#epena

[tiredspacedragon]

Y'know, looking back on it, it's cool how we started to get some background character info on Ahkmou from the very beginning. When he first appears in MNOG, we don't know his name, or why he's allied with Makuta, just that he's a fast-talking, silver-tongued salesman who seems like he could sell anyone anything. Heck, the only reason he doesn't sell the player anything is because we're playing as Takua, who of course has no money, likely for good reason.

But we also know one other thing. He's a master carver.

It's odd. Ahkmou's backstory as one of the most skilled and prominent carvers in Metru Nui doesn't come up for another three years, but that element of his character is there from the get-go when Epena gushes over the craftsmanship of the Comets. "Whoever carved them is truly a master!" he says. And that was Ahkmou. He carved those Kolhii balls, the best Kolhii balls ever made by all accounts, infection notwithstanding. He did that.

Don't mind me, I'm just over here clinging to my headcanon that Ahkmou's road to recovery will begin with him rediscovering his skill and passion for art.

[riversofmars]

Songs of Love 2023 - Day 11

Rating: G Prompt: Beach Day Summary: Following the events of Albie's Angels, the Doctor takes Liv and Helen on a relaxing trip to the water planet Epena. They are long overdue a holiday and Helen thinks over her best friend's offer to talk, wondering how to interpret her promise of "being ready" when she was.

Behind These Walls

“We’ll be ready. I’ll be ready. Whenever you want to talk.”

Liv’s words rung through Helen’s mind still as she turned off the record player and silence fell in her bedroom. She didn’t know what to make of them. There was the face value to them, of course. The kind offer of a friend to provide emotional support. There was, however, so much more she could intimate, reading between the lines and taking meaning from the way she had said them. The way she had stressed the ‘I’ and the hopeful quality of her expression. Liv was ever so patient and Helen took a deep breath, fighting the feeling of frustration within herself. Would she ever be ready to say the things that her friend had hinted at knowing?

She picked up the vinyl disc from the record player and turned it in her hand thinking of her brother. What she would have given to be able to talk to him again and maybe ask his advice. The first time he had asked about Liv she hadn’t been able to answer, she had still been keeping the secret of her own identity at the time but now… after everything that had happened with Albie and the Angels… Perhaps she could be more honest with him and in time, with Liv as well. 

Helen tried her best to imagine his response and advice on the matter as she returned the record to the sleeve that read ‘Song for Helen’. Albie would likely throw her own words back at her, if she ever got the opportunity to talk to him about it. Her statement about being allowed to love whomever you chose. And she would argue back that she had also said that there were many ways of showing that connection and that her affection for Liv was exactly what she had been referencing. She didn’t know how else to express those feelings other than what she was already doing: In the closest friendship possible with Liv being the most important person in the universe to her. And surely, Albie would laugh at that and ask if she had ever told Liv as much. Helen would flush and mumble something about ‘timing malfunctions’ and not knowing how…

Helen took another deep breath and placed Albie and Bailey’s record back on the shelf. Liv had said they were landing and she couldn’t deny that a world of waterfalls and cocktails sounded like just the ticket right about now. Perhaps it would be a respite, a chance to mull things over in less dangerous surroundings and try to make sense of them once more. It wasn’t that she didn’t know what those feelings meant, she was very much aware of the fact that she was in love with her best friend, but her past and upbringing her a much tighter hold on her than she had ever anticipated, even now that she knew Albie was fine and the fate of being prosecuted for her inclination was not one she needed to fear.  

“Get yourself together, Helen,” the linguist mumbled to herself as the constant back and forth of her thoughts threatened to give her a headache. For now, the best course of action would be to enjoy the waterfalls and cocktails Epena had to offer and for that, she would likely need swimwear. It was a welcome distraction from her musings as she made for the wardrobe hall. 

“Ugh- what even-” 

Helen could hear Liv before she could see her. 

“Liv?” The linguist called, confused as to where her friend might be. The ward robe hall was vast. Like the TARDIS itself, it seemed to be going on forever. The med-tech was nowhere to be seen as Helen scanned the rows and rows of clothing racks.

“Helen?” Liv made her location known when she stuck her head out of the changing room, expression brightening at sight of her best friend. As if they hadn’t seen each other all of 15 minutes ago…

“I did wonder what one ought to wear to this holiday world,” Helen gestured around herself with an apologetic smile, explaining her presence away. It seemed as though Liv had had much of the same idea. 

“Well, I’m not entirely sure I’m doing this right,” the med-tech huffed, ducking back behind the curtain. As the linguist stepped closer, she could just about make out her friend’s naked feet behind the curtain and she tried to suppress the unbidden thought of imagining her in the process of changing…

“How can you do it wrong?” She asked, drowning out the train of thought that made her cheeks pink. 

“Well I- one doesn’t just walk around in a swimming costume, right?” Liv huffed on the other side of the curtain. “Not when lounging on the beach with a cocktail so I thought something like this but-” Before Helen had the opportunity to respond in any way, the med-tech pulled the curtain aside. She was wearing a dark swimming costume and a thin, see-through robe of sorts that hung off her small frame like a large, unshapely shirt. While Liv was probably referring to the throw not looking right, Helen was more concerned with every curve of her body that was easy enough to make out. “I’m sure it’s not meant to look like this,” Liv ranted on and took a twirl which only made the pull in Helen’s gut worse as got a good view of her friend from every angle. She caught herself staring, just as she turned back to face her and jumped to action to prevent any probing questions. 

“Just- hold still-” Helen overcame her self-consciousness to step into her personal space and grabbed hold of the throw. 

“What?” Liv raised her arms out of the way, confused as to what she was doing, following her actions curiously. 

“Well how about-” the linguist gathered two ends of string together that were attached to each side of the shirt. “You do realise that cords is meant to be a belt?” She looped them around her and the fabric wrapped around her body.

“Oh right,” the med-tech flushed a little with embarrassment at the easy solution. It wasn’t her brightest moment but to her best friend, it was utterly endearing.

“That’s a bit more shapely. Less like a sack of spuds,” she offered playfully, looking her up and down. 

“HEY!” Liv protested her teasing. “I’ll have you know, I don’t remember the last time I’ve been on a beach holiday.”

“Well, the Doctor has promised it many times and never quite delivers, does he, so I’ll believe it when I see it,” Helen gave back, recalled many a failed attempt at a holiday. It would make a nice change if they actually did get to enjoy the sun for once and indulge a little.

“Well, if we end up in a skying retreat, I’ll face that scenario when we get to it. For now, I’m going to remain hopeful as a sunny holiday would be nice right about now,” the med-tech decided casting a glance at herself in one of the full height mirrors.

“Oh, I don’t know, I’m sure you could wear that somewhere in the Alps too. They usually have saunas and the like,” Helen observed with amusement.

“I just want somewhere warm. Soho was cold too,” Liv recalled and the linguist chuckled:

“Well, it was winter.” 

“Smart arse,” the med-tech grinned sheepishly and Helen marvelled at the ease with which conversation and joy simply bounced between them. She had never felt this comfortable with anyone. It was something that had intensified over time but even when they first met there had been an instant understanding between them. A connection. Now, she had to wonder if this was what love at first sight felt like, even if she hadn’t been able to spot it at the time. 

“Hmm,” she hummed as she didn’t find herself capable of a more eloquent response given her preoccupied thoughts. 

“Aren’t you getting change?” Liv prompted, bringing her back to the here and now.

“Oh year, of course,” Helen jumped to action. “I mean, that is what I was here for…” She made her way over to the cupboard she knew housed swimwear.

“Great. Well, I’m gonna head off and tell the Doctor we’re nearly ready to go,” the med-tech grinned excitedly and the linguist smiled, basking in her excitement:

“Right, of course…”

---

“Ah Miss Sinclair,” the Doctor beamed at Helen when she came into the console room. She had opted for a cream wrap around throw over a yellow swimming costume, and wondered if Liv’s reaction to her appearance would be anything like hers at been when seeing her best friend scarcely dress but her thoughts and in fact, the linguist herself, stalled in their tracks at sight of the Time Lord.

“Is that what you’re wearing?” She gave him a once over and even at second glance, the bright orange shirt with pattern of green flowers didn’t get any better. The swimming trunks he wore were the same horrendous design but colour reverse. The sheer brightness was giving her a headache and she quickly averted her eyes, casting a glance towards Liv who grimaced in agreement. 

“What’s wrong with it?” The Doctor asked sounding thoroughly put out, looking in between his companions. 

“That was exactly my question as well,” the med-tech reported with a chuckle and their Time Lord friend launched a defence.

“It’s a perfectly good option for a sunny holiday!” He protested, smoothing down the fabric of the bright Hawaiin shirt.

“It’s very-” Helen’s polite nature prevented her from saying the things that came to her mind.

“Yes, that’s exactly what it is,” Liv agreed, taking her meaning perfectly.

“At least we won’t lose sight of you,” the linguist added, trying to look at the positives and the Doctor huffed.

“Shall we?” He prompted, to bring the situation to an end.

“Yes.” 

---

“It’s less beach and more tropical jungle than I expected,” Liv commented once they took a step outside the TARDIS. Helen followed close behind her and ventured out into the sunshine of the wild and wonderful world they found themselves on. For once, the Doctor had delivered on his promise. With two suns beating down, the air was hot but not stiflingly so, as there was a pleasant breeze through the colourful trees all around. 

“It’s a world of waterfalls, not oceans,” the Doctor pointed out with a grin as he encouraged them to carry on into the open space he had landed the space and time ship in. Helen let her gaze wander and she spotted a brilliantly blue waterfall up ahead that gathered in a pool. From that a small stream sought is way and tumbled past them, down another ledge, becoming a waterfall in its own right. As the linguist followed the water’s way downstream, she realised they were far up a mountain with countless ridges and ledges that created waterfall after waterfall. The view was incredible.

“It’s beautiful, is what it is,” she whispered in awe.

“Isn’t it just?” The Doctor grinned, evidently pleased. “There are countless springs and pools, a whole network of waterfalls, the whole plant is like one gigantic mountain range with the most wonderful climate. I’ve taken us quite far up on one of the lesser known ridges. More private but still in walking distance of the refreshments,” he explained pleasantly.

“Good, because you promised us cocktails,” Liv reminded him teasingly.

“And you shall receive them but I didn’t think you would appreciate one of the touristy spots that are entirely overrun,” the Time Lord pointed out. “Up here, the air and water are ever so clear, the view-”

“Is breathtaking,” Helen concluded, utterly taken with their surroundings.

“That it is,” Liv agreed with a smile and the linguist felt her eyes on her for a moment but as she looked around she found the Doctor had stepped in between them and was piling towels onto the med-tech’s arms.

“Here, take these, let’s find a nice spot,” the Time Lord instructed enthusiastically. 

“Where isn’t nice?” Helen laughed at the sight of Liv struggling under the mountain of towesl and huffing and puffing while glaring at the Doctor.

“And the bar is that way,” he carried on, pointing towards a path that appeared to lead down the mountain.

“Are you getting drinks in then?” Liv challenged, having come out on top of the towels.

“We only just arrived,” the Time Lord’s face fell. 

“And I could really go for a cocktail right about now. We will set up camp just over there, private waterfall and everything,” the med-tech carried on, nodding towards the pool of crystal clear water that looked all too inviting to swim in.

“Helen, Liv is being mean to me again,” the Doctor turned to Helen for support but the linguist couldn’t bring herself to come to his aid, not when the thought of having some time alone with Liv was so appealing.

“I wouldn’t mind a cocktail myself,” she grinned. “Landing up here was your choice.” She nodded towards the path and the Time Lord seemed to realise he didn’t have much of a choice in the matter.

“Fiiiine,” he groaned and kicking his feet, he set off on his quest to provide refreshments while Helen followed Liv to the waterfall. There was a meadow of wild flowers and lush green grass surrounding the pool, perfect for spreading their towels on and enjoy the sunshine.

“It really is beautiful,” Helen commented, marvelling at the quality of the light that refracted in the waterfall, casting beautiful rainbows across the water. 

“Glad you’re not missing it?” The med-tech smiled and passed her a couple of the towels so they could set up camp together.

“Most certainly,” the linguist beamed, basking in the hot sun and her friend’s smile alike.

---

“Do you think the Doctor has gotten lost?” Helen frowned, pushing herself up on her elbows. The Time Lord had been gone for a while and while they had been enjoying the sunshine and peace and quiet, she was getting concerned.

“Wouldn’t surprise me. Perhaps the bar was a lot further than he thought it was. Or he simply got distracted,” Liv hummed in response, making no attempt at moving. She lay on her back on the towel right next to her, not even a foot away. The linguist considered how she easily could reached out to hold her hand. 

“Also entirely possible,” Helen agreed, allowing her gaze to wander across the small lagoon but finding no sign of their friend returning.

“Enjoying the peace and quiet though…” the med-tech commented, stretching lazily in the sun, and Helen felt reminded of a cat sunning itself. It made a whole lot of sense considering the climate of her home planet. She wondered if she missed the intense sunlight of the desert world when most of the time only her tanned skin gave away her affinity for the sun. Now, she wished she could see more of that skin…

“Do you want to go for a swim?” She suggested cautiously. 

“Hm?” Liv raised her eyebrows, and opened one eye to look at her, squinting against the sunlight. 

“Come on, it’ll be nice and refreshing, seeing as we still have to wait for our refreshments,” Helen prompted and got to her feet.

“I don’t know… I’m quite enjoying the-” the med-tech started protesting but her friend wasn’t having it.

“You can enjoy the sun while being in the water,” Helen insisted and undid the belt of her throw. At this, Liv slowly pushed herself up and the linguist felt her eyes on her. It was a curious thing, love. The way the slightest bit of attention from the object of one’s affections could make the heart fluttered. She recalled the way her friend had stressed her readiness to talk whenever Helen herself was ready and once again, she wondered how much meaning she could attribute to the seemingly straightforward words. Perhaps, if she did mean more than she had said, it would explain the keen interest with which she seemed to be following her unwrapping her beach dress. It made her feel self-conscious and thrilled all the same. “Come on,” she hummed as she turned and found her friend staring. She discarded her dress on the towel and held out her hand to help the med-tech up. 

“R-right, okay!” Liv stuttered, her attention snapping up from the length of her legs and as her friend flushed red with something other than the sun, Helen dared hope she was reading the signs correctly. Now if only she could bring herself to talk about the things that were really on her mind… But for the time being, she would enjoy the alone time they had, as she helped the med-tech to her feet.

---

Helen dove right in. She took a couple of tentative steps, wading into the shallow water, but as she realised it was a most pleasant temperature, her initial hesitation fell away. The ground quickly fell off beneath her feet, eroded by the force of the waterfall, utterly deceptive in its depth, but it didn’t matter as she dove deep into the crystal clear water. It was a wonderful feeling. The bright sunshine gleamed through the surface of the water and Helen smiled to herself as she pushed back up. 

“Gosh, this is amazing!” She exclaimed, sleeking her wet hair back as she looked around to Liv, just in time to see her best friend gasp with shock and disappear under the surface of the water. 

“Liv!” Helen exclaimed as the med-tech splashed water but didn’t resurface. Panic pulled the linguist from her moment of shock and she launched back into the water, parting the liquid with strong strokes, that took her to the spot where her friend must have lost her footing. She dove in what was a matter of seconds, looped her arm around Liv’s waist as she struggled and pulled her to the surface. 

“Shit! Bloody-” She sputtered, spitting out water.

“It’s alright, I’ve got you!” She was wiggling and twisting but Helen held her tightly, kicking her legs to keep them both afloat. “It’s okay, you’re okay.” She grasped Liv’s face to make her look at her and pull her from her panic.

“Bloody hell-” the med-tech gasped but slowly calmed as she relaxed in her arms. She was safe. 

“I’ve got you. Come on, back to where you can stand,” the linguist told her gently and pulled her along, one arm around her waist and using the other to gain purchase in the water.

“Thank you…” Liv mumbled and held on to her shoulders. 

“Can’t you swim?” Helen drew a curious conclusion when they reached the shallows and she sat her down on the ground. 

“I-” the med-tech flushed with embarrassment. “N-no… Not much need for it on a desert world,” she huffed, somewhat frustrated. 

“You should have said! And been more careful! It gets really deep, really quickly,” the linguist shot back as with the initial shock wearing off, she fully became aware of how dangerous a situation it had been. After everything Liv had been through and survived, to have her drown on a holiday would be the most cruel twist of fate. 

“Yeah, whatever-” Liv huffed but her hands remained on her friend’s shoulders, holding on for no reason in particular.

“Are you okay?” Helen asked more gently once she had managed to wrestle her emotions back into check. She reached out and pushed the med-tech’s wet hair from her face.

“Yeah…” She nodded in response and dropped her eyes.

“Do you want to get out?” The linguist carried on, giving into the temptation of tracing her fingers down her cheek and along her jawline under the guise of checking she was alright. 

“No…” Liv croaked, quickly shaking her head. “The water is really nice…” She looked up at Helen and the linguist forgot all about the water. She became aware of the fact that her arm still looped around the med-techs back and with her hand on her cheeks, with her head tilted up, it was ever so tempting to simply-

“WATCH OUT!”

The moment of temptation was interrupted before the linguist could make a decision one way or another. There was a loud splash and water rained down on the two of them, dousing them in cold reality.

“What the-” Helen gasped, looking around. 

“And just like that the peace and quiet is over…” Liv groaned, annoyed, and the Doctor was beaming at them with a mischievous glint in his eyes. There was a beat of silence and then, the Time Lord splashed them with water. 

“DOCTOR!” Helen exclaimed and Liv thundered: 

“You’ll regret that!” And it only took one look towards each other and the decision was made wordlessly, they splashed him back with twice the force, descending into a water fight. 

---

“Like a toddler, honestly,” Liv huffed when they finally retreated to the shore. The Doctor had taken like a fish to the water and he was laughing joyfully as the waterfall rained down on him, but his companions decided it was high time to enjoy the promised cocktails. 

“Just as well, I wasn’t planning on having children,” Helen gave a good natured chuckle as she dropped onto her towel and picked up one of the cocktails the Doctor had set down on a small box between them. 

“No?” The med-tech raised her eyebrows and picked up a drink of her own. 

“Well, I- I don’t know. Just never really appealed for some reason,” Helen realised she had said too much without thinking about it and watched her best friend for a moment, wondering what to do for the best: was she to backpaddle or take advantage of the lovely invitation she had extended her not long ago. They could talk. They should talk. Helen could still recall the wonderful feeling of holding Liv’s body in the water and the look she had given her… Perhaps now wouldn’t be such a bad time for it… She took a sip of her cocktail to steady her nerves. “Besides… it wouldn’t be possible anyway.”

“Why not?” Liv frowned, evidently not following and the linguist reaslised she would have to be more direct. She took a deep breath. 

“Because I have no interest in men.” And just like that, she’d said it. But denying one thing was far easier than voicing the other. It was a start. Liv simply nodded: 

“Right, of course…” She didn’t say any more than that, as if she expected her to elaborate. 

“And it wouldn’t exactly fit in with the life style either,” Helen prattled on, returning to safer waters as she found she couldn’t carry on in the matter she had intended. She averted her eyes. 

“I guess not…” Liv agreed slowly. 

“One toddler is quiet enough…” the linguist gesticulated towards the Doctor who was currently doing somersaults in the water.

“Helen, is everything okay?” Liv interrupted her, scrunching her brow in a frown. Of course she would sense that there was more going on with her, no-one knew her as well as the med-tech did and it put her in a terribly awkward spot. 

“Oh, yes, yes…” She tried to wave it off but the knowing look her best friend was giving her told her she didn’t stand a chance of getting away with it. She blushed and opted for a more truthful answer: “Just… trying… to, you know, talk, as you put it… I know I’m not awfully good at it…” She mumbled self-consciously.

“Neither am I, admittedly…” Liv gave back slowly. “But I’m more than ready to listen to… whatever… you want to say…” She offered cautiously and Helen’s chest tightened.

“There are so many things I could- But it’s not as easy as I want it to be. Even though I know, rationally, that-” She knew Liv held great affection for her, she had seen it in her eyes and she had felt it when she had held her close in the water… But how was she to phrase the things she had been trained out of thinking and feeling? The things that had found a way through regardless, like a stream of water that eroded rock and Liv had found her way into her tightly guarded heart.

“You did say that opening yourself up to someone could bring a lot of pleasure too…” Gently Liv quoted her own words back at her and they stirred her insides. 

“The vampires… yes, that was what…” Helen closed her eyes for a moment. That had been the event that had set it all into motion, that had chicles away the first of the bricks that she felt she had been hammering against for most of her life. The prison she had yet to escape. She was so close now, she could taste freedom if only she was brave enough to take it. 

“What- Who - did you see?” Liv asked cautiously to help her along and Helen hoped that now that she had taken one step already, surely she could take another…

“Her name was Jean,” she answered at last. She awaited her friend’s reaction but it was minimal. She simply nodded with a little smile and invited her to continue, so she did. “We… We used to be very close when I was younger… It wasn’t- it wasn’t everything it could have been, given the time and- but it was-” She broke off as she didn’t want to dwell on the past too long. She would rather look to the future so she looked back at Liv: “I’d forgotten what that felt like…”

“And what did it feel like? Seeing her again?” The med-tech asked and Helen gave a little laugh, feeling freer already. She put her cocktail down, occupied with far greater concerns and wrung her hands together.

“It wasn’t necessarily love or someone caring for you… because I know you and the Doctor do, it was just… I guess what it was was to feel… desired…” She admitted and her cheeks flushed at the almost improper admission. “I was nice… I denied myself that for a long time, given, you know, everything. Particularly with Albie… when I’d thought he’d been taken for who he loved… that of course stopped me from ever-” Surely Liv could connect the dots from there and she seemed to as she put her cocktail down and reached for the linguist’s hand instead.

“Would you… do you think you’d… want that again?” She questioned cautiously. “I mean, now that you know Albie is fine and since you’re not living in that time anymore…” 

Helen looked at their intertwined fingers. Their hands fit perfectly as they had every other time they had run from danger together - or sometimes towards it. If she was capable of that, facing down monsters and maniacs, surely she could take one leap of faith with the person she trusted most in the universe. 

“I think I do,” she whispered with a timid nod and Liv reached for her face with her free hand, pulled her forward and kissed her. 

Time seemed to slow to a trickle. One moment of blissful fulfilment of what Helen had so far only dreamed. Caught off guard as she was, all she could think was to lean into the wonderful sensation that ended all too soon.

“I’m sorry, was that- Was I misreading-” the med-tech pulled back and stuttered but Helen grabbed her hand more tightly and rested her forehead against hers.

“No, you weren’t,” she confirmed softly, refusing to let her go. She had got this far, she wouldn’t let her slip away now. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes but she couldn’t allow herself to fall apart and lose her composure. Not when she had more she needed to say.

“You don’t have to say anything else, Helen. I’m pretty sure I already know,” Liv offered tentatively. She must have been able to sense her discomfort.

“You probably do but… I think I need to say it. To overcome this… barrier that I’ve built up over the years and to finally… accept myself and what I want and-” Helen breathed and pulled away a little to gather her thoughts. She squeezed her eyes shut with the effort of phrasing the things she had struggled with for so long. 

“And what do you want, Helen?” Liv asked and Helen found, suddenly, the answer came completely natural and without doubt. She looked at her and found her hopeful smile was all the encouragement she needed: 

“You, Liv. And I have for a long time but never knew how to express it, even to myself. But what it has been, all this time, is that I’ve fallen in love with you,” she told her softly and the med-tech broke into a grin.

“I love you too, Helen,” she confirmed eagerly and pulled her into her arms. Helen yelped, then laughed, and wrapped her arms around her in turn, resting her head against the side of hers.

“Seeing Albie again… that was the missing piece,” she carried on and felt Liv nod.

“I can imagine.”

“I think he could tell how I felt about you… without me having to say it… I guess that’s what showed me.” Helen pulled back and self-consciously brushed a few stray tears from her eyes. Liv didn’t allow her to pull back far. She grasped her face and kissed her once more. It was a wonderful feeling and Helen smiled into her soft lips. 

“Come on, let’s get back into the water!” The med-tech decided all of a sudden and Helen laughed:

”Any particular reason?”

“No-one can see my wandering hands,” Liv smirked and the linguist flushed: 

“LIV!” She exclaimed, scandalised, but her friend merely laughed at her shocked expression. 

“Well, you did say about how nice it felt to be desired? I desire you. An awful lot,” she told her and grabbed her by the hand to pull her upright. Helen just shook her head and laughed but followed her regardless. She would follow Liv Chenka anyway, even to the end of the universe.

[pahrak-the-sinnoh-slizer]

As a little bonus trivia for Right of Law, I did plan out which Toa would be on the various kolhii teams participating in Ahkmou’s tournament (plus a few others that had been banned from entering).  Not sure how many of these characters will come up again in the future, but if nothing else, they are now confirmed to exist in the Melding Universe.

-Atero Scarabax: Garan and Epena (previously Hewkii) -Civitas Magna 8585th District Kofo-Jaga: Keahi and Bour -Mahri Nui Hydruka: Hahli and Hewkii (Dekar as a substitute) -Iconox Iron Wolves: Kazi and Dosne -Artidax Fireflyers: Golyo and Gadjati -Ko-Koro Muaka: Kantai and Kopeke -Stelt Cliff Vultures: Kai and Bingzak -Ga-Koro Tarakava: Macku and Kotu -Xia Smoke Hawks: Nilkuu and Azibo -Nynrah Razor Whales: Sanso and Jaller (prior to his death)

[o-caos-de-ser]

Convenhamos

Eu sempre fui assim..

Depois de anos, me encontro neste site!

Atraves desde site, escrevi minha maratona como ser adolescente e minhas ruinas. Depois de 10 anos volto com agnóstico de Boderline, sem as falta de informações de uma nova rede social ( TIKTOK), eu afimo não é legal ser Boderline, sofri e sofro com minhas escolhas passadas, e ainda estou aprendendo lidar com traço desda personalidade horrivel.

Resumindo: Passei infancia e adolescência acreditando que era uma fase e logo passaria essa vazio horrível, e adivinha?? NÃO PASSOU!

O que foi mais fustante é achar que TODOS sentiam como eu e na verdade não. Ocupei este vazio com bebedeiras e cigarro e não vamos ser hipocita, eu achava bonito e não é.

Hoje não bebo como antes 1 ano atrás, e não é legal cigarro e outras drogas não experimentei porque sabia que vicia, melhor evitar, né.

Resumindo, nem tudo é uma fase, é epenas um traço de uma personalidade...

[randomtimes-com]

Lake Tele, the picturesque round lake said to be home to the legendary Mokèlé-mbèmbé.

Located amidst one of the least explored areas in our globe, in Epena District, Lake Tele is rumored to be home to the Mokèlé-mbèmbé, Lingala for “one who stops the flow of rivers”, a Brontosaurus-like creature that is the Congo’s answer to the Loch Ness Monster (or his counterpart, Canadian Ogopogo). Due to the dense tropical swampland surrounding the freshwater lake, the area is extremely hard…

[redemcrise]

Olho para trás e penso "e se eu tivesse feito diferente?" e se no dia 7 de março eu tivesse dado oi para o garoto da risada abafada que não era você, será que hoje estariamos juntos? e você estaria no lugar dele de observador?

Se eu tivesse pedido pra olhar a folha do garoto vermelho ao meu lado que me olhava disfarçadamente de canto de olho, provavelmente após um abitual "de nada" e "obrigado" conversariamos de forma natural e seriamos amigos.

Mas infelizmente para o garoto que eu gosto nada é muito fácil comigo. Dias de olhares, o seu seguia o meu e o meu era puxado para o seu, atraido para o chamuscado cabelo carmesim e as roupas vibrantes, é errado mas confesso que por um tempo fiquei com dúvidas entre ele e você, entre você e o seu melhor amigo porém meu intimo sabia da verdade, sempre foi você.

Como saiu de "apenas um garotinho estiloso entre três garotos atraentes" para o meu futuro namorado? O que me levou a te notar, a aceitar sua solicitação mesmo após 3 dias? a curtir suas fotos e a nutrir uma vontade de te conhecer, eu realmente queria saber.

Esse desejo descontrolado me levou a planos infaliveis que me levaram até você, eu lembro bem que dia 4 te esperei, ouvi sussuros e notei olhares, senti sua vontade por mim ser tão intensa quanto a minha e apesar de todas as inseguranças finalmente a sua voz se dirijiu a mim, ouvi-lo gaguejar e ve-lo sorrir aqueceu o meu coração e eu fui embora esperando por mais.

Ele me curtia em busca de um love e eu queria viver um love ao seu lado, porém nada e mais nada e após 4 dias angustiantes eu me joguei e te procurei.

Me senti tão tola, minha cabeça girava em busca de uma desculpa que me ajudasse a fugir mas tudo se foi no momento em que começou a falar e desde então não paramos mais. Tudo era leve ao seu lado, fazia tanto tempo que eu não ria assim, era tão bom que nem vimos a noite virar dia, as horas pareciam minutos enquanto eu ouvia a sua voz e te conhecia.

Aprendi que sua cor favorita é vermelho, aprendi que vê o mundo de uma forma unica, suas flores favoritas são as margaridas e os girassois, não tem animais de estimação porém aparentemente ama gatos, é apaixonado pela mãe e a irmã, ama música, dar presentes e contato fisico, é muito esforçado, talentoso e inteligente por mais que não admita, nesse meio tempo eu também aprendi a gostar de você mais do que eu gosto de admitir, mais do que eu deveria.

Porém era algo inevitavel e bobo, é bobo gostar do seu sorriso de criança, de simplesmente gostar de ouvi-lo falar animado de algo que ama por mais que eu não entenda, eu poderia te ouvir por horas sem cansar e admito que fiquei muito feliz quando cantou para mim minha música favorita, quando manda audios tocando, quando manda fotos, gosto quando conta porque demorou pra responder ou pede desculpas por algo simples mesmo não me devendo alguma justificativa, gosto quando me conta dos seus planos pro dia ou quando me manda bom dia e boa noite, é estranho não conseguir ver mais minhas noites sem eles e não conseguir me despedir sem te dar um abraço.

Mais estranho ainda é gostar até mesmo dos teus defeitos, a lerdeza que me encanta, o jeito esquecido que me deixa doida, o teu jeito atrapalhado e o fato de nunca levar nada a serio são atraentes aos meus olhos, talvez exista epenas UMA coisa que eu não goste, quando fica distante, isso me confunde, me doí te ver sumir, ter dúvidas em relação aos seus sentimentos e não saber se suas palavras são apenas desculpas e mentiras. Confesso a ti que já foi o motivo das minhas lagrimas, já quis me afastar para evitar sentir mas é tão dificil dizer adeus, eu queria poder te perguntar se posso ter esperanças? ou se isso é só um passa tempo, um carinho ao seu ego, posso ter esperanças de que você vai ser diferente ou será como todos os outros e vai me descartar assim que me pegar?

[mah1995vkusno]

Ás vezes o amor chega de uma forma que você não esperava, aponto de você desacreditar nele. Talvez você não esperasse encontrar o amor na micareta de salvador, que você prometeu ara s mesmo que só iria se divertir. Talvez você espesse encontrar o amor aos arredores do seu trabalho ou da faculdade. Talvez o amor passe tão rápido por você a ponto de nem descobrir o nome e você recorre as redes sociais para conseguir algum contato. Talvez o amor te encontre longe da tua casa, em outro estado, onde você epenas passava as férias. Há meneiras tão inesperadas e malucas que você pode achar que jamais poderiam acontecer. E você desacredita da possibilidade de viver uma linda história de amor.

ES.

[solamentosx]

Eu queira voltar a acreditar nele, mas as ações dizem sempre o contrário.

Se eu pudesse, voltaria na nossa infância e impediria de qualquer pessoa te fazer mal, te defenderia e te mostraria o quanto eu me importo. Tudo isso pra gente não se tornar o que somos hoje.

Não eramos assim, havia união. Hoje somos epenas pó, dos cacos que restaram do passado.

S.

[triggerofpain]

as vezes eu queria não existir.

sair da vida das pessoas e epenas não ter feito parte do dia de ninguém.

queria sumir das fotos que tiraram de mim, como se eu nunca tivesse existido

[a-postraumatic-mess]

DIOGO É UM BABACA. PASSOU DO MEU LADO NO GRAGOATÁ, FALOU OI E FOI EMBORA. NEM PRA SE EXPLICAR, NEM PRA FALAR NADA, NENHUMA EXPLICAÇÃO, SÓ OI, EPENAS BABACA. FIQUEI PUTA COM RAZÃO E MANDEI MENSAGEM:

EU NÃO PEDI ELE EM CASAMENTO, SÓ QUERIA QUE ELE FOSSE SINCERO! NÃO É MUITO, É O MÍNIMO!

[matanuiprimeproject]

The Others

Then there are some Matoran who are notable solely on their own merits, defying categorization but still worth knowing. Adventurers, skilled at an invaluable trade, or even the odd scammer best avoided, these are other important Matoran who the Toa may encounter and assist on their travels.

Takua, The Wanderer Nuhrii, The Maskmaker Maglya, The Lava Surfer

Hahli, The Courier Vhisola, The Teacher Nixie, The Astrologer

Harvali, The Archaeologist Orkahm, The Caravan Driver Kumo, The Disk Crafter

Nuparu, The Inventor Tehutti, The Archivist Midak, The Ussal Caretaker

Toudou, The Trapper Ehrye, The Scholar Jaa, The Scribe

Ahkmou, The Outcast Epena, The Quarry Master Pekka, The Carpenter

[tiredspacedragon]

Epena, it's a rock. All Koli balls are just rocks, Comets included.

IT'S A ROCK, EPENA.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MASTER CARVER, ANCIENT OR OTHERWISE, TO CARVE A ROCK INTO THE SHAPE OF A ROCK

[laisonnay]

Les premiers rayons de soleil de ce matin chauffent déjà les parois de l'#epena et de la #grandecasse #leverdesoleil (à Parc national de la Vanoise) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSyOLzYoyzr/?utm_medium=tumblr

[briery]

Likouala-aux-Herbes River near Epena, Likouala Region, Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville).

[stochasticplanet]

1.384414°N, 17.102660°E Epena district, Likouala department, Republic of the Congo photo by alborbola — Lake Tele lies in the middle of the West Congolian Swamp Forest, one of the least explored regions of the world due to sheer difficulty in traversing a thickly vegetated, meters-deep swamp that, according to Wondermondo, is full of "fierce bees, other venom spitting insects, leeches and countless other vermins". The lake is of unknown origin, as it has no inflows or outflows; the water is more acidic than grapefruit juice, and is so full of organic matter that it permits less than ten centimeters of visibility. I am guessing that the guy in the center of the frame is wearing Houston Rockets shorts in honor of Dikembe Mutombo, the Congolese hall-of-famer who had just wrapped up his fourth season with the Rockets at the time this photo was taken. Though I guess it's possible he was really into Brent Barry.

[pahrak-the-sinnoh-slizer]

Right of Law, Section XXIX

(Civitas Magna descends into chaos, with even the Makuta needing to fight for their lives.)

Sparks erupted as Hewkii and Garan clashed kolhii sticks, locking each other in place near the center of the field over the ball.

“I see Epena stepped up to fill my position,” Hewkii said.  “He would’ve been my pick too.”

Garan shifted his grip slightly.  “I hope you’ve made your peace, Hewkii.  I aim to make this quick.”

The Earth Toa ducked to one side, managing to slide past Hewkii and scoop up the ball.  Hahli readied her shield as he approached, but suddenly her eyes went wide; realizing Hewkii wasn’t chasing him, Garan reluctantly turned back, and stopped dead in his tracks as he saw the swarm of Skull Spiders rushing down from Ekimu’s balcony.  Epena, who stood in the goal just beneath, was attacked by one of the creatures before he could get away, his Kanohi clattering to the ground as it latched onto his face.

“What…?”

The sudden font of monsters lit an uproarious panic, one that spread through the crowd faster than wildfire.  Those nearest the balcony were quickly seized by the spiders, while the rest scrambled desperately for the exit, the chittering tide steadily gaining on them. Thinking quickly, Hewkii struck the ground and willed flat-topped stone pillars to raise himself, Garan, and Hahli out of immediate danger.  Most of the spiders ignored them, the few who braved the climb being swiftly dealt with.

“Where did these things come from?” Hahli asked.

Hewkii looked up to see Ekimu at the edge of his balcony, watching proceedings in total calmness.  “I get the feeling our visiting lord stowed them in his luggage.”

Garan beat back a spider with his kolhii stick, saying, “I told you nothing good would come of rebelling!  If anything, you’re just going to make things worse for the rest of us!”

“Should I have simply done nothing?”

“Well maybe if you hadn’t been so hasty—”  He stopped to repel more spiders.  “Oh forget it!  Let’s just focus on getting out of here!”

Hahli drew her teleport pellet.  She looked to Garan, then to Hewkii.  “Should we…?”

Hewkii hesitated.  “You go, Hahli.  I’ll catch up with you as soon as I can.”

Nodding, Hahli crushed the pellet.  Nothing happened.  “Huh? But—”

“Hahli, behind you!”

She spun and bashed a spider with her hammer.  “Why isn’t it working?”

“The reason why isn’t so important.  We’ll just have to find another way…”

A wave of elemental energy rippled over the field then, causing stone spikes to erupt and skewer many of the spiders.  Dekar entered the arena, armed with kolhii stick and hunting knife, a cord wrapped tightly around his mask.

“Ah, Dekar!” Hewkii said.  “I should’ve known he’d be prepared.”

Hahli turned to the stands: most of the spectators had either escaped or fallen victim by now, but a few small pockets were managing to hold the spiders off. The nearest of these was a group of Agori with one Ga-Matoran taking on the brunt of the work, brandishing a broken railing.  It was enough for now, but more and more spiders were converging on the group.

“Hewkii,” Hahli said, “get me over to the stands.”

“You sure?”

“I am!  Hurry!”

Hewkii swung one arm to the side.  The top portion of Hahli’s pillar broke off and shot in that direction, slamming into the stands and half-melting into them.  Hahli leapt forward instantly, sending out tall waves to wall the spiders off, and once she had joined the bystanders she folded the walls inward to create a churning sphere of water around them.

“Everyone alright?” she asked.

“Well...everyone here,” said a Jungle Agori.  “Thank you, Toa.”

The Ga-Matoran fell back, chest heaving.  “Whew...I’m really...not used...to the field…”

The Agori set a hand on her shoulder.  “Take it easy, Gaaki.”

“I know, Tarduk…”

Back in the arena, Garan turned to Ekimu.  “Lord Ekimu, please!  Isn’t there another way?  These creatures have already caused so much collateral damage, and show no sign of stopping!  They’re only putting the people in more danger!”

“They’ll be fine,” Ekimu said.  “Skull Spiders are harmless on their own.  If anything happens to them, it’ll be because of Zaekura.”

“Ah, so she’s here already?” Hewkii said.  “That raises my spirits!”

Garan kicked a spider back with a grunt.  “But...Lord Ekimu!”

Ekimu turned away, disappearing farther back into his balcony.  Hewkii said, “I don’t think he’s going to change his mind, Garan.  We’d better get out of here.”

Garan glared at him.  “...I’ll find my own way.  If I let you help me, that’ll only make me look suspicious.”

“...Suit yourself.”

Garan summoned a spike of earth through his pillar, cleaving it into four pieces that fell and crushed the spiders, flattening the end just before it reached him so he could stand upon it.  The tendril of soil leaned to one side, depositing Garan on the edge of the stands before collapsing entirely; he continued to fight off the spiders there, now making his way towards another group of survivors.

“Looks like he’ll take care of the rest,” Hahli said.  “Now we just need to find a way out...”

Gaaki grabbed her arm.  “Toa, hold on.  I work for a news service based not far from here—please, can you get us to our building?”

“What?  There must be a safe place closer than that.”

“Please, I need to get there!”

“Calm down, Gaaki,” Tarduk said.  “I’m sure someone still there is already reporting on the situation.”

“But they don’t know that Ekimu is the one that set these things loose!” Gaaki said.  “The only ones with that information are being picked off one-by-one!  We have to tell everyone, otherwise it’ll just get covered up, and people will still blindly trust the Great Beings without knowing any better!”

Tarduk grunted quietly.

“Please,” Gaaki said, turning back to Hahli.  “It’s my duty as a reporter to make sure people know the truth!  I can’t let this moment pass!”

Hahli said nothing at first, awestruck by the Matoran’s conviction. As her thoughts came back into focus, she realized that she too could now feel a powerful sense of determination welling up from within.

Hewkii approached the water shield, waving to get Hahli’s attention.  “Garan and the other bystanders are gone. Dekar’s cleared a path for us, but we’d better hurry.  Once we’re out, we can meet up with Zaekura and make it out of here.”

Hahli took one more look back at Gaaki.  “Not right away.  I need to get this Matoran somewhere first.”

“Uh...alright.  You ready?”

Hahli nodded.  As Hewkii reformed the stands into a ramp, Gaaki got to her feet and said, “Thank you, Toa.  I promise this is important.”

“Don’t thank me quite yet,” Hahli said.  She led the group forward, carefully moving the water bubble with them. A few Skull Spiders leapt at it, most of them quickly washed away, though with coordinated effort they were able to disrupt the currents and come closer to making it through.  When they reached Dekar, Hahli created a small opening, and both he and Hewkii slipped inside just before it closed back up.

“Keep moving,” Dekar said.  “I blew out one of the walls earlier—we can escape there.  Zaekura’s probably moving in from the north, so we’ll head that way and rendezvous with her.”

“Apparently we need to make a stop first,” Hewkii said.  “Where exactly are we going?”

“It’s just a few blocks southeast,” Gaaki said.  “Won’t take long at all.”

Dekar blinked.  “Are you joking?  We need to act fast!  There’s no time to waste!”

“These two are reporters, Dekar,” Hahli said.  “They need to get to their building to let everyone know that Ekimu is behind the Skull Spiders.”

“They can figure something else out!  This place is already turning into a warzone—the best thing we can do is meet up with Zaekura so her forces can withdraw!”

Gaaki stepped forward.  “No, we have to act now, before they have a chance to spin it!  If Ekimu stays in control of the information here, then Civitas Magna will never know the reality of the situation!”

Dekar ground his teeth.  They were coming upon the opening he had made now, through which could be seen the streets outside...until a veritable wall of Skull Spiders cut them off.  The group came to an immediate halt.  Hahli thought of turning around, but another surge of spiders was gaining from behind; with so many, she wasn’t sure she could keep them all out, but it looked like they would need to take their chances one way or the other.  Hewkii walled off both hordes, but they immediately began burrowing their way through the rock.

“I can get us outside,” Hewkii said, “but they’ll catch up to us pretty quick.”

Hahli nodded.  “I’ll do what I can.  If the shield fails, be ready to run for it.”

She moved to step forward, but Dekar stopped her.  “Let me out.”

“Huh?”

“Just do it.”

Hesitantly, Hahli complied.  Stepping outside of the shield, Dekar said, “Hewkii, you just focus on moving everyone. I’ll hold them off so they can’t overwhelm Hahli.”

“I can do that,” Hewkii said.  “We’ll meet up with you and Zaekura shortly.”

“When you meet up with Zaekura, just get going.  You’re the one Ekimu’s really after—once you’re gone, things will calm down, and I’ll lay low until I can find my own way out.”

“We can’t leave you behind!” Hahli said.

“There’s no time.  I’ve escaped deadlier predators than this.  Trust me, and get going.”

Skull Spiders began popping out of the walls.  Dekar threw his arms apart, making the entire chamber heave.  The spiders were flung in every direction, and Hewkii formed a raised stone platform beneath the bubble, willing it to take off in the direction Gaaki had indicated.  Hahli looked back to watch Dekar diving into the swarm.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Hewkii said.

“...Right,” Hahli said.  “I have seen him endure worse.  I’ll trust him to make it out of here on his own.”

Hewkii nodded, trying to believe that assurance would be enough.

***

The Glatorian forced himself up off the ground, surveying the chaos that had claimed Civitas Magna’s shoreline.  A small armada of ships had appeared out of nowhere, unloading platoons of standard Rahkshi, Rahkshi modified by Bitil, and Toa, taking the stationed guards by complete surprise and immediately claiming the upper hand. On the bow of the lead ship, Makuta Pridak stood tall, seaweed cloak swaying in the wind as he grinned at the unfolding violence.

“Is this all you have to offer me, Civitas Magna?” he said.  “I’m disappointed!  I wonder how many districts I’ll have to conquer before you can manage to produce a worthy foe?”

The Glatorian ducked back down as a swirling portal sprang into being next to him. Brutaka stepped out of it, an amused look behind his mask.  The towering Odinan slowly walked forward, saying, “Well now!  We had our suspicions, but I didn’t honestly think you’d show up in such force, Makuta.”

Pridak cocked his head.  “Hm? Pardon, but to who do I owe the pleasure?”

“My name is Brutaka.  I hail from the isle of Odina.”

Pridak’s grin grew weaker.  “Ah, Odina...the one place on the sea that I’ve been forbidden from making mine. Long have I loathed that wretched rock, and the scum who coat it.”  After a brief pause, his smile redoubled.  “How fortuitous I should be given the chance to scrape away one such barnacle so soon.”

The Makuta dropped his cloak and outstretched both arms, his servants delivering two curved blades made of red-stained ivory to his hands.  As he came out to meet Brutaka, his foe said, “Hahaha!  You’re as brazen as I’ve heard!  Try to make this interesting: it’s so rare I get the chance to stretch my legs.”

Pridak rushed forward in the blink of an eye.  Brutaka parried his swords and punched, but the Makuta backed up just out of reach before making another attempt.  He continued to make a series of quick slashes, Brutaka blocking each one, eventually feinting and making a thrust that narrowly missed Brutaka’s face. Brutaka jabbed his knee at Pridak, forcing the Makuta back but not inflicting much damage.

“You’re holding back,” Brutaka said.

“Of course,” Pridak said.  “If you’re as skilled as you seem to think you are, then it’s only polite to fathom how deep that skill runs before finishing you.”

“Hah!  Polite? Don’t you mean it’ll let you better savor your victory?”

“Can’t it be both?”

Pridak circled Brutaka, blades held wide as he searched for an opening.  The Odinan reached behind his back and produced a throwing knife.  Pridak knocked the weapon from the air, sending it spinning off into the distance, and Brutaka took the chance to move forward and slam down his immense sword. Pridak spun, using his blades to slightly redirect the attack and kicking Brutaka in the shoulder.  With the blow hardened by Density Control and pulled in faster by Magnetism, Brutaka’s arm went numb for a split-second; Pridak pushed his advantage by slashing Brutaka’s back, ducking when he tried to counter, and then driving a hardened elbow into his chest with a small burst of Magnetism to repel him.  Brutaka hit the ground hard, a stasis field going up around him a moment later.  Pridak leapt at him.  His attack, however, was blocked.  The stasis field faded away before he had even left the ground, and Brutaka climbed back to his feet and pushed Pridak away.

“My, how interesting,” Pridak said.  “It’s not everyday I find someone immune to stasis.”

“Your usual tricks won’t work on me,” Brutaka said, electricity now enveloping his sword.  “I was born to defeat Makuta.”

Pridak parried his blow, exerting his own electric power to prevent the charge from traveling down his swords.  “Is that what you think?  And they say I’m arrogant!”

They continued to clash, Brutaka careful to direct Pridak before putting his extra size to use for a massive swing so as not to leave himself open. Pridak played along, narrowly dodging the finishing blow when Brutaka went for it, and swung in retaliation, only for Brutaka to sink into a portal and drop down from above.

“That’s funny,” Pridak said as he leapt clear, “I could have sworn teleportation wasn’t working in this area.”

“It isn’t.  Gateways, however, are not teleportation.”

Pridak laughed.  “You Odinans always do play by your own rules.  How your beloved Keeper managed to convince the Great Beings to relinquish even one criminal is beyond me.”

They rushed at each other, clashing swords a few times before Brutaka warped behind Pridak, narrowly missing his next swing.  Pridak blinded his foe with a flash of light and attacked with both swords, but Brutaka used another gateway to retreat.

“So tell me!  What was your crime?  Was it something glorious, showing the Keeper vast hidden potential?”

Brutaka stood tall as his eyesight returned.  “Heh heh...you make a mistake in assuming me to be the same as the other Odinans, Makuta.  I joined my friend the Keeper of my own free will.”

He stepped into another gateway.  A small portal appeared next to Pridak, letting only Brutaka’s sword through—he leapt back, only his Dodge powers saving him from being skewered as the sword was thrust through another portal behind him.  He tried firing a light blast into the gateway, but it disappeared too quickly.  Another opened above him, through which spilled a beam of raw energy, so Pridak activated his Limited Invulnerability and endured the attack.

“The more I learn about you, the more baffled I become,” he said. “Perhaps it’s best I put you down swiftly.”

Brutaka’s sword emerged from a portal just above Pridak, swinging down. Pridak only gestured.  With this, an illusion crafted by his Light powers was dispelled, and behind him appeared a hulking four-armed creature covered in green scales and blue spines; he carried two swords, which he crossed above Pridak’s head to block Brutaka’s attack.  Brutaka withdrew, forming a gateway a few feet off the ground through which he peered at Pridak and his creature.

“What is that?” Brutaka asked.

“That is Nocturn,” Pridak said, “a pet project of mine.  Say hello, Nocturn.”

Nocturn glared at Brutaka, speaking in guttural tones that sounded like an unwell stomach.  “...Hello.”

“Would you like to guess what he used to be?”

Brutaka shook his head.  “It doesn’t matter to me.”

He closed his gateway before opening a dozen more all around Pridak and Nocturn. His sword emerged from them randomly and rapidly, each stab parried by Nocturn, until finally Pridak thrust one hand out and exerted his Magnetism powers.  Successfully predicting where Brutaka would next attack from, he pulled the Odinan halfway through his portal before he caught himself, bringing his sword up to block attacks from both foes.

“Nice try,” he said.

Pridak grinned.  Before Brutaka could react, a few thousand volts of electricity shot into him from below, paralyzing him long enough for Pridak to deal a vicious cut to his chest. Upon escaping, Brutaka exited a portal a short distance away, realizing that another being had been hidden by Pridak’s power: a lanky green creature with pin-like talons, body lined with sparking spines and jaw flanked by large metallic mandibles.

“A Guillimor…” Brutaka said.  “I didn’t realize they could breathe air now.”

“Ehlek is specially modified,” Pridak said.  “The species is really quite remarkable.  Very resilient.  They’ve served me well more often than not.”

“Hm. I’m guessing that Nocturn of yours began as one of them.”

“Precisely right.  Well done.”

Brutaka watched his foes carefully: Pridak remained still, with Nocturn reaching out around him defensively, Ehlek slowly crawling to one side before doubling back.  “Three on one...hardly a fair fight.”

Pridak laughed.  “Fair? ‘Fairness’ only exists to benefit the weak—I have no need for such an excuse.”

Brutaka’s body began to glow.  “Good...then you’ll have no reason to complain when I kill you.”

Summoning a gateway before himself, Brutaka plunged both hands into it and released a torrent of energy.  Numerous small gateways appeared all around Pridak and his underlings to each spill out a small fragment of the larger beam—they were able to block and evade some of them, but not all, as evidenced by a small plume of antidermis now leaking from Pridak’s shoulder.  Brutaka then warped forward and sent Ehlek sprawling with the flat of his blade, grabbing Pridak by the neck and swinging him up into Nocturn’s jaw.  Pridak prepared to struggle free when he realized Brutaka’s grip was growing stronger.

“A second wind?” Pridak said.  “Your desperate death throes will hardly be enough to finish me.”

He turned intangible to slip out of Brutaka’s grasp, burning him with a Plasma attack as he backed away.  Raising his swords, he moved to recall his lost antidermis, but none came.  No, more than that: there was none there to be recalled in the first place.  Pridak dodged one of Brutaka’s energy blasts, now sizzling with even more power, and examined the Odinan’s grin for a long time before finally realizing.

“Impossible,” he murmured.

“I told you already,” Brutaka said, electricity enveloping his sword.  “I was born to defeat Makuta.”

***

Even with his Dodge powers, Krika was having a hard time staying in the fight. Yarion’s reckless attacks left only narrow openings, and Vamprah was waiting to strike at each of them.  He had been able to avoid taking the full brunt of any one attack, but he was hardly a warrior—his stamina was already beginning to wane, and once that was gone, he knew it would be over very, very quickly.

“I have to say I’m shocked, Yarion,” Krika said.  “You always seemed a very reasonable sort, hardly the berserker type.”

Yarion’s attack stalled for just a moment.  “I’m willing to do what must be done.  Lord Ekimu has given me the means to defend the Great Beings’ order...and I am grateful.”

Krika turned to catch Vamprah as he swooped, wrestling to keep him on the ground. “You...rrrgh...were one I was expecting fairness from...not blind—gah—obedience!  What happened, Yarion?”

Vamprah’s Mask of Adaptation shimmered.  His size increased slightly, giving him enough extra weight to pin Krika down. Using Elasticity, Krika was still able to wriggle free, but one of Vamprah’s cyclones sent him flying.  As he landed on the wall of a nearby building, he realized that Yarion’s attack had stopped; carefully, he dropped down next to the other Makuta, trying to look as non-threatening as possible while still keeping an eye on Vamprah.

“You seem woefully out of sorts, if you don’t mind me saying.  Almost as if your heart just isn’t in this fight.  Why is that?”

The pitiful look Yarion gave him sent guilt ringing through Krika’s hollow armor, completely dropping his guard and allowing Vamprah to punch a hole in his side with a plasma beam.  Krika stumbled back, magnetizing nearby scrap to patch the wound, but Vamprah was on him instantly, wrapping his talons around his neck and trying to pry off his Kanohi.  Gravity increased on Krika, making it even more difficult to keep Vamprah at bay. He looked back to Yarion, hesitating briefly but knowing that if he didn’t push them harder, he was guaranteed to die.

“Aren’t we...supposed to protect...the people?  I’ve seen the footage...Vamprah attacking a Toa in the street...is that the future you want, Yarion?  Is that what you’re prepared to see Makuta become?  See yourself...become...grk!”

Yarion looked down at what remained of their hands, welded to Ekimu’s elemental blasters, caked in grime and soot.  “I...I don’t have a choice...I can’t stand up to the Great Beings…”

Krika grunted.  Spikes erupted from his chest, knocking Vamprah off but not managing to pierce his armor.  Loosing a furious volley of light blasts, he shouted, “That’s not true, Yarion!  I used to think the same thing, but look at what Zaekura’s already accomplished!  And she’s here now!”

Vines sprang from the ground to entangle Krika.  They weren’t able to hold him for long, but it was long enough for Vamprah to charge in and release a point-blank sonic attack.  Dazed, Krika tried to pick himself up but failed, just barely able to make out Yarion raising their blasters.

“If there were ever a chance...it’s now,” Krika groaned.  “You’ve endured to reach this moment.  Don’t let it—”

Vamprah stabbed a blade of light through his torso.  Krika cried out, swiping at Vamprah but proving ineffective. As Vamprah reached for his Kanohi, Krika cursed his own weakness, preparing for the worst.  Heat washed over him as a stream of fireballs knocked Vamprah away.

“Haah…my thanks…”

Still hesitating slightly, Yarion came forward and removed the blade still stuck in Krika.  “Can...can she really do it?  Fight back against the Great Beings?”

Krika smirked.  “Shouldn’t you have asked that a moment ago?”

Yarion shook their head and turned to Vamprah.  “Even if she can’t...I can’t take it anymore.  I’d rather die than keep living like this.”

“I see.  Well, worry not: you’ll live at least a bit longer.”

Krika picked himself up, mending his wounds as best he could.  Now with Yarion at his side, he faced Vamprah again, the silent Makuta bristling as he observed the both of them.

“I think the two of us add up to one competent fighter, don’t you?  Time we turned the tables.”