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CHAPTER 6
The Canyon
The night's sky above New Atero were alive, starlight shining from the knowlege towers as airships soared through the air like fireflies, the flurry of activity effortlessly pushing back the darkness as it often did. The city never rested, and the darkness of night hadn't touched its lands in the centuries it stood. Tahu took in the skyline surrounding him, thinking how far from home he'd come since awakening on those tropical shores so long ago and exerting great effort to hide the excitement he felt toward greeting his expected guest. Looking up, he saw an airship from Iconox touching down nearby, likely carrying the visitors. Gathering his composure, Tahu gestured to his Glatorian guards and made their way to the landing pad. Awaiting them on the airship's boarding ramp were seven white figures; six Ice Tribe Glatorian bearing heraldry signifying them as elite guards, and a Turaga.
Tahu stood before them and bowed his head in respect, as his two guards kneeled. The visitors strode silently from their vessel and stopped a few paces away from Tahu, the Turaga's eyepiece focusing intently as his single visible eye narrowed. As Tahu looked up and met his visitor's gaze, he smiled warmly, a gesture that was not reciprocated.
"Brother! It's been far too long."
Turaga Kopaka remained stoic, the sharp features of his Noble Akaku Nuva giving away no expression whatsoever.
"Tahu. Am I to assume you called me here to discuss the other Toa that have been appearing?"
"Other Toa? How did you learn of them so soon? If you've found any more, I hope it was simpler than mine have been." Tahu asked, as Kopaka gestured upwards toward the sky. As Tahu looked upward he noticed a slowly-growing cluster of spirit stars, at least eleven in total.
"You forget where we come from, brother. Once those stars shone for us." Kopaka mused, sternly as ever.
"There were eight when we left Iconox, and the knowlege towers have been keeping me updated. Whatever's causing their arrival, it doesn't seem to be stopping any time soon. Not long ago, there were only three, and I had one of them locked in chains back in your homeland."
Tahu nodded.
"Ferrun, yes. I've also made contact with a Toa of Fire named Korii, and placed him in his custody. They'd both been made aware of their brethren, and seemed sure that Ferrun could guide them to-"
Kopaka's eyes widened as he stepped toward Tahu, causing his guards to ready their weapons, alerting Kopaka's guards in turn. Both Turaga motioned for them to stand down before continuing.
"You saw what that 'Toa' of Iron did, Tahu. The mess he made of your arena. You just handed him off to a shiny new Toa on the prisoner's say-so?!"
"Yes I did, Kopaka. Vakama and Raanu found Korii fighting in that same arena. He managed to tap into his Kanohi and powers relatively quickly, even putting us to shame. Took down a Glatorian the size of a Bota Metru treetower like it was nothing the way they talked about it, and he was clever enough to infiltrate the dungeon and almost reach Ferrun without any coherent plan. He'll do the right thing if the Toa of Iron doesn't cooperate, I'm sure of it." Tahu retorted confidently.
"But I digress, that isn't why I called you here, brother. I'll assemble the Turaga at a later point and we'll discuss what we know."
"So why am I here, away from my duties in Iconox, if not to catch a rogue Toa you set free?" Kopaka's eyes narrowed once more, the frustration in his voice growing.
"I've been getting reports of what appears to be a being from the Ice Tribe causing trouble in New Atero, citizens are reporting them walking through walls and terrifying children. Wether they've helped themselves to Nuparu's gadgets or are a mask user I can't say, but-"
"They leave a trail of frost wherever they go, yes? Hooded figure, carries a scythe?" Kopaka asked.
"We had similar reports in Iconox, starting with a knowlege tower worker a week or two ago. Stopped as soon as they started. I've already got a lead." Kopaka nodded toward his Glatorian, who immediately dispersed and headed into the city.
"What do you know? Are they a threat?" Tahu asked.
"Not particularly. Their arrival was around the same time as the disappearance of a different knowledge tower worker named Topuhi, they seem to just want to rob merchants and spook young Agori." Kopaka muttered, his eyes fixed over Tahu's shoulder and looking at a distant rooftop, where a cloaked figure was standing.
"I think we're dealing with another Toa. They likely have a Kanohi Onweku, and are using their Ice powers to help with their charade."
"I'll take your word for that, brother. Guards can't get near them either way, and the last time they were spotted a fight broke out that levelled two buildings and injured several citizens caused in the crossfire." Tahu replied.
"I'll find a way, brother. Toa are my specialty." Kopaka muttered vacantly, his eyepiece still fixed on the shadowy figure, who seemed to wave at him before vanishing into thin air.
"So these are our successors? The Great Spirit Mata Nui chose a murderer and a sociopath to take up our mantles? I'm not impressed, Tahu." Kopaka sighed.
"They're Toa, Kopaka. Just like we were. There was a time even one so devout to our code as you still are once coldly dismissed Matoran for the crime of being in your presence. Have faith. All they need is a push in the right direction, like the Turaga once did for us."
Chapter 6: Text
Landing gracefully onto the rough stone path below, Kitamo took in the view of the city before her. Sandray was unique as far as settlements went, being built from the ground up solely by Po-Matoran settlers. While Tajun was a seamless blend of pre-Shattering and Ga-Metru's respective architectures, Sandray's buildings appeared to be little more than simple stone and brick, forming a cluttered mess of adobe structures. Aside from some rather elegant masonry, Kitamo wouldn't have batted an eyelid if she found this place on some backwater desert island back in the Matoran Universe. Spotting the Arena Sandray in the distance, she deactivated her mask and began walking.
"Of all the places to set up shop, they pick the dead centre of the Bara Magna desert. Po-Matoran truly are a different breed." Kitamo muttered to herself, trudging along the dusty street as the locals began watching her. Sighing in annoyance, she turned to the gawkers and spoke.
"Yes, I'm a Toa. Nothing most of you haven't seen before. Go back to... whatever it is you were doing, I'll answer questions when my job here is done."
Much to her chagrin, this only piqued the crowd's interest. As they gathered around her, Kitamo could only contain her impatience.
"Step out of the way, I've got business with the council on behalf of Turaga Gali. The sooner I reach Dekana's forge, the sooner I can get on with-"
"Dekana? I'm headed in his direction myself." A Glatorian clad in white and purple called out from the crowd.
"I'll take you to him, chances are we're both after the same thing."
Kitamo glanced toward him, producing her trident and raising it.
"I doubt that very much, sellsword. Aqua Magna will dry up before this thing goes dull. Besides, Dekana's not--"
"My point is I know the way to his workshop from here, Toa! I can show you the way."
Rubbing her temples, Kitamo muttered a Skakdi curse word under her breath.
"Fine, show me the way."
Finally breaking free from Kitamo's audience, the two made their way further into the city. Glancing toward the Toa of Water, the Glatorian tried to make conversation.
"Name's Qahrim."
"Good for you." Kitamo muttered.
"Here I thought the Water Tribe were polite." Qahrim chuckled, hoping to get some response.
"My line of work doesn't benefit from offering hugs and flowers. Protecting Tajun requires a firmer hand than Ga-Matoran sensibilities would normally allow." Kitamo replied flatly, looking over at Qahrim.
"Speaking of tribes, what in Karzahni is that paintjob?"
Qahrim was silent for a moment.
"Mercenary work. It's better for business if I don't wear tribe colours, some folks are still bitter from the wars."
Kitamo raised an eyebrow.
"That's a convoluted way of saying you're from the Iron Tribe." The mere mention of the fallen clan clearly made Qahrim uncomfortable.
"Don't know what you're talking about, Toa..."
"I've met a few surviving Iron Tribe members over the years, most of them tend to wear bizarre colours thinking it'll help them blend in. I don't care much where you're from either way. Call it a hunch, but I feel like you're gonna make small talk the whole way there, correct?" Kitamo grumbled.
"Observant, sarcastic and pleasant conversation. Maybe I've been getting you all mixed up with the Ko-Matoran, if you had a nose I'm sure it'd be further up above the clouds than those fancy towers they built everywhere." Qahrim sighed.
"Forgive the chattiness either way, it isn't every day you see something that's been assumed dead for centuries."
"Look in a mirror, your taste in colours ought to do the trick." Kitamo muttered under her breath, smirking to herself. Overhearing her sarcastic remark, Qahrim stayed silent.
"My turn for small talk, I guess. Ever travel to Bota Metru? I bet the Nui-Rama and Protodites just love you, what with you looking like an overgrown Uiku blossom." Kitamo chuckled.
"I kind of preferred when you weren't talking--" Qahrim's response was cut short by an explosion echoing through the dusty streets, followed by a cloud of debris rising from the same direction as the forge. Without a word, Kitamo began sprinting towards the blast.
"You've got to be kidding me, guys..." Qahrim muttered before following suit.
Chapter 6: Text
Ferrun stepped into the open chamber, the dim green glow from the writings etched into the walls doing little to help him see.
"I've got the mask, are you here?"
Ferrun called out, before hearing footsteps. Making out the faint silhouette before him, Ferrun knelt and presented the artifact. Even from this distance, Ferrun felt her sharp magenta eyes sizing him up.
"Excellent. Thank you, Ferrun. This mask will help our efforts greatly."
Ferrun shifted uncomfortably.
"I can sense something troubling you, but I respect you enough not to find it out for myself. Is something the matter?"
"Did I really have to break into that museum? Steal this mask from the memorial? It was basically graverobbing... surely we could have met with the Turaga and asked for it-"
"The Turaga are not to be trusted, Ferrun. They abandoned their duties to play dictator long ago." The figure replied calmly.
"The less they know about what's coming, the better. If they knew what lies on the horizon, they'd throw waves of bodies at the problem like always. It didn't work with Marendar, it didn't work at Atero, nor the Valley of the Maze, nor the Eastern Crag or Bota Magna. It is our duty to face this threat ourselves, involving the peoples of this world would only put them in harm's way. The Great Spirit himself sees this, and revealed the way forward to me as I am to you and the others."
Ferrun felt the mask drift out of his grip, floating in the air before the being before him took it in her hands and examined it.
"What do you know of this mask? And the Toa that wore it?"
"She was one of the most battle-hardened Toa in history, right? Died fighting Marendar like the others?" Ferrun responded.
"Helryx was the first Toa, like how Takanuva was assumed to be the last. She led the Order of Mata Nui, and fought the Great Spirit's foes in the shadows, when Toa sensibilities wouldn't cut it. She also wore this, the Mask of Psychometry. Wear it, and you learn the history of anything you touch."
Pausing for a moment, she removed her Kanohi and replaced it with Helryx's mask. Responding to it's new wearer, the mask began to change shape. It's smoothed edges became ornate and decorated, with a solid mouthguard covering its' original 'face'.
"I plan to use this mask on itself, and take in the hundred thousand years of tactics and strategies Helryx devised. If anyone can help us prepare ourselves without endangering the peoples of Spherus Magna, it's her."
Ferrun nodded silently, and turned to leave.
"One last thing, more Toa have gathered in Sandray Canyon. I'll have Soronar prepare an Olmak to take them there. Find them, then meet with Korii in New Atero and bring them all here. It's time they met their kin."
​
"Of course." Ferrun mumbled.
"And relax, Voden is in the Valley of the Maze right now. Maybe you'll find his Mahiki on the way back."
I hate when she does that, Ferrun thought to himself.
"I know you do." She called out after him, chuckling to herself.
Chapter 6: Text
Dekana trudged cautiously across the dunes, the harsh light of Solis Magna beating down on him as if his head was inches away from the Great Volcano's heart.
"Least she could have done is left me some water, damn it..." he grumbled to himself, before spotting something in the distance. Despite not being entirely sure he wasn't seeing a mirage, Dekana broke into a run and made his way to the object. As he got closer, he realised it was a wooden merchant cart, half buried in the dunes, with it's Agori rider standing over a downed Rahi. As he got closer, he called out to them.
"Hello? I'm a Toa, do you need a hand?"
The Agori turned to face him, her white eyes visibly squinting.
"A Toa? By the Great Beings, the heat must be getting to me! Name's Setris. My cart got hit by a Sand Tarakava, caught us off guard. I got away fine, but my Kane-Ra was injured."
Dekana was taken aback by the response.
"You're using a Kane-Ra? They're not exactly docile Rahi, Agori. Wouldn't you have been a little safer hiring a pack of Sand Stalkers?" Setris simply chuckled.
"Matoran may avoid these things like the Dreaming Plague, but us in the Jungle Tribe have a little more success when it comes to handling wild beasts. You can't exactly domesticate 'em, but given time these lumbering... what do you call 'em, Rahi? I digress, they can be reasoned with. Unfortunately, I didn't account for something getting the jump on him, and I've been out here for hours. Don't think my friend here can walk. Don't suppose you're a healer, 'Toa'?"
"Call me Dekana. Not a healer per se, but I've done my share of repair work. Let's see what the damage is..."
Setting his hammer down beside him, Dekana began to carefully approach the injured Rahi. Couldn't have picked up a Kanohi Suvatu when I left the Valley, could I? He thought to himself.
"Easy there, big guy. I'm here to help-"
Dekana leaped back instinctively as the Kane-Ra tried to charge him, only to fall short and stumble back onto the ground from its injury.
"Yeah, I tried that. Kane-Ra are incredibly territorial, but when wounded you can't even try to offer 'em food without almost losing your insides. Stubborn things."
"Noted." Dekana replied flatly.
"Reminds me of my sister. Wouldn't take help if it's all that's stopping her from taking an over-ripened Thornax to the face. Any ideas?"
Setris scratched her chin under her helmet. "Don't suppose that fancy mask of yours could help in any way?"
"Not a clue. No idea what this thing even does yet." Dekana sighed.
"First time I activated it I felt like my whole body had been locked up. Watch."
Dekana called upon his mask to demonstrate, and once more felt his control over his own body be taken from him.
"See?" He muttered through gritted teeth. "Can't so much as smile with this thing turned on, let alone move my hand--"
Upon uttering the words, Dekana's right hand jolted upwards, as if commanded.
"What." He muttered, as Setris began to laugh.
"Never heard of no 'Mask of Voice Commands', Dekana. Learn something new every day!"
"Wait a second..." Dekana replied, thinking to himself. He envisioned his hand lowering in his mind, and watched as it sharply returned to where it was.
"Well I'll be damned, I knew this wasn't a Kadin!" Dekana exclaimed, deactivating the mask and freeing himself.
"It's a Medrona!"
"A what-now?" Setris asked.
"Just watch. I think I know how this works now." Dekana replied confidently, focusing on the Kane-Ra before activating the mask once more. A moment passed, and the Rahi's thrashing subsided, the beast now being locked in place just as Dekana once was.
"The Medrona is the Mask of Biomechanics. It basically gives you control over anything made of flesh and metal... which now I think about it seems to be everything aside from Agori children. Remind me again why the Great Beings insisted on grafting machinery onto everything?"
"Is now the time to discuss this, Toa?" Setris asked impatiently.
"Right, right. Sorry. Anyways, this mask'll let me hold the Kane-Ra still while I check its wounds. Patching him up will be tricky while maintaining focus on keeping him subdued, but I can walk you through the process if needs be. Watch and learn."
Keeping his focus on the Kane-Ra, Dekana once more approached him. The Rahi growled at him to back off, but was helpless to stop him.
"Okay, I'm just gonna see where you're hurt, big guy. Once you're back up, you can go back to goring helpless Toa like myself to your processor's content, okay?" Dekana said calmly, willing the Rahi to extend his front leg for inspection. Looking it over, Dekana called to the Agori.
"Looks like his right leg is bent out of shape and it's throwing his balance off. Probably sand clogging his tracks up, too. Don't suppose you're hauling any tools, are you? I had some, but turns out Toa Stones are handy for making you lose them. I'd rather not see what this giant hammer I've got does to this thing."
"Afraid not, Toa."
"Damn it... alright, pass me my hammer. I'll have to try something risky."
Setris slowly picked up the mighty weapon, slightly struggling with the weight of it, before carrying it over to Dekana.
"I can only assume you're putting him out of his misery, am I in the splash zone here?" She asked bluntly.
"Mata Nui, no! Relax, I'm gonna have to use the hammer as a fulcrum and try to straighten his leg out the old-fashioned way. I'd stand back either way - I can't imagine this'll feel too great for him, and we may have to run."
As the Agori stepped back, Dekana positioned the shaft of his hammer behind the Rahi's leg, and placing his foot over the bent section.
"Alright, friend. This is gonna hurt, probably more for me when you're back on your feet. Here's to being the first Toa to die at the hands of the first thing he rescued, I guess..."
After collecting himself, Dekana exhaled and stomped down on the Kane-Ra's foreleg, while pulling the hammer toward himself. Slowly but surely, the Rahi's leg began to bend in the opposite direction.
"Screw the Suvatu, a Pakari would be a dream right now... Mata Nui, I wish I'd picked up those better servos from the Turaga. Now straighten out, you bastard!" Dekana grunted, as the beast's leg finally straightened out to an acceptible degree. As his focus faltered slightly, the Kane-Ra regained enough movement to let out an enraged roar. Startled, Dekana lost his grip on the hammer and stumbled backwards, falling onto his back and knocking his mask loose, which then slid down the dune and out of reach. As he picked himself up, he noticed the now-angered Rahi dragging itself towards him.
"Yeah, that's about right. Looks like it's that kind of day, huh?" Dekana mumbled, rolling out of the Kane-Ra's way.
"Easy now, Rahi. Doctor Dekana's not quite done fixing you up yet!"
Thinking quickly, Dekana called upon his elemental powers, creating a jet of sand from underneath the Rahi and knocking it onto its' back. While the beast was stunned, Dekana scrambled to his feet and grabbed his mask before subduing him once more.
"What did I tell you? Come for my head AFTER I've finished my job!"
Dekana looked the Rahi over once again, realising the sandstream had just jammed the Kane-Ra's tracks up further. Cursing aloud in the Skakdi tongue, Dekana grabbed his hammer.
"Alrighty, this is gonna take a little more precision than I can pull off without this thing, here goes..."
Planting the end of the hammer's grip into the sand, Dekana focused his elemental powers into it. Slowly, the sand began to flow forth and accumulate around the Rahi, practically burying it, before receding, taking the sand clogging his wheels along with it.
"You standing back, friend?" Dekana asked hesitantly, pulling his hammer free and readying himself.
"Far enough away that you'll make a fine meat-shield, Toa!" Dekana rolled his eyes at her response.
"Okay, one... two... three!"
Dekana deactivated his mask, allowing the Kane-Ra to right itself and stand up. The beast glared at Dekana, roaring once more, before turning around and darting off towards Tajun.
"Well that could have gone worse..." Dekana muttered under his breath before turning back to the now-frustrated Agori.
"Well good news... I healed your Rahi!" He said with a sheepish grin. As expected, a flurry of Agori curses was thrown back in response.
"Yeah, I deserve that. However, may I offer a solution?"
"A solution?! What am I gonna do, drag this cart all the way to Sandray by myself?" Setris snapped.
"No, but something similar. I'm a Toa of Stone, remember? Sand is something I can work with..." He replied, channeling his power to pull the cart out of the sand.
"This thing's made of wood, right? If we reassemble it into a sled and use that tarp shelter as a sail, I can pretty much act as an engine and make this thing speed across the desert towards the canyon in no time flat. Luckily we're headed in the same direction."
"I wonder how sun-baked the Great Beings had to be to fill that giant thing with elemental wizards, but for once I'm not gonna question it. Show me what to do." Setris sighed.
"Great. But first... I don't suppose you've got any water left you'd be willing to share?"
Chapter 6: Text
Kopeke motioned for his entourage to stop momentarily, motioning towards the wooden palisades before them.
"We're here. Tesara, home of the Bo-Matoran and Bota Magna's Jungle Tribe. We'll stop to rest, stock up on supplies then board Lewa's airship and head to Iconox."
"Got it, Chronicler." Orkahm nodded, as he and Onepu began to lead Pewku and the other pack Rahi towards the main gate. As they passed, Lesovikk approached Kopeke.
"A word, Chronicler?"
"Of course, Turaga Lesovikk. What's on your mind?"
"We've been travelling for close to a year now, darting from place to place and never staying long enough to so much as catch whatever struggling Le-Matoran band is playing in the streets. I'm aware you take your duties seriously and I respect it, but the Company's beginning to get worn out. I did enough of my fair share of drifting as a Toa to know it isn't healthy. Now we've delivered the fallen Toa's mask to Bota Metru, letting everyone stop and decompress for a day or two might do wonders for morale. Mata Nui knows you could do with some cameraderie with the others after focusing on your work for so long."
"I knew what becoming Chronicler would entail when I accepted the responsibility almost ten thousand years ago, Turaga. I was familiar with two of my predecessors, after all - I accepted because I'm in no particular hurry to socialize with the others." Kopeke paused.
"Forgive my bluntness, wise one. You may be right, I may be content with sauntering across this planet in silence but it's not fair on the others to expect the same, lord knows Onepu's head would implode if he had to stay quiet for so long. Once I've finished up these last few orders of business, I'll ease off. We're headed to Five Peaks once we're done with these last couple of trips, I'll have us stay put for a few weeks and let everyone enjoy the scenery. Thank you for your council."
"You don't really strike me as the type to shun company, Kopeke. After all, reassembling the Chronicler's Company after the evacuation to join you on your travels was your idea. Just give the troops a chance, they respect you enough to treat you the same as everyone else, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. If there's one thing I can teach you from my own experiences, let it be that, Chronicler. A lifetime of solitude is what persuaded me to tag along with you, after all." Lesovikk smiled, placing his hand on Kopeke's shoulder as the Chronicler nodded.
"Right, let's move. Someone's got to make sure Onepu doesn't dupe Taipu into overpaying for fruit again... or try to convince the merchants that Kapura's a ghost."
As the two made their way into Tesara, they noticed the entirety of the company crowding around a tall figure. Curious, Kopeke and Lesovikk made their way through to the front to see what was going on.
"We've all seen Glatorian before, stop bothering them..." Kopeke's words trailed off as he actually took a look at the slender yet imposing being stood before him.
Standing close to seven feet tall, he was clad from head to toe in blue and bright green, overlapped in places with polished Protodermis. This armor shone in a flawless silver, detailed with gold trim forged to resemble branches and vines. In his right hand was a great axe almost as tall as he was, decorated across it's head in a similar way, with a wooden grip that seemed to have been naturally grown. It was when Kopeke looked the stranger in the eye that he saw his piercing yellow eyes beaming through his Kanohi Huna, with a similar-coloured heartlight shining within his chestplate. After a moment of silence, the figure smiled warmly and opened his arms to welcome the travelers.
"Kopeke the Chronicler! Welcome to Tesara. I am Taaru, Toa of Plantlife!"
Kopeke and Lesovikk simply stared in awe.
"Another one?" Lesovikk muttered to himself, as Kopeke bowed.
"T-Toa! It is an honour. We heard rumours that the Toa had seemingly returned, but to actually see one again with my own eyes-"
Taaru smiled, patting the Chronicler on his head.
"Don't go bowing for me, Matoran! I'm no hero, I've fought no battles and have no stories to tell - you on the other hand could probably weave me a few yarns even more surprising than when I became the first Toa in centuries!"
Lesovikk stepped forward.
"Noble Toa, what awaits over the horizon that called you to your destiny?"
Taaru paused, thinking the question over.
"I couldn't say, Turaga. I was simply tending to my farm as normal one day, and found a bright yellow stone waiting for me on my doorstep when I returned home. I picked it up and here I am. Beyond that, this fancy new tree-splitter and my prescence hopefully dissuading bandits, nothing's changed! Well, except for this..."
Taaru motioned for the others to look at a dried-up bush in a patch of barren soil. Pointing his axe towards it, the Toa called upon his elemental powers. Within seconds, the near-dead plant had returned to a vibrant green, blooming with flowers of many different colours.
"Thanks to this gift from the Great Spirit, Tesara hasn't had a harvest this bountiful since before the Shattering!" Taaru beamed.
"A Toa living as a farmer... some of my brethren would call that a waste of potential, but it's oddly endearing." Lesovikk chuckled.
"One question, wise one. I heard you mutter something about "another one", are there more out there like me? More Toa?"
"At least one, yes. We encountered him out in the forests while headed to Bota Metru. He was trying to pass himself off as a Glatorian, even wore a shroud to cover his heartlight, but the treespeak gave him away. Even then, I know a Toa when I see one."
"A shroud, you say? Did he carry a bow? Seem a little too good at using it?" Taaru asked. Lesovikk simply nodded.
"That he did, saved us from some wild Rahi that weren't too keen on us keeping our campsite. You've heard of him?"
"Visitors to Tesara have been describing someone similar this last few months. A Glatorian who speaks like a Le-Matoran, living as a hermit in the wilds and getting ornery when wanderers get too close. Some Glatorian mercenaries from Bota Metru came through here a week or so ago claiming a bounty was on his head, but we paid it no mind. We're not fighters after all. You're telling me this hermit is... my brother?"
"I am, Toa. Chances are there are more appearing accross Spherus Magna as well. I fear that your sudden arrival heralds something ominous for this world, as new Toa often do. If you're feeling up to it, I suggest tracking him down. Maybe meeting a fellow Toa will get him back to civilization. Chances are you'll find answers to why you're here in New Atero."
"I would if I could, Turaga, but my place is here. If what you say is true and a threat looms over us, I have to protect my home."
Lesovikk sighed.
"It is not my place to change your mind anymore, Toa. A home's something I haven't had since the Great Spirit itself was still young. If I see him or any other Toa on my travels, I'll point them here. Maybe together you'll solve this puzzle, and figure out the best course of action."
"Thank you, Turaga. I look forward to meeting them." Taaru smiled before looking over his shoulder.
"I think those two Onu-Matoran need help, looks like they aren't getting along with that merchant."
Looking past Taaru, Lesovikk saw Onepu arguing with an Agori trader, with Taipu and Kopeke trying to diffuse the situation.
"Leave this one to me, Taaru. Keeping those two out of trouble is my strong suit." As he walked away toward the quarrelers, Lesovikk turned back to Taaru.
"If you change your mind, you're welcome to join us. There's room for one more on this trip to Iconox. I'm sure Turagas Kopaka and Nuju would be eager to meet a Toa."
"You honour me, wise one, but my place is here. I'm sorry." Taaru smiled.
"Fair enough, Toa of Plantlife. Until we meet again."
Chapter 6: Text
Qahrim stopped outside the forge to catch his breath, taking in the scenery before him. The front door had been blasted off its' hinges, and yelling could be heard inside.
"Oh, what have you done?!" He grumbled to himself, as a powerful jet of water shot out of the destroyed doorframe, sending a Vortixx flying before landing on his back against the cobblestones at Qahrim's feet.
"Toa! There's a freakin' Toa!" The Vortixx yelled to Qahrim, scrambling to his feet and running for cover before readying his blade.
"For crying out loud..." Qahrim sighed, as Kitamo chased a pair of Fire Skakdi out of the forge.
"You picked a bad day to make your move, thieves." Kitamo called out, drawing her trident and preparing to charge.
"You thinkin' what I'm thinkin', Stakran?" One of the Skakdi said to the other, who nodded in aggreement. Working in unison, the pair activated their elemental power, sending a gout of flame shooting towards Kitamo.
Can't dodge in time... Don't fail me now, Nakiri! Kitamo thought to herself, triggering her Mask of Adaptation in the hopes that it would be enough to resist the flames. To her surprise, she felt nothing as the flames engulfed her for several seconds, only to look down once the fire subsided. Kitamo's eyes widened as she realised the mask had temporarily turned her body to stone to resist the heat. Deactivating it, she stumbled forward before readying herself once more.
"Amazing, didn't even need to use my Water powers to make you two look stupid. And I thought they trained you to fight in Nuva Zakaz." Kitamo smirked.
"Boss, what's the plan?" one of the Skakdi called out. To Kitamo's surprise, they weren't calling to the cowering Vortixx. As she turned to see who he was talking to, she found herself staring at a Thornax launcher mere inches from her face.
"Guess I hadn't planned on everything, huh?" Qahrim muttered, keeping the launcher trained towards Kitamo's mask.
"And this is what I get for letting you make conversation. Typical merc." Kitamo spat.
"Though you must give me the benefit of the doubt - who in their right mind would have expected a Toa of all things to show up after being extinct for so long? If I'd thought to hire Dark Hunters instead of these idiots, we'd have been in and out of that place with enough weapons to clear out every guard post from here to New Atero! Guess that was my fault for cheaping out on muscle!" He yelled towards his three accomplices. Taking the opportunity to catch him off-guard, Kitamo dropped down and swept Qahrim's legs out from underneath him, knocking him to the ground and giving her the opportunity to grab his launcher.
"Not the first time I've thrown a spanner into the works of petty bandits like you. Here I was thinking being a Toa meant my days of teaching small-time criminals like you a lesson were done!" As she shouted, she slammed the handle of her trident into Qahrim's chest to keep him on the floor, before firing the loaded Thornax at the Skakdi's feet to kick up a cloud of dust. Charging into the startled Skakdi, Kitamo bashed one in the jaw with the empty launcher before kicking him away, then throwing it at the Vortixx who had popped up to try and take a shot with his Kanoka.
As her trident clashed with the second Skakdi's jagged blade, she shot another jet of water at the Vortixx to keep him down. Realising she couldn't match the Skakdi in terms of strength, she ducked and rolled out of his way to stagger him. As she stood, she saw Qahrim grab his own curved sword and swing for her.
"It's a shame you stumbled into this, Toa. I was hoping we'd be friends!" Qahrim chuckled as the pair's weapons struck one another.
"I wanted you out of my business even before I was duty-bound to send you packing, Glatorian." Kitamo growled, blocking Qahrim's blade with her trident before trying to kick him in the stomach, which Qahrim deftly avoided before pushing forward to knock her back.
"I saw you Toa fight as a child. You have your fancy masks and elemental witchcraft, but I have one advantage; there's no code of honour stopping me from holding back. Being a hero's a bad idea if you want to get things done!"
Qahrim swung his sword wildly at Kitamo, forcing her to step back to parry each strike. Thinking quickly, Kitamo caught the fourth slash with the prongs of her trident, snagging the blade and keeping it locked in place. To her confusion, Qahrim was smirking.
"In your eagerness to subdue me, you forgot about them." He chuckled, as Kitamo turned around to see the two Skakdi preparing another elemental attack. Realising she couldn't take Qahrim down in time and using her Kanohi would leave her vulnerable against him, she tried to keep his blade locked with her trident in one hand, while countering the Skakdi's blast with one of her own through the other. Readying herself as best she could in the seconds she had, a great torrent of water shot from her open palm, clashing with the stream of fire from the Skakdi.
​
Steam filled the dusty streets as the two elemental strikes met, with Kitamo struggling greatly from splitting her focus between maintaining the water's flow and keeping Qahrim in sight. Seemingly out of nowhere, the streams of water and fire ceased. That's it? Elemental power runs out that quickly? Kitamo thought, before noticing the Skakdi seemed just as confused. Without warning, several flying restraints span past her, snagging both Skakdi and the Vortixx's legs together and knocking them to the ground.
"That's enough!"
Kitamo turned to see several spears pointed towards Qahrim, who sighed and dropped his weapon. Overhearing the commotion, several Po-Matoran guard had arrived to fend the bandits off. Two of them fastened restraints around Qahrim's arms, while more apprehended his cohorts. As they were taken away, the Po-Matoran guard approached Kitamo and bowed.
"It's an honor, Toa of Water. I am Teruna, captain of the Sandray Guard. We'll handle this from here."
Kitamo simply stood in confusion for a moment before snapping back to reality.
"I didn't need your help, Matoran. I'd just run out of water, I could still fight."
"With respect, Toa, we didn't need your help." Teruna tapped a glowing device on his chestplate, causing the light to deactivate.
"Elemental blocker. We're no strangers to Skakdi raids."
"I'm a Toa! It's my duty to protect you Matoran!"
"It was your duty, Toa. You honour Sandray Canyon with your presence, but we've had ten thousand years to learn to get by without you. We can fight our own battles now." Tenura replied bluntly, handing the discarded Thornax launcher to another guard.
"I'll inform the Turaga of your arrival. They'll want to speak with you. Farewell, Toa of Water."
Kitamo stood dumbstruck as the Po-Matoran left with all four criminals in chains.
"This is a new feeling. I don't like it." Kitamo muttered. Moments passed, before she noticed a cloud of sand approaching the forge.
"Great, something else to embarrass me, I'm sure." she sighed, as the cloud grew nearer until suddenly dissipating, revealing a wooden sled grinding to a halt nearby the forge's shattered entrance.
"Hi, sister, miss me?" Dekana called out, before noticing the damage to his forge.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!"
Kitamo watched as he stepped off the crude sled and assessed the damage, followed by a Jungle Agori.
"It's been fun, Toa."
"I'd offer to fix your cart back up, but it looks like someone reenacted the Shattering using my workshop as a stand-in for Spherus Magna..." Dekana turned to Kitamo.
"What in Karzahni happened here?! You left like an hour ago!"
Before Kitamo could explain, Setris spoke up.
"No worries, Dekana. If anything, the sled's more use to me." She smiled, before unloading her supplies from the sled and turning to face the crowd that had come to see the second Toa.
"People of Sandray, I have a once in a lifetime offer! I'm selling this wooden sand sled, hand-crafted by your very own Dekana, mighty Toa of Stone! Bidding starts at a thousand widgets!"
Both Toa watched her try to peddle to the gawkers for a few seconds, before turning back to one another.
"That's fair, I did scare off her Rahi." Dekana muttered.
"Seriously though, what in Mata Nui happened to my workshop?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Kitamo muttered.
"I just spoke with the captain of the guard. We should go speak to the Turaga."
"Sounds good, Onewa and Pohatu will be thrilled to meet us. And I was meant to meet with Turaga Hewkii after getting back from Tajun anyways." Dekana replied.
"Before you both do, allow me to introduce myself."
Both Toa turned towards the voice, Kitamo hurriedly readying herself. The figure stepped from behind the wall to meet them.
"Easy, sister. I know your pride's hurt but hear me out. My name's Ferrun, Toa of Iron, and I've come to bring you to the others."
Chapter 6: Text
Chapter 6: Text
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