"Perhaps I have been going about this the wrong way." The Makuta steepled his clawed fingers and leaned in. "I will return to that later. Tell me about yourself, instead. Who are you? Where do you come from? Why do you find yourself here?"
The thrumming began to grow in speed and volume, slowly building towards an overpowering height.
The RMS agent stands. "My name is Lyhra. I protected a city on the Tren Krom Peninsula called Ce-Nui. Five hundred Matoran lived there. I protected it from everything -- Skakdi bands, Visorak raiding parties, Zyglak -- alone. My Mask of Stealth was my only absolute. I did everything I could to protect my people, but I was just incapable of fighting everything alone.
"Then, the Makuta arrived. Their intervention stopped an army from breaking down my city's gates, and in gratitude I joined them, in order to protect my city."
She looks the Makuta in the eye. "I was a Toa. I didn't always agree with their methods, but I was from the Tren Krom Peninsula. Down there, you can fight a little dirty or you can die. This was a step above that, but I learned to live with it. Sometimes, opponents needed to be flat-out killed. Sometimes, they didn't seem like bad people. Not all bad people do. I learned that the best way to preserve order was to combat evil and destroy it, not lie down like a complacent Rahi. That's why I stayed with the Brotherhood after they rebelled against the Great Spirit. If he wasn't willing to preserve order and protect his people, then the Makuta would. Since then, I have fought for the Makuta, saved villages, and even joined the Rogue Makuta Strikeforce. I was one of Inharax's first volunteers -- Makuta who fled in order to create chaos needed to be put down, because they were too powerful for anyone else to handle.
"And yeah. I saw some things that seemed downright wrong." She looks out to the Matoran, then opts to contact the Makuta psionically. I was forced to arrest many people that seemed innocent. Nothing could be put against some of the Matoran I've seen. I watched them as they were dragged away to participate in some experiments. It didn't matter to me. It would create some kind of order in the end, and when that happened, nobody would need to die. "So yeah. That's who I am. I'm here because it is my job to come here, to convince you that those days... they're over. We're going back to old principles to maintain the order now. A strong hand, but not a hand unwanted, not a hand that kills without cause."
This proves a very bad thing to do. The Toa of Psionics sees the full insanity of the Door. Looking through he should see an entire realm of craziness. And a tall figure wearing a top hat stepping over a few bushes to open the door from the other side.
Overwhelming insanity is an awful threat to the average being, simply because they are unable to cope. The massive amount of data that conflicts with everything they know and believe can easily sweep away the unprepared.
Fortunately for this Toa, her element was Psionics. The power she wielded on a daily basis required a complete and iron control over her own mind. The way to avoid being driven mad by a rush of nonsensical information was, simply enough, to only process a piece at a time. The scene in front of her was disassembled bit by bit, being broken down into small and managable (if such a thing is possible with the alien) chunks. Several other robed Toa across the city, the ones possessed of the Psionics element, assisted with a shared telepathic link. There were enough that one eventually recognized that a being was coming and warned the guardian, but it took far longer than the norm.
The Door opens and the being steps out a mischievous grin behind his mask.
The Av-Makuta let the silence stretch after Lyhra had finished speaking. It was quite clear to him that she believed her words, but...
"Allow me a tangent, please. The reason for it will soon become clear."
He held his right hand out, palm up. Radiance began to wisp from it. "The element of Light." He held his other hand out in a fist. Fingers scraped against palm as he opened it, sending sparks against the metal. It began to hum, rolls of darkness sputtering forth. "The element of Shadow."
"They are unique among the other elements. Each rational creature created by the Great Beings, save the Makuta, have both in equal measure. Two elements inside, vying for control."
Both hands closed, ceasing the flow of elemental power. The Shadow hissed and cracked against metal fingers, burning holes that soon resealed. The Av-Makuta didn't let any of the pain it must have caused show.
"It is generally quite hard to unbalance one of those elements without external pressure, but it is possible. The thoughts and deeds of a person can empower one or the other. What would you think each is associated with?"
There was another silence as the Av-Makuta gave Lyhra time to think. Before she could begin to speak, though, he continued.
"The people who push past and begin manifesting greater amounts of Light are invariably the kind, the compassionate, and the heroic. Ones who are willing to sacrifice for others. Those whose inner Shadow swells become, in a word, monsters. They exhibit negative emotions and behavior; anger, violence, greed. The sort that become feared."
"I am in a unique position. The Great Beings in my world never built a grand robot, never left us floating about the cosmos. When we were in need of counsel or consumed by curiosity, we were able to simply ask them for advice or answers. I can tell you with complete certainty that my beliefs on this subject are correct. We were created with Light and Shadow in equal measure so that we would have the freedom to choose between good and evil. What other way do you grant a machine, a creation that is by nature a slave, free will?"
The Av-Makuta stared directly into the Ce-Toa's eyes as the thrumming reached a crescendo. "I am but metal and flesh; a flawed being who has made more mistakes than he can count. I will not judge you; the world around us is more than capable of that."
The walls of the building began to glow with an incredible radiance, and the interior was, for a moment, suffused in the purest Light.
Last Edit: Jul 26, 2016 18:12:13 GMT -6 by Deleted
She wasn't serving evil! That was the entire point! This good-and-evil myth that was propagated is wrong, and the Great Beings knew it! Light and Shadow are biological developments, just like any other element. They hurt each other only like... Fire.. Hurts... Ice...
The light was too intense. The Shadow within Lyhra was too weak to resist, and her ways were already in doubt. She could not stop the oncoming purity that struck to her core. She collapsed.
What was she? A Toa? A flawed being in the body of one? Who did she serve: monsters or desperate heroes? "I don't understand... how it went so wrong."
The Av-Makuta looked at Lyhra in unabashed sympathy as the Light faded, returning the room to its natural illumination. "You poor, poor thing." He rose to his feet. "You were a hero, once. A protector of those who were unable to protect themselves. At what point did you begin to sacrifice your principles?"
He paused for just another moment, scrounging around for one final statement to slam home. Ah, there it is.
"I wonder. You were condemning others to death and torture, believing all the while it was necessary. When did the people you were protecting begin to fear you?"
The sentence hung in the air. The Av-Makuta let it sit there, knowing that the silence and her own thought would be more ****ing than anything he could say.
He finally let out a sigh. "I have never met a being who lacked the potential for redemption. You have simply lost your way." The Av-Makuta extended a hand, radiating Peace and forgiveness. "Please. Allow me to show you the brighter Path."
Posts: 665
Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
Post by Makuta Inharax on Jul 26, 2016 20:19:52 GMT -6
It was now that Inharax, having heard that the Makuta would rather speak directly to him rather than through an ambassador, teleported to Aluxa amidst the RMS agents. They quickly saluted.
"Where is the envoy?" They pointed to the temple. Of course. A place of Light. Though it literally pained Inharax to enter, he did so.
He saw the Toa, the ambassador, rising to take the Makuta's hand. It did not seem like they were shaking hands out of agreement, either.
"What goes on here?! I send my diplomats only to have them defect? Explain yourself!"
Lyhra jumps back out of fear and flattens herself against the wall, trying to put as much distance between Inharax and herself as possible.
Quietly, with a grace belying his bulk, Mutrex steps into the room emerging in such a way as to place Inharax between himself and Utherix. He seems extraordinarily tense.
"So," he announces, letting this be his greeting, "This is the creature that bears my old name. Why exactly were we dealing with so miserable a criminal again?"
Posts: 665
Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
Quietly, with a grace belying his bulk, Mutrex steps into the room emerging in such a way as to place Inharax between himself and Utherix. He seems extraordinarily tense.
"So," he announces, letting this be his greeting, "This is the creature that bears my old name. Why exactly were we dealing with so miserable a criminal again?"
Inharax makes a half-turn and regards the unrecognizable mass of Protosteel. "I bear your what?"
"You are Inharax, correct? That was my name, once. It angers me to no end that I shared it with the man who brought an entire universe to ruin. Our creators meant you for greater things, but you chose to waste your potential. Were I the sole leader, I would have no dealings with you, but as things stand, I shall defer judgement to my Brother."
The first Av-Makuta held out his hand, palm out. "Enough, Brother. He has come to speak with us, not offer violence. We would be wrong to do so to him."
He turned to Inharax. "Lyhra has accepted an offer to learn more of us and our ways. Is it not the role of an ambassador to further understanding between her people and those she is sent to?"
"I must say, our meeting hasn't begun in a particularly good light. Look at your diplomat." The Av-Makuta pointed at the Ce-Toa. "I can only describe what she's feeling now as 'abject terror'. That doesn't speak well of your treatment towards those who follow you."
The Av-Makuta regarded Inharax closely, noting the rather obnoxious amount of weaponry on his person. "You are a creature of violence. What interest have you in this peaceful place?"
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Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
Post by Makuta Inharax on Jul 26, 2016 22:08:24 GMT -6
"As... 'Lyhra' has likely said," I am interested in a continued and assured era of cooperation and peace between this city and Destral. I was informed that you would rather speak to me in person than with a diplomat -- which I can appreciate. You would appear to value straightforwardness over cowardice, unlike Av-Makuta I have met."
Inharax was met with a quizzical look. "It is necessary to declare peace between nations? Should that not be the natural state? The fact that you believe otherwise is somewhat alarming. I am more uncertain about the cooperation you request. We may be of the same race, but there are... significant differences between us, to say the least."
The Av-Makuta's gaze became flat. "I do not agree with you or your methods, and it is clear that your people feel the same. Why else would you require such a brutal military doctrine to govern your lands?"
He paused for a moment, considering. "Perhaps I am being too hasty. I am, admittedly, acting without a full understanding. What were you thinking of, specifically, when you refer to cooperation?"
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Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
Post by Makuta Inharax on Jul 26, 2016 22:46:50 GMT -6
Inharax shrugs. "Both can be explained away easily. We keep a military to protect people. Some people join that military. We declare peace because we knew you would not trust us -- and so we have extended the first hand."
Inharax glances at Lyhra, who is clearly still on edge, then back at the Makuta. "I can explain 'cooperation' as well. I refer only to trade of resources and mutual work toward establishing the lasting protection of Atero -- without use of force."
Last Edit: Jul 26, 2016 22:47:46 GMT -6 by Makuta Inharax
"Protectors should not be feared. It undermines their ability to deal with threats. If the people wholeheartedly trust their guardians, they will assist without being forced. That is something I have not heard of happening often in your realm."
The Av-Makuta stared flatly at Inharax. "You are correct; I will not trust you. Not even after this gesture. What are words to a being so thoroughly corrupted? I am more than familiar with the traits my fallen brothers tend to display; honesty and honor are not among them. I will work with you and try my hardest to redeem you, but my trust will only come after the world has seen it fit to grant you its own. I believe this is more than fair."
His gaze eased. "That aside, tell me about Atero. Why does it need protection? Who would you be protecting it from? Why would my assistance, so limited in its breadth, be of interest to you?"
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Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
Post by Makuta Inharax on Jul 26, 2016 23:26:49 GMT -6
Inharax nods at the Makuta's conditions; they were fair.
He scoffs, however, at the Makuta's last question. "I know what your powers are. 'Peace,' 'Courage,' and others like them. In this world stricken by war -- with Xia, the Order of Mata Nui, Anti-Great Beings, Skakdi, Dark Hunters, Bone Hunters, Skrall, and alien arrivals to our world. That does not touch upon internal conflict. You are capable of all this far better than we.
"As for why it would need protection -- The populace are civilians. They have no armed force should disaster strike."
"That attitude implies an unfortunate set of assumptions. Freedom only exists so long as you are willing to defend it. Our way is not to intercede, in the name of peace, and slowly take from them their freedoms. Our way is to find those willing to die for others, and give them the strength to fight. Where even one would lay down his life for his friends, we give him the strength of a hundred. All the mercenary armies in the world are worth less to me than that one."
He hefts his hammer.
"We don't fight for our own glory. We don't fight for our own gain. We fight because our lives are tools, and if we can die, that another among us might live, we do so. If you want to protect something, you have to be willing to die for it. Can you match that resolve? Can you match that sacrifice?"
Posts: 665
Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
"That attitude implies an unfortunate set of assumptions. Freedom only exists so long as you are willing to defend it. Our way is not to intercede, in the name of peace, and slowly take from them their freedoms. Our way is to find those willing to die for others, and give them the strength to fight. Where even one would lay down his life for his friends, we give him the strength of a hundred. All the mercenary armies in the world are worth less to me than that one."
He hefts his hammer.
"We don't fight for our own glory. We don't fight for our own gain. We fight because our lives are tools, and if we can die, that another among us might live, we do so. If you want to protect something, you have to be willing to die for it. Can you match that resolve? Can you match that sacrifice?"
"We already pledged ourselves to the defense of Atero. Was that not enough? The people of Atero themselves do not care for self-defense. They would rather someone defend for them. We have, on past occasions, repelled attack for them. When there are none willing to sacrifice themselves, we step in."
The first Av-Makuta shook his head. "Let us pretend, naïvely, that you have no ulterior motives for protecting them. I will not flood their streets with foreign soldiers. Not only does it take some amount of responsibility and freedom away from their citizenry, we lack the numbers to reasonably contribute to such a force without sorely weakening our own defense. That is understandably a priority."
"If my brother agrees, I will suggest two courses of action. The first will involve my brother and I speaking to whomever leads Atero at this time and offering our assistance, on the condition that this assistance will only be given if they first request it. I have no intention of intervening 'for their own good.' The second will involve an attempt to train an independent local militia that will eventually become capable of defending the city unaided. You say that the inhabitants have no wish to do so and are satisfied with employing outside forces, but I am not convinced. If you should turn out to be speaking the truth in this matter, well, we will have lost little."
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Species: Makuta Kanohi: Johun/Mask of Rebounding Weapons and Equipment: Power Lance, Rotating Blades, Shadow Staff, Kanoka Launcher, Rhotuka Spinner -- right hand covered by a 380mm cannon
Post by Makuta Inharax on Jul 28, 2016 0:11:09 GMT -6
Inharax shrugged. "They have no ruling body. There is meant to be an elected leader, but no election has happened. They are guided by an 'apolitical' team of Toa who call themselves the Mangai, and allow no decisions to be made until this nonexistent ruling body makes a statement."