Chapter 1
In the year since the Shadow Hunter attack on Nahi Nui that left seven Matoran dead, Takanuva had organized the Matoran into a defensive force with the help of Jaller, Lhikan, Nidhiki, and some of the other veterans. The Toa of Light had learned the hard way that just trying to stay out of the way and minding your own business didn't always work. Sometimes evil came to you. And you had to be prepared for it. The sanctuary for the Resurrected, the beings brought back to life from a time anomaly nine years ago, had slowly begun to transform itself into a fortress. Of course, the one secret almost no one knew about the Resurrected was that Takanuva had been the one to bring them back by foolishly playing with, and then subsequently losing control of, the Kanohi Vahi, the Legendary Mask of Time. Because of this, Takanuva felt responsible for the Resurrected's wellbeing and swore to protect them no matter the stakes.
One of the ways he did that was by splitting the Nahi Nui Guard into four specialized branches: the Nahi Nui Ground Forces, led by Jaller; the Nahi Nui Gukko Force, led by Kongu; the Nahi Nui Navy, led by Macku; and the Nahi Nui Mounted and Mechanized Division, led by Onepu. So far, it had proven fruitful, even though the Guard had not yet been battle-tested. But Takanuva had confidence in all of the trainers' abilities. Jaller, Kongu, Onepu, Macku, and others had fought the Makuta's Rahi for a thousand years on Mata Nui and Lhikan, Nidhiki, and Gravon were veterans of the Toa-Dark Hunter War, not to mention several other battles. The other Toa on the island had similar experience.
Jaller was currently putting a squad through a tough training exercise in the shadow of the mysterious temple that they had found on the first day they came to Nahi Nui. The inhabitants still didn't know what the temple's purpose or origin was, but interest had died down over the past year. After the Shadow Hunter attack and the theft of the Kanoka Nuva, everyone tended to avoid the temple. It held too many bitter memories.
"Come on!" Jaller barked at the squad. "Show more strength than that! The enemy won't care about a little love tap like that!"
"This is rough," Balta gasped, moving his repellers in the pattern he had been instructed to.
"Yeah," said Nuhrii, doing the same with his bident. "I don't get the point of these forms. Are we supposed to break into one if someone attacks us? How will that be useful?"
"Forms aren't meant to be executed as is, Nuhrii," said Vamkoda, a Ta-Matoran with an orange Noble Huna. "They're training methods to teach various techniques in a reflexive-like manner."
"Vamkoda, shut your mouth and focus on your form!" said Jaller.
"But I didn't—" Vamkoda began.
"Stow it!" said Jaller.
Malohi, a Le-Matoran with a lime Noble Mahiki, snickered. "Yeah, Vamkoda, focus on your form!" He was waving his axe around any way he wanted.
"Speak for yourself!" said Vamkoda. "You're not even trying to follow the pattern!"
"That's because I'm on a whole other level of skill!" said Malohi. He wasn't the brightest lightstone in the cave.
Takua was beginning to tire. Takua was a Resurrected, but the only one to be "resurrected" from a living being, namely Takanuva. He only had the memories up to when he put on the Mask of Light and the two's personalities had diverged in the succeeding years. While Takanuva became more serious and responsible, Takua was the opposite, adventuring and being carefree. He planted his bident on the ground and leaned on it. "Can we take a break?" he asked.
"Why?" asked Jaller.
"Because I'm going to die."
"Shake it off."
Takua rolled his eyes. "Easy for you to say."
Jaller smiled. "What? You think you deserve a break just because you were the Herald for the Seventh Toa?"
"How about the fact that I'm a sapient being with feelings?" Takua countered.
"Overrated," said Jaller. "The big brute pounding a six-inch deep dent into your chest armor won't care about that, why should I?"
"How about you don't aggravate him, Takua?" asked Hafu. "I don't want to have to do this any longer because you can't keep your mouth in check."
"Hey, who's that?" asked Nobua, looking in the direction of the temple.
"Come on, Nobua, you know I'm not going to fall for that one," said Jaller.
"No, Jaller, really," said Vamkoda. "Look."
Jaller noticed that all of the Matoran were looking where Nobua was. He turned as well and saw someone unknown looking at the temple. He was in some kind of chair with four legs that looked capable of locomotion. It was hard to see the actual being sitting on the walking throne since he was facing the other way. "What the—?" said Jaller.
"How did he slip in without alerting the lookouts?" said Hafu.
"What should we do?" asked Balta. "Do we try to talk to him?"
"The last time we did that seven Matoran died and Iruini got beaten to within an inch of his life," said Jaller, taking his bident off his back. "I'm not taking any chances. Ready!" The entire squad turned and prepared their weapons. "Charge!"
The Matoran charged forward. The being did not move to challenge them. They got within ten bio of him when a strange magnetic force enveloped all of the squad and pulled them together. "Ow, what the Karzahni?" Takua cried.
"I can't stand up!" grunted Vamkoda as he struggled but his back was stuck fast to the rest of the Matoran.
"I can't move! I'm panicking!" Malohi screeched, waving his limbs wildly.
"Ow, ow, cut it out!" Hafu cried, holding up his hands to fend off Malohi's thrashing.
"Matoran have gotten brazen in the time I have been away," said the stranger, still not facing them. "This universe is full of surprises."
"Hang on, Jaller, we're coming!" said Takanuva, running into the clearing with Mateku, Toa of Plantlife, and Nidhiki, who used his air claws to fly through the air.
Nidhiki landed and stared down the mysterious stranger, brandishing his air scythe. "You guys are lucky I spotted this joker from overhead and grabbed Takanuva and Mateku. Who is he? Is he looking to get a beating?"
Mateku's Mask of Strength glowed. "If so, he came to the right place."
"On the contrary," said the stranger as he turned his chair around, "I've come to ask some questions." The being was truly terrifying. He had four arms and gunmetal gray armor. He had a curved horn coming out of either side of his head and his most terrifying feature: a Matoran skull-shaped mask. "You must be Takanuva," he continued. "I have heard a lot about you from a mutual acquaintance."
"That's correct," said Takanuva, not lowering his guard for even a second. "And who are you?"
"Oh, how could I forget my manners? My name is Onarax."
"Onarax?" repeated Balta, still not able to move. "We saw that name in the temple."
"Can't say I'm surprised," replied Onarax. "This is, after all, a temple to the Hand of Artakha, an organization I am a former member of."
"The Hand of Artakha…" said Mateku thoughtfully. "I have heard myths about such a group."
"More than mere myths, my good Toa," said Onarax. "The Hand of Artakha was a very real organization, although I hear it disappeared sometime during my absence. You see, I left it before it collapsed. We had a disagreement on ethics and I lost. I've been out of the loop for the better part of a hundred thousand years, but now I have returned, and my comeback shall be glorious." He pressed a button on the arm of his throne and a compartment opened in the side. He pulled out the Kanoka Nuva of Stone. "I assume you recognize this?"
Takanuva nodded gravely. "Where did you get that?"
"I acquired it from the same mutual friend. You see, I am looking for five more like it. Legend says that combined, the disks can make a Legendary Mask of Power. I would very much like to have it. It will go a long way in my quest for power. Have you any more information on the locations of any of them?"
Takanuva shook his head. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse. "No, we don't. I'm going to have to ask you to return that disk to us. It belongs in Toa hands."
Onarax laughed as he stored it away. "That's the last place it should be. But don't worry, I'll let you have a close-up look at the mask once I have it."
A blue and gold titan stepped out from the temple, ducking his head in order to clear the doorway. He carried a large sword that was strapped to his back. "The Karzahni Bull was telling the truth," he said to Onarax as he approached him. "The back wall has been completely destroyed and there are no clues to the other disk locations."
"Very well, Brutaka," said Onarax. "It was a longshot but we had to make sure. I'm ready to leave now." Brutaka's mask glowed and Onarax saluted to Takanuva and the others. "I bid you farewell, Takanuva. If you ever find anything out about the other Kanoka Nuva, don't hesitate to pass that information onto me or my army. I will make sure you are well rewarded." A portal opened and Onarax sent his chair through followed by Brutaka. Then it shut behind them.
Once he was gone, the magnetism around the Matoran released and they were able to stand up. "The statue of Onarax in the temple is of a Toa, not that monster," Vamkoda pointed out as he got to his feet. "I don't believe that he is who he says he is for a second."
"I'm worried about that titan that was with him," said Mateku. "If he has the ability to open portals, he can strike at us anytime he wishes."
"We need to discuss this with everyone," said Takanuva. "Gather the other Toa and Matoran leaders. We meet at the Assembly in one hour."
In the center of Nahi Nui was a modest two-story building called the Assembly. Rather plain compared to the Coliseum of Metru Nui, the Assembly still served as important of a purpose as that colossus. It was a brick-built structure about fifty feet across and simple seating inside with a podium designated for the speaker to address the crowd. The Assembly was not meant to be a forum to address the entire population or hold games like the Coliseum, it was purely a place for deliberation and debate on how to run Nahi Nui.
Right now Takanuva was at the podium and trying to regain order in the chamber. The beings were all seated in the chairs and discussing amongst each other this recent incursion and what it meant. "Excuse me!" Takanuva called as he tried to get everyone's attention. "Excuse me! Can we come to order?" He cursed that he couldn't find the gavel, undoubtedly Malohi had been playing in here and had hidden it somewhere.
A Toa of Sonics named Quurza got to his feet and amplified his voice. "Hey! Takanuva wants to start this thing already!" Everyone immediately quieted down.
Takanuva nodded to the Toa from the Tren Krom Peninsula. "Thank you, Quurza." He looked out at the crowd before him. The six Rahaga, legendary warriors that were responsible for securing the Kanohi he now wore, the eleven other Toa on the island, including Lhikan who Takanuva had idolized since he heard the stories of Lhii the Surfer from Vakama centuries ago, and the various Matoran leaders: Jaller, Kongu, Macku, and Onepu who led the branches of the Guard, and the leaders of the thirteen guilds. Garan was also present as he served as Takanuva's right hand much as Matoran did to Turaga.
"Now then," began Takanuva, "I'm pretty sure everyone has the gist of what happened here this morning so let's get to the heart of the matter."
"What did he look like?" interjected Kumo, leader of the Crafters Guild. "Is it fact-true that he had flight-wings?"
"No, our mysterious visitor didn't have wings," replied Takanuva.
"What about his arms?" asked Tiribomba who led the Farmers Guild. "Did he really have four?"
"Yes, but that's not the important thing—"
"What about his walking chair?" asked Nuparu, head of the Engineers Guild. "How did it operate? Was it solar-powered or do you think it was powered by Kanoka? What would you guess its top speed was?" Many of the other Matoran gave sideways glances at the engineer. "What? That could be useful."
"What we need to do is find out who this Onarax is," said Iruini. "We should head to the Archives of Metru Nui or the Great Library of the northern continent to see what we can learn."
"I think we need to focus on protecting the Resurrected," said Reymar, Toa of Water. "If there is an active threat out there, we need to be prepared for it."
"If he is indeed a threat," rumbled Hata. The Toa of Earth's peaceful outlook on life sometimes bordered on pacifism. He never looked to rush into a fight, always trying to find some other way out. "This Onarax fellow might not be dangerous, at least to us. And we need to focus on protecting the Matoran here, as you said." Hata was the oldest of the Toa on Nahi Nui by far. He didn't speak much about his past but there were rumors that he was part of the task force that stopped the Barraki's rebellion. His wisdom was often very valuable.
"I'd say he was a threat," said Jaller. "That magnetic attack didn't feel friendly."
"I say next time he shows up we beat a lesson into him," said Pouks. "There's no way someone who looks like that can be an ally."
"Perhaps you should remember your own appearance, Pouks," Hata pointed out.
"Yeah, but we aren't that bad," said the Rahaga.
"Hang on," Takanuva began but he was cut off by Mateku.
"I highly doubt that this is the Onarax from the temple. That statue depicted a Toa, which means he was probably some kind of hero. This monster probably just stole his name to cash in on his honor."
"Or he could be a Toa that went mad," offered Nidhiki. "It has happened before."
"And what about this Hand of Artakha?" asked Onepu. "Who are they?"
"I have heard various legends," said Gaaki. "They often conflict with each other."
"Who cares about a defunct organization?" asked Mateku. "We must concentrate on the real threat."
"I fully agree!" Takanuva shouted, more forcefully than he intended. But it did make everyone shut up. In a calmer tone, Takanuva continued, "I think information on the Hand of Artakha or even if Onarax is really this being's name or not are irrelevant. What really matters is that Onarax said he was going to obtain all six of these Kanoka Nuva. And with all due respect to Hata, but I do not believe Onarax had anything less than malevolent intentions for the disks. If he collects all of them he and his army will certainly use them for evil. I say we beat him to the punch and grab as many of the Kanoka as possible. The more we get, the less he can use against anyone."
"I'm unsure about this plan, Takanuva," said Lhikan. "This could prove very dangerous."
"I agree," said Reymar as she put her hand on Lhikan's shoulder. "Our primary concern has to be the Resurrected. No harm can befall them." Some of the other Toa agreed with her, as well as some Rahaga.
"Well I disagree," said Jaller. "If we want to make sure no harm comes to the Resurrected, then we need to do it out there, away from home. The best defense is a good offense."
"I have to agree with the Captain of the Guard," said Takanuva. "He is a master tactician. For one thousand years Ta-Koro never fell, and when it finally did, he wasn't there to help defend it."
"You're only saying that because it helps your confirmation bias," Reymar pointed out.
"Okay fair point," said Takanuva. "But still, I believe it's true."
"No offense, Takanuva," said Potan, Toa of Stone, "but most of you have been out of the loop for the last thousand years. Things have not been good out there. Ever since the Brotherhood of Makuta turned on the Great Spirit and put him to sleep and the Dark Hunters declared war on them, the universe has devolved into a warzone. Regimes are falling and mercenaries and pirates run rampant. There are not nearly enough Toa to keep the peace. We go out there and we put the Matoran here at risk."
"But that doesn't change the true-facts!" said Kongu. "This Onarax must be quick-stopped!" The other Matoran leaders agreed with him.
The green and purple Bo-Matoran named Madaga spoke up. On Mata Nui, he oversaw the Vuata Maca trees and was the only Bo-Matoran on the entire island. "What about the Matoran that will be at harm-risk out there if we don't take action?" The Matoran leaders agreed with the head of the Healers Guild as well.
"I enjoy a fight as much as the next guy but Potan is right," said Gravon, the Toa of Gravity of the island. "It's too great a risk." Most of the other Toa agreed.
"All right, I understand everyone's concerns," said Takanuva. "But here's the thing, we were chosen by destiny to protect the Matoran and the values they uphold. And part of that job is defeating villains that wish to destroy those values. The islands of our universe are in danger from the Dark Hunters to the Brotherhood to Onarax. And he will use those Kanoka Nuva for evil if he gets the chance. To save Nahi Nui as well as the rest of the universe, we must find them before Onarax. It is our mission.
"So we could sit here and protect ourselves but Onarax will come for us one day. And if he does then we'll defend ourselves. But what about the rest of the universe? We'll be condemning them to death at the hands, all of four of them, of Onarax. The Toa code requires us to act to protect Matoran and innocents. And the way I see it, that's what we need to do."
Garan stood up. "I think you're absolutely right, Takanuva. We don't have any choice but to act."
"I'm with you too," said Nidhiki, joining Garan by getting to his feet. "Besides, if we run into any Dark Hunters, I know more than a few of their tricks." The Matoran all voiced their agreement.
"If we do this," said Lhikan in a cautionary voice, "go to war… people will die. It always happens in war."
Takanuva bowed his head. "I understand that and I am prepared for it."
"Are you?" Lhikan quizzed. "You might think you are until you are holding a brother or sister in your arms as their heartlight goes out."
"I've already done that," said Takanuva, glancing at Jaller. "It's not something I look forward to experiencing again. But we must face it all the same."
Lhikan looked over at Reymar. "Then I guess that settles it," he said. He looked back at the other Toa and Rahaga. "This kid makes a persuasive argument, huh?" All of them, including Hata, nodded their heads. "All right, Takanuva, let's go grab some disks."