> My Little Bionicle: Quest for the masks > by Toa Coy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Meet the nuians > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Okay I'm starting to write this after I finished writing the first arc, I might be working at the time of this posting so I have prewritten these to keep up a good schedule of updates. So without farther to do to the story. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter one: Meeting the Nuians Not so long ago, there was a beam of light that pierced the sky; this was a sign. Something was coming, be it the light that shall cast away the darkest shadow, or the beacon that the light will use to overcome the darkness. ---- The sound of the crashing waves came to Twilight's ears, as well as the sounds of birds. She opened her eyes to see that Mata Nui had gotten her to the island, the rocky wall in front of her and the ocean waves confirmed that she was nowhere near Ponyville. As she got up, she heard the sounds of a metal against metal, as well as the feeling of cloth against feathers. Looking at herself, she was now not only in her spiral armor, but her alicorn form. Stretching her legs and wings she began to search the area around her, she found a rock formation and what looked like an arm with a hook and a green gem attached to the hook. “I wonder that this thing is?” Twilight asked herself as she looked around the base of it. While looking around she found a strange picture, “toa coy was here”, was written under it. “I knew that there would be differences in our writing but I can't make heads or tails of this.” Just then she heard a familiar scream, bringing her out of her thoughts and flying towards where the scream came from. When she got there she saw Fluttershy in a wooden cage that seemed to have come from the ground. Like Twilight, Fluttershy was in her armor but she had a scared look on her face until she saw Twilight. “Twilight, oh thank goodness you're here. I thought I would be here all alone for days.” Fluttershy said smiling looking at her friend. “Why were we split from the others? We entered the portal at the same time, didn't we?” Twilight though the same thing as she was using her magic to not only free Fluttershy, but hide her wings once again. The wooden bars were slowly bent to form a hole large enough for Fluttershy to walk out through. Once Fluttershy was next to Twilight there was a bouncing sound that came to them. Looking around for Pinkie, they noticed that the area was charred and blackened by what the two could tell was a that fire had happened recently. “I wonder what caused this forest to burn down.” Twilight said still scanning for Pinkie. “My question is what happen to all the animals the used to live here?” Fluttershy said with a worried look on her face. Just then the sounds of drums came to the two's ears. The both turned to see Pinkie with a set of large bongo drums. Granted, this is Pinkie so the drums were nothing to joke or be shocked at, but it was the big arc of fire that caused Twilight and Fluttershy to jump back a bit. “What was that?” Fluttershy said with a startled tone. “Whatever it is it must have started the fire.” Twilight said just before she rushed towards the fire she, used her magic to grab Pinkie sans bongos. “Pinkie, why is Twilight rushing towards that thing?” Fluttershy asked as she trailed behind Twilight. “She having what all leaders get from time to time: heroic spasms.” Pinkie said in the superman flying pose. “Really, should we be worried?” Fluttershy asked as they saw other ponies ahead of them. “Not really.” Pinkie replied as she landed on the ground. In front of them were six other ponies. Each had red coats except for an older stallion who had and orange coat, they also had different mane styles and colors. The colts and older stallion looked at the stallion in front of them like they had seen Celestia for the first time. The stallion's coat was a darker shade of red, his helmet was shaped more like a mask, and on his left shoulder was a hilt of some kind. It was the sound of a twig snapping that caught all of the ponies' attention, all nine of them turned to see Applejack, or an earth pony with a stetson hat and an orange poncho, appear out of the wood. There was a moment of silence before she tipped her hat to them, the older stallion had not let the other three mares slip his mind. “It seems Takua was more than successful in summoning help.” The older stallion said as both the group of mares got a better look at the six males, all unicorns. ---- Of all the places Rainbow Dash could end up she had to end up in a confining mass of seaweed with about 15 other ponies, which is not a lot of wing room, but what made it worse was how Rarity acted while they had been in here. She was either getting 'grossed out' by how the seaweed felt, 'even if she paid bits to be covered with this stuff at the spa' RD growled to herself, and when she was not complaining about that she was thinking of dresses for all the mares in the room. To add to Dash's annoyance, Rarity not only found a weaver but the ponies that supplied the weaver with the marital to weave. “Flax you say? I don't think I know what that is, darling.” Rarity said talking to the weaver. “What is the maximum thread count that you can do on the loom?” “It is much heavier than seaweed which is smoother and more flexible” the weaver replied with a knowledgeable tone but was scratching the back of her head. “I've never had some one ask me the tread count for my loom since we don't wear garments that are for show.” “Wait you're telling me that nopony has ever thought about making clothing on this island?” Rarity asked with a glimmer in her eyes. It was at this point Dash decided to let her mind drift to how everypony came to this Celestia forsaken place. She felt her eyes heavy and closed them while tried to tune out the noise around her. ---- Rainbow remembered being jolted awake as if she crashed into a soft surface that wouldn't harm her, but was firm enough to wake her. With a groan she noticed that when she was on her hooves, she felt heavier, and the two natural options made no sense since she burned more calories than she ate and there was no colt in her life. With a quick movement and the sound of metal on metal she knew that her armor had activated. It was not hard to guess that it had saved her from the fall from that portal. “I knew that traitor would do this. Now I have to find the others and find a way home.” Rainbow said as she tested her wings and looked around her. There were a number of plants that she had never seen before. Twilight would know what they are by just smelling them, Rainbow chuckled. She noticed the walls and the path that was carved out of what looks like stone of some kind. The sound of girlish screaming caught the flier's ears and she shot up like a rocket. When she got to where the scream came from, she wanted be knocked out again. Not only was Rarity, who was dripping wet, standing there but there was something that made RD wonder if she had some hard cider; a sea pony or was it merpony? At this moment it didn't matter; there was a mystical creature near a wet Rarity. Having her own heroic spasm, she dove into the water, which not only caused a wave that then crashed over Rarity, but also sent the seapony flying out of the water and onto the land. When Dash came out of the water, she not only had to deal with an angry Rarity but the other pony that seem to turn into an earth pony. “Rainbow Dash what were you thinking!” The unicorn said to her friend. “I have half a mind to design a line of sport outfits because of your actions and use you as the poniquin.” The other pony was rolling on the ground from the looks between the two friends, which cause both of them to look at the pony. It was not until now that the Equestrians notice that the pony was a mare, maybe a filly if her height was any indication of her age. “What?” the filly asked through her laughs. “Who are you?” RD asked as she climbed out of the water. “Name's Macku, best boat racer on the island and assistant to Turaga Nokama. And you two are?” Macku replied. “My name is Rarity and my rather brash friend is Rainbow Dash, the elements of generosity and loyalty respectfully.” Rarity said earning a chuckle from Macku. “I've never heard of those elements. Then again, I have never seen a Ko-pony that was a mare or a Ga-pony that had wings so it would make sense.” Just then a roaring sound was heard by the trio, all three turned to face Ga-Koro. “Is that...” Rarity started with a gobsmacked look. “...a city of lily pads?” RD finished with the same look. “Oh no. This is not good. That was a takrava and where there is one of them there are more to come. I must go for help.” Macku said losing her laughter and putting on a serious face. Rarity was about to ask what she was talking about when a creature with crimson eyes jetted out of the water. It was tall, had lengthy arms with four dagger shaped claws, and a face that neither Rainbow or Rarity had seen on any animal in Equestria. “What the hay is that thing?” Dash said as she flew up into the air dodging the creature's swipes. “I don't know but it can't be good.” Rarity replied as she used her magic to block the creature's claws. The sound of buzzing entered the ears of the ponies, Macku was the first to see it what was making that sound. “Nui-rama, but they're too far away from the jungle. What is going on?” Macku said as she dodged a net that the rahi dropped. RD and Rarity were not as lucky as they was were fighting the takrava. It was at this time that Macku made her move. This left the two equestrians cornered and captured by the rahi. They were taken to where the other ponies in the village were put and the room sealed with only an air tube keeping them from suffocating. ---- Rainbow felt somepony tap her on her right shoulder, opening her eyes she turned and saw an older mare with a cyan coat and a graying navy blue mane. “Can I help you?” RD ask confused on why the mare seem to be staring at the element on her chest. “Have you seen a Ga-pony with a huna on her flank?” The mare asked like a mother asking about a missing child. Now Rainbow did not know what a huna was but from the cutie marks of the ponies around her gave her a hint. “I'm guessing you're talking about Macku?” Rainbow said putting two and two together. “Yes what happened to her?” the mare said with a bit of a smile. “She said that she was going for help and then swam away.” ---- Macku would be out of breath if she was running on land and was going as fast as she was now. Her tail moved in powerful strokes as she followed the current to Ta-wahi beach. She knew if Toa Gali was anywhere she would likely be there. ---- Twilight was amazed at just how different this island was from what she and her friends knew. Here was a place that was outside the rules of the normal world of Equestria; it was like an Everfree Forest, but on a much larger scale while the sun and moon still worked like normal. The fact that the ponies here had to have guards and defenses that seemed to be out of a story. The books, sweet Celestia, the books that they might have. What got her out of her as when they entered the older stallion home. One thing that made the equestrians turn their heads in confusion, there was a fire pit in the center of the room. “Old stallion, you said you could tell me who I am.” The armored stallion said with a gruff tone. “And I shall” the elder said as he moved to be in front of the fire. “You are Tahu, Toa of fire. You and your brothers and sister are destined to do great things, but there are trials that will shape who you are and what you will become. I know not what the future holds, for only Mata Nui knows that, but I can give you a step towards that future.” The old stallion used his magic to show six blank masks, one of which looked like Tahu's own. Twilight remembered what Mata Nui said about his people and how each mask gave a different power to the user. “These are the six great masks of power, each unique in its powers. Your first mission is to find the others and locate the other five masks as well as the six noble masks.” The older stallion said as the masks changed into six other. “Tahu, you may leave now if you wish.” Tahu seemed to think about this for a moment but stayed. This got a silent agreement and the elder began to speak to the Equestrians. “It is not often that I must ask this, but what are your names?” The elder asked facing the Equestrians. Twilight and her friends looked at each other and remembered that Mata Nui saying that they were to seek out the elders on the island, and they had found one of them, but they were missing Rainbow Dash and Rarity, so they could use the help locating them. Twilight, being the leader of the group and a princess, spoke for the group. “My name is Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.” Twilight said pointing to her friends in turn. “We came here because of the Elements of Harmony lit up and caused a portal to your island to open.” Applejack was a bit frigidity by Twilight's duplicity but by the way Mata Nui spoke, he did not want ponies outside of Equestria to know that he was back in contact with the world once again. Applejack knew that Twi was just doing what was best. “Welcome then. My name is Turaga Vakama, leader of Ta-Koro, and the stallion next to you is Toa Tahu, Toa of Fire.” Vakama said, greeting the Equestrians and motioning towards Tahu. “I must ask, what are the elements of Harmony?” Twilight went into what the elements were and how they got them. Of course, she didn't go into their history since they learned from Artemis that the ponies did not know of Celestia or Luna. “...once we awoke the power within us, we defeated the Mare in the Moon for good.” Twilight finished her tale to the Toa and Turaga. “So you are missing your bearers of loyalty and generosity.” Vakama said remembering Twilight mention the other two elements. “Do you know where they might be?” “No. The portal split us up, so we're lucky that as many of us were in the same area as we were.” Twilight said as a blue mane and red coated Ta-pony came rushing into the hut panting. “Turaga *pant* Macku just *pant* came from Ga-Koro *pant* with bad news.” The colt said as he tried to catch his breath. What the Equestrians saw on the faces of the Turaga and Toa was shock. Vakama seemed to be talking to himself while Tahu was about to go into a full on sprint. As the fire toa was about to, leave Twilight touched his shoulder to stop him. “Where are you going?” Tahu growled a little as he turned away from the mare. “I'm going to go and help the matoran there.” He said walking out of the hut. “I swear if I didn't know any better, I'd say he's related to Dash.” Applejack said turning to her friends. “Rushing into somethin' that they know nothin' about what they are getting into.” “Come on AJ. You know it is not nice to judge someone like that.” Pinkie said as she messed with her breastplate. “He could have just asked Macku. She is just outside of village.” Takua said causing the Equestrians to look at him. “Why is she outside of this village? Did she do something wrong?” Twilight asked. “No. It's just that Ga-ponies dry out too quickly.” Takua said, getting weird looks from the girls. “What? Ga-ponies are merponies. They need to be moist, so the volcano's heat is not kind to them.” Merponies... That name seemed to ring a bell with Twilight for some reason, but she couldn't place it. If she had access to her library, then she could look it up but she was Celestia knows how far away from it. As she followed her friends and the Ta-pony, a thought came to her that made her want to eat her wings, it was so simple. She just needed to send a letter to Spike to look it up. Using her magic she summoned a quill, loaded inkwell, and paper. Spike, I need you to check the library for any information on 'merponies' and please reply A.S.A.P. Twi P.S. Hope you are keeping the library straight, love you With that she rolled it up and used her magic to send it. With that done, she ran after her friends. ---- It had only been about a day since Twilight left and the library was still clean. 'Mainly because Dash is away as well' Spike thought, even with two kids staying there. Spike had finished replacing the last of “The Magic Carriage” books onto the shelf. As he climbed down he felt a rumbling that told him that a letter was coming, with that in mind he turned his head and out of his mouth came a large burst of flames. Once the light died down he saw the letter rolled and lacked the normal royal seal. “Must be from Twilight. I guess that note taking spell does work outside of her studying.” Spike said opening the letter. While he was reading it, Artemis came down to see what caused the light that she saw from the top of the stairs. “Spike, what was that bright light just a moment ago?” Artemis asked noticing that he was reading something. “I just got a letter from Twilight asking me to look for something called merponies, guess I'm not getting any sleep tonight.” Spike replied with a sigh. “I could help you if you want.” Artemis said as her horn lit up. “Besides, I still need to work on my magic.” “I thought you would be a master of magic since you were Nightmare Moon?” Spike said making a good point. “That was more of my mother's skill and knowledge while I had control.” Artemis explained as she used her dark blue magic to get a book. “Oh, okay. I guess you could.” Spike said as headed towards the mythological section. ---- Well here is chapter one. I will be looking at “Under the Sparkling Seas” before writing chapter two. Also,unless otherwise noted, everything is happening at the same time. > Toa on the move > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Okay since the seapony book is out, I can work on this. Also, I saw a Kopaka and Snowdrop pic that made me think of the toa screen. I'll link it down below in the section or at the end, anyway onto the story. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter two: Toa on the move Kopaka trekked through the snowy peaks of Ko-wahi heading to the center of the island, Kini-Nui if he recalled correctly. The gray maned white stallion looked over the ridge ahead of him, his icy blue eyes looking down to see the snow covered rocks below, and even with his white armor and gray cloak, a drop like that would end badly. Using his akaku's eyepiece, he could see the path ahead of him. As he was about to head that way, a shadow seem to jump out at him. With a quick use of magic he called his blade from his side and slashed a split second before the shadow could harm him. For a second Kopaka got a good look at what attacked him, or tried. It had a silver insignia on it's back, clawed hands, and large feet but he could not see anymore as it faded away into nothing. “Strange. Nuju never spoke of these creatures.” Kopaka said in his cold voice as he looked around to see if more were hiding along his path but found nothing. Now walking slower he watched for anything to make itself known to him. As the ice Toa moved farther into the island, a veil of shadow dropped and two shadow Toa stood there, both had black armor and coats with the only things that made them stand out were their manes and a stripe on their masks. “Did you see that? He just cute a shade like it was snow.” A pegasus with a gold mane that had a dull gray stripe in it said in a tenor voice agape at what he had seen. “Up until about a day ago you didn't even know what a shade was so why are you surprised to learn that the weakest one could be killed in one hit? Seriously Goldrax, you must be the worst shadow being ever.” The other one said in a deeper voice, he was a unicorn that had a red mane with a dark gray stripe on the left side. “Drop the act, Elija. You know that was impressive,” Goldrax said with a scowl. “We have yet to work with our own weapons and from what the order has told us, these guys are tough.” “Shadow is the most powerful element ever, so even if they are masters, they will fall to our might.” Elija said watching the ice Toa. “A master with a dull blade is deadlier then a novice with the sharpest blade.” Goldrax shot back. “We should send a shade after him and really use the shadows.” Elija wanted to counter Goldrax but held his tongue and summoned another shift. “Follow and observe the ice Toa. Do not attack him unless he attacks you. Got it?” Elija said to the moving shadow, which nodded and sank into the ground. ---- Spike had just finished “The Tales of Hercoltes” and had yet to find anything regarding stories about ponies that lived under the sea. Looking up from his book he saw Artemis had a smaller pile of books around her hooves. “Guess I've been around Twilight for too long if I think a pile of ten books is a small job.” Spike thought as he went to clean up the books. He did not mess with the book that had Artemis's dark blue magic around it. By the time he finished putting up all the books, Artemis put the book down and had a smile on her face. Spike didn't know what it meant, but it seemed to be good. Then again he has seen that same look on Twilight's face when she made a breakthrough. “Now where did I put my emergency gear?” Spike thought as he approached the young alicorn. “Did you find something?” “I don't know but I think this could help.” Artemis said showing the title of the book to Spike. “Under the Sparkling Sea: the True Story of the Seaponies and Mermares”, Spike read aloud. “Strange. I've never heard of this book before. Maybe it came while I was out on the migration.” “What migration?” Artemis asked. “Dragon thing and not something I want to talk about.” Spike replied trying to shift their attention back to the book. “Did you read all of it or just some of it?” “Some but the images are well done.” “Well, best get to work on this.” With that the two kids began to read the book. ---- Twilight was amazed at just how different the land changed. It was unbearably hot one moment and a cool ocean breeze the next. Not to mention the wildlife she saw from a distance. They were so different from what they had in Equestria. "Well they did develop on an island, so less dominant traits could have caused them to form their own species," she said to herself as they neared the beach. The equestrians had not only met Macku, but the Su-ponies. While the idea of plasma has been tossed around in unicorn and pegasi studies they had yet to get close to it and here is a group that had complete control of it. While Twilight wanted to go and study them, she knew that there were other things that mattered more, but a thought came to her mind. “Macku, have you've seen any other ponies in similar gape to us?” Twilight asked, seeing how the mare did not react to them in their armor. “Yeah. I think they called themselves Rarity and Rainbow Dash, but I didn't really talk to them that much. I was hoping for Toa Gali to be here, but I guess she was too far inland.” Macku replied with a sigh on the end. “Why was she going there?” Fluttershy asked as Pinkie bounced to the ocean. “Turaga Nokama told her to go there to met the others. Why Toa Tahu wants to go to Ga-Koro is beyond me.” Macku shrugged and realized something. “I forgot a boat. Now it will take us days to get to the village.” Macku looked defeated and was about to cry. Takua saw this and patted her on the back and tried to comfort her. “Come on Macku. We can figure out another way to get there quickly.” Takua said with a smile on his face. Even with that Macku was still wearing a sad face. Pinkie noticed this and being Pinkie wanted to help turn that frown upside down and like that she got an idea. Hoping over to Twilight she whispered, “Couldn't you teleport us to to her village?” “I could but I need the exact location so I can keep us safe from falls and other hazards.” Twilight replied. “Hey Macku what is the location of your village in longitude and latitude.” Pinkie asked in her chipper voice. “5°25'01''N 10°10'10'' Macku replied automatically. “How's that Twilight?” Pinkie said with a grin but Twilight has a shaking head. “Those are somewhere near Neighagra Falls. I'm going to need a map to confirm this, as well as a star chart so I can line them up to get the degrees right.” Twilight said to her friends and then looking towards the matoran. “Do either of you have a star map and a map of the island?” “Let me check my bag.” Takua said as he slung his saddle bag in front of him and sat down. “Lava board, no, light stone, no, Ta-koro guard emblem, no, here it is.” Twilight was stunned to see a colt that looked like he couldn't handle hauling heavy stone slabs around in a saddlebag, but he just pulled two of them out. This also brought the fact that unicorns seem to use their hooves here more than Equestria. “Takua, how did a small pony like you carry these?” AJ said, trying to lift one of them. “Woh wee that is as heavy as a one wheel cart.” “I must ask, if that is alright with you, how do you fit all this stuff in your bag since they seem too...uhm...large for it?” Fluttershy said pointing out that Takua list out several other items before the slabs. “All saddlebags have an enchantment to make it so we can carry a lot of items in case of travel.” Takua said as Twilight used paper and ink to copy both of the slaps. “Plus it can be handy when you have to go to the more extreme parts of the island...excuse me but what are those items that you have?” Takua finally noticed the ink and paper. “These are what our people use to write and record information for later.” Twilight said as she finished making a copy of the map and chart. “I know a spell that allows me to summon these items, as to the reason why I have them is to use a technique that allows me to make a copy of it and then compare it to my own star chart.” With that Twilight summoned a book and seemed to compare the star charts. In a split second her face went from studios to shock. “Sweet Celestia We're on the other side of the world!” ---- Tahu was heading towards Ga-Koro, even though he did not know where it was. Following the coastline was the most obvious way to find it, but he had no other choice. During his walk, he kept hearing a splashing. When he got to a river crossing, the splashing stopped. Tahu may not have been a skilled tracker, but he was a warrior who knew that something was right behind him. At the sound of a branch snapping, his blade was off his shoulder and ignited in the face of a pony in similar armor to his. Her navy blue armor offset her light cyan coat and sky-blue mane done up in a braid, golden eyes, water like tentacles with two navy blue hooks on the end of them, and the mask that had a clear visor. There it was: two power beings sizing each other up on who would make the first move. Time passed and neither lowered their weapons or the waiting elemental attacks, both knew of the other due to how the Turaga told them that they had siblings and it took a minute to realize that they were a bit too much on the cautious side of things and slowly the elemental attacks were reabsorbed into their bodies. The mare's hooks went to her sides and the stallion's sword return to his shoulder. The mare was the first to speak, “I'm guessing you're one of my brothers?” “And you're my sister,” Tahu said lessing his scrawl. “Given that you will no doubt be looking for a mask similar to mine, as I will be for yours.” The mare nodded. “My name is Gali, Toa of water and you are?” “Tahu, Toa of fire.” Tahu replied as he was about to continue on his way, but Gali stopped him. “Why are you going that way? My Turaga told me to go to Kini-Nui at the center of the island to meet the others.” Gali had a hoof on his shoulder to halt his forward movement. “One of your matoran came to my village for help. Something happened there. Didn't know where you were, so I decided to go there myself to take care of the problem.” He said moving her hoof away from him. “I must thank you for telling me this, but with all due respect, I should be the one who deals with the problem directly.” Gali said with a firm tone and a serious look. “If you wish to help that is fine.” “I understand. If it was my village, then I would do the same.” Tahu said gesturing for Gali to lead the way. Gali took lead and began the march towards her home. ---- Turaga Vakama sealed his hut off from the rest of the village. Part of him was saying that he should have talked with these mares. They were not truthful with him, he also noticed that one of them was quiet and seemed frigidity when 'Twilight's' tone changed. Another voice also spoke to him. “It takes a skilled lair to see others' half truths.” it said in it's voice still with a growl under tone. “They are the ones that Nuju has told us about.” “The evidence is pointing to them, but we need time to see if they are the ones.” Vakama said keeping his eyes on the fire before him. “You are just making excuses so you don't have to tell your story, yet” the voice said as the fire grew brighter. “You know you should inform the others of what is going on. Or are you keeping them in the dark as well?" Vakama wanted to tell the voice to shut up and leave him be, but there was nothing to do but watch the flames in the pit. In the flames, his past moved in front of him, all the good and all the bad, moved as the flames rose out of the pit. For a moment green eyes with yellow diamond shaped pupils stared out at Vakama's magenta eyes. There are reasons for demons, Vakama reminded himself; they show just how much it takes to fall and become them. Vakama looked into a pit that he once blinked and fell into but he was able to climb out of it with the help of his friends. With one last glance at the fire he summoned a stone and began to carve letters into the stone. ---- Icarax was not pleased, to put it lightly, and his mood reflected this. Nothing dared go near him. Even the rahkshi stayed clear of the order member. He not only lost a lot of rahkshi, even as weak as they were, the Vahki were decimated, and the final two nails in his hoof was the capture and recapture of Sombra, who was now locked in the crystal empire, and Nightmare Moon was more than likely under heavy guard. Icarax could hear Antroz chewing him out over his failures and what he did wrong. To his surprise Antroz had yet to comment on this. It was at this time he summoned several Shifts, all of their eyes looked scared. “I want all of you to learn what you can about where Nightmare is and I want to know who is with her!” His voice was loud and filled with hate. “Once you found her try and invade her dreams, turn her and make it so we can win.” The shifts disappeared into the ground and had relieved look in their eyes. Icarax ignored them and kept plotting and planning. ---- Sombra was once again imprisoned in a small magically sealed prison of metal and glass. Guards were stationed both at the doors and around him. There were guard shift changes but never once was he left alone. Just then the door opened and there was the two responsible for his first imprisonment. Both still had their regal looks, through one seemed to have her mind elsewhere. Sombra wanted to torment her but to do so would not be in his best interest. “You are a hard stallion to get.” Celestia said with narrow eyes. “I want you to tell me everything about the Order of Makuta.” “Why should I?” Sombra said with a sarcastic tone looking the sun princess in the eyes. “You have nothing that I want." His eyes shifted to Luna. "At least nothing you are willing to give up.” Luna saw the look in his eyes, she has seen that same look in those dreams of many stallions. “I would never be interested in ever getting any closer to you.” Luna said mirroring her older sister's look and gaze. “Now when did I ever say it was you or your sister? Heck, the crystal princess wouldn't be enough.” Sombra said as his grin began to grow and creepy. It took a moment but it clicked in Luna's head and soon she was about to show why ponies feared the night and why you never speak ill of a child in front of their mother. With a yell of anger and horn lit by the magic that could raise or lower the moon Luna charged the prison. If not for her sister, Luna would have shattered the prison letting Sombra escape but not before the princess of the night beat the ever living shadows out of him. Sombra was upset that his first plan to escape failed but he still had time. “Sombra,” Celestia, who was now getting angry, holding the younger princess back her magic. “Your attempts to cause us to free you are useless, and if you say or even imply anything to or about my niece, then I will end you before you can move.” While Luna was still ready to rip Sombra apart molecule by molecule, she was surprised to see that her sister had not call Artemis a thing but something personal. “I'd like to see you try.” Sombra said still with a grin on his face. ---- Antroz was in center of the Order's base looking over the locations of the Toa Eclipse and the locations of the Toa that arrived earlier. He noticed that Eclipse had paired up to spy on some of the Toa. Antroz guessed even shadow Toa had the sense to work in a group and not be stupid when it comes to others. Just then a shift came rushing into where Antroz was. “What is it?” Antroz said with a prosaic tone. The shift said that there were strange ponies that matched the descriptions of the ones that liberated Nightmare Moon from Icarax. “If they are here, then we have another threat to take care of.” Antroz said as he began to think. > Don't go out at night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Chapter 3 and it has just turned to May, it will be later but I just want to put that in. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter 3: Don’t go out at night Artemis thought was she was in Twilight's home, or she remembered going to sleep in the library, but the area around her was a wasteland with only shells of normal buildings laying untouched for some time. Artemis wanted to scream until she noticed that there was no moon in the sky and it looked quite dark. “This isn't right. There is always either a moon or sun in any dream to tell what time it is” the filly thought. Then out of the corner of her eye, she saw a dark cloud move from one building to another. Since this was a dream and she was not an outside observer, she had to play along, which meant no magic but there were no rules against shadow, which no doubt had something to do with this. Moving slowly, Artemis followed the cloud as it seemed to form into ponies that were long gone, somewhere buried in the ground with only their faces visible. Others were not as lucky. Even knowing this was a dream did not make her stop having flashbacks to her time as Nightmare Moon. Then everything around her changed into that flashback but she remained the same. The scene was now like some kind of horde came through and pillaged the town. Flames danced on the roofs of the houses and the once buried dead now laid above ground and had burns on them. Too many ponies, this would be horrific and scar them for life, but this memory was why Artemis disowned the monster that created her and clung to the mare that not only shared her experience and has stood facing her demons. “Tricks of this nature will do you no good” Artemis emulated her mother. “Show me my past all you want you shall not break me.” Saying that, a mass of blackness began to turn into a familiar form. “Touche” Artemis said, looking at the form that she once took. This Nightmare Moon lacked any noticeable detail that the original had. Artemis could see outline of a what seemed armor but aside from the whites of the eyes and silver in the mane. “You speak large for such a small creature” a monotone voice said, seeming to stare down the alicorn. “And you even speak. Not bad for a fake” Artemis said as she ducked under a bolt of shadow. ---- Spike and Owlowiscious awoke to the sounds of Artemis thrashing around in the spare bed that was now in Twilight's room. It was about two hours since they started working on the research that Twilight had sent them, and about an hour in, Artemis fell asleep reading the sea pony book. Spike knew how to deal with this, but he never actually tried it. Using his dragon strength, he gently lifted her onto his shoulder. It took some hoping and praying, but Spike was able to get the young alicorn to bed. Now he had to deal with this. “What's going on?” Spike said rubbing his eyes. “Who” Owlowiscious said pointing towards the trashing alicorn. “I know who she is but what is going on?” Spike replied finally seeing that she was the cause of the commotion. “Could she be having a nightmare? “Who?” the owl said shrugging then flying over and got parchment with quill and ink. “Oh you want me to get Princess Luna to see what's the matter.” Spike was about to reach for the items when Artemis bolted up from the bed. For a second her eyes were pure white with shadows coming off them before returning to normal. Spike and Owlowiscious were shocked at what just happen. Artemis meanwhile was scanning the room for something. “Spike, I need you to get my mother now.” Artemis said as shadows began to pull towards her. “I was just about to do that.” Spike said confused at what she was doing as a ball of shadow floated to her side. “What are you doing?” “Finding what was once not there” Artemis spoke as the ball grew bigger, then something seemed to jet out of the corner of the room. The ball of shadow split into four smaller parts and lifted the thing up into the air. It was short and had black skin, blue eyes, with an antenna coming from it’s head, a silver insignia on it's back, clawed hands, and large feet. “What in Celestia's name is that thing?!?!” Spike said jumping back. “The order sent it and it wasn't the only one.” Artemis said as several shadows dashed away. ---- Twilight took a deep breath and focused her magic on the five ponies and herself. Shifting time and space was second nature to her, but the magic feedback from the Nuians was strange. There was an energy coming from them that seem out of place, and by no means could she not teleport them, but it was different. In a blink of an eye the six were moved from Ta-wahi beach to a forest next to Ga-koro beach. “Okay, that felt weird. Does she do this all the time?” Macku said after the teleportation. “T'aint that bad.” Applejack said looking around her. “Twi this doesn't look like a place for underwater critters.” “I choose this place because I didn't know how it worked, so I played it safe.” Macku said as she headed towards the village. The group followed her and the equestrians got their first look at Ga-Koro. Aside from the empty village, it looked like nothing happened. Twilight would have asked how the village was constructed but the atmosphere was one of fear, not curiosity. “Hey what's that tube over there?” Pinkie said, bouncing over to a lily pad close to said tube. “Wait a minute there was a hut here before I left.” Macku said looking at the pump on the pad. “Dang. The gear is missing. It must have fallen in the water.” “I could levitate the hut back up.” Twilight said offering her assistance. “No it has to be done with the pump. That is a storage hut, and it functions on how buoyant it is.” Macku said then jumped into the water. “We should listen to her Twilight, I mean she does know more than we do” Fluttershy said, getting a nod from the other equestrians. After a few moments Macku appear on the surface with a gear in her mouth. Knowing that her speech would be impeded, she simply pointed at the gear. Twilight understood and levitated the gear up to the pump, inserted it into the slot, and pushed the button. The sounds of the machine pumping and moving water filled the air. Before the group could see the hut another sound, like a roaring dragon, came to them. “What was that?” Twilight asked looking at the others. “That sounded like a Tarakava, but it was much deeper than their normal calls.” Macku said, knowing that sound. The hut broke the surface of the water and was about to open when a teal tarakava jumped out of the water with its crimson eyes focused on the ponies. The aquatic lizard bared it's teeth and went for the armored equestrians, confusing them for the Toa. Which got proven by the fire that was now on its back with a torrent of water hitting it in the face. Tahu and Gali had used the group to draw the attention of the rahi and attacked once they were in position. The tarakava ignored the elemental attacks and went for the toa. Using its legs, it pushed off of the lily pad and shot for Tahu, but the kanohi hau made a shield, keeping him safe and opened the rahi to Gali's attack. A massive volume of water came out of the ocean and knocked the rahi off the village into the sea. Gali dived into the ocean and continued to fight the Tarakava. Above the water the equestrians were stunned, more so for RD and Rarity, at what they just saw. An earth/sea pony just used what was similar to a unicorn using magic. “That was amazing!” Rainbow Dash said spreading her wings. “The way that earth pony commanded the water was like magic.” “As a toa of water, she can do that.” Nokama said as the tarakava came back up and fell down onto the lily pad with Gali standing behind it. “Impressive, sister” Tahu put the hilt of his sword on his shoulder. “But you could have at least let me get a few more blows in.” “You were at a disadvantage. Besides, it was my duty to my village.” Gali replied as Fluttershy looked at the rahi. “My goodness this poor thing has been changed by something that gave it such a horrible attitude.” Fluttershy said to the rahi, who eyes opened to be gold. “Are you feeling better?” Much to the toa and nuians surprise, the tarakava nodded and got up, heading back to the sea. “Make sure to stay away from those crimson eyes.” Fluttershy called out waving to the Tarakava. “What just happened?” Takua spoke for the nuians. “Just Fluttershy being herself.” Rainbow said happy to see her friends. It was at this time Nokama called attention to her. “I must thank both the toa and the group of ponies that freed us from the hut but I believe the other villages may be in danger.” Nokama said then looked directly at the two toa. “The others are waiting for you.” Tahu and Gali nodded then headed for the mainland, leaving the mane six with the Ga-ponies and Takua. “Don't the other villages have Turaga in them?” Twilight asked thinking that it would be logical for each village. “There were only six Turaga to begin with. Each of us took care of the outlying villages, with the Vo-ponies being in the only one that falls under more than one Turaga's control.” Nokama replied. “So you want us to go and check on these villages.” Rainbow Dash said bluntly. “And do this while the toa meet and look for the masks.” Twilight said giving the other two a 'I'll explain later' look. “That is why I want you to do this,” Nokama said her tone serious instead of her calm tone. “The forces behind the rahi attack will explore it.” Applejack was aware that the turaga were hiding something from the ponies in their care. 'they are hiding the order from everypony.' Applejack realized. ‘it is like applebucking: Think of a field instead of the trees. Have one enemy and fighting is easier.' AJ spoke her thoughts, “We can do it, I mean we are here to help.” She look to Twilight and saw that on the trek there they were going to talk about this. “Do you have a map for the island?” Nokama asked. “Yes we do.” Twilight replied. “Then go to Ce-koro, I have a feeling that they are in more danger than we ever were. ---- Cué was thankful that she and the other Ce-ponies built this hidden room in the center of the main building. They foresaw this day and worked so their knowledge would not be used in a harmful way. Also because they saw this day coming there was no hint of shadow in the room. Just then a deep female voice that did not belong to one of them outside of the room. “These dumb rahi can't find one blasted Ce-pony and they've combed the entire village.” Then another voice spoke, “Then we use the shadows and wait.” ---- Luna was not pleased with the letter she had just received from Spike. While she and Celestia questioning Sombra was going nowhere, besides Luna planing to cause bodily harm to the dark unicorn, the order tried to go after her daughter again. The night guards posted around the library and Ponyville reported nothing, yet in the letter that she received said it was a creature made of shadow. It was at this time that Luna remembered her encounter with that strange pony that stole the alicorn amulet. “The shadows are no longer under your control princess of the night, then again when were they ever were.” Luna realized now that she had no way to command shadows as Artemis can, which also meant that any thing made of shadow could not be stopped by her night guards. It was at this time Celestia walked into the room that her sister was staying while in the Crystal Empire, she noticed the look of fear in her sister's eyes. “Luna what is the matter?” Celestia said with concern seeing that look in the ruler of the night's eye. “The shadows are no longer under my control...I am so blind.” Luna said in disbelief at first then a tear came to her eyes. “To think that I could not see the threat in his words.” “Luna what are you talking about?” Celestia asked confused and worried about her sister in such a state. “Is it something that Sombra said or has something happened?” “Artemis was attack by creatures made of shadow. The night guard did not know of this until Artemis contacted them.” Luna said in tears. Celestia knew that Luna needed her to comfort her. With that a wing wrapped around the lunar princess and brought her close to her sister. “I will have my guards retrieve this creature.” Celestia said holding her sister tight. “Come the night has ended.” With that both of them got up and walked out of the room. ---- Twilight and the other mane six made it to Ce-Koro by nightfall. They found a village much different from either Ta or Ga-Koro and the buildings seem to be made out of gold and marble. To the equestrian it seemed like a some ancient ruins, given they had yet to see anypony else. “Okay this place looks awesome,” RD said looking at the buildings. “but this is a little bit creepy.” “I must agree,” Rarity said looking at some blue banners hanging from a few of the buildings. “Something seems off.” “Well it is late we should make camp for the night.” Twilight said summoning some candles. “We need to have two of us to stay up for a three hour watch shifts changing before the fourth hour.” “Not to sound rude but you never said that we would be camping.” Rarity said as the others began to look for room for their camp. “Ya didn't think everything would be like a vacation, did ya.” Applejack replied. “Now hush up or you're on the last watch.” “You wouldn't.” Rarity said with disbelief. “Ah would.” ---- The Toa Mata first formal meeting went well, until corrupt rahi and the weather interrupted them. Before the fighting began Tahu and Gali meet Lewa, who was a toa of air that was fun loving and a laid back joker, and Ouna, a quiet but wise toa of earth. Lewa's forest green armor was a nice contrast to his lime green coat, spring green spiky mane and tail, while his yellow eyes spoke of a warrior. While Onua's obsidian armor was not as contrasting as Lewa's, even with his lighter grey coat and gun-metal flat mane and tail, but his bright green eyes seem to pop out of the diamond shaped mask. The four talked for a time, Tahu and Gali spoke of the fight that they had in Ga-koro and the Equestrians that had arrived. “I must deep-think,” Lewa said if the meeting was recorded. “These six mares arrive and are strange-weird.” “They have either coat color or attribute that does not fit into what we have heard about the matoran on this island.” Ouna said adding to the le-pony's statement. “They are also armored like us but lack any mask built in their armor.” Tahu remembering how Twilight's horn glowed while her helmet remained without a light. “I did notice the gems in their chest plates.” All eyes turned to the Toa of earth. “As an earth toa you must have know what type they are right?” Tahu said voicing the others thoughts. It was about this time that an avalanche caused by a brown armored pony that was tan coat, had a messy copper mane and tail, rose pink eyes, and extra tan armor on his hooves. “Sorry.” He said as Kopaka came up behind him. “I told you that snow is harder to move in then the desert that you call home.” The ice pony said. With that the two slid down the side of the mountain to meet their brothers and sister. Once again the equestrians and the fight at Ga-koro was visited once again. This time Kopaka voiced his ideas. “On my way here I encountered a creature of pure shadow, but it was nothing. Just a shadow, but nothing was there before.” Kopaka's eyes then shifted to a lone shadow in the area. “I was followed by the same thing, it's master are close but hidden. That maybe what caused the attack on your village.” It was then that the Toa first battled as a team, six beings each different but one goal: protection. There is a finite limit that one being came do but with a group no limit is too great for them. With this battle a small symbol appeared on each of their armor. Loyalty on Kopaka, Laughter on Lewa, Generosity on Pohatu, Kindness on Gali, Honesty on Onua, and Magic on Tahu. At the same time the mane six felt a change in their element, but they couldn't tell what it was. Also Mata Nui and the co-rulers felt the change, Mata Nui knew this open the door to ending a long war but not the shadow while the sisters felt something different. ---- “There are other Toa here in equestria.” Luna said as the sun began to rise. “The order must know of them but have yet to track them,” Celestia said wearing a mift look. “But how do we know of this?” With that a gleam of silver Mata Nui appeared. “It seems we are yet to be done with each other.” He said with a small smile. > The Stage Magician and the Lost Warrior > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Okay I took a break and got some new ideas for this chapter. A character from the first story and the Mahri storyline as well as a fan favorite from MLP, note Seth from EQD would like this. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter 4: The Stage Magician and the Lost Warrior Luna and Celestia looked at the stallion as he explained that the toa seemed to share qualities that must have drawn the mane six. When asked how this related to both sisters being able to tell where toa were, Mata Nui said that it was due to the magical aura around toa and his people in general. He also added that anypony who had ties to the elements of harmony might be able to sense the toa as well. At that point, both Luna and Celestia asked to see who it was that they were sensing. Mata Nui nodded and he faded from the oval and was replaced by a barren desert. ---- The royal sisters saw a lime green armored figure with darker chest armor and cuts in the armor. He was a forest green pegasus with a teal mane and tail, both with a dull olive green stripe in the middle of them. There was a strange silver, almost fin-shaped, blade on the middle of his back. He was walking in an area near Dodge City. In fact, he might be near the town since the mirror only seemed to show the Toa himself. The scene changed so now the sisters could see that he was indeed an hour's walk away from Dodge City. “Who is this figure?” Luna asked as the toa stopped for a moment to rest. “I’ve seen him before.” “He was a member of the first Toa team and the last member of that team. The group was attacked by creatures known as Zyglak. They’re a species of ferocious lizard creatures that have hated my people as long as I can remember.” Mata Nui explained. “He was the one you, Artemis, and Twilight encountered before we first met. He has wandered ever since then, never staying in one place for too long.” “I see.” Luna said as she and the other alicorns continued to watch the toa. ---- ‘For countless years, I have wandered this world, and I still blame myself for that day.’ The Toa thought as he walked towards the city. ‘It seems like yesterday.’ All around me were the mauled forms of my teammates, four of them laying just out of my reach. I was rocking back and forth with one of my best friends and love in my hooves. "Nikila, can you hear me Nikila?" I said hoping to have her back but her glossy eyes told me that wasn’t going to happen, she was gone and was to blame for not only her death but our teammates. That was the day I too, died. The failed Toa is gone, now only a warrior looking his place in the world. For... It was at this time that the toa had ran into a wagon that he didn't noticed while walking down main street. It interrupted his memory, but he needed to be brought back to the real world. Even though his mask/helmet kept him from having a concussion, he still rubbed his head from the bump. Looking up at the wagon he noticed writing. “The Great and Powerful Trixie.” The toa read as he got up. It was about that time he could hear cheering from the other side of the wagon to see a crowd of ponies watching the pony on stage using magic to do tricks, like making items appear out of thin air or showing that she can do most anything random ponies from the crowd could. But in the Toa's eyes, she looked almost exactly like somepony from his past. “Nikila...” the Toa said to himself. “but how?” The Toa was trying to wrap his head around this, the mare on stage looked almost like the long dead Toa of lightning. While he was in deep thought, the mare called out to him to come on stage. “You there, armored pegasus. Can you match the magical might of The Great and Powerful Trixie?” Trixie said, but the Toa seemed to ignore her. Now Trixie could keep a calm head, but she was doing a show here and these ponies wanted to be entertained. “Hey feather brain can you hear me or is your head still in the clouds?” The Toa seem to snap awake after she spoke to him. With a hop and a flap of his wings he was on stage. “You sure know how to make an entrance, but not like The Great and Powerful Trixie.” Trixie said to the still silent Toa. Trixie found it odd that the pegasus had yet to speak, which seemed very unnatural when she challenged somepony for them not to speak normally they would be trying to show her up but he seem still distant. “Now can you best The Great and Powerful Trixie!” The Toa didn’t say a word but air seem to form around him and lifted him into the air without his wings moving. Needless to say, the crowd was impressed; Nopony had ever seen a pegasus be lifted up in the air without magic or wings. ‘I‘d best bow out on this one,’ Trixie thought behind her stage face. Clapping her hooves Trixie stepped forward on the stage. “Very good sir you have done what The Great and Powerful Trixie could not. For Trixie to even attempt to do what you do would require tricks that Trixie lacks.” Soon the crowd joined Trixie in the clapping, some that were bested by Trixie were whistling as their way of say to Trixie that she was not all that Great and Powerful. The Toa slowly lowered himself down to the stage and kept his eyes on the mare on stage with him. “She may not be you Nikila, but you two might have been friends.” The Toa thought as the crowd began to disperse. Trixie began to move to close the stage and noticed that the Toa was not moving from the spot where he landed. “You do know that I’m trying to close up for the day?” Trixie moved behind the curtain. The Toa still did not move. “Come on, why are you looking at me?” “It is because you look like one of my friends” The Toa said. “Do you mind if I stay around for awhile?” Trixie was surprised to hear this, since she has been traveling alone after the ‘amulet’ incident and she was kinda wanting to talk with somepony rather than strangers that might have a little too much cider that night. The Toa seemed to be able to keep her from harm. “I will allow you to stay around IF you promise to be my bodyguard when I’m not on stage and on the road.” Trixie said, finally walking up to the Toa. “But I have one requirement: Your name. What is it?” The Toa thought about this and spoke his name “Lesovikk.” ---- Applejack and Rarity stood first watch, nothing major happened, besides Rarity gushing over the style of the buildings again. Applejack noticed that the 'Ce-ponies', as the elder Ga-pony called them, were missing, but the village was intacted. Something ain't right here Applejack thought as she walked clockwise around the camp. Nopony would leave their home unless something was after them. We saw no sign that they were taken, so where are they? It was at that time Applejack heard something from a bush, and in a flash of black, something huge tried to grab the apple farmer, but she jumped away from it. The thing was almost as big as an ursa minor, its front arms were the size of full grown apple trees, and just as large in width but not as tall back legs, the thing's cobalt eyes popped out from the dark gray face as well as the silver crescent mark on its chest. A cackling caught AJ's ears, not wanting to turn her head she saw something out of the corner of her eye. She saw two mares similar to Icarax and had some type of armor like Toa. One's mane was orange and black while the other was purple and Gun-metal gray. “Lookie what we have here,” one said in a deep voice. “an equestrian in a Ce-pony village.” Applejack saw the one with the gunmetal and purple mane move towards her. Applejack knew that she was outnumbered, but she could try and hold the three of them back. “I’m guessin’ that you’re the reason the ce-ponies aren’t here.” Applejack said standing her ground. “And you’re here to help those weak Toa.” the mare replied. “I must say you lot did fall into our trap before we even set it up, and at night too. We couldn’t have planned it better.” Applejack had a feeling in her hooves that had been bugging her since she and the others came to this place, but now it felt like she could feel the ground under her vibrate from the hoof falls of the mare coming towards her. There was a thought that came to her mind, Stomp the ground and run to the others, Applejack didn’t know where that came from, but she did just that. As she raised her hooves the mare seem to notice something and ran at her. Applejack slammed her hooves into the ground and pillars of earth shot out of the ground towards the charging mare. Applejack didn’t stick around to see what happened next. All she did was run back to camp. ---- Artemis was not surprised to see the number of guards increase, but when they tried to take the shadow being, it would always come back to her. This didn't make sense due to it being sent from an order member to try and turn her. During this, she heard a small voice that seemed to lack personality to put it one way. She also noticed that the being began to change in color similar to herself, it's body had become more silver and it's mark was now blue. It also seemed to lose a few of the things that made it seem so frightening like the hunched back and sharp claws. There a knock on the library door, while the guards wanted to turn them away, Artemis told them that, unless it was the order, they could not do that. They wanted to argue on this point, but Artemis used shadow travel and was at the door. When Artemis open the door she was greeted by the CMC. “Hey girls. What brings you here?” Artemis greeted the trio. “We were wondering if you could come and play with us.” Sweetie Belle replied. “Also, what’s with the royal guards around the library?” Scootaloo pointed out, getting unhappy looks from the other two fillies. “What? You guys thought the same thing when we got here.” “Ah said wait for her to tell us not ask her out of the blue.” Applebloom said shaking her head. “Actually I don't mind it that much.” Artemis said getting really looks from the trio. Looking over them Artemis noticed the wagon had a few garden tools in it. “You also wanted to try your hoof at guardsponyship.” The three had an embarrassed look, but did not break eye contact with Artemis. They waited for her to answer. “I'll be happy to have you as my guards for a day.” Artemis said smiling getting from them. “But you must stop when I say stop or if something bad happens.” “Like when the pegasus attacked you.” Sweetie Belle said getting a growl from Scootaloo. “Yes,” Artemis said with a nod then she turned to Scootaloo. “If that happens, you must promise me that you will not try and go after him. Only the elements and the other alicorns can even stand a chance.” “I don't see why I can't just hit him upside the head.” Scootaloo said breaking eye contact with Artemis. “Scoots” Applebloom said glaring at the pegasus. “Fine.” As she made eye contact again. “I promise not to go after the pony that killed my parents.” She promised bitterly. Sweetie Belle, wanting to change the subject, asked Artemis where Spike was. “He’s at Fluttershy's cottage caring for the animals with Angel’s help.” Artemis replied. “Ah remember when he was petsitting for mah sister and friends, and he pushed them on us” Applebloom recalled that misadventure. “So you're sure that he can handle them?” “Of course.” Artemis let them in. “He has yet to prove that he cannot do it.” As the trio walked in, the two guards that Artemis shadow traveled in front of came down the stairs, both had the standard Equestrian guard look of indifference but a trained eye could see that they were not happy. “Your grace, please. We must keep as many ponies out so that you can be better protected.” One of them said with the other one nodding in agreement. “With all due respect sirs, I will not and shall not be a prisoner again.” Artemis said as her eyes glowed a bit. “Princess Luna insisted that you do as we were instructed.” The same guard spoke again. “My mother is concerned, but nopony but me knows how to deal with the order.” Artemis looked beyond the two guards and saw the changes being behind them. “Besides when did I ever say I was going to leave.” With that, she and the CMC headed towards the far room of the library. ---- Rarity wished Applejack would just come back already. She needed her beauty sleep, otherwise she wouldn’t be as fabulous as she was. The thundering of hooves caught her ear and she saw Applejack running away from something, but Rarity could not see what that was. “What is the matter...” Rarity started to say but somehow Applejack was able to throw the marshmallow pony on her back and keep running. “Applejack, why did you...how are you...” Rarity was confused by what was going on. “No time to explain. We need to get the others and find a place to hide” Applejack said as the purple maned pony appeared before her, causing her to swerve out of the way. “What was that?!?” Rarity said as the pony disappeared from her sight. “Something to do with them varmints that took Artemis.” Applejack said as they passed a building. Applejack heard a hollow ring when her hooves hit the ground. Okay this is getting a might bit weird but this might just be the only safe place left with all this hullabaloo. Applejack thought as she neared the camp and the hope that she had sank a little. Her four other friends were facing off against five of the behemoths that she knew could easily crush them. Once again, without thinking, her hooves slammed into the ground and in front of her friends, a solid wall of hardened earth formed, but unlike last time, Rarity saw the element of Honesty glow as the earth rose. The other four turned to see a heavily panting Applejack and a surprised Rarity. “Applejack, what is going on? How did you do that?” Twilight said as the behemoths began to pound on the wall blocking their path. “I'll explain later. Just stay close to me, and for the love of Celestia, don't move.” Applejack said as she got in between her four friends. Once more, the element of Honesty glowed and the six sank into the ground. ---- “This is all your fault Phena,” The deep voiced mare said with a growl. “They were right in front of you.” “Oh shut it Kani” Phena said looking at the place where the equestrians sank into the ground. “It seems that not a speck of dirt has moved even after they were drawn in.” “What do you mean? How could six ponies not leave a hole in the ground after going in it?” Kani said in an annoyed tone. “That was also one that had no magic, so something else must have caused it.” Phena said as Kani began to walk away. Phena noticed this. “Where are you going?” “Toa hunting since you've clearly got this covered.” was her reply before sinking into the shadows. ---- Twilight and her friends seemed to be blinded by a bright light after just a few seconds of darkness. “Is it daylight already?” Twilight asked to nopony in particular. Once all their eyes were adjusted to the light they saw shades of blue unicorn mares with gold stripes similar to Zecora. “I think we found the Ce-ponies.” Rainbow said as the Ce-ponies stayed far away from the mane six. > Order's orders > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear It has been a few days since I wrote any of this story. Time to get to it. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter 5: Order’s orders The two groups of ponies had yet to move near each other. Every time the group tried to go near the Ce-ponies, they stepped back, but the room seemed too small for the Ce-ponies to keep going farther back. “This is strange.” Twilight said as she tried walk forward but she did not seem to move, even if her legs told her otherwise. “There are no illusion spells, but something is messing with my sense of direction and space awareness.” “Less egghead explanation, please?” Dash said adding the last part from the looks her friends gave her. It took a moment for Twilight to think of what Ce meant, Ce must tie into their powers as toa but what does Ce means, then she faced hoofed. Something caused me to see something that isn’t there and movement is a part in the cerebellum. Ce must have something to do with perception of movement. “The Ce-ponies must have some way of controlling the cerebellum in our brain.” Twilight said to the confused look of her friends. “I think you had us up until the cerba thingy.” Dash said this time getting nods from her friends, except Pinkie who had somehow got next to the Ce-ponies. “Twilight is right, these are Psonic ponies. Which means they have the ability to use their minds to defend themselves from others, and they have mind shields so nopony can read their minds.” Pinkie said holding “A Comic Relief’s Guide to the Fourth Wall and What May Come From it”. “How did she do that?” one of the Ce-ponies said out of fear of these strange armored ponies. “Chapter five: A fool’s guide to mind powers and how to overcome them.” Pinkie said as a golden glow enveloped the book. “Hey horn off the book.” Pinkie said flicking the Ce-pony that horn and put her book back into her inventory. “This one is strange. She can block us out but she seems to be an open book.” The Ce-pony who had their horn flicked said, rubbing it. “That’s Pinkie Pie for ya, you never know what she’ll do.” Applejack said noticing that the room seemed to shrink. “Has anypony noticed the room get smaller?” “We have distorted the room so you couldn’t harm us, even if you meant to.” another Ce-pony explained. “Not to sound rude dear, but how can we tell you apart.” Rarity asked pointing out how similar the Ce-ponies looked.. “The way our stripes are is the easiest way.” another Ce-pony said. “I think we should talk about stuff before you explain why you all are down here.” Twilight said as everypony started to loosen up. ---- Goldrax was getting his butt handed to him. His opponents were tall bipedal shades in light, black armor with spikes coming off their forearms, blue eyes hidden behind a gunmetal plate with a crimson scarf around their necks, the silver insignia was on their backs like a symbol of a clan. At first, he thought he could handle these shades as training partners, but then they began to do things that he never saw before like fireballs out of nowhere and summoning others. His Toa tool, a war scythe, was in front of him with one of the shades standing on it. Goldrax was frustrated because this was the tenth time since he and Elija had returned to the base. He knew part of it was his inexperience, but he also wanted to talk to her again. Who was she, and this other land where her family controls the sun and the moon? “...you’re different. While I was quiet, I looked into your memories. You were kind and respectful to others even if they were a pain in the flank to you, as such you are not pure shadow. You are like me, a being not of light or of shadow. We are what we choose. Don’t forget that.” “Was that all a dream or was it real?” Goldrax thought as he began to rise and started shooting shadow bolts at the shades that stood on his weapon. “Am I different from the others or was it all a lie and I am nothing but a weakling?” As that thought came to his mind, his shadow powers enveloped him in an aura and began to form into something that made the other shades react. The shadow aura rose, becoming a black western dragon with cobalt eyes and a silver crescent mark on its chest. It gave out a roar causing the other shades to back off. Goldrax used this break to call his weapon back to himself and used a golden aura to swing and jab the shades that tried to dodge the stallon. The dragon left his body and went for shades farther away while the pegasus attacked the ones near him. The shades began to move their hands in quick motions and weapons appeared to those that survived the first attack from the Toa and dragon. Flames came from the mouth of the dragon as several shades tried to defeat it, while Goldrax was dispatching those that tried to attack him. By the time Goldrax and the dragon finished, they were the only beings left in the room. Goldrax's shadow aura faded and the dragon seemed to shrink into a dragon similar to Spike. Goldrax had returned to his seneses and noticed the young dragon near him. “Where did you come from little fella?” Goldrax asked the black dragon. “I came from you.” It said with high but tenor voice. “You want to have somepony to talk to and prove that you are not just a weakling.” “That still doesn't answer how you came to be you.” Goldrax pointed out. “I don't know either, but since I am a shade, or something like a shade, all I can guess is that when you gave me a form, you also put in your want to have somepony who you can relate to, Goldrax.” The dragon replied. “But how did you change forms? You were huge just a moment ago.” “It might have something to do with your shadow powers.” the dragon went into a thoughtful stance. “I was large when you had an aura around you and now I'm this size when you’re normal.” Just then, the two heard somepony yelling about something and heading their way. Goldrax looked a bit unnerved by this since he did not know how the order would react to the young dragon appearing out of nowhere. When he wanted to speak to the dragon about this, he was gone. “Okay I'm losing my mind here.” Goldrax said to himself. “No you're not.” the dragon's voice said out of nowhere. “I just returned to you for safety.” Goldrax wanted to contest this, but who would show up but Elija with his condescending tone in tow. “Come on, weakling. The order has called a meeting to deal with both those toa and the six unwanted arrivals from the other continent.” Elija didn’t even look at the other shadow toa. Dismissing this Goldrax sighed, “Fine.” As the two shadow Toa left the room, they failed to notice a set of golden eyes watch them leave. ---- Antroz was not pleased, not pleased at all. According to the shadow Toa that had returned from Ce-koro, these six equestrians had some elemental power much like Toa. To add to this, they had no clue to where these ponies were. If Icarax had been in his, place half the base would be in ruins from his rage. Speaking of the pegasus, Antroz need to check on him after this. For now the leader of this group had to focus on the here and now. All around him was all of the order but two of the shadow toa, once those two got there, they could begin discussing how to rid the island of these six equestrians. The toa came in time and with that the meeting began. “As you may have heard, the beings responsible for breaking into Icarax’s fortress and taking an important item have appeared on the island.” Antroz looked over the group. “They were last seen in Ce-koro, according to Phena and Kani, one of them had the ability to move earth. They seem to have ties to the Toa. Our task is clear: we find these ponies and learn how they came to be on this island.” “Why don’t we just kill them? Those are other resources we can use to do more productive things.” Gorast said with almost everypony agreeing. “They are worth more to us alive than dead.” Mutran said, getting nods from Vamprah and Krika. “How did they get here if their homeland is across the world and so shortly after the Toa arrived?” “As much as I hate to agree with him, Mutran is right. We learn how they got here and then we kill them.” Chirox said with all the order members agreeing with him. “I say we send out the Eclipses to the village and wait for them to appear.” Mazia said, once again the others agreed. “I agree with all of your ideas.” Antroz said nodding to his fellow order members. “Toa Eclipse, you are hereby charged to watch these village until they appear again.” Without question the Toa Eclipse did as they were told. ---- Spike was questioning why he agreed to look after the animals at Fluttershy’s cottage. He just spent six hours feeding bears, vultures, birds, all the other animals, and Gummy. That last one was just weird, then he went over the checklist with Angel so he would know what to do the next time he came over. Now he was on his way home, taking the walk as time to think of the crazier stuff that had been happening lately. “I’m starting to wish that meteor never appeared.” Spike thought as walked, not hearing the sounds of a propeller coming near him. “Then Twilight would be here safe and we would be at Sugarcube Corner having...” With a loud knock Spike was on the ground rubbing his head. “Tank watch where you’re flying.” Spike said looking up at the flying tortoise then as he got up he realised something. “Tank why aren’t you with Scootaloo?” The tortoise just turned and flew towards the library. Sometimes, Spike wished that he could talk to other reptiles that weren’t dragons, but this was enough to tell him that the CMC were with Artemis. He was about to follow when something grabbed him from behind. Acting out of instinct, he let out some dragon fire and to his surprise the thing caught fire. From what he could tell it looked similar to him but was all black with only soulless blue eyes. Spike, being who he was turned and ran home keeping an eye out for that copy. As he ran he began to think “What the heck was that thing and why did it look like me?” Then he remembered something: the thing had a symbol on it like the thing that attacked Artemis. “This can’t be good.” Then a smell came to his nose. “Oh come on,” Spike recalled it in a heartbeat. “What are they doing here?” The creaking of the timberwolves made him pick up his pace and he began to yell for help. ---- Artemis and the CMC were looking at the silver creature to see what they could learn from it. So far they have learned that it can use shadow powers like Artemis and it’s arms seemed to change into different things. Before they could try anything else the guard ponies came into the room. “Sirs, what is going on?” Artemis asked as the creature seem to stand in front of the CMC in a defensive stance. “Your Grace, we must order you to release the creature” one said with a neutral face. “Why? It has not harmed anypony since its color change. And on whose orders?” Artemis said. “Mine.” A voice that Artemis knew all too well spoke up. Out of the shadow in a corner, Icarax appeared and the guards turned into solid masses of shadows. In that moment, an army of creatures that none of the young ponies have seen before appeared. Scootaloo was trying to rush and attack Icarax but Sweetie Belle and Applebloom held her back. Artemis’s own shadow powers flared, giving her a more nightmarish shape. “Oh, how cute you must look.” Icarax said in a sarcastic tone. “With your friends on the island, you can not escape me, and I have the pleasure of hearing the sounds of young victims as I burn this place down.” “I will not allow you to come even an inch closer to them, Icarax.” Artemis said as her eyes turned white and her shadow aura began to form armor. Her armor looked like that of the night guards but lacked the fin on top of the helmet with a face guard and was a silver color with black detailing. “I'll make sure of that.” “Oh so just so because you can use shadow makes you a master. Your ignorance is laughable but I'll break that before we're done.” As the two rushed towards each other, Owlowiscious flew into the room to see what all the noise was about. The moment that he saw that something was off about the crimson and black pegasus he flew above Artemis and went straight for his eyes. His talons clawed at the crimson eyes of the order member, Icarax turned his focus to the owl attacking him which allowed Artemis to not only hit him head on, but knock him over to the corner he appeared from covering his left eye as green blood dripped from it. “What are you worthless creatures doing? Get her!” Icarax said to the two former shaped guards. At that moment the two seemed to morph into dark forms of Artemis and charged her. ---- Spike was able to warn, and by warn ment yelling at the top of his lungs, the town of the Timberwolves that were coming. Almost everypony lock their doors and barred their windows, the only ponies that were even still out was three that Spike could not recall where he had seen before. One looked like a DJ he knew but they lacked the glasses, the other looked like she was from Canterlot, and the last one seemed the mane of the first and the coat of the second. “Vinyl why aren’t we running?” the second one asked the first one. “Because I’ve got this,” Vinyl said as her neon blue magic summoned a black. “Little dragon dude you might want to move.” Spike kept running towards them as the front of the box slid open to reveal five speakers, four tweeters at the corners with a subwoofer in the middle. “That can’t be good.” Spike thought running into an alley. “Tavi, Wubsy. cover your ears.” Vinyl said right before she pushed the button on top of the box. The moment she touched it, a highly compressed sound wave hit the wolves shattering them into a pile of wood. Even some of the shadows were destroyed by the music coming from the box and during all of this, Vinyl bobbed her head. Spike had to calm himself, but he had to cover his ears due to the volume of the sound. He was however thankful for those three for being here. Then his mind went to the shadows and he knew where to go. --- Trixie was impressed how diligent Lesovikk was with his job, even if he was wearing strange armor. The two had been talking to each other to learn about each other, but Trixie started to noticed how Lesovikk never spoke about his home or family, which bothered her. “So Lesovikk where do you come from?” Trixie asked him for the tenth time. Lesovikk finally decided to not avoid it any more, it was time for half truths. “I lost my home a long time ago and since then, my friends are no longer around, from that time til now I’ve traveled searching for something. I might have found it here.” Lesovikk added a small smile under his helmet. Trixie, being a stage actor, noticed how he seemed to have put on a show for her, but she just let it slide because she too had her own demons to hide. ---- Twilight was infatuated with whom the Ce-ponies were, studying others to see what made these ponies tick and how they interact to the world. The equestrians came from a place where they are in control of everything. But here, they don’t control anything, but they survive mostly on their own with only trade to connect them. “It seems like we have a common goal.” One of the Ce-pony named Cué said after the two groups talked for a bit. “Ah still don’t get why you didn’t tell the others about the order.” Applejack said voicing a point that she was still mad about this whole deal. “We were ordered not to speak of it.” Cué said looking from one corner to another. “Order of Mata Nui, right.” Twilight said knowing that fact. “Yep.” “I’ve got to ask what is up with them. Why haven’t they stopped these shadow guys yet?” Dash said, stretching her wings. “I mean if they come here, why not get rid of these guys?” “The Order of Makuta are not the only threat to this island and the few other places of our race.” Cué said much to the shock of the Equestrians. “When can we leave this box? It is too small.” Rainbow said still trying lift off the ground. “We have three hours so I think it is best for us to sleep.” Cué offered to the group. After the day everypony had, sleep sounded good. So each group laid down and tried to rest. Little did they know, they would need it. > A Hard Day's Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Time for a bit of Takua and the Toa since they weren’t in the last chapter. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter six: A Hard Day’s Night Takua jolted awake from his rest from the voice of his best friend. After those six armored ponies left Ga-koro, he got a ride from Macku back to Ta-wahi and Ta-koro he was put back on guard duty by Vakama who seem to stay in his hut. Takua had been told that he and several other guards were sent to Su-koro in light of the current situation. Takua had been put as far away from the glass factory, so there he stood and soon he fell asleep for a moment. Which lead to now, with Jaller shaking his head. “Takua you need to stay awake, without the walls like Ta-koro we must stay here and keep the Su-ponies safe.” the captain said to his friend. “Why haven’t they moved into Ta-koro if it is so dangerous for them out here?” Takua inquired. “I mean there is plenty of space in the village for another three to join without any trouble.” “We tried to talk them into doing that while you were traveling but they said no so Turaga Vakama said to have us station here. Some more guards were sent near Ko-wahi to stay in touch with them so be happy you were sent here.” Jaller said taking off his helm and if Twilight was there she would have said he looked like her BBBFF. Jaller then turned to his friend with a more relaxed face. “Was anypony hurt in Ga-koro?” Takua knew what he was asking and who he was asking about. While Takua still felt pain for his best friend choosing her over him it was wrong not to tell him. “She was a little rough up but she was in good spirits.” Takua said with a grin and Jaller returned the grin. “She asked about you before I returned and I said that you were well.” “Thanks Takua.” Jaller said as Takua playfully punched his shoulder. “Hey what was that for?” “Can’t have the captain going soft on us now can we.” Takua said with a cocky grin. “I’m just as tough as ever.” Jaller said as he threw his helm at the chronicler/guard. Takua tried to dodge but was too slow and was hit by the helm. “Okay Captain I got ya.” Takua said as he levitated the helm back to his friend. Jaller put it on and nodded to his friend and went to check on the other guards. Takua straighten up and took more of a soldier stance but once his mind had began to wonder he might as well been asleep. ---- Tahu and the other toa decided to camp near Kini-nui, during that night they each took turns on guard duty, meanwhile the ones still awake would discuss their mission. They agreed to look for the mask together in pairs; Tahu with Kopaka, Onua with Pohatu, and Lewa with Gali. Before Kopaka left for the first watch he and the other Toa once again began to ask about the Equestrians. “I don't know why you all keep asking me this. They are as much as a mystery to me as they are to you.” the fire toa said as he controlled a small flame of the camp fire. “Come on firespitter you have been with them the longest and your wise-deep knowing turaga spoke of them.” Lewa said flexing his wings. “Not to mention the powers one of them has.” Onua said feeling the earth under his hooves. “Twilight,” Gali said recalling the name that Tahu told her on their way to Ga-koro. “She is the leader of the group and something seemed different about her.” “How so, sister?” Pohatu asked adding in his two cents. “I don't know it is just like something was holding back this power.” She said seeing the looks on her brothers' faces caused her to add something. “It felt like one of us.” Kopaka got up and move away from the camp, not speaking just doing. Just hanging around the ice Toa he could be as cold as his element, but he never spoke ill of any of them. Once out of earshot Tahu spoke again. “What I'm concern about how he is the only one to see this 'shadow' being, how do we know that he is on our side?” the fire Toa said getting shaking heads. “Brother, as freeze-cold he is warm-toasty inside. Not everypony shows it but he has as many questions as we do.” Lewa said getting nods from the others. “He is like his mountain home, seeming like nothing but something is deep hidden away so that only he can see.” Pohatu said remembering running on the snowy mountain. “I think only his mask can see what laid under his cold exterior.” Onua said cracking a smile. Only Pohatu and Lewa laugh with him, Tahu did not seem the type to joke and Gali moved to sleep as she was the next one to take watch in a few hours. So the other four followed their sister's example. Meanwhile Kopaka has his own thoughts of the others, he was alone wolf type and yet he got stuck with the most stubborn of the group but it meant finding more about himself then he was willing to do so, no matter what he had to put up with. ---- Trixie was amazed at how willing Lesovikk was to pull her home/stage to her next gig in Baltamare. All that he asked for was a map and a star chart. She of course had said items since she herself would be lost without them, but there was something else that bothered her. Why didn’t he fly since he had wings? Maybe the wagon was too heavy for him. It was then that she noticed that the wagon began to slow, which seemed wrong since there was no way they had made it to Baltamare that quickly. Looking out her window, she saw Lesovikk seemed to be listening for something, but Trixie didn’t hear anything other than an owl somewhere in the trees. “Trixie would like to know why you stopped.” Trixie said, forgetting she was not on stage and with others. She also saw how Lesovikk did not look at her but at the forest and his helmet glowed for a moment then his eyes seemed to grow larger and the wind seemed to pick up something. coming out of the forest. Well there were two ponies... or one looked like a pony, at least. Trixie could see something on them, and it looked red. At first she thought it was blood, but then she heard a mare's voice. “First we get run out of that town because of that blasted vahki and then being pelted with tomatoes, now this.” the pony like being looking at the other. “I'm surprised you haven't stopped complaining about these things and thought of using magic to get us down.” the other one said in a more monotone voice. “Sorry. It's been a rough couple of days.” the pony said, then neon green magic enveloped them, blocked the wind and lowered the two to the ground. Lesovikk was surprised to see something like this and added questions to the many still left from their time together. Then quick as a flash Lesovikk was hitting the shields of the two. “Blue, got any info on this dude? Nopony in Equestria wears armor or has a weapon like that.” the pony said to other being. “Data found. Subject: Toa Lesovikk, leader of the first team of Toa. He was to be believed dead with his team after not returning to Magna Castle. Element: Air, data recommends that firm grip on the ground and self contained air unit when fighting. Mask: Kanohi Faxon, also known as the mask of kindred. Best chance of victory: an empty, windowless room.” Blue stated as Lesovikk stopped and looked at Blue with shock. “How do you know all this?” Lesovikk said trying to hold in his rage but not hiding it. “It has been recovered from units under control of the Order of Makuta. I am not associated with them in anyway shape or form.” “What is this order that you speak of?” Lesovikk asked as the pony’s head seem to collapse and a gunmetal gray mare with neon green eyes and crimson hair with a gunmetal stripe in it. “We’ll tell ya if we can get some place to stay for the night.” She said then she noticed Trixie which made her look away from the other unicorn in disgust. “Well, if it isn’t the Great and Powerful Trixie. What did you lie about this time to get his help?” Trixie for her part was confused on why this pony was acting like this but she had a good idea where the armored pony was from. “Believe it or not, Trixie did no such thing. He only said that Trixie looked like someone he knew.” Technia rolled her eyes and moved to make camp with the Toa and robot just looked on in confusion. “You know what is the problem with them?” Lesovikk asked the vahik. “I will tell you once the two are out of audible range.” Blue replied. ---- Spike had made it back to his home and noticed that the guards were all knocked out. Here he had two choices send a letter to the princesses or rush in there like a hero. He wanted to write to them but his ink and paper are in the house so he had to be a hero. Spike slowly walked up to the house and cracked the door open and he heard the sounds of a fight going on but he couldn’t see where it was but he heard a male voice that made him feel ill. “Fight it all you want more will just come until you are not even able to lift your eyes.” Spike heard it say with a chuckle on the end. “Once I have you again you shall see why you never cross me.” Spike was about to run into the library and do his best to defend Artemis and the CMC when the sound of armor moving caught his ear. With a gulp he turned around and what looked like the guard’s armor appeared behind him, they were steel black and had blue eyes with crimson detailing. Spike did what he knew his best way to defend himself. With a deep breath he shot fire at the armored creatures, at first they seemed to be hindered by this but they kept coming towards him. Spike notice this and had to think of something fast. Once he cut his fire off he clawed at the armor and noticed that a few that still had fire on them disappear. With this in mind he began to claw and spit small flames at the creatures, Spike knew they might try and do something so he took out as many as he could and high tailed it to the door. He locked it and ran to where he heard the voice from while outside, but not before he grabbed a quill, ink, and paper. When he got to the door he saw Owlowiscious there dodging two creatures that looked like Artemis, an armored pony that must have been Artemis blasting more creatures, the CMC being defended by that being from early that changed colors, and the crimson and black pegasus that Artemis spoke of. For some reason his left eye was bleeding. Spike did not speak, he just acted and spat fire at the pegasus only for it to stop. “A young dragon, I must say that was unexpected but I guess you'll try to be a hero?” The pegasus said with sarcastic tone. “Nope just distract you.” Spike said as he blew the page with fire. “Really and what is that?” Icarax said as he slowly walked towards the young dragon. “You have no idea who you are dealing with.” “Nor do you.” A voice foreign to the order member called out and then a bright light shone in front of him. He cried out in pain as he used his wings for cover, while the creatures but the one defending the CMC dissipated from the light. Princess Celestia used her light to blind and stop Icarax in his tracks, while Princess Luna appeared behind the pegasus and used a spell trap that would make it so the light of her sister would keep him at bay. “No! How are you doing this you were too far to know about this!” Icarax said as used his good eye to see the motley crew of being. “We have our ways.” Luna said she went over to check on both Artemis and the CMC. “Are you alright young one?” “We're fine Princess Luna we had Artemis and our new friend to protect us.” Scootaloo said moving the sliver shift forward which looked nervous. “So this is one of the intruders that where in your dreams daughter.” Luna said giving the shift a angry glare. “Yes it is,” Artemis said as the shadow armor vanished off of her. “I think I know what it is.” The others looked at the younger alicorn as she approached the shift. “I've been hearing a monotone voice a little more than a whisper when I was near it and wrote it off as the wind but then Icarax attack and it protected rather than attack. Now tell what you wanted shift.” The others saw the shift begin to move and do gestures that didn't make any sense but Artemis seem to nod and comment every now and then. After a few minutes the shift stop and all eyes turned to Artemis. “So what was that all about?” Sweetie asked confused like everypony else. “It said that it was trying to warn me about the other shades.” Artemis replied as she waited for more questions. “Artemis,” Celestia said much to the surprise of Luna and Artemis. “I wish for you to come with me and Princess Luna back to Canterlot Castle while we interrogate Icarax. It is clear that you are the only one who can communicate with them, perhaps they can tell us the order's motivation.” Artemis understood what her aunt was asking, or it may have been a subtle order, for her to be back in the castle and only be used as a translator for them. Her mother noticed this and was about to intervene but Artemis spoke for herself. “Aunt Celestia this shade has no information on the order as Icarax made it to act as an infiltration to turn me. Plus it is rare, according to it, that a shade develops a identity above the normal one.” Artemis said in a calm tone. “Plus it has grown attach to me and has change so it is not a pure shade.” That raised a few eyebrows. “What do you mean by that dear?” Luna said still not liking the shade. “Shade are made of shadow energy as such they tend to stay out of the light, but this one has been slowly absorbing light energy and became somewhat balanced.” At this point Artemis was getting blank stares from the CMC, while the princesses and Spike saw the connection. Luna walked over to her daughter and hugged her with her wing. Artemis returned the hug and winked mother. “Sister I believe it is time to go and lock this demon away.” Luna said walking away from Artemis and back to Celestia. Celestia didn’t say a word but used her magic to raise the trapped order member. In a flash of light Icarax, Celestia, and Luna disappeared leaving the CMC, Artemis, and Spike there. “Well that was a crazy day.” Spike said as he notice the sun going down from the front windows. “Ya and it only gets crazier from here on.” Artemis said as the shift hung near her. “What makes you say that?” Sweetie Belle asked. “I mean that pegasus is locked up and he can’t harm you or any of us.” “For every evil that is defeated another will take it’s place.” Artemis said as she thought of her own past. “He still deserves to go through the pain that he made my family go through.” Scootaloo said with a bitter tone. “Icarax would just laugh if somepony tried to do that.” Artemis said having spent far too long for her taste with that sick pony. “Shadows don’t feel pain only anger.” “Then what about you? You have the same powers as he does.” Scootaloo said narrowing her eyes at the alicorn. “No.” Artemis said with a relaxed tone and body. “I take after my mother than that monster’s shadow.” “Wait what do ya mean ‘monster’s shadow’?” Apple Bloom inquired. Artemis took a deep breath and spoke, “Listen it has been a long day and we have school tomorrow. I Pinkie promise to tell you.” “Cross your heart and hope to fly.” Sweetie Belle said doing the motions. “Stick a cupcake in your eye.” Scootaloo finished. Artemis recited the promise and the CMC left for their homes. Once Spike shut the door he noticed that Artemis looked down, he walked over and hugged the young alicorn. Artemis didn't shy away from it but looking at the shade she sighed and said to herself. “I wonder how they'll feel to have Nightmare Moon as a friend.” ---- The sun was dawning over the island of Mata Nui, the toa were moving out to search for their masks and to defeat the shadow the hung over the island. Takua and other matoran are either waking up from or on their way to sleep. While in Ce-koro the Toa Eclipse hide in buildings of the village and watched for the equestrians to appear and like any other time, except when forced to, Goldrax was stationed by himself. “Come on Goldrax you got to cheer up.” The gray and black baby dragon said trying to get the pegasus to smile. “You've got me somepony to talk to and care about what you mean.” “I don't know,” the shadow Toa said with a sigh. “If one of these ponies are her, can I really harm her?” “In my short time with you I've seen you're not a killer Goldrax,” the dragon said patting him on the front leg. While two were having a moment six sets of eyes notice the two from the shadows. “Is that Spike?” Rainbow asked in a whisper. “No it can't be,” Twilight replied with her eyes still on the dragon. “He is still back home.” “The took Artemis so why couldn't they take him for ransom? That guy must be his guard.” Rainbow said moving to sneak up on the two. “I buck the guard in head and you guys get Spike.” “Wait Rainbow I can just do a sleep spell and then we can take them back to the safe room.” Twilight said as her horn glowed. “Fine.” Dash said with a bit of a pout. Twilight cast the spell and Goldrax fell to the ground with the dragon rushing over to him. Twilight and Rarity levitated the two back towards them while RD, AJ, Pinkie, and Fluttershy made sure none of the others noticed them. The dragon was fighting the magic but they were able to make it back to the Ce-ponies. > Life is Strange > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear I’m going to use the canon mask locations in the next chapter until I get more suggestions or ideas, anyway dream world time. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Seven: Life is Strange *Six winds blow as one. They will turn the tide. We are marching on, standing side by side and we’ll carry on until all the fire is gone. Blown away, away to lands beyond. Winds blow as one. Goldrax heard a hushed voice as his eyes opened to a blank room but seemed to have furniture for two beings: two chairs, a table, and nothing else. He hear the same phase once again but quieter as if it was a mantra for somepony in meditation. Rubbing his head his eyes grow a bit in surprise, he lacked his toa armor and seemed to be small. “What is going on?” He said then rubbed his throat as he heard his voice. “What’s wrong with my voice?” “Nothing is wrong with your voice, this is what you are in the dream world.” A voice said to him, one that he knew. He turned and saw her, dark blue almost black coat and her lighter blue mane made her teal eyes seem to jet out at him. She walked passed him and his crimson eyes followed her as she moved to sit down. She looked at him with a smile but Goldrax still thought that he was going crazy. After what seemed to be a few minutes she looked confused then spoke, “What’s the matter Goldrax?” “You can’t be real, none of this could be. I must be going crazy.” Goldrax said to himself more than Artemis. “I know what I can to convince you that is real.” She said walking over to him and kissed him on the cheek, which caused both of them to blush and avert their eyes. “Okay you’ve got me on the reality but why am I here?” Goldrax asked as he followed Artemis to the chairs. “As I said the dream world, this place is formed from the thoughts and dreams of every pony that has or shall be.” Artemis replied and still got a confused look on Goldrax's face. “As to how we are able to do is because,” Artemis said recovering from her cryptic message. “of my mother's ability to enter and control dreams. Due to my 'birth' I have a similar ability.” “That still doesn't explain why I'm here?” Goldrax pointed out. “I just wanted to talk to some pony like me.” Artemis said looking down at her feet. “I once said that you and I were alike, it appears I was right.” Goldrax noticed her look glum, for a moment he saw himself in her place. Just then the dragon appeared next to him and it made him feel a bit at ease with someone familiar and real. “Spike?” Artemis said raising her head and saw the dragon. Goldrax noticed another dragon appear but it appeared next Artemis. It looked similar to his dragon shade but it was light purple with green spines and a light green belly, and this raised another question to the ever growing number for Goldrax had. “Why is your shade so colorful? I thought they could only be dark colors.” Goldrax said pointing at Spike. “Shade?” Artemis said looking at the dream Spike. “He's not a shade, he is my friend in the real world. My first friend.” She sighed as a smile came to her face. “So how did you meet your friend?” “I guess I created him.” Goldrax said remembering how his dragon came from his own energy and his desire to be stronger. “Through I don't know how I did it.” Artemis seemed surprised to hear this, but something clicked in her head. What if there is a connection between me and him? That could explain why his shade looks like Spike. The moment Artemis concluded that could be it but for now she wanted to just talk to this other pony so similar to her. “Goldrax,” Artemis said causing the pony to perk up. “ Would you mind if I tell you something?” “Not at all.” The Toa said. “What do you want to say?” ---- Twilight and the other equestrians seemed to be looking at this strange Toa, while they had only seen two other toa this one seemed far more fierce than Tahu and Gail. The Ce-ponies seem to stay away from Toa and seemed to be holding the baby dragon back with their magic. “What did you do to Goldrax you mean creatures?” The dragon said fighting the magic that held him. “The better question is what are you doing with this dude.” Rainbow Dash said walking over to the dragon. “Don’t you know that his group is responsible for taking one of our friend and attack our home.” “He was following orders, and the worst he has done is send a shade to follow that white Toa since he wanted to act smart and not cause trouble.” The dragon countered as a shadow aura appeared around him. “Artemis told him that he was similar to her…” “What did you just say.” Dash said as her eyes narrowed and cut off what the dragon was saying as she flew a small bit off the ground. “Artemis hates these guys, they kept taking her and tried to turn her back to Nightmare Moon.” “Will you stop interrupting me and let me tell you the whole story not just what you think happened.” The dragon said as he seem to grow larger and his tone had a growl in it. “Why should we?” Dash said with an aggressive tone in response of the dragon’s growl. “For all we know you could be lying to us.” Apple Jack grabbed Rainbow’s tail with her mouth and pulled the pegasus away. “Come on you’re on watch with me.” “Let me go, AJ.” Dash said trying to fight against the earth pony. “I was just getting started.” “You were going to cause trouble now stop fighting.” AJ said out of the corner of her mouth. “Sorry about her see is just scared even if she doesn’t show it.” Fluttershy said walking towards the dragon and spoke in a calm tone. “Now what did Goldrax tell you about Artemis?” The aura around the dragon seemed to dissipate a bit but still could be seen. “During the briefing on the Toa Eclipse’s mission here I asked who was the she he was always thinking about.” The dragon said with the growl in his voice going to a hum. The group looked like the dragon missed something, which he did, about how the two talked during the briefing.The dragon counted to talk and recall all that Goldrax told him.starting from when Goldrax yelling in his mind and finished at the point Goldrax woke up thinking that it was all a dream. While the Ce-ponies seemed a bit on the fence on what the black dragon said, the equestrians had some to be more inclined to trust him since that seemed to match what Mata Nui said and why Princess Luna ask him what the order was doing now and that now explains who she was referring to. “Dragon, I have a question for you.” Fluttershy said in a soft voice, like a parent would speak to a child. “Sure go ahead.” The dragon said as he seemed to calm down and look about the same before Rainbow Dash riled him up. “How did you meet Goldrax?” Fluttershy asked trying to pronounce the toa’s name correctly. “I came from him.” The dragon said which got surprised looks from the ponies. “What?” “How? Just how?” was all Twilight asked as most of the others could not speak due to a thoughts that were going there their heads. “Got me.” The dragon replied with the best shrug he could do at the moment. “Normal shades are just shadow energy given purpose, but I don’t know why I took this form when I should be a shift and not this rahi.” “Spike is not that.” Rarity said finally fed up with how similar the shade looked like the little dragon that had a crush on her. “Who’s Spike?” The dragon shade said confused looking at the white armored unicorn. Twilight could see what Rarity meant by that, while it did disturb her that the dragon shade look like Spike but the sound of Spike’s voice coming out of him cause her to bite her tongue. This lead into Twilight explaining who Spike was and why they knocked Goldrax out. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash had yet to calm down but she shut up about it with Applejack keeping an eye on her. “I wonder what Scoots is doing right now?” Dash thought as she kept her eyes forward. “I hope she is alright. She was having some bad dreams about that Icarax guy coming and harming me and her friends.” Dash felt anger come up in a memory of the first night after the attack and the tears that she saw in the little pegasus’s eyes. This was one of those moments that blurred the line between being a role mold/big sister and a mother like figure. While Rainbow thought this a pair of golden eyes looked at her for a moment then they were gone. ---- Lesovikk was amazed to hear what Blue had said about Trixie. From the look on her face when he glanced over to her while the robot explained how she took over the town of Ponyville due to a piece of jewelry known as the alicorn amulet. During this explanation, Technia was out getting firewood for her and Blue’s camp since she would not listen to Trixie when she said that Technia could sleep in her wagon with her. Technia just snuffed at this and kept working on a fire pit. On their way to where Blue detected the Vahki, Technia remembered that she had him check for basic survival techniques in his database, should something happen. After the two nights Technia was able to build a decent fire pit and thanks to Blue was able to find edible plants. Lesovikk admired Technia’s survival skills, but he wanted to bury the hatchet between her and Trixie. Since Technia was not willing to talk to Trixie, he would try talking to her. “Miss Technia,” Lesovikk said getting up from his seat across from Blue, who was in sleep mode, and walked over to the unicorn. “I would like to talk to you for a moment over there.” He asked pointing behind a few trees. “Sure?” Technia said giving the pegasus an unsure glance. When Lesovikk and Technia got out of normal hearing range for a pony, Blue got up and headed towards Trixie’s wagon. Once there he used one of his forefingers and thumb to lightly tap on the door, why he did not rap on the door in a fist is because he lives in a world of cardboard due to his vahki strength. “Miss Trixie.” He said after tapping on the door. “I would like to talk to you.” “What do you want?” came Trixie’s response from the still closed door. “I would like to offer you somepony to talk to with no bias to you and would see it from the point of logic.” Blue said as the top of the door opened to a Trixie who seemed to have been crying not too long ago. “How do I know that you’re not lying?” Trixie said trying to get a read on what the robot would say, which was hard since Blues eyes were black. “Lies serve no purpose at this point in time since they would only cause more problems than solutions.” Blue replied being a bit more monotonous. “Okay?” Trixie said confused. Meanwhile Technia followed Lesovikk to a nearby lake where he stared into the water and with his mask she could not see his mouth but from what she saw from his eye there was sadness and pain. “Tell me Miss Technia,” He said still focusing on the reflection in the water. “How do you think I got these scars on my armor?” “From a fight I guess.” Technia said confused on why he asked. “Yes it was a fight, it was the last fight that I ever had that I called myself Toa.” Lesovikk said turning to look at the unicorn and while his voice was calm in his eyes there were tears. “I have seen things that were far worse than what that robot of your’s told me about Trixie.” “And you still stand by her?” Technia said raising her eyebrow. “In my life I have seen my fair share of beings who are evil and corrupt; Trixie is none of those. I have seen what my life is like had a did something different thanks to that psycho.” Lesovikk said with a growl to himself. “How did this being do that?” Technia asked. “A tale for another time.” Lesovikk said turning away and headed back to the campsite. Back with Blue and Trixie, after talking to Blue, Trixie felt much better. Blue meanwhile was processing what Trixie had spoke of, how she was not punished for her actions under the influence of the amulet but has to live with what she did to those who she so wrongly thought was the cause of her problem when she was the real one. “Technia sees your lack of repercussions as a flaw that you are still a [censored rant].” Blue replied after opening a compartment for tissues in his arm. “What do you mean by that censored rant?” Trixie asked confused. “I have a voice chip that stops me from repeating things that must not be repeated.” Blue replied then he got up, but still had a slight hunch so he could walk in the wagon, heading towards the door. “I guess you are going to head off to sleep or whatever you do at night.” Trixie said in confusion. “No, but I think the toa’s plan was brilliant.” the vahki replied. ---- Icarax opened his good eye and squinted his other eye that would have been caked in dried green blood if not for the small healing ability that all the order member had. As he got up he noticed that his wings were tied to his body and there was not a hint of shadows with in sight only a blank whiteness that seemed to go on as far as he could see. “Where in the karzahni am I?” he yelled out loud only for it to echo back to him. He knew who did this to him but without the shadows his limited rahkshi powers would do him little good. So he used heat vision to mark an X into the ground and began to walked away from it. ---- Luna watched as Icarax moved from his spot in the infinity room, a room that goes on forever and that you can not be released from unless by a princess uses a spell that only the four of them know. Some part of her wanted to enjoy this for all the trouble that he had cause not only her country and it’s citizens, but her daughter. She shook her head and casted thoughts of evil intent away, Sombra did the same thing in the Crystal Empire. Now that she thought about it Icarax did remind her of Sombra, from what Artemis said the order member would brag about himself much like Sombra did in their battle. Luna wondered if Artemis was having a much easier sleep now that one of the major threats to her locked away for a good long time. ---- Vultraz stood in the main chamber of the fortress that he had decided to call it The Shadow’s domain, since he was so high in the order’s good graces Icarax left him in charge of this place. The rahkshi follow his orders now, the horrors that once served Icarax is now his to control and mold to how he sees fit. He had found a way to make it so that in one motion he could call shades when needed. He was able to do this is because he was one of the first shadow ponies, they were more powerful and had more defined shadow powers then the other ones. The blood red eyed crimson unicorn with gradient splashes of crimson to black on his body and a short black mane began his own plains. Just then a rahkshi of sonics came in and spoke it’s normal tongue to Vultraz about how some of the tracking rahkshi found tracks that did not match what they known of the natives transports. “Are you sure about this?” Vultraz said intrigued by this. The rahkshi nodded which smiled at, “After a few thousand years he would have given up on our little game but it wants to continue than I am more than happy to do so.” With that an cocky evil smirk came to his face. “I want guards on alert at all times have more kraata put into armor and double the guards rahi, matoran, rahkshi, or otherwise.” He said moving away from the yellow and green armored rahkshi. From the corner of his eye Vultraz saw it nod and walk out of the room. Vultraz walked to the chair that was once Icarax’s and it was now his, but he was not stupid once his master was back he would reclaim his rightful spot. For now Vultraz was here and in charge. ---- Goldrax found what Artemis had said strange, not the part about Icarax or her fights with shades but this whole friendship thing and this school thing. He, like all shadow ponies, were treated like slaves with the more fierce of them getting better positions in the pecking order. That was his, and many of his fellow shadow pony, way of life. What Artemis spoke of was foreign as she was, in a way it seemed like a way of life he could learn to love. “And that is my problem.” Artemis said finishing her long story. Her face still had a sad look but she seem to have a weight lifted off of her shoulders. She looked at the memory of Spike near her. “He is the only one that has accepted me as a friend and fiend that I once was.” Goldrax notice this and then came to something that he should have seen before, the reason why his shade looked like that dragon. It was because he thought of her and her connection to this dragon gave the shade shape after Goldrax let his shadow powers fade to there normal levels. Just then the room seem to get wavy and become less solid and Artemis seem to be fading. “What is going on?” Goldrax asked as his voice seem to get more towards his toa voice. “You must be waking up.” Artemis said as she was almost completely gone. “I have a message for you to deliver for me. It is to tell a unicorn called Twilight that her little brother misses her.” “Okay.” He said just as a blinding light hit him. [Author’s notes: *opening for the song “If I Die In Battle” by Van Canto] > Sidestory: These Golden Eyes > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest of the Masks sidestory: These Golden Eyes By Toa Coy Those long time fans of bionicle might have noticed that one Makuta was missing from the order. Time to show what he is in this story. ~Toa Coy~ In the base of the Order of Makuta an unseen being is taking note of what the group is discussing and recording all information that had yet to be revealed to him or his masters. This being is a member of the hidden order that was formed from the remains of the late Mata Nui’s loyal followers and the keepers of the great being’s secretes. He is one of the many beings thousands of years old that have been with the order since the fall of the brothers. His golden eyes have seen the rise and fall of those who thought that they could take Mata Nui’s place or Teridax’s but once they get drunk with power they got careless and were locked away for their actions. They even had tabs on the Order of the Makuta back when it was but a cult of beings believing in the fact that Teridax was the only one fit to rule over all of them. He shook his head clearing it and followed the shadow Toa to further gain information and if need be get the Ce-ponies away from them as they are valued assets of his order. ---- The history of the Order of Mata Nui is cloaked in the shadows of their activities and an unseen force of good that works towards peace, at any cost. Like all great organization they began as something different. Once the Great Beings began to leave the land near the river Farshtey the first Toa ever was created, Helryx Toa of water. This toa would later form the Order of Mata Nui, but with her mask of psychometry she used to track down raiders and Hunters that attack caravans traveling from one city-state to another. As the first Toa she was the one to choose a new Toa and taught them the basics before handing them off to a large black and gray bipedal Salamander in with silver armor and had a skull shaped helmet. This was Hydraxon, who a member of the Caudatans and was banished for killing a corrupt noble, a master of combat and strategy that would first train new Toa and members of the hand as well as the order. He would later be given an energy hound, rahi, Spinax and the job of jailer of the order’s worst of the worst. Another of the Hand that would later be a member was Axon, a large buff being known as a Bugbear. His red fur covered shoulders to his feet with silver armor covering his chest, shoulder, and legs. His rope sandal was covered in a silvery metal that flexed easily and his face was covered by the great mask of truth. His might double bladed ax and strength foes fell to him, once the Hand disbanded he spent his time either used both to cut down forest and ruled villages until he got bored and moved on leaving the place both damaged and at peace. Despised his mean appearance Axon is a kind and just being, besides most of the damage was from all the skulls that he cracked to try and make it safer for the beings living in the area. It was Hydraxon that would later invite him to the order and Axon agreed. Then there was the Brutaka, a giant reptile-like being that was blue skinned/scaled with two clawed black hands with three fingers and a thumb that had golden nails. His golden armor was dented and dinged from his battles, even his golden boots seem old while being new. His weapons are known as rotating blades are one of the best that the hidden group of fe-ponies known as the Nynrah Ghosts. When he was joined the order he was given the great mask of dimensional gates due to his responsibility and power that he seem to give off. There are many others in the order but to say them here is to put them in danger or they may be dead if others read this, but there is one that must be mention in this: Mazeka. He is unlike any ko-pony that I have seen, instead of the a unicorn with his head in the clouds and stars he is out in the field or working on the vehicle that Helryx gave him. - Jerbraz ----- Helryx looked over information that Mazeka was sending in regarding his findings of this strange land that appeared in the location of the Toa Mata’s canisters hidden locations. From what he told her in the reports he spoke of the having ponies as the ruling creature but seemed to be different from him or her as he had seen several just walking around with colors that he had never seen or knew that would not be a part of the tribes that he knew of. He also spoke of a place that had ponies that seemed to be made out of crystal and how they seem to guard heart shaped stone. Also during this time he saw an attacking force on this place and what surprised him was not the rahkshi, the Kranua and Kraahu did make him do a double take but the followers of the Makuta are known to use these types of machines, no what made him stop and gawk was the bright pink alicorn that were fighting a unicorn that seem to match the description of the followers. Mazeka could not see them properly since he had to use his mask of sheath to hide him and the spider. Once the battle had ended he snagged the rahkshi head that was include in this report and sent it here. Helryx then took this moment to put her hoof on the head and with her mask began to see what this rahkshi saw from the moment it came to her back to when it was created. The best she would describe it to an observer would be like everything was going backwards, from the moment she touched the head it moved back to when she walked into her office then the messages room, to Mazeka writing his reports, back to the battle to when this rahkshi was destroyed by a magical construct, to the fortress where it left following the being that Mazeka told of in his report, all the way back to the island where it was created. Helryx came back to the present and took a deep breath, her mask use to take a lot out of her in her younger years now after millennia it was like a short drop. After that she looked at the report of her spy in the follower’s base, while the shadow Toa did disturb her the news that ponies from this other land where on the Metru’s island surprised her a lot. They seem to be together in the Ce-koro on the island so this may do well. Since their country was involved in this and shown signs of fighting against the followers, they be powerful allies. She began to write down orders for Mazeka, a team for the meeting of the rulers of this country, have Axon and Brutaka do sweeps of their island for threats, and her spy orders. ---- Mazeka knew that if he wasn’t a Ko-pony then he would be hating his boss, which in this case would be a deadly for him, but with the spider walking on autopilot heading towards that place where he got the rahkshi head for Helryx. It was just then that a letter appeared in front of him. It read: Mazeka, I want you to return to where you saw this pink alicorn as mention in your latest report. There will be a team from our group and I want you to act as our liaison for now and report if you see any sign of the followers. -Helryx Now the letter was written in matoran so only his people could read it but he still hid it in the compartment in the seat. With that he turned his vehicle towards back to the city before others could intersect him. ---- The golden eyed being watched as a shadow Toa was knocked out by what he could assume to be the group of the mystery ponies. About that time a message came to him from his boss and to keep his location hidden he used his magic to disappear and reappear in a cave where his home on this island. He dropped his invisibility spell and his form would be revealed to world if he shown others, he was about the size of the members of the order of Makuta. His coat was a dull red and gray mane cut so that it was not too long or too short, there on his flank was the mask of mutation, and on his head was a horn. Lifting the message up he began to read it, and it read: Miserix, I want to make contact with the ponies from your previous report, learn why they are here and how they came to this island. During this time you must stay visible when talking to them and keep an eye out for the followers. -Helryx Once again it was written in matoran but this time it was on magic only ink that only he and Helryx could see, his eyes nodded and sent it to his room in the base. He turned invisible again and teleported to a bush near where he last saw the group. There he saw two of them in some strange outfits that did not take care to take note of and moved to enter the room behind them. Once there he noticed the shadow toa and the dragon that he must have missed earlier but that does not matter and with that he appeared to them. > Rahi Fights and Mask Collecting > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Time for the hunt for the masks part also some Taku in this one. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Eight: Rahi Fights and Mask Collecting At the break of dawn the six toa split into groups of two and headed for one of the Wahis; Lewa and Gali to Le-Wahi, Pohatu and Ouna to Po-Wahi, and Tahu and Kopaka to Ta-Wahi. While they were walking each to the wahi, they ran into rahi that Tahu and Gali noticed the look in the rahi’s eyes, they were similar to the Tarakava that attacked Ga-koro now was the time to test their teamwork. ---- Tahu and Kopaka ran into a rahi known as a Hikaki, which was a rahi about as tall as the toa themselves. They were orange and gray dragon-lizard like rahi with red markings and hunched appearance that walked on two legs with small three fingered clawed hands. The red eye of the rahi had the dark crimson that Tahu remembered seeing on the Tarkava that he helped Gali fight but this seem different, but he couldn’t help but feel like something was off here. The hikaki jumped at the duo and almost caught them with its clawed feet if not for the bubbles that blocked the rahi. It was at this point that Tahu noticed that Kopaka’s mask was a white hau and was going to ask how him where did he get it but the rahi was more of a problem right now. Both Toa called on their magic and brought out their weapons to bear, Tahu’s flame sword and Kopaka’s sword and shield. When the rahi jumped them again their weapons clashed and caused the two the get mad at the other. “Watch it.” Tahu said with a bit of a growl, Kopaka did not respond but instead struck the rahi before it could sink its claws into the fire toa’s hide. With a strike of his sword the rahi froze solid and dropped right next to the two of them. Tahu was impressed by this but now that the threat was taking care of it was time to ask what was on his mind. “How did you get my mask?” He said in a firm and slightly angry tone. “Found it up on the mountain near Kini-Nui with Pohatu.” Kopaka replied his voice still carrying the same coolness of his element. Tahu took him at his word and turned back to going towards Ta-Koro and check with them and the Su-ponies if any of them had seen one of the six masks around. Earlier Tahu warned his brother of ice that the heat from the volcano that Ta-Koro stood in might be too much for him, Kopaka just said that he would cool the air around him to something similar to the icy areas around Ko-Koro. Not five steps away from the frozen hikaki they heard cracking. Turning they saw the rahi glow bright orange with heat melting the ice still on it. Neither of the two had much knowledge of rahi, if they did then they would know that hikaki live in the lava that spilled out of vents from the volcano and as such could survive extreme heat and also cause them to have very hot internal body temperatures. Also to make matters worst hikaki hunt in packs, which the two learned when they heard the sounds of several more from the forest around them. “So what now hothead?” Kopaka said with his back to Tahu, who had his back to his brother. “Simple ice cube we fight.” Tahu said as the hikaki rushed them. ---- Vakama had yet move from his bed, like most nights visions of the past played in his head. Some nights he would dream of his life before that day and how simple it was but more often it seems his dreams was of his own dark time. He knew that his other self was most likely responsible for this but for now he had a village to run and defend. The sound of something hitting the ground had the elder on his feet faster than most ponies could blink and gone with only a hint of his shadow remaining. Slowly he crept into the main room of his hut and notice a stone slab from Po-Wahi laying near his desk. Vakama knew his brother’s craftsmanship anywhere, as he read the slap he understood what Onewa was telling him. There was a traitor in the village and the kolhii teams were the only ones that were ill, but when questioned how the ponies had gotten them all Onewa got was that the balls where just there. Vakama knew that he had to send some guards there to find who did this, as well as Takua since there may be more than one way that this sickness is transferred. With that he sent two letters, one to Nokama asking for assistance in this matter and one to Onewa to tell him that some guard where on there way. ---- Takua was jolted awake by the sound of his best friend yelling at the top his lungs. He must have had no more than two hours of sleep, which added to his annoyance. “Takua, get up Turaga Vakama has gotten word from Turaga Onewa that a sickness has overcome the village but only some of them are ill.” Jaller said in his captain of the guards voice. “Aside from my friends being sick and hope they get better, why should I care?” Takua said not giving a buck at the moment. “We think that you could be sick as well if not a carrier for it since you visited the village before this happen.” Jaller replied his concern hidden behind his commanding voice. Takua shook his head to clear his head of negative thoughts, he should be concern but something for a moment made him not care about them. Then a thought came to his mind and shocked him to full awareness, he might have infected all the island since he visited the villages. Jaller saw Takua realise this and notice his eyes dilate and look at his friend with a more determined look. “When do we move out, sir.” Takua asked saluting his friend. “Get your armor and met me and Kapura at the outer gate, we leave from there.” Jaller said like a friend rather than a captain. With that Jaller left and Takua moved over to small room just beyond his window, here was the spot where he stored his trinkets and his Ta-Koro guard armor. He first puts on his saddle bags, which he levitated over to him, then his back armor that was the standard red and red chest armor with blue mark next to his left fore leg. He put on his gauntlets next, all four of them red, then his four blue sabatons onto his hooves and finally his blue helmet in the shape of a great pakari. Using his magic, his red one, he did a quick inventory of what he had in his bags. Maps, flute, Ta-Koro Guard shield, lightstone, and heat stone. With that he trotted out of the village, once there he saw both of his friends there. They were decked out much like him with minor differences, Kapura had a red noble ruru helmet and red sabatons while Jaller had a golden great hau with gold sabatons. “That was quick Takua not time to meet up with the two from Ga-Koro then head to Po-Wahi from there.” Jaller said to his companions. “Should we have more guards with us just in case of trouble?” Takua pointed out. “What do you think the Ga-ponies are?” Jaller replied in a half joking manner. It was then that Takua had a thought that would have turned him white, “Please tell me that it is not Macku is the driver.” His voice as dead panned as he could without falling over. “She is the best sailor around.” Jaller retorted. Takua grabbed his best friend and spoke atop his lungs, “Have you lost your Mata Nui mind, she has no control over her speed!” Kapura was quiet and was heading to the beach, while Jaller pushed Takua away. “Takua she is not that bad, besides Kapura is ahead of us already.” He said going back to a serious tone and followed Kapura. Takua was frustrated but he followed his friends with a bit of a gumbel. ---- Lewa and Gali ran into a few bog snakes, which were dark gray snakes with white arrow markings that were as large as a twenty year old tree and just as long as the tree is tall. Gali noticed the crimson eyes and yelled a warning to Lewa. “Careful these rahi are being controlled by something they are not acting on their own will.” Gali said as she dodged one of the barbed ends of the snake’s tail. Gali call on the water from the grass, trees, and air to become water tentacles that began to knocked the snakes back. “It could be in more bad-worse.” Lewa said as he used his wings and mask to allow him the take advantage of his element. While Gali was holding the snakes off, Lewa was starting to form a small tornado and started to suck up the snakes. It was at that moment that Gali felt something under her hooves, it felt like water, so using her elemental energy she began to pull it to the surface and have it right under Lewa’s twister. “Brother you need to get out of there now.” Gali yelled hoping that he heard her. With that a geyser of water erupted from the earth and sent the snakes flying away. Lewa landed next to the water-lady and looked at the hole that the water had created with a whistle. “Wow sister you can be fear-dread when you are dealing with terrible-bad things.” Lewa said to Gali who was confused by a few words that the green pegasus said. “I have to ask Lewa what is with the strange word choice?” Gali said noticing how he seem to make no sense at times. “It is just my kind speak.” Lewa said sounding normal. It was at that moment that Lewa noticed a mask in the hole, it was a green thing in the water. He did not say anything he just jumped into the water. “Lewa?” Gali said in confusion as to what just happened and was about to jump into the water when a green blur shot past her. She turned to face her possible threat only to find Lewa with a kanohi kakama shaped helmet versus his normal muri. “Sister I must thank you and ask how may I use this mask of quick-sped to help you get one of your’s.” Lewa said trying to hide his excitement at the wind-flying he could do now. “I think using your new mask we should look for all the kanohi of the others so that it would take less time.” Gali said forgetting for a moment that neither of them had a way to carry anything other their weapons. It was then that Lewa’s helmet switched back to his normal one. “We could try and get something to tote-carry masks from the saplings.” Lewa said offering both a solution and confused Gali, again. “Lead the way then brother.” Gali said as Lewa flew up and flew slowly towards a clearing that only those above the tree tops could see. Once the two Toa left a shade began to form near the hole that Gali had made. It was the same type that Goldrax had train with known as the shinobi looked at the hole and disappeared. ---- Takua had shut up about the whole ‘Macku is a bad choice in sailor’ and just follow his friend. It took a few minutes to get to the beach and there was the boat, but just like during his quest for the toa stones no ga-ponies were there. Takua saw a look in Jaller’s eyes that said he was about to go into a captain's mindset and have them search for the sailor. “Hold on Jaller.” Takua said as his horn glowed red and his flute came out of his saddlebag and six notes began to play that neither of the Ta-ponies had heard before but as Takua continued two heads appeared out of the water. “Hey Takua I never knew you could played the flute.” Macku said hopping out of the water with Hahli jumping out next to her. Both Ga-ponies seemed to be wearing armor similar to the three males only theirs was a bit more feminine and seemed to be made for their transformative nature. They looked almost like twins with Hahli’s great kaukau and darker armor to Macku’s noble huna and brighter armor. “So how are you doing my firery captain?” Hahli said to Jaller that the other two boys have never heard, well Takua heard it before but repressed that memory, and she walked up and kiss him on the cheek. The boys saw this and the strange look their captain had in his eyes, love would be that look to others, and he seem to be out of it. “Come on you to love gukkos we have places to be and ponies to save.” Macku said walking towards and onto her boat. Hahli turned and the boys could see her cheeks were a bit red but the two did not know what that meant but followed after her with Jaller clearing his head and got on the boat. ---- While Onua and Pohatu’s brothers and sister faced groups of rahi they got one of the bigger ones, a tunnel stalker. Tunnel Stalkers are large sandy brown rahi that can be at least twelve foot tall and twenty foot long, it had two massive claws, four legs that were like crab legs, and a blade shaped tail that was just as sharp. They are rare due to an area not being able to support no more than three or four of them, it was just so happen that the two ran into one. The orange eyes of the rahi looked down at the two toa with hunger. “Onua,” Pohatu said with a crazy look in his eyes. “what do you think of a punch from you using your mask of strength and my mask of speed?” Onua thought it was insane but he just said, “Now is probably the best time as any.” Onua hopped on Pohatu’s back and activated his mask of strength to hold on the ever quickening Toa of stone. “Three passes and I go under it and you hit it.” Pohatu said having done two by the time he said that. At the third one Pohatu ran right under the stalker, when he jumped Onua let go and was sent flying into the armor gut of the rahi. Normal ponies would have been crushed by the force that Onua was going through but thanks to his mask and his elemental power he not only did not feel pain but caused the behemoth to go flying away into the distance. “I think our plan was flawless and look what I found.” Pohatu said picking up light gray huna. “Strange this is not one of the masks that the Turaga said we needed but it might help.” Onua said as he touched the mask to his helmet the huna appeared in place of his normal one and he vanished. “Hey brother where did you go?” Pohatu said confused and looked around for the Toa of earth, also failing to notice the shadow on the ground. Then Onua reappeared where he was last. “That would have come in handy before we fought the rahi.” Onua said in a deadpan voice. “Guess we had to fight to get it.” Pohatu replied. “I think we should talk to your Turaga about this.” Onua spoke while his helmet switched to the huna. “I agree.” Pohatu nodded and lead the way to his village. ---- Tahu and Kopaka had driven the hikaki away and had just made it to the Vo-ponies village, which they knew nothing about but they were told that one of them saw a mask just to the north of the village. They arrived from the east and that made them head for it. ---- The shinobi reformed in the base for the Order of Makuta in front of Antroz, with a bow the shinobi began to recount what it and others shade told it. Of how each group had bested every rahi in their path and the masks that they found on there way. “So these are not what I thought these toa would act like, but it just means to use other means.” Antroz said looking at the shade then turned away. “No matter our sleeper agent has taken out most of the able matoran in Po-koro. That one was too easy.” Antroz then turned back to the shade. “Stay on them.” The shade nodded and disappeared into the ground leaving Antroz alone. Behind him was the Makuta still frozen in crystal protodermis, the crimson eyes began to flash as if he knew that Antroz was there. “Lord Makuta even with the unforeseen events causing us some grief we are still on our way to freeing you from this prison. The ones that did this will not be the ponies that shall free you but we will take these new heroes and make the matoran see that only you are the true ruler of them.” Antroz said his voice sounding like someone giving a report to their boss. The shadows and the crimson eyes grew as well as if he was angry or was he pleased, no one but Antroz knew and he said nothing and just bowed to him. “By thine will it shall be done and by our hooves it will be made as you have seen it.” Antroz said as he disappeared into the shadows and the crimson eyes dimmed down. > Politcal Times > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear So season four happened and I might be working that into later stories since it is awesome so far but since the elements are in use here, and I have yet to include Discord, in my head he moved to Karzahnii to try and make it look better and still use his chaos powers. Rambling so here we go for chapter nine. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Nine: Political Times Goldrax began to open his eyes and noticed the brightness of the room,along with four armored ponies with strange gems in the chest plate and the ce-ponies. From what he could tell, they had yet to notice him stirring awake, which could be good for him. While he trusted Artemis, she being one of the few beings that treat him with kindness, the others may be holding him as a prisoner, in which case he would have to be on his guard. He was also scanning to find the dragon shade that was with him early, it was then that a ce-pony turned and looked him before she screamed and ran away from him. Her screams caused four armored ponies to turn facing him, he felt something akin to Artemis but different from them. It was then that a pony with a horn and a strange colored cloak walked towards him, but before they could be get to him he felt something that grabbed his leg. When he looked down he saw his dragon shade hugging his left front leg, which made him feel a bit of warmth from his his heart. “Goldrax, I’m glad to see you awake.” The shade said with a bit of tears in his eyes, which was still strange to see a mass of shadows could cry for Goldrax but after talking to Artemis, Goldrax knew why it, no that did not sound right, he acted like this. Thinking of how dark and lost his life was before he was a Toa and meeting Artemis and this shade a word came to his mind, Umbrage, for some reason what he felt from the dragon shade brought this to his mind. With his right from leg the shadow Toa returned the embrace before he spoke. “Trust me sleep spells are nothing to what normal happen to shadow ponies, Umbrage.” Goldrax said looking down at the newly named dragon that looked cried some more of receiving a name. “Not to break the moment but you know that you are a prisoner, right?” Twilight said finally breaking her self made silence. “I understand that and I have a message to deliver to somepony named ‘Twilight Sparkle’.” Goldrax said his voice becoming a bit cold while moving himself between Umbrage and the pony that he was looking for. Before Twilight could answer a stallion appeared out of nowhere causing every being to be on their guard, due to the sudden appearance Umbrage retreated back into Goldrax. His coat was a dull red and gray mane cut so that it was not too long or too short, there on his flank was a mask, the mask of mutation to the nuians, on his head was a horn, and he had piercing golden eyes. Twilight could compare him to that of luna in height, but choose not to say that. For a moment there was a common silence that fell over the ponies in the room only AJ and Rainbow could be heard outside, until Pinkie decided to drop a pin that sounded like an alarm went off. Almost everypony looked at her. “What do you know how hard it is to get a moment to hear a pin drop?” Pinkie said putting the pin away. Once that was over the golden eyed stallion looked from Twilight to Goldrax before he spoke his voice sounding like a leader that did not cut a soldier slack. “Well this is something a shadow Toa that can stand out in the open without shadow armor,” He said looking hatefully at Goldrax then turned to Twilight and the other equestrians. “By order of Toa Helryx, leader of the Order of Mata Nui, I am to question how you were able to get to this island and why your group are here.” He said looking over at the equestrians that were still on guard. “We are here because of the Order of the Makuta attacked our country,” Twilight started giving that she and the others did not know if the stallion spoke the truth. “As to how we got is because of the gems in our armor.” “I see,” He said looking at the gems on there breastplates. Then he noticed the Ce-ponies gather near him. “I see your safe room is functional through the lightstone blocks need to be of a higher quality since they seem to not effect the shadow toa.” “Miserix the light stones are the least of our problems.” Coué said which made the equestrian’s fear drop just a bit. “Well then why don’t you all give me the rundown.” The stallion, Miserix, said in a kind tone while keeping an eye on the other non-ce-ponies. ---- Mazeka opened the cockpit of the black and blue mechanical four legged walker covered in the recent snowfall from the frozen land. To local ponies would say it looked like a giant insect with the joints on the legs that seemed more insect like with a long section in front of the cockpit with a pair of fin like things behind the cockpit. Mazeka himself was somewhat of an oddity; he was somewhere between a normal matoran and a toa height wise, similarly his white and gray armor made him far different from the rest of his race, his silvery gray mane and tail where hidden in his armor and cut short for comfort, his diamond colored magic pulled a set of binoculars to his diamond colored eyes. Using his magic to adjust the sights he could make out the strange crystal ponies that were in guard armor and strange outfits working on repairing the damage to the city that the attack brought to it. He could make out several different types of ponies working on the buildings, he had decided that looking at the colors of coats would do him no good due to the very bizarre colors of the natives, from what he could tell the fragmented buildings looked similar to crystallized protodermis which gave him some knowledge how he could show them that he did not mean them harm. Putting his binoculars away into a saddlebag he climbed into the cockpit and began to move his vehicle towards the city while keeping it open. By the time he was a few bios out from the city Mazeka had several pegasi ponies over him with a line of unicorns ahead of him. He stopped the vehicle one bio away from the line and Mazeka could see the fear some of the line had seeing his vehicle, he could not blame them from the very recent attack that was mostly mechanical creatures. Once he stopped the Spider’s legs lowered the cockpit and turret section to the ground, once he felt the pistons stop Mazeka climbed out of the cockpit to the weary eyes of the native equestrians. “So when are you taking me to your leaders chained up and magic limiter.” Mazeka said with dry humor chuckle. If not for the fact he knew they would use so many handcuffs just to keep him from moving he would been more inclined to use his spy skills to sneak his way into the castle and would quicker but he was informed to be a liaison which would have ended it up like this. Now that he thought about it this was the better option since now he could talk to the leaders instead of being sent to the dungeon or whatever detainment area they have here. As he was lead to the tall central tower he notice how the sky seemed to change from the snow storms outside to sunny and clear skies which confused and baffled the Ko-pony. It may be the magic damping that they put on him but he could not feel any spell or elemental magic from the area from the warming environment but he ignored that for the moment and thought back to the buildings. Now that he had a chance to see them up close, they did look like they were created from knowledge crystals or were small knowledge towers but he would have to check that latter as he was brought to a tower of some kind but it looked like nothing he had seen before. It was then he noticed the group of ponies heading off while the group ‘escorting’ him entered under tower’s four legs. Only two ponies stayed there to greet the group, neither wear armor like the guards around him. The one that he would have thought was a ko-pony, if not for the mane and eyes, had similar armor like the unicorns that surrounded him only a second color that he would associate with a ba-pony and next to him was a pony with bat wings in bright blue fur and yellow mane as well as armor that clashed with his fur. Before Mazeka could open his mouth the lead guard spoke. “Prince Shining Armor, while out on patrol one of the pegasi guards noticed the approach of this pony in a strange ‘thing’,” At with point the stallion pointed at Mazeka. “Upon hearing this the field commander sent a squad of unicorns and squadrand of both pegsi and batponies to intercept him.” The unicorn said as Mazeka got a mean glare from the one that must have been Prince Shining Armor. “He then gave up without a struggle but the thing did not move once he had been placed in restraints. He also want to talk to you and Princess Cadance, which I would advised against your majesty.” “To be fair I could say that you all are holding me against my will with no just cause but that would be incorrect.” Mazeka said as his restraints began to have cracks in them and seem to be coated in frost before with a slight move of his front right leg before all but the magic limiter. “I willingly gave up and wished to talk to you as a liaison for The Order of Mata Nui.” The guards had turned their lit horns to Mazeka each just waiting for the ko-pony to move. While the foreign pony just stayed calm waiting for the ruler’s reply, which he could tell that there was something upon hearing Mata Nui that clicked in the rule’s mind. “I’ll take it from here gentlecolts.” Shining Armor said much to the surprised of both the pony beside him and the guards. “Shining are you nuts for all we know he could be a spy from that group that Sombra joined.” The stallion batpony said with his amber eyes looking at the ko-pony. “Wild Blu, if you are so concerned then you may join us while we are in council between Cadence, me, and this liaison.” Shining Armor said before turning to the guards. “You are dismissed from guarding him and should work on getting the thing he arrived in. With a yes sir the guards reluctantly followed the prince’s orders leaving Mazeka to look at the other ponies. A moment passed between the trio before either of them spoke. “So what is your name?” Shining Armor asked as he turned and headed to a stair case with the other two following his lead. “Mazeka.” The ko-pony said doing his best not to look around him for ambushes. “Strange name, but somepony from Mata Nui’s land it must be normal.” Shining Armor said and once those words left his mouth instead of the sound of three sets of hooves it was only two. This caused the two equestrians to turn and look at the unmasked face of the ko-pony that had the helm under one underarm with his right front leg rubbing his eyes before checking his ears. “How could you know of Mata Nui?” Mazeka asked feeling as if the wind was knocked out of him. “He disappeared almost a million years ago!” “You might be surprised.” Shining Armor said before climbing the rest of the stairs to get to the throne room with a confused batpony and gobsmacked ko-pony following behind him. ---- Luna was walking in the Dream world trying to keep her mind off of the dark thoughts that have plagued her since she have given Artemis her new name and the Demons came to light. If not for her powers to let her mind do the job while her body rested she would not have slept since first facing Icarax. Most of the thoughts were of how if Artemis was to ever become the monster that they both were then could she as her mother put that ahead of her kingdom. It was here that she failed to notice the portal that had open ahead of her before she was once again in the broken halls of Mata Nui’s prison and dream world. Once more he was as if he was a golden statue unmoving but never seeming to be real, his blue eyes made most everypony know that he was not to be crossed. Luna knew that Mata Nui may have sense her thoughts but that was something that she was going to ask the fellow alicorn. “Greetings Mata Nui, what do I owe the honor to came into your dwellings.” Luna asked noticing that the former ruler seemed to be distant in mind. With a cough the dark blue alicorn got the older one’s attention, which shook his head. “Nice to interact with you, in a way, directly.” “It is ruler of the night, I believe we have had similar thoughts for a moment.” Mata Nui said as he began to move as bones and metal popped and shifted. “I was thinking of how much pain it caused me to live with the fact that I could not save my brother. You must have similar thought’s for my niece.” “I would ask how you know this, but dream logic and time logic in dreams are hard at best.” Luna said getting to the point. “How do you live with yourself and the guilt? To know that you sent your loved one away so nopony would be hurt but you.” At this point tears in her eyes and a few trailing her cheeks and jaw. “I’ve had almost a million years to deal with it but there is one that shares your thought as she lived through them.” Mata Nui said before he and the room began to fade. With that Luna jolted up having tears in her eyes and thought of who Mata Nui was referring to and she made her feel the same as Celestia must have felt during her time in the moon. For that Luna knew her course for what was coming next. ---- After exchanging both pleasantries and information the shadow Toa, order member, and the bearers of elements of harmony had formed a plan within Miserix staying as the guardian to the Ce-ponies while the rest of the ponies locate mimics that were placed in each village besides the current village. Goldrax would stay with the other shadow Toa and feed information to the elements so they know what to look for as they searched the villages to stop the Makuta’s followers from carrying out their dark plan but before any of that happen Applejack had to bring something up. “So if you a member of this Mata Nui thing, care to explain why I can move through the ground like a pony does in water.” She said bringing up how she and the other equestrians got to this hidden area. “Since Twilight there explained each of you have some form of natural magic and with my knowledge how Toa energy works I can guess saying that you are connecting to a natural element of the matoran since you are at the power level of a Toa you would have powers similar to them.” Knowing that now AJ used her power to get the equestrians away from the village as the sun was about to go down. Seeing that they were near a cave that they could hold up for the night this time Twilight and Fluttershy would be the first on watch since everypony but Rarity and Applejack who were more or less about to fall asleep on their hooves. Twilight for her spells and Fluttershy for the stare that seemed to work on the local fauna. ---- Goldrax hid a smile as he reported back to the order of makuta’s base and headed to the place that he was assigned by the order. With a straw mattress that filled most of the small room he laid down on it and closed his eyes. In his mind he saw Umbrage sitting beside him all around him was blanked and they seemed to be the only things there. “So Umbrage, what are your thoughts about all of this?” Goldrax asked the shadow dragon. “To be honest this is all so strange giving I have only been me for a while, so I don’t have any idea.” He replied having a baffled look on his face. “I mean from what I saw when you were taking to Artemis, I’m a shadow made from a memory of a dragon that you never met. That sounds like a bad comic book plot and I have no idea what that even is.” Goldrax could understand why the dragon felt like that but at the same time he wonder how he even got to this empty place. “Best that I can gather this is my place in your mind.” Umbrage said while not looking at him or Goldrax speaking his thought. “Okay that was freaky.” Goldrax said before asking. “So why is this place so empty if it is my mind?” “Maybe it because you’ve done nothing but be alone and work without much thought I mean before Artemis were you even close to any other pony?” Umbrage asked. Before the shadow toa could answer something jolted him awake and right in front of him was the current leader of the Order of Makuta, Antroz. > Toa's Second Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Alright time for toa mata and a bit of a continuation of last chapter. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Ten: Toa’s second night Antroz looked down at the shadow toa with a displeased look added to his scowl, here was a harbinger of the ultimate evil and destined ruler of all the is known laying in a room instead of hunting down the Toa that were progressing ahead of the plan. “What are you doing?!” The red shadow user said, his anger flaring his shadow. “You are to be out there hunting down the Toa and bring their broken bodies back to us so we can drain them of their elemental energies to free our leader.” Goldrax had a scared look on his face, but did not voice what his face was conveying; just taking the verbal beat down, as powerful he and his fellow shadow Toa are they lack experience that the order members have and it would be unwise to talk back to them. “Get out there and don’t come back without one of them on your back!” Antroz said not caring where he sent the shadow Toa away with a mass of shadow consuming him. Antroz just walked away from the space that once had a Toa of shadow in it. “Antroz was that really necessary.” Mazia’s voice came from his right. The brown and black shadow user walked out of the dark shadows that lead to her chambers. “After all he did disappear for most of the day, who knows he might have just escaped from that order memeber that we have been hunting here on the island.” She said walking around the current leader even rubbing her tail under his muzzle. This action annoyed the red unicorn and just kept walking. “So what have your spies been able to inform you about the whereabouts of the six Toa?” He said, knowing that the female was more sadistic than she let on. Mazia’s creepily happy voice changed to a much more serious tone. “The Vo-ponies directed the fire and ice toas to the north of the village where they found the fire’s kanohi Pakari before several rahi attacked them.” Her face went to a crossed look. “A group of matoran from Po, Ta, and Ga-koro along with the rock and stone toas stopped your agent’s plan. As for the air and water toas you seem to know about them.” “Yes they are much more of a pain than anticipated and then the Equestrians that seem to have disappeared from the island.” Antroz said as he headed to the central chamber. “Also we have gotten word from Icarax’s base, it seems that he got himself captured and Vultraz is now in command of it.” “I always liked that pony,” Mazia said in her normal voice. “That shadow pony has a heart black as any of us.” ---- Takua found himself once again in a stone hut in Po-Koro, only this time he was choosing to sleep as opposed to using too much magic and knocking himself out. Jaller, Hahli, Hafu, and himself got back after helping Toas Pohatu and Onua get rid of the infected comet balls. Before he went to sleep he thought back to the pony that seemed to be the one selling the infection. When the group from Ta and Ga-Koro arrived from the sea and a trek to the village, they saw that some ponies were still up and walking around. They even saw a tan pony with light brown at the tips of the hooves and a black mane with a black kanohi rau selling kolhii balls, they would later find out that this was the reason for the infection. Jaller, Kapura, and Takua went to Turaga Onewa while Macku and Hahli went to check on Hewkii. While Jaller and Kapura discussed how they could find the traitor, Takua noticed a stone item near the kolhii ball sellspony. Using his magic he pulled it over to him and got a better look of it, looking at it he could see the symbol of a village but it was too rough to determine what the symbol was. It was then that to Toa appeared in Onewa’s doorway. Takua saw that they had just came from a fight, which they then spoke of how the used their main masks together to send it the tunnel stalker flying and found a noble huna that was Turaga Whenua color. They came for information on this and any other kanohi location before they noticed the three matoran not native to the village. After learning this they listened to the elder tell them what was going on, once this was told to them they decided to look into this and put a stop to it. It was then that Takua revealed that he got this strange stone item and pointed that he noticed it hidden by the kolhii ball seller but noticed he had left the stand with not one ball left. It was also aside from the carvers and a few visiting merchants that were brave enough to come to this plagued village were the only ones not sick. Putting the facts to together they had to find the seller. This was the point that Hahli came rushing in saying that Macku was getting sick like Hewkii after she touched the Kohlii. Kapura choose to stay in the village in case the seller came back. With that the two Toa and three matoran headed out. When they asked one of the carvers, ‘Master Carver’ Hafu, that said that he saw Ahkmou, the seller, head to quarry for some reason. Not knowing where that was, even Pohatu since he was only been around for a few days and the mask blurred the area around him, Hafu would lead them to the place. Once there they found that the stone thing was a key that connected to a secret base with Kohlii balls that seemed freshly coated in something. They heard a noise and a Nui-Jaga appeared and used it’s tail spitting venom at the matoran before Pohatu ran in front of it. The Toa took the full blast of the venom only blinding him temporary. Jaller noticed the columns were the only things holding the roof above them and came up with a plan, which Ouna would smash the columns while the four matoran direct Pohatu so that the Nui-Jaga focus on him. Without any better suggestion they went with that plan. It was more or less a success with just as the last of the columns destroyed and Pohatu’s sight returned they made a run for the exit. With all that day done and his thoughts turned back to sleep and drifted away. ---- Vakama awoke in his own dream, not an uncommon thing given his past, he noticed that it was his old forge and he was young once again. Knowing that he had control he began to practice his old art like it had not been a thousand years since he lacked material need to craft items that the matoran no longer knew of. Taking a thick protodermis disk and a firestaff he began to work on another mask that would never see reality. He thought back to meeting Twilight and her friends, he saw a bit of himself in that violet mare from when he was a younger pony. With this thought in his head he began to shape the disk into that of a helmet. The room bathed in the glow of the forge still held an area of darkness where a set of green eyes with a lime green slit iris. “You know that it is easier to talk to me in the light.” Vakama said as he continued to shape the mask. “Why hide yourself to me when I know you are my reason for being more forward thinking?” “You know that the light is not my place. The shadows are my home as they once were yours.” The beast said still in the dark reflection of the Ta-pony’s voice as he continued to work. “I see you can’t sleep anymore since you are here.” “You know that rest is only for those that can afford it.” Vakama said before he placed a visor over his eyes and his firestaff began to spark and cut on the the now hollow sphere putting an artist touch into it as well as the normal things that came from making kanohi. “Dreamless sleeps and talking to you are my ways of dealing with stress, besides the audio spell will wake me when there is trouble.” With that neither of the two spoke again as the sounds of the kanohi forge and firestaff filled the room. ---- Lewa and Gali set up camp between Le and Bo-Koro after collecting a total of fifteen kanohi masks, adding the masks that identified as their own, they began to set up a small camp with food from the bo-matoran growers. “Sister, you seem to be in deep-thought. What is troubling you?” Lewa said noticing that she was looking away from the fire pit that lite the area. “I keep thinking of the ponies I met back in my village.” Gali said looking in the way she felt the pull of the ocean. “I notice that all were mares like me, and yet they acted like my brothers.” “Now that lie-bad,” Lewa said shaking his head. “I know-nothing about those deep-thoughts they are wrong-turn, we are toa-heroes this means that even in deep-dark times we are there as a team.” Neither of them notice the red eyes of a pony watching them or the faint balloon shaped mark on the toa of air. ---- The shadow toa that was watching the pair was white and black earth pony with a kanohi arthron, or the great mask of sonar, in normal shadow toa armor taking notes of them. He had been following the pair since he and the other shadow Toa were dismissed from Ce-koro since they could not find the Equestains and then Goldrax went missing. Most of the group were more upset that they were going to miss torturing the new ponies then their missing teammate. Just then a mass of shadows appeared near the toa of shadow and what appeared out of it was the missing teammate. Goldrax did not say anything since he was still in a bit of shock by the anger that he saw on Antroz’s face. It took him a moment to notice his fellow toa. “Still giving me the silent treatment?” He asked getting up but knowing it was best to keep his voice down. “Not at all,” the other toa replied in a dull voice. “We just have nothing to talk about.” “Atleast you aren’t a jerk about it, Onica.” Goldrax said to him. It was then that Goldrax saw the two that Onica was watching, the Le and Ga-pony that had armor akin to their own. Not saying it out loud but he could guess that these were two of the Toa that his group was to be hunting. Putting on a facade of a normal shadow pony. “So what do know about them so far besides they are powerful and general stuff.” Goldrax said with a serious inflection in his voice. “They have a bag of kanohi so we do not know what they will pull on us so we are to track them.” Onica said as he saw the Ga-pony laid down for sleep. “I’m going to get something to eat you say here and watch them.” With that Onica used shadow travel to leave Goldrax alone with his thoughts and Umbrage, who decided to stay where he was, as they began to telepathy talk to one another. “So those are the Toa Antroz wants.” Goldrax thought to his friend. “They don’t seem to be that tough.” “The order was wanting them just for the elemental powers that Toa has so they could awaken the Makuta. Which is why they gave it dead or alive orders.” Umbrage said acting more like someone reading off a piece of paper then a two day old shade hybrid. “Whoever that dragon with Artemis was is smart since I can’t figure this out, or their plan is just too simple and I can put two and two together.” The last part was done with an inflection that Twilight would note that was similar to Spike when he was being blunt. “So make sure that none of the Toa get caught or killed. Sounds simple.” Goldrax thought to his friend/charge. ---- Celestia’s sun was just raising over the forest that Technia, Blue, Lesovikk, and Trixie stayed in for the night. Before all the ponies went to sleep Technia agreed to not speak ill of the blue unicorn but never to trust her. Both Lesovikk and Blue took it as progress and took guard duty from the creatures that hunt at night. About half way through the night Lesovikk fell asleep leaving the vahki to sort data, like he did every time he was the only thing function. Using images that were from the time he and Tech found the vahki he began to run down the six types of his ‘species’. From what he could tell it was a bit of a patchwork of all of them. He could identify at least twenty parts that came from the different types. “The question is did it repair itself over time or was it constructed?” One of the thoughts asked. “Given Equestrian technology the last one seems to be false.” Came the logical response. “Having only seen small towns and places that have been away for a thousand years renders the tech levels as unknown so the previous thought is invalid.” Another thought came from his location and navigation data told him. Blue was so focus on his search that he failed to notice the fact the sun was rising and visual of the world came back into his processor to which he stood up and began a physical diagnostics for any stiff joints and minor damage. During this he saw Trixie wake up and went to relieve herself in private, when she got back and noticed that Blue had taken his left arm off to check the servo in his shoulder. “Why is your arm on the ground?” Trixie asked a bit panicked as the robot used the tools in the detached arm’s storage unit. “The joint in my shoulder was outside of acceptable parameters for speed so I am checking the arm and port to see why that is.” Blue said as he began to check the functions on the arm. He noticed that the thumb was not functioning as quick as the others he made a note of these. “Okay,” Trixie said still confused by the terms that the robot was using but did noticed the piece of something where the arm was meant to be. “You seem to have some foliage in there.” Blue noticed the green organic a bit that he failed to note, possible because he was working on his arm, but this might mean that he had to be cleaned and disassembled for awhile while Technia cleaned him. “Thank you for your observation Miss Trixie.” Blue said pulling the foliage out of the socket and then replaced his tools into his arm and reattach it. It was about this time Lesovikk and Technia woke up and began to stretch after sleeping on the ground. Technia felt the need to spend some time out of the suit that she had been wearing for three days now, with a bit of her neon green magic to cause the full body suit to fold and compacted into a saddlebag on her back. “Much better.” Technia said as her joints popped by being free of the suit. It was then that Technia’s mood switched from happy to dislike, hate would be a better term but she had to restrain herself, seeing Trixie near Blue. For some reason, and not only for her general dislike of Trixie even if that was a factor, but to her Trixie was like all the kids at her old school. Those that just wanted to be the center of everypony’s focus and use them just to throw them away. Blue noticed the look on Technia’s face to which he got up and talked to her. “Tech, due to my design being made for city combat I request that while Miss Trixie and Toa Lesovikk head to their destination that we begin to clean all foreign matter from my body.” Blue said knowing time for the pair to talk in private would be better for the technologic unicorn. “If that would not trouble her if we use her wagon for that.” Technia said looking towards the blue unicorn. “Not at all.” Trixie said as she put on a bonafied smile. Technia just took it for and followed Blue into the wagon. ---- Tahu and Kopaka made camp near the border of their two wahis. Both noticed how hard headed the other was and also how well they worked together. They were not the most talkative of the toa but they still had their moments. “What is with the cold demeanor?” Tahu asked a bit annoyed that they were having a staring contest for no reason. “I mean I get the ice thing but you seem to just be like that since we met.” “I could say the same thing about your hot head, firespitter.” Kopaka replied even cracking a smile under his helmet. “So it does have a sense of humor.” Tahu replied a bit miffed at the slang term for his tribe. It was then they both felt something move in the area, due to the change in the temperature from the air, both turned and saw a dimgray coated unicorn matoran with gray eyes and light black tips on his silver mane and tail. Both of them noticed the kanohi on his flank, iden to those of the island, and how it was dark gray. Before either of them could say a word the matoran ran away, they decided that they would follow where he went later for now they choose who would be on watch for the night. > Another Day Dawns > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Alright time for a normal day in ponyville...you could not keep a straight face given how many times they had to rebuild the place (Blazikenking didn’t keep a straight face, but that was because of a particular song on his media player (10 minutes of DO THE FLOP)). ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Eleven: Another Day Dawns Luna’s day started early. Before Celestia was even awake, Luna was getting information from the night guards on any movements of the beings in the fortress that Sombra and Icarax had built in the frozen north. From the reports from settlements in those areas many have seen strange track but nothing beyond that. “I do not like this” Luna thought to herself as she walked to lower the moon for the night. “Even without the leader they are active and scouting.” When she got to her normal spot, she saw her sister on the other side ready to raise the sun as she lowed the moon. In tandem, one raised a celestial body and the other lowed another. Once the sun began to appear over the horizon the two headed back into the castle, but before they got too far in Luna stepped in front of her sister. “Sister, there is something I wish to talk to you about. Something that would have left me unrested if not for my duties.” Luna said holding her head directly in front of Celestia’s line of sight but her eyes were looking down on the ground. “What’s the matter Lulu?” Celestia asked with her motherly face being betrayed by her tone. With a deep breath Luna spoke, “Tia, what would mother have done if she saw me become Nightmare Moon?” Luna’s eyes watered from what she thought her mother’s face would look like upon seeing her youngest daughter turn into a pony that only shared minor similarities. Celestia did not answer right away, given that she had thought of what her mother and father would have done to help Luna instead of sending her away, this was a question that she had all but forgot when Luna came back and was almost her old self. Given what had happen in the past week, as well as Celestia gaining a niece that was once Nightmare Moon, she knew that that question would come up again. Now it was time for her to be a big sister and not the ruler of a country. By the time Celestia was able to make up her mind Luna had broken down into tears, stress and fear lead to the princess of the night to come to this which Celestia understood seeing as she had been there for along time and some time still looking at the moon. “Luna,” Celestia said wrapping her wings around her sister. “If they never left us those feelings would not have manifested as strongly. It was my fault that you were changed and I was too weak to save you instead of sending you away.” “What if the same thing happens to Artemis? Will I be strong enough to save her?” Luna said crying into her sister’s white coat. “It will be different this time,” Celestia said comforting her sister. “Where it was just me when I battled you, we will try and save her together like a family should.” ---- Artemis slowly got up out of the bed that belonged to Twilight, and while she woke up happy, she knew that today was one that was going to happen sooner or later. She would have liked to talk about it with her mother and her after more than a week of being her own self. She climbed out of the bed and headed off to prepare herself for the day and school, but as she passed Spike’s bed, she noticed that the dragon was not there but she did see the Shift curl up at the foot of the bed she just left. She also noticed that Twilight’s owl was not on his perch, a bit paranoid given the way things have been since she was Foalnaped and almost recaptured by the same crazy stallion who wouldn’t be. While Artemis was going for a shower, Spike and Owlowiscious were getting breakfast ready for themselves and the alicorn down in the kitchen. Spike stood over a mixing bowl and was stirring the batter for pancakes that he would be cooking for him and the second alicorn that he had to live with. “Do you think that I should add anything to these or have them plain to give her a choice on what she wants to eat?” Spike asked his fellow assistant. “Who.” Owlowiscious replied holding up two feathers. “Guess you’re right. She would need this for the day ahead of her.” Spike said moving the counter to the stove next it checking the cast iron griddle for the correct heat. “To be honest with you Owlowiscious, I wish I could go with Artemis when she has to talk to the CMC about her powers and who she once was.” The owl looked at the dragon with a quizative look to why he was talking about this as said dragon began to pour some of the batter onto the griddle. “Aside from Princess Luna and a select few, no one would understand the kind of pressure that she is under. Lucky me to be among the few with such a perspective.” The young dragon said with a deadpan tone on the last part. There was no secret between the member of the Golden Oaks Library that Spike still had not fully gotten over the greed growth a few years ago, this was not helped by the fact several ponies barricaded themselves in to avoid him. Even that time he created a race of intelligent Sea Monkeys, which he still got letters from, ponies still feared what he was and what he would become when he grew up. Spike knew that he would outlive most of his friends, dragons taking a hundred year nap made that clear to him, which made him want to live every day like he would never see them again. If not for the smell of the finished pancake Spike would have kept those dark thoughts at the forefront of his mind. He flipped it and looked to see that Owlowiscious had left his perch for his duties while Spike continued to cook. By the time that Artemis came down Spike had made about a stack of fifteen pancakes and was working on hash browns when the alicorn poked her head in to see what the smell was. “Morning Spike.” The dark blue alicorn’s voice held little in joy. Spike knew why and got an idea. “I know you have to tell your friends about some things that would best be left unspoken but telling them the truth will be better than them finding out on their own.” Spike turned off the stove top and put the hash browns on plates. “Why not tell them here? I mean I know how hard it is to deal with something like this.” Spike said as he got two plates of breakfast. “How so?” Artemis said, looking at the food the dragon was giving her, her voice still held a tone of sadness. “Believe it or not, when I get obsessively greedy I grow so large that it makes the height of Canterlot Castle look like a small cottage.” Spike said as if it was no big deal, if his crush on Rarity has taught him anything it’s how to make his voice sound normal in front of others. “But how are you so happy if you were that large? I can imagine the trouble that it would cause just to walk around.” The girl asked with a quizzical look on her face. “Truth be told I was lost in greed for what I wanted.” Spike said a hint of disappointment and shame in him voice. “It took my friends to get me back to normal and once I saw what I caused I felt horrible. I was just happy to know that nopony was hurt too badly, still I see the fear in some ponies eyes.” “Still not as bad as my past.” Artemis said looking down at her food with little interest. “Come on we can work through this together.” Spike said ditching the sour mood that he was going into. “I can even walk you to the school house, since it is on the way to Fluttershy’s cottage.” “I would like that.” Artemis said, a bit happier as she started to use her magic to eat. ---- Mazeka looked at the foreign design with some amazement as they trekked to the throne room. From what he could tell most of the ponies here were made of something from the ones he had met so far. It was about then that they arrived to the throne room, he could see two thrones by each other and ponies gathered in front of the occupied throne with the strange colored alicorn he saw while on recon. Now that he could see the alicorn better, he could see that she had several different colors that did not seem to match and yet he felt something that was unfamiliar to him, it was a positive feeling but it was not something in his experience. It took a moment before he put his thoughts away as the alicorn walked up to him and the two equestrians that led him there. He saw Shining Armor met the mare halfway he seemed to say something in her ear and then something that Mazeka could not see. “Greetings my name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza co-ruler of the Crystal Empire,” The alicorn greeted the Ko-pony with a small bow. “My husband told me that you are from Mata Nui’s country and that you are a liason for an order named after Mata Nui.” Aside from the word husband and how ponies knew of Mata Nui when he was not see in so long Mazeka returned the bow. “It is an honor Princess Cadenza, as you may know my is Mazeka and I have several questions involving why the followers of the Makuta are wanted here.” Cadance nodded her head and led her husband, the ko-pony, and the night guard to a conference room. ---- Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were sitting in front of the school well before anyone was going to be there. “Why are we here so early?” Scoots asked with a yawn. When Rainbow went with the others she talked to AJ about having Scoots and Tank stay with her family while they were away. AJ agreed and given that they had room it would be good that she not be left alone, again. So Scootaloo was staying with the Apples until Rainbow came home, she also knew that today was when Babs would be coming to stay and help the family. “Because we agreed to be here when Big Mac and Applebloom come here with Babs. As well as talk to Artemis given what has happen to her.” Sweetie Belle said recalling stuff for the past week. “Yay that won’t happen for another hour,” Scoots said noting the sun was had yet to climb higher than the hills beyond the school. “I wonder what Rainbow and the others are doing right now?” She asked as her tone changed from tired to sad. “I don’t know but I hope that they are okay.” Sweetie Belle said with a sigh and missing her sister. Elsewhere in a cave both Dash and Rarity felt a shiver go down their spines, while Rarity was asleep Dash looked around but did not noticed anything. ---- Mazeka had spent the past two hours learning about what happened to the nation in the past week since the stars appeared in the sky. Mazeka knew that the stars that they talked about; those six stars were the sign for the Toa hidden in this land to head to the island that led to Metru Nui to defeat the Makuta once and for all, as well as serve as leaders to the city should they have to. The reason that did not happen until now was because of the followers that caused the system to fail and the Makuta almost took over one of the major cities of his people. Mazeka of course did not relay this to them as they seemed to know some of it. When he question how they knew of this and how they knew of the long missing ruler of his people that they saw as a god, he got a surprising reply. What must have been one of the most shocking things that ever entered his ears, the Makuta was able to corrupt one of the rulers of the whole country that lead to a thousand years of banishment to the moon and only recently said corrupt form emerged from the returned Princess. This form was not evil, much to the disbelief of Mazeka, in addition the order was trying to corrupt this being into either another Makuta or as a way to free him. The princess and prince informed him that Sombra, an evil king that cause the nation to disappear for a thousand years, team up with Icarax to take back the kingdom. Mazeka was informed that Sombra was locked away and kept under guard and that word was just sent that Icarax was caught by the co-ruling princess. The Ko-pony had a lot on his mind after that meeting and both of the rulers told him that he could have one of the many spare rooms in the castle to rest his head while he was there. The room was much larger than any personal room Mazeka had to himself, he notice a bed that looked like it could fit a few ponies if they were standard matoran size, a writing desk, and two other doors leading to more rooms no doubt. With a deep sigh Mazeka went to the desk, open drawers in search of writing tools. Once he found them he began to write a detailed report to Helryx in Matoran. ---- It had been two hours since Scoots and Sweetie arrived at the school and one of them was fast asleep while the other just waited. “Remember Artemis, I’ll come by later if recess is about the time I finish Fluttershy’s chores if not then I’ll see ya at the library with the CMC.” Sweetie Belle heard Spikes voice as she saw him and Artemis walking up to the school. She rushed over to Scootaloo sleeping a few feet away from her. Shaking the pegasus Sweetie hoped to get her up before Artemis got to the school. “Scoots time to wake up, Artemis is coming.” Sweetie said as Scoots woke up with a jolt. “How long was I out?” Scoots said with a yawn and stretch. “Two hours, come on she is almost here.” Sweetie said as she saw the top of Artemis’s head appeared over the crest of the hill. When Artemis and Spike got to the school they saw two of the three CMC there which confused Artemis since she did not know of the arrangement that AJ made before she left. “Hey Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, where’s Appleboom?” Artemis asked wondering where the earth pony of the trio was. “She and Big Mac went pick up their cousin that came to help with the farm while Applejack away with the others.” Scoots said in a happy tone. “Since you guys are here I’ll get going.” Spike said about to head off. “First Fluttershy’s cottage and then shopping.” Once he was gone both Sweetie and Scoots noticed that Artemis was looking sad yet something was making her smile, which confused the pair. “Hey Artemis, you okay? You seem to be distracted by something?” Sweetie asked her getting a snapping awake like movement from the alicorn. “I just have a lot on my mind, that is all Sweetie Belle.” Artemis said with a smile. It was about that time they heard the sound of running heard from Sweet Apple Acres direction. From what the trio could see it was Applebloom and another filly that Artemis had not seen before. The filly was Applebloom’s height, from what Artemis could tell, they had gamboge coat and a short cut two tone amaranth mane and tail. “So who is she?” Artemis asked the pair. “That’s Babs Seed, Applebloom’s cousin from Manehattan.” Scoots said as the two Apples came closer to the trio. “And she is the fourth member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Sweetie added. Before Artemis could question the pair more the pair of Apples slowed to a stop in front of them. “Hey Artemis,” Applebloom said before catching her breath. “This here is mah cousin Babs, Babs this here is Artemis she is Princess Luna’s daughter.” “You sure cus? Because she does not look like the Princess like you said.” Babs said in her manehattan accent. Artemis was confused on why Babs would say that then she remembered that spell that hid who she was so she could be treated normally. “What are you talkin’ about she was always like this and I’ve seen how Princess Luna acted towards her. It was like AJ said Ma and Pa acted to her, Big Mac, and me.” Applebloom said getting a bit defencive. “I can explain why that is Applebloom.” Artemis said stopping a fight before it starts. “You see since my mother is who she is I would need to be kept safe. In addition since I am an alicorn I needed to hide in plain sight so my mother casted a spell that change my appearance so I would look like a normal filly. The only ones that can see me for what I truly am are friends and family.” “That would explain why Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoons were ignorant of Princess Luna outside of her being an adult.” Scoots said recalling the first time Artemis and Luna came to the school house. “So when we became friends I will see what you really look like?” Babs asked. “Yes,” Artemis replied. “Also please don’t go around calling my mother by name it might get to unwanted ears.” “Sure then.” Babs replied. ---- Vultraz was in the war room looking over information that the rahkshi scouts had brought him. They reported that several Vahki in the area, even if they were meant to find Mazeka and had to stop since the Ko-pony was in that Empire that Sombra was captured in. They found a set of tracks that came from the south that were Vahki shaped and found pieces of a busted one that was not the one they were looking for. Vultraz knew that it was not something to pass up since they had less troops and no way to get more at the moment. Also since the Vahki were pure machines they were cheaper to make and would be able to do so without fear. “We will need a complete and functional one so we can make more of them.” Vultraz said aloud to himself. “This will mean getting bolder in our scouting and that could be bad.” With that Vultraz began to think on a solution. Then it hit him if the remaining rahkshi of illusion fly at night while they look for more vahkis. > Night of the Sound > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear So Vultraz is going after Vahki that have been appearing around Equestria, Luna is having doubts about facing Artemis should she turn, and Artemis is meeting Babs. Then we have Mazeka dealing with *DRAMATIC PAUSE* paperwork...we will leave those for another chapter. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Twelve: Night of the Sound Twilight and Fluttershy watched the movement of the woods that hid the cave they had taken shelter in with their friends and knew that they were in danger. They could see how much harsher this island was compared to their home. If not for the fact she had to be brave and help her friends Fluttershy would be curled up into a ball out of fear of this place. Twilight had noticed this and decided to try getting her friend’s mind off of this. “Fluttershy, I was wondering what you meant by glowing red eyes back at Ga-koro?” Twilight asked. “Well the tarakava said that something black with red eyes attacked it and that it woke up after Gali beat it.” Fluttershy said with a sad tone to think of that poor innocent creature that did nothing wrong. Twilight could see that while she was getting Fluttershy’s mind to something else instead to the fear that almost all of her friends had since they ran into those shadows. Even with the past adventures and dangers, this was something that they were not used to. Being on this island was like being on another world for her friends and herself, from the three villages that Twilight has seen, Mata Nui’s people were less involved in the control of their land compared to that of Equestria. Then there were the abilities that Applejack had started to develop since they escaped from Ce-Koro. From what Miserix said, due to elemental energy that the locals had and they were able to harness it because of similarities to the Toa. Then there was what that shadow Toa, Goldrax if she recalled right, said as well as that dragon that looked like Spike. Even if it was a short time since she and her friends were brought here, the ones that they left back in Equestria were missing them. It was then that she looked inside the cave and saw Dash looking around. “What is the matter Rainbow?” Twilight asked seeing a bit of a shaken look under the helmet of the rainbow haired mare. “It is something that made me shake for some reason.” Rainbow said again shaking for no reason. It was at that moment an ear splitting howl was heard coming from woods. That howl caused AJ and Rarity to jolt awake, any complaints either of them had were forgotten and followed the other three that ran to the mouth of the cave to see if Fluttershy was okay and try finding the source of the howl. “Fluttershy,” Twilight said seeing the shaking Fluttershy and followed her head towards the woods. Just then something from her trip to Tartarus appeared but so different that it would have made her think that it was another species. Where the normal ones were flesh covered the ones before her had charged black skulls and rib cages, any color that was on the originals were replaced with either off black, bone white, or smoke gray, the last major thing about this Hellhounds that spoke of more fear was the black flames coming off of the bodies. “How did Hellhounds get here?” Twilight asked before she saw the lead one leap at her. ---- Technia was a bit ticked that she had to be in the small space that Trixie called her home to repair Blue. Since they had skipped their normal cleanings and diagnostics since they started their trek a day before so, and with her learning how to survive without most of her tech that she missed dearly. Some of her friends would compare her to a crazy cat lady, only with gadgets. They were on the move with Trixie pulling the wagon to her destination with Lesovikk acting as guard since the vahki could attack them at any moment. For now, Technia just huffed and waited for the blue robot to sit on the floor. One of the problems with Blue and his height was that where a normal pony could have room to walk over them in the wagon, he took up double that. “Alright Blue time to begin.” Technia said as she began to pull boxes out of her saddlebags. While the saddlebags were her armor, she also kept some things that she picked up on her way by home to get supplies in case she could not get them, most were; tools, boxes, rope, blank parchment, quills, ink, and other such items. As she began to check Blue’s arm for damage the robot began to speak to her. “Tech, why are you so mad at Miss Trixie?” He asked as he began to scan data from the Kranua and Kraahu. “She has been nothing but kind to us and treated us well.” “You’re forgetting that time she took over Ponyville, she was cruel and would have turned it into Tartarus if Twilight Sparkle had not stopped her.” Technia said as she used her neon green magic to unscrew his arm from his torso. “During that time I was in self repair mode since you finished oiling my joints and I needed to sort corrupt data out of my systems.” Blue said as his systems fed in data of what organic life called pain. “I was more or less dead to the world. So only second hand account from you versus a first hand account from her…” He stopped when he saw the look on the unicorn’s face, comparing it to several others in his emotion database he found it to be one of three forms of anger. “What lies did that sad excuse of a unicorn tell you!” Technia spat at the robot forgoing the clean up job for her anger. “Her side and hearing from her that she now lives with the guilt that all the pain she caused is now on her head since she could have proved herself and left it at that.” Blue said in his monotone voice since any other would cause trouble. “I call shenanigans on that,” Technia said not giving an inch. “She locked up the mayor and had most of the elements of harmony as slaves while the rest of the town was stuck under a fish bowl.” “Information: The Alicorn Amulet is known to corrupt users with the twisted and powerful magic. Cases of it showing up and turning the user into another being that is different from their normal persona.” Blue replied using his logic to counter the gun-metal unicorn. With a huff, Technia cursed herself for trying to reason with the Vahki and began to test the arm’s joints and hinges. He was the ultimate in being unbiased since he can turn off his emotions for logic even if she was just basing her judgement on just herself and what she believed others would in Ponyville. In that moment a thought came to her mind, Trixie must have been treated much like she herself was at school only much harsher. In that moment of realization that Technia was just acting like those ponies that caused her pain. She continued to work on the arm with her magic checking for stuff stuck in the small spaces. During this Blue was using his only attach arm to check for any other thing that are causing him to move slower. So far he was mostly removing leaves, sticks, and pebbles. What he need was a good soak in oil for his joints since they were sealed and it would clear him for the increasing amount of dirt compared to his time in Ponyville. From his internal clock he could tell that about three hours passed since he and Technia began. Looking at his owner/friend he could read that she was crying for some reason but he was not about to ask her since once she reattach his arm, picked up the tools, and replaced them in their proper place she went to a corner of the room and curled up with her back to him. He just sat there wondering what her problem was, so he began to scan data for psychology information to see if he could help her through this. Meanwhile during those three hours Trixie and Lesovikk were making chit-chat, Trixie explained the whole alicorn amulet incident to him and in turn he told her of a time he fought insect-pony hybrids that tried to mutate some gryphons into nightmarish creatures. Trixie was surprised that Lesovikk was not telling her off for being in the wrong for using the amulet, she guessed that he accepted it and returned with a tale of his own. In her eyes he was a hero because he risked himself to save others, and at that moment she felt something that felt weird and could not tell what it was. Suddenly something jumped out in front of the pair and this caused Trixie to scream as the wagon ran into and in surprise for the thing that jumped in front her. Lesovikk on the other hoof was in action mood and rushed the thing. It was at this time that Blue came out of the wagon to see what the matter was and the scream after he made sure that Technia was okay. When he got to where Trixie was he saw the mismatch Vahki that cause that town to throw tomatoes at him and Tech. ---- Twilight and her friends were panting and had yet to injure the hellhounds that were now circling them, however it was not for nothing. Everypony found what elemental powers that they had. Rainbow found that she could now use ice to freeze the hounds in place just long enough to help her friends. Pinkie seemed to be able to control wind, which did not surprise the others given her randomness, Rarity found that she could call stones to her aid, to which Applejack remained her of that time Discord made her think a rock was a huge diamond. Fluttershy now was using her water powers to keep the fire that the hounds were spreading under control while also using it to keep them back. Twilight herself learned that she had control of fire and was using this to try to put out the hounds but they just moved out of her area and she had to use a wall of fire to block them. Twilight was using her mastery of magic to try several spells to stop the hounds but they were too quick. After about two hours the hounds backed off and a pony similar to Goldrax appeared in front of them. He was a unicorn in spiker armor compared to Goldrax that had a red mane with a dark gray stripe on the left side of it and a mask of some kind that the equestrians have yet to learn the name of. “I must say you have put up a good fight and entertaining as well.” He said as a creepy smile came across his face. “I must be a lucky stud to have found you all and knowing that you are able to use those powers just makes this all the better.” “What makes ya say that you sad excuse for a Toa!” AJ said knowing what the unicorn was implying. “Ya’ll just a coward using others to fight behind while you just watch, that ain’t right.” “When you have an army like mine at the ready why even try and fight them when they can’t withstand shadows.” The unicorn said as a radiant energy came off him Shades began to raise out of the ground. In addition to more hellhounds, shinobi, behemoths, and normal shifts began to form around him. “AJ I know you’re the one trying to keep me from making things worse but until we beat this guy…” Rainbow began. “I know kept it to myself.” AJ interrupted. Just as they were getting ready to fight a line of ice appeared ahead of them and a crackling of a fire was also heard with the sounds of smoke puffs. The six turned their heads to see Tahu and who they assumed was Kopaka. “Well this must be my lucky day,” The unicorn said his creepy grin lessen. “Not only the Equestrians but two of the six thorns in our sides.” “Lucky,” Tahu said with sarcasm. “I would call you unlucky since you just lost most of your forces.” “What are you talking about?” The unicorn said before noticing the frozen spikes that was once his forces. “No matter I will just make more.” Before he could do anything he was hit with a blast of magic from Twilight that paralyzed the unicorn on the spot with only his eyes and mouth still moving. Tahu and Kopaka wondered what the mare did but that questions were being asked by the shadow Toa. “What did you do to me?!?!” The unicorn yelled trying to move or call his powers. “Something that Princess Luna told me about when dealing with ponies of your powers.” Twilight said as she and the others got near him. “How did you find us?” “We have trackers and since you were still in this area it was easy to find you.” He said before he was knocked out by a blow to the head by Tahu. “Why did you do that? We could have got information from him.” Rainbow said with a frown. “We best leave now before he wakes up.” Tahu said much to the confusing of the equestrians. “Excuse me, Mr. Tahu you are not explaining anything. May I ask what is going on?” Rarity said as they began to follow the two Toa. “We found out something that we must tell you.” Tahu said with a grit in his teeth. ---- Goldrax and Umbrage were watching the two toa and planning what they should do since both doubted Onica would not come back telling the shadow Toa to leave the masks alone. “What should we do?” Goldrax thought to Umbrage. “I can’t just take them.” “I don’t know, as far from my original’s mind this is nothing I have done before. All I can tell is that we are stuck between a rock and a hard place.” Umbrage said to the Toa. “We might not be able to get it back if we get it and hand it over to the order.” “This is going to be rough.” Goldrax said as he heard the sound of shadows moving. “When in our partnership has it ever been easy?” The dragon said with a cocky grin. ---- After Traveling for a short time the equestrians came to a quiet area where the wind was almost nothing and even the sounds of their hooves were almost silent. They wondered what this was all about and wanted to ask the Toa but when one of them tried to speak nothing came out but they saw the other’s lips move. It was then that they noticed that Pinkie was holding up a sign. It read, “Twilight don’t you know a telepathic spell?” Twilight nodded and her horn lit with magic casting the spell. Once she did that she turned to Tahu and Kopaka. “Alright why can’t we speak?” Twilight thought to the two with eyebrows pointing down. “We are nearing De-koro, home to the matoran of sonics or sound.” Tahu thought much to his surprise that Twilight did this. “We found it after chasing one of them to it thinking that it was a spy.” Kopaka thought to the Equestrians. “What’s the matter Mr. grumpy pants?” Pinkie thought to the ice Toa. “You sound so cold, maybe I could throw you a make the Toa happy party. It would be fun and then you might warm up to everything.” “If I did not know of Lewa you would be the most annoying thing I had ever met.” Kopaka thought with caused some of Pinkie’s mane to lose some puffiness. The equestrians were a bit cross with the ice Toa, he had no right to say that. A simple no would have been better. Which Rainbow had enough of not saying anything and flew in front of the Toa of ice. “We know that you are a controler of ice but you don’t have to act like that.” Rainbow thought with an angry look on her face. “In case you missed it,” Kopaka began. “That is the base of our personalities, Tahu is a hot head as a part of his powers and you must have noticed Gali’s flowing nature.” “I can’t believe I share similar powers to such a stick in the mud.” RD thought as she moved back to her friends. “What are you talking about?” Tahu thought confused by what the mare had said. “Well as it turns out due to similar natures appears to have given us powers like you and your siblings.” Twilight explained. “We don’t know how but it is just another thing that we have to get used to.” It was then that they came to De-Koro; the place looked like any matoran village only there was almost nothing on the ground saved for a patch of grass here or there, even at night there was ponies on patrol for anything out of the ordinary. When one noticed them he called over another and began to approach them. ---- Mata Nui was watching the interaction between the equestrians and the Toa as well as the matoran. He was happy to see that the elements found the gift that he gave them since he saw that while each was strong he wanted to help them beyond just being an observer. In turn he gave each of the Toa an element of Harmony to keep the in fighting that was bound to happen to a minimum. It was then as he turned away from the mirror he heard a snap. “Well this is unexpected.” A voice unfamiliar to the former ruler which caused him to scan the area. “I thought you would have died a long time ago and yet here you are.” Mata Nui was not in the mood for games, even if he was locked in this room until the end of existence, he shouted to the speaker. “Show yourself, now.” With his trademark laugh Discord appeared, his appearance was unexpected to Mata Nui as he had heard of the draconequus but never seen him before. “How do you know of me, yet this is our first meeting?” Mata Nui said cautious of the spirit of chaos. “Age has done neither of us any favors,” Discord said as he began to change into a familiar form to Mata Nui. “Much like Celestia, you were the light of the land and others looked down on your brother. Have you ever wonder why he had no mercy yet as this form he was so kind? Well when you nearly killed him he fully became shadow and that sad little voice grew bitter and changed being reborn into a being that would be feared and would be the one to show the world how chaotic he could be.” “Unless you have proof of this I will not do anything but blast you out of this realm.” The alicorn said with a angry look. “As you wish.” Discord said returning to his normal form and used his eagle claw touching the mirror. When he did this it caused it to go back to Mata Nui’s battle with Teridax, there on the ground laid a bloody and beaten alicorn saying something but it could not be heard. Soon shadow energy busted out from him and slowly faded away leaving only a small creature that Mata Nui could see was a younger Discord. Mata Nui turned to Discord still confused. “While that is interesting how do you know of me since that happened after I flew away.” Mata Nui said with a normal tone. “You must have been taken care of if you are here.” “I mostly lived off the ruins and was like that until equestrians were exploring the ruins and by that time I was taken back to their homeland and the rest is history.” Discord said still much the same as normal. “Anyway I just dropped by to see if what Celestia wrote in her diary was true, now back to vacation in Karzahni.” “Why do you go there?” Mata Nui asked. “Mostly to make the poor ponies happy and mess with the insane ruler since he has them just be boring and turn to stone.” Discord said before getting a serious tone. “I dislike those that turn others into stone after being stone as well.” With a snap he was gone and Mata Nui was alone once again. “Who knew just one event would have so many relatives coming out of the woodwork?” Mata Nui mused to himself. > Equestrian Day > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear So time to get back to equestria and back to paperwork for Mazeka ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Thirteen: Equestrian Day Mazeka was enjoying his tour of the place he now knew was called the Crystal Empire. Again, he was surprised to see that most of the inhabitants were walking about and happy, even after an attack and clean up underway. He was surprised since two days ago, he watched as they were moved to a safe zone while guards defend against several waves of the follower’s army. His thoughts were interrupted by Shining Armor saying. “Hey Mazeka are you okay?” The stallion asked noticing the diamond eyed stallion looking perplexed about something. “What is on your mind?” “I’m a little confused, Prince Armor, but why are your subjects acting like nothing happend when it has yet to be cleaned up?” Mazeka said pointing a hoof at at what he learned was called a family having a nice day out even if they just passed a hole in the ground. “Why are they like this and not still scared of another attack?” Shining thought about this and knew what the unicorn was getting at since he thought the same thing from time to time, but knowing what the empire’s civilians had to deal with even with all the good that has happen since he and Cadence became the rulers. “I think it is because since Sombra’s rule over them, they look for the joy each day and treasure it.” The prince stated. “They do have fear of trouble coming our way but they trust the rulers to defend and protect them.” Mazeka understood what he was saying. Mazeka’s order looked to Helryx for guidance since she was the eldest and once served as Mata Nui’s lead tracker. In addition he knew that she used several teleportation kanoka to move the library of information from the library on the original land. With that the Ko-pony put on a happy face to relax the ruler that was leading him around. ---- Helryx was silenced by what Mazeka had written, if not for his code name she would have disregarded this as a fake and yet it was his, this meant they need to make a direct connections with both of the countries now. She had just finished picking the group to do so and was about to send them off when this arrived. She chose Jerbarz, an invisible being, to be the leader for this task along with him she was sending; Johmak, a bipedal female red kitsune in ebon metal armor that covered her from head to toe with the power to shatter herself into a cloud of black crystalline shards and reforming herself at will and a shield that did the same[refernce here], she would be helpfully if Jerbarz starts talking about how hansome he was; then there was the order’s Toa team that they had gathered over the years: The leader, Orde, a male Ce-pony that had a sky blue coat with golden armor hiding his yellow marking along with his fully golden mane hidden by a noble blue huna shaped helm but his power was that of adapation and his weapon of choice was an axe [refernce here], while he is easily angered he is one of the bravest and strongest willed beings that Helryx had ever met; Zaria, a Fe-pony that was rust orange with a two tone mane of neon orange and neon grey covered by a helm shaped like a noble orange kakama but held the power of biomechanics aslo his armor was more rounded then other members of his team and had a long sword and a elemental sphere launcher [refernce [url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpXfFR0_U-g]here], he sees himself as an outcast since he killed an enemy that was about to destroy a city because of the Toa code that stated never kill an enemy; Chiara, a vo-pony that has white coat and blue mane and is covered in white armor that was painted blue that slow began to fade with a blue helmet shaped like a great faxon but has the power of stealth armed with a broadsword and combination of shield and elemental sphere launcher [reference here], she is normally a loner and not one to stick around crowds but she has been known to follow things that catch her intrest; finally Krakua, a De-pony that was pearl grey with a darker mane and lighter armor compared to the others in silvers and coaldust with a coaldust hau shaped that had the power of telepathy as well as a sonic vibration sword [reference here], he was a newer toa that Mazeka rescued as a matoran and trained by the order to be a liaison for them to toa teams that did not agree with the methods of the order. Helryx placed the parchment in between her breast plate and went back to the group as they were getting supplies ready for the trip. They were going to get there from the base by an airship that they had for the long travel. Information from Mazeka still weighed heavily on the Toa of water’s mind but that would be dealt with after she consulted the library that held all the information she needed. Just as the mare was about to enter the hangar there was a crashing sound heard, Helryx reacted with pulling her spiked mace and shield off her back with water streams that appeared out of the air. The shield had a dull edge on it and she had it so that she could hit someone with it, but she was a bit laxed when she saw that only a crate fell off of the ship, that was standard build from Metru Nui when it was active. “Johmak.” Helryx called up to the ship that floated a story and half off of the ground. The leader of the order did not have to wait for a response from the kitsune. “I pushed the invisible narcissist being off after he spoke about how the native girls would swone over him if they could see him.” Johmak replied. “I think that he is just being a child about it.” “I was not,” A rather deep voice said from near the crate. “Trying to behead me for saying that you need to get over your appearance, you should remember not to do that to those that can reconstruct themselves.” Johmak replied. “Enough,” Helryx said tired of hearing the reason for this. “You both are mature beings start acting like it or I’ll just send the Toa there if neither of you can get along.” Helryx was annoyed by how the pair acted, beyond having checked where the had been with her mask Helryx did not know of there personal past. Unlike most of her people, Helryx knew for intimacy between male and female for population replacement. The reason for this lack of knowledge was because of isolation of her people, not out of hate but from fear of the followers. It was also due to the length of life for the matoran, to her knowledge less than thousand matoran have died since the fall of Metru Nui. “So Helryx, think you can hold down the fort while we’re gone?” the voice asked. “I’ve have been doing this since you were learning to walk, Jerbraz.” Helryx said since she wanted them to just get going. “As you wish m'lady.” Jerbarz said as the sounds of walking then jumping happen soon after. “Why do we have a womanizing narcissistic invisible man in this organization?” Johmak asked before they departed. “Because he is the only one that can be a distraction for any mission as well as an assassin when he shuts up.” Helryx replied as they left. ---- Blue and the other Vahki rolled on the ground as gears, springs, circuits, and pistons fought against each other. Being of the same type of machine would normally cause a stalemate, but since Blue was clean in comparison to his fellow robot and his parts weren’t assembled incorrectly, he slowly pushed the other bot off of him. With a swift kick Blue sent the mixed up Vahki away from him and the ponies. As the mixed robot flew in the air it crashed into a tree causing the torso of the bot to burst open from the mismatched screws not holding the loose joint together, the still moving robot to slowly dim it’s eyes and turn dark as it tried to reach for something. The fight had only taken a few minutes if that, and if Blue could show emotions then he would have a sad face on, not because he thought it causing trouble was a good thing but the way it ceased function. If this was organic then it would look like somepony was disemboweled by an animal of some kind, but there it was: the circuits, gears, springs, pistons, and skeleton that held all the vahki together. It seemed like hours to Blue, even if his internal clock was right in a few second since he stopped, before both Trixie and Lesovikk came to him. “I wonder why it attacked us?” Trixie asked still with her home on her back. “Function one: Attack and capture any law breakers, Subsection: Should there be no order, restore it by any means necessary.” Blue replied. “That is the function that is dominant in any order of my kind, the one that we were created for.” “That would explain the stories I heard from Metru Nui years ago when it was left abandoned and only a few things were left there. None of them members of my kind.” Lesovikk said recalling news from long ago. “Unlike those left in the city of legends, myself, this one, along with the others here on this content were shipped out before that.” Blue replied as he began to collect the parts of the Vahki. “What are you going to do with it?” Trixie asked Blue as he picked it up. “To learn more about it since it only used one function and not all of them.” Blue said as he carried the remains of the mixed vahki. ---- Celestia was having a normal day in court; nobles trying to gain power, rumors about how Luna got Artemis was a very recent topic that some tried to bring up as the press were still wondering where this strange filly was, and finally it was reports from the guards of the remaining forces in the fortress that was once controlled by Sombra and Icarax. This whole month was going to be hard, normal treats were taken care of within a day to a week but this one seem much longer. It was at that time that a guard came in to inform her of several sightings of metallic beings in the south. Inwards, Celestia was worried that her kingdom was slowly being surrounded by a force with greater numbers, Icarax had robots that could be reproduced at a pace that she and her nation could not match. Several options came to mind when this information came to to her, several dark and shady means that would turn her into the monster that she was leading her kingdom against a force that could recover quicker than they could. During this she heard something that made her block out all non relevant information. The guard said that a liaison from a group aligned to Mata Nui showed up in the Crystal Empire hoping to forge an alliance against Icarax’s forces. This made Celestia happy to know that there are allies that were still out there. With this information in hoof she called for her secretary to take notes for Luna after she returned from visiting Artemis. ---- Luna, once more casting the optical illusion spell and was about to look for Artemis, since it was late afternoon it would not affect her nightly duties. Just as she was about to leave, Spike came through the front door. Spike was about to run into her since he was carrying a few sacks of groceries that he got after finishing caring for Fluttershy’s critters, before he stopped and turned to the kitchen, noticing the princes of the Night. “Oh hey Princess Luna.” Spike said shifting to keep the sacks from falling. “Artemis should be here soon, and a good thing you’re here.” He finished as he entered the kitchen. “Why is that Spike?” Luna asked knowing that she must have missed something. “Artemis is planning on telling the CMC about how she has shadow powers as well as her past if it came down to it.” Spike said as he began to put away the things that he, Artemis, and Owlowiscious would be eating in the next few weeks. Luna was a bit apprehensive of this since knowing the truth may cause Artemis to be an outcast like before. In the back of her mind Luna remembered the first flashback she got when this whole thing started. ‘We are not alone.’ Those word were once directed to lord of shadows would now used to show Artemis that like her mother before her that there was those that would not leave her side. Once again the mother in Luna felt as if she should just take Artemis away and protect her from any harm, but would just cause more trouble. So Luna decided to browse the shelves to see what may catch her fancy. Meanwhile Artemis was glad to have spent the day learning, it kept her mind off the after school matter. While she knew most of this, due to the fact that she knew what her mother did even if it was out of date, however math had not changed and that was something she could focus work on. Once the bell rang she knew that it was going to be a rough time for all of her friends, which was rough given that she had just met Babs. Speaking of Applebloom’s cousin, Artemis had wondered if she would be in school after she had settled in. From what Scootaloo said during recess, since there were three fillies working at Sweet Apple Acres in place of Applejack they would have to split the chores that she did as well as Applebloom’s. “Artemis?” Scootaloo asked seeing the young alicorn zoned out for some reason. “You feeling okay? Since anytime we had work time you zone out on us for some reason.” “You remember last night after Icarax left?” Artemis asked as her, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were leaving the school yard. “And what I did.” “We do,” Applebloom said patting a hoof on the alicorn’s shoulder. “We also talked about it before heading home.” “Ya, I’m sorry for being angry at you.” Scootaloo said with a bit of slump in her shoulders. “I was judging you, but that worthless pegasus coming after you means that he must have some connection to you.” That last part was another thing that Artemis was upset about the most. In the last week there had been attacks because whatever it was, it her that they were after. Artemis accepted Scootaloo’s apology but most of the walk back to the library was just the CMC talking about their sisters/role models and hopes that they were okay. By the time they got to library Artemis was feeling a bit calmer since all she had to do was take a single step and it would be over and done with. Just before she open the door it opened for her and saw a strange sight. Her mother, somepony that faces the horrors of the night, was having a giant giggle fit as a book levitated in front of her. The four fillies were confused at what they were seeing. Luna was normally the more reserved of the princess and mostly only interacts with ponies it is in dreams which was where she is the most serious and this was a side that almost nopony seen of the night princess. Artemis had seen something like this before but it was from Celestia and not her mother. “I must say this Toei group knows how to pick their writers. It is as if I can see the Masked ponies in my mind and the fight sections so detailed. I can not believe that such a series of book never came to my attention.” Luna said with a giant grin on her face. “Is Princess Luna…” Sweetie started. “Fangirling?” Scootaloo finished with the four still in shock of this. “Artemis are you sure we aint all dreaming rit’ now.” Applebloom asked with Scootaloo poking the air for ripples. “No this is real because there are nothing that is out of the normal.” Artemis said with a slight glance for Goldrax or his dragon shade since they were among the things that she normal talked to in her dreams. It was then that Princess Luna noticed the four fillies at the door, with a bit of an embarrassed chuckle she composed herself. “Daughter,” Luna said as she tried to hide the book. “How long have you and your friends been there?” “Long enough.” Artemis replied as she shook off the strangeness. “Not the worst thing ever seen by either of our eyes.” A sadden tone was added to the end of that statement. “I understand, Spike told me about it when I got here.” Luna said walking up and wrapping a wing around Artemis. “I guess me wanting to spend more time with you was well planned out.” “Sure was.” Artemis said nuzzling her mother. This act did not go unnoticed by the CMC, but while one of them had an awe moment the other two felt a bit of pain from not having that pony. Artemis did notice this and felt worse for rubbing something that both of them felt better not talking about. The two alicorns broke the hug and Artemis began to speak. “Last night when you three asked for an explanation for my shadow powers I was scared of what you would think of me when I’d say this. But my beginning is much different than yours.” Artemis said as she looked to her mother, who smiled and stood by her just as Spike came into the room. > Those in Silence > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Okay so I took a break and worked on something that was in my head since I first started this series. Now for a few things that haven't been mentioned for a bit and we get a move on since Ce and De have been visited by the main six and Su was touched on. We are heading to Vo-koro next, which is one of the safer places just due to the electric shocks in the area. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Fourteen: Those in Silence Icarax had no clue on how long he had been wondering the blank white wasteland that lay before and around him. He had yet to get back to his mark, but he knew that every prison had its walls. All he needed was time and at the moment that was all he had with his wings bound and his command over shadows weakened to the point that shadow traveling could trap him in a void that nopony would find. Given his time, he began to think about it. Shadow travel was base on the location of the shadows compared to that of the user and there had to be another shadow within reach of the user, however should a user fail to find another shadow within the time frame of their shadow no longer being there they are lost in a field of shadow and most are never seen again. In that moment Icarax got an idea; one that made him smile a crooked grin. He had no need for being trapped here at all. The Field of Shadows was all he needed since there was a point at his fortress. All he needed was time to get enough shadow to block the whiteness out around him and he could escape. As he thought before, time was all he had. ---- Sombra was getting bored in his prison. The guards were dull and held no interest since they had mind blocking spells in place and he was not able to use his magic to change that. The downside of all the bright crystals in this room and a kingdom that was no longer his left him no shadow travel locations. By now, they must have found his mines and the pet that he so loved to have around, if only for the chases. The sound of hoof steps coming near his prison brought the dethroned king out of his memories. Looking out beyond his wall he saw the prince that now ruled the kingdom, a sad offshoot of the lunar princess's followers, and a pony that he had never seen before. This one had his interest, from the diamond eyes, Sombra could see that this was not a young, wide-eyed colt that would speak out of turn. No, this was a warrior, somepony that has seen death and has also dealt it. Sombra also felt a chill off of this pony, not of fear but as if the winter winds of the frozen wastes had come into the room. Never before had he wanted to chain and torture a pony just to see why they gave him a chill. ---- Mazeka saw the unicorn, that the prince called Sombra, seem to smile at him. Mazeka knew that smile. Vultraz also gave it to him when they had met each time he had escaped. But Mazeka knew shadow users and their powers well. “Think like the enemy to beat the enemy”, Helryx told him when he started training in The Order. Training with Miserix allowed him to learn while still being alive after it. From what the prince told him about the unicorn, Mazeka had figured that the stallion was a shadow user and also had either mind control or fear as a side effect of it. Mazeka had tuned out Shining Armor and Blue as he felt a dark mind touch his. Acting according to protocol, Mazeka used his Order-implanted psionic enchantments, used his eyes to search for the source while blocking the intruder. From the outside he looked normal aside from his eyes moving in a pattern. All he needed to see was the subtle look on Sombra's face to see that the shadow user was the one. Stretching his mind out, Mazeka spoke to the imprisoned unicorn. “What do you want? I have better things to do than talk to another cut from the same cloth as Icarax” Mazeka spoke in his mind as a confused look came to Sombra's face only to fade. “You must be a part of that goodie two shoes group that he talked about.” Sombra replied, only the two of them hearing what was said. “Strong mind and willed but so cold. With a few of the right thoughts you could be a useful ally.” “Better Psychos have tried and they ended up in far worse places compared to you.” Mazeka then cut any further thoughts to the dark unicorn. ---- Umbrage was left in the mindscape of Goldrax as the Toa of shadow lightly slept in an uninterrupted moment in his life. The dragon shade now had time to think. He began to think of the ponies that thought he was someone else. Thinking that there must be something that could tell him if there was more information he was missing and wanted to find out more about it. Just then the blank space changed into something the young shade had never seen before yet felt like home. The floor was now wooden, as were the walls. Along the walls was thing that he knew as shelves even if he had not seen them before. When he reached for one of the many small rectangles, again knowing that they were called books, only to at first find it blanked then to see the title of it. “Types of Shades,” Umbrage read aloud only hearing himself. “Well it is better than nothing.” He said, shrugging and opened it once again only to now see words appear in it. “Mimics: these are self explanatory, they are like chameleons or changelings in ability, they are the spies of the shades due to them able to mimic living beings. There are some cases of mimics actually forgetting they are mimics and will just act like anyone else. They evolve into nightmares. No one really knows what they look like in their true form.” Umbrage read. “Sounds like me but I had no idea about who I was.” He said before reading on. “Hybrids: these are the chimeras of the shades; they are similar to any of the ranks and are the most unpredictable. They can look like a mix of certain shades...” Umbrage shook his head again. “That is closer, but I'm my own person just with knowledge that shouldn't be in my head. Also now finding out how this place came to be since it is another piece in this puzzle.” The young dragon turned his head to find another book with a strange title, “Read this book to break the fourth wall”, written on it. “Well it is better than nothing.” Umbrage said as he cracked open the book. “Umbrage, you are in a library made from the memories of Spike the dragon. How he is related to you is through Goldrax's connection with Artemis. He became who you are: a mimic of him but since you were originally nothing but a rage controlled shade that would have just disappeared without the magic that is common in Artemis's homeland changed you to who you are.” “Okay how is this thing so straight forward and knows all of this.” Umbrage said knowing that it was not a sound reason for this, then he read this. “You are in the middle of a place that has no place in time and space so be thankful that you got a straight answer.” “If I did not agree with it I would question why you are even answering me.” Umbrage said closing the book and began to look at the other books. ---- Discord was smiling over his new kingdom, he kept the name of the original place since he did not want to deal with those pesky papers and the confusion from it. When he first arrived here after heading for a vacation since he thought he had the right since he spent the last thousand years bored out of his mind. After being beaten and then reformed he thought it would be best to have a bit of chaotic fun in a place that Celestia had no right to question him. He came to such a depressing place and the ruler was enslaving poor ponies that looked like they had been given machines to replace missing limbs made only to hinder them. Discord began to add chaotic things like chocolate rain and dancing giant gloves. Ponies near him were running to the clouds of cotton candy and began to drink the rain as if they had never seen such a chaotic thing, the thanked him for these gifts. That was another first for him ponies thanking him without fear and it made him smile. Then the ruler, Karzahni, appeared. The bipedal being kept changing from a shiny gold being to a stitched together being that Rarity would faint at the sight of due to the clashing colors. The giant, compared to the ponies, had flaming chains and used them on the ponies that were just praising Discord. Discord was somewhat impressed and repulsed by what he saw, Karzahni was a good enforcer but lacked any decency since killing off those serving you could just cause more things then solve them. So Discord used his god like powers to confront the chain wielder. To the ponies that witness Discord fighting Karzahni would call it a clash of the gods as the mismatch being and ruler duked it out with their savior beating the fallen tyrant. In reality Discord just used the chaos of fighting to his advantage and pinned the ruler into a cage made from the rubble that the ruler had been standing on. Karzahni tried to break his prison but all they did was bounce his arms or chains off. Discord said that he made this in case he needed a cage that would be only escapable if you solved the riddle. Of course Discord would never give the tools to Karzahni. The next thing the 'hero' did was turn the depressing and ruined filled place into a chaotic paradise, think of his standard realm when he was in control of Equestria. When he finished his work the ponies came to him asking if he could heal them better then Karzahni did. With a snap each pony's mechanical part became fixed and looked like it was custom made as to the poor thing it once was. Within a day Discord had made his castle and was now wanted and respected by the ponies that now called him ruler. About a week into his rule he noticed the Kanohi masks on the ponies and the piles that were now mounted on his entrance hall as decor. He had known of his past being related to these things and asked his royal chronicler, he decide to have one since he wanted to know what he had done since he forgets boring things, if he had any knowledge of what happen before the chronicler came here. As it turns out the chronicler was older than even Discord as he recalled Mata Nui and Teridax and the war that happened after that. Discord heard the place this happen and remembered that was his birthplace so he just had to search the place for information later. He had tea with Fluttershy and kept this place as his secret. By the time he found out his relation to Mata Nui and Teridax he felt his other half set something in motion. That was when he start looking for Mata Nui. Discord shook his head as his chronicler reread the last meeting with the Bo-matoran that were asking for him to allow them to grow food with natural water and allow them to make topiary of him. He said yes to this since he was not evil, a bit psychotic maybe but with this he has the power he wanted and his freedom. “Lord Discord,” The chronicler said as he read off his list. “The Fe-matoran wish to know if you want to be fitted for your crown or would you prefer them work on projects to better defend us should we be attacked while you are away?” “No to the crown since I like changing my head wear hourly, and the defense would be good, but just have them make the weapons. I'll handle the firepower.” Discord said as he sipped the glass off the chocolate milk and threw it at a bullseye. “At once. The last thing on the list is residential housing. While we love how bright it is now, those not in the castle are more or less homeless.” The chronicler said as he ducked as another thing of chocolate flew by him. “Point taken. Tell me where you want it and leave anything not standard to the ones that move in.” Discord said as he floated above a puppet show of him dancing. That was the basis of his day and he more or less ignored standard things and focused on the times he could pull pranks on his subjects that just turned into them liking him more. ---- Mutran was in his private lab working on shadow leeches to better infect the nuians with the shadow and drain the native light given to the ancients that the great beings used to create them. Shadow Leeches are the improvement to the first process of changing them, which had been harder since Makuta was the source and over a thousand years left little to use. Mutran used light stones, artificial turned natural rock, to see if the leeches were able to consume it or it killed them. “Batch AA23: twenty percent survival rate from one square cubic foot of light stone with only two percent of the light drained.” Mutran said as he scribed down notes. “Add chlorophyll to the next batch’s outer layer to increases survival and reusability.” The clattering of some equipment brought Mutran out of his notes to turn and see his assistant, personal lab rat as well, Vican. If Mutran ever had an offspring Vican would be the mold of what they would look like. Even with his feather wings instead of a horn the pair's likeness would catch outsiders as odd. In truth Vican's past life as a le-matoran engineer did serve his master well, most of it was done to make him want to change him back. Mutran then moved back to his notes. “Increased wing size is not adequate to anything but faster speed,” He noted before using his mask to change his assistant to normal. “A mental que for change between the two sizes may work.” “Sir,” Vican said as he nervously flexed the clawed hooves. “you said that after that I would get a break in experimentation.” “That I did Vican,” Mutran said as he looked at a test tube. “I want you to go to Xai for a weapon order since only one of new toa of shadow was able to make a weapon.” He then levitated a list to the mutated matoran. “Here are the smiths that we ordered from. I want you back before the end of the week and even a minute late and you will be dealt with harshly.” “Understood sir.” Vican said taking the list and left the lab quickly. “Personal note: look into self feelings related to pride and love towards Vican. See if that can be used in manipulating others to our cause.” Mutran said before moving on. ----- A squad of three rahkshi; a detection, an illusion, and a teleporter, were flying over a forest where the detection rahkshi found a vahki in that area. Those unfamiliar with rahkshi would be surprised to know that these slow walking creatures had a flight mode that made the fastest of the pegasus look slow. Because of this, the illusion rahkshi hid them as clouds away from pegasi and as the sky when near. When they flew over a wagon the detector signaled that that was the location. The three were not that high in the rahkshi order, they could plan well enough and had some sense of self preservation. Rahkshi are categorized in seven stages; first to third stage were one order and were the weakest power with them only being patrols or guards, fourth to sixth stage are more the lines of scouts and captains in terms of command while having more developed abilities and thinking, seventh stage rahkshi are controlled by shadow kraata and that made them equal to the order members but only a forty-second as strong compared to said members. These three were closer to four than five given that they would send the detection one down since he was the most expendable with his job done. With that it broke formation and rocketed ahead of the wagon. ---- Vultraz shot a bolt of shadow energy at the wall from what the sentries at the farthest border that they had made. “Of course that icerat would call for help.” The former Ta-matoran said as he glared at the wall. Ice had a special meaning to him. It reminded him of his favorite victim and the avenger that hunted him. Much like any good rival Vultraz on some level liked Mazeka but that was buried under the many levels of hate and anger they both had for the other. “Knowing him he more than likely called so he could find me.” Then for some reason he felt the urge to laugh. “Is that your grand plan to finally get and end me, you former student?” Vultraz said as talked to himself. “You must be better than that you weak fool.” With that he headed to the hanger that held his skyflyer, a plane he personally built to get him around quickly and without having rahkshi or shadow powers. He was planning on doing a flyby or maybe a few shadow bombings to scare those crystal beings and draw out his prey. He was almost to the hanger when something came to his mind. “If they could catch Icarax and Sombra then they know how to deal with him.” That one thought was all it took for it to stop him in his tracks. Master thief, known infiltrator, inventor, and power hungry were things he took pride in and would be following his original plan if not for one thing. He was the only one left of the hierarchy that had started with Icarax and Sombra. He had all the power in the world at the moment and until either of the others came back. He wanted to head back to the strategy room and plan his next move, but at that moment, he decided to kill two gukos with one bolt. He could guess that Sombra was in the place so he bombs the holding area and help Sombra escape. “Now the only problem being the defense shield around the Empire.” He said to himself before he went for a rahkshi of disruption to allow him a window since it appeared to be a one way shield. > The Mask of Evil > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Ending this part of the story in four more chapters, and remember you wake one you wake them all. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Fifthteen: The Mask of Evil Artemis watched her friends leave the library wishing her good tidings and that tomorrow they looked forward to having her help them get their cutie marks. Artemis had tear stains from joy and fear, being seen as a monster was something that she hated now but being alone that was her breaking point. Over a thousand years in age and being alone even as a villain lead to this. A filly whose life is so far beyond simple that if it was made into a novel adding needless things like a love interest or so false tragedy to downplay her evils. As she watched the moon begin to raise Artemis felt a weight lift off of her like a chain had broke. Her mother and Spike had been her solid ground and having her friends liking her even know most of her secret, to even think of him as anything other than a monster that made another monster would be too much credit to him. After dinner Artemis retired to bed with Spike saying he had a few more things to do before he hit the sack. It did not take much for the alicorn to enter the realm of sleep. ---- Dawn was coming over Mane Nui, and like many things the light reveals the happenings of the night. Some for good and others for ill. Lewa and Gali would not wake up in their camp, they would not truly be awake for awhile. Inplace their normal kanohi were infected kanohi, those that did not know what infected ment for kanohi is that be it poison or shadow it would cause anything connected to it to be a slave to the infector. Antroz was just lucky that he knew of the pegasus and merpony were. “Now to turn them on the ones they wanted to protect.” Antroz said to himself before turning to Goldrax. “Looks like you aren’t useless after all.” Goldrax hid his frown as the two new slaves follow Antroz, once they left the shadow Toa shadow traveled to the place where he hid the masks that the toa had. Moments before Antroz came to his location, as Umbrage woke and warned him about the head of the order’s approach, Goldrax sent the masks to the cave in Ce-koro that was made out of light stone. He did this knowing that the order would just use those masks to infect the island. “Goldrax are you sure we can stay here?” Umbrage said knowing that they were playing a very dangerous game. “As long as we stay the forgotten ones then we might just get away with it.” Goldrax replied moving through his shadows and to the cave. He noticed that aside from the sack holding the masks it was empty like it was abandon. “Umbrage you might want to come out.” Goldrax said as a piece of his shadow split off and formed into Umbrage. “Okay I know the plan; get this to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but what about the other Toa if they are with them?” The dragon said changing his form to that of an adolescent to carry the sack. “Either your ‘teammates’ or the other toa would wonder how I have my powers. I’m just happy that I don’t have the emblem on me.” “I think Twilight would figure something out but I have to get back before they get back.” Goldrax said before using his wing to hug his friend. “Be safe Umbrage.” “You, too.” Umbrage said returning the hug and watched as the pegasus disappear into the shadows before getting the sack and heading out of the cave. ---- Twilight and the other equestrians, along with Tahu and Kopaka, spent the rest of the night in De-Koro without any other things attacking them. The matoran gave the eight ponies food and went about their days. The girls talked to hothead and cold shoulder about their powers, the ones native to the matoran, and how they come to acquire them. Again the Equestrians avoided mentioning Mata Nui, Twilight explained that in their homeland the three races of ponies had general mastery over the land, sky, and magic. Compared to what they had seen of the Nuians are more deveraced in the control of those three parts. Tahu cracked a smile under his armor while Kopaka kept his face unchanged from his emotionless look. It was then Rarity asked if she could help with the pair’s attempts to find the kanohi masks. When asked how by Kopaka, whose mask four eyes stared at the mare, Rarity showed them the gem spell that she used for her dresses and changed it to kanohi after asking for a spare one to try it out on. The two toa were surprise to learn that their horns could be used for other spells besides elemental attacks. Once they all were ready to go the group split back into Equestrian and Toa, Twilight and crew heading to Vo-Koro and Tahu and Kopaka mask hunting. ---- “I’ve got to ask why aren’t we not just taking the fight to those shadow creeps and blast them to the moon with the elements.” Rainbow said flying above as a scout. “Because it doesn’t work like that.” Twilight said shaking her head causing the others to give her questioning looks. “As Miserix said our natural magic fields are aligning to this place’s own magic field while our bodies keep our native magic from being affected by the change. I think after we return home we may have some of these powers for a bit but should fade once we stay there.” “So we are going to be able to use these elemental power until we leave this place?” Applejack asked as she saw Pinkie go pass her on a tiny tornado. “Not right away but I guess it would be in relation to how long we are here.” Twilight replied as a small fireball formed off her shoulder. “Then again this could permit, which I will look into once we are safe and not walking into a trap.” Just then Pinkie dropped off of her now nonexistent twister. “Twilight you are right.” Pinkie said pulling out her “The Comic Relief Guide to the Fourth Wall and What may come from it” with the yellow speech having “My movie is awesome, get it to the masses.” written in it. “Here in the great leader’s section by planning for there to be a trap then you can plan around it.” “Is it strange to see Pinkie use that book, over Twilight using a book?” Rarity asked the other four. “I don’t know I mean this is Pinkie after all.” Fluttershy said before she saw something out of the corner of her eye. It looked like a giant frog that was red with black lines that looked like it was made of lava and crimson eyes trained on Rainbow Dash. Without thinking Fluttershy called forth a tentacle of water to grab Rainbow right before the long tongue could get the pegasus. With that the frog got angry at the meal that was stolen from it and began to hop towards the Equestrians. “Okay, giant lizards and shadow creatures are dangerous but giant frogs*.” Rainbow said as the tongue came at her again. “That has got to be someone’s sick joke.” Freezing the tongue to the ground. Meanwhile in the order of makuta’s base some being was laughing, though no one cared to know who it was. Back with the Equestrians, the frog used his stuck tongue and jumping to launched itself at the ponies. The six split and dodged the attack, but due to the attack the frog broke the ice holding it’s tongue. “Well Twi what do ya have planned for this.” AJ said using her earth powers to split the ground and try to trap the frog. “I was planning on having Fluttershy use the stare on it but it has the same eyes as that...um...Tarakava in Ga-koro.” Twilight said recalling the crimson eyes of the lizard as Gail fought it. “I’m just going to guess we have to do the same if we want to stop it we have to remove anything that is discolored.” Rarity heard this and used her designer eye to look at it and saw a diamond like shape on the back of the frog. Using her elemental powers, stone seemed natural to her, and summoned rocks to injure the frog but aimed for the out of place spot. Within several hits of the spot the frog jumped wrong and the spot changed into a diamond shaped mask that fell near Twilight, without the weight from the mask the frog sailed far away from the group. With the frog gone the six friends looked at the thing that fell off of the frog. Twilight lifted it with her magic and was shocked to this what it was. “Girls I think we might have sent Tahu and Kopaka into a trap.” Twilight said noticing that the mask was one of the six that each Toa was to collect. The surface was dark gray with rust like color in places and looked corroded by something. “But that can’t be one of the ones they are looking for since it came off of that frog.” Applejack said having a good point. There was sounds of electricity that caught the ears of the equestrians, which caused Twilight to cast a shield spell as a static hit it disbanding the energy. A group of three ponies appeared; each has a different mane and tail style but they were blue with white and blue manes. Thier horns trained on the six. “I got to ask why did we come here again.” Rainbow said as she waited for any sign to defend the others from the three. ---- Mazeka waited with the prince and the royal guards as the airship with his comrades touched down just outside of the Crystal Empire. Just scanning the looks on a few faces caused him to ask Shining Armor about them. “Don’t you have airships?” Mazeka asked the white unicorn who gave a nod as a response. “Then why are they looking like it new?” “Well for one our’s has a balloon and ship under it, second they are made of mostly wood not metal like that.” Shining Armor replied. “By the way how does it even fly? All metal things seem too heavy to fly threw the air. Even Pegasi heavy armor is lighter than earth or unicorn armor.” “My friend when gravity control is as easy as putting on a mask, there is almost no limit to how heavy or light something is.” Mazeka said as the Order of Mata Nui approached the welcoming party. Once again Mazeka looked at all guards again, and the amazed looks were replaced by harden looks even if a few had fear hidden under the normal harden glare. The site of a bipedal armored being was not what had them on edge, though it might be a part of it, the outline of Jerbarz caused a much larger response. He was taller than any of the other beings but he seemed to lack bulk. “Well it seems you’ve finally made friends outside of the order, Mazeka.” Jerbarz said with the equestrians wondering who said that seeing how the five visible beings that had yet to speak. “Jer you know that you are in a snowstorm right?” Mazeka said shaking his head before turning to Shining Armor. “Prince Shining armor allow me to introduce my colleagues from the order of mata nui. The ponies are Toa that have agreed to join the order, the lady in black is Johmak, and the invisible one is Jerbarz.” “It is nice meeting you all but I must ask how did he become invisible without turning visible after some time?” Shining said with the guards now awaiting a sign to defend the prince or to be at ease. “Will long ago, I was once the most handsome being in our little band of do gooders. Before I was given a sword that they wanted to equip all of our operatives to allow them to sneak into a place do their mission and get out without being noticed. Good news the sword turned me invisible, bad news I could not turn back.” Jerbarz moving as he spoke with the snow showing what he was doing. “On that day the world lost a face that females would-” With a swift elbow Johmak hit Jerbarz in the spot men feel pain the most. Falling to his knees then rolling on the ground in pain, the guards looked at the lady in black with more pain than fear. “Sorry about him,” Johmak said as she and the Toa walked to close the gap between them and the guards. “He is always whining about how beautiful his face is and how no one will help him turn visible.” By that time all but Jerbarz was in front of Shining Armor and Mazeka, Shining Armor extended his hoof as a sign of friendship to the order members. Johmak in turn reached out her mechanical hand to shake and with that Equestria and the Order of Mata Nui gain allies, but as they say with allies comes enemies. ---- Technia had been able to salvage the data in the broken down vahki and remove any negative commands in the code before giving it to Blue to store and analyze. Trixie and Lesovikk watch the pair in silence given that technology was not a part of their field of interest or profession. Tech was going on about how if she used some of the still good parts of the broken Vahki then it might be useful to strip it down. It was then a rahkshi fell out of the sky and landed feet first near the wagon. “What are rahkshi doing here? I never known them to be this far from my home.” Lesovikk said a hint of venom in his voice. “More than likely from the same beings that brought me and the other vahki here.” Blue said as data came up on his optics. Rahkshi identified: Rahkshi of Accuracy Also known as Detection, Seeker, Finder. Body type: Fortified Higher armor with opening mouth as to the split in lower armor have in the head. Suggestion: form a circle and back to back to deflect attacks It took moments to read all that and that lead to a plan should the need arise. Before Blue could speak Lesovikk ran out of the wagon sword drawn and ready to fight. “What is he thinking we have no idea on what that ‘rahkshi’ can do.” Trixie said showing concern for her traveling companion. “Toa are known to fight Rahkshi, according to records from the other vahki it saw it happen often.” Blue said as the toa charged the blue and purple machine. The rahkshi had height and speed but it’s long range attack was limited as the toa of air would increase the air around him to stop attacks. The sword and staff clashed causing sparks to fly and stones to fly at the Toa of air. To those watching it would seem as if the opponents were almost too fast to follow. It was then that two other rahkshi; one tan and blue while the other was blue and green one. Blue had scanned and learned that they were a rahkshi of illusion, tan and blue, and a rahkshi of teleportation, blue and green, and formed their staffs. Lesovikk was now surrounded by three rahkshi that had them on all sides. In a blink of a pony eye three became twenty with many different colors, Technia and Trixie were concerned for the Toa while Blue saw beyond the illusion. This was something that was smart, the three rahkshi used each talent to fight the toa. Lesovikk could tell the difference from what was real and what was fake but they were moving too fast and hidden. Blue decided to help the toa because he could see the real ones from the fakes. As he began to head out to help the toa. That did not go unnoticed by Technia who hide her fear and move to intercept him. “And where do you think you’re going?” The dark gray unicorn said to the vahki with a glare. “To protect you from every being harmed again.” Blue replied before he pushed her aside. It was then that Technia willed her armor to form and cover her. Even if she was a bit scared and not a fighter, she was not a pony to leave a friend alone in a fight or in sadness. “I thought the reason for this armor was so you didn’t have to be my bot in shining armor.” Technia said her voice a bit electronic from the helmet. “Normally Trixie would think that you both are out of your minds.” The blue unicorn said with a tone that betrayed her face. “But I should know better than to say that when my only traveling companion is out there fighting to defend us.” There was not a word spoke after that, Technia and Blue ran out of the wagon however right before bolting from the wagon Tech had see the change Blue had told her earlier that day. As the sun was disappearing Technia hoped to have a real heart to heart with Trixie and not just hateful words. ---- Takua, Kapura, Jaller, Hahli, Macku, Hewkii, and Hafu had formed a bit of a group traveling to the main villages as they felt it was right. They were heading to Onu-Koro as if they were being called there but none spoke spoke this thought. When they got there, since they were such a large group they walked there, they found that much of the mining force was finishing the tunnel from Onu-Koro to Le-Koro. The whole village was quiet even with the Fa, Ba, and Fe-ponies around. “So you guys want to see the great mine it is kinda the major thing here.” Takua said acting like a tour guide instead of a chronicler. “I think it’s best to see Turaga Whenua since we have to look for the traitor.” Jaller said getting nods from the Po and Ga-matoran. “Alright lead on captain.” Takua said knowing that his friend was being his heroic self. > A Day’s Journey > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Any artistic kanohi mention in this chapter onward is property of Modaltmasks, as such there will be links to them at the end of the chapters. Now on to the story. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Sixteen: A Day’s Journey Vakama awoke with a chill, his mane and coat matted from the sweat coming off of him. His aged eyes dilated from the end of his vision/dream. What had started as a pleasant dreamless sleep slowly became vision filled nightmare. Ever since he was given a toa stone he had had visions of the future, warnings of what was to come and what needed to be done. It has begun with him talking to the animal inside of him and working on kanohi. He was reliving his time as a mask maker, an occupation that he thought was his destiny until Toa Likhain gave him the toa stone. It was moments after the beast stopped talking that Vakama’s forge was being melted down, Vakama would have been horrified if he had not known that this was a dream. That was before he saw the outline of the beings melting the forge. *They were lurched over like hunchbacks but the eyes were what cause Vakama that caused the former toa to wake up in the cold sweat. Even when he had seen the Vahki round up matoran he still saw something from them and the spiders that he once controlled while he had gone insane. This things had soulless eyes and did not speak even with teeth and mandibles. “Mata Nui what does this mean?” Vakama asked himself as he got up and looked into the fire pit as the flames rose from the embers. It had taken years but he had kept his random visions in check by using his remaining control over fire to channel them into the fire. He did so once again but his vision was not met with an answer only the image again. “Who but him would unleash beings that were never meant to see the light of day.” Vakama said as he saw an image that he knew all too well. ---- Ahkmou, the poisoned kohli seller, returned to the base that his masters called home. The first one that he ran into, figuratively and literally, Chirox. The once light grey coated and two-tone silver and dark gray mane now sported black on his face, lower legs, back, and a pattern on his chest. His wings was flat against his body, his red eyes peering at the matoran as he looked at Ahkmou. “So has the spymaster been out done and ran out of his base because he got too greedy?” Chirox said circling the tan and brown. After that was spoken Ahkmou’s colors began to shift, the pattern of a shadow pony came to the surface like blood bleeding from a wound with his tan and brown coat and mane became darker as his rose colored eyes darkened. His mask remained the noble rau in dark gray, this was the only metru matoran lost by the Turaga. Ahkmou, a matoran who had a black heart even before he was turned into a shadow pony, the order of Makuta’s spymaster. The Makuta himself knew that if he was ever to be beaten and a team of toa had evacuated metru they would need a spymaster to watch over the island and send shades back to the main base with information. He had seen the potential in Ahkmou and had made sure that he would be turned and given abilities to be that spymaster. Over the years Ahkmou had gotten to the point that he left Mimics of himself in villages with only the colors changed to fit in. Thanks to this the order has been planning around the movements of the matoran and toa. However the shades in Ce, De, Vo, and Su-koro, had either been destroyed or returned to the base before returning to Ahkmou’s shadow. “One minor mistake in a thousand years,” Ahkmou replied back to the higher member. “That’s better than what you’re doing.” “If you say so but how would you know seeing as you haven’t been back for years.” Chirox said returning to his route. “Too bad, you didn’t goof up sooner. If you did then you might have been made into a shadow toa over that weakling Goldrax.” Ahkmou’s reply died in his throat, toa of shadows. That was a goal he had wanted for a long time, he had seen toa before and knew of their power but he lacked the toa energy or stone to gain the power to change. He was just now learning that the order had made a team behind him and cheated him from power. The shadow matoran had rage grow in him and new hate fill his mind. It was then that a white and black stallion with black armor with a mask of sonar on pass by him, if Ahkmou was a past Ta-pony he would have been hot headed and attack the stallion but he was a former stone carver and he had patience to match his rage. ---- Umbrage felt wrong with his current look, what was covering him, and what was on his back. From his form’s original mind he knew that he looked like a thief, not helping is the fact he had to make a cloak to even travel during the day. Shadow travel was dangerous since he could be located by the Order of the Makuta and he may appear farther away than he was now. He only knew of this adolescent form because of Spike’s memories of it, this made the Shade dragon wonder why the younger form was the most comfortable. Which brought him to the cloak, even if that book said that shades infused or created with Equestrian magic were immune to the effects of light he did not want to risk it. By now it looked like the sun was in the middle of the sky, from what he knew he started from just as the sun was rising, not accounting making the cloak he only travel to what Twilight and the others had been and he did not like the look of it. A fight had taken place there and it looked like a large battle, the dragon shade felt the remaining shadow energy around him at least a hundred shades were blasted to pieces. Then there was the burn marks, wet ground, melting ice, the broken branches, the stones and dirt also pointed to it being the sight of the Toa fighting one of the Eclipse. The conclusion that this was the Toa would be wrong as he and Goldrax had seen the air and water toa not move once last night. That could only mean this was Twilight and her friends, and that filled him with a bit of joy as they must be nearer than he thought. ---- Blue was the only one of the group still awake after the fight, He and Techia had used the element of surprise to take down two of the rahkshi, Blue crushed the kraata chamber of the teleportation rahkshi while Technia had split the illusion rahkshi from it’s upper and lower body. This distracted the rahkshi of accuracy long enough to have Lesovikk send it into the outer atmosphere. The fight was not long nor brutal, it was just something that happen. The only organic liquid, fluid made by a living being, was from the Kraata which looked like oil. Technia had then started to breakdown and categorize parts so she could repair Blue or upgrade him. Blue was astounded at how she had not only broken down the two Rahkshi shells but how she fit it in her saddle bags. Trixie had came out after the fighting had ended and the vahki was confused by the look on the mare’s face, it registered as; worry, fear, anger, and relief. According to his facial expression chart it looked as one of the least used things seen in the matoran: love, but that was the closest he could get given his limit interaction with the world outside of Tech’s home and trips for supplies from the market. Looking at Tech, Blue had wondered what she thought of him. He was a machine, something that was programmed and not ‘alive’, yet he was treated like a being over a thing by the unicorn. He had read books that were science fiction of how some robots become more than programmed, “The Bicentennial Pony” was one of them that caused him to think about it more. He had wondered about the story that was held in that book, would he be willing to turn into a living and fake pony just to spend time with the pony that he likes. Those thoughts kept coming up as if his programs did not keep the unnecessarily away from him while he was thinking or planning. Looking at the moon he wonder why he was programmed as a ‘him’. ---- The three Vo-ponies had formed a triangle around the equestrians, each one has a staff with electricity cracking off the top. To the armored equestrians they thought all three, and much to their shock the village, looked mostly like Trixie. Twilight had wanted to try and make peace with them but they ignored her. The two groups did not speak to each other, the equestrians did however still have the mind spell that allowed them to talk to each other. “So why do you think they are so harsh?” Rarity asked to the others. “Given what we’ve seen and what I know of my female kin folk.” Applejack replied. “This village is under the protection of two larger villages, normally when a girl is either the elder or younger of both/either or older they normally try and show it by being rougher than a weak girl common in how city ponies see them.” “I see what you mean Applejack.” Rarity replied recalling how for a long time she saw upper class clients say how small towns make a great place to look for models for shows, granted until Fluttershy got a job as one Rarity had just played it off as them trying to get her to lower the price of an item. It took that and spending time with Sweetie Belle to see something that was blind to her. Most privilege ponies would just be nice to a ‘lesser’ pony just to set them up to watch them fall, be it their intention or not. “You think that this group is a bit rougher because they want to be seen as strong even if they don’t have a Turaga to lead them.” “Exactly,” AJ said as they started to approach an impressive structure and looked like a factory over anything else. “That means no acting tougher just to impress them.” At that moment they all looked at Rainbow Dash who had a sheepish grin and knew that AJ was talking to her. The equestrians were surprised how lavished the inside looked to the more dirty and sharp looking outside. It looked like a photo of Lifestyles of the Noble and Canterlot Elites, the colors were similar to the ponies but were brighter or darker depending on the placement. “Well that was not what I thought this place would look like on the inside.” Rainbow thought. “I mean you have the whole warrior thing down with the arcing spears and attitude to us but this just kills it for me.” “That is why you have the privileges of speaking freely revoked by a princess.” Twilight said with a small grin. “Given what happened in the past I planned on casting a mute spell in things like this but that would be mean.” Rainbow did not reply just gave a nod and looked at the glass mosaic that made up the floor. It looked like things she saw back at the flight school and how it reflected to those with lighting or storm team. It was then that the leader of Vo-matoran made herself known to the six. She was a dark azure coat with a platinum mane with blue highlights to the left and right, on her flank was a blue kanohi hau with platinum tree on the forehead. “Amp, Ohms, Tifi, report and explain why you have these travelers at shocker point?” The mare asked her fellow ponies with a bit of shock. “Fila,” One of the ponies said. “These six were seen with an infected kanohi, and we believed them to be in league with the force that the Turaga warned us about.” “Have they tried to escaped or tried to cause any of you harm?” Fila asked as she walked to them. The three shook their heads no. “Then why not talk to them?” ---- Takua and crew came to the near complete tunnel to Le-Wahi where they ran into Taipu as well as a black coat stallion with a natural silver-gray mane with and orange kanohi pakari on his flank that seemed to be tinkering with something. Taipu had informed them that Onu-matoran is the head engineer that help get to the point of them almost breaking through rock. Just then the miners broke out into the forest of Le-Wahi. Taipu was so excited that as soon as the rubble from the wall being broken was cleared he bolted into the forest much to the displeasure of his co-workers and surprise of the group. “I knew he wanted to be an adventurer like me but that was a bit air headed.” Takua said getting a smirk from Jaller. “What is the smirk for?” “How many times have you done the same thing?” The captain of the Ta-koro guards with a chuckle. “I see your point.” Takua said defeated. “Well we best get him before he gets hurt.” As soon as they found the miner he was so awestruck that he failed to notice a Nui-Rama came down and snatched him into the air. Even with unicorns, they could not reach him before he disappeared into far off trees. It was then the engineer from before came up from the tunnel. “Did you find, Taipu?” He asked before seeing the looks on their faces. “I’m guessing something bad happened.” “Sorry but we were too late.” Takua said as he saw the look on the pony’s face as if the thought of death cross his mind. “But don’t worry we saw him get caught so that means we can save him.” “Then I’ll come with you.” The onu-matoran said pulling out a tool of some kind. “As second in command of the unit I must make sure they are safe.” “Welcome to the team then…” It was then that Takua had a moment to notice that he and the others did not know the pony’s name. “Nuparu.” The stallion said. “Okay, let’s go.” Takua said leading the group to the elevator that would take them to Le-Koro. As the elevator could only hold three ponies and Takua was the only one that knew how to work it they decided to go up by village. When the Ta and Ga villagers got up Hahli asked Jaller a question that she felt rude to say in front of Takua. “Jaller not to sound rude but why aren’t you in command of this?” She said confused on why a captain would not be in charge of something involving the other villages working together. “To put it simply I don’t have his knowledge of how the other villages or how they do things.” Jaller said surprised that Hahli would say that. “Why are you asking me this Hahli?” The water pony just shook her head as if to get thoughts out of her head. “It was just something was nagging at that back of my mind.” It was then that Takua and the Po-matoran came up before Takua headed back down to get Nuparu. While it took a moment to realize that the village was quiet and how it seemed abandon, even the rahi was quiet with only a few birds sounding off and flying away. Once Takua returned with Nuparu he pulled out a flute and played a tune. Once the tune was finished the Le-matoran came out but in few numbers and no Turaga. When asked what happen they explained how the Nui-Rama attack them and stole most of the village away. Now with more ponies to help them they wanted to raid the hive and save their kinsmen. The group agreed and all were given gunner roles as they had no idea how to control the rahi. As they began to take off Rama started to fly towards the village, within seconds they began the battle Kongu with Takua as his disk launcher gunner on a Kahu, a large rahi bird, were heading towards the hive. The pegasus and his mount, really it was his pet, moved as one. Takua was knocking the Rama out of the air and the ones that he missed the Kahu used it’s talons to kill the Rama. As they flew up the hive to the top more Rama came at them and once they was near the top a Rama clipped the wing of the Kahu causing it to fall into the hive as it had a crash landing knocking out it’s riders. ---- Umbrage had tracked the ponies to the sound village and he moved around it as he wanted to be away from them and picked up the track from there. By the time he got to the spot that more ponies had been it had become evening and for some reason he felt something that he had not had before. Sitting under a tree he heard a rumble, but there was no rahi around. It was then that a thought came to him. if he was becoming more of a living being over a shadow then that meant he had needs of a living being. It was then he had a flash from Spike, greed caused him to want things and only them, that sent the poor dragon shade into a painful state and caused him to be knocked out. As night fell something came across him and took him from the spot under the tree. * http://djokson.deviantart.com/art/Tahnok-471572882?q=favby%3AJFPierre%2F44231518&qo=33 ←what bohrok will look like > Days are Rougher than Others > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear Two more chapters before the next story begins, but not before a guest joins us. But who it will be is for me to know. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Seventeen: Some Days are Rougher than Others Mata Nui looked at the dragon that he has whisked away, the black cloak hide him will the black scales and gunmetal spines keep the dark energy clear to the long dead ruler but the dull gold underbelly spoke of something of light. The golden stallion could not tell what element this strange creature could draw on. More thoughts of what it was came to his mind, to find his answers Mata Nui began to search for information that may be in this long dusty tombs. While doing so he did not noticed the dragon begin to move, his blue eyes began to open as he got his bearings. The first thing that hit him was the pain in his gut, even if he was injured there was still a pain. It was then that a growl came from it which caused Mata Nui to see that the dragon was awake or at least was hungry. Not knowing how to care for the dragon or what they ate Mata Nui knew of a being that could help him. ---- Spike was cleaning up the kitchen after he returned from seeing Artemis off to meet with the CMC. He noticed how much happier she was this morning, it must have had a lot of pressure taken off her last night. Granted he would feel the same if he had to explain how he was made and make it sound like a bad horror film. Come on a part of an evil being passioning somepony, making a new being that would then take over and become a tyrannical ruler only to be stopped, and then purified by the elements of harmony to become who they are now. Spike would have thought a Power Ponies comic would do a plotline like that before it was real life. An silver oval appeared where the kitchen window was, much like a lot of things in his life Spike had just learned to not ask and roll with it. It was then that Mata Nui appeared in his ruined domain, but what caught Spike’s attention was the slumped black cloth that was near the former ruler. “Hey Mata Nui,” Spike said as he began to ready the sink for dishes. “What brings you to ya here? Nothing that I need to get a message to the princesses I hope.” The young dragon asked as began to sud up the first dish. “Nothing of that nature young Spike.” Mata Nui said waving his hoof dismissively, also teleporting Umbrage to Spike’s kitchen without the dragon noticing it before a growl of a empty stomach. “I did however find this wandering around.” Spike followed Mata Nui’s pointing hoof to the cloth slumped being next to the table. Spike had a feeling that this was the thing he saw behind Mata Nui, wiping his claws off and walking over to the being Spike noticed that the cloth seemed too large for it to be anything but something the poor thing must have found in the trash. It was not until Spike had lifted the hood covering the being that he got a shock. It was a dragon also most like him, granted the one in the cloth had a black-grey-gold color scheme but the resemblance made Spike stumble back and fall on his rear. For several minutes Spike looked over the other dragon, and found several things that made Spike question more about this other dragons origins. The symbol at the bottom of it’s foot was just the most obvious one, there was others that he noticed. Chipped, cracked, or broken scales that almost mirrored his own and then there was a part of the tail the reminded him of the time when somepony stepped on it causing it to grow oddly back after they casted it. “If I didn’t know better I would call this dragon like my shadow.” Spike thought before the blue eyes of the other dragon open. “Where am I?” Umbrage mumbled trying to move but he felt so weak, once again the roar came from his stomach. “As you can see Spike I found him in this state, although he was a bit taller.” Mata Nui said recalling a taller being in place of the other dragon. “Me no longer needing to eat and not knowing how to care for such a being, you were the first one I could turn to help.” “You could have gone to Celestia or Twilight, they raised me after all.” Spike said flattered but unsure what the golden alicorn wanted him to do. “Both of them are not able to do that given where they are and what they are dealing with.” Mata Nui said knowing that both Celestia and Twilight had enough to deal with already. “Guess you’re right.” Spike said shrugging as he moved to the place Twilight stored his ‘hoard’. “I mean Twilight and Celestia are changing the world and going on adventures that makes them heroes to others. I’ve done that with the Crystal Empire, but sometimes I still feel like I’m just the sidekick that has to deal with the clean up.” While saying this Spike grabbed several and clawfuls of gems to give to the other dragon. “The thing that really scares me is outliving everyone but the alicorns, to know that any love I have with a pony would always end with me out living them. That is something I have spent many nights lying awake fearing that if I went to sleep the world would change and I would be left with nothing but the memories of my long gone friends.” After that Spike had walked over to the other dragon, placed the gems on the table and took one of them. He then open the other dragon’s mouth, placed the gem in between the teeth, and then moved the other’s jaws in a chewing motion. The sounds of the gem breaking followed by the sudden energy that Umbrage felt he shot up to a sitting from his previous slumped state. His mind was clearer and it was only now had he had a good look at his current location. He remembered resting under a tree with the sack of masks beside him, then he heard a voice and remember someplace dark that wasn’t Goldrax. He had something in the back of his mind nagging at him to recall something but it was almost like something was blocking it. It was then he noticed the other dragon, purple and green by the looks of it. From that he knew, this meant he was not in a place with the order in control but where was still fully unknown to him. Before Umbrage could speak he saw the gemstones and not able to control himself he, run could work but the dragon shade used his own shadow to draw himself closer to the table before he started to take eating the gems like a being that had not eaten in days. Spike notice this and was somewhat concerned that whoever had cared for the dragon before might have abused it. It was then that Spike put that thought to the back of his mind and wanted to act friendly to the other dragon. “Did you enjoy those gems?” Spike said with a smile. “I’m Spike and the alicorn is Mata Nui, he found you.” Spike said pointing to the golden pony. Umbrage was in a moment of confusion, two things caught him off guard; first was meeting the source his favor form and personality, and second he had just meet along dead god that had brought him here. Spike noticed the other dragon’s eyes dilate and the look on it’s face was either shock or surprise. Spike could guess at why it’s face was like that, this dragon could have been from with Mata Nui’s people so that would mean that seeing a long dead god could cause some problems. “I am guessing you’ve heard that Mata Nui is supposed to be dead and you are now wondering if you are seeing things or are dead yourself.” Spike said rubbing the back of his head. The other dragon nodded and looked like it wanted to speak but the words died in it’s throat. “Ya he has yet to tell me that either.” Spike spoke before turning to the fallen ruler. “Now as best time as any.” “Very well,” The stallion said with a deep breath and began his tale. “While it is true that I am dead the life mask by it’s very nature could not allow death to me, but to do so would cause unneeded pain. Unlike any other mask the mask of life was alive, this meant that it could feel and have thought. Right as I dead the mask used it’s power to draw my sprite into it so that I may live. This resulted in the room that I resides in, the remains of my kingdom and life.” Mata Nui then looked at his flank, a tear seemed to form in his eye. “Now the mask sits imprisoned and safe so none may use it for selfish desires. But so to my friend sleeps never to wake until the end of time.” Spike looked at the black, gray, and gold dragon whose face mirrored his own. Both seem to understand what the old god was saying. “Well thanks Mata Nui for bringing…” Spike said trying to break the awkward silence that had fell only to realized he didn’t know the other dragon’s name. “Umbrage, my name is Umbrage.” The other dragon said getting a smile from Spike. “You both are welcome now please excuse me I want to be alone with my thoughts.” Mata Nui said as the silver oval began to close. “Okay see ya around.” Spike waved at the stallion then turned to Umbrage. “So Umbrage tell me about yourself?” “This is going to get real weird, real quick.” The shade though before starting. “Well…” ---- Celestia and Luna had Canterlot Castle sorted for the trip to the Crystal Empire to meet with this liaison. Pooling their magic together they focused on the throne room and were gone from Canterlot. Appearing in the closet next to the throne room instead of the room proper. The solar princess glared at her lunar sibling who had a sheepish look on her face. “Luna, why did we end up in this closet?” Celestia asked as she tried to untangle herself from her sister. “I thought it would be larger so we could walk in over just poofing and having beings we don’t know attacking us because we are just appearing.” Luna said as both of them finally getting up and dusting themselves off. “A see your point.” Celestia agreed as she opened the door. She looked around to see if anypony was around. From what she saw it must be breakfast time, with that the two stepped out and headed to the dining hall. Meanwhile in said dining hall, the rulers of the Crystal Empire were having a lovely meal and chat with the order members. “So,” Cadance said pulling her forehooves up to her chin. “Since this is as much of a cultural as political exchange you must have questions about how things happen here.” “Seeing you like that reminds me of Helyx,” Jerbraz said his foolhardy nature subdued at the moment, be it the food or being reminded of a being that could drain every drop of water from him in a blink of an eye. “So what do you think team leader? Show that we just as trustworthy as they think we are.” Johmak wanted to throw the invisible narcissistic threw a wall for baiting her like that but the fox knew that was what Jerbraz wanted. The man was sick in the head but not dumb, with a sigh she thought about it. Knowing how to act would make future interaction with these countries go much easier. With her choice made she turned to the Toa and Mazeka who seemed to be enjoying the meal. “You five can ask anything cultural since they are closer to you then me.” She said checking the food infront of her. “I’ve picked up a few things before you guys got here so I could help with some terms.” Mazeka said to his fellow equins. “Okay,” Krakua said as he began to think. “When we were brought to your castle I noticed two ponies with a little being wrapped up in a cloth. What is it called and why did I notice similar features to the two near it?” “That was a foal, the offspring of the two parents.” Shining Armor said recalling how Mazeka was confused on the colors of the ‘toa’ and ‘matoran’ colors if they were from the same village. Of course the Nuian ponies had no clue what the prince had meant as offspring had no meaning to them as nope worked with rahi. Seeing the blank looks he was getting he had to rethink how to explain it. “How do you keep a population the same size if there is no pony to replace them when they die?” Still nothing from the five, that was until Orde opened his mouth. “He is asking how are we able to keep new matoran to the rare few that meet either a life-time journey end or are kill by unnatural mean.” the male Toa of Psonic said clarifying it for his fellow Nuians. Chiara, being the only female nuian there knew there was a way to make new matoran but it had been so long that she had forgotten what it was called. She felt Orde’s presents in her mind as he looked into it. While it was true that she was guarded from mental attack since it was Orde’s subset that was used as a base for it he could pass it but not break it. Right as Orde had found it and Chiara was about to say it trumpets sounded and an announcer spoke. “Announcing their royal highnesses Princesses Celestia and Luna.” With that the lunar and solar princesses entered the room, it was then that the order of mata nui saw the rulers of Equestria and almost all had raised eyebrows at Luna. Maybe it was the aura of shadow she had on her or some remains of Artemis had clung to her from either nightmare moon or from learning more shadow powers to match the makuta follower. One thing was for sure it would take a bit of work for Luna to prove that she was not who they thought she was. ---- It became clear that something far more than just someone causing trouble with robots. That was what Lesovikk had came to given what Tech told him and Trixie that morning, along with Blue’s data. It seemed that the followers that he had heard of in his travels had something to do with this whole thing, the rahkshi was more than enough to prove that, but he wondered who would waste resources for an old robot that had long since fallen out of production and demand. ---- Vultraz had finally worked out how to get into the empire but the escape plan once Sombra was harder now. While it is true he knew of Mazeka’s involvement with the Order of Mata Nui, both vultraz and his higher ups had almost no information of the group. When a leak got in it was found mangled and broken if it was ever found at all. That is the thing Vultraz wanted to be cause of, what powers could they have? Could they nullified his powers? All of them was heavy on his mind. For the first time in along time Vultraz was scared. ---- Spike was more or less thinking of drinking cider until he passes out from the sugar high he would be on. Umbrage had just told him things that would make Berry Punch pour out her wine and swear off drinking. In some roundabout way the gray, black, and gold dragon acrossed from him was created by a Toa of shadow from Artemis’s memories and feeling of kinship of himself. The blue eyed dragon had also said that he had all the information that Spike did but was only able to understand it when something cause a flashback to when Spike learned of it. Time flew as the dragon shade gave everything that he knew to Spike, by that time the shade finished it was almost time for Artemis to return from school. “So you know for a fact that these nut jobs have taken the toa of water and air turning them into brainwashed beings that would follow orders without questions.” Spike said summing up the important thing and put the rest on the back burner for now. “Yes,” Umbrage said somewhat relaxed that he had got over one bump in his psyche. Spike not freaking out on him was a great help, but he had to dwell on that another time. “With the infected mask on them they are but puppets on strings. I was on a mission to give the sack of masks to Twilight and the others to give to the remaining toa before Mata Nui got me.” “Speaking of that Mata Nui might still have that since it is not here with you.” Spike said recalling the lack of a sack. “Ya I have to get those back,” the black dragon said rubbing his spines. “Goldrax is counting on me.” “Spike I never told you about Goldrax.” Artemis’s voice came into the kitchen followed by the sound of the front door shutting. “This going to get interesting.” Umbrage said only know had either of the two noticed how similar they sounded. “Yep, just be thankful Twilight isn't the one to find us like we are she might just freak out.” Spike said chuckling a bit at mental image he got. “Spike are you talking to yourself again?” the alicorn’s voice came closer to them. “You talk to yourself?” Umbrage asked thinking back to see if that was another copied trait. “Do you know how boring it is to have to reshelved books every five minutes?” Spike replied with a shrug. “It was that or sing most of the day.” It was then that Artemis walked into the kitchen and saw not only Spike but Goldrax’s dragon companion there as well, which surprised the alicorn but also meant that she finally meet him. “Spike care to explain why there is another dragon here?” Artemis asked in a quizzical tone wanting to hide the excitement in her voice. “Take a seat it will be awhile.” Spike said feeling old then what he really was. > Something is on the Horizon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear One more chapter is all I have left of this story, still that twentieth chapter who could wrap this up...guess we have to wait and see ~Toa Coy~ Chapter 18: Something is on the Horizon Mazeka arrived in his room after a surprising day in this strange world. The history of not only this Empire but for the history of all these ponies. What started as a three way class struggle turned into a peaceful nation. Far more so than most of the nations and islands of his people and the races that have been integrated into their society. When he was not being lead around by Shining Armor or writing reports, he would check the castle library to learn about the empire and the country as a whole. Most of the history was much the same as his own’s, wars and other such things were skimmed over as knowing who attacked in the past was not as relevant as knowing how to act. The Nightmare war interested him but by the time he had gotten to that night had fallen and it was time to meet his fellow order members. It was then that night he was able to read up a bit of the war, it struck him on how similar this was to his own war. Two siblings brought to fight the other, one loved and the other not much but then one day the war began and the kingdom lost a ruler. That night Mazeka would have wondered if the alicorn he had seen with Cadance during that attack was one from the history if he had not spoken to the princess about it when he returned from his walk with the prince. At breakfast right when the main rulers of the nation arrived Mazeka was sure the others felt some elemental shadow energy from Luna while also feeling the elemental light fro Celestia. Since Mazeka was still the liaison, and had the most information from his time spent in the library, he asked and answered questions between the two groups. A few points, like how and why the followers were attacking them, seemed to be a trigger of anger for Luna but when any from the order asked why? Was met with her saying it was a personal matter and something that should not be brung up in talks like this. Orde had tried to sneak into her mind to find the answer, but he was met with a wall that was like a cubic Bio thick of protosteel. From there the two groups forge alliance together and move to hosting the Toa that wanted to interact with the ponies of this nation and understand the culture of something similar to them. From there Mazeka was asked to show the toa around while Jerbraz and Johmak stayed with the royalty and farther discussed it in more private areas. So Mazeka showed the team around and retraced his steps from the walk with Shining Armor. From there they checked the markets and other public places before they reached the cities library and the Toa began to read and learn about their current home for the foreseeable future. This lead to Mazeka flopping on his bed and hoped for a good rest, but most failed to noticed an almost silent buzz nearing the empire. ---- Artemis a bit surprised what Umbrage and Spike told her, from how the blue eyed dragon got to the library and how her uncle came to be in his eternal prison. But that now raised a question of how can they send Umbrage back with the sack of Kanohi. “Is there some way to summon Mata Nui to us so we can do this?” Umbrage aske as he sat with the other two in the center of the library. “Not really.” Artemis replied scratching her head for how they could contact the former ruler. “He just appears when he feels like it.” “Sounds like Discord,” Spike said recalling the draconequus’s penchant to just appearing out of thin air. “He would just appear at the drop of a hat, but I haven’t seen him for a few weeks now.” Artemis knew of Discord, Apple Bloom and her friends informed her about the strange being even that he had joined their CMC group for reasons that they did not say out of knowing how he felt being seen as a softy, but the young alicorn had yet to meet him in person...until a snap was heard and a light blinded the trio with Owlowiscious and the shift covering themselves from the brightness. Out of this came His horse-like head was topped with a golden crown with his deer antler on the right and blue goat horn on the left poking out and seemed to add to the crown’s look, one long fang visible in his gleefully open mouth with a snake tongue just about to touch his goat beard while his white bushy eyebrows were arched with his different-sized pupils closed. His right lion arm held a scepter with is face on it while the left claw of an eagle had a ring on it. The legs were nothing special just a lizard right leg and left of a goat. A cape draped from his back but Artemis would be able to see the right bat wing and a left pegasus wing while his dragon-like snake tail was like a third arm with the white tail tuft in the shape of a hand. “Oh Twilight you would not believe what happened to me.” Discord said before he opened his eyes showing of his yellow eyes with red irises. The gleefully look left his face to a confused one, he the ruler of random and the captain of chaos was a bit of a lost for words at what he was looking at. The alicorn in front of him was not Twilight, but that couldn’t be right to his all knowing mind there was only four alicorns. The fact that there was another was confusing yet made him intrigued and made him smile. “My, my, my,” Discord said as the royal wear disappeared off of him and appeared on the coat rack as he circled the alicorn looking her over. By that time the dragons and Artemis could see Discord was smiling. Now it was not creepy but it was one of those things that would have parents saying to never talk to that being again. “A fifth alicorn, who were you before this my dear? An orphan that caught the eye of the princesses? Maybe some being from another world that was trapped here in that form? Or some wish fulfilment for someone to make you on my level so that you may defeat somepony just as powerful?” “What are you talking about?” Artemis asked confused at what the mixed being meant. “You clearly could not be born an alicorn as only Luna and Celestia could even make one of those, a natural born alicorn hasn’t happen since I was ruler of this place and that was a long time ago.” Discord said in a matter of fact tone. Artemis was a bit lost for words since in some respect the big headed, literally given Discord, rear was right. She was artificial in a way, given she began as a piece of the makuta’s shadow that then entered her mother in a manner that could be called force conception. She was also a full grown adult by the time she fully became Nightmare Moon, by all rights that would make her current form artificial but it felt natural to her. To be this young in body and old in mind, that was just who she was. “You know Discord you shouldn’t treat Artemis like that.” Spike said standing up to the very being that he ran from when first seeing him. “She being the legitimate daughter of Luna, means you may have to deal with Celestia and Luna sending you far away or worse not ever seeing Fluttershy again.” The dragon stood up to Discord, who humored him by lowering his head, and stared him in the eyes. “Please, knowing those two like I do. Neither Luna nor Celestia have yet to have a colt friend in years, besides alicorns age slower so do foal development. Therefore she could not possibly be Luna’s child.” Discord said with a shitaki eating grin. “Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to not give into rage and turn into a monster for saying that!” Spike almost yelled at the lord of chaos. “You don’t know her past or how she came to be because you were nothing but a stone sculpture that could only hear things.” By now Discord was more interested than before, to have see someone willing to go into a monster just to defend a friend. “Alright shorty explain it to me then.” Discord replied dropping all of his goofyness. ---- Takua woke up, surprised that he had survived the crash landing, with a throbbing headache. When he brings his hoof to his head he feels a cloth around his head, must have been bleeding if that was there. Looking around he saw the missing Le-ponies, Turaga Matau, and Taipu who all seem to be building the hive with strange small electric blue bugs acting as motivators for any that weren’t working. The Ta-pony could see Kongu speaking with Turaga Matau, feeling strong enough Takua walked up to the elder. “Ah fire-spitter, Kongu was just speak-talking about how you quicked-sniped Rama in attempt to rescue-save us.” Matau greeted speaking in his normal coded language. “He spoke-told me how you had a group-band of villagers that followed you but they seem to have quick-escaped once you and Kongu were knocked down.” It was then that the Turaga turned to Kongu. “Life-dawn Kongu go check on the others I have things I must talk with the chronicler about.” “As you wish Turaga.” Kongu said bowing and trotted off as flying might cause the Nui-Rama to notice the lack of bug near him. Once the captain was out of earshot Matau’s small smile turned into a frown. Takua could not recall ever seeing the elder Le-pony frown, so it must be bad if this happened. “I must tell you that I know that the Rama are not alone, there are Toa-villians here.” Matau said in a hush tone and his eyes scanning in search of something. “Lewa and Gail have been infected and now hold us as caged rahi. I know not what to do but try and keep the others calm while I hope and pray to Mata Nui that help comes.” Noticing activity as bugs come towards them, Matau points to a nearby tool. “Quickly take that and act like you are working to keep them none the wiser.” Takua started to work by chipping at some stone before a cracking was heard throughout the hive and a large chasm formed near the center of the massive place. At that moment two armored clad ponies came from the upper levels of the hive, it was Lewa and Gali. Only now there normal helms were cracked and spotted with rust and were an off black, their eyes were blank like they had no souls and were puppets on strings. Near them was a Nui-Kopen, it was an ugly wasp rahi that was known to hate the Nui-Rama so them working together was unnatural, and in its front and back legs held the original kanohi of the two Toa. Now it made some sense why only the Le-pony were taken and not the Bo-ponies, by having the toa sworn to protect them as the jailer that means they would not have hope of rescue even if those on the outside about to save them. Out of the chasm came Pohatu and Ouna who seem to stare down the other two toa. Weapons at the ready it, the two infected Toa attack their brothers. Both the toa of earth and stone’s mask shifted into the shape of the hau blocking the two wildly attacking toa. The axe and hooks soon began avoid the front and tried to back stab the defending Toa, but both of them were back to back to prevent that. Soon both changed to the kakama and used the speed to knock the two infected into the other and jolt them to their normal selves. “Need...to get my...mask.” Gali said fighting for control her body. “Must not...give...in.” Lewa said in his own internal battle. It was all for not as they turned back into the puppets and began to use their elements to try and stop the speedsters. However the true Gali and Lewa told the carver and miner how to save them. Pohatu decided to be bait for the attacks while Onua used his noble matatu and used it to grab the two toa masks from the Nui-Kopen. This also caused the infected toa to turn to the black earth pony giving Pohatu the chance to knock the infected mask off of the two. With that Ouna lowered the mask to the two who donned them and all for turned to the Nui-Kopen and proceed to soundly defeat the rahi. With the help of the healed Kahu and the Le-ponies everyone flew out of the hive safe and back to Le-koro where a celebration took place in honor of Pohatu and Onua. ---- Twilight and her friends had one of the best nights that they had while on this island. They had beds that was not the ground or stone and did not have to be on watch. After they woke up and had breakfast with Fila, the food had a snap to it. Pinkie’s mane some how puffed out with tiny arcs of sparks coming off of it. “The Comic Relief's Guide to the Fourth Wall and What May Come from It” commented with the text reading ‘I wonder if this is how the bride of the Frankenstein monster keeps her hair like that.’ Of Course Fila, who turned out to be more like Rarity then AJ, wanted to hear more of their tales before they came to Mane Nui. The Equestrians had left off with how they defeated Discord and the struggle before hoof, once again it was agreed that they should not reveal too much since they knew that spies could be around them. After a good meal they were shown around the village, as they walked the girls noticed that the mask on this ponies were different from the others they had seen, there was a hau with strange lines on the forehead1, two kakama looked like2 similar yet different3 , and then there was the pakari4 that looked similar to Fila’s hau. Twilight noticed this and asked Fila about it. “As you have no doubt noticed all the girls on the island are some shade of blue.” Fila replied, and it did cause a realization in the equestrians. “Each of us use our native colors to change the look of the mask so no two ponies would be mistaken.” “I understand what you mean,” AJ said knowing the feeling. “Sometimes when I was younger and a few of my cousins got together some ponies would think that I was one of the others.” “What is a cousin?” Fila asked unfamiliar with the term. Before any of the equestrians answered a black, gold and grey dragon appeared out of nowhere with a sack of kanohi masks. ---- Turning back the clock to before Umbrage fell in front of Twilight and company, Spike have finished with an undertone of anger telling Discord all of Artemis story while the filly talked to Umbrage. Discord was amused to say the least, and pulled out a chart that looked like a family tree but looked like a web. The mixed begin started along Luna and Celestia said of the tree showing their parents, them, and Artemis which was pretty straight forward. It was the Makuta’s side that got confusing the picture of Mata Nui and Teridax’s parents were only outlines, them, Discord, and the Makuta. Discord explained that after the battle between Teridax and Mata Nui, the spirit and soul formed into the Makuta with the body and magic forming into Discord as a punishment/restart for any of the good left in Teridax. Needless to say this had all present picking their jaws off of the ground. It was then that Artemis was at a lost of words, just how crazy can this get. It was then that Discord decided to help his relative and get Umbrage back to the island. However he also wanted to do something to the royal sisters as a prank, Discord wanted Artemis to sneak into the castle and take one item from each of their personal bedroom. He did not say what the items was but said that she would know. With the young alicorn agreeing to it the former lord of chaos appeared next the dragon shade and disappeared to Mata Nui’s dimension. The draconequus then snatched the sack and gave it to the dragon before dropping the dragon near Twilight. After that he returned to his kingdom for the schedule anti-gravity hour. ---- “I swear Discord is worst than any order member.” Umbrage thought before he saw where he was and rubbed his head. “At least he was accurate.” Twilight and the other equestrians were surprised to see the dragon again but that was not the major thing that caused them to look surprise was the sack of kanohi next to him. Fila’s horn was glowing with magic about to attack the dragon. “Fila wait!” Twilight said putting herself between the Vo-pony and the dragon. “We know this dragon.” “If you know it then do you know how he got all those kanohi.” The Vo-pony said not letting her eyes on the dark being. Umbrage looked to Twilight with a look that reminded the mare of Spike, which while still creepy Twilight knew that the dragon was not so low to steal masks. “He probably took that from whoever has been making those infected masks.” Twilight said getting a nod from the shade. “See.” “Okay,” Fila said as she called her magic and electricity down. “But you are the one to answer for any trouble he causes.” Twilight nodded and had a ‘we will talk later look’ on her face as she motioned for the dragon to hop on her back. After a bit of work and magic the dragon shade was up on the hidden alicorn. 1 http://modaltmasks.deviantart.com/art/Silver-Leaf-Hau-385868267 2 http://modaltmasks.deviantart.com/art/Light-Blue-Tribal-Kakama-416955998 3 http://modaltmasks.deviantart.com/art/Tribal-Kakama-366832145 4 http://modaltmasks.deviantart.com/art/Teal-Tribal-Pakari-472189863 > Even in Defeat There is Victory > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy, Co-author Blazikenking (To be) Edited by Cade the Sharkbear And now we are at the end of this part of the story, but what is the twentieth chapter. I hold many secrets, but sometimes I just need to show a few. ~Toa Coy~ Chapter Nineteen: Even in Defeat There is Victory Icarax felt weak from the light that was all around him. Using his wings and his own curled form to make his escape. Even while he gather the shadow needed he grew weaker. How long had it been since he started this act was unknown to him. He got his portal ready and with his power he finally escaped that place. Icarax himself passed out from his weaken state and power usage, however where the shadow pony landed was the current home of an equestrian evil that had escaped its own bonds. ---- Vultraz geared up his Skyfighter for a bombing run to free Sombra. Aside from Vultraz wanting a powerful ally. He wanted somepony to be in his way so he wasn’t so scared. He hated that he was scared, he was one of the most powerful ponies in this area. He could kill anything without another thought and enjoy the screams of his victims. But now he was that evil overlord that he wanted for so long to be the commander of the horde of creatures that would do vast evil. It scared him so much because what fail was on him, Antroz had yet, in the past week, to contact the fort for an update. Bombs loaded into his his fighter and everything set, Vultraz let go of his fear for a moment and mounted up. He was a psychopath who liked blood on his blade and the look of life leaving the eyes of his victims. But somewhere in his mind a small scared Ta-pony is in a corner rocking himself trying to keep his fears away. ---- The Crystal Empire slept that night in peace but under heavy guard in case of attack and in defence of the visiting royals, allies, and Sombra. Speaking of Sombra the evil former King was bored in his cell. All it was just him either standing or lying down, it was almost making him wish that somepony would blast him in to pieces just to relieve him of this boredom. His guards where that of the batpony variety this night, which he could get behind as a tactical minded pony. Why have a pony that can fall asleep at night watch when you have those that are always awake at night. Speaking of sleep he felt like getting some shut eye, maybe he would dream of his past the hope he had once had and what could have been had he moved against the tide of destiny. How he and Radiant Hope could have lived and grew old together. Sombra himself had tried to snuff out any light left in his soul but his past shaped him into the monster that came to rule the Empire. All of the mean and hateful things ponies had called him and all the pain the crystal heart caused him year after year, but he could never forget all the times Hope was there to heal him and make him not feel alone. In the end while he had enslaved and cursed the empire it was Hope that was the catalyst that made the Empire vanish and was left alone. As Sombra began to lay down he noticed something. For a moment both of the guard’s ears seem to turn to a sound, given the bat in the name it did not surprise Sombra, one of them were about to call for any passing guards to check it out as the top of the room was blown up. Lucky for the guards they were quick, Sombra thought it was a bit of a shame as he would have loved to see the falling crystals mame somepony. The sound of energy bast came to Sombra’s ears as he saw the the guards fall to the ground now getting some cuts from the shattered crystals. This was something the king of all monsters did not think that would happen. Getting up and looking up he saw Vultraz on some type of machine, Sombra could notice that the barrier that was around him was piercing his prison. Ponies might see this as dumb but they had to have some way of feeding him to atleast keep him alive for information. Using his powers he moved his body from the warded cell to the outside, Sombra got a moment to stretch his legs before hopping onto the machine with Vultraz. ---- Mazeka was jolted awake from the explosions, without thinking he rushed out of his room following the guards that ran to the noise. Becoming more awake, while he may be trained to work on little sleep he still had to get his bearings while something like this happen, he noticed the Toa joining into the group rushing to the sound. By the time they got there most of the local guards were shocked to see, the shards of crystal and the bloody forms of the batponies but the one thing that shocked them was the empty cell of the room. By that time the princess and prince had come as well but Mazeka had seen who it was that broke out the prisoner. “Of course he would do this.” Mazeka said before cursing under his breath. “Vultraz breaking that unicorn out is tactical.” This confused the other ponies there by what the former scholar was talking about. Which caused the matoran to sigh. “Vultraz is a shadow pony that is the whole reason I became who I am today. A murder, theft, and all around evil being, he was the reason I even came here.” Mazeka explained to the equestrians. “The only reason for him wanting Sombra is to use him as a fall guy.” “Why would he do that?” Shining Armor asked. “One thing I have learned from my encounters with him it is he fears some of the order members.” Mazeka replied. “The tales he told, while I took it with a grain of salt, were sickening. From what he said there was one that collected corpses and used them as a personal army that are unkillable.” “Sounds horrible.” Luna said in dry tone with a bit of anger. “I must ask why if you know where these monsters are why not just end them.” “Luna.” Celestia said her eyes glaring at her younger sister. Luna just huffed and walked away, confusing the non-equestrian royals with this whole thing. “Sorry, she just has a lot on her mind.” Celestia said before walking away. “I’m going back to sleep, have to raise the sun in a few hours.” With that medical ponies came to help and treat the injured batponies. Mazeka and his fellow ponies moved aside as the medics used magic to carry the injured ponies past them, it was then that they noticed the looks on Cadance and Shining Armor’s faces. It looked like something that they saw Helryx have when she was stressed and had to soldier on. “I think we may have to move the crystal fair soon.” Cadance said to her husband. “The heart is weakened from that attack only a few weeks ago. Now this...I have to wonder how much longer the charge will last with all trouble.” “Don’t worry Cadance, we have to have fate in our people just as they have fate in us.” Shining said comforting his wife. “All this means is less personal time for us, and while I will miss that I would give up sleep just so I could make sure nothing ever harmed you again.” With that the stallion kissed her cheek. A smile came over the mare's face, it was also that moment that Orde motion for the other Toa and Mazeka to follow him. ---- Goldrax was some what happy that the members had assigned him the job of hunting down Twilight and her friends. If not for the infected rahi around he would contact them personally, but that was something that would have to wait. While light did not affect him like the others, Artemis saying that he was a twilight being made some sense now but something in him wanted to be like the others and be heartless and cruel. It made him shudder thinking of those thoughts but that was just something he had to deal with. Concentrating he found Umbrage and shadowed travel to near where the dragon shade was. Goldrax saw that he was on the outside of a Koro, being smart he blended into the shadow of the tree he had traveled to and watched from his hiding place for his friend and the ponies close to Artemis. It was not long until he saw them, they were moving out of the village. From what he could see Rainbow Dash and AppleJack in front with Twilight and Fluttershy in the middle along with Rarity and Pinkie bringing up the rear. He could also see Umbrage with the sack of masks on his back, but he also noticed that his friend was covered in a cloak. Said cloak looked like it was made for him, which somewhat amazed and confused the Shadow Toa. ---- Twilight and her friends left the Vo-pony village to return the masks to the Toa. Before the group left they asked Fila where they could most likely find all of the toa. She said that they would be at Kini-Nui, Twilight pulled out the map she copied from Takua to get a better direction of where they had to go. Fila was amazed at the lightweight map, and asked how Twilight got it. Of course this was one of the few things Twilight could tell the full truth about, still they got the information and a small marking for Vo-koro. Now they were heading out with Umbrage in tow. As they headed to Kini-nui the mane six asked Umbrage how he got there. So the dragon started from the beginning as he had to leave Goldrax and tried to follow them but something caused him to grow weak and fell asleep under a tree. The next thing he knew he was in a wooden structure and he smelled something that made his mouth grow wet, acting on instinct he bit down and with a crunch he grew awake and give him strength that seemed to have been beyond him before. It was then he told about what he and Spike talked about and retold the mane six that Discord told him, Spike, and Artemis. To say the ponies were in a bit of shellshock would be like saying the Deadpool on the cover of “A Comic Relief's Guide to the Fourth Wall and What may come from it.” was not in a party hat with his speech bubble cheering for his movie. Pinkie was the first to recovered from this information. “Oh wow,” Pinkie said bouncing to AJ. “That reminds me of that time we learn that I was a distant cousin to you.” Before she took a deep breath. “I mean except for the being a former evil dictator who wanted to cause eternal night, that was once apart of an evil alicorn who wish to rule over a hidden world that none of us knew about, and Discord being the other half of this pony.” Umbrage just had a wide eye look as most of the others just rolled their eyes. AJ had to more or less shake her head in her armor and laugh a bit. While the Apples and Pinkie never learned for sure if they were kin the trip to find out was what makes the baker family in AJ’s mind. “Ya know I could throw a reunion party for Artemis and Discord.” Pinkie said still riding the train of thought. “Now what to call it; I mean it is something so different and odd that it has to have a name.” “Pinkie, I think you need to just calm down and just be happy that Artemis met the reformed Discord and not the lord of chaos.” AppleJack said getting a bit of a nod from Rarity while the others just keep going. “I just can’t believe he is a king.” Twilight said thinking about irony of it a bit. “But I wonder how he did that?” Just then something in the mask sack began to move and forced the sack out of Umbrage’s claws. Rarity caught it with her magic before it fell to the ground and out the sack came a scroll. This scroll floated over to Twilight and opened in front of her, before it started to fall Twilight caught it in her magic and began to read it aloud. Dear Twilight and Friends, If this letter came to you then thoughts of how I became a ruler of this land called to it. To be fair I came here from rumors that I came across in my time checking out the world. When I came here it was like what I did to PonyVille only imagine on fire, stone statues of ponies frozen in horror, and made Tatarrus look like a field of roses. Amazingly I seemed more powerful in this place, must be the chaotic energy of it all, with this I found the then ruler of this land. He laughed and acted like he was a god, knowing me you know I both found it laughable and disrespectful. I would dictate how I beat him but that would be boring as all I did was make a cage that only I knew how to break it. As such the inhabitants thank me and wish for me to rule, and I was surprised by how they took all the chaoticness and craziness. Some even asked me to make it rain chocolate once a month. Hope this helps you until later have fun defeating my other half. King Discord, Ruler of Karzahni. The equestrians were somewhat at a loss of words, the irony of this letter was so heavy that it it was a weight then it would be Canterlot Castle with the mountian attached to it. ---- Takua and his company awoke that morning after the celebration of not only defeating the rahi nest, but Pohatu and Onua saving Lewa and Gali. Takua was the last to rise, not because he partied too hard no it was due to him being called in with the Toa to record what happen to them then send word to the other Turaga and Koro leaders as a warning. Both Lewa and Gali could only remember shapes like any ponies they had seen before but they also heard them talking about some. Something of a amassing of forces and taking out each village with sleeper agents, Takua scribed down on the stone. However there was one that said most of these agents were no longer active and that plan was doomed due to how it would just take one to tip off the leaders and Turaga. The plan that the air and water toa could remember after that was to capture the Toa and corrupt them like Gali and Lewa were. Takua was scared of this force that was doing this, not only what they could do but how they had remained hidden for so long. That night he had another dream, this was him in a battle of some kind. All around him was his friends and the toa as well as the Twilight and her friends. But what caught his attention was another Toa, this one had a scythe-like weapon and a strange rahi breathing black fire with a white outline. The dream ended with a crack but not without an image of something reaching out and grabbing Takua. Getting to the dining hall Takua greeted his friends and noticed the Toa had left either during the night or early in the morning. Sitting down Takua turned to Jaller to see if he could tell him where the four Toa went. “What’s the matter Takua?” Jaller asked noticing his friend’s heavy eyelids. It was not an uncommon site for the captain to see on the chronicler’s face but in all the time that they had traveled, as short as it was, Takua never looked like this. “You look like a herd of Mukau* ran you over.” “It is just another dream, nothing major.” Takua said brushing it off. “So where did the Toa go?” “They went to check on the Bo-matoran.” Jaller said still wanting to press on but knows to do so later. “From what I heard they would be back soon.” Just then Takua saw a pair of ponies that was a rare site to see in the jungle. Matoro and Kopeke had come down from the snowy mountains to the balmy jungle heat. It was not surprising to see Matoro doing something like this, how he got the lone ice carver out of his cave. Takua did noticed the saddle bags on their backs as they walked to Turaga Matau. As the two of them grew near the elder, Matoro magically pulled a stone tablet out of his saddle bag and gave it to Matau. The pegasus took it in his hoof and began to read the letter, then looked to Takua and his company. The Turaga then motioned for Kongu and Tamaru as well as chronicler and company to follow him and the Ko-ponies. Taking the hint and with Takua in the lead the ponies moved two by two with the pegasi bringing up the rear, they left the mess hall to the turaga’s hunt and Matau reread the letter. Matau, This is sent to you to both inform you and the chronicler as well as his followers, the ponies Vakama told us about have left the Vo-matoran village with a sack of Kanohi masks and a strange Rahi that could speak and understand them. The ponies knew this rahi so it is safe to assume that it means no ill will. However as to how the rahi got the masks is still unknown to us. So make sure nothing has happen to them I wish to ask those that come this far if they were check to see if these are the missing masks that Kopaka had reported missing Kanohi. Matoro will lead you to the location. -Turaga Nuju P.s. Matoro take Kopeke with you travel may do him some good. “That is good to know Turaga but why did you ask-call us here it it was just the chronicle and his crew.” Kongu asked for both himself and Tamaru. “Simple-plain,” Matau replied looking at the captain of the Gukko force. “They will need someone who is well versed in deep-wood ground-path and one that is high-branch, high-flying, high-jump, and high-lifting if they are to make it safely.” Kongu and Tamaru nodded in agreement with what the turaga had said, while all but Takua and Matoro were lost in what the turaga had said. “Kongu and Tamaru are joining us as escorts to the meeting place.” Takua translated to the others. “I thought I was the only one that could understand what they were saying.” Matoro said giving a bit of a light jab to Takua’s pride. “After I had to spend a month here just to write down some of the local history for the wall it took another two to translate and learn the code, not like I can understand the clicks and whistles that Turaga Nuju does all that well but I get a few right while we wait for you to return from your hunts.” Takua returning the friendly banter. With that four more where add to the Company and they were off to Kini-Nui. ---- Blue and Lesovikk were once again on guard duty for the night, Lesovikk pulling the wagon and Blue walking ahead to check the path. Since the attack this is how it had been, Blue would only be near the ponies when they ate or when they rested otherwise the vahki would stay distant. Lesovikk could understand what the machine was going through, his own failings still haunt him in his dreams. From what he heard vahki were smart and could out think even Ko-matoran, the toa of air dared not to guess how many deaths that Blue saw if more rahkshi came and each type. While Technia had upgraded, Lesovikk recalled the term, Blue with some of his scanning and radar systems from the combined parts of the busted vahki and rahkshi. The toa also noticed how Technia looked after Blue and within a day of defeating the rahkshi she seemed worried about the former enforcer. While the gun-metal gray mare went after the robot Trixie commented on the pair’s relationship. “You know I can’t tell if Technia treats in like a mother or a long term mare-friend.” Trixie commented which Lesovikk gave a confused look on his face to the terms mother and mare-friend. “What don’t they have mares where you’re from?” She replied to the look. “Yes we do.” The nuian^ replied. “But those terms are foreign to me.” “What to call a mare that you have feelings for and want to be with for the rest of your life?” Trixie inqued. “And the mare the gave you life and took care of you until you grew up?” “For the first one, I only know it good friends as for the other I could not recall ever having one of those.” Lesovikk replied to a shocked Unicorn. To his credit Lesovikk is over a hundred thousand years old and his mother was long forgotten to him and time as the matoran born during his time were sent to one of the newly discovered subterranean lands to act as a starting point. Since they were young and love never taught to them they would have no knowledge of those terms. Lesovikk was brought out of his thoughts by how the robot stop suddenly as if he heard something but the pony heard nothing but the sounds of the forest. Walking up to Blue, Lesovikk spoke his question. “Why did you stop?” The pegasus asked the still bot. “Just now a strong magical energy appeared then stopped.” Blue replied his right arm pulled in front of his chest. From it came a projection of a map, there was a line from Ponyville to his current location. “From the maps I scanned from the library it originated from here.” As he said that the map zoomed to a somewhat distant part of Equestria that seemed like not a soul lived there. “Think it is the base where the rahkshi came from?” The Toa asked seeing the tactical of not having a base that far off from the rest of this country. “Possible but the magic felt like the energy similar to that of my staffs.” Blue replied. “If something is using that then nothing good could come from it.” “Should we head that way?” the Air pony wondered. “I would talk to the girls before I do anything.” Blue said before slouching a bit. “Who knew brooding would be so taxing on my systems.” Lesovikk shook his head at the vahki, there were times that the pony forgot the being was built and different from how others acted but he almost like a matoran just learning how to acted with somepony new. ---- Antroz wanted to tune out the Spy master’s complaints, but he had to deal with the shadow pony’s rage. It was true that the Makuta made the former stone carver a deal and he has been useful as their eyes on the island but that did not mean he was entitled to be the powers of a toa. “Word is in my place you got a softy as one of your six shadow Toa.” Ahkmou said at the end of his rant. Antroz had to agree, Goldrax seemed the weakest of the group but he was the only one to master the use of Shades and make his own weapon, granted he seemed to be more focused on other tasks and not flaunting their power. Icarax was the one to choose the group so that made scents for their personalities, still they have been useful. Even in defeat they gained knowledge of these Equestrians. “Sorry Antroz, am I interrupting something?” Mutran said coming into the chamber the two had been talking in. “No,” Antroz said getting a killing look from the shadow matoran. “Ahkmou was just airing his complaints about not being made into a Toa.” “This not over Antroz, you sack of Kraata scraps.” The rau wearing pony said rage clear in his voice. “You are not going to blow me off like I’m one of those pawns calling themselves Kra-matoran. They are nothing but light drained husks filled with darkness.” “As you know we have yet to fully implement that method yet.” Muturan said with a minor hint of anger his projects on the line. “Test have shown they are stronger.” “Like I care ya crazy mad being.” Ahkmou said turning away. “This will not be the last time I mention this.” With that the shadow pony left the room. “So what do you need to tell me, Muturan?” Antroz said glad he was done with the headache that was the spymaster. “Goldrax is following the equestrians, the toa are gathering and we lost the one of air and water, and a rahi noticed a group of matoran from the major villages heading the same way as the other two groups.” the scientist said. “Also Vican had returned with the weapons.” “Good seen all rahi in the area to attack the groups but I want them alive.” Antroz said thinking about how best to play it out. “Alright.” Mutran said with a smile on his face. ---- The elements of harmony with Umbrage and Goldrax trailing them arrived first to Kini Nui. When they got there the mask in the sack began to move and shake as by no magic of the Equestrians, dragon, or Kra Toa. The masks flew out of the sack and for the first time the Equestrians saw real kanohi masks, not just the ones ponies wore but the ones that imprinted on their flanks.`Rarity saw the common theme of the masks, as she and Dash were only told of the masks and not shown them beyond cutie marks unlike the rest of the group. The were the same set of twelve with a few missing from each set. These mask moved and seemed to line up with carved masks that was in the sets. “Has anypony else found it odd how there are is a repeating number of six in all of this, including us?” Rarity asked much to the surprise of the others. “Is numbers really that important given how this things are just more or less acting on their own?” Applejack replied speaking her confusion of what was going on. “To be fair the number six has been centered of many things to it is not uncommon.” Twilight said as they saw the masks go under each of the six carved masks. Just then the mares and the dragon noticed the bushes moving. The elements of harmony ready to attack whatever came out of the bushes. Just then Takua came tumbling over himself, panting and trying to catch his breath the colt had yet to notice his helmet somehow got turned around in his tumble. The girls and the dragon relaxed a bit with Twilight going to help the unicorn colt fix his helmet. “Oh hey Twilight,” Takua said now able to see the mare. “ Didn’t think you guys would be here so quick, then again I could say the same of my group.” It was then that the colt just remembered something, this caused him to hop up and look back where he came from his eyes darting with a worried looked. The equestrians noticed this but before they could ask twelve other matoran seem to fall to the ground and looked exhausted. “What the hay happen to them?” Rainbow asked looking from the barely moving colts and fillies to Takua. “On our way here we got attacked by a large group of rahi like the one that attacked Ga-Koro, and we were cornered then suddenly the others started glowing as they were willing to go down swinging.” Takua said noticing movement in distance. “It was something I heard from the Turaga that when we are in mortal danger our magic fields merge and form something that could match a toa in battle, but what happen was so awe inspiring that it scared me.” At that moment hoards of Rahi began to pour out of the forest. Few and far were bigger than a large timber wolf, but what most of these creatures lacked in size was the natural weapons of claws, fangs, stingers, and muscles. The equestrians form a circle around the exhausted matoran, Takua, and Umbrage. Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, and Pinkie readied their shields while AJ and Flutter called on some of the elemental powers since they lacked a shield. Within a split second rahi came at them like a waves of water onto a beach, the ponies pushed back against the rahi and AJ and Fluttershy made pitfalls or whipped water to fight them back. As the battle raged on the other equestrians used their elemental powers to knock out all the rahi that ran at them, but for every one they beat four more take it’s place. ---- Antroz looked over the weapons Mutran had his assistant get from Xia for the Toa Eclipse. A rare earth claw, an electro chute blade, an energy extraction rifle, a firework revolver, and a kanoka blade; all fine weapons in the red and black mutated unicorn thought. The order would modify them for shadow use and then let the remaining Toa fight over them. ---- How long the attack had been going on none of them could say, while the equestrians fought Goldrax stayed in the shadows cursing that he was useless at the moment. If he helped then he would be hunted by the order and still be untrusted by anypony other than Twilight and her friends. “Why not just kill them all and end this torment, be a being of shadow and be respected by those who have wronged you.” A dark version of his voice whispered in his ear. He heard this voice more and more as of late, what it said made it sound like the answer to all his problems but he knew it was wrong and that would make him like Antroz or worse Elija. No he had to do something, if not for Twilight and her friends then for Umbrage. He could see his little dragon fighting using dark blue fire to burn anything that came near the barely moving matoran with that Ta-pony fighting alongside his charge, and to be honest son given how he treated the shade. Wait that is it, he could change his shape and make a mimic that ‘dies’ in a fight with the toa then he could find Artemis and take Umbrage with him. He did just that he made a mimic that looked like himself. Before he did anything else he sent Umbrage a message, tell Twilight that the order of Makuta has another terror that they plan to unleash and that he is sorry for what is about to happen. It was after he sent that message that Goldrax thought of Artemis and faded into the shadows, the mimic did as it was ordered to by it’s master and called a war scythe ready to attack. As if timing could not be more perfect; a black, a brown, and a green blurs came to the rescues of the assaulted equestrians. After Ouna, Pohatu, and Lewa used the masks of speed to give the six girls breathing room, Tahu, Kopaka, and Gali joined into the fray. It was then the mimic Goldrax began it’s attack. Tahu was the first to see it and engaged it, a fierce battle between the toa of fire and the mimic of a toa of shadow. It was at the moment that all of the Toa Mata fought as one and for others and not just masks that the kanohi on Kini-Nui did magic again and the masks shot to their respected toa causing their masks to become golden and give off a blinding light. This light weakened the infected rahi and blind the mimic, Tahu took that moment to land a killing blow. The mimic’s eyes grew wide and then it’s body slumped before it began to fade. It was only then that the equestrians saw the mimic Goldrax, not knowing it was a fake, they were a gasp at this. It was then the elements of harmony glowed and a light formed around them before a wave of light freed the rahi destroying the infected kanohi. Far away from the fight Elija and Onica watched as their ‘brother’ fall in battle. “What a weakling,” Elija said in disgust and condescending tone. “It took eight of them to freeze me and all it took was bright light and one of them to off him. “Maybe but was that truly him or a fake that he put in his place?” The silent toa wondered aloud. “Please he was so weak I bet him making just a shift would have him sweating.” Elija said brushing off Onica’s comment. After the battle, the twelve matoran were passed out now that the danger was gone. The Toa began talking to the Equestians on how they did that, Twilight’s wings appeared during the harmony blast but she hid them just as quickly, and the girls replied with there story of how they got the element of harmony. Umbrage knew the message he had to relay but he wanted to wait until the two group of six were done talking, so he and Takua sat on the ground looking at the sky. “Thanks for the help.” The chronicler said to the dragon. “There were a few moments that I thought something was going to get us but you were there to stop rahi from getting us.” “No problem.” Umbrage said as he had a clue where Goldrax had gone. ---- In the town of Ponyville, in the middle of the night a commotion was heard coming from the library followed by the sound of a yelp and a thud. ---- So ends with a victory for the side of good on the island of Mane Nui, however evil did not fully lose the war for as we speak four threats began to set things in motion. Icarax awoke and found himself in the home of an escaped centaur, Lord Tirek, who tried to drain the mutated pegasus’s magic but found it to be too foul for his taste. Vultraz had Sombra and the two were beginning to plan how to take the Crystal Empire. Blue leading the motley crew to a town that none knew existed to find the strange magic he picked up. And under the island of Mane Nui the Order of Makuta are getting ready to awaken a horde of monsters that none have seen for over a thousand years. *http://biosector01.com/wiki/index.php/Mata_Nui_Cow ^Ya this is because all Matoran, Toa, Turaga are Mata Nui’s subjects and Nui is a pretty common term on islands > Transition > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My Little Bionicle: Quest for the Masks By Toa Coy Chapter 20: Transition “Welcome once again,” Demon said looking up from the My Little Bionicle book. “I see that my creator has called on to me to tell you the history before the new set of tales began.” This demonic anthropomorphic strong phthalo blue wolf’s demonic yellow iris and dark gray sclera stared into space but the reader feels like they are looking at them. The eyes follow the movement of the reader no matter how there move the eyes follow you. He smirks before returning his eyes to the book in his clawed hands. “Some may wonder why this is here given that this story has ended on treads but ended just right.” Demon speaks as he gets up. “You know a lot happens in three months, not just in life but in fiction. So focusing on Artemis will be the point of this chapter.” He looks at the shelves at all the books of fiction and fact. He slots the MLB book on the shelf and pulls out another book. This book had dark blue cover with a black spine, lighter blue edging, and teal lettering on the cover. “It is time to look at one pony’s point of view, a cause and effect of the larger story.” Demon said walking back and sitting in his chair. “Now to begin when an adult pony just appears in the room of a young mare’s room.” ---- To be continued in “The Artemis Story: how season four of the show happens in this universe”