*Around 17,000 years ago*
"Get down!" shouted Terun.
Xipher did so and in time to avoid getting struck by a flying boulder. "You know you're throwing stone at a Toa of stone, right?" he remarked. He stretched forth a hand and summoned a tower of stone underneath the Skakdi's feet.
It launched him several yards into the air, where he landed on the steep and rocky slope above.
"You couldn't of just grabbed him?" shot the Toa of fire.
"You've got to rough them up first. Make them too tired to fight back," Xipher replied.
The red Skakdi slowly got back up. "You two know you're a thorn on my side, right?" He snapped back before firing a lava launcher at them.
The Toa took off in different directions.
"Got any ideas of your own?" barked Xipher as he hid behind a large boulder. He flinched as another sphere of lava shot overhead.
"Well, fire power is out of the question," Terun replied. He dove behind a nearby boulder. "On second thought, you should rough him up a bit."
The Toa of stone grinned. He placed both hands on the ground, closed his eyes, and concentrated. Soon, cracking sounds echoed from above. The Toa of fire had his back against the boulder and saw pebbles roll down the hill. The pebbles were followed by rocks, and then boulders. Then he saw the Skakdi tumbling along in the middle of the avalanche. The landslide slowly came to a stop.
The Toa got up and traversed through the rubble until they reached the moaning Skakdi. He raised his head and got a good look at the Toa before quickly laying it back down.
"Well," said Xipher, "Looks like things went down hill for him."
His brother rolled his eyes. Xipher let out a mile of satisfaction, which was then answered with a light punch to the shoulder.
"Just help me get him to the fortress."
Even at the crack of dawn, Sam and Amanda still needed their night vision goggles, while Vaptech's pupils had taken on the shape of cross-hairs. The Vortixx camp was well within their sights.
"Alright Amanda," Sam cued.
Amanda left their hiding place and silently paced herself to the camp, staying low and keeping her gun up. The sound of snoring became evident when she reached the first tent. Cautiously, she crept through the camp, pointing her gun at each door she passed. Soon she found what she was looking for: Several large cages, three of which held her comrades.
The first part of her job was done. She soon made a full circle of the camp. As she was leaving, she heard a low rumble and froze. Looking to her right, the hairs on the back of her neck rose at the sight of two large dog-like creatures, each nearly the size of a small bear. She took extra precaution tiptoeing past the sleeping giants and soon made it back to her team.
"Well?" whispered Sam.
"There's six tents. Scott and the others are on the other side in a cage and there are several crates on the left side of camp, guarded by two large dogs, and I mean BIG." She clarified with her arms spread out.
"Ideas?" asked Vaptech.
"It's you and Saber they're after. When dawn approaches, Saber will go in and draw their attention. As they chase her up that hill, Vaptech and I will go in and free the others. Amanda, I want you on top and out of view. You will be watching over and defending Saber. Remember not to kill them. We need the one responsible for what happened to Saber alive." She then faced Saber. "I want you to be wandering around the camp until they wake up. When they see you, run. Think you can do this?"
Saber was hesitant as she lightly nodded.
Light was beginning to pour though the canopy. Saber could feel her heart race as she slowly tiptoed through the campsite. Every rustle and non-snoring sound from the tents made her flinch. Each time, she stayed still for a moment before reassuring herself and kept moving. Halfway through the camp she saw the cages. Without a second thought, she ran to them. But her sprint was cut short as she tripped on a tent rope. She gave a silent yelp as she fell.
Keeping still, she looked round to make sure nobody woke up. She got back on her feet and continued running. Once there, she looked around for Xipher. All of them looked the same to her, until she noticed one with hair, much longer than the others.
"Xipher," she whispered. "Xipher!"
He stirred in his blanket before slowly opening his eyes. When his vision cleared, his eyes grew wide. "Saber!" he whispered. He scurried out of his blanket and crawled to the bars. "What in Mata Nui's name are you doing here?!"
She got down on her knees to meet eyes with him. "We're going to rescue you."
"Rescue?! No, no, no. You need to leave. They'll wake up any minute now and-"
"Don't worry, everything will be fine. We have a plan," she smiled.
"But-"
Saber raised a finger to cut him off. "As long as I do my part, the plan should go fine."
Suddenly there was a blue flash. Xipher flinched. In a second, Saber's smile was replaced with fear as she fell backwards. Behind her was Evete, partially hidden behind a tent.
"No," Xipher gasped.
"I thought I heard something," smiled Evete. She strolled over and looked down at Saber. "So you're planning a rescue mission. Care to fill me in on the details?"
Saber replied with muffled speech.
The Vortixx knelt down and played with her hair. "Don't worry, it'll wear off in a few minutes. Then a little dissection should get you to talk."
"No!" Xipher yelled. Everyone in the cages woke up startled. "Leave her alone!" he cried as he reached out to Saber.
Soon everyone else in camp emerged from their rest.
"What's going on?" Deskera hissed as she rubbed her eyes.
Evete held up her prize with a smile. "Look who I caught."
"This can't be happening." Sam then talked into the radio. "Amanda, do something."
"I can't get a visual," she replied.
"Well this is great," Vaptech spat and threw his hands into the air. "We just handed her over. What now?"
Sam thought about it for a moment. "We'll have to change the bait."
A rip followed by a scream was what Deskera heard before seeing Vaptech run right past her with Saber in his arms. All of the Vortixx were stunned at such a bold move, but quickly recomposed themselves and grabbed their weapons. The dogs barked, while the Vortixx pursued and fired their weapons. Vaptech changed directions as often and random as he could. He suddenly yelped as spinner struck his back, releasing an energy web that engulfed him. As he fell, he made sure not to crush Saber. All the Vortixx cheered, but when they began to run up the hill, the sound of thunder echoed through the forest. They all stopped and were startled as one Vortixx fell down, screaming as she cradled her leg. Another one soon screamed while holding her shoulder. The other Vortixx immediately took cover behind trees and tried to find the source of the sound.
From within the camp, Deskera watched the scene unfold into a conflict and cringed her teeth.
Evete came out of the tent, cradling her right hand. "That spawn of the pit," she spat. "I'll make sure he feels every slice of my scalpel."
"We'll worry about that later. I need you to release the hounds."
"What about you?"
"I'm staying. Something about this doesn't add up." In the midst of the chaos, she heard another gun shot. What got her attention wasn't the sound, but how uncomfortably close it was. She cringed her teeth and looked back.
"I should've known," she growled to herself.
Sam removed the broken lock and opened the cage. "Where's your gear?" she asked.
"We don't know," Scott replied as he, Josh and Xipher walked out of the cage.
"Go find them. We need all the firepower we can get."
"But first you have to get through her!" Xipher pushed Sam out of the way in time to miss a Rhotuka spinner.
"Should've known there'd be more of you freaks," The Vortixx spat.
Sam kept her gun aimed at her as she sidestepped towards a tent. "Is this the woman you've been talking about?"
"She is now," Xipher replied. He then noticed something from the corner of his eye. "Move!"
Everyone scattered as a blue spinner whizzed past. Sam regrouped with Xipher and pulled him into a tent. They went to the other side and crawled out from under the canvas.
"Xipher," she whispered, "Think you can help Scott and Josh look for their gear, while I keep those two distracted?"
He nodded. "Be careful around Deskera," he warned. "She's the one who made me this."
Sam didn't get the chance to acknowledge as Xipher ran to avoid being seen by the Vortixx leader. "Hey, snake face!" she shouted, "I have something for you." She took aim at her legs and fired.
Deskera yelped as she sprung out of the way. "You little brat!" she hissed.
Sam wasted no time and ran between two tents. As she made her way out, she was met with a sucker punch to the side. The blow sent her off her feet and flying several yards before landing flat on her back. She gasped for air as another Vortixx came up and pressed her foot on her.
"Having problems breathing?" Evete said bitterly. "Here, let me help."
Sam gave off a sound that was a mix of gasping and screaming as the Vortixx leaned her weight on her.
"Evete," Deskera called out, "Find the others. I'll deal with her."
Evete took Sam's gun away and ran to a nearby tent. Sam put an arm around her chest as she slowly sat up.
"Aren't you a stubborn little human," Deskera hissed. "A few training lessons and you'll be a more decent pet."
"Is that why you're after him? To be your lap dog?" snapped Sam.
"No. It's what he is that's so desirable. I know a few people willing to pay top dollar for the infamous legend. What they do with him, I could care less."
Sam finally got on her feet and staggered a bit. "It's too bad it would be your only payday."
Deskera raised an eyebrow. "What are you implying?"
"There's only three to sell. Once gone, there's no other 'game' valuable enough to make you that much money."
The Vortixx thought about it for a moment. "True." Then she tilted her head in amusement, "But who said I can't 'make' more?" From her back, a Rhotuka launcher rose up and began to glow.
Sam took a step back, her face lit with realization. "You wouldn't dare," she gasped.
"Have to test it on a Human sooner or later," Deskera replied with a wide grin.
Sam stepped backwards before turning around and making a run for it. The Vortixx aimed her spinner and fired.
"There's nothing here!" whispered Josh as he closed another crate.
"Keep looking," ordered Scott.
Xipher pillaged trough several boxes, tipping each one over to empty its contents. "Found one." He picked up the AR-15 and handed it to Josh.
"Here's two more." Scott cradled the rifles and motioned his head towards the cages. Xipher followed them as they made their way around the camp. His reflexes ordered him to jump back when Evete ran at them from the side and knocked Josh off his feet. Scott kept running and made a full sprint to the cages, while Xipher hid behind a tent.
"Oh, hey snake face," smiled Josh. "How about you and I do some tango?" He aimed the gun at her feet and fired.
She jumped to the side and cursed under her breath. As Josh kept her busy, Xipher ran to the other side of the tent, but stopped when he saw Sam and Deskera conversing. Sam looked badly hurt as she stood her ground. She threw comments at the Vortixx about her plans for him. He wasn't sure if she was stalling her or getting information, but it astounded him that she had the guts to stand up in her predicament. But that astonishment changed when Sam took a step back as Deskera's Rhotuka glowed. His eyes widened. It was obvious she wouldn't get out of the way in time. She would become just like him. That thought echoed in his mind until his eyes light up in an epiphany, but he would have to time it just right.
Right as the spinner launched, he sprinted right into its path. Deskera's eyes widened in shock as she realized what she had done. Sam stopped and turned around to see Xipher screaming while his body began to rearrange itself; spikes ripping out the back of his shirt while the rest was torn apart from his growth. Deskera was in panic while recharging her spinner. Before she could get another one ready, Xipher let out a roar and pounced on her. He pushed her back and pinned her shoulders to the ground.
Sam watched the two resettle each other. Xipher was doing a decent job keeping her from using her launcher, until she got her legs under and launched him over her. As she got on her feet, Xipher ran inside one of the tents. She readied her spinner and turned in all directions, expecting him to come from behind. Then she turned to Sam.
The Human took a step back and ran into the closest tent, where she hid under a table full of boxes and stone tablets with writing on them. She heard the approaching Vortixx and froze as she entered. Her heart raced as she watched her walk over to the table she was under. She quietly crawled back a bit and hit something. The object tilted and she spun around to catch it. But one good look at the contents and she screamed. By the time she covered her mouth, it was too late. A hand grabbed her by the collar and she was yanked out. Before she knew it, she was laying on top of the table with a knife to her neck.
"You spawn of Karzahni!" Deskera spat. "When this is over, I'll mount you on a wall!"
"Like what you're about to do with Turner!?" she cried.
The Vortixx leaned to her side to view the glass container, and then straightened back up. "I think of him more as a donation to science."
Sam gave a look of disgust.
"Don't worry, he died somewhat painlessly. But I don't care how much pain you feel as you die!"
Suddenly, there was a roar as Xipher ran through the door and grabbed Deskera. She was knocked off her feet and both rolled out the other side, taking the tent down with them. It took over a minute for the Vortixx to squirm her way out, but once she was able to stand, she was surprised to see several guns aimed at her. Behind the men was Evete, kneeling on the ground with her only hand behind her head and two marines right behind her. Deskera hissed angrily, but froze when she felt a blade against the back of her neck.
"Deskera," Xipher growled, "It's time we discussed the terms of your surrender."
"I'm listening," she replied with distaste.
"First, you change Saber back, then you leave this place and never return."
Deskera replied slowly and with teeth clenched together, "Very well."
"And you leave Turner's remains behind," ordered Sam. "All of them."
Perched on a log, Xipher watched the Vortixx load their last supplies on the boat, while the Marines watched over like hawks. He could hear Josh talking to Evete in a strange way. She replied by mentioning something about preferring being bitten by a Doom Viper instead. The Human chuckled to himself as she marched away. When the last Vortixx oared their way to the ship, he gave a sigh of relief. Saber walked up and handed over his cloak.
His spikes folded back and he threw it around his neck and tied it on. He noticed Saber looking at the ground.
"Yes?"
The perked up and made eye contact. "The Humans," she said softly.
Both looked at the Marines, who were walking along the edge of the forest, looking for a suitable place to camp.
"We owe them our gratitude."
"But?" he asked, expecting something he wouldn't like.
"But, I ask that you reconsider. They've proven they have no quarrel with you. What they've said is true. Let them leave. They need to go home."
Xipher immediately turned his head away. "No," he said coldly.
"Why not?"
"Even with their technology, they wouldn't survive long out there. They probably couldn't beat an injured Matoran in a fistfight. Besides, just how are they going to find their way home? Even they don't know how they got here."
Saber paused for a moment. "Why here anyway?"
Xipher was surprised at the question.
"I mean, of all the islands to teleport an alien race, they're dropped here. Doesn't that concern you?"
He thought about it for a moment.
"Xipher, someone knows they're here and they'll come looking for them."
"We don't know that. It could just be an accident. Maybe they were meant to come to this world, but the coordinates were put in wrong."
"And if it isn't?"
He didn't answer.
"Well, I'm going to help." Saber marched off towards the Marines.
His eyes followed her for a bit before looking back at the ocean. His ears turned back, picking up someone trying to silently walk past him.
"Leaving already?" Xipher asked coldly.
Vaptech stopped as though caught in the act and looked back. "You know me," he smiled, "Never around for too long. Besides, I got enough 'personal' time with them. You however, should get some more, especially if you're going to keep them here," he joked, and then left.
At first, Xipher rolled his eyes at the idea, but it soon occurred to him that if he was going to keep his new 'neighbors' here, he would have to get to know them sooner or later. He let out a sigh.
"Fine," he grumbled to himself. "A few days, but that's it."
"What do you think?" asked Scott.
Xipher gave the structure a quick look over. It was nothing more than a frame, four thick branches sticking out of the ground with a slanted roof and a raised floor. He grabbed one of the branches and leaned some of his weight on it.
"It'll do."
Josh sat down and lay against a tree. "Well, I don't know about you, but I think we should take a break."
The Marines showed their agreement by sitting on the logs they assembled around their campfire.
"You really tire out, don't you?" Xipher asked. "How do you even survive as a species?"
"Well, it helps when we're not against giant, half-robotic beings," snapped Josh.
Xipher shot back an un-amused glare. "I noticed."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing. Just that without your little 'tools', you wouldn't stand a chance."
Josh let out a fake smile. "Well then, how about you put your money where your mouth is."
Xipher raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right?"
"That's just what I was wondering," said Scott.
"I'm not. Oscar here is known back home as K.O. McGuire. He'll take anyone out in one punch."
"Oh no! You are not getting me involved in this," Oscar protested.
Josh brought his hands in front, with palms facing out. "I know. I'm just saying if you wanted to, you could." He stood up and walked onto the beach.
"I really think you shouldn't do this," protested Scott.
"Oh, just let him get beaten up," said Daniel as he carved out a skewer. "It might be entertaining."
Xipher walked over and stared down the human. Josh raised his fist and began to lightly hop from side to side while he made mock punches at him.
"What are you doing?" Xipher asked with confusion.
"Warming up."
"You're acting like a drunk Yukin rabbit."
"It's called boxing. It's a fighting style back home," explained Scott.
"Ah." Xipher paused. Then, in a split second a hand shot through the cloak and pushed Josh by the chest and sent him stumbling backwards until he fell down.
He took a moment to recover from the blow. "I wasn't ready."
"You weren't ready for Deskera either."
"Neither were you," he shot back.
Xipher growled. Josh stood back up and tried again. This time, he was able to make a legitimate swing at him, but was met with a hand holding him firm on the shoulder. Showing no effort, Xipher pushed him back to the ground. Some of the men chuckled. Not wanting this to be a total loss, he delivered a kick. He got him right on the shin, but it was solid metal. Everyone burst into laughter as Josh hollered and cradled his foot.
Xipher looked down with some amusement. "So, what have we learned?" he smirked.
"Two people would be better than one," Josh spat as he got up.
"Even when combined, you can't take me down," Xipher decreed.
"Hmm. Challenge accepted," smiled Scott.
"You can't be serious," moaned Daniel.
"Come on, what's the worst that can happen?"
"You'd be bed ridden for days," replied Oscar. "And I aint fixing anyone tonight for rough-housing."
"You can save it for latter," spoke Sam.
Everyone turned around. She, Mike, and Saber came walking back to the camp with shovels in their hands. "We're ready when you are."
As if on cue, everyone got up and walked up the beach until they reached a large boulder jutting out of the ground where the sand and forest met. Turner's name was carved onto the rock along with his date of birth and the assumed date of his death. The Marines formed a semi-circle around the grave. Xipher and Saber stood several feet back, looking unsure of just what was going on.
Scott cleared his throat and spoke up. "It's unfortunate Turner had to die under such horrible circumstances. Losing six of our brothers the day we came here was bad enough. All this happening on our first day of duty only adds salt to the wound."
Xipher's jaw dropped halfway.
"But we hope that regardless of what world they died in, they have gone to a better place."
Mike walked up to the grave and placed the barrel end of Turners gun into the ground, making sure it stood vertical. He then rested Turner's helmet on top and his boots at the base. He stepped back and slowly saluted. The rest of the Marines did the same. For a minute they stood at attention before they ended their ceremony and began their walk back to camp. Xipher remained still, while his ears and spikes pulled back. When Scott was about to pass him, he spoke in a soft manner.
"I-I had no idea."
Scott looked up at the Toa. "It's not your fault. I just hope we make it home to tell their families."
The remark made Xipher ears pull down. As Scott and the others left, he continued to stare at the grave.
"Xipher?" He snapped out of his trance and turned around. "You coming?" Sam asked.
"Yeah." He took a few steps and looked back at the grave before continuing on.
The lack of attention on him while they ate gave Xipher the hint they were much more comfortable with his presence. He took a large fruit and placed it up to his mouth, where it dissolved into energy that was then absorbed. Sam watched with her mouth gaped in amazement.
"So," Scott said casually as he finished his dinner, "You obviously got a little 'personal time' with us those last few days, but now that we're out of any real danger, perhaps we can get to know each other better."
"Oh, really?" Xipher's tone showed he had no interest.
Saber's ears went down as she gave a worried look at her companion. Everyone was quiet as they pondered. It was Sam who finally spoke up.
"What's it like out there?" She looked out towards the ocean.
"Depends on where you go. Each island has its own unique species, but Matoran are the most dominant. You can find them just about anywhere."
"What do they look like?" Mike asked.
Xipher shrugged, and then held the palm of his hand a few feet above the ground. "They're around this height, with long arms and large hands, not to mention short legs. Each has a color to signify what element-type they are and wear a mask."
"Why?" Josh asked before taking a drink.
Xipher thought about it for a moment. "I don't really remember. It's been a few thousand years since I've last seen one."
Josh stopped himself hallway through his drink, coughing some of it back into the cup. "Wait, how long?" he half gasped, half choked.
Xipher cocked an eyebrow. "What does it matter?" He soon became a little dumbfounded as everyone gave him and Saber looks.
"Just how old exactly are you guys?" asked Sam.
The two looked at each other.
"Well, I'm at least 80,000 years old," answered Xipher.
"And I don't really remember," Saber said with embarrassment.
The Humans' faces lit up with shock and awe.
"You guys are dinosaurs!" blurted Josh.
"A what?" Xipher asked.
"It's a reference to something that's old," Daniel explained. "It's also a type of creature that went extinct in our world several million years ago."
"But you can't be that young," Saber protested. "How old are you guys, in your mid 40,000?"
"Try late teens and early twenty's," Sam replied with a weak smile. "And I'm not referring to thousands of years."
The two Toa gave each other astounded looks.
"Aren't you a little young to be warriors?" Saber asked.
"Not really," replied Sam.
"I assume then that you're all rookies," Xipher spoke flatly.
Scott nodded.
"Great," Xipher spat to himself. "That explains quite a bit."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Josh resented.
"I'm referring to our ordeal with Deskera," he snapped.
"Speaking of Deskera, would you care to explain why she was after you?" Sam asked.
The Toa paused for a moment. "I thought she answered that for you," replied Xipher.
"She told me her incentive, not why everyone else wanted you so badly."
Xipher's ears went down and he rubbed his shoulder. "I suppose it has something to do with what I am,"
"Are you guys the last Toa or something?" theorized Scott.
"No. There's plenty of Toa out there. We're just… a unique type, kind of like you." He looked at the sunset, and then stood up. "I think it's time we get home."
"You can sleep with us if you want," Scott said warmly. "It is a long way back."
"Thanks, but no thanks." Xipher began to walk into the forest. "I'll be back tomorrow to check up on you."
"Xipher," called out Saber.
He stopped and looked over his shoulder and saw her large, pleading eyes. He let out a frustrated sigh and brought his head down. "Fine. But just for tonight."