Zaekura slowly pushed open the door to the watchtower. Antroz sat inside, her back to the door, allowing Zaekura to see the hastily-patched spots where her wings used to be. The Makuta turned her head but said nothing, leading to a very long, very heavy silence.
"…So," Zaekura mumbled, "guess you weren't crazy after all."
Antroz turned away. "The Odinans have been apprehended. There is nothing to worry about."
Zaekura kicked the door shut and walked over to Antroz. "Right, Odinans. Who exactly are they, just some random folks the Great Beings pull off the streets and train up?"
Shaking her head, Antroz said, "No, not random. Odina is something of a…rehabilitation facility. Criminals who would otherwise be put to death are allowed to live there, but that life in turn becomes one of servitude, training endlessly for the day when they may be dispatched. They are who the Great Beings call upon when we Makuta fail…because for them, failure is not an option."
"Really?" Zaekura said. "Hard to believe they'd trust criminals with jobs like that."
"As I said, they are 'rehabilitated'. Odinans have devoted themselves to law and order with a zealousness that I've rarely seen elsewhere. Some don't even remember their former crimes, or why they would ever have wanted to break the law in the first place. Whatever they see on Odina, it turns them into a completely different person."
Zaekura grimaced. "Yikes. So, uh…should we expect more?"
Antroz rubbed two claws together, sharpening them slowly. "…It may be some time. But, we will need to be vigilant going forward."
Another long silence passed. Zaekura looked up at the roof and said, "Maybe I should've listened to what you were telling me before."
Antroz faced her. "I understand why you did not. I betrayed your trust. You have every right to be upset with me."
The Glatorian tapped her foot. "I didn't think it would almost get you killed, for what it's worth."
"I know." She paused. "Zaekura…again, I am sorry. But I do not expect that to suddenly make things right. If you feel this is truly unforgivable, then I will understand. Should you desire to send me away—"
"Stop, just stop," Zaekura groaned. "This is too much to take in at once, alright? Just, give me time."
With a nod, Antroz said, "Very well."
A long sigh came from Zaekura. "So what are we going to do with the Odinans now?"
"A good question. It will be difficult to engage Kapura in any fashion without him fleeing." She twitched a bit as she said his name. "But as for Nidhiki…"
Antroz stood. Zaekura craned her neck as the Makuta began to pace slowly.
"Bitil has tasked me with deciding how to deal with him. And my first instinct is to treat him as I always treat criminals. However…" Turning partially, she finished, "I feel I should ask your approval this time."
Zaekura shifted her weight. "Yeah? Why's that?"
"They were sent here to capture you as well, Zaekura—it is only fair you have a say. And more…I think perhaps you might benefit from some experience with this part of being a leader."
The Glatorian scratched her head. After waiting a few more seconds, she said, "What is it you're planning to do to him?"
Turning fully, Antroz answered, "He will be put through a trial. A very special trial of my own design. Typically, the conditions put forth are thus: if the condemned succeeds, they will be set free, but if they fail, they will die."
"I don't like either of those," Zaekura said through gritted teeth. "We can't just let him go free! He'll just attack us again, or go back to Odina."
"If he returns to Odina, death is all that awaits him," Antroz said. "And if he attacks us again, Bitil or Krika may decide to simply kill him on the spot. It should also be mentioned that in the many, many years I have employed this trial, no one has been able to pass it. Not a single one."
Zaekura grumbled incoherently.
"Nidhiki is his name. Years ago, he orchestrated an attack on Atero alongside a pack of Zyglak. He led them into the city, and alongside them, killed hundreds of civilians. The death toll would have climbed far higher if Makuta Miserix had not responded as swiftly as he did."
Zaekura grew silent.
"It is good to respect life in all its forms, Zaekura. But there are some people who bring only suffering into the world…and I think it fair to grieve only their wasted potential."
"If you're so convinced, then just kill him!" Zaekura said. "I don't want to have to make this decision."
"Neither do I. Like the Odinans, I believe rehabilitation is possible, and if someone has the potential to grow, then it would be wrong of me to take that opportunity from them. Thus, the trial."
"And what trial tells you that much?"
Antroz stepped closer. "When we Makuta purged ourselves of darkness, I began to study the technique we used to do so. By refining and adjusting it, I discovered a way to give form to all the darkness within a person: an embodiment of every flaw and sin they bear, the ultimate obstacle to a righteous path."
Zaekura cocked her head. "…Okay, that's interesting. Then for the trial, they fight this shadow thing?"
"Precisely. One final opportunity for growth—a last chance to show they have that capacity. Nidhiki will either display his aptitude to better himself…or he will succumb to his own darkness, and be no more."
The Glatorian looked out the window as she thought. "Is it…really that simple, though?"
Antroz inclined her head. "You are against it, then?"
"I didn't say that." Zaekura thought harder. "…I just…even saying yes to this feels like signing a death warrant. Can I just leave this to your judgment or whatever?"
"If that is what you wish, then yes."
Still, Zaekura hesitated. When at long last she spoke, it was to say, "Alright. Do what you think needs done, Fangs."
Antroz nodded, turning to the door. "I shall tend to it immediately."
Zaekura hung back as the Makuta undid the door. She teetered back and forth a bit, but despite her feelings on the matter, a deep curiosity was rising from within her, one she could not combat. Antroz made her way down the street with Zaekura right behind her.
Eventually they came to a warehouse. The facility was right at the edge of the outpost, built into the wall in fact; alert-looking Rahkshi formed a tight ring around it, the one at the door moving only a single step to allow Antroz and Zaekura through. There was nothing to see inside it, save for Nidhiki, who sat chained to the center of the floor. He sneered up at them as they entered.
"Oh, it's you," Nidhiki said. "So you're the one trying to ruin the Great Beings' world."
Zaekura said nothing. Antroz gestured to a staircase, and the two of them ascended to a balcony that ran across the wall. They stopped halfway down its length. Antroz faced Nidhiki, calling down, "Nidhiki of Odina. I have been given the responsibility of punishing you for your crimes."
"Hurry up and kill me, then," Nidhiki said. "I failed. My life has no meaning now."
"Not necessarily. There are many paths that could still be open to you. We shall see which one you choose."
The Matoran looked up as Antroz extended her hand. She curled her claws, and Nidhiki lurched suddenly, an odd sensation overtaking him. He bent forward, moaning, and soon a black aura encircled him like a wreath of smoke, orbiting him hazily as he struggled to understand what was going on. Suddenly the smoke blew on some nonexistent wind, flying across the warehouse and coalescing against the wall. It hovered for a second, and then, before his eyes, it grew and shaped itself, long limbs and rusty armor appearing where there had once been only air. The form was identical to Nidhiki, yet at the same time it seemed warped in some indescribable way. The original Matoran stared at the thing in horror. His shadow smiled wickedly back at him.
"Nidhiki," Antroz called. "This is a replica of all the darkness you harbor. Defeat it, or it will defeat you."
She flicked her wrist, and Nidhiki's chains fell away. Scrambling to his feet, Nidhiki backed away, but the shadow matched his pace.
"W…what is this?" Nidhiki asked.
"Weren't you listening?" the shadow said. "I'm you. All the worst parts of you. And to tell you the truth, me, I'm feeling awfully self-destructive."
The shadow charged. Nidhiki stumbled, nearly falling over, but managed to steady himself and moved to leap over his attacker. The shadow jumped up to meet him, smacking him down to the floor. There was just barely enough time for Nidhiki to roll away before the shadow came crashing back down, his fist colliding with the concrete.
"I knew you were going to do that," the shadow said, rising to his full height. "I know everything about you, Nidhiki. You might've done your best to forget who you were, but my memory's a bit better."
Nidhiki moved to circle the shadow. "This is all some sort of trick, isn't it? An illusion cast by the Makuta, wanting to watch me squirm before she finishes me off?"
The shadow sighed. "You never did know how to listen. Not unless someone was telling you something you wanted to hear, at least. But that doesn't happen very often, now does it, Nidhiki? No one ever cared about your petty desires."
"Shut up!" Nidhiki shouted. "I'm not going to take part in this farce!"
He stayed low to the ground as he ran forward, springing up when he was right in front of the shadow. The doppelganger stepped out of the way effortlessly, and as Nidhiki fumbled to react, he dealt him a powerful kick that sent him rolling across the warehouse.
"Your whole life has been a farce," the shadow said as he stalked closer. "Why don't I share your noble motives with the crowd? Think they'll pity you?" He looked to the balcony. "He runs on ego. There's nothing else there. He was a subpar electrician in Atero with delusions of grandeur, hoping one day he would be recognized and praised, but—surprisingly—that day never came."
Nidhiki rolled into a crouch. Releasing gusts from both feet, he shot across the room, but the shadow merely ducked under him. He ricocheted off the wall and tried again to land a hit, but this time the shadow extended his arm as he passed, catching Nidhiki's torso and spinning him around as he fell to the ground.
"No, no one ever cared for poor, worthless little Nidhiki," the shadow mused as he loomed over the Matoran. "So he decided that the only way to achieve greatness was as a conqueror. He didn't even have his fancy gust boots then, so this really was an impressive leap in logic. Just how many wires do you have crossed, you dolt?"
Nidhiki swiped his arm and met only empty air. He got to his feet and started to punch wildly, the shadow dancing back and blocking each one, smirking at him all the while.
"How did you think that would work? Even supposing the Zyglak could take Miserix…" The shadow stopped to chuckle. "Did you think the Great Beings would just let you keep Atero? Did you think they would fear you too much to send anyone else to free it from you? You're just a simple Matoran. You've always been beneath respect, Nidhiki…and you've always known it."
"Shut up!" Nidhiki yelled. "Shut up, shut up, shut up!"
He finally made contact with an elbow thrust to the shadow's chest. The doppelganger stepped back in surprise.
"I already know," Nidhiki panted. "I know it was stupid! I know I was just being selfish, that it was all a mistake!"
He advanced. The shadow blocked his punches, but then Nidhiki went for a kick, firing a gust from his sole to launch the shadow back into the wall.
"I've seen the error of my ways, creature! And I've grown stronger since then. I don't need those memories—I've put them behind me!"
Nidhiki ran and jumped, aiming to drive his foot straight into his opponent. All he hit was the wall. A split-second later, his shadow had him by the neck.
"You really are an idiot, you know that?" he hissed.
The shadow swung Nidhiki overhead and smashed him directly into the pavement. His mask cracked on impact, several tiny fragments flying off.
"You actually think you've redeemed yourself," the shadow said as he hoisted Nidhiki back up. "You think that since you've given yourself to the Keeper's will, you're a changed person, a better person, that now you're on the right path. And you're still hoping that someone will see that and praise you for it."
The shadow rammed his knee into Nidhiki's gut.
"You haven't changed at all. You're still the same needy amateur you've always been, Nidhiki. And you know what the worst part is?"
He unceremoniously dropped Nidhiki. The Matoran crumpled silently on the floor.
"You actually think the Keeper cares about you."
Up above, Antroz turned slightly towards Zaekura. The Glatorian was watching the duel unfold with a worried focus, feeling like this was something she should not be witnessing but being unable to make herself turn away from it. Clearing her throat, Antroz said, "You can leave, if you would prefer."
Zaekura closed her eyes for a few moments. "…Nah. I feel like I need to see just what this involves."
Antroz nodded and said nothing more. Below, Nidhiki was starting to get up, the shadow standing a few steps away with his back turned.
"That freak won't shed a single tear when he hears you've died," the shadow said. "You're disposable to him."
"That's not true!" Nidhiki said, trying to straighten his mask. "The Keeper saw potential in me! He saved me because he knew I was special—he's the only one who's ever recognized me!"
Nidhiki sprang into a handstand and swung his leg towards the shadow's face. The doppelganger grabbed him by the ankle, tugging just enough to unbalance him.
"And that's why he gave you these implants, right? Forcibly drawing upon those tiny sparks of Elemental Energy deep inside you, causing you excruciating pain each time you use them. You can at least admit you hate these things, can't you?"
Before Nidhiki could say anything, the shadow spun him around and threw him. He managed to land with his feet on the wall, and again used his gusts to leap off of it, though this time he did not aim for the shadow. Nidhiki shot around the room in a blaze of speed, bouncing off the walls purely at random in an attempt to disorient his enemy. Eventually he made his move. The shadow snapped his arms shut around him, pivoted with the momentum of his charge, and pinned him to the ground face-first, causing his mask to shatter entirely. Nidhiki gasped as the strength left his body.
"Oh, fine," the shadow said. He stood, and then he gently placed on foot against Nidhiki's head. "If you're so attached to these dreadful things…"
He fired a gust from his foot as he put all his weight upon it, pressing Nidhiki's head into the concrete with such force that tiny cracks appeared in its surface. The Matoran writhed, just barely clinging to life, but could do nothing.
"You never amounted to anything, Nidhiki," the shadow said. "No one will remember you, much less praise you. So why don't you just do what you should've done in the first place…and keep your head down."
The shadow blasted Nidhiki again, forming longer, deeper cracks in the floor. Another, even more damage. Yet another, and then he looked up sharply, his body flashing for a brief moment before slowly but surely fading from view. Nidhiki did not get up.
"Nidhiki could not overcome his demons," Antroz stated. "The trial is thus concluded."
She walked down the balcony, stopping at the top of the stairs to turn back. Zaekura remained in place, clutching the railing tightly, staring straight at what was left of Nidhiki. Antroz waited patiently until she finally hung her head.
"…Antroz," she said, almost too quiet to hear. "You sensed it when my dad died, right? Does that mean…you know what he was thinking when it happened?"
Antroz hesitated, but answered, "I do."
"Tell me."
Antroz slowly came closer to her. "…Are you certain? I do not think it will comfort you."
"Screw comfort," Zaekura said, turning and glaring at her. "Because of this grand escape of mine, people have already died—why should I get to be comfortable?"
"Zaekura—"
"I need to know! Alright? I just…" She turned around, running a hand up and over her head. "I need to know…if that's how he felt."
Antroz stopped a few steps away from Zaekura. Taking a deep breath, she said, "He was confused, for one thing. He had tried to attack a drone, but it evaded and countered, taking him by surprise. And…he was afraid. He did not want to die."
Zaekura nodded.
"…And…he felt that, if he did not succeed there…he would be failing you."
She turned, staring wide-eyed at Antroz.
"Your father joined the battle because he wanted to do whatever he could to help you. He wanted to protect you in any way he could. He died…feeling that he had failed in that regard. That he had failed you and your mother, the two people he loved most in this world. Those were the last thoughts I could glean from him."
Zaekura stared at her. "Dad…really…"
Antroz turned aside. "I'm sorry, Zaekura."
She covered her face as tears spilled from her eyes. Zaekura backed into the railing and slid down until she was sitting on the floor, and then pulled her legs in and simply wept.
The day of Virban's funeral was cooler than most, the desert sun only peeking out from behind a spotty layer of clouds. Once everyone had gathered, four Rahkshi lifted the coffin and set out towards the southeast, with Bitil, Charla, Zaekura, and Antroz a few steps behind them leading the rest of the Rahkshi in a long, long column. They walked until they reached the outer wall of a great canyon, where a grave had already been dug at its base. Virban was lowered into it. Three Rahkshi formed into a Kaita with massive arms, which they used to sweep a mound of sand over to fill the opening, and then Bitil came forward and drew something from within his cape: Virban's sword. He gripped it with both hands and drove it into the ground to serve as a marker. Then, after a very long pause, he turned to face the crowd.
"It seems odd to say now," Bitil began, "but when I was first stationed out here, the outpost was an incredibly quiet, lonely place. The streets were always empty, and every day I had no one to talk to but myself. I couldn't stand that silence…so I decided to create Rahkshi to keep me company. Not just any Rahkshi, but a type of Rahkshi the world had never seen before—Rahkshi so unique that all who met them would be shocked and amazed. Virban was one the first."
He glanced back at the grave.
"I made him in the image of a courageous warrior of old. Imposing, powerful, and stoic. But he was more than what I made him to be. Virban was an honorable and kind soul, quick to help out his family and slow to complain about any burden. Selfless. So many of you looked up to him, and I too admired the person he grew to be. He remained humble, and never asked for anything, but I'm certain he knew just how much he was loved."
Bitil paused to look over his assembled Rahkshi.
"…I hope you all do. I cherish every single one of you. Because of you, the once desolate streets are now lively, and I am at last secure in knowing that I will never find myself alone again. You've all shocked and amazed me, simply for becoming the people that you are. And I am truly proud."
He looked down for a second, adjusting his mask to stall so he could maintain his composure.
"I know this will not be easy. No one can ever replace Virban, and we will carry the grief of his loss with us for as long as we live. So until then…until we can meet him again…it will be up to us to keep him in our memories. The burden may indeed be a heavy one. But Virban knew that so long as we stand together and help one another, there is no burden we cannot bear. Let us remember that. It shall give us all the strength we need."
Thunderous applause answered him. He let out his breath and waited for it to end, but it kept going. He grinned. Eventually, he nodded to Charla, and then he took a few steps to the side. The crowd finally began to quiet as she approached the grave.
Charla surveyed the crowd, her eyes lingering on Zaekura. The Glatorian looked somewhat distant, like a dark cloud had come over her, but for a moment that cloud parted and she smiled at Charla encouragingly.
"I have struggled to figure out what I wish to say today," Charla said. "This has been a difficult time for all of us, in a way we have ever truly prepared to deal with. Virban was an embodiment of the Principle he wielded: courageous in all things, never once letting fear stop him from doing what he set out to do. Even when faced with insurmountable odds, he chose to do what he thought was right, what he thought was brave…even though he knew it would be his end."
She shifted her weight awkwardly.
"…I am sad that he is gone. Sadder than I have ever felt before. I know that's how we all feel, and that we wish to honor him in whatever way we can. Virban was being as selfless as one could be, paying his life because he hoped it would benefit our lives—and that intention is a noble one."
She took a very long pause.
"We have many fierce battles ahead of us. Odds just as insurmountable as those Virban faced. Dangerous, dangerous times are upon us…and I know we must all be brave. But I beg you, my siblings, if any of you find yourself in a situation that could mean your death…remember how you feel right now. Remember how heartbroken we all are, to be laying our brother to rest. None of us wish to go through this again."
She looked at the grave.
"I admire Virban's selflessness…but I would much rather he be here with us today. I would much rather we could all celebrate our victory than mourn his death."
She turned back to the crowd.
"Please. If you find yourself in danger, do not immediately charge headlong into it. I know we wish to emulate Virban's courage, but certainly, he would not wish for us to die. Even a situation that looks hopeless may still be salvaged—we can assess a situation slowly without being consumed by fear. Please…if you find yourself in danger, think carefully about what options are available to you. Always fight for a victory we can celebrate together. I have confidence that is a goal we can achieve far more often than not."
Several of the Rahkshi were exchanging looks. She couldn't pick out any particular feelings in the crowd, but if nothing else, she did not sense the outrage she had feared.
"Virban was courageous, and selfless…and at times, a bit reckless as well. I will always remember the good he brought into the world, and seek to preserve it in his stead. And I will do so with as little sacrifice as I possibly can, to protect the lives he too wished to protect. I think that's the best way I can honor him."
Charla bowed slightly to signal that she was done. She was met with applause, if not quite as loud as before, and then went to stand next to Bitil as the rest of the Rahkshi began to file past the grave one by one. She stood very still until she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Bitil smiling at her.
"Thank you, Charla," he said.
Relief filled her. Charla nodded to Bitil, unable to form words as she started to sob.
By the time everyone had paid their respects, the sun was getting low. As the final Rahkshi headed back towards the outpost, Bitil walked back to the grave to say something in private, and then went to join his children once again. Antroz remained waiting a few paces away, keeping guard as Zaekura and Charla stood in front of the marker.
"That must've been hard," Zaekura said.
"It was," Charla said. "I only hope I chose the right words. I worry I may not know for sure until it's too late."
"No, you did good. They'll remember what you said."
"Thank you. And thank you for being here. I know it's not easy for you."
"This isn't easy for anyone. No reason for me to leave you hanging."
They both looked up at the sky. It was growing steadily darker, the first few stars already just barely visible.
"…I'm going to do whatever I can," Zaekura said. "I have no idea how things are going to go, but I promise I'll do my best to keep anyone else from dying, Charla."
"Alright. But remember, Lady Zaekura…" She turned to face her. "You are not bearing that burden alone. And I promise that you will never have to."
ADDENDUM:
-When I was brainstorming The Gargoyle Knight as a solo piece, I thought it would be really cool if Antroz used something like Shadow Toa to test her prisoners, but with the way the story went I ended up not being able to show it. When I decided to expand into Right of Law, I knew that, at some point, I was going to show it off for sure. Now, a year later, I finally get a chance to use it! Hopefully this won't be the last time.
-The opening reiterates some of what was in last Section's Addendum—I've been feeling like I'm putting too much information in the Addendum when I should be keeping everything you need to know in the story itself, plus Zaekura needs filled in on this stuff too.
