Lego owns Bionicle, along with the names Ketongu and Jala, and Hasbro owns transformers. Everything else in this story is mine.
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Chapter 23: What?!
Back in the massive front yard of Greens mansion, Toa, Matoran, Ops, and Toabots were all gathered up in a deafening silence. Just minutes ago, Outilisa had confirmed that Paradox and Athena, leaders of the Toabot army, were both her parents. Her PARENTS... SOME HOW. And once Outilisa had taken the time to notice the silence from everyone and the wide eyed expression from Billy, she immediately knew she had them confused and decided to start explaining herself. But after she did so, a few of them still looked confused. Well, all except Billy who had just seemed to remain silent. Whether it was in surprise or some form of anger, she couldn't guess. But it didn't make her feel easy.
"So let me get this straight"., Gahu suddenly spoke, gaining Paradox's attention. "Outilisa, your daughter, was sent here to find the Sphere long before YOU got here, and at some point in her search, ended up wanting to be a Toa"?
Paradox nodded.
"On her thirtieth day here, she had called us and asked us if there was a way to be turned safely into a Toa". "And though she didn't tell me why at first, I was quick to figure out why"., Paradox finished with a smile, making Outilisa blush.
"How did you manage that"?, Ops asked them.
Rack was the one to answer this question: "After some tinkering around, I had discovered a way to recoded her DNA as safely as possible, therefore taking away her ability to transform".
Robert, Ops and Gahu widened their eyes once more. That was actually POSSIBLE? But how? And wasn't attempting something like that a LITTLE unsafe? Yeah, they had already figured out by now that Rack was the smart one of the group, but to be smart enough to figure out something like THAT, without killing the subject by accident? That was quite an impressive feat to achieve. Especially in TODAYS world.
But still, Billy was too surprised by Outilisas' sudden revelation and her close to impossible explanation to even TRY to say anything. All this time, Outilisa had been hiding the fact that she used to be a Toabot. Despite the fact that they had been attacked by Makutacons. Then again, she was a Toa now. It wasn't like she was going to be able to do something that the other Toa hadn't already tried. At least THAT was a valid enough of an answer to his already growing list of questions.
But there was still one thing that Billy didn't quite understand. If Outilisa had been a Toabot at one point in her life, why would she ever want to change that? Surely changing herself like that must've made her sad in SOME sort of way. Not that he was angry about it, which he wasn't, but it DID make Billy worry for her a bit. Just WHAT could've made her want to do this to herself? Was it perhaps the Makutacons? It'd probably make more sense as to why she had seemed to be so afraid of them.
Robert looked to Billy then, asking: "Any question-thoughts Fire-spitter"?
A few more seconds of silence passed the group after Billy had finally decided to snap out of it and finally gave Outilisa a look of question that made Outilisa feel good once she realized that Billy wasn't mad at her for keeping this secret.
"Yes actually"., Billy responded.
Outilisa waited patiently and fearfully for Billys question, praying now that it wouldn't come out in any form of negativity towards her.
"Why"?, Billy asked, surprising her a bit.
"Why what"?, She nervously asked him.
"Why did you want to change what you were"?, Billy asked her. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but for as long as you had probably been a Toabot, that must've felt... sad in SOME sort of way, didn't it"?
Outilisa looked to the ground for a second, as if in remembrance of something pleasant.
"Yeah, it did"., Outilisa replied. Then looking up, deep into Billys eyes as she responded: "But not as much as knowing you were a Toa when I first saw you".
Billy tilted his head in confusion.
"I don't follow"., He admitted.
"It was because our races were the only difference between us"., Outilisa blurted out, nearly making Billy jump. "Because you would see me differently for not being like you, and because when I first SAW you, I knew that I loved you"., Outilisa finished, instantly holding a look of sadness after finishing that sentence.
Billy just stared at her in a blended look of amazement and regret. Outilisa had actually wanted to switch races for HIM? As much as Billy knew that finding her was an answered prayer, he had never token the time to think about how much of an answered prayer it must've been for HER. Neither had he tried to consider the fact that that in a way, she had known him long before he had known HER. At this point. Billy honestly didn't know whether he should've felt flattered or guilty. But moreover, he DID feel guilty.
"Well, now with THAT being the reason why, I actually feel really guilty"., Billy told her, then looking to Paradox. "Look big guy, for what it's worth, I'm sorry for being the reason why your daughter isn't the way she was".
Billy looked back to Outilisa, who held a look of horror. Did this mean that he didn't want her as his wife anymore? Would it actually LEAD to that? The look of regret Billy was giving her, said otherwise. Immediately, Outilisa realized what Billy was really saying. If she was hearing, or in this case SEEING, this right, then it meant that he was filled with regret for being the reason why Outilisa couldn't stay the way that she had used to be.
Suddenly, Paradox spoke: "Don't be".
Billy looked up at him then, mask filled with a confused form of surprise.
"I do not blame you for my daughters change of mind Billy"., Paradox told him. "SHE was the one who made that choice, not you". "Therefore you have nothing to be regretful for:"
Billy widened his eyes at Paradox's response. How was he not angry at him in the SLIGHTEST? This was his DAUGHTER, and she had decided to switch races for a male she barely knew. Sure, he would agree that it was one of the best decisions she had ever made, seeing as they were now living an amazing life together, but Billy still couldn't help still feeling this regret. Nor could he help being truly amazed with Paradox's answer. If anything, it proved to Billy that Paradox was more filled with peace-of-mind than all the other Toabots. After all his race had been through, the fact that Paradox was willing to defend and forgive EVERYONE, was more than mind blowing.
"It was MY choise after all"., Outilisa told him, a grin forming on her face as he looked back at her.
"Was there ever a time when you KNEW you were going to tell me"?, Billy asked her. "I'm not mad at you, but I want to know what really kept you when we got together".
"I wanted to tell you so many times, but I loved you so much and I didn't want you to be afraid of me". "Or hate me in any way".
Billy widened his eyes. She actually worried about him HATING her? Regardless of WHAT she could do to him, he knew hating her would be impossible for him. She wasn't the only one who had a love at first sight moment. Immediately he walked up to her and wrapped her in a hug, seeming to catch Outilisa by surprise as she simply held still for what seemed to be a few very long moments. But eventually, she hugged him back, resting her left ear against his green chest plate, hearing his light beat as fast as it always had whenever they were in each others presence.
"Outie, I've loved you ever since the first day I saw & met you"., Billy told her, sounding like he was actually trying to hold back a few tears. "And that was NOT because of what you were". "It was for WHO you were". "The day we first got to know each other, that was the day I knew that I loved you".
Immediately, Outilisa lifted her head off of Billy's chest and pressed her face against his, not caring who was watching them as long as they knew they still loved each other for who they were instead of what they looked like. Armor smiled as he watched them, Not only because of the joy he knew they felt, but also in thought of what song Ketongu would've played with that annoying radio of his if he wasn't captured just a few moments ago.
As he then pulled back, Billy admitted: "And you know something else"? "This makes Paradox my father in law". Then looking to Paradox, he said: "And that makes us family". "A family that I will be more than happy to fight for".
Paradox gave Billy a smile, replying: "Then in return, I will always trust you to take good care of her".
Billy returned the smile with one of his own along with a nod. If anything, Billy was glad that he was already getting on the right foot with Paradox. End evidently Athena as she simply gave him a smile. Also, now that Billy knew who his wife's parents were, and what they had been through, he was more than happy to help the Toabots, his new family, in any way that he could. Even if it meant helping them win this war, and standing against the authority of the Turage Council in order to do so.
Suddenly Armor Hide spoke up: "Hey, not to ruin the moment here, but when are we going to get Ketongu and Green back"? "I'm kind of tired of sitting here and doing nothing".
But before anybody could answer his question, along with his remark regarding impatience, they all heard a female voice ask: "What do you mean get GREEN BACK"?
Everyone instantly turned to the entrance of the wooden mansion upon then hearing a female voice shout: "WHAT"?!
Just as everyone suspected, it was Angela. And the worse part was that Angela wasn't even alone. Greens little brother Golden stood to her left, looking just as worried as she did. Both looked absolutely DEVASTATED upon hearing what they just had. But somehow, Angela's face of worry seemed to reveal a sense of love for the le-matoran that was only caught by Paradox and a few of the others. Now as Golden just held a look of intense worry, Angela had started to cry.
But how could she NOT?, Paradox thought. Clearly, she loved this boy and more clearly, knew him for a small majority of her life. He knew what it was like to worry about the someone of whom he loved, and he often worried for his daughters siblings who had taken off in a different ship when their planet had exploded. But no matter how much seeing his planet destroyed devastated him, those feelings of depression were destroyed by the relief he felt when he realized his family was still OK. But these two didn't have a family yet. Or at least not as far as he knew.
But there was still a deep bond he felt radiate from all of her facial and bodily expressions as he then saw her fall on her knees and sob in prayer. He knew this emotion well. One time during the war, Athena had gotten injured and he couldn't help but feel that he could've done something. Heck, he didn't eat or drink ANYTHING for a few weeks. He had barely even left the hospital room, and he hadn't left without the care that had started to build up in him. Not only for her, but also for every sentient being who would surely feel something like this one day. A compassion, and then a bravery, then a love. A love that seemed to shout it's words from assistance of the Holy Spirit.
From there Paradox had just gone from a clueless Bioformer to a Toabot who swore to always protect the innocent, regardless of whatever the cost may be.
"Awkward this is"., Rack quietly commented.
"Yeah, you ain't kidding"., Armor added. "Now I'm REALLY starting to miss Ketongu".
A few of the others gave Armor a slight glare. Sure, what he said was funny, but everyone else knew as much as Paradox did that this female was in pain. And it was all for the capture of her best friend. Someone who, though he might've seemed careless at times at she wouldn't mention it before now, she held dear to her light. Someone she would've gladly traded herself for in a nanosecond.
As Golden hugged Angela then, starting to cry as well, the others decided to give them a moment alone and continue their conversation. Well, MOST of them did, Gahu had immediately decided to stay behind and comfort the two matoran in whatever way he could. Billy even gave Gahu a smile and a nod before joining the others in conversation. He couldn't quite explain it. But from the start, he had started to see a light in Gahu unlike that of the other Toa. When the others were angry, he was calm and caring. When the other Toa were in a quarrel, Gahu would often tell them to stop fighting and just get over whatever happened. Sure, there were moments when he was a little too over-talkative, but none the less, Gahu was still a better Toa than he would give himself credit for.
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As of right now, Billy, Outilisa, Robert, Ops and the Toabots were all sitting or standing in random but hidden places at the entrance of the gate, having decided to have their conversation there in order to give Angela and Golden as much space with Gahu as possible. And though Armor had been the one to complain that maybe this was a little TOO far, they still couldn't risk drawing the attention of other matoran. In other words, they had to find a place that was out of eyes distance from the Rahi and Animals in their cages. As to why they reacted this way, none of them had any clue. But they still had to take these precautions regardless.
"Seeing as Greens father is a council member, we could take a short route to New Mata Nui"., Billy suggested. "See if he's there and try to reason with him".
Armor stood from his place, saying: "I would highly advise against that". "Seeing as he's one of the Turaga who hates us, I don't think reason will be in his vocabulary". "At least not as far as WE'RE concerned".
Rack nodded in agreement, looking at some sort of internet page that was visible on his scope-eye. Athena remained silent, looking instead to her husband who looked deep in thought at this matter. Usually when he would do this, it would take him a while to make any final decisions. As leader he HAD to do it in order to foresee every possible outcome. But then Paradox looked to Athena, seeing from the look in her eyes that there wasn't much time to waste. Not now that things were getting worse.
Makutacons were getting bolder, a Turaga was trying his best to take them down, and Edward was leading Billys old team of Toa. Not only that, but Edward also had Green and Ketongu as possible hostages. If a decision wasn't made now, all heck was more than likely to break loose. Every second could've been one second closer to becoming publicly known enemies. And if THAT happened, he didn't even WANT to think about what the Makutacons might do.
First making a prayer to The Lord, Paradox turned to the others then, saying: "As valid as Armor's reasoning is, we cannot waste any more time than we already have".
A short silence passed as the other Toabots tried to imagine just what Paradox was thinking about doing.
"What are we doing dad"?, Outilisa asked him.
Paradox looked to them then, as if he was going to stand firm with what he was about to say next.
"We are going to reason with them, and we are not going to fight them"., Paradox told them.
Everyone widened their eyes in horror.
"With all due respect, electric-spitter, are you crosswired"?, Robert asked him.
Paradox calmly turned to the toa of storms, replying: "I believe that we have been hiding in the shadows for far too long, trying to stay alive in the same fear that gave the Makutacons the anger of which caused their hatred". "The longer we remain silent, the closer we'll get to having all Turaga see us as something we will never be". "No Robert, I am not crosswired, but I am determined to make things right again". "Let us do it together".
The others were silent, all awestruck by Paradox's words of wisdom. As much as the Toabots, Toa and Autobot all dreaded coming back into the presence of those who surely saw them as enemies now, Paradox was right. If things were ever going to be at peace again, they would have to act now and do the best they could to come to good terms and end this war. Rack, who was originally sitting in a bush, stood then, using his elemental power of plant life to untangle himself from the branches before speaking.
"Paradox speaks the truth my brothers and sisters". "If we are to accomplish this in unity, let us all do so as one". "Let us accomplish our duty in finishing this war".
"And for our destiny"?, Billy asked.
"For our destiny"., Gahu said as he walked through the entrance with a more relieved looking Angela and Golden. "Let us end our conflict with both our enemies in peace".
Paradox smiled to the Toa of Lava in agreement, from those words, seeing in him a Toa who could more than prove that peace could exist between these three races. A toa who trusted in this cause as much as Paradox did and always would. One day, if he were to have anything to do with it, this war WOULD end. No more risks of deaths of countless beings of sentient life. For no matter what the Makutacons or the Turaga would believe in, he would always believe in the peace that he had always dreamt of.
Looking now to everyone in front of him, he said: "Remember, no violence against the bionicles or humans or Transformers will be tolerated". "We must be peaceful and compassionate with them". "Like Jesus said, if someone slaps you cheek, offer your other cheek as well". "Does everyone understand"?
Everyone replied in a mixture of responses, all in agreement.
"Then we must be off"., Paradox told them. "Toabots, (Please don't say roll out., Billy thought) may The Lord guide us to peace and victory".
"To peace and victory"., Angela, Rack and Armor all responded as they immediately transformed and opened their doors for the others.
Ops reverted to his truck mode (as usual), and everyone started to enter the vehicles as quickly as they could, ready to get all the drama over and done with. As Paradox reverted to plane mode, he hovered next to Angela who had seemed to remain still in the middle of that conversation, obviously still a little disturbed over thoughts on whether or not Green was still alive.
"Angela"?, Paradox asked.
Angela jumped for a second as she just now noticed Paradox's now larger plane mode hovering to her right side. But once she realized that it was just Paradox, she calmed herself down and give him a straight face as she asked him: "Yes Paradox, sir"?
Paradox remained silent for just a short moment before responding: "I noticed you were still worried about your friend as I was speaking". "Clearly you care for him and would like to see him as soon as possible".
Angela nodded.
"I was going to fly ahead of the other Toabots, see if I could get to the base first".
Angela looked confused now.
"What happened to that unity discussion from earlier"?, she asked him.
"As much as it pains me to do so, I need to at least speak with Turaga Jala alone and not waste any more time than we already may have"., Paradox told her. "But rest assured, they will still help us when the time is right".
Angela gave Paradox a slight nod in agreement. Not only was Paradox right about his friends being able to help anyways, but in her own way, Angela also agreed with him going up there alone as the Toabot leader. When angered, she had noticed that at least a few of the Toabots would behave like children. Not exactly the kind of people everyone would trust around politics like Jala.
"Alright then, what were you going to ask me"?, Angela asked him.
"I was only going to suggest that you ride in here"., Paradox explained. "But only if you choose too". "I'd image you have questions towards what will happen next, but again this is your choice".
Angela smiled to herself then over the fact that she would probably get to see Green sooner than she thought if she had decided to go with him. But then that was considering whether or not Paradox would succeed with whatever he had planned. Her smile started to fade a bit. Sure his plans to make peace were righteous if anything, but would they succeed? Was The Lord truly with them on this? All she could really do from this point was make a short prayer herself and take her chances.
"I WOULD like that actually"., Angela responded. "Thank you".
Paradox immediately opened a small hatch on his left side, allowing Angela to enter and fasten her seat belt before Paradox replied: "You are always welcome"., before then flying off into the night sky.
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Well that's chapter 23 for you all. What do you think of Paradox's motives? Do you think Jala will listen? If all goes well with his son in the next chapter he might. But seeing as that's for the next chapter, I'll go ahead and remain silent on those details.
Edward: He-
Me: No!
Edward: (Glares) You're no fun.
Me: I know, it's part of the job. Now get back on set please. (looks to readers) Anyways, thank you all for reading, please be sure to leave a review and please have a god-blesses day! :0)