Tahu gave a deep and exhausted sigh, finally returning to the primary village of the fire region. He pierced his flame board into the ground and leaned against it, slowly closing his eyes as he was snapped back to consciousness by the voice of Narmoto, the protector of fire. “Ahh Tahu, we have returned.”
“Huh..? Oh, yes..” Tahu said wearily.
“What mask was it that they set out for again?”
“I think he called it..the Mask of Imitation.” Tahu answered.
“The Mask of Imitation.. my word… why did he not take you and the other two Toa with him?” Narmoto asked worriedly.
“He said it was too dangerous to take us all.” Tahu said in response.
“Right right, I remember now.” Narmoto nodded, placing a hand on Tahu’s shoulder. “Well good work my friend.” He looked over to Tahu’s flame shield, pulling it out of the ground and handing it to Tahu, his mask glistening in the setting sun.
“Protector of fire! Toa Tahu!.” Called out a young Okotan who was running towards the two of them.
“What is it young one?” Narmoto asked, his hand falling from the Toa’s shoulder.
“Come with me, I need you to see someone.” The villager said, breathing heavily.
After Tahu stood, the three walked across and out the village, leaving through the south gates, they took a walk along a beaten path until they reached one of the lookout towers of the village. Upon arrival, the young villager ran inside. “I’ve returned!” He shouted as the Protector looked to Tahu with a nod.
“Yes yes, and I have brought Toa Tahu!” The child said as they stepped inside. The tower guard’s eyes widened as his gaze fell upon Tahu, He dropped to one knee and lowered his head to the ground.
“Toa Tahu… Master of fire...” The villager said humbly.
“Now now soldier, no need to be so formal.” Tahu smiled, kneeling down and placing a hand on the man’s shoulder. “Now, what is it you brought me here to see?” Tahu asked as he stood, looking at the child.
“He is here, Tahu.” The boy said slowly, he and the guard stepping aside. As Tahu looked up, he paused, a strange figure sat upon a short, rectangular, cut out stone step that stretched along the wall parallel to the door. This strange visitor’s legs hung over the step, swaying slightly, his black armored boots slightly reflecting the light of the torches, his shins were covered in grey armor, with ornate mechanical carvings, on his thighs sat two large, crimson red armor plates, his chest fitted with a unique, almost triangular red plate of armor, a blue light glowing from the upper center of the chestplate.
His forearms were covered with the same armor as his shins, and his shoulders and upper arms were covered with slimmer versions of the red armor on his thighs. The mask he bore was the same grey as the armor on his shins, the mask itself was much like Tahu’s, but it seemed smaller, it was more slick and elegant, his bright blue eyes studied Narmoto and Tahu.
“Who are you..?” Tahu questioned, gripping the hilt of his shield.
“I was hoping you could tell me that...” The visitor sighed as Tahu looked him over, then turning his attention to Narmoto.
“Our friend here was discovered washed up on the shore, unconscious, he was brought here and I was only informed a day before your return.” The guard sighed, crossing his arms.
“Without his memory..?” Tahu asked, a puzzled look upon him.
“Yes.” The boy replied.
“Just like you and the others...” Narmoto said, looking over the visitor as Tahu’s eyes widened.
“But then, well, I mean… he must be another Toa, right?” Tahu mumbled, gathering his thoughts.
“Wait… I must be a what..?” The visitor spoke wearily as he rubbed his head.
“That could be so.” Narmoto said, looking from Tahu to the visitor, mentally comparing the two. “Tahu, may I suggest something of you?” Narmoto asked.
“Of course.” Tahu replied.
“Why don’t you take our new friend and test his skills, see if he holds a natural connection to fire as you did.” The protector spoke as he walked across the room, kneeling down and opening a chest that sat low on the ground. From it he pulled a sword. It’s blade was a glistening silver, with a serrated, metallic, deep crimson red backing. and a similarly, long metallic red hilt.
Narmoto stood slowly, both his hands supporting the sword as he turned, slowly walking towards the visitor. “This sword belonged to my grandfather, who was also a protector of fire. I want you to take it, in these dark times, you will need a tool to fend off the evil.”
“Thank you...Protector.” The visitor replied, bowing his head as he took the sword.
YOU ARE READING
Bionicle: The Mask of Imitation
AcciónThousands of years ago, on the mythical island of Okoto. Two mask makers, Ekimu and his brother, Makuta, forged great masks for the residents of Okoto. That was before Makuta's betrayal. His envy towards his brother drove him to a lust for recogniti...
