9Beginning Editor's Note: I do not claim to own the Bionicle characters or the majority of these plot points. The material here is simply an edited and compiled version of original Bionicle material. Comics and video games etc. have been transcribed in novel form and fully integrated into one chronological read. The poetic liberties of novelization and editing are all I can claim.
Feel free to use forum I made to discuss any questions and feedback on this project, and be sure to keep following/favoriting so you know when a new story or chapter is posted. Reviews are always welcome for reactions, questions, concerns, or general feedback.
These parts constitute material from the story year of 2005, constituting what I've called "Phase 04: Deliverance." Please enjoy.
Sequel to "Bionicle - Phase 04: Deliverance - Part IV: Glimmer to Glow"
1,000 years ago...
~RAHI BEASTS: Sea Spider~
Domain: Ga-Metru
The Sea Spider is an amphibious creature first spotted in the ocean off Ga-Metru after the arrival of the Visorak. The Sea Spider is a natural enemy of the Visorak and large numbers of them follow the hordes from place to place. They spend most of their time in the water, where they are safe from all of the Visorak breeds except the Boggarak.
Sea Spiders hunt by surprising their prey, then injecting venom using their forelegs. The venom physically shrinks the target to a more manageable size. The Sea Spider then uses its spinner to throw its prey into stasis until such time as the hunter is ready to feed.
Unlike the Visorak, Sea Spiders do not hunt in large groups. In fact, it seems that members of this species actively hate each other. Visorak lives have been spared in the past when one Sea Spider intervened to disrupt another's hunt. Sea Spiders have no nests or colonies or any kind of organized leadership, and will not cooperate even in life or death situations. This has limited their success against the Visorak.
Rahaga Gaaki says: "Sea Spiders are one of the only Rahi I don't try to capture, because they are a threat to the Visorak. If I did need to defeat one, I wouldn't bother to use my spinner. I would just lure a second Sea Spider to the area and let the two of them fight it out. The only thing I have ever seen a Sea Spider back away from was a Bohrok Krana in an Archives display case. No idea why that would frighten a Rahi this fierce…"
X X X
~RAHI BEASTS: Silver Chute Spider~
Domain: Le-Metru
Long before the Visorak, there was the Silver Chute Spider, one of the most voracious predators in Metru Nui. These Rahi normally clustered near transport chutes looking for prey. Incredibly strong and nearly invisible, Silver Chute Spider webbing among the Le-Metru cables was a constant hazard to Matoran workers.
The Silver Chute Spider's favorite prey was flying creatures, particularly Gukko. The birds would fly into the spider's web and become ensnared. Fast-acting venom contained in the web would then paralyze the prey. Unless a passing Matoran spotted the trouble and worked to free the bird before the spider arrived, there was no hope of escape.
Ga-Matoran researchers spent many hours studying Silver Chute Spider webs, hoping to learn how such a thin and light substance could be so strong. Had they succeeded in unlocking the secret, Matoran would have been able to create ropes and cables thinner than thread and as strong as hardened protodermis. Unfortunately, Makuta's actions ended their research.
Rahaga Norik says: "Of all the Rahi in Metru Nui, only the Silver Chute Spider seems to have escaped the notice of the Visorak. It may be that they sense some kinship to this creature. I have seen hordes sweeping through the Metru, capturing every Rahi they see, yet completely ignoring these arachnids. How long that situation will last, no one knows."
X X X
~RAHI BEASTS: Spiny Stone Ape~
Domain: Po-Metru
Deep in the wilds of Po-Metru, small bands of Spiny Stone Apes can be found hiding among the towering protodermis sculptures. This Rahi's mottled brown and gray hide helps it blend in easily within this rocky environment, while powerful arms and legs allow it to climb vertical surfaces quickly. Sharp climbing claws help the Spiny Stone Ape safely cross slippery surfaces, while a blade-tipped prehensile tail can be used for balance (or as an extra limb to aid in climbing).
While not especially hostile, these creatures can be very aggressive when their territory is invaded. When threatened, this beast tends to curl itself into a defensive ball, using sharp foreclaws, balded tail, and spiky hide to keep attackers at bay. The guttural hissing of this creature is a warning that it may attack, and Po-Matoran always knew to back away slowly when hearing this noise.
The Spiny Stone Ape has a somewhat symbiotic relationship with the rock Raptors also found in Po-Metru. While seldom found living together, the Spiny Stone Apes often use the abandoned caves and tunnels carved out of the canyon walls by the Rock Raptors. In turn, the Rock Raptors seem to tolerate this behavior, perhaps due to the Spiny Stone Apes' considerable skill in defense. A cavern guarded by Spiny Stone Apes is a secure location indeed!
Rahaga Iruini says: "The Po-Matoran were very fortunate that the Spiny Stone Ape is not overtly aggressive. This creatures possesses tremendous strength, allowing it to easily lift ten times its own weight. Combine this raw power with sharp claws, a sword-like tail, and pincushion armor, and it is no wonder this Rahi has proven a threat even to Visorak."
X X X
After discussing the costs and reality of mounting a full-scale attack on the Coliseum on their way back to camp, the Toa Hordika decided that success wouldn't be probable. In these awkward forms, with no comfortable control over their elemental powers, with no mask powers, and a constant internal struggle, it made more sense to seek Keetongu first, and try to change back to their proper selves. Nokama could see Vakama was not happy with this—it meant the Matoran were asleep and in the hands of the Visorak longer, and they still weren't even sure the Rahi existed. But, contrary to their trip leading up to mutation, he kept his opinions to himself.
As such, despite their victory of escaping the scouting mission unharmed, the Toa Hordika were left more fragmented and disturbed than before. They were rapidly mastering the Rhotuka spinners they now carried, but had less luck mastering the Rahi sides of themselves. Too often, they had allowed anger to rule their spirits almost to the point of disaster.
Vakama, in particular, had been filled with anger for days and had finally reached a point where he avoided the others completely. He spent most of his time wandering the ruins, straying farther away from the camp each day, as if straining against an invisible chain that bound him to Nokama and the rest. He surveyed the wreckage of the once-proud city, reflecting on what the Toa were, what they had been, and what they had become.
So lost in thought was he that he sometimes forgot just how much Metru Nui had changed. With the Archives destroyed by the earthquake, every Rahi that had ever been housed there was now loose and roaming the city. A near fatal reminder of that came on one of his walks, when a savage Muaka cat sprang from the rubble to confront him. It snarled at Vakama, muscles tensed to spring and claws ready to rend the Toa Hordika.
Vakama reacted purely by instinct. He hunched down, blazer claws raised, and growled like a Rahi. There was no strategy behind his actions, just an animalistic show of strength. Even without his willing it, a Rhotuka spinner took shape in the launcher that was now part of his anatomy.
The Muaka took a step back. This creature before it looked like one of the two-legged ones that had captured the Rahi long ago, but it did not act like one. It acted like a beast, and a formidable beast at that. Deciding there had to be easier prey than this, the Muaka turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Vakama forced himself to relax. With enormous effort, he pushed down the Hordika in him and let his rational side return to dominance. "What was—?" he began.
"It meant you no harm."
The Toa Hordika of Fire turned to see Norik approaching. The Rahaga had been silently trailing Vakama since he had left the camp. In time, Vakama's Hordika senses would make it impossible for him to be followed. "I beg to differ," Vakama replied.
Norik glanced in the direction the Muaka had gone. "It was just scared. Muaka are loners by nature, and uncomfortable being close to others." He gestured to Vakama. "There's a bit of them in you now." It was then that the Rahaga noticed Vakama's Rhotuka spinner was still active and waiting to be launched. "Careful with that," he said quietly. "It's a most powerful tool."
Vakama had not even realized the fire spinner was there, but now he willed it to dissipate. Still, it gave him some satisfaction to know it could intimidate the Rahaga just as it had the Muaka. "I certainly mean to find that out…wise one," he replied, with more than a little sarcasm in his voice. Then he turned and walked away, only to be stopped by Norik's voice.
"And what about your friends?"
Vakama spun on his heel, growling, "Former friends. If they think being a leader is so easy, they can try it themselves."
"True," Norik said, nodding. "But they won't succeed without you…or you without them."
"And how do you know that?"
"l don't," Norik conceded. "But the Great Spirit does. Unity, duty, and destiny. It all starts with Unity! If you Toa are to rescue the Matoran, you must do so together. This is something you can't change."
Vakama stared at the Rahaga for a long moment, digesting his words. Then he turned again and stalked off into the shadows. "Watch me," he snapped.
Norik watched him go. Yes, Vakama, that I will do, he said to himself. You bear watching in these dark days, perhaps even more than you know.
X X X
Nokama sat alone in the center of the Toa's makeshift camp, waiting for Norik and Vakama to return. She understood why the Toa Hordika of Fire was so upset—they had all been extremely harsh to him, although his arrogant attitude had almost invited such treatment. Still, understanding did not make her any less angry with him. After all, their quest to save the Matoran was not being made any easier by his hostility. She heard the sound of someone approaching. "Vakama?"
But it was not the Toa Hordika of Fire, only Norik. Nokama was relieved to see him, but could not conceal her disappointment that Vakama was not with him. "Oh…Norik, it's good you're back."
"Um, Vakama has a lot on his mind," the Rahaga said. "We must give him time to find his destiny."
"Yeah? And what if he finds a really bad one?" asked Onewa.
"Now then—we should begin our search for Keetongu at once," Norik replied, ignoring the question. Nokama and Onewa exchanged glances, wondering why the Rahaga did not want to address the issue of Vakama.
Matau, on the other hand, was more than happy to focus on the new topic. "Right! Keetongu! Getting turned back into our old, ever-handsome selves. Let's get on that."
"But where to start?" asked Nuju. He was still skeptical that a creature like this Keetongu could have been in the city without anyone being aware of it.
"Somewhere you know well," Norik replied. "And we have recently been near, but not in…" Then he walked off, followed by the rest of the Rahaga. The Toa looked at each other, then decided that Norik's abrupt departure was meant as a signal that they should join him. They rose and trailed after the Rahaga, wondering just where he was leading.
X X X
~RAHI BEASTS: Tahtorak~
Domain: Subterranean Tunnels
The largest land Rahi ever seen in Metru Nui, the Tahtorak stands 40 feet high and has enough power to wreck the city. Even more disturbing, it is apparently an intelligent creature, capable of speaking Matoran and engaging in limited conversation. Just how it learned the language is a mystery most don't find time to ponder as Tahtorak's claws and tail bring down buildings around them.
What few Archives records exist on this beast indicates it may have actually been a herd creature in some other land. It somehow ended up in the unexplored area beneath the Archives maintenance tunnels, where it was disturbed by a battle between the Toa Metru and Krahka. It later aided the Toa against the Zivon, vanishing into the Field of Shadow with its enemy at the climax of the battle. Some who have encountered the Tahtorak believe it has no idea how it got to Metru Nui and is desperate to find a way home.
The Tahtorak relies on brute strength. Its thick hide protects it from most blows, although it did prove vulnerable to the Zivon's stinger. One sweep of its tail was enough to level an entire Metru block and, when idle, it would rip up sections of transport chutes and see how far it could toss them. Even as an ally, the Tahtorak proved to be extremely dangerous. Much more of its "help" and there might not have been a city left to save.
Rahaga Pouks says: "I am in a unique position to comment on this Rahi, since I rode on its back from Ta-Metru to Le-Metru. It's really something to feel the city shaking with each step it takes. Fortunately, I never had to try capturing it. All I can say is, I hope the beast finds its way back to where it came from, both its own sake and for Metru Nui's. Of course, it will have to escape the Zone of Shadows to do that."
X X X
~RAHI BEASTS: Tarakava~
Domain: Ga-Metru
These lizard-like amphibians haunt the shallow water around Ga-Metru, though they have been spotted in other places along the Metru Nui coastline as well. Long a menace to Matoran navigation, Tarakava have become even more dangerous since the Great Cataclysm, as their nests have been disturbed.
Tarakava usually hunt in pairs. Their preferred method is to lurk just below the water until prey comes by, then stun their victim with blows from their forelegs. Tarakava can stay under water for prolonged periods of time and are powerful enough to capsize large watercraft. They have been known to attack Matoran, but their preferred prey are larger Rahi who may come to the water to drink or any of various species of seabird.
A smart pilot whose boat is menaced by a Tarakava will head for deep water. The ocean is filled with Takea Sharks and other predators who feed on Tarakava, so these Rahi will not pursue there unless enraged or starving.
Rahaga Gaaki says: "The first thing to remember about Tarakava is that even if you can't see them, they are always there. If you are prepared for them to spring out at you, you rob them of their best tool: surprise. A Tarakava is most vulnerable when it has surfaced, lunged, and missed. That is the time to hit it with a spinner."
X X X
~RAHI BEASTS: Ussal Crab~
Domain: Le-Metru
Once commonly found on the shores of Ga-Metru and hauling carts in the streets of Le-Metru, the docile Ussal Crab is one of the friendliest Rahi in all of Metru Nui. No one knows for sure when the first ussal Crabs were seen in the great city, but none can deny their importance.
The Ussal Crab seems to genuinely like Matoran company and has been easy to tame for use as a beast of burden. Their gentle personality and large numbers made the Ussal Crabs a staple of Matoran society, commonly used to carry cargo, serve as mounts, or help Matoran construction and digging crews. Onu-Matoran seem particularly fond of these creatures. They are a common sight in the great Archives, where they help their masters move stasis tubes and other heavy objects.
Despite their somewhat ungainly appearance, Ussal Crabs can move with great, clattering speed when they wish to. This has made Ussal Crab races a popular sport among the Matoran in the city.
Rahaga Gaaki says: "This is one of the few wild creatures I have ever seen truly befriend Matoran. Orkahm spent many years with his Ussal Crab, Puku, and now Whenua seems to have taken a liking to the Rahi. He has even gone so far as to suggest that the Toa take her with them when they leave Metru Nui for the last time. That's a nice thought…it will be a nicer thought if she is still untouched by the Visorak horde when that happens."
