cohesive narrative. This follows the original two years of story (Book 1 and 2, named for the main quest masks), and adds 3-5 additional ‘years‘ worth of story that actually concludes the series, connects it back to G1, and ties up a number of G1s loose ends.

Plot Rules/structure

-Feedback is welcome, I’m new at this, dialogue and action sequences are still rough for me.

-Covenant of Makuta is a chapter heading, a segment of his point of view and thoughts.

-Magic/powers and masks follow G1 canon (with some liberties)

-Story fleshes out Okoto and and connects to G1.

-First drafts of book one and two are finished, three is half finished.

-Posting will be weekly, when possible.

-Story is divided into chapters, but each chapter is divided into 4-8 sub chapters, structured a bit like the original online serials (this makes it easier to read and write). This is also how I’ve generally seen things like this done on forums? So I’m hoping the format is acceptable.

-Timeline and outline is done, so much of the story is planned out in advance.

-Characters follow G1 canon, when possible or applicable. The Toa, for instance, are returning characters. The Okotan characters are not.

-Masks, previously unnamed characters, and some places have names I came up with playing with words in other languages, in an attempt to make them more bionicle like.
-Plot structure follows the online animations, and netflix show, with adaptations

-I have Mocs for basically everything, so I have a physical representation of characters I’m using.

-All g2 characters are utilized in some fashion. Though some may be interpreted differently.

-Comics and books are mostly ignored, due to me never finding them.

-Tone is closest to 2001-2003. But shifts gradually to the darker tone of the Ignika era.

-Absolutely no AI was used at any point to make anything.

[Antak3000]

Glossary/Guide

Apologies for the links.

(Names are either from official canon or made up by blending multiple words from different languages. Any similarities to real names is a coincidence.)

Land Marks

Okoto-Mysterious island with 6 distinct regions

Maro Endal-Endless ocean that surrounds the island. Shrouded in mist, ships leaving sight of the shore never return, save for occasional wreckage.

Ta-Koto, Ga-Koto, Le-Koto, Onu-Koto, Ko-Koto, Po-Koto-Regions of Okoto, as well as the town names.

Aurakoto-The Golden City of the Mask Makers, fallen into ruin

Standing Stones-6 stone pillars in the exact center of the island. They were used to summon the Toa.

Nelvac-The Shadow Realm, a place of darkness and terror. Makuta’s prison

Characters

Toa-Travelers from a distant realm, Champions of Okoto

-Tahu-Toa of Fire, Team Leader

-Gali-Toa of Water

-Kopaka-Toa of Ice

-Lewa-Toa of Air

-Onua-Toa of Earth

-Pohatu-Toa of Stone

Makuta’s Beasts

Avoras-Lord of Skull Spiders, and the name of the golden mask of consciousness.

Aranos-Skull Spiders, non-living extensions of Avoras, capable of possessing anyone that wears them. The Lord of Skull spiders is constantly making more of them.

Markoa-the skull raiders, dangerous, marauding warriors. They worship the god of death, the Unmaker.

-Kulta-the Skull grinder and leader of the Markoa cult

-Kovarr-The Skull Basher, Kulta’s enforcer

-Lacera-The Skull Slicer, unhinged gladiator and Markoa warrior

-Kalavar-Skull Scorpions, dangerous beasts from the Markoa homeland

-Markov-Skull Thralls, reanimated corpses of the Markoa and their victims.

-Vorakul-Skull Stalkers, deadly ambush predators from the Markoa homeland

Creatures

Andaru-Elemental creatures, avatars of the 8 main elements. More about them in book 2.

Nui Vespa-Skull wasp. Unrelated to Markoa, Kanohi Avoras (and all aranos) are modeled after one

Koribahn-Frost cat, medium sized, dangerous, travel in small packs.

Crovorak-Dangerous tunneling insects, predatory and cannibalistic.

Tibyra-Shark found along all coastlines. mostly hunts fish but dangerous if you get too close.

Ussal-Familiar looking crab

Varendi-strange floating or swimming creatures, found in the air or water. Harmless.

Domari-Protectors of Okoto-appointed by each Tribe

-Vizuna-Domari of Air

-Kivoda-Domari of Water

-Izotor-Domari of Ice

-Korgot-Domari of Earth, Second in command

-Nilkuu-Domari of Stone

-Narmato-Domari of Fire, Leader

Others

-Ekimu-Great mask maker

-Makuta-Fallen Mask Maker

-Okotans-Race of villagers that populates the island. Hardier than Matoran or Agori, but incapable of becoming Toa. Divided into six tribes, denoted by the usual prefixes.

Masks

Kanohi-Masks of power

Tryna-Mask of Reanimation. Used by Kulta to create an undead army. He is EXTREMELY good at using it.

Umaki-Legendary mask of creation, used by Ekimu

Ahkaro-Legendary mask of control, used By Makuta

Mitaka-Legendary mask of prophesy, used by the Mask Makers

Midakir-Legendary mask of Ultimate Power, briefly used by Makuta, but destroyed.

Avoras-Legendary mask of consciousness. It is an evolving conscious itself.

Akayra-Masks of Mastery, recharges elemental power instantly, but must recharge itself afterwards. One carved for each toa’s mask

Vakto-Domari Masks. Taps the dormant elemental powers of the wearer and allows them to channel their element to a limited extent

Olonto-Low power elemental masks worn by villagers

Animar-Strange, combined elemental masks, unstable, dangerous, and too difficult to control.

Toa Kanohi-Appear to have no other powers but boost the Toa’s elemental abilities and strength. Exchanged for their golden Akayra. Kept at village shrines. Appear to be far more durable than the Akayra masks they were exchanged for.

Death Masks-Markoa wear powerless masks in the shape of gruesome skulls, often deliberately left in disrepair

Aranos-Masks created by the Lord of Skull Spiders, apparently in mimicry of its master.

Many creatures have faces resembling masks. The Kalavar have death masks applied by their handlers. Vorakul and skull wasps have faces resembling Aranos.

[Antak3000]

Bionicle Genesis-Book 1: Creation

Retelling of Bionicle 2015

Chapters

Prologue-The Legend of Okoto

Chapter 1-Coming of the Toa

Chapter 2-Before the Storm

Chapter 3-The Dead City

Chapter 4-The Tomb

Chapter 5-The Mask Maker

Chapter 6-The Beginning

Darkness-The Legend of Avoras

[Antak3000]

Prologue-The Legend

When the world was new, when our civilization was born, my brother and I were chosen, lifted above the others as teachers and protectors. We learned at the feet of the great being’s herald, and with his knowledge, we created paradise. Some were content with this triumph. We wanted for nothing. We lived long, happy lives. There was no war or sickness, nothing to challenge our prosperity. But I wanted something greater. There had to be something more to life then mere existence, happy or not. My brother embraced this time of peace, knowing it would not last forever. I used it to search for my greater purpose. I would be ready when the peace ended

-The Covenant of Makuta

Part 1

There is little known of the world before Okoto. Much of what I tell you now is legend passed on from parent to child for generations. Much is lost, or distorted from retelling. The world was chaos. Death, violence, and cruelty were all we knew. The world had rent asunder by our petty wars and greed. Warring tribes clashed over soon to be squandered resources. Dangerous beasts roamed the wastelands, raiders and bandits struck at will. When all hope was lost, when it seemed that we would be destroyed by our own hand, a savior arrived. Coming from a distant star, he sought to bring peace to our ruined world.

With him came the great warriors, the Toa. They stood at the great one’s side, and together they vanquished the threats that were devastating our world. There was a great war, one that covered the world in flame and ash. But the forces of darkness were no match for the Great Being and his Toa. One by one, great monsters and warlords alike fell to their might. The stars darkened, save for the Red Star, the last flicker of light in the heavens. Even as the world burned and life was extinguished, even as the days darkened from the ash raining from the sky, the world was beginning its rebirth.

Our race, now called Okotans, was nearly destroyed by this crucible, a forge to take something ruined and broken and make it anew. But the Great Being saw our plight. He gathered us in his mercy, and set us in a place beside him. The Toa would be our great protectors, guardians of the light. And we were given a paradise, the great island; Okoto. It is said the great being rose it from the ocean himself, creating land from nothing. We would be entrusted with this gift, and were commanded to build a perfect civilization upon it. The mighty ocean, Maro Endal, and the great shroud of mist created by the great on himself would shelter us as the rest of the world finished its metamorphosis.

Our people built a great city with a gilded temple to our savior, and shrines to our great champions, the Toa. Our people multiplied and spread across the face of the island, building settlements and roads. There was nothing but peace and tranquility to be found across the land, and we were content. The Great Being and his Toa banished the last of the threats to realm of shadow and suffering, known as Nelvac. Three great seals were placed on our island, the Toa combining their powers to imprison these threats forever. Of the outside world, nothing was heard or seen. Perhaps there was nothing left outside of our island. The Great Being told us that the island was ours, but we were not to sail out of sight of its shore. The foolish Okotans who disobeyed this commandment never returned, lost in the mist that shrouded our island, or consumed by the treacherous seas.

It is said the Toa returned to the stars from whence they came, and the Great Being went with them. He gave us his oath, that he would return when we where ready to join him in the stars. He would guide us to ascension if we proved ourselves worthy. While we wanted nothing more than to join him, without his guidance, we became afraid. But in his wisdom, he sent another servant to guide us. The one called Velika appeared after a star seemed to fall from the sky. He was the Great Being’s last gift to us, and with his guidance, our city and villages flourished. He taught us the art of Kanohi, masks of power, and chose two among us, the loyal Ekimu and cunning Makuta to learn this craft. They became the greatest among us in stature and wisdom, and before his departure, Velika gifted them each a Great Kanohi.

For Makuta, the Kanohi Ahkaro, mask of control. It granted him flawless craft and precision, and could dominate the will of lesser beings. For Ekimu, The Kanohi Umaki, mask of creation. The mask could be used to create all manner of beautiful things, armor, tools, and of course, Kanohi. The brothers used these tools to bring about a golden age that is only now remembered in song. One final gift was bestowed on our race. The wall of prophecy, the plan for our people, was carved by Velika into a great black stone, and entrusted to Ekimu. With these leaders he had given to us, the great mask maker bid us fare well, and returned to the stars with the Toa and the great being. But this time, we were not afraid. We knew our destiny was to join the great one in the stars.

[Ghid]

So…

Despite what was stated at the beginning, I’m not really sure what this is. That will probably be explained whenever the first chapter is posted, but it’s hard to tell from what’s provided if this will be serialized, multiple chapters, present-tense, past-tense, told from the perspective of the main character or told from an outside perspective. At the moment there’s not much to invest in outside of the name-drop of one of the most evil characters in G1 now becoming a god and being described as all-benevolent.

G1/G2-tying stories have never been my cup of tea, but I’ll see where this one goes… Although I suppose I am simply too pedantic to leave without pointing out the overuse of “It is said” in the legend chapter.

[Antak3000]

@Ghid

chapter is posted, but it’s hard to tell from what’s provided if this will be serialized, multiple chapters, present-tense, past-tense, told from the perspective of the main character or told from an outside perspective. At the moment there’s not much to invest in outside of the name-drop of one of the most evil characters in G1 now becoming a god and be

So the prologue is told past tense, as oral history. Some of it is inaccurate, as this is the history according to the villager’s passed down knowledge. Kind of a small inversion of the Turaga’s simplified myths. I just skipped the “gathered friends” quote that always seems to get overused.

The story is otherwise present tense. Unfortunately I do switch viewpoints do to the amount of characters, though I try to stick with the Toa. Occasionally flipping to the villains. Velika is an important part of the story, Makuta is a new character, and so are all of the other non-Toa. I’ll play with the format, I divided it up in chapters, with segments for length. If that turns out to suck I can change it up. I actually just swapped the little segment under the title, hopefully it makes the format seem more clear.

Your pedantry is welcome! I have issues with repetition that I am trying to work on. The first little chunk of the story (mask hunting) is the roughest. But this is planned out and it does go somewhere.

[DuneToa]

I’m interested to see where it goes! Its been a while since someone posted a properly-formatted story on here.

[Antak3000]

The Legend Part 2

The brothers went to work, guiding and teaching our people just as Velika had taught them. The villages prospered, each given a name in honor of the great Toa. Ta-koto stood proud in the shelter of a great volcano, its people warriors, and blacksmiths. Ko-koto was isolated in the mountains far in the north, scholars, and architects. Po-koto linked our settlements together with roads and traveled far and wide, bringing goods from village to village. Ga-koto linking us together across the coasts with their watercraft and providing for the island with fishing. Le-Koto was one with the trees, living in harmony with nature and farming the land for food and providing wood for building. And Onu-Koto continuously dug mines and tunnels, providing raw material for our crafts. Our best workers and craftsmen were sent to Aurakoto, the Golden City. The great city was set between all the villages, with roads connecting to all of them.

We only knew peace. An occasional theft, an argument escalating into a fight, these and the occasional threats from wild beasts were dealt with by the Domari. Protectors, chosen by Makuta and Ekimu themselves. They received armor and tools that would be passed down through the generations. They took over leadership of the individual villages, allowing the Mask Makers to pursue higher duties. The Great Being would send them signs and visions through his avatars, the Andaru.

Each Andaru was a creature tied completely to its element. They were often seen communing with Ekimu, and his mask making became ever greater. Makuta was no less of a forge master, but spent his time wandering the island, looking for lost places and secrets. He was especially enamored by the three great seals of Nelvac, and often meditated in their centers, letting the strange energy that seemed to permeate each on flow through his body. Temples had been built around the seals, and the elements were repelled by their borders. Even the Mask Makers were powerless, something that fascinated Makuta.

Ekimu took on much of his brother’s duties, though he was not asked to. Makuta had buried himself in studies and experiments and appeared less and less at rituals and celebrations, something many were secretly glad of. Makuta was admired by many, his cunning mind, wit and hunger for knowledge was an inspiration. But Ekimu was loved. His masks were superior, his crafts more beautiful. He was calm and patient, and spent much of his time with his people, eventually taking up residence in the city of Aurakoto. Makuta chose an isolated place near Ta-koto to build his forge. It was near the first seal of Nelvac, and it was difficult to reach. He seemed to be searching for something, pouring over prophesies, exploring the temples made by our ancestors and the history they carved into the walls. His masks became darker and almost frightening to look at, and most Okotans avoided them in favor of Ekimu’s Kanohi.

Makuta’s first experiments became known during a celebration, the Apex of the Red Star. It had become a tradition for the Mask Makers to show off their best work, and Ekimu presented each of the Domari with flawlessly crafted masks, The Kanohi Vakto were stronger than our regular masks, allowing each protector to channel their element much like the Toa or Andaru could (Though not as strong). These gifts were met with cheers and praise. Makuta had something different. He presented three masks (he did not give them names) and asked for three volunteers. He gave them each on e of the masks, and told them to focus. Like the Kanohi Vakto, these masks allowed their users to channel the elements themselves. But each Kanohi had two powers. Eagerly, Makuta described the many uses this could have.

But the demonstration was a disaster. While the masks certainly worked, the villagers couldn’t control the power, elements lashed out seemingly at random, wrecking the stage and the temple around it. Okotans scattered in panic, while Ekimu and the Protectors struggled to put out the flames and other dangers. Makuta was aghast, he had tested the masks, but only with himself. He had been able to control two powers easily, and hadn’t thought to test it further. He watched silently as the mess he created was cleaned up, humiliated. Ekimu made a law forbidding combining powers into one mask. Makuta took this as a slight, he had only wanted to give his people a greater tool, something that could push them further ahead. It could never improve if it was outlawed. His work would continue in secret, though we would not realize it until it was too late.

The rift between the two brothers grew greater as the years past. They were not normal Okotans, but something greater, they did not age like us. Nor did either have children, preferring to focus on their work. For Makuta, this became meditation and craft, and many cunning, intricate devices were made for the villages. Irrigation systems, locks, tools, gears and wheels. The forge in the mountains was always churning. The few villagers who still sought out Makuta for his wisdom or aid became some of the greatest of their time, learning much from his strange studies and thoughts. But he did many things in secret. His masks were now a rare sight, but he was constantly making them. His experiments of combining powers were just beginning. He could often be found talking to himself, in an odd one-sided conversation. His acolytes, few as they were, built a small settlement around the Nelvac seal, so they didn’t have to travel the great distance between villages. Here he would speak to his followers, teaching them his strange crafts.

Occasional rumors and reports of monsters or wild animals became more common, Many in Le-Koto spoke of a spider-like creature that haunted the forest, others claimed to see strange beasts moving in the shadows if they strayed too far from the roads. Occasional disappearances of lone travelers were reported. The eighth Andaru, Known as Tenebris, also began to act strangely. The tall, disturbing creature was being sighted more and more frequently. Some thought it was malicious, a dark omen. Others thought perhaps it was trying to warn them of coming darkness. It lurked in the shadow, melting back into the darkness if any approached it. The Domari formed a hunting party to try and capture it, worrying that it was becoming a threat. They tracked the creature for miles throughout the jungle in Le-koto, but never found it. The leader of the protectors, the Domari of Stone at the time, swore that he a saw a tall, ghostly figure, its face a twisted skull. Its body was clad in bone and pelt, hanging from its frame like trophies. The rest of the party couldn’t confirm that such a monster existed, but none were willing to go back out and look for it. The Andaru of Shadows was never seen again.

Ekimu began providing masks for all of Okoto, and often armor as well. It became a rite of passage for young Okotans to go before Ekimu and be given their first mask. He kept the teachings and history of Velika alive, sharing it with each generation. The Great Being’s promise of enlightenment, the twisted world we were saved from, it is this very history I am now telling you. Despite strife and division caused by the brothers, Makuta’s cunning designs and Ekimu’s leadership led us to be even greater. But for the first time in our history, there was a conflict. Beings from across the sea arrive in great vessel, far larger than anything we had made. It seemed a miracle, none had ever left sight of our islands shores and returned.

Many believed they were messengers from the great one, but they were nothing like Velika or the Andaru. They called themselves the Markoa. They wore battered armor, with grim helmets resembling skulls. Their leader was tall, with a flowing cape and a spiked staff . His mask, or possibly his face, looked like a bare skull. Despite his frightening appearance, he has well spoken and polite. They were greeted by the Mask Makers and welcomed to the island, Ekimu personally giving them a tour of the city. The eagerness we all felt at the first visitors to our island was cut short when they attacked the following night.

[Antak3000]

The Legend Part 3

Only one was ready for an attack from the newcomers. Makuta responded first, rallying the Okotans to him and striking back against the invaders. The Markoa were far more nightmarish than we had realized, they commanded an army made of their own dead. Any Okotan that fell rose again as a Markoa thrall. Ekimu and the Domari turned the tide, even as Makuta and his followers were pushed back. The Markoa were routed and fled the edges of Aurakoto, disappearing into the night. Ekimu and Makuta quickly organized their warriors, with the former insisting that they pursue immediately while they had the advantage. But Makuta suggested they hold. He believed that their attackers were lying in wait just beyond the walls. The Domari, for once, sided with Makuta, perhaps out of wisdom, perhaps out of fear. None of them before had known battle, or taken a life, justly or otherwise.

There was argument however, of whether or not the time had come to summon the Toa. The great one had promised us his warriors would aid us in our darkest hour. To the protectors, this most certainly was their darkest hour. But the Mask Makers both believed this to be a test. We could prove ourselves worthy of the great being’s legacy and fight for ourselves. Or we could lay down our stewardship and the Toa would fight for us. It had been such a long time since the brothers had agreed on anything that the Domari took heart, and began training and arming the villagers. The city and villages were fortified. The Markoa attacked once more to find a ready and capable enemy, and were once again forced to flee. As we grew in strength, they were left only the scraps they could steal from caravans and travelers. But the threat remained, and the raiders had hidden themselves.

Makuta had long studied the secret places, dark corners and lost paths that lay all across our island. He and his followers began a hunt, scouring each and every hiding place they could find. Many hidden camps were found and destroyed. Living Markoa were captured and bound, and the dead were burned. The last stronghold of our enemy was discovered and a great battle was fought. Several of the Domari were slain, and Makuta was wounded. Ekimu himself finally faced their Leader, Kulta. The duel was fierce, but without his army and the element of surprise, Kulta fell. The Markoa chieftain begged for mercy, and many among us desired his death for the suffering he had spread across our land. But Ekimu spared him, and banished the Markoa from our island, to be killed on sight should they ever return. Before he left our shores, Kulta was questioned extensively by Makuta. Many now believe the darker mask maker betrayed us, forming a pact with the raiders.

The realization that outside threats could breach the island, even when we ourselves couldn’t leave, left us in fear. There is no returning to bliss once the peace we had known was broken. Ekimu and the Domari made certain the shrines for the Toa were ready, should we ever need them. Even greater fortifications were made, and smiths that once made tools now forged weapons. And Makuta once again vanished into his seclusive forge. His experiments were strange and frightening, none knew the full extent of them. But he believed that relying on the Toa or strength of arms would fail. We needed a greater weapon, and a greater warrior. Makuta’s desire was to become both. Ekimu seemed concerned by his brother but didn’t intervene. He concerned himself more with the Prophecy, and our covenant with the Great Being. He journeyed to the ancient spire that Velika had once called home. A strange temple, past the southern tip of the island. Here, he found the mask of prophesy, left for him by the herald.

Threats began emerging from our once peaceful wilderness. Predators seem more bold, and the first Aranos appeared. Looking much like our native Nui-Vespa, These skull spiders attacked everything that moved and used their claws to wrench the masks from faces, placing themselves over the heads of their victims. They could control their host like a puppet, though with no grace or skill, shambling about like the Markoa thralls we had seen before. When victims were freed from these monsters, they could recall being touched by a consciousness, a mind of raw emotion. anger, hunger, and fear. They were prisoners in their own bodies, powerless to even scream. Even wildlife was threatened by the Aranos, it wasn’t uncommon to see a predator with a skull mask latched onto its face. Something far worse had been sighted by some of the earliest victims. A Lord of the Skull Spiders, named by the protectors as the Avoras. It seemed a force of nature, destroying smaller settlements, trees, and even rock formations. It moved like a cunning but wounded animal, lashing out in anger while still eluding capture. The hunting parties sent out to find it never returned, though survivors wearing Aranos could sometimes be seen wandering the wilderness.

Umarak the Hunter first made himself known during our apex celebration. For the first time in our history, the Domari were alone in conducting the rituals. Makuta was lost in his secrets and experiments, and Ekimu was lost in meditation in the temple of time. The seven remaining Andaru arrived at the height of the celebration, bathing the crowds in the light from their powers. The peace and beauty were shattered by the dark hunter. He cast a spell of darkness, draining the light from the very skies, and scattering the crowd in terror. His target was not the people of Okoto, but the very soul island. Umarak desired the Andaru, though his plans for the creatures were unknown. The battle they fought lasted three days, even the Domari refused to intervene, pulling the villagers back to the city. The night Umarak brought with him lasted all three days. All that could be seen was the occasional flash of energy, all that could be heard was the dreadful sound of godlike powers crashing together.

While many thought Ekimu would save us, it was Makuta who ended the fight. Channeling power not unlike Umarak’s, the Mask Maker charged into the storm, battling the dreaded hunter. The Andaru lent him their their strength, and Umarak was defeated. Where Makuta had gained these powers was never explained. But instead of reassuring or even speaking to his people, the aloof Mask Maker returned to his forge. The hunter would continue to haunt the island. He never struck so boldly again, but the Andaru avoided gathering together in one place for long. The Domari were able to hold the people together well despite the lack of guidance from our champions, and while they hoped for Ekimu’s return, it began to seem we did not need the Mask Makers. The threats of the Aranos continued but the Domari fought them. They formed a great hunting party, finally tracking down the Lord of Skull spiders themselves. The creature was destroyed, and for a time, Aranos vanished from our lands.

[Antak3000]

The Legend Part 4

Even as the Domari took their place as our leaders, a shadow loomed across the island. We could feel it, like turning a corner. An oppressive weight hung over the city, not just because of the missing Mask Makers. Makuta had vanished, his forge was empty. Some claim to have seen him making his way to the northern mountains. Ekimu had been missing for many years now, though we would later learn he had been preparing for the Toa’s return. The wilds remained unfriendly to us, and guards were needed to get travelers and caravans across the roads safely. The Markoa and some of their monsters had begun to appear again, along with something worse. We called them Animar, beasts of raw elemental matter. They were nearly impossible to destroy, unless you went for the mask. Luckily, the monsters seemed to wander aimlessly if there was no one attacking them, but they laid waste to everything in their path.

Ekimu’s return was unexpected, he reappeared in the city shortly after a rare sighting of Agil (the seventh Andaru had always seemed close to him). He summoned the Domari, and set them to work. The Toa would be needed soon, He had forged masks for them, and we would need to hide them away until their arrival. He revealed little of what he saw with the mask of prophecy, but he confirmed what we already felt in our hearts. The golden age of Okoto was coming to an end. Ekimu’s forge ran day and night, he produced masks, weapons and armor, more than we needed. “But you will need them very soon” he said. Most distressing to the Domari, he laid out instructions for what to do when he was gone. Not if, when. The Domari listened carefully, while they didn’t want to lose their leader again, they would do their duty. Under his direction, the people of Aurakoto began moving to the six outer villages.

Makuta’s return was equally surprising. He staggered back into the city, briefly meeting with Ekimu. He seemed aged and worn to those that saw him, as if something was eating away at him. Where he had been, what he had done, no one knew, and Ekimu never said. Makuta soon left Aurakoto after a heated argument with his brother. He returned to his own temple and his own forge. Strange energy and spells were seen coming from his workshop. Makuta had always been the second favorite of the people, but now they feared him. Some whispered that the Animar were more of his failed masks. Few dared venture to Makuta’s forge, save for those delivering supplies. What exactly he was creating, and why was unknown. Some began to call him ‘mask hoarder’, believing him to be stockpiling masks and weapons for himself. Or perhaps, others joked, his masks were so poor quality that he just hid them in his forge. Others called him ‘Maker of Monsters’, sometimes in jest, but many believed the beasts and darkness to be his creations.

Ekimu continued his preparations, carving his instructions into the great wall of history, made from his visions. To each protector, he gave an elemental crystal, gifts from the Andaru. These would be used to summon the Toa, to be used at the strange ruins, the six standing stones. He revealed to them a hidden labyrinth, at the far north of the island. Its strange architecture was the same as Velika’s citadel in the south. A dense, alien metal, with elaborate carvings. Its walls shifted and changed, with powerful illusions ensnaring anyone seeking the treasure within. His final preparations complete, Ekimu returned home for what would be the last time. Makuta’s work was finished as well, and the brothers fates were sealed.

Makuta surprised the villages, proposing that the Red Star Apex be celebrated in his region. He offered a reconciliation to Ekimu, feigning remorse for his behavior. Reluctantly, Ekimu agreed. The remote area Makuta called home was a pale shadow of Aurakoto but had room for many. We traveled from across the island, all morbidly curious about Makuta’s celebration. If Ekimu knew what was about to happen, he did not say, merely telling the Domari to stay on guard. The celebration and songs were the greatest they had been in years, almost enough to make us forget our hardships and fears. Ekimu took the stage first, speaking of his travels, his meditations, and his vision of the future. The jubilant crowd was taken aback by his tone and warnings. He warned of hardships, cruelty and darkness. But he also told us not to lose faith, and to remember our destiny in the stars. The Great Being would watch over us, as long as we were worthy.

But then, it was Makuta’s turn. He produced a mask unlike any we had before seen, pulsing with power. He raised it above his head, proclaiming our prophesies lies, our traditions; slavery. He said we would be destroyed unless we followed him to salvation. His voice cracked with madness as he spoke of mad gods and countless worlds beneath our feet that had been destroyed like we would be. Ekimu said nothing, he watched as Makuta placed the mask on his own head, casting aside the mask of control. His body burned with energy as his Mask of Ultimate power twisted his form and empowered him. Makuta now towered over his brother, his forge hammer twisted into a cruel weapon to fit his new stature. The mask flared to life, all six elements harnessed at once. Ekimu had no choice, grabbing his own forge hammer, and calling on the villagers, and the protectors, to flee.

The battle was terrible, the temple was torn apart by the maelstrom of barely controlled energy. Makuta easily overpowered Ekimu, forcing the fight towards the seal of Nelvac, at the center of the temple. But his mask was flawed. Cracks began to form as he lost control Elemental energies flared and sputtered as they slipped from his control. The seal of Nelvac began to glow, the six symbols on it flaring to life as the battle raged. Ekimu fought with grim determination, calling on the powers of light, he struck Makuta’s head with all his might. The flawed mask shattered, the six elements were released in a destructive shockwave. Ekimu was caught in the blast, hurled across the ruined temple. His hammer and mask where lost in the destruction. The explosion was heard across the island. The energy suddenly reversed, being pulled back towards the seal where Makuta fell. When the smoke cleared, a perfect circle of Makuta’s temple was gone. In its place, a smoldering crater. The only sign of Makuta was his discarded Kanohi Ahkaro.

Ekimu’s body was found half buried in the rubble. His hammer was nearby, but his mask could not be found. While not dead, he could not be roused, perhaps in a deep, healing trance. Tending to his wounds as best they could, they placed a golden mask over his face as he slept, and sealed him in the sarcophagus he had left for them in Aurakoto. They followed Ekimu’s instructions to the letter. The Kanohi Ahkaro was taken to the labyrinth, sealed forever in the shifting maze. Ekimu was prepared for a long slumber, sealed away in a great Tomb. The Toa’s masks were hidden away, one in each region. And the city was evacuated. Aurakoto emptied out, and while many grumbled that the threat was over, this was only the beginning. The Markoa had returned. Their numbers were greater this time, and we no longer had the Mask Makers.

The death toll would have been unimaginable if we had stayed. The Markoa took our city and turned it into a place of darkness and death. The few that stayed were killed. None who passed the gates or walls afterwards ever returned. And worse still, the Avoras had returned. Aranos swarmed across the island, enslaving wildlife and lone Okotans. The more adventurous, led by the Domari of water, tried to leave by sea, but were consumed by the treacherous waves. Travel between the villages became nearly impossible, with Markoa raiders waylaying and killing those on the roads. At great personal risk, the Domari completed their final task from Ekimu. The six elemental crystals were brought to the standing stones. Each pillar extended a small panel, taking the crystals and absorbing them. The pillars thrummed with energy, releasing a beam of light into the heavens that could be seen across the entire island. The Toa had been called. But we never realized how long we would have to wait for an answer.

[Antak3000]

Chapter 1-The Coming of the Toa

They call me mad. They call me monster. They don’t know what I do for them, what I’ve sacrificed. And I will have to sacrifice much more before the end. The reality of our world is madness, an illusion that I have looked beyond. And something from beyond looked back, calling to me. It told me secrets, showed me power unlike any I had ever known. It showed me how to break the illusions, how to break the chains and end the destructive cycle of our fragile existence. But first, I must break the world we know.

-The Covenant of Makuta

Part 1

The dreams were all of Tahu’s existence. A fitful but inescapable sleep, filled with images and flickers of a life that he couldn’t remember. They were unpleasant, violent dreams, filled with monsters, and death. There was just the slightest realization that he was asleep, the only comfort in this torment. How long had he been like this? It was a dream, impossible to tell. He had friends, a team, and sometimes an army. Sometimes he watched them die. Sometimes he died himself. A towering behemoth, so massive he couldn’t see past its waist. A lethal, one eyed butcher. Invisible assassins, demigods wielding unthinkable power. Every threat imaginable faced him, and he rarely survived. There was always the image of washing up the shore afterwards, an unknown island, clambering out of some small vessel that had born him away from whatever calamity he had just experienced. He had seen it, felt it so many times, it was the only peaceful part of this dreamworld. He was so used to it, he didn’t realize when it was happening for real.

Dragging himself through the sand, as he had so many times before, he glanced back at the cylindrical vessel behind him. A mask, and a pair of weapons were strewn across the sand. Instinctively, he grabbed the mask, and placed it on his face. A surge of energy ran through his body, strengthening his leaden limbs. He shakily got to his feet, shielding his eyes from the harsh sun. The beach gave way to a volcanic region, blackened stones and a jagged mountain range, smoke coming from the top of the highest peak. He noticed a worn but unmistakable road, marked by two statues on either side. Both were chipped and broken, facial details worn off. The road led towards the volcanic mountains in the distance, an ominous sight to most, but for some reason, Tahu felt drawn to it. Leaning down to retrieve his swords, he felt the familiar grips in his hands. Was he free of the dreams? He hoped so. Stowing his blades on his back, Tahu started down the road.

---

He had no way of knowing it, but five other canisters washed ashore around the same time. From each came a similar, disoriented warrior. Each of them arrived alone, one in each region. They were weakened, and they had forgotten everything, save for the dark dreams they had shared. They were the Toa, the long awaited heroes, summoned almost two centuries ago by the inhabitants of the island. They had been delayed, whether by ill fortune or design. They had drifted at sea, the endless ocean surrounding the island, trapped in their canisters and lost in half remembered thoughts. Each had a vague sense of purpose, and a feeling of urgency. Their names were Gali, Kopaka, Lewa, Pohatu, and Onua. Each found a road in their path, and each followed it to what they hoped might be answers.

The Toa’s failure to arrive had been met with fear by the villagers, and then despair. It had been hundreds of years since they had been summoned. The island had become a place of death, few dared venture far from the villages, lest they be taken by Aranos. The mere sight of the great city of Aurakoto filled any who saw it with dread, it was now a stronghold of the vile Markoa. But the Domari still led each village, passing on history and prophecy. There was always hope beneath the fear, but the island only seemed to get worse each coming year. The villages were each connected by roads or tunnels, the closest to safe travel on the island. Ga-kotan’s were known to use boats, but straying far from the coast was a death sentence. Once a year, the Domari would meet at the standing stones, a dangerous journey, but necessary. They would look at the signs from the stars, and prepare. Narmoto, Domari of Ta-koto, had been their leader now for many years, and while the villages had prospered under his guidance, they were still trapped and isolated.

The golden city lay in ruins, desecrated by the Markoa cult. Their leader, Kulta, had taken residence in the temple at the center of the city. The Okotans did not understand why they chose to lie in wait. Many of their ranks were clearly dead, held together and animated by foul magic. But others were living, and they numbered in the hundreds. While united, the villages could put up a fight, individually they would fall. Perhaps they were satisfied in the riches of the great city. Perhaps they were waiting for something. Many believed they were in league with Makuta, as the raiders returned shortly after the mask makers fought. They had brought creatures from their homeland with them, The powerful, scorpion-like Kalavar, and the deadly Vorakul. The Vorakul had quickly infested the wetlands and shallow waters of the island, while Kalavar were used like guard dogs, though the Markoa had little control of the beasts and frequently became meals for them. Undead monsters, stalked the edges of the ruined city.

The Avoras, Lord of Skull Spiders, was much worse. While it had been destroyed by the Domari once before, the monster had returned, larger and stronger than before. The Aranos spread across the island, and could be found everywhere. The villages were safe but not impervious, and the spider was clever and patient. None sent to hunt it down ever returned, and enslaved villagers were rarely recovered. It seemed to largely leave the Markoa alone, but it clearly disliked them. Perhaps one of the things keeping the raiders in Aurakoto was the spider’s animosity. They showed no interest in hunting it down themselves. Over the decades it had dominated the island, ensnaring villagers, careless Markoa, and all manner of wildlife. Avoras was in the skies, and the sea. It had eyes everywhere, and there was no escaping its grasp.

It was into this world that the Toa took their first steps. They were not unnoticed, the dark force that was strangling the island was already preparing for them. Deep in the ruins of Aurokoto, Kulta, chieftain of the Markoa, felt a familiar call.

---

“They are here” The voice echoed. “They will come to retake this city, and awaken my brother.”

Kulta hated not being able to look his “associate” in the eyes. Makuta was a presence, a voice. He didn’t like to think about how he was communicating from his other-worldy prison. “We have the city. We have the keep. It would be six against an army and a fortress. And the tomb is sealed.“

Laughter echoed across the room “Fate is not so easily avoided. I have already warned you of their power.”

Kulta sneered. “The same tricks the Andaru have. The Toa will be destroyed, and rise again as vessals for the Unmaker.“

“No.” Makuta’s voice pounded in his head. “You will not stop them. You will not kill them. They serve a great purpose in my plan.”

Kulta had never understood this, it went beyond toying with a defeated enemy. “You would have them awaken your brother, retrieve his mask and destroy my army?”

A sharp pain lanced through his head. Makuta’s gentle reminder of who was in charge. “The best way to defeat an enemy… is to let them think they’ve won. They will achieve their quest, and with some careful planning, your losses will be minimal.”

Kulta nodded holding his head. “As you command”

The voice and presence were gone, and the Markoa was alone with his thoughts once more. His head still throbbed from whatever attack Makuta had used. He had long hoped that the Toa wouldn’t come, the city was a comfortable place, and the island had nothing beyond the skull spiders to challenge him. Makuta had offered him Ekimu’s mask, and many other treasures, so long ago. In exchange for playing a role, he had said. Ekimu’s mask, the legendary Umaki, was already his. And Makuta would have him give it up.

Admittedly, he was loath to exchange it for his own mask, an ancient relic from the old world. It allowed him to raise and command the dead, It was the symbol and instrument of his power. He hadn’t been the first to use it, but no Markoa Chief had ever used the mask as effectively as Kulta. He placed a hand on the Golden Umaki, the runes engraved on the mask shimmered slightly at his touch. He fitted the mask to the end of his staff, and called for his General.

Kovarr was always quick to respond. The massive brute knelt before Kulta. “What is your will, master?”

Kulta looked across the city, its dimly lit ruins glistening in the moonlight. “Our enemy has arrived.”

Kovarr could barely contain his glee, hands tightened on his axes. “At last! A chance for glory!”

“They are to be unchallenged until they pass the bridge.” replied Kulta. “We will not show ourselves yet.”

His second in command was visibly unhappy about this. “We continue to wait?”

“We prepare. We make a path for the Toa to follow, one that leads them to their objectives.”

“The tomb and the forge” Kovarr nodded. He was simple, but not stupid.

“They are powerful warriors.” Said Kulta. “But not unstoppable. And they have never met our kind before.” He glanced at the Kanohi set on the tip of his staff. “Prepare the warriors.”

“Praise the Unmaker!” Cried Kovarr, pounding the right side of his chest.

“Praise the Unmaker” Agreed Kulta.

With that, Kovarr was dismissed. He looked up at the pale moon, as it peeked through the clouds. The God of Death would be with them. Makuta could plan and scheme, but he was still a prisoner of Nelvac. The agony of his mental assaults were bearable, and he didn’t particularly like the thought of Mask Maker getting freed. Makuta clearly needed the Toa for something. If one or more of the Toa should die to his warriors… It would clearly be an unfortunate twist of fate. “We’ll play your games, Makuta. For now.”

[Antak3000]

Coming of the Toa Part 2

Tahu crushed another skull spider under his heel. That was the third attack today, but at least there weren’t any attached to hosts. He’d learned pretty quickly to knock them off off their hosts to avoid hurting any innocent creatures. The threat seemed familiar, like something he’d fought before. They were easily beaten, but there were always more. And they always went straight for his mask, He had no doubt they would try enslave him. He was of course, confident his will was too great to be dominated, but he didn’t want to try his luck. The path had winded around the volcanic plains and up into the foothills of a volcano. The trees had thinned, now only a sparse patch of greenery occasionally broke up the jagged rocks. But there were plenty of tiny holes and caves for the strange masks to hide in. Where was he going? He felt like he should follow the path, but wasn’t sure why. For all he knew the island was only full of monsters, like the ones in his dreams.

Halfway up the mountain, a burnt forest spread out before him. The trees were tall, stripped of foliage, and ancient. Whatever had burned them happened a long time ago, and had somehow left the forest standing. The road forked in what he hoped was the middle of the forest, as the trees where now much taller, their shadow blocking the sunlight. He paused, and chose the path on his left. To his dismay, the road forked again, and again. In frustration, he slashed his sword at the tree in front of him, leaving a deep gouge. It chipped like rock. Petrified wood, that was eerily familiar. He continued down the road , finding even more branches and forks in his way. How could the forest be this big? After what felt like days, he slumped down in front of a tree, exhausted. A tree with a deep gouge chipped into it from his sword. Forgetting his fatigue, Tahu screamed in frustration, pulling out both swords and sending a jet of flame at the tree. The heat split the petrified tree, flames spread weakly along the sparse foliage.

It was a mistake, something had clearly heard him. The deathly silence suddenly came alive, scuttling, hissing, rustling of wings, and… footsteps? Holding his swords at the ready, Tahu circled, well aware that there was no safe space to turn his back to. A pair of faintly glowing eyes appeared from the hazy gloom, peering through a skull spider mask. More eyes followed. An Aranos dropped from a tree landing in front of Tahu’s feet. A single blow destroyed it, but the spiders started dropping like rain. The eyes from the shadows emerged, the creatures they belonged to seemed like gaunt, battered beings, not unlike a small statured Toa. They moved with an unnatural gait, limping, lurching towards him. His swords burst into flame. “Stay back! This is your only warning!” To his surprise, they stopped. The creature in front of him stared straight into his eyes, as if scrutinizing an insect. Then they advanced. Spiders spilled through the dead undergrowth, the enslaved creatures not far behind them. He didn’t want to hurt the spider’s victims. But there might not be a choice.

“Back!” He cried. His swords flashed, the fiery edge cutting through dozens of attacking spiders. Focusing his power, he launched a focused burst of fire at one of the bipedal creatures. It shrieked in pain as flame melted through the mask. He hoped it didn’t hurt too bad. He felt the claws of a Skull spider clamp down on his leg, with more digging into his back. Focusing again, he created a wave of flames from his body. The attacking creatures were knocked off, burning and melting as they landed. A well aimed sword slash knocked a mask off of another assailant, the host immediately collapsing as the spider shattered. Another spider quickly clamped over its face, and the host stumbled back to its feet. Tahu turned, and ran.

He heard a harsh buzzing sound behind him, and then felt a sharp pain as two powerful claws clamped down on his armor.He twisted, trying to get free, but the attacker only squeezed harder. Tahu dropped his swords, using both hands to pry at the sharp claws. He could feel a sharp stinger looking for a gap in his armor. Tahu slammed his back against a tree, crushing the thing’s body against it. Finally wrenching free, he brought his foot down on its thin, blade like wings with an unpleasant crunch. The insect writhed as it tried to fly away.

The delay cost him, the skull spiders were all over him again. Ignoring the injured insect’s thrashing, they clamped down on his arms and legs, He heard the scrape of their metal claws against his mask. But even as the claws found purchase, the skull spider exploded into a fireball, twisted legs and fragments of metal sizzled as they hit the ground. “Get up!” A voice called.

As Tahu struggled with his attackers, he saw a hooded and cloaked figure enter the clearing. A weapon on his shoulder hummed, and began firing. Several more spiders burst into flame. Grabbing his swords, Tahu staggered to his feet, crossing the blades in front of him. A jet of flame erupted from the swords, melting petrified tree, and skull spider alike. But even that did little to dissuade the monsters. Scuttling over the scorched remains of their comrades, followed by the shapes of the possessed. They looked like the person who had just saved him. The cloaked figure stepped to his side. “Back to back!” He cried, “Or the Aranos will overwhelm us!” His weapon kept firing, as he drew a pair of short blades from his cloak. Tahu did as he said. The Monsters attacked, pouring out of the dead forest from every angle. Insects, beasts, and natives. The stranger’s blades flashed, even as his shoulder weapon sputtered and died. Tahu’s own attacks cut through dozens of the spiders, he did his best to not hurt any of the hosts. The creatures numbers began to thin, and suddenly, they stopped, scattering back into the darkness.

“We don’t have much time. There’s always more.” The hooded figure knelt over one of the bipedal hosts. They were burnt, but breathing. “Help me carry the other one”

Tahu lifted the body of the other villager, gently resting them on his shoulder. “Who are you?”

The stranger pulled his hood back. A sleek, red mask gleamed in the darkness, piercing eyes underneath it. “My name is Narmoto” he said, “I am a friend. But we must leave, NOW. ”

Dragging the two villagers to safety, Tahu followed Narmoto out of the forest. He seemed to know the way by instinct, and soon they reached the edge. “Avoras’ thralls have carved out fake paths through the forest. Travelers get lost, and never return. You were holding your own well, but you were very lucky.”

“I could’ve taken…” Tahu trailed off. The spiders had caught him off guard, and had nearly overwhelmed him. “Thank You.”

Narmoto pointed up the road. “It isn’t much farther. We need to get these two some help, they are incredibly weak. Ga-koto is better at healing, but my people can save them.”

“What are those things?” Tahu asked .

Narmoto looked at the villager he was carrying. "We call them Aranos. They are servants of a greater evil, the Lord of Skull Spiders, Avoras. They are everywhere, ensnaring the bodies of unwary travelers and dangerous beasts.”

“And who are you? I need more of an answer than just your name.”

“I am an Okotan. I am the leader of the village of fire, named in your honor. It is my great privilege to welcome you to Okoto, Toa of Fire.”

The pair reached the village in silence, Tahu had much to think about. These people knew him and clearly expected him. Who was he?

---

Far away in the darkest caves, deep beneath anything the Okotans had ever explored, Avoras heard the call. For centuries, she had waited, hiding in the depths of Onu-Koto, her tendrils spreading across the entire island. Makuta had only contacted her twice since his banishment. First to command her to keep the Markoa and their ilk inside the city, a second time to tell her to keep the villages isolated. Now his voice beckoned her once more.

“The time has come. The Toa have arrived. They will force their way into the city. Delay them, do not destroy them.” The voice echoed in her head, a strange bond she had never fully understood.

The command was obvious. Enslave them. The Toa would be hers to command, and such power could easily destroy the Markoa hiding behind their walls. She could be the hero the Okotans had waited for. Perhaps they would even join her willingly.

Her form was monstrous and spider-like, eyes studded across her face, a massive body supported by powerful legs. Razor sharp teeth the size of knives lined her jaws. She had spent her time underground well, learning from her many hosts, and growing larger and more powerful. She had created countless Aranos, they outnumbered all living things on the island combined. Her mind had grown too, a far cry from the animalistic instincts she had been born with. She had already seen the Toa, arriving on the beaches, one in each region, in a pattern too precise to be random chance. Something had sent them here and chosen where to put them, and each was making their way towards civilization, destroying her Aranos along the way. She felt each one flicker and die as they were destroyed, as a normal being might feel a cut. These Toa wouldn’t take Okoto from her. The Island was hers, and when he returned, it would be Makuta’s too.

[Antak3000]

Coming of the Toa Part 4

The dreams were different this time. Tahu was climbing a winding staircase, carved from stone, its surface worn and chipped from centuries of use. Higher and higher he climbed, an endless flight of stairs, a spiral that seemed to go on forever. He could hear something outside, but there were no windows. A conflict, or a fight? He had to reach the top. He ran faster, his lungs burning as he ascended. The sound of fighting intensified. Not just a fight, a war. He had to help, he somehow knew the ones outside were depending on him. Running even faster, the muscles in his legs felt like they were on fire. He suddenly tripped on something, stumbling face first into the stairs. Desperately grabbing the steps, he stopped his fall before he could lose any of his progress, and looked at the thing he had tripped on. It was a body, stretched out and grasping at the stairs much like he was now. A familiar body. Tahu already knew what he would see, but his shaking hands were drawn to the familiar corpse. He gently flipped the body over. Staring back at him, through lifeless eyes, was his own mask.

---

Tahu shot awake, taking a moment to remember where he was. He was in a small but comfortable bed in Tak-Koto, with a volcanic crater and solid walls to protect him. His relatively minor wounds had been treated, after the far more injured Okotans were attended to. Narmoto had spoken with him late into the night. He had explained the nature of the Aranos and the dreaded beast that controlled them. The twisted, ruined city that was just barely in sight beyond the mountains, and the nightmarish warriors that laid claim to it. And finally, the prophecy of him and five others uniting the villages once more, and vanquishing Makuta once and for all. Makuta. The name had echoed through his head, like a curse he couldn’t unhear. He had laid claim to the island, filled it with monsters and darkness, and only his brother could stop him. The two fought, until Ekimu was left in a deathlike state, and Makuta banished to a realm called Nelvac. The Okotans had summoned the Toa centuries ago, but they not come. But they were there now, apparently. He was curious about the others, he vaguely remembered others like him. He half remembered being in command, so he was eager to get to work.

“You slept well?” Narmoto entered, sitting across from him.

“Yes thank you." he lied. "But I’m eager to leave, you said the others would meet at the standing stones?”

Narmoto nodded. “You aren’t ready for that though.”

“You said it was my destiny” Tahu snapped, “And now you say wait?”

“They always said you would be hot headed” He responded. “I assumed it was a jest.” He leaned forward, looking into the Toa’s eyes. “Not wait. Prepare. You must find your mask. My ancestors hid it long ago. I can guide you to it.”

“That sounds easy.” said Tahu. “Is it far?”

Narmoto sighed. “Getting there is, in theory, easy. Retrieving the mask won’t be. You aren’t just retrieving a tool, you are showing mastery of your powers.”

The Toa paused, glancing at his swords, then placed a hand on his own mask. “What makes this mask so special?”

“It was forged by Ekimu, his last great work. It will magnify your power, giving you the strength to fight Makuta and his minions.”

Tahu nodded. So it was a test, and a powerful tool. How could they possibly keep the mask out of the hands of their countless enemies? It had been centuries, according to Narmoto. “When can we leave?”

Narmoto handed him a pack. “Right now. I took the liberty of packing for you.”

Ta-Koto had an excitement about it, the villagers going about their daily tasks with an unusual zeal. The Toa had come! The guards lining the walls saluted Tahu as he passed. The Toa saw a statue of what had to be himself in the center of the village. It looked only a bit like him, but they had gotten the mask right. His earlier confidence was starting to fade though. These people looked to him as an answer to their prayers. He was a legend to them already, and he hadn’t done anything to earn it. Could he save them? As they approached the gate, the captain of the guard saluted and stepped forward.

“Domari, Toa Tahu” She said. “Be careful. The dead city is alive again, we have seen the lights and movement. And the Aranos attacked again last night. They are getting bolder.”

Narmoto placed a hand on her shoulder. “Keep a watchful eye. No one leaves the city until we return.”

The captain looked worried. “I should at least send a squad with you.”

Narmoto shook his head. “They are needed here. The Great Toa and I will protect each other.”

The Captain bowed her head,and opened the gate. The searing heat of the lava deep below blasted through the doors. A breath of fresh air to Tahu. A narrow bridge led across the lava flows and chasms, back to the edge of the caldera. He really hoped they weren’t going back through that forest. The Okotans cheered as they left, Narmoto confidently took the lead. “The tunnels will take us where we need to go. Follow closely and don’t leave the trail.” Tahu nodded, following the Domari’s lead. His mind was still full of questions, but time was short. Despite the gentle chastisement Narmoto had given him, he knew the Domari was in just as much of a hurry as him. He felt unseen eyes, following them as the descended into the underground roads. Things wouldn’t stay quiet for long.

[Antak3000]

Coming of the Toa Part 5

The tunnel wound through the mountains, the darkness seemed to smother them, as if pushing against the light of the Domari’s flame weapons. Tahu noticed fixtures on the walls, most of them with darkened crystals in them.

“Light stones” Narmoto explained. “They glow for a very long time, but some began to fade after the cataclysm. Onu-Kotans would have replaced them if not for the danger. It is rare for any to venture far from the villages now.”

“I’m not afraid of the darkness.” Tahu lit a flame of his own, pushing the shadows back.

“Yes of course.” replied the Domari. “Very brave. Luckily for us, the tunnel is largely made safe by the stonework keeping out the Crovorak. It’s the danger between the tunnels and caverns, above ground.” And of course, the lava seeping into the tunnel deep below, where the Domari of old hid your mask.”

Tahu bristled a bit at the retort, but didn’t push it “What’s a Crovorak?” He asked.

“Right. You’re an outsider.” Narmoto chuckled. “You’ve been part of our lives in legend for so long, I’d forgotten. They are a tunneling insect, large, and fairly dangerous. The main threat in these tunnels, however, is Lava.”

“So we have to get past the lava? I’m the Toa of fire, not stone.” Tahu could withstand the heat (at least he thought), but he couldn’t exactly swim through molten rock.

“You can withstand the heat better than I. If you’re lucky, the cavern with your mask hasn’t submerged.” Narmoto replied.

“And if we’re not lucky?“ Tahu wondered.

“We’ll find a different way.“ Narmoto laughed. “The destination is prophesied, but the path is always changing.“

Tahu thought on that. It sounded familiar. But he also doubted any mask would survive being submerged in lava.

“We used this place as a foundry once, it was isolated enough to avoid most of the danger above ground.” Narmoto gestured further down the tunnel. “We abandoned it shortly before I was appointed. The cavern became unstable.“

A flickering, fading lightstone briefly lit the path further down. There were sounds now, coming from above and echoing down the tunnel. “Avoras has seen us. We are being followed. ” Narmoto seemed unconcerned.

Tahu drew his swords. But Narmoto held up a hand. “Not yet. The sound carries down the passage. It will take them a while.”

“What does this thing want of you? Why does it attack ?” Asked Tahu, lowering his blades but not sheathing them.

“Its name means Mind Hungerer. It has plagued us for centuries, enslaving any that its Aranos can seize. We know little of its true nature, and the hosts glean nothing from their time of enslavement, save for being prisoners of their own bodies.” Narmoto’s voice faltered. “But some of us survive the experience.”

“You were one of them? I didn’t realize…” Tahu trailed off. It was a truly horrible thought. “You escaped though. Your will must be stronger than it.”

“I could only watch my limbs move, clumsily, as if the thing was struggling to control an unfamiliar body. I moved through the dead forest for months on end, rarely given any rest and only the barest minimum of food. If Korgot hadn’t come, I would have been lost.” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “I could not have escaped on my own.“

“How many of these Aranos are there?” Tahu wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

“Numberless, I fear. We rarely see more than a few hundred, like in the dead forest.“ He shook his head. “But they are everywhere. The Onu-Kotans believe there are hundreds beneath the earth. Le-kotans see them in the trees and the swamps.“

“Why doesn’t it attack the villages?” Tahu asked. “If it outnumbers you so completely?“

Narmoto smiled. The Toa was actually paying attention. “That, Toa, is the right question. It never enters the villages, but lurks around them. The numbers it commands are more than sufficient to destroy any of them. It’s choosing not to attack.”

“Makuta?“ Tahu wondered. A lightstone nearby flickered and died as he said the name. Hopefully a coincidence.

“Makuta is the most likely explanation, though how he can communicate or command the creature from his banishment is unclear.“ Narmoto thought for a moment. “Makuta doesn’t wish to destroy, but to rule. It wouldn’t do for Makuta’s monsters to destroy his future subjects.”

Narmoto nodded. “There can be no doubt. Makuta doesn’t wish to destroy, but to rule.” The Markoa stay in the city. And the Aranos keep us from leaving our villages. It wouldn’t do for Makuta’s monsters to destroy his future subjects.”

---

They walked in silence, deeper and deeper. The faint skittering Tahu had heard before was getting closer. And a wave of heat was coming from the depths. As they went further, a soft, reddish glow filled the passage, finally opening up into a huge chamber. A bubbling pool of lava oozed in the center of the room, ruins of stonework and equipment lay molten and twisted near the edge of the pool.

“There”said Narmoto, pointing to an archway. What had once been a tall hallway was now a river of lava. “Your mask is at the end of that tunnel.”

Tahu stared at the searing passageway. A flicker of memory, an image from a dream, or maybe his past, popped into his head. He looked at his weapons, tall, curved blades, with an ornate flame, and edges that looked like they interlocked. Not just weapons, but tools. He pressed the edges together, and the blades snapped together into a long shield-like design. He cautiously dipped it into the edge of the pool. The material didn’t even seem to heat up. It was stupid, but he felt very confident he could surf across the river.

“What will I find at the end of the tunnel?” He asked.

Narmoto chuckled. “There was a shrine at the end of the cavern. It’s through that low tunnel.” The skittering sound was growing louder. Narmoto’s shoulder blaster hummed and snapped forward. “Go. I will hold them off as long as I can.”

Tahu took a deep breath. He was either right about his abilities, or he was about to die a very embarrassing death. Getting a running start, he threw his swords into the river, and leapt on top of them. Droplets of molten rock sprayed his legs, though he barely felt it. The drops hardened and flaked off as he absorbed their heat.

He picked up speed, going straight through the tunnel entrance, narrowly avoiding a rock jutting out of the flow. A larger glob of lava hit his chest, but after a brief flash of pain, it too darkened and crumbled off. Banking again, Tahu dodged another large rock. He could see the entry Narmoto had spoken of. What had once been a tall archway was now submerged, barely big enough to fit him if he crouched. The current was picking up, pulling him towards the tunnel.

He had just enough time to draw his knives, stabbing them deep into the stone entrance as the current ripped his board away from him. He heard a clatter of it striking something not too far away. But he was stuck, if he let go of the wall, he would drop into the lava. It hadn’t hurt him in tiny amounts, but why? The lava would destroy him, he was certain of that. But the heat had been drawn out of the molten rock he had been hit with. He had absorbed it, without even realizing it.

Realizing what he had to do, Tahu focused. The unbelievable heat surrounded him, wrapping around him like a blanket. Flames leapt from the molten rock, engulfing the Toa’s body. His knives slipped, the archway he’d embedded them in cracked. The stone gave way, and Tahu fell, but instead of an unforgiving bath in lava, he landed on blackened, thin rock. Crawling through the tunnel, he felt the thin layer of stone crack beneath him. He crawled faster, seeing an outcropping with his swords embedded in it. The remains of stairs! He grabbed his tools just as the thin crust gave way, pulling himself up just in time.

Tahu stood atop a narrow stair case, the lava swept past it on either side, the reddish glow of it illuminating the cavern. Whatever the room had once been, it had been eroded by the flow. He wasn’t sure how he was getting back, the river picked up speed past the stairs, dropping hundreds of feet into a lower cavern. Taking a moment to catch his breath, he wrenched his swords out of the rock. They were barely hot to the touch. He studied the weapons for a moment. What exactly were they made out of? And who made them?

The stairs were unstable, weathered and unpleasantly hot. Rock chipped off as he climbed. They led him to a long narrow bridge, a shrine at the very end of it. On the pedestal was a golden mask, shimmering in the heat. It was a flawless copy of the one he wore. Half expecting a ridiculous trap, he reached out his hand, and took it from the altar. Nothing happened. He took another deep breath, and removed his own mask, placing the golden one in its place. He felt a surge of power, even more than when he had put on his original Kanohi. He’d done it, the mask was his.

His joy was short lived, because now he had to find a way back. Walking back down the stairway, he looked at the boiling rock pushing against it. The current was strong, and absorbing his element from it wouldn’t reverse the flow. But what if he didn’t have to? Focusing his newly found power, Tahu once again leapt into the lava, surfboard first. This was an incredibly bad idea, if it didn’t work, he’d be hurled off the edge of that lava flow. Flames erupted from the back of the board, launching Tahu towards the low entrance. He was prepared this time, dropping back first onto the surfboard.

As he passed through the narrow entrance, he could feel himself slowing and getting pulled back towards it. Getting up to his knees, he hurled a fire ball at the archway he had damaged. It didn’t need much coaxing, the tunnel entrance collapsed, blocking the flow of lava. Free from the powerful current, Tahu launched himself forward, avoiding jutting rocks. He landed ungracefully on the shore, the bladed board embedded itself in the stone. But he couldn’t stop to rest, the sound of fighting was coming from the cavern entrance.

[Antak3000]

Coming of the Toa Part 6

Narmoto’s cannon fired continuously, spraying the oncoming swarm with fire. His blades flashed, cutting down anything that got past the tunnel entrance. His mask flashed with energy as he focused its power through his weapons.There was no retreat, just faith that the Toa would return. And, of course, the general satisfaction of crushing Aranos. The other Domari might have been somber at the thought of death, but Narmoto laughed. More and more Aranos came, crawling over the burning husks of their kin. “Come on!” He laughed.

“Is this it? Is this all I’m worth to you? Couldn’t even spare a bug or a cat?” Another Aranos burst into flame as he sliced it in two. “Come and get me yourself, Avoras!”

His cannon ran dry, folding back behind his shoulder. Tossing his cloak aside, he charged forward. The hoard seemed taken aback by this approach, backing away in surprise. His blades carved through mask after mask. With every move, another Aranos fell. But more were coming. Larger things moved down the tunnel, eyes gleaming in the darkness.

“That’s more like it.” snarled Narmoto. “Now it’s a fight.”

The horde hesitated, perhaps confused by his lack of fear. Or perhaps they saw the Toa emerge from the tunnel.

Tahu leapt into the fray, his own weapons flaring to life with a hiss. He sent a wave of fire through the tunnel. The Aranos burned, but barely reacted. But the other monsters shrieked in pain.

“Excellent.” said Narmoto. “Now that you have your mask, it’s time we left.”

The spiders regrouped, large, powerful insects barreled forward, heedless of the flame.

So that’s a Crovorak. Tahu thought. I thought they’d be bigger.

Narmoto twisted out of the way as one lunged, cutting through another Aranos as he moved. Tahu sent a second pillar of fire up the passage, and charged. The creature was strong, its bladed jaws clamped down hard on his sword. Aranos scrambled over the creatures back and clamped onto his arm and shoulder, clawing at his face. Tahu incinerated the spiders with a sweep of his other blade, then focused his power through the other sword. The Krovorak shrieked in pain, but the Aranos forced it to hold fast. Fully igniting the sword, Tahu wrenched it free, shearing through the creature’s mandibles. It gurgled in pain, fire spreading over its body.

He glanced back at the Domari, who had just buried his blades in the sides of a second Crovorak. The Aranos latched onto the insect detached, trying to escape, but Narmoto crushed it with a contemptuous stomp.

“Are there any other ways out?” Asked Tahu.

Narmoto, breathing heavily, laughed. “Just this one.”

Tahu felt the power running through his mask. He wasn’t sure exactly what it did. Focusing on it, it felt like the same energy he felt from absorbing the heat from the lava.

“Stay back a moment.” He said Narmoto. “Find something to duck behind and don’t come up until I say.”

Surprisingly, the Domari listened to him, backing away and finding a toppled arch to hide behind. Tahu faced the swarm alone. He focused all his might, pointing his swords towards the enemy. A jet of flame, larger than any he had made before, exploded up the passage. The Aranos nearby were incinerated, faded light stones shattered with the heat. The fire swept back down the tunnel, past Tahu and the stones Narmoto crouched behind.

Falling to his knees, Tahu could hear the spiders regrouping. The clacking sound of their limbs echoed down the cavern. He focused again, this time with his mask. A warm glow spread across his body, his expended elemental energy was restored. As the Aranos once again came boiling out of the tunnel, Tahu released his power once more.

“Now!” He cried. Narmoto jumped up, and together, the two ran up the winding tunnel, swiftly dispatching any Aranos that had survived. It was exhilarating, even with the fatigue clawing at their limbs. The Aranos began to flee before them. They had never before faced power like this. The two warriors finally reached the entrance, daylight momentarily blinding them. Exhausted, they both slumped against the mountainside.

“Good fight.” Narmoto, clapped Tahu on the back. “The legends were true after all”

“I feel like I was just lucky.” Tahu hated to admit that. “I didn’t have any idea what I was doing.”

“None of us do, really.”said Narmoto. “Your memories serve you despite being lost to you. I think they will return in time.” He glanced back at the tunnel. “We’ll head back to the village, we both need some rest, somewhere safe.”

Tahu got back to his feet. “And then we find the others?”

“Yes. If all went well, the other Domari will have guided the Toa to their masks. We are to meet at the standing stones.” The Domari sheathed his blades.

“The Standing Stones?” asked Tahu. “What are they?”

“The exact center of the island, and the temple our ancestors summoned you from.” The journey there should be somewhat safer, now that Avoras has had a taste of your fire.” Narmoto started walking back up the path. “Come rest Toa, you’ve earned it. And then you can tell me about your dreams.”

Tahu was unsure how the Domari knew of his nightmares. But if anyone could be trusted with them, it was Narmoto.

---

Avoras reeled in pain. As close to pain as she could feel. Hundreds of her children had been destroyed. Hardly a dent in their numbers, but a shock to experience so much loss at once. She had expected resistance, but to be overwhelmed so completely… It had been centuries since anything had challenged her like this.

Her swarm had fared just as poorly with the other Toa. Gali’s mask had been underwater, deeper than Aranos could go. Onua and the Domari of Earth had brought down an entire cavern on top of the attacking swarm, hundreds were trapped, pinned in place by earth. It was worse than them being destroyed, all she could see through their eyes was darkness. Kopaka had evaded her army and swept them away with an avalanche, and Pohatu had simply outrun them, before crushing them with pillars of stone. Lewa and his protector were the closest to being overwhelmed, until the Toa somehow started flying.

These new warriors were far stronger than anything she’d encountered before. And they were going to be meeting together soon. It would be safer to just send a larger force, but she had been hurt. And she was angry. Her Aranos had taken decades to build up, the wildlife and Okotans she had taken control of were hers. The Island was hers! They had pushed her away, attacked her, attacked her creator. Laid waste to their own sprawling civilization in a pointless fight. The Okotans were unworthy of their stewardship.

She emerged from her burrow, the earth shuddering under her weight. Powerful legs bit into the ground, confidently crawling towards the surface. Hundreds upon hundreds of Aranos followed her wake, crawling out of the pores of the earth. Makuta’s will would be done. She would deal with the Toa personally.

[Zhyndea]

I like the direction this story is going; it definitely seems to take itself a lot more seriously than the story it was based on, at the very least. In terms of feedback, the dialogue eschews proper grammatical practices a lot, particularly when it comes to punctuation, and there are a few places, such as with the Crovorak, where concepts were not explained fully, as if you knew what was going on but did not make it quite as clear to the audience what was happening (unless just I missed something).

[DuneToa]

I love how you’ve written the LoSS! Making her into something similar to Shelob from LotR is a fun idea.

[Antak3000]

@Zhyndea Appreciate the feedback! Do you have an example of proper dialogue? I’ll do some research as well. I do read a lot but I don’t always pay attention to the structure.

I realize what the issue is with the Crovorak, and some other ideas that seem poorly explained. There was a prologue chapter that explains the Lord of Skull Spiders’ origin, and I moved it since it explained more about the character’s nature than I wanted. The Crovorak is first encountered there and described in greater detail then it was here. There aren’t too many things that it sets up aside from that, but I kind of regret moving it now.

@DuneToa I’m glad you like the character! LoSS is fairly important to the ongoing plot so she’ll be sticking around for a while.

[Fluffy]

Great job! I personally like G2 because I grew up with it and I watched the show so many times over the years. I love this story so far. Good work!

[Antak3000]

@Fluffy Thank you! I was super happy to have bionicle back when 2015 hit. Was very sad to see it abruptly cancelled.