//------------------------------// // I COME // Story: Bionicle: Of The Shadows // by One of Nine //------------------------------// All I could hear, all I could feel was ice and snow. The sound of the snow crunching beneath my titanic clawed feet. The ice cracking below them as I walked along. My black protosteel exoskeleton clashed with the white air and ground, my glowing red eyes deeming it impossible not to spot me. If anyone knew I was out here, they no doubt had an army waiting for me. My spines suddenly snapped to attention, thousands of the sharp barbs that lined my back twitched like antennae as I listened to the whistling wind, watching for anything or anyone to approach. I made out the sound of crunching snow, a sort figure coming my way, possibly standing seven feet tall. My crimson eyes narrowed as I examined the newcomer, its form obscured by the snow and wind. But when the figure drew closer, it had the distinguished curves of a feminine body, draped in a torn blue cloak. Her eyes were large, the size of Kohli spheres, crystal-blue eyes staring back at me. A long horn rose from her skull, at least a foot long, large broad ears flicking irritably in the wind. Short pink fur covered her body, a three toned mane of violet, cream yellow, and lavender. She was dressed in a ruined sky-blue dress with silver lining, a singed rose on the collar. I reached out with my mind’s eye, weaving my way into hers. She was scared, but not of me. No, I wasn’t what brought this upon her. But in seeing me, she thought of me as a deity of death, here to end her suffering and let her rest forevermore. However, I had no such plans. In a way, I decided I was going to end her suffering; to help her return home and punish the one who did this to her. I delved deeper into the tired mind, searching for what happened to this… “mare” or “Alicorn”, as she deemed her kind. Apparently, there were a number of species on this planet, ranging from strange to overly ridiculous. But I shook my curiousness away, determined of identifying her bane. Before long, I’d found the cause of her trouble; a buff “stallion”, the male equivalent of her race, with a curved red horn, grey fur, and wild black mane. But what intrigued me were his eyes. Sickly green outer layers, red irises, and purple and black smoke rose from the eyes’ corners. An interesting development, I’ll have to see why he’s this way. But enough admiring, time to help this “Cadence” and restore her to health. I activated my power of sleep, casting an armored claw in Cadence’s direction before she fell limp into the snow. I then lumbered closer and placed a stasis field over her, capturing her body’s warmth and allowing her a comfortable rest. Just as I picked her up and cradled her in one arm, my four-foot comrade trudged his way up the snowbank, shivering in the immense cold. His tan and brown armor contrasting against the white powder around him, his scorpion like tail bobbing as he walked. Four poison green eyes gazed up at me, then to the slumbering mare, his four mandibles curved up into a smile before speaking. Choosing his words carefully… “Ah, found one of this world’s natives have you Master? What do you plan to do with it?” The Zesk said as he walked up to me. “I plan to aid her in returning home and restoring her to the throne. Her people are under siege by a tyrant known as ‘Sombra’, a dark species called Umbrum. I plan to end his reign and restore her rule. In return, I hope to gain their trust, and through time, possibly find an element that can help restore my people.” I informed, my deep, almost mechanical voice echoing through the wind. “Is that sufficient, Torahk?” “Very, Makuta Valkaan, very sufficient.” The Zesk nodded, flexing his barbed tail to keep the blood flowing. He then took a look around and decided to ask a question. “Master, it is immensely cold, might we find shelter for me and our host? As we are not suited for such conditions.” I gave him a nod of approval. “Very well, one moment.” I then activated my mask of Far Sight. A large black mask with a curved three-pointed crown that bent over my head, a pair of silver horns that formed from the crown’s base. However, unlike most Makuta masks, mine was able to split in two. Meaning that the lower half could detach and reveal my jaws. A bone coated mouth with retractable teeth. Contrary to what others would assume, my mouth also had no tongue, so I opted to use the sides and base of my jaw as taste buds. Though, enough about my biology. As my mask activated, my vision expanded as I used the earth’s vibrations and air currents to find a cave two and a half miles away. I pointed in the cave’s direction with my free four-fingered hand. A thumb on either side of the palm while two index fingers at its peak. “Up that ridge is a cavern where we can rest and start a fire, no use in letting you two freeze.” I nodded in return went he thanked me. “Y-yes, Makuta.” He shivered, his tail curling inward on itself. Knowing what I was about to do, the Zesk grasped my leg, ready for transport. I then teleported the three of us to the cave’s entrance, content on the distance we’d just traveled. My maximum distance, last I checked, was 4.2.46 miles. Once inside, I set Cadence down on the stone floor, keeping the stasis field over her. If I let her out now, she would’ve frozen to death as a result and my plans would have gone to waist. Not that I enjoyed using her as a pawn, quite the opposite. Cadence, when stripped down to her core being, was a young child called into the role of royalty when she was about sixteen. Not the wisest choice in my opinion to place a child in that position, I shall need to talk with this… Princess Celestia. Using children to fulfill your goals is not an honorable way to win in life’s battles. This said, Cadence was indeed a strong, mature, and wise mare. I did not doubt that. Torahk had already built a fire using twigs and a formula I’d concocted a while back, one that was long-lasting and extremely flammable. Once the Zesk had laid down next to the flames, having let them grow, I released my hold on the mare. I then allowed a claw to hover over the sleeping mare, waves of healing energies engulfing her. Soon, all wounds, cuts, and blood were torn away, leaving an untouched snoring Alicorn mare. In the time it took for her to finally stir, I sat down with my back against the wall and claws resting in my lap, humming a soft tune. When she awoke, I decided to use a less threatening tactic and closed my eyes, silencing my song. I dulled all other senses and listened to her slowly rise and clop her way over to the cave’s entrance. However, before she could leave, I spoke. “It’s very cold out, best to wait till the storm clears. Come and rest by the fire, you seem to need it more than I.” I opened my eyes and looked her way. Her eyes were wide and full of horror, her thoughts racing with what I could possibly be. When she couldn’t think of any logical answer, she opted to ask. “Who and what are you? Why did you save me? And did you escape from Tartarus?” I inwardly smiled, finding it funny how she thought I would flee from my judgement. Truthfully, if I was guilty of any crime, I would face my sentence with honor. Not hide away like some cowardly Matoran. “Young one, to answer your questions, I am Makuta Valkaan, former member of the Brotherhood of Makuta. As for what I am, I’ve already told you. As to why I saved you, you were in danger and needed assistance, thus I kept you alive and in good health.” She was about to ask another question, walking closer to the fire opposite of me before I interrupted her. “And no, I didn’t escape from this ‘Tartarus’. I escaped from something far worse.” “What’s that?” Her curiosity spiked as she sat down, her arms resting on her knees. “My people’s grave.” Was my simple answer. “…oh.” We lapsed into silence, both staring into the fire. Her curious mind stirred with questions, but one kept returned to the forefront of her head; why did he save me? Deciding to answer and reveal my true nature, I answered her unasked question. “I saved you because I needed to gain favor with your kind.” The Alicorn stared at me with her mouth agape, her pupils shrinking. “I hoped to gain favor so that I may search your world’s minerals, one day finding a component to restore my race... It is very hard being one of the last.” Cadence’s mouth almost hit the floor, but after a moment, recovered and retrieved her slack jaw. “Y-you… But I…Wha-a-at…?” Her eye started twitching. I chuckled at her dumbfounded expression, deciding to give her the truth. Better to reveal myself in full than to have it come back to ‘bite me’, as some say. “My kind are shapeshifters and mind readers by nature, I apologize for the force of habit.” She could only nod, her jaw once again finding its way to the ground. “Makuta possess 42 powers, each can be filtered or combined with one another to create something deadly or helpful. One of these abilities is Healing, thus how you awoke with no scars or bruises.” She nodded again, closing her mouth and listening attentively. “Though I could list all my abilities now, I’m afraid that it would take too long, and your people would suffer further at Sombra’s hands. If you’d like, I can demonstrate a few as we enter the city and take back your homeland.” Her eyes suddenly widened, a gape escaping her lips as she covered her mouth. “I-I need to save them! A-and Shining! The girls! Twilight! Everypony!!” Her eyes became misty, starting to flow with tears. I stood and walked over to her side, lightly resting a claw on her shoulder, sensing her troubled mind. “Here me, young one. You do not face this challenge alone, you have me to assist you. I, your friends, your family, and all others who respect and love you… Know this, if you wish for me to end Sombra for your defeat, I’ll do so. And if not, then say, and I will leave his judgement to you or your aunt.” She looked up into my crimson eyes, her tears fading. “Cadence, you are never alone in life.” Her eyes cleared to give way to a beaming smile, then began crying tears of joy. Her voice cracking and arms suddenly thrown around my neck, she sniffled out. “T-thank you, V-Valkaan. Thank y-you for that.” I smiled behind my mask, rapping an arm around her closed feathered wings. “You are quite welcome, young one.” “Ha! Aren’t you love Gahkus a pretty sight.” Chimed the Zesk’s voice, now sitting on a nearby rock, legs swing like a Matoran. I inwardly groaned at his comment. Then Cadence disconnected, blushing wildly as she gawked at the scorpion like creature. “W-what are you?!” “A Zesk named Torahk, servant and interdimensional companion of Makuta Valkaan.” Torahk smiled behind his fangs, intent on scaring the mare. And according his desires, it worked. “Anyway, we should be going.” I stated, wanting to steer away from this topic. “Where are we going, Master?” Asked the Zesk. “To put an end to a tyrant’s rule.” Once we exited the cave, I centered my control over the weather and ceased to storm. All the excess snow drifting to the ground as my clawed feet crushed them. My leg muscles flexed under the black and silver bone, their double-jointed knees bending with little difficulty, much like the natives of this world. Until the storm was cleared, we’d only been guessing as to where the ‘Crystal Empire’ was. Don’t bother asking, I would’ve changed the name too if I could. But upon seeing the city itself as we reached the hill top, the name actually made sense. Before us stood a massive city, much like Metru Nui in its prime, except that the buildings were forged from pure dimond. Blue and violet, I’m not going to say pink, crystal houses, streets, shops, banks, and other establishments. But it was want lied at the city’s center that caught my attention; an enormous spire of blue crystal rose from the earth, forming what I could only assume to be the palace. In all honesty, this city reminded me too much of Metru Nui… and the Makuta who was once stationed there. I shook the thoughts from my head as I saw the Princess walking down the hill, a string of determined thoughts running through her. In a crack of displaced air, I teleported in front of her, blocking Cadence’s path. “Hold, let me deal with Sombra, you can free your allies.” She didn’t argue, just nodding as I took her and Torahk’s hands and teleported towards the castle’s balcony. It took two jumps, but we finally made it without being spotted by any black knights. From what I could tell, they were imprisoned, not blackmailed nor promised riches. These natives were held captive in their own bodies, moved around like puppets on strings. If Sombra could do this, then what else was he capable of? Well, he’s never met a Makuta before, so let’s see how this plays out. Once we reached our target, I let go of Cadence and Torahk, both keeping behind me. I took a moment and scanned the castle, soon finding Cadence’s friends and… husband, in the throne room. “They are in the throne room. Thanks to the guards’ knowledge, we can teleport there and end this quickly.” The Alicorn nodded, hoping for the best. “Good.” I then reached out in search of the mare known as ‘Twilight Sparkle’, or if she wasn’t available, I’d try Shining Armor. Luckily, I found her in the throne room, moping as she and her allies were chained to the wall with nine guards surrounding them. I focused on her mind and extended my voice to her. Rise, little one. Your day is not done yet. I mentally spoke. What?! Her mind shouted. Who was that?! No, no Twilight, you’re just imagining things. There’s no voice in your head, that’s crazy tal— I can assure you, Twilight Sparkle, I interrupted, not wanting to waste time. You are not insane, you’re quite intelligent and a keen part in your friend’s survival. I, as well as Cadence, are here to rescue you. Now, tell me, is Sombra in the room? Please keep in mind that I could see through the guard’s eyes, as well as any beast that was near. However, I wanted Twilight to be involved, not wanting at least one other than Cadence to be left in the dark about me. Well, um… yes, he’s here. Why? He’s too powerful for us, even Cadence nor Celestia could best him at this point. Oh, ye of little faith. I grumbled before grasping Cadence and the Zesk. Have you so little faith in your leaders that you abandon all hope at first sight? But, yes, he may be too powerful for you. But not for me. I then teleported into the throne room, seeing all guards present frozen like statues and a dark unicorn sitting on a large black crystal throne. Sombra. Cadence went to go attack the guards holding the prisoners, Torahk staying by my side, unyielding in the unicorn’s curious and seething gaze. I noted the sounds of battle; metal clashing with metal as the young Alicorn fenced her way to her allies. I locked my crimson eyes with Sombra, after a few moments, he spoke in a deep and prideful voice. His ego was like that of a star, burning away any soul he had left. “How DARE you enter my throne room unannounced!? You shall be executed for this, you monster!!” He roared, standing up from his perch and pointing a sword at us. I’d been called monster before, it was nothing new. Makuta were often observed as such, our appearances taking a liking to horrible creatures only found the darkest nightmares. My eyes narrowed as I spoke. “Sombra, Tyrant of the Crystal Empire! You will relinquish your control of these natives and return ownership of the throne to the Royal Family. Do so unwillingly, and your end will be long and infested with mutation. This is your final warning, nose wiping little whelp.” The unicorn burned with furry, lips pealed back in an adorable snarl. But as soon as it came, it vanished to with a confident smile. “If you beat me in combat, then yes, the throne is yours… If not, then I will be the one to end you.” “Cute.” My eyes narrowed further, now nothing but slits of blood. “I accept.” The tyrant let out a baleful laugh, his fangs showing. “Excellent.” I motioned for Torahk to leave, to which he scuttled over to Cadence’s side. He then assisted in freeing the prisoners, but all were too busy to realize he was there, their attention was on the massive black and silver titan who just accepted the all mighty tyrant to a dual. Sombra calmly trotted down the dimond steps, his hooves clopping on their freshly polished surface. Once he reached the bottom, I noticed how he stood up to my abdomen, his curved horn below my chest. I glared down at him, his eyes seething with barely contained rage, his hands shaking as he grasped a smoking scythe as it materialized. I then brought my right arm up across my chest and thrust it down, my own signature scythe appearing. Its curved silver blade shimmering in the light, black spikes adding to it deadliness. We slowly circled each other, both studying our movements, weaknesses, and strengths. Though I had a weapon that Sombra knew nothing about. This beast dares to enter my throne room, and then accepts my challenge with eager? He’s more of a foal than I previously thought. I will demonstrate my power in this attack, then inflict it on the prisoners. Yes, no need to make them suffer, quick and painless. I heard the Tyrant muse; his pride was growing to the point where it consumed him. And like Taridax, it will drive him to his death. Sombra suddenly burst into waves of black ocean, his form transforming into pure shadow. I dodged and slung a ‘surprised’ shadow blast, hitting the wave in its center, a malice filled laugh echoed throughout the chamber. “FOAL!! Do you really think that you can beat me at my own game?! I am the KING OF SHADOWS!!” The unicorn boasted, a set of green eyes appearing where the voice emanated from. I let out my own laugh, a hollow screeching following as a red energy coursed down my scythe. Thousands of terrified screams and wailings were heard as the power of fear licked at my weapon. “I control all shadows, and by extension… you.” I could have simply took control of his body, bending his fluid form to my will… But at this point in the day, I sought a little entertainment. And thus, I allowed him to attack and make his first mistake. Sombra, in his sudden case of terror, slung several bolts of shadow. I density shifted, the strikes passing through my atoms before I rematerialized. In a stunned gawking, Sombra left himself open, leaving me free to attack with a blast of Heat Vision. The Tyrant shifted back to his solid form, stumbling back as the intense heat met his now scorched chest. After the whining king let loose a war cry, I activated my chameleon power and placed an illusion where I previously stood. I snuck around behind the unicorn with silence. Sombra took the bait as he fired a jet of green and purple flames at my decoy, now fading into the breeze for all to see. I revealed myself as I stood over the tyrant, now floating his silver crown above his head with magnetism, just for the fun of it. “Loose something?” The king only snarled in response, hissing. “I’m so scared.” I taunted. “Let me show you my snarl.” I took a breath and shouted with my Power Scream, waves of devastating sound pouring onto the king as he was pushed back. The unicorn screamed in agony as wave upon thunderous wave lashed out at him, his back already meeting the wall. The force of a freight train was being carried with every wave, sending him further into the wall. I finally stopped to see Sombra curled into a ball, covering his bleeding and most likely ringing ears, shivering with dread. “I-I w-wil-ll k-kill you-u.” He wheezed out, an eye twitching. I just scoffed, shaking my head. Sombra shook his head, clearing his thoughts for the most part. “Y-your just… PLAYING with me?!” “Was that not clear?” I mockingly asked with a raised brow, my mask bending with the movement. I then floated the unicorn’s crown down to my hands, an instant latter, I shattered it and reduced it to powder. The shimmering grains fell through my claws, littering the floor. “Do you yield?” The former king sneered, his gaze drifting around the room. He paused at a darker alicorn named Luna, then continued until his eyes locked onto me again. He snarled once more before spitting out his reply. “Never.” My eyes narrowed, his face that once sported a snarl, now twisted into one of total and complete fear. And I didn’t even have to use that power. “Then all you will feel is PAIN.” I then extended my arms out toward him and let a torrent of chain lightening to strike him. His screams of torment echoed throughout the room, groans and whimpers between blasts. “STOP!!” Cadence’s voice rang as she trotted over to my side, resting a hand on my arm. “He may have caused all this suffering, but he doesn’t deserve this. I agree, he has done things that I want to see him answer for but torturing him won’t solve it. He’ll stand trial, as all other enemies of Equestria. Right Auntie?” I lowered my arms and turned to face a pure white Alicorn, her alabaster fur reminding me of a certain Toa of Light. What was his name again? Sir Talkalot? No, wait… Yapsalot, that’s right. Come to think of it, he was an Av-Matoran, right? So then, why did he need a Mask of Light to become a Toa of Light? Seems a little redundant, don’t you think? The white Alicorn’s magenta eyes fearfully made their way up to mine, then froze as she had witnessed me pounding her enemy. With her fear overtaking her, I then spoke to her mind. Choosing to use something that would wake her up, but not harm her. Hello Alicorn? Her eyes blinked rapidly before refocusing on me with slight embarrassment, her thoughts centering around what to say. She finally finished conducting her mental notes before speaking. “Gr-greetings, uh, um…” “Makuta.” Cadence informed her leader and mentor. The elder Alicorn nodded in thanks. “Makuta.” She repeated. “Greetings Makuta, I’m Princess Celestia, Co-ruler of Equestria… You clearly have great power; would you be willing to help protect my kingdom in exchange for room and board? I may have a few rooms that could—” “No.” “E-excuse me?” Was her delicate question. “I said, no. I would like a place to call my own, but under my hand will it be built. Plus, I’d rather not burden you with such a task, seeing as you have enough to watch over.” I took a quick peek into her mind, skimming over any information that could be useful. But I did see one thing that was of humorous note. “And I would like to make a request Tia.” All ponies present suddenly stared at me, different levels of mental shock shining like beckons. The one deemed ‘Rainbow Dash’ was the first to speak. “Wha—how… Did you just read her brain?! T-that’s only, like, in comic books!! Right?!” Her mind suddenly took on an enraged feel, her eyes narrowing. “Quite.” Was my casual answer, all but Cadence showing their surprise. “Don’t blame him.” The pink Alicorn said, all looking to her. “His kind are mind readers by nature, so he told me.” Celestia motioned for her to continue. The young princess looked to me for a moment, her mind surging with worry. “H- he also told me th- that he’s a shapeshifter… and the last of his kind.” A chorus of gasps erupted from the group, all ranging from fear to pity. I didn’t need such empathy, I needed the restore my race. And I couldn’t get that while being gawked and pitied on by these naive mares. And thus, after more internal debating, I made my request. “Princess Celestia.” I interrupted, as the mares had continued asking Cadence questions, too frightened to ask me. The Sun Princess turned, keeping a calm and collected falsehood. “I ask with mild respect that I be aloud to mine your lands for a component in my people’s restoration. I had hoped to gather at least one material for such a fixation.” The Princess smiled, trying and failing to hide her worry and over all fear of me. “Of course, Makuta.”