Disclaimer: I do not own BIONICLE, but I do own all (M)OCs in this chapter. Well, save the last chapter's guest, and a mentioned location and species.

Chapter 8: The Storm

The docks, a rather boring place to most beings. Sure, you get beautiful skies, lively waves, and the like. But to see the same thing over and over again, to repeat the process over several weeks. Minds are like computers, hungering for information. Feed them the same data over and over again, and they're bound to go mad with boredom. Fortunately for some, something rather interesting is about to happen on this day. Unfortunately, some of them might not live to see that something.

The universe opened one of its many mouths, a tear in the fabric of time and space. Stepping out of the cosmic wound were a small party of grunts and Makuta. One was a scrawny orange-and-black coward, another was a bronze barbarian, the final an emerald titan. The barbarian carried a massive axe, the coward a whip, the outcast a pronged spear. Behind them were a group of various beings, little more than goons.

"Well…" One nameless minion said. "…that went well," Everybody picked up the venom called "sarcasm" dripping through his lips.

Nobody bothered to reply to the comment. Even Ghjis, as furious as he was, didn't bother. The project had already expanded over the past several years. True, the extra Olmak helped in a number of ways (such as abducting test subjects and disposing of their corpses), but they could only cover so much ground. Space was scarce on the island now, hardly enough room for experiments. They've had to cut back on the experiments and focus on developing new ground. The Homo sapiens, once conquered, proved to be vital assets in adding more landmass to the base. Space wasn't the only problem, though.

As the number of humans expanded, so did the need for extra hands. Guards, scientists, even fellow Makuta. Tridax refused to call upon his other brothers, fearing that his projects (Especially the one regarding the Toa of Shadow). Instead, he took to recruit Makuta from other worlds, reflections of his universe. So far, he's recruited at least six of these Makuta, Nzavokh among them. Each one has their own fair share of secrets however.

Where Nzavokh came from, time flowed faster than here. As such, he lived through the plan to its fruition. And he alone knew what his traitorous brother, Teridax, had in store for them all. He alone knew the traitor and Mata-Nui's true purpose. He dared not speak of this world's (possible) future, not without getting himself killed in the process. This operation may be his chance to alter history, save at least a few of his kin.

He doesn't trust all of his siblings, though. Teridax would be the first, considering his impending betrayal. However, the main problem was that he isn't the only overly ambitious Makuta. One of the others recruited by Tridax had his eye on the Homo sapiens lately. While he didn't know of him by name, he recognized his glare all too well. One of the others would also mutter in hushed tones about some "unnamable thing". At times, Nzavokh questioned said brother's very sanity.

As for the other three, he had not met them or had any information regarding them. He had heard tales of Aryamex being from a place ruled by a mad Toa of Water, though he was skeptical. And there was also the possibility that Tridax recruited more Makuta without his knowledge. He's become rather paranoid as of late. Truth be told, he couldn't blame him.

Something rocked him from his thoughts. Literally. First of all, he found himself within the fortress. He would say that he might've been sleepwalking, but Makuta can't sleep. Second, he was down on the ground, pinned under some rubble. Just as he altered his density and phased through it, though, an iron spear flew right by his head. The thing just barely scrapped against his Kanohi, leaving a light mark on his "cheek".

He turned to what he could only describe as pure chaos. The sapiens were loose, slaughtering through the guards. Ghjis was in the middle of a battle within the chamber, cleaving his way through them like a dagger through thin air. Xociv was nowhere to be seen. Knowing him, the coward must've teleported out of harm's way and back to his hiding hole. One guard limbed his way toward Nzavokh, holding an open wound where his right arm once was.

"My liege," He rasped in pain. "The Homo sapiens…"

"I know," Replied his master, pointing at the carnage. "Where is your commanding officer?"

The minion frowned. "Lost track of boss when the cells were opened."

Nzavokh raised an "eyebrow". "Opened?" He said. "Someone threw the emergency release switch?"

The guard nodded. "Has to be. All the doors opened simultaneously. Sculdar was inspecting some of the prisoners when it happened. Managed to break through them and make my way here. Not sure if he or the rest of my group made it out."

"And your arm?" The Makuta inquired, pointing at where the limb should be.

The lowlife growled. "One of them sliced it off with some Protodermis. Must've been an Iron type of rat." He noticed Ghjis in his brawl, smirking. That smile left his face when something crossed his mind.

"Where're the other Makuta?" He asked.

Nzavokh frowned. "Aryamex and Mgahlr are out collecting test subjects and resources. Tridax is back at his assigned region."

There was a pause. "Then… what do we do, sir?" The smaller one asked, hope just about drying up.

It didn't take a moment for Nzavokh to think about it. "We go to Tridax and inform him of the situation."

The Makuta grabbed the survivor by the shoulder, and the two faded from the world.

Meanwhile with the heroes…

The halls were dead silent for the most part. Well, apart from the Exo-Toa's steps echoing along the way. Most beings within range would hear them from a mile away. However, nobody seemed to bother to investigate the source. It became quite apparent that everyone else has their hands full. Assuming that some of them still retain hands that is. Seems the party could finally catch their breaths, for now.

"Hey," Said the blonde. "I just realized something."

~What?~ Said the man in the mech, not bothering to turn his gaze toward her.

"We got to introduce ourselves properly," She replied. "Well, apart from grandpa over there," She pointed toward Lisvek, the latter raising an eyebrow (or his kind's equivalent of one).

"No offense, but is now really the good time?" Inquired the African.

"Hey, if any of us die at this point, I'd at least like to know what to engrave on our tombstones," She replied.

Everybody stopped dead in their tracks, letting her response sink into their brains.

~Grey…~ The pilot said. ~D. Grey. Not sure the "D" is for anymore, though. Can hardly remember home either.~

"Felix was my name," Said the bearer of The Green. "Or at least, part of it. I can't seem to remember much either."

"Masterson, J. Masterson," said the one of Stone.

The girl turned the boy. "What about you, little guy? What's your name?"

The Matoran/human hybrid titled his head. At first, everybody thought he might've been deaf. The he did something unexpect: He spoke. However, the words that escaped his mouth was strange. The Turaga of Silver reacted to them, speaking in a similar tongue. The old one quickly turned to the German, uttering something in those word.

"He says that he can't remember," Said the translator. "He was young when they took him. Around five years old, from the sounds of things. He doesn't seem to have much knowledge any human language. Considering how that he was able to understand your words, I'd say that he only knows a bit of English."

The two adults and teen just stared at him, then back at the kid.

"He… can't speak English, or any other human language?" Inquired H514.

"Iennn… glesh?" Said the first abducted.

Everybody jumped at the tone, the pilot bashing his head in the cockpit. The sound they just heard was human alright. The tone however, barely was. If anything, it seemed… out of touch. Was he really in that prison for so long? Had he actually forgotten his own name?

"What about your home?" Asked the African. "Do you remember where you were born in?"

The boy just shook his masked head.

"Well, I grew up in the United States," Revealed the man. "Then I decided to move to Africa. Can't remember which country or why I moved, though. Do those sound familiar?"

Again, he shook his head.

"I came from Britain. Does that ring any bells?"

After a brief pause, he reacted just the same.

"Germany's my home, last time I checked," Said H047. "Can't remember my hometown, though."

The mech's occupant was the last to speak. ~Came from the southern US,~ He finally said.

~Town had some crazy-ass history. Think a church got bombed by a xenophobic cult decades ago. Some girls were killed in the fires.~

Everybody shivered. "Somehow, that ring sounds familiar," Said the man of Stone.

The blonde gulped, then turned to the child. "How about Canada? Japan? Do Mexico, China, Russia, and France sound familiar?" She asked, though it sounded more like a pleading of sorts.

Sadly, she only got the same response as before. She finally gave up at that point. Whatever it was that they did to it, they did it good. They didn't just take his memories and life away from him. They practically stole his humanity as well. If it wasn't for the fact that he still retains most of his organic material and a bit of nativity, most folk would probably see him as a freak show.

The world shock around them, screaming in a silent tongue. Everybody lost their footing, even the man in the Exo-Toa. As they struggled to maintain their balance, a massive hole crumbled into existence in the left wall. Through the open wound they could see a massacre. Countless people were clashing with a titan in bronze, wielding a massive axe.

As he slashed his way in the brawl, one man leapt toward him. The giant grabbed him in midair, the poor fool pulled out his dagger. The warmonger shot it out of his with laser vison.

"You want a piece of me? YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME!?"

The alien flashed a devilish grin at him. "No," he laughed. "I want TWO!"

The Makuta gripped his clawed hands around the man's torso and waist. With little effort, he tore the human in half. The scream he produced was enough to haunt the heroes for weeks. Ghjis crushed the man's head as he let out his last breath, putting him out of his misery. He spotted the escapees through the hole. Without warning, he fired shadowy bolts of energy at them.

Grey shifted the armor between the blast and his collages. The Elemental burst hardly had an effect on it. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to react in time to dodge a charging Makuta. The party scattered as their brawn was plowed through the other wall and several others behind it. The barbarian emerged from the wreckage, eyeing them like a wolf.

"Well well well, what do have here," He taunted, twirling his axe around. He nearly dropped it when he stopped H1. "Wait," he paused, moving closer to inspect the child. "You're Tridax's Stone Rat, aren't you?" He growled.

The rest of the group went between the two, pushing the child behind them.

"You want him, you have to go through us first," Said the German defiantly.

Their aggressor responded with yet another twisted laugh. "And what would you if I did? Throw pebbles at me, beat me with sticks and twigs?" He open up both of his palms, each one coated in power. One had tamed lightning, the other plasma. Both were being aimed right the group.

Before he could fire, however, something crashed into his face, sending back through the first hole he created. Everybody was surprised to see the hulking machine, retracting its extended claw. The construct's hatch opened up, revealing the bruised form of Grey.

"Go on without me," he ordered. "I'll hold him off."

"But-"The girl tried to argue back, but she saw the Makuta rising back on his feet. The man closed the hatch, stepping between them and him. The Turaga grabbed her arm and practically dragged alongside the group. As they fled, she just stared back at the man. She uttered something under her breath, a prayer perhaps. If she believed in gods, however, some part of her may have suspected that even they cannot help them now. Not while they're so far from home.

Several minutes later, they finally made it to the docks. They weren't the first to make it, however. Several other humans have already commandeered most of the fleet. Grunts, both dead and unconscious, were lying around. Rahkshi suits were rusting away, broken like glass. They even spotted pieces an Exo-Toa.

The group spotted a figure steeping down from one such ship. He bore gunmetal grey armor, with hints of jet-black. Lisfek instantly recognized the Kanohi he bore as a Great Mask of Rebounding. Behind it were glowing purple eyes, with tiny bits of brown hair sticking out. Attached to his backside was a cutlass, vaguely giving him the impression of old tales of piracy.

"Ahoy there mates," He said in a suave sailor's tone. "More birds lookin' to spread their wings again?"

Winters smiled. "If you mean "get the hell off this island"," She said. "Then yep, we are."

Another figured stepped down, bearing another mask. This one was a Rode, glowing like a torch. He gave the captain a thumbs up, and was repaid with a smile by him. Just as he was returning to the ship, however, something shoved its way past him. To the gang's surprise, it was another Turaga. He was forest and lime-green, bearing mischievous emerald eyes. Bore a Kanohi Zatth and wielded a staff, ending in pincer-like blades.

The one of Silver instantly recognized the other elder.

"Juleva?!" He shouted in surprise.

The humans were just as surprised by his sudden outburst. It didn't take a genius to deduce that these two knew each other. Felix was quick to activate his Rau. He had a feeling that they was in for a history lesson.

Lisfek stared in disbelief at the figure. He might've gotten shorter, but that he recognized those eyes anywhere. He might be a Turaga now, but he still produced the aura of a trickster. He might not have as much power as he did before, but that wouldn't stop this headstrong fool. And though he might not be a Toa anymore, he was still Juleva.

"Fancy seeing you here, blacksmith," Laughed the one of Air. "Was wondering if I'd ever seek-find you again."

Lisfek crossed his arms. "I thought you escape with the rest of the team."

Juleva frowned. "I did, but I wasn't gonna just leave you back there. When I quick-returned, you were already gone. Spent months hard-searching you after that. Found a lead in Stelt and, welp…"

"You were lead into an ambush," His friend finished bluntly.

The joker responded with a sheepish grin. "Drain me of Toa-strength and passed Toa Stones to those off-worlders."

He tilted his a bit to peek at something behind the former Toa of Iron. "Speaking of them, who're the fine fellows quest-journeying with you?" He inquired with a hint of his humor.

"These would be my rescuers: Winter, Masterson, and Felix," The latter said, pointing to each one. "There was another by the name of Grey, but he's holding the line for us,"

"And the Matoran?" Inquired the old comrade.

Lisfek blinked for a moment. He turned his head toward the boy, not far behind the adults. The humans were busy conversing with each other, exchanging their experiences at the island. Felix seemed to be listening in on the Turaga as well, with his mask glowing and all.

"That's no Matoran," Said the Turaga of Silver grimly. "He's one of them too. A younger member of their kind, perhaps something akin to a larva or a pup."

Juleva narrowed his eyes, peering closer at the group. He couldn't help but notice that the Matoran had more organic tissue in some areas. He realized that his friend wasn't kidding.

"By Mata-Nui," He breathed in shock. "Do they do this to all of the leaf-young?"

Lisfek shrugged. "I haven't seen one of their youth before. At least, not before they change in some way. They grow and develop, much like plants and Ussal crabs."

His old collage let a "huh" before pointing back at the group. He turned to see his collages departing moving to different ships. Felix and the child made their way back toward the two, Rau still glowing.

"We have to go," He said. "The other Makuta could be here any minute."

Lisfek nodded. "Agreed,"

"The sooner we wind-fly, the better," said Juleva.

The former Toa of Air guided the party toward the deck. Once they were on board, the ships finally departed. He could see one of the many tunnels that connected the islands together, under a series of domes. Felix seemed to be surprised by this.

"Are we underground?" He ask in disbelief.

Lisfek shrugged. "Perhaps, nobody's really pondered on that. It's always been like this. What, you're world isn't like this?"

"You mean 'built within a series of domes and tunnels'?" He replied. "Then no. We don't have those back at home."

As they left the bay, Lisfek couldn't help but notice some of the folk around them. One appeared to a female, clan in crimson armor. She was coated in the body fluids of various species, likely guards who met an unfortunate fate. What intrigued the Turaga was that she bore feline features, like that of a Shallows Cat or Muaka. She had a metallic tail, ending in a spike. She had cat-like claws and a feline-like Kanohi (Either a Jutlin or an Avsa). She cast her fiery eyes onto the party, glaring at them mush like how a Muaka would to its prey.

"That would be Oken," Said Juleva. "As you can see, some Makuta thought it'd be cute-funny to give some of the sapiens Rahi traits. She's only but one of them."

"Erm, how many did he…" Felix paused. "Well, alter?"

The old prankster shrugged. "Dunno. I've seen some more down below deck, but I've never asked about their actual numbers. Don't even wanna know."

They spottered another victim of splicing, bearing massive wings on his back and talons for feet. He bore a variety of cool colors on his armor, especially those related to green and blue. His Kanohi was a Kakama.

"Emomak, our local Gukko-man," said Juleva. "He was the one spirit-lifted me out of my cell. If it weren't for him, I'd be Makuta-bones."

He pointed toward what appeared to be the captain's corners. "Come on," he said. "We might be able to find some maps there or something. Ain't gonna do any good to sail around the world blind-lost."

He continued to guide them past the crowd, making their way to the captain's cabin. Just when they were a yard away, however, the ship suddenly rocked. Waves crashed against the vessel, Thunder roared above them, Lightning whipping around dark clouds. Once minute there was clear skies, then the next the Silver Sea turned against them.

"The hell's going on!?" Shouted one human.

"Where'd those come from?" Said another, pointing toward the clouds above.

A telescope rolled against Lisfek's foot. Scooping it up into his hands, he peered through the looking glass. He could see a massive figure at the docks, moving his hands in coordination with the weather patterns. It didn't take him long to realize who and what the being was.

"Who is that?" Asked 047.

Lisfek growled. "It's that Makuta from before. He must've dealt with Grey."

A screech of thunder soared past their ship, colliding into another. It and its occupants were set ablaze, the sailors screaming as they were burnt alive. Their vessel sank into the waters, falling apart as it did so. Another ship was blown off course, and heading straight into one of the massive tunnels. The waves shoved theirs toward another one, nearly toppling over as it did so. Several people was cast overboard, falling into the sea. The Turaga and child were almost lost too, were it not for the German. However, he was splashed by another wave, causing him to lose his grip on H1.

"KID!" Felix shouted.

The lad dug his fingers into the wood, trying to hang on. Another wave crashed into the vessel, rolling him around some more. A flash of thunder smashed into the ship, tearing a large portion of it apart. That same blast sent him flying into the silver surface below, diving headfirst into the alien substance.

He recognized the substance instantly. This was Protodermis. He remembered how it poisoned the others. How it hadn't killed him then was beyond his understanding. However, he wasn't eager to test that oddity further. Frantically, he waved his limbs around, trying to reach the surface. He managed to do so, and beheld a horrible site.

Most of the fleet had been whipped out, torn to pieces by Ghjis' storm. The ship he was on was spiraling out of control, missing a fraction of its mass already. Another ship sank in flames, leaving a trail of debris and corpses behind. So many people had died, either drowning or electrocuted to death. He heard an explosion, and turned to see another ship being struck by bolts. He was unable to dodge a piece of debris that smashed into his skull.

The impact sent him back under the waves. He tried to swim back up, but the pain practically anchored him. He held his breath for as long as he could, but he knew it wouldn't last. So this was how he was to die? Drowned by torment and isolation. Would there be anyone left alive to mourn him?

He was slowly falling into the black, his strength fading. Before he lost conscience, he would make out a shark-like shape moving toward him. If he held his eyes open for a second longer, however, he would've seen it change form. He would have seen it grow limbs and narrow its body. He would've seen its armor's colors change to red, white, and black…

…and he would've seen the Kanohi Crast taking shape on its head.

Hours later…

Tridax was inspecting the wreckage of the fleet. He couldn't believe his eyes. Somehow, the Homo sapiens had managed to break free and overpower the main security force. He didn't know how such a breach could've happened, but that was the least of his worries. Many of them were killed during the breakout, and those that survived it were later swept away by Ghjis' Storm. Speaking of which…

He teleported back to the bronze Makuta, albeit in statis. Xociv was standing over him, blowing a strange power onto his body.

"What happened with him, Xociv? One moment, he was as calm as the wind, the next a raging hurricane."

Xociv looked back up at his superior, weary darting his eyes from one way to another.

"Ghjis seems to suffer from some form of psychological blood lust. Whatever his condition is, it can impair all of his reason skills and cause him to develop an addiction to violence. The virus I used to quell these traits seems to have worn off recently. I've brewed up another batch from him. Hopefully, it'll last longer than the last dosage."

Tridax nodded. He heard wings flapping off in the distance. When he turned, he saw Aryamex landing before him.

"Just as the chemist said," She spoke. "Most of the fleet was whipped out. Barely any survivors."

"And the rest of the ships?"

She frowned. "Haven't found them. Either they were destroyed too, or scattered to the winds."

"And what of H1?"

There was a pause. "The last time anyone saw him, he drowned in the Silver Sea."

Tridax growled. This wasn't good. If the rest of the Brotherhood found out about this, especially Teridax… he needs to distance himself from the project. He needs someone else to maintain and oversee it. But who? He won't trust Chirox or Mutran with the Information, Xociv is a coward, Ghjis a madman. He'll need to think about this.

"If anyone asks," Said Tridax. "The Dark Hunters launched a surprise attack on us."

The female Makuta nodded, returning to the ruined base. Sculdar passed by her as she entered. The right-hand had suffered considerable damage. Judging from the way he limped, he had one of his legs broken. One of his mandibles was missing, his lower jaw in an awkward angle. A good chunk of his shoulder armor was missing, revealing scarred organic tissue. Walking beside him was one of the remaining offspring.

"While the death of H1 is a great lost," He began, coughing and grunting in pain. "We were able to contain H256, 113, 712, and 479. We've had to put H627 down due to his… behavior."

While the boy beside him appeared to nine years old, he was actually only a third of that. Tridax recalled ordering Xociv to use his Mask of Aging on him occasionally. The boy had ash-grey hair, pale skin, and hazel eyes. If it weren't for the fact that he was still flesh and bone, most would've mistaken him as a ghost.

"Well, at least some potential warriors still remain," The red-and-purple Makuta sighed in relief. He turned to see Nzavokh teleporting beside him. "How long before the workers arrive here?"

"In about a couple of days."

"And how long will it take for them to restore the facility?"

The emerald-armored brother let out an "hmm", calculating the math in his head. "About one to four months."

Tridax sighed. "I'll take leave and find someone suitable for my place," He said.

Nzavokh raised an "eyebrow". "You're no longer leading this project?"

"After what happened, no," He admitted. "If I continue work here, Teridax might catch us. No… No I need to distance myself from this place."

He grabbed his spear and walked toward the docks. "I'll inform you of your new manager once I find a suitable one."

With that, he teleported off.

Lanous paced back and forth across the red beach. Normally, he wouldn't be out in broad daylight, not with how the world is these days. However, he could feel change in the air, like a wild fire in the forest. Jismal has been gone for quite some time. In the past, she would be gone for hours, collecting and planting information on Unoyr. This time however, she's been gone for the past few days. She hasn't sent any telepathic to him either lately.

Something was shifting beneath the crimson sands. Grabbing his sword, Lanous got into a battle stance. He was rather surprised by the being that emerged from there. Out of the dune came a crab-like Rahi, with long eyestalks and tiny pincers. Lanous lowered his blade. It was only an Ussal, about the size of his foot.

Just as he let his guard down, he spotted something in the distance. Running on instinct, he hid behind several dead trees. Through a tiny hole in one of them, he spotted a small boat coming toward their hideout. He could vaguely make out a figure around his height, along with some kind of cargo.

Suddenly a voice came out of nowhere. Or rather, it wasn't a voice. Voices made noise the last time he checked. It didn't feel like it was that it was exactly "real" either. Rather, it sounded like it was inside his own head.

I know you're here, hothead, Said the silent source. Now come on out and help me with our firend.

Lanous smiled. He knew that tone anywhere. But what did she mean by "friend"? Lanous left his spot and headed towards the boat. There he saw Jismal, arms at her knees. She was looking down at something, and seemed to be in a grave state. When he glanced down, he saw the reason behind her mood. And he almost let his lower jaw hit the sands.

At first glance, he seemed to looking at Yagvi (or a ghost of him). However, there were some differences between the two. First of all, some of the armor on the lower left arm was missing, revealing a nearly organic limb. Second, he was a bit shorter than an average Toa. Third, his head kind of round, whereas a Toa's would be a bit like a narrow trapezoid or rectangle.

This, Lanous realized, was one of the humans. And it didn't take a genius to realize that he was in critical condition. The torso armor was creaked and bent, possible even stabbing through its chest. One of the legs was bent in an awkward position. The aforementioned arm was also missing some of its organic tissue, revealing a tiny bit of bone beneath the flesh. The Pakari he wore was fracturing in many places, possibly on the verge of falling apart.

"Help me lift him," The Toa of Psionics finally said in an urgent matter.

Lanous complied, grabbing the lower half of the being while she got the upper half. They strode slowly to their headquarters, carefully not to damage the alien further. When they reached the cavern, Lanous swiftly used one hand to light a torch hanging about. They sat him on one of their stone beds, gently as they could. This was bad. Real bad. Neither one of them knew how to repair a Homo sapien, let alone have any sort of medical experience.

"What're we gonna about him?" Lanous asked. "We not doctors or anything."

Jismal frowned. She wanted to help the poor soul, but there was nothing she could do. Unless…

She turned to Lanous. "I think it was about time we got help,"

Lanous just stared at her. "What do ya mean?"

"I have a friend on Versuva," Jismal revealed. "He's an expert healer and biologist. He can help us."

Somethig clicked in Lanous' head. "Versuva… you mean that he's one of them Mersions?"

Jismal nodded.

"How long will it take to get him here?" He asked.

"About a day, if I'm quick,"

Lanous turned toward the broken human. "Then you better be quick,"

The Toa of Psionic nodded, "And you need to watch him while I'm gone,"

Lanous crossed his arms. "And if he wakes up while you're gone?"

Jismal walked toward a wooden chest, bringing it to him. Opening up, he saw several Kanohi masks. One was a Mask of Emotion, another a Mask of Insomnia. He could also make out a Mask of Healing and another of Possibilities, alongside an Akaku and an extra Rau. There was a Mask of Conjuring too. Some of these Kanohi are considered immoral to Toa. But given the situation, he may have no choice in the future.

Lanous looked at the stash, then back at her. "As you said before," she reminded him. "Neither one of us are experts. That's why I need to find one in Versuva."

With that, she ran out the cave. The Toa of Fire sat beside the outsider, switching his Pehkui-shaped Miru in exchange for the Mask of Possibilities.

Let him survive long enough for help to arrive. He commanded.

He could've sworn he heard a "beep", or something similar. The man's breath seemed to relax slightly, but only ever so slightly. Lanous kept the mask on, just in case it didn't. This, he knew, was going to be a rough day…

Meanwhile…

Icarax hated two things: Waiting, and secretary. He preferred going out in the open, taking the fight to the enemy. He wasn't one to wait for things to fall in place. He wasn't one for subtle manipulation and deception. He was one of action and sheer force, the being at the frontlines. And here he was, sitting around like a cowardly politician behind his throne.

He heard the sound of metallic wings flapping. Moving toward the entrance of his hideaway, he could see the vague shape of a wing Rahi swooping toward him. Within its talons was a package, containing some kind of contents. Icarax knew what was it, and he could sense that this was no mere Rahi.

"It's about time you came," He greeted his guest impatiently.

The "Rahi" began to morph and bend its shape. The wings vanished, arms appearing in their place. The thing straightened up, its body becoming more sapient. The beaked face became the Crast he was all too familiar with. And there, in his hands, was a Matoran-like entity, still breathing.

"I apologize for the delay," Krika snapped. "But I had to make some detours and stops. Tridax was searching through the wreckage. I was lucky enough to smuggle the larva away without him drowning or being spotted by patrols."

Icarax wanted to make a remark on that, but decided to keep silent. As much he prefers open combat, even he knew his limits. He led his brother back down the corridor and into his chamber. Inside he could a weapon vault and a few stone blabs. These slabs had a number of objects on them: Kanohi, weapons, armor, and the likes. Krika placed H1 on a clear table.

"Have you brought the tools as well?" He asked.

Icarax nodded, pointing toward another table. To the phantom-like Makuta's surprise, these were exactly were what he needed. He wanted to make some witty remark about a "fearsome warrior" such as his brother having a doctor's tools, but he put that aside. Grabbing whatever surgical items he needed, he place them near the comatose body.

"And the armor and implants?" He inquired.

Again, the same response as before. He found a number of different mechanical parts on another table. They were mostly clean, though he could make out bits of shrapnel, organic tissue, and body fluids stained onto them as well. He should've remembered that Icarax was never delicate with things. Ah well, he'll just have to clean them off a bit.

"You're certain that you can do this?" Icarax inquired with a puzzled look.

Krika frowned. "While I have some knowledge on the creation of Matoran, I don't have much on the human anatomy. Still, I won't allow Tridax to endanger the Brotherhood with these beings. Best that they disappear."

"And if they die?" Icarax remarked, a smug grin on his Mask of Scavenging.

"Then at least they cannot harm us," He replied. "If this… thing survives the process, then I want to drop him off somewhere. Somewhere that only you and I know of."

"And where would that be?"

A few minutes later, he was finished. The child still had the shape of a broken Matoran, though the damage looked more authentic this time. For once, Icarax's rough ways paid off. While the new armor wasn't as much an eyesore as before, there was enough damage to make it look old enough. The battered Noble-Komau covered his warped skull, hidden its true features. The armor's previous colors were discarded in favor of crimson and ash-grey. In short, he now looked like a rough Ta-Matoran.

Icarax grabbed a lightstone from one of the other tables, placing it in a pouch. He wrapped said pouch around the body, watching as his partner-in-crime faded. In an instant, the Makuta and human were within a place of darkness. From what Icarax told him earlier, there was a one way journey. There was a barrier which absorbed all manners of light, and would prevent the traveler from turning back after a certain point.

Perfect Though Krika.

He propped the human against the wall, removing the lightstone from his pouch and placing it on his lap. That should keep any Rahi away. As he stood back up, he noticed an engraving on the same wall, above the sapien's head.

~This is a realm of shadow... of famine and plague and blight ... This is a world of darkness ... and there is no place for light.~

Krika's refused to let any expression form onto his face.

A fitting description of the world today. He thought to himself.

He cast edone last glance at the boy. To most beings, such an insignificant worm would hardly be considered a threat. But he had seen what his kind was capable of, if given the chance. And he won't let them get another one after what happened today. He silently bid the outsider farewell as he teleported, hopefully for the last time.

AN: Wow, took over a month for me to type this one. Usually takes twice as long or even longer for me. Must be a new record. XD Anyways, Versuva and the Mersion belong to ChickenBond2 of CBW, so he deserves credit.

There's also another thing I want to talk about: BIONICLE's reboot. Yep, LEGO confirmed at Comic Con that it'll be rebooted in 2015. It'll take place on Okoto, a new island that's a mix of Mata Nui and the Slizer planet. I'll still be writing this story in the old universe, though. I have plans for H1 and crew in the future, and I'm hoping to carry them out. If you want to learn more about it, check BZPower or The Three Virtues (TTV for short) on Youtube.

Before I go, I need to ask yawl something: I need a name for Tridax's successor. If yawl have any ideas for it, place it in a review.

Oh, and I intend on making another BIONICLE Halloween story. This time, it's a bit more… down to earth. :3