Zaekura knocked lightly before opening the door. Beyond she found Ehrye, who looked up curiously as she entered, and Ackar, who didn't spare her so much as a glance.

"So…how are you two?" Zaekura asked. "Recovering well?"

"Uh, yeah," Ehrye said. "I'm fine."

After waiting to see if Ackar would say anything, Zaekura continued, "Sorry it's taken me so long to visit in person: getting the city up and running was a priority, and a few things popped up after that. But, I wanted to speak to you and see where you stand."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure what you have and haven't heard; for all I know you've been kept in the dark and were just fighting because you had no reason to question your orders. I—"

"She wants us to join her," Ackar interrupted.

Zaekura stopped short. She glanced at Ackar, who still wouldn't face her, and said, "…If you're open to the idea."

"I am not."

"Not even a little? Mind explaining why?"

The Glatorian didn't respond. Ehrye seemed to still be thinking, so Zaekura decided to press the issue.

"Have to admit, Ackar: now that I've been told more about you, I'm pretty surprised to see you here. Apparently you're a pretty big deal in Atero—odd time for a move, don't you think?"

"I was sent to deal with you," Ackar said. "Miserix predicted you would attack Xia. I came to protect the civilians."

Zaekura crossed her arms. "We don't attack civilians."

Ackar finally turned and glared, eyes burning with a flame that had raged for uncountable years without dimming. "Right. Act high and mighty all you want, but you're still attacking their homes. Everyone on Spherus Magna is in danger now because of what you're doing."

His words cut straight through her guard, and a blaze of shame began to spread in Zaekura's heart. Pushing the thought aside, she stared Ackar down as convincingly as she could. "The way I see it, everyone was already in danger. Sure, what dragged me into all this is the fact that I'm one of the ones in the most danger, but there's no guarantee it ends there. Let the Great Beings run unchecked, and they can haul off anyone they want, for whatever reason they want, leaving the rest of us to wait and wonder what happened to them. For all anyone knows, their turn could be coming up."

Ackar grunted as he turned away again.

"I was a civilian myself, Ackar, and the Great Beings decided they wanted me dead. Maybe you're fighting to protect people, but if you keep fighting on the side you're on, then intentionally or not you're protecting that unchecked power."

Ackar had no reply. Zaekura waited a few moments before letting out a breath and dropping her arms. She turned back to Ehrye to see him surveying the floor, and asked, "So? What's your angle?"

Ehrye jumped a bit. He stammered briefly, but then composed himself and said, "Well, I…I'm not as sure. I mean, at first I was sure you were lying about the Great Beings, and that I had to keep people safe from you. But the thing is…you're not the way I pictured. You made sure your forces were being careful, you tried to negotiate things before a fight started, you gave us all the option to leave…you showed compassion for the Vorox, even."

Zaekura waited as he thought.

"Look, I just want to do my Duty, to be a good Toa. I always thought that meant following the orders of the Great Beings, and even now…it doesn't feel like what I did was wrong? Like, I know I helped people—it's hard to think of something that I outright regret. I just…" He shook his head. "I'm not sure what's the best way to help going forward, I guess."

Zaekura waited to be sure he was done, and then said, "Sounds like we all want the same thing. I get it, though—after how long it took Fangs to come around, I have a better appreciation for how hard this can be. I won't rush you. Let us know if you need anything, alright?"

"Uh, right," Ehrye said. "…Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Ackar still had nothing to add. Zaekura closed the door behind her, took a few steps down the hall, and ran a hand over her face, leaning against the wall and moaning quietly. She inhaled sharply as she forced herself upright. Farther down the hall was another door, and after another quick knock, she entered to find Emsar lying with her hands behind her head as she stared at the ceiling. The Vortixx looked over to her for only a second.

"The lady herself. Have you prepared a speech of your own to attempt to convert me?"

Zaekura became aware of just how tired she felt. Shifting her stance, she said, "Alright, Emsar, I might not know you too well but I can tell arguing about principles might not be the best approach. Why don't you tell me what it is you want?"

Emsar slowly turned her head. After a small silence, she chuckled, and then rolled into a sitting position to say, "Now that's refreshing. Points for knowing your audience."

"I'll spend them wisely."

"Hmhm…think it'll be that easy? Sometimes it isn't so clear which choice is the smartest."

"Ah," Zaekura said, "so you're trying to make the 'smart' choice? Yeah, I can see how that'd be tough right now."

"Precisely. The Great Beings are likely to have my head whether I return to them or not. While I could certainly risk it, risk is just so…unappealing, frankly." She laid back down.

"Tell me about it," Zaekura grumbled.

Emsar laughed. "Oh of course, I must seem woefully insensitive talking to you about risk."

"Like you said, I know my audience."

"Goodness, Lady Zaekura, I'm liking you more and more. Perhaps dying at your side wouldn't be the worst thing in the world."

"And with luck, maybe you won't even die. Well, you know, not get killed, at least. But anyway, how long are you going to dodge the question?"

Emsar looked up.

"What is it you want?"

Giving a smirk, Emsar let her head fall back. Just as Zaekura's patience with her silence was wearing thin, the Vortixx quietly replied, "I suppose what I truly want is…to continue working alongside Makuta Antroz."

Zaekura was about to speak, but Emsar let loose a very loud sigh, draping her arm over her eyes.

"As you've deduced, I've never entirely understood the appeal of principles, morals, the like. Yet still, working alongside Antroz has been quite enjoyable. I would very much like that to continue…but. I simply can't convince myself of that being the smart decision to make."

Zaekura thought a moment, and ultimately gave a shrug. "Well, okay. If you aren't able to figure out what the smart choice is, why not make the choice you do understand?"

She could just barely see Emsar's eyes, staring blankly up as the words hung in the air.

"…We're going on a diplomacy run, but Antroz should be back soon, if you want to talk to her again. Anything I can do for you before we leave?"

The distinct lack of a parting quip from Emsar left the conversation feeling horribly unfinished, but Zaekura didn't have time to wait. She shut the door and headed downstairs.

I know they need time for a decision like this…I just hope they get enough.


Chirox trudged through one of the many halls of the Valley of the Maze, grumbling wordlessly as he messily patched up a hole in his armor. As he rounded a corner, he nearly collided with someone, practically flinging himself back to avoid the impact and get a better look: it was another Makuta, white and gold armor bearing a simple design much like his own, glaring at him from behind a Mask of Healing. Chirox sneered and brushed the dust from his shoulder.

"Rare to see you in this wing, Mutran," he said. "To what do I owe the displeasure?"

"Oh, so clever," Mutran said. "At ease, Chirox: I was simply disposing of some garbage, and it seems it has drawn me towards its kin."

Chirox's eyes darted to Mutran's hand, spotting a badly-charred Kanohi. With a chuckle, he said, "Failed again, hm? I'd never dream of placing fault with a Great Being, so it must be his lab assistant who bears the responsibility."

Mutran waved the mask in Chirox's direction. "The fundamental process is sound! We're simply working to refine it, and there's a delicate balance to mind! Unlike some of us, a true scientist always seeks to better what he has already made, rather than being content with mere—"

The mask suddenly burst into flames, and Mutran stopped short. Growling, he narrowed his eyes and willed a vacuum to form around the fire, gradually smothering it. Chirox stroked his chin.

"…And what, pray tell, has Lord Angonce been having you tend to?"

"We have also been doing the delicate work of refining a foundational process," Chirox said. "Though, none of our experiments have ended up so, how should I say…fruitless."

Mutran tilted his head. "Oh? And the scars on your armor?"

"…Fruit just the same."

A shriek suddenly rang out, echoing from the nearby darkness of the hall. Now taking on a smirk, Mutran said, "I believe you've another harvest of fruit to gather."

With a huff, Chirox faced the direction the cry had come from and edged forward in a battle stance; not wanting to be caught off-guard, Mutran did the same. Booming footsteps drew steadily closer, and soon a form could be seen bearing down on them: something that may have once been a Kane-Ra, but its horns had grown jagged and doubled in number, and the armor on its hide had a scaly texture, constantly shifting to be as aerodynamic as possible as the beast ran forward. It opened its mouth, roaring at them, and a Rhotuka spinner shot from its open maw. Chirox started to say something, but the wheel of energy struck him. In a flash, he and the Rahi had switched places, leaving a very underprepared Mutran staring up at the Kane-Ra as it lowered its horns and smashed him into the wall. The Rahi paused to bellow triumphantly.

"Well," Chirox said, "there's something I can be proud of you for."

The Rahi looked at him for only a moment, and then turned in the opposite direction. Chirox looked past it to see Gorast coming around the corner.

"Oh dear…"

She barely seemed to notice the Kane-Ra as it lunged at her. Just before they collided, Gorast threw a punch at the monster's skull, and a surge of energy rippled through its entire body. With a sickening crunching noise, the Rahi's mighty frame crumpled under the force of its own momentum, ending up a tangled, misshapen heap that Gorast simply kicked aside.

As he approached, Chirox said, "You didn't have to break it, you know."

Even after all this time, her glare was enough to shock him still. "I had to break something. Be glad I didn't run into you."

Mutran was picking himself up now, saying, "Something troubling you, Gorast? Normally you'd take that thing down the old-fashioned way."

Gorast grumbled a few moments. "Zaekura."

"Ah, yes, that whole thing. Angry you're not out rending her flesh from her bones?"

One of Gorast's lower arms jabbed Mutran in the side, nearly knocking him over. "Don't treat me like some brainless Rahi."

Chirox crouched next to the Kane-Ra's remains, resting his head in one hand. "How do I even begin to clean this up…"

Gorast started to walk away. A few steps down the hall, however, she stopped and turned back towards the scientists. "You two at least believe in what we're doing, right?"

Chirox craned his neck. "What?"

"I'm asking if you understand the importance of serving the Great Beings."

"Is that what's gnawing at you?" Mutran asked as he stood back up. "Worried more Makuta may follow in Antroz's footsteps?"

Gorast clicked her claws. "…I never liked Antroz. But she was devoted to the Great Beings, and I respected her for that. Now, all of the sudden she thinks her 'morals' are above that duty…if even she can fail like that, then there's not much hope for the rest of you saps."

"Touching." Mutran inspected his side briefly, and then reached towards the charred Kanohi, pulling it to his palm with magnetism. "If it shall put your mind at ease, Gorast: there is no cause for concern. I may not be the zealot you are, but frankly, neither duty nor morals hold great appeal for me."

Gorast bristled. "What?"

"Calm down," Chirox said. "Just as you are devoted to the Great Beings, we are devoted to science. It just so happens that the Great Beings are far and away the most advanced scientists on the planet."

"Correct, for once," Mutran said. "You see, even Chirox is not so stupid as to jeopardize the opportunity this position affords us. Whatever the Great Beings ask of us, we'll do it. Isn't that all that matters?"

"No!" Gorast said, slashing an arm through the air. "You're only following them because it's convenient for you? What kind of reason is that?!"

Chirox gestured. "Please, by all means, enlighten us on the correct way of thinking."

Gorast opened her mouth, but realized she didn't have the words. She tried to figure out how to say what she felt, but the more she struggled, the angrier she grew, until finally she simply snarled in frustration. Beams of heat shot from her eyes, setting the Rahi carcass on fire much to Chirox's dismay. She turned and left without another word.


The lush jungle of Bota Magna was a far cry from the vast desert the party knew. While at first the trees had inspired a claustrophobic feeling, they grew more accustomed to the terrain as they went; the path was shaded by the sturdy canopy overhead, letting in just the right amount of sunlight to instill a vibrant sense of life, made only more real by the constant chatter of birds in the distance. Zaekura had a smile before she even realized it.

"Enjoying yourself, Lady Zaekura?" Charla said.

"You could say that. I am from the Jungle Tribe—maybe there's something in me that just feels at home here. Come to think of it, this might be the first time I've ever actually seen trees."

"Mine as well. And the ground here, it's so different from the desert sand, yet not like a concrete road either."

"Right! If nothing else, at least we finally get to see some new places out of this whole thing."

"Heheh, I suppose it is a silver lining."

Zaekura breathed deeply. "Ah…still. We should hurry up and find the Le-Koronans. There's still a lot of work that needs done back in Xia…"

"I am certain we will find them soon. For the time being, why not enjoy these new surroundings? Thoughts of work can wait until it is in front of us."

Walking a short distance behind the pair were Antroz and Krika, the latter having been uncharacteristically silent for the entire trek. As they plunged ever-deeper into the jungle, the oddity of the situation began to weigh on Antroz, until finally she felt compelled to address it.

"Krika," she said. "What vexes you?"

"A great many things, but such is life," Krika replied.

"Clearly something has changed. You've hardly spoken since returning from Mahri-Nui. I do not mean to pry, but I am growing concerned."

Krika looked up at the canopy, seemingly lost in thought. "Antroz…is it wrong to desire forgiveness?"

Antroz went still for a moment, then resumed her pace. "An odd question. Why should it be?"

"No matter what we do, it is impossible to truly erase the harm one may've caused—impossible to 'make up for it'. Is it wrong to ask those we've harmed to pretend otherwise? To pretend that we've never harmed them, as if their pain did not matter? Lately, I've come to think it may be arrogant, in addition to horrendously selfish. What say you?"

The birdsongs had the first reply. Eventually, Antroz said, "I say that to wish to undo the harm one's caused is contingent upon being aware that one has caused harm, as well as regretting it. If you desire to make amends, then it means you have realized your past mistakes—that is far from arrogance."

"So it is simply enough to realize that one was wrong?"

"…Truthfully, Krika, I am still in the midst of discovering all I've done wrong, so I cannot give you a proven answer. Perhaps there are some who attempt to force others to forgive them, or feel being forgiven means they need not learn from their mistakes, but those are not the same as simply wanting to right the wrongs you may have committed. What else would you do: relish in your wrongdoing and be content with the harm you've caused?"

Krika appeared to ponder this, earning a sigh from Antroz.

"Krika, I am trying—"

A sudden burst of heat from ahead cut her off. Zaekura and Charla had reached a wide gap between the trees, but when they had attempted to advance, a large fireball had appeared in the air before them. Antroz and Krika both dashed forward. Neither reached Zaekura, as each were instead blindsided by a bolt of shadow from the surrounding underbrush, causing them both to collapse in a tangled heap.

An attack…but from who? Antroz thought.

Zaekura and Charla had now backed away from the fireball, each facing an opposite direction to be ready for more blasts. Zaekura asked, "Charla, how many are there?"

"I…I don't know," Charla said. "I can't sense anyone other than the four of us."

Upon hearing this, an eerie recollection shook Antroz. Propping herself up slightly, she said, "They're hidden, same as Kapura. We have to be cauti—"

She ducked, just barely evading another shadow bolt. Turning in the direction it had come from, Zaekura shouted, "Hey! We're not here to fight! Please, just tell us what you want!"

The fire dissipated. Zaekura turned back to see a Toa of Fire standing in its place, one with a strange-looking object hanging from his neck and a blue Kanohi Pakari on his face.

"Leave this place!" he demanded. "Makuta are not welcome here!"

Antroz could hear the voice, but she couldn't sense the Toa's location. Trying again to rise, she said, "We come in peace. Please, we seek only to meet with the Le-Koronans."

The Toa held one palm forward. "You're speaking with one, and I have nothing more to say."

"Okay, easy!" Zaekura said. "Don't burn the jungle down!"

The Toa's palm began to light up. At first, Zaekura was expecting more flames to come her way, but she soon realized this light had no heat. A split-second later, blinding light erupted from the Toa's hand, causing everyone but Antroz to recoil in agony. Antroz, meanwhile, continued to rise—until another shadow bolt struck her, this one coming from the direction she had heard the Toa.

"W…what?" she grunted.

Krika's eyes were the first to recover, though it took him a moment to believe what he was seeing. The fireball had returned just behind the Toa, while bright light wreathed one of his hands and the other was cloaked in shadows.

"You've been warned!" the Toa said. "Keep at it, and I'll have no choice but to repel you by any means necessary!"

"…Well," Krika muttered, "seems you're no ordinary Toa. We're certainly underprepared."

As the Toa opened his mouth to speak, Krika narrowed his eyes. A stasis field sprang into being around their attacker, giving the others the time they needed to recover, but only just: a shadow bolt hit Krika from behind, making him lose focus and freeing the Toa.

"Fine," he said, "have it your way!"

"Please, stop!" Zaekura said. "We just want to talk, that's all! None of this is necessary!"

The Toa leaned forward, willing a ring of fireballs to encircle the intruders. He hurled twin blasts of light and shadow, supplemented with attacks of his hidden allies—Antroz and Krika managed to cover Zaekura and Charla, turning invulnerable to weather the attacks, but as beings of light the effects of the shadow blasts still proved a bit much for them.

"You alright?" Zaekura asked, trying to keep Antroz on her feet.

"Lady Zaekura…I believe we should withdraw," Antroz said. "There are no allies to be gained here."

Hesitantly, Zaekura looked around. "There's gotta be some way…but, I don't want you two getting beat up…"

"Well?" asked the Toa of Fire.

Zaekura clenched her teeth. Just then, some branches nearby began to rustle, causing her and the Toa to glance aside. Out from the bushes burst a Toa of Air with a teal Rau, wearing the same odd necklace as the Toa of Fire, who ran to a spot between the opposing forces.

"Wait, wait Takua!" the Toa of Air said. "Hold on a second!"

The Toa of Fire stepped back, his elemental auras vanishing. "T…Tamaru! What are you doing?"

The Air Toa gestured to Zaekura, saying, "Listen, they called her Zaekura! She's the one I've been hearing about, the one fighting against the Great Beings! They're not our enemies!"

A Toa of Water popped up next from the nearby bushes, yelling, "If they're bringing their war to Bota Magna, then yes, they are! Now get out of the way!"

With a furious flapping of arms, Tamaru said, "Come on, Dalu! You attacked them! Hardly fair to say they're the ones who brought a fight!"

Dalu grumbled under her breath as she glared at the Makuta.

"Takua, do you really want to do this? They're barely even trying to defend themselves, I can't believe you feel good about hounding them like this!"

The fireballs began to dim. Takua looked down at the ground, saying, "Well, I…"

Tamaru smiled cheerily. "Let's just hear them out. Maybe they'll actually be able to help us with something or other!"

Feeling the tension draining out of the situation, Zaekura took a careful step forward. "Takua, was it? He's right, we only—"

Takua's eyes shot wide in an instant, the ring of fireballs flaring up to twice their original size. Shaking a fist at Zaekura, he shouted, "She!"

"W-What?"

"If you're talking about Tamaru, use 'she'! Otherwise you won't be making it out of the jungle!"

Zaekura glanced to Tamaru: the Toa of Air's expression was one of overwhelming unease, and the realization of what she'd just done slammed into her like a tidal wave. Turning fully, she said, "I am so sorry! I didn't know that…well, I mean, I didn't think Toa…er, no, just, I'm really sorry."

Tamaru nodded as she composed herself. "Well…apology accepted…anyway, um, Takua. If you don't want to hear them out, then that's okay, but I don't think you should make that decision for everyone."

Takua stared at her for a few seconds, and then rolled his eyes and dismissed the fireballs. "Alright, alright. Dalu, Kiina, come on."

A Water Tribe Glatorian appeared from the bushes, keeping her trident pointed in the Makuta's direction as she walked to Tamaru's side; Dalu continued to grumble, but reluctantly headed towards Tamaru as well. The Toa of Air smiled at her three associates, and then turned back to Zaekura and said, "Probably not the greeting you expected?"

"No, I understand," Zaekura said. "We tried to keep to a small group so we wouldn't appear threatening, but I guess that didn't work out. Sorry for that."

"So, what is it that brings you to Bota Magna? Looking for some help in your battle?"

"Yeah, something like that. Mainly we just wanted to see if we could arrange to gather some of this region's resources, though we'll gladly take any help we can get."

Tamaru turned to Takua. "See? Nothing to worry about!"

Dalu scoffed. "If the Great Beings see them using Bota Magna for their own gain, they'll probably burn the whole jungle down! I won't agree to this!"

Placing her hands on her hips, Tamaru said, "Come on, Dalu…"

"I've heard enough—if you want to put us all in danger, then go ahead. I'm heading home." The Toa of Water turned, sighed, and quietly added, "Berix is probably worried sick by now…"

Dalu stormed off. Zaekura rubbed her neck, saying, "Maybe this would go smoother if we could talk to your leader?"

"We don't have one," Takua said. "The Le-Koronans stand together, but none stand above another."

"Oh? How'd that come about?"

"…You still don't really know why we're all out here, do you?"

"Um…I guess not."

Takua sighed. "Maybe that's to be expected. We all have our own individual reasons, but basically, each of us felt out of place in the Great Beings' society—either just unhappy, outright rejected, or in very real danger. So, we left. Outcasts like us would probably be safer in Valwahi…" He paused, making air quotes as he repeated, "Safer." He then continued, "But it's way too inhospitable. Bota Magna is a place we can thrive, and a place where we can be ourselves."

"I heard about why you're doing this," Tamaru said to Zaekura. "In a way, you're one of us!"

Zaekura smiled at this. "Ah…thanks. Nice to feel welcome."

Tamaru giggled. Behind her, Takua said, "Still, Dalu has a point: it'd be dangerous for all of us if any of us got involved. Not only that, but the few of us can't speak for all Le-Koronans."

"Right," Zaekura said, nodding. "Well, it's not like I need an answer right away. Why don't I come back in a week or two? That way you'll have time to talk to everyone and get a better idea of how they all want to proceed."

"That sounds wonderful!" Tamaru said. "I'll start spreading the word right away!"

"Hold on," Takua said. "If we're going to actually discuss the issue, then we need to know a few things, like your motivation and what the Le-Koronans gain from helping you."

"We already know her motivation, Takua! I've already told you!"

"Okay, that still leaves incentive. What will we get out of a potential arrangement?"

Zaekura took her time in considering this. When she was ready, she said, "To be honest, I don't know if I can offer much in the short-term. We'll of course do our best to protect you, but with the Great Beings, that's hard to promise. And, if there's anything you want brought out to Bota Magna, we'd be more than happy to bring it. But on a more long-term scale: if we're able to beat the Great Beings, we're planning to make a lot of changes, hopefully prevent anyone from feeling like an outcast. I think your input on that would be really helpful."

Takua inclined his head.

"And I mean, you're certainly welcome in the cities we control now, we just…don't control too many cities. Not sure how enticing that is."

"It might be nice to live in the city again," Tamaru said. "Right, Kiina?"

The Water Glatorian simply grunted. Takua said, "If that's the case…then I think there's someone you should meet with before you head back. Offer him a more accepting environment in a big city, and he might just join you on the spot."

Tamaru clapped her hands together. "Oh yes! It'd be a shame to send you back empty-handed, and I'm certain you'll get something useful from Nuparu!"

Antroz inclined her head. "Nuparu? This is where he disappeared to?"

"Hm? Oh, I guess he did say he used to live in Xia…"

"That sounds great!" Zaekura said. "Thank you so much! Where can we find him?"

"We'll lead you there," Takua said. "It's easy to get lost in this place if you don't know where you're going. Shouldn't take too long."

Now a party of seven, the group headed off in a new direction, with Antroz bringing up the rear alone.

It may not be the case for all of them…but at least some of these Le-Koronans have shadow abilities. Can we truly trust them…?

Despite her misgivings, she continued on.


ADDENDUM:

-So…how's everyone holding up? Things have gotten pretty crazy since my last update—sorry it took so long, I work an "essential job" so my time to write remains limited. Still managed it before the end of April, though, so I just might be able to keep that monthly update goal rolling!

-There were a handful of characters I realized could use a bit more focus while we had the time, plus Mutran had yet to be properly introduced. Also, I've decided on a couple of new Great Beings, and the mask Mutran is carrying is the first hint towards one of them. The answer may surprise you!

-Related, Gorast has always had a certain importance to this story, but her appearances have amounted to little more than cameos and that's something I intend to fix.

-I've been needing to learn to write more diverse characters, and the combination of the concept for the Le-Koronans and the widespread adoption of the trans Tamaru headcanon provided an opportunity I would be remiss in passing up. In case I can't find a way to adequately exposit this in the upcoming chapters: plenty of Glatorian and Agori are trans, but when it comes to Toa and Matoran, the Great Beings are very adamant about the element-locked genders they assign and don't tolerate having them questioned. In the city, Tamaru could only be herself around a few Agori friends, so as soon as she found out about the Le-Koronans she rushed off to Bota Magna. Again, I lack experience writing trans characters, so if I make a misstep please do not hesitate to correct me—I want to be sure I'm representing others with due respect.

-As per my goal there will be at least one chapter in May; I have a rather short story I want to focus on getting done as soon as possible, but after that (and maybe one other shorter project) I'm thinking I'd like to focus on Right of Law and give it some real momentum. We'll see how that goes.