While journeying between dimensions to try and warn the Toa Nuva of possible doom, Takanuva, the Toa that controls both light and shadow, finds himself in a world of purely organic and powerful beings known as ponies. Now he must find a way to leave this universe and continue toward Karda Nui. But there's something else in Equestria that shouldn't be, and a Toa may be just what is needed.
Takes place after the Dark Mirror and Takanuva's Journey, but before The Final Battle.
The story takes a lot from the Bionicle storyline, particularly that of 2008. If anything confuses you, I recommend the amazing resource of biosector01.com.
Many beings are more than familiar with the concept of the “multiverse”. An idea that an infinite number of universes exist. Some are very similar others where only a single event had taken place in a different way. Others were mindbogglingly different, where the laws of physics could drive one mad. Takanuva had learned quite a lot about alternate dimensions recently, even though he'd never intended to. The members of the Order of Mata Nui had warned him that it could be dangerous, but they left out one very important fact.
Traveling through the “void” between universes could get extremely boring.
Thinking back, Takanuva had spent a lot of time floating in the black nothing. This time was because the corrupt Toa Tuyet had no idea how to properly control the Kanohi Olmak she wore and ended up killing herself because of it. Before that, that mysterious floating mask had made a portal, that one also leaving him in what seemed to be nowhere.
For a Toa of Light, he thought to himself, I'm spending an awful amount of time in absolute darkness.
A tiny flash of light appeared for a moment out the corner of his eye, causing him to tighten his grip on his Power Lance. By now, he knew it heralded his exit back into reality, and he was going to make sure he was prepared. Both times, so far, Takanuva's first impression of universes had been the ground his mask had smashed against. He wasn't going to look like a fool this time.
Just as quickly as it appeared, the light enveloped the Toa, blindingly bright after the darkness of the void. Takanuva began mentally preparing himself for whatever lay on the other side of the portal, but was still surprised when the world came into focus, revealing to him just how close the ground was.
“Makuta bones,” he muttered to himself just before he found himself crashing head first into the ground.
Again.
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A pair of violet eyes scanned the thick layer of clouds below, while their owner quickly made a few calculations in her head.
Seven seconds, she thought to herself, Nah... six and a half.
With a grim smile of determination, pegasus known as Rainbow Dash began tearing through the cumulus layer at hypersonic speeds, dispersing the fluffy clouds into invisible vapor, while mentally counting the seconds as they passed.
One...two...three...four...five...six...
She stopped short in front of a tiny cloud before causally bucking it into nonexistence.
“Six and a half seconds baby! Booya!”
Rainbow Dash laughed at her success as she slowly allowed herself to gently return to earth. It wasn't her best time, but today wasn't a day for breaking records. It was a day to relax and causally do what one wanted. There was no sense of urgency, the sun was wonderfully warm, the birds were singling, and, thanks to Rainbow's awesomeness, the sky a clear blue. The only thing out of place was a small ball of light crackling with lightning near the edge of the Everfree. Rainbow Dash had to do a double take at the small sphere almost bursting with energy. What it lacked in size, it made up with sheer absurdity. In all her years of experience, the pegasus had never seen a weather phenomenon like this, pony-made or natural. Before she could get any closer, though, the ball seemed to explode outward, ripping itself into what appeared to be a dark hole. She never got to see what was inside, as it dumped a large object onto the ground then soundlessly winked out of existence. Slowing winging towards the object Rainbow took in a sight that she'd never forget. Lying face-first on the ground was a strange creature that appeared to be completely covered in gray and white metal. The shape and positioning of the metal reminded Dash of Celestia's royal guards, giving her the impression of armor. Several digits extended from both of its front limbs, much like Spike's hands, one set clutched tightly around a formidable looking spear of some sort. She ripped her eyes away from the weapon and took in some of the finer details of the body in front of her. Through the gaps in the armor, there were pistons, gears, and enough unidentifiable machinery to put the Cloudsdale weather factory itself to shame. Maybe this thing wasn't even alive. Maybe someone built it to...
A soft groan emitted by the object quickly banished any ideas from her minds. That sounded too much like a pony in pain to not be alive. She leaped back, only then realizing how close she'd gotten to something that looked like it could kill her without a second thought, if it wasn't in its current condition.
The creature slowly began to move, as it with great effort, pulling itself upright and using its spear for support. Now resting on its knees, it turned and looked at Rainbow Dash, its glowing yellow eyes locking onto hers. She couldn't move, only stare back. It did give her a chance to see what she could when the creature's face was against the ground. It appeared to be wearing something on its face. A dark gray mask sat on its head. It was mostly square and angular, with several rounded protrusions coming from above, only to smoothly meld with the “face” of the mask. Her attention shifted back to the eyes. They were regarding her quizzically, but seemed to express friendliness, giving the impression that, whatever it was, it had no desire to harm her.
Dash had lost track of how long they'd both just stood there, staring at each other, when the strange being was suddenly surrounded by a soft glow. It wasn't much, but Rainbow Dash had seen something similar occur with Celestia, and, somehow, it put her to ease. The creature smiled warmly at her reaction before laying the weapon at his side and standing up so that he couldn't reach it. It was the first thing she noticed was how tall it was, standing a full head higher than the Princesses. Still glowing the looked down at her and spoke. If she was expecting words of power of wisdom from the entity, she was sorely disappointed.
“I must say, yours is the best tasting dirt so far.”