Prologue

How long has been since the apocalypse? How long since peace has existed?

He had no idea; all he could remember is running, hiding, eating whatever he could. He vaguely recalled a time when there was no fear of being killed over a scrap of food, when the only time you fought was against a criminal that wanted the money you carried.

Tucked under his arm was a pack of rotten food he had to fight two Tunneler Worms for. Rotten was the best he found these days. Any "edible" food was deeper inland, guarded heavily by the United Villages Military. Some could be found in the land of Makuta, and Hordika territory was, according to rumor, filled with delicious fruit.

The being was a comedic, spindly creature. He was quick, agile, armed with a long staff with a blade at the end. He was clad in blue and silver armor, and wore a broken Kanohi Miru over his face. His feet were clawed, and a rotating shield was over his right arm. To him, the shield was somewhat heavy, but you could never have too much protection these days.

Eventually, the being arrived in his cavernous lair located deep within the Frozen Mountains. Once, this place had been called the "White Quartz Mountains" but that was another time, another place.

The being took a deep breath of relief, settling down on the ground. He ripped open the pack, and found the jumble of bread and fruit to be crawling with small maggots. However, the being had eaten worse, and literally dug into the food, jamming large handfuls into his mouth. One would feel pity despite how disgusting it seemed.

"Don't you feel disgusted? Disgraced?"

The being froze, the food in his hand a mere few inches from his open mouth, close enough so that he could smell the stench that flowed from it. He slowly turned his head to see a dark red-and-black being standing in the entrance to his large lair. A sword was magnetized to his back, and a Kanohi Jutlin was clad over his face, evil crimson eyes gleaming from behind the mask.

"Who are you?" the being demanded.

The figure stepped further from the shadows, and the being dropped his disgusting food on the ground. Before him stood a Makuta, who had mechanical wings on his back, shaped to seem like those of a bat. Clawed were his feet, as well as his hands.

"Makuta Xavon!" the being exclaimed in shock.

"Yes, Jhiax, I am your former Master," Xavon stated.

"What are you doing here?" Jhiax demanded. "Ever since you brought about the end of the world, I swore to never serve you again!"

"As I thought," Xavon said coldly. "So foolish. Enough. The world had to end to bring about a new era."

"Of what? War and destruction?"

"No. An era of new beginnings. The generation prior to the War that Destroyed the World was too corrupt, too weak, to keep Spherus Magna alive. As such, I had to destroy it."

"And kill thousands of innocents?"

"As I recall, you were once the 'Harbinger of Death,'" Xavon said.

Jhiax cringed. "I've changed."

"Indeed. And look at what you've become."

"So I ask: what do you want?"

Xavon grinned, which filled Jhiax with dread. "I offer you, my former general, a chance to join my new Order, an Order that will revive the world and eliminate the weak."

"Why would I do that? I've lived with guilt ever since the Old World was destroyed. Just kill me now."

Xavon frowned. "You are a bigger fool than I believed." He pulled out his sword and aimed it at Jhiax. "But I will grant you final request. Goodbye, my former ally."

A beam of pure shadow flashed from the outstretched blade, which struck Jhiax in the chest. At first nothing happened. Then, his eyes grew blank, a beam of energy flowing from his head to Xavon's heartlight. Xavon's face became one of pleasure as the Jhiax's mental energy flowed from him. Bit by bit, his free will was sapped away, and Jhiax screamed.

"I thought you said you'd kill me!" Jhiax screamed, strain on his features.

"Indeed; I am killing the old you! The new you will serve me nicely!"

Jhiax gave out one last scream of agony, and then gave no sound. His eyes and expressions were blank. He wasn't exactly dead, but as far as Xavon was concerned, he wasn't alive, either. The Makuta gave out a sigh of satisfaction as he gazed at his servant.

"Come forth," Xavon commanded. Jhiax did so, and when he stood before the Makuta, Xavon grabbed his throat, then muttered a few words. Then, when Xavon's hand released Jhiax, the latter's vocal cords rested in the former's palm.

Casting down the vocal cords, Xavon grabbed his servant and flew off. Jhiax still retained his memories, his fighting abilites, and his traits. However, he had no will, so couldn't act without being commanded to do so.

Xavon laughed, an evil sound that sent several small, flying Rahi into the sky. The weak must be removed...for my New World!