Dreams of Destruction The Battle Begins

Two ancient eyes surveyed the obsidian tunnels of the Cord. Two ancient ears discerned the sounds of panicked movement far from him. Cold wind swept through the catacomb network as the water progressively forced the air inward and upward. The many recent holes that the Toa had punctured in the tunnel network destroyed the balance that had survived for over a millennia. It would take a while -- perhaps hours, perhaps days -- but soon the tunnels would completely flood. Some things were simply inevitable.

In a remote cavern deep within the Pit, far removed from the battle with the Toa, Karzahni stared down at the waves lapping against his armored boot. Water pushed up into the tunnel, sweeping against his feet as it flowed to fill the rest of the underground chamber. At his back were a host of Manas Crabs. Obedient as always, they had followed him as he pursued the trails left behind by the Toa Canisters, and then watched as the struggle between Toa and Piraka had unfolded. When the Toa descended into the Cord, he too, under cover of nightfall, had raced across the island and plunged into the depths.

The tyrant smiled. “Much has transpired since I was isolated on my island. Mata Nui, the Matoran Universe, the Makuta… who blockaded my island and declared it off-limits. Nobody could get in… and I could not perform my assigned duty. I have a personal vendetta to fulfill against them.”

Karzahni turned and directed his Manas to part so he could walk through. “But I did hear whispers of you. Those made a lasting impression. I wouldn’t be surprised if my brother had played a role in your creation. No matter how… creative… I got with my work on Matoran, I swore they would never have to suffer a fate like yours. I shouldn’t have worried.”

Karzahni extended his hand. “I have a legion of Manas Crabs at my back, an army of Manutri awaiting my command on the island above, and a new military of Matoran on my homeland too terrified of me not to obey my call. When we are done here, I will descend into that hole and force whatever creatures may lie within the ocean to submit or perish. We are a growing power. With Mata Nui unconscious and Makuta out of the picture, the world is waiting for a new order.”

He gave a half-smile.

“And although I remain unfamiliar with the inhabitants of the Pit or the Matoran universe… something I hope you can help me with… I have plenty of experience in warring for legendary masks. So, as one outcast to another… Will you join me?”

The lead Zyglak returned Karzahni’s gesture. “Revenge on the Matoran.”

Karzahni nodded. “Artakha will be helpless to save their universe once I have a legendary Kanohi of my own.”

✴        ✴        ✴

The veteran eyes of countless millennia surveyed the seas, scanning for signs of activity. Not long ago, he had been approached by a Toa of Sonics — Krakua, he’d said his name was — who had passed along a tip to him. Evidently, Karzahni had traveled here in pursuit of power and was actively forming an alliance with the Zyglak. The vile tyrant and the foul beasts. The Toa’s eyes blazed with vengeance. Eager to achieve his destiny, he had raced off in pursuit of the ancient king.

What Krakua had either failed to mention or did not know, however, was that the waters here were mutagenic. That fact he discovered all too late, as not long after arriving, he had quickly been mutated by the pit waters.

“You will face many dangers here, Lesovikk,” an unknown voice echoed in his head. “But only one concerns us both. You were chosen for a reason.”

The Toa of Air allowed himself to begin sinking, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of a swarm of Takea sharks. They were swimming in vicious, ever-tightening predatorial circles around a helpless red Matoran. It wouldn’t be long before they bored of drawing out his misery and contested to see who would claim the best parts. Odds were even the best parts wouldn’t survive the contest.

“These Matoran may have forgotten him. But a tragic, twisted monster from their past returns to prey upon them.”

Lesovikk had tangled with Rahi like these before. If he wasn’t careful, there was no doubt the school would devour him too if he seemed to threaten their territory and food. Lesovikk flipped a switch and the engines on his sled roared to life.

“They have suffered enough.”

A battle cry peeling from his lips, Lesovikk raised his sword and charged for the center of the school.

“Go, Lesovikk,” Artakha’s voice boomed. “Save my brother from himself.”