In this chapter, things will change greatly, but not for the better. Darkness shall take new form, and a great hero will fall to shadow.
XXX
The Kahgahrak followed Onewa like a dog at its master's heels, crawling obediently behind him, under the influence of the Mask of Mind Control. Onewa looked around at the familiar site he had come to. He pointed a finger at one spot in the air. The Kahgahrak fired a Rhotuka spinner at that spot, opening a portal to a shadowy dimension.
A mysterious figure back-flipped out of the portal. It resembled Onewa's Hordika form, and its eyes were filled with determination. Suddenly, a large black hulking creature appeared in the portal.
"The Zivon," Onewa muttered in awe and fear.
Six balls of light rose from the centers of each Metru off in the distance, and zipped to the entrance of the portal. The doppelganger Onewa began firing Rhotuka spinners, with all possible speed, the Zivon, driving it back, while the balls of light began firing energy bolts at the creature. It was quickly beaten back into that realm of shadow, and, just before it closed, Onewa grabbed the Kahgahrak by one of its four legs and threw it in. The six odd balls of light landed and stopped shining.
"Norik!" Onewa shouted.
The six balls proved to actually be the six Rahaga with their headlamps active. Norik, out in front of the others, gave Onewa a small smile.
The Onewa imposter began to shimmer slightly, and transformed into the figure of Toa Nokama.
"Aren't you going to introduce me?" the creature asked in Nokama's voice.
"Of course, Krahka," said Onewa. He pointed at each Rahaga, saying their name as he did so, and the Krahka transformed into each in turn, to show that she understood.
"What happened to the Tahtorak?" Onewa asked.
The Krahka sighed as she took on the Tahtorak's huge, monstrous form. She began to tell the sad tale, illustrating with transformations as she did so. She displayed how the Tahtorak and the Zivon fought, in that world of shadow. She showed, gruesome as it was, how the Zivon kicked the Tahtorak in the head, knocking it to the ground, and proceeded to impale the poor beast with its sharp claws. She was about to show how she managed to survive for 1000 years in that realm, when Hewkii showed up behind Onewa.
"Sir, Turaga Dume wants you immediately," Hewkii said.
"Alright then. I'll see you guys later," he said to the Rahaga, who were too busy with the spectacle Krahka was putting on to really listen. He leapt into the air and began to swing from building to on his proto pitons, making all possible speed to the Coliseum.
XXX
Takua sat in his Ta-Metru bungalow, the Mask of Light in one hand, the Mask of Shadows in the other. Kepura came in through the door, and Takua hid the Mask of Shadows quickly.
"I have a message from Toa Lhikan," Kepura said, in his typical, slow, relaxed manner. "He wants to know if you've destroyed the Mask of Shadows yet."
"Of course I have," Takua lied. "Why wouldn't I?"
"Oh, good," Kepura said. "Well, I guess that's it, so, I'll just be going."
"Okay then," Takua said hurriedly. "Well, so sorry you couldn't stay, bye!" he nearly shouted as he pushed Kepura out the door and locked it. He ran to the windows and yanked the drapes closed. He grabbed the Mask of Shadows from under his bed, and held it again. He knew he was supposed to destroy it, but he couldn't. It seemed to speak to him, telling him to put it on. He threw it across the room, and put on the Mask of Light, transforming into Takanuva. He looked at the Mask of Shadows, regretting he had thrown it. He rushed over to it, grabbing it, examining, praying he hadn't damaged it. As he held it, he heard a voice.
"Put me on," it whispered. "With me, you can achieve power beyond that of the any Toa. With me, Metru Nui, the world, will be yours. Through me, you can become more powerful than Mata Nui himself!"
Takanuva shuddered, staring at the black Kanohi in his hands. He began to set it down, but suddenly, his expression changed, to one like that of one in a trance. He held up in front of his face. He looked up toward where the ceiling meets the wall, as he put the Mask on his face, transforming into Takutanuva. As he opened his eyes, they glowed gold, but, after he blinked once, the color turned blood-red, and he laughed, a cold, deep, cruel laugh.
XXX
Far away, on a distant island, a Nivawk landed on its master's shoulder. It began to chirp and whistle in his ear, explaining the situation.
"So, Nidhiki and Krekka weren't killed by Makuta? They've been alive this whole time, working for him as ordered? They shall be rewarded greatly."
The Nivawk began chirping again, interrupting its master's thoughts.
"They are dead? But you just said-"
The hunting Rahi bird continued to whistle.
"Toa? I should have known that little red one couldn't be trusted!"
The mysterious figure grabbed the Nivawk by the neck and twisted, breaking its neck in anger. He turned and walked purposefully out the door, to the highest point of the island.
"My Dark Hunters! Makuta was innocent! The Toa killed our comrades, Nidhiki and Krekka! We sail for Metru Nui at dawn! These foolish Toa shall feel the wrath of The Shadowed One!" he shouted with a mighty roar, throwing the Nivawk corpse from the balcony. Three cat-like beasts leapt for the body, tearing it as it fell, as the assembled Hunters answered with roars of their own.
XXX
The darkness is rising. What will happen to (and now, a new name, for this new foe) Makutanuva? When will The Shadowed One strike? Next chapter's coming next week!
Also, coming next week: A more lighthearted story, for those of us understand the beauty of humorous nonsense. The tentative title: Mata Nui Protect Us All!