"Ga-Koro is right this way," Toa Macku said. "So, are you another refugee from Nynrah?"
The Toa of Gravity behind her shook his head. "No, I came from the south, actually. Did something happen in Nynrah?"
"We aren't sure what exactly, but apparently the Makuta there drove out all his citizens. One of the Agori who showed up here was in bad shape…makes you wonder."
"My word. And that's so close…"
Macku waved her hand dismissively. "Not to worry…um…"
The Toa of Gravity smiled. "Call me Arik."
"Not to worry, Arik: Makuta Kojol has never failed to defend Ga-Koro in the past, and she's certainly up to the challenge of one rogue Makuta if that is what we're dealing with. You'll be safe here."
Arik sighed. "I certainly hope so."
Ga-Koro itself was a small distance from the shoreline, built upon a massive metal platform just above the ocean's surface. A long bridge was the only path in or out of the city, and scattered about the surrounding water upon giant lily pads were a few dozen Rahkshi, most of them being of the six Principle varieties, all of them constantly surveying the area with deadly focus. Several Lerahk were spaced evenly around Ga-Koro in a rather tight ring—each sat in a meditative pose with their staffs in the water, using their powers of Purity to turn the area of ocean within their perimeter from salt water to fresh, never budging an inch as they concentrated solely on their vital duty. Arik casually glanced over the lot of them as Macku led him across the bridge.
"Makuta Kojol should be right this way," Macku said, gesturing to a steepled building that rose well above the domed huts that surrounded it. "Hopefully she's free to speak with you now."
Arik turned towards her. "Hm? What do you mean?"
"She had an unexpected visitor earlier, and it seemed like…"
Macku trailed off, and her steps slowed a bit. Arik looked up to see two figures coming down the street in their general direction. One was a tall Makuta clad in intricately-carved gold and green armor, a golden cape hanging from her shoulders; she wore a Kanohi Rode on her face, and in one hand she carried a long golden scepter topped with the symbol of the Three Virtues, a set of three concentric circles. The other was curiously similar to the drones recently unleashed upon Spherus Magna, but its body looked fuller and sturdier, and its limbs looked much more powerful, ending in hands rather than weaponry. The two were in the middle of a conversation, and Arik listened carefully as they came closer.
"…therefore I must demand extradition," the drone said. "Trust me when I say this matter is of the utmost importance, Kojol."
The Makuta just stared straight ahead. "Preserving the sanctity of Ga-Koro is my only priority—it is the reason I was created, after all. I cannot simply send off those who come looking for my protection. Without knowing anything about this mysterious threat you speak of, it is hard for me to justify sending Nynrah's citizens for questioning."
The drone clenched its fists. "But they could be hiding information vital to our search!"
"I assure you they are not. As I already said, I have spoken with each of them, and not one has lied to me. Unless of course you believe I am lying to you, Lord Velika?"
Arik froze in his tracks.
"Are you?" the drone asked.
Kojol turned, eyes wide and mouth agape. "Am I…Lord Velika, with all due respect, I am insulted! I cannot believe you would even entertain the idea that I would lie to you!"
"I think it's understandable given your lack of cooperation."
"I am cooperating, but I must also operate within the limits of the position which you imposed on me! Is it not enough that I let this weaponized avatar of yours walk my streets? Should I question your deservingness of my trust? Honestly, the nerve…"
As Velika grumbled to himself, Kojol caught sight of Macku and Arik. She stared hard at the Toa of Gravity for a moment, and then closed her eyes, sighed, and faced Velika again.
"Apologies, my lord, but it would appear I have someone new to welcome. Please excuse me."
She came forward, Velika saying, "This conversation is not over, Kojol. I will be waiting."
Velika headed back towards the steepled building, and Kojol stopped in front of the two Toa. Macku bowed and said, "Makuta Kojol, I present to you Toa Arik. He came here from the south, hoping to take refuge here."
Kojol looked down her nose at the Toa of Gravity. "Toa Arik? Hm. Where exactly is it that you come from?"
"I come from a small village just outside of Artidax, Makuta," Arik said. "I was out scouting when something attacked me. I was able to get away, but I did not think it safe to return home—I came here because I thought it would be better to send word to Artidax from here, so that their Toa can handle the problem before someone else gets hurt."
"I see," Kojol mumbled. "Well, thank you for bringing him in, Captain Macku. I shall take over now."
Macku bowed again before departing, and then Kojol led Arik down a side street.
"Honestly, was 'Arik' the most creative name you could think of?"
Arik smirked. "What's more curious, dear Kojol, is that you didn't tell Velika who I really am. For a moment I thought perhaps your mask had stopped working."
"Hmph! If I did tell Lord Velika, he surely would have threatened you, and that would have been unacceptable. Once you tell me more of what's going on, I have every intention of turning you away and letting him take care of you elsewhere."
"Ah yes, that does sound like you. Nevermind then."
Kojol took another glance around. "What have you done now, Krika? You overstuff my city with your citizens, then drones begin scouring the desert, and now Lord Velika appears at my door. I am due a proper explanation."
"Believe it or not, I agree, and I will give you one…as soon as I am satisfied with the care you are giving my citizens."
"Bah! Of course I have treated them as well as any others! I take my job very seriously, unlike you. See for yourself!"
She stopped and pointed with her scepter. On the other side of the street, a bandaged Kirbold sat conversing with a number of Matoran whom Krika recognized. Krika smiled, but then turned and resumed walking, Kojol quickly catching up to him.
"I had a prisoner," Krika said. "I was ordered to hold her until Antroz arrived, and then turn her over to be taken to the Maze."
Kojol's grip on her scepter tightened. "And you did not?"
"It's a bit more complicated than that."
"Is this fugitive here?"
"No, she is not."
"Then where is she?"
"I'm going to hold onto that for now."
"Hmph. Will you at least tell me her crime?"
"I most certainly will, Kojol. But is there some place less public where we can speak?"
With a frustrated sigh, Kojol ushered Krika into a small, empty hut, shutting the door behind them. Krika then explained to her what Zaekura was and why the Great Beings wished her gone, and of the attack they had launched on Nynrah in an attempt to retrieve her. He also mentioned Antroz's last bid to negotiate and how poorly it had gone, but by that point, Kojol already looked sufficiently horrified.
"…Perhaps my mask really has stopped working," she said at the end. "These things cannot possibly be true! How could the Great Beings do such terrible things?!"
She paced across the hut, Krika watching in silence.
"The girl, Zaekura: she is safe?"
"For the moment. I'd like to keep it that way."
"Indeed. Though I am loathe to take part in any deception, speaking of this to Lord Velika would bring about only needless death, and that is not something I shall enable. Tell her and whoever else aides you that you may consider yourselves under the protection of Ga-Koro."
Krika rolled his eyes. "What a privilege."
Kojol turned towards the door. "With that settled, I think it best you leave. I shall return to Lord Velika and dissuade him of his intent to question your citizens."
"One moment. Just for clarification, do we have your support in our stand against the Great Beings?"
"You should listen. I just said you would be safe in Ga-Koro."
"Yes, but if we were to end up doing battle, could we—"
Kojol whirled and interrupted, "Battle? Do you really intend to wage war against the Great Beings?! My, what a fool you are!"
"Nothing's decided. I simply want to know that if it should come to that, would you offer us aid?"
"Of course not."
Krika blinked. "…Excuse me?"
"Ga-Koro is a place of peace. We shall not take part in any war."
"You have a legion of Rahkshi, and quite the militia of sentient beings—they would be of great use."
"My army exists to defend Ga-Koro. Were I to send my troops into battle, that would leave my city unprotected, and I cannot abide by that! My only priority is the sanctity of—"
"But that task was given to you by the Great Beings, who you now know—"
Kojol jabbed her scepter in Krika's face. "Do not interrupt me! Regardless of this task's origins, it is still a noble one, and I refuse to give it anything less than my all! Should war break out, I will not fight for either side, and instead provide a neutral ground where the wounded can gather for protection. If it is soldiers you desire, Krika, you will have to look elsewhere."
Krika gently pushed the scepter away. "…Well, that's a bit disappointing. But so long as you aren't our enemy, I suppose I don't have excess reason to complain."
Planting her scepter and standing tall, Kojol said, "Quite. Now I suggest you leave this place, before Lord Velika has a chance to uncover your identity."
The two Makuta stepped out and quickly returned to the main street of Ga-Koro. When they arrived, however, they spotted Velika talking to a Glatorian, one that had come from Nynrah.
"I grow tired of asking you," Velika said. "Where is Makuta Krika?"
"I told you, I don't know," the Glatorian said. "He barely said anything at all, just insisted we leave. The last I saw of him, he was fighting those robots."
Velika grunted. "Those robots are my property. Krika must face accountability for his deeds, and it is you people who know him best. Surely you must know where he would run to?"
"I'm sorry, Lord Velika, but there really isn't—"
Velika clamped a hand onto the Glatorian's shoulder, leaning in to look them dead in the eye. "I detest it when people hide things from me, you know. And I am not one to let such things go unpunished."
"Lord Velika!" Kojol shouted, striding over to where they stood. "Unhand him at once! This is a violation of our peace, which you agreed to uphold!"
Velika half-turned in her direction. "Remember who you are speaking to, Kojol! We may tolerate your disobedience for the most part, but this situation is far too dire for such games!"
"Disobedience? I am only performing the duties—"
"Duties that we assigned you, yes! And as the one who assigned them to you, I now order you to make an exception and allow me to extradite these citizens of Nynrah."
Kojol slammed her scepter against the ground. "I will not! Even if you are a Great Being, my lord, that does not give you the right to violate this sanctuary! Now I say again: unhand him!"
Velika stared at Kojol for a few seconds. He kept one hand on the Glatorian, but raised the other, made a fist, and pointed it at Kojol. As it began to glow with energy, he said, "For far too long, you have considered yourself exempt from our rule. I believe it is time to put an end to that."
Kojol narrowed her eyes. "Do you forget why it is you tolerate my perceived 'disobedience'? The sanctuary of Ga-Koro is a symbol to the people of Spherus Magna, and it is I who am responsible for maintaining that symbol. Should you harm me, Lord Velika, I assure you that you will lose the support of a great many of your people."
Velika took a step forward, dragging the Glatorian with them. "Somehow, I believe we will manage."
Kojol tightened her grip on her scepter. Before anything else could be said, Krika approached them, saying, "Stop this, Lord Velika. There is no need to threaten anyone to get what you want."
Glancing at him, Velika said, "And who are you?"
"Stay out of this!" Kojol demanded. "I am more than capable of handling this situation!"
Krika deactivated his mask, returning to his usual appearance. He took another step and said, "Apologies, Kojol, but I believe it's time that I had my chance in the spotlight."
Velika gave a short laugh as he lowered his arm. "Well, what a surprise this is! It appears the time I've spent arguing was not a waste after all: now the one I'm looking for has come straight to me."
"Yes, but may we do this outside? I don't want both you and Kojol displeased with me. Oh and, I will insist that you unhand my citizen, of course. You understand."
Velika shook his head. "You are in no position to be making demands, traitor. Amends must be made for the crime of destroying my work. I will take great pleasure in obliterating you before this entire city, but before that, there is something I am required to ask of you."
Krika tried to discreetly move towards the bridge. Velika cut him off. Breathing deep, Krika said, "Seems I don't have much choice. Alright then, what can I help you with, my lord?"
"Don't feign ignorance. Where is Zaekura?"
"Oh, is that all? You don't want to know why I'm doing what I'm doing, or what my grand scheme might be?"
"Why should I care why you're doing this? The fact that you've done it makes you a traitor, and all that matters is rectifying this unfortunate turn of events."
"Even if it means threatening the weak to get what you want?" Kojol asked. "Is it wise to let your people know you care not for them?"
"Not that this concerns you further, Kojol, but you are incorrect," Velika said. "I care a great deal for the weak—they are, after all, our most precious resource."
Kojol's brow furrowed. "Resource?!"
Velika gestured casually to the confused Glatorian. "Without the weak, how would the strong know that they are strong? It is their feebleness that proves our superiority, so of course they must be cherished. I have no intention of destroying this resource. I do, however, intend to make full use of it."
The Great Being raised his mechanical body's fist and pointed it at the Glatorian. The two Makuta started, but then grew deathly still.
"Back to the topic at hand," Velika said. "Krika. Where is Zaekura?"
Krika locked his eyes on Velika, slowly saying, "I will take you to her. Please, just let my citizen go."
"He will come with us. So long as you uphold our agreement, no harm will come to him."
"…Very well."
Krika walked forward, and Velika pushed the Glatorian next to him, while he followed a step behind them both. The Makuta glanced at the Glatorian briefly.
"I must say, Lord Velika, I find it curious you haven't simply disarmed me."
"You think I would equip this body with such a function?" Velika said. "That technology is old—it holds no interest for me. I much prefer displaying the genius of my newest creations, and how they outdo ancient models such as yourself."
"Ah, I see. It is a rather ingenious design, my lord. I had quite a bit of difficulty when you sent them against me."
Velika chuckled. "Thank you, Krika. I have put a great deal of work into them."
"Another curiosity, if you will indulge me…do these automata have any means of flight?"
"Flight? Not yet. I plan to add it soon, but for the time being it seemed unnecess—"
Krika moved faster than he ever had in his life. While Velika was talking, the Makuta extended four spikes from his back, puncturing and pushing back the drone's arms, and then he activated his teleportation powers to remove them both from Ga-Koro. When they rematerialized, it was a hundred yards in the air above what appeared to be a shimmering lake.
"Wh—"
Krika unleashed his powers of magnetism, repelling Velika's drone towards the water at top speed. The water moved, but in a very unnatural way, almost as if it were aware of the thing headed straight towards it. In a second, the drone made contact with the surface, and in a fraction of that time, its metal body was transformed into a bright silhouette made only of energy, which slowly faded into nothing.
Hovering there, Krika let out a long sigh. "I'm certain I've only dug my grave deeper…but then, I suppose I could use the elbow room."
He transported himself back to Ga-Koro, surprising Kojol and the Glatorian. The other Makuta asked, "What happened? Where is Lord Velika?"
"Still at the Maze, of course," Krika answered. "If you're referring to the drone, I fed that to the crystal slime you have guarding your southern border." He paused to turn to the Glatorian. "Are you alright?"
"Um…y-yes, Makuta," the Glatorian replied, shaking slightly.
"Good. Why don't you go get some rest?"
Nodding, the Glatorian headed off. Kojol said, "I suppose that's one way to solve this problem."
"A bit of gratitude for preserving your precious sanctuary would be appreciated, you know."
After a long moment, Kojol nodded. "Thank you, Krika."
Krika looked at her in surprise. Choosing to let the moment pass, he said, "Well, my questions have been answered, so I really should take my leave. Don't be surprised if we pass by again, though."
"Are you sure you do not require rest?" Kojol asked. "You've earned one, foiling a Great Being the way you did."
Krika shrugged. "It really wasn't that impressive. Truly, I'm convinced that's the single easiest victory we're going to get."
"So in summation," Krika said, "Kojol is not our ally, but she is not our enemy either. Drones are patrolling the southwestern area of the Great Desert, but none are especially close to this outpost yet. And, unfortunately, we've now managed to personally agitate two Great Beings."
Zaekura put her head in her hands. "Krika, none of that sounds good. At all."
"Better to know of our displeasure than to be taken by surprise."
"Oh, shut up."
Bitil hummed. "If Kojol is expecting another visit…then it might be possible to catch her off-guard and seize control of Ga-Koro."
Krika, Zaekura, and Antroz all turned towards him in incredulous silence.
"…I was merely voicing our options."
"That's messed up," Zaekura said.
"Indeed," Krika said. "Admittedly I might've entertained the thought if my citizens weren't there to be swept up in it…"
Zaekura squinted at him.
"But, more importantly, Kojol was right: both she and Ga-Koro are important symbols to the people, meaning such an attack would cast us in quite the unfavorable light."
"Sorry, I thought that was the only light we had," Bitil mumbled. "Once word gets out about our disobedience, people are going to take the Great Being's side without even thinking about it. We are traitors."
"But again, Velika threatened Ga-Koro," Krika said. "That word will get out as well. In addition, if we can get the truth about Zaekura into the conversation, I'm certain some will believe us. At the very least, it is bound to give many pause. I suspect we still stand a chance in the war of public opinion."
"Yeah, this is all fascinating stuff," Zaekura said, rubbing her temple. "What's more concerning is that flock of drones—they're going to be here sooner or later."
Krika nodded. "An excellent point. Defending this outpost demands our immediate attention, and then we can work out what we're doing next."
"The matter is already taken care of," Bitil said. "My Rahkshi and I are ready for battle."
Krika cocked his head. "…Is that all?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well I just assumed you were going to give specifics, not just say you've got fighting gloves on and expect that alone to reassure us."
"What would you have me say? When we see the drones, my forces will march."
"Oh Bitil, we really do need to introduce you to the concept of 'tactics' sometime soon…"
Bitil growled, but before he could say anything, Zaekura held a hand out. "Can't we avoid a fight? If Antroz, Krika, and I just stay hidden when the drones come here, then they'll have no reason to attack."
"And should they search and discover us," Krika said, "we would have them surrounded."
"What, let them inside?" Bitil said. "That would put my Rahkshi at far greater risk! I have a hard time thinking that's the better idea."
Zaekura looked up and thought for a moment. "Bitil, do you have some kind of list? Of all your Rahkshi, what each of their specialties are?"
"Not written down, but I know every one by heart."
"Okay, I'm going to need to write it down, but start talking."
"Lady Zaekura, I remain thrilled by your interest in my work, but now is not the time to—"
"I need to know what they can do so I can help you with a plan of attack! Some of them might have abilities that will make this a lot easier, I want to know what they are."
Krika stepped forward, saying, "Zaekura, you don't have to concern yourself with this. We're the ones responsible for your safety."
Zaekura scowled and pointed to her head. "Well what's the point of this dangerous fancy brain if I don't put it to use? Besides…I don't want anyone else dying for me. If there's something I can do to prevent that, I'm going to do it."
Krika stared at her for a moment, but then nodded. Bitil led Zaekura out of the room, already listing off Rahkshi, and Krika then turned to the corner of the room where Antroz sat.
"…What does she know, exactly?" Krika asked.
"I told her there were two casualties at Nynrah," Antroz said. "I did not say who."
Krika nodded. "Do you suppose we should tell her?"
"I don't know."
"My word, you've really become useless."
He received no response.
"…Have you made your decision yet?"
Antroz shook her head. "Everything has changed, Krika. I'm in a place I have no knowledge of, one I've never given any thought to. Even when I lost my sight, I still knew that I wanted to carry on without it. But what I want now, I have no idea…because I'm beyond the horizon of what I never, ever wanted to happen."
Krika crossed his arms and took a seat. "Do you expect sympathy from me? What I see, Antroz, is someone who thrives on attention moping about for having her personal spotlight shut off."
Antroz turned sharply, but said nothing at first. After a moment, she said, "Perhaps I deserve that. Perhaps I enjoyed the praise of the people too much. But that was never my only motivation: I have always done my best to do what I thought was right."
"And if keeping Zaekura alive is right, then you are willing to fight for it?"
She hesitated.
"Hm."
"It is not…" Antroz paused to reorganize her thoughts. "Have you ever spoken with the visitor from the other world?"
"No, I haven't. I am vaguely aware of what he's said, however. You're still upset to know there are evil Makuta in existence?"
"In that reality, the Makuta were consumed with vanity, and so sought to seize control of an entire universe. If we rebel against the Great Beings…are we not doing the exact same thing? Now that we know Makuta are not innately good, who is to say that we are not innately evil?"
"Oh for goodness sake," Krika groaned. "Your pride is astounding, Antroz. I wonder if this ever occurred to you: if the existence of an evil Antroz proves that whatever makes 'an Antroz' is not innately good, then does not your existence also prove it is not innately evil?"
Antroz inclined her head.
"All that aside, the idea of people being inherently good or evil is such an archaic concept that it's frankly embarrassing that this affects you so deeply. Everyone has the capacity for good and evil within them. It should be enough to know that you prefer to indulge the good."
"But this was brought about by circumstance. Were circumstances different, I could have turned out just the same as my doppelganger."
Krika looked at her sideways. "Are you truly about to let that stop you from making a decision?"
Antroz paused for a long moment. Finally giving a sigh, she said, "I wasn't going to. Truth be told…it was this distraction that led to me turning Krekka over to Gorast. When I realized my mistake, I was ashamed, and I vowed I would never let such a thing happen again. Yet here I am, still so distracted I am willing to give up another important decision."
Krika leaned back. "…In all fairness, a massive change in perspective is quite difficult to enact, even if you know it must be done. I'd recommend trying again."
Antroz thought about this for a time. Eventually, she stood and took a few steps, but then stopped and turned to Krika. "Thank you, Krika."
"What, for saying what I think of your nonsense? It was my pleasure, Antroz—I'll happily repeat the service any time."
Antroz opened her mind as she left the room, trying to find which direction Zaekura and Bitil had gone in. She caught up with them in an empty warehouse near the perimeter of the outpost, and as she slowly approached it, she realized there was music coming from within. Bitil and Zaekura stood at the open door; inside were five black and yellow Rahkshi of standard design but varying sizes, each playing a different instrument as Bitil nodded along gleefully.
When the song was over, Zaekura said, "Nice. Didn't realize how much I missed music since coming out here."
"We take requests," said a Rahkshi holding a guitar. "Not like there's anything else to do around here!"
As the other Rahkshi snickered, Bitil said, "Natan, I know we don't get guests often, but you should know better than to give that sort of impression of our outpost!"
"Don't worry about it," Zaekura chuckled. "So what inspired you to make them this way? Picked up a good album off a caravan from Nynrah?"
"No, I was just considering what weapons and tools might work best with specific powers. By giving my Sonic Rahkshi instruments, it provides them an alternate method of creating sound for them to utilize, making the process much more efficient by reducing the need to use up energy reserves to create the sound. In addition, through developing their musical skills they've gained a much finer control over their Sonic powers—hence how they can now manipulate sound to produce speech."
Zaekura rubbed her chin. "Cool, cool. Well we've got a lot more to cover, but I'm definitely going to be back soon."
"We'll be ready for you!" Natan said. "Closest thing we've ever had to a concert, eh gang? Better brush up before she gets back."
They resumed playing, and Bitil and Zaekura started walking. Antroz came up behind them, saying, "Zaekura. Can I speak with you?"
The Glatorian looked over her shoulder. "What is it? I'm gonna lose track of what everyone can do if I don't stay on it." A second later, she grumbled, "Actually, I think I already have."
Bitil glanced at Antroz, and then said, "Why don't I just go make that list, and give you two a moment to talk? If you still want to meet the others face-to-face, there will be time later, I'm sure."
As he walked away, Zaekura turned to face Antroz. She waited to see if the blind Makuta was going to speak first, but eventually, she gave up and asked, "So is it time now?"
"I think it is," Antroz said. "But…I do not think it is a decision that I should make alone. This is about your future, Zaekura, and I think it only fair you deserve a say in it."
Zaekura nodded. "Okay, strong opening. What've you got for me?"
"I'm afraid my assessment hasn't changed much. Whether we run or fight, there exists so much risk, and our chances are not especially appealing. But, what I wanted to tell you is this."
She inclined her head and stood tall.
"Whatever you decide to do, I am with you. And I will give my all to protect you. I understand if you may not entirely trust me yet, but I am determined to prove myself. Difficult as it may be…I am certain that this is the right thing to do."
Zaekura stared at her. "…You're pretty much just dropping the decision on me, then?"
Antroz drooped slightly. "…I'm sorry?"
"I mean I'm touched, but it sounds like all you're really doing is avoiding making the decision yourself, saying you'll just follow my lead, so now I have to make it for you."
"That's not…I didn't intend for…" Antroz stopped and shook her head, starting to feel terribly frustrated.
Zaekura shrugged. "If you want to help, I'll take you up on that. But I'm still not entirely sure what to do either."
She turned and began to walk away. Taking an angry step forward, Antroz said, "What more do you want of me?!"
Zaekura whirled. "Make your own decision! Would you rather fight, or would you rather run?"
"I…" Antroz ground her teeth. "It isn't…wise…to fight."
"So you want to fight?"
"I can't let my emotions get the better of—"
"Your emotions are gonna tell you what you want! Try listening to them!"
"I must temper my emotions with reason! Charging in without thinking is what leads fools to their death."
"Yeah, like you were just about to reasonably charge to yours?"
"I know I've made mistakes!"
"Then try a different approach! Stop being so darn hesitant and just pick one, Antroz: run or fight?"
Antroz's frustration boiled over. She snatched up her sword and beat it, still sheathed, against the ground, at the same time baring her fangs and unfurling her wings. "I want to fight!"
Zaekura stumbled backwards.
Settling down, Antroz said, "And that's exactly why I'm hesitant. Maybe I have put our lives in danger already, but it would only be more dangerous to let myself be carried away by some violent urge. So perhaps I'm hoping you can give me something noble to fight for instead."
It took a few seconds for her to react, but in the end, Zaekura laughed. "Yikes, you sure got me!"
Antroz sighed, putting away her sword as she waited for Zaekura's laughing to stop.
"Haha…ah," the Glatorian chuckled. "Look, Fangs: despite what Bitil likes to say, I'm not noble. You're probably fishing in the wrong pond. Still…I guess I kind of get what you mean."
"You do?" Antroz asked.
"I want to fight, too. Maybe I'm just getting stir-crazy, or maybe it's just me wanting revenge, I don't really know—I've just kind of got an itch to strike back. But despite that…I still don't really want anyone getting hurt. Well, not permanently hurt, you know what I mean."
Antroz nodded. "…Yes, I think I do."
"Maybe it's not time after all. Let's just focus on defending this outpost for now, I'm sure it won't be much longer before those things show up for round 2. If we survive that, then we'll talk."
"I've never been a fan of doing things last-minute."
"It works out more often than you'd think. Anyway, that's what I'm doing, if you've got a problem I don't know what to tell you."
Zaekura sat down to wait for Bitil. Antroz stood there a moment, but then, to Zaekura's surprise, she chuckled.
"Not what I was expecting."
"Pardon me," Antroz said. "I was just thinking…in spite of this indecision, you still seem more sure of yourself in a way. I suppose it's comforting."
Zaekura scoffed. "Another first: me, comforting."
Antroz turned, saying, "I suppose some more time to consider might be advantageous. If you require my assistance in your defense planning, I imagine I'll remain somewhere near the watchtower."
Zaekura didn't say anything as she left, simply leaning back and looking up at the sky.
ADDENDUM:
-First things first, there's a chance I might not be able to update as often going forward. I'm starting a new job next week with longer hours, so that's going to cut into my free time and I might not be able to write as much—I will do my best, of course, but I wanted to let you know what was going on just in case I fall behind.
-As mentioned before, Ga-Koro is considered a sanctuary, as well as a very spiritual place, which is why Kojol mainly employs the Principle Rahkshi to keep it safe as they embody ideals Ga-Koro's citizens strive for. I also decided to change the Three Virtues symbol: since it was originally intended to be a map of the shattered Spherus Magna, but Spherus Magna never shattered in this universe, it would have felt a little inconsistent to use the original symbol.
-Kojol does have some similarities to Antroz, but while Antroz is definitely pretentious, Kojol has an overbearing "holier than thou" air, not to mention she is far more stubborn in her disagreements with the Great Beings in contrast to Antroz's history of subservience. Despite how abrasive she is, however, she does truly care about her job and the people of Spherus Magna. I was going to go with white and gold for her armor, but then I thought using green might go well with the Lerahk surrounding the city, as well as serve as a subtle nod to Artakha's armor color since that's the island Prime Kojol watched over. She holds a scepter to make her seem more regal, and the Kanohi Rode seemed like the best fit for a heavily spiritual Guardian of a sacred city. I was thinking of showing her in battle at some point, and probably being a specialist in long-range Light attacks, but with how things played out her fighting style is relegated to trivia for the time being.
-Velika being Velika, it only makes sense he'd be using decoy bodies. I envisioned the special drone used here as something like a cross between a Vahki and a Matoran (Melding Matoran, so the tall ones); it can fire the same types of blasts as regular drones from its fists, but we were able to avoid seeing those this time.
-While technically under the Great Beings' rule, Ga-Koro's status as a sanctuary means that not even they can just stroll in and drag off whoever they want: they need to explain the situation to Kojol, and if she feels the suspect in question needs to face judgment, she will cast them out of Ga-Koro and let the Great Beings take them. This isn't exactly what the Great Beings had in mind when they originally conceived of Ga-Koro, but they decided to just go along with it rather than deal with the hassle of convincing Kojol otherwise. In order to keep the city defended, Kojol has a large army of Rahkshi, and quite a few citizens of Ga-Koro serve in a militia ready to be called upon when needed. Aside from a small handful of incidents, she has not had much need for these forces as of yet.
-Rereading the last few chapters of Brothers in Arms, I felt I should do something with the strange creature seen briefly outside Ga-Koro, and it ended up proving quite handy for Krika. Of course, it had no name in the serial, so I had to come up with one. I worry that "crystal slime" doesn't quite sound…Bionicle enough, maybe a bit too JRPG, but it's functional.
-I also worry that this is retreading The Gargoyle Knight a bit too much, but as Krika says, major changes happen slowly—just because you know something shouldn't bother you doesn't always mean that it stops doing so. In a similar vein, the ending feels a bit similar to the end of the last chapter; originally I did plan to end with Antroz's statement of allegiance to Zaekura, but then I felt Zaekura wouldn't be so easily moved, so they ended up arguing. Gradual, gradual shifts.
-In recent years I've really become enamored with the idea of music-based fighting abilities, and of course I simply can't have an army of specialized Rahkshi and not include a Rahkshi Rock reference. It's iconic. "Natan" is a Hebrew verb from which the name "Nathan" is derived, chosen here in reference to Nathan Furst for his work as composer for the first three Bionicle films.
