Lego owns Bionicle, Hero Factory, Evo, and Aldus.
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Chapter 25: what comes next
Joey followed close behind Aldus as the two stepped through a metal door, into a large, perfectly lit room with pale green walls and a white tile floor. This would've made the room seem less tense, if it weren't full of Skull Soldiers in lab coats, AKs strapped to said lab coats, working on all different types of machinery. At the center of this room was a large glass, cylinder shaped chamber, big enough for a single Bionicle, assumingly for Joey. From the looks of it, they may have been expecting this for quite some time, or at least Aldus had. If he hadn't expected it, maybe he had crafted this room just as a precaution in case some one else were in the situation Joey was in right now.
It was at the point when Aldus and Joey had started to walk inside, that made Joey wonder if he had made the right choice. Sure, he wanted a normal life like Aldus had said, and he had seemed sincere, but was it really the RIGHT choice? Joey knew the other were still listening to him, and since they couldn't talk through the device, Joey couldn't be sure what they were thinking of him right now. Maybe Galva was furious, and Grun was probably rambling on, accusing him of being a traitor of some sorts.
Regardless, Joey had made his choice, for regardless of what the Skull King could do with all of his powers, he still wanted the normal life he had planned for himself and Galva. A life without any further possibility of harm towards Galva, or his friends as a result of the Warriors actions. Being the weapons designer of a vigilante was enough of a thrill. Plus, he was sure the Skull Soldiers would try to force him into that glass chamber if he got any funny ideas or changed his mind. Regardless of whether or not he was going to have second thoughts, there was no turning back.
Joey gazed up at Aldus then, asking: "How will this work"?
Aldus looked down at the Ko-Matoran with a raised eyebrow.
"I know what it's supposed to do but, still, I have to ask". Joey explained.
Aldus shrugged and gazed towards the glass chamber before explaining: "It contains four powerful vacuums made to extract anything in the body that is not supposed to be there, in the form of a gas. Or at least one of them will".
It was Joey's turn to raise an eyebrow as he spotted the four vacuums inside the glass chamber, wondering what their purpose was if only one was going to extract his power from him.
Noticing his confusion, Aldus further explained: "The other three vacuums are constantly readjusted to keep you in one piece as we extract the Nui Power from you".
Joey nodded in understanding. "Nice".
Aldus stopped and turned back to Joey, looking down at him sympathetically as he said: "Believe me, I know how unappealing it may sound but I'm afraid it's the only option we have".
"No I mean, this whole thing is nice". Joey told him. Then looking around. "The way you've constructed it. If it really works the way you say it does, then this could be a way to cure countless poisons".
Joey wasn't kidding there. As to how Aldus had managed to craft such a device, he didn't know, but if this machine was really powerful enough to extract ANY thing that wasn't supposed to be in the body, this would've saved countless lives should it go into mass production. 'So why then didn't Aldus try to build this on a much larger scale'? Joey wondered. Whatever reason Aldus would give, Joey hoped it was a reasonable excuse.
Aldus smiled as if in remembrance of pleasant events from the past. "That was the original idea". Aldus admitted. "But seeing as I am on the Tommyville's most wanted list, this thing will unfortunately only have use here".
Joey nodded. "Oh. I see".
Even though Aldus was evidentally quite the tech genius, Joey guessed that it really was reasonable as to why this device wasn't in any hospitals. In order to actually get this thing into any hospital, Aldus would have to allow someone else to not only bring it in for him, but also take all of the credit to avoid any suspicion, something Joey couldn't imagine Aldus or anyone being okay with. Aldus built this thing after all. For someone else to say the invention was theirs while the true inventor couldn't have a say in it, and wasn't even allowed within 100 miles near Tommyville, the pure concept of that was understandably infuriating. Plus Aldus was a crime lord. Even if he were to bring this thing in, no one would believe that this thing would actually work no matter how sincere Aldus was.
Joey looked once more at the glass chamber, thinking about how this device was going to extract his powers. He knew that Grun would be mad at him after this, and would surely ramble about all of the stuff he could've done or all of the people he could've saved. Joey scoffed at that idea. 'Yeah right. Like anybody would want to be saved by a monster'. Even if that wasn't the case, Joey never wanted the superhero life. He wanted the life he had before, constructing weapons, financially supporting Galva whenever she needed it, and going out on archeological expeditions without the risk of "hulking out" at the first sign of danger. Regardless of what was at stake, the superhero life just wasn't for him, and as that thought sunk in, the decision to this instantly became easier to make and follow through on.
"I'm ready when you are". Joey told him.
Aldus turned back to the glass chamber then, hiding a smirk. "Very well then. Let us begin".
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As Joey was walked into the glass chamber by a Skull Soldier, Aldus walked into a black observation room, lit by a few overhead lights bith a one way glass window at the front of the room. It didn't illuminate the entire room, but it illuminated enough to shed light on the audio equipment inside. As long as the Skull Gang Scientists could see what was going on, and what they were doing, Aldus honestly didn't see the reason to install anymore overhead lights. And if anybody got themselves hurt from the lack of more overhead lights, that was their own fault as far as he was concerned.
Aldus couldn't help but grin as he saw the Skull Soldiers outside lock Joey into the glass cylinder. To think he thought it was going to be a bit harder talking Joey into giving up his powers for a normal life. Aldus scoffed. 'Like I'm letting him go free after this'. Aldus thought. Joey was an absolute fool to think otherwise. Skakdi rarely kept their promises as it was, and Aldus was a Skakdi crime lord, possibly more deceptive than the likes of the Piraka. Plus Aldus wasn't stupid, if he let Joey go, he could get the TVPD involved. The last thing Aldus needed was for this war to go public.
Regardless, Aldus would keep up his act for now. He would have to in order to get the Nui Power out of Joey as soon as possible. From what Aldus knew about the weapons designer, Joey wasn't stupid either. Joey probably suspected Aldus a bit if not at all. But because now was definitely not the time for him to take any chances, Aldus decided to keep up his act for the time being as he walked to the front of the room, picking up a small microphone and speaking into it.
"How do you feel"? Aldus asked, sounding like he actually cared.
Joey gazed in the direction of the one way glass window where Aldus was standing as he responded: "Like I'm about to break free from a house chore from Count Olaf". A few of the Skull Soldiers chuckled. "This is also quite roomy, so that adds to the pleasure. You"?
Aldus rolled his eyes at the jokes. "Confident". At least he was being honest about that. "Is there anything you would like to ask before we begin"? Aldus asked next, once again pretending to care.
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Joey looked to the side for a moment before then answering: "Yes actually, is this gonna hurt"?
Not that it would alter his decision in any way. If getting kicked in the crotch a few times was the only way to turn normal again, his answer would still remain the same. But considering the fact that these vacuums were supposed to be strong enough to extract the Nui Power from him, Joey also had to wonder if the vacuums would be pulling on other things as well. If so, the process could also prove to be fatal unless this machine was somehow designed ONLY to pull out diseases, a machine that, if it wasn't perfected now, could take a considerable amount of years to do so.
"I'm not entirely sure". Aldus's voice responded. "We've never tested this thing on a Matoran before now, but all the designers who helped work on this are still telling me that you should make it out okay. Still worried"?
"Nope". Joey answered, deciding to get this over with as soon as possible.
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Aldus smirked widely from the observation room, happy that he finally had Joey in his claws, and that the power he held within would soon be his. After all of these years searching, he would finally have the powers from all four Nui Relics. He would be more than powerful enough to take on entire armies and succeed in absolutely destroying them. To top it all off, he had been able to easily deceive the Ko-Matoran into giving up said power. If today wouldn't end up being one of his best days, he didn't know what would.
"Then let's begin". Aldus said, before turning off the microphone and turning to the seated Skull Soldier/Scientist seated next to him in front of a dashboard of numerous controls and levers. "Begin the extraction process". Aldus ordered.
The scientist nodded and responded: "Yes sir". before turning a few switches and pulling a few levers, activating the machine.
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Joey turned his attention to all of the different machines all around the room, as he heard whirring and saw electricity crackle from one machine to another. Joey then gazed up at the four vacuums inside the chamber as he heard them make a mechanical whirring sound. Realizing that process was beginning, Joey kept his eyes on the vacuums while remaining still. Like Aldus said earlier, this machine had never been used on a Matoran before, so for his own safety, he decided to remain still, as any movement could cause something to go terribly wrong.
He knew what this machine was designed to do, but in again considering the fact that he was the first Matoran test subject, he also had to consider the fact that the suction force on the vacuums would be strong enough to extract poisons from Toa, who's min was thicker than that of a Matoran. If Joey moved even an inch, the action could have unintended consequences. For example, it could suck the Min off of his bones, or a vital organ out of his body, or it could just rip him apart. Regardless, Joey knew it would be best not to move considering those possible risks.
As Joey remained still, he began to float from the ground, the suction force behind the vacuums being strong enough to already start pick him up off of the ground. Joey felt his heartlight beat faster, both in fear and a sense of excitement. On one hand, he was levitating off of the ground like a superhero from the movies. 'Maybe if the Warrior could fly, I would've reconsidered this'. Joey thought humorously.
On the other hand, he had no idea what was going to happen next. Now that he was high off of the ground, he didn't know whether remaining still or moving was the best option. So far, the suction force wasn't hurting him, so maybe there wasn't any risk in moving at all. 'Then again, what if there WAS'? Joey wondered. Maybe the vacuums were adjusting to Joey's weight and were about to increase the suction power to get the Nui Power out. Joey had no clue what to do now, so he would just have to go with his gut, or trust his instincts.
Suddenly the vacuums got louder, a little too loud for Joey to think properly. Joey screamed in pain as he felts his organs pushing against the inside of his skin, and the force of the vacuums threatening to force Joey to stretch out his arms and legs away from his body. But Joey fought to keep himself still however. He wanted the Nui Power out, not anything else, especially not his arms or legs. In his pain, he desperately prayed to God, begging him to end this painful process soon.
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Aldus simply gazed through the window as Joey screamed in pain and fought to remain still. It was almost inspirational how hard he was fighting against the suction force of the vacuums, but more funny in his case. As far as the Skull King was concerned, Matoran were worthless scum, only meant to work as slaves with no remorse. It made no sense to Aldus that someone like Joey would not only be so accomplished, but also have all of this power inside of him, while Aldus was nearly left with nothing.
'What has this Ko-Matoran really done to deserve this power'? Aldus wondered. As far as he was concerned, Aldus deserved it more. He had lost his wife, his daughter, his job, his career, his friends, his dignity, and so much more! He had even tried to fight to get all of that back. Even if it was to no avail, at least he tried. He growled a bit as he felt his blood boil at the sight of Joey. Joey had always had it easy. His parents owned the weapons company before he had, and Joey had been able to take all the educations he had wanted to with ease. He had the money to make life easy.
'Well WHERE'S MINE'?! Aldus ragefully wondered. After how hard he had fought to keep all of the things he loved, and all of the things he needed, where were his rewards? Where was HIS money? Where were HIS accomplished dreams? Where was the popularity that he deserved over any of those accomplished Matoran?! But with this power, he would finally be able to take all of that back by force. He had tried being nice to the State of Tommyville, and it had all gotten him here. When he got these powers, all of that stuff WOULD be his whether anyone wanted to give it to him or not.
A question from the Skull Soldier/Scientist interrupted his thoughts: "Sir, do you want to turn this off"?
Aldus frowned down at the Soldier, as if to silently ask if he were an idiot.
"This could kill him if we don't take precautions". The Soldier explained.
Aldus glared back at the screaming Ko-Matoran. "At this point, the Ko-Matoran's life does not concern me. I just want to feel what it's like to feel his power".
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After what had felt like hours of pain, Joey had felt something begin to leak from his hands. Joey looked down at his hands quickly, hoping that it wasn't blood. Death by blood loss was one of the worst ways to die in his opinion. 'Fading away as blood leaks all around you'? Joey thought to himself. He would've shuddered at the thought if he still wasn't sure movement could've lead to his death.
Joey was relieved to see that what was exiting his hands wasn't blood, but a familiar yellow gas crackling with lightning. He looked to his other hand then, noticing the blue gas from four days earlier, exiting it. Once both gasses were both extracted, they were both sucked into the third vacuum, the gasses traveling through a small clear tube, the other end of the tube in a small golden chest, assumingly the last Nui Relic. Once both gasses had been put into the chest, the vacuums instantly deactivated, dropping Joey to the ground on his side.
Joey groaned a bit from the pain that resulted, it had been kind of a high drop after all. Joey then waited for the pain to subside, both from the fall, and for the organs to sink back into where they were supposed to be before rising back up to his feet. 'Did it really work'? Joey wondered. Sure, he saw the gasses exit him, but he still needed a way to make sure he had gotten it all out. He tried to make a muscle on his left arm, and felt the arm with his right hand. Joey was relieved to find that there was now less muscle in it than there was when he had woken up two days ago.
Joey laughed with happiness then. "Guys it worked"!
The next second, Aldus opened the door for him. "Yes Joey, I see that". Aldus then told him, before moving aside so the grateful Ko-Matoran could exit the chamber.
Joey turned quickly back in Aldus's direction with a happy smile.
"Thank you Aldus". Joey told him. "I really don't know what else to say".
Joey honestly didn't. As painful as the extraction process had been, Aldus had kept his promise, and the machine had worked! Sure, he wasn't going to pay Aldus back with weapons of mass destruction, even he was too smart for that. Joey also didn't have his wallet on him so he couldn't pay Aldus for his kindness either. Much to his own dismay, a thank you was all he had to give Aldus.
Aldus smiled kindly at the grateful Ko-Matoran. "You don't have to say anything to me". Then smirking darkly: "Or to your friends, ever again".
Joey gazed up at Aldus, both shocked and confused.
"What are you saying Aldus"? Joey asked him.
Aldus make a laugh that sent shivers down Joey's spine.
"Do you take me for a fool Joey"? Aldus asked. "Honestly, why would I let you out now that you know the location of my base"? Aldus approached the now angered Joey threateningly. "I know who you are and what you can do. With the skills you possess, you could easily identify where you are and how to lead Grun and the rest of his troops here".
Joey simply glared up at the Skull King, not bothering to show any fear. Not that he was afraid of him to begin with, but he was ticked. Sure he guessed he should have seen this coming, but the Skakdi made a promise, and then deceived him further by only keeping the first part of his promise! After he had heard Aldus's "life story", if that was even true, and admitting to knowing what he wanted, he could've at least had a LITTLE sympathy! But he guessed this guy was just too good for that.
"You dirtbag"! Joey shouted ragefully, before then attempting to throw a fist at Aldus's face. No way was he giving up his freedom without a fight!
Before the fist was even able to reach Aldus's mask, a stream of red gas rushed out from Aldus's back, and delivered a powerful uppercut to the bottom of Joey's chin. The force of the hit was strong enough to knock Joey back into one of the green walls, causing a crack in it's surface before Joey fell hard to the ground on his chest. Joey let out a groan as he attempted to get back up, already feeling his body start to weaken. With that Nui Power within him, Aldus was definitely a lot stronger than he looked.
"I'm a criminal Joey". Aldus told him as he began to slowly approach the Ko-Matoran. "Even you should know that criminals, better yet criminals who are on the most wanted list, are VERY good at lying. How do you think they avoid getting thrown in jail for so long? Not EVERY justice system is open to the idea of being corrupt. Not that any police department could stop me with the power I possess, plus the power you just gave me".
Just as Joey was about to charge, Aldus made a fist in the air, a red misty fist flying from it and punching Joey hard across the face, nearly knocking him down again. But Joey forced himself back up with his hands against the wall. Aldus looked unamused as he rolled forwards, stopping in front of Joey, delivering fast cross punches to Joey's mask before harshly swinging his left leg as Joey's feet, tripping him and causing him to land on his back.
"I may be a dirtbag, but you Joey, were the fool". Aldus told Joey then. He looked to his Skull Soldiers, whom like idiots were just standing around and watching. "Take this Matoran to a cell". Aldus said, rolling his eyes. Then smirking at the Ko-Matoran. "He has served his purpose for today".
Aldus simply stood victoriously in the spot from wince he had just beaten Joey, watching as two Skull Soldiers approached, dragging a weakened Joey away against the floor by his arms. Aldus chuckled then as he replayed the image of Joey losing to him over and over again. With all of the undeserved goods Joey had had in life, it was certainly satisfactory that Aldus had taken a beating to him, even if it was equivalent to a Boxer easily besting a child. Not only had Aldus humiliated Joey, he had also taken his power away from him on the same day. Aldus smiled darkly out the window that led outside to the Glatorian Arena, where Skull Soldiers were training mercilessly. Finally, after all of this fighting, he had won. Or was about to.
"What will be done with him afterwards master"? Aldus heard Crumble ask from his left.
Aldus turned to his second in command with a darker smile. "I noticed a tracker on the Ko-Matoran. First, I will wait for my old friend to return, then for daring to challenge my might, I will force Joey to make weapons for us. Powerful weapons".
Though Joey was a Matoran, a race most Skakdi saw as useless, Aldus knew about Joey's expertise in weapons. Most of the weapons he had crafted were not only original, but very powerful. 'The things he will do for us'. Aldus thought gleefully. 'He'll build rifles with faster fire rates than our AK's. He'll build explosives. He'll build tanks, missile launchers, and assault vehicles'. If they were lucky, Joey might even know how to build an atomic bomb. Regardless, by days end, he would force Joey to build a much larger arsenal for them. With Aldus's power, and Joey's weapons, the Skull Army would finally be unmatched, and unrivaled by any force. Not even the Toabots, or the Toa Voya, or Toa Rahayu, would be able to stop them. 'No one will stop me ever again'. Aldus thought. 'Worldwide respect will finally be mine'.
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The hulking out thing is a reference to the Hulk owned by Stan Lee. Lego owns the Piraka. Count Olaf is from Lemony Snickets a series of unfortunate events, and is owned by Mr. Snicket. Aldus's angry thought (WHERE'S MINE?!) is from the song Ordinary by Train. The Toa Rahayu are owned by Galem. Also, I am so sorry for getting this one to you late! I got home late on Friday, and I got sick yesterday after watching Logan. Not to say it's bad, which it's totally not. How did you all like the chapter? Please feel free to leave a review and have a God-blessed day! XD