Chapter Thirty-Nine: Brooding

Icarax did not dwell on the failure of his mission. Not that it mattered, anyway. He did things his way. If Teridax wanted something done exactly as he pleased, he ought to do it himself.

There was only one item left for him to accomplish. One factor Teridax needed finished before the final stage of the Plan was to begin. No less, it required a return visit to Metru Nui.

But Icarax would not leave yet. He was frustrated and tired now, and even the prospect of challenging Takanuva didn’t sound nearly so appealing as it did before. The mission was to take one of Teridax’s pets named Ahkmou and to initiate him into the Brotherhood of Makuta. But the Matoran had waited this long. What would it matter if he waited a few more hours?

Icarax stood in the throne room of Destral, alone. None of the other Makuta were present. No, they were dealing with new developments: the discovery of the heart of the universe. Nor were its servants here. Brotherhood forces were deployed elsewhere or otherwise forbidden from entering this room.

Icarax stepped closer to the Kraahkan throne and brushed its obsidian armrests. Teridax had once brought this very throne to Metru Nui during his time pretending to be the ruler of Metru Nui. Now it was again here, but the Kraahkan was no longer the mask of Teridax. Must his seat of power be as well?

The thought of sitting upon the throne crossed the Makuta’s mind… but he rejected it. He had one last task to carry out in Teridax’s name. After that, he would return here reward himself with what he deserved.

Icarax whirled and proceeded the length of the room. Yes, he would drop Shadow Leeches within the city and direct them to the Matoran — at least, unless more interesting quarry came along. But why the rush?

Unlike Teridax, whose life and triumph have hinged on minute calculations and the finest of margins, Icarax had nothing but time. The Reign of Shadows would come and Teridax would be powerless to stop it.