Yarion stepped out of their tower and paused to polish their gauntlet, and then looked up and surveyed the street. The city was moving in a nice and orderly fashion—without knowing better, one would never suspect it was still recovering from such a disastrous incident.

"Makuta!"

They turned to see Gaaki rush up to them. With a smile, Yarion greeted, "Good afternoon. Have things settled down at the Chronicle?"

"More or less," she said, flipping through her notepad. "I thought I knew what to expect as editor, but…well, regardless: do you have some time to talk?"

"Certainly, if you don't mind following me."

"Not at all!"

Yarion straightened their Kanohi and started down the street, Gaaki keeping pace at their side.

"So, a lot of readers have questions about what it means now that Civitas Magna is a part of Zaekura's territory. What sort of changes can we expect?"

"Not many. Lady Zaekura busies herself on the front lines, so she has delegated oversight of Civitas Magna to me; my role is essentially the same as before, only that I now answer to her. She has not issued any sort of decrees, or instated any new policies or such. After recent events, such freedom is…quite welcome."

"I see. So you feel this changing of hands is a good thing?

"Without a doubt. The Great Beings…" They took a long pause, then quietly said, "The Great Beings have made their true nature plain."

"Have to agree," Gaaki murmured as she scribbled down notes. "Going off of that…what are your thoughts in regards to the districts still controlled by Turaga Ahkmou?"

"Hmph. Ahkmou cares only for himself, and sees others as mere stepping stones towards his own ends. His hold is fragile—it will not last."

"Someone else could fill the power vacuum he leaves, though. I'm sure you've heard about the, uh, zealots making themselves known in those districts?"

"...I have. It likely goes without saying, but I encourage all citizens to exercise caution should they go near the loyalist districts, or if they should see any loyalists in their own districts."

"Of course. May I ask how you're planning to respond to their movement?"

Yarion polished a spot on their armor as they thought. "To be perfectly honest, Miss Gaaki…I am still trying to determine the best approach. This is a delicate matter, I find: these people may be dangerous, but they have been the victims of the Great Beings just the same as the rest of us. I will not tolerate any violence on their part…but, at the same time, I want them to know that when they realize they have chosen the wrong side, we will welcome them home with open arms."

"Hmm, alright…and, anything to say about the districts now controlled by Makuta Pridak?"

"Again, little has changed. I've been working closely with the Turaga he appointed, Sarda, to keep the city functioning smoothly. Being from Mahri Nui, his culture has inspired some shifts, but I think that will only serve to benefit Civitas Magna and its people."

Gaaki nodded, writing their words down. When she was done, she returned the book to her pack, glanced over her shoulder, and said, "...Off the record?"

Yarion came to a stop. Looming over them was a condemned building fenced off from the public, its windows shuddering as small creatures scurried past them. "...Pridak…reminds me an awful lot of Vamprah. I fear it is only a matter of time before his alliance with Zaekura crumbles. Should Civitas Magna become involved in that conflict, I am prepared to defend its people. With my life, if necessary."

They turned to see Gaaki smiling at them. "Well, here's hoping it doesn't come to that. Thanks for your comments, Makuta Yarion."

Yarion nodded. "...Miss Gaaki. Could I perhaps ask you…what the people seem to think of me?"

Gaaki tilted her head. "Huh? What do you mean, Makuta?"

They turned, continuing to polish their armor. "I was complicit in all the terrible things Ahkmou did to this city. It would not surprise me if the people now resented me for that fact. Even now, the only 'solution' I've given is handing control of Civitas Magna over to someone else, someone they know so little about and have for so long now been taught to hate and fear. Surely this all leaves the citizens with a great many misgivings."

Hahli pondered the matter for a moment. "I suppose you never heard, but while Ahkmou was in power there was a rumor going around that the Great Beings had recalibrated you."

"Not ill-founded: they threatened to do just that."

"What I mean is, nobody believed that the Makuta Yarion who's protected us for all these centuries would do such things of their own accord."

Yarion inclined their head.

"I can't speak for everyone, but my honest appraisal is that the vast majority of Civitas Magna still has faith in you, Makuta. And of course, faith in the Great Beings has plummeted after Ekimu's last visit, and I'd also like to think Kodan's interview with Zaekura inspired at least some goodwill towards her. Events like this will undoubtedly have everyone on edge. I think a lot of people are still hesitant to test their boundaries and openly voice their support for Zaekura, but I'm optimistic that they'll come around soon enough. And I know those same people are already willing to support you, Makuta."

Yarion was silent for a time, watching the busy street with an unreadable expression. Finally, they said, "Thank you, Miss Gaaki. I shall do my utmost to meet their expectations."


Zaekura threw the door open, grumbling to herself as she stormed down the hall. Charla was waiting nearby; she looked up and asked, "What's wrong, Lady Zaekura?"

"Mrrgh," Zaekura growled. "Just frustrated with that hunk of junk. I'm starting to see why Avak said they should've stayed decommissioned."

"Ah, I see." She stopped Zaekura to wipe some oil from her face. "Perhaps you could use some rest?"

"I mean, probably…but not just yet. Gotta make sure everything's in order."

They went downstairs to the main foyer of Antroz's tower: she, Krika, and Bitil were all gathered there. Looking up, Bitil said, "Excellent timing, Lady Zaekura. We just received word from Marlget: xe and Chloae continue to monitor Stelt for signs of Odinan activity, but they've yet to notice anything out of the ordinary."

Zaekura nodded and took a seat. "Right…so did everyone decide if they're staying here or coming to Atero with us?"

"Our forces have," Antroz said. "The three of us were still discussing which of us will stay behind to ensure Xia is not attacked while we are away."

"Eh? I figured you'd jump at that chance."

"It…did occur to me. However, I think it would be best if I did not hold onto Xia too tightly at this point in time. And, I feel that the front lines are where I will be of most use."

"As for me, I'm simply in no hurry to be put in charge of anything so involved," Krika said. "Also worth mentioning that we're in dire need of reconnaissance on Atero, which is something I'm rather well-suited for."

Bitil crossed his arms. "I do not want to send my children into battle without me…but likewise, I don't want to leave them unattended in a city this strategic."

"Gotcha," Zaekura said. "Well, there's no need to decide right away since we're still waiting on our allies."

"No," Bitil said, "I think it best we resolve this now so that we'll be ready to leave as soon as they arrive."

"Then as I was saying," Krika said, "your ability to interface with the duplicate lures allows you to be in many places at once, ideal for keeping a whole city safe. We also want to avoid the Great Beings learning of that tactic if at all possible."

"Krika is right," Antroz said. "I think you would be the most effective choice to remain here, Bitil."

Bitil tapped his finger. "...I suppose. What say you, Lady Zaekura?"

"Makes sense to me," Zaekura said. "And you know we'll take good care of everyone who does end up coming with us."

He nodded. "Very well. I shall protect Xia while you are away. One of you give Miserix a good smack from me."

Antroz and Krika agreed that they would. Zaekura said, "In that case, Krika: you, Emsar, and Azin handle recon. Fangs, I dunno, find the biggest target and take 'em down, I guess."

"I believe that would be Makuta Miserix," Antroz said. "I am perfectly willing to engage him in combat, however, I have a suspicion that Pridak will insist on being his opponent. I'll be vigilant."

"Thanks. Um…oh, what about General Ackar? Has he decided what he's doing yet?"

"He still refuses to join us," Krika said. "I don't imagine he'll budge when it comes to, ah, annexing other territories; but, there might be a chance we could convince him to help in keeping the people safe. It is his top priority, and he has officially cut ties with Atero over it."

"Hm. Alright, I'll talk to him tomorrow. And, how's Neton doing?"

Bitil smiled. "Well, thank you. He has received his prosthetic, and that Toa Hewkii is helping him through his exercises to learn how it works."

Zaekura nodded. After thinking a moment, she said, "That reminds me. I don't suppose we've heard anything about Dekar?"

No one replied.

"Hm. He can't have just disappeared into thin air…I'm getting worried."

"If he is in Civitas Magna, Makuta Yarion will find him," Antroz said.

"Yeah. So, what else…I managed to finish the anti-elemental weapons, Ehrye's working on getting more produced now."

"How is progress with that Bohrok?" Krika asked.

Charla chuckled. Zaekura said, "Slow."

"Ah."

"Well, it's not important anyway. I should get back to undoing the Vorox's mutations…I'm so close, I know it, but every time I try to put the finishing touches on it, I throw the whole formula out of whack. I just need one big breakthrough…"

Charla set a hand on her shoulder. "I thought we agreed that what you need is rest?"

"Mmmmmm…"

"Lady Zaekura."

"You should rest while you have the chance to," Krika said. "You can come at the problem with more energy that way."

Zaekura tried to construct a counter argument. It was then she realized how exhausted she felt. Muttering her compliance, she headed back upstairs with Charla, returning to the room she was staying in and sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"Can I get you anything?" Charla asked.

She shook her head. Charla turned to leave, but stopped short when she sensed Zaekura wanting to stop her.

"Yes?"

Zaekura's gaze was fixed on her hands as she fidgeted. Spots of dried oil still spotted her fingers, though they looked like bruises sitting next to the faint scars she had been accumulating through her work. Maybe some of them were—she wasn't certain. "...My mind…feels different than it did before…right?"

Charla nodded.

"Because of my mutation…because it's progressing, making me more like the Great Beings…"

Charla said nothing.

"Have I…have I been acting any different?"

"No, I wouldn't say so."

Zaekura nodded once. "...I've been thinking differently, though. And not just the better memory, the new ideas, understanding more complex things, but…some of the things…some things I've thought, they're…"

Charla sat down next to her. "Are you able to give an example?"

"Well, like I was saying before, I'm feeling kind of excited lately. Like I have to stop and remind myself that these are terrible things going on, and I shouldn't be so focused on wondering what new ideas and tech I get to try out."

"Alright. Anything else?"

"...When…when I was dealing with Ekimu…" She paused. "...For a moment there, I just…forgot about everything else. All I could think about was the technology I was dealing with, what it could do, what I could do with it."

"I see."

Zaekura started to tremble. "I'm…I'm really worried, Charla. I'm starting to think like them: I'm forgetting to think about other people over my own interests. I…am I…like, is it inevitable? That I'm just going to completely lose myself and become the exact same as them?! I-I don't…"

Charla offered her hand. Tentatively, Zaekura took it. The Rahkshi said, "Thoughts are peculiar things. We direct them, and identify with them, but in my experience, no one is in total control of them. Thoughts will appear without prompting, come and go as they please, veer sharply off the course we have plotted for them. It varies from person to person, of course. But ultimately, I feel we cannot judge people—be it others or ourselves—based simply on what stray thoughts appear within their minds. What matters is our reaction to those thoughts, which of them we choose to embrace."

Zaekura looked up at her.

"Zaekura…you are more than every stray figment that passes your mind's eye. I can see how these uninvited notions trouble you, and that only confirms you to be the wonderful sort of person I already know you are. No matter how far this mutation progresses, I have full confidence that you will always be you."

Gradually, Zaekura's trembling lessened. Tears came to her eyes, and she leaned closer to rest her head on Charla's shoulder. "...Thanks, Charla. You're pretty wonderful yourself."


The middle of the circular chamber was empty, with a single elevated desk wrapping all the way around its perimeter. Behind this desk were six compartments, each currently seating either one being or two, highlighted with a spotlight each, while the center was kept in darkness. Standing rigidly in one of these compartments was a tall Makuta with red and gold armor, a long, slender tail, and bony horns fanning out slightly from the sides of his Kanohi Calix. He cleared his throat, though he already had everyone's attention.

"Thank you all for being here," he said. "I thought it wise to share with each other the current state of our respective districts, as well as discuss Atero's options moving forward. Turaga Hafu, I am most eager to hear from you."

In another compartment was a tan and black armored Toa of Stone hastily sifting through paperwork. "No, Makuta Miserix, I don't think you do want to hear anything I have to report. The Manufacturing District is in shambles, same as it's been everyday since the fall of Xia! We simply aren't equipped to be taking on this much work, Makuta: our tools and machinery are breaking nearly as fast as we can repair them, the workers are exhausting themselves, and all of our supplies are rapidly dwindling! We can't keep this up!"

Across from him was a Toa of Air wearing a Kanohi Mahiki, leaned back in his seat with feet kicked up on the desk. "Aw, quit being so dramatic, Hafu. It's bad for your health! And the health of those who have to listen to you."

Hafu set down his papers with a huff. "What else would I expect from the laziest Turaga in history? What have you done to assist in our war effort, Matau?"

"Hey, keeping the Recreation District running is an important job! Folks need some way to unwind and take their mind off of everything. If we want 'em to keep working hard, we gotta keep 'em happy."

"Hmph! You sound just like Ahkmou!"

"Hey, I'm not saying he was right about everything—"

"Enough, Matau." In the compartment next to his were two Toa of Water; the one wearing a Rau was speaking. "Turaga Hafu: the Academic District is in the process of suspending all non-essential positions to bolster your workforce, and we are also looking into which of our facilities can be most quickly converted to aid you. Please hold on just a little longer."

Hafu sighed loudly. "Oh, thank you, Nokama, that's such a relief to hear. We need all the help we can get."

"Your sacrifices are appreciated, Turaga Nokama," Miserix said. "Turaga Vohon: does the Trading District have any additional resources that can be turned over to the Manufacturing District?"

A Toa of Fire with a yellow Kakama flipped through his own paperwork, scratching his head. "Hm, I'm not…I mean we're cutting pretty deep into our current stocks already. I'll see if there's anything else we can do, but we're dangerously close to crashing our own economy here."

"Can't you just ask the Great Beings to work a miracle for us, Makuta?" Matau said.

"Matau!" Nokama scolded.

"It's quite alright, Turaga Nokama," Miserix said. "I have been maintaining a dialogue with Lord Mazilok—they are doing everything in their power to keep Atero afloat. We must focus on doing our part."

Matau hummed a sour note, but said nothing.

"Now then…what of the Residential District, Turaga Matoro?"

A Toa of Ice wearing an Akaku nodded gently, saying, "Things are well, Makuta. Most Aterans have been spending little time in their homes of late, but we are keeping them well-maintained for when they do. Less for them to worry about, I hope."

"Very good. And the new security barrier is still functional?"

"It is, Makuta."

"Excellent. It's only a matter of time before Zaekura comes calling—all of you must ensure that your staff are prepared to evacuate the civilians to the Residential District at any moment. On that note: Turaga Garan?"

Miserix stepped back, letting Garan come forward so the others could see him. "Thank you, Makuta Miserix. I'm pleased to report that every squadron of the Atero militia has been armed and prepped for combat. Generals Tarix and Vastus are being kept informed of our status, but otherwise remain focused on mastering their new Element Lord powers."

"Yeah, cause those worked so well when we attacked Xia," Matau said. Nokama glared at him.

"To be honest, that's one of my concerns too," Vohon said. "What's really changed since our last battle? We'll have the full size of the militia, sure, but I'm not convinced that'll make much difference."

"I understand," Garan said. "Rest assured that reinforcements are on their way. We've received word straight from the Maze that Makuta Gorast is on her way here, and that she comes with a platoon of upgraded battle drones and other creations designed to aid us."

Matau fidgeted. Miserix said, "Does this not satisfy you, Turaga Matau?"

"It's just…they could only spare one Makuta? If they're so set on making sure Atero doesn't fall, I would've expected at least two, you know?"

"Hm. Your concern is not entirely unwarranted. However, I can assure you…" He paused. "...Plans are in place to make absolutely certain that Zaekura will not claim Atero. That is all I am authorized to tell you."

"Huh, sounds interesting. Alright then."

Garan said, "Our scouts can't get close without giving themselves away, unfortunately, but we can confirm that Zaekura is in Xia. More worryingly, Makuta Pridak has made landfall and seems to be on his way to Bara Magna."

"Just what we need," Hafu said.

Nokama felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she spoke briefly with the other Toa standing next to her, and then announced, "My right hand, Vhisola, raises an excellent point. Our engineers are still hard at work on the Null-2 Project: we could use this opportunity to test its capabilities."

"No," Miserix said. "Lord Velika was quite clear that we are not to use that until he deems it ready. We will have faith that whatever army Gorast brings will be sufficient."

"That's all I have to report," Garan said. "And, please forgive me, but I must return to the barracks as soon as possible. If no one has any questions…?"

After waiting a moment, Miserix said, "Go on, Turaga Garan. See that the Great Beings' will is carried out."

Garan bowed and took his leave. Once he was gone, Nokama said, "If I may, Makuta Miserix…I've been curious about the state of that Toa who was testing out that mutagen—Radiak, I believe? Is he well?"

"Well enough," Miserix said. "He remains irritable, but he has control over himself for now."

"For now?"

"Yes…his mutation does seem to be slowly progressing. In time, he may end up in a similar state to those affected Vorox, but that is not an immediate concern."

Nokama's posture stiffened. "I see. And, about those Vorox—"

"We will continue to deploy them as long as they are able to fight. Your continued objections are noted."

Vhisola grumbled. Nokama said, "Understood. Thank you, Makuta."

Hafu began to gather his papers. "I suppose I should be going as well. There's so very much to do…if you'll all excuse me."

As he left, Matau said, "So Makuta, any idea what it is Gorast is bringing us? Even if the Great Beings didn't say anything outright, they've probably mentioned some juicy ideas to you recently, right?"

Miserix smirked. "I may have some idea, Turaga. However, without knowing for certain, I wouldn't want to get your hopes up."


ADDENDUM:

-Thanks for the comments! I tend to get awkward when I try to respond to them, but each one really means the world to me, especially after such a long impromptu hiatus. Knowing that people enjoy this story is exactly why I'm determined to finish it, no matter how long it may take. I mean, I'm not intentionally aiming to take a long time, but…well, you know what I mean.

-Honestly I still haven't decided if Yarion has told Gaaki exactly what happened to Kodan yet, that could really determine the tone of their interactions, I should probably…

-You may remember Chloae: Rahkshi of Chameleon, able to extend her power to anyone holding the chain she carries. Marlget is new, though: xe's a Rahkshi of Telepathy able to transmit visions over vast distances for communication purposes. Xyr name is derived from "telegram".

-Miserix…presents a unique challenge. In canon, we only really see him post-betrayal, where he's nothing but "RAGH ANGER REVENGE", and that's both highly specific to his circumstances and…not really the most compelling in a vacuum? So obviously I want to take him in a different direction, but I still want there to be something recognizable as "Miserix" here. I guess I'm still feeling him out. The reptilian bits of his appearance are probably self-explanatory but, uh, honestly I don't remember what I was thinking when I gave him the Calix? If there's significance to it I sure hope it comes to me in time.

-I envisioned this version of Atero being a huge, sprawling city, not to the extent of Civitas Magna but far larger than something like Xia. Miserix is its Guardian, but he has appointed Turaga to manage various individual duties to keep things efficient. (Delegation is a trait of his across universes, I guess.) Vohon is a name you might not recognize: he was a shopkeeper in MNOGII. Ahkmou was actually Turaga of the Manufacturing District before he was sent to Civitas Magna, that's how he earned enough favor with the Great Beings to get that promotion.

-And Vhisola's here! (No one is surprised.) What will she do?!