The Beginning of the End Fan Fiction Novel

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

I'm retyping out the whole thing, hope you like it!

Prologue:

Toa Tahu Nuva, powerful Toa of Fire, walked up the icy slopes of Mount Ihu, now reduced to a solitary hill of ice. The Bohrok had done a good job, Tahu thought as he looked around at his former home island. The burning towers of Metru Nui, the anihilation of many of his friends, the destruction of an island ran before his mind's eye. Failure. Everything came to his mind as he stood in the ruins....

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 1, Page 1

Toa Jaller was enjoying himself. Ever since the Toa Nuva returned from Karda Nui, defeating the six Makuta invaders and then awakening Mata Nui, life as a Toa was busy.
But is was not so today. He was walking with the Takanuva, Toa of Light and Tahu Nuva, Toa of Fire. He was still amazed by Takanuva's amazing new abilities and armor.
They were discussing old adventures on the island of Mata Nui. "Remember that time, Takanuva, when you fell in that pit full of Stone Rats, and Jaller had to save you?" Tahu laughed.
"Well, I wouldn't quite say he saved me, Tahu" Takanuva replied with a smirk.
Jaller remembered. "Well, Yeah, I fell in, too." He said, musing.
Tahu smiled broadly and said, "Yes, it was a lucky thing that I just happened to be Lava surfing, supposed to be taking a short vacation when I heard shouts."
Takanuva guffawed.
Jaller took up the tale. "The rats were just starting to eat us alive when you used your Mask to protect us. And then you scared them off with your flames."
Tahu gazed over the bay of Metru Nui and stopped. "Yes. I wonder how the Matoran are doing back in their new island."
"And Axonn. I heard Brutaka joined him again after he and his team finished their mission." said Jaller
"That seems like a nice ending to a good chronicle." Tahu replied, still gazing over at the sea gulls screeching over the sea.
Jaller's eyes looked over the ocean without seeing it.
"I sure hope so."

* * *

In much less joyful surroundings, a pair of red eyes opened after a long time being closed. A groan echoed through the caves of Karda Nui. The entrance of the cave was sealed.
He looked down at his scorched armor and his Kraahkan shattered in three places. And he had gone through so much trouble to fight Icarax to get it. Another groan. His weapons were damaged beyond use. He got up, and fell back down. He would get back at them. He smiled in the dark. Yes. He would.

* * *

Axonn looked at Brutaka. Brutaka looked back. "Well?" Brutaka broke the silence.
Axonn stared. "I don't like it." He said. "I just don't feel right, my friend."
Brutaka looked at his friend. He had seen Axonn happy, sad, distressed and many others but this mood was not familiar to him.
Brutaka opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
"Axonn, come, the Matoran are waiting for you. They are celebrating the anniversary of when the Great Spirit was awakened."
Axonn looked up at Brutaka. "Very well. But I sense something is not right."
Brutaka led the way to the Arena where the celebration was taking place.
Axonn followed behind.
When they walked in they were enveloped by the joyful sounds of the Matoran's music.
Garan ran up to them. "Axonn...uh," He couldn't bring himself to greet the very being, Brutaka, who caused him and his friends so much pain.
Anger flared in his eyes for a second. Axonn looked at Garan. Garan greeted Brutaka coldly.
A couple of other Matoran came and grabbed the two Order of Mata Nui members and dragged them into the celebration.
Brutaka joined them. Axonn sat behind in thought.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 1, Page 2.

Olo, a Ta-Matoran in training to become a mask maker, awoke. He peered over the covers of his cot, took one look out the window and hid beneath the warmth and comfort of his blankets. He thought about the work that laid ahead of him. He was in the contest the Turaga were putting on to judge the which of the Matoran in his class made the best new mask to become official Mask Makers of Metru Nui.
His mask making partner, Xalai, would be here anytime soon to drag him out of his hut to go work. Ah, he had enough time to sleep.
Knock Knock.
"Olo! You're late! Open this door or I'll break it down!" Came the playful voice of Xalai through the door.
Olo groaned, flipped out of bed, grabbed his stack of designs for the mask the he carved in stone tablets and opened the door.
"Hi, Xalai." He said sleepily.
Xalai took one pitiful look at his partner, and then yanked him out the door and almost dragged Olo to Xalai's hut, where they worked on their mask. They arrived at Xalai's untidy hut, after rummaging through various discs and artifacts, Xalai found what he was looking for. "Aha!" He yelled, brandishing a Kanoka. There was an atmosphere of power. Olo squinted and looked at the numbers on the disc. "Power level 9?!" Olo said, rubbing his eyes. "Where did you get a great disc of power?"
"Correction." Xalai grinned. "Two discs of power!" He pulled another from his pack.
Olo had never seen a great disc of power with his own eyes before. He couldn't say anything.
"The Turaga wanted a Mask." Xalai continued. "So let's give them a Mask of Power."
Olo nodded slowly.
"I've been experimenting, and I found that a Disc of Fire and Stone together," Xalai waved the Disc of Fire over the Stone Disc a wave of power between them surged and then they merged together. "They merge. And then we turn it into a mask..."
Olo got the idea, "And we get a Mask of Magma!"
"Correct. Do you have any plans for the Design?"
Olo produced the stack of stone tablets and set them on the table before Xalai.
"I've been playing around with designs. I like this one." He pointed to one that looked like a cross between a Hau and the Ahvokki
Xalai picked up the tablet and set the disc on the table. He pulled out his mask making tool, and then got to work on a practice disc. The result was a dull grey mask just like the one on the tablet. Xalai added a couple extra details, but Olo and Xalai both liked it. Xalai put it over his own bright red Akaku, the Mask glowed red and then turned the shade of red that Xalai's own mask was.
"Well," He began, "How do I look?"
Olo studied the Mask. "I like it." He said. "Let's do the real one now."
Xalai removed the mask and grabbed the Disc of Magma.

***

Toa Nuparu grimaced.
Toa Onuva Nuva grinned.
Turaga Whenua watched.
Onua had decided to challenge Nuparu for sport, created an Earth creature, and so did Nuparu, Then they started a battle between the creatures.
Onua's creature was destroying Nuparu's second by second.
"You got some talent, Brother." Onua's voice boomed.
"Thanks, Onua. I don't think I'd want to be fighting that monster of yours myself."
Onua laughed.
Nuparu took a glance at Onua. He was busy concentrating on controlling his monster. Acting on impulse, just as Onua's monster was just about to deal the final blow to his own creature, Nuparu flung his shield at Onua's monster's head, the shield hit dead-on and ripped through the monster. Onua was shocked for a second, Nuparu took advantage of that precious second to grab more earth to repair his creature and then used his powers to make the creature slam Onua's monster into the dust. Onua stood shocked as Nuparu's creature slowly came apart and joined the ground again. Nuparu's shield soared back to him, then he walked over to Onua, grinning. Turaga Whenua hopped down from his watching point and congratulated Nuparu. Onua slammed his fist with Nuparu's fist. "That was a smart move, Brother!" Onua said cheerfully.
"Yeah, you sure would've beat me if I didn't realized that I could use my own weapons, along with my powers." Nuparu said.
"That was a very nice battle, Toa." Whenua said. "I think it's time to get back to the Coliseum."

* * *
Makuta stood, battered and broken in front of the Xian trader trembling in front of him. "Give me armor and weapons. And throw in a mask." Makuta scowled.
"What are you buying with?" The Trader asked cautiously.
Makuta grabbed the Trader by the throat and slammed him against the wall.
"Now, you wouldn't want me to get mad, would you? I said I wanted armor, weapons and a Mask. I never said I'd buy."
The Trader tried to gulp, not very easy when you have someone's hand gripping your neck. "Y-y-y-es, sir."
Makuta threw the Trader to the ground. "Now, I'll repeat. I'll take weapons, armor and a Mask."
The Trader got up, got the items, five different masks, and then threw them on his desk.
Makuta chose a Mask of Plagues. which allowed the wearer to plague his opponent with any plague the wearer could think of.
The thought of it made Makuta smile, He grabbed a huge sword, put on the armor, and then grabbed the other Masks. Then he knocked the Trader into oblivion.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 1, Page 3

Axonn watched the sun going down from the watchtower.
The feeling of something wrong was still there.
His whirled around at the sound of footsteps to see Brutaka.
"What's wrong, Axonn? You missed the celebration." He said.
Axonn said nothing.
Brutaka shook his head. "Why are you worried? Makuta's dead. The Toa Nuva killed him and locked him up on Karda Nui."
"My friend, you know that I cannot be decieved." He looked into Brutaka's eyes. "Makuta's still alive."
Brutaka mused. "But Makuta could not arrange an army within this sort time..."
Axonn turned away.
"Could he not? I think he could."
The light footsteps of Matoran approaching could be heard.
Garan and Velika came up, Dalu, Kazi, Piruk and Balta followed.
Garan took a step forward. "Axonn, I think you are thinking of something."
Brutaka saw Axonn give a slight nod.
Dalu stepped up, "And we know it's disturbing you. We want to know what it is."
Axonn turned to the matoran. He remembered the mad faces of Piraka, him fighting Brutaka, the green vat of antidermis. Makuta.
He sighed and leaned his axe against the wall. "My friends. You have seen the faces of evil. You have seen greed claim the hearts of good. I think you are strong enough to hear this... I think Makuta is planning an attack."

The Matoran looked shocked. Then they glanced at Brutaka, wondering if he was fully good. What if he still had some evil in him? Either way, They didn't trust him.

***

Toa Lewa Nuva walked the streets of Le-Metru. Toa Kongu and Turaga Matau accompanied him.
"Well, good old city-home Metru Nui!" Lewa said cheerfully, breathing in the fresh air.
Kongu glanced up at Lewa. He hated being shorter than Lewa. He liked his old Inika armor and Mask better. He wanted a change. He just grunted.
Matau looked at the Matoran walking past them. "It feels ever-good to be home again."
Lewa looked down at his predecessor. "We've been home in quiet-peace for 10 years now, Turaga."
"Yes, Toa, but every time one goes out and long-breathes the ever-fresh air, it feels good to be home." The Turaga said.
Kongu grunted again.
Matau sighed. "Ah, Toa, what little you know. You should be glad-joyful that you are alive!"
Kongu glanced down at Matau. At least he was still taller than him. "I know, Turaga. But where is Mata Nui? He's been awake, hasn't he? Isn't he out of his deep-slumber? I always thought that when he was awake he'd walk with us!"
Matau sighed again. "He is within us, Kongu. You cannot see the Great Spirit unless he wants to be seen."
Kongu grunted.

***
Makuta walked to up to the Skakdi commander and drew his sword.
The Skakdi commander couldn't believe his eyes. He was fighting with an enemy Skakdi army, and he was winning!

Then something froze the other army. Whatever did it, they could use it in the battles to come.

And now this big black armored brute was walking to him.
The Skakdi commander, Uhkai, walked up to Makuta. "Who are you?! And what are you doing he-"
Uhkai was cut off by a lava ball that slammed him to the ground.


Makuta grinned. "I want your armies, scum."
Uhkai got up. "And who do you think you are?!"
"I am The Makuta of Metru Nui." He put emphasis to the words by slamming a bar of ice into Uhkai.

Uhkai hit the ground again and forced out the words, "But you can't just use my army!"
Makuta smiled. "Oh I think I can." Triggering his gravity powers to send the Skakdi into orbit.

He melted the ice around the enemy army, sent their commander to someplace in the ocean,
and then he took over. "Now, you all can either choose to not fight for me, or... " He burned a deep hole into the ground.
"That happens to you."

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 1, Page 4

Makuta's fleet of warships sailed lazily over the waters above Metru Nui.
Makuta leaned forward and squinted to see the familiar shape of Mata Nui looming before him.
He grimaced. The island looked different. No matter. As long as what he was looking for was still there.
His Skakdi captain, Lyeho, walked to him. "Master," His voice sounded like the scraping of metal, "We stop here?" He gestured to Mata Nui.
Makuta nodded.
When they landed, Makuta commanded them to stay put, then hopped onto the land. His eyes scanned the barren wasteland that was once Po-Koro. He walked a low cliff the had once been the biggest mountain on the island. He blasted a hole through it to find a room within. He walked into the darkness. He allowed a fragment of his flame power to light up the area. He saw the hole where, years ago, the Toa had jumped down into to fight to Bohrok queens, Cahdok and Gahdok. He leaped down. The Queens were there. He shot Cahdok with a burst of flame. Leaving only one of them for him to deal with. He grinned. "Who dares enter our domain only to kill my sister?!"
The eerie voice of Gahdok creeped into his mind. "I come to have the Bohrok join my armies." Makuta growled. "Your 'sister' is not dead." But you both will be if you do not... cooperate."
Gahdok watched Cahdok getting up. "You cannot defeat us, Makuta. You are a traitor of the great spirit. The Island of Mata Nui is as it was in the before time. The Great Spirit has no need for the Bohrok." Cahdok 'said' into Makuta's mind.
Makuta merely flung Gahdok and Cahdok onto the wall, holding them there with magnetism.
"Listen, mere Koto bugs. I want your armies. And when I want something, I get it." He snarled and then increased the gravity of Cahdok, while sending Gadhok flying upwards in zero gravity. Then he heated up the area around Gahdok, and then slammed Cahdok with waves of ice cold. Icicles formed on her armor, while her sister's armor started to melt.
"Now," Makuta said, calmly, "Do you cooperate?"
Cahdok and Gahdok could not speak. Makuta slammed both of then into oblivion.
"No need for you to cooperate then." He walked up to the nests and used his energy to awaken the Bohrok. Then he divided half of the horde and turned one half into Bohrok-Kal.
One thought ran through the minds of Bohrok and Bohrok-kal:
Clean it all, it must be cleaned...

***

Toa Pohatu was walking with his two best friends with whom he had fought many battles with. Of course, Toa Hewkii he liked more than Matoran Photok.
Toa Hewkii had been his friend since Pohatu was a Toa Mata.
Oh, and he was walking with Hewkii's best friend, Macku
"Hewkii, I still don't think it's fair that you're a Toa." She was saying, "I should've been a Toa, not Hahli!"
Hewkii chuckled. "Hey, I'm the guy wearing a hideous mask."
"You could have changed, Hewkii. Like.. to a mask of speed. " Pohatu smiled.
"Naw, I kinda like throwing people around with gravity." Hewkii joked.
Photok admired Hewkii. He should get to know him better. But Photok was not much for talking... not much.
Hewkii glanced at Pohatu. "You know. I just noticed that your armor is orange and mine is yellow. And Turaga Onewa had brown. Strange. I wonder if the Great Spirit admires rainbows."
Pohatu laughed. "I like my new armor."
"So do I." Said Hewkii," However, I do miss shooting lightning out of my hands."
Pohatu grinned.

***
Axonn stared at Defilak. "I think we should be prepared."
Defilak looked at Axonn with a pitiful look. "Axonn, I think you work too hard. Makuta is not going to attack us."
"At least we should gather the Matoran and make a defense battalion." Axonn said.
Defilak stared into Axonn's eyes. They had no trace of deliruim.
He looked away. What if Makuta didn't attack. What if he was dead?
Why would Makuta attack if he did? He had no reason to attack them, on their own isolated little island to the south of Metru Nui.
He looked back at Axonn. It's worth a shot, he thought. What would it hurt if he made a guard?
"Alright, Axonn, I'll call the Matoran."

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 1, Page 5

Toa Gali Nuva sat beside Toa Hahli and Turaga Nokama on the bay of Ga-Metru.
They sat silent for a few minutes, then Gali broke the silence. "Sisters, all three of us have experienced the evil of Makuta."
They nodded. Gali continued, "We have seen him infect our rahi, we have seen him unleash beings that were not yet to be unleashed, we have seen him create Rahkshi to destroy us. We have seen him come alive again when we thought he was dead. We-"
"Enough of the long speech, Gali" Hahli snapped. Gali stared at Hahli. Ever since the death of Matoro 11 years ago, she was acting strange. She was impatient, quick to anger and quick to jump into a battle without thinking. All bad traits in a Toa.
Gali sighed. "Remember, Hahli, when I told you that I had a feeling Makuta was still alive when Takanuva defeated him?"
Hahli grunted.
Gali stared over into the water. "That feeling has returned."

***


Makuta's ancient foe, The Shadowed One, was about to die. At least, that's what it looked like. He was surrounded by Rahi Muaka.
Whenever he tried his eye beams on one, it was still there. Everything he tried failed.
"You are quite amusing..." A familiar voice floated through the atmosphere. The Shadowed One looked around. "Who's there?" He yelled.
A huge being marched into view. The Shadowed One squinted his eyes to see who was approaching. There was something strangely familiar about it, but he had never seen it before... a word floated through his mind: Makuta.
The Shadowed One saw the Muaka disappear. "Makuta!" He shouted, staff ready to fight. His eyes locked one target, he fired a beam of energy at the approaching Makuta, Makuta raised a electric force field around him, and the energy slammed back into The Shadowed One, who flew 20 feet into the air. Makuta slammed into the dark hunter leader just as he came down. The Shadowed One groaned, "Makuta.. what business do you come here to Odina?" He snarled and spun his staff under Makuta's leg, Makuta fell down, hard. His eyes registered dark anger. The Shadowed One got up, quicker than Makuta recovered from his fall. He blasted a beam from his eyes at Makuta's sword, and it immediately disintegrated. Makuta growled and slammed his fist into the ground under The Shadowed One and triggered his shattering power, The Shadowed One flew back and slammed into a rock. Makuta jumped up and grabbed The Shadowed One's throat and held him pressed to the rock. "My friend," Makuta flashed a cruel smile. "You rid me of something. Cna I return the favor?" He grabbed The Shadowed One's staff with his free hand and burned it to ashes within his hand. "Now, to business I-"
The Shadowed One scowled. "Makuta, don't you realize I could just fry your head of with my eye beams? Before I do just that. Let me go." Makuta dropped The Shadowed One and put up a force field around himself. "As I was saying, I could easily destroy you and take over your armies, but it can be much simpler if you just... cooperate." Makuta said. The Shadowed One growled and tried to hit Makuta with his eye beams, but they ricocheted off the force field and struck The Shadowed One's heart light, disintegrated a major part of it. The Shadowed One's face distorted in pain, and he crumbled to the ground. Makuta brought down his force field and marched toward the fortress, grinning.

***
Olo sat next to Xalai, watching Takanuva try out the new Kanohi Gavma, Mask of Magma. He was the only Toa adventurous enough to try it out. Takanuva smiled as he created a creature of magma and then made it walk around. Eventually he got tired of the way it looked, and ended it's "life" . The shell of it was still there. "A new tribute to Metru-Nui!" Takanuva chuckled and pointed to the creature. Then he removed the Kanohi and gave it to Olo. "Well, It works!" said Takanuva. Olo chuckled "Let's hope it wins at the contest next week."
Xalai laughed. "I hope so, if not, we'll have done all this work for nothing!" They all laughed at that and looked at the magma creature.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 2, Page 6

The guard had been formed. They stood at the gates of the village. About 100 or so matoran. Axonn nodded. The feeling of danger was still there. He had tried and tried to shake it off. Brutaka stood silently next to him. Axonn looked up at him, his friend, his enemy for a short time, then his friend. He shook his head. He stared over at the gate where the Matoran guard stood. Then it happened. It happened so fast, it happened so slowly. A certain Ta-Matoran,Tahro, stood ready with his horn to sound the alarm. Axonn saw the Matoran's arm jerk. Then his arm grabbed the horn and raised it to his lips. But the horn never touched his mouth. A laser arrow slliced through the horn and send a shock through the Matoran, and he fell from the gate. Axonn shot one glance at Brutaka, unhitched his axe from his back and flung it at the Kolhi stadium bell. A loud ring shot through the village. This all happened in less than one minute. Axonn grabbed his axe as it came back and ran to the gate, Brutaka swinging his sword not far behind him. Matoran archers everywhere on the gate were panicking and shouting orders to each other. Axonn braced himself as the gate came crashing down. Then he froze. He took one look at the approaching multitude and saw one being in the midst of it, blasting Matoran down from the top of the gate. Makuta.

***

Toa Kopaka Nuva, powerful Toa of Ice, stood in the learning tower of Ko-Metru, looking out from the window. He saw the different Metru's.
Matoro. He saw Matoro. He looked around. He wasn't in the learning tower anymore. He wasn't anywhere. It was just.. white. Matoro approached. He never saw Matoro in his Mahri form. It didn't look like Matoro. But Kopaka knew. Somehow... Matoro placed his hand on Kopaka. "Brother," he said in a peaceful voice. "Makuta attacks the island where Axonn and Brutaka abide even as I speak. Many Matoran will be killed. You must help. Makuta plans to attack Metru Nui after this attack. Alert the other Toa. I rely on you, My Brother." Then he faded away. The white around him faded back to the familiar surroundings of a Ko-Metru learning tower. He tried to shake it off as a dream. He maybe drifted off to sleep. But Matoro's mask lingered in his mind. NO! It wasn't anything. Maybe he was going crazy. Or maybe he worked too hard. He walked down the long staircase down to ground floor. He didn't know what to think. Then he remembered Vakama, when he was a Toa. He had strange visions, too. And his were more confusing than Kopaka's. Maybe Matoro, wherever he was, decided to tell Kopaka about this attack. Ah, well. He may as well tell the other Toa. They would think he was crazy. But, it was worth it. It's the best he could do for Matoro's sake.

***

Tahro awoke. He was covered in rubble from the village gate. He threw off the small rocks on him and then stood up, feeling a bit dizzy.
He looked around. The invading army was still being beaten outside by Axonn and Brutaka. Matoran that came out from workplaces, huts, and from other activities were scrambling around grabbing weapons. He stopped the one Matoran he was looking for. Defilak. He ran over to him and shouted, "Where's Balta!?"
Defilak looked up and barely dodged a blow from a raving Skakdi. "I don't know!" He shouted back. Tahro looked around for his best friend. He grabbed a mace from a dead Skakdi and ran to the rubble. Balta was one of the guard, he knew. So if he survive the explosion of the gate, he was somewhere beneath the rubble. He didn't have the time to find him. He looked back at the raging battle. He'd go for help. Yes. That's what he's do. But where? Metru Nui? Yes. He could get Toa! He was a map-maker. He knew where it was. He ran for the bay and hopped into his sail-boat. He took one last look at his home village, and then let down the sails.

***

Makuta grinned. He slammed another pitiful Matoran into another and sent them flying. This was too easy. He wanted Brutaka. alive and well. Axonn, he could use as well. He saw Brutaka fighting Makuta Antroz. Axonn was fighting Makuta Gorast, Bitil and Krika all at once. Plus, Axonn was winning. If only he could... persuade Axonn to be on his side. He'd be a great addition to his army. With that happy thought in mind, he raised his new sword and slammed more Matoran to the ground.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 2, Page 7

It was the best day of Olo's life, the day when the Turaga judged the best mask making team. And he got up late. He groaned as he hopped out of bed and raced to the door, only to find Xalai there, mask under left arm, ready to knock on the door with the right hand. He stepped back. "Olo! Hurry we're-" Xalai began. "Late, I know. Come on!" Olo slammed the door and ran, Xalai trying to catch up with his friend. Olo ran through the back ways and alleys and made it to the coliseum just as Turaga Dume was announcing through the speakers, "My Matoran friends! On this day, the tenth anniversary of when you arrived once again to your home, we have six teams, One from each Metru, that have endeavored to become Mask Makers. I, along with the other Turaga, will chose who made the best mask!" A loud applause rang through the coliseum. Olo jumped through the doors and ran to his and Xalai's seats just as the Turaga was coming through the aisle. He saw the Turaga walk through the aisles, trying on the masks and demostrating the masks powers on the field. Turaga Dume walked to them. Xalai handed over the mask. Olo prayed a silent prayer to Mata Nui. Dume tried out the powers and nodded. He handed back the mask and smiled.

* * *

Tahro whipped out his map and compass. He was going in the right direction. He looked ahead and spotted the looming towers of Metru Nui. He grinned. He'd always wanted to go to Metru Nui. He was so happy he didn't noticed the sea snake-like green sea creature climb into his boat. Zaktan grinned. But neither of them noticed a small vehicle hovering over the water, following them....

* * *

Axonn swung his axe into another Vortixx. He knew many Matoran were dying. This had to stop. Growling, he spotted Makuta and ran straight for him. He slammed his axe into Vezon, Carapar and Takadox all at once and then jumped in front of Makuta just as he was about to slice his sword into a group of Matoran. Axonn thought he saw Garan and Balta, but he wasn't sure. Makuta stood straight. "Ah! Axonn, my old friend." He snarled. Axonn swung his axe, only for it to be blocked neatly by Makuta. Makuta swung his other sword, that he had grabbed from some dead warrior in his own army, into Axonn's left arm. Axonn swung his axe again, this time at Makuta's leg, tripping Makuta and sending him straight into ground. Makuta growled and remembered his mask. He summoned a plague of protodites.The small creatures burrowed into Axonn's armor and into his muscle. Axonn closed his eyes tight to prevent the protodites from going inside them. The pain got too unbearable, and he slumped to the ground, unconsious. Makuta stared at the still form of Axonn. He called a few Skakdi to lock the body in Makuta's ship.

* * *

Toa Kopaka ran into the coliseum's main room where he found the other twelve Toa discussing the contest. Kopaka sighed. "Toa. Brothers... and Sisters. Matoro visited me... in a.. vision. He said Makuta was attacking Axonn and Brutaka's village... he said we should help. I know you think I'm crazy and-"
"If my brother Kopaka says it. It's true." Tahu interupted, "Let's go and help."
He got up and stood beside the Toa of Ice.

Pohatu looked at Tahu. "12 Toa against Makuta's armies. And one Toa of Light and Shadow. Sound like the good old days!" He smiled.
Lewa Nuva glanced at Kongu. "About time we get some fun-action, I've been getting bored sitting around." He said, smiling.
Kongu smiled.
All the other Toa agreed.
Jaller looked at Tahu. "When do we leave?"
"Now." Tahu glanced at the Turaga, walking in.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 2, Page 8

The Makuta of Metru Nui sighed as another Matoran prisoner was led to the executioner. None of these Matoran would reveal where they had put the village's power sphere. Makuta had his special reasons for wanting this sphere. The sphere alone had the energy of six elements which the Toa Nuva, before travelling back to Metru Nui, had provided for the village, in case of an attack, six Matoran could transform into toa by touching their hands to it. But for this attack no Matoran had any chance to touch it. An Onu-Matoran walked in, looking distraught. The Vortixx guard grabbed Garan and chained him to the wall. Makuta stared at the Matoran. He thought he recognized him.. Oh, yes this was Garan.. the foolish Matoran who led the assault on the Piraka. "Ah, foolish Garan.. So good to see you again." Makuta smiled. Garan looked up sharply.
"How did you know my name?" He blurted out. Makuta smiled. "Let's just say I was well acquainted with your friends, one of whom I think you well know, Dezalk." Garan winced. Dezalk had been enslaved by the Piraka's antidermis, and had been killed working.
"You filthy murderer!" Garan yelled. "Well, I prefer to call myself, 'Master of Shadows' among many great and not so great names." Makuta responded calmy.
"What do you want from me?!" Garan said, holding in his anger.
"I want a small favor. I want to ask you a question." Makuta replied, calmly.
Garan didn't respond. Makuta went on, "Where is the power sphere?" Garan looked down.
"Where is it?!" Makuta said. Garan looked up. "I am not going to tell you."
Makuta grinned and grabbed his sword. "Oh, I think you will."

* * *
Zaktan wrapped his tentacles around the unwary Matoran and squeezed. "Hello, Matoran. You and your kind have caused me much pain.." at the word pain, Zaktan squeezed harder. Tahro grimaced. He couldn't move, and he'd be dead in one more minute if this mad whatever it was held on. What happened next Tahro couldn't explain. A white light flashed, and the boat grew an arm, the arm came up and yanked the insane Piraka, only to, in turn, squeeze him. Tahro looked up at his rescuer. He was a Toa, on a hovercraft, clad in gold-black armor, wearing a shining silver mask. "I am Toa Ignika, Toa of Life." He said in a clear voice. "Where are you headed?"
Tahro blinked. "Uhm... M-m-m-metru Nui.." Ignika grabbed Tahro and swung him onto the hovercraft, then, raising his Midak skyblaster, he blew a hole into the boat, leaving the warped Piraka to drown.

* * *

Turaga Dume stood in silence at the Toa's decision. "So, you wish you depart only on account of a vision?" He said.
Tahu nodded. "Yes."
"So we'll see you Turaga fast-soon, we must go and fight bad-evil, return ever-triumphantly and quick-save many short-small ones." Lewa said.
Turaga Vakama glanced at Kopaka, "Kopaka, I know that your visions are true. But what if we need you here?"
"All I know, is that Matoran are being harmed even as we speak. It may even be too late to saev them."
Turaga Nuju looked at Kopaka, saying nothing, but his look approved.
All the other Turaga except Dume nodded their heads.
Dume shook his head, "Toa, it is useless for you to go! We need you here!"
"Why?" Takanuva asked. Dume shook his head again and walked toward the door. But he didn't make it. The door blew open and Toa Ignika zoomed in. He hopped off the hovercraft, along with a small matoran. "Toa, Turaga... Brutaka and Axonn's villaged has been attacked. Tahro here says he was the only survivor." Tahro nodded. "Toa," He walked up to them. "I came to ask for help.. but I believe it is too late..."

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 2, Page 9

The Six Barraki warriors gathered together five kio away from Makuta's army's camp. Pridak turned to the others. "Long since we have sought revenge on this.. Makuta... Today is the day! The long awaited day which we have awaited for has come! We will have our revenge." They had just come from the island of Xia, where they had stolen armor and weapons, plus strange looking machines that went over their heads to breathe the air. Pridak turned around and screamed a battle cry, and the empty lands around them began to fill with long seekers of revenge on Makuta Teridax, including a strange plant-like creature that called itself Karzahni, and Karzahni himself.
a huge Rahi named Keetongu rode atop a huge monster. Pridak, Takadox, Kalmah, Carpar, Mantax and Ehlek all smiled as they hopped onto Kikanalo steeds. "Now, my friends! To war!!!" He yelled a battle cry and charged ahead.

However, In a small bush not far away from the army, a Toa of Magnetism, wearing a Kanohi of illusion and a Po-Matoran wielding a spear and a sword looked at each other and merged with the army.

***

"Too late." Onua repeated. Nuparu looked at Onua. The rest stared at Tahro. Dume and the Turaga went back into the coliseum field to let the Matoran know who won the Mask Making position. Tahu knelt down and put his hand on Tahro. "Don't worry. I know that your friends were not killed. They are still alive."
Gali shot a look at Kopaka. Kopaka smiled back. "Looks like we aren't the only ones to have visions, sister."
Tahu stood up. "I know that not all the Matoran were killed. If Makuta was looking for something, he would want the Matoran alive."
"But what could Makuta have wanted from the Matoran?" Pohatu asked, puzzling over the matter.
"The sphere!" Onua said. "Remember the power sphere we left for the Matoran?"
"Yes... But why would he wanted more power?" Kopaka asked.
"He wouldn't need it...right?" said Tahro.
"Unless he was planning to attack.. somewhere else.." Jaller said. Ignika stood silent.
Tahu looked at Jaller. "Like Metru Nui perhaps?" He turned to Tahro. "Where is that Power Sphere?"
Tahro thought. "It should be where we left it... in the Suva...." Tahu turned to the other Toa. "We have to find it. And fast."

***

"Come on, Olo, don't look so downhearted. Be glad-happy. And Xalai, you could use happiness, too. Have you ever seen a sad Le-Matoran? I've never seen one, unless we party the whole night down and then wake up in the morning ever-tired. Then we are sometimes quite sad, however, I've never seen any Le-Matoran sad-mad. No, you don't see any of my kind mad or sad. Now, mad, maybe you see them once or twice mad, but not soon-often. And even when you do see them mad, it's not because they didn't win the Mask Making contest, but then again Le-Matoran aren't much for Mask Making. That's for fire-spitters. Am I talking too much? People tell me I talk too much... but I don't think so. However, once I do get started I can go on and on and never stop talking, unless you tell me then I'll-"
Olo looked at Xalai. Lehri, the Le-Matoran, kept blabbering on and on.
"That's great, Lehri." Olo finally interrupted.
"What is? How I actually tamed a Kikanalo once? Or was it a Rahkshi.." Lehri talked to himself.
"Look, Lehri, Aren't you ever gonna stop talking? I'm kinda in a bad mood now." Xalai grunted.
Lehri stopped. "Ok, Xalai. Why didn't you say something?"
They were walking back from the Coliseum, and Turaga Dume announced the winner. It wasn't Xalai and Olo.
They arrived at Xalai's hut. "Well, see you later, Lehri!" Xalai said and slammed the door on the Le-Matoran.
Olo plopped down on a Chair, and took the mask out of his pack. "Now what. I mean, What do we do with the mask?"
Xalai groaned. "I dunno. Maybe we could sell it to Xia."
"Aw, Xalai, I know it'll come in handy sometime." Olo said. "Well, you can hold it for now. I'm gonna go get some shut-eye. See ya!" Then he walked out of the door.
Xalai stared at the mask's empty eye holes. And stared.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 3, page 11

While The Toa Mahri set sail with Tahro to find the power sphere, the
Toa Nuva stayed in Metru Nui to arrange with a Toa army to come and
guard the city. A Matoran messenger was sent with Takanuva to go to an
island Turaga Dume knew about to find the necessary army. Tahu and the
other Toa planned an escape route for the Matoran in case the city was
attacked. They held a training for Matoran who wished to fight in the
oncoming battle.
Kopaka hoped that his vision was true. Otherwise all this was a waste.
But the other Toa assured him that the other island was already
attacked, and what was to stop Makuta from attacking Metru Nui?

***

Tahro shuddered as he stepped onto the bay and saw the ruins of the
fallen gate, the masks of less fortunate Makuta and Matoran.
Toa Jaller Mahri put his hand on the Matoran's shoulder, "Lead the
way." he said quietly. Tahro nodded and walked toward a small
building hidden among the trees. The other Toa followed. Hahli gasped.
Nuparu turned. Hahli ran and picked up a huge axe cleaved in two.
"Axonn..." Hahli said, her coldness dropped.
Nuparu ran to her. "Oh no.." he muttered. Kongu gasped and picked up
a long sword, cracked in many places. "Brutaka!" he nearly shouted.
Tahro stood silent. Then he turned around and walked into the Suva.
Jaller followed. The other Toa poured in. They all stood gaping.
The Power Sphere was gone. Then they turned abruptly to see a

small Visorak carrying the power sphere in it's mandibles.
Nuparu laughed. "Ha! It's a baby Visorak! Maybe one of the Matoran
back home would want it as a-"
He stopped. A Kahgarak walked behind the baby Kahgarak.
"Note to self: Not a baby Visorak!" Nuparu shouted.
"We're trapped!" Hahli shouted.
Kongu jumped forward, and blasted six rockets from both of his Cordak
blasters at the ceiling. It burst apart.
"Not any more." He said and caused a burst of air to raise all seven
beings out of the small room and onto the rocky ground outside behind
the Kahgarak. The huge Kahgarak turned around and growled. It launched
it's darkness spinner at Kongu, who acted quickly, but the spinner hit
one of his Cordak Blasters, sending it to a realm of darkness. "At
least I've used most of the rockets in that one. But a Toa-Hero never
lets his weapons be not avenged!" He grinned at the others and then
ran forward, blasted the ground and flew into the air. He landed on
the Kahgarak's head and put his remaining cordak blaster on the
Kahgarak's head, blasting four times. The Kahgarak stumbled then fell.
Jaller ran forward, and his Hahnah crab battled the baby Kahgarak.
Kongu used a fraction of his power to blow the power sphere out of the
baby Kahgarak's mandibles. Then he caught it. "Whoa.." he said
quietly. "I can feel the energy-power..."
Jaller looked. "I think we'd better go before that Kahgarak wakes up."
He called his crab to leave the baby Kahgarak alone.

***
Luhi ran, with everyone else following. They reached the bay after
some fighting and dodging. Hehki suggested they split. Luhi disagreed,
"If they attack, we'll need all the help we can get." They searched
for an hour until they came across a warship. "That's it!" He said.
"That's the one that brought the army!" Luhi turned to Hehki. "Hehki,
you, Dalu, Balta, and Piruk stay here. Kazi, Garan, Velika and I will
go aboard the ship and find Axonn and Brutaka."
Hehki nodded, and the other four walked aboard. Luhi jumped on deck.
Garan, Velika and Kazi hopped up. Velika looked around.
"A Koto bug who works solely takes years to complete the task. But a
swarm will do it in a minute." He commented.
Kazi rolled his eyes. "Can someone please translate?" Luhi struggled
not to smile. "He has a good point." He said.
Kazi nearly yelled, "What is he saying?!" Garan looked at Luhi and
turned to Kazi, "He's saying we should split."
The Ko-Matoran didn't respond. A plan was made that Luhi and Garan
would look over one side of the boat, and Kazi and Velika would look
over the other. Kazi groaned, "Why do I get stuck with the freak?"
Garan glared at him. Kazi groaned.
Luhi walked away to a trap door. He opened it and lowered himself in.
Garan followed.
Kazi glared at Velika. Velika smiled and said, "A Toa once was ordered
to joined with a team of Toa that had one Toa he hated."
Kazi rolled his eyes, but he listened. Velika went on, "One day, the
Toa's team was caught off guard. They were attacked by Visorak.
However, the Toa hoped that other Toa he hated would die. But the Toa
was hit by a Visorak Rhotuka spinner, and he was trapped in a sphere
of energy that shrunk around him until he was killed by it. But the
Toa he hated jumped to his side, blasted away the Visorak, and used
his energy to break down the force field around the other Toa. He
saved his life. They were friends for the rest of their lives."
The Ko-Matoran thought. "Even I get that, Velika. But can you stop
talking in riddles?"
The Po-Matoran thought also. He sighed and said, "If you stop being so
pessimistic." He smiled.
Kazi laughed, "It's a deal." They opened another trap door and hopped down.
Two red eyes glared in the darkness. "Welcome.." Said a harsh voice.
They heard something heavy slam down on the door.

***

Garan took out a lightstone from his pack. Luhi looked around. "Well,
it looks like we're in the lodging cabin.."
"Well, let's search the rooms in case there's anything valuable here."
Garan suggested.
They searched all the rooms, but all they found was a little bag of widgets.
"I wonder why there's no- are we moving?" Luhi said, flopping to the
floor and listening. "Mata Nui help us! We are!!!"
Garan jumped up the stairs and banged against the trap door.
"Something heavy's on top!"
Luhi reached for his spear. "Then let's blow our way out." He charged
his spear and electricity crackled and it burst through the trap door.
"I hope the other are alright!" He said then hopped out. He looked
around. He saw Hehki and the Matoran laying unconsious on the bay.
He frowned. He looked toward a huge brick on a trap door. He blasted
that away too then opened the door. He signaled to Garan to be quiet.
Luhi and Garan crept down into the small, dank, dark room. It was a
dungeon. Garan stopped. He looked around. Luhi was gone.
Garan clutched his lightstone. "W-w-who's there?" He said, shaking. He
didn't know why he was afraid. He faced and fought the Piraka. He fell
to the floor. "Oh no.. I can't make it alone.. No one's here.. oh.."
He groaned and fell unconsious. A red creature stepped out of the
darkness. He looked at the unconcious matoran.
"Very good, Turahk! You're gonna have to teach me that one. I have so
many powers, I can't keep track of them." Vezon said, completely
unaware of what just happened. "I wonder why Carapar and Takadox just
left us.. Makuta told us to watch the prison. And they just took off.
I guess I should've stopped them. But then.. I didn't really like
those two." Turahk grabbed the Matoran and walked away.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 3, Page 12

Karzahni, the being, blasted Makuta Antroz with a vision of what would've happened, had they succeeded on Karda Nui. The Makuta stayed there, transfixed by the delightful vision.
Karzahni smiled. Then he turned to be greeted by a blast of fire. Makuta Teridax stood there, weilding a sword, still burning from the fire blast. "Ah," He said, spinning the sword from hand to hand. "Such a long time since we've seen each other." He jumped, then landed behind Karzahni, about to fell him with a blast of pure shadow energy. But a tentacle creeped up from behind and grabbed Makuta by the leg, flipped him over and them wrapped around his throat. It was the plant that called itself Karzahni.
Karzahni, the being, Put his axe to Makuta's throat. "You tried to kill me long ago. Maybe I should return the favor!" He raised his axe and was about to drop it on the neck of Makuta, but was stopped by another tentacle, a Makuta named Huulax had shapeshifted himself some tentacles, too, and grabbed the axe from Karzahni's hand. Karzahni turned around, but Huulax started to hack at the plant Karzahni. Karzahni, the being, jumped and kicked Huulax in the face. Huulax's mask flew off, and Karzahni punched him down.
Then he reached down, grabbed his axe and plunged it into the chest of the Makuta Huulax, immediatly energy poured out into the air. Karzahni smiled. He turned to the plant. It was badly damaged, stalks were everywhere. Karzahni grimaced as he noticed Teridax was gone. He stalked away.

Pridak smiled as he slashed at three Shadow Toa with his spiked scimitar. He leapt into the air, landed behind them then slashed again. They fell down to the floor. Carapar and Takadox knew most everyone's weakness after being in the army, then betraying them to the other Barraki. The Kardas dragon had felled many of his army. Pridak's own Kikanalo had been slaughtered by Makuta Teridax.
Then Makuta, thinking Pridak was dead, walked away. But Pridak was well and alive. He noticed eight or so of his army, they looked like.. Vortixx-Skakdi hybrids, flew through the air, blasted by one of Kardas' energy blasts. They had to retreat if they wanted to live to fight another day. Many of Makuta's army were dead, too. Pridak landed a blow one a certain Makuta Gorast. Then he bellowed, "Retreat!" And blew on his trumpet. He knew he wasn't used to running, but another day would come when they would fight. And win.

***
Hehki stirred. He opened his eyes. He jumped. The warship was gone. All he remembered was some weird sensation of fear overwhelmed him and he fell unconcious. He awoke the other Matoran. Balta looked worried. Dalu was ready to chase after them and fight. Hehki sat down. He couldn't figure out with to do. Luhi was more the thinker of the team. He turned to the others. "I think I'll go see how the battle turned out over there and see if there's anything we can sail in. You guys stay here. And if the warship appears, just yell together. I'll know. If I'm not back in an hour, something bad's happened and stay, alright?"
Hehki said. Balta and Dalu nodded. Hehki put his hands on their shoulders and walked away.
Dalu and Balta looked at each other.
Hehki walked away to see a big pillar of smoke rising into the air. He ran ahead. He stopped in his tracks. The battle was finished apparently. It was still. There were dead Kikanalo and stalks of thick plant. Some tents were on fire. He smiled. He walked into the camp and grabbed a few of the dead Karzahni stalks. He magnetized them together. It made a sturdy raft. He threw it into the bushes. He turned, feeling a presence behind him. "Who's there?" He said, reaching for his sword. There was nobody. He used his magnetizing power to magnetize anyone there to the floor. He shrugged, then walked away.

***

Garan rubbed his eyes. He turned to see Luhi, Kazi and Velika unconscious. The ship was still moving. He could here Vezon talking to himself in the other room.
He was saying, "You know, I don't remember me bringing up the anchor and setting sail. Yet we're moving. Hey! Maybe those matoran let us loose, came in here and.. what was I saying?" Garan jumped up with a start. Vezon didn't set sail! Then who did?! he shook Luhi and the other and told them. They devised a plan.
Luhi and Garan walked out of the room and into the ajacent room where Vezon and the rahkshi waited. Vezon looked up, "Hello! Is it time to set sail?"
Luhi smiled and leaped, jamming his left foot into the mad Piraka's jaw. Garan jumped and ripped the Rahkshi's staff out of it's hands, then punched it, sending the Kraata inside flying through the air. Garan grabbed the kraata with the end of the staff and flung it against the wall.
Luhi smiled at Garan. Vezon was wrapped in his cape. "That was fast."

***

Meanwhile, Kazi and Velika walked on deck to find it deserted. "Hmm.." Velika said.
"A Makuta does not have to be at the scene of the crime to have commited." Kazi said, and smiled.
Velika nodded. "They must've been enemies of Makuta and Toa. They knocked out Hehki and the others, jumped aboard, put those bricks on the trap doors to stop any of Makuta's friends from excaping. Then they set the sails. And now we are in the middle of nowhere."
They turned around to see Luhi and Garan coming out of the trap door, with a weary and tired Axonn, holding his mask in his hands. Brutaka followed, not as battered as Axonn, but he walked with a limp. a couple of Matoran where with them. Defilak was one of them. The other was a Matoran called Barato.
A raft bearing four beings rowed next to them. It was a Toa and three Matoran. Hehki, Piruk, Balta and Dalu.

[*Tahu_Nuva_Ninja*]

Chapter 3, Page 13

Makuta Teridax frowned at the departure of one of his spies. He had said that the warship was missing. Along with those Matoran and those Order of Mata Nui members that were in it. He also said he had counted the number of his army that were killed. 493 beings were killed in the battle. 267 were of Makuta's army. He was thankful they had another warship hidden in a bushy part of the bay.
But Axonn and Brutaka were a great addition to the enemy army. He wished he would've killed them on the spot.
He called his generals to discuss the attack on the Island of Metru Nui. He pondered. His spies also reported they had found Carapar's remain in a cave near the coast of what was known as, "The Island of Tren Krom", at least, what remained of it. It was a pile of a shiny dust. The only way they knew it was Carapar was when they interrogated Brutaka, while they had him in their grasp. Makuta Teridax remembered seeing a being who looked exactly like Carapar.. But if Carapar was dead.. Who was that strange being with Pridak? And didn't Pridak know Carapar was dead? No, because Takadox could've held it from him for all these years.
His generals walked in, looking bored. Makuta stood and addressed them formally.
"There has been a change in my plans. I've called you here to tell you so."
He knew that that's not why he called them, but he changed his mind. He continued,
"Traitors and usurpers have attacked our camp. We barely had a victory. Many of our army was lost."
A Skakdi general stood and mentioned his battalion hidden with the Dark Hunters in Odina.
Makuta frowned. He had forgotten about that battalion. And he had forgotten his encounter with The Shadowed One. Also,
The Dark Hunters were capable of fighting. He would make them fight. And reward them. "Yes, Uhkai. I now remember that battalion. We shall call them in to fight. We shall save the Dark Hunters for the battle of Metru Nui"
Uhkai was confused. So were the other generals. Another Skakdi, Lyeho stood and said,
"But what battle are you referring to? Are you trying to say we are going to have a battle before the battle of Metru Nui? I thought we were to attack Metru Nui tomorrow!"
The generals muttered assent. Makuta smiled. "As I said, plans have been changed. We will attack, and destroy, the armies of Pridak. I fear a great treachery approaching. As you all know, the real Carapar is long since dead. Yet we all fought with a being strangely similar to Carapar. And we all know any Makuta can shape-shift. Has anyone besides me noticed the absence of Makuta Lianax?"
Makuta Antroz stood. "Yes. He has been gone for many months before this war."
Makuta Teridax nodded. "I believe that he is imposing as Carapar. He and Takadox are planning to start a rebellion against Pridak and I. If they succeed, we will have a great war on our hands. Having to fight Metru Nui, the Barraki's armies, and Takadox's armies. I want my spies to find the Barraki army settlement. We will attack as soon as we know where they are located. We will destroy each being in his army."


***

Hehki hopped aboard the warship. Piruk, Dalu and Balta hopped aboard, and tended to Axonn and Brutaka. Luhi rushed forward.
"What happened?"
"I don't really know." The Toa said. He struggled to remember. "All I remember was something coming up and blasting us. Then I felt a strange sensation of overwhelming fear. Then I blacked out."
Luhi looked uncredulous. Then he burst out laughing.
"You, the mighty Toa, blacked out?" He laughed some more. Then his laughter faded and he looked back at the Toa.
"But it couldn't have been that fear Rahkshi in here. He was in here." He mused out loud.
Hehki wondered.
"Well," He began, "We know all Makuta have all the powers of all Kraata."
"So it could've been any Makuta." Balta offered.
"Yeah..." Hehki said thoughtfully.
"Well, while you guys muse around trying to figure out a source of fear, I'm starved." Kazi said.
The others glared at him. He grinned back at them.
"And I'm sure you guys are too." He said sheepishly.
"So, where are we headed anyhow?" Piruk asked.
Hehki pondered this for awhile. "Uh.." He began, "We could go to Metru Nui and try and warn the Toa there that Makuta is on the loose again.
"Or we could go to Odina, and see whose side the Dark Hunter's are on."
The six Matoran didn't look too encouraged by that idea.
"Or.." Hehki continued. "We could go to some small island, and check the defenses there."
Luhi stared. "Why would Makuta attack some small island?"
"To gain control of the universe?" Was the unsure reply.
"To do that, Makuta would have to kill Mata Nui." Luhi said.


***

Two beings walked away from a fortress silently. If one from inside the fortress was to have seen them, he would've thought they were nothing more than the night guards patrolling the grounds. But he would be wrong. One being, clad in dark armor, trudged along. His partner, a frail being, spikes lining his armor, walked with a peculiar gait. Once they were clearly out of earshot from the settlement, they boarded a small rowboat. The small craft floated swiftly in the dark. They boat headed in the direction of the island of Odina.

Lianax smiled as he strode to the sentry at the gate to the Dark Hunter fort. The sentry looked bored. Lianax smiled again. He was disguised as a small Matoran. "Um.. Hello?" He said, trying to sound frightened. The sentry looked out a window. He looked down.
He laughed. Lianax smiled a third time. "I'm lost. Can you tell me where I am?" The sentry smiled. This could be fun. And he might get a reward from The Shadowed One for bringing something to experiment on. "Sure, small one. Come in." He grinned his most polite smile. Altough it could've scared a Mauka. But not a Makuta. The gates opened. Lianax walked in. Then he turned around and caught the sentry by suprise. He leaped into the air and kicked the guard in the jaw, sending him flying. He lay on the floor, dazed, as Lianax drove a dagger into his chest. He grinned savagely. This was too easy. He then hid the carcass, shape shifted to look exactly like the sentry and turned around just in time to see a Dark Hunter named Throck walking toward him.
"Everything alright there, Glaruk?" He said.
Lianax smiled. "Just fine." He stood. "You know, I was thinking, Throck."
Throk nodded. Lianax went on,
"Why are we sitting here waiting for Makuta Teridax to come tell us when to fight for him?"
"The boss said so." The other said.
"I know, I know!" Lianax protested. "But we have a whole army here! We could take out Makuta's armies!"
Throck seemed to be thinking hard. "Hey, you're right!"
"Is The Shadowed One scared of a Makuta?! We are Dark Hunters!"
Throck roared. He started yelling. He ran back into the courtyard, yelling.
Lianax walked out, shape shifted to the shape of Makuta Antroz, and walked away slowly.
By the time Throck arrived back with another Dark Hunter, they arrived to see the lifeless body of Glaruk, and a Makuta that looked horribly like Antroz walking away.