Chapter 16: The Siege of Metru Nui

Pridak stood at the bow of his flagship, staring ahead as the Silver Sea rushed below. Flanking him were Kalmah and Mantax’s flagships. Behind him, he knew, their combined fleet sailed in formation, nearly filling the narrow strait through which they sailed. Each warship was packed with armed and ready soldiers, all tense, eager to put their combat training to use.

Slowly, dimly, the skyline of Metru Nui appeared through the fog. Pridak’s army gave a cheer, a furious and terrifying noise that echoed through the dome of the Silver Sea. Behind him, he could hear the thunderous sound of a battle cry a dozen ships strong.

The city lay ahead, virtually undefended. No ships floated around its perimeter, and no weaponry was visible on the armaments. The only visible defense was a large wall of earth, metal, and stone. Yet Makuta would never leave his prize city defenseless, said Pridak. There must be some trick to all of this.

As if summoned by his thoughts, the voice of Makuta echoed across the ocean like a peal of thunder. “This is what you bring to face me, Barraki? A smattering of savages, petty criminals, and failed Dark Hunters… pathetic. Turn back now, submit to my authority, and I will spare your lives. If you impress me, I may reward you with a ruling title in my empire. If you continue…”

Makuta’s voice shuddered through the bones of every being in the fleet. “You will die.”

Pridak’s lieutenants staggered, dazed by the booming voice. Pridak himself remained where he was, staring covetously at the city on the sea.

“Barraki Pridak,” said the lieutenant to the left, trembling, “is it really wise to con-”

In a single movement, Pridak drew his blade and sliced the lieutenant’s head from her body. His other lieutenants quickly stepped back, stumbling over one another in their haste.

“Imbeciles,” Pridak said, his voice deathly soft. “We continue.”

The fleet sailed on, in deathly silence. No battle cries echoed from behind. As Metru Nui drew near, Makuta spoke again. “Very well, Barraki. Every being in your fleet will perish.”

The Silver Sea erupted. Waves the height of Metru Nui exploded from beneath, scattering the ships like leaves in a hurricane. Pridak watched as entire ships vanished beneath the waves, and others were dashed against the Great Barrier itself. Yet the flagships survived the deluge, and carried on, trailing a scattered few ships behind them. The waves settled, and the fleet continued. From several of the ships came cries of relief, and cheers… which died out when the voice came once more.

“I wasn’t finished.”

The Silver Sea rippled and shook, tossing the ships up and down on massive swells and waves. In the waters around Metru Nui, dozens of Makuta’s warships appeared from thin air, transported from every corner of the universe. The sky darkened as a swarm of Rakhshi soared over the city’s wall, heading directly for the fleet. As Pridak watched, crystalline pillars rose from beneath the sea, crushing unsuspecting ships against their might.

“Evasive maneuvers!” Pridak shouted, and the ships ducked and weaved around the rising pillars. Several fired their cannons, blowing the vast columns to pieces.

“Sir! Those columns, where did they come from?” asked one of his lieutenants.

“This is the Sea of Protodermis,” said Pridak. “Makuta’s hidden ace. Get back to your post, and prepare the soldiers for combat.”

The lieutenant scurried away, struggling to keep his balance on the wildly tilting ship. Pridak watched as a nearby pillar shattered to pieces, and quickly sidestepped the shower of debris. Makuta thinks he has outsmarted us, he mused. But we Barraki have our tricks, too.

He raised his arm and shot a flare directly into the waters ahead. He watched as its scarlet glow sank into the water and disappeared.

“Barraki Pridak! The Makuta’s ships have come within range!” cried a lieutenant. “Shall I give the order to fire?”

“Hold,” said Pridak.

“But sir, the enemy is already-”

“I said hold,” said Pridak. “Have patience.”

He and the lieutenant watched as the dark ships drew near. On the decks, Skakdi and Exo-Toa armed the plasma cannons, training them on the Barraki’s flagships. “Sir…!”

A spray of water erupted from beneath the sea. As the water fell away, it revealed a tremendous, scaled creature, clutching one of Makuta’s warships in its jaws. The Barraki fleet watched as the gigantic Rahi chomped the ship to splinters, then turned and crushed two more against its side.

All around, the Silver Sea exploded with prehistoric Rahi, great and terrifying in their size and strength. A tentacled creature slithered out on the port side, snatching three enemy ships in its coils. A humongous whale arose and charged another ship, gouging a hole in its hull. An enormous jellyfish floated out of the waters and wracked four ships with chain lightning. In the midst of the chaos, a long, green sea serpent reared its head above the battle, and knocked countless Rahkshi from the sky with its roar. Atop its spined back, a familiar clawed figure rode the serpent, directing the giant Rahi from behind a Kanohi Zatth.

“Barraki Ehlek has come through,” Pridak informed his lieutenants. “Makuta’s warships are no longer a concern. Direct the fleet to steer through the pillars, and tell the soldiers to prepare for ground combat. We are winning this war today.”

✴        ✴        ✴

“Click, click! Too-whoot, too-whoot!”

“What is it, Nuju?” asked Nokama, moving to join him at the cell’s narrow window. “Is it time?”

Above them, the night sky of Metru Nui was ablaze with movement. Stars rushed through the sky, shining and dimming with remarkable speed. New stars appeared, burned bright, and winked out in an instant. It was as if the sky itself had gone haywire.

Dume stepped back, breathing heavily. “The prophecy is coming true.”

“What prophecy? I don’t quick-know any prophecy about the stars going dance-mad,” said Matau. “Have you been keeping more dark-tales from us, old fire-spitter?”

“Forgive me,” said Dume. “Keeping secrets has long been my policy. What you did not know, Makuta could not learn from you.”

“I doubt he’s listening now. So what is it?” asked Onewa. “Spit it out.”

“Ancient records state that when the stars dance with madness, the world nears its end,” said Dume. “When it does, the Toa will be called away to a greater duty, and protecting the Matoran shall fall to the Turaga.”

“Well, isn’t that a cheerful prospect,” said Whenua. “How are we to complete that duty when we can’t even get out of this cell?”

“Patience, Whenua,” said Dume. “I wasn’t finished. To save the Matoran, the prophecies say, the Turaga must join together… and become one.”

“You don’t mean…” said Nokama.

“Yes,” said Vakama, stepping forwards. “I once had a vision of this day, although I did not yet understand it. Now, the time has come. Come, brothers and sister. We must concentrate on our unity.”

Dume stepped back, and the six Turaga of Mata Nui joined hands. Each bowed their head and focused their mind. Memories of past battles came flooding back: the Morbuzakh… the Krahka… the Rahi Nui… even Makuta himself. As they focused, and concentrated, and remembered, their bodies began to glow, until…

The light cleared, and Dume opened his eyes. Standing in front of him was a tall, robed figure, bearing the emblems of all six Turaga. Its eyes gleamed with the wisdom of their combined years.

“We are the Turaga Nui,” it proclaimed. “The time has come to leave this cell.”

With its mighty fist, the Turaga Nui smashed open the cell door, sending it careening down the corridor. Dume hurried out. “Quickly! I must have my staff.”

Shortly afterwards, Ahkmou heard the office’s iron door crumple, and nearly jumped out of his robe. He turned to face the doorway, quivering as the Turaga Nui towered above him.

“Ahkmou,” the Turaga Nui boomed, and raised their hand. The Po-Matoran flinched - then looked up in surprise as the Turaga Nui extended their open palm. “Come with us. A new world is upon us, where all Matoran will be free.”

Ahkmou stared up at the behemoth, noting Onewa’s mask and tools. His hand rose shakily - then he pulled back.

“That sounds nice,” he said flatly. He tossed Dume’s staff to the ground, then turned to go.

“Wait,” the Turaga Nui urged, but Ahkmou kept walking, disappearing into the Coliseum. The Turaga Nui frowned. “Why can we not reach him?”

“Only the Great Spirit can say. As for me, I am quite tired of pretenders and cowards claiming my title,” Dume said, picking up his staff. “Come. It is time to shepherd the Matoran from Makuta’s domain.”

The Turaga Nui and Dume stood on the balcony of the Coliseum, staring down at the city. No Rahkshi, Exo-Toa, or Visorak patrolled the streets; all had vacated their positions to battle the Barraki. Yet the Matoran still labored. Some were the products of his reeducation efforts; others had simply come to expect swift and terrible punishment for idling. “My beautiful city, enslaved,” Dume growled. “Well, no more.”

“Matoran of Metru Nui!” called the Turaga Nui. “Put down your tools and leave your stations. No more work will be done for Makuta!”

Throughout the city, Matoran looked up to the Coliseum. The most diligent and fearful of them continued to work, but the rest set down their tools and watched. Macku stepped out of her hiding place and looked joyously to the Coliseum. “They’ve done it! The Turaga have done it!”

“Makuta’s reign has come to an end,” the Turaga Nui announced. “We must take shelter. Leave your stations, and enter the Archives. We will meet you there.”

“It can’t be,” said Kai worriedly. “It’s some trick of the Makuta.”

“Come on,” said Macku, pulling Kai away from her station. “It’s time to go.”

From above, the Turaga Nui watched the mass exodus of the Matoran. Dume kept his gaze trained on the battle raging outside the wall. “Mavrah’s Rahi have returned… Incredible. To think that Metru Nui would face its end like this!”

“The Matoran will be safe within the Archives,” said the Turaga Nui. “Let us go with them.”

“Indeed,” said Dume. “All we can do now is wait out the storm.”

✴        ✴        ✴

Kazi rummaged through a thorny scrub, hoping to find some remnant of fruit. Nothing. Piruk was right. Without the mask, the Green Belt’s turned just as dry as the rest of Voya Nui.

Suddenly, the forest trembled, knocking Kazi to the ground. I suppose the best cure for hunger is a distraction, he reasoned. Well, besides food. Against his better instincts, Kazi drew his Echo Forks and moved towards the source of the tremor.

After several minutes, he entered a clearing where the dust was beginning to settle. A vast doorway had been blasted open in a rock wall. Behind it was an ancient stone staircase leading down into the depths, and coming up those steps was…

Kazi’s mouth dropped open. A tall, armored giant, glowing with radiant energy, was striding from the staircase onto Voya Nui. And behind him was none other than…

“Velika? What are you - who is - how-?” Kazi spluttered.

“When the oasis appears, the traveler asks no questions,” replied Velika.

Kazi was almost ready to strike Velika in anger, but the gleaming giant stepped before him. “I am Umbra,” he said. He glared at the Rahkshi above with unbridled disgust, drawing his lance. “Shelter the Matoran in the Nui Caves. This battle is for me alone.”

✴        ✴        ✴

Bara Magna was a planet-wide battleground. Legions of Rahkshi, Skakdi, Toa, and Glatorian stretched from the mountains in the north to the canyons in the east. In the midst of the southern front, Chiara glanced up at the enormous shapes of Mata Nui and Makuta, and wondered what the battle looked like from their eyes.

She couldn’t wonder for much longer. A light purple Rahkshi leapt over the pile of armored bodies nearby and charged, eagerly snarling at her.

Chiara ducked to the left and fired to the right – but the Rahkshi moved with her, striking her with the end of its staff and sending her sprawling. Too late, she realized: It can read my thoughts. When I think about my next attack, I’m just giving it a heads-up.

The Rahkshi raised its staff, preparing to spear her. Chiara prepared to roll to the side, but if the Rahkshi knew where she was going to be, did it even matter?

Suddenly, the decision was made for her: a blade erupted from the Rahkshi’s torso, smeared with the innards of its kraata. The Rahkshi let out a dying squeal, then collapsed to the ground, revealing a blue and gold Toa behind it.

“My thanks,” said Chiara. Within the past few weeks, she’d met more Toa than she ever knew existed, but this one didn’t look familiar. “Who-”

“The name’s Orde,” said the Toa, already turning to face the oncoming horde. “And you’re Chiara. Charmed.”

A Toa of Psionics, then. That explained how this Toa was able to fend off a telepathic Rahkshi. But there were already more enemies crawling over the corpses of their brethren. Chiara picked off foes with bolts of lightning, but Orde gave no help whatsoever. “Hey!” she called, elbowing the Toa. “They’re nearly on top of us!”

Orde blinked, then glared at Chiara. “I was concentrating. There’s another mind-”

A wave of energy ripped across the sand, sending both Toa to their knees. Too late, Orde saw a blue and yellow Rahkshi circling above, pointing its staff at them. Both Toa found their movements slowed, like they were passing through thick mud, while Makuta’s troops were drawing ever closer, still at full speed. Desperately, Orde began to prepare a mental blast, hoping it would be ready before their enemies cut them down, and knowing it would not.

Suddenly, the Rahkshi hit the ground with a crash. Both Toa felt their speed return to them. Chiara wasted no time in electrifying half the enemy squadron, while Orde pulverized the rest with a mental blast. The Rahkshi struggled to get to its feet - yet its body didn’t obey it. As both Toa watched, its limbs twisted inwards, and dents appeared in the Rahkshi’s armor as its armor began to buckle. There was a glint of fear in its eyes - just before its armor imploded, showering Chiara and Orde with kraata juices.

Chiara saw a lone figure standing atop a nearby ridge, wearing the colors of a Toa of Iron - Zaria.

“Glad you’re on our side!” Chiara called up to him. “A shame you can’t do that to Makuta up there, huh?”

Zaria scowled and turned away. A few mio off, there was a massive plume of mud, followed by an explosion that shook the sand dunes apart. That must have been Gali and Pohatu’s Tiro maneuver, Chiara thought. We need to press the advantage.

She turned to inform Orde, but the Toa of Psionics was already running in that direction. Zaria, too, had abandoned her. Apparently, not all Toa were as polite as the Toa Nuva.

Not that it matters, Chiara reminded herself. We just have to get through this war, and then I never have to speak to either of them ever again.

✴        ✴        ✴

Makuta sidestepped a swing of Mata Nui’s fist, crushing an entire canyon beneath his heel. Although he had dodged Mata Nui’s attack, he staggered, and felt weakness rippling through him. Mata Nui seized his chance, and smashed into Makuta’s torso.

“Two thousand Matoran just died,” Makuta growled, as he felt tsunamis wash across the northern continent. “They died watching the sky fall and the oceans rise, cursing their Great Spirit’s name.”

“Then they have given their lives for the good of the universe,” said Mata Nui, and attacked again. Makuta saw the attack coming, and prepared to dodge, only to feel another stab of weakness. The Barraki are gaining ground, he realized. It was tempting to unleash another earthquake, to rain fire and destruction on their armies - but doing so would devastate Metru Nui and weaken his own body. Sparing only a thought, he teleported more troops to Metru Nui, then pulled away from Mata Nui’s assault.

I must finish this quickly. Steeling himself, Makuta went on the offensive, blasting Mata Nui with a torrent of flames. He struck again, knocking Mata Nui back, and again. But Mata Nui would not fall, and pressed back, pushing him towards the north. Makuta blocked out the noises from within his body, blocked out the sight of planets moving above, and concentrated on Mata Nui. He will die. He has to die - now!