CHAPTER 3

The Other Toa

The usual calm had been replaced with deafening cheers as crowds from all corners gathered to Arena Vulcanus for the season's latest tournament. Agori and Matoran staff were busy clearing debris from the previous fight while others dragged away an unconscious Skakdi of Iron as the victor showboated to his audience.

"Garuk of the Ice Tribe emerges victorious once again! Kanakk's thick armor was no use against his cold-blooded opponent's onslaught, but the show isn't over yet! We have new blood in the arena today, will he show Garuk how it's done here in Vulcanus? Or will his burning determination be extinguished? Our next competitor is Korii of our very own Fire Tribe!"

The cheers quietened down upon the announcement, with the remaining cries being in support of Garuk. Korii was new to the arena, and this had yet to make a name for himself. As he strode out into the field, he began questioning his impulsive decision. His pristine crimson armor was now covered in a cheap Glatorian plate, with a crude helmet worn over his still-battered Kakama in the hopes of it not being noticeable. This armor, and a basic three-pronged spear, were all he could afford with the little money he'd managed to grab when he ran from his own home. It'll be fine... These fights aren't to the death anymore, he thought to himself, clutching his spear and trying to hide what little fear was likely radiating through his mask. It'll be just fine...

He then looked toward his opponent. Garuk was an Ice Tribe Glatorian, and one of unusual height. He stood at close to nine feet, adorned from head to toe in well-crafted armor plating adorned with white spikes as was Ice Tribe tradition. Forgoing the traditional Thornax Blaster, he instead carried a pair of jagged Protodermis swords forged to resemble shards of permafrost. Even from this distance, Korii could feel the behemoth smirking at him as he approached.

The two met in the centre of the field and bowed to one another in respect before the fight commenced, and Garuk took the opportunity to try and unnerve his opponent further;

"Wonder how far I can throw you, rookie?"

Refusing to let Garuk get to him, Korii swallowed his nerves and smiled.

"I was about to ask you the same thing. Let's hope you're tougher than you look, big guy."

Garuk scoffed and smiled back, enjoying the fact that - unlike the Skakdi before him - his latest prey had a spine.

The pair took twelve paces back and prepared themselves, Korii taking a defensive stance and Garuk readying his blades in preparation to lunge. Having only his guard training and the brief glimpse of Garuk's fight with Kanakk to rely upon, Korii knew what to expect from his opponent's first moves. "Here's hoping this spear isn't as fragile as it looks." Korii muttered to himself as the announcer signaled for the fight to begin.

Before Korii could react, Garuk leapt into the air towards him. Raising his spear to meet the incoming blades, Korii braced himself for the incoming attack. Barely blocking the blows, Korii swung towards him with his now-bent spear, which Garuk parried effortlessly before lunging toward him once again. Having expected the maneuver, Korii rolled aside to dodge the blow, his unfamiliarity with his newfound size causing him to lose his footing and fall onto his back. Realizing the opportunity presented to him, Garuk prepared to bring a sword down on his opponent once again.

Realizing he wouldn't be able to get back onto his feet in time, Korii began weighing out his options when he noticed the damage taken to his spear; another blow could cause it to break in two. I have an idea, he thought to himself. Raising his spear once more to stop Garuk's swords, Korii managed to block the incoming attack, and took a moment to fully snap his spear in half while Garuk raised his sword to finally land a blow. Waiting until Garuk was mid-swing, Korii quickly sat up and jabbed the blunt half of his spear into a gap in Garuk's armor, knocking him back before kicking him square in the chest and knocking the giant to the ground. Seizing the window to gather his composure, Korii leapt to his feet and attempted to land a strike only to be parried once more. Thinking quickly, Korii used the blades of his spear to snag Garuk's sword, with a swift kick to his wrist knocking it free. This move caused a risk, as Korii didn't see the second sword coming towards him, landing a solid blow to his armor and destroying his mask covering as well as making him drop what was left of his spear.

As Korii moved to pick his weapon up, Garuk quickly kicked it away before retrieving his own weapon. Smirking at his adversary, Garuk flipped over his sword and offered it to Korii.

"This almost isn't fair, I may as well make sure you have something you can actually fight back with. Unarmed opponents are no sport." Garuk grimaced, as Korii took the sword. "Know how to use that?"

"Do you?" Korii quipped, while nodding in gratitude to Garuk. The pair took their stances before resuming their duel. Both lunged to one another, their swords sparking with each clash. While the better quality weapon was helping with Korii's general effort, Garuk was by far the better swordsman of the two. For each swing Korii took, Garuk made two. This guy's no joke, Korii mused between swings. Strange that he's not going for any weak spots... wait... Mata Nui! He's just toying with me!

Korii's thought process was interrupted by a much stronger blow from Garuk, knocking him off balance and forcing him to take a knee. Realizing another strike like that would cost him the match, and having no time to dodge or find a chink in Garuk's armor, Korii began rapidly trying to think of an escape plan.

Garuk chuckled as he raised his sword. "I'll admit, smelter, this has been fun. I'll be sure to come teach you how to fight when you recover."

As he brought the sword down, Korii's mask began to glow a faint blue. When the sword landed, Garuk realized he had struck the ground, embedding his blade within the dirt. As he pulled it free, wondering where Korii went, Garuk was struck in the back. Stumbling forward and regaining his composure, Garuk looked at Korii, bewildered.

"What was that? How did you..."

"Let me stop you there, I have no idea. One minute I was on the ground, the next I was over here, almost fell down." Korii responded bluntly, his mask still glowing. Giving the confused Garuk a chance to prepare himself again, Korii took the offensive. He took multiple strikes at the Glatorian, using the newfound element of surprise to test his defenses, before Garuk once more swung at him. Before Korii could shut his eyes and brace himself, he once again found himself to have suddenly shifted away, once more just as surprised as Garuk.

"What is going on?!" The two shouted in unison, before simultaneously swinging for one another.

"I don't know how you're doing that, or the fancy light-show on your face, but this ends now, rookie." Garuk grunted, locking blades with Korii and using his brute strength to overpower him. Before Korii could lose his grip, he noticed his blade beginning to heat up.

"What light show? I'm not sure how I'm dodging, it just happens!" Korii yelled in response, trying to push back with all his might. Realizing trying to match Garuk's strength was futile, he opted to instead headbutt him. Garuk stumbled back as Korii's mask came off, which he managed to catch and replace in time. While Garuk was staggered, Korii took several more swings in an attempt to disarm him. With each swing, the Toa's sword began to glow brighter before it eventually ignited, the blade beginning to spew forth flames from its many facets. Both fighters looked to the burning blade with shock and confusion, Garuk's frustration reaching a fever pitch. Dodging Korii's next attack, he noticed flames shooting from the blade, causing an arc of fire as it swung towards the ground. Shaking the blade rigorously to try and extinguish it, Korii didn't notice Garuk lunge for him once again, this time knocking both flat onto their backs and sending the swords flying. Both scrambled to their feet but Korii's mask once again began glowing, causing him to dart to the nearest sword and pick it up, then straight back to kick Garuk back onto the ground. Korii stood over the Glatorian, pointing the fire-enveloped plade towards him.

"Stay down, big guy." Korii shouted smugly, as Garuk yielded. Korii's offer to help his opponent to his feet was shrugged off, as the Glatorian swiped the sword from his hand, retrieved the other and stormed out of the arena.

"A resounding win for our newcomer! His will burned so bright the glacier couldn't withstand him! Victory goes to Korii of the Fire Tribe!"

Not knowing how to respond to the thunderous applause, Korii awkwardly bowed before fleeing the stage to collect his winnings. Up in the podiums, members of the Fire Tribe council watched intently.

"Turaga Vakama, did you see that? I didn't realise Ackar was back in the game!" Raanu exclaimed to the hunchbacked figure beside him, who was rubbing his chin while in thought.

"Ackar fights with more grace than this one, Raanu."

"But how do you explain the fire? The lightning-fast reflexes!"

"I've witnessed maneuvers like this before, he moved so fast it was as if his own mind wasn't catching up with his body. That kind of speed comes from a Mask of Power."

"What are you saying, Vakama? The prisoner's escaped?"

"No. This is a different Toa. Call the council to session, we must report this discovery."

Having received a large sack of widgets from the organizer, Korii began to set out to find a better weaponsmith. Had he not noticed the damage and altered his strategy, it could have cost him dearly. Making his way to the exit, he felt a familiarly large hand grab his shoulder, before lifting him up and pinning him to the wall.

"Where did you learn how to do that? Did Ackar or the others teach you?" Garuk asked impatiently.

"I don't know how I did it, I didn't even know I could!" Korii shouted, more fear in his voice than he was proud to admit. Garuk simply grunted and dropped him, before raising his fist.

"As cheated as I feel, a win's a win. Good fight, tiny." Garuk smiled in respect, before Korii returned the gesture.

"Once I figure out how to control the fire, I'll be sure to set up a rematch. It'll be nice kicking your oversized ass to the dirt without the help." Korii smirked, returning the gesture and bumping Garuk's fist. "Oh, before you leave, I need a better smith. Who made those swords?"

"I had them forged by a Po-Matoran when I was in the Sandray Canyons for a tournament a few years back. Little guy really knows his way around Protodermis. If you're ever in the area, look for Dekana and tell him I sent you." Garuk paused before pinning Korii once again. "And next time, don't think I'll go easy on you. Toying with my prey was a mistake, clearly. Until then, matchstick." Garuk nodded before leaving. Taking a moment to compose himself, Korii went to follow suit until a voice entered his mind.

The one you seek is nearby, Korii. Go to the council building, he awaits your arrival in the dungeon.

Recognising the voice as the one he heard while evading the guards, Korii once again looked around for it's source. The room was crowded, but none were close enough to be the speaker. "I must be losing it." Korii muttered before discarding the remains of his shoddy armor and making for the council chambers.

Chapter 3: Text

"We're here." Kitamo spoke, as she and Dekana approached the airship bound for the Sandray Canyons.

"The escort was unnecessary, but welcomed. I'm honoured to have been of service to your leaders." Dekana bowed, hiding his slight annoyance at Kitamo's constant surveillance. As the pair approached the transport, a cloaked figure moved to stand before them.

"I have been waiting for you two. Kitamo, captain of Tajun's guard and Dekana, famed Po-Matoran blacksmith. It is an honor."

Kitamo readied her trident immediately.

"I don't know you, stranger. Step aside, you're interfering with official business."

"Forgive my babysitter. She doesn't take well to strangers." Dekana smiled, ignoring Kitamo's glaring.

"That was my mistake, only a fool would approach such an accomplished guard so brashly. I bring gifts from Sanctuary, and it is my duty to bring these to both of you." The stranger handed both Matoran a small object bundled in rough cloth.

"Sanctuary prefers to stay isolated, so forgive my distrust. I have no time for you travelling merchants and your nonsense." Kitamo responded sharply. The cloaked figure nodded.

"You place your duty above all else, Kitamo. But perhaps your destiny lies elsewhere. These gifts will show you your true purposes. I would explain further, but I have other matters to attend to. Whatever your choice, I wish you both luck in your endeavors." The stranger bowed, as much as his hunched physique would allow, before disappearing into a crowd.

"Umm.. Thank you, kind stranger!" Dekana called out. Kitamo rolled her eyes and dragged him off in the other direction.

"Where are we going? For someone who wants me gone, making me miss my flight is a strange move."

"We've just been approached by a stranger concealing their identity, who addressed us by name and handed us unmarked packages claiming to have come from a settlement that is famously isolated. Something's not right, we need to speak to the Turaga."

"I think that was a Turaga, Kitamo." Dekana responded, as confused as she was.

Chapter 3: Text

Kopeke and his companions had arrived in the canopy-cities of Bota Metru. The entire city was built around the local flora, rather than replacing it. Towering buildings the likes of which could be found in New Atero or Metru Nui of old stood alongside bridges built around trees, connecting them to other skyscrapers and suspended buildings built into the canopies. Even with the treetops blocking out the skies, the travellers could hear the distant sounds of Gukko flocks and airships above them. Le-Matoran, Jungle Tribe Agori and tamed Rahi worked tirelessly around them, their various greens and browns almost blending into the surrounding plant life. Everything lived in harmony with it's surroundings, the environment being an almost perfect blend of nature and machinery. Most took in the sights while escorting Kopeke and Lesovikk to their meeting with the council while Onepu wandered off to chat with the Rahi handlers, with Taipu, the Ussal Crabs and a few others in tow.
"It's nice to be back here after so many months on the road, it's a shame we can't stay longer." Orkahm sighed.
"Speak for yourself! I'll be waiting down here while you all wander the city. No chance I'm going up in those trees, I'll just help Onepu find somewhere to stow the crabs while we're in town." Tamaru responded, refusing to even look up.
"No need, Tamaru. One thing I'm good at is sweet-talking locals into lending us a pen while we visit. Onepu always figures something out." Onepu interjected, taking the expected moment to brag, before handing Pewku's reins over to Taipu and pointing him towards a handler.
"Apparently we're headed to the Sandray Canyons next. I'm gonna see if we can pick up a few Sand Stalkers further down the line, Pewku’s getting a little too old for those long desert treks."
While the three were chatting, none of them noticed Kapura appear behind them.
"We do not need Rahi, nor Sand Stalkers, nor Gukkos or airships or tents. We are in Bota Metru, and we are not in the Canyons. We need only focus on where we are not, as I do, and we will be there before we know it."
The three jumped at his sudden interruption, but saw nothing when they turned to scold him.
"If he made enough sense to explain how he does that, I'd knock that mask right off his damned face before he realised I was there." Onepu grumbled. "Not that I need to go faster, anyways. In time, he'll realise that my foot will end up somewhere it's not."
Kopeke returns to the group, with Lesovikk in tow.
"If you're done wasting time, we have a meeting to attend. The less time I have to spend in contact with Turaga Lewa, the better. He gives me headaches."

Chapter 3: Text

"Another one?"

"Yes, Turaga. Vakama and I saw him fighting in the arena before we came. We initially thought Ackar had come out of retirement, but it seems a second Toa has arrived at our doorstep."

Before Raanu could continue, he was interrupted by strained laughter from one of the two Turaga before him. Looking at the interruption, Raanu watched the second Turaga stand from his granite seat.

"Mistaking a Toa for something else... History has a grand way of repeating itself doesn't it, Tahu?"

The first Turaga grumbled under his breath before responding.

"It certainly does, Jaller. Is Raanu speaking the truth, Vakama?"

"He is, Tahu. I havent seen a fighter move as swiftly since Pohatu. I know a Kakama when I see one, as would you if you were there."

Tahu nodded.

"There have been no Toa since... well, we all know what happened. They were thought extinct, but now we have two running around Vulcanus. This is discouraging."

"Discouraging, brother? Our protectors have returned! New heroes have arisen to take our places as guardians of Spherus Magna!" Jaller proclaimed.

"You forget, brother; Toa don't just appear for no reason. They are chosen to fulfill a specific goal. We all were. I need to know where these Toa are coming from, and why they're only appearing now after ten thousand years of extinction. I worry that this age of peace will soon come to an end."

Chapter 3: Text

Having found his way into the council building, Korii was finding his urge to locate the prison cells as stressful as expected. He clearly didn't belong here, and finding his way into such a secure location would be tricky. Bypassing the guards would be simple, but would no doubt put the spotlight on him. Given that he technically cheated during his fight with Garuk, he should really have been keeping a low profile, but something about that voice sounded urgent.
Whatever his worries, they would have to wait. As soon as he walked into the building Korii could sense who- or whatever he was here for. This gave him rough directions, but not a clear route. He opted to follow a guard in the hopes that he was headed to the prison, and eventually found himself where he needed to be. Staying back to avoid notice, he decided to use his newfound mask power to get by mostly unnoticed. Focusing his mind, he tried repeatedly to access his mask. He wasn't sure what he did before that triggered it, and all he seemed to be accomplishing was giving himself a migraine. Assuming it was instinctive, Korii began to simply imagine moving at high-speeds, and found himself barrelling past the stationed guards so fast he was surprised he didn't break the sound barrier and alert the entire garrison to his presence. Willing himself to stop before he ended up embedded in an oncoming wall, Korii couldn't keep himself steady and fell flat on his face. As he looked up, he spotted who he was here for. As the voice had cryptically suggested, it was another Toa.
This one wore no mask, and was restrained by his wrists against the wall. His armor was a dull silver, overlapping itself like scales which eventually gave way to plates of solid copper, reflecting the nearby torches like mirrors. The prisoner looked down at Korii, his deep green eyes shining almost as bright as the nearby flames.
"And here I was thinking you'd never come, brother. That's what I get for doubting her."
"Her? You hear that voice too?" Korii asked, hoping to finally have an answer to where the mysterious voice was coming from.
"It's a shame she didn't give you a better idea of how to get in here." The Toa muttered, glancing behind Korii. He turned around to find six Glatorian raising their weapons toward him.
"You'd better come with us. The Turaga want a word."

Chapter 3: Text

Chapter 3: Text

CHAPTER 3

"We're here." Kitamo spoke, as she and Dekana approached the airship bound for the Sandray Canyons.

"The escort was unnecessary, but welcomed. I'm honoured to have been of service to your leaders." Dekana bowed, hiding his slight annoyance at Kitamo's constant surveillance. As the pair approached the transport, a cloaked figure moved to stand before them.

"I have been waiting for you two. Kitamo, captain of Tajun's guard and Dekana, famed Po-Matoran blacksmith. It is an honor."

Kitamo readied her trident immediately.

"I don't know you, stranger. Step aside, you're interfering with official business."

"Forgive my babysitter. She doesn't take well to strangers." Dekana smiled, ignoring Kitamo's glaring.

"That was my mistake, only a fool would approach such an accomplished guard so brashly. I bring gifts from Sanctuary, and it is my duty to bring these to both of you." The stranger handed both Matoran a small object bundled in rough cloth.

"Sanctuary prefers to stay isolated, so forgive my distrust. I have no time for you travelling merchants and your nonsense." Kitamo responded sharply. The cloaked figure nodded.

"Umm.. Thank you, kind stranger!" Dekana called out. Kitamo rolled her eyes and dragged him off in the other direction.

"Where are we going? For someone who wants me gone, making me miss my flight is a strange move."

"We've just been approached by a stranger concealing their identity, who addressed us by name and handed us unmarked packages claiming to have come from a settlement that is famously isolated. Something's not right, we need to speak to the Turaga."

"I think that was a Turaga, Kitamo." Dekana responded, as confused as she was.

"Another one?"

"Yes, Turaga. Vakama and I saw him fighting in the arena before we came. We initially thought Ackar had come out of retirement, but it seems a second Toa has arrived at our doorstep."

Before Raanu could continue, he was interrupted by strained laughter from one of the two Turaga before him. Looking at the interruption, Raanu watched the second Turaga stand from his granite seat.

"Mistaking a Toa for something else... History has a grand way of repeating itself doesn't it, Tahu?"

The first Turaga grumbled under his breath before responding.

"It certainly does, Jaller. Is Raanu speaking the truth, Vakama?"

"He is, Tahu. I havent seen a fighter move as swiftly since Pohatu. I know a Kakama when I see one, as would you if you were there."

Tahu nodded.

"There have been no Toa since... well, we all know what happened. They were thought extinct, but now we have two running around Vulcanus. This is discouraging."

"Discouraging, brother? Our protectors have returned! New heroes have arisen to take our places as guardians of Spherus Magna!" Jaller proclaimed.

"You forget, brother; Toa don't just appear for no reason. They are chosen to fulfill a specific goal. We all were. I need to know where these Toa are coming from, and why they're only appearing now after ten thousand years of extinction. I worry that this age of peace will soon come to an end."

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