Federation of Fear Lost Chapter

Helryx’s eyes narrowed. “I am reconsidering your assignment.”

She, Brutaka, and Krakua crouched low behind a stone barrier in an Assembler’s Village. The five Toa Mahri appeared to be discussing something with Turaga Onewa. They couldn’t make out all the words, but judging from their tight body language and their tones, they were highly emotionally charged.

“If the report is true and their brother is dead, they will be very hard-pressed to welcome a former enemy among them, especially if Takanuva has disappeared,” Helryx added. She turned to the Toa of Sonics. “Krakua, I will leave you here and take Brutaka with me. Go to the Turaga and inform them you are offering your services to the city. Then return to the Archives, dispose of the Dark Hunter, and remain hidden until I send word.”

“Yes, Helryx,” Krakua bowed and set off.

“What about me, then?” asked Brutaka. “What can I do to help?”

“No doubt Artakha has sent the Toa Nuva to Karda Nui and the battle is in full swing.”

She turned. “Brutaka. Take us to Daxia.”

Brutaka nodded. Calling upon his Olmak, he opened a portal before them and they stepped inside.

✴        ✴        ✴

Stepping out of the portal, the two of them were standing in a massive spherical chamber. A large power cradle holding a staff had been placed at the center.

Helryx shuddered. “The energies of that mask… are chaotic and unstable. I pray we have not just sent Takanuva to his doom.”

Brutaka shrugged. “Got us here, didn’t it?”

“Yes,” Helryx nodded, looking at the chamber that they had arrived in. She smiled. “When the Toa Nuva awoke, I watched them as they took their first steps in this chamber. Now they have again set foot in here. I wonder how long it will be until their memories return.”

She looked at Brutaka. “Takanuva has departed on his mission. This will be yours. The Toa Nuva completed every task on the Scroll of Preparations, and the time has almost come to begin our great operation. Mata Nui is ready to be awakened. But there is one task remaining before we can purge the universe of its disease.”

“What is that?” asked Brutaka.

“As I’m sure you’ve learned, the Makuta of Metru Nui has claimed the throne of the Makuta,” Helryx replied. “He did so after rallying the rest of the Makuta High Command against its old ruler, Makuta Miserix.”

Brutaka started at the name.

“You served the Brotherhood once,” Helryx remarked softly.

“I got bored of it,” Brutaka shrugged quickly. “Too regimented. That’s how we met, remember?”

Helryx nodded. “Then you’ll remember Makuta Miserix.”

“I doubt he remembers me.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Helryx replied. “All that matters is what he’ll do. Avenge himself on the one who betrayed him. Grind his former high command to dust beneath his heel. Whether he succeeds in this or not is of no consequence – he is one of many prongs in the coming attack, and freeing him will throw the Brotherhood into chaos. And if he fails to wrest Teridax’s forces from him, then he will at least wrest much of his attention.”

“What happens if he is any less friendly than Teridax?” Brutaka asked. “What if he seizes the Rahkshi legions and marches them on a warpath of his own?”

“One way or another, we will stab a fatal wound in the Brotherhood and end its threat for good,” Helryx replied. “If he manages to take control, then we will bind him to Mata Nui’s will. He will be no more free than the Bahrag.”

“Understood,” Brutaka nodded. “I will set out at once.”

Helryx held up a finger. “You will not go alone,” she said. “A team has been assembled for your use.”

Brutaka looked surprised. Then he bowed his head slightly.

“Remember, Brutaka,” Helryx lowered her hand. “You are not off the hook for the stunt you pulled on Voya Nui. I still do not trust you… but the present circumstances are convenient for you. if you succeed in this, then I will recall Axonn and deploy you two on your next mission.

Brutaka nodded.

There was much Helryx was leaving unsaid. Miserix was dangerous, and he was sure that he was being sent because he was expendible. Axonn would be recalled, yes, but only as a way of keeping an eye on Brutaka. But Brutaka’s brief time in the Pit had changed him, and he was determined to prove it.

“I will complete this task,” he said.

“Good,” Helryx nodded. “I wish you well.”

Brutaka turned and started to leave, but Helryx placed a hand on his shoulder.

“And… do not use your Olmak for this mission. It is too important that you get there in one piece,” she added.