Here's Chapter Number 6. Updates will hopefully be a bit more consistent now that I have some more free time. I also uploaded bios for my OCs, plus Lariska for the fun of it. The links are in by bio.

Chapter 6

Lhikan turned to see a black and silver titan standing in the doorway. His figure was impressive standing in the frame, filling most of it. He almost looked like a giant boulder rather than a person. "You must be Fehau," said Lhikan.

The titan nodded. "Set it down, Matoran."

"Do it, Malohi," Lhikan said quickly.

Malohi placed the tablet on the edge of a desk. As soon as he let go, the tablet fell off the table and broke. The Le-Matoran gasped and his eyes filled with fear. "That was an accident, I swear."

Fehau's eyes narrowed but he said no more on the matter. "I have been waiting. I knew a team would make their way here eventually, to uncover any intelligence they could. Who are you exactly?"

"I'm Toa Lhikan, leader of the Toa Mangai from Metru Nui."

"The Toa Mangai..." Fehau considered Lhikan's words. "That team went extinct over a millennium ago."

"Yeah, we did, but the Resurrection brought me and my deputy back."

Fehau's eyes flashed and a faint smile crossed his face. "Resurrected, eh? You two are Resurrected?"

"I'm not," said Reymar. "His deputy is outside."

"Onarax is always looking for Resurrected," Fehau continued, stepping into the room. Lhikan brought his shield up and moved to protect Orkahm and Malohi. Piruk backed into a corner of the room as Pewku did the same in another corner. "He loves to experiment on them, take them apart, put them back together again. See if he can find a pattern, see why they were chosen to return."

Lhikan's mind went blank with horror. "Doesn't sound fun," was all he could come up with.

Now a full smile broke out on Fehau's mouth. "Oh no, it is… if you're on the right side of the blade that is."

"You won't do that to Lhikan!" said Reymar defiantly as she swung her hydro scimitars.

Fehau took another step and Lhikan decided he wasn't taking any chances. He split his shield in two and sent a stream of white-hot fire straight at Fehau's chest. The titan moved with amazing speed. He took the giant shield off his back and brought it in front of him. The fire harmlessly hammered the metallic protodermis and seemed to leave the faintest of marks. "Pitiful," said Fehau before he pressed a button on the shield. A wave of energy emanated from it and pulled Piruk, Malohi, and Orkahm to the shield. Lhikan figured it must be some kind of targeted magnetism because he didn't feel a thing.

"Oh no!" cried Malohi as he struggled against the shield. "I'm stuck!"

"Thanks for pointing out the plain-obvious!" Orkahm shouted.

"I really do hate Matoran," said Fehau before the three Le-Matoran were repulsed from the shield and sent flying through the glass into the factory below.

"Mata Nui!" cried Nuhrii as the three crashed on the ground.

"Hey, are you guys all right?" Takua asked he knelt next to Orkahm.

"We just got quick-flung out a window and hard-fell six bio!" screamed Orkahm. "How the fresh Karzahni do you deep-think we're doing?"

Piruk simply groaned while Malohi sat up and looked at his right arm which was at a weird angle. "Hey, is it supposed to do that?"

"It's been dislocated," said Hata. "I'll set it right."

"Hold on, I'm not sure about—AH!" Malohi held his fixed arm in pain. "Why?"

"Stop crying," grunted Hata, looking up to see Vamkoda bounding over to them.

"Heads up! They know we're here! They'll be coming for us!"

There was a loud explosion and Lhikan flew out of the office, smashing into one of the cauldrons and dropping to the ground. Fehau appeared at the gaping hole in his office, holding Pewku over his head. "I've always admired Ussal crabs," he said. "Their hard carapaces have always been an inspiration to me in my designs. Very noble creatures." He flung Pewku down to the ground. The poor crab bounced across the floor, letting out cries of pain. "But still just creatures."

"Pewku!" cried Takua as he ran over to his crab.

Fehau leaped from his window and would have flattened Piruk and Orkahm if Hata had not pulled them out of the way. The titan unlimbered his shield as he stared down at Hata. "Pretty old for a Toa, are you not? Life expectancy for you heroes is usually pretty short."

"Only for the foolish ones," said the Toa of Earth.

Fehau laughed. "All Toa are foolish. That is their primary trait."

Hata shook his head as if he was having a conversation with an ignorant child. "There is no point if even arguing."

"Agreed, just die." Fehau swung his shield. Hata crouched and sprung back up, slamming his own shield into Fehau's face. The titan stumbled back and tried to crush the Toa under his fist but Hata easily sidestepped it. He moved fast but with an utter calmness that showed his experience.

Lhikan shook his head and jumped back into the battle. He sent a spiral of flame at Fehau but the factory head turned and blocked it with his shield. This time it looked like the fire went through the shield. However, it didn't come out the other side. Fehau smirked and turned his shield to Hata. "Have a little fire, hero." Lhikan's fire shot out of the shield, scorching the Toa of Earth.

"No!" shouted Piruk.

"It's okay!" Hata shouted. A wall of dirt erupted from his own shield that put out the flames. He fell to one knee and breathed heavily. "That's why I wear black armor," he said with a dry chuckle. "To hide such marks."

Fehau smirked again. "I have to admit, Toa, I like your moxie."

A group of five factory workers came around a corner and only took a moment to recover from their surprise. Two of them charged Takua who was trying to flip Pewku over onto her feet. He had no idea they were coming up behind him. Vamkoda saw them and tightened his grip on his sword. "This better work, Balta," he muttered to himself. He charged the closest enemy and his sword glowed brightly. He swung it and went straight through the worker's leg. The being cried out in pain as he fell down and his companion turned to face the new threat. He wasn't expecting a Matoran and had no time to react before his heartlight was extinguished forever.

Hata was on the defensive now and was doing everything to stop his head from being separated from his shoulders. He sent a wave of earth at Fehau but the titan just absorbed it and spat it back at him. Piruk and Orkahm managed to recover enough and went to go help Vamkoda and Takua right Pewku. Nuhrii meanwhile was taking careful aim with his Kanoka launcher, careful not to hit any friendly combatants. He saw his opportunity when Lhikan tackled Hata out of danger of one of Fehau's attacks. He shot a freeze disk but Fehau spun and blocked it.

"Nice shot, Matoran," he said. "You can have it back."

"Oh no," said Nuhrii as he ran toward the machinery. Ice flashed out of Fehau's shield and froze the Ta-Matoran mid-sprint.

Fehau then flung his shield at the ceiling. It sliced through the cables of one of the great cauldrons hung from the rafters. The cauldron fell and crushed one of his workers. It tipped over, releasing its molten contents across the floor. Workers ran for their lives but the wave soon caught them. "Quick-run!" shouted Orkahm as he and the others flipped over Pewku. The four Matoran plus Ussal crab ran up a ramp to a raised work platform when Piruk looked back in horror.

"What about Nuhrii?" he cried.

They all looked to see he was right in the path of the molten protodermis, unable to save himself.

"Damn it!" cried Vamkoda.

"I'll go get him!" said Takua, running forward.

"Are you cross-wired?" shouted Orkahm as he grabbed his arm. "You'll never make it!"

"But we can't just leave him there!"

Hata leaped in front of the frozen Ta-Matoran. He planted his tectonic shield in the ground and hunkered behind it. "Don't worry, Nuhrii!" he said. "I won't leave you, no matter what!" The molten protodermis broke around his shield, leaving the two untouched but the heat was still almost overwhelming.

Fehau laughed as he caught his shield and watched the molten protodermis spread across the floor. "Ow!" he cried as he looked down to see Malohi trying to hack into his leg like a great tree. It did little to his thick armor but it still hurt. He kicked him back and Reymar leaped from the office just in time to land and catch Malohi.

"You won't touch him again!" she said as she clutched the Matoran protectively.

Fehau shrugged. "Have it your way." He unleashed another fire blast. Reymar fully enveloped Malohi and screamed as the fire burned her.

"Reymar!" Lhikan cried as he sprinted forward. Fehau showed no signs of stopping and his shield was too large to get a clear shot at him. His head appeared above the shield so he could watch his victims burn and Lhikan saw his only shot. He heated his greatsword to an incredibly high temperature and flung it, putting just the right spin on it. The blade twirled through the air and struck Fehau's neck. His attack stopped at once and his lifeless body toppled over, relieved of his head.

Lhikan didn't even bother to collect his tool. "Reymar, are you all right?" He checked on the two. Malohi was a little burned but seemed mostly unharmed. Reymar's armor was completely black in some places, however. She gave Lhikan a weak smile as she summoned a rain shower to cool down her and Malohi's burns.

"Come on, Lhikan. Did you really think a joker like that was going to do me in? You're not that lucky to get rid of me that easily."

Lhikan let out a surprised laugh. "Lucky to get rid of…? That would be the worst day of my life. I'm lucky that you're still alive." He gave her a tight embrace as if to make sure she was still there.

"Ow, all right, all right," Reymar laughed. "I get the point, okay?"

Malohi hugged Reymar as well. "Thank you," he said in a small voice.

"Protecting Matoran is my duty," she said with a kind smile. "Protecting a friend is my pleasure."

"I really hate to interrupt this touching scene!" shouted Nuhrii who was half-thawed out. "But how do we get out of here?"

"I think I got a thought-plan!" called Orkahm. He was looking at a control panel. He pressed a button and grates opened in several places. Most of the molten protodermis drained through them, allowing the heroes to pass across the floor safely.

"Pretty slick," commented Takua as Vamkoda ran down to check on Malohi.

Hata stood up and finished freeing Nuhrii. "I'm not sure there are any more enemies lying in wait," said the Toa. "I think Fehau might have killed them all or sent them running."

"We need to get back upstairs and find anything on the Kanoka Nuva," said Piruk.

"No need," said Reymar, pulling a tablet out of her pack. "This is a communication between someone named Nuquom and Onarax. It confirms that the Kanoka Nuva of Air is on the northern continent, just as Malohi said." The Le-Matoran beamed with pride. "And also," Reymar continued, hardly able to contain her excitement, "there's info of the Kanoka Nuva of Earth being on the southern continent as well."

"Excellent!" exclaimed Nuhrii. "We need to use that to our advantage!"

"Speaking of using stuff to our advantage…" said Lhikan as he eyed the factory. "There are a lot of raw materials here. They could come in handy. Nuparu would love to have them for his inventions."

"There's an Ussal cart over here!" said Orkahm, pointing at something Lhikan could not see. "Let's hitch up Pewku and quick-load her up!"

"Hata, you mind making a door for us?" Lhikan asked.

"No problem," grunted the Toa of Earth as he smashed down the wall with a fist of earth.

It didn't take long to grab all of the raw materials they could. Some of their friends from outside took notice and helped as well, even grabbing some tools and small pieces of equipment. Once everyone was clear, Lhikan and Hata combined their powers to destroy the foundry. They met up with Takanuva at the docks who looked a little battered but otherwise all right.

"How'd it go?" he asked anxiously.

"Very well," reported Lhikan. "There is indeed a Kanoka Nuva on the northern continent, as well as one on the southern continent."

Takanuva smiled as he clapped Lhikan on the shoulder. "Amazing! Everyone on the boats, we're setting off! We have a lot to plan."

Lhikan made his way through the throngs of Matoran to where Nidhiki was standing to the side, leaning on the railing and looking out to sea. The Toa of Air looked as if he was trying to see some far off island that was just at the edge of his sight. "You all right?" Lhikan asked as he smacked his friend's shoulder. "You seem rather grim."

Nidhiki kept staring out at the horizon. "Just… thinking about the past." He looked up at Lhikan and saw the big smile on his face. "What about you? You seem in a pretty good mood."

Lhikan looked over at Reymar. "Just… thinking about the future."

A few hours later, a boat arrived on the shores of the island and the seven Piraka disembarked to see the factory in ruins. "Okay, I know I left it right here!" said Vezon.

"Now is not the time for jokes," snapped Zaktan as he stalked toward the demolished structure.

"I'm serious," said Vezon as the rest followed after Zaktan leisurely. "It was here when we left."

"This is just great," Hakann growled as he nursed an injured arm. "We almost get killed by Visorak and lose the Kanoka Nuva of Fire right out from under our noses and all I was looking forward to was some recoup time and someone went and blew the place up!"

"I say we blame Vezok," whispered Vezon in a way that did not hide it from the Skakdi in question. "There's an eighty-seven percent chance he left the gas on anyway."

Vezok snarled in a way that would put a Muaka to shame. "This isn't my fault!"

Vezon snapped his head over to Vezok. "Oh, Vezok! When did you get here?"

"I've always been here! Longer than you if you haven't forgotten!"

Vezon waved a dismissive hand. "When are you going to get over that?"

"Who do you think it was?" asked Avak, ignoring the two. "Nidhiki and his friends?"

"Good chance," said Thok. "Are they really foolish enough to cross Onarax and the boss?"

Hakann tried to shrug but it hurt his arm so he sighed theatrically instead. "It's hard to grasp the logic of any Toa, especially one as screwed up as Nidhiki."

The other Piraka caught up to Zaktan who was talking to a group of about twenty huddled in the factory courtyard. Among them were the six Shadow Hunters. "Hey, it's you losers," said Vezon pleasantly.

Dartick narrowed his eyes at Vezon. "Still running your mouth, freak?"

Vezon didn't reply at first. Then he looked back at Reidak as he said, "Are you going to answer him?"

"I can't tell if you're actually this stupid or just like being a pain in the ass," said Reidak.

"What the Karzahni did you guys do?" asked Avak.

"Well we were playing hot Madu with a bomb and got a bit carried away," said Garsh sarcastically.

"It was the gas leak wasn't it?" said Vezon.

"Shut him up or I'll do it," said Hunjul who was fashioning a crude replacement horn for Dartick.

"Where's Fehau?" asked Thok.

"Dead," replied Lariska, looking at an injury on her leg.

"Well this is just friggin' great!" shouted Hakann. "What else can go wrong?"

"Well you showed up," said Arrouick. "Maybe a Makuta will come next and we can have a real party."

"Is this all the survivors?" asked Zaktan.

"Except for a small team searching the rubble for anyone else," replied Dartick.

"And it was an army of Toa and Matoran, correct?"

Dartick nodded. "I take it you met them too. Nidhiki and Lhikan were among them."

The Piraka looked at each other apprehensively. "Lhikan?" said Reidak, remembering the old war stories of the Burning Swords.

"So the rumors are true," said Avak. "He's back from the dead too."

Vezon nodded impressively. "I remember Lhikan. I fought him once. There I was, walking through Po-Metru—"

"That was me, you moron!" roared Vezok. "Stay the Karzahni out of my memories!"

Before Vezon could retort, Thok spoke up. "Onarax won't be happy with you lot. He's paying you to protect these facilities and you just let a few Matoran walk over you."

"Oh yeah?" Arrouick shot back. "And what about you? A ghost give you those injuries or did you raid another Makuta lair and fight over the loot?"

Hakann took a step forward. "At least we didn't lose a factory!"

"No, you just lost one of six priceless artifacts," said Garsh. "Unless you're not rubbing it in our faces for some reason that you acquired the Kanoka Nuva?"

Reidak brandished his buzzsaw. "You better shut it before I rub this in your face!"

Shadow energy crackled along Garsh's sword. "I'd like to see you try."

"What happened here?" boomed a voice.

All eyes turned to the gateway where a large blue and white being with a golden head stood. "Who is that?" growled Zike.

All of the Piraka, even Zaktan, quaked a little. "Irnakk," replied the Piraka leader. "Our employer."

"Irnakk?" repeated Hunjul. "I thought he was a Skakdi myth."

"There's often some truth in legends," said Avak.

Irnakk surveyed the crowd with cold, calculating eyes. "I'll ask one more time," he boomed. "What happened here?"

Zaktan glanced over at Dartick. "Dartick here can answer that. Seeing as Fehau is dead, he's in charge now. He can tell you what happened. And I'm sure he shall give you a very thorough report seeing as you are the largest arms manufacturer and love to turn those weapons on those who displease you."

Zaktan's eyes met Dartick's and there was more than a hint of sadistic pleasure in the Piraka's orbs. To the Karzahni Bull's credit, he stood up and faced Irnakk. "The factory was attacked by an army of Matoran and Toa."

Irnakk grunted but said nothing. Dartick continued. "They took us by surprise and by the time we were able to muster a response, they had breached the gates and overwhelmed us. A small group broke off and managed to kill Fehau and then destroy the foundry. Soon after, they left."

"Who led these Matoran and Toa?" said Irnakk softly.

Dartick glanced at Zaktan and now there was a sadistic pleasure in his eyes. "A Toa of Light."

Zaktan visibly shivered, as did the other Piraka. "Takanuva was leading them?" asked Zaktan.

"Yes," said Dartick, who had trouble keep the smugness off his face. "Not so eager to insult us now, are you?"

"I thought he was on Metru Nui," said Vezok.

"That's news from two years ago," said Hunjul. "Get with the times."

Irnakk ignored the exchange. "Yes, a Toa of Light. Artakha had made a mask in case the Makuta ever rebelled. And seeing that they have, of course it would come into play. This makes it very interesting." He looked at Dartick. "So what direction did this Toa of Light flee?"

"North, almost certainly back to their base of operations, Nahi Nui."

"You know where it is?"

Dartick nodded. "We went there last year. It didn't end well."

"So you would not be able to crush them there?"

"Unfortunately, from my experience of fighting Toa," replied Dartick, "they tend to learn from the past, at least for a while. Most likely it will be nigh impossible to get past the inevitable defenses they've set up."

"Yes, yes, most likely," agreed Irnakk. "Toa are pesky like that. I am reassigning you… all of you." He looked at the Piraka. "I want these Matoran dead. Stalk them, destroy them, and bring me the remains."

"With all due respect… sir," began Lariska cautiously, "we report to Onarax, not you."

"I will smooth it over with Onarax," said Irnakk. "There is little time to lose. Get to work immediately."

Garsh shrugged. "All right… let's go hunting."