*Over 17,000 years ago*

"That went better than I thought," The Toa of fire said as he brushed the dust off his shoulder.
"It would've been better if Xipher here held up the ceiling with his powers," explained the Toa of Air.
"I did what I could," Xipher spat. "Even with my powers, that cave would've collapsed."
His leader turned around and pointed his index finger at him. "Maybe it's because you're falling behind on your training, skipping out to enjoy your 'personal time'."
Xipher stopped. As his leader marched away, he clutched his fist and watched as the distance between him and his brothers grew. The only one who stopped was his sister. The Toa of water turned and noticed he wasn't following.
"Brother, what's wrong?" she softly asked.
"It's nothing," he grumbled.
She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Xipher."
Her tone told him she wasn't convinced. He let out a sigh. "What if I don't want this life? I mean, it's an honor being a Toa, but people still see me as a…. what did Turaga describe me as?"
She let out a sheepish smile. "An antisocial, poor tempered, duty-ditching punk."
"Oh yeah…" he said with much displeasure.
"Is any of that true?"
He paused. "Just the antisocial part."
"Then what kind of person are you?"
Xipher stared out into the forest before turning and walking away. "Someone who doesn't like to be around people."

If Scott and his comrades weren't running for their lives, they would've had a good laugh at Josh for screaming like a girl. The sound of caterpillar tracks was catching up from behind. Scott ran to a large tree and maneuvered around it. The beast chasing him couldn't do the same and overshot. He turned around and got another good look at the creature. It was a large, black metallic cat, with red highlights. The hind legs were replaced with a single caterpillar track.
The Jaguar-like machine roared as it turned around to face its prey. Scott was about to take aim when it suddenly stretched out its neck. He jumped back and fell to the ground. Its jaws snapped shut where he had just stood. It retracted its neck and crouched down to attack. Shots rang out, hitting the cat in the torso. The creature roared in agony and fell to its side. Scott looked behind and saw Mike with the gun, still aimed at the cat, shaking in his hands.
"There's got to be some kind of mad scientist around here." Mike jumped as another gunshot rang out. He turned around in time to see a second cat fall to the ground just feet from him.
Josh walked up to the creature and poked at it with his foot. "To bad no one's going to believe this. Anyone got a camera?" He placed one foot on the cat and made a victory pose, expecting someone to take a picture.
"This isn't the time," snapped Scott. He cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled Sam's name as loud as he could. His only reply was his echo. He then pulled out the radio. "Daniel, any sign of her?"
"Negative."
Scott tightened his grip on the radio, trying very hard to not throw it on the ground. After releasing his stress, he walked back up to the tree and sat down. The leader hung his head while burying his face in his hands.
Mike took off his helmet and sat next to him. "Don't hurt yourself. She couldn't of gone far."
"It's not that," stressed Scott. "Every hour that passes convinces me more and more that she's dead."
"She could still be alive."
"Mike, you saw what that thing tried to do to her. If she answers one question wrong, she'll be found eventually. Covered in blood."
"That's only if she bleeds out," said a cold voice.
Everyone jumped in surprised and looked around. Scott looked upwards and spotted the cloaked figure perched on a branch. He quickly stood up. and clenched his teeth. "Where is she?!"
"She's safe, and in pretty decent shape… I think."
"You think?!" Scott repeated in anger.
"Hey, she brought it on herself. But what you should really be focusing on is how badly you want to find her."
Scott clutched his fist. "What do you want?"
"I only ask that you comply with two things. Do them both right and I'll take you to her. If not, she's on her own."
"And those are?" inquired Josh.
"The first is that you answer all of my questions. Then I want you to remove whatever it is she lodged in my shoulder."
"Fine," said Scott. "But I ask one thing from you."
The being raised an eyebrow. "And what's that?"
"You take off the cloak and keep it off. I want proof you won't pull off any surprises."
His spikes folded down as he growled. The being jumped from his perch thirty feet up and landed on his feet like a cat. He took off the cloak. Scott quickly realized he wasn't so intimidating with it on. Despite his slenderness, the organic parts of his body were masculine. Along his waist were two clawed blades almost as long as Scott was tall. The being walked up to him, towering over, and looked down.
"Better?" he growled.
Scott didn't answer. Instead, he brought the radio up to his face. "Oscar, we're heading back and we're bringing a guest with us, so have your medical kit out and ready."
"Roger that."
Xipher began to encircle them. "Good. Now first question: What are you?"
"We're Humans," answered Mike.
"Why are you here?"
"We don't have a reason for being here," replied Scott.
"What do you mean?" he growled.
"It's hard to explain. We were flying to the aid of our comrades when a bright flash of purple appeared. The next thing we know, we're here in a forest."
Xipher stopped and stared at Scott. "Do you know anyone by the name Sorza?"
Scott answered firmly. "No."
After analyzing the Marine's expression, Xipher growled. "I'll buy your story. Now take me to Oscar."
"Gesh, talk about demanding."
Xipher turned and roared at the Human who made the smart remark.
"Josh, this is not a good time," snapped Scott.
"Sorry." he replied halfheartedly.
Josh's fake apology didn't impress nor satisfied Xipher. But he chose to let it slide. The Humans put their gear on and began their march up the hill. He followed close behind with his cloak in his hands.
"So, do you have a name?" inquired Mike.
"Xipher," he coldly answered, "And I have no interest in knowing yours."
Josh leaned over to Scott and whispered. "Something tells me this is going to be a 'beautiful' relationship."
"I heard that," barked Xipher.

The Marines sitting around the campfire were hungry, yet the hot food on their laps
could not pull their attention away from Xipher. He gave an occasion hiss and pulled his shoulder away.
"Hold still," Oscar ordered.
He made another attempt and carefully placed the tweezers inside the wound. When he felt the bullet, he dug around to get a hold of it. Xipher hissed again, clutching his fist as he tried to resist the urge to pull back.
"Got it." The medic slowly pulled out the bullet and examined it.
Xipher stood up and moved his arm around. He could feel a definite improvement.
"Alright, we fixed your arm. Now where's Sam?" asked Scott.
"She's not too far. I'll have her back in an hour or two."
"Oh no, you're taking me with you."
"You want her back here as soon as possible, right?" he snarled.
"I want to make sure you don't turn your back on us," snapped Scott.
Xipher growled. "If anyone is coming, it's Oscar."
"He won't need to," answered a feminine voice.
Everyone turned around. The glow of the fire revealed a tall, white figure carrying Sam in her arms.
"Saber," Xipher growled, "I told you to watch over her, not bring her here."
"I know," she whimpered. "But I'm having a hard time fixing her." She placed Sam down.
Oscar went to her and pulled her sleeve back.
"How bad is it?" asked Sam in a tired voice.
"There's quite a bit of bleeding, but it's nothing I can't fix." He took the fern-like plant off her arm. "What is this?"
"It's Sestra Fern. It helps against infection," Saber softly answered. "Keep it. It might help in the future."
Xipher quickly cut their conversation short. "We're done here, let's go."
"Hold on, we need answers too."
Xipher gave a quick glance at the Human leader. "Another time, perhaps."
Before Scott could order his men to act, Xipher jumped into the trees and disappeared into the shadow of night.
"Saber, perhaps you could-"
She was gone too.
Josh crossed his arms and leaned back. "Talk about dramatic exits."
"Tomorrow, we need to find him and get some answers," said Scott.
"Don't bother."
Scott and the others looked at Sam.
"Xipher is stubborn. He won't give you anything useful. Saber, however, gave some answers, but they only raise more questions." She flinched and clenched her teeth, hissing as Oscar wiped a disinfecting agent on her wounds.
"What exactly did she tell you?" asked Daniel.
"We're on one of a group of islands they call the Southern Islands."
"I wonder how they came up with that name," Josh mocked.
"Regardless of its name, few people dare come this far south. Apparently, most of it is uncharted."
Scott leaned against the plane, arms folded. "Did she say how we can get home?"
Sam shook her head. "No. All she mentioned was that there was some advanced city far to the north. I think she called it Metro-Nui or something."
"What about this mystery woman Xipher thought we were affiliated with? Sorza was it?"
"Never got an answer," replied Sam.
Scott exhaled deeply. "Tomorrow, we need to talk to Saber. She's our best bet."

"What do you think?" asked Saber
Xipher didn't answer. He continued to stare at the ground.
"Xipher."
He brought his head up. "I don't know."
"You don't know?" she repeated. "How can you not-"
"Not a single one of them carried her scent, yet their story doesn't make sense. Who abducts a group of aliens and then drops them here of all places? Something isn't right about this."
"So then what do we do about it?"
Xipher was silent. He lowered his head and stared back at the ground. "For now, we watch them, but keep our distance and make sure they don't know we're watching."
They reached their cave. The fire was almost burnt out, with just a few glowing embers. The thick darkness in the cave didn't hinder them from finding their bed.
"Suppose that what they're saying is the truth. What then?"
Xipher's spikes went down. "Then we make sure they never leave this island."

Xipher's ears twitched. He opened his eyes and scanned the entrance of the cave. The forest was usually calm in the morning, but bushes were being disturbed; twigs snapped under the weight of a foot. He stood up and drew out his blades. Soon, the strangers revealed themselves.
"What are you doing here?" he hissed.
"We're here to see Saber," said Scott.
Xipher looked around. "She's not here."
"Then we'll just have to get answers from you," replied Scott. "How do we get home?"
"Trust me, its best you stay."
"No it isn't," protested Sam. "We only have enough rations for a few days. After that, we're going to have a hard time finding food."
"I'll teach you how to hunt and gather. Then you can stay for the rest of your life." He growled and went back to sleep.
Sam marched up to him and knelt down. "Xipher, we can't stay here. We have to go back home."
He continued pretending to sleep. Frustrated, she placed a hand on him to shake him. He immediately grabbed her tightly by the arm. She hissed and tried to yank it away. Xipher quickly realized he was grabbing on her injured arm, which was now completely wrapped in bandages. He let go, allowing her to cradle her arm next to her chest. He stood up and glared down at the Humans.
"Let's get some things straight here. This island is your new home. Out there, they will reject you. The Vortixx, Skakdi, Matoran, just to name a few. The only ones who would even tolerate you are those with dark intentions."
"There has to be someone out there willing to help," said Scott.
"I doubt it," hissed Xipher. "Any more questions you want to annoy me with?"
"I've got one," replied Sam "Who's this Sorza woman you thought we were affiliated with?"
He sighed. "A Vortixx trapper. She frequently visits this island, trying to capture me, Saber, and our friend Vaptech, in hope of selling us to the highest bidder."
"Your kind are hunted like animals," gasped Sam.
"She's never succeeded, but we've had some close calls. If she ever found you, there's no telling what she'll do. I'll teach you all the do's and dont's of living here later on today, but after that, you leave me alone. Understand?"
Scott nodded.
"Good. Now go away." He laid back down and curled up.
Sam looked at Scott, who shrugged. Xipher could hear them leave. He was relieved. Then he opened his eyes and looked at Saber, who had been hiding in the dark and listening. She walked up with a long, worried look on her face.
"When will you tell them what we really are. Why we're sought after?"
"They don't need to know," he mumbled. "And it's best they don't know."

No one likes being chased by a Nui-Kopen. For Sam, one was all she ever wanted to meet. Now a second one was chasing her. She ducked whenever she could and occasionally turned around to take a quick shot. The loud shots didn't scare nor hinder the insect as it flew in for another grab. From behind, she heard a roar, followed by an ear-piercing screech and a crash. She stopped and turned around. The mosquito-like creature was on the ground and cut in half. Above it, Xipher was perched on a branch.
"You seem to have a habit to getting into trouble."
She shrugged. "That, or I'm a delicacy around here."
Xipher was not amused. He jumped down. "Other than this little incident, let's see how you did."
Sam pulled of her backpack and pulled out a container full of berries, some ferns, and various leaves.
"Good. You'll have a decent meal tonight. If Scott can find a Rahi large enough, that is." He escorted her back to the campsite. There, Mike was preparing the fire as Scott removed the organic parts of a monkey he killed.
"You're pretty fast learners," Xipher said coldly. "There is one more thing to discuss: Energized Protodermis."
"And just what is that?" inquired Scott.
"A toxic liquid that takes on a similar appearance to water. Whenever you find a pond or large pool of water, throw a few organic things in and see what happens. If it explodes, don't touch it. If it transforms, then don't touch it. This is your only warning." He then began to walk away. "Now don't bother me again."
When he was gone, Josh looked over. "We're not really going to stay here for the rest of our lives, are we?"
"Of course not," Scott answered. "We need time to make a new camp at the beach and build rafts. Hopefully, Daniel and Mike have found a suitable site." He pulled out the walkie. "Hey Daniel, how goes the search?"
"Haven't reached the beach yet," he replied. "But watch out for any standing water."
Scott was confused. "Why?"
"Because Mike here shot a bird, it fell down into a pond, and when it hit that water, it burst into flames."
Everyone at camp gave looks at Scott, who was just as surprised.
"Maybe we should listen more carefully when Xipher tells us not to do something," suggested Sam.

"Do we even know where we're going?" murmured Mike.
"To the beach," replied Daniel.
"I know that, but how do we know we're not lost?"
"Because the sun is setting behind us. This way is east."
They continued their trek for over an hour. Mike was right behind Daniel, keeping an eye out for any threats. He froze.
"What was that?" asked Mike.
"What was what?"
Both scanned their surroundings.
"I probably stepped on something," Daniel explained and continued to walk.
Mike was not so convinced and kept himself alert as he followed. He heard a twig snapped and spun around.
"Mike, calm down. Getting all worked up won't do you any good." A few seconds later, he stopped. "Mike?" He turned around and saw his comrade on the ground. "Mike?!" He ran to him.
He was stumped to find him still awake, while the only part of him that moved here his darting eyes. His breathing was heavy and his alarmed face stared at something. As Daniel looked up to see what he was staring at, a flash of blue struck him on the chest. He took a step back in surprise, but his legs gave way and he fell. He tried to stop his fall, but his arms also failed him. Daniel found himself on the ground looking up at the canopy. It was when he tried to move that he discovered he was paralyzed. Panic set in as he feared this was the work of an unknown animal. He could hear the footsteps casually approaching him.
A shadow was cast over them and they looked up to see a humanoid figure, nearly ten feet tall with a snake-like head. It was black with red highlights all along its body, and had what appeared to be a ponytail on the back of its head.
"My, my, what do we have here?" She smiled. She bent over and held them in the air by their collars. "More organic freaks. But the answer I really seek is how valuable you are. You two look like you can't do much of anything, but I'm sure I'll find a good use for you."
Daniel and Mike tried to speak, but found themselves sluring. The marines' feet dragged along the ground as she took them south. After nearly a half hour, they reached a campsite. There were more of her species, each one of them black with a colored highlight and appearing to be female. There were several cages on the opposite side, some holding ferocious animals. Two hound-like animals, with rows of spikes running down their backs, took note of their presence and growled at them.
"Down boys," she ordered. She took them in a tent, where another woman with brown highlights was doing paper work. "Evete, I have more." She dropped them on the table.
The other woman turned around and examined them. "Interesting," She told herself. She began to search the men, pulling everything out she could find. "Maps, a compass, weapons... and this thing." She held up the radio in curiosity.
"Looks like they're after him too," the red one spat. "I hate competition." She then pulled out a knife.
"Hold on, these maps don't match the island's topography at all."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying for now we should keep them for questioning. They might know something." The red one considered it for a moment. "Fine," she hissed. "And hurry up with that other one. Is it even dead yet?"
"Passed away while you were gone. I can't wait to dissect it." Evete smiled as she held a scalpel.
"You and your sick hobbies," the red Vortixx spat. She took the marines and threw them in a cage. "You better hope you're more valuable alive than dead."