Krika, under the guise of a Toa of Sonics, strolled merrily down the busy streets of Civitas Magna's 1389th District. Many of the passers-by smiled and nodded to him, and he waved in return. It was nice to feel appreciated again, he thought, even if it was just a part of the act. Though it would still be a while before the sun would set, the city was already taking on the appearance of night, the towering buildings and the large transport chutes woven between them blocking out so much natural light that lightstones mounted on posts were now flicking on to compensate. The crowd in the streets was thickening, though Krika expected this wouldn't last long.
I'm sure our weary workers will be making a few stops on their way home. Let's see if I can't find someone willing to strike up a friendly conversation.
Slipping out of the crowd, Krika stepped into a busy-looking establishment and took a quick look around, spotting an empty seat at the bar. As he hopped up on the stool, a worker came to greet him, but he smiled and politely waved them off; gratefully, Toa coming in simply to socialize seemed to be the norm, for the worker moved on without any incident. A second later, a stray elbow knocked into Krika's side.
"Oh, sorry about that!" the Agori next to him said, spinning around just slow enough he didn't spill the contents of his mug. "I didn't see you there, Toa."
"No harm done," Krika said.
"Feels like I should apologize still—can I buy you a drink?"
"I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll pass. I've still got an appointment to get to after this."
On the other side of the Agori, a Matoran leaned back to examine Krika, saying, "Don't think I've seen you around here before. Did you transfer in from another District?"
"From Mahri-Nui, actually," Krika said.
"Woah, that far?" the Agori asked. "What brings you here?"
"Some of the officials in this District wanted a consultant for a project they're hoping to get off the ground, some sort of aquarium attraction. Between you and me, I jumped at the chance—that salty sea breeze isn't really all it's cracked up to be."
"Tell me about it," the Matoran laughed. "I used to live in District 8533. Couldn't get inland fast enough."
Krika laughed. "Yes, it's really quite nice here. Mahri-Nui's so out of the way I rarely catch wind of current events, but here in the big city I imagine I'll stay quite informed."
"Ah, good timing on that," the Agori said. "Did you hear about Nynrah?"
"Hm? That artsy city along the coast? Did something happen?"
Exchanging a glance with his Matoran friend, the Agori went on, "Yeah, something big. I hear the Makuta there went nuts, and his people just barely escaped to Ga-Koro."
"My word! How could something like that happen?"
"I heard it was because of some criminal he captured," the Matoran said. "A Glatorian who wants to take power away from the Great Beings; she must've promised him some of it if he'd help her."
"Worse than that, they say she even swayed Makuta Antroz," the Agori said.
Tapping his arm, the Matoran said, "Now, I don't believe that part. No way would Makuta Antroz want to overthrow the Great Beings—she's not flaky like Krika."
"This sounds like a serious development," Krika said. "Have the Great Beings said anything on the matter?"
"Yeah, they released a statement earlier today," the Agori said. "Said we shouldn't worry, and that they were gonna have the situation dealt with soon enough. Still, some folks are a bit nervous about the whole thing."
Krika nodded, thinking, Hm…does that mean they're enacting a new plan already, or are they just talking big?
"Kinda makes you wonder, though."
Looking up, Krika said, "Wonder what?"
The Agori shrugged. "Well, it's just weird that a Makuta would suddenly go rogue like that."
"Not if it's Krika," the Matoran muttered.
"Hey, sure he's a lame Makuta, but if he wanted to turn against the Great Beings, why would one Glatorian make him think they could do that? And why would he send everyone in Nynrah running, or let them get away?"
"I don't know."
"I'm just saying it's confusing. We need some more information, if you ask me."
Oh, a little healthy skepticism. I do hope that's the norm.
The Agori checked the clock on the wall, and then said, "Anyway, I've gotta get going. I need to swing by District 1402 on my way home: a friend's up for a promotion and I promised him I'd offer up a prayer of Prosperity for him."
As the Agori downed the rest of his drink, Krika asked, "Wasn't there a Suva in this District?"
"There is, but the keepers are super Lerist."
"You can still offer other prayers," the Matoran said, sounding like he'd said it many times before.
"Yeah, but good luck trying to get out without one of them making you feel like dirt if you don't buy a Purity Charm. I've got seven lying in a drawer at home. Whatever, I've got a chute to catch, I'll see you later."
"Mind if I come with you?" Krika asked. "I wasn't entirely sure where the chute station was."
"Sure thing! It's not far from here."
Krika bade the Matoran farewell and followed the Agori outside and down the street. Turning to his guide, he said, "A criminal capable of swaying the Makuta…it's unthinkable, really."
"I sure never expected it. Especially not Antroz."
"Indeed. She always strives to do what is right, so the only way she would…"
After the pause dragged a bit, the Agori asked, "Wait, what?"
"Well, supposing she's the moral character we always thought she was…the only reason I can think of that she would turn against the Great Beings would be if she thought that was the right thing to do."
The Agori slowed down as he considered this. "…But…that wouldn't make any sense either…"
Krika shrugged. "Just thinking out loud. Until we know the whole story, all we can do is speculate."
The Agori nodded, though still looked puzzled by the suggestion. It wasn't much longer before they reached the station, so the two exchanged goodbyes, and then the Agori was off to catch his transport while Krika hung around pretending to examine the schedule.
So the Great Beings are keeping the populace in the dark as much as possible. I believe that's just the advantage I need. I'll whisper the truth about Zaekura into a few ears here and there, make Antroz's brilliant image serve my point, and it shouldn't be too long before the Great Beings feel the need to say more in response. It's so much easier when you have the first move.
A small commotion broke him out of his plotting. Walking down the platform, he saw a group of Toa with silver finish on the edges of their masks surrounding someone, a few of them waving the crowd along while their comrades tried to detain whoever was shouting obscenities at them. A flash of green and white armor was all he saw through the crowd. As he came closer, however, Krika got a better look at the Glatorian, yelling at a Toa as they tried to grab one of the many paintings she had piled at her feet, and he immediately pushed his way through to her side.
"Excuse me, pardon me, fellows!" he said, holding his arms out to keep them away from the Glatorian. "What seems to be the problem here?"
The Glatorian gave him a confused look. Luckily, the Toa paused in what they were doing, one of them saying, "And who're you supposed to be?"
"My name is Arik—I'm a Toa from Mahri-Nui, just arrived today. I'd like to know why you appear to be harassing this vendor."
"Arik?" the Glatorian repeated. "Are you kiddi…ugh…"
"It's not really your place, newbie," the Toa replied, "but if you must know we have orders to apprehend her."
"And for what reason?" Krika asked.
The Toa shook his head. "Orders are orders—now step aside."
"Hold on, hold on! Perhaps I'm not entirely familiar with the way you do things here, but what self-respecting Toa gang up on a single, defenseless artist trying to turn a small profit on her craft? I think such a thing requires a better justification than mere 'orders', don't you?"
The Toa sighed, "Look, pal—"
"Captain!" cried a voice. "What is taking so long?"
Each of the Toa backed away, straightening their spines to salute the newcomer. Slowly making his way across the platform was a Toa of Earth, his mask a purple Pakari trimmed in gold, and everything from the bored yet content look in his eye to the casual sureness of his step told Krika that he was going to be a nightmare to deal with.
"Sir!" the Toa Krika had been talking to said. "I was just—"
"Who's this?" the Toa of Earth asked, lazily gesturing to Krika. "Have you really let some interloper get in your way, captain? I should think you're more than capable of dealing with that."
"Toa Arik of Mahri-Nui, sir," Krika said. "And who might I have the pleasure of speaking to?"
The Toa scoffed. Coming to a stop a few paces away, he closed his eyes, grinned, and placed one hand on his chest, saying, "Aha, Mahri-Nui, I suppose that's a decent excuse for not knowing. I am none other than the Turaga of Civitas Magna's 1389th District, Upholder of Order in this little piece of our wondrous city, appointed by the wisdom of the Great Makuta Yarion themself!" He opened his eyes and slowly swung his hand out to one side. "I am Toa Onepu, newcomer. And I suggest you remember that."
Why, I'm completely positive that I'd be sick to my stomach if I had one, Krika thought. Electing to choose his spoken words more carefully, he said, "Apologies, Great Onepu. I shall indeed commit your name to memory."
Onepu nodded, an infuriating look of satisfaction on his face. "Well done. Now, back to the matter at hand…"
"Yes, about that. I came across your underlings harassing this poor Glatorian—"
"These brakas ambushed me!" the Glatorian broke in. "Started confiscating my work, telling me I had to come with them, and I can't get a straight answer to a single question from them!"
"And it was upon that I stumbled," Krika resumed, stepping in front of the Glatorian, "and I could not help but think that was a bit…unfair. I'm sure you have a perfectly good reason, Great Onepu, I would simply like to know what that reason is."
Onepu rolled his eyes, and Krika found himself thinking of plucking them out. The Toa said, "Well if you must know, we have standing orders to detain anyone from Nynrah, and this Glatorian is a…mildly well-known painter from that city."
"Oh, I see. But why would you detain an artist from Nynrah, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
"Surely even you have heard that the Makuta of Nynrah has gone rogue, yes? We've reason to believe some of his citizens may be sympathetic to the cause he has declared allegiance to. People such as those would serve only to subvert order in our city, and so they are being deprived of the opportunity to do so. Quite simple, you see?"
"Believe me," the Glatorian grumbled, "I've got nothing to do with Krika."
"Yes, I'm quite sure," Onepu chuckled. "All the same, we have our orders. Now, Toa…Eric, was it? I trust your curiosity is satisfied?"
"Yes," Krika said, "I would say so."
"Then you have no further objections if we carry on here?"
"Ah…that's not exactly the case, actually."
Onepu frowned. "Oh?"
"Well, you see, I did read up a bit on what duties I may be expected to perform once I arrived here in Civitas Magna."
"And yet you were still unable to recognize the Turaga of the District you arrived in?"
"Perhaps 'skim' is a more accurate term. Regardless, I do recall one particular bit of text…something about how anyone detained by the authorities has the option to appeal their case, and is entitled to representation by a Toa in that event. Or, is my recollection inaccurate?"
After a long pause, Onepu said, "It is correct."
"I see. Well, I believe it's safe to say that Miss…"
The Glatorian glared at him for a moment, then grumbled, "Carna."
"I believe it safe to say Miss Carna objects to her detainment, so I believe the proper procedure would be to place her in custody of the Toa representing her interests until an audience with Makuta Yarion can be arranged to settle the dispute. Again, my memory could be a bit foggy, have I gotten something wrong, Great Onepu?"
Onepu crossed his arms. "No, you have not. Miss Carna, do you wish for an appeal on the matter of your incarceration?"
"Well I sure don't want to go to jail, kikanalo-skull," she replied.
"Hmph. And, are you satisfied with this Toa being the one to represent your interests in this process?"
Krika could feel Carna's eyes boring into the back of his head. It took her quite a while, but eventually, she quietly said, "Somehow, I get the feeling he's my best option, so I guess so."
Onepu let out a heavy sigh. "Very well. Toa, you are hereby charged with custody of the criminal Carna. You are expected to keep her out of trouble, and you are ordered to report to the District Office tomorrow at midday. I shall contact Makuta Yarion, and when we meet next, I will inform of you of the time they have chosen for the hearing."
Krika nodded. "Excellent. I shall see you tomorrow, Great Onepu."
Onepu signaled to his men, and they reluctantly withdrew. As he turned to leave himself, he said, "And I would recommend against trying to sell any of your work, miss. If more officers come across you we'll simply have to repeat this entire process."
Krika shook his head, silently cutting Carna off before she could say anything. Once Onepu was gone, he sighed, turned to face Carna, and grinned. "Well then, Miss—"
"Drop the act, Krika," Carna said, slumping against a pillar. "Honestly, 'Arik'? Here you're supposed to be some patron of creativity and you think that's clever?"
Krika sighed. He discreetly waved his hand, creating an invisible dome of sound around them so they could talk in private, and said, "Yes, yes, I'll devote more brainpower to devising a better pseudonym the next chance I get. I hardly think that's the issue here. Why did you come to Civitas Magna? You must've known that something like this could happen."
Carna looked up at him, daggers in her eyes. "I had to know what happened to Zaekura. This seemed like a good place to find out."
"She's safe."
"Where?"
"For now I think it's best I keep that information to—"
Carna was on her feet in a flash, looming over the Toa-sized Makuta with a palpable aura of malice. "Tell me where you took my daughter."
Despite himself, Krika shrunk just the tiniest bit under that gaze. "…Strictly speaking, I didn't take her anywhere. She escaped with Antroz."
Carna's eyes widened. "Antroz…?"
"She is safe. I know what you're thinking, but let me say again: Zaekura. Is. Safe. Antroz, Bitil, and I just fought off an army of Velika's making to keep her that way, per chance you've heard of such a skirmish?"
Carna leaned back against the pillar, running her hands over her face. "Makuta…she's surrounded by Makuta and Bitil's freak Rahkshi…how in Karzahni is that safe?"
"They're not so bad once you get to know them," Krika offered. "In fact Zaekura's getting along with them quite famously—Bitil's so thrilled with her fascination that I daresay she's got a lifelong friend."
Carna slid her hands down to cover only her mouth and nose, staring blankly at Krika. He met her gaze at first, but it wasn't long before he found himself looking at the ground, and a very complicated emotion began to well up within him unbidden.
"…I apologize," he said at last.
Lowering her arms, Carna asked, "For what, exactly?"
"Everything. For not having better news for you, for not having the tact to deliver it properly, for detaining Zaekura and taking her away from you without letting you know…for what happened to Phindel…"
Carna looked off into the distance. "And where is he?"
"I buried him. It's not an elaborate grave, but I did the best I could. I had to go after Antroz, help her keep Zaekura safe."
Carna breathed deeply. "…At least he got a choice in all this. First one in my family to get that."
"And I apologize for what happened…for what I did to your father. I reported to the Great Beings without thinking, and they asked for him to be brought in, and I…"
Carna looked straight at him.
"…I…was too much of a coward to say no. What happened to him was entirely my fault. I apologize…that all I can do is apologize. I know that it will never be enough."
"Darn right," Carna murmured. "And even after all that, you still told them about Zaekura too?"
Krika shook his head. "That wasn't me."
"Oh, it wasn't?"
"Carna, I swear to you: I did not breathe a single word about Zaekura to the Great Beings. I don't know who told them about her, but it was not me this time. I'd hardly have any reason to lie to you about that now."
Carna ground her teeth. "…Fine. Supposing that's true, then who did it? It must've been someone in Nynrah, and you being our mighty Guardian and all, you've got to have an idea of who would want to give valuable information like that to the Great Beings."
"I doubt it was someone from Nynrah. My people are not so—"
"My people too, sand stalker."
"Our people, then…are not the type to sell each other out. The strength of our community has always been one of our virtues, wouldn't you agree?"
"Pff. Okay, then who else could it have been?"
Krika shrugged. "Many people pass through searching for inspiration or treasure. It could be any number of people…"
"You sound real concerned."
"We can discuss that later. I'd say we have more pressing issues, don't you agree?"
Carna sighed. "Fine. Now that you're here, you can take me to see Zaekura."
Krika glanced over his shoulder. "I'm not sure that's the best course of action at the moment."
"What?!"
"Listen! We've gotten into something serious here, Carna. Fleeing Civitas Magna without settling your case is a drastic decision that we can't go back on!"
"Like I care about that—I want to see my daughter!"
"This is about your daughter! Please, hear me out."
Reluctantly, Carna sat down.
"Thank you. Now…Zaekura has decided that, rather than living the rest of her life simply hounded by the Great Beings, she wishes to fight back against them. We're going to be fighting a war for control of this planet." Carna started to say something, but Krika went on, "I assure you, it was her decision. I was against it, in fact, but if that's what she wants then I'll do whatever I can to help her. And that is why I'm here. War is more than swords and soldiers, Carna—especially when you're playing the part of the conqueror. If Zaekura is to have any chance of successfully taking leadership of Spherus Magna, then she needs to begin garnering support amongst those she will be leading. I came to assess public opinion, devise a way to inform the masses of Zaekura's intentions, and frame her sympathetically to begin the push towards them accepting her. I think we have an opportunity, but…and please, listen very closely."
He leaned in and added, "If we run now, you, her mother, will be branded a petty criminal. And then that is all Zaekura will be known as, simply by association, and that will immensely hamper any attempt to win hearts and minds to her cause. I cannot take you to your daughter yet, Carna. If I do, then scant few will ever believe in her."
Carna stared at him as she absorbed what he was saying. Then, she hung her head, spreading one palm over her face to hide her expression.
"I apologize, Carna. But we must do what is best for Zaekura now."
He received no response.
"I will find a way to free you. I will learn all there is to know about the law here, all there is to know about Makuta Yarion, and find a way to convince them to drop all charges against you. You need only wait a short time longer, Carna, and then you can see your daughter again."
Still, he received no response. He stepped back then, turning and letting Carna react in peace, and pushed back with all his might against that well of wretched emotion.
Antroz stepped onto the bottom floor of the watchtower, sensing Zaekura sitting next to a window on the far side. As she crossed the room, she asked, "Is something on your mind, Zaekura?"
The Glatorian continued to stare out the window, quietly answering, "Charla told me that Bitil went to Ga-Koro. She thinks Kojol can help him cope with Virban's death."
"Yes, she informed me as well."
Zaekura tapped her fingers. "…I guess, for a minute there, I forgot that we're probably going to see a lot more of that. Death, I mean. Whether we do well or not. Even if we do all we can to avoid it, it seems kina unrealistic to think nobody else is going to die before this is over."
"Are you having doubts?"
After a pause, Zaekura shook her head. "Not doubts, no. I want to do this. But, maybe I need to be more mindful of what all it means. I'll see what Bitil wants to do about Virban when he gets back, but…"
Antroz knew what was coming next. Though she dreaded it, she knew she could avoid it no longer.
Zaekura faced her and said, "Two people died escaping Nynrah. Who were they? What exactly happened?"
The Makuta took a deep breath. "Very well. The drones reached Nynrah while the citizens were in the process of fleeing. Krika and his Rahkshi drew their attention, and it seemed to be an effective diversion. However, a small group of villagers came to join in the battle, against Krika's warnings."
Zaekura hung her head.
"Krika did his best to get them away from the fight. He managed to save most of them, and afterwards continued to occupy the drones so that they could not attack the rest of the citizens. However, one was seriously injured before Krika could get to them, and two were killed by the drones."
Antroz paused. Zaekura looked up and said, "I need to know who."
"One was a Toa named Jaller. He fought bravely, but a drone took him by surprise. All Krika could do was ease his passing."
Zaekura nodded. Antroz let the silence drag on. Eventually, Zaekura said, "And? The other one?"
"…A Glatorian. He misjudged his swing, and a drone took advantage of the opening."
"Do you know what his name was?"
Antroz hesitated.
"It might be someone I knew. I gotta be sure."
Another few seconds passed before Antroz finally relented. "Phindel."
Zaekura was slow to absorb this. When she did, her eyes widened in horror, and she clamped a hand over her mouth.
"I'm sorry, Zaekura. He did his best, thinking he could help keep you safe, but—"
"Why didn't you tell me?!" Zaekura shouted, leaping to her feet. "Those things killed my father and you didn't think I ought to know that? Why would you keep that from me?!"
"You were already in distress—I thought it might not have been wise to add to your pain."
"Seriously?! What, did you think waiting a while would make me care less? He was my father, you…" She grunted. "Right. Makuta don't have families, so of course you don't understand. The Great Beings just fished you out of a soup and slopped you in a tin can! Let me educate you, Fangs: if someone's family dies, you tell them about it! They have a right to know that it happened! You're not helping anything by keeping that from me!"
"I apologize," Antroz said. "I did not know how best to tell you."
"Well this sure as karz ain't it!"
Zaekura put a hand to her head, pacing across the room in frustration. Without saying another word, she stormed out of the watchtower, slamming the door behind her, and Antroz stood there, all alone.
"You're a monster."
She spun, hand immediately going to the hilt of her sword. Scanning the room closely, she asked, "Who's there?"
Try as she might, she sensed nothing in the room but furniture. But the voice continued, "All you do is make things worse. You only add to her suffering. You'll destroy her before the Great Beings have a chance to."
Antroz gritted her teeth. "…There's no one here. This is only my imagination."
"You're a failure, Antroz. You abandoned your city. You brought ruin to Nynrah. You've dragged this outpost into your conflict. You destroy every life you come into contact with. Is this the justice you sought?"
Antroz climbed the stairs, shaking her head in an attempt to clear it. "It's not real."
"Where are you going? Do you think you can escape the truth?"
She stopped and turned. "It is not the…" Sighing, she resumed climbing.
"What have you accomplished since leaving Xia? What have you caused other than suffering? Are you sure that you made the right choice?"
Antroz said nothing, grinding her claws into her palms.
"You gave up everything because you thought you'd be saving one life. All you've done is ruin that life. That one, and others. People are dying because of the choice you made. You chose wrong, and now people are dead. More will die. All because of you."
Antroz shook her head. "No…"
"You're a monster."
"No."
"A complete monster."
With a shout, Antroz drew her sword and swung it, getting it stuck in the wall of the stairwell. She stood there stunned for a moment.
"You're a monster."
"I'm not…" Refusing to finish the thought, she tried to wrench her sword free.
"Monster."
Antroz sighed, letting go of the weapon and slumping against the opposite wall. "What's happening…?"
"Monster."
"No, I'm not…I…I…"
"Monster."
Antroz held her head in her hands. No matter what she did, she realized, it was futile. There was no way to stop the voice from tormenting her.
ADDENDUM:
-Since Civitas Magna covers such a huge portion of the planet it's got a loooot of Districts. Makuta Yarion oversees the entire city, but each District has a Toa appointed to govern it specifically, given the title of Turaga since the Turaga species from the main universe doesn't exist in this timeline. (The Great Beings didn't see a need at the time, and now they have the Makuta to lead so another species with the some role still doesn't seem necessary.) Since I've already found homes for all the canon Makuta it's time to start bringing in new ones, though I'll try not to do too many and I probably won't focus on them as much—more on Yarion shortly.
-Mahri-Nui here is a research island out in Aqua Magna, possibly the only major island unless you count Odina…I haven't 100% decided the layout of the ocean, I might think of something interesting later. We may see Mahri-Nui, we may not. It's up in the air at this point.
-For reasons that will be apparent soon, I've been thinking a bit more about the details of spirituality in this world, and since Toa probably have less need for Kanohi-switching I figured there was no harm in focusing on the shrine aspect of Suvas a bit more. People can visit them to offer prayers, and the keepers also sell charms like the ones seen in MNOGII, giving them some money to help with the shrine's upkeep and helping the buyer feel a little more at ease. Though, some keepers will tend more towards one particular Principle than the rest: Purity is one you see pretty frequently, and since Lerahk here is the Rahkshi of Purity, keepers who insist Purity as the most important Principle have come to known as "Lerists".
-The silvery designs from the 04 Matoran's Kanohi seemed like a good substitute for a uniform or badge for the authorities here, and gold was the next logical step for a command position. Onepu was the very first Bionicle set I ever got my hands on, so once it occurred to me that I could make him fit here, I became dead-set on it. Not sure exactly how much he'll appear…but he's here!
-"Carna" comes from "carnation", which symbolizes pride, beauty, and love, specifically including the love of a mother. "Phindel" comes from "delphinium", symbolizing one with a large heart and intense attachment. And since I didn't say earlier, "Zaekura" is mainly derived from "sakura", which symbolizes a ton of stuff including the transiency of life, death, and rebirth—and Zaekura is someone capable of killing the current order and giving birth to a new one. The "zae" was chosen to sound like "azalea", which honestly was just a random choice, but now that I've looked up what azalea symbolizes it turns out it can represent temperance, home sickness, passion, and a death threat. So, it actually jives pretty well. Anyway, since thinking about family isn't usually relevant in Bionicle, I didn't think to include Zaekura's parents until just before I posted Section III—at which point I decided to slip in a subtle hint to the Glatorian's connection to Zaekura, and leave it for later. There was also a scene where Antroz and Krika talk about being unsure if they should tell Zaekura who died at Nynrah, but that's all the hints that were given.
-I opted to not have a scene with Bitil here to give him some travel time. We'll catch up with him in Section XI, and see what consolation Kojol can offer him.
